Leadership newspapers february 5, 2018

05.02.18

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

No. 3,002

MONDAY

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FRSC, Insurance Firms To Recover N45bn From Fake Operators

BY ZAKA KHALIQ, Lagos

The federal government is working with the insurance industry to recover about N45 billion lost to fake insurance operators nationwide on Third Party Motor Insurance Policy, LEADERSHIP findings have revealed.

Accordingly, the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC) has conclud-

ed plans to harmonise its portal with that of the insurance industry to track about N8.5 million registered vehicles with fake Third Party Motor insurance policies or without insurance paper at all in a bid to compel these motorists to get genuine insur-

ance cover.

It was gathered that, while this relationship will also be extended to comprehensive motor insurance where the industry is said to be losing about N10 billion on a yearly basis, the partnership, will also be

instrumental in recovery of stolen vehicles across the country, thus reducing the spate of car theft.

Third Party Vehicle Insurance comes at a fixed price of N5,000 for privately used saloons and Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs), while com-

$44m NIA Fund Not Missing – Reps Pg. 7

mercially used vehicles are charged N7,500.

Our investigations also revealed that the FRSC is currently pushing a bill that is now ready to undergo second reading at the National Assembly.

The bill, which prescribes heavy punitive measure against car own➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Pitching Political Class Against 6 The People Unhealthy, IBB Warns Denies report opposing PMB’s reelection

IGP orders arrest of Babangida’s media aide for false statement

We’ve Completely Defeated Boko Haram – Army

BY SUNDAY ISUWA, Abuja

The Nigerian Army declared at the weekend that it has completely defeated the Boko Haram insurgents.

The Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj-Gen Rogers Nicholas, stated this during the inauguration of the Nigeria-Cameroun Military Joint Mission in Maiduguri.

He disclosed that his troops under the operation Deep Punch II last Friday dislodged and occupied the insurgents’ tactical ground, ‘Camp Zairo’.

He noted that hundreds of insurgents surrendered and several others fled their enclave, while over 100 civilians were rescued.

Nicholas said, “My soldiers are in the heart of Boko Haram enL-R: Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Usani Usani; Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Muhammed and Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, during the 6th graduation ceremony of Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI) and NDDC Entrepreneurial Skills Acquisition in Port Harcourt, at the weekend.

PHOTO BY NAN.

10 Ganduje To Fulani Herdsmen: Relocate To Kano From Benue, Taraba

➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

FG Goes Tough On MDAs Over Procurement Breaches 19

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LEADERSHIP

our stand

Monday, February 5, 2018

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Kenyan Politics And Odinga’s Missteps

T

he political crisis in the East African country, Kenya, assumed a heightened dimension last week when the main opposition leader, Raila Odinga, in utter defiance, symbolically inaugurated himself as president. Political observers interpreted the move as a direct challenge to President Uhuru Kenyatta, the incumbent president who had been declared winner in the re-run election in October. The government responded by shutting down three television channels planning to stream the event.

Local and international communities are waiting in baited breathe for what could possibly happen next following what is, to all intents, an affront to the constitution which did not anticipate the emergence of two successful candidates from the same electoral process. Everyone is perceptibly worried that the ensuing crisis may boil over if not properly handled.

It all started when that country’s Supreme Court ruled against the August 2017 presidential election which purportedly produced Kenyatta as winner. Losers in that election had challenged its outcome in court. The apex court ruling confirmed allegations of massive irregularities in that election by opposition politicians, especially Odinga, allegations that were reinforced by international election observer missions. The court ruling did not just annul the victory of Kenyatta, it also ordered a re-run which was scheduled for October of the same year.

Surprisingly and some analysts insist, ill-advisedly, Odinga boycotted the poll claiming that the process was rigged. This paved the way for Kenyatta to record an astonishing 98 percent of the votes cast. This time, attempts to challenge the result in court were thrown out. It was at this point that Odinga resorted to selfhelp by declaring himself victor in an election he boycotted and subsequently inaugurated himself President.

Kenya is not new to political

crisis occasioned by disputes in elections. In 2007-2008 reactions to similar elections led to demonstrations that turned violent. Typical of most elections in Africa, it is a sad commentary that voting in elections are always along ethnic lines. The Kenyan experience was not, therefore, an exception. Reports by international observers about manipulations and admission by members of the Electoral Commission of Kenya that their staff provided them with

incorrect figures further fuelled the anger of politicians and their ethnic jingoists who had reasons to believe that they were shortchanged. The violence that ensued led to indiscriminate killings, also, along ethnic lines and many innocent citizens fell victim to a senseless crisis that left the country bloodied.

It is from that background that we are approaching our reaction to happenings in Kenya- that the conundrum may yet result in

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Dele Fanimo

POLITICAL DIRECTOR/ STATE HOUSE Jonathan Nda-Isaiah EDITOR Muazu Elazeh

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Christian Ochiama

DEPUTY EDITOR Agbo-Paul Augustine

ASS. MANAGING EDITOR George Agba COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD Suleiman Abdullahi

GENERAL EDITOR Silas Ezeugwu

GROUP LTD CHAIRMAN Sam Nda-Isaiah GMD, LEADERSHIP GROUP Abdul Gombe GMD, LEADERSHIP HOLDINGS David Chinda GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS Dele Fanimo Felicia Ogbonlaiye Geoffrey Essien HR DIRECTOR Solomon Nda-Isaiah CHIEF PROCUREMENT & ASSETS OFFICER Mrs Zipporah Tanko DIRECTOR, HAUSA PUBLICATIONS Mubarak Umar GENERAL MANAGERS Ibrahim Halilu Femi Adekunle Ebriku John

LEADERSHIP is a national paper symbolically embedded in the nation’s capital.

We shall stand up for good governance. We shall defend the interest of Nigerian people even against their rulers, and we shall raise our pen at all times in defence of what is right. These are the values by which we intend to be assessed.

We shall never, ever for any reason forget the noble reason of our coming into being:

For God

and

Country!

another violence that could possibly claim more innocent lives that are usually the cannon fodder for inordinate and self-serving politicians. Another dimension was added to the mix with the shutting down of three television networks which were primed to cover what, in our view, was Odinga’s miscalculation. Nigeria had a similar experience and the outcome is now part of the country’s chequered political history.

The non-event, in our opinion, attracted attention because of the effect it had on press freedom. And this newspaper has Odinga to blame for it. We think that he should have put aside his grievances, for whatever they are worth, and participated in that re-run election just to prove the point that he believes in the principles of democracy even if the Kenyan interpretation and application of same fall short of international best practices.

Boycotting elections, anywhere, has never served the interest of democracy, least of all, that of the country. It often always leads to crisis which only the political gladiators benefit from in the long run after they might have wasted the country’s time and resources including human lives.

The question on the lips of discerning political observers as events unfold in that country liberated from colonial domination by the legendary Jomo Kenyatta, is after the self-inauguration

by Odinga, what next is he up to?

Maybe he is planning to proclaim his own legislature and embark on a unilateral declaration of independence for his constituents. Or is he going to march down to the State House and oust Kenyatta who is already entrenched?

These questions bring to the fore the futility, if not political rascality of that Tuesday, January 30 episode of shame at Uhuru park in the heart of Nairobi. It also exposes the immaturity of the average African politician who, regardless of his age and experience, finds it beyond him to accept that elections are meant to be won and lost.

The truth of African electoral experience is that all candidates indulge in the game of manipulation of the process. Success at the polls is always a function of who had more resources to deploy. Odinga knows that he was merely outsmarted and has no moral high ground on which to repudiate the outcome of a sham he, over the years, helped perpetuate.

4 NEWS

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Group News Editor: Ekele Peter Agbo Dangote, AigImoukhuede Push For Private Sector Collaboration On Health L-R: Former Senate President, David Mark; his wife, Helen; sister, Ada Mark Ogbole and brother, Jonathan Ahubi, during a Thanksgiving Service to commemorate the 20th anniversary of late Pa Mark Aikwuta, at the St Augustine’s Catholic Church, Otukpo, Benue State, yesterday.

BY BUKOLA IDOWU, Lagos

FG To Roll Out Nationwide Screening For Cancers – Minister

BY CHIBUZO UKAIBE, Abuja The minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, says the Federal Government has concluded plans to rollout nationwide screening for most common types of cancers.

The minister via a statement by the director of Media and Public Relations of the ministry, Mrs Boade Akinola, in Abuja, yesterday, also said individuals have roles to play to check cancer.

Adewole spoke at a ceremony to mark the 2018 World Cancer Day, with the theme “We can, I can.”

The World Cancer Day is cerebrated on the February 4, every year.

According to the minister, the screening will be on the most common types of cancers, such as

breast and cervical cancer in women and prostate cancer among men.

He stated that this year’s theme was geared towards exploring individual and collective drive in reducing the global burden of cancer.

Adewole said that individuals could play their role in fighting cancer through healthy lifestyle choices by engaging in weekly physical activities for at least two and half hours for adult, and an hour for children.

He said other lifestyle modifications included avoiding tobacco smoking and eating a healthy diet, limiting alcohol intake and staying safe under the sun.

Adewole also emphasised that high index of suspicion for early symptoms and signs of cancer were important, because finding cancer

early makes it easier to treat and cure.

The minister appealed to communities to dispel myths and misconceptions that led to stigma and discrimination against people living with the disease.

Adewole said that the commissioning of a new radiotherapy machine at National Hospital Abuja, recently, would provide easy access to radiation treatment for Nigerians.

He added that additional new machine was donated by SHELL Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO) and would be in operational at National Hospital Abuja, in the next few months.

He added that the facility at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) would be offering full

... Lauds Plateau Govt On Girls Model Schools

BY HENRY TYOHEMBA, Abuja

The federal government has commended governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong for being the first Governor to put into full use the four Junior Girls Model Secondary Schools constructed by the Federal government in the state.

Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr Hamid Bobboyi, spoke in Jos, the Plateau State Capital during the weekend while on advocacy and monitoring of projects executed by the Commission in the State.

Bobboyi, who was represented by the Deputy Executive Secretary,

Dr Yakabu Gambo, was received by the Chairman of Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (PSUBEB), Professor Mathew Sule. Malam Bello Mohammed Kagara, Director, Social Mobilisation, and some management staff of UBEC were on the entourage.

The schools were built by the Federal government during the last administration of President Goodluck Jonathan through the 2014 special intervention programme of UBEC and handed over to states to manage as part of efforts to reduce the high rate of out-of-school children as well as bridge the gap of boy and girl-child education in

the country.

The UBEC boss said the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, concerned with the development, ordered the State Governments to utilize the structures in the best interest of the Nigerian child.

He said the advocacy visit to states was to further encourage the state governments to make good use of the structures already provided to boost school enrollment as well as see where the Federal government could intervene in addressing some of the challenges faced in the schools.

He noted there were about five

and uninterrupted services from June 2018.

“In spite of the numerous interventions by the government and other partners, some factors are militating against efforts to effectively combat the scourge of cancer in Nigeria.

“The key barriers to treatment of cancer in Nigeria, are: poor awareness, poor health seeking behaviour, low level of non-governmental investments, low number of skilled health care personnel, funding gaps, amongst others,’’ Adewole said.

Adewole said that government was committed to the development of the Public Private Partnership strategies to address the funding gaps and manpower shortages to

BY NAN surmount these barriers.

2019: PDP NWC’II Present Roadmap To Govs – Secondus

volumes of documentation of locations, and pictorials of the Commission’s projects across the states of the Federation for verification, saying the first state happened to be the Plateau State.

Bobboyi, commended the Plateau State for being the first state to respond to the earlier directive by the Federal government to put the structures in the states to use.

He recalled that at the last quarterly meeting in Lagos, there were clarion calls from stakeholders for other states to emulate the Plateau example, especially in the utilization of Junior Girls Model Secondary Schools.

OPEC Production Cut Will Last Till December_IEA

BY CHIKA IZUORA, Lagos

The International Energy Agency (IEA), has said that the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) led production cuts will last for the rest of the year saying an early termination in June would be a surprise to the market.

The oil market will move from surplus into a small deficit after the first quarter but it will be fairly

balanced overall this year, the IEA’s markets division head Neil Atkinson said in Kuwait City, adding that oil demand growth will still be “solid” in 2018 even as higher prices slow the pace from last year. “It would be surprising to see OPEC ending the cuts deal in June,” he said.

Speculation has grown that the OPEC and others participating including Russia will end the cuts

early with oil prices near a threeyear high and stockpiles falling.

BNP Paribas SA, UBS Group AG and Citigroup Inc. predict the deal will be phased out in the second half.

OPEC and Russia this month reaffirmed that they’ll persevere with the cuts until the end of the year, and signaled readiness to cooperate beyond that. Producers should keep limits through 2018 as the market may re-balance at

Africa’s richest man and Chairman of Dangote Foundation, Alhaji Aliko Dangote in company of the immediate past president of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), who is also the chairman of Coronation Capital and co-chair of Global Business Coalition on Health (GBCHealth), Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede have advised that public-private sector collaboration will improve the health sector across Africa.

Speaking at the Africa Business and Investment Forum, in Addis Ababa, Dangote identified the missing gap in African development as “the need for Africa as a continent to come together.” He noted that “the only way to move Africa forward is to think big, dream big and do big things together”.

To this end, Dangote Foundation and GBCHealth are catalyzing an African Business coalition for health (ABCHealth) which will support African business efforts to fight poverty and improve health in Africa, providing a neutral platform to incubate partnerships, drive investments in health and spotlight African business leaders and their work on health.

the end of the year or in 2019, Saudi Arabia Energy Minister Khalid Al-Falih said at the time.

The U.S. will add about 1 million barrels a day of new supply this year, an estimate “not far” from the outlook by OPEC, which tends to underestimate non-OPEC supply growth outside the U.S., Atkinson said. Total non-OPEC supply will increase by 1.7 million barrels a day this year, he said.

The national chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, has said that the party`s National Working Committee (NWC) would present a roadmap to its governors in Delta on Sunday.

Secondus, who disclosed this at a meeting with the PDP stakeholders in Asaba, said that the new leadership would work directly with women and youths to reclaim power at the centre come 2019 general elections.

He said that the party`s leadership would present its roadmap to the National Assembly on Tuesday to decide on the way forward and victory in the general elections.

He said that the era of imposition and impunity was gone, adding that the new leadership would conduct itself with the fear of God to return the party to power.

He assured that the party would explore its strength to ensure victory by returning power to the grassroots, and urged all stakeholders to work harder to wrestle power from the ruling All Progressives Party (APC).

“Tonight, we will present to the PDP governors, our Roadmap to our victory here in Delta.

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Pitching Political Class Against The People Unhealthy, IBB Warns

BY JONATHAN NDA-ISAIAH, MUYIWA OYINLOLA, Abuja AND ABU NMODU, Minna

Former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), yesterday cautioned those fanning the embers of mutiny and discord in the country, saying it is unhealthy for anyone to pitch the political class against the great mass of Nigerians.

This is the first time IBB, as he is fondly called by admirers, is lending his voice against recent remarks discrediting the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, the latest being the statement released by former President Olusegun Obasanjo two weeks ago asking the president not to seek reelection on grounds of underperformance.

This culminated in the official launch of the Coalition for Nigerians, a political movement the former president described as a third force constituted to take Nigerians to the promised land.

Cautioning against pitching the political against the people, the former military president also denied issuing a statement asking President Muhammadu Buhari not to run for a second term in office in the forthcoming presidential election.

Following IBB’s refutation of the statement, the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Kpotum-Idris has ordered the arrest of media aide to the former military president, Prince Kassim Afegbua, for issuing a fake statement on behalf of Babangida.

A reliable presidency source who confirmed this development to our correspondent yesterday said, “The IGP has ordered for the arrest of Kassim Afegbua for issuing a fake statement.

He was advised to submit himself to the force headquarters within 24 hours or face arrest”.

Afegbua, had in the statement quoted IBB as saying: “In the fullness of our present realities, we need to cooperate with President Muhammadu Buhari to complete his term of office on May 29th, 2019 and collectively prepare the way for new generation leaders to assume the mantle of leadership of the country”.

But in the rebuttal, Babangida said, “It has been drawn to my attention a press statement purportedly issued by me, on the State of the

IBB

nation, particularly 2019 general elections and beyond.

“Let me categorically state that as former President and Statesman, I have unfettered channel of communication with the highest authorities without sensational public correspondence.

Therefore, those views expressed over there are personal views of the writer”.

In a statement he issued in Minna yesterday, IBB who gave the challenge yesterday noted that as the next general election approaches, there is need for all hands to be on deck in ensuring success of the polls.

Babandiga lamented that some individuals take advantage of the current freedom in the country to foment trouble.

His words: “Some people find this freedom as an avenue for eroding democracy by antics of hate speeches under the guise of religion, tribal or self imposed mentorship. This trend of pitching political class and the people is unhealthy and skewed.

“The clamour for re-alignment of governance in the country as we are approaching 2019 election year is a welcome development only if the agitations are genuinely channeled through legislation and total supremacy of the constitution.

“Any attempt outside this circle of democratic tenets is deceptive and divisive idea capable of plunging our political journey into disarray”.

The former military president who declared that political parties in the country are in dire

need of surgical operation in order to fusion them into a reasonable number added that the parties and their structures need parameter pillars that will make them stronger with unique ideologies.

“I have been an advocate of two-party systems but in our present reality in Nigeria, our political parties can fusion into strong political association/party that can form a formidable opposition to a ruling party”, he noted.

Babangida, in the statement, also described as worrisome the spate of political events and civil unrest in many part of the country, which he said has raised many questions on issues of governance and unity.

Noting that 2018 is inundated with seasons of literatures on the corporate existence of the country, he stressed that many of such literatures have shown concerns of the corporate existence of Nigeria beyond the 2019 general election.

He said, “In my message to this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day, I specifically expressed the dire need for proactive measures to stop farmers/herders clashes in the middle belt, Cattle rustling, armed robbery, Kidnapping, gangsterism and Cultism. Our security agencies have to step up surveillance with more efforts on intelligence gathering for maximum success.

“Recent happenings and utterances by political gladiators are alarming and not in the interest of the common man that is already overstretched and apparently living from hand to mouth due to precarious economic conditions.

“Despite all these challenges, I am optimistic that the political actors will play within the ambits of political norms and decorum to ameliorate the problems facing our society now”.

He further observed that it was high time that Nigerians dialogued “more on any issue in order to have a political solution on any problem affecting” them.

IBB pointed out that, while Nigeria has had its fare share of conflicts, the country cannot continue to fall back to those dark years of bloodshed.

Accordingly, he called on all Nigerians to address all communal conflicts and criminality under any guise.

FRSC, Insurance Firms To Recover N45bn From Fake Operators FROM COVER

ers without the needed particulars, including insurance paper, also stipulates a six-month jail term for offenders or heavy monetary fine or both in a bid to maintain law and order on Nigerian roads.

This, according to a competent source, will also lead to enforcement of Third Party Motor Insurance as well as comprehensive Motor Insurance.

The partnership will entail Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) and the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) supporting FRSC to carry out enforcement of this insurance, especially on federal roads across the country.

Before now, fake insurers have been on rampage, selling fake third party motor insurance papers to over eight million unsuspecting motorists across the country, thereby depriving both the government and the industry of the huge expected premium income.

The FRSC data revealed that there are 12.5 million registered vehicles plying Nigerian roads with only four million of these vehicles having genuine insurance, translating to 33.2 per cent of the total registered vehicles in the country.

Further investigation showed that most of the motorists carrying fake insurance papers do obtain them at some vehicle licencing offices, an agency that is under the purview of Vehicle Inspection Offices (VIO).

There are racketeers who market this fake insurance to commercial vehicle drivers at

their parks, garage and bus stops.

The fake insurance papers, it was learnt, are being sold for N300 to N1000, even though the papers carry names of insurance firms that do not exist.

Most drivers who go for fake insurance do so not only because it is cheap, but also saves them from the wrath of the law enforcement agents.

With little or no knowledge of the benefits of buying original insurance cover, other uninsured motorists, it was learnt, prefer to settle their way out with law enforcement agents whenever they meet them on the roads.

Confirming this development, the Corp Marshal of FRSC, Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi, said most of the vehicles registered in Lagos carry fake insurance papers.

Regretting that the touts sell fake insurance papers at the licenCing offices nationwide, he said, while the volume of cars increases on a yearly basis, which is supposed to generate more money for the insurance industry through the purchase of insurance, the reverse is the case.

He added that accident is also on the rise, which is the reason why insurance is needed, just as he said instead of getting genuine certificates, motorists would go for fake ones and expect the industry to pay claims when they have accidents.

“Obtaining insurance must not be at the vehicle licencing office. About 90 per cent of insurance certificates being sold there is fake.

Quacks must be eliminated from the insurance industry through the efforts of NIA and NAI-

COM”, he stressed.

Stating that fake insurance companies must be completely eliminated, Boboye who pointed out that there are also saboteurs in insurance sectors who are feeding fat from the system called on operators to fish out those saboteurs and deal with them accordingly.

“If all the 12.5 million registered vehicles around the country are properly insured, you can imagine the income and revolution it will bring to the insurance industry.”

While charging the industry to have a link with the FRSC portal to ensure that vehicles registered before, but stolen, are not re-registered through the insurance industry platform, he said, “Once people know that once a vehicle is stolen, it cannot be registered, it will reduce car theft.

“Fake insurance companies must be completely eliminated. The regulatory and supervisory agencies must ensure proper enforcement. If insurance is both well designed and implemented, it can have an enormous impact for improving road safety.

“Given this strong alignment, there is an opportunity for the insurance industry to take a leadership role in furthering the cause of safer roads, especially as it stands the risk of compensation in event of crashes”.

In the same vein, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Ibrahim Idris, urged NAICOM to constitute a task force comprising the FRSC, the Nigeria Police Force, among other critical stakeholders to eliminate fake operators.

He added that in Lagos State alone, there are more than 230 fake insurance companies

operating.

While urging the insurance industry, through NIA, to constitute a mobile taskforce, which will be verifying the insurance certificates of motorists, he said the Police are ready to work with the industry if called upon.

“In insurance industry itself, there are saboteurs who connive with these fake operators.

Those saboteurs within the industry must be eliminated. The regulator must resuscitate the taskforce team that was initially set up in 2003 but had to stop working because funding was a major problem then,” he pointed out.

HOW DO FRUIT AND VEGETABLES KEEP YOU YOUNG? These foods are rich in vitamins and minerals that keep the body healthy. They also contain chemicals called antioxidants, such as carotene, which are thought to protect against damaging chemicals (‘free radicals) that get into the body. Regular consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables will keep your bones, teeth and organs healthy and will improve the look of your skin. Basically, this is how they contribute to keeping you looking and feeling young, although the exact way in which they prevent disease is not fully understood.

– Culled from 100 Best Ways To Stay Young

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NEWS 7

$44m NIA Fund Not Missing – Reps

BY KAUTHAR ANUMBAKHALEEL, Abuja

the $289m. If you subtract $43m and $44m, where’s the balance?

That’s why we’re where we are today, and that’s also why we have to intensify the investigation.

“You know already there’s an investigation going on before the committee. We started the investigation last week. In the course of the investigation, we invited the immediate past acting DG of NIA (Ambassador Mohammed Dauda).

After that, we resolved to invite the present DG, NIA (Ambassador Abubakar Rufai Ibrahim)”.

On the controversy surrounding the appointment of the new NIA DG, the chairman noted that there was no petition from some directors but acknowledged stories about the agency’s boss on social media.

He said, “Having interacted with him, we found out that already there are allegations against him in the social media about his person and what have you. The issue of saying there are some directors in the agency that are protesting the appointment as the chairman,

we didn’t receive any information to that effect.

“We tried to find out from the DG and some staff working in the agency, and there’s no protest.

For me, it’s just hearsay, so there’s none”, he stated.

On the controversy surrounding the NIA DG’s citizenship, the chairman said, “Yes, the circumstances surrounding his appointment was discussed, one of which is his dual citizenship, but he said to us categorically that his father is from Katsina and he (his father)

after sometime decided to migrate from Katsina to Chad. His mother is a Nigerian, and his wife too is a Nigerian.

“He even showed us the approval of the then DG that he was allowed to marry her. I think she’s Fadilah by name. She’s from Katsina. She did her secondary school in Sandamu, according to the documents supplied to us. He said really he did his primary school in Chad, but he did secondary school in Nigeria and his first degree was in BUK. We saw all that”.

The House of Representatives has debunked reports that $44 million belonging to the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) was missing noting that the fund was rather moved from one place to another.

Chairman of the House committee on public safety and national intelligence investigating the issue, Hon Aminu Sani Jaji, confirmed this while speaking to journalists at the weekend.

Jaji who was giving update on the investigation said, “We had a meeting too with the NSA (Maj. Gen. Monguno) today. We later discovered from our meeting since last week that the $44 million isn’t missing. I can tell you that they moved the money from one place to another. We’re still investigating.

“If we get 60 to 70 per cent of what we’re supposed to get then we can tell you. But for now, I’ll tell you categorically that the money isn’t missing. They only moved it from the agency to another place pending when all these issues surrounding the agency are resolved.

“If you remember, this $44 million is part of the $289 million approved to the then DG, Ayo Oke. You know that in April last year there was the issue of $43 million found in Ikoyi. He tried to say that the $44 million and the $43 million are part of the $289 million.

But for us, we’re still working to see where the remaining $202 million was placed. We only know about the $43 million recovered in Ikoyi and the $44 million recovered from their vault”.

The lawmaker also confirmed that the whereabouts of the balance of $202 million of the Ikoyi money remains unknown.

He said, “The money in question is $289m, and all what the R-L: Wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Bolanle Ambode; rep. of the governor of Lagos State, Oluranti Adebule; wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo former DG is trying to say is that Osinbajo; Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Opeyemi Oke, and chairman, Lagos State House Of Assembly Committee on Judiciary, Funmi Tejuosho, during PHOTO BY KOLAWOLE ALIU the $43m and the $44m are part of the commsioning of Special & Sexual Offences Courts, at the Roseline Omotosho Court house, Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday.

We’ve Completely Defeated Boko Haram – Army FROM COVER

clave, which is ‘Camp Zairo’. The gallant troops have taken total control of Sambisa Forest.

We have broken the heart and soul of Shekau’s group, taking over the camp and its environs.

“They are on the run and we are pursuing them to wherever they go. This time around there is no place for escape anywhere. We had earlier asked those of them that wanted to surrender to do so and we are still asking them to come out and surrender; otherwise they are going to meet it the hard way”.

He called on the insurgents and abducted persons in the bush to come out and surrender to the

troops, assuring that they would not be harmed or killed.

Commenting on the meeting, Nicholas said the collaboration between the Nigerian and Cameroonian forces is critical to the successful completion of the counterinsurgency campaign.

“We share information and intelligence to enable us map out strategies to fight Boko Haram insurgents in our common borders”, he added.

On his part, the Head of Cameroonian military delegation, BrigGen Djonkep Fredrick, said the collaboration would strengthen military ties to enable Nigeria and Cameroun win the war against insurgency.

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SERAP Drags FG To African Commission Over Return Of Refugees

BY GBENGA SOYELE, Lagos

L-R: Media Coordinator, Toyin Akinremi; Executive Director Wiser Estates, Akinremi Anuoluwapo; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Wiser Estates Asiru Suleiman, and his Wife, Fauziyah Abdullahi, during the Annual Retreat of Wiser, held in Abuja at the weekend. PHOTO BY REMI AKUNLEYAN

World Cancer Day: Bagudu Laments Paucity Of Treatment Equipment

BY EJIKE EJIKE, Abuja

As part of the activities to mark the World Cancer Day, the wife of Kebbi State governor and founder Medicaid Cancer Foundation, Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu,‎ has lamented the unavailability of cancer treatment equipment in Nigeria.

LEADERSHIP reports that the World Cancer Day was commemorated yesterday across the globe.

In a statement to mark the day, Bagudu lamented that out of the required 300 Linear Accelerator ma-

chines, commonly known as LINAC, needed in Nigeria for cancer patients, the country has only four, a figure that is grossly inadequate.

“Historically, doctors used radiation-filled glass tube implants to destroy cancer cells since 1898.

But this was imprecise and collateral damage was much. The modern LINAC is a laser-guided missile producing millions of volts of energy travelling in a straight line at nearly the speed of light to strike directly at the tumour site. It is so precise that damage to nearby bones,

organs, muscles and nerves is often negligible,” she said.

“The World Health Organisation recommends that for Nigerias’s population of 170 million, we should have 300 of these machines.

Only in 2009 did Nigeria acquire just four, only to find that they were mostly refurbished and most had since fallen into disrepair.”

She identified ‘corporate slavery’ by industrialised nation as another issue affecting cancer care in Nigeria.

According to her, Equipment

manufacturers have a tight syndicated control over the end users particularly in Africa and the developing world.

“I have first-hand experience of this. When we started the Medicaid Radio-diagnostic Centre in 2005, we acquired solely GE equipment, including the first privately owned CT scan in Abuja. At the time, GE had only two engineers to service and maintain all their equipment in the country. In no time, both Derin and Solomon were on my frequent caller list.

Corruption , Insecurity Hampering Nigeria’s Development – Archbishop Kaigama

BY NAN

The Catholic Archbishop of Jos, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, has noted that corruption, insecurity, clashes between farmers and herders, kidnapping and other vices, were hampering Nigeria’s growth and development.

Kaigama, who is also the president, Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), spoke yesterday in Jos at the launch of the 2018 Lenten

campaign of the archdiocese.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the archdiocese took advantage of the launch of the Lenten campaign to raise funds to support the poor and needy in the society.

The prelate remarked that so many vices had brought the country to a standstill, and said only a radical change of attitude by Nigerians would ensure the needed change being preached by the present gov-

ernment.

“Our country has been brought to its knees by corruption, insurgency, clashes between farmers and herders, kidnapping and many other vices.

“Our government has been preaching the need for Nigerians to embrace change, but I feel the change we need is not only political or mere slogan; change is not only about winning elections, but a radical transformation of our hearts.

“The change we need should be true one, not only political change being promoted by the political class,’’ he said.

Kaigama urged Nigerians to keep doing good works so as to make the country better.

He further called on both Christians and Muslims to put on the apron of forgiveness, noting that only through that would the desired peace and development happen in the country.

Benue Killings: Bafarawa Urges Ortom To Dialogue With Fulani

BY HEMBADOON ORSAR, Makurdi

Former Sokoto State governor, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, has advised Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom to dialogue with the Fulani so as to ensure peace in his state.

Bafarawa spoke at the Government House, Makurdi, when he came on a special visit to sympathise and condole with the victims, government and people of Benue State over the recent crisis that led to loss of lives and properties in the state.

According to him, peace is paramount and there is no alternative to it.

He advised the governor to carry everyone along in order to effec-

tively succeed in bringing solution to the killings, destruction of properties and attacks in many communities in the state.

“We shouldn’t be fighting each other due to a simple issue; we are one family - Fulani, Tiv alike, we are all northerners irrespective of the religious and ethnic differences, and we have a great challenge of ensuring the survival of our region.

“Both Tiv and Fulani are one family who humorously joke and exchange banters among one another without hate”, he said.

Bafarawa, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, faulted the tagging of Fulani as terrorists by Nigerians, saying they do not use or carry guns, rather they use sticks to

protect and guide their livestock.

“Our Fulani who roamed around holding stick to guide and protect their cattle against invading wild animals are not criminals; they don’t foment trouble, not to talk of maiming and killing their host communities; why should they then be targeted and branded as enemies in the community?” asked Bafarawa He advocated the use of traditional rulers and retired security officers from the north to solve the crisis.

“This is our collective responsibility. We all have collective responsibility for ensuring sustainable peace and unity among all the affected people in the country.

We are blessed with many highly

skilled and intelligent people who can offer the best option and security solution.

“As governor, you are not only a leader but father to all. You must recognise and accept such challenge to do justice and fairness to all”, Bafarawa told Ortom.

The former governor of Sokoto State described the Benue crisis as political, which could be resolved with justice and trust among all the affected victims.

He donated N10 million to the people affected, mostly Fulani, Tiv, Hausa and Idoma communities in the state.

In his response, Governor Ortom described Bafarawa as a man of peace and a blessing to Nigeria.

A rights group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has petitioned the chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights requesting “the urgent intervention of the Bureau of the Commission to end the ongoing human rights violations of naturalised Nigerians, refugees and asylum seekers forcibly returned to their country by the Nigerian authorities.”

The organisation urged the chairperson and Bureau of the Commission “to urgently hold an extra-ordinary session of the African Commission to address the illegal and unfair return of 51 Cameroon refugees, asylum seekers and naturalised Nigerians, and the continuing violations of the rights of the returnees by the government of Cameroon.”

The organisation also urged the Commission to “speak out strongly and condemn the unfair treatment of the refugees, asylum seekers and naturalised Nigerians by the government of Cameroon, and request the government to immediately release them from unlawful detention.”

The petition dated February 2, 2018 and signed by SERAP’s deputy director, Timothy Adewale, stated that, “International law is very clear on the fact that individuals, including asylum seekers, even if they have entered the country illegally, are entitled to enjoy human rights.

“SERAP is seriously concerned that forced return of naturalised Nigerians, refugees and asylum seekers is both legally and morally wrong, and would set a bad precedent for the rest of the sub-region.”

The organisation noted that naturalised Nigerians, refugees and asylum seekers had come to Nigeria for protection and to escape the gross violations of fundamental human rights in Cameroon but that by returning them to Cameroon, Nigerian authorities had failed to provide reasonable opportunity to them to establish their case through judicial review of the risk of persecution, torture and other human rights abuses in Cameroon.

It added: “Both Nigeria and Cameroon do not have any extradition treaty. We consider the forced return of Cameroon asylum seekers from Nigeria illegal and unfair, as it failed to meet a high standard of procedural fairness and justice. Both Nigeria and Cameroon have ratified the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees.”

“According to our information, the Nigerian authorities illegally and unfairly returned naturalised Nigerians, refugees and asylum seekers on Friday, January 26, 2018. The returnees are mostly leaders of the people of Southern Cameroon and who have been living in Nigeria for several years.”

“SERAP argues that the government of Nigeria breaches its international obligations including those requiring the government to ensure that refugees and asylum seekers are not returned to jurisdictions such as Cameroon, where they would face persecution and human rights violations, such as torture and other ill-treatment.

Monday, February 5, 2018

2019: Kwara PRP Chairman Asks Intellectuals To Rescue Nigeria

BY ABDULLAHI OLESIN, Illorin

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Gov Ortom Faults IGP’s Position On Anti-open Grazing Law

BY HEMBADOON ORSAR, Makurdi

Benue State government has faulted the recent statement credited to the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris on the anti-open grazing law.

The IGP has enjoined states currently implementing anti-open grazing law to susend it insisting that it was at the heart of recent killings.

But reacting swiftly, Governor Or-

tom said the IGPs position was a manifestation of why the police has ignored petitions for the arrest and prosecution of leaders of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, the masterminds of the current invasion and the attendant massacre.

A statement by the chief press secretary to governor Samuel Ortom,Terver Akase, explained that “We read statements credit-

ed to the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris where he blamed the recent killing of innocent Benue people by suspected herdsmen terrorists on the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of the state.

“We wish to place it on record that contrary to the directive by President Muhammadu Buhari that the Inspector General of Police

should relocate to Benue to ensure that the killings stop, the IGP spent only one day in Benue and left for a destination where only he could tell. No one has seen him in Benue since that day.

“We thought that the IGP was misquoted and expected the police authorities to issue a rebuttal to the reports hence our delay in responding swiftly.

The chairman of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) in Kwara State, Prof Mahmud Aliyu yesterday urged intellectuals in the country to join the party in rescuing the nation from bad governance.

Aliyu who made the call at a press conference in Ilorin said the country had suffered bad governance since 1999 because of the alleged failure of both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) to meet the needs of the ordinary citizens.

He said that while PDP was accused of running a government in which corruption, economic hardship and insecurity prevailed the APC that took over had not been anything different as the situation remained the same under the APC led government.

Aliyu said that contrary to the change the APC promised what was being witnessed is a cosmetic change that did not address the root causes of the problems affecting development of the country.

He emphasised the need for the intellectuals to come together and rescue the country from bad leadership by 2019.

“Let us break the vicious circle of being governed /led by semi iiliterates, half educated, break the vicious circle of in-apt leadership and L-R: Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon and House of Reps member, Timothy Golu, at the National Assembly in Abuja recently. people that hardly acquired secondary school education successfully to become local champions and twisting us the way they want. We have been turned to the nation of the BY ABDULLAHI OLESIN, Ilorin was a subtle way by government to (rtd), said that, “No inch of Yoruba Shonga Farm of the Saraki as blinds who can only be led by one acquire land across the country for land in Kwara South senatorial ranching alternative to the illeyed man.

The Kwara South Consultative the herdsmen, said that the step district and indeed Kwara State advised cattle colonies.

Forum has expressed its would favour a set of people at the will be available for any such “A recent killing in Kaiama opposition to the establishment expense of original land owners. colonies. local government area is not of cattle colonies in any part of “This national calamity can only encouraging. The forum would “The question are: who knows Kwara State. what happens to the colonies in be solved through cattle ranching. want the people of the affected The group in a statement signed the next 50 years from now? Won’t As it is not the monopoly of any area to speak out.” by its secretary general, Otunba the Fulani claim the land and even tribe to be involved in cattle The group also advised the Adedayo Daramola, recommended the state in which the colonies are rearing through ranching, the federal government to restructure cattle ranching as solution to located?”, the statement asked. forum implored citizens of the 12 administration of Nigeria into the

BY NAN herdsmen/ farmers incessant The people, who lamented Yoruba speaking local government old regional system in order to clashes. reported destruction of farmland areas of Kwara State to venture reduce cost of governance as being No fewer than 300 widows in The group, which said that belonging to former chief of naval into ranching business. A model experienced in the presidential Ijumu and Kabba/Bunu local establishment of cattle colonies staff, Vice Admiral S. Afolayan example of such business is at system. government areas of Kogi State on Sunday received some relief items, including food stuff, from a non-governmental organisation, Doyin & Suzan Foundation.

BY NAN interview in Lafia, yesterday. ident. ception,” he said.

The chairperson, Board of The president is scheduled to vis“You can see that work is going He said APC in the state was Trustees (BoT) of the foundaThe chairman of All Progressives it the state on Tuesday. on seriously in Lafia, the state cap- proud of the achievements of the tion, Mrs Adedoyin Ibikunle, Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State, The APC chairman said that prep- ital, and other major towns and this president in the areas of security, told Journalists while distributMr Philip Tatari-Shekwo, has called arations were on to ensure befitting shows the significance attached to fight against corruption, agriculture ing the items in Kabba, that the on the residents to come out en- welcome to the president and de- this visit. and infrastructure, among others. gesture was to lessen the suffermasse and welcome President Mu- scribed the visit as historic.

“People across all the 13 local govHe also commended governor ing of the widows living in abhammadu Buhari during his state Tatari-Shekwo noted that this ernment areas of the state are very Umaru Al-Makura for his achieveject poverty. visit. was first time Buhari would be vis- happy, ready and waiting for the ment in infrastructural developIbikunle noted that the United Tatari-Shekwo made the call in an iting the state since he became pres- day to give the president good re- ment.

Nation (UN) placed emphasis on empowerment of women, especially widows, adding that women empowerment was critical for the eradication of poverty in so- BY ABU NMODU, Minna The motion of matter of urgent in place in the state and has been government facilities and report ciety. public importance was sponsored in implemention over the years in back within one week.

“It is estimated that 115 mil- Niger State House of Assembly by the member representing Kon- the state.

Similarly the House has differed lion widows worldwide live in ex- has adopted a motion to provide tagora II Hon. Nura Garba, to urge Consequently the House re- deliberation on the recommendatreme poverty along with their free medical services in govern- the executive arm to take it as a solved on the issue and mandated tion that Area Pilgrim Welfare Ofchildren. Therefore, giving ade- ment hospitals for pregnant wom- matter of policy. the committee on health to invite ficers in the 25 local government quate attention to our widows is en during delivery in view of the The deputy Speaker, Hon. Hus- relevant stakeholders for an inter- areas of the state should be aplong overdue, especially the vul- rate of mortality among pregnant seini Ibrahim, in his contribu- face on alleged payment of medi- pointed from the civil service inwomen. nerable ones. tions stated that policy is already cal charges by pregnant women in stead of politicians.

Kwara: Group Rejects Cattle Colony

300 Widows Get Relief Items, Food Stuffs In Kogi

Presidential Visit: Nasarawa Residents To Give Buhari Rousing Welcome

Niger Assembly Recommends Free Medical Care For Pregnant Women

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Monday, February 5, 2018

Forum Tasks FG On N27.23bn Biu-Gombe Road Contract

BY ISAIAH BENJAMIN , Kaduna

Apparently worried by the fear of awarding contracts to fraudulent contractors, Biu Forum, a development association of Biu Emirate of Borno State has cautioned the federal government to be weary of awarding the recently approved Biu- Gombe road contract to fraudulent contractors again.

It could be recalled that the federal government had in November 2017 during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting approved the construction of the 117 kilometers road for the sum of N27.23 bn.

Addressing a press conference in Kaduna at the weekend to commend the federal government gesture in the award, the forum lamented that previously the contract for the construction of the Biu- Gombe road had been awarded to unreliable contractors who only collected mobilisation money and disappeared without doing any appreciable work.

Stressing further, the chairman, Board of Trustees of Biu Forum, Engr. Ibrahim Usman said, the importance of rehabilitating the road is immeasurable, as the road connects five state capitals.

According to him, reconstruction of the road is so important because Biu connects five trunk A and trunk B roads. Adding that from Biu, you can go to Damaturu, Maiduguri, Danboa, Yola, Mubi and Jalingo.

“But most importantly, Biu is an agricultural area, alot of our goods are tied down and we cannot move it. Don’t also forget that there is a very big military formation there, and recently a university was established there. More so, for logistic purposes its extremely important, as there are many military formations combating Boko Haram insurgency; alot of military activities are taking place there and with bad roads, its very difficult, “ he explained.

The forum then appealed to the federal government not to only select a competent contractor but to also ensure that budgetary provision is made in 2018 budget to fund the project to its completion within the contract period.

PTDF Trains 25 On Plant Maintenance, Development

BY ISAIAH BENJAMIN, Kaduna

In an effort to ensure optimal performance in the Nigeria oil and gas sector, the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) yesterday graduated 25 trainees on plant maintenance and development at the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company, (KPRC).

The trainees who benefited from PTDF’s Post Training Attachment Program (PTA) were said to have undergone six months training on industrial welding , maintenance and construction.

Speaking at the passing out ceremony and certificate presentation to the trainees, executive secretary of PTDF, Dr Aliyu Bello Gusau, requested the KPRC to retain the trainees in their establishment.

He explained that apart from the PTA initiative which avails players in the petroleum industry like KPRC the opportunity to engage and utilise the skills and services of the trainees in maintaince and development of their plants, the PDTF has deviced strategies to ensure that the trainees secure permanent employment as employers will be mandated to consult the Joint Qualification System (JQS) hosted and managed by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCMB).

Former Sokoto State governor Attahiru Bafarawa fielding questions from journalists during his visit to Benue State.

Ganduje To Fulani Herdsmen: Relocate To Kano From Benue, Taraba

BY ABDULGAFAR OLADIMEJI, Kano

Kano State governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has extended an invitation to Fulani herdsmen residing in Nigeria, specifically those in Benue and Taraba States to transfer their grazing operations and other activities to Kano State The governor hinted that, in exception of Fulani herds-

men men residing in his state, the state still boasts of enough grazing grounds to accommodate over one million Fulani herdsmen, Ganduje, made the call on Sunday afternoon, at Kadawa Village in Gaurun Mallam local government, while flagging off the 2017/2018 Annual free vaccination exercise for over one million cattle.

The governor, who denounce the incessant clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers, said the deaths resulting as a result of the clashes is irritating.

According to him, the clashes between Fulani and farmers is unwarranted and unnecessary.

He said, “We are doing well in assisting herdsmen in Kano, I am inviting herdsmen from all parts of Nigeria to relocate to

Kano because we have enough facilities to accommodate them.

“For our Kano herdsmen, we have grazing facilities in Rogo, Gaya, Kiru, Tudun Wada, Ungogo and other reserved places where facilities are in place to accommodate the herdsmen and their cattle, which included, schools, livestock clinics, clean water supply and facilities to aid their commercial activities.”

Boko Haram, Drought, Pests Destroy Farms In Borno

BY NAN

Boko Haram militants, drought and pests have combined to wreak havoc on farmlands in Borno State, leading to low output and huge losses to the farmers.

About 1, 800 hectares of rice for instance wilted due to drought in some parts of the state, according to the farmers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the rice farms were also affected by pest infestation.

A cross section of the farm-

ers who spoke to NAN at the Biriri and Koshebe rice plantations, said that the destruction, by the combined forces, dashed their hope of bumper harvest.

Hajiya Amina Isa, a rice grower, blamed the pests and drought for her woeful cropping season.

Isa said that she planted her crops several weeks into the rainy season, adding that the rain stopped before the plants matured.

“There were delays in the distribution of farm inputs to

enable us cultivate our land on time.

“Few weeks after planting the fields; the rain stopped.

We complained, water pumps and tube wells were provided to enable us save the plants through irrigation. Nonetheless the plants wilted.

“Ravaging quelea birds further destroyed what remained of the plantations”.

Another farmer, Malam Bashir Gwoni-Ali, alleged that about 400 hectares of rice was destroyed by Boko Haram insurgents at various planta-

tions in Mafa local government area of the state.

Gwoni-Ali said that the insurgents burnt and destroyed the produce at their farms.

He listed the affected farmlands to include Koshebe, Kachemari, Juwano and Dinge.

“I and other farmers cultivated rice and recorded bumper harvest despite threats by the insurgents.

“Unfortunately the insurgents destroyed the produce and we are left with nothing,” Gwoni-Ali alleged.

Foundation Disburses N2m To Cancer Patients In Kebbi

BY YAHYA SARKI, Birnin Kebbi

As the world marks cancerday, Medicaid Cancer Foundation (MCF) has disbursed a total of TWO MILLION Naira to 10 indigent patients across Kebbi State.

In a statement by MCF made available to LEAD-

ERSHIP, cheques of various amounts were presented to the beneficiaries by the coordinator of the foundation Dr Suraya Mansur at the Medicaid Radio-Diagnostic Centre center Birnin Kebbi.

The financial support, according to Dr Mansur ranges from one hundred (N100,

000) to two hundred and fifty thousand naira (N250, 000) depending on the patient needs and recommended treatment (such as Surgery, Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy).

The CEO thanked all its sponsors and supporters assuring all that the foundation will not relent in its efforts to

assist cancer patients across the country. She added that a second disbursement will be made in Abuja early next week.

Some beneficiaries who spoke thanked the foundation and it’s founder the wife of the state governor Dr Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, for giving them the chance to beat cancer.

Kebbi Governor’s Wife Harp On Decent Dressing

BY YAHYA SARKI, Birnin Kebbi

The wife of Kebbi State Governor, Dr Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, has called on women of all faiths on the significance of imbibing the attitude of wearing decent dress in public in order to protect their dignity and honour.

Dr Zainab made this call in Gwandu local goverment area of Kebbi State during the celebration to mark World Hijab Day. She explained that the noble prophet Muhammad (SAW)

has made it obligatory on Muslim women to always appear in full Hijab as a mark of protection against the devilish clutches of Satan towards the opposite sex.

According to her, the significance of hijab to the nobility of women must be over emphasised especially on Muslim women.

The governor’s wife charged the gathering to propagate the message of Hijab “Hijab goes beyond ordinary mode of dressing to an international identity and symbol of honour for wom-

en”, she said.

Dr Zainab who was represented by the commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Tsahara Bawa, also reaffirmed commitment of the state government to continue to promote moral values among people of the state towards achieving disciplined society.

In a lecture on the event, with theme “Signifying Muslim Women “ a female Islamic scholar, Hajiya Yuhanazu Abubakar, cau-

tioned women against wearing dresses that could expose their body and tempt the opposite sex.

She admonished all women to be conscious of how they appear in public and private life by conforming with detects of the scriptures.

Other contributors at the event includes the representatives of Initiative for Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (IMWAN ) and Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN ).

Monday, February 5, 2018

North East Youths Laud Adamu’s Appointment As CBN Dep Gov

BY CHIBUZO UKAIBE, Abuja The North East Youth Progressives Forum (NEYPF) has said the recent appointment of Edward Adamu as deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is well deserved, considering that the zone had been sidelined from occupying top positions in the apex bank for over two decades.

The group expressed confidence in Adamu, who hails from Gombe State, to deliver on his mandate at the apex bank, saying this is the first time after 20 years that a banker from the North East will occupy such position in the country’s apex bank.

President Muhammadu Buhari had last week appointed Adamu as deputy governor of CBN. A graduate of quantity surveying from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and a fellow of Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, the new deputy governor, 57, is from Kaltungo Local Government Area of Gombe State.

The chairman of the Forum, Salisu Magaji, said: “This appointment is well deserved and he deserves the appointment. He is very much competent for the job.

“We in the North East have not got this position for over 20 years, since the exit of Abdukadir Ahmed as CBN governor. Since then, the North East has not gotten governor or deputy governor of CBN. So we appreciate it.”

SAN Seeks Enhanced Salary For Junior Lawyers BYOLUGBENGA SOYELE, Lagos A member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Legal Profession Regulation Review Committee, Paul Usoro (SAN) has condemned the poor welfare and salary packages being earned by junior lawyers in the country, stating that if the issue is not quickly addressed, it will affect the standard of legal practice in the country.

Usoro, a leading communications lawyer with over 30 years’ experience, described the situation as very crit-

ical.

He said, “We hear reports of young

lawyers being paid N30,000 a month as take-home pay; this amount cannot take anyone home. When you don’t have a satisfied workforce, the quality of work is impacted.

“One thing that can be done is for the leading lights of the NBA to show by example that they care about the welfare of the juniors. Then it becomes easy to persuade others to follow.

“If, for example, it becomes clear to people that the president of the Bar Association employs and pays juniors well, it is easy for him to use the moral authority to persuade the other senior lawyers to pay young lawyers well.

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Uwais Advocates Social Investment For Economic Growth

BY OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos

The special adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Social Investments, Maryam Uwais, has called for social investment as the pillar to economic growth.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP on the National Social Investment Programmes (NSIP) in Nigeria, Uwais noted that with Nigeria’s current

growth rate, it would overtake the United States to become the third most populous country in the world by 2050, but that the issue of poverty will continue to remain a significant threat to development.

She pointed out that based on the World Poverty Clock statistics by the World Data Lab, Nigeria needs to ensure that 11.9 people are graduated out of poverty per minute to escape

extreme poverty, saying Nigeria has a deficit of 6.8 people every minute.

The federal government established NSIP, which is a portfolio of programmes created in 2015 to deliver socio-economic assistance to the poorest Nigerians across the nation with about 9.76 million direct beneficiaries.

She stated that achieving macroeconomic stability is a key execution priority for the Nigerian government

as identified in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) released in 2017.

According to her, for Nigeria to achieve the goal of being a top economy by 2030, there is need for strategic plans to support the most vulnerable in the society and catalyze productivity by those that will be the most productive, especially youthful workforce and potential entrepreneurs.

Wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi (R) with members of Women Intercessory Network (WIN), during the Oyo State Women Breakthrough prayer and fasting rally for Nigeria, organized by WIN in Ibadan, yesterday.

‘AU Award Confirmation Of Confidence On PMB’s Antigraft War’

BY NZOR ERNEST, Abuja

The national president, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Amb. Murtala Muhammed Garba, has described the appointment of President Muhammadu Buhari as Africa Union’s Champion of Anti-Corruption as a confirmation of his giant strides in the anti-corruption campaign.

He noted that the policies initiated under the watch of Presi-

dent Buhari had great impact on the anti-corruption campaign by reducing corrupt practices and recovering some looted public funds.

In a statement by the NYCN national media director, Abdulrahman Zakariyau, yesterday in Abuja, Garba also scored the president’s administration very high on the enactment and implementation of the Bank Verification Number (BVN) and the whistle blower policy, two policies that

had raised the tempo of the anti-corruption crusade in Nigeria.

The statement reads: “At NYCN’s assessment of the challenges of Nigeria and even at the level of Africa Youths Forum, corruption is identified as a major stumbling block to Nigeria and Africa’s development. So it was heartwarming for the Africa Union to take anti-corruption as its theme for the just concluded 54th summit, at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

“For decades, funds meant for

developmental projects have been diverted. Policies, programmes and projects are being negatively influenced by corrupt government or non-government officials for their selfish purposes without serious continental attention from the Africa Union (AU). Thus, the anti-corruption theme of the 54th summit is an indication that Africa leaders now understand that corruption is a major obstacle to development on the continent and are willing to put a lasting end to it.

Edo Links Investors, Others To Farmers

BY PATRICK OCHOGA, Benin City

Edo State governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has said the state has concluded plans to link investors and off-takers of agricultural produce in the state with farmers with sufficient guarantees to ensure prices are stable and yields are high as farmers prepare for the 2018 farming season.

Obaseki disclosed this at the weekend when he met with the ex-

ecutive members of the Association of Esan Professionals (AEP) at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State.

According to the governor, “farmers in the state now have ready markets to sell their produce at the end of the farming season, as the country has a growing population that needs to be fed.”

“The state government will assist farmers get investors. The government will soon advertise

for off-takers of agricultural produce. Those who want to buy agricultural produce at the end of the planting season will come to Edo to buy from our farmers.

“We will attract off-takers who need maize, soya beans and so on, to buy from farmers here. The state government will get the order from the off-takers, how many metric tonnes of maize they need, what type, and how much are they willing to pay, and match them

with local farmers,” he added.

On new initiatives to improve productivity of farmers in Esanland, he said, “We were in Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, to see if they have dams, if we can partner with them and get the French investors to locate their farms there. We are also going round to see if we can get private individuals who have land for pig farming to partner with the investors.

Calabar Hit 95.9 FM Offers Free Petrol To Car Owners

BY RICHARD NDOMA, Calabar

A radio station in Calabar, the Cross Rivers State capital, Hit 95.9 FM, has for two days given out petrol to car owners at strategic filling stations in the Calabar metropolis.

The station did this as part of the

activities to mark its second anniversary on February 1, 2018.

The head, Programmes and Production, Hit 95.9 FM, Mr. McDonald Peter-Anyangbe, alongside On Air Personalities and staff, were at the filling stations, Eddy Excel and Uddy King, on Tuesday

and Wednesday respectively, after it was announced on air, to put smiles on the faces of listeners by giving out petrol for free.

This giveaway was a thoughtful one as it comes amid a serious nationwide fuel crisis.

Motorists were excited at the

gesture and could not stop pouring encomiums on the station.

Hit FM, broadcasting in a frequency of 95.9, is the first private broadcast outfit in Cross River State. The station commenced commercial broadcasting on February 1, 2016.

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Monday, February 5, 2018

‘Dei Dei Community Lacks Infrastructure’

BY TARKAA DAVID

Traditional ruler of Dei Dei Community in Bwari area council, Malam Saidu Hamza Sani, has appealed to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and Bwari area council to make provision for basic infrastructure for the people a priority.

In an interview with LEADERSHIP at the weekend, Sani lamented dearth of basic infrastructure in the area, noting that basic infrastructure were not provided to the community for people to enjoy them.

The royal father stated that it has become imperative to remind government of the promises it made to the community, as well as draw its attention to the plights of the residents.

He called on both the FCTA and chairman of Bwari area council,

Hon. Musa Dikko not to forget the infrastructure deficit being experienced in the area, adding that the issues be addressed.

Sani disclosed that the entire community has no potable water, decent clinic and a well equipped school, noting that the population of the area is increasing without any provision from the government, just as he lamented that the only clinic within the area operates without the desired health personnel and facilities.

He continued: “The situation in Dei-Dei is not a new thing. FCT administration and Bwari Area Council are aware of our plights. Secondary school students during a campaign against female genital mutilation, organised by Novel Association They usually come around. We for Youth Advocacy in Kuje, recently. even laid the complaint to them, yet no solution. But as a leader of this community I’m still urging them not to forget about us.”

Education Policy For People With Disabilities Ready Soon – FCTA

BY DAVID ADUGE-ANI The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has given an assurance that the draft policy on education for people living with disabilities would soon be ready.

Speaking when he received the report the FCT Committee on Inclusive Education Policy, Bello disclosed that FCTA is working to incorporate in its building policy, regulations that would ensure a new public building approval, accessible to children with special needs.

The minister therefore directed the FCT permanent secretary, Mr. Chinyeaka Ohaa, to set machinery in motion for implementing the building policy, adding that FCT would remodel and renovate three schools in the FCT as pilot scheme for this purpose.

The schools, according to the minister, are GSS Jabi, GSS Festival Road Garki and Pilot Science Primary School in Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.

While thanking USAID for its partnership in driving the policy, the minister canvassed for

establishment of a system of robust institutional memory framework and record keeping that would ensure that legacies of these policies are entrenched, so that whoever comes in will continue to build on where others stopped.

Earlier in her remark, national president, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Ekaete Judith Umoh said Nigeria as far back as 1994, assented to UN convention for inclusive education, but regretted that the issue has since been downplayed.

Umoh added that the FCT currently has an average of five special schools with the enrolment capacity of an average of 1,000 pupils per school, noting however that most special needs schools are lacking in basic educational infrastructure, human material and financial resources.

She appealed to the minister to sign off the policy on inclusive education for children with disabilities in the FCT, as well as set up an inter-ministerial technical working group to coordinate implementation of the policy.

Chieftaincy Tussle: Esu Bwari In Court Over Supremacy

BY TARKAA DAVID Following the struggle over the Bwari chiefdom, the Gbagyi community has approached Abuja High court to void the seat of Sarkin Bwari.

Recalls that the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello had installed Auwal Musa Ijakoro, as the second Sarkin Bwari, after the death of his father Alhaji Muhammad Musa Ijakoro.

The installation was greeted with criticism and protest by some members of the community who feel shortchanged in the process. Groups from the both

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communities Gabgyi and Hausa had protested and even clashed leading the black Monday of 25, December, 2017.

When the case came up on last week, counsel to the defendants, Abdulhameed Mohammed challenged the jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter.

The notice of preliminary objection raised by the defense counsel was however challenged by the counsel to plaintiff, I.G Abah, who prayed the court to overrule it for incompetent procedure.

The judge however, adjourned the case to February 19, to allow the counsel to the plaintiff to respond to the preliminary objection.

NGO Urges FG To Strengthen Fight Against Female Genital Mutilation

BY TARKAA DAVID A nongovernmental organisation, Novel Association for Youth Advocacy (NAYA) has urged the federal government to implement Family Life and HIV Education (FLHE) document to boost the war against female genital mutilation (FGM) and other inhuman cultural practices.

The national coordinator of the organization, Kehinde Afolabi, who made the appeal during a one day media chat in Kuje, noted that the

implementation of the FLHE document would reduce the practice of FGM, as more youths would be armed with the right information.

Afolabi noted that the implementation of the document would help build the capacity of youngsters to speak against the practice.

A facilitator, Dr Vera Chizoba Gabriel said that female genital mutilation persists due to socio-cultural influences and inability of government to enact laws to punish perpetrators.

Vera stated that over 92

million persons are currently living with consequences of female genital mutilation, which, according to her, includes difficulty in giving birth, difficulty in passing urine, painful intercourse, frigidity, feeling of low esteem and others.

She maintained that the practice is rooted in culture, adding that it is necessary to promote awareness of the problem on health and psychosocial consequences of the practice.

2019: APC Youth Forum Endorses Candido For Second Term

BY DAVID ADUGE-ANI

The All Progressives Congress (APC)

Youth Forum, Gwagwa ward, in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has unanimously endorsed the chairman of the council, Hon. Abdullahi Adamu Candido, for a second term in office.

The endorsement ceremony, which took place in Gwagwa community, at the weekend, attracted mammoth crowd, as well as APC stakeholders within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Chairman, APC Youth Forum, Gwagwa ward, Comrade Zakari Musa, told LEADERSHIP that the community has never had it as good, with the coming of Hon. Abdullahi Adamu

Candido as the chairman of AMAC. “We are here to celebrate the good work of the chairman of AMAC, Hon. Abdullahi Adamu Candido, for what he has done for Gwagwa ward.

Before his coming, Gwagwa ward

lacked many infrastructures, such as good road, water and market.

But as you can see, just within one year, we now have good roads, model market, which is under construction, boreholes, grading of roads and bridges, among others.”

Musa noted that the opposition party that ruled the area council for about 16 years did nothing for Gwagwa community, adding that the forum is grateful to the AMAC chairman for his efforts and are

endorsing him for a second term in office.

Also speaking, chairman APC, Gwagwa ward, Mohammed Osu, noted that Candido has done well, because he has actually given the people of Gwagwa ward the dividends of democracy.

Osu noted that never in the history of Gwagwa ward has it witnessed such a massive development, within a short period of time, adding that his achievements are countless.

Responding, Hon. Candido gave an assurance that he would continue to work towards giving AMAC residents the dividends of democracy.

We Spend N6, 000 Daily To Get Clean Water– Traditional Ruler

BY TARKAA DAVID

The village head of Dakwa community in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Mr Shuaibu Samu has lamented that the community spends over N6, 000 daily to get safe water.

Shuaibu, who made this revelation during an exclusive chat with LEADERSHIP, disclosed that an over head tank which was provided for the community in 2014 has an engine to power it, which consumes over N6,000 fuel on a daily bases.

The village head added that the

need for the generator is due to the fact the community has no electricity supply of any sort.

“The Hon Micah Jiba administration gave us water, but we spend so much to access it. We buy fuel worth over N6, 000 daily to pump the water, but still some members of the community do not fetch before it finishes,” he said.

Shuaibu further stated that apart from water, the community does not have electricity or good road, even though they always partake in the voting process.

In his response, the supervisory councillor for works in AMAC,

Hon Jagaba Sarki said the council is aware of the plight of the community and is working to provide them with some of the basic amenities.

Jagaba stated that the council has carried out a feasibility study of the basic needs of the community, which he listed as provision of water, electricity, and road to connect other communities.

He noted that these have not been provided due to paucity of resources available to the council, but promised to provide them immediately the resources increase.

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Ajimobi Appoints Ogunesan As New Head Of Service

BY ADEBAYO WAHEED, Ibadan

Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi has appointed Mrs. Hannah Ogunesan as the new Head of Service of the state.

The Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Olalekan Alli, who conveyed the appointment through a statement, said the appointment takes effect from Thursday, February 8, 2018.

He said the new development was sequel to the retirement of Mr. Soji Eniade from the state’s civil service.

The statement also announced the appointment of the outgoing HOS as Executive Assistant, Administration, to the governor, “in view of his sterling performance” during his tenure as the number one civil servant.

His appointment also takes effect from Thursday, February 8, 2018.

Ogunesan, who joined the public service of the state on April 1, 1989, has served in various capacities before her current appointment as Permanent Secretary in the state’s ministry of local government and chieftaincy matters, on July 1, 2015.

The new HOS is an alumnus of the London School of Economics’ Executive Summer School, where she completed an approved programme on Strategic Decisions in Management.

She holds a Bachelor and Masters Degrees in Business Administration from Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye) and the University of Ado-Ekiti (now Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti), respectively.

NRC Set For 2018 Retreat

BY EJIKE EJIKE, Abuja The Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Fidet Okhiria, on Sunday said the Corporation would be holding a two-day retreat to set agenda for 2018.

Okhiria, who said the retreat would hold in February at Agbor, Delta state; also noted that the idea behind the retreat was to assess the achievements, look at the challenges and proffer a way forward, setting the goal for the organisation.

According to him, “We are planning to have the NRC retreat at the end of February that is where we set the agenda for the year, we reviewed what we have done before, in the previous years.

“What was the output, did we move forward or move backwards; we now set another target for the coming days, which will be held at railway village in Agbor.

“We will hold it in February because after this month it will be too late to start setting target, so it will definitely take place,” he said.

Okhiria noted that the retreat would have been held earlier in January but the organisation was trying to improve on the AbujaKaduna rail service and to make sure that Lagos-Ibadan was not lacking behind.

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NATIONAL NEWS 13

FG Has Created Millions of Jobs – Minister

BY TUNDE OGUNTOLA, Abuja

The minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has disclosed that the federal government has created millions of jobs via its intervention programmes across many sectors of the economy.

Alhaji Mohammed disclosed this at the 6th graduation ceremony of the Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI), founded by for-

mer Rivers First Lady Dame Judith Amaechi, in Port Harcourt on Saturday.

He noted that over 7 million jobs have been created in the agriculture sector alone.

According to him: ‘’In agriculture, for example, this administration has created over 7 million jobs. When the Administration assumed office in May 2015, about 5 million farmers were engaged in rice produc-

tion. Thanks to the administration’s Anchor Borrowers Programme, the number of farmers engaged in rice production today stands at 12.2 million. These are verifiable facts, not fiction.”

Alhaji Mohammed said 69,736 jobs have been created in the power, works and housing sector, while the administration’s National Social Investment Programmes have created at least 200,000 jobs, in

addition to empowering 500,000 others under the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP). ‘’The Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing has created 69,736 jobs (direct and indirect) across the country. The power sector projects created 1,740 jobs, the works sector created 38,391 jobs while the housing sector created 29,605 jobs,’’ he said.

L- R: Special Assistant to the DG Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Alhassan S. Suleiman; Representative Of Ghana’s Securities and Exchange Commission, Rev. Daniel Tetteh; Chairman West African Securities Regulators Association (WASRA), Mr. Mory Soumahoro; Director General SEC, Dr. Abdul Zubair, and Harouna Onedraogo, during a meeting of WASRA, in Morocco, at the weekend.

Peace, Justice Will Guarantee Harmonious Relationship Among Nigerians – Mark

BY AGBO-PAUL AUGUSTINE, Abuja

Former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, has once again canvassed for good neighborliness , fairness and justice as needed ingredients for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.

Irrespective of ethnic or religious differences , he stated that “we must learn to live together as a people with common destiny and purpose”.

Senator Mark believes that there is hope for a better future if “we cultivate and imbibe the virtues of

love, honesty and being our brothers’ keeper at all times”.

In press release by Mark’s media assistant, Mr Paul Mumeh yesterday in Abuja, said Senator Mark spoke at a thanksgiving Church service to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the demise of his father, Chief Mark Aikwuta Ahubi-Mark at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church , Otukpo , Benue State today .

The immediate past President of the Senate’s father died in 1998 when he was in exile during the

reign of late Head of State, General Sani Abacha. He was unable to attend his father’s funeral.

Senator Mark urged Nigerians to crave for peace and justice as sine qua- non for harmonious relationship among citizens.

In memory of his late father, he announced that the family will institute a scholarship foundation to train Catholic Priests and Reverend Sisters to help propagate the Gospel in order make the society a better place for all.

A couple of weeks ago , Sena-

tor Mark and his family donated a magnificent building to the St. Augustine Catholic Church , Otukpo . Cardinal John Onaiyekan Archbishop of Catholic Diocese of Abuja and his Otukpo counterpart, Bishop Micheal Apochi performed the dedication of the church .

Earlier in his homily, Reverend father Philimon Agbo, urged leaders at all levels to make the people the centre of their policies and programmes .

He charged them to leave a legacy of good service to humanity .

NANS Urges FG To Increase Funding For Education Sector

BY TUNDE OGUNTOLA, Abuja and Abu Nmodu

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged the federal government to increase funding for the nation education sector, saying education remains the bedrock of any nation that wishes to advance forward.

A statement made available to LEADERSHIP yesterday, said the position was taking after an on-the-spot campus assessment tour to Federal University, OyeEkiti (FUOYE) led by NANS, PRO, Comrade Odebunmi Idowu to the university.

Odebunmi noted that no nation can develop without paying adequate attention to its education, adding that as a nation, Nigeria must begin to give priority to its education sector.

He, however, commended the

vice chancellor, FUOYE, Prof.

Kayode Soremekun for the massive infrastructural development on-going at the institution.

He averred that the federal government needs to pay adequate attention to how it funds the sector.

Odebunmi lamented that the sector over the years have been poorly funded and in some cases funds meant for the sector is misappropriated by officials of government, “this has to stop.’

He said: “We cannot afford to continue to do the same thing and expect a different result. No nation can progress with such mindset. We need to put efforts together to move the nation’s education sector forward.

“If all administrators of our universities follow the steps of Prof. Soremekun, our universities would be a reference point in Africa and globally.

“We encourage other VCs

to copy the good development strides going on at FUOYE and ensure they replicate same at their institutions.

“Nigeria can rise to world acclaim in the comity of developed nations if we give education the needed attention beginning from our citadels of l Meanwhile, NANS has urged the Federal government to arrest and prosecute all those involved in the recent killings in Benue, Taraba , Plateau and some other states..

The NANS President, Comrade Chinonso Obasi made the position of the association known to Journalists at the 74th Pre-Convention Senate meeting of the association held at the weekend in Minna.

“Nigerian students wholeheartedly condemn the unabated , mindless killings ongoing in some states and call for restraint.

The Herdsmen /farmers clash in

Benue, Taraba, Plateau and some other Southern states should be resisted and checked by all men of good conscience.

“It is a sad taste of hatred by brothers against brothers. The Federal government should come clear in defense of the people and ensure the arrest and prosecution of masterminds.

“President Muhammadu Buhari should swiftly deploy our troops to protect the victims. We therefore call on the Governor Dave Umahi led Committee proposed to meet Miyetti Allah to speedily and conscientiously do justice to the incessant clashes and assure him of Nigerian students support and prayers” he added.

The NANS President frowned at ‘politicization of the matter and plead for sense of brotherliness amongst contending groups for peace and unity of the nation’.

14 SOUTH SOUTH Restructuring Will Not Solve Nigeria’s Problem – AMORC

BY BERNARD TOLANI DADA, Uyo

As agitation for the restructuring of the polity as a way forward for peace in Nigeria continues, the Ancient Mystical Order of the Rosy Cross (AMORC), has differed from such prescription, arguing that “disagreements and pockets of violence would still occur, even after the reforms”.

Speaking while declaring open the 42nd Eastern Regional Rotational Conclave (EERC) of the Rosicrucian Order, which ended yesterday in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, the grand administrator and president of the order, Dr Kenneth Idiodi, said it was time for Nigerians to turn a new leaf and reflects the universal love of God for humanity.

He said the association as a spiritual and mystical organisation has been addressing the socio political and economic challenges that give rise to violence in the polity through the channel of prayers and intercessions.

“For decades, we have had cause to engage in metaphysical and spiritual practices which are design to even prevent the onset of violence,” he explained.

Idiodi, who doubles as the director of the Supreme Board of AMORC, said the solution for sustainable peace and unity of Nigeria could be located when Nigerians “are able to jettison selfish interests and radiate the universal love of God among populace, irrespective of creeds, religions and other sentiments”.

PMB’s Interest In Funding, Implementation Of Amnesty Programme, Paying Off

BY OSA OKHOMINA, Yenagoa

Concerned indigenes of the nine states of the Niger Delta region, yesterday rose in defence of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and the chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Implantation Committee, Brig.

Gen. Paul Boroh, over alleged shoddy implementation, saying the funding and implementation is paying off with the existing peace in the region.

According to the youths from the region, under the aegis of Serving and Leading Without Bitterness Initiatives, said though the rising criticism of the present administration and Brig. General. Paul Boroh was due to the alleged fraudulent attitude of some officials of the Amnesty office including the Education Desk of the Amnesty office headed by Major Kesiema Muwarin, the Amnesty implementation for the region under the PMB administration is on course.

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Monday, February 5, 2018

‘FG’ll Create New Jobs In All Sectors’

BY ANAYO ONUKWUGHA, Port Harcourt

The federal government has said it is determined to create new jobs in all sectors of the Nigerian economy.

This is as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) said it has so far trained and built the capacity of 22, 612 youths, including the 100 that just graduated in home finishing skills.

Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, spoke in Port Harcourt during the 6th graduation of Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI) and NDDC Entrepreneurial and Skill

Acquisition Training for Niger Delta Youths.

Mohammed stated that President Buhari led administration had added millions of new jobs to the economy since it took office in 2015.

He said, “Before this government came into power; the nation had 5 million rice growers but today 12.2 million rice growers have been added.”

The minister, however, said that job creation should not be left to the government alone, urging individuals, non governmental organisations and corporate bodies to join in the effort.

He described the NDDC/ESI entrepreneurship and skill acqui-

sition programme as a well conceived initiative that fitted into the government’s drive to generate employment for Nigerians.

In his speech, managing director of NDDC, Mr Nsima Ekere, stated that the commission was currently processing the training of about 5, 000 more youths in various skills, noting that the mandate of the commission went beyond physical infrastructure.

Ekere said, “It is also about building capacity and equipping our people with skills and competences that enable them to join the rising global workforce.

This aligns with the local content policy of the President Muham-

madu Buhari administration.”

He stated that the human capacity development strategy of the commission was anchored on the Niger Delta Regional Development Master Plan (NDRDMP), which recommended the development of a highly skilled workforce that would enable the region to compete on equal terms with the leading players in the global market.

The NDDC boss said the commission had trained internationally certified welding instructors in Nigeria and South Africa, adding that most of the beneficiaries were currently employed as non destructive test engineers in the oil and gas industry.

L-R: Director General, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Mr. Mamman Ahmadu; Cross-River State Deputy Governor Prof. Ivara Esu; Head of Service, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-ita; Accountant- General of the Federation, Mr. Ahmed Idris and Chairman, House Committee on Public Procurement, Oluwole Oke during the Public Procurement Retreat for Federal Permanent Secretaries in Calabar at the Weekend

We Have Paid For Benin-Okene Road – Fashola Threatens to deal with contractors

BY PATRICK OCHOGA, Benin City

Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, weekend, said contractors handling the Benin-Okene roads have no reasons to delay their works saying they have all been paid.

He made the assertion while on an inspection of ongoing federal government projects in Benin City.

Fashola said contractors handling

the various sections of the BeninOkene roads who failed to execute their projects would be dealt with accordingly.

“I have said here that we have paid all the contractors so no contractors has the excuse to delay his work.

“Contractors who do not perform, we have our remedies and we will pursue our remedies.

“What is important to understand is that they have worked in the first

47 kilometer from there we have another contractor and beyond that, we have another contractor until the roads end because our roads are long.

“So, we will try as much as possible to break the work between different contractors. I think we have Dantata Asawo on the other section, we have also Mother Cat at the other section. All of them have received money under the Suku, so they will

be on their sites”, he said.

The minister said when the roads are completed, they would be of more economic value to Nigerians plying the routes adding that, that was the reason, President Muhammadu Buhari in his New Year media broadcast said he was going to commit more resources to the infrastructural development of the nation to improving the lifestyle of its citizenry.

2019: I’m Qualified To Succeed Gov Okorocha, Madumere Insists The deputy governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere, yesterday, reiterated his readiness to take over from his boss, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, after his tenure, saying he is the most qualified to take the state and its citizens to the next level.

The deputy governor said he has the right spirit and well prepared to take over the mantle of leadership, adding he has the right temperament and experience to the stir the ship.

Prince Madumere who spoke through his chief press secre-

tary, Uche Onwuchekwa, said he has gathered more experience on the job than any aspirant coupled with his exposure to the world best standards in governance having had the opportunity of travelling to over fifty countries of the world while in corporate America.

As boosts to his ambition, the deputy governor has been receiving barrage of calls from different sections of the state beckoning him to vie for the plum job of governorship following his administrative acumen, vision and contributions.

Obaseki Tasks Esan Professionals On Sustainable Devt

BY PATRICK OCHOGA, Benin City

Edo State governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has urged professionals of Esan extraction in the state to create solutions and avenues to drive sustainable development in their towns in partnership with government.

Obaseki made the call at the weekend when he met with the executive members of the Association of Esan Professionals (AEP) led by their President, Mathew Egbadon, at the Government House, Benin City.

Obaseki, spoke on issues affecting development in Esan nation,

notably, agriculture, healthcare and education, assuring the professionals of his support to drive sustainable development in Esan land.

According to him, “I thank members of the association for finding time to visit me. The association has stood out over the years in providing leadership and direction in

Esanland. I recall vividly several years ago, your initiatives in education and other sectors and how you promoted the interest of Esan people through my predecessor, Comrades Adams Oshiomhole. The former governor was then impressed with your commitment to serving the interest of your people.”

Monday, February 5, 2018

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NATIONAL NEWS 15

Gov el-Rufai Orders Supply Of Medicine For Malnourished Children

BY NAN

Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai has ordered the supply of more Ready to Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) for the treatment of malnourished children, an official said.

The project manager, Kaduna State Emergency Nutrition Action Plan, Mr Shehu Makarfi, made the plan known during an interaction with newsmen on the general overview of the project in Zaria, Kaduna State.

Makarfi said “the order for additional supply of RUTF was due to fear of shortage of the drug, which was likely to affect the intervention given by the state government.”

He said the state government had mandated local governments to give coordinators of the programme N500,000 monthly for the activity but expressed regret that the fund was not being used judiciously.

“We called a meeting with health and nutrition officers in local government areas and her excellency, the wife of the governor, has read the riot act to them and anyone caught tampering with the N500,000 will be held responsible,’’ he said”

Policeman Killed, Another Missing In Fresh Benue Attack

BY HEMBADOON ORSAR, Makurdi

Benue State police command yesterday said that the policemen deployed to Yogbo community in Guma local government area of the state were attacked by heavily armed militia group numbering about two hundred (200).

The command public relations officer, ASP Moses Yamu who made this known in a statement explained that the police team braced up to the challenge and engaged them in gun battle, killing three of the militants.

According to him, their corpses were taken away by their fleeing members with some of whom also suffered severe gunshot wounds.

“The command received a report on 4 February 2018 that the militias attacked the community and immediately swung into action”.

ASP Yamu, however, added that the police lost a non-commissioned officer, with another missing.

He said efforts were being intensified for overt and covert operations in the area and the state at large with a view to preventing recurrence. ‘’ The command will continue to count on the support of wellmeaning residents of the State to curb the situation,’’ Yamu stated.

APC Care Taker Chairman for Gombe State, Idi Gubana (left), presenting a handing over note to the new elected chairman,Mr. Nitte Amanga (right), at the weekend.

Navy Arrests 4 Suspected Smugglers, Siezes Boats In A’Ibom

BY NAN

The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base (FOB), Ibaka, Mbo local government area of Akwa Ibom State, has arrested four suspected smugglers, and seized their boats and outboard engines used in illegal bunkering and smuggling of contraband goods into Nigeria.

The commanding officer, FOB, Captain Yusuf Idris, disclosed this to newsman on Sunday.

Idris also said that on Saturday

his men seized 62 drums of automotive gas oil which were being moved in a wooden boat from Rivers into Akwa Ibom waterway around 5:30 a. m.

According to him, four suspected hoodlums, Nsidebe Monday, 26; David Etim, 31; Oto Bassey, 29, and Benjamin Abia, 40, were apprehended over the illegal bunkering of AGO. The commanding officer said the Nigerian Navy under the present leadership would not relent till the

Nigerian waterways are rid of all criminal elements.

He added that his operating base had continued to live up to expectation by the arrests and seizures its officers made in one week.

“If you can remember, on Tuesday and Friday, we handed over smuggled bags of rice to the Nigerian Customs Service.

“And during that handling over, I made a promise that the Nigerian Navy under the present leadership will not relent till our water-

way is rid of all illegality.

“I’m sure we have lived up to our promise because this week alone, we had made three arrests. We will continue to make more arrests and seizure as long as the criminals are not willing to stop their illegal activities,” he said.

He said that the operating base on Friday also seized 271 bags of illegally imported rice from Cameroon during a routine sea patrol at Parrot Island in Mbo LGA around 5:30 a. m.

Rivers: Non-Indigenes Deny Dumping APC For PDP

BY ANAYO ONUKWUGHA, Port Harcourt

Members of the Non-Indigenes Forum of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, have denied dumping the party for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

They further declared that their former Coordinator, Chief Uchenna Okokoba, the former Vice Chairman, Hon. Wale Ogunbade and former Secretary, Alhaji Yusuf Tanko, who recently

announced their resignation from the forum and the APC did so on without consulting them.

The new coordinator of the Forum, Chief Calistus Nwachukwu, who spoke with newsmen in Port Harcourt yesterday, also debunked insinuations by the three former leaders that the Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, made overtures to them with N20 million to return to the APC.

Nwachukwu said, “This press conference is called because of the unfolding drama that happened yesterday (Saturday) when our former Coordinator, Chief Uchenna Okokoba, the former Vice Chairman, Hon. Wale Ogunbade and former Secretary, Alhaji Yusuf Tanko, went on air on their own to announce their resignation from the forum and from the APC in Rivers State.

“Their decision to resign was

unilateral because they did not consult the executives of the forum, the stakeholders and ethnic leaders of the forum. The decision was for their pecuniary interest.

“Secondly, the forum met this morning (Sunday) and took the following decision; we decided to fill the vacuum by appointing my humble self as Coordinator, Alhaji Ahmed Adisa as Vice Chairman and Mrs. Rabiat Mohammed as Secretary.

Oni Felicitates With Adebayo At 60

BY ALO ABIOLA , Ado Ekiti

Former Ekiti State governor and deputy national chairman (South) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Segun Oni has congratulated the first democratically elected governor of the state, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo who turned 60, yesterday.

Oni, in a statement signed by

his media aide, Mr. Steve Alabi in Ado-Ekiti described Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo as a patriotic and humble leader, whose pioneering legacies laid the foundation for the development being witnessed in the state.

The APC Deputy National Chairman, South said Adebayo, during his period as the state governor proved his love for the state

and Nigeria, as a whole.

He said, “On behalf of the APC in the entire South and Ekiti in particular, myself and my family congratulate the pioneer governor of our dear state, the Fountain of Knowledge and Land of Honour, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo on his 60th birthday.

“I join well-wishers in celebrating a statesman whose life and pol-

itics have been defined by patriotism and humility.

“I want to urge our political leader to remain steadfast to the positive ideals he stands for and continue to support the development of the state and country at large.

“I wish him many more happy, healthy and rewarding years of service to the state and the nation”.

German Envoy Commends NAPTIP On Fight Against Human Trafficking

BY NAN

Germany has commended the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for its fight against human trafficking.

The German Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Beinhard Schlagheack, stated this yesterday during the official presentation of working tools to NAPTIP in Abuja.

Mr Josiah Emerole, head of NAPTIP Press and Public Relations, who disclosed this in a statement, said that Schlagheack also commended the agency on its fight against irregular migration in the country.

Emerole said the Ambassador lauded NAPTIP for implementing the content of the bilateral agreement with his country that bothers on countering human trafficking and

irregular migration.

Recall that the German government had trained Officers of NAPTIP and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) between Oct. 23 and 27, 2018 on “Combating Trafficking in Human Beings.”

He said the envoy commended the evacuation of stranded Nigerians from Libya and the roles of NAPTIP

in rehabilitating the victims.

Emerole said that the Ambassador assured NAPTIP of the continued support of Germany in the fight against human trafficking.

In her response, Director General of NAPTIP, Ms Julie Okah- Donli, thanked the Government of Germany for the donation, saying that the equipment would go a long way to boost the operations of the agency.

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Technology: Former Minister Calls For More Teachers In Arithmetic

BY NAN

Prof. Barth Nnaji, a former Minister of Science and Technology, has advocated for more teachers in arithmetic and other core science subjects at the primary school level to revive science and technology.

Nnaji told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Enugu that “the country is not getting it right on its pursuit for advancement in science and technology.”

The former minister, who was speaking on the low capacity of the country to produce artisans, technicians, technologists and scientists, said if well trained, they could invent things to solve local technical or engineering challenges.

He said although the educational system had gone bad, there were a few states making efforts to revamp the educational sector in their states.

“In primary school, this is where the whole thing starts; you need to have teachers that can read and write and do arithmetic properly and not teachers that will be teaching children incorrect grammar.

“I can tell you that the ugly development is like the prevailing situation now in many state schools.This needs to be corrected.

INEC Registers 118,525 Voters In Katsina State

BY NAN

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has registered no fewer than 118,525 people in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in Katsina State.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Alhaji Jibril Zarewa, disclosed this to newsmen yesterday in Katsina.

Zarewa said that 74,894 of the voters registered were males, while 43,631 were females.

The commissioner said that they were issued with temporary voter cards in the interim and would be given the Permanent Voter Cards (PVC’s) in due course.

He said INEC issued 2,800,000 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to the state.

The commissioner further said that 2,740,000 PVCs had been distributed to the eligible voters across the state, adding that 60,000 persons had not collected theirs.

“We are suspecting that the 60,000 PVCs yet to be collected may belong to the category of voters who may have been transferred out of the state.

“Nonetheless, we ensure that the PVCs are readily available with us in case their owners turn up anytime,’’ he said.

Group of young Almajiris taking their break fast behind Gombe Local Government Secretariat Gombe.

Road Construction: Uyo Residents Laud Gov Udom

BY BERNARD TOLANI DADA, Uyo

Residents of Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital have praised the efforts of Governor Udom Emmanuel in undertaking to build new roads within the metropolis to address flooding and ease the movement of people and goods.

The people expressed their appreciation shortly after the commissioner for works in the state, Mr Ephraim Inyang-Eyen led his team of engineers and journalists to inspect ongoing road projects fi-

nanced by the state government in Uyo and Ibesikpo Asutan local government areas on Saturday.

Linus Udoh, a resident along Afaha Ikot Obio Nkang road said the area had been neglected for over 3 decades and had since lost hope of getting attention despite its closeness to the city centre.

Mercy Udosen, a civil servant said that the road project will ease her movement through Udo Udoma avenue to the state Secretariat.

The team inspected Akpa Ube crescent, off IBB way, Aka com-

munity school road with spur to Aka road, Atlantic Fm road, Ediye street, Stallion hotel road, Udotung Ubo lane, Ntiedo Udosen street, Youth Avenue, All Grace School road, Prof Offiong Street in Shelter Afrique Estate, 5.1km internal roads with Ewet Housing Extension and several others.

The Akwa Ibom works commissioner assured that the over 45 roads completed and under construction in Uyo will be commissioned by the governor May thisyear to mark the governor’s third

year anniversary.

“His Excellency, the governor is very passionate about opening up the state capital, tackling the challenges of flooding and providing alternative routes for the people.

These new road projects are in addition to the old roads we had done in Uyo like the Information drive and the Nsikak Eduok - Ibesikpo drainage project. In May, the governor shall inaugurate these road projects and continue to change the lives of Akwa Ibom people positively”, the commissioner added.

2019: PMB Will Win Borno, Noth East With Landslide - Hon Tijani

BY FRANCIS OKOYE, Maiduguri

The member representing Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) State Constituency at the Borno State House of Assembly (BOSHA),Hon Abubakar Tijani has said that President Muhammadu Buhari will win Borno and other northeastern states in landslide come 2019 presidential election.

The 2019 Aspirant for MMC Federal Constituency for the House of representatives added that the achievements of the Buhari’s administration, such as the fight against insurgency , his doggedness at bringing corrupt elements to their kneels, as well as resolving the herders/ farmers’ conflicts including other Security challenges facing the nation, will speak for him during the election.

He further said that President

Muhammadu Buhari’s rescuing of the economy through vibrant economic policies such as diversification from over dependence on crude oil to mechanization of Agriculture among others will as well be his scoring point.

Hon Tijani who stated this yesterday during an interaction with newsmen in Maiduguri, further noted that , while the previous administration paid lip service to the war against Boko Haram, the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari took the fight with all sincerity, hence the relative peace enjoyed now in Borno which was almost overrun by the terrorists.

“So there is no better time for the people Borno and Northeast to say thank you to Mr President for saving us from the menace of Boko Haram than during the election coming up in 2019. APC will win major

elections in Borno by 100 percent,” he said.

He therefore urged the president to disregard distractions from those who don’t have good intention for the country and contest for the good of the masses.

“I have no choice to this than to heed to their call. A call for service of this nature is not something one should ignore. Haven done it at the state level to their satisfaction, I can also represent them satisfactorily at the National Assembly.

On what different he can make if elected, Hon Tijani further said, “You see, the issue is first, the National Assembly will not be a new place for me. Secondly, I worked there right from 2001 up to 2009 as legislative Assistant of the senate committee on Environment. So, it is familiar place and I know the intrigues of the National Assembly.

“Apart from this , I also possess the qualities of coming up with motions , bills and what ever it takes to fight the cause of my people.

This is why they took the stand, seeing my performance and quality representation at the State House Of Assembly from 2011 to 2015 and 2015 to date.

On how prepared is the APC in Borno for the 2019 elections and its chances at the polls, the Chairman, Abubakar Tijani Humanitarian Foundation said the party is well prepared , saying he can attest to it going by the membership drive of the Party , acceptability to the electorates , the performance of the Governor , Kashim Shettima who despite the megre resources at his disposal ,coupled with the Boko Haram insurgency, has been able to carry out various giant developmental strides in the state.

Total E&P Skills Acquisition Graduates Gets Starter Packs

BY BERNARD TOLANI DADA, Uyo

Total Nigeria Plc has given out starter packs to over 114 youths trained under its 11th batch 2018 Trainees Skills Acquisition Programme (SAP) in Akwa Ibom state.

Presenting the starter packs to the beneficiaries weekend at Government Office Annex in Uyo, the deputy managing director of Total E&P Port Harcourt District, Mr. François Le-Coco said the programme is a practical demonstration of one of the cardinal corporate responsibility principle of the Company and her

joint venture to support the sustainable socio-economic development in its host communities.

According to him the youths are screened and selected for training placements in certified training centers while training materials and allowances are provided to them and their trainers to ensure that they are well equipped with the necessary learning tools.

He explained that close monitoring by the Stakeholders Consultative Committee, which comprises of the community leaders, representatives and Total Nigeria Plc,

ensure beneficiaries remain committed to successfully completing their training.

The company’s advisor, Community Affairs and Development Mr Aniefiok Akpan, who represented the deputy managing director explained that the programme is a premium human capacity development of the NNPC/TEPNG designed to create jobs for the participants graduate of the scheme with the aim of also laying the foundation for the potential creation of additional sustainable jobs within the local economy.

While congratulating the graduands he urged them to commit themselves to continuous learning and development as the business environment changes frequently and be updated in knowledge..

The skills acquisition programme is a sustainable youth development program designed to empower less privileged youths of the affiliate’s host communities.

The youths are trained in vocations of their choice which include welding and fabrication, fashion designing, computer studies, and hair dressing.

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BRINGING THE SOUTH-WEST TO YOU

SMARTNEWS Lagos Resident Petitions Police Over Harassment , Intimidation

BY ISMAILA OGUNTADE, Lagos A Lagos Resident Engineer Dickson Onome has petitioned the Nigeria police over harassment and intimidation he and his family have suffered from police officers.

Onome , a Sailor in a petition written by his Lawyer, Mr. Oyeleke Oyeniran, dated December 20, 2017 and received on January 3rd, 2018 by the Assistant inspector General of police, ( AIG), zone 2, onikan, Lagos, alleged that Mr. Ifeanyi Nwokolobia had cultivated the habit of using the police to harass and intimidate people in the neighbourhood.

He further alleged that after unleashing terror on his neighbours with the help of police operatives from Idimu Area 'M' and the monitoring unit of zone 2 commands, he comes around to boast of incentives given to the police officers to oppress innocent citizens.

Onome said, "Time is ripe for the states authorities and unbiased security agencies to properly investigate the activities of Mr. Nwokolobis and his cohort.

"The young man came into our peaceful area about two years ago and completed his mansion under six months and ever since then, he has been tormenting and terrorising the neighbourhood with his boys whose source of living are unknown to us."

Lamenting, Onome said when his excesses were unbecoming at a time, they were forced to arrest him, "Since then police officers from ldimu and Zone 2 have been terrorising us just because lfeanyi Nwokolobia openly boasted that he has spent over N5 million to buy the entire police command over.”

Another resident, Mr. Gbenga Adeoye, told our correspondent that police operatives from the General investigation Department at Alagbon close, lkoyi Lagos, under Deputy Commissioner of police (DC), Mr. Abutu yaro, had in may, 2017 stormed Nwokolobia's house at 10 odukoya street and 19 salawu street, off idowu street, Ajegunle with search warrant and whisked him away.

When our correspondent contacted Nwokolobia, he denied being a ritualist as being insinuated by other residents, saying, "I am a licensed clearing agent at Apapa. I am not a ritualists. I have only seen Onome once and may not recognize him if I see him.”

He confirmed that police officers from Alagbon last year arrested and searched his home over a whistle blower report, saying nothing incriminating was found.

9 Deaths, 102 Cases Recorded In Ondo Lassa Fever Outbreak

BY TOPE FAYEHUN, Akure Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu at the weekend revealed that no fewer than nine people have died as a result of the outbreak of Lassa Fever in the state.

The governor disclosed this during a state wide broadcast on Lassa Fever outbreak in the state said a total of 102 suspected cases of Lassa have been reported in eight local government areas of the state.

Akeredolu said out of the figure, 36 of the 79 cases with laboratory results have been confirmed including nine deaths.

He said at present 127 Hospital Contacts and 308 Community Contacts were line-listed in all the affected Local Government Areas while thirty have completed their follow-up.

According to him, patients are being managed at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, while confirmatory tests are done at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State.

While speaking on the effort of his administration to contain the spread of the disease, Akeredolu said an Emergency Preparedness and Response Team has been reactivated at both the state and local government levels in addition to active surveillance and contact tracing in the affected Local Government Areas.

He added that sensitization and community mobilization are going on in all Local Government Areas for traditional rulers, religious leaders, political leaders, market women and other stakeholders.

“Publicity is also ongoing through radio jingles, radio and television discussions in our media houses. Information, Education and Communication materials such as handbills, flyers and posters have been produced and these are being distributed.

"Vehicles have been dedicated for transportation of samples and referred patients to Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospitals, Irrua, Edo State just as the Infectious Disease Isolation Unit at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo has been expanded.”

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (right), presenting a souvenir to Director General of Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Mr. Babatunde Irukera during his courtesy visit to the Governor at Lagos House, Ikeja. PHOTO BY KOLAWOLE

Again, Ambode Warns Youths Against Cultism

BY GEORGE OKOJIE, Lagos Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has warned youths in the state against all forms of cultism and hooliganism, saying it is high time they embraced good behaviour.

The governor spoke at the weekend during the installation and presentation of staff of office to two traditional rulers in the state.

The traditional rulers are Oba Muritalab Ogun-Oloko, Adeori –Okin1, the Olu of Iwaya, held at the Yaba Local Council Development Area, Yaba and the installation of Oba Taiwo Gbadamosi, Apekun-Joye I, Onitomu of Ito-Omu, gld at Ito-Omu Playing Ground, Epe area of Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.

Ambode who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Muslim Folami said cultism and hooliganism were bad habits that no youth should emulate but avoid them in totality.

The governor also urged traditional rulers in the state to ensure they safeguard government properties within their domains and environs.

He appealed to the monarchs to join hands with the government in protecting

government property in their areas for the betterment of the society, According to him, the government was bent on delivering the dividends of democracy to the people at the grassroots, which informed the reason why his administration was running an inclusive government to bring government nearer to the people.

Ambode said traditional rulers must be the harbinger of peace in their domains, adding that government had been doing a lot to empower the people through small and medium scale enterprises.

The governor also appealed to residents of Lagos to embrace the Cleaner Lagos Iniatiative, CLI in order to ensure a cleaner city and urged them to desist from dumping refuse in unapproved places.

Taking stock, Ambode disclosed that his administration, since inception, had installed 21 obas and 128 baales and chiefs while 12 obas were reclassified across the State.

Also speaking, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, Mr Fola Padonu said the installation of the new monarchs were in line with the registered declaration regulating the selection of the stool.

Adeboye Backs Cleaner Lagos Initiative

BY TAIWO OGUNMOLAOMILANI, Lagos The sanitation department of Redeem Christian Church of God (RCCG) has thrown its weight behind the Cleaner Lagos Initiative by launching its own platform to keep Lagos clean.

This was unveiled yesterday by the wife of the General Overseer of RCCG, Mrs. Foluke Adeboye at the region one thanksgiving service tagged, 'The Outpouring' held at Tafa Balewa Square, Lagos.

Mrs. Adeboye flanked by her husband RCCG General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye expressed joy towards the initiative, appealing to congregation to support it in cash and kind.

She said cleanliness is next to Godliness, saying people must ensure that they keep their environment clean.

It would be recalled that Lagos State Government is doing everything possible to evacuate mound of filth and refuse in the state.

Lawmaker Tasks Parents On Quality Education

BY YUSUF BABALOLA, Lagos A member of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Rita Orji has urged parents to bequeath quantity education to their children.

This was contained in a statement made available to LEADERSHIP issued at the weekend by his media adviser Paul Ikherovba .

According to the member representing

Ajeromi-Ifelodun Federal Constituency and Chairperson Diaspora Committee said that giving children qualitative education is the greatest investment parents must undertake in life.

Hon Orji who donated two buses to her constituency tagged: Hon. Rita Goes to School said the bus will enable school children to have a free ride to school in Ajegunle and its environs.

According to her, the free bus ride

project is to ease the problem of transport faced by students in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area. These buses will be stationed strategically to pick school children in Ajegunle by 7am to and from school – Monday to Friday.

Hon. Rita Orji further explained that the free bus ride project will relieve parents of the expenses incurred in transporting their children to school and other minor educational expenses,

adding that it is intended to encourage and motivate students to study hard in school. She noted that what she is doing today, they too can likewise do better in the future.

Orji also visited residents of Zumuratu Rasheed, who were victims of fire incident at Ojo Road, Ajegunle and gave them building materials such as Cements, Nails, Zincs, Beds and other items as aid for rebuilding their burnt houses.

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2018 Budget: FG Goes Tough On MDAs Over Procurement Breaches

BY RICHARD NDOMA, CALABAR

The federal government through the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has warned that it will no longer tolerate any act of lawlessness whereby its Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), do fail to adhere or comply with the statutory requirement for procurement planning procedures.

The director-general, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Surveyor Mamman Ahmadu gave the warning at the Procurement Retreat for Federal Permanent Secretaries in Calabar at the weekend.

Ahmadu also said the practice has made the MDAs to underperform.

According to him, the practice has robbed the government of vital data that could have been used for proper planning and development.

He said: “Compliance by the MDAs to procurement planning requirement is abysmally low despite the enormous benefits of preparing procurement plans.’’

He stated that the federal government has

placed the performance of its MDAs below 50 per cent as at last year. He said such a performance is completely unacceptable and hopes to correct the anomaly in the 2018 fiscal year by laying emphasis on procurement planning and conducting a procurement surveillance to monitor implementation.

He also said that in addition to the measures put on ground to correct the anomaly, the government through the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) shall not issue a “Certificate of No Objection” for projects that are not found in the procurement plans submitted by the MDAs “The refusal of the MDA’s to comply with the statutory requirements for a procurement plan has overtime denied the bureau of vital data that inhibits its capacity to conduct adequate planning.

“Some MDAs do not adhere to procurement planning procedures and have not performed very well; the highest performance which is 50% is not good enough. MDAs are expected to adhere to procurement planning requirements because we want resources to be spent for the good

of all.

“Capital expenditures is going downwards while recurrent expenditures is going upwards and so we are looking forward to a reversal of that this fiscal year through procurement planning”.

Justifying the importance of the retreat, the director general stated that most of the permanent secretaries present at the retreat were fresh and have not attended procurement retreat adding that it was the first time for the permanent secretaries to attend such a retreat adding that the retreat will provide an opportunity for the first timers to sharpen their skills on the best procurement practices so that they can deliver to the country what they are supposed to do in the best possible way.

In her remarks, the Head of Service of the Federation, Winifred Oyo Ita charged Nigeria civil servants to stand firm when it comes to issues that has to do with following due process adding that individuals and institutions who hope to do business with the federal government must play by the rules of the game instead of trying to cut corners.

NNRC Commends Passage Of PIGB

BY CHIKA IZUORA, Lagos

The Nigeria Natural Resource Charter (NNRC), has commended the National Assembly for the passage of the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB), and said it will be of national interest for the president to sign the bill into law.

Speaking on the development, the programme coordinator of the NNRC, Ms. Tengi George-Ikoli said that in spite of the prolonged delay in the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, it is nonetheless an important step.

She highlighted that the national assembly must now prioritize the fiscal component of the PIB to encourage increased investments in the nation’s petroleum sector to improve her competitiveness on the

world stage.

She said: “The overarching importance of this development to the oil and gas sector cannot be over emphasized.

From the NNRC’s point of view, there is no better time than now, especially with the government’s commitment towards economic diversification, greater private sector participation, openness and accountability, inclusivity and environmental remediation, all encapsulated within the 12 Precepts of the Nigeria Natural Resource Charter (NNRC) Framework”. ‘‘The absence of a functional petroleum sector has reportedly cost the Nigerian economy significantly as it is estimated that the country has lost over $200 billion in revenues over the years. If Nigerians are to benefit from the natural

resource endowments, the role of a functional legal framework cannot be down-played’’ According to her, with the new governance law for the industry, these huge revenue losses to the nation as a result of process lapses will be strictly limited if not eliminated.

The bill, the first of four relating to the petroleum industry, promises to revolutionize the way in which is the oil and gas sector is governed and are designed to curb the high levels of corruption associated with the sector by introducing more transparency and accountability measures.

One notable change under the PIGB is the break-up of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the creation of several new organizations. These include a National Petroleum Company

Heritage Bank Partners MultiChoice For BBNaija Season 3

BY BUKOLA IDOWU, Lagos

Sequel to a successful outing of season two of the Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) last year, Heritage Bank Plc, has again partnered with MultiChoice Nigeria Limited, owners of the DSTV and GOTV brands to bring the third season of the entertainment to viewers across Africa and beyond.

The Big Brother Naija 2018 was launched on Sunday night with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu as the host with 20 house mates battling for the winning prize of N45 million.

The prize also includes a cash gift of N25 million and SUV among others. The theme of this year’s edition is “Double Wahala.”

The host said one of the

innovation in this season was that viewers could give housemates secret tasks to do and some lucky viewers could win cash prizes of N1 million during the duration of the show.

The house mates will stay at the Big Brother House for the next 85 days to entertain viewers and the show promises to show case a lot of drama, intrigues and romance.

Speaking at the live streaming of the opening session in Lagos at the weekend, Mr. Fela Ibidapo, group head, corporate communications of Heritage Bank said, “When the last season of the reality show was about to start, some of us did know what we were getting into.

We are back here again because last year was successful.’’

He said Heritage Bank believe

in creativity and innovation and expressed appreciation to MultiChoice for the opportunity to be part of this edition of the show. About 20 house mates were invited to the house in the third season of the show which began last Sunday night, with four of them debuting in a reality show for the first time in their lives. This is an increase of over 12 people that participated in last year’s edition.

The new comers are Nina Chinoso, 21 years- old, Vanessa Williams aka Vandora from Edo State, Teddy A, 29 years old and Kelvin Burle aka K-Brule, 23 years-old.

The others are Alexandria (a lady) 22, Adedayo Adewunmi aka Dee-One, a comedian; Princess Onyejekwe 25, Miracle Igbekwe, a pilot and model.

(NPC), which will handle state stakes in upstream ventures, and Nigeria Petroleum Assets Management (NPAM), which will administer government interests in offshore productionsharing contracts among other responsibilities.

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Nnewi Automobile/ Ancillary Roundtable, Trade Fair Begin

BY ANTHONY AWUNOR

Arrangements have been concluded for the take-off of the first Nnewi automobile/ ancillary industry roundtable and trade fair coming up on Wednesday, 7th February, 2018 in the sprawling industrial town of Nnewi.

The 3-day event which commences from Wednesday, is expected to bring together key players in the nation’s automobile industry.

The roundtable and trade fair are also expected to bring to the fore, key challenges confronting promoters in that segment of the nation’s real sector.

The Roundtable and trade fair are being put together by the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), the national Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) in collaboration with the office of Chris Azubogu, a member of the Federal House of Representatives, representing Nnewi North/ South and Ekwusigo Federal constituency.

Azubogu, disclosed that

the round-table is part of the on-going zonal intervention programme purposely designed to align with the National Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) as particularly reflected in the new National Automotive Industry Policy (NAIP).

He further disclosed that the three-day event is geared towards coordinating the actualization and investment efforts aimed at integrating both Domestic Direct Investment (DDI) and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) prospects of Nnewi Special Economic Zone (NSEZ).

The lawmaker noted that as a trained and practicing engineer, his focus has been on infrastructure deficit and the negative impact it has wielded in the overall development of his constituency in particular and the country in general.

He regretted that in spite of the huge contributions of Nnewi to the industrial growth of the country, government has not done much for the development of commerce and industry in the city either by infrastructural development or by policy formulation.

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GROUP POLITICS EDITOR: MUYIWA OYINLOLA 08054701492 (SMS ONLY )

Issues As APC Joins Clamour For Restructuring

In this piece, GABRIEL EMAMEH writes on the recently released report of the governing APC committee on restructuring, noting that the report is coming at a time there is clamour for the party to up its game if it desires to return to power next year

B

arely 48 hours after former President Olusegun released a press statement on the state of the nation that sent a shockwave across the country, the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) committee on restructuring chaired by Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai came up with its report on restructuring of the country.

Obasanjo had in his statement called on President Buhari to forget a second term ambition, pointing out that the current administration has failed Nigerians. The former President even went as far as proposing a Third Force agenda which he said could be a panacea to the real change the country desires.

The octogenarian ruled out both the ruling APC and the resurgent PDP as alternatives to rescue the country.

Political analysts have observed that Obasanjo’s statement might have sent shivers down the spine of the ruling party, forcing it to wake up to reality. While it can’t be ruled out that the report of the Governor Nasir el-Rufai-led restructuring committee was a step geared towards true federalism, an idea which clamour gained currency in early 2017. People are however sceptical as to the timing and purpose on the side of the ruling party, saying it was too late in the day, but the report has also received commendation from some Nigerians.

However, the sudden release of the report and recommendation for restructuring has raised eyebrows in some quarters

PMB On Restructuring President Buhari had in 2016 in a newspaper interview to mark his first anniversary in office, said the 2014 National Constitutional Conference conveyed by his predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan, would remain in the archives.

In Mr President’s words: “I never liked the priority of that government on that particular issue, because it meant that what the National Assembly could have handled was handed to the conference.…’’.

Also, the Chairman of the APC committee on restructuring, Governor el-Rufai had in 2107 when the agitation for restricting took the centre stage described those calling for restructuring as political opportunists who knew nothing about the concept but taking advantage of the situation in the country to gain cheap political popularity, though the Kaduna State Governor didn’t ruled out his party’s commitment towards restructuring.

However, the sudden release of the report and recommendation for restructuring has raised eyebrows in some quarters. This was com-

Oyegun

ing when most Nigerians had expressed disappointment on the performance of President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC. It was coming when the President’s anti-corruption campaign has become questionable.

It was coming when Nigerians had accused him of nepotism and laidback approach to critical national matters.

Some are worried if this is only a ruse meant to up the president falling popularity. What is more of concern is that electioneering period is almost at the gestation stage and it might be a replication of what played out during the Jonathan’s administration when the government promised to implement the 2014 Confab if elected.

Of course he was never elected and the report is now assumed to be of the archives. Who knows if that of the APC would find itself in the archives tomorrow just like those before it. These are the fears, even when it is still believed that the president may distance himself from the steps taking by his towards restructuring same way he did to some of the party’s campaign promises.

The el-Rufai-led committee had in the report it submitted to the National Chairman of the party, John Odigie-Oyengu, on Thursday January 23, 2018 alighted steps to be taken and recommended among others; resource control, making local government an affair of states, constitutional amendment to allow merger of states, state police, state court of appeal and independent candidacy.

Recall that the committee was set up in August 2017 to formulate the

Obasanjo

position of the APC on true federalism with a 10-man committee constituted but this was later expanded to 23 members.

The mandate of the committee, according to the report, was to make clear the true intent and definition of true federalism, to study the reports various national conferences, especially that of 2014; and come up with recommendations.

While presenting the report at the party’s national secretariat, Mr. elRufai said eight thousand and fourteen engaged in the process of their research and that Nigerians are keener on twenty four issues. The committee had out of the twenty four items made recommendations on thirteen, which has four volumes.

He said, “After four months of rigorous research, we are pleased to inform the chairman that we have completed our assignment and are here to present our report. Our report is in four volumes,” said Mr el-Rufai.

“The report is in four volumes with Volume One containing background information of the research and recommendations; Volume Two, Action plans from the research to implement its resolution and draft of bills; Volume Three, Media reports and the result of the online survey of the issue; and Volume Four, the appendix- summary of all memoranda received.

“I’ll like to highlight some principal recommendation by the committee. We articulated fourteen issues re-occurring in previous conferences.

“At the end of our rigorous re-

search, debates and deliberations, we came up with twenty four items that Nigerians have indicated interest views that balance our federation.

“These items are; creation of states, merger of states, delegation principle, fiscal federalism, devolution of power and resources between state, federal and local governments, federating units, form of government, independent candidacy, land tenure system, local government autonomy, power sharing and rotation, resource control, types of legislature, demand for affirmation for vulnerable groups;people with disabilities, women and youth, ministerial appointment, citizenship, state constitution, community participation, minimum wage, governance, judiciary, state re-alignment and border adjustment, circular status of the federation; and referendum.

“We articulated only thirteen issues from the various opinions expressed by Nigerians in our engagement, identified these twenty four issues for which the committee deliberated and has made recommendations in the report.

“We went ahead to look at these recommendations to convert them into concrete actions that the party, government and the national assembly can take to re-balance our federation While receiving the report, Chief Oyegun commended the effort of the committee, saying that his party is a listening party and would put ➔ CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE

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22 POLITICS INTERVIEW

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Issues As APC Joins Clamour For Restructuring He said there was no need for the setting up of committee, but ’’what he (Governor Dickson) should do is when the issue comes to the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, he should help us to appeal to his legislators.’’ He added it must not be like what transpired in the various state assemblies where the debate for local government autonomy was slain on arrival. ’’So these governors should rally round their legislators and tell them it is germane that we amend certain parts of the constitution for the growth, development and welfare of the country. It is not about committee.

➔ FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

everything it cost not to disappoint Nigerian “Today, we have a report produced by some of the most intelligent, young Nigerians dealing with the most fundamental challenges.

“The concept is accepted, the need for it is accepted but what exactly do we mean. Are we talking on a federation based on eight zones, six zones or what?

From the presentation of the chairman of this committee, everyone now has an idea of what the APC stands for when you say true federalism”, he said.

“It is still going to go through the mill but what I will promise you, Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, for you hard work that you have put in for four to five months, is that this report is going to get expeditious consideration by the party.”

“I am going to promise that before the middle of February, it would have been considered and decided upon by the various structures of the party.

“The NEC and the Caucus of the party and whatever is there after will be presented to the authorities as the considered view and decision of the APC for appropriate implementation.”

Engr. Sani also said that the restructuring report was cooked up by hired persons to shift focus away from the content of former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s letter

It can’t be an APC affair but Nigerians- Dickson In a recent press conference addressed by the Governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson, the Governor called on the APC to set up a Multi-party C ‎ ommittee to consult widely and fast-track the process of implementation of recommendations of the Governor Nasir El-Rufai-led Committee on restructuring.

He commended the effort of the Governor El-Rufai led-committee and suggested that the APC ensure the implementation of the proposals before the 2019 general elections.

“What the APC‎ committee on restructuring did was quite surprising, quite unexpected and a welcome development.

This is one of the fundamental proposals on constitution reform.‎ I appreciate and commend their patriotism. ’’We have to jointly engage our National Assembly members to consider it and pass it to Mr. President for approval.

It’s a national issue. We need a more equitable, free, fair and prosperous Nigeria. ’’We encourage them t‎ o see the proposal through. After all, they control the two chambers of the National Assembly.

We cannot give up now, we need to save Nigeria. ’’The recommendations of the committee make a lot of sense. I support them and we are ready to partner with them.

“I call for a Multi-Party Committee to discuss, agree and work on draft bills so that we can present this to the National Assembly and mobilise so that before the next elections we shall drive these issues home for a stable Nigeria,” the governor said.

No need for multi-party committee – APC During a popular radio programme, Political Platform, on Ray Power FM monitored by Leadership, a chieftain of the ruling party, Mr Osita Okechukwu while reacting to Governor Dickson’s position on a multi-party committee, said it was pointless setting new committee.

He said the party has done its part and it was left for governors to work with their state assemblies to ease the passage of the amendments.

el-Rufai

Dickson

’’We started with our manifesto and in our manifesto; we said we are interesting in the devolution of power from the centre to the unit. What we are saying essential is that we are dispose to the restructuring of the country.

The Nasir El-Rufai committee has done a good job to respond to the Nigerian electorates, said Mr Osita who said President Buhari was no longer a military head of state but a democrat who is committed to thee political development of the country.

On the issue of multi-party committee suggested by Governor Dickson, he said, ’’for God sake we have a structure; we have a structure called the state house of assemblies and the national assembly with Mr President. Because the issue is very clear how amendment can be done.

UPP throws weight behind Governor Dickson’s position The United Progressive Party, UPP, has called on the ruling APC to allow space for a multi-party coalition with like minds. The party said it is ’’what is required now to bring about change that the country is in dare need of’’.

In a telephone interview with WEEKEND Leadership, the National Chairman of the party, Chief Chekwas Okorie, posited that it was ideal to bring political parties with similar ideologies but that doesn’t necessary meant a merger. ’’It should not be the kind of merger that brought APC into power which turned out to be a gartering of strange bed fellows. So what we are advocating is a coalition, not a merger, of a couple of political parties that believe in something similar. ’’These parties must believe in the restructuring of Nigeria, they must believe in the devolution of power, in resource control, in state police and in community policing, in even referendum should the need arises.

“All of these things are contained in the constitution of federal government all over the world. This should be the guiding principles of parties that are coming up to form government, Chief Chekwas advocated. ’’How do you identify such parties? It must not be by the rhetoric of its leadership but there must be clear provisions in their parties manifesto and the objective principles of their constitution. That is the only way you can say those parties have social contract with the Nigerian people. ’’I support a coalition of parties because one party cannot do it alone but it must a coalition of parties of like minds, said Chief Okorie who condemned in strong terms the idea of political parties’ merger. He said it has worked during the Second Republic where an accord in which the NPP and NPM came together to form a government. ’’It was stable and broad based understanding and it was balance to a large extent’’’, he said.

He advised that political parties in Nigerian should adopt a template like what is practised in some government in the world. ’’When you go out of this country, what you have in Germany is a coalition government led by the CDU Christian Democratic Union and SDP, Social Democratic Party. You go further into Spain, it is coalition government, even in Britain it is a coalition government between the Conservative and the Liberals. In Israel it is the same. So it is a trending thing, not the issue of the winner takes all just like what we see in a multi-ethnic and cultural society like Nigeria.

Restructure postulation a ruse –ADP

On its part, the Action Democratic Party (ADP) has described as ruse the restructuring posture by the All Progressives Congress, APC. The party said it was a bait to shift attention from the ruling party’s numerous gaffes targeted at winning back public confidence as elections draw closer.

In a statement made available to journalists, the National Chairman of the party, Engr. Yusuf Yabaji Sani, said, “They rode on the back of great promises in 2015 without clearly fulfilling any till date. Now again, as we enter election year, they are coming up with what many of them strongly condemned and opposed’’.

Engr. Sani also said that the restructuring report was cooked up by hired persons to shift focus away from the content of former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s letter.

“Instead of trying to deceive and hoodwink Nigerians again, the APC should rather apologise to ex-President Jonathan for getting him changed on a phantom promise of change.

“Nigerians should not believe them.

The APC does not believe in state merger, resource control or state police. They are pathological liars’, added.

A senior legal practitioner, Bar. Ismail Olokun has described the ruling as a body lacking principles and further accused the party of double standard. Why the 2014 confab conveyed by Jonathan’s administration was outrightly rejected and now the same party took a swift u-turn to revisit the report for direction, such could be best be described as being hypocritical. ’’First principles; what is the difference between what was recommended and the outcome of President Jonathan’s National Conference, which the APC boycotted? This is rank hypocrisy. It reinforces my view that the PDP and APC are two sides of the same coin. ’’The difference if any is that the power or governing elite when it pleases them only change platforms to actualize not only the continued subjugation of our people but also the perfection of the mechanisms for plundering our commonwealth.

Mr. Olokun further throw weight behind Governor Saraki’s suggested for an all-inclusive committee from the various political parties in the country to review that recommendation made by the Governor El-Rufai led committee. ’’There can never be one perfect way to deal with such matters. The Jonathan confab was no different from others before it. It was an aggregation of the critical sections that constitute Nigeria. ’’Government is a continuum. Only in Nigeria do successive governments jettison the policies of its predecessors whether they are Good or not.

“If GEJ has not played politics with it, the proper thing was to send its recommendations to the National Assembly for purposes of constitutional amendment/ alteration. That would have been the right thing to do and still is the right thing to do, he said.

Like other Nigerians, he had also questioned the timing and motives. ‘’This APC thought process is a knee jerk reaction and coming too late in the day In any event like I said there is nothing markedly different from the confab recommendations except perhaps the issue of Referendum which I assure you will be defeated on the floor of the National Assembly as presently constituted.

Monday, February 5, 2018

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capital

THE NATION’S

NEWS AROUND THE CAPITAL CITY

Bwari Crisis: FCTA Relaxes Curfew, As Normalcy Returns

Senator Maina Charges Board Members On Due Process

BY DAVID ADUGE-ANI

BY DAVID ADUGE-ANI The secretary, Education Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory (FCTA), Senator Isa Maina has charged members of the newly inaugurated boards of the FCT Secondary Education Board (FCT-SEB) and the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (FCT-UBEB), to follow due process and extant rules and regulations in all their official assignments and financial transactions.

Speaking during a post inaugural meeting with board members of both agencies at the secretariat headquarters, Maina reiterated his intentions to address critical areas of the education sector in the FCT; especially the primary and post primary sectors which he said require a lot of attention.

He reminded them about the anti-corruption stance of the FCT minister and urged them not to allow personal friendships or political affiliations to influence their official decisions.

Maina further charged the board members to work closely with the staff of both agencies, just as he assured them that his doors where always open to them at all times.

Responding, the chairman of the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), Dr. Kabir Matazu, assured the secretary that members would take heed to all the advice he had given.

Matazu also assured the secretary that members shared his vision for the development of education in the FCT and would key into the agenda of the FCT Administration in this regard.

Also speaking, the chairman of the Secondary Education Board (SEB), Hon. Musa Yahaya, promised to follow due process in all his official assignments and pledged the cooperation of all the new board members to the development of the secondary education sector of the FCT.

Board members of FCT Universal Basic Education Board (FCT-UBEB), in a group photograph in Abuja, recently.

FCTA To Vaccinate 620, 000 Children Against Measles

BY DAVID ADUGE-ANI The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) said it would vaccinate over 620, 000 children, between the ages of 9 months to 5 years, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), against measles disease.

Briefing newsmen on the 2018 measles follow-up campaign, scheduled for February 8th to 20th, in the FCT, the secretary of FCTA Health and Human Services Secretariat (HHSS), Barrister Elizabeth Amanda Pam, said that the campaign shall take place in all the 62 wards of the territory.

Represented by Dr. Bamidele Babade, a director in the secretariat, Pam added that Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities, outreach sites, public hospitals, offering routine immunization services, would be used as vaccination posts.

She explained that the reasons for the 2018 vaccination campaign is as a result of an upsurge in measles cases, particularly in the last quarter of 2016 and first quarter of 2017, as well as poor routine coverage and outbreaks.

The secretary noted that Nigeria implemented the catchup campaign in 2005, 2006 and a follow-up campaign in 2008, 2011, 2013 and 2015, adding that the 2018 campaign is needed to curb the 2016 and 2017 pockets of measles outbreak in the country.

She continued: “Incidentally, these campaigns have not met the required coverage target of 95%. In the 2015 campaign, the national average was 84.5% - Not good enough to reduce the burden of the disease. So measles cases/ incidence and outbreaks continued till date.”

Pam stated that Nigeria would

need to achieve and maintain 95 per cent vaccination coverage against the disease, within each local government area, through routine and supplementary immunization campaigns, to reach the goal of measles elimination in the country.

Earlier in a welcome address, acting secretary, FCT Primary Health Care Board (FCT-PHCB), Dr. Matthew Ashikeni had explained that the measles campaign was meant to give children of FCT full protection, against measles, which, according to him, is a very deadly disease that could lead to complications.

Ashikeni gave an assurance that the campaign would achieve 100 per cent coverage, adding, “We are sensitizing, moblising, educating and ensuring that the people of FCT admit that immunization is important, saves lives, protective, safe and free.”

Residents Need Reorientation To Keep Clean Environment – Aipoh

BY CECILIA OGEZI

The All Progressives Congress (APC) woman leader in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hailmary Aipoh, has called for reorientation programmes for residents of Abuja to preserve and keep their environment clean and conducive.

In an interview with LEADERSHIP at the weekend,

Aipoh decried the poor state of the environment, noting that it was important to sensitize residents on the need to maintain a healthy environment.

The APC woman leader, who was recently appointed into the board of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) by the FCT minister, Muhammad Musa Bello, also expressed concern

over the present state of Abuja environment.

She pointed out that generating revenue in the agency would ensure that levies and taxes are channeled towards raising the standard of parks around the capital city, noting that the parks can only be put to good use if they are made conducive to serve people of the areas, where they are located.

Satisfied by the visible signs of normalcy, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, has relaxed the 6pm to 6am curfew imposed in Bwari town.

Bello, who made the declaration after a security review meeting on the situation on ground in the town, disclosed that the curfew has been relaxed from 10pm to 5am.

Represented by the secretary, FCTA Area Councils Services Secretariat (ACSS), Malam Adamu Bappah, the minister, commended all the security operatives and stakeholders for their efforts in working towards the restoration of peace in the town.

He appealed to residents, community leaders and faithbased organizations to work towards the final return of peace to the town, adding that it is only then would peace and development come to the community.

The minister also called on all the residents to be alert to their neighbourhoods and to report all suspicious movements to the security agencies, just as he praised them for being law abiding and supportive of the efforts of the administration to ensure that normalcy returned to the town Earlier, the chairman of Bwari area council, Hon. Musa Diko, had assured that the security agencies would intensify joint patrols in the various neighbourhoods and contiguous border towns, as well as synergize and share information with their colleagues in Niger, Kaduna and Nasarawa states.

The various security agencies such as the Guards Brigade, the Police, Department of State Security and the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) also indicated their preparedness to deal with any situation likely to lead to a breach of peace.

Education Secretary Advocates Capacity Building For Teachers

BY TARKAA DAVID The secretary, Kuje area council Local Education Authority (LEA), Comrade Danladi Bulus has advocated constant capacity building for teachers, at all levels to enhance teaching and learning.

Bulus noted that through capacity building,

teachers and students would be equipped with the current realities in the education sector, especially at the early stages of children education.

He disclosed that the LEA has made arrangements to hold workshop for all teachers and other staff of the education secretariat, adding that the programme was part of his

administration’s commitment to ensuring that the standard of education in the council is upheld.

The education secretary maintained that the training workshop would soon kick-off across the 10 political wards of the council, adding that training would be done, based on group arrangement, to ensure that all staff benefit from

the exercise.

He disclosed that there was no going back on redeployment of teachers, especially those who have stayed more than four to five years in an area, adding that the transfer exercise was meant to promote standard, through exchange of ideas by people from different disciplines.

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business Monday, February 5, 2018

NEWS MONEY CAPITAL MARKET INSURANCE INTERVIEW ANALYSIS

INFLATION RATE (%)

OCT NOV DEC

2016 18.3 18.48 18.55

2017 15.91 15.9 15.37

INTER BANK LENDING RATE (AS AT JANUARY 31)

RATE CHANGE (%) ON 5.3000 -0.45 1M 13.8565 -0.36 3M 14.7226 -0.31 6M 16.2564 -0.51

Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (3rd right) with director of Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainable Development Lafarge Africa Plc, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem (left); managing director/chief executive officer, Lafarge Africa Plc, Michel Puchercos (2nd left) and chairman, Board of Directors Lafarge Africa Plc, Mobolaji Balogun (right) during a courtesy visit to the Vice President in Abuja, recently.

FG Pays Marketers N26b For Petroleum Products Transportation

BY FESTUS OKOROMADU, Abuja

The Petroleum Equalisation Fund, an agency of the federal government, has confirmed that it pays out a minimum of N26 billion annually as reimbursement to petroleum product marketers as palliative for transportation.

A source in PEF who craved anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter told LEADERSHIP that the agency pays out a minimum of N500 million weekly to some petroleum products marketers across the country which translate to N26 billion annually.

Although the figures according to the source may vary from time to time, the least amount paid to marketers per is week is N500 million.

The source further disclosed that the agency pay over 15,000 marketGroup Business Editor Bayo Amodu 08118672002 Business Editor (Lagos) Chima Akwaja Assistant Business Editors Kingsley Alu Tony Awunor Correspondent Chika Izuora Reporters Ruth Tene Natsa Bukola Idowu Olushola Bello Suzan Nwachukwu Abah Adah George Okojie Chika Okeke

ers across the country weekly. “When we make payment we deal with more than 15,000 marketers. If we are making payment, you will see that in less than 2 minutes we pay about 15,000 people across every nook and crannies of Nigeria. We pay out over N500 million every week.

“You know in Nigeria people don’t believe that you can pay N50 million without receiving anything, but in this case, you don’t even know who you are paying you are driven by the data,” the source said.

However, PEF’s spokesperson, Dr. Goody Nnaji, refused to confirm the figure, stressing that the agency does not disclose how much it pays to marketers due to the inherent danger in doing so.

According to him, the agency, in sometime past used to publish the payment to marketers but stopped doing so as some marketers said the action exposes them to becoming targets of armed robbers and kidnappers.

The PEF was established by Decree No. 32 of 1975 now cited as Chapter P.11 of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and vested with responsibility of facilitating the sales of petroleum products at government approved prices throughout the country.

The agency implements three schemes aimed at facilitating the distribution of products under which marketers are reimbursed their cost of transportation. The schemes are Bridging, Inter-District and Equalisation scheme.

However, there are indications that the Board of PEF is worried that despite the huge sum of money paid-out

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by government to cushion the effect of product transportation, incidents of diversion remain a major challenge in the downstream sector of the industry.

Explaining how the scheme runs, the source said, the bridging scheme is paid for the movement of products over distances exceeding 450 kilometers. The payment is determined by distance and volume of product moved and it is sourced from a bridging allowance of N5.85 per litre.

According to the source, the Inter-distance scheme is paid for the movement of products between depots over distances less than N450 kilometer and is as well funded from the bridging allowance. The equalisation scheme is paid for the movement of products from primary depots to the retail outlets.

Speaking on the need to ensure that marketers do not divert products, our source said, the agency has proposed to the federal government since 2012 the need to use electronic method in the tracking of trucks conveying petroleum products from depots to retail outlets.

The project which is tagged “Aquila,” is yet to see the light of the day, thus, compelling PEF staff to use manual monitoring system which gives room to manipulations, it was revealed.

“The tracking we do actually is to the station but for now it is still manually operated as it is the filling station manager who signs for the receipt of the product delivered while our officer monitors the delivery to the stations.

“Let me give an example, suppose, a Mobil Filling Station is expect-

ing a truck load of PMS from Lagos, the truck will first go to Suleja where NNPC depot is located and be received but we will not pay him until he sends it to the filling station and the station manager signs what we call ‘Out Come Report,’ to say he has received the truck.

“This is human conformation but what we are working on how is automated conformation that process will even go ahead to verify the quantity that is inside the tank. At that point if a station manager claims not to have fuel in their filling station we can from our office here confirm the authenticity of such statement.

“If we find out there is discrepancy we can call on DPR to make arrest as we don’t have the audacity to do so.

We do collaborate, this more so even as we have to get clearance from DPR before we register anybody. In some cases, DPR will have to sanction some operators. When that happens, they write to us not to make payment to such operators.”

Meanwhile, a document obtained

by LEADERSHIP revealed that the Aquila project was proposed to the House of Representatives Committee on Downstream through the Ministry of Petroleum Resources by the former Executive Secretary of the agency, Mrs. Adefunke Kasali in 2012.

The document revealed that the implementation of the Aquila project will among others, “Enable authentication of bridging transactions and automate proof of delivery of products from originating deport to receiving depot; effective and efficient processing of marketers claims; as well as, automate electronically the recording, transmission, monitoring of white petroleum products delivery at retail outlets.”

It will be recalled that only last week, the Niger State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) announced the seizure of eight trucks by its men in Mokwa, Niger State.

The trucks were said to have a combined capacity of 469,000 litres and were set on cross-border diversion to the Republic of Benin through Babana, a border town of about 700 kilometres from Minna.

Speaking on the incident, the Group Managing Director, NNPC Dr. Maikanti Baru, who commended NSCDC men stated that the arrest of the trucks had vindicated the Corporation’s position that the hiccups in supply and distribution of petrol, had been largely triggered and sustained by the unwholesome practices of some downstream stakeholders who hoard, divert, smuggle across borders and sell products above recommended prices of N145 per litre.

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Business 101 with MBAKAAN KWEN

WAYS TO INCREASE FOOT TRAFFIC IN THE DIGITAL AGE Running a brick and mortar business has never been trickier. The internet, while making shopping easier for millions, has generated less-than-straightforward selling opportunities for physical stores. However, in the mist of digital sales, below are some key ways to increase foot traffic in your outlet; · THINK SMART ADVERT PLACEMENT: No matter how spectacular, an ad can’t do its job if your audience doesn’t see it. The first step to drive foot traffic through advertising is identifying who your audience is and what they do. Once those two key pieces of information are known, then you can begin measuring the advert’s effectiveness. · STEP OUT OF THE STORE: To get people to come to you, sometimes you have to go to them. Think about putting up a stand or passing out samples in dense public areas where your market likely congregates. Face time with potential customers is a great way to build relationships. · HOST EVENTS: Hosting free events is a great way to draw in new crowds and cater to old ones. Whether it’s a ceramic class in your glass studio or a book signing at your book store, events give people an excuse to visit. And they are great PR. Regularly hosting of interesting events that appeal to your target market creates buzz and boosts loyalty. · FOCUS ON YOUR USP: Your unique selling proposition (USP) is an offering or feature that no other business can boast. Most products and services are variations of the same. Rarely does a company ever come up with something no one has ever heard of. To stand out, focus on the one variation that makes what you are selling unique.

If you can’t think of what makes your business unique, think of something you can do differently to stand out.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

The basic and fundamental approach to financial and economic reforms is to reform the basic polity.

Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun

Adeosun

28 NEWS/BUSINESS

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Fayemi Leads Nigerian Delegation To Mining Conference

BY ABAH ADAH, Abuja

L-R: Head of Security, Airtel Nigeria, Oluwaseyi Adetayo; Manager, Talent Sourcing, Airtel Nigeria, Bam Eko Inika, and Human Resources Director, Airtel Nigeria, Gbemiga Owolabi, during the kick-off of the 2018 Airtel HR Week in Lagos.

PHOTO BY KOLAWOLE ALIU.

Adeosun Tasks Treasury Managers On Accountability, Transparency Heads of Finance and Directors of Internal Audit and other stakeholders The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi in national public finance management.

“The basic and fundamental approach Adeosun has emphasised the need for a change in the mindset of public treasury to financial and economic reforms is to managers in order to reform the basic reform the basic polity. Reforms must be impacting and sustainable and should polity of Nigeria.

The Minister also challenged treasury fit into the cultural ethos of Nigeria, managers to ensure transparency and among others,” the Minister, who was accountability in the management and represented by the Director of Special control of the country’s public finance. Projects in the Federal Ministry of She gave the advice at the second Finance, Dr. Mohammed K. Dikwa, said.

Adeosun said: “There is the need to National Treasury Workshop held in evolve a culture which is value-based.

Tinapa, Cross River State.

The workshop was attended by It is expected that this workshop would Directors of Finance and Accounts draw from universal public values such in all Federal and State governments’ as public trust, accountability, equity, Ministries, Departments and Agencies, transparency, ethical standard and

BY MARK ITSIBOR, Abuja

selflessness.”

In her remarks, the finance minister also called for a review of the Finance Control and Management Act of 1958, saying that the law was outdated and weak in instituting greater accountability and transparency in the conduct of government financial businesses The Finance Control and Management Act provides detailed guidelines on control and management of the public finance of the country.

She tasked the nation’s public finance managers to critically examine the Finance Control and Management Act and other related financial issues with a view to addressing some of the inherent deficiencies in the provisions.

5.5m Pupils, 500,000 Unemployed Graduates To Benefit – FG Maryam Uwais, quoting the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) current 18.8 The federal government has revealed unemployment rate, said 82 million that over 500,000 unemployed Nigerians live below the poverty line graduates will be empowered in the which translates into 42.4 per cent of N-Power programme designed to the entire population. engage unemployed graduates, while She said:“10.5 million Nigerian 5.5 million school children will enjoy children are out of school and 20 per cent free meal from the National Home of the World’s out-of-school Children Grown School Feeding Programme are in Nigeria. The National Home Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP).

Speaking at a media interaction’ (NHGSFP) will see 5.5 million school with journalists at the weekend in children fed with nutritious meals.

Lagos, Special adviser to President There are also secondary beneficiaries Muhammadu Buhari on National Social of the programme such as the cooks Investment Protection (N-SIP), Mrs. whom we pay directly and farmers who

BY CHIMA AKWAJA, Lagos

supply the food stuff.

“We researched and found 26 attempts at economic growth in the past but the problems with the past programme has been implementation as federal and state governments scuffled over who has control of the programme. N-Power is a job creation and youth employment programme and our target are 500,000 unemployed graduates; 100,000 artisans; 8 regional innovation hubs for one million primary and secondary students which offers access to computer, training in animation, coding and programming” she said.

Ports: Maritime Union Calls Off Proposed Strike

BY YUSUF BABALOLA, Lagos

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has called off its proposed strike aimed at shutting down the nation’s seaports over the federal government’s inability to repair the failed portions of the roads leading to the ports.

It would be recalled that the MWUN last week vowed to shut down the nation’s seaports over government’s failure to fix dilapidated ports access roads. The union issued a seven-day ultimatum for the removal of abandoned trucks on the Oshodi-Apapa Road, which leads to the Apapa and Tin-Can Ports. It

demanded that roads to the seaports be motorable, failing which members would embark on an indefinite strike, beginning Tuesday, February 6, 2018.

The union said it regretted the depreciation of business activities at the ports, stressing that as a major stakeholder, it found the situation unacceptable. “We are afraid that if things continue like this, it would lead to the retrenchment of workers and we cannot afford to lose any of our members to joblessness,” it said in a statement.

But, speaking exclusively to LEADERSHIP, the President -General of MWUN, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju said the union has relaxed

the ultimatum to shut the port since the federal government has intervened.

Adeyanju said the government has called for an enlarged meeting with other industry stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the dilapidated port roads.

He said: “The federal government has contacted us. They are yet to send letter to us but the meeting is to involve all the stakeholders in the maritime sector, the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Labour, Power Works and Housing.

The minister of labour has intervened and sent letter to us last week. We are only waiting for the date of the enlarged stakeholders meeting to be announced.”

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, is leading the Nigerian delegation to the Investing in African Mining Indaba (the world’s largest mining investment conference, dedicated to the capitalisation and development of mining in Africa) which kicks off in Cape Town, South Africa, today.

The Nigerian delegation comprises critical stakeholders, including officials of the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), officials of some state governments in charge of minerals and mining; financial experts, investors and operators.

The Investing in Mining Indaba, is regarded as the biggest African mining event with significant interests from governments, organisations, financial institutions and investors within and outside the continent.

According to a statement by the Ministry, one major highlight of the

Nigerian government’s participation in this year’s event is the presentation to the global audience of the New Nigeria Airborne Electromagnetic Surveys Results. ‘‘The presentation which will be done by the Minister, would be followed by a technical session featuring global and Nigerian mining experts who would discuss the new electromagnetic survey results. ‘‘The presentation and the technical session are scheduled for Wednesday, at an event designated as Nigerian Day at Mining Indaba 2018, at the Cape Town International Conference Centre, Cape Town,’’ the statement read in part.

Dr Fayemi, last December disclosed that the Ministry had secured the delivery of 26,000 line kilometre of electromagnetic data, following the payment of outstanding fees to the consultant that handled the project. He also said that the ministry would undertake extensive electromagnetic Airborne Geological Survey of promising parts of the country this year, as well as the completion of the National Mineral Database.

World Federation Of Exchanges Lists Fintech, Cybersecurity As Top Priorities

BY OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos with agency report

The World Federation of Exchanges (WFE), the global industry group for exchanges and CCPs, has agreed its 2018 business priorities will focus on areas including regulatory coherence; CCP recovery and resolution issues; cyber security; FinTech; and SMEs. These key business priorities are in addition to the longer-term work the organisation does around understanding, defining and quantifying the economic and social role of exchanges and CCPs; and its role in ensuring the industry continues to remain close to the issues that affect its stakeholders.

The WFE, which represents more than 200 market infrastructures worldwide, will build on its policy and research work across all the priority areas, and will continue to develop industry consensus positions, best practice, standards and industry guidance

throughout 2018, in addition to working on emerging trends. The WFE’s four strategic pillars of advocacy, education, emerging markets and post-trade continue to underpin its work.

The WFE’s 18-member Board and 67-member Working Committee held their first meetings of 2018 in Frankfurt, hosted

by Deutsche Boerse AG, to discuss and agree the ongoing work of the WFE and its forward agenda. Also at the meeting, the WFE admitted two new members: the Nairobi Securities Exchange and China Securities Depositary and Clearing Corporation.

The WFE Board congratulated Wu Qing on his new role as Vice Mayor of the City of Shanghai and thanked him for continuing to serve as Chairman of the WFE. Wu Qing, who remains NonExecutive Chairman of the Shanghai Stock Exchange, will complete his WFE mandate in autumn 2018 at the WFE General Assembly in Athens.

Arik Air Resumes Garden City Express From MMA2 Feb 12

BY ANTHONY AWUNOR, Lagos

Arik Air has concluded arrangements to resume its Garden City Express which enables customers to fly direct to the heart of Port Harcourt City from MMA2 terminal in Lagos.

The daily flight service which commences on February 12, 2018 will depart from Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2) Ikeja, Lagos and arrive at the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) Base Port Harcourt, a 10 minutes’ drive from down town.

Arik Air maintains a well-resourced terminal at NAF Base Port Harcourt and assures passengers of premium customer service.

Commenting on the Garden City Express, Arik Air’s Chief Executive Officer, Captain Roy Ilegbodu said

the service eliminates the almost one hour drive passengers arriving into the International Airport, Omagwa normally endure while traveling to Port Harcourt City.

“We are delighted to offer this premium service to our customers who are time conscious and desire to cut the long drive from Omagwa to Port Harcourt City. This service will offer a great travel experience with our dedicated terminal at NAF Base Port Harcourt and efficient flight crew.”

This is Arik Air’s first and only scheduled flight departing and arriving in MMA2 Lagos.

The Garden City Express is an addition to Arik Air’s three daily flights from Lagos to Port Harcourt International Airport Omagwa.

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BUSINESS/INDUSTRY 29

Dangote Foundation Spends N6.7bn On IDPs In 7 Years

Dangote

BY OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos

The Foundation has been at the forefront of alleviating the conditions of IDPs

The Dangote Foundation has spent N6.7 billion towards alleviating and supporting the plight of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) across the country in seven years.

Dangote Foundation is the private philanthropic foundation of billionaire businessman, Aliko Dangote. It was established with a mission to enhance opportunities for social change through strategic investments that improve health and wellbeing, promote quality education, and broaden economic empowerment opportunities.

The Dangote Foundation was incorporated in 1993 as a charity organization in Lagos, Nigeria and has become the largest private foundation in sub Saharan Africa, with the largest endowment by a single African donor.

The Foundation has been at the forefront of alleviating the conditions of IDPs. In 2011, for instance, the Foundation gave the sum of N364 million to support over 3,600 households with food and non-food items following the violence that erupted in some states in the aftermath of the 2011 general elections Of course the IDPs were spread across Kaduna, Bauchi and Gombe states. Again, the sums of N100 million and N60 million were respectively donated to victims of flood disaster in Lagos and Oyo States the same year.

Also, Dangote Foundation donated the sum of N2.5 billion to support the IDPs affected by the national flood disaster that affected 22 states of the country, while in 2014, the Foundation supported the IDPs displaced by the communal clash in Benue state with N39.35 million and a sum of N32 million to support

5,000 IDP Households across Borno state with food items during the 2014 Ramadan.

In 2015, the Foundation equally supported 5,000 households with N42.5 million across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states during the Ramadan. Dangote Foundation’s contributed the sum of N100 million to an Appeal Fund raised by Media Trust Limited to cater for the IDPs in the Northeast, while the Foundation’s contributed to American University of Nigeria-Adamawa Peace Initiative to support IDPs in Adamawa State. The Foundation also supported with food and other relief materials worth N35 million and cash donation of N15 million The sum of N1.3 billion was given for the feeding of IDPs in the Northeast in 2016, even as the Foundation gave out N2 billion towards the reconstruction of Borno State and provided clothings and other relief materials worth N83 million to IDPs in Bama area of the State. Also, in 2017, the Dangote Foundation supported the victims of the communal clash between the Hausa and Yoruba communities in Ile-Ife with a cash donation of N50 million, with each victim given a cheque commensurate to the loss he or she suffered during the crises.

Speaking recently in Lagos, the president of the Dangote Foundation, Aliko Dangote said “I started my foundation, Dangote Foundation back in 1993, based on the simple premise that to whom much is given, much is required, that has meant for me looking at the poor that suffer amongst us and being compelled to bring some relief.

“I believe that supporting social and economic change through in-

vestments and interventions that improve the lives of the less fortunate is what will make a positive difference in the growth of my nation,” he said.

He said the foundation is focused on health and nutrition as to reduce the number of lives lost to malnutrition and diseases through access to quality healthcare and nutrition with a particular emphasis on children.

The Foundation drives activities in this area via building primary Health care centers, drilling boreholes for WASH (Water Sanitation and Hygiene) programs, Partnerships with the Gates Foundation and various States to eradicate polio and increase routine immunization coverage, building a diagnostic center and operating theaters in the Murtala Mohammed Hospital in Kano and malnutrition eradication program across 13 states in the North.

Also, the foundation’s education goal is to reduce the number of outof-school children, support talented under privileged young people to achieve their potential, and educating girls and women on health related issues while activities already carried out include: Building classrooms, Scholarship programs, upgrading infrastructure across various universities, alternative education programs out of school IDP children, behavior change communication programs targeted to girls and women The donation to IDPs camps is part of its disaster relief programme, to be responsive to people affected by disasters and helping them get back on their feet. Activities executed include: Support to stopping the spread of Ebola in Nigeria, support to the IDP crisis situation in Nigeria, support to flood victims in Nigeria, earthquake relief in Nepal, and support to the

Republic of Niger during the recent meningitis outbreak While the Economic Empowerment programme is geared towards supporting the poor in sustainably increasing their income. The Micro-Grant Programme is one component of the economic empowerment programmes of Dangote Foundation The programme, according to Dangote is to cover at least 1,000 women in each of the 774 local governments in a bid to assist the federal government in the onerous task of poverty reduction by equipping the vulnerable women with some money to help them start a trade to improve family life.

During one of the donations of reliefs materials to the victims of insurgency and other IDPs in Borno State, the chief executive of the Foundation, Zouera Youssoufou said the gesture was part of the Foundation’s contributions to the well-being of Nigerians.

“This gesture is in continuation of the Group’s efforts to provide succor to Internally Displaced Persons in Borno State”, she stated.

The governor of Borno state, Alhaji Kashim Shetima, thanked the Dangote Foundation for its continuous support to the people of Borno State, saying “words are not enough to describe how grateful the people of Borno are to Dangote and his Foundation, who has relentlessly come to support and share in our plight in our time of need.”

Shettima said the Dangote Foundation remained the largest single individual donor to the IDPs in the state after the federal and state governments.

30 MONEY MARKET

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CBN Mops Up N2.2trn Through OMO In Jan 2018 Fitch Upgrades Access STORIES BY BUKOLA IDOWU, LAGOS

Liquidity at the Nigerian money market remained tight with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) mop up of N2.185 trillion from the system through Open Market Operations (OMO) auctions which it held all through the month of January 2018.

This is 41.7 per cent higher than N1.542 trillion it mopped up through OMO auctions in December 2017. In January it held OMO auctions almost every day taking out N344.47 billion and N553.17 billion in the first and second week of the month.

It also mopped up N369.41 billion in the third week, N477.92 billion in the fourth week and N440.21 billion in the last three days of the month. Traders said the constant OMO auctions of the CBN ensured a tight liquidity with money market rates, particularly overnight rates expanding.

Last week, the overnight lending rate rose by 683 basis points to 12.17 per cent, against previous week’s close of 5.33 per cent, as outflows via OMO and foreign exchange sales valued at N491.06 billion and $210 million, outweighed inflow of ma-

tured OMO bills and coupon payment on the 27-JAN-2021 bond, valued at N22.33 billion and N49.61 billion, respectively.

The value of the naira had remained relatively stable at all the windows. The parallel market had been the most stable with the naira moving on very few occasions to N365 to the dollar from N364 which it maintained all through the month.

At the Nigeria Autonomous Foreign Exchange (I&E) window also referred to as the Investors and Exporters window, the value of the naira ranged between N359 and N360 closing at N360.70 to the dollar on Friday last week.

Trades in the I&E window declined last week by 10.68 per cent to $1.06 billion, compared to $1.19 billion recorded in similar period the previous week. The apex bank had intervened at the foreign exchange market only once last week injecting $210 million into the forex market, comprising $100 million, $55 million, and $55 million disbursements to the wholesale, SMEs, and invisibles windows, respectively.

Traders said sentiments in the Nigeria

Treasury Bills secondary market were bearish due to tight system liquidity, while demand remained strong in the primary market, wherein investors focused on declining inflation rate, imminent monetary easing, and healthy offshore participation.

Investors were also upbeat in the bond market, prompted by the strengthening expectation of monetary easing, continued moderation in inflation rate, and sustained foreign investor participation. Analysts said they expect buying momentum in the TBills primary market to remain strong, as investors continue to take cues from improving inflationary conditions, imminent monetary easing, and buoyant activities from the offshore community.

Analysts at Cordos Capital noted that the apex bank’s frequent OMO auctions however, remains the key upside risk, adding that “our theme on the bond market favours lower yields, as expected monetary easing, improving inflationary conditions, and the FGN’s new debt management strategy will remain key drivers of yield movement in the near-to-medium term.”

L-R: Managing director/ chief executive officer, Precise Financial Systems [PFS], Dr. Yele Okeremi with Chairman, Fintech Associates Limited and host of the recently held second National Fintech Conference, Dr. Segun Aina and deputy managing director of PFS, Mr. Philip Ayeni when PFS hosted Dr. Aina in Lagos on Friday.

Adopt Technology Or Die, Rewane Tells Banks Traditional brick and mortar banks have been urged to embrace and adopt technology as a new way of doing business, learning from financial technology companies (FinTechs) that seem to be challenging their existence.

The managing director and chief executive of Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Bismarck Rewane in his economic bulletin at the weekend warned that financial institutions that fail to embrace technology and keep pace with the ever advancing technology will soon be out of business.

According to him, the future of banking will depend on which banks can properly harness technology to improve services to their customers, from offering financial services to the previously unbanked to providing consumer loans based on internet browsing pattern or social networking behavior.

He urged banks to respond to the competitive threat by Fin techs “by learning from and adopting best practices from the same firms that are challenging their very existence. Time is running out for banks to start adapting. The new wave of digital banking is upon us and those that fail to embrace new technology and keep

up with the pace of the new digital age will simply go out of business.”

In the last couple of years, the global financial industry have witnessed the rise of many fintech platforms; from payment solutions to online lending applications, while the older fintech players like Square, Ant Financial and Sofi continue to hold strong. Traditional banks have, so far, remained resilient to this disruption, mainly due to advantages built up through their branch networks and expertise in providing credit.

The resilience by banks Rewane noted “comes from their consumer base, who have been slow to adopt fintech for their financial services partly due to a lack of urgency and a lack of awareness about the strategic benefits of the new tools, and partly due to concerns about privacy and security.

“Nonetheless, fintech presents a threat as such plat-forms tend to broaden the scope of available financing, offer customers bespoke services at a lower cost and reach previously unbanked populations. While banks will adapt in the short term, the greater risk is in the long term as the world becomes more automated. The future of traditional banking in

Nigeria will depend on how banks can quickly utilize technology to their advantage,” he said.

Fintech refers to an evolving range of start-ups and companies leveraging technology to provide financial services. Fintech models provide consumers the convenience that banks cannot yet match. For example, you can request a loan from Paylater and receive a credit alert in two hours. One can also get a new dollar debit card from Get Barter and open a fixed deposit ac-count with PiggyBank. In short, fintech plat-forms offer customers a superior service, at a lower cost, through the efficiencies of technology.

Rewane said to ascertain the threat such platforms pose to banks, the role of banks in society and the sources of their revenue must be identified. “Banks are financial intermediaries: they take money from people looking to save (deposits) and give to people looking to borrow (loans). They generate interest on loans, and they collect fees and commissions on numerous value added services to the depositors, for example: money transfers, foreign exchange transactions, and bill payments.

Bank’s National Rating To ‘A+ International rating agency, Fitch Ratings, has upgraded Access Bank’s National LongTerm Rating to ‘A+ from ‘A. At the same time, Fitch affirmed the Bank’s Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘B’ in its latest report.

According to the rating agency, “Access Bank’s IDRs are driven by the bank’s intrinsic creditworthiness as defined by its Viability Rating (VR).”

This, it stated, was a reflection of Access Bank’s solid financial metrics, which are stronger than most Nigerian banks.

Access Bank’s asset quality metrics is said to compare especially well with its immediate peers, as “the bank’s stock of non-performing loans has remained under control, comprising 2.6 per cent of gross loans at the end of September 2017, the lowest of all large Nigerian banks.”

The rating agency regards Access Bank’s resilient asset quality as a reflection of the bank’s good corporate banking franchise and good management stability, which

includes a robust risk management framework.

In addition, Fitch noted that refinancing of the bank’s Eurobond in 2016 eased the bank’s foreign currency liquidity position. “Access Bank’s National Ratings are a reflection of its relative creditworthiness to the best credits in Nigeria”, said Fitch.

Speaking on the ratings upgrade, group managing director/CEO, Herbert Wigwe, said, “The rating is a reflection of our strategic intent to adopt best global practices in all aspects of our business.

We have grown over the years to become a formidable force within the financial markets in which we play, with an aim to becoming the most respected African Bank.

“As we embark on our next five – year cyclical growth strategy, we remain focused on establishing robust risk management and compliance frameworks, and seeking innovative ways to continually eschew sustainable banking ethos,” he stated.

N1.7bn Airtime Bought On First Bank ATMs In 2017 First Bank of Nigeria Limited has said its Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) account for 37 per cent bills payment services on ATMs in Nigeria’s banking industry as the value of airtime purchase on its ATMs was about N1.7 billion in 2017.

The bank noted that in 2017, over N2.8 trillion had been dispensed through its machines between January and December 2017, while about 402,102 bill payments were made through its 2,897 ATMs deployed across the country. First Bank which has the highest number of ATMs in the country in a statement at the weekend noted that its ATMs have unique functional features which include bills payment, cash transfer, air-time top-up, cash deposit among others.

The bills payment option is the non-cash transaction feature on the ATM that makes it easier for customers to pay for bills such as Cable TV subscription, post-paid phone bills, and pre- booked airline tickets.

First Bank’s group head, eBusiness, Chuma Ezirim, said the distinct developments in FirstBank ATMs were achieved as a result of the desire to reach out to more

people in the country and as part of putting customers at the heart of the business.

“FirstBank is positioned to meet the needs of its customers and to reach out to the under banked and unbanked. Our mission is to remain relevant in the lives of our customers by continually working at making banking services a more convenient experience for our customers” he stated.

Ezirim explained that bill payment transactions can be executed through the Quickteller option on any of the bank’s ATMs. “The Transfer feature enables customers to transfer money from their accounts to both intra (within FirstBank) and interbank (other banks) accounts, thereby reducing the queues in the banking hall, saving time as well as providing a more convenient option for customers’ money transfer needs.

FirstBank is currently responsible for over 15 percent of interbank transactions and 21 percent of airtime vending. As active mobile network users in Nigeria are over 142 million and the need to recharge is on the increase, the Bank’s ATMs also provide the platform for convenient and easy top-up.

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STOCK INDEX (AS AT FEBRUARY 2) Gainers

Symbols Prestige Aiico Sterlnbank Wemabank CCNN

CP % change 0.48 9.09 0.80 8.11 2.27 7.58 1.50 7.14 19.50 4.84

Losers

Symbols Lasaco FO Lawunion Afrinsure Royalex

CP % change 0.36 -5.26 48.45 -4.91 0.80 -4.76 0.42 -4.55 0.42 -4.55

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CAPITAL MARKET 31

STOCK INDEX (AS AT FEBRUARY 2) ASI (Points).................................................................................44,639.99 DEALS (Numbers)......................................................................6,054 VOLUME (Numbers million)......................................................535.26 VALUE (Nbillion).........................................................................3.61 CAP (Ntrn)...................................................................................N16.019

Vitafoam Posts N162m Net Profit For Q1

Stocks Market Gains 1.98%

STORIES BY OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos

The Nigerian stocks market rose by 1.98 per cent amid bargain hunting activity in the first week of February. The All-Share Index (ASI) appreciated by 866.23 points or 1.98 per cent weekon-week to 44,639.99 points.

Accordingly, the Yearto-Date return improved to 16.73 per cent. Similarly, the market capitalisation gained N327 billion to close at N16.019 trillion. Most of the sectored gauges rose, the Industrial Goods led with a gain of 5.32 per cent. The Banking Index followed with a gain of 2.11 per cent and Insurance Index posted positive returns of 1.35 per cent.

Meanwhile, during the

week, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) commenced implementation of the amended Pricing Methodology and Par Value Rules, aimed at making the market more efficient by improving liquidity and narrowing spreads.

The total volume of shares traded for last week went down by 54.34 per cent to 3.268 billion shares worth N28.123 billion in 35,761 deals. Trading in the top three equities namely, FCMB Group, Transnational Corporation of Nigeria and Skye Bank, accounted for 1.181 billion shares worth N2.830 billion in 5,219 deals, contributing 36.14 per cent and 10.06 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

Market breadth was positive as 49 equities appreciated in price higher than 30 of the previous week, 42 equities depreciated in price, lower than 44 equities of the previous week, while 81 equities remained unchanged lower than 98 equities recorded in the preceding week.

Aiico Insurance led the gainers table for the week by 35.59 per cent to close at 80 kobo per share. Unity Bank followed with a gain of 31.75 per cent to close at N1.66, while Wema Bank appreciated by 31.58 per cent to close at N1.50 per share.

On the other side, Lasaco Assurance led the losers’ table by 28 per cent to close at 36 kobo per share.

Associated Bus Compa-

ny followed with a decline of 20 per cent to close at 40 kobo, while Law Union and Rock Insurance shed 16.67 per cent to close at 80 kobo per share.

Outlook For This Week This week, capital market analysts’ anticipated slight increase in the NSE-ASI week-on-week, as investors reposition in the market for anticipated corporate results.

Analysts at Cordros Capital Limited said that “Whilst improving macroeconomic conditions and still-positive market fundamentals buoy our long term positive outlook for equities; investors taking position ahead of the earnings release season also suggest that legroom for short term gains still exist.”

Vitafoam Plc, a foam and furniture company said its net profit for the first quarter ended December 31, 2017 rose to N162.17 million.

The company in a statement released to the investing public on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), said that profit after tax grew by 94 per cent from N83.581 million declared in the corresponding period of 2016, while earning per share increased to 16 kobo from eight kobo.

Also, the company’s total revenue for the period stood at N5.054 billion slightly lower compared to N5.29 declared by the company last year. Cost of sales also declined by 6.89 per cent to N3.566 billion from N3.83 billion, while operating profit stood went up by 35.34 per cent to N537.781 million as against N397.34 million in 2016.

The company recorded cash and cash equivalent grew by 394.5 per cent from N516.507 million to N2.55 billion under the period review. Total assets up by 11.8 per cent to N14.99 billion from N13.41 billion, total liabilities rose by 13.78 per cent to N11.42 billion from N10.04 billion, while shareholder’s fund grew by 5.93 per cent to N3.57 billion from N3.37 billion.

Recently, Vitafoam se-

cured a four-year N2 billion soft loan from the Bank of Industry (BoI) at concessionary interest rate, as a strategic move to boost its working capital and sustain competitive edge.

The BoI’s 12 percent annual interest capital support facility, compared with the 25 percent commercial bank rate as at last year, is expected to reduce Vitafoam’s finance cost and enhance the company’s ability to directly import its raw materials off-shore.

Group managing director, Mr. Taiwo Adeniyi said “we have created new business lines. Specifically, Vitaparts Nigeria Limited, a new subsidiary, established to manufacture oil filters, is expected to commence operation in the third quarter of the current financial year while importation and installation of the manufacturing plant will be concluded in the second quarter of the year, all things being equal.

“These new strategic initiatives are designed to diversify operation and revenue base of the group. In a similar vein, Vitablom Nigeria Limited, the soft furnishing subsidiary has concluded installation of fiber processing plant. The new production line is expected to boost the operation and revenue base of the group,” Adeniyi said.

CIS Council Approves New Qualifications For Stockbrokers The Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) has approved the newly introduced Specialised Professional Certifications (SPC), called the Stand-Alone-Programme.

Under the new professional qualification, which would be unfolded to potential beneficiaries on February 17 in Lagos, the holder shall be granted a licence to practice in specific areas of the Capital Market as a core duty.

The SPC, which is in line with global trends, shall cover the following core areas: Commodity Trading and Derivatives, Equities Dealing, Share Registration and Custodianship Services, Investment Management and Financial Advisory.

By the new certifications which commences in March this year, the examination shall run concurrently with the Institute’s current Professional Examinations which

hold in March and September annually.

According to the registrar and chief executive of the Institute, Mr. Adedeji Ajadi, the requirements for the SPC are the same as the Professional Examinations, explaining that a holder of the specialised certificates shall be addressed as stockbroker who is a specialist in one particular area of the Securities and Investment Industry.

“They are licenced to practice only in that specific area. Although an individual can acquire as many different SPC licences as possible. Four specialized certificates will qualify the holder to become an Associate Member of the Institute,” Ajadi said.

CIS indicated that after induction, the Institute’s SPC graduates shall be called specialists in their chosen area. According to

the statement, they will be inducted and licenced under the same conditions as the omnibus professional examination graduate.

“After induction, the SPC Graduate shall be addressed as Certified Commodity and Derivatives specialists, Certified Equity Specialists and Certified Fixed Income Specialist among others”, the statement said.

The president of CIS, Mr. Oluwaseyi Abe had consist-

ently explained the need for prospective stockbrokers to take advantage of the newly approved windows of opportunities in line with the global standard.

Corroborating Abe, the first vice president, Mr Adedapo Adekoje said the new areas of specializations would enhance development of human capital, a necessary condition for the growth and development of the financial market.

32 INSURANCE

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L-R: Corp Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi; president, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Mrs. Funmi Babington-Ashaye; Commissioner for Insurance, Alhaji Mohammed Kari; chairman, Nigerian Insurers Association(NIA), Mr. Eddie Efekoha and deputy president, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers(NCRIB), Mr. Rotimi Edu, at the First Insurance Consumers Forum organised by the National Insurance Commission(NAICOM) in Lagos at the weekend.

Meeting Needs Of Insurance Policyholders Customer satisfaction is at the heart of every successful business and insurance business is not an exemption. However, insurance industry is lagging behind in giving quality services to its teeming customers, a trend that insurance consumers have urged insurers to change for good. ZAKA KHALIQ writes.

S

everally, insurance industry have been accused of poor customer relations and service delivery. On many occasions, insurance consumers have identified slow response of insurance operators to payment or non-payment of claims, lack of innovative products, slow response to complaints, among others.

And at a time the industry is planning to deepen penetration, the insured said all the aforementioned anomalies must be corrected to persuade more Nigerians to subscribe to insurance products and services.

At the First Interactive Session with major consumers of insurance products and services organised by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) in Lagos at the weekend, insurance consumers and relevant stakeholders charged underwriting firms to improve their service delivery, launch innovative and problem-solving products, leverage on technology to deepen insurance penetration, prompt payment of claims and so on.

The president/chief executive, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote regretted that most insurance operators do not provide relevant solution to the needs of the sector’s they play in because they lack the full understanding of the nature of these businesses, adding that, insurers are very slow in responding to emerging trends such as cyber exposures, agric. Insurance, among others.

Stating that most Nigerian are unable to cover risks across other African Countries, by issuing Pan African Policies, he noted that most Nigerian insurance policies are not replicated in other African countries, calling for a change in this area.

Dangote, who was represented by the group chief risk & insurance officer/group chief procurement officer Dangote Industries Limited, Dr. (Ms) Adenike Fajemirokun, urged underwriters to be prompt in claims payment, as delay may impaired or ruin the business.

Reacting to the recent circular sent by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to all operators demanding to abide with the specified uniform ratings on compulsory insurances, he stressed that consumers want the widest coverage at the most competitive price with the best security, adding that ‘where there are divergent prices among highly regards insurers, consumers will go for the most competitive price.

Charging insurers to invest more in risk engineering and survey capacity, Dangote added that the implementation of local content policy, calls for exhaustion of local capacity allowing for participation of weak insurers in Special and Large Risks , whilst it

exposes business to claims default and delay.

“There is the need for insurers to develop other channels of distribution so as to deepen insurance penetration beyond the already insured two million Nigerians, while insurers must also collaborate with NAICOM for achievement of transformation agenda. Insurers must be more proactive in studying the operations of consumers and fashion out generic risk solution models,’’ he pointed out.

Corp Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps(FRSC), Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi, said with technology, consumers can more easily find what they want, compare it with other items, get recommendations from friends, family, and colleagues, buy from wherever they’re located, and tell each other about the experience afterward.

In response to this dramatic change, he said, many companies have successfully transformed their business models to stay relevant to their customer saying, many insurance companies continue to rely on the traditional business model of selling large numbers of products designed for mass markets through agents and brokers.

From an insurer’s point of view, he said, establishing personal relationships with customers happens only when a claim is made, while to consumers, insurance is seen as a commodity.

“Beyond a certain point, there is little differentiation between core insurance products and providers. In this environment, consumers often choose their insurance products based solely on price,” he stressed.

Proffering solutions to the challenges of insurance industry, he said, fake insurance companies must be completely eliminated, while the regulatory and supervisory agencies must ensure proper enforcement The registered insurance companies, according to him, should also endeavour to settle claims promptly so as to motivate the consumers into also paying their premium promptly.

If insurance is both well designed and implemented, he said, it can have an enormous impact for improving road safety.

Given this strong alignment, there is an opportunity for the insurance industry to take a leadership role in furthering the cause of safer roads, especially as it stands the risk of compensation in event of crashes, he pointed out.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Insurance, Alhaji Mohammed Kari, said, his commission had signalled the issue of effective and efficient service delivery to consumers as a key priority with its establishment of Complaint Bureau Unit to deal with complains from members of the public against any insurance operator.

This unit, he stressed, had recently been upgraded and it’s now headed by a Deputy Director to attend to aggrieved consumers. Many aggrieved consumers have continued to access this desk to register their complains with us, he said. He advised aggrieved customers to take advantage of this desk and report their challenges to NAICOM through this help desk, promising that their complaints would be attended to.

Addressing operators, he said: “the difference between great and poor customer service has always been clear, and businesses on the wrong end of this spectrum usually pay a price. This is as true for insurance as it is for any other customer-facing business. Today, the consequences of subpar service are amplified by the speed and reach of social media.

“One poorly handled claim, one mistake captured on a smart phone could escalate quickly into a brand-damaging crisis. This is why we believe it has become imperative that insurance firms increased their focus on providing great customer experience.”

The competitive environment and the changes in the world economy as a result of globalisation, deregulation, privatisation, financial meltdown, and the modern advancement in technology, according to him, gives insurers the opportunity to transform their business operations and realigned with customers by understanding the needs of the consumers and ensuring an enhanced and efficient delivery of products and services. ‘We are aware that the satisfaction of consumers of product and services plays a vital role in the sustenance of any business,’ he stressed.

Although, he said, there are situations where the insured in connivance with insurance Brokers allot proportion of risk to local underwriters without due cognisance of the insurers’ capacity; preferring to place risk abroad even when the local market is not saturated, he added that some consumers also in alliance with intermediaries chose to exclude some underwriters from participation in underwriting certain risks without cogent tenable justification.

The commission, he stated, frowns at these practices and want to use this medium to inform such consumers to desist from the practices as they run counter to our regulations. “Where we have noticed such practices, we have rejected applications from operators for approval to cede such risks abroad. This action of the consumer/broker sometime leads to delays in placement of the risk even when the insured has paid its premium to the intermediary,” he pointed out.

Experts Charge Insurance Firms To Publicise Claims Payment STORIES BY ZAKA KHALIQ, Lagos

Experts have advised insurance companies in the country to always publicise their settled claims as this will increase insurance acceptance among Nigerians.

The experts, who spoke at the 2018 Insurance Industry Consultative Council(IICC) media retreat in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State at the weekend, added that, contrary to insinuation by some people that insurance companies don’t pay claims, underwriters are now meeting claims obligations, even though, there are a lot to be done to publicise those claims.

The managing director, Alpha Choice Insurance Brokers Limited, Mr. Sunny Adeda, said, payment of claims as and when due, remains the best way to deepen insurance penetration, as this would persuade people to have trust in insurance firms. He disclosed that the industry has paid billions of Naira of claims that most people are not aware of, urging operators, to henceforth, increase publicity on the claims they pay.

This, he stressed, would correct the notion of some Nigerians that insurance companies don’t pay claims.

‘Insurers must always publicise every claim paid as it will increase insurance awareness and adoption,’ he pointed out.

On his part, the Editorial Page Editor, the Nation Newspaper, Mr. Sanya Oni, urged the underwriting firms to blow their own

trumpet, by making information on claims paid by individual companies and the industry available to the media from time to time, such that, when the public get this information, they will begin to gradually change their misconception about insurance.

He stated that the industry has for long kept the information on claims to themselves without putting it in the public domain, urging the industry to improve and be prompt on its claims settlement as all these has a direct way of influencing public perception about the industry.

Earlier in her welcome speech, the President, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria(CIIN), Mrs. Funmi Babington-Ashaye, said, insurance industry is in a precarious state, due to the various unfolding dynamics, calling for change of operation and strategies by operators.

Babington-Ashaye, who is also the Chairman, 2018 IICC Conference, noted that the industry would be able to stave these besetting odds and maintain an acceptable image in the eyes of the public, only if the media shows understanding and appreciation of the times that the industry is at the moment.

While charging operators to improve on their service delivery and give adequate publicity to the claims settled, she urged the public to embrace insurance as operators would always pay genuine claims when eventuality arises.

New Linkage Assurance Chairman To Enhance Efficient Services After the appointment of Chief Joshua Benard Fumudoh as the new chairman of Linkage Assurance Plc, the company said he would strengthen the board, while working in line with the company’s vision for increased capacity to deliver efficient services to its customers and value creation for all stakeholders.

The appointment, which takes effect from January 31, 2018, is subject to the approval of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), and ratification by shareholders.

He takes over from Chief Dr. John Anderson Eseimokumoh, who has resigned to pursue his other businesses.

Chief Fumudoh brings to bear on the company his wealth of experience expected to enable Linkage Assurance Plc become more competitive and increase value

creation for shareholders.

Fumudoh is a successful entrepreneur and statesman, conversant with the spectrum of activities and sensitivities associated with developing and implementing intelligence based policies for the socio-economic benefits of corporate entities.

He is the founder and managing director of Manufacturing and Marketing Co (Nig) Ltd. An accounting graduate of the University of Lagos, Joshua Fumudoh presently serves on the board of several companies in various sectors including as Chairman, Mamco-Bayelsa Palm; Chairman of Boston Capital Investment Ltd, and BCI Global Properties Ltd. He also served as a non -executive director of Topflight Insurance brokers. He presently serves as an honorary adviser to the Bayelsa State Government.

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Adeosun Leads VAIDS Team To Enugu State Govt

BY CHIMA AKWAJA, Lagos

The government of Enugu state will this week Thursday host officials of the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS), business leaders and traditional rulers.

The VAIDS team will be led by Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, Minister of Finance, whose ministry c‎ onceived VAIDS as a solution to the country’s defective tax system.

The VAIDS team will be received

by Enugu State governor, Mr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and members of the state Executive Council. The event will hold at Base Event Centre, Enugu.

VAIDS, which began last July is a tax amnesty programme that provides a time-limited opportunity for tax defaulters to truthfully declare their assets and incomes and spread payment of taxes owed on previously undeclared income and assets over a maximum three-year period.

VAIDS also provides that those who declarers voluntarily will be free of penalties and interests on owed taxes, tax audits and escape prosecution. It also states that nondeclaration at the expiration of the window on 31 March will invite prosecution, which the federal government has repeatedly said it is

willing to carry out. An estimated sum of $1billion is expected to be raised in taxes from the implementation of VAIDS. The scheme is also targeted at raising Nigeria’s Tax-‎to-GDP ratio from the meagre six per cent to 15 per cent by 2020. This is expected to happen by bringing many taxpayers into the tax net. Already, the VAIDS office has received financial and transaction data of over five million Nigerians, including corporate entities. The data, obtained from a variety of sources, are being analyzed to yield an accurate picture of tax compliance.

L-R: Skye Bank Group head, Product & Innovation, Ndubuisi Osakwe, group head, South East, Skye Bank, Charles Udogu; Obazelu of Benin Kingdom, Chief Osaro Idah; N1m prize promo winner, Mrs. Eunice Edobor; head, Retail, Skye Bank, Ayodele Olojede and group head, Edo/ Delta, Chinyere Emaribe at Skye Bank’s ‘Reach for the Skye Millionaire’ promo draw held on Friday in Benin City, Edo State.

NSE, ASHON Sign Pact On Futures, Commodity Exchange

BY OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos

As the plan to strengthen preparation for take-off of the proposed Lagos Commodity and Futures Exchange (LCFE) develops, the Association of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria (ASHON) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

The MoU, which was signed in Lagos by the chairman of ASHON, Mr. Patrick Ezeagu and the chief executive officer of NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema is aimed at creating professional and technical relationship between the two institutions

for enhanced trading on commodities and futures.

Speaking after the signing ceremony recently, the chairman of ASHON, Mr. Patrick Ezeagu explained that the MOU will enable LCFE have access to superior technological capacity of the NSE as the oldest stock exchange in Nigeria.

According to him, LCFE will hit the ground running once it is able to perfect the registration process with the apex regulatory body, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Commenting on the strategic objective of signing the MoU with the NSE, Ezeagu said the strategic

objective of LCFE was to have a technical partner that has the technical competence to enable it commence trading immediately after the regulatory approval without setting up a new platform.

Corroborating him, the CEO of NSE, Oscar Onyema explained that the NSE was willing and well positioned to support Nigerian capital market development and provide necessary expertise to other emerging exchanges around the continent.

Congratulating ASHON on the bold initiative, Onyema stated that, “the Association of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria has champion the establishment of the Lagos

Commodity and Futures Exchange and with this MoU, it positioned the Exchange to provide technology and other technical support to the Lagos Commodity Exchange.

“As you know, we do have a service that we use to provide such support for other emerging exchanges around the continent, given the expertise that we have developed over the years and so the significance is that we are supporting market development and we are providing expertise to make it easier and more cost effective for an exchange such as the Lagos Commodity exchange to hit the ground running,” he said.

Lekki Expressway: LCC Records Massive Compliance On New Toll Tariff

BY ANTHONY AWUNOR, Lagos

Few days after the implementation of a review in toll tariffs at the Admiralty Circle Toll Plaza and the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge Toll Plaza which started, February 1, 2018, management of Lekki Concession Company Limited (LCC) has expressed satisfaction, stating that there has been massive compliance

from the motorists.

Managing director, LCC, Mr. Mohammed Hassan made the confirmation recently in a media parley organised to update journalists on the outcome of their operations following the new tariff announced last week.

Hassan made it clear that the increment was an economic decision done at the right time so that they would not continue to increase the tariff

every now and then.

He said that the review made last year was introduced seven years ago but there has been series of consultations going on to ensure that they don’t do the review all the time, adding that if LCC didn’t take a firm decision, they will be doing the review annually.

On the timing, the CEO said “the more we wait, the more we experience new issues.

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In November, last year, we made an attempt to carry out the review but the governor was not happy. He asked us to make more consultations which we have done now. It was called-off and despite that, motorists were already paying and complying. We now sat down and started this during the Christmas but later stepped it down. We decided to tackle it once and for all and take care of the challenges.”

Monarch Lauds Skye Bank For Rewarding Loyal Customers

BY PATRICK OCHOGA, Benin City

The Obazelu of Benin Kingdom, Chief Osaro Idah, has commended Skye Bank Plc., for rewarding loyal customers, making people happy and helping their businesses to grow.

Idah said this during the presentation of N1 million cheque to Mrs. Eunice Odubor, an Inspector with Civil Defence Corps who emerged a lucky winner in the bank’s on-going “Reach for the Skye” millionaire reward promo which held at the palace of the monarch at the weekend.

The bank noted that the Obazelu commended the efforts of Skye Bank in encouraging savings culture in Nigeria and for giving equal opportunities to all customers to get a chance to win in the on-going “Reach for the Skye” millionaire reward promo.

According to a statement by the bank, the monarch said, “We are very impressed with your great steps to make life beautiful for our people. Your bank understands tradition and the core needs of the people. We will also continue to support your bank and encourage our people to bank with you.

“I am also particularly happy that the winner is our own daughter and I believe that she will use the money to

do well in our state, helping other people to live well and get better. I encourage Skye Bank to continue with this initiative to make more people happy and help their businesses to grow.”

Mrs. Eunice Odubor, who runs an account with Forestry Road branch, Benin was full of praises for Skye Bank at the news of her emergence as the millionaire and particularly for putting smiles on her face even as people from all walks of life trooped out to witness the occasion.

The 48-year old widow, a loyal customer from 2006, was thankful to Skye Bank for this reward noting that after the death of her husband three year ago, things had not been rosy for her and 4 children– 2 graduates and 2 schooling. She said one of her children had to drop out from school for lack of funds but now with this N1m, she wants to push for him to continue his university education and also buy a land to start a small building project.

Speaking on the Bank’s commitment, Group Head, Product & Innovation Group, Skye Bank Plc., Ndubuisi Osakwe said “the scheme provides a unique opportunity for the Bank to stay in touch and reward its savings customers, who have a unique role to play in the country’s economic expansion”.

Mitros Policy Is Working – Amosun

BY MARY TITUS

The Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has said that the Mission to Rebuild policy of his administration was working, as a result of some reforms being implemented to make land documentation better.

The Governor stated this during the distribution of Certificate of Occupancy and building plan approval to another batch of beneficiaries, at the Arcade Ground, OkeMosan, Abeokuta recently.

In a statement by the press officer in the Bureau of Lands and Survey, Mr. Passover Adeshina, Amosun, represented by the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Dr. Olumide Ayeni, said one of the reforms would make

settlement of land disputes easier, with the new Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution law to be assented to soon, noting that another reform, Mortgages and Force Closure Law, was undergoing review and would be the first of its kind in Ogun State.

In his Opening remark, the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Bureau of Land and Survey, Mr. Olalekan Lukan, said the C of Os distribution was to add value to beneficiaries’ properties, provide security and access to credit for investment and guarantee land rights.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Tunde Adejumola from Redemption Estate, Akute lauded the State government for making impossibility in the minds of people possible.

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WASRA Moves To Strengthen Capital Markets Structure

BY OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos

L-R: John Ugbe, Managing Director, Multichoice Nigeria; Fela Ibidapo, Group Head, Corporate Communications, Heritage Bank and Martin Mabutho, General Manager, Marketing & Sales, Multichoice Nigeria, during the launching of Big Brother NaijaSeason 3, in Lagos.

Stop Controlling Petrol Distribution, RTEAN Tells FG

BY MARY TITUS, Abuja with agency report

Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), has urged the federal government to stop controlling the distribution of petrol and ensure end to products scarcity in the country.

Alhaji Musa Isiwele, the National President of RTEAN told newsmen on Sunday in Abuja that the scarcity situation has made it impossible to control transport fare.

“There is no way the unions can control transport fare until petrol is available; for now there is no regulation on transport charges until fuel supply normalises.

“I call on Federal Government to hands off fuel business; if government says today that it will have no hand in fuel distribution, you will see availability of fuel and the price will come down,” he said.

The RTEAN boss said the association was set to create about 4.5 million jobs through its

nationwide mass transport scheme.

“We are running a nationwide mass transit scheme in which most of the vehicles will be dedicated to the unemployed, disabled and the less privileged in order to support the Federal Government for the benefit of the good people of Nigeria.

“This will help in reducing the hardship in the movement of commuters and boost the economy of Nigeria’s transport system,” Isiwele said.

AMCON MD Urges Nigerians To Patronise Peugeot Automobiles

BY BUKOLA IDOWU, Lagos

The managing director and chief executive of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Mr. Ahmed Kuru has implored Nigerians both individuals and corporate establishments to patronise Peugeot brand of cars.

Speaking at the 2018 Dealers Convention organized by the automobile company in Kaduna, Kuru said this will help in sustaining the success PAN Nigeria Limited recorded in 2017, as he called on PAN to maintain the tempo of the achievement in 2018.

Represented by Mr. Ben Daminabo, Head of Subsidiaries at AMCON, Kuru noted that PAN has achieved a lot of mileage in 2017 against all economic odds, which he stated required commendations from all stakeholders.

He said: “This is the best time for PAN Nigeria Limited to restrategise and move ahead like all other automobile manufactures across the globe. It is our wish that Peugeot will reclaim its pride of place in Nigeria by producing those vehicles that made the brand very popular in those days. We believe the brand has all it takes to dominate

the marketplace because the new generation of Peugeot cars are fuel efficient, durable; rugged and built for Nigerian roads. Aside from these attributes, Peugeot creates thousands of jobs for our teaming population, which is why we all need to support the brand because it is our own.”

According to him, the fact that PAN is still in business is another demonstration of the positive impact and contribution of AMCON towards stabilize the Nigerian economy, which is one of its core mandates.

Earlier in his speech, managing director of PAN Nigeria Limited, assemblers of Peugeot brand of vehicles in Nigeria, Mr. Ibrahim Boyi had disclosed that the company made huge progress in 2017 despite the economic downturn in the country. Boyi stated that the company revenue grew by 65 per cent from N3 billion to N5.3 billion.

He added, “PAN has made giant stride in 2017 against the heavy and high tidal wave of economic recession, declining value of the naira, access to forex and erosion of infrastructure in the environment.”

Stretching his position further, the

PAN boss said, “PAN’s market share was 8 per cent down from 12 per cent in 2016, revenue grew by 65 per cent (to N5.3 billion from N3 billion) and operating profit by 78 per cent (to N719 million from N405 million).”

Boyi said the successes recorded in 2017 was as a result of their dealers and staff’s commitment to the brand and the efforts in delivering the Peugeot promise to their customers. He stated that it was that level of commitment that enabled PAN to recover some of its key customers such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and a host of others. He also announced that PAN also acquired new customers such as First Bank of Nigeria (FBN), Reckitt amongst others. He also stated that PAN’s Peugeot 301 series was acclaimed Car of The Year by Nigeria Auto Journalists Awards for the second year running while the CEO of PAN was also adjudged as the CEO of the year by the same organisation. Also speaking at the event, the General Manager, Sales and Marketing of PAN, Mr. Omagbitse Bawo added that their focus in 2018 would be customer centric.

The West African Securities Regulators Association (WASRA) has reiterated its resolve to ensure a strong and workable structure to boost the integration aspiration, forestall regulatory arbitrage and enhance the orderly growth and development of the markets in the subregion.

The council said it is working at this, bearing in mind the relevant principles of IOSCO, the global standard setter for securities regulation, the Council seeks.

Also, WASRA said it has major plans, to ensure transparent, fair and efficient markets, strengthen investor protection and confidence, and reduce the incidence of systemic risks within the sub Region.

This was part of the resolutions from the fourth Executive Council meeting in Rabat, Morocco on the sidelines

of the fortieth Annual meeting and conference of the African Middle East Regional Committee (AMERC) of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO).

The meeting which was in continuation of efforts towards building an enduring regulatory framework for the integration of the capital markets in the West African sub-region, held with the full attendance of all the members of the executive council. The Council resolved to speed up all necessary steps towards increased cross border transactions between players in the respective member The Council reiterated its resolve to ensure a strong and workable structure to boost the integration aspiration, forestall regulatory arbitrage and enhance the orderly growth and development of the markets in the subregion.

Economist Urges Business Owners to Restrategise For New Opportunities

BY GODDIE OFOSE, Lagos

The chief executive officer, RTC Advisory Services, Mr. Opeyemi Agbaje, has advised business owners in the country to re-strategize for new and emerging opportunities in the country as the Nigerian economy is expected to grow by 2.5per cent.

Agbaje issued this advice at the 2018 Double Impact Platform tagged planning forward 2018.

Double Impact Platform is an innovative training programme targeted at business owners and entrepreneurs who are married and are jointly in business as “Coprenuers.

Agbaje said: “It is important for businesses to understand the emerging opportunities in other to maximize growth”.

He explained on all the economic indices through an in-depth analysis of the 2018 economic and financial outlook, expatiating on the issues,

challenges and opportunities for people in business.

The financial analyst stated that the oil prices has surged to $70pb beyond the 2017 expectations, offering Nigeria some respite and suggesting a better economic outlook in 2018. “The increase in oil prices, the resumption of economic growth and other macroeconomics fundamentals which are also improving, suggests better prospects for businesses, especially as the oil sector growth diffuse into all other sectors,” Agbaje said.

Recently, there has been a steady rise in Nigeria’s external reserve.

This rise is as a result of improved foreign exchange inflow occasioned by the increase in crude oil price, dollar inflow from foreign portfolio investors facilitated by the investors and exporters’ window introduced in April 2017 as well as reduction in dollar sale through Central Bank of Nigeria’s Forex intervention.

LCC To Hold Annual Security Business Dialogue Soon

BY TAIWO OGUNMOLA-OMILANI, Lagos

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has concluded plans to host its annual Security Meets Business Dialogue, as part of its public-sector engagement programmes.

This was contained in a statement signed by the director-general of LCCI, Muda Yusuf over the weekend. According to him, the Chamber initiated the Security meets Business dialogue session to create a platform for stakeholders in the economy to deliberate on the state of security in the country and its effect on the private sector.

The dialogue, which is billed to hold in Lagos, is expected to bring together key Security Agencies and major players in the various sectors of the economy, especially the Organised Private Sector (OPS). “The dialogue session would

also explore collaboration possibilities between the private sector and the security agencies.

“The forum will bring together security chiefs, leaders of the private sector, as well as members of the diplomatic corps to deliberate on issues of security and its effects on business. The security of lives and properties is crucial to a thriving business environment. The LCCI believes that through these engagements, the government and private sector can identify and address issues bothering on the security of lives and properties”, he said.

He added that, “the way out of the present security and prevailing social crises for Nigeria is collaborative engagements such as this, because there can’t be real economic growth without enduring peace, stability and security of lives and property.”

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Technology Cannot Restoring Lake Chad Impossible Without Crippling Insurgents –Experts Weaken GhG Emissions Impact On Humans, Environment -Report STORIES BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja

Experts under the auspices of International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA) women network Nigeria and NINGONET for humanitarian development response initiative have disclosed that the restoration of Lake Chad is impossible without crippling insurgency in the neighbouring communities.

The ninety per cent shrinking of Lake Chad over the last decades is adversely affecting the agricultural livelihood of about 5 million Nigerians and Chadians already battered by insurgency.

In a chat with newsmen in Abuja, the Board member of NINGONET, Mr Tim Aniebonam noted that the issues bordering on Lake Chad is beyond Nigeria.

This is even as he regretted that several countries have refused to make the needed commitments to reactivate and rehabilitate Lake Chad which he said worsened with the over 10 years activities of Boko haram.

According to him, “As it is now, no contractor is favourably disposed to be engaged to work around Lake Chad even if the resources are available and that is the major crisis we are having”.

He further linked the slippery security crisis in the region to the kidnap of two expatriates hired to install wind energy project in Katsina despite the huge sums of money invested in the project by the foreigners.

“The week they were released, the rest of them packed their baggages and left the country despite the huge amount of investment on wind energy”.

Aniebonam maintained that no business would thrive without security adding that farmers could no longer go to farms due to the escalating killings by herdsmen.

“If you want to work on Lake Chad because of its potentials to boost agriculture, fishing and other activities in Nigeria and beyond, you needed security but the security is not available.

“We cannot solve the problem unless everybody comes out to take a decisive position on dealing with the issue,”he said.

Aniebonam further disclosed that the humanitarian crisis has had a devastating impact on food security across the country.

To this end, he noted that though the federal government is moving the country out of a mono economy that depended on oil to an agricultural based economy, the activities of herdsmen and kidnappers may cripple the ambition.

According to him, “This is because nobody wants to go to the farm again since the attacks usually starts in the farms”.

The humanitarian expert disclosed that the carnage by herdsmen should be drastically reduced stressing that Nigeria is losing the war on insecurity with the continued spread of crisis

across the country.

He lamented that cattle rustling menace in the North East have impacted negatively on the agricultural sector adding that most of the policies introduced by previous governments have been abandoned by successive government.

“There are lots of policy inconsistency and none is fully implemented while Nigeria churn out policies at the spur of the moment”, he concluded.

On her part, a member of Adinya Arise Foundation, Mrs Mabel Ade was optimistic that issues bordering on food security extended beyond Lake Chad basin regretting that the hub of agriculture is under the threat of killer herdsmen despite the challenges of food security in Nigeria and West Africa.

She said: “This is harvest season and people are harvesting food being destroyed in farms; people are displaced from their homes and they cannot prepare the lands for the next farming season”.

Ade pointed out that in addition to food insecurity posed by Lake Chad basin, Nigeria is experiencing worst challenges with food basket of the nation adding that neighbouring states including fishing communities are living under the fear of unknown within their environment.

Ade maintained that the shortage would shrink the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)”.

The Lake Chad has shrunken by 95 percent over the past 50 years. Source: AP/Christophe Ena

Climate Change Making Means Of Livelihood Vulnerable – FG The federal government has pointed out that it recognised climate change as one of the greatest challenges globally that cuts across developing and developed countries thereby making population and means of livelihood vulnerable.

The Minister of State for Environment, Ibrahim Usman Jibril, who stated this in Abuja recently noted that the vulnerability provided an opportunity for Nigerian economy to grow in a manner that is climate resilient and empowering people whilst meeting its energy deficiency.

According to him, “We recognize that climate and development agendas are inextricably linked and should be tackled together”.

He said Nigeria needed about $142 billion translating to $10 billion annually to meet her Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC’s) target by 2030.

The minister said it’s imperative that Nigeria would invest more on low-car-

bon and climate resilient opportunities away from carbon intensive polluting activities that exacerbate climate vulnerability.

“The SDGs Goal 13 addresses the need to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts,” he said.

He noted that the ministry is committed to empowering people, taking climate action and protecting the environment towards driving Nigeria’s sustainability sector policy and action in line with the SDG’s.

He said: “We envision a nation that develops in harmony with her environment while it works to ensure environmental protection, natural resources conservation and sustainable development”.

Jibril lauded the efforts of the immediate past minister of environment, Mrs Amina Mohammed for linking the SDG’s and converting Nigeria’s NDC’s ambition under Climate

Change into action, expressing his commitment to domesticate the international goals.

He recalled that the Paris Agreement signed and ratified by President Muhammadu Buhari in March 2017 was targeted at making consistent financial flows towards low greenhouse gas emissions and climate- resilient development.

“Indeed, Nigeria as Africa’s largest economy faces significant development challenges further exacerbated by climate change”.

The minister disclosed that the recent sharp decline in oil prices pressurised federal government budget, which depended significantly on oil export revenues.

He maintained that for Nigeria to attain sustainable development that there is a need to change from carbon intensive to low carbon technologies, a situation he believed would significantly aid the attainment of our climate goals.

A recent report by a group of European scientists has indicated that the use of modern technology would not rescue and reverse the effects of greenhouse gas emissions on human and the environment.

Currently, scientists are developing new technologies that could remove carbon dioxide as it is emitted. This is even as they highlighted the need to focus on reducing emissions in order to meet global warming targets.

Recall that the 21st edition of Conference of the Parties (COP) which took place in Paris, December 2015 produced the landmark 12-page Paris Agreement.

The agreement is the first International climate change agreement which emerged from a lengthy series of negotiations.

It mandated all 195 negotiating countries to ensure that the increase in global average temperature is limited to ‘well below 2C above pre-industrial levels and make every effort to limit it to ‘1.5C above pre-industrial levels.

The report further highlighted the shortcomings of the technologies describing the expectations placed on them as seriously overoptimistic.

The co-author of the study and environment programme director at the European Academies’ Science Advisory Council (EASAC), Prof Michael Norton said it’s impossible for the technology to rescue mankind from the impact of climate change.

“However the models do suggests that every tool in our toolbox may be necessary in the second half of the 21st century to tackle climate change and so we still think it is worth considering research into negative emissions technologies,” he said.

Negative emissions technologies include directly sucking carbon dioxide out of the air and collecting it as it is released from fuel combustion.

Carbon captured through this process could be stored underground to prevent it from re-entering the atmosphere as carbon dioxide even as the technologies that could facilitate this process are currently developed.

Experts however suggested a less high-tech method in tackling climate change like planting more trees to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has prioritised this method in their future plans to reduce global warming, suggesting that they could make up for greenhouse gas levels breaching the allowable limits.

A draft IPCC report leaked earlier this year also revealed that limiting the global average temperature to ‘1.5C above pre-industrial levels would involve removal of carbon

dioxide from the atmosphere.

Without these measures, the report suggested that there would be a very high risk, pointing out that the target could be breached by the 2040.

While the authors of the report confirmed a potential role for negative emission technologies, they insisted that such technologies should not be prioritised at the expense of efforts to minimise emissions.

A representatives from European science academies who authored the report added, “Relying on negative emissions technologies to compensate for failures to adequately mitigate emissions may have serious implications for future generations.”

Also, a UK Natural Environment Research Council scientist, Dr Phillip Williamson, who was not involved in the report described the technology as scientifically sound and politically important.

In his contribution, an earth system scientists at the University of Exeter, Prof Andrew Watson noted that while some of the technologies for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere may have a role to play in reducing climate change that it would be difficult to use them at a large scale that would make the needed impact.

“So our main focus and best hope for avoiding the worst effects of climate change still needs to be reducing our emissions”.

Other researchers acknowledged the importance of the reality check provided by the report, but emphasised the continued importance of research into negative emissions technologies.

A climate expert at Cardiff University, Dr Phil Renforth maintained that negative emission technologies could only make sense in a world that emissions are nose diving towards zero just as he called for a reasonable commitment towards strong and rapid mitigation.

“Waiting until emissions reach zero before researching for negative emissions is a dangerous gamble, one that may commit us to excess atmospheric carbon dioxide without scalable methods to remove it.”

A geosystem scientist at the University of Oxford, Professor Myles Allen however argued that describing the limited realistic potential of carbon removal was short-sighted, and allowed people to cling to the comfort-blanket of more conventional mitigation options.

“The report also ignored recent innovative policy ideas that might make large-scale carbon dioxide disposal a reality. There is only one institution in the world with the capital, expertise and resources to dispose of carbon dioxide on the necessary scale, and that is the fossil fuel industry, so we have to work out how to give it the incentive to do so,” he said.

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Monday, February 5, 2018

Monday, February 5, 2018

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NEWS

UK Will Not Surrender Over Bespoke Brexit Deal With EU – Minister Britain will not “surrender” in its fight to win a bespoke deal with the European Union that would offer tariff-free trade as well as control over immigration, a minister said yesterday before a crunch week for the government in Brexit negotiations.

Interior minister Amber Rudd was one of several senior Conservative lawmakers to take to the airwaves to support Prime Minister Theresa May, under pressure from Brexit hardliners who fear she is diluting her plans for a clean break with the EU. With reports in the local media suggesting that pro-Brexit ministers are being urged to get ready to replace May, Rudd tried to play down the deep divisions in government, saying there was more unity than so-called Brexiteers thought.

“We want to have a bespoke agreement. Now we’re not going to surrender before we have that battle,” Rudd told the BBC when asked whether ministers were

pursuing what the EU has already ruled out as “having its cake and eating it” - demanding tariff-free access to the EU’s market while controlling immigration.

She also told the Andrew Marr Show she supported May in demanding that EU citizens arriving after Brexit Day in March 2019 should have settlement rights different to those who came before that date - something the EU has opposed.

Asked whether Brexit campaigners were right to say that some in her cabinet were trying to blunt prospects for a wholesale departure from with the EU, Rudd said: “I have a surprise for the Brexiteers, which is the committee that meets in order to help make these decisions ... is more united than they think.”

Her words come at the beginning of a week when the government will flesh out some of its demands in negotiations with the EU on their future relationship and Brexit negotiations start in earnest again.

Cyprus Heads Back To Polls For Presidential Runoff Greek Cypriots headed back to the polls on Sunday in a runoff presidential vote between an incumbent conservative pledging to re-energise talks at ending the island’s division, and a leftist opponent who accuses him of squandering chances of a deal.

Sunday’s ballot pits President Nicos Anastasiades, 71, against leftist-backed Stavros Malas, 50. Polling stations opened at 0500 GMT with exit polls giving a first snapshot of voting when they close at 1600 GMT. Results should be final a little over two hours after voting ends.

Both candidates appealed for people to vote after a high abstention rate in the

first round of 28 percent.

“Don’t give up on the right to decide who the next president will be,” said Anastasiades. “Our country has problems and the input of all is needed, irrespective of who will win tonight,” he added.

“This election process concerns us all, all those who want to know what a European and multi-cultural state actually means,” said Malas after casting his ballot.

Anastasiades got 35.51 and Malas 30.24 percent of the vote in the first poll on Jan. 28, with the remainder cast among candidates who had taken a harder line than either in peace talks with estranged Turkish Cypriots.

6 Die As Deadly Storms Hit Bolivia, Argentina At least six people have died in heavy flooding across the Aldean nation of Bolivia, where days of rain have left thousands of people homeless, fields underwater and houses destroyed.

Authorities have said that at least 50,000 people in seven of the country’s nine departments have been left homeless. The hardest-hit areas are near the southern border with Paraguay and Argentina.

Rural and Land Development Minister Cesar Cacarico said the flooding has also damaged 33,000 fields.

During a visit to the town of Tupiza in Potosi department, President Evo Morales promised to help victims rebuild and to provide farmers with

seeds.

Authorities have now activated the Emergency National Operations Committee (COEN) to coordinate efforts to provide flood victims with aid.

South of the border, raging floodwaters washed away cars and homes in Argentina after heavy rains caused a river to overflow in the northwest.

Around 10,000 residents were evacuated from villages along the Pilcomayo River on Friday.

The stretch of the Pilcomayo which runs through Salta, in northwest Argentina, rose rapidly overnight after unusually heavy rains, such that some residents had to be plucked from waisthigh waters.

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Pope Calls Worldwide Day Of Prayer & Fasting For Peace Pope Francis invited Roman Catholics and members of all other religions yesterday to observe a day of prayer, fasting and initiatives for peace on Feb. 23, urging everyone to ‘say no’ to violence and conflict.

Francis, speaking to tens of thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square for his weekly blessing, said he was making the appeal because of the “tragic prolonging” of conflicts around the world.

Feb. 23 is a Friday in the first full week of the Christian season of Lent, during which fasting from

food and extra acts of charity are encouraged as a sign of penitence.

He said “everyone, in their own consciences, before God, should ask ‘what can I do for peace?’”

“Surely, we can pray but not only: each one of us can say ‘no’ to violence in their own way, because victories obtained through violence are false victories, while working for peace benefits all,” he said.

He specifically invited nonCatholics and non-Christians to join the initiative in any way they

saw fit, “but all together”.

Francis said the prayers and fasting should be offered in a particular way for the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.

South Sudan has been hit by a prolonged civil war and humanitarian crisis. The Democratic Republic of Congo has been hit by unrest this month following the shooting of protesting pro-democracy churchgoers opposed to President Joseph Kabila.

Pope Francis

China Accuses US Of ‘Cold War Mentality’ Over Nuclear Policy China has urged the US to drop its “Cold War mentality” after Washington said it planned to diversify its nuclear armoury with smaller bombs.

“The country that owns the world’s largest nuclear arsenal, should take the initiative to follow the trend instead of going against it,”

China’s defence ministry said yesterday.

The US military believes its nukes are seen as too big to be used and wants to develop low-yield bombs.

Iran’s foreign minister claimed it brought the world “closer to annihilation”.

The US is concerned about its nuclear arsenal

North Korea Uses Berlin Embassy To Get Missile Parts - Germany North Korea has been acquiring technology for its nuclear and weapons programmes through its Berlin embassy, Germany’s head of intelligence says.

Harns-Georg Maassen told NDR TV that many of these activities had been thwarted, but not all were detected.

He did not say what type of technology was procured, but said it could be used for civilian and military purposes.

North Korea has continued to develop missiles and nuclear weapons in defiance of international sanctions.

A UN report on Friday said it had continued to earn nearly $200m

(£141m) last year by exporting banned commodities, and implicated several countries including China, Russia and Malaysia.

“We have noticed that so many procurement activities have taken place from the embassy,” said Mr Maassen, in an interview due to be broadcast on Monday.

“From our point of view, they were for the missile programme but also partly for the nuclear programme,” he added.

“When we see such things, we stop them. But we cannot guarantee that we spot and block each attempt.”North Korea has not yet responded to Mr Maassen’s comments.

becoming obsolete and no longer an effective deterrent. It names China, Russia, North Korea and Iran as potential threats.

The Pentagon document released on Friday, known as the Nuclear Posture Review (NPR), argues that developing smaller nuclear weapons

would challenge that assumption. Low-yield weapons with a strength of under 20 kilotons are less powerful but are still devastating. The policy also proposes: China said yesterday it “firmly” opposed the Pentagon’s review of US nuclear policy.

Migrant Crisis: 20 Bodies Pulled From Sea Near Morocco The bodies of at least 20 people have been pulled from the sea off the coast of Melilla, a small Spanish territory bordering Morocco.

Moroccan rescue services recovered the corpses after the crew of a passenger ship spotted them in the water.

The dead are believed to be migrants from subSaharan Africa.

It is thought they may have been hoping to reach Europe by trying to land in Melilla, despite storm warnings being issued for the region.

Melilla, which is just 12 sq km (7 square miles), is a major crossing point for migrants seeking work or asylum in Europe.

Together with a second Spanish enclave, Ceuta, it

is the EU’s only land border with Africa.

Spanish newspaper El Pais reports that the bodies were found floating around 6-8km from Melilla’s coast.

The exact death toll has not yet been confirmed.

Spanish rescue services resumed a search on Sunday morning.

The sea crossing between north Africa and southern Spain is increasingly favoured by migrants, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

So far in 2018, Spain has been the second most popular entry point for incomers to Europe. IOM figures say some 1,279 arrived there, while 4,256 went to Italy.

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Morocco Thrash Nigeria 4-0 To Win CHAN Title

FIFA U-17 World Cup: Flamingos Walk Tight Rope

Nigeria’s U-17 girls face a herculean task in Yaounde in a fortnight after they could only force their Cameroonian counterparts to a 2-2 draw in their 2018 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final round, first leg clash at the weekend in Benin.

The Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City was the venue for the U-20 girls, Falconets’ easy qualification for the 9th FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup only a week ago, after a 6-0 pounding of South Africa’s Basetsana. But the Flamingos could not sustain the momentum, with their third draw in as many matches in the qualifying campaign.

Dignitaries and spectators were hopeful when Precious Vincent put Nigeria ahead after 100 seconds with a smart finish from Osaretin Ikekhua’s pass. But the Lionesses drew level only eight minutes later, with a brilliant header by Marie Ngah, and then shot into the lead just before the interval through Alice Kameni.

Ikekhua would turn scorer in the 54th minute, putting away a free – kick to draw Nigeria level on the evening.

The scoreline means the Flamingos must quickly develop a winning habit to overcome their opponents in the return leg in Yaounde in two weeks’ time, in order to earn a ticket to the 6th FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup taking place in Uruguay later this year.

To reach the last round of qualifiers, the Flamingos drew 1-1 with Ethiopia in Addis Ababa and both teams finished the return 0-0 in Benin. The away goal earned Nigeria passage at the expense of the East Africans.

Only a win in Yaounde, or a high score draw from 3-3, will see Nigeria sustain her reputation of playing in every edition of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup since the competition was launched in New Zealand 10 years ago.

BY SALIFU USMAN, ABUJA Morocco emerged champions of the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) no thanks to a 4-0 thumping of Nigeria’s Super Eagles Team B in a one sided final at the Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca, yesterday.

The Atlas Lions started the game sharper than they did in the semifinals win against North-African rivals, Libya on Wednesday.

Zakaria Hadraf gave the host a first half lead in the 45 minute, before Walid El Karti, Zakaria Hadraf and Ayoub Kaabi scored in 61st 64th and 73rd minutes respectively, after Coach Salisu Yusuf were reduce to 10-men for second yellow card warded against Peter Eneji, three minutes into second half of the encounter.

Nigerian team has not been

L-R: Sunday Faleye and Ifeanyi Nweke look dejected after CHAN Final defeat t Morocco

at their eye-catching best throughout the tournament despite making it through to the final.

They weren’t convincing enough during the group phase, drawing their opener against Rwanda and struggling to get past Libya, before coming from behind to defeat Equatorial Guinea.

Coach Salisu Yusuf’s men were on the cusp of elimination in the quarter-finals at the hands of Angolan side before Lobi Stars forward, Anthony Okpotu equalised at the death and Akwa United’s Okechukwu sealed the deal in extratime.

The Super Eagles may had a never-die attitude which took them to the final, but ran out of luck against superior Moroccan side at the Stade Mohammed V, yesterday.

NPFL: Akwa Utd Maintains Lead, Plateau Demolish Sunshine 5-0

BY SALIFU USMAN, ABUJA Akwa United maintained the lead at the top of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) standing with an impressive 4-0 home win over Wikki Tourists at the Godswill Apkabio Stadium, yesterday.

Gabriel Wassa gave the Promise Keepers first half lead in the 14th minute before Victor Mbaoma, Michael Okoro Ibe and Dumte Christian Pyagbara scored in the second half respectively to seal the victory for Abdul Maikaba side against his former club.

The victory ensured Akwa United preserved their lead at the top of the Nigeria Professional Football League table despite Plateau United 5 - 0 demolitions of Sunshine Stars.

The Promise Keepers have now gar-

nered 16 points from seven games, one more than defending champion Plateau United.

Champions Plateau United were in devastating form against Sunshine Stars with new arrival Tosin Omoyele grabbing a brace in the 5-0 demolition of the Akure based club.

In Port Harcourt, Oche Salefu’s 84th minute strike from the spot saw Rivers United edge Go Round 1-0 in local derby at the Yakubu Gowon stadium in Port Harcourt.

The ex-Remo Stars midfielder slotted the ball coolly into the net after Awala Moses was punished for fouling substitute Osita Chikere.

While In Owerri, former champions Heartland recorded their first win of the season following a comfortable 2-0 home win against Kwara United.

US Women Break 4x800m Relay Record Bahamian Olympic champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo matched the fastest time ever recorded in the rarely run women’s 300 metres and an American team broke the world record in the women’s 4x800m relay at the NYRR Millrose Games on Saturday.

Miller-Unibo, the 2016 Rio Games 400 metres champion, sped to a runaway victory of 35.45 seconds around the indoor track in New York as she equalled the 25-year-old mark set by Russia’s Irina Privalova.

“Coach wanted me to come out her and run a pretty good time and it was a world record,” Miller-Uibo said of the event which is not recognised for

Monday February 5, 2018

@leadershipNGA

world record purposes.

“It’s a great feeling.”

A world record did fall in the women’s 4x800m relay, however, thanks to an inspiring anchor leg by Ajee Wilson.

Chrishuna Williams, Raevyn Rogers, Charlene Lipsey and Wilson clocked 8:05.89 to better a 2011 Russian quartet’s mark of 8:06.24.

“It was insane,” Wilson, who ran her 800 metres in 1:58.37, told NBC Sports. “I could feel the crowd. They really pushed me, encouraged me to keep digging.”

Greek Olympic gold medallist Katerina Stefanidi won a highly antic-

ipated women’s pole vault that lost much of its lustre after American rival Sandi Morris pulled out due to back spasms.

Stefanidi, who is also the reigning world champion, claimed her 15th consecutive victory by clearing 4.71m on her second attempt.

American Katie Nageotte matched the Greek woman’s vault but lost out on countback after registering more failures at an earlier height.

Young Kenyan Emmanuel Korir sped to the year’s fastest 800m, cruising to victory in 1:44.21, and Scotland’s Chris O’Hare posted the leading mile time of 2018 with a 3:54.14.

ers United midfielder, Esosa Igbinoba got the decisive goal in the 26th minute.

FC Ifeanyiubah are not without a win in their last four games.

Seven-time champions Enyimba held their hosts El-Kanemi Warriors to 0-0 draw in Maiduguri in another match day seven fixture.

Biodun Thompson netted the opener for the Naze Millionaires on 10 minutes, while Stanley Egbujor added the second 11 minutes from time.

At the Aper Aku Stadium Makurdi, Lobi Stars secured a hard fought 1-0 win against FC Ifeanyiubah Former Nasarawa United and Riv-

NIGERIA PROFESSIONAL FOOTABLL LEAGUE TABLE - 2017-18 Pos

Team

P

W

D

1

Akwa United

7

5

1

2

Plateau United

7

5

0

3

Kano Pillars

7

4

2

L

GF

GA

GD

TPS

1

14

3

11

16

2

12

3

9

15

1

11

5

6

14

4

Lobi Stars

7

4

1

2

8

5

3

13

5

Sunshine

7

3

2

2

5

8

-3

11

6

Katsina United

7

3

1

3

10

6

4

10

7

Yobe Stars

6

3

1

2

6

5

1

10

8

Enyimba

7

2

4

1

4

4

0

10

9

Rangers

7

3

1

3

5

6

-1

10

10

Rivers United

7

3

1

3

5

7

-2

10

11

MFM

7

3

0

4

6

10

-4

9

12

Wikki Tourists

7

3

0

4

4

9

-5

9

13

Abia Warriors

7

2

2

3

4

4

0

8

14

El-Kanemi

7

2

2

3

4

6

-2

8

15

Heartland

6

1

4

1

4

3

1

7

16

FC Ifeanyi Ubah

7

2

1

4

7

8

-1

7

17

GO Round

7

2

1

4

4

8

-4

7

18

Nasarawa Utd

6

2

0

4

5

7

-2

6

19

Niger Tornadoes 6

2

0

4

6

9

-3

6

20

Kwara United

2

0

5

2

10

-8

6

7

Monday, February 5, 2018

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SPORTS 47 Wenger Salutes Aubameyang, Mkhitaryan

Blame Neymar For Transfer Fee Rise – Barca … Neymar had to step out of Messi’s shadow - Alves

The war of words between Barcelona and Neymar continued with Vicepresident Jordi Mestre claiming the Brazilian’s dishonesty when leaving the club is the sole reason for the surge in transfer fees over the last six months.

Neymar left Barca in August when Paris Saint-Germain paid his release clause, making him the world’s most expensive player at €222 million.

As a knock-on effect, the Catalan side will end up spending €300m on Ousmane Dembele and Philippe Coutinho if all the add-ons are fulfilled, while the cost of players around Europe has spiralled.

Mestre says the price of players could have been contained, at least for now, if Neymar had been honest with the club rather than playing “cat and mouse.”

“What hurt me the most was the

way it happened,” he told Diario Sport. “We were all on tour talking with him and his father, and they were not transparent.

“If he came to us and said, I want to go, like Cesc [Fabregas], Pedro [Rodriguez], Alexis [Sanchez] and [Javier] Mascherano, we would have reached an agreement.

“What you can’t do is rock the boat. He played cat and mouse with us. He told us nothing. If he had done, PSG would have been able to buy him for less money and it would have cost us less to sign [replacements], too.

“What Neymar’s behaviour created was the market inflation. We would have saved a lot of money and a lot of media noise.”

When Barca realised what was going on, they decided to withhold the second half of the bonus they were due to pay Neymar for the con-

tract renewal he signed at Camp Nou at the end of 2016.

Meanwhile, former Barcelona star and Neymar team-mate at PSG, Dani Alves, said his compatriot had to escape Barcelona and the shadow of Lionel Messi in order to prove himself as a global great.

The Brazilian forward spent four years alongside the five-time Ballon d’Or winner at Camp Nou, with that spell helping to enhance his reputation as he shone on the world’s biggest stage.

It was, however, decided in the summer of 2017 that a change of scenery was required, with PSG prepared to offer that as they triggered a €222 million release clause.

Alves, as a former Barca stalwart himself, understands why Neymar opted to make such a move, with it important for him to become a superstar in his own right, rather than

accompanying one in Catalunya.

“I think he’s up there with Messi as the most influential player in world football.

“The thing is, he had to come out of his shadow a little. Playing with someone as unique as Leo is the most incredible thing that can happen to you, but there’s always that doubt in your mind if it’s you that really has the quality or if it’s him.

“I always loved playing with him, but he’s Argentinian and Ney and I are Brazilians. Sooner or later we had to come up against each other.

“I think you’ve got a better chance of achieving things individually when you’re not so close to a player like him. It was important for Ney’s own development and for Brazil for him to follow his own path.”

Like Neymar, Alves completed his own switch to Parc des Princes last summer.

Doping: CAS Ruling On Russian Athletes ‘Surprising, Disappointing’ – IOC

Double Olympic champions pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva has called the verdict “the funeral of athletics

The decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to overturn lifetime Olympic bans on 28 Russian athletes came as a complete surprise and it could make the fight against doping more difficult, said IOC President Thomas Bach, yesterday.

CAS said on Thursday there was insufficient evidence of anti-doping violations against the athletes, and while it confirmed 11 other Russians had committed doping offences it reduced their lifetime bans to a suspension from this month’s Pyeongchang Winter Games.

The bans were originally imposed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) following an investigation into alleged systematic doping in Sochi four years ago.

The IOC has banned Russia from Pyeongchang as a result of its “un-

precedented systematic manipulation” of the anti-doping system, although individual Russian athletes can compete as neutrals if they can meet stringent IOC criteria.

Russia has repeatedly denied state involvement in doping.

“This CAS decision is extremely disappointing and surprising,” Bach said on Sunday after an IOC Executive Board meeting. “We would never have expected this.”

CAS had told the IOC that its reasoned decision for upholding the athletes’ appeals might not come until the end of February, but Bach said this was “extremely unsatisfactory given the gravity of the cases”.

After receiving the reasoned decision, the IOC would explore the possibility of an appeal, he added, warning that the CAS decision had

the potential to have a “very negative” impact on the fight against doping.

He also said the ruling had showed it was necessary to change the internal structure at CAS to allow it to “better manage the quality and the consistency of its jurisdiction”.

Bach said the decision to invite 169 Russian athletes to compete at this month’s Olympics in South Korea gave them a chance to show the country’s sporting community that clean athletes can be successful.

“We gave a new and young generation of Russian athletes, after having passed great scrutiny by the independent panel, the opportunity to be invited to participate in the Games and to be ambassadors for a clean sport,” he said.

Arsene Wenger says the instinctive understanding between old friends Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Henrikh Mkhitaryan can transform Arsenal’s turbulent season. Aubameyang marked his Arsenal debut with a goal in Saturday’s 5-1 demolition of Everton, while Mkhitaryan provided three assists in his first start for the Gunners.

The swaggering show from the former Borussia Dortmund teammates was a much-needed boost for Arsenal boss Wenger after a difficult January that saw Alexis Sanchez force through a move to Manchester United, while the north Londoners struggled on the pitch. Gabon striker Aubameyang joined from Dortmund on deadline day for a club record £56 million, reuniting with Armenia midfielder Mkhitaryan, who arrived earlier in the window from United in a swap deal for Sanchez.

While Aaron Ramsey scored his first career hat-trick against Everton, it was the promising partnership between Aubameyang and Mkhitaryan that stole the show.

“Overall, the two players integrated well into our game and they looked as if they had played for us forever,” said Wenger.

“They have similar qualities to what our game is about. Technically, they are good. They are quick and overall it was a first convincing performance.”

Aubameyang was a constant menace with his pace and energy and, while his goal was fortunate given he was offside when he ran onto Mkhitaryan’s pass, there was enough quality on display to suggest he may keep the misfiring Alexandre Lacazette on the bench for the foreseeable future.

“The quality of his movement and finishing was excellent. He gives problems to defenders with his movement, he is always looking to go into spaces that are difficult to cover,” Wenger said.

“When he gets ahead it is hard to catch him. When we understand him better we can make more of that.

“He is a good link player and he works very hard as well.

Overall, I think he looked wellaccepted by the rest of the team and understood very well how we want to play. I can say is that it was a convincing debut,” Wenger said.

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05.02.18 www.leadership.ng

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

No. 3,002

MONDAY

N200

SPACE FOR SALE

NIA: Between Guest Columnist Competence And Politics Philip Agbese

T

he National Intelligence Agency (NIA) has responsibility for Nigeria’s foreign intelligence and counterintelligence activities. That puts it on the same footing as the United States of America’s Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), United Kingdom’s Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service of the Russian Federation (SVR RF) or Israel’s Mossad.

Operations of bodies like these are meant to be clandestine, shrouded in the highest secrecy possible, but nonetheless they have the unwavering task of securing the nation. It is important to point out that security in this regard goes beyond chasing terrorists across the globe or across international boundaries. The security covered by such organizations is an all-round affair: how do the activities of the other nations (even allies) impact on the long term interest of the country in question? How do economic policies, scientific or technological breakthrough of other nations, media

content generated elsewhere and even hard drugs from other climes or just any other thing happening offshore affect the nation?

The competence of a country’s foreign intelligence agency is therefore of the greatest importance as every other effort made on the home front may amount to naught if the country’s interests are not protected internationally.

Countries that are adjudged as super powers today did not attain such reckoning simply on the strength of firepower alone; the international respect they hold is coerced out of other countries by their being strategically positioned, through their intelligences agencies, to keep a finger on the pulse of things in their relationships with other nations.

Unfortunately, in Nigeria, these imperatives are lost on the emergency critics that have jumped on the bandwagon of criticizing development at the NIA following the emergence of Mr. Rufai Abubakar as its substantive Director General.

That appointment has attracted what can best be described as a barrage of dim-witted reactions that are powered by parochial

Buhari

sentiments, ignorance or a deadly combination of both.

This is hardly surprising in a country where every single football fan is a coach, technical adviser and player at the same time, hence a penchant for every single fan to ascribe to themselves the position of foremost expert where the round leather game is involved. National Interest, as safeguarded by the National Intelligence Agency, does not however lend itself to such all-knowing analysts; this is also not about freedom of speech or expression because other Nigerians have a counterbalancing right to have their lives protected from nitwits that could unravel the country with their ill comments.

Those that criticized the appointment out of selfishness and sentiment are perhaps the most dangerous crowd there is. Notable among such is former president, Dr Olusegun Obasanjo, who had vehemently tried to dismiss the appointment as parochial and shaded by nepotism without showing the kind of restraints required in reviewing such issues given his background as one time military man and two

time leader of the country. He omitted to mention that had he appointed the NIA leadership based on competence during his time as Nigeria’s president, the country might have fared better than it did with issues related to foreign intelligence.

Dr Obasanjo’s presidency was, for instance, dominated by foreign interventions that can scarcely be described as beneficial to Nigeria.

Relations with other nations were defined more by a need to cater to Obasanjo’s oversized ego than to secure the national interest of Nigeria. Nigeria thus intervened in crisis situations; help stabilize them while other countries stepped in to reap the benefits. Under his watch Nigeria entered into treaties that are today albatrosses, burdens that stymie the country’s ability to make rapid progress.

Mr Rufai Abubakar’s appointment as the Director General of NIA must therefore not be rubbished considering that it is a national institution of crucial importance. Dr Obasanjo’s condemnation of the appointment is unbecoming especially following reports that he is embittered because his preferred candidate was not

appointed. Similar criticism by those that should otherwise be knowledgeable is also reportedly sponsored by those that were disappointed at not making the cut.

Cognizance must be taken of the abysmal low to which the NIA had sunken under the previous leadership that pandered to political correctness and “Federal Character”. The NIA became a laughing stock when it could not, as a clandestine agency, properly secure the $43.5 million operations cash that an anti-graft agency discovered in a flat in Lagos. The agency has also been reduced to a nest of chatter boxes where directors are comfortable to routinely leak sensitive information to politicians under the pretext of writing the National Assembly.

The noise from these bitter lots is being echoed and amplified by some persons without the lightest iota of intelligence on their immediate streets of residence, which clearly places foreign intelligence beyond their grasp. These are the ones that have become overnight intelligence analysts to the extent that they fantasize about knowing the right kind of person to appoint as the head of NIA. Had those in this alliance of the angry taken time to understand the person of Mr Rufai Abubakar they would have perhaps been humbled enough to know that theirs is an exercise without merit given the Director General’s track record. His is a blend of experience as a government employee tempered with knowledge of the country’s security needs and with the requisite network in international circuits to swing things the way of Nigeria. The question then is whether such level of sterling competence should be ignored by a desire to comply with Federal Character principle or sacrificed in

pursuit of a noxious political agenda. Nigeria is bigger than any of the stakeholders in this matter and it is the interest of the country above all others and not that of people in search of slots to place their marionettes and create new conduits to national treasury.

The great nations Nigeria aspires to surpass did not become strong by undermining their foreign intelligence agencies neither do they subject them to discourse by the uninformed. They are treated with the deserving reverence for institution that are equivalent of a country’s jugular, never to be toyed with.

Rather than engaging in a futility that would only further undermine Nigeria’s interests with other nations, people should rather applaud President Muhammadu Buhari, whose appointment into security agencies have shown that he has a grip on security hence the results recorded under his leadership.

What is needed is not antagonism of Mr President or his appointees but to give him the backing necessary to perfect the foundation for a Nigeria that will truly be a world power house.

– Agbese wrote from the United Kingdom.

GHANA MUST GO Biafra independence is imminent

— MASSOB

MASSOB should ask Nnamdi Kanu about biafra!!

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