Nigeria Magazine

Issue: 2 2011

ISSN 2045-5542

Nigeria 500.00 UK £3.00 USA $5.00

CBN Governor Sanusi’s

Tinie Tempah

Banking Reforms

two-time BRIT award winner

Plus The 2011 Presidential Elections

Obafemi Martins

Birmingham City’s Carling Cup match-winner

Celebrating

Ngozi Okonjo - Iweala MD World Bank

International Women’s Day

Arts & Culture | Business | Entertainment | Leadership | Sport

2011 Issue: 2

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ourReaders To

F

ollowing the commemorative edition to celebrate the Nigeria independence jubilee in October 2010, this issue focuses on many areas, highlighting the rich arts and culture of Nigeria, the most populous black nation in the world as articulated by Chimamanda Adichie in her story “the danger of the single story”.

The centenary anniversary celebrating international women’s day was on 8th March 2011– what does it take to be a successful woman in a man’s world?

The women profiled in this edition, range from the first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (MD World Bank) Olufunmilayo Falusi Olopade, recently appointed by President Obama as a member of US National Cancer Advisory Board and four current female deputy governors.

The Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s overhaul of Nigerian banking institutions and the impact on the economy is also featured in this edition.

Electioneering is in top gear for the 2011 April general elections, which will be the fourth successive democratic election since 1999, when Nigeria returned to democratic rule after decades of military dictatorship.

President, Goodluck Jonathan has promised a level playing field for all parties, he also appointed Professor Atahiru Jega as the independent electoral commission chairman, President Jonathan’s opponents include former head of state, Muhammadu Buhari, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu the former anti-corruption czar, are in agreement with Jega’s appointment.

The high level of performance of governors Babatunde Fasola, Rotimi Amaechi and Godswill Akpabio respectively since assuming office is also featured.

Nigerian Entertainment industry in is waxing strong; Nollywood has overtaken Hollywood in the area of film production, and the Nigerian music industry has not been left out, stars like D’banj, Tuface, MI, Asa, Nneka and many more are achieving international fame.

People power has swept away some dictators in North Africa and the Middle East, Col Ghadaffi, who mischievously called for the portioning of Nigeria, is himself on the brink of being ousted from power after 42 years of dictatorship.

Nigerian football stars in the English premier league continue to showcase their football pedigree: Obafemi Martins scoring the winner for Birmingham FC against Arsenal at the Carling Cup finals in March 2011 at Wembley Stadium; John Mikel Obi’s Chelsea hoping to retain their League title; Peter Odemwingie working hard to ensure his team West Brom retain their premiership status; Kanu is still pulling strings at Portsmouth FC in the Championship division.

Enjoy reading this magazine.

Kede and Esosa Aihie – Chair and Founder T&S Club

Issue: 2 march / april 2011

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29. asa 28. Dame Patience Jonathan

23. Genevieve Nnaji

Contents 7. CHIMAMANDA ADICHIE

7 27 33 19 Celebrating 28 International Women’s Day 37 Women 42 .

. Entertainment –

Arts & Culture –

Nollywood & the Music scene

Adichie, Looted Artefacts

. The 2011

. Sanusi’s Banking

Presidential Elections

Reforms

Governance

.

. Sport - English Premier

Dame Patience Jonathan

League & Nigerian stars

. International

News – The Middle East Democratic Revolution

ISSUE: 2 MARCH/APRIL 2011

E NIGERIA UK USA

CBN Governor Sanusi’s

TINIE TEMPAH

Banking Reforms

two-time BRIT award winner

Plus The 2011 Presidential Elections

Obafemi Martins

Birmingham City’s Carling Cup match-winner

Ngozi Okonjo - Iweala MD World Bank Celebrating International

Women’s Day ARTS & CULTURE | BUSINESS | ENTERTAINMENT | LEADERSHIP | SPORT

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Issue: 2 2011

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ISSN 2045-5542

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Briefing Nigerian Senate passes Anti-Terrorism Bill The Senate, on Thursday 18 February 2011, passed the Anti-Terrorism Bill into law. According to the bill, a person who belongs or professes to belong to a proscribed organisation commits an offence under this Act, and shall on conviction be liable to imprisonment for a maximum term of 20 years.

Niger Delta development: Chevron, USAID strike $50m partnership Chevron Corporation on 18 Feb 2011 announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding, MoU, between the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Niger Delta Partnership Initiative (NDPI) Foundation, established by Chevron to help address socio economic challenges in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Under the MoU, the NDPI Foundation and USAID will each contribute $25 million over four years to support a portfolio of programs designed to promote economic development, improve the capacity of government and civil society institutions, and help reduce conflict in the region. (continue next page)

Health issues Former U.S. President, Jimmy Carter says Nigeria has halted the transmission of guinea worm disease, bringing closer the moment when a disease is eradicated from the planet for just the second time in history.

Nigerian, Dutch firms, others strike N11.9b telecoms equity deal HS Nigeria Plc (IHS) has concluded agreements with Investec Asset Management, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, and the Netherlands Development Finance Company (FMO) for a $79 million (N11.9 billion) equity investment in IHS.

FERMA fights indiscriminate parking of trucks on highways The Federal Road Management Agency (FERMA) has reiterated its determination to bring the indiscriminate parking of trucks on Nigerian highways to an end. This it said would do through the allocation of land for the construction of truck parks in all the six geo-political zones in the country.

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Issue: 2 2011

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Etisalat Nigeria signs sponsorship deal with Barcelona ETISALAT Nigeria has signed a partnership agreement with FC Barcelona, the European football club ranked number one in the list of the greatest football clubs of the last 18 years by International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS). According to the agreement, the partnership agreement entitles the Nigerian operation of the global telecommunication company to claim the “Official International Telecom Partner of FC Barcelona” title in the country.

Oil reforms to sustain hydrocarbon investments The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Austen Oniwon, has reiterated that the ongoing oil and gas industry reforms would ensure the sustainability of existing ventures

and attract new investments into the petroleum sector of the economy.

BPE Revokes Sale of NITEL/Mtel The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) has cancelled the proposed sale of NITEL/ Mtel to New Generation, the Chinese firm that won the bid in the last privatisation exercise of the corporation last year. The cancellation, the privatisation agency said, was due to the inability of New Generation to complete the agreed payment terms on the transaction

W’Bank Predicts Sustained Growth of Nigeria’s Economy The World Bank has said that it expects Nigeria’s economy to continue in its strong growth trend in 2011 with the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanding to 7.1 per cent before moderating in 2012 at 6.2 per cent. It also disclosed its intent to see the non-oil sector become the major driver of economic growth in the country in 2011 following benefits from new offshore developments and an improved security situation in the Niger Delta region.

Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Starts First Recruitment Of Women For Regular Combatant Commission FOR the first time since it was established in January 1964, the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) is to start recruitment and training of women into its Regular Combatant Commission, formerly an exclusive club for males. The females are to be part of the 63 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy.

FACTS There are 36 states in Nigeria.

CHIMAMANDA ADICHIE The danger of a single story published by Random House

I

’m a storyteller. And I would like to tell you a few personal stories about what I like to call “the danger of the single story.” I grew up on a university campus in eastern Nigeria. My mother says that I started reading at the age of two, although I think four is probably close to the truth. I was an early reader and what I read were British and American children’s books.

I was also an early writer. And when I began to write, at about the age of seven, stories in pencil with crayon illustrations that my poor mother was obligated to read, I wrote exactly the kinds of stories I was reading. All my characters were white and blue-eyed. They played in the snow, they ate apples and they talked a lot about the weather, how lovely it was that the sun had come out. Now, this despite the fact that I lived in Nigeria. I had never been outside Nigeria.

We didn’t have snow, we ate mangoes and we never talked about the weather, because there was no need to.

My characters also drank a lot of ginger beer because the characters in the British books I read drank ginger beer. Never mind that I had no idea what ginger beer was. And for many years afterwards, I would have a desperate desire to taste ginger beer.

What this demonstrates, I think, is how impressionable and vulnerable we are in the face of a story, particularly as children. Because all I had read were books in which characters were foreign, I had become convinced that books, by their very nature, had to have foreigners in them, and had to be about things with which I could not personally identify. Now, things changed when I discovered African books. There weren’t many of them available. And they weren’t quite as easy to find as the foreign books.

‘Impressionable and vulnerable we are in the face of a story, particularly as children’ But because of writers like Chinua Achebe and Camara Laye I went through a mental shift in my perception of literature. I realized that people like me, girls with skin the colour of chocolate, whose kinky hair could not form ponytails, could also exist in literature. I started to write about things I recognized.

Now, I loved those American and British books I read. They stirred my imagination. They opened up new worlds for me. But the unintended consequence was that I did not know that people like me could exist in literature. So what the discovery of African writers did for me was this: It saved me from having a single story of what books are.

I come from a conventional, middle-class Nigerian family. My father was a professor. My mother was an administrator. And so we had, as was the norm, live-in domestic help, who would often come from nearby rural villages. So the year I turned eight we got a new house boy. His name was Fide. The only thing my mother told us about him was that his family was very poor. My mother

sent yams and rice, and our old clothes, to his family. And when I didn’t finish my dinner my mother would say, “Finish your food! Don’t you know? People like Fide’s family have nothing.” So I felt enormous pity for Fide’s family.

Then one Saturday we went to his village to visit. And his mother showed us a beautifully patterned basket, made of dyed raffia that his brother had made. I was startled. It had not occurred to me that anybody in his family could actually make something. All I had heard about them is how poor they were, so that it had become impossible for me to see them as anything else but poor. Their poverty was my single story of them.

Years later, I thought about this when I left Nigeria to go to university in the United States. I was 19. My American roommate was shocked by me. She asked where I had learned to speak English so well, and was confused when I said that Nigeria happened to have English as its official language. She asked if she could listen to what she called my “tribal music,” and was consequently very disappointed when I produced my tape of Mariah Carey. She assumed that I did not know how to use a stove.

What struck me was this: She had felt sorry for me even before she saw me.

Her default position toward me, as an African, was a kind of patronizing, well-meaning & pity. My roommate had a single story of Africa. A single story of catastrophe. In this single story there was no possibility of Africans being similar to her, in any way. No possibility of feelings more complex than pity.

No possibility of a connection as human equals. I must say that before I went to the U.S. I didn’t consciously identify as African. But in the U.S. whenever

Issue: 2 march / april 2011

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Africa came up people turned to me. Never mind that I knew nothing about places like Namibia. But I did come to embrace this new identity. And in many ways I think of myself now as African. Although I still get quite irritable when Africa is referred to as a country. The most recent example being my otherwise wonderful flight from Lagos two days ago, in which there was an

invent horrible things my parents had done to me. But the truth is that I had a very happy childhood, full of laughter and love, in a very close-knit family.

But I also had grandfathers who died in refugee camps. My cousin Polle died because he could not get adequate healthcare. One of my closest friends, Okoloma, died in a plane crash because our firetrucks did not have water. I grew up under repressive military governments that devalued education, so that sometimes my parents were not paid their salaries. And so, as a child, I saw jam disappear from the breakfast table, then margarine disappeared, then bread became too expensive, then milk became rationed. And most of all, a kind of normalized political fear invaded our lives.

‘My mother would say, “Finish your food! Don’t you know? People like Fide’s family have nothing.” So I felt enormous pity for Fide’s family’

All of these stories make me who I am. But to insist on only these negative stories is to flatten my experience, and to overlook the many other stories that formed me. 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 only story.

Of course, Africa is a continent full of catastrophes. There are immense ones, such as the horrific rapes in Congo. And depressing ones, such as the fact that 5,000 people apply for one job vacancy in Nigeria. But there are other stories that are not about catastrophe. And it is very important, it is just as important, to talk about them.

announcement on the Virgin flight about the charity work in “India, Africa and other countries.”

So after I had spent some years in the U.S. as an African, I began to understand my roommate’s response to me. If I had not grown up in Nigeria, and if all I knew about Africa were from popular images, I too would think that Africa was a place of beautiful landscapes, beautiful animals, and incomprehensible people, fighting senseless wars, dying of poverty and AIDS, unable to speak for themselves, and waiting to be saved, by a kind, white foreigner. I would see Africans in the same way that I, as a child, had seen Fide’s family.

This single story of Africa ultimately comes, I think, from Western literature. Now, here is a quote from the writing of a London merchant called John Locke, who sailed to west Africa in 1561, and kept a fascinating account of his voyage. After referring to the black Africans as “beasts who have no houses,” he writes, “They are also people without heads, having their mouth and eyes in their breasts.”

Now, I’ve laughed every time I’ve read this. And one must admire the imagination of John Locke. But what is important about his writing is that it represents the beginning of a tradition of telling African stories in the West. A tradition of Sub-Saharan Africa as a place of negatives, of difference, of darkness, of people who, in the words of the wonderful poet, Rudyard Kipling, are “half devil, half child.”

And so I began to realize that my American roommate must have, throughout her life, seen and heard different versions of this single story, as had a professor, who once told me that my novel was not “authentically African.” Now, I was quite willing to contend that there were a number of things wrong with the novel that it had failed in a number of places. But I had not quite imagined that it had failed at achieving something called African authenticity. In fact I did not know what African authenticity was. The professor told me that my characters were too much like him, an educated and middle-class man. My characters drove cars. They were not starving. Therefore they were not authentically African.

But I must quickly add that I too am just as guilty in the question of the single story. A few years ago, I visited Mexico from the U.S. The political climate in the U.S. at the time was tense. And there were debates going on about immigration.

And, as often happens in To Advertise Here Call: America, immigration became synonymous Int; +44 77 5441 6635 with Mexicans. There UK: 077 5441 6635 were endless stories of

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Issue: 2 2011

Mexicans as people who were fleecing the healthcare system, sneaking across the border, being arrested at the border, that sort of thing.

I remember walking around on my first day in Guadalajara, watching the people going to work, rolling up tortillas in the marketplace, smoking, laughing. I remember first feeling slight surprise. And then I was overwhelmed with shame. I realized that I had been so immersed in the media coverage of Mexicans that they had become one thing in my mind, the abject immigrant. I had bought into the single story of Mexicans and I could not have been more ashamed of myself. So that is how to create a single story, show a people as one thing, as only one thing, over and over again, and that is what they become.

It is impossible to talk about the single story without talking about power. There is a word, an Igbo word, that I think about whenever I think about the power structures of the world, and it is “nkali.” It’s a noun that loosely translates to “to be greater than another.” Like our economic and political worlds, stories too are defined by the principle of nkali. How they are told, who tells them, when they’re told, how many stories are told, are really dependent on power.

Power is the ability not just to tell the story of another person, but to make it the definitive story of that person. The Palestinian poet Mourid Barghouti writes that if you want to dispossess a people, the simplest way to do it is to tell their story, and to start with, “secondly.” Start the story with the arrows of the Native Americans and not with the arrival of the British, and you have and entirely different story. Start the story with the failure of the African state, and not with the colonial creation of the African state, and you have an entirely different story.

I recently spoke at a university where a student told me that it was such a shame that Nigerian men were physical abusers like the father character in my novel. I told him that I had just read a novel called “American Psycho” — and that it was such a shame that young Americans were serial murderers. Now, obviously I said this in a fit of mild irritation.

It would never have occurred to me to think that just because I had read a novel in which a character was a serial killer that he was somehow representative of all Americans. And now, this is not because I am a better person than that student, but, because of America’s cultural and economic power, I had many stories of America. I had read Tyler and Updike and Steinbeck and Gaitskill. I did not have a single story of America.

When I learned, some years ago, that writers were expected to have had really unhappy childhoods to be successful, I began to think about how I could

I’ve always felt that it is impossible to engage properly with a place or a person without engaging with all of the stories of that place and that person. The consequence of the single story is this: It robs people of dignity. It makes our recognition of our equal humanity difficult. It emphasizes how we are different rather than how we are similar.

‘I grew up under repressive military governments that devalued education, so that sometimes my parents were not paid their salaries. And so, as a child, I saw jam disappear from the breakfast table, then margarine disappeared, then bread became too expensive, then milk became rationed. And most of all, a kind of normalized political fear invaded our lives.’

So what if before my Mexican trip I had followed the immigration debate from both sides, the U.S. and the Mexican? What if my mother had told us that Fide’s family was poor and hardworking? What if we had an African television network that broadcast diverse African stories all over the world? What the

Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe calls “a balance of stories.”

What if my roommate knew about my Nigerian publisher, Mukta Bakaray, a remarkable man who left his job in a bank to follow his dream and start a publishing house? Now, the conventional wisdom was that Nigerians don’t read literature. He disagreed. He felt that people, who could read, would read, if you made literature affordable and available to them.

Shortly after he published my first novel I went to a TV station in Lagos to do an interview. And a woman who worked there as a messenger came up to me and said, “I really liked your novel. I didn’t like the ending. Now you must write a sequel, and this is what will happen …” And she went on to tell me what to write in the sequel. Now I was not only charmed, I was very moved. Here was a woman, part of the ordinary masses of Nigerians, who were not supposed to be readers. She had not only read the book, but she had taken ownership of it and felt justified in telling me what to write in the sequel.

Now, what if my roommate knew about my friend Fumi Onda, a fearless woman who hosts a TV show in Lagos, and is determined to tell the stories that we prefer to forget?

What if my roommate knew about the heart procedure that was performed in the Lagos hospital last week? What if my roommate knew about contemporary Nigerian music? Talented people singing in English and Pidgin, and Igbo and Yoruba and Ijo, mixing influences from Jay-Z to Fela to Bob Marley to their grandfathers. What if my roommate knew about the female lawyer who recently went to court in Nigeria to challenge a ridiculous law that required women to get their husband’s consent before renewing their passports? What if my roommate knew about Nollywood, full of innovative people making films despite great technical odds? Films so popular that they really are the best example of Nigerians consuming what they produce. What if my roommate knew about my wonderfully ambitious hair braider, who has just started her own business selling hair extensions? Or about the millions of other Nigerians who start businesses and sometimes fail, but continue to nurse ambition?

Every time I am home I am confronted with the usual sources of irritation for most Nigerians: our failed infrastructure, our failed government. But also by the incredible resilience of people who thrive despite the government, rather than because of it. I teach writing workshops in Lagos every summer. And it is amazing to me how many people apply, how many people are eager to write, to tell stories.

My Nigerian publisher and I have just started a non-profit called Farafina Trust.

And we have big dreams of building libraries and refurbishing libraries that already exist, and providing books for state schools that don’t have anything in their libraries, and also of organizing lots and lots of workshops, in reading and writing, for all the people who are eager to tell our many stories. Stories matter.

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.

The American writer Alice Walker wrote this about her southern relatives who had moved to the north. She introduced them to a book about the southern life that they had left behind. “They sat around, reading the book themselves, listening to me read the book, and a kind of paradise was regained.” I would like to end with this thought: That when we reject the single story, when we realize that there is never a single story about any place, we regain a kind of paradise.

Thank you.

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Looted Benin Artefacts Queen-mother Idia, Benin/Nigeria, now in the British Museum seized by the British during the invasion of Benin in 1897.

In an interview reproduced below from the PUNCH, the Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Dr. Joe. Eboreima gives his views of the question of the restitution of stolen/looted Nigerian artefacts, especially, the Benin Bronzes which the British looted in their infamous invasion of Benin in 1897.

The National Commission is the supreme authority on matters relating to monuments and museums in Nigeria and therefore an important body on the question of the restitution of Nigerian artefacts, thousands of which are lying, unused and neglected in European and American museums which have no space for their excessive number of objects.

The exhibition mentioned in the interview is Benin Kings and Rituals - Court Arts from Nigeria ,organized in May 2007 by the Museum for Ethnology, Vienna, the Museum for Ethnology, Berlin, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Musée du Quai Branly, Paris, with the cooperation of the Nigerian National Commission for Museums and Monuments and the Royal Family of Benin.

The exhibition which started in Vienna went to Paris, Berlin and Chicago but did not go to Nigeria or to any other African country. In the catalogue of the exhibition, the Oba of Benin repeated the request for the return of some of the looted artefacts

but in the same catalogue, the directors of the museums which co-operated in organizing the exhibition made it abundantly clear they had no intention of returning any of the stolen artefacts.

Moreover, in the International Symposium organized in connection with the exhibition, a further request by the leader of the Benin Royal Delegation was met by a rather arrogant denial by the director of the Ethnology Museum, Vienna. The writer of these lines told the director of the museum what he thought of the very weak arguments the Europeans and Americans present in defence of their continued detention of the stolen/looted African artefacts. The exhibition in Chicago was preceded by protests from Nigerians in Chicago. In addition to revealing the great number of the stolen artefacts in Europe and the USA, the exhibition generated a lot of debate which was reported at many internet sites including Afrikanet http://www. afrikanet.info , Museum Security www.museumsecurity.org and Modern Ghana Support http:// www.modernghana.com.

Since the end of the exhibition in Chicago, the Royal Family of Benin has reiterated its request in September 2008 for the return of some of the looted artefacts but to date, there has not even been a letter of acknowledgement from the museums, including the Art Institute of Chicago and the Field Museum, Chicago. http://www.modernghana.com. Readers may wish to consider whether this is the way to treat people with whom one has cooperated in

• • • • • • • organizing a successful exhibition. Does an African Royal Family deserve anything less than the usual standard of politeness?

The interview mentions the number of the stolen Benin artefacts revealed by the recent exhibition as 1500. It should be borne in mind however that the number of artefacts looted in 1897 is about 3000 or more. The British who stole the artefacts in the first place have never revealed the exact numbers and the British Museum refuses to give any indications. Listed here below are some of the places where Benin bronzes are found and their numbers, as far as we can tell. This is not an attempt to be complete but to give the general reader an idea about how widespread these stolen art objects are. For a complete list, consult Philip J.C. Dark, An Introduction to Benin Art and Technology, 1973, Oxford University Press, London, pp. 78-81. Useful information can be found in Barbara Plankensteiner (Ed) Benin: Kings and Ritual - Court Arts from Nigeria, Snoeck Publishers, Ghent, 2007.

List of Museums and Number of Benin Bronzes in their Possession • • • •

Berlin - Ethnologisches Museum 580.

Chicago - Art Institute of Chicago 20, Field Museum 400.

Cologne - Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum 73.

Hamburg - Museum für Völkerkunde, Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe 196.

• •

resden - Staatliches Museum für D Völkerkunde 182.

Leipzig - Museum für Völkerkunde 87.

Leiden - Rijksmuseum voor Volkenkunde 98.

London - British Museum 700.

New York - Metropolitan Museum of Fine Art 163.

Oxford - Pitt-Rivers Museum/ Pitt-Rivers country residence, Rushmore in Farnham/ Dorset 327.

Philadelphia - University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology 100.

Stuttgart - Linden Museum-Staatliches Museum für Völkerkunde 80.

Vienna - Museum für Völkerkunde 167.

‘The number of artefacts looted in 1897 in Benin is about 3000 or more’ When we add the above figures, we get 3173.

However, the important point is not the total figure but to secure the acceptance of the principle of restitution and to start the process.

We learn from the interview that the National Commission “was working through embassies to get artefacts stolen from the county repatriated.”

We have very little information on this aspect of the restitution debate. We would however encourage the embassies and the consulates to make their efforts and successes known to the public. This is a matter of public concern and should not be shrouded in secrecy. It can also be said, without fear of contradiction, that quiet diplomacy has so far not been of much help to Nigeria and it is time that light was thrown on Nigeria’s effort in this respect.

The Nigerian public has a right to know which objects in which European/American cities have been subject of discussion/negotiations and with what results.

We understand that Nigeria may be in discussions with Ethiopia and other African countries on these matters. The experience of Egypt will be very relevant for the success of Zahi Hawass and the Egyptian Supreme Council on Antiquities is enviable. At least 5000 artefacts have been returned to Egypt in the last five years. Zahi Hawass has clearly not restricted himself to quiet diplomacy.

An open and energetic approach is likely to yield results. In any case, some 50 years of quiet diplomacy have not brought Nigeria any visible success or returns.

The recent pronouncements of the Director of the British Museum who tries to justify the retention of the Benin Bronzes on the basis of the argument that the objects were made from metals imported from Europe, is a clear indication that the British Museum is not even envisaging the possibility of repatriation. Added to this false argument, is the view of the Director of the Art Institute of Chicago who argues that colonialism and imperialism have nothing to do with the presence of stolen/looted

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objects in the British Museum, London, Louvre, Paris, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Museum of Ethnology, Berlin, the so-called “universal museums”.

There should be no illusion about the question of restitution of African artefacts now lying in the former colonialist and imperialist capitals. These objects of great artistic and financial values are also regarded as war trophies and those who seize cultural objects of others by force of arms are not very likely to return them without some great pressure.

‘Looted Benin artefacts, others may be worth N313bn’ As prices of art works continue to appreciate in the local and international markets, agitators for the repatriation of about 6,500 Nigerian antiquities illegally being held in various museums and other collections in European countries and beyond have put the monetary value at N313bn.

Mostly involved are Benin bronzes, ivories and other ancient works looted by British colonialists, especially during the reprisal attacks launched by the Queen‘s soldiers against natives trying to resist imperialism in 1897.

While the Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Dr. Joe Eboreime, described as immoral the excuses often given by foreign museums for holding on to the antiquities, he said the number could be higher going by the fact that there are many others in private hands.

Eboreime said in a telephone interview with our correspondent that it was an exhibition of Benin antiquities in foreign museums a year ago that suggested a reliable inventory of the antiquities in formal settings. ”From the catalogue produced for the exhibition, we now got the number of the Benin art works in such museums,” he said. The number in the catalogue of the exhibition which was organised by African Museum was 1,500.The exhibition which held, among other places, in Chicago, United States, had Nigerian representatives in attendance.

While terracotta and Nok arts were also systematically stolen from Ife, Osun State, and some Northern parts of the country, it was from Benin, Edo State, that the heaviest volume of antiquities was removed and carted to various museums in Britain, Germany and other parts of the world, with current market values indicating that they are worth between N58bn and N133bn.

seasoned artist, Bruce Onabrakpeya, was sold for over N9m.

At subsequent exhibitions and auctions, paintings, carvings and other mixed-media also competed in millions. Using Onabrakpeya as a criterion, therefore, it can be said that the value of Benin antiquities being illegally held by foreign bodies amounts to some 6, 500 by N9m, which is some N58.5b.

Yet, this is minimal compared to what obtains in the international arena to which the stolen works now belong. For instance, recently, two paintings of the all-time master, Picasso, were stolen in Zurich, with both valued at about $4. 5m.

Potentially, therefore, the Benin art works being illegally held abroad are worth half of that amount multiplied by 6,500. In a more pragmatic sense, if each of the stranded antiquities is valued at $2m, the total of their worth comes to $13bn or N89bn at a rate of N145 per dollar.

Pundits also argue that Picasso‘s works are priceless, based on his pedigree, the fact, too, is that most of the Benin artefacts are bronze carvings whose values are historically and artistically enormous.

Besides, another inference can be drawn from the case of Edvard Munch‘s super modern art, Madonna, which was recently set for auction. An official estimate values it at over £7m. What makes the comparison more pertinent, is that the painting was produced in 1895, two years before the British soldiers struck and ravaged the Benin antiquities‘ world. Using the Madonna estimate, therefore, the pieces being held will be in the range of 6, 500 by £7m, coming to a whopping $45. 5 or N313b.

As the immediate past President of the Society of Nigerian Artists, Dr. Kolade Osinowo, noted, the moves to have the antiquities repatriated started long ago.

Among recent concerns expressed by the Federal Government over the fate of the works, two former Ministers for Tourism and Culture, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode and Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, had challenged the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, among other institutions, to intervene in the country‘s bid to get the objects repatriated. But the most strident call has been coming from the Benin royalty, which, in 1996/97, officially demanded the return of the works from British museums.

Among others, an account by an art historian, Philip J. C. Dark, in his work titled, Benin Bronze Heads: Styles and Chronology, indicates that up to 6,500 Benin objects are in some 77 places across the globe.

The British Museum is said to be in custody of about 700 pieces while the Ethnology Museum in Berlin holds over 500. On the whole, the value of the stolen antiquities navigates in a sea of billions, even by Nigerian standards. For instance, last year, at an auction held in Lagos, one of the works of

2011 Issue: 2

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itex Advertorial

furniture

Nature to comfort

Tony Ohifeme Ezekiel, CEO, ITEX Furniture Ltd A seasoned Entrepreneurial, Chief Executive Officer with more than 25 years of progressive experience at top management level, performing multi-tasking roles starting in Babin Nigeria Ltd, a construction company in which as a result of his excellent performance from various sites in and around Abuja, he was promoted to Site Manager where he single headedly supervised the construction of Yaba Local Government Secretariat of the F.C.T in Gwagwalada and the mini stadium in Garki, Abuja.

This inspired him to register his own company Tontine Investment ltd in 1988 which pioneered the establishment of Itex Furniture Limited in 1996, with a vision to be a manufacturer of furniture items. Through his visionary and insightful leadership, he put together a team of professionals comprising of Architects, Engineers, Lawyers, Designers to achieve a verifiable track record in the furniture industry.

What commenced as a dream in the late 90’s has blossomed

over the years into a multi-versatile organization of international repute. Itex furniture Ltd is part of Itex group, a world class indigenous Furniture Company dedicated to ensuring international best practice in all our operations, services & product output. We serve both the domestic and international markets and are also affiliated to highly renowned international furniture companies in Europe. This enables us to upgrade the quality of our products as we are in constant touch with new trends in the market place. Our range of furniture varies from office, auditorium, residential, hotel, school and other variety of settings; other services are general interior design layout, furniture design with specifications and after sale services.

As we all know production in Nigeria has been inundated with challenging factors and a highly competitive environment, but notwithstanding these factors; there is a constant steer to do much more as experts in this line of business.

The Itex team is made up of seasoned professionals who have excelled in their various fields of specialisation and are constantly striving to improve the general dynamics of furniture making in Nigeria this facilitates our objective of encouraging ‘BUY NIGERIAN’ meet international standard goods and being the most contemporary furniture design and manufacturing company in Nigeria. As a truly indigenous company, we believe in the vast potential of Nigeria and focus on utilising mainly home grown materials to achieve this overall aim, which by ripple effect is causing an increase in skilled employment.

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A cross section of our clientele base is Central Bank of Nigeria, EFCC, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance and a host of others. Itex Furniture Ltd a genuine pacesetter and flagship of furnishing companies in Nigeria.

Business & Finance

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With regard to licensing, the NCC has been granted powers including the following:

The Nigerian Communications Act 2003 was signed into law by President Obasanjo on 8 July 2003 after being passed by both Houses of the National Assembly. The Act strengthens the capacity of the NCC to properly carry out its Regulatory Activities.

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The Powers of the Nigerian Communications Commissions is derived from Section 3 of the Nigerian Communications Acts (NCA) of 2003

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Giving written directions to licensees.

Consulting with Consumers, commercial and industrial organizations.

Delegating its functions to a Committee constituted by it.

Summoning persons to appear before the Commission.

Entering into contracts with any company, firm or persons.

stablishing and maintaining subsidiaries to E enable the discharge of its functions.

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• • •

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ith Issuance of licences and imposition of W terms and conditions on licences.

Variation or revocation of a Condition of licence.

Consulting with affected licensees before bringing into force an obligation which may be onerous on the licensee.

Approving guidelines for keeping of accounts and cost allocation formula of licensees.

Inspection of licensees’ books of accounts.

Granting or revoking of permits for connection of customer equipment.

Determination of principles to guide interconnection arrangements between operators.

Determination of services and new undertakings eligible for licensing from time to time.

The Nigerian Communications Commission is the independent National Regulatory Authority for the telecommunications industry in Nigeria. The Commission is responsible for creating an enabling environment for competition among operators in the industry as well as ensuring the provision of qualitative and efficient telecommunication ns services throughout the country.

Over the years NCC has earned a reputation as a foremost Telecom regulatory agency in Africa. The Commission is hoping to catalyse the use of ICT’S for different aspect of national development. The Commission has initiated several programs such as State Accelerated Broadband Initiative (SABI) and Wire Nigeria Project (WIN) to help stimulate demand and accelerate the uptake of ICT tools and services necessary for the enthronement of a knowledge society in Nigeria. In order to achieve its mandate, the

Advertorial

Commission has put in place the necessary licensing and regulatory framework for the supply of telecommunications services.

ROAD ADMINISTRATION AND MAINTENANCE THE FERMA PERSPECTIVE

The Consumer Affairs Bureau (CAB) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) was established in September 2001, to inform, educate and protect the consumers of telecommunications services in Nigeria.

The Consumer Protection & Advocacy is one of the units of the CAB that is charged with the responsibility of responding to consumer complaints and enquiries.

THE FUNCTION OF CONSUMER PROTECTION & ADVOCACY UNIT

The Consumer protection and Advocacy Unit handles complaints/enquiries from consumers of telecoms products and services. Consumers can send their complaints through e-mail, formal letters, telephone calls, fax and by completing the consumer complaint form which could be downloaded from the NCC website. When received, complaints are documented, read and analyzed. Acknowledgement letter/e-mail is sent to the complainant assuring that the issue is being handled. The complaint is then forwarded to the service provider concerned with a definite time frame within which to respond to the issues raised and or resolve the complaint. Often times, the response would include actions taken to resolve the problem or suggestions by the operator on the ways and means of tackling the complaint. The response received from the operator or service provider is analyzed, if satisfactory, it is forwarded to the Consumer and tracked down as resolved. If not satisfactory, a query is sent to the operator for further investigation and timely resolution. If there is no response from operators within the stipulated period, follow-up actions is usually made through phone calls to the contact.

Overview of Nigeria Road Network

Nigeria road network consists of Federal roads, State roads and Local Government roads. The national network is currently estimated to be 194,200 km with an estimated asset value of about US$31.5b (N4.57 trillion). The present distribution of the Nigerian road is as follows: 17.6% (34,120 km) is Federal Roads with an estimated asset value of US$15.3 billion (N2.21 trillion).

15.7% (30,500 km) is State Roads with an estimated asset value of US$ 8.7 billion (N1.26 trillion), and66.7% (129,580 km) is Local Government and Rural Roads with an estimated asset value of US$7.53 billion (N1.09 trillion) Nigerian Federal roads network carries 70% of freight & services and 90% of the socio-economic activities in the country. Master Plan for Integrated Transportation Infrastructure - by 2020 traffic volumes will be twice as high as in 2000. Average annual growth rate of passenger transport is between 1.6% and 2.7%. Important to maintain and preserve this asset and investment on a long term basis particularly for the economic development of Nigeria.

FERMA Mandate

The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) was established in November 30, 2002 by an Act of the National Assembly cited as the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (Establishment, etc) Act 2002. In 2007, the Act was amended providing amongst other things additional source of funds which includes the International Vehicle Transit Charge (IVTC). The Agency commenced operations in February 2003. The mandate of the Agency is to ensure the efficient and effective maintenance of all Federal trunk roads nationwide, make them pothole-free and serviceable all year round. This includes provision and maintenance of road furniture and street lighting, all geared towards promoting the economic well-being of Nigerians.

ROAD NETWORK STATISTICS

The national network is currently estimated to be 194,200km with an estimated asset value of N4.6 trillion (US$38 billion) Federal Roads,34, 120km (17.6%) State Roads, 30,500km (15.7%) Local and Rural Roads, 129,580km (66.7%)

Approach to Road Maintenance & Management

In summary, the Agency strategy to address maintenance backlogs, safeguard and improve on existing pavements: Immediate action – Emergency repair of failed road sections including patching of pot holes with the view to keep the roads in serviceable condition for use by the public. Short to medium-term – Parallel but limited pavement strengthening works to extend the life of existing pavements in bad and fair conditions.

Which include the following: • Shoulder repairs • Reinstatement of failed sections • Drainage maintenance works • Bridge maintenance works

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Issue: 2 2011

Approach to Road Maintenance & Management Road markings and furniture installations and repairs Street and bridge lighting Vegetation control to improve road visibility and Provision of road observation camps for use by FRSC and Police to enhance security and safety of road users.

Traffic management and social and environmental measures are also essential and important aspects.

Medium to long-term – A scheduled programme of routine and periodic maintenance. This will ensure that repaired and rehabilitated roads and those in good condition are sustained and improved upon and prevented from degenerating into poor and bad conditions.

Key Activities and Impact of FERMA Key Activities

MOT Concession - In the first phase of FERMA’s Maintain, Operate, and Transfer (MOT) concession programme using PPP business model as the delivery vehicle, prospective investors are required to repair and strengthen pavements of selected roads to be concessioned on the Federal Road network.

This investment will be recouped as mutually agreed through tolling and other methods over the tenure of the concession. Pre-investment studies have been undertaken.

Other Key Activities and Impact of FERMA OPRC - The Agency has a rolling programme on Output- and Performancebased Road Contracts (OPRC). Some roads requiring strengthening, rehabilitation, or reconstruction are put under OPRC to ensure effective maintenance and serviceability throughout the period of the contract.

VTC - Implementation of International Vehicle Transit Charge (IVTC)

at selected border posts. FERMA has carried out preliminary designs of the requisite physical structures at selected posts and estimated the cost of construction including the installation of Electronic Collection and Monitoring (ECM) devices for the selected locations. The investment required for the provision of the stated infrastructure is also planned for implementation through a feasible public private partnership business model.

In the first 3 years of FERMA’s operation (2003-06), only spot improvements and emergency repairs were undertaken in relation to the poor state of the road network. Released funds were usually inadequate to meet the Agency’s requirements. Presently, at the pace which road maintenance and repair works are progressing, it is envisaged that segments of the federal road network in poor condition will quickly be transformed from bad to fair and good conditions in the short term.

Early indications of the achievements being made are reflected in the drop in statistics on the national Road Traffic Crashes (RTC) reported by Federal Roads Safety Commission (FRSC) for the period January – June 2010. This was attributed to the generally improving condition of the road network. Ongoing maintenance, preservation and improvement works on the network will have positive impacts on the economy including safety and journey time predictability.

FERMA’s road maintenance activities have been severally reported in the news media. Road users have reported good driving and journey experience. Recent maintenance works have improved the consciousness and awareness of the public for the need for an efficient road transport infrastructure through an entrenched sustainable maintenance culture.

Realising an average of 10 - 12% annual growth rate of the GDP will be difficult to attain and maintain without connecting well with the need for efficient and cost effective road maintenance and management. The

Nigerian dream to be in the league of 20 leading economies in the world by the year 2020 may therefore become difficult to attain.

Challenges and the Way Forward The Agency has streamlined and focused its approach to road maintenance which includes a general repairs and pavement strengthening programme and progressive works to address rehabilitation backlogs with available funding.

Although the level of funding has significantly improved since 2009, sustaining the funding over the next 5 to 10 years remains an issue. Hence, the Agency has embarked on the MOT Concession, OPRC and IVTC programmes to limit its dependence on budgetary allocations.

As part of the Agency’s institutional capacity building in road maintenance and management, discussions are ongoing with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) on requisite training and development programmes for the Agency’s Engineers.

Extensive investments in data gathering equipment, ICT infrastructure are ongoing including a collaborative development work on roads and bridges management system involving FERMA, RSDT and the World Bank. These ongoing developments will radically change the way the network is managed in the next few years.

FERMA is continuously striving to adopt and implement best practices in road maintenance and management. Monitoring and maintaining the federal road network is FERMA’s priority. It is obvious that timely attention to road maintenance reduces the resources required to sustain the road system in the long term.

Financial Reforms of CBN Governor S

163 Aminu Kano Crescent Wuse Abuja Tel. +234 (0) 9461 5200 www.ferma.gov.ng

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Issue: 2 2011

anusi Lamido Sanusi CON was born in Kano Northern Nigeria, on July 31, 1961.

He obtained degrees in Economics and Islamic Law from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and the International University of Africa, Khartoum. After teaching economics for two years at the Ahmadu Bello University, he started a banking career in 1985 with Icon Limited

Since that date the CBN has issued guidelines and implemented new regulation as policies.

Mr. Sanusi was awarded the National Honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON)

by His Excellency, President Goodluck Jonathan on July 22, 2010 and has been admitted into the fellowship of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN)

(Merchant Bankers) and later worked with the United Bank for Africa Plc and First Bank of Nigeria Plc. His banking career spanned various fields including issuing House activity, Financial Advisory Services and Credit marketing. However, it was in the field of Risk Management that he earned his professional reputation, having distinguished himself as the Chief Risk Officer in the two largest banks in the Country, UBA Plc and FBN Plc. He rose to the position of Group Managing Director/Chief Executive officer of First Bank Plc, the largest bank in the country in January, 2009 and was appointed the 10th Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in June, 2009.

Sanusi was appointed Governor in the middle of a global financial crisis with the Banking system on the verge of collapse due to large exposure to the stock market in the form of babble capital and excessive margin lending by some banks, as well as concentration of lending to other areas like petroleum marketing. Under his leadership, the Central Bank of Nigeria moved swiftly and boldly to implement far- reaching reforms in the Banking Industry aimed at addressing the root causes of the crises in poor corporate governance and risk management practices, management fraud, insider abuses and weak regulation supervision and enforcement.

Mr. Sanusi came from a family with a very long tradition of public service. His father, Aminu Lamido Sanusi was a technocrat and a career diplomat who served as the Permanent Secretary of Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs after serving as Nigerian Ambassador to Canada, Germany and China. He is also the grandson of the 11th Emir of Kano and Islamic Scholar, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi.

A joint audit exercise carried out by the Central Bank and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) revealed that eight out of the twenty four deposit money banks in the country were in a grave situation leading to the removal of the management by the CBN and injection of bail-out funds to stabilize the institution. The first set of intervention occurred on August 14, 2009.

through the set of reforms in the sector. This was disclosed by the CBN governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, at the Nigerian Tribune Special Award Ceremony, held at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday.

Mallam Sanusi, who won The Tribune Man of the Year Award, said the impacts would have been monumental if the Nigerian banking sector had collapsed. “The banking reforms were met with anger, condemnation and allegation of ethnic agenda at the inception. Those who condemned the reforms, I knew, had no access to the information available to us. But I knew that when Nigerians begin to see

As a prolific writer, Mr. Sanusi has written and presented numerous papers at National and International conferences and seminars bordering on banking, politics, religion and society. Many of his papers have been published in academic/ professional journals, books and newspapers around the world.

How CBN Saved Depositors from Losing N2tr To Sick Banks Sanusi

OVER N2 trillion depositors funds would have been lost in the banking sector if not for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s intervention

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

2011 Issue: 2

19

the good side of the reforms, they will appreciate our He has worked in various fields in the banking profession, including Issuing House activity, efforts,” the CBN governor said. financial advisory services and credit marketing.

He distinguished himself as the Chief Risk Officer The CBN governor said further, “we are not at the in the two largest banks in the country, UBA Plc end of it all. By the first half of the year, we have to and FBN Plc. complete the recapitalisation of the banks. At least four of the big banks will sign MoU. In January 2009, Sanusi rose to the position of Group Managing Director/Chief Executive He said a lot of progress had also been made on Officer of FirstBank Plc and in June 2009, he was the power sector reforms while the CBN had appointed the 10th governor of the CBN. released N200 billion to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Sanusi became the CBN governor at a period the global financial crisis was biting hard on Sanusi Lamido Sanusi nations and at a period the banking sector in the country was at the verge of collapse due to its over- exposure to the stock market and excessive margin lending, leading to a bubble in the capital market.

In his resolve to put things right in the banking sector, Sanusi introduced and implemented a far-reaching reforms aimed at addressing poor corporate governance, poor risk management practices, management fraud, insider abuse and weak regulation supervision and enforcement, which were identified as the bane of the country’s banking sector.

A joint audit exercise carried out by CBN and Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) revealed that eight out of the 24 deposit money banks in the country were unhealthy.

Reacting to the rumour regarding massive retrenchment in the banking sector, the apex bank governor said there was no plan to retrench workers in the banking sector, but added that any retrenchment in an organisation could be as a result of excess load of staff carried by it, noting that banks were not exempted from such reforms.

“Every time an institution finds out that it is carrying excess capacity as far as staff are concerned, you do some downsizing. It’s happening all over the world.

‘If you look at America, Europe and some African countries, there has been financial crisis and many bankers have found themselves on the street. This is because these banks were making profits or claimed to be making profits and they are not, but discovered they needed to reduce costs. It’s a natural fallout of the financial crisis.’

“However, as we recapitalise these banks, you find out that these banks are actually recruiting.

As I speak to you, banks like Union Bank and Oceanic Bank are recruiting and the truth is there has been an increase in recruitment,” the CBN governor said.

The CBN governor, Mallam Sanusi, started his banking career in 1985 with Icon Limited later with the United Bank for Africa Plc and First Bank of Nigeria Plc.

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This led to the removal of the CEOs of the banks, including Intercontinental, Oceanic, Union, Afribank, FinBank, Bank PHB, Spring Bank, and Equatorial Trust Bank.

To put the banks on the path of profitability and ensure stability in the institution, the Sanusi-led CBN injected nearly N1trillion as bailout funds to the banking sector.

He also set up the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (Amcon) to mop up the toxic assets in the balance sheets of the rescued banks in preparation for their takeover by new investors.

Also, to ensure sanity in the sector, Sanusi ensured compulsory retirement of CEOs, who had spent more than 10 years in office. He also set tenurelimit of 12 years for non-executive directors and change of external auditors after 10 years.

Other reforms introduced by the Sanusi-led CBN included abolition of universal banking licence. Banks in the country can now operate as national bank, regional bank or international bank depending on the licences they obtained.

The microfinance banks and other institutions were also not left out in the reforms of Mallam Sanusi-led CBN. Last year, licences of 224 microfinance banks were withdrawn by the CBN for their failure in the target examination carried out on them by the CBN and Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).

Sanusi rejects IMF’s advice to weaken naira

THE Central Bank of Nigeria, on 21 February 2011, rejected the International Monetary Fund unsolicited advice that the naira should be devalued, noting that the recommendation was “internally inconsistent.”Sanusi said in an interview with CNBC Africa, published on the CBN website, that the recommendation, if accepted, would trigger higher inflation in the economy.

He said, “I have had this debate with the IMF, the recommendations they made are internally inconsistent. If we devalue the currency or we depreciate the currency, it adds to inflation.

We are an import dependent economy; we import inflation through imports of food and energy.

“We do have a large component of our CPI being in agriculture, which is affected by the weather; and I think an excessive, exaggerated belief in the power of the central bank to control inflation leads to policies that get to high rates of interest. Sometimes, it creates unemployment and creates bad loans for the banks.

“We will continue to pursue implicitly a target of single digit inflation, but we will do this along with efforts to promote growth and development.

“If we have a volatile exchange rate, it affects inflationary expectations. The question is: can we sustain this rate? And in a time of rising oil prices and stable revenues, we think we can. In fact, the depletion of reserves has ended. We have had gradual accretion in the last three months.”

The IMF had said last week that the naira was overvalued and that more exchange rate flexibility would be needed to prevent the CBN from running down the foreign currency reserves.

It also said that the CBN might need to further increase the benchmark interest rate to curb inflation, following the increase in public spending. But the CBN governor said, “We made a distinction between a temporary depletion in reserves and what is permanent and sustainable, and our view was that we had run down reserves because we had special power projects. “(We also felt that) we had run down reserves because we had to invest money to replace oil wells that had been bombed and production centres that had been attacked during the Niger Delta crisis. We had (also) run down reserves to support the naira at the time it had speculative attack.

“Now, that has gone. If you look at the demand profile, if you look at the exchange rate, we’ve been at N150. We have always been at N150 ± 3 per cent, and stability in the exchange rate is central to our price stability objective.

“We totally disagree that the central bank should just devalue based on these short-term shocks, which are a reflection of a global crisis, especially since it was driven by liquidity. And we know that, that liquidity was necessary for the banking system.”

On whether the apex bank would pursue a regime of inflation targeting, Sanusi said, “All talk of inflation targeting in the Central Bank of Nigeria is prohibited so long as I am Governor. I don’t think that a developing country like Nigeria can pursue that. There are a lot of structural problems.

“First of all, there is a question of the serious limitation of monetary policy. A lot of the components of inflation in Nigeria are structural.

The Foreign Exchange Market in Nigeria

The evolution of the foreign exchange market in Nigeria up to its present state was influenced by a number of factors such as the changing pattern of international trade, institutional changes in the economy and structural shifts in production.

Before the establishment of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 1958 and the enactment of the Exchange Control Act of 1962, foreign exchange was earned by the private sector and held in balances abroad by commercial banks which acted as agents for local exporters. During this period, agricultural exports contributed the bulk of foreign exchange receipts. The fact that the Nigerian pound was tied to the British pound sterling at par, with easy convertibility, delayed the development of an active foreign exchange market. However, with the establishment of the CBN and the subsequent centralisation of foreign exchange authority in the Bank, the need to develop a local foreign exchange market became paramount.

The increased export of crude oil in the early 1970s, following the sharp rise in its prices, enhanced official foreign exchange receipts. The foreign exchange market experienced a boom during this period and the management of foreign exchange resources became necessary to ensure that shortages did not arise. However, it was not until 1982 that comprehensive exchange controls were applied as a result of the foreign exchange crisis that set in that year. The increasing demand for foreign exchange at a time when the supply was shrinking encouraged the development of a flourishing parallel market for foreign exchange.

The exchange control system was unable to evolve an appropriate mechanism for foreign exchange

allocation in consonance with the goal of internal balance. This led to the introduction of the Second-tier Foreign Exchange Market (SFEM) in September, 1986. Under SFEM, the determination of the Naira exchange rate and allocation of foreign exchange were based on market forces. To enlarge the scope of the Foreign Exchange Market Bureaux de Change were introduced in 1989 for dealing in privately sourced foreign exchange.

As a result of volatility in rates, further reforms were introduced in the Foreign Exchange Market in 1994.

These included the formal pegging of the naira exchange rate, the centralisation of foreign exchange in the CBN, the restriction of Bureaux de Change to buy foreign exchange as agents of the CBN, the reaffirmation of the illegality of the parallel market and the discontinuation of open accounts and bills for collection as means of payments sectors.

The Foreign Exchange Market was liberalised in 1995 with the introduction of an Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (AFEM) for the sale of foreign exchange to end-users by the CBN through selected authorised dealers at market determined exchange rate. In addition, Bureaux de Change were once more accorded the status of authorized buyers and sellers of foreign exchange. The Foreign Exchange Market was further liberalized in October, 1999 with the introduction of an Inter-bank Foreign Exchange Market (IFEM).

Structure of Nigeria’s Foreign Exchange Market

The Nigerian foreign exchange market has witnessed tremendous changes. The Second-tier Foreign Exchange Market (SFEM) was introduced in September, 1986, the unified official market in 1987, the autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (AFEM) in 1995, and the Inter-bank Foreign Exchange Market (IFEM) in 1999.

Bureaux de Change were licensed in 1989 to accord access to small users of foreign exchange and enlarge the officially recognised foreign exchange market. Exchange rates in the Bureaux de Change are market determined. A parallel market for foreign exchange has been in existence since the exchange control era. It has been established that scarcity in the official sector and bureaucratic procedures necessitated the growth and development of the parallel market.

AMCON issues N1tr zero-coupon bonds to 21 banks

The Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) made good its plan to buy over the toxic assets from banks with the issuance of N1, 036,821,000 Zero-Coupon Initial Consideration bonds to 21 banks.

The bonds, due in December 31, 2013, have a yield of 10.125 per cent and have subsequently replaced toxic assets in the coffers of the benefiting banks, putting them back in a comfortable position to resume lending. The Group Managing Directors and Chief Executive Officers of the 21 participating

banks attended the completion meeting held yesterday in Lagos where they received the bond certificates for their banks.

The banks, whose CEOs were present are: Intercontinental Bank, Oceanic Bank, Unity Bank, Bank PHB, Spring Bank, Zenith Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Wema Bank and Afribank.

Others are: Ecobank Nigeria, Access Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, Union Bank, First Bank, Diamond Bank, Equitorial Trust Bank, Fidelity Bank, Sterling Bank, First City Monument Bank, Skye Bank and FinBank.

Citigroup Inc., Standard Chartered Bank Plc and Stanbic IBTC local units have opted out of the arrangement and therefore were not at the meeting. AMCON Chairman, Aliyu Kola Belgore, assured the banks of the full faith and guarantee of the Federal Government, executive and legislative arms of government in the bonds. “AMCON has, within record time, come up with a programme resulting in today’s event, which in particular will help in shoring confidence in our banking system, reinvigorate the Nigerian capital market and improve Nigeria’s sovereign credit rating,” he said.

Executive Director Credit, Abbas Jega, confirmed that AMCON has received and collated information on Eligible Bank Assets (EBAs) from 21 Eligible Financial Institutions (EFIs).He drew the attention of the bank CEOs to a copy of AMCON Act 2010 outlining the powers conferred on it (AMCON) to acquire EBAs from EFIs as well as issue bonds. He also mentioned a resolution of AMCON’s Board authorising the issuance of the Initial Consideration Bonds, a copy document relating to the Federal Government’s guarantee, a copy of the Deed of Covenant, which includes the Terms and Conditions of the Initial Consideration bonds issued.

Director-General of the Securities & Exchange Commission, Arunma Oteh, said the exercise is exciting for the financial market and that the contribution of AMCON to the economy will be well pronounced from January 2011.

Director-General of Debt Management Office, Abraham Nwankwo, who represented the Minister of Finance, confirmed to the bank CEOs the Federal Government’s guarantee to the bonds. The Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) cut lending after a debt crisis in 2008 and 2009 threatened the industry with collapse until the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) bailed out the banks with N620 billion and fired the chief executives of eight of the country’s 24 banks last year.

Managing Director of AMCON, Mustafa ChikeObi, earlier told media executives in Lagos that when the initial bonds expire in three years, it will sell seven-year coupon-bearing bonds, adding that AMCON’s major activities will be concluded within 10 years. The corporation said it is working out plans that will ensure that all bad loans leave the books of the banks, covering both the intervened and the non- intervened banks by the end of the first quarter of 2011.

By Simon Ebulu & Collins Nweze.

2011 Issue: 2

21

Aviation

By Wole Shadare

F

or a sector in search of rescue, aviation in 2010 recorded relative success, which also showed that more work needs to be done if the nation is to be taken seriously. Save for divine intervention, coupled with the ingenuity of some aviation chiefs, it would have been worse.

Generally, the fortune of Nigeria in the Aviation sector in 2010 is better described as “mixed-grill”.

The accident free achievement is attributable to the uncompromising stance of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) culminating in the award of Category One aviation safety status by the United States Federal Aviation Administration’s Transportation Security Audit (TSA).

This is by far the biggest achievement recorded by the sector or the country, and one that the NCAA said that it was poised to guard jealously to ensure that the country does not slip back to category two.

The NCAA through commitment by Dr. Harold Demuren led management worked tirelessly to ensure that all the critical elements for the award of the highest safety status were closed.

The implication of the achievement is that Nigerian designated carriers to the U.S. can operate without hindrance as they can operate their equipment, which reduces costs.

The year in review also saw the commissioning of the expensive total radar coverage of Nigeria, otherwise known as TRACON. With the commissioning of the system, air traffic controllers can now vector air traffic without difficulty. While the nation jubilated over this landmark achievement, air traffic controllers drew the attention of Nigerians to what they described as the danger of inaugurating “an uncompleted project”.

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The year equally witnessed so many promises from the Minister of Aviation, Fidelia Njeze on infrastructure upgrade without much to show for it.

Within the short period that Njeze presided over the Ministry of Aviation, the sector has been blessed with appropriation of huge funds, but those funds according to stakeholders had not been judiciously channelled into the right places, rather, what was witnessed in the industry was the hounding of NCAA Director-General, Harold Demuren over the issue of tenure that had been settled by the National Assembly.

Although Njeze inherited most of the decay at the time of her resumption, many are of the opinion that her impact are not felt, a situation that could make her leave like every other Minister of Aviation.

While some key players described the year as economically viable for the aviation sector, others saw it as disastrous year in view of some events that unfolded which did not give room to economic viability within the sector.

A former President of the National Cabin Crew Association (NACCA), Olumide Ohunayo scored air safety highly, but admitted that it was an appalling year economically. The hard condition the government hostile policies put the local airlines brought about their reduced capacity on the regional and some domestic routes, a situation that contributed to the economic woes of the carriers.

Many of the local airlines like their foreign counterparts suffered cash crunch in the face of the global economic recession which led to delayed deliveries of aircraft and spares as the aircraft manufacturers either failed to meet up with demands of supplies or delay delivery dates a situation which affected some airlines in the country.

Speaking on customer protection right, Demuren said: “There is already an assurance for customers

NollywoodAction

Lights, Camera,

that as they buy their tickets, they will be flown comfortably to their destination but that has not always been the case, airport facilities are decayed, airports terminals are old, things have advanced and Nigeria cannot be left behind as aviation advances.”

For instance, the Indonesian have pegged five aircraft to start an airline, Nigeria can increase its own from two to five, the capitalisation process that was done in 20017 was not enough because it was the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) that smiled to the bank.

Another exhibit, called “Dancing Hearts, Hidden Tears,” by Saro-Wiwa, is a wallpaper consisting of up to 1,000 Nollywood film titles.

Saro-Wiwa said: “I think Nollywood film titles are what I love most about the film industry.”

It looks at Nollywood narrative conventions and explores African emotional landscape.

--Zina Saro-Wiwa, artist and filmmaker

When you compare passenger traffic on the local scene with the international scene while domestic carriers did not do well, reverse was the case with the foreign airlines which had a field day as they continued to cart away billions of foreign currencies to their home countries at the detriment of domestic carriers as aviation policies still encouraged capital flight.

While saying that there was an upsurge in passengers’ traffic, Obadofin however said that the situation had not yielded corresponding increase in revenue generation, because a lot of factors contributed to it ranging from high cost of flying to high tariffs and high maintenance.

All these combined together he said made things difficult for the airlines.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) despite its financial predicament was able to transform some airports through the refurbishment of their runways.

There is the need to review the BASA agreement with foreign countries and check the excessive granting of unlimited frequencies to the foreign carriers if the domestic carriers are to come out of their financial mess.

Source: The Guardian

UNESCO reported last year that Nollywood had overtaken Hollywood and was second only to Mumbai’s Bollywood in terms of number of films produced a year.

A

group of artists is bringing Nigerian movie making to a new audience with a New York exhibition paying tribute to the “Nollywood” film industry.The exhibition is called “Sharon Stone in Abuja,” after a 2003 Nollywood film, and is taking place at Location One gallery in the Soho district of New York.

Its creator, Zina Saro-Wiwa, a Nigerian-British artist and filmmaker, said: “Sharon Stone in Abuja pays homage to Nollywood. It looks at Nollywood narrative conventions and explores African emotional landscape.”

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) quickly refuted the claim, describing it as untrue. Issues of integrating the entire system also cropped up, coupled with allegations of underhand dealing in the entire project. While the claims and counter claims lasted, the whole nation further got confused with the true state of the system.

The exhibition contains striking photographs and films inspired by the themes and style of Nollywood, and includes an installation of a living room decked out in Nollywood style.

Nollywood art. Saro-Wiwa, who created the living room with New York based artist Mickalene Thomas, described the living room as the “ultimate Nollywood landscape.”

Spokesman for the agency, Supo Atobatele insisted that there was nothing wrong with the project, stressing that President Goodluck Jonathan would not have been allowed to go ahead with the inauguration of the system if they were not working.

She said: “Living rooms are very important in Nollywood. A lot of the action takes place in the living room and it’s consumed there because Nollywood is a straight-to-video form.”

Issue: 2 2011

Inside Africa: ‘New Nigeria Cinema’ sparks Nollywood renaissance

Zina Saro-Wiwa

It said that in 2006, Nollywood produced 872 feature length films, all in video format, while India produced 1,091 and the United States 485.

The exhibition also contains a three-minute film about protest and dissent called “Shoe Shoe,” by Kenyan artist Wangechi Mutu, showing a destitute figure hurling shoes in the direction of the camera.

The living room has photographs on the walls and Nollywood films playing on a flat-screen television. The photographs are called “Two Wives,” by Thomas, and show two fictional wives of one Nigerian “oga,” or big man. One is the first wife, and the other a house-girl, recently elevated to wifely status.

Visitors are invited to sit on the sofas and “feel at home.” Saro-Wiwa pointed out that the living room contained imported plastic furnishings, flat lighting and a conspicuous lack of “African objects.”

Saro-Wiwa said the exhibition had been popular with both Africans and those unfamiliar with Nollywood. She said: “People love it. I’m really touched by people’s response to it, even if some of the ideas are a bit challenging.” She added: “I think the main response is that people have never seen Nigeria or Nollywood or Africa represented in this way. “I think the way the show is done is not typical of how African shows are done.

Even this idea of the emotional landscape of Africa -- that’s not really been tackled before.”

“Sharon Stone in Abuja” runs at Location One until January 22

She added: “It has a relationship with the look and feel of Nollywood, which is synthetic and plastic but aspirational at the same time.”

Inside Africa: ‘New Nigeria Cinema’ sparks Nollywood renaissance

Saro-Wiwa

2011 Issue: 2

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Nigerian Music

Asa

2Face

I

t’s Saturday night outside a club in Brooklyn, New York. The queue of stylish men and women, many of whom wouldn’t be out of place in a music video, snakes around the block. It looks like a typical crowd for a New York hiphop club, come to dance to Jay-Z or Lil Wayne. But it’s not, and they haven’t.

In fact, inside the club there’s barely an American track to be heard, because this crowd isn’t particularly interested in listening to American music.

Instead, the majority of the tunes the DJ spins are the latest urban hits from Nigeria, and the punters, mainly young Africans, are hooked on every one. It’s all part of the biggest boom in Nigerian music since the 1970s, with clubs from New York to Paris to London to Nairobi playing club hits from Lagos.

This new wave of Nigerian music, which has really only begun to take hold in the last five years, is a world away from the sounds of the pioneers of that first wave of exports - the likes of Fela Kuti and Sunny Adé - who helped spur the growth of world music as a marketable niche product in Europe and North America.

Listen to music by the contemporary Nigerian artists - 2Face Idibia, D’Banj, P-Square, Naeto C, Ikechukwu or eLDee the Don - and you’ll hear the smooth synthesised sounds of the latest US productions. Beats are no longer provided just by talking drums, but by 808s and sequenced kick snares. Vocals may have been processed with vocoders and other studio tools to give them that commercial, MTV urban edge. “It’s untraditional,” says Alex Okosi, the senior vice-president and general manager of MTV Networks Africa. “It’s not your middle-aged African artist [making music for] your middle-aged European audience.”

Leaning more towards hip-hop than high life, the latest breed of Nigerian artists fuse American urban sounds with Nigerian influences to great effect.

“Hip-Hop and R&B - that’s the foundation of my sound,” says Nigerian rapper Naeto C, who was recently named best new act at the MTV Africa awards. But even though this music uses the urban sounds of America as a launchpad, it is marked with a distinctly Nigerian stamp.

In the 1980s and 1990s, American hip-hop became the staple musical diet for an entire generation of Nigerians. American rappers flooded the airwaves

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Naeto C

and young music-makers around the country began shaping their music to sound like what they heard from the likes of Biggie, Tupac or Puffy.

Many tried, unsuccessfully, to mimic the lyrics, beats and sounds of American hip-hop. Some would rap in English, not necessarily the language they were most at ease with. Others would adopt fake American accents and use slang that originated from America’s inner cities but bore little semblance to the reality of modern Nigerian life. The hyper-sexualised and materialistic nature of hip-hop was also seen to be at odds with conservative Nigerian culture and was downright rejected in the northern part of the country, which is Muslim. It is not surprising that Nigerian urban artists soon found themselves ridiculed as poor imitators of American hip-hop.

But that has changed. Having been part of the Nigerian music scene since 1998, starting out in a group called Trybesmen, rapper and label owner eLDee the Don has seen at first hand how things have changed. “Most artists tend to make music that is similar to what they grow up listening to. For most of our new artists, hip-hop and R&B was big for their generation so most influences are taken from those genres. But I believe we have since successfully created genres of our own with Nigerian urban music. You can’t listen to Nigerian music and mistake it for anything else - we have created our own identity and sound,” he says proudly.

Nigerian musicians are no longer trying to ape the lifestyle, culture and language of American urban artists. Switching between English, pidgin English, Yoruba and Nigerian slang as they rhyme and sing, they have realised that success depends on ensuring that their music reflects its place of origin and that it resonates, in as authentic a way as possible, with their audience.

“I made a conscious effort to use a chorus that used Nigerian slang,” says Naeto C about his hit song Kini Big Deal, which was one of the most popular Nigerian songs of 2008. The Yoruba phrase, which means “What’s the big deal?” is common in everyday Nigerian speech - complaints that he sounded too American led Naeto to develop a more authentic style. Even though he was raised in the UK and America, he realised that “I’ve had just as much of a

D’Banj

2011 Issue: 2

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Nigerian experience as anybody. The only difference is that at that particular point when I was transitioning from a boy to a man I was exposed to American culture.”

So how popular is the new Nigerian music? No one really knows. First, music piracy is rife in Nigerian, and second, accurate sales figures are hard to come by. However, a distributor recently told Naeto C that his sales in 2008 hit at least 3m - and that’s just in Nigeria. Those figures do not take into account the fact that Nigerian urban music is well established in the rest of Africa and has a growing fan base internationally. ElDee, meanwhile, claims to have sold 10m records during the course of his career.

Naeto C is a perfect model of the new Nigerian music scene. First, he grew up listening to American music. Second, he lived abroad. Third, he returned home.

That “brain gain” of returning Nigerians has been crucial to the revitalisation of the country’s music, reckons Dayo Ogunyemi, an entertainment attorney and media consultant who returned to Lagos from New York five years ago.

On a creative level, Ogunyemi explains, this has “contributed towards the talent pool both behind the mic and behind the mixing board. Some of the producers were overseas in the UK and US for a while and have honed their production chops there. The same goes for a number of artists. You’re definitely seeing a cross-pollination from across the Atlantic with people taking what they have seen in the hip-hop scene in NY or in London and bringing that back to the Nigerian scene, saying ‘Hey, we have to do better. We have to improve all aspects of our game, we have to improve our songwriting and our music videos.’”

“When I was living in the US, I was down with the whole New York thing and street hip-hop,” says Naeto C. “I still remember songs from when I was growing up in London in the early 80s. And then there are my influences from being in Nigeria. I think the diversity I’ve got from being in all of these places is what I’ve used in my music and is what has shaped my own sound.”

Indeed Naeto C isn’t alone in having lived outside Nigeria - so have eLDee the Don and singer/songwriter Asa, who released an album in the UK last year on Mike Batt’s Dramtico label. Asa, who has been called a Nigerian Tracy Chapman and sings in English and Yoruba, acknowledges this mixture of influences is what defines her as an artist: “I listen to a lot of people and have been influenced by Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Fela Kuti. I had the opportunity to come to Paris as an artist and I saw all this freedom of expression, colours and music everywhere - on the metro, on the street - stuff I didn’t have back home.”

But none of that would matter without some means of getting the music to its audience, which was provided when MTV Base launched in Africa in February 2005. Although it wasn’t the first major music TV channel on the continent the influential South African music channel Channel O has been broadcasting since the early 90s - the introduction of MTV’s glossy aesthetic had a significant

impact on audio and video production standards. Its arrival, says Ogunyemi, “has made Nigerians say, ‘We need to make better videos, we need to up the ante.’

It’s almost like a self-fulfilling prophecy: the more you put into it the more you get out of it and that’s really what’s happening.”

Industry observers think the Nigerian music scene could become as successful as Nollywood - Nigeria’s film industry, which is now rated as the third largest in the world. As with Nollywood, there’s a ready-made global audience in the Nigerian diaspora (Nigerians make up one-fifth of all Africans in the world), as well as other Africans, and with better production values there is the increasing likelihood that some of these acts will crossover to a non-African audience. The internet, naturally, helps.

“Even if you are just targeting Nigerians with your music, you’re not just looking at Nigerians in Nigeria, you’re looking at Nigerians everywhere else, because you can put a video up on Facebook, you can put it on YouTube,” says Ogunyemi.

“In the mid-90s I used to produce an African hip-hop group based in New York and you couldn’t reach people elsewhere because there weren’t that many multimedia friendly ways of reaching people anyway. Now there are people in France who love Nigerian music and who know about it. There are people in the UK who love it and know about it.

For now, elDee is hopeful the march will continue. “Nigerian music is going to get to a point where it will have to be acknowledged by all sectors of the world,” he says. “It already has its uniqueness and I believe people will accept it because it is great entertainment, period.”

A version Lola Adesioye’s article has previously appeared in the Guardian.

Ruggedman

NEWS Entertainment Patrick Okogwu A.K.A Tinie Tempah Congratulations to Tinie Tempah for his recent success at the Brits Award 2011.

TinieTempah won two prizes at this year’s awards for British breakthrough act and best single, Pass Out.

Omotola Jalade Ekeinde at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles . Omotola has starred in about 500 home video movies from Nigeria’s Nollywood including the feature film IJE co-starring fellow Nollywood Queen Genevieve Nnaji

Banky W

New soundtrack album titled MI 2

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Issue: 2 2011

Twitter: www.twitter.com/NigeriaMagazine/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/NigeriaMagazine

2011 Issue: 2

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Celebrating

Celebrating NigerianWomen’s Day

I

Celebrating D International Women’s Day

nternational Women’s Day has been observed since in the early 1900’s, a time of great expansion and turbulence in the industrialized world that saw booming population growth and the rise of radical ideologies.

Great unrest and critical debate was occurring amongst women. Women’s oppression and inequality was spurring women to become more vocal and active in campaigning for change. Then in 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights.

Following the decision agreed at Copenhagen in 1911, International Women’s Day (IWD) was honoured the first time in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland on 19 March. More than one million women and men attended IWD rallies campaigning for women’s rights to work, vote, be trained, to hold public office and end discrimination. 2000 and beyond IWD is now an official holiday in China, Armenia, Russia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. The tradition sees men honouring their mothers, wives, girlfriends, colleagues, etc with flowers and small gifts. In some countries IWD has the equivalent status of Mother’s Day where children give small presents to their mothers and grandmothers.

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Issue: 2 2011

The new millennium has witnessed a significant change and attitudinal shift in both women’s and society’s thoughts about women’s equality and emancipation.

However, great improvements have been made. We do have female astronauts and prime ministers, school girls are welcomed into university, women can work and have a family, women have real choices. And so the tone and nature of IWD has, for the past few years, moved from being a reminder about the negatives to a celebration of the positives.

Google Annually on 8 March, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate achievements. A global web of rich and diverse local activity connects women from all around the world ranging from political rallies, business conferences, government activities and networking events through to local women’s craft markets, theatrics performances, fashion parades and more.

r. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is presently a Managing Director of the World Bank. From June to August 2006, she was Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, overseeing Nigeria’s External Relations. From July 2003 to June 2006 she served as Minister of Finance and Economy of Nigeria and Head of Nigeria’s much acclaimed Presidential Economic team responsible for implementing a comprehensive home grown economic reform program that stabilized the macro-economy and tripled the growth rate to an average 6 percent per annum over 3 years. Her achievements as Finance Minister garnered international recognition for improving Nigeria’s financial stability and fostering greater fiscal transparency to combat corruption. In October 2005, she led the Nigerian team that negotiated the cancellation of US $18 billion or 60 percent of Nigeria’s external debt with the Paris Club. The debt deal also included an innovative buy-back mechanism that wiped out Nigeria’s Paris club debt and reduced the country’s external indebtedness from US$35 to US$5 billion. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala oversaw Nigeria’s first ever Sovereign credit rating of BB- from Fitch and Standard and Poor’s—a rating that grouped Nigeria with other emerging market countries such as Brazil, Vietnam, Venezuela, and Philippines.

Previously, she pursued a 21-year career as a development economist at the World Bank, where she held the post of Vice President and Corporate Secretary. This included two tours of duty (six years) working in the East Asia Region, the last tour (19972000) as Country Director Malaysia, Mongolia, Laos and Cambodia during the East Asian financial crisis; two duty tours in the Middle East Region, the last (2000-2003) as Director, Operations (deputy vice-president) of the region. Dr Okonjo-Iweala also served as Director of Institutional Change and Strategy (1995-1997). In this post she assisted with the implementation of the Bank’s reform agenda.

From 1989 to 1991 she was Special assistant to the Senior Vice President, Operations, an assignment that enabled participation in high level policy formulation and discussions for countries as diverse as China and Burkina Faso.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala was educated at Harvard and has a PhD in Regional Economics and Development from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She is fluent in French, Ibo and English with working knowledge of Yoruba. She has received numerous awards, including Honorary Doctorate of Letters from University of Dublin, Trinity College, 2007, Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Colby College, 2007 and Brown University, 2006, Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Northern

Caribbean University, Mandeville, Jamaica, 2005, Time Magazine’s European Hero of the Year Award, 2004, for her work on economic reform in Nigeria, Euromoney Magazine Global Finance Minister of the year, 2005, Financial Times/The Banker African Finance Minister of the year 2005, This Day (Nigeria’s premier newspaper) Minister of the Year award 2004 and 2005.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala is a member or chair of numerous boards and advisory groups, including DATA, the World Resources Institute, the Clinton Global Initiative, the Nelson Mandela Institution, Friends of the Global Fund Africa, and the African Institute of Science and Technology. She has served as adviser to several international investment groups working in emerging markets and lectured on Africa and development all over the world.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala was the founder of the first ever indigenous opinion research organization in Nigeria (NOI Polls) in partnership with the Gallup organization, which strives to strengthen democracy and accountability in Nigeria. She was co-founder of the Makeda Fund, a US$50 million private equity fund designed to invest in womenowned and women-influenced small and medium enterprises in Africa. She is married to surgeon Dr. Ikemba Iweala and they have four children.

2011 Issue: 2

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Focus on Women

Mrs Patience Goodluck Jonathan Wife of the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

mrs Iyom josephine anenih (mni) Minister for Women Affirs, Nigeria

ms Chidima Uwajumogu National Coordinator, Women for Change Initiative

Women 4 Change Initiative (W4CI) Women for change Initiative is a Nigerian gender focused movement for mobilizing women to take active interest in affirmation action, promoting women empowerment and gender equality in society. The movement will engender the mass awareness of women at all levels to their human rights and obligations as citizens of Nigeria.

Women for Change Initiative (W4CI) is a nongovernmental, non-partisan, Nigerian gender focused movement structured to serve as a strong and unifying voice for women in Nigeria.

Nevertheless, there is a need for a viable and credible women’s movement which would build on and consolidate past gains to chart a way forward for demanding an equitable share of the governance space for Nigerian women.

It’s all about the Nigerian Woman!

Across the Nigerian society, as in other parts of the world, women face some of the greatest challenges. They bear a disproportionate burden of the country’s poverty. Their ability to have a decent life is hampered by deep-rooted societal norms and practices. In conflict situations, women are more vulnerable to exploitation and such violent acts as rape, torture, sexual slavery, enforced prostitution and mutilation. Women are disproportionately represented in the political leadership of Nigeria.

Taking into cognizance, the importance of good governance, respect for human rights and democracy as necessary conditions for human development, the Nigerian State has a crucial part to play in ensuring that all citizens enjoy equal opportunities to exercise the privileges of citizenship and to participate in national life, regardless of gender.

Although Nigeria women have made gains in certain fields of human endeavour, problems still persist in many areas and women’s share in governmental decision making process remains a far cry. A key strategy in promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality has been the adoption of “Affirmative Action” to correct the age-long gender imbalance across societies. Affirmative Action policies have become political instruments for meeting the needs of those who have been unfairly shut out of mainstream development and societal systems.

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Issue: 2 2011

Hajara Adeola; Investment Banker heads Lotus Capital, an ethical investments firm that aims to make a profit while avoiding sectors that are prohibited by Islam. Adeola graduated with a degree in pharmacology in 1992, earned her MBA in 1993 and immediately began her career as a consultant with Andersen Consulting, now Accenture. She later joined ARM Investment Managers as a pioneer staff member and rose through the ranks to become a Vice President in charge of the research and financial advisory units. After four years at ARM, she took time off to earn a Master’s in Finance before moving to BNP Paribas in 2001 to work as a convertible bond research analyst and primary convertible bond expert.

In 2002, she moved to UBS Warburg, London where she headed the bank’s London Islamic finance desk and was directly responsible for structuring and trading Islamic finance investment instruments for European private and institution

Top 10 tips for supporting Women in business - by Caroline Shola Arewa More and more women are taking life into their own hands and going into business.

Many have families to look after; some are also single parents and carers. Many are setting up businesses for the first time.

Being in business for your self can be empowering and exhilarating but it can also be overwhelming and lonely. Women in business need to feel supported. And its not just professional support that is needed its also personal

Funmi Olayinka, current deputy governor

of Ekiti State under the platform of Action Congress of Nigeria was born in Ado-Ekiti in 1960. She attended Central University in America. She obtained BS degree in Business Administration (Marketing) and Masters in Public Administration.

She started her career with First Bank in 1986, becoming the 2nd Vice–President of Association of Corporate Managers of Banks between 2002 and 2004.

Pauline Tallen, current deputy governor of Plateau State. She has the indelible record of being the first and only female Deputy Governor in the northern part of Nigeria to date. Mrs Tallen was elected under PDP platform and is currently seeking election for governor under Labour party platform.

Sarah Sosan was elected as Deputy Governor of Lagos State in 2007 under AC platform. she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in English Education (B.A) Ed in 1988 and a Masters Degree in Adult Education.

Mrs Sosan is not seeking election as deputy governor in the April 2011 general elections.

Olufunmilayo Falusi Olopade,

Mrs Rose Uzoma

1) Acknowledge your achievements and those of other women Women are so used to doing so much, with so little, all the time. That they can be expected to do everything, with nothing forever! Notice and appreciate your achievements and those of the women around you. A little appreciation goes a long way.

2) Know your weaknesses focus on your strengths Do what you do best and let others do the rest. This is sound advice. Learn to delegate fully. Find the right person for the job, avoid micro-managing and enjoy the space created.

Staying mindful of your strengths gives you the power and energy needed for success.

3) Don’t be afraid to utilise EQ - emotional intelligence One of our strengths as women is our great capacity for motivation, empathy and rich social skills learned in all manner of situations. As women we are emotionally intelligent. Never undermine your feelings continues on page 51.

Mrs.Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori,

Deputy Governor of Osun State.

Justices of the Federal Appeal Court, Ibadan declared Aregbesola the winner of the 2007 election, ordering that he be sworn in as governor by noon on 27 November 2010, thus paved the way also his deputy Mrs Tomori to be sworn in as deputy governor replacing Erelu Obada as deputy governor.

recently appointed by President Obama as a member of US National Cancer Advisory Board.

Olopade holds an M.B.B.S. from the University of Ibadan in Nigeria, did her residency in internal medicine at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in hematology and oncology at the University of Chicago.

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Mrs Rose Uzoma has announced the commencement of a biometric data capture of Africans living in Nigeria. Mrs Uzoma who spoke at a meeting with the House of Representatives committee on Interior at the National Assembly in Abuja said the plan is targeted at reducing terrorism and other social vices in the country.

2011 Issue: 2

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NAPEP

National poverty eradication programme

Dr. Magnus L. Kpakol

NAFDAC Dr Paul Orhi Director General, NAFDAC

that if established, the PDF would also avail us the opportunity of being net exporters of pharmaceutical products as against our present position which requires that over 70 per cent of our drugs needs are imported from China and India,” he said.

He assured that the agency would continue to partner all stakeholders in the sector to ensure that drugs that are sold to the Nigerian public are not only safe but meet international standards. A version of this article has previously appeared in This day Newspaper.

Senior Special Assistant to the President and National Coordinator NAPEP

Governance

We have reflected on Nigerian leaders who are tackling poverty, transforming government through good governance and the president’s use of social media via Facebook account to engage with Nigerians in policy formulation.

NIGCOMSAT

Nigeria’s satellite passes pre-launch test National Agency for Food Drugs Administration and Control – NAFDAC

Bello University, Zaria and the International The National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) was established in 2001. NAPEP is the primary agency of the government charged with the responsibility of coordinating and monitoring all poverty eradication activities nationwide.

NAPEP has come to symbolise the commitment of the federal government to poverty eradication in Nigeria.

Nigeria operates a federal system of government made up of three tiers of government; federal, state and local. All 3 tiers of government have a constitutional responsibility for the socio economic development of their constituents. As a coordinating agency of the federal government for all poverty eradication activities in the country, NAPEP’s key strategy is to make sure that strong winning partnerships are forged in the country so that well synergised and sustainable programmes are implemented for the benefit of the people.

What we do •

•

•

•

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Help generate mass participation in the economic reform process, through catalytic partnerships and intervention.

Help state and local governments develop direct anti-poverty programs that include Micro-Credit and Micro-Finance.

Build strategic public and private sector partnerships that provide Information to the disadvantaged.

Cause political action against poverty to centre on providing confidence and Stable Markets for the goods & services of poor people.

Issue: 2 2011

Director-General of NAFDAC Dr. Paul Orhi has warned of an impending collapse of the nation’s pharmaceutical industry. If the Federal Government does not quickly establish N150billion Nigerian Pharmaceutical Development Fund to support the growth and stability of the sector.

He suggested that the fund be established under the direct supervision of the Bank of Industries BOI, in order to ensure that all major stakeholders in the sector were availed the facility that would boost local production of all essential drugs in the country. The NAFDAC Director General who gave this hint at a one day stakeholder’s interactive forum in Makurdi, regretted that at the moment over seven per cent of essential drugs used in Nigeria are imported from China and India which according to him was not good for the growth of the sector.

He argued that there was urgent need for the rapid development of the Nigerian drugs manufacturing industry stressing that ‘it is also in the interest of our national security that our essential drugs are produced in our country’.

“I strongly believe that with the establishment of the Pharmaceutical Development Fund, Nigerian companies would be strengthened enough to start producing in large quantities that would take care of our drug needs in this part of the world.”

Orhi pointed out that at the rate international donor agencies were buying up heavily subsidized drugs for distribution in third world countries, in the very near future pharmaceutical firms in the country would be chased out of the market.

“That is why the call for the establishment of the Pharmaceutical Development Fund (PDF) is not only apt but timely in the present circumstance; it is also aimed at boosting the local production of drugs that would meet our needs in this country.

“And I would say without fear of contradiction

finally have a realistic plan that is actually technically, commercially sound, in terms of the role of the private sector, the role of government,” On being elected, the Governors of Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Lagos, respectively knew they needed to make tough choices if they were going to deliver change for their people. Since then, they have taken on the challenges faced by their state.

The United States Government has singled out Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, Rivers State’s Chibuike Amaechi, and Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, as “impressive governors” who have built up infrastructure and taken industrial development in their respective states to a whole new level.

Governor Rotimi Amaechi – Rivers State

The replaced Nigerian satellite, NIGCOMSAT1R, has undergone and passed a major performance test and activities are in top gear for its launch in 2011, an official has said.

Timasaniyu Ahmed-Rufai, the managing director of NIGCOMSAT told a management and media dinner on Thursday in Abuja that the satellite had undergone vibration tests while a simulation of the outer space had been used to test its ability to survive the harshness of the outer space.

The project has now entered an advanced stage of Assembly and Integration Test (AIT) of the platform and payload components indicating that the project is very much on course for the delivery date of last quarter of 2011, the official told his audience.

“However, the minister of finance who also went on the visit to China, requested that the satellite be launched in the early part of the third quarter of 2011,” he said.

Ahmed-Rufai said his group also went to engage the company to provide a backup in the form of NIGCOMSAT 2 and NIGCOMSAT 3 in earnest to forestall the mistake of the past.

“You can be rest assured that once we launch the NICOMSAT-1R, we are going to immediately commence the building of NICOMSAT 2 and 3 in order to provide the necessary back-up,” he added.

“Our aim is a situation where most of the emerging applications become a reality in Nigeria in such a way and manner that it is affordable,” the managing director said. Rising from the sixth Quarterly Management Review (QMR) meeting in Abuja at the weekend, officials of NIGCOMSAT and China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) disclosed that NigComSat-1R will be delivered on schedule.

PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan ,

in July 2009, signed the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, Bill into law, saying that the legal establishment of the corporation was in keeping with his Administration’s determination to ensure the stability of the nation’s financial sector and stimulate national economic recovery.

Governor of CBN, Lamido Sanusi, said the signing into law of the AMCON bill would give the apex bank the legal backing to affect the

necessary clean up in the banking sector and restore confidence in the nation’s economy Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan also in August 2009 gave a speech outlining his plan and approach to ending power shortages in Nigeria.

Jonathan launched the “roadmap for power sector reform” in Lagos to an audience of business leaders and investors. Nigeria is said to need $6 billion in 2011 to meet its domestic energy needs.

The intention of Jonathan’s plan is to create 11 electricity generation companies around the country with states being major partners in these entities.

World Bank country director Onno Ruhl said.

“This roadmap brings us to a point where we

He is devoted to developing his state, making the life of the ordinary man count, creating a sure future for the son of the poor and he has no godfather.

Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, in the last three years, has striven to turn the story of Rivers people around, though not so publicised, the governor of the ‘treasure base’ state has achieved feats that many with similar opportunity have only desired, writes.

Coming from a modest background and growing up at Diobu, a densely populated area in Port Harcourt city, Amaechi drives his policies with a deep knowledge of what it means to be poor and what the poor wants. In a bid to connect to the people, Amaechi has never failed to tell his story each time the opportunity presents itself, giving hope to millions of Rivers people of better things to come.

Through listening to the voice of the people, the governor emphasised his developmental projects on security, health, education and road infrastructure.

In fact, the bulk of Rivers’ money in the past three years had been pumped into these sectors.

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in governance and policies. Since he embarked on reforms in the State’s financial, economic and public sectors with a view to preparing them for future challenges. His framework for success has been proven by credit ratings from two internationally known credit analysis agencies namely:, Fitch; and Standard and Poor.

From inception, one of toughest challenges that Amaechi faced was insecurity. Criminal gangs operating in the state murdered people at the drop a coin; and kidnappers were on the prowl.

Amaechi, who described this then as evil, and unacceptable, had vowed “this administration will do everything within its powers to return normalcy to the state and ensure the security of lives and property.”

In the last three years, Amaechi has made the people at the centre of his development programmes. In that regard, he has taken giant strides to reposition the state by embarking on projects whose impact is being felt by the ordinary people of the state.

After the swearing-in, Amaechi in his mission statement declared fervently that; “I promise to serve the people on the ground of humility, transparency, accountability, integrity and good governance to improve the human resource and quality of life of the people of Rivers State.”

Within three years the government of Amaechi has devoted about N100 billion yearly to road infrastructure. The immediate desire is to ease the problem of poor road network, flooding, difficult terrain, traffic congestion, while also linking rural communities by road to the state capital in the state. Under the move, the government embarked on the construction of about 900km of roads, four flyovers/interchanges, 10 major bridges and 20 minor bridges, five Land reclamations/shore embankments.

The immediate result of the past three years in road investments is the reduction of traffic hold in difficult areas like Eleme junction, which had given commuters coming through the Aba Road a headache. There has also been a clear reduction in bad spots on roads, while flooding in most parts of Port Harcourt city have been managed to a considerable extent. Besides, some rural communities which had hitherto been only accessible by water will soon have roads leading into them. Works in this direction are currently at advanced stages.

Other investments in this direction is the Port Harcourt Ring Road which is proposed to stretch through Alaocha, Elibrada, Ogbakiri, Rumuolumeni, Okemini, and Eagle Island. From Eagle Island it crosses.

Bonny River at two locations to George Ama, Abam Ama, through Abokiri to Igwuruta, cutting across East West road and connects to Alaocha.

It also connects Chokota, Chokocho, Umuehem,

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Ipo, Ozuoha, Omagwa and links Agwawere. An auxiliary highway is also proposed starting from Chokocho connecting Eneka to Okorogwa.

Life was pumped into the educational sector which had remained comatose before the administration of Governor Amaechi when the governor began the building of 350 model primary schools and 24 model secondary schools, spread across all parts of the state. The schools, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, were necessary platforms towards revamping the comatose public education sector. Under the arrangement, every local government in the Rivers state would get at least 10 of these primary schools (each with a capacity for 500 pupils) and one secondary school. Currently, most of the schools are at various stages of completion with 125 already completed and are being delivered. To cap it, the government has launched a free tuition, free uniform and free books regime to ensure every child in Rivers state has access to a free and compulsory education.

In the health sector, over 160 health care centres are being built, with at least 5 in every local government area. Since October 26, the state government started the handing over of 60 of the health centres to benefitting communities equipped with resident doctors, midwifery and nursing care units, standby generators and ambulance services as well as modern facilities necessary for their optimal operations.

Amaechi says the greatest achievement of his government is the restoration of peace and order

in the state.

Acknowledging the various achievements of his government in a state-wide speech, Amaechi said the next step for his government is not mere change but growth. “Our stewardship showcases a Rivers State where the people, together with their government, have, to a reasonable extent, worked to learn how to walk as the change they desire.

The year 2010 has been a year of consolidation wherein this government strove to ensure that projects and initiatives already started were completed and put to the use that informed them in the first place

Amaechi: Development Geared Towards Succour

To eradicate the rate of illiteracy in the state includes provision of about 350 primary schools are being built and equipped with ICT facilities, Internet connection, modern library, science laboratory, football field, basketball pitch, volleyball pitch and nursery playground, among others as these would decline the rate of Militancy, criminality and other vices.

RIVERS State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi has faced various challenges in his handling of developmental issues in the state. some of the governor’s developmental projects geared towards providing succour for the people of the state When Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State was sworn into office three years ago, it was apparent that the state need a change; a change

Amaechi has been steering the ship of “good governance” in Rivers State in order to actualize his dream and vision of transforming the state and restoring it to its former “Garden City” status in due course. To decongest Port Harcourt, he has created Greater Port Harcourt, a new city covers with a projected population of two million. The Master Plan will be implemented in phases.

Following this transformation, the governor has done a lot in terms of infrastructural development, fiscal policy and massive road construction across the state. About 570 kilometers of roads have been constructed with 80 per cent of them in the rural areas, including over-head bridges in the outskirts of the city to decongest traffic.

His commitment towards providing genuine development to all nooks and crannies of the state, made it possible for him to embark on numerous projects that have direct bearing on

the lives of the people, especially those living in the rural area. Projects such as good roads, bridges, schools and hospitals that were once scarce in the rural areas are now there for people to see. Putting necessary infrastructures and policies in place, the present administration is gradually turning the state into a safe, clean and green abode for its residents.

To put an end to frequent power interruption in the state, the chief executive has develops and injected a 100MW of power into the national grid to boost the economic man-power resources in the state. To further strengthen his current effort on power generation, over 300 rural electrification projects have been executed with more than 800 transformers donated to various communities in the state. Presently, Rivers is generating about 250 megawatts of electricity from her two power generating stations at Trans-Amadi, and Omoku. The government’s target is to hit 500 megawatts by the end of this administration in 2011.

One of the legacies has been the approachable manner he conducts his affairs. In 2007, he promised to make the office of the governor as localized and approachable as possible. In that regard, he has so far developed a cordial relationship with the people of Rivers through regular stakeholders meetings, the meet-thepeople tour where he visits local communities to hear from the people what their needs are and how best they want it tackled; this was followed by his ongoing accountability town hall forum being held in all Local Government Areas of the State; and through his Facebook page.

After a careful study and analysis of the abysmal state of what he met on ground, the governor declared a state of emergency in the education sector and began to rebuild the system from the very beginning. Prior to Amaechi’s inauguration as the state’s chief executive, primary and secondary schools were in a dire state of rot.

Children were being taught in dilapidated school buildings and in some cases, they sit on the bare floor, as there were no desks. “to eradicate the rate of illiteracy in the state includes provision of about 350 primary schools are being built and equipped with ICT facilities, Internet connection, modern library, science laboratory, football field, basketball pitch, volleyball pitch and nursery playground, among others as these would decline the rate of Militancy, criminality

and other vices.”

The same facilities are being incorporated into the 24 new secondary schools being built across the local government areas of the state as well, with the inclusion of compulsory boarding facilities. These schools can be placed side by side with schools in developed countries like the United Kingdom. Because no area would be discriminated against, the schools are distributed demographically in all 23 local government areas. The governor is optimistic that more would be added within the short time left in the tenure of his administration.

Governor Amaechi has also employed new teachers and re-trained the old ones. Their welfare has already been taken over by the state government when it took the responsibility of primary and junior secondary schools from the local government councils. Distribution of the free textbooks, exercise books and school uniforms launched by the governor on Independence Day has already commenced.

In addition, the state government has also offered scholarship in tertiary institutions in different parts of the world including Canada (297 scholarships), India (202), Ireland (30), Singapore (136) and United Kingdom (384). There are also over 1,000 students studying abroad under the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA). With the free education, animalistic tendencies would greatly decline as more youths and children will get access to quality education and turn out as better citizens.

In the health sector, many had been complaining that the state-owned hospitals lacked adequate medical equipment; people were dying because healthcare facilities were far away from them, particularly those in the coastal and rural areas and the poor had no access to healthcare because of the high cost. Maternal and child mortality was also high.

Now the government is offering free health services to all her citizenry in all government owned hospitals or health centres. The idea is for primary healthcare to reach everybody in the state, from those living in the urban areas to those living in the rural villages and coastal areas. To achieve this, the state government has constructed 160 health centres in all the local government areas. It has also constructed a

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1,000 bed specialist hospital with other special intervention in this area.

The free healthcare is aimed at drastically reducing the mortality rate of Rivers people, particularly maternal and infant mortality as the 160 primary health centres built by the Amaechi administration are strategically sited to serve every part of the state. People living in the villages and coastal areas of the state would no longer cry about the distance they had to cover in search of medical care, especially in emergency cases as the health centres have been distributed according to demographic needs.

For secondary health facilities, Amaechi assured that before the end of the year, the Prof.

Kelsey Harrison Hospital, also known as the New Niger Hospital on Emenike Street and the Dental and Maxillofacial Hospital at Garrison would be made functional. These are among the four big hospitals built by the incumbent.

Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola of Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola is seen by critics and admirers an outstanding governor who has transformed Lagos State in terms of infrastructural development. He has also made an impact in education by awarding scholarships.

He also did well concerning Employment, Health by providing jobs for the unemployed people within the state. And most importantly providing a free health care in all general hospitals including free drugs. Not only this but also there is a good

management of tax payment and the people of his state are highly responding because they could see clearly where their money is been spent.

In the area of transportation, he introduced BRT Buses. This area has greatly changed the face of Lagos State compared to other commercial buses.

He also takes a great step further to help Sosa’s children –motherless homes in every segment of their needs

Governor Godswill Akpabio – Akwa Ibom

Sport The 2010 World cup finals which took place for the first time on African soil in South Africa was by any major sporting event previously organised a resounding success. South Africa proved many doomsday critics wrong.

Above all, he is an encouragement to all the youth in the state in terms of financial support, education, scholarship and awards as well as sport. Various youth’s destiny has greatly changed positively

According to various Groups from the State, “Akpabio’s infrastructural development in the state in the last three years has virtually touched every sector of the state economy.”

The Uyo Airport, which was built by the state government under Akpabio, was a major achievement.

Some of his achievements, include, massive road construction across the state, free and compulsory education and free medical services for children below five years as well as the completion of Independent Power Plant and laying of foundation for Ibom Industrial City

N

igeria’s participation ended in disappointment, even though it was self-inflicted first round exit. The Footballing authorities in Nigeria have since appointed Samson Siasia as national coach of the Super Eagles, whilst Siasia’s appointment is considered long overdue considering his performance as coach of the under 23 world cup finalist, Olympic finalist. Siasia got the post over his former team mate and captain of the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi.

“Michael will continue to oversee the first team scouting operation as he makes the transition to coaching. He will split the initial period between assisting First Team Coach Carlo Ancelotti and updating his coaching qualifications as he takes on this bigger and more influential role.”

The former Chelsea manager Avram Grant was instrumental in bringing Emenalo to Chelsea.

Emenalo, 42, was a defender in his playing days came to Grant’s attention during their time at Maccabi Tel Aviv. By 1986, he moved to Boston University in the United States to study

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He also played in Belgium and Germany before winning the Anglo-Italian Cup with Notts County. He won 14 caps for Nigeria in total and played in the 1994 FIFA World Cup™ in the United States.

Football in Nigeria

FIFA considers Nigeria as one of the leading lights in African football. having reached three FIFA World Cup final competitions (1994, 1998, 2002) but despite impressing many with their football, they have never progressed beyond the round of 16.

Nigerian football greatest success was winning the Gold medal at the Olympic Football Tournament in Atlanta in 1996. Nigeria has an impressive record of having won the African Cup of Nations title twice, triumphs at the FIFA U-17 World Youth Championship in 1985 and 1993. Nigeria hosted the FIFA World Youth Championship in

1999, while the country has also been a pioneer for women’s football in Africa. The Nigerian ladies’ team won the African Women Championship in 1998, 2000 and 2002, and participated in the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in 1991, 1995 and 1999.

Countless top players have emerged from Nigeria.

Rashid Yekini (1993 African Player of the Year), Jay-Jay Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu (1996/1999 African Player of the Year) are just three of the players who have taken Nigerian football to the world. All three players have been crucial to their club’s fortunes, whether in Portugal, Germany, England, Italy, France or the Netherlands.

Nigerian footballers are plying their trade top flight leagues around Europe and the globe. We have in no particular order listed below, provided their profile.

Super Eagles star making waves in the English premier league is Peter Osaze Odemwingie.

On 20 August 2010, Odemwingie joined Premier League team West Bromwich Albion for an undisclosed fee. He signed a three-year contract and was granted the number 24 shirt. A day later, he scored the 81st-minute winning goal on his Premier League debut, a 1–0 win against Sunderland. Shortly after signing for West Brom, photographs showed Lokomotiv Moscow fans celebrating the sale of Odemwingie through the use of racist banners targeted at the player.

One banner included the image of a banana and read “Thanks West Brom”. Before West Brom’s game against Tottenham Hotspur in September 2010, it was

Another Alumnus of the 1994 squad, Michael Emenalo was on 18 November 2010 appointed Assistant first team coach by Chelsea football club.

Michael Emenalo’s appointment follows Ray Wilkins departure. Emenalo is not new to having responsibilities at Chelsea having been working as head opposition scout for the club since October 2007.

Chelsea confirmed the move in a statement on their official website: “Chelsea Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Emenalo to the position of Assistant First Team Coach.

He moves up from his previous position of Head Opposition Scout. Michael has been an important part of the first team management structure since his arrival in October 2007, and his promotion to Assistant First Team Coach is recognition of his efforts to date.

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International Relations and political science, earning his degree three years later.

Michael Emenalo

Michael Emenalo

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Obafemi Martins Birmingham’s relegation fight as big despite Carling Cup Victory over Arsenal

Mikel John Obi

West Brom fans would unfurl a banner to counter the racist one, the banner read ‘Thanks Lokomotiv’ and is accompanied by a picture of Odemwingie celebrating his winner on his debut against Sunderland. Odemwingie scored again for West Brom as they defeated Arsenal 3–2 at the Emirates Stadium on 25 September 2010. On November 10 he scored a penalty in the 2-2 draw against West Ham United to continue his brilliant start to the Premiership season. Odemwingie scored a brace for West Brom on 5 December 2010, as they defeated fellow promoted side Newcastle United 3-1 at the Hawthorns.

After pulling out all the stops against Argentina this afternoon as his Nigeria side fell to a 1-0 defeat in their opening Group B game, Vincent Enyeama left the field with his head held high after an unforgettable performance.

The 27 year old was asked to outline how he stopped Argentina’s star player Lionel Messi with such frequency and his response mirrored the words of another famous Argentine no.10 during the World Cup of Mexico 86’. “It was the

best performance of my life,” he declared to AFP. “What makes it all the more special is that I did it against the best player in the world.”

“I watched Messi’s games in the Spanish league along with a little bit of good information that I got for the game. “My secret lies with God. Thanks to him I was able to do what I did today as he allowed me to stay calm under pressure.”

Nigeria’s best player in 2010 World Cup, Vincent Enyeama showed that he has matured into a world class shot stopper. After an impressive performance at the AFCON where he scored the winning penalty against Zambia in the quarterfinal, Enyeama went on to the world stage to deny Lionel Messi from scoring against him at the World Cup in South Africa.

A version of this article by Stefano Federici has appeared in other publications.

Chelsea website describes Mikel John Obi as powerfully-built young man, with exceptional ball skills, his standing as one of the brightest young talents in the game had been confirmed at the African Cup of Nations earlier that year, his senior

international debut having come in August 2005.

They go on to state that Mikel had starred in the 2005 Fifa U-20 World Youth Championships where he was voted the tournament’s second best player as Nigeria made the final behind Messi.

Mikel trained with Chelsea for one week in the winter of 2004, was signed by the then Chelsea coach José Mourinho.

Mourinho was full of praise for his young protégée, compelling him to say at Mikel played like a giant at African Cup of Nations. Mikel was named Chelsea Young Player of the Year, he survived an injury scare the week before the 2007 FA Cup Final win to play the whole game.

He started the 2008 Carling Cup Final shortly after his return but then spent a spell out of the side before ending with responsibility in some important games, including the home win over Manchester United, when he was outstanding.

Mikel is considered a model of measured consistency at Chelsea and has also won the Etihad Airways Chelsea Player of the Month award for December 2010.

Obafemi Martins admits Birmingham are having to balance their commitments between the Carling Cup final victory and securing their Premier League survival.

The Nigeria striker, who (Jan 2011) signed on loan from Russian outfit Rubin Kazan until the end of the season, got the winner and his chance to win his first silverware in England when the Blues defeated Arsenal at Wembley.

Martins was with Newcastle for three years but left in 2009 when the Magpies were relegated to the Championship. The 26-year-old spent a season in Germany with Wolfsburg before signing for Rubin Kazan last summer.

A version of this article has previously appeared in the metro newspaper.

Peter Osaze Odemwingie.

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50th Golden Jubilee Independence Celebration 1St October 2010 in London - City Hall Hosted By T&S Club

(From left) Prof. Ebohon, Kay, Joan, Oba and Dr. Idaewor

Ken Olisa OBE

(From left) Funmi, Mabel, Bola, Esosa,

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Bola Agbaje

Peter and Paula Imafidon

Fumni Abari

Erogun cultural dancer

Dr. Imafidon recicving award on behalf of his children

Kede Aihie

Rolake and Lanre Akinola

Jeanette (left) and friend

(From left) Kede, Uwa and Joan Esosa Aihie

Joan Esosa Aihie

Group photo

Dr. Tom Ilube

Mrs Solanke

Oba Nsugbe QC

Matthew Erogun

Kay Akintemi

Mr & Mrs Moses Olubi

Bieneosa Ebite

Paulette receiving award

Tina Ogbebor

Paula receiving award

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The North African& Middle East The history of Middle East is complex, but one issue that has raised concern is the authoritarian regime in this part of the world, it is difficult to point to one democratic nation in the entire region apart from Israel.

Democratic Revolution

The brutal suppression of the populace by the Arab regimes over the centuries is now being challenged.

T

he revolution began in Tunisia, where a young desperate young man took his life, the fall out was collective will of the people to call for change. On 22 December, Lahseen Naji, a protester, responded to “hunger and joblessness” by electrocuting himself after climbing an electricity pylon. Ramzi Al-Abboudi also killed himself because of financial difficulties arising from a business debt by the country’s microcredit solidarity programme.

The events began in December 2010 and led to the ouster of Dictator President Ben Ali in January 2011, 28 days later on 14 January 2011, when he officially resigned after fleeing to Saudi Arabia, ending 23 years in power Labour unions were said to be an integral part of the protests. The head of the Arab League has told the region’s leaders that the recent upheaval in Tunisia is linked to deteriorating economic conditions throughout the Arab world, warning them that their people’s anger has reached unprecedented heights.

Amr Moussa told an Arab economic summit in Egypt that “the Arab soul is broken by poverty, unemployment and general recession.”

“This is in the mind of all of us,” Moussa said in his opening address to the 20 Arab leaders and other representatives of Arab League members gathered in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.

The summit is the first top level Arab meeting since protests fuelled by joblessness and other economic woes in Tunisia forced Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, the president, to flee, bringing an end to his 23-year rule of the country.

The unrest has helped inspire similar protests around the Arab world and calls for political change, although activists

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in many countries face security forces heavily vested in maintaining the status quo and governments that refuse to allow dissent. Thousands of people have demonstrated in Jordan, Egypt, Sudan, Oman, Libya and Yemen recently over the economic situation in their respective countries, some explicitly in solidarity with the Tunisians.

Against this backdrop of violence, opposition groups said some 50 Libyan Muslim leaders have urged security forces to stop killing civilians. “We appeal to every Muslim, within the regime or assisting it in any way, to recognize that the killing of innocent human beings is forbidden by our Creator and by His beloved Prophet of Compassion, Peace Be Upon Him. Do not kill your brothers and sisters. Stop the massacre now!”

its leaders.”Mousavi’s website “Kaleme” reported that there had been gatherings of opposition supporters in various parts of Tehran.

The unrest in Libya has largely been centred in the eastern cities of Benghazi, Bayda and Tobruk. But Al Jazeera has received reports that the protests have also begun to spread to the west of the country. In addition to TV signal jamming, internet service has been cut, said a US company that monitors web traffic.

The official IRNA news agency said Iran’s police chief had confirmed that security forces were out in numbers in Tehran but denied that there had been any significant incidents.

Massachusetts-based Arbor Networks said data collected from 30 internet service providers worldwide showed that online traffic in and out of Libya was disconnected abruptly at 2:15am local time on Saturday. The data also showed two partial service interruptions earlier in the day. As of Sunday, it was still possible to reach Libyans by phone, and some in Tripoli had internet access.

The US Perspective

The events in Egypt have dominated U.S. domestic news media coverage and pushed domestic politics into the background for most Americans. The Egyptian crisis presents President Barack Obama with a major foreign policy challenge, and experts say how he handles it could have an impact on his own re-election prospects in 2012.

“The Arab soul is broken by poverty, unemployment and general recession” President Obama renewed his call for a peaceful political transition in Egypt.

“The only thing that will work is moving an orderly transition process that begins right now, that engages all the parties, that leads to democratic practices, fair and free elections, a representative government that is responsive to the grievances of the Egyptian people,” he said.

Hundreds have been killed in Libya since protests broke out across the North African nation six days ago, according to rights watchdogs and eyewitnesses across the country.

Residents told Al Jazeera that at least 200 people had died in the eastern city of Benghazi alone, while the New York-based Human Rights Watch on Sunday put the countrywide death toll at 104. The rights group said the figure was “conservative”.

For the most part, congressional Republicans have said little about the president’s handling of the crisis, and seem in general agreement with the administration’s approach of encouraging a peaceful transition of power in Egypt.

Protests have also reportedly broken out in other cities, including Bayda, Derna, Tobruk and Misrata. In the capital, Tripoli, supporters of the government took to the streets in large numbers, and security forces prevented large demonstrations against Muammar Gaddafi’s 42-year reign.

Others have offered a mix of criticism and praise, including former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, who is expected to mount another presidential campaign in 2012. Romney spoke to ABC’s Good Morning America, saying, “Well, I think they got off to a rocky start. I think some of the statements early on were misguided, but I think they have corrected, and they have said they want to see transition, and I think that’s right.”

Moftah, a resident of Benghazi - Libya’s second largest city - who requested Al Jazeera use only his first name, said the city had become a “war zone” in recent days.

Residents have barricaded the streets with overturned trash cans and debris, and security forces have largely confined themselves to two compounds, though snipers continue to target protesters, he said.

Opposition reports that one person had been killed in clashes in central Tehran were denied by a senior government official, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.

U.S. presidential elections are generally determined by the state of the domestic economy. But Rhodes Cook says there are times when a foreign policy crisis has played a major role in the outcome.

Protests in the country began on February 14, and three days later, tens of thousands of anti-government demonstrators seeking to oust Gaddafi took to the streets in what organisers called a “day of rage” - modelled after similar protests in Tunisia and Egypt that toppled long time leaders there.

Iran forces in streets to curb opposition rallies

President Jimmy Carter lost his bid for a second term in 1980, in part because Americans lost faith in his ability to cope with the Iranian hostage crisis that began the previous year.

“It was one of the few times over the last quarter-century, or third of a century, when foreign policy actually helped decide an election. In this case, it may not decide the election, but it will shape the view of both President Obama and of the Republican opposition,” said Cook.

Thousands of Iranian security personnel were deployed on the streets of Tehran and other cities on Sunday to prevent opposition protesters rallying in spite of a ban, opposition websites reported.

Cook says that while U.S. voters may not pay close attention to the details of the political turmoil in Egypt, they probably will form an opinion as to how the president handled the crisis, and that will shape their view of Mr. Obama as a leader.

The websites of opposition leaders Mirhossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karoubi had issued calls for nationwide rallies to commemorate two people killed in protests last week and show “decisive support to the pro-reform movement and

For the moment, U.S. coverage of the Egyptian crisis has pushed other domestic stories to the background, including a looming showdown between the president and congressional Republicans over deep cuts in federal spending.

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The European approach

North Africa is just one example of how structural deficits prevent an effective EU human rights policy. Human rights are at the core of the European Union’s identity. Which is why the popular uprising in Tunisia has raised an embarrassing question for Europe: In the run-up to the revolt, did the EU do anything to support the democratic process in the North African country?

In a word: no. Quite the opposite, in fact, since the EU regarded Tunisia’s corrupt and violent ruler Zinedine Ben Ali as a guarantor of stability in the region until just before his ouster.

Actually, respect for human rights is part of an association and a cooperation pact the EU signed with Tunisia in 1998. In practice, however, the crimes human rights organizations accused the regime of – from torture and forced confessions to the repression of freedom of speech – were never a cause for European worry.

French interests have largely driven Europe’s policy toward North Africa, just as German interests generally define EU Eastern Europe policy. But the failure of the EU’s human rights policy in Tunisia – as well as in the other North African states – reveals several structural deficits within the bloc as a whole.

Firstly, the EU’s idea of stability seems to consist of asking whether the ruler of a given country complies with the Union’s political objectives. In the case of the southern Mediterranean countries, that means fighting Islamist terrorism. How the country defines this kind of terrorism, or which political groups are labelled as terrorists, is left up to them.

Secondly, the EU has a powerful interest in countries such as Libya and the Maghreb states completely locking down their borders to migrants, or at least ensuring that deported migrants are returned to where they came from.

Whether or not this occurs humanely, seems to be irrelevant. In addition – and this is connected to efforts to deter refugees – the EU is concerned to safeguard energy sources and transport routes. Policy toward Libya is just one example.

Since that country’s dictator Muammar al-Gaddafi began to take action against Islamists in 2001, the autocratically-ruled country has become an increasingly important partner for the European Union.

which it sharply criticized the EU’s human rights policy. Central to its criticism is the EU’s policy of dialogue on human rights.

The rights group does not question the dialogue’s legitimacy but its implementation. The EU – along with a number of its member states – holds this dialogue with China in particular. Central to the dialogue is the hope that reforms of the legal system will, step by step, lead to the recognition of fundamental human rights in China.

Europe maintains that such a civilization process would ultimately serve to stabilize the Chinese power elites – that it would serve their own interests. But there is no proof of that.

The policy of dialogue is closely linked to the primacy of quiet diplomacy that helps persecuted members of the opposition – an approach favoured by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, and an approach that has failed with China.

“While Libya has the largest oil reserves in Africa, twothirds of the 6.5 million population live on less than $2 a day”

The European Commission apparently believes it would be counterproductive to criticize an economic superpower such as China over human rights issues.

The Commission believes that if pressure cannot be applied, then it does not even make sense to try.

European policy loses all credibility if it fails to respect its own human rights standards – concerning asylum seekers, for instance – or when its response to limitations on freedom of speech in Hungary or Italy is silence or weak-kneed protests.

Europe should know that its human rights policy will only be taken seriously if it is prepared to defend human rights.

A version of this article by Christian Semler first appeared in the German Times

In 2008, Italy signed a friendship treaty with Tripoli. Negotiations for a framework agreement between Brussels and Libya have been going on since then. Another example of just how much store the EU places by the defense of human rights in practice is its policy toward the Uzbek despot President Islam Karimov. His security services were responsible for a 2005 massacre in the city of Andijan that claimed hundreds of lives.

The EU subsequently imposed a weapons embargo and banned several members of the regime from traveling to the EU. But in October 2009, it lifted the embargo – despite evidence from Amnesty International that Uzbekistan had done nothing to comply with EU guidelines on human rights. Uzbekistan has sentenced a lot of people for alleged terrorism offenses. European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, failed to even put protection of human rights on the agenda when Karimov visited Brussels in January.

EU policy toward Turkmenistan is similar. An interim agreement with the EU was frozen for a decade because the government of Turkmenistan was accused of severe human rights abuses. The deal was signed in 2008, even though opposition members are still persecuted and there is no freedom of speech in the country. The reason for the EU’s policy shift is simple: both Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are potentially important suppliers of oil and gas. And both Central Asian nations are transit countries for NATO troops and weapons headed for Afghanistan.

At least Europe has begun a dialogue on human rights with Turkmenistan. The first round was held in June 2010. The outcome: none at all. Or to express it in diplo-speak, the discussions were “frank and constructive.” Just as the Tunisian uprising spread to Egypt, Human Rights Watch released its annual report, in

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Tourism

Argungu Fishing T Festival his colorful annual festival takes place in Arugungu, a riverside town in Kebbi State, about 64 miles from Sokoto. The leading tourist attraction in the area, the festival originated in Aug. 1934, when the late Sultan Dan Mu’azu made an historic visit. In tribute, a grand fishing festival was organized. Since then, it’s become a celebrated yearly event held between Feb. and March. During the festival, hundreds of local men and boys enter the water, armed with large fishnet scoops. They are joined by canoes filled with drummers, plus men rattling huge seed-filled gourds to drive the fish to shallow waters. Vast nets are cast and a wealth of fish are harvested, from giant Nile Perch to the peculiar Balloon Fish. Furthermore there’s canoe racing, wild duck hunting, bare-handed fishing, diving competitions and naturally, swimming. Afterwards, there is drinking, singing and dancing into the night.

The fisherman with the biggest catch is awarded a huge prize at the end of the festival

Obudu Cattle Ranch & Tinapa in Cross Rivers State in Pictures

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Yankari Game Reserve

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he Yankari National Park is the premier game reserve in Nigeria. Yankari Park and Wikki Warm Springs are located around the Gagi River, approximately 1 1/2 hours by road, southeast of Bauchi Town. The beauty and size of The Yankari Game Reserve make it the most popular reserve in Nigeria. Set up in 1956 and opened to the public in 1962, the main game-viewing areas of the reserve are open all year round. Japanese, Western Europeans, Americans and Southeast Asian tourists visit this park in abundance. The reserve covers 2,058 sq. km. of savannah woodland and is well-stocked with elephants, baboons, waterbucks, bushbucks, oribi, crocodile, hippopotamus, roan antelope, buffalo and various types of monkeys. Lions are occasionally

T

he Durbar festival dates back hundreds of years to the time when the Emirate (state) in the north used horses in warfare.

During this period, each town, district, and nobility household was expected to contribute a regiment to the defense of the Emirate. Once or twice a year, the Emirate military chiefs invited the various regiments for a Durbar (military parade) for the Emir and his chiefs. During the parade, regiments would showcase their horsemanship, their preparedness for war, and their loyalty to the Emirate. Today, Durbar has become a festival celebrated in honour of visiting Heads of State and at the culmination of the two great Muslim festivals, Id-el Fitri (commemorating the end of

spotted as well, despite their natural camouflage.

The best time to visit is between November and May, when tourists are likely to see more game since the dense vegetation has dried out and the animals congregate around the rivers.

The Wikki Warm Springs is one of the best features of the game reserves. Flood-lit at night, it is wonderful after a hot day’s game-viewing to relax in the warm water. The spring gushes out from under a cliff, where the water is at least 6 ft. deep, with a bathing area that extends for 600 ft. to an open area.

The park is inhabited by a variety of birds, including the huge saddle-billed stork, Goliath heron, bateleur eagle, vultures, kingfishers, bee-eaters and more. It is excellent for serious bird-watchers.

the holy month of Ramadan) and Ide-el Kabir (commemorating Prophet Ibrahim sacrificing a ram instead of his son). Of all the modern day Durbar festivals, Katsina Durbar is the most magnificent and spectacular. Id-el-Kabir, or Sallah Day, in Katsina begins with prayers outside town, followed by processions of horsemen to the public square in front of the Emir’s palace, where each village group, district, and noble house take their assigned place.

Last to arrive is the Emir and his splendid retinue; they take up their place in front of the palace to receive the jahi, or homage, of their subjects.

The festival begins with each group racing across the square at full gallop, swords glinting in the sun.

They pass just few feet away from the Emir, then

Durbar stop abruptly to salute him with raised swords.

The last and most fierce riders are the Emir’s household and regimental guards, the Dogari. After the celebrations, the Emir and his chiefs retire to the palace, and enjoyment of the occasion reigns.

This fanfare is intensified by drumming, dancing and singing, with small bands of Fulanis performing shadi, a fascinating sideshow to behold.

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The Director General “ SMEDAN is determined to stimulate and support enterprises and help businesses overcome barriers to growth”.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES •

•

• •

utreach: We like to reach as many MSMEs O as are crucial and imperative to achieve the goal of an MSME led economic growth, industrialization and job creation Sustainability: We deliberatively create exit strategies, whenever necessary to avoid overdependence on subsidy.

Impact: We are committed to delivering measurable results.

Efficiency: We cherish quality service delivery by our Agency on one hand, and the MSMEs on the other, in the most cost-efficient manner.

OUR OPERATING STRATEGY • • •

core of lean, competent and highly A motivated staff An ICT driven operation process Partnership that works: Public-Public, PublicPrivate, SMEDAN - International community

SMEDAN as a coordinating and facilitating Agency has the following major goals and programmes.

- Source, process and disseminate business information create and regularly update data bank on MSMEs, raw materials, markets, available local technologies/ machinery and prototypes.

- Policy development

Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria

•

- Establish Business Support Centres (BSCs) to provide the following services: - Capacity building and promotional services - Establishment of industrial parks SMEDAN, through public private sector partnership, is facilitating the establishment of Industrial Parks and Regional SME Development Centres.

Contact Address: Plot 35 Port Harcourt Crescent,Off Gimbiya Street,Area 11, Garki II P.M.B. 5165 Wuse, Abuja Tel: 09-7804771, 09-7804765 Email: info@smedan.gov.ng Website: www.smedan.gov.ng

Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission

T

he Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) is Federal Government Agency in Nigeria established by the NIPC Act N0. 16 of 1995 to promote, co-ordinate and monitor all investments in Nigeria. The basic functions and powers of the NIPC are as prescribed

by Act 16 of 1995.

The Commission has perpetual succession and a common seal, which is specially established, among other things, to: Co-ordinate, monitor, encourage and provide necessary assistance and guidance for the establishment and operation of enterprises in Nigeria; Initiate and support measures which shall enhance the investment climate in Nigeria for both Nigerian and non-Nigerian investors; Promote investments in and outside Nigeria through effective promotional means; Collect, collate, analyse and disseminate information about investment opportunities and sources of investment capital and advise on request, the availability, chance or suitability of partners in joint-venture projects; Register and keep records of all enterprises to which the NIPC Act legislation applies; Identify specific projects and invite interested investors for participation in those projects; Initiate, organise and participate in promotional activities such as exhibitions, conferences and seminars for the stimulation of investments; Maintain liaison between investors and Ministries, government departments and agencies, institutional lenders and other authorities concerned with investments; Provide and disseminate up-to-date information on incentives available to investors; Assist incoming and existing investors by providing support services; Evaluate the impact of the Commission on investment in Nigeria and recommend appropriate remedies and additional incentives; Advise the Federal Government on policy matters, including fiscal measures designed to promote the industrialisation of Nigeria or the general development of the economy; Perform such other functions as are supplementary or incidental to the attainment of the objectives of NIPC Act.

ONE STOP INVESTMENT CENTER (OSIC)

The One Stop Investment Centre is an investment facilitation mechanism which brings relevant government Agencies to one location, coordinated and streamlined, to provide efficient and transparent

services to investors. It shortens and simplifies administrative procedures for the issuance of business approvals, permits and licenses and company incorporation thereby removing bottlenecks faced by investors in establishing and running business, and ultimately, reduces the cost of doing business in Nigeria.

In addition, the Centre provides statistical data and information on the Nigerian economy, investment climate, legal and regulatory framework as well as sector and industry specific information to aid existing and prospective investors in making informed business decisions.

Structure of OSIC: OSIC is in its second phase of implementation with twenty-six (26) participating Agencies.

The objectives of the Centre (OSIC) include the following: • • •

• • •

•

o substantially reduce the cost of entry into T Business in Nigeria.

To simplify procedural steps for obtaining business approvals.

To shorten service delivery time without undermining the policy objectives of the participating Agencies/Ministries.

To ensure transparency.

To provide Investment Information and Advice to Investors promptly.

To fast- track public sector reform that will result in more attractive business environment.

To maintain close and professional working relationship among Government Agencies/ Ministries in support of investors.

DEPARTMENT OF INVESTMENT PROMOTION

The Investment Promotion department is one of the core operational departments of NIPC. The function of the department is direct marketing i.e. targeting and encouraging investors to invest in Nigeria. The objective is to project Nigeria as a safe country for investment, highlight investment opportunities and encourage target countries and groups outside Nigeria to invest in the economy.

Contact Address Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission Plot 1181 Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama District, P.M.B. 381 Garki Abuja, Nigeria.

To Advertise Here Call: | Int; +44 77 5441 6635 | UK: 077 5441 6635

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2011 Issue: 2

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they can be your greatest support.

Obituary Chief Anthony Enahoro July 22, 1923 to December 15, 2010

C

hief Enahoro survived by his wife, Helen, and five children: Kenneth, Eugene, Bella, Victor and Gabriel. Chief Anthony Enahoro, who has died aged 87, was one of the last survivors of the independence generation of Nigerian politicians. He was renowned as the parliamentarian who moved the first motion envisaging independence in 1953. Post-independence, he was imprisoned for “treasonable felony”. After his release, he had a spell as one of the ablest advocates of Nigerian unity during the civil war (1967-70).

Enahoro, who became regarded as an elder statesman, was once one of the bestknown Nigerians in Britain. He was the “fugitive offender” who triggered days of debate in the House of Commons in 1963 as he battled against extradition.

He was born in Uromi, in the Midwest of Nigeria, now Edo State. He was educated in Uromi and Owo, and then – during the second world war – at the elite King’s college in Lagos. It was a time of growing change and simmering nationalist politics. Although his father wanted him to be a lawyer or a civil servant, he chose journalism, in part because it went hand in hand with politics.

He attached himself in 1944 to Nigeria’s pre-eminent politician-journalist,

Nnamdi Azikiwe, who sent the 21-year-old Enahoro to edit the Southern Nigerian Defender in Warri. He became editor of the Daily Comet in Lagos (1945-49) and associate editor of West African Pilot (1950-52).

Enahoro was prominent in politics at a time of rapid change. He was twice jailed for sedition by the colonial government, for an article mocking a former governor, and then for a speech allegedly inciting Nigerian troops serving in the British army. The British marked him as a firebrand, but even as he was jailed for a third time, he was beginning to reassess his position.

After having established his own short-lived newspaper, the Daily Star, in Sapele in 1951, he moved into the orbit of the Action Group (AG), the newly formed political party of Obafemi Awolowo. Enahoro was attracted by Awolowo’s rationality and coherent political programme.

He was rewarded with political advancement, becoming a member of the Federal House of Assembly. It was there, in February 1953, that he moved the historic motion for self-rule by 1956. Although it now appears a modest move, and was rejected because of the majority vote of northern members, it pressurised the British into political advance, and shook the north into accepting a faster pace towards independence.

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He was elected a member of the Western House of Assembly, and in 1954 became minister of home affairs in Awolowo’s government. In this period Enahoro travelled frequently, especially to London in the delegation to the series of constitutional conferences, which brought Nigeria to independence in 1960. By then, with Awolowo now leader of opposition to the ruling coalition of the northern leaders and Azikiwe, Enahoro was back in the Federal House as a key player. By 1962 the AG was in crisis, with a split party, and a state of emergency in the west.

Party leaders found themselves accused of a coup plot, and, threatened with detention, Enahoro escaped via Ghana to London.

Nigeria requested Enahoro’s extradition under the 1881 Fugitive Offenders Act, preventing his application for political asylum.

Early in 1963, the new leader of the Labour party, Harold Wilson, detected the embarrassment caused by Enahoro’s arrest and imprisonment. Labour went on the attack in the Commons, with support from some Tories, backed by a media furore.

“The Enahoro affair” became an issue of human rights versus the government’s pusillanimous wish not to offend Nigeria, and put the Tory prime minister, Harold Macmillan, and his home secretary, Henry Brooke, in a difficult position.

Enahoro was extradited, tried for treasonable felony and sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment, reduced on appeal. In his autobiography, Fugitive Offender (1965), he claimed that the trial was based on slender and doubtful evidence, and in the long run added to his political reputation.

After his release in 1966, he played an important part in the ensuing constitutional discussions. The following year, he was made commissioner for information and labour in the administration of General Yakubu Gowon. He played a key part in the international public relations of the federal government during the civil war, calling on his quietly effective style of reasoning and his skills as a communicator. After the war, he held down wage increases in the oil boom and balanced media freedom with security needs. He lost his job in the coup of July 1975. He was later involved with the ruling party in the ill-fated Second Republic government (1979-83).

He became chairman of the National Democratic Coalition that rallied the groups opposing General Sani Abacha’s dictatorship in the 90s. He was chair of his own party, the Movement for National Reformation, and of the Pro-National Conference Organisation, but his real role had become one of a revered national icon.

4) Develop the art of listening Listening is the one of the greatest gifts, compliments and signs of respect you can offer anyone, regardless of age or status.

Mastering the art of listening is a valuable success strategy. People will listen to you if you take time to really hear them

WAINWRIGHT & CUMMINS

5) Support and encourage other women, allow them to support you Always remember that to get up, we don’t have to put others down. There is room at the top. Your business is an expression of you projected into the world. Your personality establishes the culture of your business. You have a responsibility to be the very best you can be.

6) Ask for help Sack the martyr and get all the help you deserve. Contrary to popular opinion you cannot do it all yourself. And even if you could, why deny people the privilege of supporting you and sharing in your success.

7) Alone Time Take time to connect with the sacred. Have quiet time each day in nature, meditation, or prayer. Schedule at least one retreat a year to re-charge and take charge of your life.

8) Follow the 80/20 rule This rule states that 20% of causes are responsible for 80% of effects. Let me explain another way. 20% of your wardrobe accounts for 80% of what you wear! Got it. This means that 20% of your energy creates 80% of your results. Meaning that most of what you do creates very little at all. Conclusion, ease up on yourself.

9) Work with EASE – write a ‘not to do’ list Being successful doesn’t have to be stressful.

In fact when you are not creating ease in your life, you are creating dis-ease. You do not have to buy into the overwork overwhelm culture. Rest and relaxation can really boost clarity, confidence and creativity.

These are essentials for successful business.

10) Never forget Health is Wealth It is said that some people loose their health getting wealthy and then loose their wealth trying to become healthy. Therefore I advocate maintaining a healthy lifestyle, breathe fully, eat wholesome food, exercise, relax and think positively. This is key to enjoying your success as a business owner.

Caroline Shola Arewa is one of UK’s leading Personal Development coach.

Her latest book ‘Energy 4 Life’ helps people get their Energy back and their Life on track! www.shola.co.uk

LEADERS IN CRIMINAL DEFENCE LAW Wainwright & Cummins have been defending clients facing criminal charges for nearly 25 years. For a number of years we have offered a dedicated 24 hour telephone service and can advise and represent clients as and when we are asked to.

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