BusinessDay 15 Sep 2019

New minimum wage: How ready are states amid huge debts, lean revenues?

…Politics still clouds negotiations JOSHUA BASSEY & MICHAEL ANI

T

he plan by the Federal Government to commence deduction of the bailout funds advanced to 35 states in 2016, totaling about N614 billion to enable them offset arrears of pensions, salaries and allowances owed to their workers, is already sending shivers across the states. Governors of some of the affected

states are said to be jittery, as this will further shrink what gets to their respective states from the federation account.

The loans were provided by the CBN at 9 percent interest rate, with a grace period of two years, while the federal ministry of finance helped in the disbursements, with documented approval by the presidency.

The minister of finance, Continues on page 4

3 weeks after border closure …Smuggled commodities still flood Nigerian markets but at low supply …Rise in rice, turkey, chicken prices shows lack of local capacity to meet demand AMAKA ANAGOR-EWUZIE

T

hree weeks into the ongoing intensive joint border patrol by the security agencies led

by Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Nigerian Army and Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigerian land borders have remained closed to both legitimate and illegitimate businesses, BDSUNDAY has learnt.

Consequently, the volume of smuggled contraband commodities especially foreign parboiled rice, frozen turkey and chicken,

second-hand clothing and others that come into Nigerian markets through the land borders have reduced drastically.

When BDSUNDAY visited markets in Lagos, it was discovered that three weeks after the nation’s land borders were shut to import and export businesses that commodities such as foreign parboiled rice, frozen turkey and ‘Orobo’ chicken, Continues on page 29

BDSUNDAY BUSINESS DAY

www.businessday.ng www.facebook.com/businessdayng Sunday 15 September 2019

@businessDayNG

@Businessdayng

Vol 1, No. 280 N300

Our 2020 Budget will prioritise Why I was shocked at the Presidential ??Real estate investments: How did Union infrastructure, human capital Homes, Skye Shelter Funds perform at half tribunal’s pronouncement on Buhari, development - Kwara Governorp. 16-17 year 2019? p. 40

by Onovo p. 18 p 41.

Xenophobic attack: What next after return?

inside 36

www.businessday.ng

www.facebook.com/businessdayng

@businessDayNG

Sunday 15 September 2019

@Businessdayng

GoodTreat Top 5 restaurants in Lagos All cosmopolitan cities around the world are known for their food and the Lagos culinary scene proves to be no different. With restaurants opening up by the dozen which means choice for food and culinary experiences are no longer limited, and Lagosians will most definitely never run out of options. As BusinessDay Culinary Delights’ continues to showcase fine dining options around town, in no particular order here is a compilation of my top 5 restaurants in Lagos so far.

CIRCA NON-PAREIL Circa Non-Pareil, as the name, suggests there is no restaurant quite like it. Derived from the french word pareil. Circa Non-Pareil has become the go-to place for people of all ages who enjoy fine dining yet still want to have a good time. If your budget and palette allow, I highly suggest you order any of their steak cuts. Chef Hadibazan who is the head chef and his team always cook up the most delicious food. It’s fresh, it’s beautiful to look at and carefully made. Circa Non-Pareil is a luxury space, you will notice that upon entry from the valet, to the uniform of the staff and the array of luxury automobiles parked inside. They will soon be opening up a Polo Luxury store, so you can eat delicious food and shop for your favorite luxury items too. If 24k gold plated steak is your taste, make sure to order it. Be ready to spend N90,000 on it.

THE HARVEST

Lehle Balde

The Harvest is easily one of my favorite go-to places. It feels like home and I enjoy the ambiance there. My favorite meal here is the chicken parmigiana which is pasta with breaded chicken with cheese and Pomodoro sauce. Located on Admiralty Way in Lekki, The Harvest is a becoming a multipurpose space, as they just opened another section called the Heineken Tiki Bar which

VANILLA MOON Vanilla Moon has recently become one trendiest restaurants in Lagos. They opened their doors in July of 2019 and have had an influx of customers and great reviews. I can say I have been there about 5 times. Vanilla Moon is located in a leafy by-lane of Victoria Island, Lagos on 2 Saka Jojo Street. The menu is curated with an array of European dishes raging from a tapas menu that can take you to any outdoor Spanish market, fresh-house made pasta, steak, sharing boards with Charcuterie, Sliders & Fondue.

There is also the ruffle Mac & Cheese, Vanilla Moon Lobster Thermidor, and Twinkle Twinkle Tiramisu. Must try: Migas which is a surprisingly unlikely combination of eggs, chirosso, gapes, and bread. It’s absolutely delicious. The service is always stellar and the drinks are very tasty. The restaurant is perfect for brunch lunch, dinner, drinks with friends. Your average meal for 2 here will cost you about N 30,000.

70% of youths have no future in Nigeria – Adeleye Make Nigeria habitable – Lagos CAN chairman

is an artistic section which is also a lounge, bar, and club. This is a much-needed addition and an even bigger attraction for those looking to have a good time. The Harvest also is giving back to its customers in a big way. As a way to show appreciation to their customers, the Harvest is giving away 1 million Naira worth of food or cash till the end of October. All you have to do is go in have a meal and fill in a customer form to be considered for the monthly draw!

LA TAVERNA

Please check out BusinessDay Culinary Delights’ every Friday in your BusinessDay newspaper for more food and culinary content.

Follow us on Instagram @bdculinarydelights

La Taverna is a Mediterranean and South American restaurant located in Victoria Island. The food is reminiscent of homemade cooking yet plated to perfection. The menu is a creation of Chef Diaz love for food and making people happy. A lot of the recipes at la La Taverna are from his country of origin Chile. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating area and is popular amongst both local and expatriate communities and often organizes weekly themed nights. The restaurant’s popular pizza meal deal is on every Wednesday and Sunday. On Thursdays, it’s ladies night at La Taverna. The ambiance is calm yet exciting.

The service is good, the servers are efficient and friendly and the food came out in no time.

nday 15 September 2019

Z KITCHEN The whole ambiance of this restaurant is elegant, from the smell of the gently lit scented candles, the warmth of the lights and gentle background music. Z Kitchen feels modern, welcoming and warm. The attention to detail in Z Kitchen is impressive, more than the food, it’s the Z experience. Simple, minimalist design yet very chic. It is the only restaurant in Lagos with a visible meat aging chamber. Z Kitchen is a place where you can go for a special celebratory dinner party, it’s also perfect for a romantic date, dinner, and drinks with friends and so much more. My favorite meals on the menu are the garlic prawns and steak frites.

CHUKA UROKO, OBINNA EMELIKE, INIOBONG IWOK (Lagos) & p. 36 MIKE ABANG (Calabar) BDSUNDAY 37 C002D5556

T

TheWorshippers

Kumuyi calls for national Kumuyi calls for national rebirth rebirth

As Lagos CAN takes evangelism, revival to Agege

YI JOHN SALAU

I

t was a “Night of Glory” on Wednesday 11 September, as William F. Kumuyi, general overseer of the Deeper Life Bible Church (DLBC), called a national rebirth as the entire dy of Christ in Lagos gathered gether, uniting in faith for an d-time revival that is expected spread across Lagos and beyond.

The event ‘Night of Glory’ held at e Abundant Life Gospel Church, Agege was organised by the ristian Association of Nigeria AN), Lagos State for ministers velopment and networking suprt aimed at uniting the church and eparing it for end-time revival.

Kumuyi in his message said e ministry of Jesus Christ has hreefold manifestation that tails teaching, preaching and aling. According to him, the spel is a good news that brings ace to the believer; peace and vation, and it is a gospel of the gdom of God. According to Kumuyi, the grace at was available to the apostles d disciples of Jesus Christ is also ailable for all believers today. “The ace that was available for Paul vailable for you; and the grace ailable to Mark, Luck, Matthew d John is available for you,” he d, urging the congregation to put th in God as the gospel of Jesus rist will make a believer a citizen he kingdom of God. Kumuyi also pointed out that sin d evil would destroy the fabrics people’s life, saying that turning

NDAY

here has been a subdued diplomatic row between South Africa and Nigeria which, incidentally, are the continent’s biggest economies.

instrument of revival to prepare and build the church. “God has raised a man who is given the mandate to begin the final revival about the coming of the Lord, and that is what we are beginning to see. Pastor W.F. Kumuyi is raised by God not to build Deeper Life Church alone; building Deeper Life Church was just the beginning of his calling; this phase of his calling is for the whole earth and the calling is for him to be instrument of revival,” Bamgbola stated.

“We must come together and prepare the people of God for www.businessday.ng www.facebook.com/businessdayng @businessDayNG the coming @Businessdayng of the Lord. This is the Sunday final move of God and cannot be stopped. We must support the effort of the man of God (Kumuyi).

We are taking this programme to the Southwest,” he said.

Israel Akinadewo, secretary of CAN, Lagos State said the programme was just the beginning of ending denominational barrier in L-R: Elder Israel Akinadewo, CAN secretary, Lagos; Pastor William Kumuyi, Apostle Alexander Bamgbola, CAN chairman, Lagos, and Rev. the Christendom. “You can see me Janet Onaolapo (host) at the event. in my full attire and you will be suraway from them and embracing going to cover not just Lagos, but is ‘Night of Glory’ to signal end- prised Baba Kumuyi is also coming Christ would lead to change of life going to cover Africa and the world”. time revival in Christendom. He to my Church in Ibeju; so, what we Bamgbola stated that the church and attitude. opined that Nigeria belongs to are telling the public is what the He also said the CAN pro- is one, hence CAN Lagos is leading God and that no amount of nega- scriptures told us to do – there is no gramme was aimed at breaking the charge to bring Christians in the tive permutation can stop God’s Catholic, Anglican or white garment the demarcation in the body of state together for end-time revival. plan for the nation. “This nation in heaven, but only the true children Christ, and that the programme “Here you will see all members of belongs to Christ, no matter what of Christ,” he said.

According to the Lagos CAN would soon be moved to the entire the church weather it is Pentecostal, is going on, that is why the devil is Orthodox, Methodist, Anglican, the attacking this nation. God raised secretary, ‘Night of Glory’ with PasSouthwest states.

Alexander Bamgbola, chairman OAIC that is, the Organisation of W.F. Kumuyi, raised Adeboye, tor Kumuyi is the realisation of what of CAN, Lagos State said the ‘Night African Institutional Churches that raised these men to affect the Christ actually expected of Christians, which is only starting in Lagos, of Glory’ was the new and final we call the white garment; we are world, and as bad as they say we phase of revival that will envelop all in white garment. Am always in are; God sees Nigeria as a great and that it is aimed at putting an end Nigeria, which is however starting white garment; am white garment; nation because he built it as a na- to all forms of denominational differences in the church. “This is just small from Lagos. “We have pas- the church is white garment; and we tion that has the gospel.” tor Kumuyi and we are all rallying are together,” he said.

Speaking further on the ‘Night the beginning of ending denominaAccording to Bamgbola, the of Glory’, Bamgbola opined that tional barrier in the Christendom,” around him through CAN Lagos State to start the work which is lord is using Lagos State to begin God has raised Kumuyi to be an Akinadewo also said.

While South Africa has recalled its representative and closed its commission in Nigeria in reaction to the brewing animosity, Nigeria has also asked its citizens to return home. The Federal Government made an offer for them to do so. About 187 of them showed up for the trip home when Air Peace flight went to Johannesburg to airlift

them last week.

These developments were occasioned by the renewed xenophobic attacks of blacks in South Africa, in which many Nigerians were killed and several others injured. Many also lost their means of livelihood.

Government has been commended for the move. But the Air Peace family that bore the huge

financial burden has continued to harvest commendations. The returnees arrived Lagos, the commercial hub of Nigeria, on Wednesday, with uncertainty steering them in the face, despite great promises by government.

The question on the lips of many people now is “what next for the returnees; would government walk the talk?”

A return into uncertainty?

“I have my sympathy for these hapless Nigerians who, in Continues on page

15 September 2019

utiveBookshelf

kanma • Reviews • News • Interview • List

p. 37

g with the 4Ps of journalism

Winning with the 4Ps of journalism

2018) ntures in Journalism and Politics. amond Publications Ltd and Safari Books Limited

the paper with its many s at encounters with death” exclusives. of as planned by the Abacha Jose appointed Segun m . Gang featuring Barnabas Osoba editor two days late r , Mshelia a.k.a Captain Roger. Other staff who felt enors ers. The inverted pyramid titled to the position or felt uc- is a journalistic convention an injustice had been done ort- that emphasises playing up to Areoye Oyebola revoltures the most important facts ed. They then petitioned the first followed by other ngun this elements interviewofwith SEYItoJOHN SALAU, Reverend Femi Popoola, pastor in charge of overlords Divine who the story the military attract and hold theIkosi, atten- Ketu, Lagos speaks on the xenophobic attack in South were themselves eager to er- Baptist ercy Church, Africa, the clip the Chairman of the aily tion of the reader. Chapter hurch theaccount negative influence of prosperity gospel in Christendom. Excerpts: is a racy of how most prominent and most en- 1and influential medium. The Her- Osoba survived the deadly Recentlyambush, Benny Hill tendered Is that a clarion call on other I see the as a reaction of the by sheer grace, military didattack so the followorin message his 67thby personal ministers and ministries still pushSouth African people; maybe they otherontimes ing year. ter. ofatapology thday saying he does not want ing the frontiers of this prosper- are also having it difficult and they action that of close relangbe associated withor prosperity ity gospel to rethink their stand Osoba’s are looking first-person at it that why should spel; whattions. is your take on this? in Christ? the foreigners be prospering in their account looking back phy give glory to God that.

Yes; that is part of what is causland why they are suffering.

From C hfor ap t eWell, r 4, “Good many years clarifies the ecfor me that was not the first time ing Nigeria trouble because of our my own view I see it that the govTimes, Times at the misunderstanding ofalso the my I was hearing aboutBad it. I think I focus. There are so many churches ernment of South Africa is not heard it sometime but our focus is not on God; oursuccession fo- also truthful;pattern maybe theythat are stylDaily Times”ago deals with the ed a about at Benny Hill denounced prospercus is on things that will not take us promotion ishly using theirsupposedly people to just drive 1975 implosion.

The prohis est gospel. Prosperity gospel is not anywhere, so we should return back away the foreigners. And again too, motion ongospel July 31, 1975 of altered, actual the iblical gospel; it is a false to the issue of sins and forgiveness; fromnarrates what we arethe hearing from our dreif someone has been in from deprighteousness and godliness. sequence people inof South Africa, there Mr who Segun Osoba events andare e core of it, preaching it can The Xenophobic attack in South somehis people that are To intohis some uty editor tosaysubstantive defends record. and at no, he is repenting; I think it is African on other black nationals, unclean things and its complex – so, editor Daily narrative here e of we mething need toof give glory toTimes led to especially Nigerians has beencredit, put youthe can only express your views And, those who are into it inculminated to the failure of the government; based on what hear, since one a rebellion that checks out withyou his earlier sd.to geria should it that look – wetakeover of do you share this sentiment? recounting was not there.

That is my view insee the military of the events inon ed to change; they need to return I think it’s a complex matter from the xenophobic attack. the paper. Daily Times publications such government’s as Richures Reverend was Femi Popoola ck to the bible. the way I looked at it. Number one, Do you support ard Ikiebe (ed) (2015), wit- the dominant newspaper Nigerian Media Leaders: and in Nigeria and one of the Voices Beyond the Newssto foremost in Africa. Chairroom, Vol One. y, it man Alhaji Babatunde Jose Battlelines is recomthe was a lord of the manor. m at He controlled and grew the editorial team because There were scoops. He mended reading for jouress, Daily Times of Nigeria into of the curfew the military could not reach his editor nalism majors, persons a media empire. Areoye imposed. as telephone lines were interested in politics, pubt h e Oyebola was editor on July Osoba rode his scooter down but drove through lic affairs and leadership. ar- 29 when a military coup to the office with Jose join- the security cordon to the Osoba was Editor, Lagos his happened. He reported ing him. He went home to home of the Chairman Weekend (1968), Ediwith late to the office, and later clean up, then engaged who came back to the of- tor, Daily Times, General ose went away with the rest of contacts with his phone. fice with him to produce Manager, Nigerian Herald

“We should return the church to the path of orgiveness, righteousness and godliness”

I

p. 24

Background and strength of character of the author,

sential books in your field and five general interest

Chinua Achebe e. Rich Dad, Poor Dad by

(1976-1978), Managing Director, Sketch (19791983), Managing Director, Daily Times (1984-1989) and Governor, Ogun State (1999-2003).

Osoba was one of the most educated journalists of his day benefitting from various courses. They include that by the International Press Institute that gave birth to the department of mass communication, University of Lagos, the Commonwealth Press Union course at Fleet Street, London, the School of Journalism at Indiana University, Bloomington and the Nieman Fellowship at Harvard University.

The book unfolds some of the secrets of his stellar career. They include investing in himself and the business (he was the only reporter in Lagos with a personal phone line in 1975), willingness to go the extra mile, networking ability, and taking responsibility.

Battlelines runs through 19 chapters in three parts, a prologue and an epilogue.

Part One covers his journalism journey, part two the political trajectory and part three his thoughts and experiences in resource management and leadership.

L-R: Comfort Eyitayo, 1st deputy vice president, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN); Emmanuel Ijewere, former president, ICAN; Nnamdi Okwuadigb, president ICAN, and Micheal Armstrong, regional director, MEASA, during the 49th annual accountants conference gala nite in Abuja.

pic by TUNDE ADENIYI.

Toni Morrison 11. Do you do audio-

For me, reading is life. It is exhilarating, informing and

2 BDSUNDAY

www.businessday.ng

www.facebook.com/businessdayng

@businessDayNG

@Businessdayng

Sunday 15 September 2019

Cover Xenophobic attack: What next after...

Continued from page 1 my mind, have only succeeded in moving from the frying pan into the fire. Yes, it is said that home is the best, but that is not true for Nigeria and its citizens.

Here is a country where government has no attachment to the people,” lamented Raphael Chiazor, a political and social commentator.

“What is playing out in Nigeria is a failure of government and governance; otherwise how do you explain a situation where quite a good number of the citizens are outside the country as an escape from the choking socio-economic conditions in the country. A country where there is no electricity, water, housing , healthcare facilities; no jobs for the teeming youths and the environment does not support private enterprise, is a country where leadership has failed and that is Nigeria,” Chiazor added.

As a country, Nigeria has a long history of evacuating its nationals who are either marooned, criminalsed or persecuted in foreign lands. The last but one was the repatriation of Nigerians from Italy and other parts of Europe who had gone out to ‘hustle’ as prostitutes, drug peddlers, internet fraudsters, etc.

A leopard does not change its colour Government makes flowery statements, promising the returnees heaven in Nigeria, only to abandon them to their fate on their arrival to the fatherland.

Signs of this culture are already showing in the case of the present returnees from South Africa , judging by the discordant tunes from government officials whose duty it is to resettle them. A media report says that, in spite of the rhetoric from the government, only Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairman of Nigeria’s Diaspora Commission; Ebienfa Kimiebi, first secretary, Crisis Monitoring and Public Communication Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and his colleague Paul were government delegation on the flight from Nigeria to Johannesburg and back to Lagos.

And to underscore government’s ‘laisez faire’ attitude to the returning sons and daughters, Geoffrey Onyema, minister of Foreign Affairs, who Kimiebi hinted was likely to be the senior government official to receive the returnees, had gone for a more i m p o r t a n t f u n c t i o n i n Bo tswana before the arrival of the returnees.

To set the tone on what future awaits the returnees, Kimiebi disclosed, “We have nothing for them yet; we may eventually be announcing

something, but I am not aware of any plans to reintegrate them into society as at now; we are just happy they are back home safe.”

Although Dabiri-Erewa had said something different, observers say it was as hopeless as it was empty. “The government plans to give the returnees N40,000 in recharge cards to enable them keep in contact with their loved ones at their final destination. Additionally, the Bank of Industry is willing to issue soft loans to those willing to start business,” she stated.

Recharge cards for established businessmen/women?

Majority of these returnees are people who, in their own right, were thriving business men and women in South Africa. Some of them were also doing well as entrepreneurs. They have lost all to xenophobia. But life has to go on because nature abhors a vacuum.

Aliu Samuel Saheed, who has lived in South Africa for 14 years had been trading within the Blue Street in town. But during the attacks his shops were looted and burnt beyond recognition. Everything went up in flames. His case was not an isolated one. Many other Nigerians suffered similar fate and are now back ‘home’ to face the grim reality of living without job or business.

Doubts, doubts, doubts!

The question on the lips of many observers borders on the sincerity of the Federal Government to provide a comprehensive resettlement programme for the returnees, even though it has promised to do so.

The fear stems from many similar cases in the past where Nigerians who had been repatriated from other countries, were left in the cold after lofty promises.

In most cases, bogus promises by government are not kept; after waiting for weeks and months, the returnees’ hopes are dashed.

This often leaves most of them dejected, frustrated, and depressed. Many of them in the past are said to have regretted their decision to come back home.

Although the Muhammadu Buhari administration has promised that the Bank of Industry (BoI) had been mobilised to assist those willing to start business, it is expected that government would perform the doing of it and it is also hoped that it will not be the usual rhetoric.

It remains to be seen what government is going to do differently for the South African returnees. Some time ago, when BusinessDay visited some of the returnees from Italy, it was lamentation galore,

L-R: Babajide Arowosafe, executive director technical, Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL); Hassan Usman, MD/CEO, Jaiz Bank Plc; Aliyu Abdulhameed, MD/CEO, NIRSAL, and Mahe Abubakar, deputy managing director, Jaiz Bank Plc, during a meeting of the two institutions on the way forward on Agric-business financing held in Abuja. pic by TUNDE ADENIYI.

with some of them threatening to go back, by all means, over neglect by the government that cajoled them to come back home.

Idowu Omolegan, an activist, has charged the Federal Government to initiate a comprehensive resettlement plan for the returnees, stressing that such is the practice in advanced countries when they repatriate their citizens from other countries.

According to him, “Government should immediately settle them; these people are coming from a war front, if care is not taken they would become a nuisance because they would have no jobs.” “ Pr o p e r r e s e t t l e m e n t i s what they do in Britain and America when their citizens are repatriated from other countries. There should be a comprehensive resettlement plan now, which encompasses accommodation and token, but I doubt if this government is serious about anything ,” Omolegan further said.

Supo Ojo, former president of the Civic Liberty Organisation (CLO), said: “The government delayed in making the right move, I expected us to act since; Nigerians have been subjected to various forms of violence in South Africa for long and we are watching. It shows we don’t value our citizens, just like they are killed here at home without any concern.

“This current decision is commendable, but if you are talking about plans for the returnees; I think it should have been on ground. We have a Diaspora Commission, they should act”.

Lanre Oshobe, a chieftain of the Accord Party,said: “Government must come up immediately with a palliative programme to start with and later, engage all the returnees who have lost their valuables in the xenophobic attack with a life changing programme by

providing loans at 0% interest, shelter and enroll them in the NSITF scheme of the government,” Oshobe said.

Implication of the return for unemployment rate in Nigeria What this means is that the job market in Nigeria has forcibly admitted new desperate entrants. Already, the country has very high unemployment figures which the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) estimates at 20 million.

“Immediate help may not be coming from government.

What that means is that in the coming days and months, besides increasing the population of the unemployed, the nation might be witnessing a new wave and increased rate of banditry,” Chiazor projected, arguing that if that happened, the security situation in the country, which was already bad, might worsen considerably and irredeemably.

‘70% of youths have no future in Nigeria’ Tunde Adeleye, archbishop of the Niger Delta Province, is not amused by whatever promises by government, he rather expressed total displeasure at the inability of successive Nigerian governments to take care of citizens. He lamented that over 70percent of Nigerian youths have no future in the country.

According to him,for Nigeria to reverse this trend, the leadership of the country has a responsibility to make the country habitable so that citizens of the country can stay back and contribute in developing their fatherland.

Adeleye, who is also the chairman of Christian Council of Nigeria, South-South zone, said Nigeria did not have the right understanding and projection of the threat posed by xenophobia and took things for granted.

“Nigerian government did not respond early, I think they

should have responded faster than how they did. They did not have a proper projection and failed to properly understand the dimension the matter was going, they did not imagine things will come to this and took things for granted,” he said.

On the way forward, he said: “Make this place good, provide jobs, houses and give Nigerians a future. 70percent of Nigerians have no future.

The political class have taken all such that there is nothing again for the youths. Give them a future, give them jobs, give them what to do, make schools and hospitals habitable so that the country can be good for the people to stay.”

Speaking with BDSUNDAY on the issue, Apostle Alexander Bamgbola, chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos State, said: “The xenophobic attack is a lesson to us.

We are being taught a lesson as Nigerians. The government of this nation is being taught a lesson.”

According to Bamgbola , “We need to pay attention t o p e o p l e . Ni g e r i a h a s t h e largest population of youths on the surface of the earth.

We cannot leave our youths and not give them jobs; we are not building industries; we are not developing the nation so that they can have a future and grow systematically. I am not talking about the type of empowerment we see- where you give the youth N20,000 each and you call it empowerment.

Go v e r n m e n t m u s t p a y a t tention to the youth of this nation before it is too late.

All the governments in Africa need to wake up and b e s e r i o u s . Th e y h a v e t h e challenge to build their nations economically and in other areas. That’s why you see Nigerian young men in Malaysia , South Africa , etc.

They go to look for survival.”

Sunday 15 September 2019

BDSUNDAY

3

4 BDSUNDAY

www.businessday.ng

www.facebook.com/businessdayng

@businessDayNG

@Businessdayng

Sunday 15 September 2019

News

New minimum wage: How ready are the...

Continued from page 1

budget and national planning, Zainab Ahmed, announced the planned deduction of the bailout funds, saying it would commence in the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) provision for states this September.

Ahmed spoke at a public consultative forum on the draft 2020-2022 Medium Term Expenditure Framework/Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) which held last Tuesday in Abuja.

“It was a loan which was advanced by the CBN and the repayment will be made to the same CBN.So, the recovery process for us is to deduct from the FAAC allocation to the states and remit same to the CBN. “We want the states to stay on the path of fiscal sustainability, but it will not be a condition for the deduction,” she said.

The concern already being expressed in some states isn’t coming as a surprise. If anything, it brings to the fore once again the vulnerability of the states in the face of the expected implementation of the new national minimum wage of N30,000, signed into effect in April 2019.

In many of the states that benefitted from the bailout funds, payment of workers’ salaries and pensions of retirees had been and still an issue.

Kogi and Osun States are typical examples.

Recent statistics from the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) showed that most of the Nigerian 36 states are in near collapsed state and living in a borrowed time due to huge debts.

According to FRC report, the states have a combined debt in excess of N2.39 trillion as at 2017, a 53.31 percent deficit.

The FRC’s report had further revealed that by December 2017, the states spent about N359.32 billion or17.12 percent of their combined statutory revenues to service debts. All except four- Anambra, Katsina, Sokoto and Yobe States had debts exceeding their revenues by 100 percent.

In its 2017 Annual States Viability Index, the Economic Confidential also rated 17 states in Nigeria as technical insolvent as their internally generated revenues (IGRs) were far below 10 percent of their receipts from the federation account.

All things being equal, the financial health of the states is bound to further plunge, as the Federal Government itself faces shrinking revenues and is seen battling to implement its programmes. If there is anything to expect from the current quagmire, it is that the

luxury of bailing out the states going forward is being threatened.

Unfortunately for the states, the bailout funds would be deducted at source. As it is the practice, revenues (including from crude oil, company income tax and custom duties or tariffs are captured in a central pool known as federation account. And based on the sharing formula, the Federal Government takes 52 percent of this revenue, while states and local governments share the balance. In actual disbursement, the federal remits states’ share through the consolidated revenue fund popularly - Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocation. Before this disbursement, each state’s financial obligations (debt servicing and all such associated payments) are deducted at source before the balance is remitted to the state as its revenue allocation.

This much has been said by Ahmed, minister of finance, budget and economic planning, ahead the commencement of deductions of the bailout fund.

The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) had early in the year insisted on a review of the sharing formula as a condition to implement the N30,000 minimum wage, arguing that the formula as it stands, unjustifiably gives the Federal Government undue advantage over the federating states.

There is an ongoing discourse around the reappraisal of the sharing formula to give the states some leverage. However, it is nothing concrete yet to suggest a review any time soon.

But are the states entirely helpless in terms of revenue generation to pay the new wage and adequately meet other obligations?

State governments and their appendix entities (local government) receive 85 percent of total consumption tax, popularly called value added tax (VAT), and are at liberty to determine how far-reaching their internally generated revenue (IGR) drives can go.

Perhaps, to show that the states are not helpless, President Muhammadu Buhari recently challenged them to work to upgrade their IGRs. “Going forward, states must in the next four years find ways to increase internally generated revenues, improve VAT collection and increase agricultural output without disrupting business activities.

“I also want you to work with federal agencies and service providers in ensuring that broadband infrastructure is made available all over the country. Information and com-

munication technology is future of work and must not allow ourselves to be left behind,” said Buhari to state governors during the inauguration of the National Economic Council (NEC) in Abuja.

Apart from a few of the states, including Lagos, Ogun and Rivers, most of the 36 states are dependent almost 100 percent on federal transfers to fund their budgets and programmes, as their IGR present a pathetic financial picture.

Notwithstanding this, however, organized labour has insisted the new wage must be paid once the ongoing negotiation on consequential adjustment of workers’ salaries becomes agreeable to all parties. The negotiation is between the Federation Government and the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) representing organized labour.

While the Federal Government has proposed 9.5percent salary increase for employees on grade levels 07 to 14 and five percent for those on grade levels 15 to 17, labour is demanding 30 percent increase for officers on grade levels 07 to 14 and 25 percent increase for grade levels 15 to 17.

Ayuba Wabba, president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), said last week that the NLC would support any position taken by the JNPSN on the new national minimum wage.

Alade Lawal, secretary general of the JNPSN, confirmed that negotiation would resume on September 16, 2019.

Kano, Zamfara, Kwara, Rivers, Edo, Kaduna raring to go Interestingly, some states, i n c l u d i n g Ka n o, Za m f a r a , Kwara, Rivers, Kogi and Edo have pledged to pay the new wage.

Governor AbdullahiGanduje of Kano, has assured that his administration would give priority to the welfare of civil servants in the state. “ We a r e r e a d y t o p a y N30,000 monthly salary, because the welfare of our workers is paramount to anything and we will always give it,” Ganduje said during this year’s May Day rally in Kano.

In Kwara, the state government said it was prepared for the payment of the new minimum wage. In Kogi, the state governor, Yahaya Bello, was said to have set up a committee to look into the modalities of making compliance easy, while in Niger, the government said it was disposed to paying the new minimum wage.

In Delta, the state governor, IfeanyiOkowa has also given indication to pay, saying Delta would not be an outcast in the payment of the new minimum

L-R, Hauwa Abbas, commissioner North West,World Hepatitis Eradication Commission, David Nwedu, project consultant, Mike Omotosho, president, Nigerian Commission, Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, wife of Kebbi State Governor and Oye Oyewo, Rotarian Hepatitis Action Group, during the recognition of Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu as Hepatitis Zero Ambassador by World Hepatitis Eradication Commission in Abuja. pic by TUNDE ADENIYI.

wage.

His counterpart in Rivers, Nyesom Wike, has also promised to comply with the provisions of the new minimum wage law while in Edo, Godwin Obaseki has expressed readiness to conform to the provisions of the new national minimum wage.

Beyond the pledges However, beyond the seeming ‘political promises and pledges’, the ability of the states to pay is still dependent on their financial capacity, as many of the states still struggles with huge debts amid lean receipts from FAAC and IGRs. Ayo Akinwunmi, head of research, FSDH Merchant bank said, with the new directive by FG to state governors, the capacity for states to pay the new minimum wage is in doubt.A look into the books of state governments has shown that most states are failing to grow revenues internally but depend largely on monthly allocations from the Federal Government to meet up with their planned expenditure yet, they have agreed to take on an additional 64 percent increase in the minimum wage from N18, 000 to N30, 000.

Data compiled by BusinessDay show that the amount shared by the three levels of government (FAAC) declined by 2.61 percent in the first half of the year to N3.842 trillion from N3.946 trillion disbursed in the same period the previous year.

Analysts say with declining FAAC, state governors are in for a tough time in terms of meeting their financial obligations.

“The situation of the new minimum wage coupled with the decline seen in FAAC allocation is going to put more stress on the finances of both the federal and state government particularly on the state governments because of the federal government capacity to borrow with treasury bills and bonds which states do not have the latitude to,” said Johnson Chukwu, MD/CEO Cowry Asset MGT LTD. “ Mo r e i m p o r t a n t l y t h i s would make them unable to

pay salaries and clear off their pension arrears,” Chukwu said.

Is N18, 000 a fair living wage?

The truth is, with the prices of goods and services growing at double digits and eating deep into consumers’ lean wallets, a minimum wage of N18, 000 is a far cry from what is required to provide for the basic need of life hence, the need for an upward review.

The last time the minimum wage was reviewed was in 2011 under Goodluck Jonathan administration, when it was increased by 140 percent from N7, 500 to N18000 again, no doubt there is every reason for the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) to agitate for an increase.

At an N18, 000 wage amount, which is equivalent to US$50/ month using an exchange rate of N360/$, Nigerian workers are ranked among the most poorly paid in the world.

Currently, Africa’s biggest economy has one of the lowest minimum wage rates in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and is only better than the wages earned by workers in countries in Africa that are recovering from crisis: Uganda (US$6/month), Malawi (US$49/month) and Burundi (US$7/month).

However, analysts said the burning issue in the minds of the majority of Nigerians is the Federal and State government’s ability/willingness to fully implement the new minimum wage given current fiscal realities.

“State governments depend too much on revenue allocation from the federation account and this is making them have low capacity to generate income internally,” noted Tajudeen Ibrahim, head of research at Lagos-based investment firm.

Ibrahim explained that state governments should pay close attention to developing tourism, entertainment and arts in their states as these are important sectors that attract investments.

Sunday 15 September 2019

BDSUNDAY

5

6 BDSUNDAY

www.businessday.ng

www.facebook.com/businessdayng

@businessDayNG

@Businessdayng

Sunday 15 September 2019

News Controversial congratulations:

Abia Polytechnic sacks 323 staff

Wike fumes, says he will never visit Buhari at night unlike many PDP governors …Explains why he congratulated Buhari …Accuses FG of not refunding Rivers money to build federal projects …Says Rivers is oil state but does not get federal attention Ignatius Chukwu

G

overnor Nyesom Wike congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari for winning at the tribunal but bounced back to hit hard in all directions including at Aso Rock.

Speaking at a funeral event in a part of Rivers State, the outspoken governor said he preferred to congratulate Buhari openly than join some People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governors that rather sneak to Buhari’s home at night for visits, probably to curry favour. He said such governors were getting refund for amounts they spent to do federal projects whereas Rivers State was not getting anything.

He hit harder at the FG, saying Rivers was an oil state but was not getting any projects to show for it.

Wike drew flaks when he rushed to congratulate Buhari after the Presidential Election Tribunal in Abuja on Wednesday, September 11, 2019, upheld Buhari’s victory over PDP’s presidential candidate, Atilu Abubakar. Many viewed the move as sign that Wike was heading to the president’s party (APC) or that the governor was relieved by the defeat of Atiku.

Wike however threw the mud back at his critics, saying he congratulated Buhari after the PET confirmed the president’s re-election because it was better to offer public congratulations than visit the President at night. Wike said that unlike some governors of the PDP who visit President Buhari at night, he made his declaration public because it came from the heart.

Speaking further at the funeral service in honour of the late Blessing Awuse, mother of Sergeant Chidi Awuse, at the St Luke’s Anglican Church, Emohua on Thursday, Wike said: “I am sure all of you are surprised that I congratulated Buhari.

Is it not good for me to congratulate

him than to go to his house in the night? So many PDP governors go to see him in his house in the night.

I have never gone and I will not go. I won’t go.”

“We are the only state that the Federal Government refused to pay us our money used to execute Federal projects because I don’t go to see him in the night and I won’t go.

He is not my friend, he is not doing well, but he won in court, should I say that the court did wrong, no.”

“President Buhari, congratulations and carry Nigerians along.

Unify the country, the country is too divided. I am saying what is right.

What I will do, I will do, what I will not do, I will not do”.

Governor Wike said politics is a game of interest, noting that Rivers people in the All Progressives Congress were under obligation to attract Federal benefits to the state.

As taking a swipe at his bitter rival and predecessor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, now transportation minister, Wike said; “Politics

is a game of interest. And my only interest is Rivers State. Anything that is against the interest of Rivers State, I will not agree. These people sold us out, thinking that they are doing Wike. It is the state that you are offending, because I am just one person “.

Governor Wike expressed displeasure that Rivers State has key links to President Muhammadu Buhari from the State, yet the East West Road, the seaports and other federal projects were completely neglected since 2015. He said nothing indicated that Rivers State had prominent APC members working with President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Rivers State governor maintained that Rivers State is a Christian state. He said that the facts of Rivers being a Christian State would not be changed by negative propaganda and falsehood targeted at his person. He said he never demolished a Mosque as was circulated by alleged mischief makers.

Governor Nyesom Wike (r) handing a gift to Mvendaga Jibo, pro-chancellor, University of Port Harcourt, who paid the governor a courtesy visit at the Government House, Port Harcourt, recently.

Tech-U will receive my necessary supports – Makinde REMI FEYISIPO, Ibadan

S

eyi Makinde, governor of Oyo State, has assured that the state-owned university and Nigeria’s premier Technical University, First Technical University (Tech-U), Ibadan, will receive all necessary support to succeed from his administration.

The governor made this known when he received the Governing Council of the University on a courtesy call to him in his office.

Makinde, who received the team led by its Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Oyewusi Ibidapo-

Obe, a professor, noted that he was impressed with the calibre of eminent professionals who constitute the council.

“Looking at the composition of the council, I can say you are men and women of great accomplishment that is beyond the ordinary. You are some of the best we can get around”.

“When we were dissolving boards, we made an exception to Tech-U, because we looked at the profile of the people involved and we were convinced that you are there on your own merit”.

“If I were to choose members of the Council, I would have also chosen majority of you. We gave excep-

tion for Tech-U because of the work you’re doing for Oyo State,” he said.

The governor noted that he had exercised caution on the University because he wanted more information on the ownership profile of the university. Noting the dire financial state of the state, he encouraged the university management to embark on a sustainability drive that would sustain the vision for which the university was set-up.

“Be free and creative to do something that is consistent with available resources and aspiration of the government and people of Oyo State. I will give you my absolute support,” Makinde remarked.

UDOKA AGWU, Umuahia

F

riday Ezionye Eboh, rector, Abia State Polytechnic, Aba has said that the management of the institution has embarked on downsising and restructuring in a renewed bid to save it from running aground.

Eboh, who made this known in his office while briefing newsmen, revealed that committees and review committee set up by the state government to ascertain staff disposition of the Polytechnic clinically and dispassionately recommended

about 323 employees of the institution be sacked forthwith.

He hinted that those affected by the exercise were employees on age-related issues particularly those who claimed to have obtained their First School Leaving Certificate before attaining eight years of age.

The Rector further hinted that others that would also be affected were those who have attained their retirement age. Eboh also said that another set of staff that would be axed are those who are facing severe disciplinary action, health challenges, redundancy and other negative work ethics.

WANEP laments escalation of violence in Nigeria Ngozi Okpalakunne

T

he West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) Nigeria has expressed worries over the escalation of violent conflicts across Nigeria.

According to a release signed by WANEP National Net Work Coordinator, Bridget Osakwe, the increasing prevalence of the Boko Haram insurgency, farmer-herder clashes, militancy, secessionist movements, land disputes, power tussle, banditry and kidnappings, among others have resulted in wanton destruction of lives and property.

Quoting Round 26 Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) assessment by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the statement revealed that between 20 October, 2018 to 20 January, 2019 the trends from six states most affected by displacement include Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe, which showed about 1.9 million people internally displaced and over 50,000 people dead with numerous properties and farmlands destroyed.

“Although government has put forward strategies for conflict intervention, it has become clear that the state institutions cannot sufficiently cope with these interventions alone.

Also, women who are key stake-

holders in conflict prevention and peacebuilding have been underutilised and undermined in these peace processes.

“This situation has created a hierarchy where men are relied upon to develop frameworks and strategies for preventing conflict and violence torn societies at the exclusion of women as their voices remain suppressed on key issues that affect their wellbeing,” the group said.

To ensure that women’s contributions and concerns are duly harnessed, the statement also explained that WANEP Nigeria with support from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) is implementing a project tagged, ‘Enhancing Participation of Women in Peace and Human Security in Nigeria’.

This project, it noted, was anchored on the need to respond to the impact of violent conflicts, mainstream gender capacities and promote women’s rights to participate in peacebuilding, conflict prevention and decision-making in six states in Nigeria which include Bauchi, Bornu, Delta, Edo, Gombe and Rivers.

“It builds on national policy making and implementation structures while at the same time influencing governments to be more accountable, inclusive, transparent and democratic,” it further said.

FBNQuest celebrates 40th anniversary, strategises to deepen trusteeship in Nigeria SEYI JOHN SALAU

T

he management of FBNQuest Trustees Limited, a subsidiary of the FBN Holdings, has taken a strategic move to deepen trusteeship in Nigeria to celebrate its 40th anniversary. In view of that, FBNQuest is working with individuals and corporate organisations towards ensuring that they minimize the complexities associated with managing the proceedings of their estate to leave a lasting legacy that reflects a life well spent.

Adekunle Awojobi, MD/CEO, FBNQuest Trustees Limited, said in keeping to its legacy over the last 10 years, the company has raised its growth strategies and redefined its core functions along corporate, public and private trusts. “That is

the visionary heritage, which we have received and must transfer to the next generation”, Awojobi said.

According to Awojobi, FBNQuest is vigorously working pass the trustee legacy to the next generation towards deepening trusteeship in Nigeria. “In another 40 years when the succeeding generation glances over their shoulders to the past as we are doing today, they should be able to do so with the same pride and sense of accomplishment with which we are glancing back today”.

However, in growing shareholders fund, FBNQuest has continuously created shareholder value in terms of its growth trajectory and financial performance in the financial sector. From a share capital of about N30 million in the 90s, FBNQuest Trustees has grown to a share capital of N3 billion in 2019.

Sunday 15 September 2019

www.businessday.ng

www.facebook.com/businessdayng

@businessDayNG

@Businessdayng

BDSUNDAY 7

News

Rewane tasks govt, citizens on nation’s economic development

F

or Nigeria to achieve the desired economic growth, Bismarck Rewane, an economic expert, MD/CEO, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, has admonished all and sundry to work harder, and that government must create an enabling business environment for the private sector to thrive.

Rewane gave the advice at the installation ceremony of Rotarian Adewale Sanni as the president of Rotary Club of Maryland, Ikeja, Lagos, District 9110.

“Any economy that is run single-handedly and monopolised by its government will certainly end up in jeopardy; no matter whoever is in government,” he said. His argument was based on the premise that many countries around the globe are heading into recession because of the huge debt incurred by their government as well as the accrued interest.

He then stressed the importance of private sector in nation building as he said, “the private sector-led activities will liberate the economy, create jobs and reduce the burden on government, if it is allowed to thrive through the provision of an enabling business environment.

L-R: Adewale Sanni: president, Rotary Club of Maryland; Akin Olateru, federal commissioner Accident Investigation Bureau and special guest of honour; Olugbemiga Olowu, past district governor and Jide Akeredolu, district governor, Rotary International District 9110, during Adewale’s installation as the president of the Rotary Club of Maryland, recently.

Rewane further said that

by December 2019, the economy would experience slight hardship, as the exchange rate, oil production and Nigeria’s revenue will be the same, while bank loans would be difficult to get due to the cumbersome conditions, as well as a hike in electricity; except the private sector is involved in economic development.

He also added that, “if the economy remains exactly the way it is, there would be more kidnapping, ransom, fraud, cyber attacks on bank accounts and ATMs.” Rewane warned that Nigerians must get ready

for the worst form of kidnapping attacks.

“The problem of Nigeria, according to him, is certainly not going to be solved by foreigners, and it is not going to be solved by people running away because those countries will chase you back to Nigeria; so the only way to solve Nigeria’s problem is to demand for good governance and get supply of good governance,” he said.

The President, Rotary Club of Maryland, Ikeja, Lagos, Adewale Sanni while responding to questions about the private sector’s involvement in de-

Faculty building: Uniport honours Amaechi for past favours …But Humanities Faculty cries for water, light in Amaechi building … Wike makes a move, offers goodies to Uniport, to put light and water

Ignatius Chukwu, Kelechi Esogwa & Gladys Nweke

M

inister of Transportation and former governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has been honoured by the University of Port Harcourt where he graduated in English & Literary Studies many years ago and where he made huge impact by erecting a massive building for the faculty.

This is as workers and students he left behind are wallowing in the untold hardship caused by the lack of water and light to the massive structure. Gov Nyesom Wike has however, made what looks like a master move, hosting the pro-chancellor and offering over N1bilion worth of projects to the federal university. He offered N200million to build Law Faculty, said he had released N400million to complete the Humanities Building Amaechi started, offered to build a convocation arena, and offered to install water and light in the Humanities Building. Huge applause trailed these offers.

The management, staff and students of the University of Port Harcourt had commended the former governor for his contributions to nation

building as well as his donations and the impact made during his tenure as governor of the state.

Speaking at the 2019 University of Port Harcourt International Conference on Language and Literature, with the theme, ‘Language, Literature and Governance: The African Experience’, held at the school premises, Acting Vice Chancellor, Hakeem Fawehinmi, said Amaechi’s contributions to the school were remarkable.

Welcoming the minister to the university, Fawehinmi said, as governor, Amaechi made contributions that improved on the overall well being of the University. “For us this is another home coming because we know the formidable role you played as a student and as a Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and then later as the Governor of Rivers State.”

“Your name must be mentioned towards the growth and development of this

University. We are happy to have you as our guest and a formidable Alumnus, one of the major benefactors of the University. The University community is indeed elated to have you in our midst. We are proud that you have a deep sense of commitment to the University of Port Harcourt.”

“It’s common knowledge that you have made so many donations to the University of Port Harcourt, and we are still tapping from your milk of kindness. We are aware that the English House, the faculty building and many others were donated by you,” he said.

Also speaking, the Dean, Faculty of Humanities, the professor, Femi Shaka, described Amaechi as their own and commended him for his outstanding performance in the position he occupies.

Responding, Amaechi said, “I am glad to associate with my alma- mater and I will be glad to associate with the English Department. What makes a University is the quality of academic staff and I believe that you should source for them.”

“If any of you (lecturers) are in need of anything please call my attention. That is one way I can pay back to the school. For me, that is more important than anything.

velopment in developing the country’s economy, pledged that his club will continue to provide employment for Nigerians by training them through its vocational service centres in communities, as well as support them with micro credit funds to establish themselves and their business.

This, he said, is part of efforts to reduce miscreants, if not totally eradicated, on the streets due to unemployment, while the club also helps to build infrastructure, health facilities, renovate schools and other philanthropic activities, which it is known for.

Vicar Hope Foundation to host youth skills acquisition workshop in Abia UDOKA AGWU, Umuahia

A

n Accelerator Lab Programme (ALP) to enable young graduates to learn skills that will improve their employability will be hosted

by Vicar Hope Foundation Youth Centre in a couple of weeks.

Chika Ojiegbe, assistant secretary, Board of trustees of Vicar Hope Foundation, made this known in Umuahia, Abia State, during a workshop on ‘Graduate Employability’ held at the Signature Event Centre.

The Workshop which was organised by GetReady in partnership with Vicar Hope Foundation and Inspire Leadership Foundation, attracted young people from within Abia and beyond and featured sessions to equip the young ones with industry experiences to co-develop solutions for global competitiveness Raymond Ukwa, programme adisor for Viar Hope Foundation while speaking during the event, noted that with more people graduating from universities than ever, employers are now pickier about the qualities they expect from graduates.

“They want specific skills from extracurricular activities and work experience.

Technical skills and specialist knowledge are also in demand,” he said.

Ukwa emphasised that employers now favour IT graduates who are already equipped with modern developed skills.

According to him, this has put pressure on the students to start thinking about their careers and researching what employers in their field look for, much earlier in their studies.

“But the shocking thing is that in spite of all these developments, the global jobs market will continue to deteriorate in the coming years, while rising income inequality and high youth unemployment will stoke more social unrest.”

The Graduate Employability Workshop (GEW) was designed to improve the employability potential of graduates and intending graduates within Abia State.

Chika Ojiegbe said Vicar Hope Foundation, an NGO created by the wife of the Governor of Abia State Nigeria, Nkechi Ikpeazu, is not just trying to make young people ready to take up existing jobs. The foundation is mindful that the labour market is shrinking and thus it is running another programme that creates small-scale entrepreneurs from scratch, using a bottoms-up approach.

Mathematics, entrepreneurship education critical for development economy Tombari Kote, Port Harcourt

F

or Nigeria to transit into a development economy, it must recognise and see mathematics and entrepreneurship education plan as critical to sustainable national development.

The nation must also recognise that stakeholders like entrepreneurs can fill the widening gap of unemployment which now stands at a rate of 14.2percent according to the data from the office of statistics, especially as the nation’s effort to create jobs is getting worse.

Ndowa Lale, a professor and Vice Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt, made the assertion while delivering the keynote address during the 56th Annual National Conference of the Mathematics Association of Nigeria (MAN), held in Port Harcourt.

Lale, who spoke on the topic, ‘Mathematics and Entrepreneurship Education for National Development’, noted that mathematics is the bedrock of technology which has greatly enhanced economic advancement and improved the quality of life in many more ways; in ICT, medical sciences, satellite

and space travel, agricultural development, air travel, enhancing security, business and enterprise, education, research and innovation, and in enhancing economic prosperity.

The university don said Nigeria is no exception, and there is no better time than now if the nation is to overcome its present economic challenges and transit into a developed culture so as not to jeopardise the future of generations to come.

“Nigeria can key into the economic survival theory which highlights that entrepreneurship is encouraged by those impacted by unpleasant circumstances in life, and must recognize the great mathematics and entrepreneurship plan in the country,” Lale stated.

National President of the Mathematics Association of Nigeria (MAN), Professor Mamman Musa, in his speech stressed that the outcome of the conference would undoubtedly address many concerns and challenges related to unemployment among graduates.

Musa while declaring that mathematics is everywhere, warned that the manifestation of those who lack basic survival mathematics are very

clear in the nation’s enterprise and social services.

He expressed gratitude to the Rivers State Chapter of the Association, RIVERSMAN, and the Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, Professor Opuenebo Binya Owei, for successfully hosting the 56th annual conference of the association.

Highpoint of the conference was the conferment of the MAN Fellowship award on some members of the association including; Muhammad Awwal Yushau, Foluke Eze, Helen Adesuwa Idugboe, Balla Galla Attah, Irabor Justy Orobosa, and the Vice Chancellor of Tai Solarin University of Education, Professor Abayomi Adelaja Arigbabu.

The 56th annual conference featured; workshop, plenary session, dinner, Annual General Meeting of the body, and election of new officials. Rivers State hosted the conference last in 1989, some 30 years ago. …………………………………………….

For correction purpose; Professor Mamman Musa is the current national president of the Mathematics Association of Nigeria (MAN) and not S. A. Adeniran as was reported in error at Page 39 of BusinessDay, on Thursday 5th September, 2019.

8 BDSUNDAY

www.businessday.ng

www.facebook.com/businessdayng

@businessDayNG

@Businessdayng

Sunday 15 September 2019

News

FG committed to providing unhindered justice to Nigerians, says Malami VICTORIA NNAKAIKE, LOKOJANweke

A

bubakar Malami, minister of justice and attorney general of federation, has restated the commitment of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to the provision of justice and better life for the down-trodden in the country.

Speaking during the

opening ceremony of a 2-day retreat held on Friday in Lokoja with the theme ‘Repositioning Legal Aid Council for Better Service Delivery,’ Malami pointed out that the retreat was coming at a time when the country needed to ensure that every Nigerian had unhindered justice.

According to him, the Legal Aid Council has a lot of role to play to ensure that Nigerians have access to justice, thus he called for the repositioning of council for

the task ahead.

“The council, which was established in 1976 with the promulgation of Legal Aid Decree No 56, was also mandated to handle criminal matters. But with passage of time and upsurge of civil matters, the act was repealed in 2011, wherein the mandate of the council was expanded to cover both criminal and civil matters.

This has in no small measure enabled the council to cover substantial ground in the

administration of Justice in Nigeria,” he said.

Ea r l i e r h i s a d d r e s s , Abubakar Aliyu, director general, Legal Aid Council, said the council had a long history spanning over 40 years of service to the indigent Nigerians.

He stated that the place of the council in the administration of justice in Nigeria cannot be over-emphasised.

“Together with other key stakeholders such as the Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian

Correctional Service and with the support of our parent Ministry, we have been able to achieve some level of success in the discharge of our mandate as contained in the enabling Act.” Justice Nasiru Ajanah, the chief Judge of Kogi State, who commended the council for its role in administration of justice in Kogi State, said the Council had always been part of Correctional Centre’s decongestion exercise.

Kogi elections: FCT Minister of State sues for peace, unity James Kwen, Abuja

A

head of the November 16 governorship election, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ramatu Tijjani-Aliyu has declared that the unity and peaceful coexistence of Kogi State is not negotiable, even as she called for a united force in

the forthcoming polls.

Tijjani-Aliyu made the call when a large delegation of Kogi Political Triangle, led by the Coordinator, Adamu Shuiabu paid her a visit in her office.

The minister, who emphasised the need to build bridges among the different ethnic groups in the state, also acknowledged that peace is a daunting task but achievable, stressing that the state will achieve more

She Leads Africa pushes for improved business mentorship among young entrepreneurs AMAKA ANAGOR-EWUZIE

D

etermined to amplify the process of business mentorship among young entrepreneurs especially women, She Leads Africa, a digital media company will hold an innovation and culture event known as SLAY Festival 2019 to teach female entrepreneurs new skills.

Afua Osei, founder Slay Festival says the event slated for September 28th, 2019 in Lagos will feature inspirational speakers, engaging brand activation, career and business mentorship, speed networking and shopping from exciting young entrepreneurs.

Osei says there will also be unique and interactive experiences that cut across business, career, technology, arts, beauty, fashion, food, wellness, community and music.

According to Osei, “Attendees will be able to learn directly from some of Africa’s leading innovators, leaders and creative experts including Osas Ighodaro, Bukky Karibi-Whyte, Tosin Olaseinde and Steve Babaeko, and they would also enjoy sessions on thriving

in the Nigerian workforce, getting your business investment ready and finding your personal leadership style”. ⁣ Osei further stated that during the Master classes, attendees will be able to join small group that will deal on the hottest topics in lifestyle and career such as Becoming a Beauty Boss powered by Maybelline NY, Wealth Beyond Your Paycheck and Communicating Your Value & Acing Your Next Interview.

“Google Nigeria has joined the event as a lead partner and host of the Redesign Stage to power discussions focused on the career and business needs for millennial African women”.

“Google will also be hosting several Grow with Google Masterclasses and bringing YouTube creators for a meet and greet session,” Osei said.

Osei noted that on the marketplace, leading entrepreneurs from the She Leads Africa community will showcase and retail their products in diverse industries.

“SLAY Festival is also excited to welcome global beauty brand Maybelline as the official beauty partner as they showcase their newest trend setting prod-

under one united political umbrella.

Aliyu however, called on the people of Kogi State to support the government at the centre in order to realise the dreams of the state, observing that Kogi is blessed with ingenious and competent men and women.

She also described women as devotees in nation’s building and called on the women to use their numerical strength to vote mas-

sively for Governor Yahaya Bello in the forthcoming Kogi governorship race.

“There is nothing we can achieve without peace.

Kogi state is blessed with ingenious and competent men and women. We are doing well in building the nation, and nation building is a collective responsibility. “I sincerely believe that Kogi State will be a hub of all after the second tenure of Governor Yahaya Bello.

Kogi State unity is not negotiable. It is not about a political party or ethnicity anymore.

“We must follow the government at the center to get the dividends of democracy in order to realize the Kogi of our dream. We are stronger in unity. However, I know unity is a daunting task but achievable. Kogi State at this point of our political era needs continuity and consolidation.

Medical expert advocates increased research into sickle cell cure UDOKA AGWU, Umuahia.

G

race Onyike, a medical expert, has advocated for increased research

by African doctors for a cure to sickle cell disease.

Onyike while speaking as a guest on a radio programme that focuses on sickle cell disease titled ‘Half Hour of Hope on BCA Radio’, disclosed that the disease which was mostly prevalent amongst people of African descent, required concerted efforts to eliminate.

She noted that Nigeria carries the highest burden of sickle cell disease with 150,000 babies born every year while over 30 million Nigerians have potentials of producing children with sickle cell disease being carriers of the AS genetic trait.

The doctor commended the effort of Nkechi Ikpeazu, the wife of the Governor of Abia State and founder of Vicar Hope Foundation for providing sickle cell treatment and counselling centres with capacity for several hundred persons, and called on other NGOs, individuals and donor agencies to support Vicar Hope Foundation.

ENYO Retail rewards loyal customers at recently launched Badagry station

L-R: Arinola Shobande, Corporate Communications lead, ENYO Retail; Ganiu Adeogun, loyal customer; Muhammad Kassim, ENYOHQ Area manager, and Rasheed Oyebamiji, loyal customer.

ucts, host a masterclass with celebrity makeup artist Anita Adetoye and provide giveaways for the first 500 people who visit their stand.

Crowd favorite, Maggi Ni-

geria will be returning with their signature Jollof Rice Bar and delicious new takes on the classic dish”, Osei said.

SLAY Festival is all about making new connections,

and it comprises of speed networking area, which is designed to make it easy for attendees to step out of their comfort zone and build their community. Since its launch

in 2017, more than 4,000 women have come together to learn new skills, build their network and connect with their favourite brands at the fun and relaxed festival.

Sunday 15 September 2019

www.businessday.ng

www.facebook.com/businessdayng

@businessDayNG

@Businessdayng

BDSUNDAY 9

News

Bayelsa guber poll: INEC must remain a neutral umpire - Diri Tony Ailemen, Abuja

T

he People’s Demo c r a t i c Pa r t y (PDP) governorship candidate in the November 16 election, Douye Diri has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide a level playing field for all the candidates, while maintaining its position as unbiased umpire. Diri, a serving senator, had recently emerged as the party’s flag bearer for the November 16 governorship election, after the keenly contested PDP primary in Bayelsa State.

Diri emerged the PDP candidate after the election contested by a total of 21 aspirants, with a total of 561 votes to defeat his close kinsman and former Presidential Adviser on Niger Delta Affairs, Timi Alaibe, who came second with 365 votes.

Speaking with a select team of journalists in Abuja, Diri said the PDP stands a good chance of retaining power in Bayelsa, adding that “if elections are free and fair, the All Progressives Congress (APC), will not win even a councillorship election in Bayelsa.”

He noted that the only threat to PDP chances was the fear of use of federal might, adding that “INEC must play its role as an unbiased umpire. What we are hearing is the fear of the use

of federal might to intimidate and threaten voters, the threats to rewrite results and use of security to intimidate the opposition party.”

The PDP candidate also appealed to security agencies, against allowing itself to be used to intimidate voters.

Diri, while speaking on the allegation that he was favoured because he will be used as “stooge” in the state, disclosed that he was the most qualified for the job, having served the state in various capacities, including working with Niger Delta Development Commission as a close ally with Timi Alaibe for about 10 years and later, as commissioner for youths and sports, when former President Goodluck Jonathan was Governor of Bayelsa State.

“I also served as member of the Governing Council of the University of Maiduguri and later worked as Chief of Staff to Governor Seriake Dickson before proceeding to become a member of House of Representatives for four years.

“I served as a member of the finance committee in the state and l know that Governor Dickson never diverted the state’s allocation for personal use while l served in that committee. So, there is nothing to protect.”

His wealth of experience also includes serving as a senator under the current dispensation, before he was called to take up the higher

Diri

responsibility as the governor of Bayelsa State.

Diri disclosed that education would be top on his priority list, as this will enable him build on the achievements of his predecessor.

“Next will be the economy and I want to have a local economy where our people will be directly involved. I will also work to strengthen security, just as we are not going to neglect other sectors,” he said.

The election results have generated acrimonies within the PDP as they were rejected by Timi Alaibe, who also hails from the same Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, in the Bayelsa Central Senatorial zone, to which the PDP zoned the governorship, on the grounds that relevant sections of the party’s constitution were violated.

Speaking on the acrimo-

nies, Diri noted that the party has reached out to Alaibe and other aspirants who lost out during the primaries, adding that he has also maintained very cordial relationships with the contestants after the primaries.

He appealed to them to join him to fight the battle ahead, adding that everyone within the party stands to benefit, if the party retains the governorship seat in the state.

According to him, “Efforts are on to get all the contestants to come together to work for the party and face the opposition as a team, ahead of the election.

“When l win the election, I am not wining as Douye Diri, but it is the party that has won and all over the world, political parties offer several benefits to its members, from which everyone is expected to benefit.”

Imo IGR shoots up as multiple taxation ends SABY ELEMBA, Owerri

I

mo State government led by Governor Emeka Ihedioha may henceforth, has more money in its coffers to put infrastructural facilities in the state as the state has started to enjoy a rise in its internally generated revenue (IGR).

The change of leadership in the state since May 29, 2019 which is fixing every sector of the economy of the state, has led to the shoot-up of the internally generated revenue (IGR) from a low N25 in June, N432 million in July to N635 million in August.

This is even as the new government headed by Ihedioha has set up a mechanism which will end the hydraheaded multiple taxation system put in place by the immediate past government of Rochas Okorocha in the state which had led to the winding up of many businesses in Owerri.

The appreciation in IGR is consequent upon a structure for financial transparency and accountability in governance promised by Ihedioha during his gubernatorial electioneering campaign which is now working as well as the Executive Order 005, known as Treasury Single account (TSA), an order to consolidate all government revenues under one single account which has been also adopted and is yielding fruit.

To ensure a progressive and sustainable internally

generated revenue in the state, several steps were taken to reform the Imo State internally revenue service (IRS), and to this, all cash tax payments have been abolished and the government has also mandated the use of PayDirect platform with a single source sweeping of revenue.

This has further resulted to checkmating the multiple accounts and leakages, and the IGR has grown from all time low of about N251 in June to about N635 in August.

Addressing Imo people recently on his achievements within 100 days in office as governor, Ihedioha informed that “the state has less than 5 percent of the working population of over two million paying taxes and this is not an acceptable position. We have met an arbitrary tax collection system leading to leakages, fraud and all sorts of irregularities.

“To ensure a sustainable IGR regime, we took steps to reform the state IRS. From August 2019 all cash tax payments have been banned and the government has mandated the use of PayDirect platform with a single source sweeping of revenue”. Governor Ihedioha told the people that the government has commissioned a Central Billing System which would drive the use of the technology in tax payer enumeration exercise with the tax payer and ensuring that they pay the right amount of tax to the right source.

An entrepreneur’s passion for widows’ empowerment: The Aliam approach

T

aking care of widows, little orphans and the less-privileged in society is indeed a daunting task that should not be left in the hands of the government alone.

Integrating them into the society as responsible and fulfilled individuals should be a source of concern not only for the government but also, to the well-to-do individuals to ensure they are better catered for and empowered to fend for themselves in the long run.

The benefits of doing so are enormous to the society.

They will not only going to become responsible fellows as they become empowered in one trade/profession, but also be taken away from poverty and other associated social evils.

For Justina Aliam Chibututu, helping and empowering widows and the less privileged in the society is a divine call worthy of answering irrespective of the enormity

of the task and challenges associated with it.

Her passion for the wellbeing of the vulnerable in Nigeria seems unprecedented even when residing abroad currently. As a result, she frequently visits the country for the purpose ensuring they are catered for. It is therefore, not surprising that this passion catalysed into two striking projects just for the less privileged in the society.

Chibututu’s book entitled ‘Living Life’ and Aliam’s Care Foundation (a non-governmental organization, NGO) say it all. Her vision is building a world where all the less privileged are safe, strong, valued and self-reliant with the goal of creating a more peaceful world, a forum for attitude check, encouraging social empowerment for economic development “I am passionate about putting smiles on people’s faces and bringing their dreams of a new life in a new land into a reality. I have encouraged many that are dis-

couraged and have helped many people to start their own small business to survive.

I have given incentives to children that would enhance their betterment in school and society, Chibututu stated.

According to her, Aliam’s Care Foundation is into the business of catering for orphans, widows and under privileged in the civil society, expressing Gods love to them by encouraging social empowerment and enhanc-

Aliam

ing economic development.

The foundation which will soon be officially launched in Lagos is said to have been reaching out to widows and other less privileged in the country, the foundation boss is promising that it will continue to do just that.

“I am a widow and I know how difficult it is So I will continue to reach at to them.

The foundation has over the years helped, individuals, children, communities, motherless babies’ homes, orphanages the less privileged in Lagos and Delta states”, she stressed.

Her book, Living Life is another door aimed at opening opportunities for the less privileged in the society by Chibututu.

“Living Life discourses about life and living, it tells us that life is a mirage, a walking shadow which can terminate at any time but at the time of existence life should be lived for God and humanity by being relevant otherwise we have not lived life at all”,

she opined.

It is also an encouragement to people that it does not matter where one finds himself/herself but can live life wholly, happy and fulfilled it teaches about life challenges, visions and other types of culture and how to have purpose in life, while giving insights on discovering God given assignment on earth.

According to her, ‘Sharing is Caring’ and in other to achieve is to be able to share and care, adding that “You need the grace of God to be humble, respectful, honest, diligent and be hardworking to meet up with God’s purpose in life.

A retired banker, Justina Aliam is equally a house wife, Mother, Widow, Writer, and a woman of God. She is a Counselor, Anger Manager, Attitude Checker and J.P. (Jerusalem Pilgrim).

Her experiences as a widowed house wife, mother, ex banker a skilled and compassionate leader led to the emergence of Aliam’s Care

Foundation “I was motivated to do what I am doing now because I have suffered, so I know the pain people suffering have to go through and I have made myself available in various ways to console them.

I have a great apathy to the less-privileged. There have been situations that my interventions through prayers, advises, and financial support to certain people brought changes to their lives and it has brought me great joy.

“Furthermore living in Europe has inspired me because in Europe the less-privileged and vulnerable and children are charitably cared for. My dreams and vision led me to explaining in writing my heart’s desire available in my book ‘Living Life’”, she stated.

As a counsellor, she has helped to boost the mental balance of the discouraged to the extent of getting them up in life once more through start up their own small scale businesses to cater for themselves and family.

10 Inside Lagos

www.businessday.ng

www.facebook.com/businessdayng

@businessDayNG

Ijegun oil tank farms: LASG, DPR move to address residents’ agitations

L

stories by JOSHUA BASSEY

agos government and the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) are in talks on how best to alleviate hardship faced by the residents of Ijegun, near Satellite town, occasioned by the activities of oil depots and tank farms’ operation in the area.

The state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, met with the management of DPR at the Lagos House, Marina, to find a lasting relief to people living around Ijegun which hosts depots and tank farms said to be operated by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and private organisations.

The discussion, Thursday, was a follow-up to an informal meeting between the state government and the DPR management, following unabated agitations by Ijegun residents whose livelihoods are affected by perennial traffic gridlock resulting from the operations of the oil tank farms.

Sanwo-Olu believes there is an urgent need to assuage the hardship faced by the residents, and this requires a joint action by the state government, DPR and operators of the oil tank farms.

According to SanwoOlu, meetings would not be enough assurance to convince the Ijegun residents on the efforts to bring succour to them. The governor said the state government and DPR

needed to prevent more agitation by physically visiting and meeting the residents to make definitive commitment.

“It is important for us to organise a meeting between us and the tank farm owners to bring out a cohesive plan that would comprehensively address the issues. We should be able to have a walk-through permanent solution that would be sustainable.

“We also need to fix a date and time for a visit to the place and meet the people. Before then, we must have discussed the measures we are bringing up, so that we can make definitive statement and residents can begin to feel the relief they have been expecting,” said the governor.

He , h o w e v e r, c o m mended the DPR for responding to the concerns raised by the state government in response to the residents’ agitation, noting that the collaboration

between his administration and the agency was in the interest of the people.

Acting director of the DPR, Ahmad Shakur, said the agency had addressed some of the issues leading to the residents’ agitations, but added that other measures being taken required the support of the Lagos State government.

After the first meeting with the governor, Shakur said DPR met with the owners of the tank farms and came up with recommendations aimed at addressing the situation at Ijegun.

He said: “In the course of analysing the issues causing the agitations, we discovered that the residents are concerned about two key problems.

One is the deplorable state of roads in the area close to the tank farms.

The residents complained that if they don’t get out of their house by 4am, most of them would not get to their places of work on time. And they also

rush back home by 5pm to escape the gridlock occasioned by movement of oil tankers.

“The traffic gridlock, especially on Marwa Road is horrendous. What DPR did was to invite the depot owners to take up some responsibilities to improve their community relationship. The tank farm owners coughed out about N1 billion to award a contract leading to the depot from Marwa Road.

They also constructed drainage to drain water from the depot road to the lagoon,” said Shakur.

The DPR director further said that the residents demanded for more actions, including building a hospital that could treat accident and burns. The agency, he said, believed further engagement with the residents should involve the state government for greater impact and also to build confidence around the plans taken by the owners of the tank farms.

@Businessdayng

Sunday 15 September 2019

CBD seals markets over environmental nuisance

…warns traders against taking over walkways

A

uthorities of Lagos State have shut some markets on the island business district over noncompliancewithenvironmental laws of the state.

The seal up exercise carried out by the enforcement unit of the Lagos Central BusinessDistricts(CBD)management, was at the expiration of deadline issued by the special adviser to the governor on CBD, Olarenwaju Elegushi, to marketers and street traders within the business district to open up blocked access roads and remove shanties, make shift shops built on walkways, roads and streets.

Some of the markets shut by the agency include Berlin Street Marina, Lagos Island. It was shut on Friday for flouting the beautification and design of the market. Also sealed off was Gbajumo Market beside Breadfruit for erecting and extending shops to the roads thereby making the roads inaccessible to vehicular traffic.

Speaking during the exercise, Elegushi noted that the governmentforbadeanybody from converting the roads, setback, walkways and entire street to markets and parking lot.

“This illegality cannot continue, we shall continue to

open and clean up streets and roads that have been converted to markets. We will no longer tolerate shanties and extension of shops into the roads” he said.

He added that there have been situations where ambulances, fire fighters and police were prevented from getting to emergency scenes on time due to blocked street by traders.

“Traders especially those selling on the streets and walkways had been warned to remove their extensions and makeshift shops from the roads. The sealing of the markets is a fallout from the warning earlier issued.

Some of the streets especially Gbajumo Street had been taken over and blocked bytraders,inemergencycases, how can there be rescue operation,” the special adviser lamented.

He also warned that other markets that have extended their shops into the roads and walkways thereby making the street and road inaccessible by vehicles would equally be closed.

The cleanup, according to him, would be a continuous exercise, to restore the aesthetic value and beauty of the island business district.

Officials of CBD sealing off one of the markets on the island

Lagos begins consultation with stakeholders ahead of 2020 budget DESMOND OKON

I

n the bid to bold promote citizens’ participation in governance; Lagos State has kicked off consultations with stakeholders preparatory to its 2020 budget.

Beginning with the Lagos West senatorial zone, the consultation, it is believed would create a platform for input from the people and give the administration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu a clear idea of resident’s expectation as it is peculiar to their districts.

“As we begin the budgetary process for 2020, it’s important that we listen to the people who have elected us into office to make sure we understand them, because governance is not only about getting the people to understand us, it’s

also about getting to understand the people, getting to know where they stand in their development needs,” said Samuel Egube, commissioner for economic planning and budget at the event which held in Isheri, Alimosho.

Egube told journalists that the idea was at the foundation of the agenda of the government, adding that the engagement will be taken “around the various senatorial regions of Lagos State.”

“We are engaging the people, the community, the NGOs the royal fathers, the associations, the market women, and all of that, to be able to understand them and capture what their dreams are for this administration first of all, as it affects the budget 2020,” he said.

Although the figure

for next year’s budget is unknown, the commissioner said the gathering of stakeholders who were expected to state their needs; began the process for determining budget.

According to him, working with the people, the market women, the various associations, will enable the government align the budget to the dimensions of the needs of the people.

“We also will look at our capacity in generating revenue because we have guidelines in proper financial management, how far we want to go with debt funding, and how far want to do with other contributions. This government is also going to leverage a lot of Public Private Partnerships (PPP), to release the value that is available to all stakeholders in the state to

get the state moving. That is what we mean by Team Lagos,” Egube further said.

If all goes according to plan in building a synergy between all stakeholders in all the senatorial districts, the state government will have succeeded in building a team—something at the core of this administration—where everyone can have a say in the government.

This is also key in building the internally generated revenue for the state, according to him “We believe that there is no challenge that if we galvanize ourselves as a team that we will not achieve. When we talk about increasing IGR, today, we only have about 4.8 million people that are registered for tax and about 700,000 of that are active, and we say we’re about 24 million people. So it’s not

about increasing taxes, it’s about getting everybody to participate in this state called Lagos state government,” he added.

It was gathered that the 2020 budget will focus on THEMES—an acronym for transportation and traffic management, health and environment, education and technology, making Lagos a 21st century economy, entertainment and tourism, security and governance.

Speaking earlier, the special adviser to the state government on economic planning and budget, Adebayo Sodade, said the budget was being designed to be people-oriented in order to ensure a “Lagos that works for all irrespective of age, gender, tribe, or status.”

“This shall provide the opportunity to share ideas and rub minds with you the

citizens in order to ensure that your desired interests are adequately captured in the budget,” he adds.

One of the chiefs of Isheri, where the event was hosted, Kehinde Balogun of Isherin Olofin, said the people were happy with the performance of the present administration after 100 days in power.

On that basis, he expressed confidence that more will be done and the needs of the people will be acted on.

“Many people are saying what is in their minds today,” he said, “and we believe the government will work on it to the benefit of the people.”

“We are very happy with their movement, and what they are doing because the past government didn’t perform like this, said the royal father.

Sunday 15 September 2019

www.businessday.ng

www.facebook.com/businessdayng

@businessDayNG

Comment

@Businessdayng

11 comment is free

Send 800word comments to comment@businessday.ng

PUBLISHER/CEO

Advocacy for a national arbitration policy

EDITOR Zebulon Agomuo

to be conducted in international institutions of arbitration outside Nigeria. It is acknowledged that arbitration is a contemporary method of dispute resolution that has been embraced in commercial relationships all over the world and Nigeria’s BITs are not an exception, however, the contention is that the recourse to international institutions of arbitration in Nigeria’s BITs is totally unnecessary, considering that there are institutional arbitration mechanisms in Nigeria that are capable of undertaking the arbitration performed by their foreign counterparts. Suffice to say that Nigeria ought to be the seat of arbitration in respect of disputes arising from its BITs. Interestingly, the resort to foreign arbitration in Nigeria’s BITs is not peculiar and appears to reflect a continental trend. In this respect, the consideration of most African BITs will reveal provisions for dispute settlement by recourse to arbitration to be conducted by non-African institutions of arbitration such as the International Centre for the Settlement of Disputes (ICSID). This has meant that many arbitration cases involving Nigerian or African parties are settled outside Africa.

The proponents of resorting to foreign arbitration in Nigeria’s BITs might argue that there are challenges confronting arbitration in Nigeria, which justifies the need to rely on foreign institutions of arbitration. In this regard, references might be made to issues such as the lack of belief in the neutrality of Nigerian arbitration institutions, negative perception of Nigeria as an arbitration destination and the

Frank Aigbogun

DEPUTY EDITOR John Osadolor, Abuja EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS Fabian Akagha EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, STRATEGY, INNOVATION & PARTNERSHIPS Oghenevwoke Ighure ADVERT MANAGER Ijeoma Ude FINANCE MANAGER Emeka Ifeanyi MANAGER, CONFERENCES & EVENTS Obiora Onyeaso BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER (South East, South South) Patrick Ijegbai COPY SALES MANAGER Florence Kadiri DIGITAL SALES MANAGER Linda Ochugbua GM, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT (North)

Bashir Ibrahim Hassan

GM, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT (South) Ignatius Chukwu HEAD, HUMAN RESOURCES Adeola Obisesan

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

OLUWOLE AKINYEYE Akinyeye, head, Maritime Unit, Olisa Agbakoba Legal

The recent enforcement Order relating to the sum of US$9, 000, 000, 000 (Nine Billion US Dollars) made against Nigeria by an English High Court, which was based upon an arbitration award secured by a company, Process and Industrial Developments Limited (P&ID), has generated a huge outcry. This development presents grave and far-reaching implications for Nigeria, as it means that the country’s assets could be attached in order to satisfy the award. The Nigerian Government says that the P&ID’s oil and gas contract with Nigeria, which represented the genesis of the arbitration, was a scam perpetrated by the company.

Howe v er, irr es pect ive of whether or not the P&ID case was built on a scam, a crucial issue flowing from the case is that our present policy relating to the resolution of disputes arising from Nigeria’s Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) requires major review. After all, P&ID’s recourse to arbitration largely stemmed from its right as a foreign investor to resort to arbitration under Nigeria’s BIT. In fact, the current position is that all of Nigeria’s BITs provide that disputes between Nigeria and foreign investors will be resolved by recourse to arbitration

foreign investor’s power to dictate the seat of arbitration. However, it is submitted that these purported challenges are old excuses that have since been overtaken by advancement in Nigeria’s arbitration development. This is because there has been a steady and appreciable growth in the legislative and institutional framework revolving around arbitration in Nigeria.

With the P&ID case, it is crucial that we must become proactive in developing a new national arbitration policy, which will have its roots embedded in Nigeria’s commercial relationships and dealings with foreign entities. To give effect to the national arbitration policy, the Nigerian government will be expected to promote a policy that arbitration agreements in respect of all disputes arising from governmental contracts with foreign entities will have Nigeria as the seat of arbitration. This was the subject of a recent letter written by Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) to President Muhammadu Buhari, wherein he advocated that Nigeria should establish a national arbitration policy by the enactment of an Executive Order, which will commence the process and procedure of creating the policy. In this respect, the Executive Order may establish a National Task Force or Workgroup to develop the mechanics of the policy.

It is important to stress that the proposed national arbitration policy should not just be directed to government contracts or dealings, but it should be extended to private commercial relationships.

This is in light of the fact that Nigeria generates a significant volume

of private commercial transactions. Unfortunately, a significant number of disputes arising from these transactions are ultimately arbitrated in foreign jurisdictions.

Undoubtedly, the flight of domestic arbitration cases to arbitral venues outside Nigeria is unhelpful to our economic development as a country, and also to arbitration practitioners. This misnomer accounts for the loss of revenue on both levels and requires a national arbitration policy to reverse the trend.

Importantly, Nigerian arbitration bodies should encourage and implement capacity building programmes that will assist with the development and advancement of the proposed national arbitration policy. This could be achieved by the provision of educational outreach, extensive training and programmes, conferences and workshops. With increased attention and improvement on the legal framework underpinning arbitration in Nigeria, as well as better resourcing and training, Nigeria can secure for itself, a place on the global arbitration sphere, through its national arbitration policy.

In conclusion, the proposed national arbitration policy should be seen as presenting an opportunity for Nigeria to review the arbitration provisions in its BITs, which would position Nigeria as the seat of arbitration in respect of disputes emanating from Nigeria’s BITs and private commercial transactions. In this respect, the Federal Government must act with a sense of urgency to remedy the position whereby Nigeria is shortchanged under its BITs.

Imo Itsueli Mohammed Hayatudeen Afolabi Oladele Vincent Maduka Opeyemi Agbaje Amina Oyagbola Bolanle Onagoruwa Fola Laoye Chuka Mordi Mezuo Nwuneli Charles Anudu Tunji Adegbesan Eyo Ekpo Wiebe Boer Paul Arinze Boye Olusanya Ayo Gbeleyi

ENQUIRIES NEWS ROOM 08169609331 08116759816 08033160837

} Lagos Abuja

ADVERTISING 01-2799109 08033225506 SUBSCRIPTIONS 01-2799101 07032496069 07054563299 DIGITAL SERVICES 08026011296 www.businessday.ng The Brook, 6 Point Road, GRA, Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria.

01-2799100 LEGAL ADVISERS The Law Union

MISSION STATEMENT To be a diversified provider of superior business, financial and management intelligence across platforms accessible to our customers anywhere in the world.

OUR CORE VALUES

BusinessDay avidly thrives on the mainstay of our core values of being The Fourth Estate, Credible, Independent, Entrepreneurial and Purpose-Driven.

• The Fourth Estate: We take pride in being guarantors of liberal economic thought • Credible: We believe in the principle of being objective, fair and fact-based • Independent: Our quest for liberal economic thought means that we are independent of private and public interests.

• Entrepreneurial: We constantly search for new opportunities, maintaining the highest ethical standards in all we do • Purpose-Driven: We are committed to assembling a team of highly talented and motivated people that share our vision, while treating them with respect and fairness. www.businessday.ng

12 BDSUNDAY

www.businessday.ng

https://www.facebook.com/businessdayng

@Businessdayng

Sunday 15 September 2019

PhotoSplash

L-R: Henry Ojiokpota, zonal controller, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); Rami Osmani, director, Middle East Africa, Media Tek; Luke Pan, brand manager, Tecno Nigeria; Jeff Tang, marketing manager, Tecno Nigeria; Chidi Okonkwo, general manager, Tecno Nigeria; Mutawalli Kukawa, acting director, Investor Relations, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Eugenia Ilozor, representative of DG SON at the official launch of TECNO CAMON 12 series recently in Lagos.

L-R: Samson Akejelu, marketing manager, Spectranet 4G LTE; Ajay Awasthi, CEO, Spectranet 4G LTE; Kapil Mehta, head, customer service; Busola Akindele, customer service manager, and Joe Mazeli, national head of sales, all of Spectranet 4G LTE, at the official opening of Spectranet Experience Centre in Lagos.

Ojediran Fatiah Kanyinsola (Phatiah), a young artiste impacting knowledge through music with leaders of tomorrow at Agege stadium on her birthday.

L-R: Abdesslam Benzitouni, group head, communication and public relations, Jumia; Dana Al Mubaidin, head, global communications and public affairs, Jumia; Andre Iguadala, American Basket Baller/ board member, Jumia , and Juliet Anammah, CEO, Jumia Nigeria, at the press conference to discuss e-commerce opportunity for Jumia Nigeria in Lagos. Pic by Pius Okeosisi

L-R: Fahad Al-Taffaq, ambassador of United Arab Emirate to Nigeria, with Femi Gbajabiamila, speaker, house of representatives, at the visit of EAU ambassador to speaker at the National Assembly, in Abuja.

Pic by Tunde Adeniyi

L-R: Babalola Oyeleye, general manager, transformation office, MTN Nigeria; Khadijah Ahmed, second runner-up of the 2019 MTN mPulse Kiddies Hackathon; Jamaldeen Adeleye, the first runner-up; Yusuf Molumo, winner, and Mazen Mroue, chief operating officer, MTN Nigeria, at the finale of the 2019 MTN mPulse Kiddies Hackathon in Lagos

Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (l), Ooni of Ife, Oba with Godwin Obaseki, Edo State governor, at a courtesy visit by the Ooni of Ife, at Government House, in Benin City,

L-R: Osondu C. Nwokoro, managing counsel, Greenfields Law; Wole Abu, CEO, Pan African Towers Limited; Adedoyin Adeola, vice president, network operations, Airtel Nigeria; Gbenga Adebayo, chairman, ALTON, and Ambrose Nwadike, managing partner, Telecom Advisory Services, at the Nigeria Com, in Lagos.

Sunday 15 September 2019

www.businessday.ng

www.facebook.com/businessdayng

@businessDayNG

@Businessdayng

BDSUNDAY 13

Sunday Magazine

Sad tales of South African returnees D

IFEOMA OKEKE

ressed in a blue denim shirt with sleeves that reached just slightly past her elbows, and adorned with a pair of black jeans trousers, she re-adjusted her black fez cap for the umpteenth time to further conceal her face as she made her way out of the aircraft that night.

In company of her son, Cynthia, 36, and 187 other returnees from South Africa had voluntarily submitted themselves for evacuation following the series of xenophobic attacks on them in the rainbow nation; their sense of loss-cum-relief could be felt even from a distance.

The crowd waiting to receive them at the cargo area of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos as they disembarked from the aircraft was massive, literally comforting as well as understandably unsettling, what with the cameras and lightings.

In fact, a feeble mind could quietly drown in the atmosphere of pity around the (tarmac) as well as the empathy boldly written on the faces of the relatives, government officials, airport staff and journalists all of whom had spent hours awaiting their arrival.

Descending the Aero Bridge that was rather slow – they were many – but Cynthia, who seemed undisturbed by the deep emotions that had rented the air, kept calm and she led her son down the bridge.

While some managed to flash some smiles, like those who came back into the warm embrace of relatives and friends, Cynthia, with her little son, wriggled her way through the crowd to head for the registration point. Her thoughts could best be imagined.

Like some others, her reluctance spoke volume and one could tell that she must have wished for anything else than to come back under such circumstances.

Approaching Cynthia wasn’t exactly exciting, but after a brief hello and soft approach by our correspondent, she reluctantly agreed to a chat, but not without the caveat that her photograph would not be used.

“What do you want to know?” she asked as she dropped her bag and placed her son on a chair close-by.

In a conversation that eventually lasted just few minutes, Cynthia revealed that if she had known that she would return in such a manner, she would have stayed back in Nigeria.

“My shop, my house, all my goods and belongings were razed in one night – things that took me years to build,” she started.

“It seems like a dream but I am thankful to God that I am still alive” (sobs). “I can’t say more than that”,” she said as she muttered the words out.

Frustrations of returnees at

OR Tambo Airport The returnees, who had faced more frustration at the point of departure from the OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, said the South African authorities frustrated them by delaying their flight for over seven hours as a result of strenuous documentation process.

Investigations show that the aircraft was taxiing to leave the airport in the morning when they were stopped by the South African authorities.

Informed Nigerians at the High Commission in Johannesburg said that after the Commission had prepared the first 320 Nigerians for the first evacuation, the South Africa Immigration started causing problems by arresting Nigerians due to travel, demanding papers and accused them of travelling without the right document.

The Nigerian High Commission had prepared travel documents for Nigerians but Immigration wanted to know how the Nigerians came into the country and began to arrest them, the official disclosed.

“South Africa is frustrating Nigeria. The Air Peace aircraft has been there since 4:00 am.

Their Immigration started giving our High Commission prob-

lems. They said some Nigerians didn’t have papers. Immigration is arresting them, asking them to explain how they came to South Africa.

“Only 187 Nigerians were allowed to board the flight; the rest were barred by South African Immigration. They frustrated the Nigerian High Commission, taking the passengers away. They want to frustrate the airline and

”

My shop, my house, all my goods and belongings were razed in one night – things that took me years to build

the Nigerian government. The aircraft has been on, burning fuel since 4:00 am. They are not happy that Nigeria is evacuating its citizens. They don’t want the world to know that a Nigerian airline and Nigerian government is evacuating them.

“Our high Commission is having tough time with South African government. They are stopping and arresting Nigerians, saying they should explain how they came into the country,” the official said.

Aliu Saheed, one of the returnees who confirmed the development, said after verifications at the airport, Air Peace flight was on ground to evacuate them but the South African authorities gave them serious problems.

“They delayed us for several hours, saying they wanted to check our documents and their system wasn’t working well. But we know this is a big lie. They delayed the flight because they know Air Peace will pay landing and parking fees as long as the plane was on ground.

“They are doing this to punish Nigerians. Some people are currently in South Africa without food and water. They asked for finger print documentation and that immigration has to check us in case we have criminal record.

These are all in a bid to frustrate us,” he said.

Returnees count their losses Saheed, who has stayed at Pretoria city of South Africa for five years, said the experience in the past weeks has been traumatic, as lives and property had been lost in the xenophobic attack.

“The police can’t control the callous South Africans who kill our people. They just come to an area and start shooting and killing innocent people. It is only the white police men that came from a far distance to help. When the North Pretoria police station was contacted, they did not respond until when backups came from outside the country.

“The South African police released rubber bullets to the perpetrators of the act; which

won’t hurt them because the bullets are rubber. The fire fighters came to quench the fire at some point but the taxi drivers chased them away. They kept bragging that there is nothing anyone can do to them since this is their country. They kill us the way they like,” he said.

He however, called on the president to save Nigerians who are still in South Africa, adding that they plan to kill them. “As I speak to you now, they are not allowing Nigerians work. All our shops have been shut down.

Uche Victor Nwaocha, another returnee, also shared similar experience with BDSUNDAY. “I have been in South Africa since 2007. I built my business in South Africa and everything has crumbled today. They burnt down our cars. All my achievements are gone. I don’t want the shame again.

“Those ones there must come back. They are taking people out systematically and their government can’t speak the truth to their people. Their problem is simply poverty. Nigerians are not barbaric and we don’t kill people. South Africans burn people alive and while these people are feeling the pains from the burns, they keep hitting them with instruments till they die,” Nwaocha said.

For Jude Anthony, another returnee, the situation in South Africa is one he feels is orchestrated

by South African government.

“The American president has to speak out; he has to send a strong message to the South African people because this is a policy orchestrated by the South African government. This was also happening during the eight years of Zuma’s reign; they enjoy shedding blood.

“So much blood has been shed in South Africa, especially during elections. It pains me when I see my brothers being slaughtered by this wicked people that should be locked up for life. We made a mistake by freeing South Africa.

“These people are very brutal.

When they come after you, even the police cannot save you. We thank God we are alive today but a lot of people did not make it. Nigerians were driven out of their homes, dragged out to the streets and killed for nothing. I have travelled to many countries and lived among white people and this has never happened,” Anthony explained.

Air Peace: Moved by love of country It was with joy that Nigerians in South Africa received news of the philanthropist move by Air Peace to evacuate those who wish to come back to Nigeria free of charge.

The airline said the evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa would cost the airline about N300 million, which include the payment of passenger service charge, aeronautical and other charges in addition to the cost of operation.

14 BDSUNDAY

www.businessday.ng

www.facebook.com/businessdayng

@businessDayNG

@Businessdayng

Sunday 15 September 2019

Sunday Magazine

The challenge of Nigeria’s citizen diplomacy

I

Innocent Odoh n the late hours of Wednesday, September 11, 2019, 187 Nigerians arrived the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on board Air Peace from South Africa , following increasing spate of xenophobic attacks unleashed on Nigerians and other black foreign nationals living in the former Apartheid enclave.

This followed an order by President Muhammadu Buhari on September 9 to evacuate Nigerians who are willing to return home from South Africa, after ceaseless attacks by South African mobs. The president had given this order after receiving information from the special envoy he sent to the South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa.

The Nigerian government had on Tuesday September 3, summoned the South African Acting High Commissioner to Nigeria , Bobby Moroe to explain the reasons behind the attacks and the envoy denied they were motivated by xenophobia. He nonetheless condemned the attacks as the handiwork of hoodlums and assured his government’s determination to address the matter and deal with the culprits.

No sooner was this diplomatic posturing over than renewed attacks were unleashed on Nigerians questioning the sincerity of the South African Government to tame the hoodlums.

However, the persistent attacks against Nigerians elicited heightened reaction from some Nigerians who in a paroxysm of outrage attacked some South African business interests in Nigeria. The popular Shoprite outle t s w ere a t t a c k e d an d looted in Lagos and Abuja.

This controversy has indeed opened a new vista in the diplomatic relations of Nigeria and South Africa and other countries of the world as it concerns Nigeria’s Foreign Policy as some have called for a more robust Nigerian- centered foreign policy.

Nigeria’s current Foreign Policy focuses on Africa as its centerpiece. In the sixties and seventies, the country was very forceful in championing the cause of Africa and the Third World. Nigeria was a frontline state in the liberation and independence struggles and the general emancipation of Africa from the clutch oppressive rule.

In South Africa during the fight against Apartheid, Nigeria spent nearly 60 billion dollars to free South from the chokehold of Apartheid. In Liberia and Sierra Leone in the 90s, Nigeria contributed immensely to the peace keeping operations through the ECOMOG. In blood, tears and sweat Nigeria took the burden of other Afri-

Abike Dabiri can countries on its shoulders and made even more financial commitments. In Angola Lesotho, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Namibia, Nigeria was at the center of the fight for freedom.

Therefore, it was disturbing to see how Nigerians are being treated in South Africa to which it had sacrifice much.

Expectedly, the reactions from Nigerians have been bitter. That is why there are stringent calls for a shift in Nigeria’s foreign policy which at the moment portrays the country as offering unrequited generosity to other nations after which she is jilted and its citizens humiliated.

The current government of Nigeria has initiated “Citizen Diplomacy” as a component of its foreign policy. This programme is intended to protect the interest of Nigerian people wherever they may be around the world, protect them and provide them opportunities that abound in other countries to grow business.

A source in the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that Nigeria’s contributions to other countries appear not to be yielding the desired results, as they often treat Nigerians poorly. “We must begin to fundamental change our foreign policy to reflect our vital national interests. That is what serious nation’s do,” he said.

Speaking to BDSUNDAY on this development, public affairs analyst, Majeed Dahiru, said henceforth, Nigeria must begin to take tough stance against countries that treat its citizens in such a shabby way.

He said Nigeria has to take very tough stance against xenophobia because it appears as though the political establish-

Bobby Moroe ments of South Africa are trying to excuse their failure to better the lives of the majority of black South Africans in over 20 years of the end of apartheid rule.

“They are excusing their failure on the influx of immigrants into their country. So it has become like opium for their people to simply blame fellow poor black Africans from neighboring countries for their problem rather than the political leadership that has not been able to create opportunities and expand access to prosperity for their own people by distributing wealth in a manner that takes care of the majority.

“So for them it is a convenient political alibi for this to continue to happen and that is why you have not seen any concerted efforts either by the ANC leadership or the government itself to rein in their

”

In blood, tears and sweat Nigeria took the burden of other African countries on its shoulders and made even more financial commitments

people over these dastardly acts. Therefore diplomacy will not solve the problem for the failure of the ANC leadership to provide economic freedom for their people,” he said.

He advised the Nigerian government to as matter of fact temporarily suspend diplomatic ties with South Africa and recall its ambassador to South Africa and as well expel their own ambassador to Nigeria. He said that will allow Nigerians to renegotiate the terms of bilateral agreements and relationships going forward. “ We n e e d t o r e v i e w t h e terms of our relationships. This is not the time for political solidarity but economic realism.

We must stand for our people because this is one death too many. It has become habitual and that is because we have not been reacting as a responsible country that cares for its people. They take that as a leverage to continue to do the same thing over and over. So, we need to sever diplomatic ties with South Africa temporarily to show our seriousness in this matter. This issue cannot be resolved through negotiations because it something that has become useful to them there,” he said.

Katch Ononuju (PhD), a public intellectual, accused successive South African political leadership to the current President Cyril Ramaphosa of diverting attention with the crisis, adding that all the promises made by the ruling African National Congress (ANC) have not been fulfilled since they came to power in 1994.

“ANC has failed to meet those expectations. And instead of finding a solution to the problem they want to blame

their inability to meet the promises on black foreign population”, he said.

He blamed the harsh economic conditions in Nigeria as one of the factors fueling migration of Nigerians to other parts of the world to seek greener pastures.

Contributing, Charles Onunaiju, director of the Centre for China Studies, attributed the attacks to “the consequences of failed expectations” in South Africa anti-Apartheid struggle was supposed to be a revolutionary movement; it generated too much expectation from the ordinary people. So the mass of the ordinary workers, peasants were brought into the struggle with huge expectations.

“Unfortunately, like in every other anti-colonial struggle in Africa, the fruits fell into the hands of few elite. So, the ordinary people are letting out steam through any means including these attacks,” he said.

He warned that the attacks will not stop despite the diplomatic efforts, saying that violent tendencies don’t obey orders and cannot be contained by fiat because the problems are emblematic of socio-economic paralysis.

“It is an objective consequence of failed expectations

by South African ordinary people. They take it out on the nearest targets which are foreigners,” he added.

He warned Nigerians living in the country to take measures to protect themselves. “The only thing that Nigerians in that country must understand is that the country is reaching a boiling point and they should also take measures to secure themselves because the attacks will linger for a very long time,’’ he said.

Sunday 15 September 2019

C002D5556

BDSUNDAY 15

Sunday Magazine

Nigerian returnees, what next?

W

OBINNA EMELIKE

hile many countries are opening their hands to receive remittances from their nationals across the world, which is huge enough to impact their economies, Nigeria has been receiving batches of returnees who are running away from sufferings and killings in transit places and countries they presumed to be ‘greener pastures’.

The country has received a total of 11,494 returnees in 2018, out of which 10,180 were from Libya, according to the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants & Internally Displaced Persons (NCRMI).

This year, the number is increasing as the sufferings are getting worse, more killings, dashing of hopes and forcing die-hard immigrants to forgo their overseas ambitions and return home voluntarily to face the realities, which they were running from.

On March 14, 2019, a batch of 174 Nigerians who arrived from Libya was received by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). Since then more are retuning. Of interest recently are the 600 Nigerians, who are voluntarily returning from South Africa due to the spate of ‘Afrophobic’ attacks that have resulted in the loss of lives and properties of foreigners in some parts of the country.

Obviously, the South African attacks are Afrophobia instead of xenophobia because they have been targeted against fellow Africans as other foreigners have not been attacked.

Of course, the first batch of 187 returnees from South Africa arrived in Nigeria on September 11, 2019 and thanks to Air

Peace, the Nigerian commercial airline carrier that volunteered to evacuate the returnees free of charge, and promised to continue the evacuations until all the volunteered returnees are back to the country.

However, most of the returnees are in dilemma. They are back to the labour market or rather on the streets, which they left happily sometime ago in the quest for the ‘good life’ abroad.

While it takes courage to return to face the hardship at home, so many Nigerians refused to return voluntarily for the fear of survival back home.

Currently, the rate of unemployment in Nigeria stands at 23.1 percent, representing about 46 million people, which is almost the size of the entire South African population.

Most Nigerians are con cerned that the returnees would further boost the soaring rate of unemployment in the country, as well as, crime rate.

“These returnees are not happy coming back with nothing and the worse is that there is no readymade job for them.

They will join the labour market to hustle alongside every other jobless person in the country, hence they are vulnerable to crime if they stay long without job. You should bear in mind that the high rate of unemployment was among the factors to drove them abroad”, Kingsley Mordi, a lawyer said.

The lawyer thinks that crime rate will soar in the last quarter of 2019 because of the usual rush to meet end of year demands and many of the jobless in the society including returnees from Libya and South Africa are also looking to impress their families like others who are gainfully employed.

Toeing Mordi’s line, Leonard

Ekwujuru, a business man, noted that some of the returnees, who were involved in crime in South Africa, would continue here even if you are giving them good jobs.

“Some of the bad eggs among them may join kidnapping or robbery gang because they believe it is all about survival and the advantage now is that they are in their fatherland where police can be settled, and security could be compromised in their favour.

They are not running anywhere again”, he stated.

Idris Muhammed, coordinator, National Emergency Management Agency, Lagos Territorial Office, thinks otherwise. Judging with the fact that over 4,900 returnees, especially from Libya have been trained to acquire different skills under the Assisted Voluntary Returnees Programme, which began in April 2017, he

”

The South African attacks are Afrophobia instead of xenophobia because they have been targeted against fellow Africans as other foreigners have not been attacked

thinks the returnees have somewhere to start from once again.

In same vein, while receiving the first batch of returnees from South Africa at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos on Wednesday, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairman, Nigeria Diaspora Commission, assured that the government was ready to assist them to settle back in the country through its various social intervention programmes.

“The Bank of Industry had also been mobilised to assist those willing to acquire vocational skills”, Dabiri-Erewa assured at the airport. But Mideh Ejuru, an entrepreneur and vocational trainer, said that most of the South African returnees may not consider any of the skills under the Assisted Voluntary Returnees Programme, especially those who run businesses that were affected in South Africa.

“Switching from buying and selling to acquiring vocational skill is not easy, especially if your business was booming before.

I think most of them will prefer financial assistance to start their business again to acquiring the skills now”, he said.

Sulemon Ajibade, a mechanic, whose brother, also a mechanic, was among the returnees, noted that it would be a waste of effort to send people who have already acquired skills to learn new ones.

“They said bank is going to assist, let the bank give those with skills money to buy tools, equipment and pay for workshop space”, he advised.

Justice Idima, one of the returnees, said most of the returnees are hopeful of returning back to South Africa because of their links and families there. “My business partner has a South African wife and a son who he left over there. He is planning to

return when things calm down, and I will join him too”, he said.

The returnee, who is grateful to Air Peace for evacuating them free of charge, but not happy with government for not reacting the way most of them expected long ago, said that no matter the financial assistance and skills, South Africa offers more opportunities to young people, but the brutality of her people to others remains the biggest challenge.

“Abike Dabiri-Erewa said government will give us stipends to enable us get back to our respective states, but I am not waiting for anybody and will not collect the MTN pre-loaded Sim cards of N6, 000. All I need is to get home and plan again because there are few opportunities here and there are many of us jostling for what to do now”, he lamented.

Also, Ejuru thinks that government’s assistance will not go far in helping the returnees to settle down because the agencies handling the returnees’ skills acquisition programmes are Nigerians who also see opportunity to enrich themselves with the programme.

“It takes from N200,000 to set up a small skills shop, many will not complete the skills, many will abandon it on getting the money, some will complete, but government agencies will also take advantage of it to make money”, Ejuru said.

The majority of the populace lament over the job crisis in the country, which is driving graduates to accept offers that cannot put food on their tables. They think that government at all levels has not made enough efforts at creating jobs and that the returnees would definitely come with their own baggage including taking to crime to survive.

16 BDSUNDAY

www.businessday.ng

www.facebook.com/businessdayng

@businessDayNG

@Businessdayng

Sunday 15 September 2019

Politics

Our 2020 Budget will prioritise infrastructure, human capital development - Kwara Governor Determined to fix Kwara and change the narratives of the state, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has vowed to rebuild infrastructure and human capital development, prioritise education, water, health and as well key into mechanised farming to ensure a better Kwara. The governor, in an interactive session with journalists at a breakfast meeting to mark his 100 days in office, disclosed that the N4.8billion his administration inherited from the previous government is intact, in spite of his commitments on various sectors within the short period he assumed office. SIKIRAT SHEHU was at the session. Excerpts: You have clocked 100 days in office as the Kwara State governor; could you tell us how the journey has been so far? e have spent the last 100 days putting in place the basic infrastructural needs of the people that ought to have been done in the past like access to water, access to basic healthcare and repair of dilapidated schools. We have prioritised and will always prioritise water, education, health, road, and general infrastructure. Agriculture is also a priority and we are looking at ensuring that a lot is done is the area of agro-processing because of our comparative advantage.

We met a lot of rots which is daunting and one will think where do we start from? There’s no money to do it. But we just have to be ingenious in the way we do our things and luckily for us, the day we got in, we got N4.8billion.

This is a PAYE tax from the Federal Government which was paid on the 28th of May, 2019. It was originally N5.2billion but there were some deductions of 10percent from Abuja, so what we got really was N4.8bn. The previous administration tried to spend that money but thanks to EFCC and others that blocked them off.

We’re glad it was blocked. That’s the sort of money we are going to use to fund our education by paying counterpart funding for UBEC and build infrastructure.

The money we got is still in the bank, we have not touched it. We will invest it wisely for the state.

It is been tough handling the situation on the ground. It has been more about learning and discovery, because we actually met nothing in terms of basic infrastructure, schools, hospitals, water supply, among others to build on. We had to jettison our manifesto and reset our programmes as a result of that. So, we had to redraft everything we thought we had. During our campaign, we went to schools but we were not granted access.

The only school we were able to access was in Kaiama, and that was on a Saturday because they could not resist us.

That was the first sign we saw about the deplorable state of schools. Now, building on the schools, we have nothing. I

W

implore some of you to go to the schools nearest to where you live or where you work and see to confirm what I am saying. We have nothing in the schools. We also discovered that the state is unable to access Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) fund due to the mismanagement of the fund by the past governments. In fact, the state was blacklisted since 2013 due to this. The government refused to pay its counterpart fund. But thankfully, we came in to stop the rots in that sector. In 2013, the counterpart fund that the state put down was withdrawn from the bank immediately the UBEC fund came in and they mismanaged the fund. UBEC demanded a refund but they couldn’t refund everything. When we came in, after meeting UBEC in Abuja, they demanded that we pay N450million to be re-certified and we did that immediately. So, we are back on board. The coast is clear but we cannot immediately move to schools now to start repairing until we have properly mapped out to find out which schools to go to, which schools to start with. Right now, UBEC has about N7billion for us and we are asked to look for N7billion to match it to get N14billion to invest in education. So, if we can put N14billion in our education within the next two years, we’ll begin to see the changes in terms of infrastructure and capacity building in our schools.

Moving on to tertiary institutions, our colleges of education are nothing to write home. This is a matter of fact. We all need to visit those institutions to see. When we came in, they were on strike.

They’ve been on strike since last year, not paying them a lot of money in excess of N700million.

Gladly, we have almost cleared that and by next month, we shall clear the backlog of salaries owed those institutions.

For the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, there is an effort going on there. We have set up a visitation panel to go in, look into what is happening there and advise us properly so that we don’t rush into making wrong or biased decisions. The visitation panel will conclude their works in a couple of weeks. That will give us chance to make informed decisions on KWASU issue. In fact, on

Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq

education, it is a tall hill for us to climb and like I said we are up to the task. It’s just a shame that that sector had been neglected. Government Secondary School, Ilorin, and Queen Elizabeth College, Ilorin, which were the top schools in the Northern Nigeria and in fact, in Nigeria, are now shadows of themselves with infrastructure deficit. And if the top schools are like that, what is the standard of ordinary institutions we have?

Basically, virtually, all our schools do not have toilets. Some NGOs

Priorities of the Budget for 2020 will be water supply because of its importance to our living. We will prioritise healthcare, education, infrastructure, job creation and agroprocessing

are trying their best to build capacity in the sector. It just shows you the decay in the sector. Also, in the health sector, most of our hospitals are dilapidated. Most of them do not have running water.

Kudos to Omu-Aran General Hospital, which the CMD has tried a lot to keep going. That’s one of the hospitals I went to and they had running water in the toilet and equipment to keep their systems on for medication and pharmaceutical. But going to Lafiagi and Patigi General Hospitals, you will find out that it is one doctor on duty or one doctor in the hospital and two attendants, at the most.

The conditions are deplorable; no light. Our hospitals are just treating two ailments - malaria and childbirth. Every other thing is not treated. Basically, we need to build capacity in our health care institutions. We really need to revamp the institutions. We can’t afford to have only one doctor treating everything from pregnancy, performing C-section, he is the dentist, eye surgeon, orthopaedic surgeon and so on.

So, they are overwhelmed. We have to come to their rescue.

Civil service is bloated, as it is.

We have a lot of capacity in the civil service but it’s weighed in the wrong direction. We have a lot of administrative staff and core professionals that can do the jobs in our hospitals. Nurses too have

tried a lot. But the challenge is that we can’t pay them enough, especially the nurses. As soon as they serve here for one or two years, they are off to other states with better pay. So, we will look into that. We will find a way of keeping our nurses at home. Also, when we got in, the School of Nursing, Ilorin, had lost its accreditation.

We have invested in giving them a lot of money and they secured their accreditation back. Even, the Harmony Diagnostic Centre, we had to also release money for them to maintain their equipment. So, it was just total neglect in all sectors. The roads are just a shame. The only state roads we have in Kwara are those in Ilorin metropolis. There are no roads in between our towns, even the ones within Ilorin metropolis are in bad shape. It is a daunting task repairing those roads because Kwara Road Maintenance Agency (KWARMA) that is saddled with the responsibility of fixing the roads is not empowered to do so. We have been forced to embark on fixing of some of these roads during this period of the rainy season, but we just have to take up that to show Kwarans that we are ready to work from the word go. We’re out fixing the roads. Some of the road contracts we met like Ilesha-Baruba/ Gwanara road is a sham. They awarded the project at the sum of N1.5billion, they have paid about N1.7billion now. They have revised it to N2.5billion and there is nothing going on there. Anybody that has passed through that road will know that it is not passable, it is not motorable. We don’t know where they put the money spent by the state government on that axis. And even Kishi -Kaiama road awarded by the Federal Government and the state government took over the road. Federal Government has paid over N1.1billion on the project. All the same, anybody that passes that road will observe that nothing is going on.

We don’t know what they have done and it is a shame we have that sort of situation. We are going to work with the Federal Government to ensure that federal road projects in the state are funded. We have federal roads like Kishi/Kaiama, Share/Tsaragi/ Patigi/Kpada roads among others in the state. The contractors handling those projects only

Sunday 15 September 2019

www.businessday.ng

www.facebook.com/businessdayng

@businessDayNG

@Businessdayng

BDSUNDAY 17

Politics returned to site after we have won our elections. The Federal Government has spent about N4billion on that road and it doesn’t look as if N200million worth of work has been done on that road. So, we will force them to do the work. We will work with the Federal Government to get the roads fixed. Those travelling along Ilorin/Oro road would have seen there is remarkable change in the pace of work going on there. The road is getting better.

The contractor is fully on site now.

That again is because of change in government. We will not tolerate such things. We’ll make sure contractors perform their duties. And in terms of what we are doing, you will have noticed that we have not awarded any contract. The work that is going on is through direct labour through the ministries and they are doing a very good job.

Contracts will be awarded after the state executive council comes into place and the commissioners have been appointed. Still talking about infrastructures, there is still a lot of work to be done. But, we will do it in such a way that every local government will feel the impact of this administration.

We will build roads in each local government headquarters. It will not be lopsided, every local government will have its fair share of the revenue allocation.

One of the first issues we tackled is water. While we were campaigning, we keep hearing the word reticulation, and it seems like magic or something being done out of the ordinary. It just means piping and distribution of water. But the word is just a big jargon because water did not get to the people. And the previous government was distributing water with tankers and that’s a shame in this generation. When we went to some water works and we realised that they were just not working for many reasons, including staff who were not happy with conditions of works and Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company bill not being paid. We met the bill of over N60million for electricity which we have cleared by now. Asa-Dam alone gulps about N10million for electricity bill every month. Consumption of alum is about N10million every month. We now said with all the reticulation or not, where were we before, which areas of town getting water supply and which ones are not getting water? Let’s go back to the basis. Where they were getting water, let’s start, go back and supply them with water. That is what we did. We made sure that parts of Ilorin that were getting water before they started the project began receiving water again. We visited Oyun dam. The dam is beautiful for tourist attraction built by a company called BiWater. In Oyun, there are two water works. The

one built by Sardauna of Sokoto, still working but abandoned and the other by Bi-water. They were both neglected. And we have told them to let them work. Also, in Ilorin, when it started working, we lost half of the water, even with the reticulation, pipes were burst and we lost a lot of water.

And when you lose water, it costs a lot of money because of the cost of producing the water with labour and chemicals. We were able to fix some of the water works, the project is an ongoing process. What we have decided is to get a company that will help us look into the whole system of water supply in the state and the company gave us a bill close to N40million and we approached ADB and they promised to do it for us for free which is to assess our water situation and tell us where we are go from here. We instructed them to give us a road map to follow. Our major towns and minor towns should not be using boreholes; we should be able to provide water for them.

Boreholes are meant for villages and remote areas but boreholes are the norms now. In Ilorin now, only God knows how many boreholes we have. So, once we have a master plan in place which will take at least two years but in the meantime, we will make sure that we keep pumping water.

Patigi is now getting water from its abandoned water project. Kudos to the Federal government, there is a N3b water project sited in Patigi, the contractor should be on site. But before that comes on stream, which can take about three years, we should be able to use the system that was in place; the same thing in Lafiagi, Kaiama, Igbaja and other parts of the state. So, the state water corporation is on site to restore water across the state. We are also planning to have a masterplan for the supply of water in the state.

When we talk about water, we talk about the WASH. That is Water Sanitation and Hygiene.

That is where we have a serious problem. The problem is huge.

Because we have a very dirty environment that we have to tackle.

Those following the news will have to notice that in the last one month we have to redo the prime on polio because we have cases of vaccines derived polio which is different from the wild polio.

Vaccine derived polio comes from the dirty environment which we have. So, we need to clean up our environment, we need to build public toilets and when donor agencies see that we are serious they will join us. Most of them have lost faith in Kwara and I can assure you that with what we have been doing especially in the healthcare; we’ve paid counterpart funding for most of the programmes available they are beginning to have confidence in us. UNICEF that had abandoned

the whole idea. The good thing is that all the parastatals came in to defend their budgets and make proposals. For me, if the Ministry of Sports comes in they should think of making provisions for the disabled sports. If the Ministry of Works comes in they will see the need for infrastructure and see everything that’s lacking in our society in just one institution.

One good take away from that was that a day after it went viral online and a company from Lagos came to the school and promised to help us fix the school. That was a major take away. So, we moved the budget session there so that civil servants who shape our future can always see the larger picture of our society.

Kwara is now back. So, we will engage all these agencies to join us but importantly, we all have to keep our environment clean, it’s our task individually and also it is one thing for the people to keep the environment clean, it is another thing for the government to evacuate the rubbish.

We have also set up a committee in place headed by Justice Raliat Elelu to look at the issue top down on environment and once they submit their report things will start changing. If you drive through our major roads, you will see rubbish all over the places. But give us time all these will be a thing of the past. It’s been a difficult task cleaning up the mess left by the people that just left ,they just abandoned the state. They were doing nothing, they budgeted for nothing and whatever they budgeted for, we can’t see nothing and how they spent the money. What we know is that we have a huge salary bill.

Our average federal allocation is about N3.8bn out of which N2.8bn goes for salaries so we have N1bn left. In that one billion, we’ll do capital projects and the cost of running government. The job is cut for us but with prudent management, we’ll be able to survive and thrive and progress properly as we should.

What are the challenges you face in implementing the 2019 Budget inherited and how are you tackling them?

The budget we inherited is a difficult and tough one and it did not fit into our programmes.

It is something we could have continued with but what they appropriated money for and where they appropriated money

to is quite different from what we are doing. We could not build on the foundation they had laid. For example, in their budget, there is a provision for the renovation of schools and when we came in we found that those schools need not be renovated ought to be rebuilt completely. So, that’s not in their budget. The issue of health sector is the same thing. There is nothing in their budget to fix our hospitals.

So, we had to review the budget to find money to put in to those projects. For example, we want to build roads in our towns - local government capitals and major towns. There is no provision for that in the budget. That’s why we have to review the budget, to be practical and put money where we want to.

Recently, you held the 2019 Budget review session at the School for Special Needs, why at such a location?

When we set out to review the budget, we spoke with the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Planning and Economic Development and he said I will need to be at the opening session and I asked for the venue and he said it would hold at one of the government offices. But a week earlier, I was at the School for Special Needs and needless to say, the situation there is appalling. There is no water, the infrastructure is extremely unpalatable. That’s why I said we should go to the School for Special Needs to hold special budget session there. The idea, for me, is for those that draft the budget and shape our future to come to the institution and while they are preparing the budget they will see what others are going through in that school. That’s

What will be the areas of priority of your administration in your Budget for 2020?

Priorities of the Budget for 2020 will be water supply because of its importance to our living. We will prioritise healthcare, education, infrastructure, job creation and agro-processing. We’ll build capacity with private sector including in the area of Social Investment Programmes to create jobs and empower more people.

Those are our priorities.

There was this Senator Ajadi committee that probed the sales of government properties, what are the highlights of the reports?

The committee did a very good job. They submitted two reports and we’re waiting for the final report. It is unfortunate that from my little reading of it so far, people just shared government property as if it was their fiefdom. They did not even think for one second that it was government property.

For example, you give property to Harmony Holdings to invest on behalf of the state as trust and those in Harmony Holdings just shared the properties among themselves, even selling below the valuation prices. Even those in government did the same thing.

There is a new layout called New GRA, none of them went there to build new houses because it was cheaper to pick government houses for next to nothing rather than build their own houses. We will look at the recommendations. In fact, some of them just live in those houses without paying anything while most of them only started paying after the election was won and lost to the extent that the state government does not have enough accommodation to accommodate dignitaries and traditional rulers from other states to host them rather than putting them in the hotel. That’s how they shared the property and we are looking at more than 90 properties which they carved out for themselves.

We’ll go back to the report of the panel and make sure the proper thing is done.

18 BDSUNDAY

www.businessday.ng

www.facebook.com/businessdayng

@businessDayNG

@Businessdayng

Sunday 15 September 2019

Politics

Why I was shocked at the Presidential tribunal’s pronouncement on Buhari, by Onovo Martin Onovo, a trained engineer and presidential candidate of the National Conscience Party (NCP) in the 2015 general election, in this interview with ZEBULON AGOMUO, Editor, said he was rudely shocked at the presidential tribunal’s ruling on President Muhammadu Buhari. He pooh-poohed the judgment, arguing that some of the pronouncements of last Wednesday amounted to turning logic on its head and was capable of sparking anarchy in society. He also spoke on other issues: Excerpts: How would you describe the mood of the country since the judgment delivered by the presidential election tribunal? t is the same mood we had when INEC announced the falsified results. The country is in a mourning mood. It is not just ordinary mourning; the damage is significant, but we have the hope that it would be repaired.

makes no sense. This is the highest level of perversion I have seen in my life, not because it is more perverse than Boko Haram, but because it is coming from people you don’t expect this kind of thing.

I

As expected, divergent views have continued to trail the judgment…

No, I don’t see any divergent views, I see a few partisan; but it is overwhelming that the judgment is rejected. Of course, there are few partisans who are saying that it is okay. The overwhelming majority are shocked at what happened.

As a politician, what in your opinion are the likely impactions of the judgment for the country, not just for the APC and PDP, but the entire country and the people of Nigeria?

No, we cannot be partisan at this point. It is the implication for the country. The implications are dire.

Because we were accusing the government and some politicians of being lawless, but that context of being lawless was disobeying the law. That is a different thing; perverting the law itself. This law is written in English and some of us have certificates that show that we understand English. Some of us also have ‘A’ in that subject, which means we understand English.

So, the constitution is written in English; we can read it. The judgment is written in English; we can read it. If you say you don’t need a certificate to prove that you are educated, would you use ‘juju’ to prove it? You have to use something to prove it; there has to be some form of evidence, otherwise, my last child can also claim she is more educated than I am. My last daughter who is in primary school can claim that since she doesn’t need to show any evidence. I have a Master’s degree in Engineering from a foreign university; so, I can show you that I am more educated than my daughter; at least, I can show the evidence. But if you say, you don’t need to show a certificate to prove that you are educated, what would you show; is it juju? In the case in question, Buhari has a false certificate which is a criminal offence; quote me. Femi Aribisala, PhD Oxford, has been writing; accusing Buhari of perjury; which is a criminal offence. So, are we now saying that the President

Martin Onovo

did not perjure himself or that perjury is no more a criminal offence? We have to say something that makes sense. When we talk, they say but you are not a lawyer; and that is true; I am not a lawyer, but I am saying that these things are written in English and it has to make sense to us. Because the law cannot be so perverted that it promotes injustice. Now, we also know that INEC did not present any evidence or witness to solidify its pleadings and we know from lawyers who are our friends that, that goes for nothing in law.

The simple principle of law that everybody knows is that ‘if you aver, you prove’; it is the principle of common law. So, you cannot aver without proving, and you prove with documents and witnesses. INEC has zero.

So, while would you uphold such an election? But my quarrel is not that they have upheld the election, our quarrel is that you cannot pervert the law itself; because if you pervert the law itself, you have perverted society; because the foundation of society is built on law. So, we have a great fear, but we have the confident that the Supreme Court will not take this. And let me tell you; if the Supreme Court takes it, we will sing the dirge for Nigeria. That would mean officially instituting anarchy in society. This is clear to us. Buhari himself knows he did not win the election. There are over 10 core incontrovertible evidences that Buhari did not win the election.

And it would have been better if they used a technicality to allow him to stay; instead of trying to change the clear path. If you say Buhari has a certificate, show it; if you say, you don’t have to present your certificate to INEC, but the nomination form says you should present. I have filled that form twice.

Let me tell you; do you know that in 2015, INEC refused to acknowledge my nomination because according to them, my evidence of my age was international passport. INEC insisted that I should go and get an affidavit even when I showed my international passport as evidence of my age.

So, unless they are telling us that there is discrimination between Northern Moslems and Southern Christians; and that since I am a Southern Christian, I must conform to all the rules; when a northern Moslem comes, there’s no rule. This happened between me and INEC. It shows that the discrimination is official. I was discriminated against. INEC refused to acknowledge my nomination in 2015; until I went and brought a sworn affidavit, even though I showed them evidence of my age with my international passport.

Now, Buhari did not attach his certificate, but the law says you should attach your certificate; so, he was not in compliance. Some of us need additional education by the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal on what they really mean; so the certificate you possess

What implications does this have for future elections in the country?

The implication is that might is right. You know where might is right applies? It applies in the jungle which is part of the anarchy we are talking about. What it implies is democracy is dead; because for people like me, until the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal convinces us, they have perverted rule of law; they have prevented truth; they have perverted justice, and they have perverted democracy. We don’t understand – that is why we support the PDP saying they must go to the Supreme Court .We know that internationally there have been corrupt judges. The FBI has a record that many innocent people, over 100, were convicted unjustly by courts in the US; we know that judges are not angels, but it is their role to judge. But don’t forget that justice must be done and must be seen to be done; but in this case we are saying that it does not look like justice was done and we don’t see that justice was done. So, the idea of going to the Supreme Court is perfect. Maybe, the Supreme Court will have better explanation; but no society should tolerate this level of contradictions. To me, we don’t need an election tribunal to prove certain things. If you say I don’t have a certificate, I will provide it. I would write to the Institution I attended (University of

...until the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal convinces us, they have perverted rule of law; they have prevented truth; they have perverted justice, and they have perverted democracy

Ibadan); I would go to the Exams and Records; I will collect a certified photocopy even if they don’t give me another one. We have followed this thing since 2014.

Some people went to Cambridge Assessment; but Cambridge said only Buhari can apply. So, why did he not apply? It is a clear case.

We know that the affidavit Buhari swore to was very false. His witness confirmed that it is false.

His witness, Major-General Tarfa (rtd) said the Army did not collect their certificates, but Buhari swore to an affidavit that the Army collected his certificate. Don’t forget that the military secretariat had previously said that they did not have Buhari’s certificate; now his own witness said the Army did not collect it. So, who do you want to believe? So, it’s an admission.

Now, Lai Mohamed said he lost it.

He is contradicting Buhari. Buhari witness says the Army did not collect it. The Army says we don’t have it. Unless you want me to be God based on the incoherencies, it shows that Buhari has no certificate and it is also clear that he perjured himself. And perjury is a criminal offence. If it is has ceased to be a criminal offence, the Supreme Court needs to let us know so that I can also perjure myself.

I can also move to the Court of Appeal and swore to an affidavit that I am the authentic president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; that I won the election and INEC announced Buhari winner. You cannot just simply create this level of anarchy in society. Order is the first rule in heaven; and you cannot do coup there. God is all-in-all. That is the order in heaven. We cannot have an order in Nigeria with this kind of perversion. So, we support the PDP that claim they want to go to the Supreme Court. We think that is the most patriotic thing to do. This thing needs to be clarified; it must be clarified; it must not be allowed to go like this. This is the seed of the burial of Nigeria.

We mustn’t allow it to germinate.

If the Supreme Court upholds it, then we have our rights and conscience to do what we want to do. We can become citizens of other countries; we can ask for self-determination; there are options. Nobody can become god and rule out our options. So, you don’t need certificate to prove you are educated. My last daughter is more educated than my father, so she doesn’t need any certificate to prove it. What logic is that? Why do we then issue certificates? So, there’s no need to issue certificates. I have never heard this kind of logic; please. If they are techni-

Sunday 15 September 2019

www.businessday.ng

www.facebook.com/businessdayng

@businessDayNG

Politics cally right, they need to convince those of us who are not lawyers that they are right. We have read other judgments before now.

This one stands ordinary logic on its head.

In the last few days, Nigeria has been in a mourning mood over the xenophobic attack in South Africa, in which many Nigerians lost their lives. Last Wednesday, many of them who lived in the country were ferried back to Nigeria. What do you make out of the development?

The first thing is that there is an author who wrote that everything rises and falls on leadership. So, we are not surprised. Since this government came to power, insecurity has been worse; corruption has definitely been worse, not by my opinion but by the opinions of both local and international institutions- UN Department of State, Washington Post; Washington Times, Transparency International; so, it is known, corruption is worse; the economy has completely been ruined, and Obasanjo warned that if we did not stop the ruling party, the destruction would get to a point that it would become extremely difficult to recover. And I think we are already there now; because the country is already in a debts trap. It is very clear; debts trap. You are owing N24 trillion; if you use official exchange rate; that is $80 billion (dollars). You are paying over N2 trillion something in debt servicing; about N2.3 trillion every year to service debt and total National Estimated Federal Revenue is only N5 trillion. So, you are using close to 40 percent of total national revenue to service debt and why the economy has not totally collapsed is that they are borrowing to service those debts. So, you collect N5 trillion in revenue; but you have N9 trillion budget. So, you have borrowed about N3 trillion; and out of the N3 trillion you borrowed you are using N2.3 trillion to service your debt. We are borrowing to service debt. We have to understand this.

They always speak in hyperbole; empirical data does not speak in hyperbole. The data I am quoting is from the website of the Debt Management Office (DMO); go there you will see it. So, there’s no hyperbole here. It’s enough that people do not have the educational sophistication to understand the official number from your budget.

They think it is an act of God; ‘Oh, that’s why we entered poverty because God did not help us’; but God helped us, but we rejected the help of God and chose the evil way and then the consequence of the evil way is with us. Nobody created the world; it is God that created the world and nobody can outsmart God. In fact, how many people are even able to outsmart mosquito, not to talk of outsmarting God? Last week the Federal Government promised to wipe out poverty from the country in the next four years. The cabinet has been constituted and inaugurated; do you see anything pointing to the realisation of this lofty dream?

Please, don’t go further; that’s empty rhetoric. What did they say in 2014? They said there was no subsidy; now they are paying the highest amount of subsidy; they claimed they would create 3 million jobs every year, now they have lost 4 million jobs every year.

So, why are you listening to what they say? Shouldn’t you question your own mental health? If they lied to you the first time, lied to you the second time; lied to you seven times, why do you keep believing them?

Some Nigerian politicians are being declared persona non grata in some countries by the IPOB. You are a politician; are you afraid of travelling abroad?

I am not afraid. Number one, I do not agree with IPOB. Number two, I condemn their attack on anybody. I believe in ‘No to violence’ no matter how bad the situation; because violence only makes problems worse. Violence does not solve any problem. Let us use the case of Ike Ekweremadu – I believe they could have confronted him intellectually and morally. They could have said, ‘what are you saying; you have been Senate President, yet so and so, happened; it shows you are incompetent. They could have converted him morally and intellectually, but going to tear his cloth and beating him is even a crime. You know that IPOB is not apologetic about their unscrupulous behaviours. It shows they are rogues. It is bigotry to say everybody must agree with you and those who do not agree with you, you must attack them physically. And a lot of those people they are attacking, like me, are the very people who are defending the rights of IPOB; we are the people saying nobody should visit violence on IPOB, that IPOB has a right to protest peacefully. So, I suspect that IPOB is working for APC. It is a suspicion. I am not stating it categorically. Don’t forget, Ekweremadu they attack is in the opposition; so, why do they want to hold him responsible for what the government has done? Don’t forget that close to the elections, IPOB said South East people should not vote, so that APC will win? You might be saying controversy, controversy; me, I am an engineer. I use scientific principle to arrive at a conclusion. Anytime you challenge me, I can give you the trend and the facts. When IPOB said South East should not vote knowing that South East is strongly anti-APC; does that not indicate they wanted APC to win there? Look at the implications.

So, I am surprised that IPOB worked for APC. They have never attacked any APC person you have to look at it very well. They can be pretending that they are against the APC but in reality they are for APC; like the ruling party is pretending they are working for Nigeria but in reality they are looting. There’s a lot of deceit. And the new fad in the whole world is deceit. I am just being suspicious because they are doing a lot of things that favour APC, and I can name the things they are doing.

@Businessdayng

BDSUNDAY 19

VoxPop

What’s your take on the xenophobic attack by South Africans?

Eseroghene Ayomah

F

Salisu Lawal Bello- lecturer or me I think history has a way of repeating itself or better put, man has a way of repeating history without learning anything from it. At a time in our history, we all wanted foreigners to leave, which gave rise to the ‘Ghana must go’ call.

However, my take on the xenophobic attack is that it is a failure of government, and the people have been brainwashed to see foreigners as the cause of their problems rather than holding government responsible for its failings.

Joy Lazarus - Business woman If I’m to say about this attack then I guess it is high time our leaders put into action what is best for the country, because if our country is better and free from crisis then I guess those that were attacked won’t be suffering now. It’s not when something bad happens that you will put in some measures, our leaders have failed us big time and it’s our duty to rise up as one to fight against crises because I don’t think the government is ready to help us. How about here in Nigeria, when things are not going smoothly, what has the government done to put things right? No, so I think the xenophobic attack on Africans in South African is to remind our government here in Nigeria that they have failed us and they need to wake up and work.

Bala Blessing - Student When you look at this from other perspectives you will see that karma is already catching up with us, in the sense that in 1983 when Shehu Shagari was the president of Nigeria, there was an Executive Order that was given to immigrants without proper immigration documents to leave the country or they would be arrested according to the law. And most of these immigrants were west Africans and mostly Ghanaians. Ghana also expelled Nigerians from its country. So, when you look at it now, that is what is going on between South Africa and other Africans, especially Nigerians. Well, the act of the South Africans is very barbaric so to say, because we are all Africans and Africans need to be united as one and not to be hostile to one another.

Emenike John- Marketer South Africans have betrayed us; the killing of your people should not be an option to eradicate corruption in their country. They made a terrible mistake in destroying shops belonging to some Africans in their country, especially Nigerians and also killing other Africans. When you look at this you will see that when Nigerians heard about the killing, most of them took actions also to shut down some of their companies in Nigeria, and also most celebrities voiced out their grievances, while some celebrities also vowed not to have anything to do with the South Africans until the government intervenes. The likes of Tiwa Savage, the famous Nigeria artist, Burna Boy, Basket Mouth,

to mention a few, have vowed to boycott South Africa. Shows where cancelled by so many celebrities and it could be seen as a big loss to South Africans because there is no more good relationship between us. We need to stop violence and put hands together to work hard and bring back the spirit of Ubuntu (a quality that includes the essential human virtues; compassion and humanity).

Ayomah Mathais - Student My take on this is that there is no justification to attack and kill anybody or loot their shops. It is a condemnable attack on a fellow human being. But the attacks were exaggerated on social media because violent scenes from elsewhere were tagged “Nigerians and South Africans clash”. The way the Nigerian government acted against the revenge from the Nigerians on South African franchises in Nigerian is commendable. We hope and I hope that this issue would be discussed and resolved with immediate effect.

Obruche Vincent - Librarian Being a Nigerian and the upbringing of my mother I believe that killing of another human being is totally wrong and offensive. My faith tells me that killing of a fellow human being is wrong; whether you are white or black. In regards to this xenophobia attack that is taking place in South Africa I believe that the same fear and hatred is still there and that is what xenophobic stands for, when there is hatred or fear of something that is strange, foreign, something that does not emanate from your own side. But when you take a look at it, there is nothing right in xenophobia in as much as killing is involved. Hating or being scared of someone does not mean that you should end the life of that person, as it is now, we have some South Africans here in Nigeria but we will not be able to identify them because they are mostly blacks like us. When you look at xenophobia and racism, being xenophobic in nature and being a racist is almost the same thing.

The white do not want to see the black because they feel that they are different from them, and if any black man makes any progress it makes the white feel inferior because they will feel that what we are doing they could do it better. So, that fear and hatred have been implanted in their mind. When you have hatred for another person the tendency of eliminating that person is always there. We are the same colour and I don’t see the reason why one black man will want to kill another black man. The South African Authorities must do everything possible to con-

tain this ugly trend. I also think that if there is any illegal activities by immigrants in their country then it should be rightly reported to the relevant authorities and not by taking laws into their hands and that’s exactly what the South Africans are doing right now and it is not supported anywhere in the world for one to take laws into one’s hands. The reason we are enjoying the world we live in today is because everything is being controlled by those who are assigned to control them and not just doing what you feel like.

Felix Nnadozie - Entrepreneur Well, the attack is very barbaric and as we see in the news today, the President is making sure Nigerians in South Africa returns home safely.

But when you look into this, you see that those Nigerians coming home might have no place to stay, no good job as per trying to start their lives afresh in their own country. I think the government should make a good preparation for their coming, like employment, good shelter; those that sustained injuries should be treated immediately. They need to have something tangible to be able to feed their families well without having any regrets in coming back home. We all know that this government is still struggling to provide jobs for the people at home, but the case of our people in South Africa should be treated with speed. The federal government should make sure they are happy; those with educational qualification should also be given good and automatic jobs. Because as we see now, the world is watching to see how the federal government will react and compensate them on their return back to their country.

Peace Daniel - Student I think inferiority complex is the problem in South Africa. Many years ago, we cried for the pain caused on the South Africans but I guess now we are the ones crying for the pain they cause us. South Africans have so soon forgotten the continental love and support they received during their fight against apartheid.

All Africans came together to fight against a system that was put in place to fight against the existence of blacks in South Africa. South Africans should be reminded that the way by which they have chosen to fight their cause will seriously have a negative effect on all the ideals Mandela stood for and fought for. Well...

I thank God as the government is doing its ultimate best in bringing Nigerians back home, but are they prepared to take care of them after they return?

20

www.businessday.ng

www.facebook.com/businessdayng

@businessDayNG

@Businessdayng

Sunday 15 September 2019

Arts ‘If Walls Could Speak’ An exploration into how identity is shaped by the built environment

T

OBINNA EMELIKE here is always a good reason to visit The Wheatbaker. From the well curated food menu, perfect pairing of wine, comfy accommodation options, spa among other offerings, the Ikoyi Lagos-based boutique hotel is worth your visit.

However, the hotel is also an art gallery of sort, going by the many exhibitions it hosts and the exciting works that decorate its walls, corners and available spaces.

Once again, The Wheatbaker is offering its spaces for the display of breathtaking works by another Nigerian artist. The hotel is pleased to present the works of Patrick Akpojotor, one of Nigeria’s most promising emerging artists, for his debut solo exhibition titled ‘If Walls Could Speak’. The exhibition, curated by SMO Contemporary Art, includes 38 oil paintings, pencil sketches, seminal works in wood, and an installation of copper sculptures, which represent the artists’ exploration of our subconscious connections between identity and the built environment.

In light of the sustainable development goals SDGs’ recognition of the important role cities and human settlements play in addressing global challenges of ‘inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable’ spaces for human development Akpojotor explores how architecture and our environment

influence our individual and collective identities. Growing up in the megacity of Lagos, Akpojotor was fascinated by the names of streets and buildings, and started playing with the personification of abandoned buildings, which harbor silent memories of forgotten people and historic

Nigerian writer selected for International Writing Program

T

ade Ipadeola, an awardwinning Nigerian poet, essayist, translator and author of short stories, has been selected to participate in the International Writing Program (IWP) Fall Residency at the University of Iowa, courtesy of the United States Department of State.

From September 1 to November 16, 2019, Ipadeola, the 2013 winner of the Nigeria Prize for Literature, joins 28 other accomplished writers from across the globe in the world’s oldest and largest multinational writing residency.

Over the course of 11 weeks, Ipadeola and the other participants will give readings and lectures that share their work and cultures, collaborate with artists from other genres and art forms, and travel to interact with audiences and literary communities across the United States.

In addition, the residency will provide the writers a oneof-a-kind inter-cultural opportunity to forge productive relationships with colleagues and translators, and take part in the vibrant social and academic life of the University of Iowa as well as the larger American literary scene.

Russell Brooks, public affairs officer, United States Consulate, congratulated the Nigerian writer on his acceptance into the residency

program. According to him, the goal of the IWP Fall Residency is to provide outstanding writers with a platform for cultural exchange and collaboration.

“The International Writing Program Fall Residency is a unique experience for rising

collection, which won the Nigeria Prize for Literature in 2013 and has been translated into Dutch, French, Spanish and Xhosa. In 2009, he won the Delphic Laurel in Poetry for his Yoruba poem Songbird at the Delphic Games in Jeju, South Korea. In 2012, he

Tade Ipadeola

stars and established writers who have achieved literary distinction and have shown interest in contributing to the creative writing culture in their home countries.

“This program will enable Ipadeola to present his works and Nigeria’s literary culture to a wider audience. He will in turn learn more about U.S. society, culture, and the American people,” Brooks said.

Ipadeola has three published works, including; The Sahara Testament, a poetry

translated Paid on Both Sides, the first dramatic work of renowned Anglo-American poet, W.H. Auden, into Yoruba as Lamilami.

To date, 34 Nigerian literary figures have participated in the IWP Fall Residency. Notable among them are Elechi Amadi (1973), Cyprian Ekwensi (1974), Ola Rotimi (1980), Femi Osofisan (1986), Niyi Osundare (1988), Festus Iyayi (1990), Lola Shoneyin (1999), Obari Gomba (2016).

events.

After graduating from the Auchi Polytechnic in Fine Art in 2008, followed by a degree in graphic design from Lagos Polytechnic in 2013, Akpojotor worked for Professor Bruce Onobrakpeya as a studio assistant. In 2016, Akpojotor was deeply disturbed by the

violent ejection of residents of the waterfront slum community of Otodo Gbame in Lekki, where thousands of people were displaced. He channeled his anger and frustration into his paintings and wood sculptures, creating buildings with human features and emotions.

These signature anthropomorphic structures with their cubist geometry, perspective, balance, and form, were his creative response to the realities of mega-city population pressure. His imagined structures and abstract compositions interrogate our sense of rootedness and belonging.

Later that year, Akpojotor won the first Art X Lagos Prize for emerging artists with this important body of work.

“Akpojotor’s works stimulate us to a refreshing experience of the artist’s intuition, childhood, the search of identity, adventure and romance with space,” commented Jerry Buhari, an art critic and Professor of Fine Arts at Ahmadu Bello University. “Watching Patrick grow as an artist over a span of 15 years, I have a sense of fulfillment as a mentor,” added Bruce Onobrakpeya, master artist and a pioneer of Nigeria’s contemporary art scene. “He is very talented,

intelligent, diligent and passionate, and is able to draw inspiration from things around him and from faraway places.”

“These amazing works not only give us an emotional feel of the rich and colorful history of Lagos’ built environment; they also pay homage and immortalize important people, like Dr. Stella Adadevoh, whose timely medical intervention saved Lagos from the spread of the dreaded Ebola disease in 2014,” said Sandra Mbanefo Obiago, the curator of the exhibition.

“Akpojotor’s work captures the heart of traditional, colonial, and contemporary architecture scattered across the Lagos cityscape” concluded Mosun Ogunbanjo, an architect and director of the Wheatbaker. “We are proud to host If Walls Could Speak and use our hotel to promote the best of Nigeria’s creative talent to a growing local and international community of art enthusiasts.”

If Walls Could Speak is supported by Louis Guntrum Wines and will be open to the public from September 16 to November 8, 2019 at The Wheatbaker Hotel, #4 Onitolo Road (Old Lawrence Road) Ikoyi, Lagos.

Nigerian fabrics to open new opportunities for industry players

M

anufacturers of local fabrics and those in the fashion business will soon start smiling to the bank following renewed commitment by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) to reposition the sector.

The NCAC, which has already taken the lead in the promotion of indigenous fabrics, is set to expand the scope by adopting new strategies to empower local fabric producers and fashion designers in the country.

Olusegun Runsewe, director general, NCAC, revealed the development when he received a delegation from Bridge Concepts led by Bimbo Daramola, who is also a congress man.

Speaking during the visit, Bimbo noted that the group was in NCAC office to collaborate with the Council on his idea, “The Fabrics of Nigeria” which will see the elevation of indigenous fabrics to global prominence.

“We intend to bring all the fabrics of Nigeria like adire, Ankara, among others to global limelight just as we also came to commend the DG who has always demonstrated excellence in everywhere he has been starting from National Orientation Agency to the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation and now NCAC”, he said.

He extolled Runsewe for

Olusegun Runsewe

his initiative in using local fabrics for playing golf saying the idea was novel and has gained international traction just as he seized the moment to commend him for taking the fight to characters like Bobrisky who are negating the cultural identity of Nigeria.

The former parliamentarian, who established the Public Relations outfit 22 years ago, recalled that they designed the logo used at the 2003 Common Wealth Heads of Government meeting in Abuja with Runsewe who was responsible for its huge success, especially in publicity.

“The fabrics of Nigeria project seek to get all stakeholders

on board including global players because the industry is a low hanging fruit. Without fabrics and garments, there is no fashion, even President Buhari is a product of the fabrics industry. Nigeria will again stamp its presence in international platforms,” Daramola said.

He concluded by soliciting for the government’s buy-in and NCAC support going forward.

On his part, Runsewe said he had always nursed the idea of popularising Nigerian fabrics as evident in the Adire bags, shoes, backpacks and pouches, which the council currently produces in partnership with local manufacturers.

The DG expressed commitment to the idea proposed by Bridge Concepts recalling his introduction of “Nigeria dress culture” in 2010 using purely made in Nigeria fabrics to encourage the industry and create jobs for Nigerians.

He further assured of his support by creating a workable template that will project the Nigerian dress culture across board saying, “We will start with a joint press briefing where all media personalities in attendance will wear local fabrics. We have already set up NCAC tailoring centres across Nigeria and with this collaboration, we shall achieve three things: build capacity, employ more Nigerians and create wealth,” Runsewe stated.

Sunday 15 September 2019

www.businessday.ng

www.facebook.com/businessdayng

@businessDayNG

21

@Businessdayng

Arts The all-girls Brain Squad and their innovative Handsout

W

OBINNA EMELIKE hile most people who are well-off cruise the highways and streets in their tinted posh cars, and hardly wind down their door glasses to offer alms to beggars (due to insecurity, which they often claim), a group of five girls have innovated a novel way of assisting beggars, street children and those whose parents cannot afford school fees.

Tagged ‘Brain Squad’, the girls, between the ages of 10-11years comprising; Ayomikun Ariyo , Munachiso Chigbo, Jadesola Kassim, Pandora Onyedire and Ivana Mordi are concerned over the increasing number of homeless children begging and hawking on the streets around Lekki in Lagos, which is close to their school, and decided that giving them food and other charitable efforts was not enough.

They felt that behind the peering eyes, there are children withexceptionalgiftsfromGod who were waiting for opportunities to reveal their unique greatness, which hardly come.

Also adding to their sadness was the story of the school building, which collapsed at Itafaji in Lagos Island, where over 10 school children lost their lives.

Ataspecialassemblyintheir school where prayers were offered for the safety of children, the girls who were all grade six

The SBS Brain Squard team at the Technovation Challenge

students of Standard Bearers School Lagos, observed a lot of baffling looks as their fellow students could not understand how children were schooling in an unsafe building. They also heard of the story of seven year-oldSuccessAdegor,which went viral. Success was sent home from school because her fees were not paid.

With all these in mind, the five girls invented an app, which they called Handsout and entereditintothe2019Technovation Competition; a global challenge for young girls, with the hope of getting help to realise the purposeof creating theapp.

Handsout allows people all over the world to easily donate to Nigerian children and their families to help them pay for school fees, stationeries, and

medication.

Theapphelpslessprivileged children to go to school and it was inspired by the success story of Success Adegor, who now enjoys free education and donations from the public after the story of the inability of her parents to pay her school fees went viral couple of months ago.

It was also inspired by the tragic school building collapse at Itafaji Lagos early this year.

With the fundraising app, the Brain Squad won the Lagos Regional Pitch in the junior category of the 2019 Technovation Competition at the Lagos Business School in May. In June, the squad went ahead to win the national category and the finalist to represent Africa in the finals in Santa

Clara, California.

Aswell,theywereinCalifornia last August where (though they did not win the gold), they emerged winners of the People’s Choice award, losing out to teams from India and Cambodia in the junior division.

The victory showed an impressive outing for Brain Squad considering the fact that this year’s global Technovation competition featured more than 19,000 teenage girls who came with innovative ideas to win as well.

Of course, Brain Squad girls were looking to follow in the footsteps of last year’s surprise winners, Team Save-a-Soul; another Nigerian side that saw off competition from teams from around the world on their way toclaimingthegoldintheglobal

competition for young girls.

As expected, the team got a heroic reception when they returned to Nigeria.

Speaking at a reception held in their honour in Lagos, Munachimso Chigbo said participating in the competition has widened their knowledge in the area of ICT. “It was an interesting experience for all of us; they also introduced Artificial Intelligence (AI) to us and how to use it to solve problems.

We went to Uber where they explained to us the platforms they use in their operations, whileGoogletookustoGoogle Ventures where we had our practice pitch. All the contestants, both senior and junior category, where to meet the judges; it was an opportunity for them to give us info about our pitch and what they feel we should add to it”, she said.

On her part, Ayomikun Ariyo, another member of the Brain Squad, said, “I learnt a lot of things at Technovation. I feel Technovation has shown us that we are able to code; we did not know what we know now. I am sure coding will impact our lives as we grow older and I say thank you to our mentors, our parents and everyone for the support they have given us”.

For Modupe Adeyinka-Oni, proprietor, Standard Bearers School, participating in the competition was an induction for the girls into the Technovation Academy. “They have over 17,000 of them right now around the world. This is a platform that allows them to reach out for mentorship anytime; it

also allows them to write their CVs and put Technovation 2019 finalist on it. What that would do for them is to take their application from bottom to the top of the pile. In America, Technovation is a big deal.

Around the world, it is something people are just getting to know. Once you take part in the contest, you do not even need to get to finals, it opens doors for you,” she said.

According to Oni, the curriculum of Technovation takes them from being able to find a solution and ideate all the way to solving the problem.

The proprietor informed that the commitment right now is to bring what these girls received at Technovation back home. “Technovation will always be there and we will always participate, but not everybody will make to the United States. So, I am asking corporate bodies to think what they can do; it does not have to be Technovation girls. We have boys and girls in Nigeria that need to be empowered, that need to be shown a different way. Right now, we have a lot of children growing and waiting for mummy and daddy to continue to help them. But what Technovation shows is that from a young age of 10 to 11, start giving solutions to the world’s problems.”

Well, the girls’ dream is to see many concerned citizens take advantage of the app to offerstreetchildrenandtheless privileged opportunity to good life, starting with paying their school fee.

Rémy Martin XO reveals brand’s opulence Kasanova thrills audience at Filmhouse Cinema premiere émy Martin, a global name in the Cognac in-

R

dustry and a member of the Comite Colbert, a French Association of Luxury Businesses, recently hosted an exclusive Rémy Martin XO Opulence Revealed experience in Lagos for Nigerian dignitaries.

Leading the interactive event was Stephen Jimba, Nigerian Rémy Martin XO Brand Ambassador. Jimba took guests on a quintessential sensory journey through their memories; memories evoked by the special tasting notes of XO. Uti Nwachukwu, the famous Big Brother Africa Season 5 winner, along with other celebrities joined Jimba at the XO Centaur Lounge, an exclusive membership club in Lagos for the exclusive experience.

Upon entering guests were introduced to the finer tasting notes of XO via a beautifully curated table covered in the flowers, spices and foods.

Designed to stimulate the senses, the Opulence Revealed experience allowed guests to discover a deeper understanding and appreciation of the finer points of Rémy Martin XO cognac through an exploration of textures, flavours and aromas.

O

The tasting brings to life the intrinsic story of Rémy Martin and XO in an immersive experience through an opulent spread of flavours and delicacies. Guests were treated to a magnificent table revealing the many layers of the XO flavour profile. Decadent chocolate truffles,Parmesancheese,dried apricotsandfigs,pistachiocake, walnuts, spices and fruits, as well as, an array of Jasmine, Iris and Rose flowers. Guests were encouraged to sample and taste these aromas throughout the session.

According to Jimba, “The Rémy Martin XO Opulence Revealed tasting is an exceptional invitation to reveal your innertalentsofappreciatingthe variety of flavours and richness of aromas discovered in a glass

of Rémy Martin XO”.

Nwachukwu enthused; “I am a lover of the Rémy Martin brand over the years, but this experience has definitely increased my love for the brand as I can feel my taste senses come alive beyond imagination”.

Xavier Carbonel, Rémy Cointreau country manager Nigeria, says, “At Rémy Martin wedistilonlysuperior,premium cognac that gives your taste buds the unrivalled experience from the past through to the present. This is the history that keeps Rémy Martin on top.

We look forward to sharing this opulent Rémy Martin XO experience with many more guests who share the same appreciation for excellence in Nigeria”.

n September 11, 2019, movie lovers and cinema goers thronged Filmhouse Cinema in Surulere for the premiere of Kasanova, a thrilling romantic comedy movie (romcom), which is set to impact the box office.

The star-studded event with appearances from AY, Ireti Doyle, Wale Ojo, Ifan Michaels, among others began with the guests all glammed for the red carpet, followed by various interviews to give insights on the movie, their expectations on the film and on what the night held. Executively produced by Faith Ojo, the movie was packed with some of the favourite acts such as Toyin Abrahams, Ayo Mkaun, Odunlade Adekola, Ruby Akubueze, Abayom Alvi, and Ayo Mogaji.

Speaking at the premiere, Eddy Young, the producer, expressed his excitement saying, “Well, I was a little nervous at the start but at the end it was an amazing experience. Screening the film with over 135 guests for the first time and the

reviews has given us confidence in showing it to the world“.

Kasaonva the movie, which opened in cinemas from September 13, 2019, features an impressive cast, with Wale Ojo and Ireti Doyle as passionate leads in a whirlwind love affair that filled the theater with laughter. The exquisite blend of comedy and romance in the movie is intriguing amid thunderous applauses from viewers at the Filmhouse Cinema.

The love comedy; one of the first features between FilmOne and Fojo Studios, presents a tale directed to capture the possibilities of

old love whilst shedding light on the ups and downs of parental care. This new addition to the movie scene is one that is capable of making movie-goers weep tears of joy.

The movie reflects on the classic tale of a suave Kasanova played by Wale Ojo falling head over heels in love with a proud independent woman, Ireti Doyle.

The movie boasts of an impressive cast with Helen Paul, Abayomi Alvin, Ruby Akubueze, Ayo Mogaji and Bayray Mcwinzu serving as strong supporting roles weaved intricately into this production to mirror the realities of society.

22 BDSUNDAY

www.businessday.ng

www.facebook.com/businessdayng

@businessDayNG

@Businessdayng

Sunday 15 September 2019

Interview How Nigerian investors can benefit from ‘Expo 2020’ in UAE – Envoy The Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Nigeria, Fahad Al Taffaq, says Nigerian investors can explore the investment potentials that will be available in the forthcoming ‘Dubai Expo 2020’ business and investment exposition in his country if they put their acts together as the event will attract about 25 million people from all over the world. He spoke with INNOCENT ODOH. Excerpts: What is the current level of bilateral relations between Nigeria and the UAE in terms of the volume of trade and investment? asically, when we look at the bilateral relations between UAE and Nigeria, it is a relationship built upon mutual respect, it is also built upon a very strong political will between our leaders, wise leadership of the UAE and Nigeria especially looking at the bilateral visits that we had. The recent one was when President Muhammadu Buhari visited the UAE first in January 2016 on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week and we signed a number of agreements and legal documents to fortify the relationship and also boost the dimensions of the relationship especially the ones relating to economy and trade development.

The second visit was in April 2019, where President Buhari was the guest of honour of the annual investment meeting in Dubai and he delivered the opening key remarks of the forum and in attendance was more than 6 to 7 thousand people from all across the world. We witnessed also a good participation from some of the states in Nigeria; several governors were in that function as well.

At the summit, President Buhari also met with some of the key businessmen in Abu Dhabi and Dubai and the UAE, where he discussed the potentials of doing business in Nigeria especially on the trade and investments fronts. The outcome of these meetings and discussions were very fruitful and very promising and I hope that very soon we will see a boost in the trade which has been increasing.

If we look at figures of non-oil bilateral trade and compare it yearon- year between 2017 and 2018, the bilateral trade increased from $1.2 billion in 2017 to $1.5 billion in 2018 and this truly translates the proximity of doing business and ease of doing business in the UAE. We have also witnessed several visits from entities in the UAE either private or semi-government or even government led delegations.

Notably earlier this year, we had the Dubai Tourism Road show, which started off in Abuja and there was a function with a lot of travel agents, hotels and all the stakeholders of the tourism industry in Nigeria to discuss the cooperation on potentials between the UAE and Nigeria.

They then moved to Port Harcourt and Lagos and had similar discussions with stakeholders in those cities.

We also had the Dubai –Nigeria Trade mission back in December 2018, with more than 150 Nigerian companies that participated in that event in Lagos. We also had 22 companies from Dubai from various sectors ranging from steel, manufacturing to food processing.

Some tourism companies, mining companies as well as technology and pharmaceuticals were part of that trade mission, which was organised by Dubai Exports in Dubai.

We have also witnessed co-

B

Fahad Al Taffaq operation in the health sector between the UAE and Nigeria. We had the Dubai Health Authority that visited Lagos last year to participate in the Dubai-Africa Partnership for better health road show and those participants from the UAE were 14 health care exhibitors, who participated and engaged into discussion with their counterparts in Nigeria to try to find business opportunities where they can bring value to each other. We have several bilateral visits planned for the rest of this year and early next year and I think the future looks very promising and we hope that more and more cooperation happens between both nations because this truly translates the political will of the visionary leadership of these friendly nations.

We have also engaged in bilateral relations with Nigeria on the humanitarian front. As you may know, the UAE is the largest aid donor in the world for the fifth consecutive year as we spend $1.3 billion of our Gross National Income (GNI) on foreign development.

We donated more than $5 billion to 147 countries. Almost $1.4 billion went to African countries. Talking specifically about Nigeria, we have engaged in several initiatives over the past few years most notably the ones related to providing medical equipment, and we also provide some Ramadan programs, impacting the lives of more than 16, 000 people in various under-privileged communities in Nigeria. We have also engaged in several vocational training programmes especially for disadvantaged women, widows and IDPs. We are planning several other humanitarian response programmes in the future which will be announced in due time.

Again, the bilateral relation is very rich on several fronts. If you look at the connectivity between UAE and Nigeria, we have just recently witnessed a new Nigerian airline (Air Peace) flying to Dubai from Lagos. This truly marks an excellent step forward in terms of connectivity. We have Emirates Airlines flying to Lagos and Abuja and we have Etihad airways also

flying to Lagos. So the total weekly direct flights from the UAE to Nigeria, including Air Peace are 31 flights and we are open to other airlines which would like to operate in the UAE. We have provided all the necessary support for them to start operating. Even if they want to increase, the market is open, the business is open and the UAE will always be a partner for prosperity with Nigeria.

As you may also be aware, Nigeria has confirmed its participation in one of our iconic events taking place next year, which is ‘Dubai Expo 2020’ and the UAE Embassy in Abuja in coordination with the Nigerian Embassy in Abu Dhabi are working very hard on the specifics of Nigerian participation. I think the Expo will provide businesses in Nigeria the opportunities to explore new markets, to identify investment opportunities not only with the UAE but with the whole world which will be in Dubai.

We anticipate more than 25 million visitors to Expo 2020 and this gives you an idea of how huge the potential is of showcasing the Nigerian brand to 25 million people.

It is a great opportunity and we are in good progress especially working with our friends here in Nigeria and their participation. I think the progress is good from the Nigerian side and I hope that this will again boost the bilateral relation and also fortify the economic and trade initiatives and projects between both countries.

According to the Financial Times, UAE was the second top investing country in Africa by value capital investment in 2016, accounting for $11 billion of Capital Expenditure, giving it a 12 per cent market share. Has this improved in the last three years and how much of this investment is being made in Nigeria?

Basically when we look at investment between UAE and Africa especially with Nigeria, we are actively partnering with several entities in Nigeria to invest in the areas of infrastructure, in power relation,

in food packaging. We have huge interest to invest in HealthCare.

Early this year, we signed a memorandum of understanding between Noor Dubai and Katsina State government under the patronage the office of Nigeria’s First Lady Aisha Buhari, and we also have key ongoing discussion in oil and gas, power, infrastructure and I hope that these provide a good base for future investment in Nigeria.

Of course, the UAE has invested in education in Nigeria. We have the Skyline University in Kano, which is a UAE based University, which has opened a satellite campus in Kano city and this is only the beginning. I believe that the potential is much higher and beyond what we have already done. There is always more that can be done between the UAE and Nigeria. Today the UAE is a fine destination for investment especially for our friends in Nigeria.

The UAE ranks very highly, it is the first country in the Middle East in the world’s Competiveness Index and also first globally on the Global Efficiency such as productivity and transformation as published

by IMD. We have also jumped ten places in the Worlds Bank’s ease of doing business, ranking among the top countries in that index as well. As at 2016, we had more than $120 million worth of investment in the UAE by Nigerians and have a good number of registered trademarks in the UAE especially Nigerian trademarks and I hope that the investment improves over the next few years. I think the discussion that President Buhari had in April with some of our top investing companies will hopefully soon translate into physical investment in Nigeria in the areas of food processing, retail, infrastructure, real estate as well oil and gas, power and utilities.

What we have done already is commendable and I hope that we can continue working together in the area of investment between UAE and Nigeria.

Sometime last year, the UAE signified interests in Nigeria’s business environment to promote their investment. This followed discussions between the First Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, Ibrahim Mahmoud Al Mahmoud and Ambassador of Nigeria to the UAE, Mohammed Dansanta Rimi. How far have both countries gone with this?

We have made very positive strides forward. This discussion is one among many that we had through various diplomatic channels or directly through business to business and this goes back to my first response about the bilateral visits, which are the best answer to this discussion. Of course through our diplomatic efforts in the host nation, either myself or my colleague, Ambassador Rimi, we always worked towards having a flourishing economic relationship and I am happy that those discussions have translated into several trade missions to Nigeria and several

other private business to business meetings happening either in Dubai or in Nigeria, some of which have already translated into an actual investment.

For example, when we had the delegation from Dubai Export in December 2018, immediately after that one of the food processing companies has partnered with the Nigerian company in Lagos and they have opened a regional office in Lagos three months ago and they are now building capacity into that investment. They are trying to also move forward in that business in partnership with their colleagues in Nigeria. So this is one of such outcomes of our discussion and efforts to increase the bilateral trade and investment flows between the UAE and Nigeria.

The ultimate outcome of our effort is to translate our discussion with several entities in both the UAE and Nigeria to actual visits so we make sure that the communication channel between the businesses is established so that they can come together and discuss value adding ventures and we are glad that many of these discussions have already led to positive ventures.

In December last year at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, you called for the establishment of the right legislative infrastructure by defining the investment protection and promotion agreement to reduce stress among investors from both countries. So far, has there been any legislative infrastructure?

As I mentioned earlier, in 2016 we signed several legal documents, two of them were about establishing an economic legal infrastructure between both countries. One of the agreements was the avoidance of double taxation on income and the other one is the investments protection and promotion agreement. They were signed in 2016 and the UAE has ratified these agreements a year after that, and we are still waiting for the Nigerian side to ratify these two agreements. We have been in good discussions with our colleagues in Nigeria especially in the lines of trade, investment and foreign affairs to expedite the ratification from the Nigerian side which is still pending till date. These two agreements are considered the true enablers for businesses to start investing and to start also partnering with other companies in the other nations.

The importance of these agreements is very crucial and many of these companies will base their due diligence on the existence of such a legal framework before even engaging into a discussion with businesses from other countries.

We are still anticipating the ratification of these agreements by Nigeria to encourage and promote more investments and also trade between both nations. Of course there are several other legal frameworks that we can build upon more and more cooperation in terms of legislative economic agreements.

Sunday 15 September 2019

www.businessday.ng

www.facebook.com/businessdayng

@businessDayNG

@Businessdayng

BDSUNDAY 23

Interview ‘Attacking South Africa’s business interest in Nigeria is counterproductive’

Udom Ekpoudom is a retired deputy inspector general of police who had served as commissioner of police in many states of the federation. In this interview with ANIEFIOK UDONQUAK, he spoke on steps that should be taken to end the xenophobic attacks in South Africa, the recent appointment of board members of the Niger Delta Development Commission and how the nation’s security challenge could be solved. Excerpts: The spate of attacks against Nigerians in South Africa is unprecedented and worrisome, if not checked; it might strain the cordial and bilateral relationships between the two African countries. How would you react to this? t is very sad that South Africans would go to the extent of killing other Africans and Nigerians in particular. It is sad in the sense that as a young undergraduate of Political Science, I studied apartheid policy in details and I concluded that the obnoxious system of government may not be stopped in South Africa, because the white minority had everything—the economy, the military and so on. My thinking was how would the black majority overthrow the powerful and ruthless minority white, who were well equipped? But Nigeria took the risk and fought doggedly and at the end, the apartheid system crumbled and they were set free. As they say, one good turn deserves another. Nigeria spent money and lives to ensure the freedom our black South Africans are now enjoying. I would not expect them to pay us back in bad coins. Therefore, I am not happy about the turn of events in that country. But, I have to say this also, from the information coming out from South Africa; most of our people there are not behaving well. Many of them are taking part in crimes. I would like to advise our brothers and sisters in South Africa to be law abiding and desist from criminal activities even as I would also call on the South Africans to keep the peace and stop the xenophobic attacks on other black Africans, especially Nigerians.

not think it should degenerate to that level. The biggest problem we have now in Nigeria is unemployment. You see young graduates roaming about without jobs. So, closing down the South African interests is not the best thing to do. To this end, I am appealing to Nigerians to be more patient and wait, and see what the governments of Nigeria and South Africa would do and the outcome of their engagements. They should not react the way they are reacting. I believe the Federal Government would make the best decision in the on-going dialogue.

What do you think the Federal Government should do to check the xenophobic attacks?

I am happy with what the Federal Government has done. The steps the President has taken are highly commendable. South Africa is one of the countries in Africa and you cannot wage a war against it because of these attacks. War is not an option.

There is a diplomatic talks going on at that level and the Federal Government has voiced its displeasure over the attacks. The President also sent emissary to South Africa to let the government know that he is not happy with the ill treatment meted out to our nationals. The reprisal attacks against some South African interests in Nigeria are not the way to go because Nigerians are the ones working in those establishments. I do

The level of insecurity including kidnapping is alarming.

As a retired DIG, what do you think the Federal Government should do to stem this ugly tide?

I have been observing the crime trend in Nigeria. But, let me start by saying that there is no country in the world that is crime-free. Even the so-called developed countries are not immune to violent crimes. They even have high profile crimes.

The Federal Government is trying its best to curtail the excesses of these bandits. The Police and the Military are doing their best to checkmate the situation. The government has not folded its arms and allowed a free reign by the bandits, no.

The government is working. We are even lucky that Boko Haram has been pushed to the periph-

would be apprehended. But, today, we have people being taken from one state to other, and when they get there, they float. They cannot find their bearing. They do not understand the local language. Therefore, we need localised policing.

I

Manish Rohtagi

ery. If they were coming as they did before 2015, may be, this our state would be under Boko Haram. Before this administration came, most local government areas in Borno State were under Boko Haram. Now, it is not like that. They are using hit and run tactics now. Do not forget that before now, they had come to Force Headquarters in Abuja and killed some Policemen and injured others, even the UN office in Abuja was under attack and so on. But right now, all these attacks in the major cities have been curtailed. So, I expect the governors to do more and so, I am advocating for community policing.

Are you therefore, in support of State Police?

I am not in support of State Police, but rather community policing. It would be difficult to have effective State Police because of what the governors are doing now. They would use the State Police to get at their opponents. We can have community policing without having State Police.

How do you mean?

This implies that police officers will be recruited to work in their localities. For instance, if an Uyo person is recruited to work in Uyo, he or she knows the terrain and the local language and would be able to interact adequately with the locals on any crime issue and the criminals

Do we need to amend the Constitution to accommodate State Police?

From my experience in politics, the governors would use the State Police against their perceived political enemies. I would have called for the review of the Constitution if I was keen about State Police, but the community policing can be done without the review of the Constitution.

Therefore, it is not workable to centralize crime fighting in Abuja. We have six geopolitical zone in Nigeria and the DIGs are the ones taking care of these zones.

There are matters the DIGs can handle and such matters stop there, but now everything is being sent to Abuja. It makes the place congested and the IG cannot do everything. And if we decentralise the centre and we establish community policing, the crime wave in the country would be cut down drastically.

I cannot say the crime rates would be completely eliminated because no society is crime free.

What actually is the main challenge facing the Police?

The problem of the Police is that they do not have enough manpower and adequately equipped. The state governments have done series of mistakes when it comes to security.

And it did not start today. There are some states that I worked and the governors said, no, the Police are not under us. But, internal security is primarily the duties of the state governors.

That is why they have security votes. You cannot say you are a governor when your state is on fire and you refuse to extinguish it. I remember, when I was in Ogun State, the then governor, Segun Osoba gave me brand new vehicles and other gadgets, that I used in fighting the bad boys. James Ibori of Delta State too purchased new equipment, vehicles for the Police. And that encouraged me so much. So, I want to appeal to the State governors not to wait for the federal government. Let them help the security agencies to succeed, so that they can have peace in their various states.

President Buhari recently constituted the board of the NDDC, appointed former Gov-

ernor Goodwill Akpabio as minister in charge of Ministry of Niger Delta affairs and others for the region. What is your perspective on this?

Many Nigerians underrate the President because he does not talk much. As a military or security man, you do not talk too much. You see the politicians talking from both sides of the mouths. And because he doesn’t talk too much, they underrate him. The man is very intelligent. And I like his style of governance. Coming to Niger Delta issue, for him to have posted somebody like Senator Godswill Akpabio to the Ministry of Niger Delta affairs shows that the man loves the region and wants her problems to be solved. Why? It is only blind would not see what Senator Akpabio did for Akwa Ibom State. This state was a backwater but Akpabio turned things around and put the state on the pedestal of development. He transformed the state. Look at the infrastructure development in the state. We believe that he would replicate what he did in the state in the Niger Delta.

Festus Keyamo is a patriot and in the next few years, we are going to see massive development of infrastructure in the region.

So, the appointments are well made. I would advise the Ministers to continue to dialogue with the youths of the Niger Delta and they would make considerable progress.

On the NDDC appointments, the governors’ angst against it is laughable. They should not take the President for a ride.

They should concentrate in their states and do their own appointments the way they like and the President is not interfering.

How would you assess the performance of Governor Udom Emmanuel?

I want to commend the state government on the recent closure of illegal schools. I have to commend it despite the fact that I am in the opposition party.

One, if you do not give the children the proper foundation when they grow up, they would become problem for the state by engaging in anti- social vices.

Many schools in this state cannot be classified as schools because of poor and inadequate facilities and learning environment and they continue to impart wrong information to our kids. So, I commend the state government for closing these illegal schools. I hope the ones that are operating would continue to maintain the standard.

24 BDSUNDAY

www.businessday.ng

www.facebook.com/businessdayng

@businessDayNG

@Businessdayng

Sunday 15 September 2019

ExecutiveBookshelf With Chido Nwakanma • Reviews • News • Interview • List

Winning with the 4Ps of journalism Olusegun Osoba (2018) Battlelines: Adventures in Journalism and Politics.

Lagos/Ibadan: Diamond Publications Ltd and Safari Books Limited

R

eporting is at the heart of journalism.

H o w e v e r, many seniors in the business are reluctant to identify as reporters because it also features at the entry-level of the profession. Not Olusegun Osoba , former Governor, former Editor of Daily Times at its apogee, General Manager of The Herald Newspapers in Ilorin and distinguished reporter.

Osoba starts his longawaited autobiography with a testamentary declaration. “Reporting is my life. For me to be called a reporter is the greatest accolade. Reporting is the soul of journalism. To report is to be the eyes and ears, the nose and voice of a news organisation. It is to bear witness.”

Battlelines: Adventures in Journalism bears witness to Osoba’s life and exploits. It is a manifesto for journalism. Fittingly, it describes his world of the four Ps with journalism at its centre: people, press, politics and places.

Osoba deploys the inverted pyramid in arranging and presenting his story. The book starts with the highpoint of his “Close

My book world

Tony Onyima

I

am writing a book on media management to fill the gap 1 What are you reading currently?

I am currently reading two books – Michelle Obama’s Becoming and Prof Sylvanus Ekwelie’s A Story of Our Times.

2. What informs your choice of a book to read?

encounters with death” as planned by the Abacha Gang featuring Barnabas Mshelia a.k.a Captain Rogers. The inverted pyramid is a journalistic convention that emphasises playing up the most important facts first followed by other elements of the story to attract and hold the attention of the reader. Chapter 1 is a racy account of how Osoba survived the deadly ambush, by sheer grace, at other times by personal action or that of close relations.

Ch a p t e r 4 , “ G o o d Times, Bad Times at the Daily Times” deals with the 1975 implosion. The promotion on July 31, 1975 of Mr Segun Osoba from deputy editor to substantive editor of Daily Times led to a rebellion that culminated in the military takeover of the paper. Daily Times was the dominant newspaper in Nigeria and one of the foremost in Africa. Chairman Alhaji Babatunde Jose was a lord of the manor.

He controlled and grew Daily Times of Nigeria into a media empire. Areoye Oyebola was editor on July 29 when a military coup happened. He reported late to the office, and later went away with the rest of

the editorial team because of the curfew the military imposed.

Osoba rode his scooter to the office with Jose joining him. He went home to clean up, then engaged contacts with his phone.

Background and strength of character of the author, subject matter and writing style are what inform my choice of books.

3. Which books would you rate as the Top 5 in your reading experience? a. Things Fall Apart – Chinua Achebe b. Kane and Abel – Jeffrey Archer c. The West and the Rest of Us - Chinweizu d. Exodus: How Migration is Changing Our World – Paul Collier e. The New Scramble for Africa – Padraig Carmody 4. What books would you return to again and again?

Things Fall Apart and Kane and Abel 5. Which books would you consider essential or critical in your profession or line of business?

Any good book on elements and style of writing.

6. Please suggest five es-

sential books in your field and five general interest books that are must-reads for young people.

Five Essential books on media/journalism: a. Good Times, Bad Times

by Harold Evans, editor of The Times of London for many years b. All the President’s Men

by Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, the Watergate duo. c. The Economist Style Guide d. Battlelines: My Adventures in Journalism and Politics by Segun Osoba e. Strategic Management in the Media by Lucy Kung Five essential general interest books for young people: a. Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story by Ben Carson b. 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene c. You Must Set Forth at Dawn by Wole Soyinka d. There was a Country by

There were scoops. He could not reach his editor as telephone lines were down but drove through the security cordon to the home of the Chairman who came back to the office with him to produce

the paper with its many exclusives.

Jose appointed Segun Osoba editor two days later. Other staff who felt entitled to the position or felt an injustice had been done to Areoye Oyebola revolted. They then petitioned the military overlords who were themselves eager to clip the Chairman of the most prominent and most influential medium. The military did so the following year.

Osoba’s first-person account looking back many years clarifies the misunderstanding of the succession pattern that his promotion supposedly altered, narrates the actual sequence of events and defends his record. To his credit, the narrative here checks out with his earlier recounting of the events in publications such as Richard Ikiebe (ed) (2015), Nigerian Media Leaders: Voices Beyond the Newsroom, Vol One. Battlelines is recommended reading for journalism majors, persons interested in politics, public affairs and leadership.

Osoba was Editor, Lagos Weekend (1968), Editor, Daily Times, General Manager, Nigerian Herald

(1976-1978), Managing Director, Sketch (19791983), Managing Director, Daily Times (1984-1989) and Governor, Ogun State (1999-2003).

Osoba was one of the most educated journalists of his day benefitting from various courses. They include that by the International Press Institute that gave birth to the department of mass communication, University of Lagos, the Commonwealth Press Union course at Fleet Street, London, the School of Journalism at Indiana University, Bloomington and the Nieman Fellowship at Harvard University.

The book unfolds some of the secrets of his stellar career. They include investing in himself and the business (he was the only reporter in Lagos with a personal phone line in 1975), willingness to go the extra mile, networking ability, and taking responsibility.

Battlelines runs through 19 chapters in three parts, a prologue and an epilogue.

Part One covers his journalism journey, part two the political trajectory and part three his thoughts and experiences in resource management and leadership.

Chinua Achebe e. Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki 7. Do you prefer hard copy or digital texts?

I prefer a hard copy.

8. What are the significant differences and appeal of each in your view?

I am a bit conservative.

The feel of a book appeals to me more than a soft copy.

There is this satisfying feeling you get when you read and mark on hard copy. Unlike soft, hard copy is better stored. I have lost some digital copies of some books whenever I have a hitch with my appliances. You can say I’m old-fashioned.

9. Any preference between fiction and non-fiction?

I love both. Fiction excites your imagination and tasks your creativity. Non-fiction teaches essential life lessons.

10. Who are your all-time favourite authors?

Prof. Chinua Achebe and

Toni Morrison 11. Do you do audiobooks? What are your thoughts on audiobooks?

I don’t do audiobooks. I consider them very intrusive.

12. Any preference between Nigerian or foreign authors in your choice of books? Which ones predominate in your library and why?

I have a mixed bag of Nigerian, African and foreign authors in my library.

13. Do you share the notion that Nigerians do not read? What informs your response either way?

It is too generalising to assert that Nigerians do not read. But one can say that many of the younger generations do not read as a result of the effect of social media.

And the other age who read seem to learn nothing from their readings.

14. Any thoughts on reading generally and what it contributes to readers?

For me, reading is life. It is exhilarating, informing and “reading maketh a man”.

Reading drives civilisation particularly in this knowledge economy.

15. Do you plan to transit from a reader to a writer? When should we expect to read your works?

Yes. I recently discovered to my dismay that there is a shortage of homegrown books on media management. Given my background in media practice and management, I have resolved to write a book on media management in Nigeria. I have started the research, and hopefully it may be ready on my next birthday.

Chief Tony Onyima is a media management expert with over 30 years’ experience in communication. He was Commissioner for Information in Anambra State and Managing Director of The Sun Newspapers.

Sunday 15 September 2019

www.businessday.ng

www.facebook.com/businessdayng

@businessDayNG

@Businessdayng

BDSUNDAY 25

Life&Living Why there’s no gender division in homemaking

H

Jumoke Akiyode-Lawanson omemaking is defined in the English dictionary as the creation and management of a home, especially as a pleasant place in which to live. So who says homemaking is the job of a woman?

Culture, society and maybe religion has lead us to think for longest time that the role of a wife, mother or woman is to care for the home while the man should have no business in the making and management of the home. It is somewhere in our subconscious that a woman’s place is in the kitchen. Everything around us reminds us that it’s the woman’s duty to cook, clean and care for the home. Even cook books, home management magazines and housekeeping journals are published with pictures of women in apron’s or brooms of the cover page.

The role of a man, as we were taught was to be the provider.

Traditionally, a husband or man of the house was expected to make sure that he provides for the family to be cared for as the head of the home.

Today, however, the world has evolved and traditional roles have been swapped in many households where the woman has become the provider and the man cares for the home and children as the house husband.

There goes the equality in humanity that women have always fought for.

“Today’s mum is everything encompassed; she wears the cap of a home maker and also a working /career woman. It is very unfair to seclude a woman’s role

to solely being a home maker, as a I know a lot of women today who provide for their families, raise their children and work hard in their businesses or work place,” Tolu Oyebamiji, a female top management staff at a reputable company told BusinessDay. According to ‘Focus on the Family’, an online lifestyle magazine, homemaking happens when we fully understand the value of home in our lives. Homemaking happens when we intentionally make home a safe house, a trauma unit, a pep rally, a playground, a school and more.

Somebody has to have the time

and energy to bring those roles alive in a family’s life. Somebody has to make a house a home.

Homemaking is majoring in family relationships. Therefore, it is only right to say that homemaking is the duty of the whole family including both parents.

Although there is a stigma in the society, most modern women find peace when they stop aiming toward what society expects from them, and instead, simply act on what the desire for their lives. The internet is also making it easier to work and rear children at the same time, so working from home while

caring for the children may also be an option for both men and women.

A lot of Nigerian men say they cannot marry a woman who cannot cook, clean and care for the home and children, but what if reverse was the case? What if women say they can only marry men who can change baby diapers?

“Of course all women will want their husbands to provide for the family which is traditionally his role but that doesn’t happen as often as we would want it to. The income of most Nigerian men is barely enough

to cater for the family and that is why women also have to work to contribute to the upkeep of the family. Hence, roles should be shared, there is no one size fits all for all families,” Chidinma Obi, a business women told BDSunday.

Choosing what is best for your unique circumstances, whatever society says; is the difficult but wiser path where this decision as to who is the homemaker and who is the provider or whether to be both is concerned. And sometimes it’s not just general society, but a friend, parent, boyfriend or spouse who is pressuring you in one direction or another.

What actually happens in your body when you cry

W

IFEOMA OKEKE h e t h e r i t ’s t h e feeling of joy that triggers those tears or saying ‘bye’ to your best friend who lives abroad for another year, or feeling bad over a situation.

What is it that causes tears to be triggered?

From the specific brain activity involved, to the theories around why we release salty water from our eyeballs in times of heightened emotion, here’s your expert guide to all things weeping.

Humans. What a bunch of softies. ‘When you look at the evolution of crying, what we share with other mammals is a distress call to convey a need for comfort,’ explains Ad Vingerhoets, psychology professor affiliated with Tilburg University in the Netherlands, and an

authority on weeping.

‘But we differ from other mammals in that we produce tears, and in that this behaviour isn’t limited to infancy – we humans continue to cry throughout our lives.

What’s the point of happy tears?

While some theorists doubt the existence of tears of joy, they’ve obviously never watched their BFF say ‘I do’. One theory posited by Yale researchers is that happy tears are the body’s way of restoring emotional equilibrium – responding to an overwhelmingly positive emotion with a negative one.

What happens in the brain, when you cry?

So how does the sight of a threelegged puppy lead to panda eyes? Acetylcholine – a neurotransmitter that sends a mes-

sage from your brain to the lacrimal glands – located above your eyelids – to warn that things are getting totes emosh.

The lacrimal gland produces tears, which flow into canals that connect to the lacrimal sac

before falling down your cheek.

Is it healthy to cry?

They don’t call it a good old cry for nothing. But if a weep leaves you feeling wonderful, it may not be for the reason you think.

Back in the day, we thought tears contained stress hormones – suggesting you could literally cry away the pain. ‘Now, we have reason to doubt this,’ says Professor Vingerhoets.

‘While 50 percent of criers will feel better afterwards, we think this is down to the emotional support they receive from loved ones as a result, rather than being a physiological response.’

Your eyes produce tears every time you blink. Basal tears form a protective film on your corneas, without which your eyes would dry up. And if Long Lost Family doesn’t get them flowing, chopping onions will do it.

Reflex tears contain an antibacterial agent called lysozyme, which helps kill potentially dangerous microbes and wash out foreign invaders like bugs or dust. Go on, cry your eyes out.

26 BDSUNDAY

www.businessday.ng

www.facebook.com/businessdayng

@businessDayNG

@Businessdayng

Sunday 15 September 2019

Travel

Mambilla Plateau; the adventure that awaits you

I

OBINNA EMELIKE f you want to see things at bird’s eye view, especially some rare natural attractions, then you need a visit to the Mambilla Plateau in Taraba State. It is a place less visited by tourists despites its unique offerings.

However, the plateau is an adventure that awaits tourists any time of the year for many reasons.

The sheer size of Mambilla is frightening. It measures about 96 km (60 mi) along its curved length, 40 km (25 mi) wide and is bounded by an escarpment that is about 900 m (2,953 ft) high in some places. Yet, the plateau covers an area of over 9,389 square kilometres (3,625 sq mi).

With an average elevation of about 1,600 metres (5,249 ft) above sea level, the Mambilla Plateau is the highest plateau in Nigeria amid some of its villages that are situated on hills that are at least 1,828 metres (5,997 ft) high above sea level. Some of these villagers, which hardly

see visitors due to their difficult terrain, habour indigenes who may be seeing other people for the first time, hence visiting is worth the stress.

Also, the plateau offers a piece of temperate world with the climate that is comparatively cold as daytime temperatures hardly exceed 25 °C (77.0

Dubai Tourism to lead robust delegation to 2019 Akwaaba African Travel Market

D

ubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, otherwise known as Dubai Tourism, is set to attend the 15th edition of Akwaaba African Travel Market, West Africa’s largest travel fair, with a robust delegation. The delegation, which underlines the city’s diverse destination offering and the largest since the UAE city debuted at the annual show in Lagos include; 21 partners across medical, hospitality, entertainment, and retail sectors.

This year’s participation in Akwaaba, which holds from September 22-24, 2019 at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, marks the fourth consecutive year Dubai Tourism is gracing the fair.

The strong delegation of 21 Dubai-based partners, as well as, a team from Expo 2020 Dubai delegation will be led by Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), to engage in a series of networking sessions with key industry players and trade media.

The development is the latest in a series of ongoing efforts from Dubai Tourism to strengthen its relationships with key travel partners in the region,asareaffirmationofitsinterest in Nigeria and the African continent.

Speaking ahead of Dubai Tourism’s participation in the event, Kazim said, “Our continued presence at the Akwaaba Travel Market is testament toourongoingcommitmenttoNigeria and the African continent, and its importancetoDubai’sgloballydiversified market strategy. Africa has continued to be a significant growth driver, with Nigeria posting a stellar 28 percent year-on-year visitor growth from JanuarytoJuly2019.Thisyear,wehope to further engage with new partners and strengthen our relationship with the African travel trade ecosystem to

highlight Dubai’s destination propositiontotravellersinNigeria,WestAfrica and Africa as a whole.”

The delegation will take centre stage on September 23, 2019 at a dedicated Dubai panel session with trade and industry stakeholders, whichwillbeginwithawelcomemessage from Fahad Obaid Mohamed Al Taffag, Ambassador of United Arab Emirates to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, followed by an overview of the destination by Kazim. Following that, Stella Fubara-Obinwa, Dubai Tourism’s director of International Operations, will give a trade update, whileSalimAliMohammedDahman, head of Campaign Management for Africa, will provide insights on ongoing campaigns in Nigeria and the larger African market.

Also, the team from Expo 2020 Dubai will discuss the hugely anticipated event taking place from October 20, 2020 until April 10, 2021; which is expected to welcome 25 million visitors. They will shed light on the various elements that will come together at the Expo, and what visitors can experience.

Dubai-based partners expected at the Dubai Tourism’s stand include: American Hospital, Avani Deira DubaiHotel,CopthorneHotel,Dubai Health Authority, Emaar Hospitality Group LLC, Expo2020, Golden Sands Hotel Apartments, Golden Treasure Tourism L.L.C, JA Resorts & Hotels L.L.C, Jumeirah Group, Mida Travels, Pacific Destination Tourism L.L.C, and Rayna Tourism L.L.C. Others are; Red Apple Middle East Tourism LLC, Royal Arabian Destination Management DMCC, Tabeer Tourism, The Ritz Carlton Dubai, Mohd Saeed Al Mull & Sons, Travel Destination Online DMCC, W Hotel Palm Jumeirah, and Wings Tours Gulf ( L.L.C).

°F) making it the coolest region in Nigeria, cooler than Jos, the capital of Plateau State.

While in Mambilla, visitors experience wildlife safari at Gashaka Gumti Park, the largest national park in West Africa, which is close. But the ability to combine adventure and wildlife tourism at the Gashaka Gumti

Park is the biggest asset of the plateau.

Visitors also get to encounter some awesome mountains on the plateau and around particularly the Chappal Waddi (called Gang by the locals). The mountain, which has an average height of about 2,419 metres (7,936 ft) above sea level, is the

highest mountain in Nigeria and in West Africa if Cameroon’s mountains, such as Mount Cameroon, are excluded.

Another reason to visit the Mambilla Plateau is to see the watershed from which many rivers in the take their source. The likes of River Benue, Donga and Taraba all flow from the belly of the Mambilla Plateau.

Due to its green vegetation and forest, Mambila Plateau is fertile and offers huge cattle ranches, tea plantations, dairy farms among others. The attractive settings also featuring rolling and grassy hills are worth visiting.

For the wildlife lovers, the plateau is home to some rare species of birds and animals, especially at the Gashaka-Gumti National Park.

Moreover, the excitement continues outside the ecotourism potential of Mambilla Plateau. The different people inhabiting the plateau and its environs offer visitors unique cultural displays, some of which have not been seen anywhere in Nigeria.

Business Travel Management Limited unveils travel management brand

I

n a bid to elevate the standard of travel management in Nigeria, Business Travel Management Limited (BTM) has unveiled a partnership with CWT (formerly Carlson Wagonlit Travel), a business-to-business-for-employees travel management platform.

TheBTM’spartnershipwithCWT is also aimed at bringing further focus and cohesion to positively impact the continent, enhancing value and service delivery levels.

By representing the CWT brand in Nigeria, BTM will now have the ability to deliver a global standard of service, travel technology and efficiencies, locally, and also be the pacesetter for travel technology in the region. As well, BTM will now provide enhanced customer advice and services without compromising on ethics.

Again, with the support of a globally dominant partner with sustainable business methodology, the company will also continue to operate in a developing market and improving industry standards.

Expressing excitement on why BTM is proud to partner with CWT, at the unveiling of CTW held at BTM head office at Ikeja GRA, Lagos, Lola

Adefope, managing director, Business Travel Management Limited, said, “There have been some very exciting changes within the global company that we are looking forward to being a part of. Our company has operated in the Managed Travel space for almost forty Years as a TMC (Travel Management Company). This is what we do best, efficient service delivery, innovative ideas and cutting-edge travel technology”.

Also speaking at the event, Francisco Nunez, CWT’s vice president, Global Partners Network, their interest in Nigeria is because the country has a rich cultural and economic heritage, especially in natural resources, and corporate travel is a key facilitator of industry in the country. “With BTM, we would like to build on our long-standing reputation for successful travel delivery in the country, and want our brand to be as synonymous with corporate travel as Zuma Rock is with Nigeria,” he said.

For Olufemi Adefope, founder/ chairman, Business Travel Management Limited, the partnership with CWT is imperative because the evolution of the travel industry is inevitable. “With technology under-

L-R: Olufemi Adefope, chairman, BTM; Bola Adefope, executive director, BTM; Lola Adefope, managing director, BTM; Francisco Nunez, vice president & global head, CWT Global Partners Network and Raphael Pasdeloup, senior vice president & global head, CWT Energy, Resources & Marine, during the BTM unveiling of CWT in Lagos.

pinning everyday life, it is obvious that corporate travellers are going to want the same efficiencies in their travel programme that they get in their everyday life. Partnering with CWT in Nigeria allows our company to bring new travel technology and ideas to the table. This partnership allows Business Travel Management Limited to remain at the forefront of Travel Technology in the region”, Adefope, BTM’s founder and chairman said.

Among the long-term goals of the partnership between BTM and CWT is for Business Travel Management Ltd to encourage corporate brands in Nigeria to improve the efficiency of their travel programme and experience truly professional, open and honest travel services.

However, at an elaborate corporate event at the Civic Centre in Lagos on September 10, 2019, the CWT brand was officially launched as being operated by Business Travel Management Limited in Nigeria.

After a welcome evening cocktail, and delightful entertainment the “Who’s Who” of Nigeria’s travel industry and corporate brands sat to dine, celebrate and learn about evolution of service delivery in the corporate travel space and the new look and products from CWT. The brand launch was sponsored by BTM partners including; Africa World Airlines Air Cote d’Ivoire, Amadeus, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Air France, Emirates, Kenya Airways, Lufthansa, Radisson Blu, RwandAir Limited, South African Airways and Virgin Atlantic.

Business Travel Management Limited (BTM) has earned a reputation as a ‘one stop shop’ for everything travel related. Its core focus and strength being the provision of excellent corporate travel services to its clients, for over 20 years of being in existence. BTM has been an ISO certified company since 2008.

Sunday 15 September 2019

C002D5556

BDSUNDAY 27

Ogun Watch complete Ogun records 61% revenue target We’ll ongoing projects of N611m from commerce, industry - Abiodun

G

T

Rasaq Ayinla

heOgunStateMinistryof Commerce and Industry has achieved over 61percent of its revenue target for the period of January and June, 2019.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Lydia Fajounbo made this known during the 2019 Budget Performance Appraisal by the House Committee on Commerce, Industry and Investment held in Abeokuta.

Fajounbo said the ministry had a target of N1billion within the first six months of year 2019 and generated the sum of N611, 140, 678, representing 61.11 percent of the target.

She stated that the agency was working on achieving its budgetary targets and solicited the support of the law makers in ensuring the targets were met to aid the Ministry in its work.

Fajounbo added that government was not relenting in its effort at assisting Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs), as well as creating enabling environment for the industrial sector to blossom, saying the her agency was partnering other relevant organisations, such as the Bank of Industry (BOI), the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), the National Council on Export Promotion Council (NEPC), among others, to improve the sector.

The Chairman of the Committee, Kemi Oduwole, charged the Ministry to initiate more ingenuity to exceed the budgetary targets, noting that doing so, would enable the government have more funds to execute more infrastructural projects in the State.

OGSG moves to introduce free toll lines to curb insecurity The Ogun State Government has concluded plans to launch tollfree telephone lines that would avail citizens of the state an opportunity to make distress calls and also alert government on any of its amenities meant for citizens welfare that needs urgent attention.

These numbers would also provide a feedback mechanism on

Tolu Odebiyi, senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District (right) in a warm handshake with Governor Dapo Abiodun during a visit to Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan in Abeokuta shortly after the Election Petitions Tribunal upheld Odebiyi’s Senatorial Election.

activities of agencies and government officials who shirk responsibilities or became high-handed on duties assigned to them by the State. The governor made these known through his Chief of Staff to the Ogun State Governor, Shuaib Afolabi Salisu in a live television programme in Abeokuta.

He said that the toll numbers would be free and swift in finding solutions to problems that might have occurred anywhere in the state, adding that the toll-free numbers would be made available to the public as soon as “we launched the feedback and distress call centre”.

On the promise of the Prince Dapo Abiodun led government to rehabilitate 236 primary schools and primary health centres, Salisu said the present government would rehabilitate a primary school and primary health care centre per ward, adding that work was currently ongoing across the state.

“In compliance with extant rules and procurement process, the

schools are rolling out, I emphasise this again, we will do a minimum of one primary school in each of the 236 ward and the process as started, before the schools resume in the next two weeks, we will invite everyone to see the level of work being done.

“The primary health care centres are also on course, we are bringing in equipments for the general hospital in Ijaye, the progress of work at Ilaro is also going on as well, we are currently out to employ resident doctors and other medical personnel for the states teaching hospital in Sagamu,” he said.

Salisu also noted that the State government decided to return the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), to status quo, because it was an institution with accreditation till 2023, adding that the idea was to ensure that Moshood Abiola Polytechnic begin academic activities, while the issue of the Moshood Abiola University of Technology was being sorted out.

“When we came, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (Mapoly) had accreditation up to 2023, we are in 2019, they had accreditation till 2023, extensively, Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology (Mautech) was created about two years ago, no accreditation, no take off, in fact, hurriedly, I think April or May, in the twilight of the last administration, the governing council was just constituted and the law establishing Mapoly was not abrogated.

“What we simply did is to see Mapoly begin academic activities, while we sort out the issue of MAUTECH,” he said.

Salisu added that the decision of the state government to return Mapoly back to status quo has helped the institution to conclude its 2018 admission, start admission for 2019 session, adding that the institution couldn’t have being able to complete the process of completing their radio station if it had not commenced academic activities.

overnorDapoAbiodunof Ogun State has said that all uncompleted projects started by the past administration of Governor Ibikunle Amosun that have direct impact on the socio-economic wellbeing of the people will be completed, as his government is not out for vendetta.

Governor Abiodun, who gave this indication at the launch of Ogun TechHUB along Kobape Road, Abeokuta, said his administration could not afford to abandon the projects as they were executed with public fund.

“I want to use this opportunity to assure our people that we will not abandon any projects that have direct benefit to the people. Those projectsweredonewiththepeople’s money. We will ensure their completion because we are not interested in vendatta”, he said.

He said that the TechHUB underscored his administration resolve to digitally transform the state, just as the centre would form a platform for incubating ideas that would proffer solutions to human problems.

The governor said similar centres would be established in the other two Senatorial Districts, just as he expressed the hope that technology development at the centre would attract foreign exchange to the state and nation. While calling on the people, especially the youths to take maximum advantage of the Programme,thegovernorsaidanadvisory council would be constituted for the TechHUB, calling on well-todo individuals and corporate bodies to partner the State government in achieving it set goals.

Speaking earlier, the Special Adviser on Information Technology, Dayo Abiodunsaid the centre would serve as place where technologists, government, impact investors and others in and around Ogun State would use the information technology to find new solutions to various social problems in Nigeria.

ThePresident,NigeriaComputer Society, Adesina Shodiya, a professor, said the centre would help in building capacity and skills for sustainable development, adding that the centre would launch the State into global stage.

Kashamu’s PDP faction decamps to APC

I

n a show of solidarity with Dapo Abiodun, the Buruji Kashamu faction of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has decamped to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State.

Over 1000 of them from Ogun East Senatorial District were received by Hon. Tunji Egbetokun, the senior special adviser on political matters to the state governor.

Receiving them, Egbetokun, who stood in for Abiodun said the decampees have made the right choice by joining the progressives, assuring them that the party would ensure fairness, equity and justice for all its members at all times, irrespective of when they join the party.

Egbetokun said: “Our party is open to all, even members of other parties. You have come at the right time. In our party, we do not discriminate as we give due recognition to all members irrespective of how long they have been members or their social standing”.

While promising that the Dapo Abiodun administration would not disappoint members by formulating and executing policies and programmes that that have positive impact on the socio-economic wellbeing of the people, he urged the party faithful to remain resolute and not engage in activities that would bring the name of the into disrepute.

He charged the new members to bring in more people into the

party, he however, stressed that the administration would not stifle oppositions, as “competition becomes sweeter when there are opponents”.

Speaking earlier, the Consultant to the Governor on Political Matters, Hon. Biyi Adeleye, said the party was large enough to accommodate people from other parties, assuring that they would be mainstreamed and not be discriminated against in the party.

In his remark, the State Secretary of the Party, Ayo Olubori, appreciated the people for coming on board.

He applauded their strong desire to build the future of the State with Prince Dapo Abiodun and urged them to bring in new members to

the party and work towards its progress and that of the state.

Leader of the decampees, Otunba Kolawole Akinyemi, said they decided to join the progressives as a result of landmark work done by the Governor so far attest to his sagacity and sincerity of purpose.

Ogun suspends activities in forest reserves Ogun State government has observed with displeasure the over exploitation and illegal tree felling going on in its Forest Reserves across the state and therefore suspend all activities in the reserves with immediate effect.

A statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, said that the suspension would

cover logging, timber exploitation, evacuation of logs and Forest Concession as well as activities in all government and non-governmental open forest areas.

The statement added that a Committee would be set up to look into all issues affecting the State Forest Reserves and advise government on a comprehensive policy and process to ensure the sustainability of the programmes being implemented in the sector The statement enjoined stakeholders who are interested in submitting memoranda towards the exercise to visit the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, within two weeks from now.

28 BDSUNDAY

www.businessday.ng

https://www.facebook.com/businessdayng

Bliss with Nonye Ben-Nwankwo

@Businessdayng

Sunday 15 September 2019

Email: chiwuagwu@yahoo.com Phone number (SMS only) 08057511893

Mai Atafo, DFA to crown My child’s sickness devastated me – D’Lecturer new superstar designer

S

E

mmanuel Adigwe, popularly known as D’ Lecturer, was in a state of shock few months ago when he learnt of the ill health of one of his twin daughters.

According to the comedian, the two year old girl was diagnosed with having two holes in the heart, which would require immediate surgery.

Speaking to Bliss recently, the comedian said his whole world almost collapsed when he was informed of the development.

“I broke down when I was given the information that my child has holes in the heart. I am not saying I love this girl more than my other kids, but I have a very strong connection with this particular child.

She took all my traits. So you can imagine how I felt when I heard the newsI was devastated. I couldn’t eat.”

Before now, D’Lecturer said they had noticed the symptoms that the daughter was fragile but they had felt she was having malaria.

“But we were ignorant of it because we didn’t know what it was.

She was always running high temperature. I had noticed once that her heart beat wasn’t normal. But I felt it was because she had cough then so I felt that was the reason.

Each time she ran temperature, we would assume she had malaria.

We would take her to hospital and she would be okay.

“We noticed her growth wasn’t normal. Each time they weighed her, we would always be told that her weight was too low for a child her age. We would think it was because she wasn’t eating well and we would be told to get

multivitamins.”

But the comedian said his wife was uneasy and decided to go and do a comprehensive test.

“My wife decided it was high time we did comprehensive tests.

It was the result of the scan that made them notice that the heart wasn’t too okay. Even before then, the doctor that my wife first met had told her that nothing was wrong with the baby. But my wife insisted that she needed to see another doctor. It was a consultant at the hospital that looked at the scan results again and noticed that something was wrong with the baby’s heart and told her she would need surgery.”

And because he couldn’t afford the said amount required for the surgery, D’Lecturer had to go on social media to pour his heart out and solicit for help.

“In a day, I got about N800, 000. A friend of mine also gave me N900, 000. That was why I had to send out another broadcast that

the N2m I was looking for was complete. Some people said I shouldn’t have done that since I would still need money for after surgery expenses. I said no. Anybody that still wants to give would give. I don’t know how long she will be on drugs after the surgery.

But then, I know if it comes to worse, I will still cry to those who have yet to support us and plead to them for more support.”

The comedian said the little girl was doing better at the moment pending when the surgery will take place.

“The surgery will be fixed soon.

It is not as if we have raised all the money required. But then, I never believed that in less than two weeks, I could raise that amount.

The N2m is just for the surgery. But the before and post surgery expenses is not part of it. I just thank God for everything. All I need now is prayers and more prayers for the surgery to be successful. God has started it and I know He will end it.”

How Ghana, Rwanda won Aquafina Elite Model Look 2019

I

t was an incredible event last weekend when the Aquafina Model Look 2019 was held in Lagos.

The competition, which was expandedtoinclude10countriesinEast andWestAfricaeventually,produced winners from Ghana and Rwanda in both male and female categories.

Ghanaian born 16 - year old Tashana Afia Zarad and Rwandan Jeff Cubahiro were preferred choices of the seasoned judges made of notable names such as celebrity photographer, Kelechi Amadi, Bola Balogun and Sandy Lowe, Elite World International Scout, among others. The winners beat 23 others in the keenly contested event

in which the contestants walked the runway with creative designs from Andrea Iyamah, Wuman, Ziva, Lanre da Silva, etc.

The night of glamour which was well marshaled by celebrity MC, IIrmyz was witnessed by a the Lagos glitterati including OAP, Toke Makinwa, comedian Bovi, former BBN housemate, Toby Bakare, DakoreEgbesu-Akande,Mrs.Florence Ita-Giwa among others, as the male and female contestants dazzled in different outfits by top class local and international designers.

Seven-Up Bottling Company Limited, makers of Aquafina premium table water and other carbonated soft drinks said beauty begins

from the inside and Aquafina is purity guaranteed ensures both inside and outside beauty hence the synergy between Aquafina and Elite Model Look. The expansion of the contest to other African countries is in line with the vision of Seven Up Bottling Company to provide platforms that will enable youngsters from the continent to achieve their life ambition in whatever facet of human endeavor.

Respondingafterbeingcrowned as Aquafina Elite Model Look 2019 winner in the female category, Miss Tashana Afia Zarad said her excitement knew no bounds. “I couldn’t believe this is me. Besides winning a million naira I am also going to participate in the international contest.

This is all dream come true” she said.

Rwandan Jeff Cubahiro who won in the male category said that Aquafina Elite Model Look has made his dream come true. “I am very happy as you can see. I thank the organisers; it was not only fun but real. I am feeling the joy” he said.

Seven-Up Bottling Company (SBC) said the company welcomes the expansion of the Aquafina Elite Model Look to other African countries because it will give aspiring modelsfromthesecountriestheopportunityforinternationalexposure.

eptember is starting off on a great note for fashion designers across Africa, as Design Fashion Africa (DFA) has launched its search for the next superstar designer from the continent. The platform which seeks to discover, inspire and empower existing and up and coming designers to commercialise their talents, is set to kick off its maiden edition.

The announcement event held at Eko Hotel & Suites, and attended by celebrities like Idia Aisien, Kelechi Amadi-Obi and Mai Atafo, outlined the goal the initiative hopes to achieve and the journey each designer is expected to undergo in their bid to become the next big thing in our budding fashion scene.

These stages include an online fashion challenge, a fashion training academy and a runway fashion show where finalists will be exhibiting their work to the public. There are also plans for a marketplace where fashion lovers can pick up accessories and outfits that they fall in love with.

Speaking at the announcement, Idia Aisien, who is the spokesperson for the project expressed delight in the reception the program has already received judging from the number of key industry players in attendance at the announcement cocktail and she believes the awareness would only get better.

She said, “We want the message to go as far as possible, and reach everyone interested in fashion so we can expose the very best designers to the rest of the world.”

Also commenting on the Design Fashion Africa, Ohimai Atafo said, “I’m so excited to be a part of this initiative as it is on the right path to changing the future of fashion design in Africa. We want to, with DFA, discover, inspire and empower young budding talents in fashion and also give them a platform to showcase and sell their wares.

Opportunities like this don’t come every day in the fashion industry and I’m happy I get to work with the guys at Jakaranda and Oracle to pull this off.”

Applications for the online fashion challenge are expected to begin fully in the coming days and run until the end of the month, after which finalists for the fashion academy will be announced.

‘Made in Heaven’ hits cinemas

T

he much talked about movie, Made in Heaven, is all out to hit the cinemas today at Filmhouse IMAX cinema, Lekki, Lagos.

Produced by film production companies; Newlink Entertainment, Peekaboo Productions and Newohens Limited the movie, according to them, promises lots of love, drama, action, passion, fantasy and comedy.

Directed by the award-winning Toka Mcbaror, Made in Heaven explores the interventions of the spiritual in the day to day lives.

It tells the story of Richard and Angela, two romantics who have always fallen into bad and sometimes abusive relationships.

By a twist of fate, they both died on the same night within hours of each other and meet on the hallway to judgement. Things quickly change when Angela is informed that she was being returned to her body. Richard is devastated and seeks to also return to the world.

His request is refused but he tricks his way out of heaven. He is confronted by his guardian angel and given a choice; win Angela’s heart in seven days or face dire consequences.

Speaking on the project, CEO of Peekaboo Global Consulting and Executive Producer, Darlington

Abuda said that a lot of work was put into making the film to ensure that viewers get the best of the cinematic experience.

Abuda, who is known for the critically acclaimed 2017 movie, ‘The Accidental Spy’, said that making the movie was quite a challenge, especially considering the out-ofthe-box nature of the script.

He said; “As a consortium we are always looking for ways to improve our art. And this involves putting a lot of effort into scripting, shooting with the best equipment and an array of first-rate stars. All of these come to bear in Made in Heaven.

He further expressed appreciation to the management of Filmone Distribution for their invaluable support in the production of the movie and the development of what he termed Nollywood 2.0.

‘Made In Heaven’ features a selection of talented Nigeria actors and actresses including Richard Mofe-Damijo, Ayo Makun, Toyin Abraham, Prince Jide Kosoko, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Nancy Isime, Lasisi Elenu, Kemen Big Brother, Uche Nwaefuna, Erica Nlewedim, Greg Ojefua, Sam Sunny, Jay Franklin Jituboh and a host of others.

The film was also shot with support from Nigerian makeup powerhouse, House of Tara and Intercontinental Distillers Limited.

Sunday 15 September 2019

www.businessday.ng

www.facebook.com/businessdayng

@businessDayNG

@Businessdayng

BDSUNDAY 29

NewsFeature 3 weeks after border closure Continued from page 1

which at the early stage of the border closure were scare in supply, are now finding their way into Nigerian markets but at a reduced rate.

It was also discovered that prices of these commodities are still on the high side as 50kg of foreign parboiled now goes for N19,500; N320 for one ‘derica cup’ and N1,625 for one paint bucket of rice.

Also, a cartoon of frozen turkey goes for N15,000; one cartoon of frozen ‘Orobo’ chicken goes for N14,000 while a cartoon of Nigerian chicken goes as low as N11,500.

“Though, the border closure has seriously impacted negatively on our business but the truth is that we still find way to bring in rice into the market. Though, it is tough these days. Before the Federal Government began the border closure exercise, I used to go to Cotonou market almost on daily basis to bring at least 60 bags of 50kg parboiled,” said a rice dealer in one of the notable markets in Lagos, who gave her name as Iya Bola.

According to her, business has gone down in the last three weeks as she now manages to go to Cotonou just two or three times a week, only to bring in about 20 bags of 50kg rice per trip.

“The presence of these security agencies has really tightened movement in the border, but we sometimes had to move our rice by boat through the water at night. But this could be very dangerous to anybody because these boat riders’ use this locally made lantern called hurricane lamp as light to see where they are going, which can rarely be visible to move on the water at dark hours of the night,” Iya Bola added.

Findings have shown that in the last three weeks, the nation’s land borders have remained closed up till date with nobody allowed to move cargo out or bring in any form of cargo into the country.

“In the past four weeks, the situation is still same till date as cargoes are not allowed in and out of Seme border till date. It is only travellers with legitimate travelling documents that are allowed in and out of the border within the hours of 6am and 6pm every day,” confirmed Bisiriyu Fanu, chairman of Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agent (ANLCA), Seme chapter, in a telephone interview with BDSUNDAY. The situation, according to him, can only be likened to the days Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) is on strike because Licensed Customs Agents are

presently idling away in their houses without business due to the border closure.

“Unfortunately, it is Nigerian economy and Lagos markets that are most affected because those items that Nigerians import through the seaports, people used to come from other neigbouring countries to buy and export them. But now, they cannot do same. Even if they come in to buy, they would not be able to take them out,” he said.

Fanu, who said that when government wants to do something people would definitely be affected, added that government said they want to close the borders for security purposes for a period of one month.

“Security could be for the sake of Nigerians or against smuggling of contraband and other illicit imports, but the issue with the exercise was that government failed to inform us (the citizens) ahead of time about the border closure so that we can inform our importers not import,” he lamented.

He further disclosed that the opening of the border is being delayed because the Federal Government expects the neigbouring countries to sign agreement with Nigeria that they would not allow contraband items to leave their border posts into Nigerian markets again.

On the effect of the exercise on trade agreement such as ECOWAS treaty and ETLs, he said that those polices do not governor prohibited items.

“For instance, this foreign parboiled rice that comes to Nigeria through Cotonou border is not consumed in Cotonou, which questions the reasons for Benin importers to be bringing in such product into their country.”

Apart from impact of border closure on businesses, farming activities in Illela, Kamba, Dole Kaina and Lolo border communities in Sokoto and Kebbi States

are also largely affected.

Report has it that residents of the Kamba/Niger Republic border in Kebbi State, the border closure has resulted in unimaginable loss for the farmers, who can no longer access their farms to harvest their crops, thereby, resulting to rise in the prices of foodstuff in the local markets.

Investigation by BDSUNDAY shows a good number of these border communities inter-marry and share nearly everything in common including farming on each other’s lands.

Report has it that Alhassan Albaya Lolo, councilor representing Lolo Council Ward of Bagudo Local Government Area, Kebbi State recently said that Lolo, a border community, is bordered

by Niger Republic on the river side and Benin Republic on the other single access road.

“Lolo people and people from these border communities from Benin Republic, are the same tribe, and speak the same language called Dendi. My mother is from Benin Republic while my father is a Nigerian. The border closure is a big blow on our farmers because everybody here is a farmer, with a large percentage of the people having their farms in Benin Republic, just as they also have theirs in Nigeria,” he said.

According to him, the situation has made it near impossible for these locals to go to their farms, hence, the certainty of looming food scarcity. “Villages in Benin Republic such as Iluwa, Madakali, Kwa’ategi, Garu, Gada, Buzukali, Matavi that border Lolo, used to come here for medical attention. We go to the same markets. In some cases, it becomes difficult to differentiate the boundary between Benin Republic and Nigeria except for a mere culvert which stands as the boundary.”

Many Nigerians believed that the current scarcity of some

of these smuggled food commodities in Nigerian market has shown that Nigerian farmers do not have the capacity to meet demand for these commodities.

Empirically, they say, it makes no economic sense for Nigeria to ban importation of things that are rarely produced locally, which explains why Benin Republic has being able to play the smart card of importing rice that are not consumed by them but are consumed by Nigerians.

BDSUNDAY understands that Benin Republic has some of the biggest importers of rice in West African sub-region. They import large number of made-in Thailand rice while the people of Benin Republic consume madein France rice. This automatically makes Nigerian market the target for all the made-in Thailand rice that comes to Benin Republic.

On the other hand, many Nigerians have also expressed the difficulties in accessing locally produced rice and frozen as it has become increasingly difficult and expensive to buy the locally made ‘Ofada’ and other Nigerian rice brands. In some cases, one only gets the right prices for local rice through the dealers.

“What I eat is local rice. But recently, I have gone to all the markets in Alimosho looking for it to buy, all to no avail. The last derica cup my wife bought from Ikotun market was for N800 per one cup,” said a Lagos-based businessman, who gave his name as Sunday Ojo. He said that besides, hike in prices of rice, which has risen astronomically in the market since the inception of the border closure, BDSUNDAY also confirmed that supply cannot match demand if we depend only on Nigerian rice.

“Of course, it is an elementary Economics that price rises when demand is higher than supply.

Again, we are confronted with

the question of whether the much talked about surplus local production of the grains is not only on the pages of newspapers,” he questioned.

BDSUNDAY can recall that Hameed Ali, comptroller-general of NCS, recently said while on the spot assessment of the implementation and compliance of the ongoing border security drill that borders would remain closed until the countries sharing borders with Nigeria come to terms with the conditions laid down by the Nigerian government.

According to him, there is no specific timing for opening the borders, adding that Federal Government could no longer fold its arms and watch neighbouring countries flourishing at the detriment of Nigerian economy.

“If our neigbouring countries agree with us on the existing laws, then, we will sign and update the existing protocol of transit,” he said.

He however, disclosed that the border was closed to check the influx of unknown people into the country. “Most actors in the issue of insecurity that is bedeviling our country are not Nigerians, and because our borders are porous they come in, perpetrate their heinous acts and disappear. So, the idea is to ensure everyone coming in or going out of the country follow the laid down procedures,” he added.

Meanwhile, Customs in a statement signed by Joseph Attah, national public relations of NCS, said that as at 10 September 2019, that the team arrested 100 illegal migrants and recorded seizures that include: 8,360 bags of 50kg parboiled foreign rice; 122 bags of fertilizer; 77 vehicles; 781 drums filled with PMS as well as 16,371 empty 200 litres drums usually used for smuggling of PMS. The statement further said the team also intercepted about 1,491 packs of assorted drugs; three outboard 40HP Engines; 13 Cotonu boats; 185 drums of groundnut oil; six trucks; 114 motorcycles and 117 suspects.

Attah said that setting up the joint security operation was part of government’s efforts to sustain the rigorous patrol along the national borderlines to better secure the borders, boost national economy and strengthen border security.

“Despite the seizure, we will continue to appeal to the patriotic spirit of all Nigerians, especially members of the business community to see the exercise as an opportunity to further create an environment for local businesses to thrive in the overall interest of national security and development,” he solicited.

30 BDSUNDAY

www.businessday.ng

www.facebook.com/businessdayng

@businessDayNG

@Businessdayng

Sunday 15 September 2019

Tribute

Lessons from Chimamanda Adichie as she marks birthday anniversary only story.”(Danger of A Single Story) By using storytelling examples, Adichie tries to encourage us to broaden the scope of stories we consume about other people and cultures.

In her 2009, TED talk “The Danger of a Single Story” she explains the universal misunderstandings and limited perspective beginning with a tale about Fide and his family’s poverty. She encourages us to seek out alternative stories, with a call to action that motivates the audience to perhaps read some of the writers she had mentioned like Chinua Achebe or Camara Laye.

“There isn’t just one right way to become a global reader; the idea is simply to open yourself up to stories from all places”, (Danger of A Single Story) We are made to understand the influence storytelling has in shaping lives, beliefs and values, “Many stories matter.

Stories have been used to dispossess and to malign. But stories can also be used to empower, and to humanize. Stories can break the dignity of a people. But stories can also repair that broken dignity.”

(Danger of A Single Story)

C

Modestus Anaesoronye himamanda Ngozi Adichie is recognised all over the world for her prolific writing, public speaking and advocacy. She has authored several works including 3 novels: Purple Hibiscus, Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah; and a short story collection, The Thing Around Your Neck. She also has published 2 pamphlets, We Should All Be Feminists, and Dear Ijeawele or a Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions.

Adichie has also won numerous awards including Commonwealth Book Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award (the most prestigious literary prize in the U.S. because it is selected by professional book critics) and was named one of The New York Times Top Ten Best Books of 2013.

She has been invited to speak around the world at global conferences and events. Her 2009 TED Talk, The Danger of A Single Story, is now one of the top ten most-viewed TED Talks of all time. Her most recent work, Dear Ijeawele, or a Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions, was published in March 2017. As we join the world to celebrate her birthday today, here are 5 life lessons or principles we can all learn from Chimamanda Adichie.

To treat one another as equals “...when there is true equality, resentment does not exist.” (Dear Ijeawele) Adiche keeps reinforcing gender equality and never fails to preach this wherever she goes.

This has led to her being referred to as the Ultimate Feminist Icon. But then, the real lessons are always in the words which she speaks when explaining why and how we need to change worldly perception of inequality among genders. “Gender matters everywhere in the world.

And I would like today to ask that we begin to dream about and plan for a different world. A fairer world. A world of happier men and happier women who are truer to themselves” She advices us to reconsider

Chimamanda Adichie

what we teach and how we treat our sons and daughters as the imbibing gender equality begins at this stage. “Teach your students that vulnerability is a human rather than a female trait”, she said at 2015 Wellesley Graduation Speech. “What if, in raising children, we focus on ability instead of gender? What if we focus on interest instead of gender?” (We Should All Be Feminists) To never be silent Adiche is ever passionate about rights and the fearlessness associated with freedom of expression, “If you don’t understand, ask questions. If you’re uncomfortable about asking questions, say you are uncomfortable about asking questions and then ask them anyway” “We as citizens have to constantly question our assumptions and identify our blind spots and the places where we do not think

critically. We need to be more open-minded in our conception of political leadership”. (Vanguard, 2019) - she says in response to citizens of Nigeria being agents of the change they desire. She openly challenges the governance of her country, Nigeria, “Whatever I write, somebody is somehow going to find a way to show that I’m really writing about political oppression in Africa.” (A Conversation with James Mustich, Barnes and Noble Review, 29 June 2009) and instructs us to encourage the younger generation to be heard and not just seen “...tell her that if anything ever makes her uncomfortable, to speak up, to say it, to shout.” (Dear Ijeawele)

Privacy One attribute about her which continues to amaze us is how she has been able to draw a line between her private and her public life. “I am not very keen on going out. I am private about my private life, especially because my work as a writer requires being so public.”

She doesn’t expose her personal life on social media platforms, doesn’t use her official Twitter account and has her Instagram page is beautifully handled by her nieces.

Although she is happily married to her husband with whom she has a daughter, Adichie is careful to protect the privacy of her family, because let’s face it, she is the public figure not them right?

The power of storytelling “The single story creates stereotypes, and the problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete.

They make one story become the

Never forget your roots “Our histories cling to us. We are shaped by where we come from” (Commonwealth Lecture 2012) Adichie respects and pays tribute to how her roots and journey

which have shaped her values and experiences. She richly expresses and celebrates through them in her work, carving out her Individuality that is uniquely her constantly reiterating in her writing”... I realised that if I ever have children, I don’t want them to have American childhoods. I don’t want them to say ‘Hi’ to adults I want them to say ‘Good morning’ and ‘Good afternoon’. I don’t want them to mumble ‘Good’ when someone says ‘How are you?’ to them. Or to raise five fingers when asked how old they are. I want them to say ‘I’m fine thank you’ and ‘I’m five years old’. I don’t want a child who feeds on praise and expects a star for effort and talks back to adults in the name of self-expression. Is that terribly conservative?” (Americanah, 2013).

She celebrates her heritage fearlessly infusing undiluted igbo vocabulary in her books “... the snake was called the echi eteka,“Tomorrow Is Too Far” (The Thing Around your Neck, 2009) She is ever ready to tell the story of her background and relate to current scenario - mostly in her speech and lectures. She promotes the campaign #Wear Nigerianand #Madein Nigeira by wearing Nigerian brands to even the most prestigious global events and was recognised by Vanity Fair as one of the best dressed stars of 2016.

Also, in an interview with Vanguard in August 2019 - she encouraged parents to teach children their native languages thereby preserving cultural roots, “I think parents and guardians have a major role to play.

You can’t speak only English to your children, act as if everything traditional is evil, not teach them to be proud of their history, and then turn around and complain that they are now ‘globalised.’ By the way, there is no such thing as a globalised identity; even the most cosmopolitan people have a core sense of identity. I consider myself a person who is very comfortable in the world and I love many diverse places in the world but it is because of my sense of self. It is my comfort in my skin as an Igbo woman, a Nigerian, an African, that makes this possible.”

Oyo names ex-Rep member, Akinlabi, chairman, Road Maintenance Agency

G

REMI FEYISIPO, Ibadan

overnor Seyi Makinde has approved the appointment of a former member of the House of Representatives, Kamil Akinlabi as the chairman of the Oyo State Road Maintenance Agency (OYSROMA).

A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde, Taiwo Adisa, confirmed that Akinlabi’s appointment takes immediate effect.

The statement further indicated that the governor wished the newly-appointed OYSROMA chairman the best in his assignment.

Akinlabi, who served as member of the House of Representatives between 2007 and 2015, was until his appointment a member of the State’s Advisory Council and has also served as Special Adviser (Legislative Matters) in the Office of Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, between 2015 and 2019.

Born on November 7, 1965,

Akinlabi was educated at the University of Philippine, where he bagged a Certificate in Public Procurement in 2009 and the Polytechnic Ibadan, Oyo State, where he obtained a Higher National Diploma (HND) certificate in Quantity Surveying in 1993.

He had his secondary education at the Isale-Oyo Community Grammar School, Oyo, between 1979 and 1984.

Hon. Akinlabi’s professional qualifications include membership of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity

Surveyors (GNIQS), 1996; Corporate Membership, The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (MNIQS), 2008; and Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (FNIQS).

He had also managed a variety of projects including being appointed as Project Quantity Surveyor at Costa Partnership, Kaduna between 1995 and 1998.

He was Project Manager Kindfem Nig Limited, Abuja between 1998 and 2001 as well as Executive Director at Apparent concerns

limited, Abuja between 2001 and 2007.

While in the House of Representatives, Akinlabi served as Chairman, sub-committee of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) between 2007 and 2009 as well as the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Urban Development between 2009 and 2011.

During his second term in the House, between 2011 and 2015, he served as the Chairman House Committee on Youth Development.

Sunday 15 September 2019

www.businessday.ng

https://www.facebook.com/businessdayng

@Businessdayng

BDSUNDAY 31

Motoring

Between passengers comfort, safety and practicality

... Inside-out grown-up century old Ford models

F

MIKE OCHONMA, Motoring Editor

or over century, automakers have been designing sport utility vehicles (SUVs) for as long as the vehicles have existed. Just take a look around on the roads today, and you will see SUVs everywhere.

For years, sedans, wagons and hatchbacks ruled the roads, and were for many customers the only options when buying a new car. But since the birth of the SUV segment in the 1950s and 1960s, these flexible and capable vehicles have become more and more popular.

In today’s motoring world, highlighting an SUV’s robustness alone is not enough without its versatility that makes it stand out as the ultimate vehicle for modern lifestyles. Rather, customers want a car that fits seamlessly into their lives a vehicle equally at home whether on a long commute, taking the kids to school or discovering hidden secrets on a weekend trip.

Increasing popularity of SUVs can be attributed to many changes in the segment. Improvements in engine technology and a better understanding of aerodynamic design have helped to increase their efficiency to passenger-car levels, saving owners money over the lifetime of the vehicle.

There have also been dramatic improvements in safety, making SUVs some of the safest cars on the road. Another key aspect is design: People want to buy a vehicle that looks like it’s ready to take on the world.

Ford has been designing and building SUVs for almost as long as the vehicles have existed.

Over that time, Ford’s design team has learned what customers are looking for in an SUV and refined the design process into an art form.

In looking at what makes an SUV what it is, countless individual elements go into distinguishing it from other vehicles. These elements can be emphasized or toned down depending on the intended customer and segment.

At its heart, a Ford SUV needs to be both capable and versatile, and the design plays a major role in presenting that image. Even more than most cars, SUVs are bought because of the emotions they evoke and the doors that they open as it gives drivers the opportunity to go almost anywhere and do more than other vehicles.

“When designing an SUV, it is so important to portray a sense of the vehicle’s robustness and strength. After decades of designing the world’s best utility

vehicles, we know what makes an SUV look like it’s ready to take on the world. From high ground clearance, to a wider stance, every element has been tailored with functionality at the top of our mind”. ,” said Doreen Mashinini, marketing manager, Ford Motors South Africa.

The design of a Ford SUV usually begins with a basic silhouette.

Designers need to have an idea of a vehicle’s size and shape before they turn their attention to the finer details. At this stage the designers are already targeting specific customer requirements.

For example, if the vehicle is expected to primarily be used in the city then a smaller silhouette will be important to help the customer manoeuvre in busy traffic.

Whereas if the vehicle is targeting a customer with a passion for the outdoors then a bigger, wider silhouette will be important to improve the vehicle’s off-road capabilities.

Even with these simple outlines, it’s easy to distinguish the vehicle as an SUV thanks to some instantly recognizable design traits. For instance, a raised driving position enables the driver and passengers to see over obstacles and traffic, giving a better view of the road ahead.

Higher seating positions also make entering and exiting more natural. This has the added benefit of making SUVs easier to load without having to bend or crouch a back-saving advantage for parents putting small children into car seats.

The natural stance of an SUV is also much bolder than that of other vehicles. Increased ground clearance, a raised driving position, and more aggressive approach and departure angles are all classic hallmarks of Ford’s SUV DNA. Some smart design tricks can even make smaller vehicles, such as compact SUVs, maintain a feeling of toughness. Bold, horizontal lines across the front can help to make the vehicle look wider, more powerful and firmly planted. Greater ground clearance adds to the sense that a vehicle can go anywhere and tackle any terrain.

Robustness and strength are synonymous with Ford SUV design, and just as designers employ certain techniques to allow smaller SUVs maintain their tough appearance, they can also use other features to increase the feeling of capability in larger vehicles.

The Everest, for example, makes use of silver skid plates at the front and rear to improve its off-road ability and present an image of ruggedness.

In the 50 years since the original Ford Bronco was released, designers have built up a wealth of knowledge about what SUV customers are looking for. They know that at its core, an SUV should be a perfect blend of the capability and functionality of a truck, with the style, comfort and drivability of a passenger car.

While some customers still require the strength of traditional

body-on-frame off-road SUVs, such as the robust Ford Everest, evolving customer demand has led to the development of SUVs on road-focused platforms designed with the urban jungle in mind, like the agile Ford EcoSport.

Compact SUVs like the EcoSport have seen rapid growth thanks to a growing need for nimble, efficient vehicles that are easier to drive and park in busy urban areas. Offering many of the same benefits as their larger SUV counterparts, including roomy cargo areas, a higher driving position and a feeling of robustness, these SUVs are perfect for both city driving and weekend escapes.

Even larger SUVs, however, are now expected to deliver excellent fuel economy. In part, this has been achieved by the introduction of more efficient powertrains, including the availability of EcoBoost engines in most of Ford’s vehicles sold in Nigeria.

Advanced EcoBoost technology is designed to provide drivers with the efficiency they need in day-to-day driving, and the power they want in situations such as passing on a highway.

Design also plays an important role in boosting efficiency: The Ford design team works closely with aerodynamics engineers to create SUVs that are able to slip through the air with ease. This may mean adding “kickers” on the rear side windows to reduce drag, as

on the EcoSport, or creating an advanced 3D-formed front under-shield to more efficiently manage air flow under the vehicle, as on the Everest. Each new Ford vehicle requires thousands of hours of testing to maximize its aerodynamic efficiency.

Data from this testing can help designers to create a more efficient vehicle, but one that still presents an image of capability, versatility and opportunity that is at the core of what it means to be an SUV. And as it has over the years, the significance of that design will continue to increase For the Everest, the wide stance and bold front end immediately give an impression of its capability and impressive off-road credentials, while the chiseled, sculptural curves of the exterior hint at the refined interior within.

At first glance, Ford’s design DNA is most visible in the bold, inverted trapezoidal grille that firmly places it within the global One Ford family of vehicles.

The muscular hood, integrated headlamps and front bumper convey the Everest’s power and rugged capability. A silver skid plate underneath the front bumper and the aggressive approach and departure angles give further clues as to the vehicle’s off-road prowess.

The exterior of the Kuga model on the other hand clearly places it within the modern Ford SUV family, with a large upper trapezoidal grille and a lower grille flanked by sleek new headlamps with daytime running lights and stylish fog lamps.

Modern taillights complement the sophisticated front end.

Packed with technology, the Kuga makes the most of its SUV design. In certain models, for instance, a Hands-Free Liftgate lets customers easily open or close the tailgate by using a kicking motion beneath the rear bumper.

This smart feature helps parents easily access the cargo area when returning to their vehicle with shopping bags or children.

On its part, the fluid, dynamic and refined lines of the EcoSport are clearly defined by Ford’s global design DNA. A wide hood sweeps into sculpted bodylines, conveying a dynamic spirit of energy in motion. Modern, slim headlamps frame a high-mounted trapezoidal grille.

Moving to the side, certain models have blacked-out Bpillars that unify the windows into one elegant shape. The muscular beltline, formed by the windows and door creases, ascends as it runs to the rear of the vehicle, adding to the sense of movement.

32 BDSUNDAY

www.businessday.ng

www.facebook.com/businessdayng

@businessDayNG

@Businessdayng

Sunday 15 September 2019

SundayBusiness Role of an active insurance industry in mortgage economy

A

mortgage economy where the financial system is stable needs the role of an active insurance industry to grow and thrive. This is because insurance and mortgage complement each other.

Like action and reaction, insurance and mortgage are equal and opposite.While mortgage lending is a risk, insurance, by its function, acts as a hedge against risk. It is a cover.

To develop a healthy mortgage industry, therefore, there is need for a mortgage insurance functioning as a policy that protects a mortgage lender or title holder in the event that the borrower defaults on payments, dies, or is otherwise unable to meet the contractual obligations of the mortgage.

This is why the new the Mortgage Guarantee programme, a new initiative by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), is quite instructive. This is a kind of mortgage given to a borrower by a lender, where an identified third party will take responsibility for the loan if the borrower defaults. The programme is structured in such a way that once the borrower defaults, the third party receives a claim from the lender, pays the lender off, and assumes responsibility for the mortgage.

Besides incentivizing mortgage lenders, a quality mortgage guarantee programme is also used to

provide credit loss protection to lenders in case of borrower’s default and, according to CBN officials, a robust primary mortgage market is a synergy of several components, all workingtogethertoeffectaffordability and access for intending buyers.

Investopedia, an encyclopedia of investment initiatives, identifies three aspects of mortgage insurance. These are private mortgage insurance (PMI), mortgage life insurance, or mortgage title insurance. What these have in common is an obligation to make the lender or property holder whole in the event of specific cases of loss. Private mortgage insurance may be called ‘lender’s mortgage insurance’ (LMI) if the premium on a PMI policy is paid by the lender and not the borrower.

For these reasons and more, an active insurance industry is needed for the growth and development of a functional mortgage industry. The mortgage industry in Nigeria is still a fledgling and fingers are frequently pointed to an insurance industry that is not as active participant as it should be.

For some reasons, in this country, in spite of everything the people have learnt, policy is still shaping the industry whereas, in advanced economies, it is the other way round—industry shapes policy because people in the industry are the ones implementing the policy

every day.

The mortgage industry in United States, for instance, has been robust for decades and it is with continued activity. One is not however, saying that Nigeria should replicate what happens in the US here, because Nigeria has its own unique characteristics which must be recognized and respected.

What the mortgage players in Nigeria should do however, is to make the US system a base-line because that system represents the global standard. Adenike Fasanya-Osilaja, a mortgage and finance consultant advises that “we have to start learning that system and adapt it to meet our own unique cultural system and unique needs”.

Nigeria needs to lay a very good foundation for mortgage industry growth to ensure that what happened in America in 2006 with sub-prime mortgage crisis does not repeat itself here. The Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC) is a big possibility that can change and shape the mortgage system in this country and could also be an umbrella for the industry.

One of the high points of NMRC, as a secondary mortgage institution, is its long term, low rate global funds and, because the mortgage industry here is not yet buoyant, NMRC, whether it is succeeding now or not, can be a significant tool for achieving these attributes of a

Anambra State government commends Air Peace for bringing 187 Nigerians back from S’Africa

T

he Anambra State government has commended Allen Onyema, the founder and chairman of Nigeria’s biggest airline, for what it called his unprecedented patriotic gesture in bringing back free of charge yesterday 187 Nigerians from South Africa afraid of their safety in the ongoing xenophobic attacks against African and Asian immigrants in the rainbow nation.

The commendation is contained in a statement it made on Friday in Awka, the Anambra State capital, by Don Adinuba, the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, who explained that the government decided to commend Onyema after a meeting in the Governor’s Lodge on Friday at which Governor Willie Obiano presided.

Adinuba explained that the “huge humanitarian gesture is the latest in a series of philanthropic activities by the Air Peace chairman which Governor Obiano recognized in his public declaration last July 2 when he stated that Onyema was driven by sheer patriotism rather than profit by starting direct flights into Shirjah

and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates at less than 50 percent of the tariffs charged by foreign carriers.”

The Anambra State government noted that “no persons, not even our suffering and frightened people in South Africa, sought free flights when Chief Onyema decided to offer one of his planes to the former apartheid country to bring our distressed people home at no charge to them.

“We also note that Onyema didn’t know any of the persons he lifted all the way from Johannesburg free. He was only moved by sheer patriotism and love of humanity, especially the downtrodden and the distressed.

“As is already well known, Onyema went into airline business five years ago to create jobs for Nigerians, enhance business opportunities in the industry for

our citizens and enhance Nigeria’s presence in global business.

“He exemplifies the principle of solidarity with the human family and commitment to the common good”. The Anambra State government, while encouraging the Federal Government to do everything within its power to bring back as soon as possible over 500 Nigerians who have signified interest in leaving South Africa immediately, thanked all Nigerians for supporting the Federal Government’s robust response to the latest wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

“The Nigerian people are far more united than most people seem to appreciate”, Adinuba quoted Governor Obiano as observing, adding, “It is only when we act as one united family that we make progress and the world takes more seriously”.

Talking Mortgage with CHUKA UROKO (08037156969, chukuroko@yahoo.com) working mortgage industry.

Fasanya-Osilaja believes that the mortgage industry should be shaping NMRC and not NMRC shaping the industry, advising that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), through the NMRC, should be listening to the voice of the industry.

“Experience has proved to me that the CBN is quite ready to listen and learn. The problem here, however, is that the industry has been rather passive”, she noted.

This industry has to be standardized so that global players, from global perspectives, could view the local industry from the perspective of NMRC and mortgage banking association of Nigeria (MBAN) and see something to hold on to in their investment decisions. Despite the current challenges, the Nigerian economy could conveniently support the growth of the mortgage industry as the country is one of the fastest growing economies in the world where talent resource is

amazing The mortgage consultant advises further that Nigeria needs to understand there is time for competition and also time for association and each is as critical as the other. “The only thing that will stop this industry from growing is over-regulation by people who are not in the industry and therefore will not understand the effect of their policy on the actual market”, she said, emphasizing the urgency of an active insurance industry to drive the needed growth in the mortgage industry.

As a step forward, mortgage insurance could come with a typical ‘pay-as-you-go’ premium payment, or may be capitalized into a lump sum payment at the time the mortgage is originated. For homeowners who are required to have PMI because of the 80 percent loan-to-value ratio rule, they can request that the insurance policy be canceled once 20 percent of the principal balance has been paid off

CHEC intensifies work on $1bn Lekki Deep Sea Port, donates educational materials to Abuja school Innocent Odoh, Abuja

T

he China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) has intensified work on the Lekki Deep Sea Port in Lagos amidst expectation that on completion of the multipurpose Port at the heart of the Lagos Free Trade Zone, the project will be one of the most modern ports in West Africa.

The Executive Director of CHEC, Jason Wang made this known while speaking to reporters when the firm extended its Corporate Social Responsibility to the Abuja Model Secondary School, Maitama , where it donated educational and instructional materials to the school on Wednesday.

According to CHEC sources, the over $1 billion Deep Sea Port investment is offering enormous support to the burgeoning commercial operation across Nigeria and the entire West African region. The sources added that the state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure at Lekki Port will be the result of extensive contribution from some of the best consultants in the business from across the world.

Wang said “For China Habour we have been in Nigeria for more than 20 years but for the first 20 years we did not have many big projects but in the last three or four years, we have many big projects here. We have investment projects in Lagos Lekki Deep sea port the total investment

is more than one billion dollars and we are the major investor and also the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor.”

He noted that CHEC is also handling the road expansion project from Abuja to Keffi, which will ease the notorious gridlock along that road. He added that the road constructionandexpansionextends to Makurdi in Benue state, stressing that all the projects are towards the infrastructural development of Nigeria.

Speaking further on the donation to Abuja Model School, Wang said “we believe that the young people are the future of this country, so apart from doing construction work and investment in Nigeria, we want to take more Social Responsibility.

“So we chose this school as a programmebecausewebelievethat the young people are the future of this country so that they learn well in the school and improve themselves and make their contribution to the country,” he added.

A teacher in the model school, Comfort Ojo, who expressed gratitude to CHEC, told our correspondent that the items donated are useful as they will go a long way in boosting the academic performance of the students.

Items such as school bags, books, and sporting facilities among others were donated to the school as the students also sang in Chinese language to appreciate the company.

Sunday 15 September 2019

C002D5556

BDSUNDAY 33

SundayBusiness Ogunsola’s take on tissue culture for mass food production Food & Beverages With Ayo Oyoze Baje

A

s Nigeria , nay the world still grapples with food securityproducing enough food items and making such accessible and available to the consumersto meet their socio-economic wellbeing and nutritional needs, ingenious and innovative ways are being discovered on annual basis.

One of such is the tissue culture method for mass production of sundry food items.

A chance encounter with Dr. Kayode Ogunsola, who unveiled the nitty-gritty of tissue culture at a science/technology exhibition amongst some tertiary institutions in the country but hosted by the Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State, a year ago took my avid interest. What is evident is the huge gap which currently exists between several ground-breaking innovations and inventions and

the dismal quality of life of those that should ordinarily benefit from them. This is a worrisome development which one has been drawing the attention of the policy makers to, through opinion essays but without appreciable positive response from the government.

Incidentally, the Minister of Science and technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu made a similar observation during a recent technology fair in Lagos.

To move forward, with regards to utilising the products of the creative ingenuity of our inventors and geniuses we have to toe the line of countries such as India, United Kingdom, United State and even Brazil. In such places there are policies and programs in place that foster the mass production of such new products. They have credible data of such inventions. They have pragmatic partnerships between the private sector and research institutes. There is mass publicity and well articulated adverts driving the exposure of such innovations to the public.

Now, back to the basics; what is tissue culture? What plants can be massed produced through the process? And what are their benefits to mankind? The answers are here stated as recently sent in

by Ogunsola.

Plant tissue culture is the propagation of any part of the plant (cell, tissue, organ like stem, meristem, leaf, root, pollen) in artificial culture media under aseptic conditions. It is a biotechnological tool that is being used today to enhance sustainable agricultural production and food security. This technique is also referred to as in vitro regeneration

or micro-propagation of plants. It was developed when the ability of any part of the plant to grow into a whole plant (totipotency) and raising plants in the laboratory where they can be made to multiply or produce root (plasticity) before taking them to farm were discovered. Methods under this form of planting crops include nodal or stem culture, seed culture, meristem culture, shoot-tip culture, cell culture, embryo culture, etc.

How plants are propagated in vitro?

Plant micro and macro-nutrient elements as we have in fertilizers were dissolved in sterile water and plant growth regulators or hormones which are naturally produced by plants were exogenously added to promote growth of plants in the test-tubes or bigger culture vessels. Other ingredients like sucrose, vitamins, iron, etc. were added in adequate quantity according to protocols already designed for different types of crops. Agar powder, which make the medium semi-solid to hold the plant upright, was added and the culture medium is dissolved using heater or microwave, poured into culture tubes and sterilised using autoclave. Plants to be cultured are also cut into pieces, sterilised by sodium hypochlorite as recommended and the transferred into the medium in an aseptic conditions to prevent microbial contamination.

What type of crop can be produced by this method?

Tissue Culture can be used to mass produce any type of crops provided there is established protocols for such crops. Presently, it is being used to mass propagate

Sterling Bank returns to KABAFEST, uplifts literary arts

A

fter a successful outing last year, Sterling Bank Plc, made another heartwarming return to the Kaduna Book and Arts Festival (KABAFEST) from 11th – 14th of September 2019 as sponsor, partner and exhibitor.

The first and largest literary and arts festival in Northern Nigeria, KABAFEST powered by Kaduna State Government, Sterling Bank, Book Buzz Foundation and Yasmin El-Rufai Foundation, among other partners, seek to change the way the world sees Northern Nigeria.

In its third year, the book and festival is visibly boosting literacy, promoting reading culture, and reigniting passion for literary and performing arts in Northern Nigeria. It has successfully created a haven for culture and literary enthusiasts to gather to dialogue as well as ideate.

Declaring KABAFEST open, the Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, who was represented by his deputy, Hadiza Balarabe, said the state govern-

ment conceived the festival to uplift literary, visual and performing art talents in Northern Nigeria.

“The first two editions of the festival showed promise and with this third edition, our aspiration to institutionalise KABAFEST is being attained,” she said.

She disclosed that Kaduna State has embraced its diversity as a blessing, adding that the state views “literature as one of the most important channels for explaining ourselves to each other and the world, building a sense of common community and challenging us to build a better society.”

In his goodwill message at the opening ceremony, Yemi Odubiyi, executive director, corporate and investment, Sterling Bank, said

the bank decided to support the festival as part of its strategy of investing in human capital to drive Nigeria’s competitiveness.

“We committed to be at the heart of Nigeria’s accelerated development by focusing on critical sectors and the development of human capital. A coordinated culture sector would create jobs and generate foreign exchange earnings for the country. But we recognise that this sector is essentially in need of support which we can provide alongside other stakeholders through platforms that include KABAFEST and Ake Festival. We are here because KABAFEST provides a platform for young Nigerians to express themselves and to be competitive globally with their skills.”

He added that Sterling Bank, described as “Africa’s most agile company and Nigeria’s most innovative bank”, is proud to be associated with KABAFEST and will remain committed to the development of human capital in critical sectors of the nation’s economy.

crops like cassava, yam, plantain and banana, sugarcane, tomatoes, potatoes, carrot and many other industrial crops like cut flowers, leafy vegetables, etc. The crops however required hardening in the nursery before being transplanted to the field except in some cases where they move from the nursery to the market like in some vegetables and cur flowers.

Benefits and applications of plant tissue culture The global modern agriculture today require in vtiro regenerated plants for modern plant breeding techniques. Many countries of the world like Kenya which generate huge amount of revenue from export of cut flowers to Europe uses plant tissue culture to mass produce the flower while other countries like Israel without adequate agricultural land uses this methods in commercial production of vegetables like tomatoes, egg plants, etc. both for local use and export.

Plant tissue culture in an acceptable means of moving plants and plant materials across international borders because it produces clean, disease-free germplasm for exchange of plant genetic resources. For instance, viruses causing diseases in plants cannot be cure by chemical spray unlike diseases caused by bacteria and fungi and this technique can be used to produce virusfree from virus-infected plants, which are multiplied to produce healthy plants. The germplasm exchange is further facilitated by the ability to transport millions of planting materials in form of tissue cultured plants, thus saving cost of transportation.

It is also the best way of multiplying clonal (genetically similar) planting materials for commercial farming. Getting large quantity of similar crops like plantain, banana and pineapple suckers, etc. for planting hectares of land is a great challenge in developing world due to inadequacy and mixture of available cultivars which makes it difficult to mechanise the cropping.

This technique proffers a solution to this challenge.

Th e r e a r e m a n y o t h e r industrial applications of plant tissue culture. Chemicals of plant origin such as Azadiractin from plants called Azadirachta indica, codein from Artemisia spp.

Pyrethrin from Chrysanthemum cinerariaefoliumnd so on which are used in pharmaceuticals, manufacturing insecticides and other house hold materials are obtained from cell culture.

Finally, this technique in greatly enhancing crop improvement, where breeders produce haploid plants using pollen and embryo culture and also manipulate crops for improved yield and productivity.

Our research Institutes in Nigeria are also adopting the use of this technique. However, government and private institutions should embrace the use of plant tissue culture to enhance crop production and protection against the climate change which can result in sustainable agriculture and food security in Nigeria

Baje is Nigerian first Food Technologist in the media ayobaje@yahoo.co.uk; 08057971776

Energy conference set to enhance business tourism in Nigeria

N

igeria’s leading Pan-African Energy Conference, Oil and Gas Masters’ Ball, Africa (OGMBA) is set to promote business tourism in Nigeria and elevate the economy.

The Oil and Gas Masters Ball will constitute a fulcrum of business tourism and investment possibilities as it will attract a gathering of Oil magnates from around Africa as well as potential investors.

According to Oba Osoba, the founder and CEO, the epoch-making energy conference is an opportunity for industry stakeholders, government and the society at large to let their hair down and celebrate significant achievements in a relaxed and absolutely fun-filled, high networking environment whilst continuing to give back to the society.

The event which will hold at the exquisite Civic Centre, Lagos on Sunday, November 24, 2019 at 6pm, aims to unite magnates in the energy industry in a one-of-a-kind evening of fine dining, serenading music and high-level networking.

The Oil and Gas Masters’ Ball 2019 will identify and honour distinguished players in the energy sector, expand Nigeria’s investment

terrain, thus, optimizing the nation’s economy for growth and business tourism.

Scheduled strategically to serve as a prequel to the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix, the Grand Ball will adopt an Arabian theme where over 700 dignitaries across Africa will be treated to an experience of Arabian aesthetics, electrifying ambience, decor and entertainment.

“In the usual tradition of theming a ball, the dress code and decor would be decidedly ‘Coming to Abu Dhabi’ – a play on the much loved movie ‘Coming to America,” Osoba explained. Osoba further assured that the Civic Centre would be transformed into an Arabian paradise, with elements of Formula 1 woven into the whole tapestry.

There will be an ultra-modern exhibition centre at the water-front concourse of the venue where partner companies, sponsors and other brands would showcase their products and services to guests.

The Oil and Gas Masters Ball will pave way for other activities lined up by the parent company (Oil and Gas Grand Ball Africa), such as the “Women in Oil and Gas Mentorship Brunch” and the “Oil and Gas Scholars Academy.”

34 BDSUNDAY

www.businessday.ng

www.facebook.com/businessdayng

@businessDayNG

@Businessdayng

Sunday 15 September 2019

SundayBusiness

LG’s new gas cooker, Cancun, soon to hit Nigerian market - Son

D

etermined to further enrich the kitchen experience of its customers, the world’s leading electronics giant, LG will soon launch its new range of gas cooker, Cancun, in Nigeria, Tae-ick Son, managing director, LG Electronics West Africa Operations, has said.

The new product builds on the company’s tech innovation which offers autooff timer and Dual Heating technology with electric grilling heater.

Tae-ick Son said that the new LG Cancun comes with strong and solid stainless finishing; blue interior that provides an upscale look with premium interior design and state-of-the-art Glass Touch Control which makes it easy to control and clean, free from knob trouble. It also has a tilted cooktop control that helps intuitive grasp and to turn on & off easily.

“We are thrilled to an-

nounce the launch of our new gas cooker, Cancun, in Nigeria. The company’s focus is to offer customers gas cookers that will offer everyone a seamless cooking experience. LG Cancun was produced to further make cooking fun,” Son said.

According to Son, “The

new cooking gas offers excellent culinary performance. It has Triple UltraHeat Burner with 3.6 KW powerful heating capacity that makes Even Cooking and reduces the cooking time remarkably. It adopts Dual Heating technology with electric grilling heater on the top and gas baking

Turkish exporters to showcase product for Nigerian, international customers

E

xporters of Turkish origin will be in Nigeria next week to showcase their array of products to customers and potential customers in Nigeria.

The event is HVAC &R ISIB Exhibition, known for its creative product displays, world-class exhibition stands that showcase sustainable innovations and trends that encompass various aspects of the HVAC &R industry which includes all sub-discipline of Mechanics; Heat transfer, Thermodynamics, fluid mechanics.

The Expo and Seminar 2019 will take place on the 16th-17th of September, at Four Points

by Sheraton, VI, Lagos, Nigeria.

Over top 20 Turkish HVAC &R Exporting Companies will organize about 500 meetings at the B2B Programme, Seminar, display worldclass, sustainable and new products in the HVAC &R industry, and by invitation will attracts over 1000 professional Visitors and 30 International Participants, with the strong support of American Society of Heating , Refrigerating and Air -Conditioning Engineers ( ASHRAE ) Nigeria chapter, and Nigeria Institution of Mechanical Engineers ( NIMECHE ).

The ISIB exhibition

will feature an enlightening seminar from various exhibiting companies speaking from grounded angles of their Specialty, Experience, and Production strength.

These topics are focused on trends that will encourage manufacturing of HVAC &R technologies, innovations that will hereby create more opportunities of financial exchange , partnership, awareness and corporation for federal and state institutions, CEOs, Business Developers, Consultants, Engineers, Importers , Marketers/ Dealers , Associations , Key stakeholders, Policymakers, Artisans and Traders in the HVAC &R Industry .

PIB is crucial in unlocking Nigeria’s gas potential - Emenike Josephine Okojie

C

hichi Emenike, head of Gas Ventures at Neconde Energy Limited, has said that Nigeria could easily transform into a gasdriven industrial economy if government puts the policy and legal framework in place that would encourage investments in the sector.

Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos recently, Emenike lamented that the

Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) which is a backbone to the achievement of the National Gas policy has suffered legislative delays and limited consideration from the executive arm of government for decades.

She said the delay in passing the PIB sends a wrong signal to potential investors, thus limiting the realisation of industry’s full potentials.

She however, admitted that Nigeria has made some progress in reducing gas flaring in the country due largely to Nigerian Gas

Flare Commercialisation Programme – a platform to attract investments and develop a transparent market mechanism through a competitive procurement process for allocating Gas flares.

“This programme has significantly reduced the level of Gas flaring to below 11percent as against the 60percent over 10years ago but the continuous flaring of over 700mmscf/day from about 178 sites is still a huge waste of the Nation’s resources,” she said.

heater at the bottom and has recessed opening for holding the oven handle comfortably.”

“The new LG Cancun makes cooking and baking more convenient and safe.

You can easily present the Auto-Off time of LG New Cooker while it is on. It automatically turns off accord-

ing to the present time. So, you don’t have to wait any more in front of the cooker until the food is done. The Safe Closing Damper also prevents the glass cover from being suddenly shut.

Even if you let go of the glass cover, it will be suspended at 45° degree,” he further said.

“With EasyClean™, 3 steps, 20 minutes, spotless oven, you won’t have to worry about hazardous chemicals, disgusting fumes and rigorous manual labour to clean your oven.

You can easily remove any residue with water-friendly enamel. Just wipe away any residue after spraying water inside the oven and pressing EasyClean™ button to activate 20 minutes cleaning course”, he explained.

On other features of LG Cancun, Son explained that the beautifully designed exteriors and advanced technology deployed in the production of LG Cancun was to create an inspiring, functional kitchen that will

bring out user’s inner chef.

He said: “You can cook foods such as fried eggs, steaks and vegetables on the Cast Iron Griddle at the same time. You can put the griddle anywhere you want according to the food type. The 3-layered Oven Glass of the new gas cooker is very rigid and maintains 10 lower than the conventional one while it is on for the safe cooking. It is equipped with 6 different burners, so it becomes possible to prepare 6 different foods at once and it is easy to put big pots on the cooker at the same time, because the widened space in between the burners.”

He further said that the LG Cancun Gas Cooker is equipped with 6 different burners, so it becomes possible to prepare 6 different foods at once and it is easy to put big pots on the cooker at the same time, because of the widened space in between the burners.

MindBody & Soul

with Chioma Nwosu

Suicide! What if I don’t succeed?

T

ears rolled down her cheeks, she doubled over holding on to her chest and struggling to catch her breath. She had a puzzled blank stare, while she recounted her regular ordeal and almost nightly ritual. Stuttering, she asked, “Will this ever stop?

When will I ever be normal?

I don’t know what else to do Chioma, I am tired! I am constantly thinking of a thousand ways to die”. Still crying, she continued, “there’s just one thing that keeps me going.” Concerned; I asked her what it was and she said, “what if I don’t succeed?”

Suicidal thoughts or suicidal ideation means thinking about or planning suicide. Thoughts can range from a detailed plan to a fleeting consideration. It does not include the final act of suicide.

Suicidal ideation can occur when a person feels they are no longer able to cope with an overwhelming situation. The most common situations or life events that might cause suicidal thoughts are history of a mental illness, history of substance abuse, grief, sexual abuse, financial problems, remorse, rejection, a rela-

tionship breakup, unemployment, etc Last Tuesday, September 10th was World Suicide Prevention Day. I took out some time to reminisce on those who society would say were seemingly “normal” and had things going well for them, but chose to commit suicide.

I pondered and questioned their reasons but I couldn’t find answers; didn’t they think of their loved ones?

Was their decision selfish?

Were they cowards who couldn’t endure life stressors? Could it be that they wanted to end their pain, the silent tears, the long suffering, feelings of depression, altered personalities, maybe they couldn’t explain how in the midst of a seemingly great life they just couldn’t find happiness.

Society thinks the idea of suicide is irrational. However, for someone suffering from mental illness or having suicidal ideation, the thought of suicide can in a way be rational. This is where seeking proper help is very important and available. Survey shows that Nigeria is the 30th most suicide-prone country in the world. This figure highlights the prevalence of suicide in our society and how close

to home it can be for many of us. I urge Nigerians to begin to have discussions centered around this topic. Talking about suicide and mental illness should not be a taboo or a no-no in our society.

For anyone out there thinking of going this route, always remember to be a semicolon and not a full stop, tomorrow needs you, we need you and you are not alone. If you ever need help or know someone who does, kindly call our distress line at Olamma Cares Foundation 07063183892 or send an email to info@olammacares.com Reference h t t p s : / / w w w. m e d i calnewstoday.com/kc/ suicidal-thoughts-ideation-193026 Chioma Nwosu is a mental health/positive psychology advocate, speaker and founder of Olamma Cares Foundation an NGO focused on encouraging the social acceptance of autism and mental disorders, as well as finding and implementing long term solutions of these conditions through training, capacity building, advocacy and intervention. cnwosu@olammacares.com

Sunday 15 September 2019

C002D5556

BDSUNDAY 35

Environment

The dark side of Nigeria’s mobile phone surge

I

David Ibemere t was almost midday and there was an obvious smile of excitement on Chigozie Okonkwo’s face, as he walks through the streets of Ikeja looking for a buyer to his phone.

Okonkwo had just bought one of the premium phones in 2017, and selling off the previous a 2015 model was a priority at that time, as BDSUNDAY tried to grab his attention.

“I’ve been coming to this place for almost six years now, to exchange my old phone for a premium, another used phone of not more than 2-3 years, since I couldn’t afford it at the time it was launched,” he said When BDSUNDAY asked Okonkwo if he was aware of what happens to the other phone he was trying to sell or the ones he has sold in the past, he shrugged, “Somebody else will buy it,” as he continued his search to get a good price from a buyer.

Since the telecommunications sector was deregulated in 1999, a number of phone brands have made entry into the Nigerian market. Today, Nigeria is Africa’s biggest phone market and there is hardly a household without a phone.

A recent report by Twinpine describes Nigeria as the most “mobilised” country in Africa.

According to Statista, Nigeria in the first quarter of 2019 had over 20.5 million users and it is expected to reach 23.3 million soon. But the phone surge comes with an environmental burden.

The US Environment Protection Agency, in a report, revealed that cell phones have a shorter life span than any other major consumer electronics: 1.5 to 2.5 years, compared to 3 to 8 years for an LCD monitor, or 3.3 to 4 years for computers.

“We import used phones because the Europeans tend to use a phone for only about 18 months, or a staggering 12 months- long before the five year lifespan the devices have on average,” Isaac Nwosu, a smallscale gadget trader and repairer in Computer Village, Lagos, told BDSUNDAY. “Every year, cell phones manufacturers release at least, an average of two different models of phones, but Nigerians prefer buying the used phones due to the cost,” he further said.

A member of Computer and Allied Product Dealer Association of Nigeria (CAPDAN) who pleaded anonymity confirmed to BDSUNDAY that Nigeria is a hotspot for used phone, especially feature phone, because of the population.

“We go to Europe, Asia, North America, especially London, Belgium, France, US and Canada looking for cheap used phones to import to Nigeria; some are

mostly dead by the time they arrive here,” he added.

A United Nation University’s two-year study into Used Electrical and Electronic Equipment (UEEE) revealed that thousands of tonnes of e-waste is shipped illegally to Nigeria inside used vehicles especially mobile phones because of the size.

According to the study, UEEE sent to Nigeria every year from other countries in 2015 and 2016 — assessed at around 60,000 metric tonnes in both years— at least 15,400 tonnes didn’t work.

“The vast majority (98percent) came from EU member states. The rest came from the USA. Another 18,300 tonnes were imported in containers, predominantly originating from ports in the EU (29percent), China (24percent) and the USA (20percent).”

An Environment lecturer from Delta State Polytechnic, Morka

Samuel told BDSUNDAY that “the economy and choice of consumers for used phones make Nigeria very attractive, but importers of these items amazingly, know little or nothing about them and the heavy impact they are having on our environment.”

In one study published last year, 34 recent mobile phones were put through a standard Environment Protection Agency test in US that simulated conditions inside a landfill. All of them leached hazardous amounts of lead -- on average, more than 17 times the federal threshold for what constitutes hazardous waste.

While Nigeria seems to be paying increasing attention to general electronic waste, a hope of finding a solution, sounds a bit rosy considering the continuing growth of mobile devices, especially in markets like Nigeria.

Morka further explained that

scavengers and scrap dealers recover value from the E-waste using crude methods, the result of which is harmful to themselves and the environment leaving a toxic imprint on the environment.

“Some Nigerians have the habit of keeping bad mobile phones hidden away in their homes, hoping to get them for repairs one day, but never did, some for over 5 years; unaware of the risk they pose themselves and the environment,” he said.

A study carried out by environment researchers in US confirmed trace of toxic metals, nickel, cadmium and brominated flame retardants from used phones or abandoned in household have accumulated to dust in food.

Where do your old cell phones go?

Morka explained that Mobile phone poses a serious burden

on the environment, gobbling up power and precious materials before heading to landfill. In Nigeria most of the used phones after they totally go out of repair end up in the rivers and soil, where they help contribute to cancer, damage to the nervous system and to brain development especially in children.

According to the International Labour Organisation, up to 100,000 people work in the informal e-waste recycling sector in Nigeria, collecting and dismantling electronics by hand to reclaim the saleable components including mobile phones.

The waste with no economic value is often dumped or burned –releasing pollutants including heavy metals and toxic chemicals (including dioxins, furans and flame retardants), into the air, water and soil. Over 52,000 tonnes of brominated (flame retardant) plastics, 4,000 tonnes of lead, 80 tonnes of cadmium and 0.3 tonnes of mercury are burned or dumped in Nigeria every year.

While the true amount of overseas-generated waste landing in Nigeria is hard to quantify, United Nations University research has revealed more than 60,000 tonnes of used electrical and electronics equipment are shipped into the country annually via Lagos ports alone, with an unknown amount imported over land routes from neighbouring countries. More than 25 percent of this is dead on arrival – heading straight to dumps or dismantling.

A UN report, published in February, highlighted the extent of the problem, revealing that 50 million tonnes of e-waste is produced each year.

Recently, the Nigerian government, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and UN Environment recently announced the launch of a new $15 million initiative to turn the tide on ewaste in Nigeria; this followed the launch of Hinckley Recycling the first e-waste company in Lagos. However, experts believe the major problem will be sensitising Nigerians.

The economic benefit of mobile phone Why there is no available data on mobile e-waste generated, and Nigerians’ habit to tuck away their old bad phones in the house, Nigeria might be losing billions of dollars from recycling of old mobile phones, as there is much to be recovered and re-used.

En v i r o n m e n t Re c y c l i n g Agency in US revealed that an average mobile phone contains about 300 mg of silver and 30mg of gold.

Nigeria currently has an average of over 23 million mobile phone users, if Nigerians were to change their habit on how phones old disposed when added up to; the two metals alone are worth more than 10billion if properly recycled.

36

www.businessday.ng

www.facebook.com/businessdayng

@businessDayNG

@Businessdayng

Sunday 15 September 2019

GoodTreat Top 5 restaurants in Lagos All cosmopolitan cities around the world are known for their food and the Lagos culinary scene proves to be no different. With restaurants opening up by the dozen which means choice for food and culinary experiences are no longer limited, and Lagosians will most definitely never run out of options. As BusinessDay Culinary Delights’ continues to showcase fine dining options around town, in no particular order here is a compilation of my top 5 restaurants in Lagos so far.

CIRCA NON-PAREIL Circa Non-Pareil, as the name, suggests there is no restaurant quite like it. Derived from the french word pareil. Circa Non-Pareil has become the go-to place for people of all ages who enjoy fine dining yet still want to have a good time. If your budget and palette allow, I highly suggest you order any of their steak cuts. Chef Hadibazan who is the head chef and his team always cook up the most delicious food. It’s fresh, it’s beautiful to look at and carefully made. Circa Non-Pareil is a luxury space, you will notice that upon entry from the valet, to the uniform of the staff and the array of luxury automobiles parked inside. They will soon be opening up a Polo Luxury store, so you can eat delicious food and shop for your favorite luxury items too. If 24k gold plated steak is your taste, make sure to order it. Be ready to spend N90,000 on it.

THE HARVEST

Lehle Balde

The Harvest is easily one of my favorite go-to places. It feels like home and I enjoy the ambiance there. My favorite meal here is the chicken parmigiana which is pasta with breaded chicken with cheese and Pomodoro sauce. Located on Admiralty Way in Lekki, The Harvest is a becoming a multipurpose space, as they just opened another section called the Heineken Tiki Bar which

VANILLA MOON Vanilla Moon has recently become one trendiest restaurants in Lagos. They opened their doors in July of 2019 and have had an influx of customers and great reviews. I can say I have been there about 5 times. Vanilla Moon is located in a leafy by-lane of Victoria Island, Lagos on 2 Saka Jojo Street. The menu is curated with an array of European dishes raging from a tapas menu that can take you to any outdoor Spanish market, fresh-house made pasta, steak, sharing boards with Charcuterie, Sliders & Fondue.

There is also the ruffle Mac & Cheese, Vanilla Moon Lobster Thermidor, and Twinkle Twinkle Tiramisu. Must try: Migas which is a surprisingly unlikely combination of eggs, chirosso, gapes, and bread. It’s absolutely delicious. The service is always stellar and the drinks are very tasty. The restaurant is perfect for brunch lunch, dinner, drinks with friends. Your average meal for 2 here will cost you about N 30,000.

is an artistic section which is also a lounge, bar, and club. This is a much-needed addition and an even bigger attraction for those looking to have a good time. The Harvest also is giving back to its customers in a big way. As a way to show appreciation to their customers, the Harvest is giving away 1 million Naira worth of food or cash till the end of October. All you have to do is go in have a meal and fill in a customer form to be considered for the monthly draw!

LA TAVERNA

Please check out BusinessDay Culinary Delights’ every Friday in your BusinessDay newspaper for more food and culinary content.

Follow us on Instagram @bdculinarydelights

La Taverna is a Mediterranean and South American restaurant located in Victoria Island. The food is reminiscent of homemade cooking yet plated to perfection. The menu is a creation of Chef Diaz love for food and making people happy. A lot of the recipes at la La Taverna are from his country of origin Chile. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating area and is popular amongst both local and expatriate communities and often organizes weekly themed nights. The restaurant’s popular pizza meal deal is on every Wednesday and Sunday. On Thursdays, it’s ladies night at La Taverna. The ambiance is calm yet exciting.

The service is good, the servers are efficient and friendly and the food came out in no time.

Z KITCHEN The whole ambiance of this restaurant is elegant, from the smell of the gently lit scented candles, the warmth of the lights and gentle background music. Z Kitchen feels modern, welcoming and warm. The attention to detail in Z Kitchen is impressive, more than the food, it’s the Z experience. Simple, minimalist design yet very chic. It is the only restaurant in Lagos with a visible meat aging chamber. Z Kitchen is a place where you can go for a special celebratory dinner party, it’s also perfect for a romantic date, dinner, and drinks with friends and so much more. My favorite meals on the menu are the garlic prawns and steak frites.

Sunday 15 September 2019

C002D5556

BDSUNDAY 37

TheWorshippers Kumuyi calls for national rebirth …As Lagos CAN takes evangelism, revival to Agege SEYI JOHN SALAU

I

t was a “Night of Glory” on Wednesday 11 September, as William F. Kumuyi, general overseer of the Deeper Life Bible Church (DLBC), called for a national rebirth as the entire body of Christ in Lagos gathered together, uniting in faith for an end-time revival that is expected to spread across Lagos and beyond.

The event ‘Night of Glory’ held at the Abundant Life Gospel Church, in Agege was organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos State for ministers development and networking support aimed at uniting the church and preparing it for end-time revival.

Kumuyi in his message said the ministry of Jesus Christ has a threefold manifestation that entails teaching, preaching and healing. According to him, the gospel is a good news that brings grace to the believer; peace and salvation, and it is a gospel of the kingdom of God. According to Kumuyi, the grace that was available to the apostles and disciples of Jesus Christ is also available for all believers today. “The grace that was available for Paul is available for you; and the grace available to Mark, Luck, Matthew and John is available for you,” he said, urging the congregation to put faith in God as the gospel of Jesus Christ will make a believer a citizen of the kingdom of God. Kumuyi also pointed out that sin and evil would destroy the fabrics of people’s life, saying that turning

L-R: Elder Israel Akinadewo, CAN secretary, Lagos; Pastor William Kumuyi, Apostle Alexander Bamgbola, CAN chairman, Lagos, and Rev. Janet Onaolapo (host) at the event.

away from them and embracing Christ would lead to change of life and attitude.

He also said the CAN programme was aimed at breaking the demarcation in the body of Christ, and that the programme would soon be moved to the entire Southwest states.

Alexander Bamgbola, chairman of CAN, Lagos State said the ‘Night of Glory’ was the new and final phase of revival that will envelop Nigeria, which is however starting small from Lagos. “We have pastor Kumuyi and we are all rallying around him through CAN Lagos State to start the work which is

going to cover not just Lagos, but is going to cover Africa and the world”.

Bamgbola stated that the church is one, hence CAN Lagos is leading the charge to bring Christians in the state together for end-time revival.

“Here you will see all members of the church weather it is Pentecostal, Orthodox, Methodist, Anglican, the OAIC that is, the Organisation of African Institutional Churches that we call the white garment; we are all in white garment. Am always in white garment; am white garment; the church is white garment; and we are together,” he said.

According to Bamgbola, the lord is using Lagos State to begin

‘Night of Glory’ to signal endtime revival in Christendom. He opined that Nigeria belongs to God and that no amount of negative permutation can stop God’s plan for the nation. “This nation belongs to Christ, no matter what is going on, that is why the devil is attacking this nation. God raised W.F. Kumuyi, raised Adeboye, raised these men to affect the world, and as bad as they say we are; God sees Nigeria as a great nation because he built it as a nation that has the gospel.”

Speaking further on the ‘Night of Glory’, Bamgbola opined that God has raised Kumuyi to be an

instrument of revival to prepare and build the church. “God has raised a man who is given the mandate to begin the final revival about the coming of the Lord, and that is what we are beginning to see. Pastor W.F. Kumuyi is raised by God not to build Deeper Life Church alone; building Deeper Life Church was just the beginning of his calling; this phase of his calling is for the whole earth and the calling is for him to be instrument of revival,” Bamgbola stated.

“We must come together and prepare the people of God for the coming of the Lord. This is the final move of God and cannot be stopped. We must support the effort of the man of God (Kumuyi).

We are taking this programme to the Southwest,” he said.

Israel Akinadewo, secretary of CAN, Lagos State said the programme was just the beginning of ending denominational barrier in the Christendom. “You can see me in my full attire and you will be surprised Baba Kumuyi is also coming to my Church in Ibeju; so, what we are telling the public is what the scriptures told us to do – there is no Catholic, Anglican or white garment in heaven, but only the true children of Christ,” he said.

According to the Lagos CAN secretary, ‘Night of Glory’ with Pastor Kumuyi is the realisation of what Christ actually expected of Christians, which is only starting in Lagos, and that it is aimed at putting an end to all forms of denominational differences in the church. “This is just the beginning of ending denominational barrier in the Christendom,” Akinadewo also said.

“We should return the church to the path of forgiveness, righteousness and godliness” In this interview with SEYI JOHN SALAU, Reverend Femi Popoola, pastor in charge of Divine Mercy Baptist Church, Ikosi, Ketu, Lagos speaks on the xenophobic attack in South Africa, the church and the negative influence of prosperity gospel in Christendom. Excerpts: Recently Benny Hill tendered a message of apology on his 67th birthday saying he does not want to be associated with prosperity gospel; what is your take on this? give glory to God for that. Well, for me that was not the first time I was hearing about it. I think I heard about it sometime ago that Benny Hill denounced prosperity gospel. Prosperity gospel is not a biblical gospel; it is a false gospel and if someone who has been in the core of it, preaching it can say that no, he is repenting; I think it is something we need to give glory to God. And, those who are into it in Nigeria should see it that look – we need to change; they need to return back to the bible.

I

Reverend Femi Popoola

Is that a clarion call on other ministers and ministries still pushing the frontiers of this prosperity gospel to rethink their stand in Christ?

Yes; that is part of what is causing Nigeria trouble because of our focus. There are so many churches but our focus is not on God; our focus is on things that will not take us anywhere, so we should return back to the issue of sins and forgiveness; righteousness and godliness.

The Xenophobic attack in South African on other black nationals, especially Nigerians has been put to the failure of the government; do you share this sentiment?

I think it’s a complex matter from the way I looked at it. Number one,

I see the attack as a reaction of the South African people; maybe they are also having it difficult and they are looking at it that why should the foreigners be prospering in their land why they are suffering. From my own view I see it that the government of South Africa also is not also truthful; maybe they are stylishly using their people to just drive away the foreigners. And again too, from what we are hearing from our people in South Africa, there are some people that are into some unclean things and its complex – so, you can only express your views based on what you hear, since one was not there. That is my view on the xenophobic attack.

Do you support government’s

38 BDSUNDAY

www.businessday.ng

www.facebook.com/businessdayng

@businessDayNG

@Businessdayng

Sunday 15 September 2019

TheWorshippers Inspiration With Rev. Yomi Kasali

info@yomikasali.com

I

watched a British series on con men and scammers titled ‘Hustle’ many years ago and I loved the series so much that I must have watched some of the episodes over and over again.

They always start by identifying their ‘mark’, get close to them by sending his way a smooth talker or even use a sexy looking lady to seduce the mark, sell him a bait and attract him by touching his greedy nerve, then, bang,

Not a con artist they always win and the people are scammed always.

While enjoying my brief holiday, I read a book on my favorite topic, ‘Leadership’, and the author was comparing Leaders and Con men to show where they are different and why Churches have Con Artists on the pulpits today more than ever before.

I must agree that his position was very compelling and convincing which is why I will love to Inspire you today on Con men and Preachers.

Con men convince their ‘followers’ to pursue goals and objectives, most times with some pecuniary benefits for the followers, the people part ways with their monies expecting more in return.

They strongly believe in the game and really pursue it with intensity more than the Leaders (conmen). However, the only difference is that most con men DO NOT BELIEVE in what they sell and do not pursue the same because they know it’s all a scam.

Taking religious leaders who deceive their followers to carry out suicide bombings and kill many people as a case study; you can hardly ever find them convince or

deceive their children into killing themselves as the surest path to paradise and 70virgins. There are also Preachers and Pastors who fleece their members off their monies with promises of ‘breakthrough’ or ‘miracle’ if they would dare God by

“We should return the ... immediate reaction and planned repatriation of willing Nigerians from South Africa?

I think that is good because our people there have lost their means of livelihood, and then you hear that they are being molested or being killed; it is your responsibility as a government to do what you can to at least protect them by taking an immediate measure, which is ok. But, more than that I think the federal government should wake up – wake up in the sense that if you are bringing them home; what are you bringing them home to come and do. Those who are at home – many of the youth at home; their eyes are outside, they want to go out. They want to go make things for themselves, so if they are doing that; the federal government should also know that it is time we had to do something for our own citizens that will make them feel at home and would want to stay back in the country. If what they are doing in South Africa and prospering, they might want to come and do it at home, but if the environment is not conducive how will they come back: come back to do what? So, the government has a lot of things to do.

But, back home Nigerian lives are not safe, which beggars the question; what

value do we place on a Nigerian life?

It is a very big question and it calls for a sober reflection on the part of the government. I said it that the government of Nigeria needs to wake up; it’s not doing well at all as far as security is concerned. Nobody is safe now any longer; the security apparatus in Nigeria has become something else, so the government has to wake up and see to it that our lives are safe in Nigeria. There is no more security in Nigeria, even the people in government should realize that they are also not safe; and event have proved that nobody is safe and if things continue like this, I am sorry and pray that it does not escalate. So, the issue of security should be taken very serious and something drastic must be

done about it.

Back to the church: the church in Nigeria, especially clergymen have been target of gunmen in the recent past; do you think it’s time for the church or CAN to take a stand on providing self protection for clerics in Nigeria?

Well, if CAN wants to make provision for the security of pastors and clergymen; does CAN have the means to do that? Definitely it cannot do that because the work of security and the responsibility to secure lives lies with the government.

So, the government must do something, not only for the clergymen but for all citizens – it is the major responsibility of the government to protect lives and property: so government must wake up and do something about it.

sowing their life savings and empty their bank accounts, same things they DO NOT do because they are ‘scammers’ and Con Artists. Also, the traditional leaders and herbalists who promise fools loads of wealth if they could maim, kill, cut off the private parts of

women, kidnap, Bring body parts for some rituals so that these unsuspecting greedy fools can become wealthy overnight without working.

The question I always ask is; how come these herbalists are poor and do not give their children the same secret to make wealth?

5 Ways of identifying scammers who are smooth talkers Do not practice what they preach: Most of the scammers are great ‘preachers’ but poor ‘practitioners’ like the Bible says. They are smooth talkers but nothing more, they do not walk the talk and that is why I also do not like leaders who do not practice what they preach (Rom. 16 v 18).

Are compelling and convincing: Most con Artists are compelling with words, and have a large following but do not be swept off your feet because of ‘talk’ alone but make sure you add other things to ‘talk’.

Charisma without character: This is my favorite point every time I write to inspire people, follow Character not Charisma. I know a lot of people are ‘attracted’

by Charisma (like the tree

that attracted Jesus with LEAVES), But ensure you look for Character (fruits on the tree not just leaves alone), because by their fruits we shall know them.

Pressure and pleasure: Most Con Artists put their marks under pressure and want you to make that decision on the spot. In churches as well, they tell you to GIVE TODAY and not tomorrow making you assume that God will be angry if you respond the following day. When someone tries to put you under pressure to do something NOW and part with money, run!

Greed and need: Most Con Artists address your Greed not Need, most of the things we fall for are not needed, we all have a little bit of greed in us and we should crucify our flesh and be thankful to God for Meeting our needs.

Be careful, there are Con Artists out there everywhere including churches, they might not look it; just be careful.

I do expect to read your feedback on how this article has blessed you.

Be Inspired!

Christian Benefits Magazine holds ‘BAME’ awards 29 September

C

hristian Benefits Magazine has announced S a t u r d a y, 2 9 September as date for the 2019 Benefits Awards for Missionary Excellence (BAME). The award was instituted in 2004 as an annual event by the board of trustees of the magazine for recognition of outstanding Christian individuals and ministry works.

BAME awards are presented in seven (7) different categories namely

Christian Music, Christian Drama , Christian Charity, Christian Entrepreneur, Christian service, Christian literature and Christian mission.

Over the years from the 2004 maiden presentation of the awards till date, over 50 individuals and ministries have been honoured with the BAME awards, which spread across all the seven (7) different categories.

BAME awards is an arm of Christian Benefits magazine that is managed by a

board of trustees of people of impeccable personalities namely Rev. Yeside Staveley (Chairman), Rev. Tony Akinyemi (Vice-Chairman), Apostle Elisamma Ideh, Pastor Ayo Ayolola and Samson Makinde.

Pastor Wole Olarinde is the executive director of BAME awards while Funmi Olarinde is the executive secretary.

The 2019 BAME awards honours will be presented to fifteen (15) recipients across the seven (7) categories.

Women entrepreneurs receive loans, grants to boost their businesses in A/Ibom ANIEFIOK UDONQUAK, Uyo

W

omen entrepreneurs in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have received revolving loans and grants to support their business as part of efforts to create more jobs and help in poverty alleviation in the community.

Imabasi Ekanem, wife of the local government chairman disbursed the loans on behalf of Mboho Uforo Mkpat Enin, a socio-cultural

group in the area which is her initiative.

At a ceremony in the local government headquarter which also featured an exhibition by Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SME) and

NEWS attended by Martha Udom, wife of the state governor, a total of 120 women received revolving loans while 50 others got grants to boost their businesses.

Speaking, Brown who is the initiator of the programme said she was moved to lunch

the scheme to improve the economic status of women in the area adding that those that earlier repair their loan were those who benefitted from the grants.

Brown who thanked the governor’s wife for her support urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the funds saying the exercise would be extended to all women the area.

According to her the scheme which is its fifth phase has empowered over 600 women with revolving loans assuring that more will be done in the coming months.

Sunday 15 September 2019

www.businessday.ng

www.facebook.com/businessdayng

@businessDayNG

@Businessdayng

BDSUNDAY 39

BrandsOnSunday SPOTLIGHTING BRAND VALUE

Future existence on parade at Berlin’s IFA consumer electronics show Bosch and Siemens, operating under BSH Group are core exhibitors at the Berlin 2019 consumer electronics fair, IFA. The managers say the brands’ focus is consumer centricity with involvement of a lot of R&Ds in developing products to satisfy consumers. Matthias Ginthum, Chief Marketing Officer for BSH Group, told BusinessDay at the fair that what drives him as global CMO of BSH is reflecting on ideas and opportunities and how to tap into them. Daniel Obi writes.

E

very year since 1924, world and renowned manufacturers of consumer electronics exhibit innovative products at the International Fiscal Association, IFA consumer electronics trade fair in Berlin, Germany.

This year’s edition which began on September 4 -11, appears exceptional as electronics on display, ranging from home to industrial use products, from about 2,000 global exhibitors were not only state-of the art machines and home appliances but futuristic products with Artificial Intelligence and voice dictating trends.

With consumer research and deep thinking, most consumer electronics manufacturers mostly from Europe, West and Asia displayed ‘smart’ products which act as humans, though not in the exact way as human beings, all in attempt to ease life.

The introduction of the new products is with consumer insight and preferences to make live comfortable. Christian Goke, Chairman of IFA board acknowledged that “the integration of artificial intelligence is resulting in more attractive, user-friendly products” Perhaps, only IFA, home to latest products and innovations offers such comprehensive overview of the international market and attracts the attention of international trade visitors from more than 100

countries. The fairground was perfectly organised with exhibitors having enough space to display their products.

This year’s IFA exhibition is a clear indication that “digital development is progressing rapidly around the globe as more and more companies are pooling their know-how within cross-industry, co-innovation networks”, says Christian Goke.

Central focus of the fair was useful networking and easy product-usability. But inasmuch as the AI products are global focused; they appear to be more of Europetargeted where population is aging and where easy usability therefore seems to be more significant.

BSH GmbH, one of the global leading companies in consumer electronics and the largest home appliances manufacturer in Europe found IFA as a major international platform to tell their ingenious story and exhibit latest products from its Bosch and Siemens brands. Some of the latest consumer products from the group include aromatic refresher machine that can be used to refresh the rooms.

Bosch also unveiled latest washing and dryer machines that work and communicate with each other for effective service. The machines give recommendations based on sensor on duration for good washing and for drying any particular clothe.

Another latest amazing product exhibited by Bosch was hand electronic equipment for food preservation. This was introduced on the

understanding that private homes in Germany alone inadvertently waste food through poor preservation calculated to run into millions of dollars annually. It was said that 18 million tons of food are wasted by private homes yearly in Germany.

Bosch through research therefore introduced the product which can help preserve food in a special container developed by Bosch by sucking air out from such food container.

The container also prevents air from entering to contaminate the food.

There were other remarkable products such as super silence or almost zero noise washing machines and fridges and voice control ovens in addition to other numerous products on display by Bosch and Siemens which occupied about 3,000 sq meters space each at the IFA 2019.

For Matthias Ginthum, Chief Marketing Officer for BSH, IFA 2019 was an important fair to exhibit BSH new products and services to consumers.

Both Bosch and Siemens products are addressing dedicated segments in the markets. “The focus of the BSH Company is to improve the lives of consumers across the globe with our products. All the products we are inventing and delivering are based on the understanding of the consumer”, Matthias further said.

Matthias emphasised that the trend at IFA 2019 is digital. Therefore, “the transformation of BSH Company from a hardware manufacturer and seller to digital company is key for us in our transformation agenda. We are offering equipment that enhance living standard from washing machine, food preservation equipment, cooling to cooking.”

In what appears as heavy reliance of BSH on European and Western markets but with gradual penetration to Africa, Matthias said the intention of IFA which is 95 year old is always to show innovations and new technologies and this is still the intention to bring technology into life, depending on the part of the world one is coming but consumers can still have certain products depending on their purchasing power.

Reminding Matthias that Bosch is relying on quality for sales and less on advertising in countries like Nigeria, he said the brand is trying to improve awareness in different countries as he relishes that the brand Bosch is based on quality, solidity and bringing inventions to life.

“In many countries where we are not yet fully known, we have to do advertisement, but we should do advertisement when the people can buy the products in the related stores. Doing advertisement without the products in the retail stores does not make sense. We have step by step evolvement in some of these markets. Making marketing campaigns without having the products does not make any sense.

You have to grow in a natural way that is our approach for Africa and most of the countries there”.

According to him, BSH started its journey only a couple of years ago in Nigeria and other Sub-Saharan African countries and it will take time until the brand finds its way through the right dealers having access to the consumers. In South Africa and Northern Africa, Bosch has upto 10 % market share but in Nigeria it is focusing on establishing new business grounds to grow the business.

Today, Africa must wake up and find ways to key into the global digital revolution to avoid being left far behind. The continent must not wait until it manufactures the whole component of a product.

Country like Nigeria can enter into partnership with a global manufacturer to produce just a component such as remote control for TV only but she needs educated people as labour force is important to such production.

On dealing with competition, Matthias said Bosch for more than 50 years has been growing and improving market shares and one of the recipes of success is understanding the consumer and delivering products which feat to their needs. “For the future, success lies in the way manufacturers understand what the consumer is looking for.

If you can’t provide the consumer

with the right product, no business will be successful.

“Our success is always to understand what is going on in the market and provide the services.

We can’t compromise quality. We are European market leader and by far general market leader and if you are a market leader then you are carrying the mass of the market” Matthias further said that BSH Service provides pre- and post-sales exploration, installation, maintenance/repair, additional warranty and sales of accessories services for Home Appliances branded with Bosch and Siemens.

“Meeting the demands and expectations of dealers and customers with its experienced team, strong technological infrastructure and customer-orientated professional’s implementations, BSH Service is a pioneer and example in the industry with its more than 2,500 employees in 4 regional directorates.

BSH delivers innovative home appliances manufactured in 42 facilities to customers through 80 companies in 48 countries.

As the world is experiencing electric cars, making nonsense of fuel; robots, automatic-driven cars, drones, etc, time will come when many things will be controlled from a single place, perhaps with smart phones. Nigeria, Africa should be prepared to gradually key in now to the digital revolution or be left far behind by its peers.

real fruit and not some concocted chemicals mixture. The first place to start is to go with time tested and trusted brands and whilst also paying attention to the nutrition facts on the label.

According to Folakemi Adeyemi, a nutritionist with Healthyliving International, consuming 100% fruit juices with no added sugar can reduce calories associated with added sugar without compromising

quality nutrition.

“Globally, products with added sugars have come under severe scrutiny because they are believed to provide what is mostly referred to as empty calories without adding nutritional benefits. The natural sugar in fruit juices come with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant.

They are a convenient way to reach your daily fruit intake recommendations,” she stated.

Why fruit juice is important in your diet

T

he first step on the journey of wellness is a balance in our diet which is achievable by evaluating and taking advantage of readily available and affordable nutrient fillers. Experts have recommended the regular consumption of fruits as a key ingredient to providing important nutrients for overall health and wellness.

Achieving the recommended

goals of five fruit portion per day can be challenging and become hindered by availability, convenience, and affordability. This is what makes fruit juice a smart choice since it is a delicious and nutritious way to consume a range of exciting variants of whole fruits every day.

Experts say 100% fruit juice with no added sugar, but contains only the naturally occurring sugars found in the fruit from which the juice is

squeezed is good for diet. When included as part of your healthy diet, 100% fruit juice can help meet recommended daily goals for fruit intake because it is a nutrient-dense drink that provides vitamins, minerals (folic acid, thiamine and magnesium) and beneficial plant nutrients like polyphenols.

It is also vital to educate yourself on facts that will help you select a healthy product made from

40

www.businessday.ng

www.facebook.com/businessdayng

@businessDayNG

Sunday 15 August 2019

@Businessdayng

EquityMarket Real estate investments: How did Union Homes, Skye Shelter Funds perform at half year 2019?

U

TELIAT SULE

nion Homes Real Estate Investment Tr u s t S c h e m e (Union Homes REITS) and Skye Shelter Real Estate Investment Trust (Skye Shelter Fund) both had N12.3 billion as net asset value (NAV) at half year 2019. Union Homes REITS controlled 81 percent of the NAV while Skye Shelter Fund controlled 19 percent.

A real estate investment trust scheme provides investors the platform to have stake in the real estate market, helping in diversification of portfolios thus leading to regular inflow of income from different sources.

Information gleaned from the unaudited financial statement for the period ended June 30, 2019 showed that Union Homes REITS recorded N235.9 million as total income in June 2019, translating to a decline of 7.91 percent when compared with N256.1 million made last year June. Similarly, net income fell to N144.2 million compared with N156.20 million realised in June 2018.

Skye Shelter Fund RIETS raked in N111.2 million at half year as total income , an increase of 0.85 percent over N110.3 million realised last year June. However, net income remained N85.6 million, as against N85.3 million the company realised in June 2019.

In terms of the number of assets, Union Homes REITS has seven properties while Skye Shelter Fund has nine. The delinquency rate for Union Homes REITS was 0.60 percent while that of the Skye Shelter Fund was 2.1 percent by June 2019.

The nine properties of Union Homes REITS have 94 housing units with yields ranging from 3.12 percent to 6.43 percent.

Basically designed as individual housing units, the occupancy rate ranges from 20 percent to 100 percent. By age, the newest

Index

All Share Index(ASI) NSE Premium Index NSE Main Board Index NSE ASeM Index NSE 30 Index NSE Banking Index NSE Insurance Index NSE Consumer Goods Index NSE Oil/Gas Index NSE Lotus Islamic Index NSE Industrial Index NSE Pension Index

Market Returns Jan 31, 2019

Market Returns Feb 28, 2019

Market Returns Mar 29, 2019/Q1

Market Returns June 28, 2019(H)

Market Returns July 31, 2019

Market Returns Aug 30, 2019

-­‐2.78%

0.93%

-­‐1.24%

-­‐4.66%

-­‐11.81%

-­‐12.42%

-­‐3.05%

1.21%

0.40%

9.17%

4.17%

5.40%

-­‐2.57%

0.71%

-­‐1.37%

-­‐13.11%

-­‐22.55%

-­‐0.60% -­‐4.04%

0.87% 0.53%

1.69% -­‐1.73%

-­‐1.45% -­‐11.39%

-­‐2.49%

3.05%

1.26%

-­‐3.26%

5.37%

6.91%

Market Returns Sept 13, 2019

A Year Ago: Market Returns Sept 14, 2018

-­‐11.62%

-­‐15.47%

5.71%

-­‐9.10%

-­‐23.88%

-­‐22.54%

-­‐16.05%

-­‐1.80% -­‐19.60%

-­‐1.87% -­‐23.25%

-­‐1.87% -­‐22.22%

-­‐25.51% -­‐17.29%

-­‐8.04%

-­‐16.49%

-­‐19.49%

-­‐15.25%

-­‐17.79%

-­‐0.40%

-­‐2.16%

-­‐8.49%

-­‐15.52%

-­‐16.63%

-­‐6.36%

-­‐2.61%

-­‐5.15%

-­‐16.89%

-­‐26.74%

-­‐29.74%

-­‐30.29%

-­‐22.66%

-­‐7.27%

-­‐1.20%

-­‐3.87%

-­‐16.21%

-­‐25.26%

-­‐34.35%

-­‐29.64%

-­‐14.58%

0.72%

2.41%

1.51%

-­‐12.03%

-­‐20.11%

-­‐22.25%

-­‐22.64%

-­‐11.02%

5.77%

2.84%

0.14%

-­‐12.12%

-­‐13.26%

-­‐11.85%

-­‐11.69%

-­‐23.42%

-­‐3.12% 0.31% -­‐1.16% -­‐12.35% -­‐19.85% -­‐23.34% -­‐20.08% -­‐13.24% Market -­‐2.78% 0.93% -­‐0.41% 12.67% 15.25% 14.25% 15.37% -­‐13.28% Capitalisation Computed by BusinessDay Research and Intelligence Unit (BRIU). For enquiries, please call 08098710024 or teliat.sule@businessday.ng ; biodunteliat24@gmail.com

To improve the performance property is aged 3 years while the in Abuja which recorded 5.22 per- Harold Shodipo in Ikeja recorded of REITS, fund managers will do oldest is 8 years. cent yield.

5.6 percent and 4.3 percent yields Real estate investments: How did Union Homes, Skye Shelter Funds perform at half year well by developing properties The seven Skye Shelter Fund’s MacDonald Court in Ikoyi ended respectively.

2019? properties have 59 housing units, the first half of the year with 4.09 Interestingly, all the properties that meet the taste of millennial. with yields ranging from 4.3 per- percent yield. Savannah Court in under the management of Skye According to a recent survey by TELIAT ULE cent to 6.5 percent.

TheySare a mix Victoria Island Lagos recorded REITS have 100 percent occu- Bankrate, millennial selected of housings units meant for indi- 4.59 percent yield while Contem- pancy rates at half year. On the real estate investments as their viduals and corporate clients. The porary Apartment at Ikoyi closed contrary, only three properties of top pick.

Union Homes Real Estate Investment Trust Scheme (Union Homes REITS) and Skye Shelter When asked, “For money you oldest property is aged 10 years the period with 4.53 percent yield. Union Homes REITS- Savannah Real Estate Investment Trust (Skye Shelter Fund) both had N12.3 billion as net asset value while the newest is 3 years old.

Victors Court in Ikoyi recorded the Court, Victors Court, Charter wouldn’t need for more than 10 years,while which one of the following 2019.

Homes REITS controlled the NAV Skye On l y 1 8 p e(NAV) r c e n t at o f half Un i oyear n least yieldUnion of 3.12 percent.

Court, have81 100percent percent of occudo you think would be the best Homes REITS’Shelter housing Funits The property with the und are controlled 19 percent. highest pancy rates. located at Abuja while the remain- yield among Skye Shelter Funds MacDonald Court at Ikoyi has way to invest it?” The survey finding housing units are in Lagos with was Victor Park in Lekki Lagos with 88 percent occupancy rate; Con- ings showed that thirty-one (31) their locationsA real estate investment trust scheme provides investors the platform to have stake in the being Ikoyi, Victo- a 6.5 percent yield during the pe- temporary Apartment Ikoyi has percent of the millennial selected real estate.

Twenty real estate helping in Court, diversification thus leading to regular inflow of percent (20%) ria Island and Lekki.

Based onmarket, the riod.

Milverton also in Lekki of 75portfolios percent occupancy rate; Amina selected stocks, 19 percent cash available data,income Locke Apartment, was second on the yield table with Court Abuja has 20 percent occufrom different sources. a property in Lekki, Lagos State 6.28 percent. Bourdillon Court in pancy rate; and Locke Apartment investments; 11 percent gold; 7 posted the highest yield at 6.43 Lekki recorded 6 percent yield. in Lekki has 93 percent occupancy percent bonds while 5 percent selected none, Bankrate stated. percent, followed by Amina Court Sapphire Gardens in Lekki and rate.

Global Spectrum Energy to recommend interim dividend on Q3 results TELIAT SULE

S

hareholders of Global Spectrum Energy Services last Friday were notified of the decision of the management to pay an interim dividend at the end of the third quarter ended September 30, 2019. The notice came to the authorities of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) through a release endorsed by

Ayoshile Kuforiji-Kehinde, on behalf of Rayfield Associates, the company secretary.

“This is to inform the Nigerian Stock Exchange and the investing public that, further to the meeting of the Board of Directors of Global Spectrum Energy Services Plc. held on Thursday, 12 September 2019, it was agreed that a final decision on the proposals for interim divi-

dend will be made alongside the time of release of Third Quarter Financial Report of the Company”, Kuforiji-Kehinde stated.

At the end of the second quarter ended June, Global Spectrum Energy Services raked in N1.075 billion as revenue, in contrast to N877.11 million realised same period in 2019. Gross profit for the period stood at N253.7 million, a bit lower than N287.6

million that was realised in comparable period in 2018.

Operating profit for the period was N103.04 million compared with N142.9 million in June last year. Profit before tax followed similar trend as it stood at N101.03 million as against N140.8 million in June 2018.

The total comprehensive income for the period was N83.6 million, representing 31 percent

decline when compared with N121.3 million the firm made in June 2018.

In the current financial year, a number of listed companies have announced interim dividends. These companies include Access Bank, Zenith Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), Stanbic IBTC Bank, Rak Unity Bank, Custodian Investment and the United Bank for Africa (UBA).

Sunday 15 September 2019

www.businessday.ng

www.facebook.com/businessdayng

@businessDayNG

@Businessdayng

BDSUNDAY 41

LifestyleHomes&Suites

Paul Ojenagbon pauloje2000@yahoo.com

The Belmonte: As exclusive as it gets

T

he Belmonte is envisaged to set a new hallmark for sophisticated urban living with a choice of spacious luxury apartments,lavish duplexes and presidential penthouses right on Bourdillon Road,Ikoyi, Lagos.

The prestigious location of Ikoyi deserves an elegant tower with a striking façade,well appointed services and features rich residences. It is an ongoing residential luxury development by Kuber Developers Limited. The show flat has been completed and available

for viewing. The views are stupendous, that from the 10th floor,one is transported by imagination to a Manhattan loft or a Hyde Park flat in London or perhaps an apartment in Marina Bay, Singapore.

Each home at The Belmonte has been designed to deliver the utmost in space and design with a well defined flow between living, dinning and other private areas. With high end materials and immaculate finishes at The Belmonte ,the beholder is compelled to appreciate fine living like no other. The residences are exclusively styled by the multiple

award winning, internationally renowned designer, Christopher Guy. The design with distinctive look can be described as contemporary mood with classic values. Above all else,it is characterized by elegance.

Each apartment is the signature of ultimate luxury. Attention is given to the minutest details in every respect be it the architectural finesse or thoughtful space allocation.

One is treated to expanded views and sense of openness at all times with energy efficient floor to ceiling windows and walk-in wardrobes.

The 4-bedroom flat is a vista of

light from the wall to the ceiling windows,sumptuous panelling adorns the walls and every where are textures that blow the mind away. The layout of the flat is very clever: the social areas from the formal living room, study in a book, family living area and dinning room all flow into each other.Behind this is the private area with a corridor that links all 4 bedrooms. From each bedroom,the occupant has his or her terrace to view the grandeur of

Ikoyi or the Lagos Lagoon.

The kitchen,at the back of the apartment is spacious,with a lovely island and top end Miele appliances.

A prospect can select a residence of choice from 5 different unit typologies. The apartments are available in sizes 534 square metres and 522 square metres. The duplex apartments have an area of 687 square metres and 483 square metres whilst the penthouses span an area of 1021 square metres.

Earls’ Court stands out in Lekki

T

he Earls’ Court is located at Oba Eleguishi Beacon Road by the third Roundabout, Lekki-Ajah Expressway. It is an expansive site measuring 47,000 square metres. The development comprises 109 units of semi-detached duplexes and terraces that have been carefully crafted within a serene and homely environment.

It is a development of Dessbee Limited. Wema Bank is the financing and receiving bank.

The product types are 4-bedroom semi-detached unit with a maid’s room as well as 3-bedroom terrace plus a maid’s room,all ensuite.The 4-bedroom semi -detached house occupies a land area of 278 square metres and floor area of 226 square metres whilst the 3-bedroom terrace occupies a floor area of 212 square metres.

The apartments are spacious and well finished in all ramifications.

The 4-bedroom semi-detached house and has two living rooms. The kitchen is fully fitted and furnished with hob, electronic oven cooker and hood extractor. The master bathrooms have jacuzzi and power showers in all. The same is replicated in the 3-bedroom apartment which comes with a balcony. All the rooms are fitted with split units airconditioners.

There is a community centre that includes facilities such as swimming pool and shopping centre. Other recreational facilities include clubhouse,gym and squash court. The estate roads are well paved with street lights and walkways. There is an ample green play area to enhance the aesthetic appeal and scenery. A generous play area includes a 6 a side Astro-Turf football field.Broad band internet facilities are pre-installed and boasts of embedded intra community telecommunication system.

The estate is gated, well secured with armed guards on patrol and close circuit television devices (CCTV) aiding their efforts. There is a metered central back up generating facility to ensure 24 hours power supply. Potable water is sourced from bore hole made good with treatment plant. Ample car parking spaces avail home owners and visitors alike. Sewage treatment is centralised and handled decently.

Arrangement is in place to manage the estate with all its facilities and maintenance staff after completion and handover. The estate has been completed and some of the buyers have moved in. Each unit of the semi-detached house carries a price tag of N120million and the terraces N100 million.

42 BDSUNDAY

www.businessday.ng

www.facebook.com/businessdayng

@businessDayNG

@Businessdayng

Sunday 15 September 2019

ConsumerWatch How you can make your house a home with LG Ngozi OKPALAkunne

T

omorrow’s homes are becoming smarter and more personal. And the rollout of 5G will accelerate the evolution of the connected home. This evolution brings with it a level of anticipation for how our homes will change the way we live and what new tech-infused devices and appliances will adorn our kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms over the coming years. An exciting time for industry and consumers alike, but not one without its challenges as consumer expectations, becomes even more difficult to meet.

The best home appliances deliver maximum conveniencewhilealsoaddingsomething exciting to the home.

Built-in artificial intelligence has transformed normal appliances into smart ones that can learn residents’ usage patterns and utilise them to improve performance. AI not only enhances convenience, but the technology also makes appliances safer and more energy-efficient, perfect for the growing concerns over the environmentandtheseemingly ever-increasing utility bills.

LG is committed to creating a consumer-centric smart home ecosystem with the ultimate aim of allowing homeowners to control all their appliances and devices from one spot. A combination of long-lasting, premium appliances and the unrivalled intelligence of LG ThinQ will

position LG as a trendsetter in this fiercely competitive market.

According to Hari Elluru, head of Corporate Marketing, LG Electronics, West Africa Operations, “Today’s smart speakers can keep everything in order in the home by turning lights on and off, adjusting the temperature of the room or reading the news, all with a voice command. Smart speakers can now recognise voices for a morepersonalexperience and can act as an individual’s personal assistant by reading that day’s agenda, offering a reminder to pick up milk on the way home and even recommending the fastest route to get to work in the morning.

With such technology in the home, it’s easier now than ever to multitask and save time.”

According to him, “Life is about more than having the latest technology. It is about the experiences technology creates. From TVs to home appliances and computer products, LG delivers consumer electronics that let you embrace life and prepare you for its greatest moments.

We’re committed to providing electronics that work best for the way you live and to keeping you updated with the latest technological advances.

After all, life’s better when you’re prepared.”

LG has continued to take a leadership role in advocating the beneficial role of AI in consumers’ lives.

Since its launch in 2017, the company’s AI brand LG ThinQ has seen its portfolio grow rapidly to include air con-

ditioners, washing machines, TVs, smartphones and robot vacuum cleaners.

“AI is just one-way appliances are being personalised to meet the lifestyle needs of today’s consumers”, Elluru averred.

A big push to tap markets with single-door refrigerators, semi-automatic washing machines designed for rural consumers is in the offing.

LG already has 20,000 retail touch points and a vast aftersales service network.

Speaking at the CES 2019, I.P. Park, LG’s president and CTO, outlined the company’s vision for the future in his keynote, titled AI for an Even Better Life. According to him, the three key pillars of artificial intelligence – Evolve, Connect and Open – could deliver a robust AI ecosystem with diverse solutions for the

real world.

LG’s ambition is to unlock the potential of AI technology in a much larger scale by connecting hitherto individual units into intelligent systems.

LG Electronics believes that life can be “Made Better with LG ThinQ,” its contribution to the AI ecosystem.

With products such as the LG TV AI ThinQ, LG InstaView ThinQ refrigerator, LG TWINWash ThinQ and LG XBOOM AI ThinQ smart speaker, LG is delivering personalised, proactive, efficient and easy solutions to today’s consumers. From cooking a Sunday morning breakfast to planning a last-minute trip, LG ThinQ makes each step as easy as possible.

LG TV AI ThinQ LG TVs with AI ThinQ have the Google Assistant built-in, bringing higher intelligence to

your living room. You can find the best entertainment, or ask the Assistant to change the light settings, adjust the room temperature, and more. The included remote control has an onboard microphone, so if you don’t have a compatible device, you can use the Google Assistant integrated into the AI ThinQ OS. However you choose to do so, you can tell the TV to play your favourite shows on Netflix, look up funny pet videos on YouTube, and more.

LG InstaView ThinQ refrigerator Want a refrigerator that will recommend recipes, create shopping lists and play music for your meal? LG InstaView ThinQ can. The refrigerator lets you create and share shopping lists between your smartphone and refrigerator, or check on the

contents of your refrigerator, anytime, anywhere. The company first showcased the smart refrigerator at CES 2019 and have received great reviews ever since.

LG TWINWash ThinQ LG’s Award-winning and revolutionary TwinWash washing machine comes with some interesting features including the ability to simultaneously wash two separate loads of laundry and of course the much talked about LG ThinQ technology.

It is a dream come true for those that may experience some anxiety around washing clothes and choosing the right settings. TWINWash will not only give you recommendations for which wash cycles to choose based on the clothes you’re cleaning, but also send you alerts when you’re running low on laundry detergent using their AI smarts.

LG XBOOM AI ThinQ smart speaker The Xboom AI responds to voice commands, and you can use the 8-inch touchscreen to watch videos, make video calls, check the steps of a recipe and control your smart home. It also has a camera for making video calls, along with a physical shutter. It’s High-Resolution Audio at 24bit/96kHz is capable of reproducing High-Quality sound from the original recordings, including formats like ALAC, WAV and FLAC. The company has also reinforced its commitment to making life better for everyone through its smart home innovations.

5 reasons MENA service providers should walk the automation talk

Lucky La Riccia

D

igitalisation is shaking up a variety of industries. Mobile operators face the challenge of digitalising themselves – so that they in turn can accelerate the digital transformation of their business customers. If operators do not transform, they will

miss out on the opportunities offered by 5G and IoT. The MEA region’s telecom market has seen a strong uptake of LTE and there is a high smartphone penetration (for more details, please read the Ericsson latest Mobility Report).

Increased smartphone usage – together with a large increase in the number of IoT devices using LTE – will lead to significant data consumption growth. As MENA service providers prepare to switch on 5G, they need to increase investment to improve coverage, reliability, and speed to ensure customer experiences do not suffer.

In my conversations with some of the leading mobile operators across the region, it is clear for them that automating network management and operations are crucial steps in their modernisation strategy. They also get that network automation is fundamental to manage 5G/IoT complexity

and efficiently deliver 5G services to customers.

As MENA operators continue to move network functionality from proprietary hardware over to software, here are some of the key questions I am often asked: How can I use automation to gain cost efficiencies? What’s the best way to reduce customer service time? How can data analytics help me gain insights to offer services that my customers desire in a 5G/IoT world?

To present a reliable solution to these questions, Ericsson commissioned MIT Technology Review Insights to interview experts within global telecom operators – resulting in a report titled “Network automation: Efficiency, resilience, and the pathway to 5G”. The article outlines the value of automating network operations and where some of the leaders in the field have started.

From the insights of se-

nior technology executives at network operators globally, the report offers the following conclusions: 1. Face up to disruption: Chief Technology Officers may deem it risky to purposely disrupt their networks, but some “structural change is necessary to gain the benefits of automation”. Changes will be needed to integrate staff with IT backgrounds and programming skills, essential for operating the network.

2. Make a clearer link to the 5G and IoT future: With so much riding on 5G and IoT, making the link more explicit to CEOs and CFOs can only strengthen the automation business case.

With traffic levels boosting, the need for more investment becomes inevitable.

3. Keep the faith with open standards: The MENA region’s service providers and their ability to capitalise on the opportunities arising from new technologies require a significant reduc-

tion in complexity within the fragmented operations support area.

Beyond making fuller commitments of their own to one or another opensource platform, “operators should keep up the pressure on their vendors to do the same”. Open Network Automation Platforms can generate even greater value when leveraged to create new services that support new business models across different verticals that will emerge from the introduction of 5G. 4. Embrace DevOps: DevOps is a key enabler of successful software-driven teams and businesses. Arming network staff with new skills may not be enough to help them thrive in fastpaced cloud environments.

Whether or not new structures are created, “learning DevOps ways of working across teams can cement the gains achieved from network automation – and much more”.

5. Don’t be afraid to let go: Automating means trusting software to do the jobs that manual management and configuration – and the proprietary tools developed to guide them – performed. “A leap of faith is required to ‘flip the switch’ over to the automation tool. Delaying this or maintaining legacy tools for redundancy purposes are likely to negate at least some of the gains of automation.”

With greater adoption of automation, I am confident service providers in the Middle East and Africa can slash operations costs and introduce services more quickly, become fully prepared to manage complexity and exceed customer expectations in the era of Digital Transformation – likely through services that we have yet to invent!

Riccia is head of digital services at Ericsson Middle East and Africa

Sunday 15 September 2019

www.businessday.ng

https://www.facebook.com/businessdayng

@Businessdayng

BDSUNDAY 43

Sports Madrid plot new galactico with Kante, Mbappe and Pogba

I

Anthony Nlebem

na movetoreclaimtheirdominant in European football, Spanish football giant, Real Madrid, are set to embark on spending sprees.

Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez, is determined to reclaim the spot as the continent’s premier club after a dismal 2018/19 season that saw Liverpool crowned Champions League kings and Barcelona steal the LaLiga title.

Reports say Real Madrid head coach, Zinedine Zidane, will use his French connection to construct their new dynasty. Real are aiming to convince Zidane’s compatriots PaulPogba,N’GoloKanteandKylian Mbappe to join the Spanish giants.

Perez has admitted that he has already been in touch with an unnamed Frenchman “but they won’t sell”. According to the Spanish press the player is Chelsea magician Kante.

It’s claimed that Real gaffer Zidane is a “long-term admirer”

of Kante ever since the playmaker inspired Leicester City to their stunning Premier League title win

in 2016.

Apparently “Zizou” also approves of Kante’s work ethic and

Tokyo 2020: Super Falcons to regroup for Cote d’Ivoire ANTHONY NLEBEM

A

head of the second round of the African qualifying series of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics women’s football tournament, a total of 30 home-based professionals will arrive at the Super Falcons’ hotel camp in Abuja on Sunday to kick-start preparations for the clash with the Senior Women National Team of Cote d’Ivoire.

Seven overseas-based professionals will join the group before the trip to Abidjan for the first leg.

Already, world football –governing body, FIFA has directed that both legs of the qualifying fixture must be concluded between 30th September and 8th October 2019.

The Nigeria Football Federation has already picked Sunday, 6th October for the return leg match, slated for the Agege Stadium, Lagos. The venue hosted the return leg of Nigeria/Algeria in the earlier round, with the Falcons winning by a lone goal to push out the Algerians on a 3-0 aggregate.

Cote d’Ivoire also emerged 3-0 aggregate winners, eliminating Mali from the series to set up a clash with nine –time African champions Nigeria.

Asisat Oshoala, scorer of the lone goal against Algeria in Lagos on 3rd September, heads the list of the overseas-based professionals that also includes defenders Osinachi Ohale and Chidinma Okeke, midfielders Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene and Chinaza Uchendu, and forwards Francisca Ordega and Rasheedat Ajibade.

Midfielder Osarenoma Igbinovia heads the list of 30 home-based professionals.

All invited home-based players are expected to arrive at the Chida Hotel, Abuja on Sunday, 15th September 2019.

HOME-BASED PROS Goalkeepers: Christy Ohiaeriaku (Delta Queens); Tochukwu Oluehi (Rivers Angels); Onyinyechukwu Okeke (Bayelsa Queens); Chiamaka Nnadozie (Rivers Angels) Defenders: Glory Ogbonna (Ibom Angels); Opeyemi Sunday (Sunshine Queens); Abidemi Ibe (Bayelsa Queens); Ugochi Emenayo (Nasarawa Amazons); Margaret Etim (Rivers Angels); Maryam Ibrahim (Nasarawa Amazons); Mary Ologbosere (Rivers Angels); Blessing Edoho (Ibom Angels); Tosin Dimeyin (Sunshine Queens) Midfielders: Osarenoma Igbinovia (Bayelsa Queens); Ihuoma Onyebuchi (Sunshine Queens); Folashade Ijamilusi (FC

Robo); Suliat Abideen (Sunshine Queens); Josephine Mathias (Rivers Angels); Amarachi Okoronkwo (Nasarawa Amazons); Regina Otu (Edo Queens); Cecilia Nku (Rivers Angels) Forwards: Adejoke Ejalonibu (Nasarawa Amazons); Rafiat Sule (Rivers Angels); Tessy Biahwo (Bayelsa Queens); Alice Ogebe (Rivers Angels); Aloko Abdulkareem (Nasarawa Amazons); Gift Monday (FC Robo); Lola Philips (Nasarawa Amazons); Titilayo Aweda (Confluence Queens); Cynthia Aku (Rivers Angels) OVERSEAS-BASED PROS: Rasheedat Ajibade (Avaldsnes, Norway); Osinachi Ohale (CD Tacon, Spain); Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene (Eskilstuna DFF, Sweden); Francisca Ordega (Shanghai Zyhongyuan, China); Asisat Oshoala (FC Barcelona, Spain); Chinaza Uchendu (SC Braga, Portugal); Chidinma Okeke (Madrid CFF, Spain)

believes the midfielder can make a “major difference in the heart of his side”.

Chelsea have no intention of selling Kante after seeing Eden Hazard lured to the Bernabeu in the summer, but their stance may change if they are successful in overturning their two-window transfer ban.

Zidane believes the current Real squad has past its best with Luka Modric and Gareth Bale likely to be moved on between now and June. Karim Benzema is also above 30 years and may not last into next season.

The French press says Perez has his heart set on Paris Saint-Germain striker Mbappe and believes he could be the next Cristiano Ronaldo for the next decade both in terms of goals scored and shirts sold.

It was reported earlier this week that Manchester United have told Real Madrid they’ll have to stump up £179m if they wish to sign Paul Pogba.

The Daily Mirror says the Red Devils “won’t indulge in any business with the Madrid giants in the new year unless their valuation of £179m is met”.

Real One, Joe Boy in war of words ahead of ABU lightweight bout ANTHONY NLEBEM

W

est African Boxing Union (WABU) lightweight champion, Rilwan “Real One” Oladosu, has launched a fresh verbal attack on Oto “Joe Boy” Joseph, the African Boxing Union (ABU) lightweight champion, ahead of their 12 October ABU title bout at GOtv Boxing Night 20.

The encounter will headline the eight-bout event, which is scheduled to hold at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos.

Speaking after his training at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos on Saturday, Real One described Joe Boy as a coward and boxer with limited ability.

He boasted that he will expose the ABU champion’s limitations in brutal fashion.

“I know him very well. He is my boy; I know what he can do and what he can’t. He relies on raw power. He has no boxing brain. But raw power can only work against low-grade boxers.

I’m not in that category. The ABU title is for me. His limited ability has taken him as far as it can. It is the end of the road for him on 12 October,” bragged Real One, who has serially claimed to have defeated Joe Boy in their amateur days.

Real One’s verbal offensive is the latest trail of bad blood between both boxers, who are considered the best in their divi-

sion. They have had to be pulled apart at press conferences and GOtv Boxing Night 18, where Real One never failed to taunt Joe Boy, who also always responded.

The event will also stage the national bantamweight challenge between Sadiq Adeleke and Opeyemi “Sense’ Adeyemi.

Also scheduled to be in action are Rilwan “Baby Face” Babatunde, WABU welterweight champion, who takes on Jafaru Sulaimon; Ridwan “Scorpion” Oyekola, national super featherweight champion, who fights Sikiru “Omo Iya Eleja” Shogbesan; Tope “TP Rock” Musa and Adewale “Masevex” Masebinu, national light heavyweight champion, who faces Kabiru “KB Godson” Towolawi in a rematch.

Two debutants, Alaba “Eye Blow” Omotola and Bolaji Abdullahi, both graduates of GOtv Boxing NextGen Search, will also be in action in addition to an all-female bout featuring Cynthia “Bobby Girl” Ogunsemilore and Aminat “Smart” Yekini.

BDSUNDAY

NEW YOU CAN TRUST

I

SUNDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2019

www.businessday.ng

https://www.facebook.com/businessdayng

@Businessdayng

NAMBUIT: Dangers of a monopolistic market

I

n a bid to ensure an on-boarding of MFBs into a unified national payment system, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the National Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) partnered with Inlaks Computer Limited in 2017 to deploy a single core and agent banking solution for all Microfinance Banks (MFBs) in Nigeria under the auspices of the National Association of Microfinance Banks Unified IT Platform (NAMBUIT).

The NAMBUIT project was borne out of the desire by the CBN to have data integrity arising from differences in the reports submitted by microfinance banks (MFBs) and that observed from regulators during onsite visit.

Building a banking application for all MFBs became a solution for the regulators.

However, the question remains if having a single solution for all MFBs is the way to go?

This is not the solution as the regulators are not supposed to be banking application providers but provide specifications for such vendors to conform to before operating within the Nigerian market.

The concern here is that if this is fully implemented, this will plunge the industry backward instead of forward.

Economic experts at different fora have argued that building a monopoly market for all 908 MFBs in Nigeria is not the right way to go.

MFBs practitioners are not in agreement to all be left in one basket for the banking application because this could be counterproductive for the customers, institutions and other stakeholders.

Below are some of the effects Loss of jobs for the vendors: Monopoly economy is dangerous for any industry; and a downtime of the system affects the general sub-sector, among others.

You can imagine the implications of rendering all MFBs solutions providers jobless and the thousands of family members who are dependent on them.

This is not only counterproductive but the overwhelming implications will be another burden to Nigeria’s fledging economy.

It is important to note at this point that there are risks involved with one Informa-

tion Technology for all MFBs in Nigeria with it being a major threat to business continuity.

No business relationship lasts forever!

Suppose after some time, the solution provider becomes uncomfortable with the current terms of the business relationship and wants a review, which banks are not ready for; or the provider of the solution, after some time, due to circumstances beyond their control, find themselves in a position they are no longer able to deliver in line with the agreed terms and conditions, and the business relationship has to breakdown, what will happen to all the MFBs in the country and the sub- sector?

On the other hand, the provider of one IT platform for all the microfinance banks in Nigeria will enjoy a level of monopoly which they will exploit to their advantage, naturally, and to the detriment of MFBs businesses and the desired growth and development of the subsector.

Also, there could be possible downtimes. Any incidence of downtime (which of course cannot be completely ruled out) will affect all the MFBs at the same time and thus constitute a major threat to the subsector as this would lead to gradual loss of public confidence.

There could also be inadequate technical support. Providing effective technical support to all the microfinance banks as at the time and how they want it, will be a serious issue given the number of MFBs in the country and the level of manpower operating in the subsector.

This is already playing out in the slow pace of implementation of the proposed unified platform for the very few banks that have indicated interest.

A unified solution will totally eliminate competition as the advantage of monopoly will automatically discourage innovations from the chosen vendor to the MFBs

Higher IT costs would also become an issue to consider in the long run after the expiration of the subsidy period provided by the promoters of the project to enable MFBs easy migration.

The need to now run a sustainable model of pricing coupled with the demands that may now be placed by different institutions on channel upgrades or other offerings currently enjoyed by their current banking solution providers.

This is another high risk as many of the MFBs will not be capable of having backup internet facilities.

Operating offline is completely ruled out. Once there is internet downtime which is very frequent, (depending on the internet facility) thebank will be out of operation for that period and their customers frustrated. Takenote that the microfinance banking subsector is still grappling with the problem of poor public perception.

Again, for some banks that have spent much on IT infrastructure – live server, one or two backup servers, robust banking software integrated to Interswitch and NIBBS, network equipment, among others, they will be forced to write-off the costs from their books at the detriment of their shareholders.

There should be a rethink of the policy and allow all banking applications especially those of Nigerian origin to compete favorably in the market.

A unified solution will totally eliminate competition as the advantage of monopoly will automatically discourage innovations from the chosen vendor to the MFBs that could have come from different application vendors in a bid to remain competitive which also is not good for the industry and the economy of Nigeria as a whole.

To put this into perspective, a Core Banking Application (CBA) is to a Microfinance Bank what a foundation is to a building.

This means MFBs with a comprehen-

KENNETH EKE Eke, an economic expert writes in from Abuja

sive, automated and effective CBA guarantees profitably, operational efficiency and organizational/customer success.

While the functionalities of CBAs for MFBs have evolved, there still exists significant areas for improvement concerning cost, user experience, integration options for value-added services and service support.

Listed below, are brief profiles of the key solution providers and the key features of their solutions: BankOne CBA has grown since its launched by AppZone in 2011 to be a significant player in the MFB sector today. Designed to achieve end-to-end automation the CBA exposes core services to end customers through multiple alternative channels nationwide including ATMs, POS terminals, Internet, Mobile phones, Commercial Bank Branches, and independent agents.

Sagamy CBA provides MFBs with deposit and loan account management, high volume transaction processing capabilities, remote cash center management, agency banking, seamless inter-branch transactions, automated CBN reporting, along with automation of back-office operations such as fixed assets, HR & payroll, shares, inventory/ stock, and general ledger financial accounts management.Dynamics NAV of Realtech is deployed to so many MFBs across Nigeria and West Africa. It’s a full fledge Banking Solutions that automates all processes as well as value added services such as Mobile, web, USSD and debit cards transactions.

Quick Takes

Off the Cuff

$5.3bn

A worthy collaboration in the offing in Oyo

L

ast Thursday, a former editor and now pastor with one of the Pentecostal churches in the country, Adeniyi Ojebisi, called me.

He sounded very disturbed. “Do you know that the Fulani herdsmen have allowed their cattle to eat up my farm in Oyo? My large farm is gone.

I am going to report to the police,” he had said with pain.

Ojebisi is just one out of the hundreds across the country that have suffered in the hands of the herdsmen. The saddest part of it all is that no one is ever being punished for such pain being inflicted on innocent citizens. At a seminar recently, a visiting professor from Canada, but a Nigerian, had told a sad story how a relation of his, a retired military officer, sulked in silence as his large farm was eaten up by the Fulani herdsmen’s cattle in one of the South Western states. When the man reported his ordeal to some quarters where he thought respite could come from, he was advised instead to down his voice as nothing would ever come out of his complaint.

The move by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State to ensure that evil elements would not be hiding under the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association to wreak havoc on people’s lives and their property is appears to have raised the hope of the wounded. This

would help Ojebisi, who is an indigene of Oyo State, and others who may be suffering in silence, too. The Makinde administration has just ordered the Miyetti Allah in the state to work towards having a register of true members of the body in the state to avert future clash between herders and farmers.

The order was handed down through Muyiwa Ojekunle, commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, while playing host to the executive members of the association at his office in Ibadan at the weekend.

Ojekunle said it would be hard for any criminal element among the herders to perpetrate crime if his identity is well known to the association as well as the government.

“This hullabaloo will be a thing of the past if your members have registration method and their identity well known to you and the government.

Nobody will commit any crime when he knows people can identify him or her.

“The present administration understands and is very ready to work for unity among all ethnic groups and tribes in the country to move our state together. More so, as the governor of Oyo State is ready to use agriculture to turn over the economic potentials of our people for better.”

He urged the representatives of the group, to “Go back and preach peace and harmony to

your people. Our land is open to all to thrive in business and we already have foreign and local investors who have started working on cultivation of large expanse of lands across the state and with same interest in animal husbandry as well.”

“They are ready to work with you the same way we are also ready to work with all law abiding citizen of Nigeria to grow the economy of our State and the people therein. But first, you must find a way to identify and register your true members,” he advised.

In response, Ibrahim Diji, the Oyo State vice chairman of Miyetti Allah, appealed for support from the state government for the body to mediate and foster peace in cases of clashes between farmers and herders in the state.

He stated that one of the ways to permanently end farmers-herders clash was for the government to create grazing routes for the herdsmen so that when they are out with their cattle for grazing there would be no straying into people’s farms, noting that if Oyo State government worked with the association, better understanding would be established while peaceful coexistence would also be achieved.

This is the amount of money approved by the Federal Government for the Ibadan-Kano standard gauge rail project.

From the horse’s mouth “I did not expect anything from the tribunal. I would have been very surprised to hear anything different from what we heard. I’m not a lawyer but look at it, they say you don’t have to present your certificate before you are elected…” . Tunde Adeleye, archbishop of the Niger Delta Province

Published by BusinessDAY Media Ltd., The Brook, 6 Point Road, GRA, Apapa, Lagos. Ghana Office: Zion House, Shiashie, OIC-Galaxy Road, East Legon, Accra.

Tel:+ 233 243226596, +233244856806: email: bdsundayletter@businessdayonline.com Advert Hotline: 08034743892. Subscriptions 01-2950687, 07045792677. Newsroom: 08054691823 Editor: Zebulon Agomuo, All correspondence to BusinessDAY Media Ltd., Box 1002, Festac Lagos. ISSN 1595 - 8590.