Thursday, september 22, 2016 binder1

Sanusi, experts back CBN on retention of interest rate Sunday Ojeme and Tony Chukwunyem

T

he decision by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to main-

tain status quo on interest rate has been commended by financial experts.

The experts, locally and globally, contended that the

decision would ensure continued foreign exchange inflows, which the country needs most at this time to pull it out of economic

recession.

The 10-member CBN Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) had, on Tuesday, retained the Monetary

Policy Rate (MPR) at 14.00 per cent; Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) at 22.5 per cent; Liquidity Ratio at 30.00 per cent and Asymmetric Win-

Airport terminals funding: Stop blackmailing Jonathan, PDP tells Adeosun

}10

dow at +200 and -500 basis points around the MPR. MPR is the benchmark rate by which the CBN determines interest rate.

It indirectly influences CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Sanctity Of Truth

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS

Thursday, September 22, 2016

11 die, 14 family members missing in }8 auto crashes

/newtelegraph /newtelegraph

Vol. 3 No. 946

Scene of an accident

Budget padding: Drama as Reps }4 move to suspend Jibrin for 6 months

Jibrin

Landlords, farmers flee }9 as abductors reduce ransom

@newtelegraph1 www.newtelegraphonline.com @newtelegraph1 www.newtelegraphonline.com

Owoseni

N150

Catholic priest killed after N1.5m ransom –Police }8

Adeyi

Buhari: We’ll fund roads, rail, power projects with loans }2

…says Nigeria on a long, difficult journey Ekweremadu opposes Saraki on sale of national assets When the blind perform for peace

Students of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) School for the Blind, Jabi, performing at the International Day of Peace organised

by Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), in Abuja… yesterday.

How police torture, extort detainees –Amnesty

…Officers pay bribe for posting lIGP: Police not given fair hearing Codeine not safe for kids – Study }10

}5

2

NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Buhari: We’ll fund roads, rail, power projects with loans

Anule Emmanuel Abuja

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said that the Federal Government will invest substantial part of its foreign and local loans into the development of critical infrastructure.

The president said borrowed funds will be judiciously utilised to revive stalled road, rail, power and port projects, and in agricultural initiatives that will significantly boost domestic production of food.

Buhari disclosed this in an article published yesterday in Bloomberg International titled, ‘Making Africa Rising a Reality’.

The Federal Government has approved plans to receive loans from the World Bank, China’s Exim Bank, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

The loan will come in form of “low cost, longterm loans” with 1.25 per cent interest rates and 20year tenors.

Also, the government is seeking loans from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and secures a Eurobond.

According to Buhari, the long old thinking about Africa as a continent with a promising potential has given way to more questioning concerns.

He said unlike in the past in Nigeria where funds meant for developmental purposes were diverted and squandered, his government was commitment to prudence and accountability in the management of resources.

“Unlike in the past when

borrowed funds were frittered away on unproductive ventures, we will ensure their investment in the revival of stalled road, rail, power and port projects, and in agricultural initiatives that will significantly boost domestic production of food.

“For far too long we have under-invested in infrastructure – the most critical element for creating sustainable economic growth. The net effect: an avoidably high cost of doing business in Nigeria,” he stressed.

Buhari explained that now that the country was faced with economic recession, government’s focus is to attract huge loans that

would assist in rescuing the dwindling economy.

Already, Buhari said: “We have begun raising a $1 billion Eurobond, our first in three years. We are also raising debt from the World Bank, the African Development Bank, the Chinese Exim Bank and other development finance partners.”

The president noted that since the signing of the 2016 budget into law, government has released about N400 billion for various infrastructure projects.

He also explained that the interest of his administration was to encourage the private sector taking advantage of the Public Private Partnership (PPP)

model to support gamechanging private-sector projects in power, refining, gas transportation and fertilizer production.

The president said that rather than lament on the current economic challenge, government will not be distracted.

He challenged African leaders to see the fall in oil and commodities as an opportunity to create new areas of wealth that would guarantee the well being of citizens.

The president admitted that the journey ahead is long and difficult.

“The journey ahead remains long and difficult.

Our double-digit inflation, currency turmoil and

Former Abia State Governor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu (left), and Provost, Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu, Prof. Justina Mgbada, during the presentation of a bottle of pure natural honey, produced by the institution to Kalu at his Igbere country home, Abia State…recently.

Ekweremadu opposes Saraki on sale of assets

lSenator to president: Rejig your cabinet Chukwu David Abuja

D

eputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu and Senator George Akume (APC, Benue) yesterday opposed the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, on his suggestion that the Federal Government should sell some national assets to boost the nation's shrinking foreign reserves.

Saraki had, on Tuesday, enjoined the executive to increase the dwindling foreign reserves by selling some important national assets, including part sale of the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) Holdings and other resources.

But contributing to the debate on the economy yesterday during plenary,

Ekweremadu cautioned the Federal Government against selling the national assets in order to raise money to fund the ailing economy.

He pointed out that other economies of the world that experienced recession did not sell their assets to rescue the situation, urging government instead to fall back on oil revenue and perhaps sell the nonperforming assets, in order not to harm posterity.

Ekweremadu said, "I have heard about the issue of selling of our assets. I need to caution that other countries are not doing the same. United Arab Emirates does not even allow you to come close to their oil wells talk less of selling them. And, of course, a country like Saudi Arabia, their budget each year is run by investments from

their oil revenue while other countries are investing.

"I am sure we will not be fair to the next generation if we sell our assets because of the current state of the economy. So, if we must sell, we have to sell the non-performing assets so that people can turn them around and create employment."

Akume also kicked against the recommendation by Saraki for government to sell some national assets.

He said: "We are making a mistake here, what we are intending to do is to very unpatriotically ensure that those who are within the bracket of the stolen dollars will still come to buy. I believe that this is not the time to strip these assets. We should rather focus on industrialisation through agricul-

ture and try to revamp this economy.”

Proffering solutions to the recession, Ekweremadu called for restructuring of the federation.

"We need to unbundle this Federal Government from the security, to power, to agriculture, to social sectors. A situation where the Federal Government is in charge of everything is not helpful. We need to unbundle this country, if you like call it restructuring. It might be a long term strategy and it might be in phases, but it is something that we need to do quickly," he said.

The Deputy Senate President further called on President Muhammadu Buhari to take a critical look at his cabinet, with a view to putting square pegs in square holes, to be able to make his ministers and advisers function more effectively.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

downgraded ratings will not vanish overnight. We also know that the current recession is partly driven by the production outages in Nigeria’s Delta region, and we are confident that growth will accelerate, as problems in that region are resolved.

“But the real story here is not the challenges, which are all too visible, but the opportunities. We have learned the necessary lessons. We will ensure that Nigeria does not slip back into a lazy and dangerous dependence on the price of crude oil. We will continue to insist on transparency and accountability in the use of government funds.

And we will build an economy that prioritizes the ease of doing business and investing, and that thrives on the entrepreneurial energy and ingenuity of our people….

“The months ahead will show not only that Nigeria is on the rise, but that this “Rising” is real and lasting – one that touches not just the statistical databases, but the lives of the people who elected us to deliver positive change.”

In a related development, the Federal Government will soon embark on wide ranging reforms expected to provide a favourable environment for businesses in the country.

Buhari, who disclosed this yesterday in New York, said Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo will soon make public the reform strategies affecting the nation’s ports and issues relating to visaon arrival.

The president was addressing a large gathering of political and business leaders from the United States, Africa and other regions of the world at the Second United States-Africa Business Forum.

He assured potential investors that Nigeria would soon be one of the most attractive places to invest as his administration has embarked on significant economic reforms to realise that goal.

The forum was organised by the United States Department of Commerce and Bloomberg Philanthropies.

Buhari explained that “the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council headed by Osinbajo, will soon come out with wide-ranging business environment reforms on ports, visa-on arrival, improving the speed and efficiency of land titling and business registration.”

Some fiscal incentives, he noted, include, up to five years tax holiday for activities classified as “pioneer;” tax-free operations; no restrictions on expatriate quotas in Free Trade Zones;

and a low VAT regime of 5 per cent.

“We intend to make Nigeria one of the most attractive places to do business,” he declared, even as he noted that Nigeria remains the number one investment destination in Africa.

Buhari noted that his administration would continue to strengthen government institutions in order to address the concerns of investors and ease investments in the Nigerian economy.

“We are weaning ourselves from a historical dependence on crude oil, diversifying our economy, and putting it on the path of sustainable and inclusive growth. To this end, we have embarked on policies aimed at establishing an open, rules-based and market-oriented economy.

We will continue to actively engage with the private sector at the highest levels to listen to your concerns and to assure you of our commitment to creating enabling policies in which your businesses can survive and thrive,” Buhari said.

Buhari, while stressing that enormous potential exists for foreign investment and for the local economy, listed sectors which have barely been exploited to include Nigeria’s 180-million population and abundance of labour; arable land; forest waters; oil and gas; solid minerals; livestock and huge tourist potential.

According to him, “These are, no doubt, challenging times for the Nigerian economy. But let me use this opportunity to boldly affirm our conviction that there is no crisis without an accompanying opportunity. In our case, we see Nigeria’s ongoing economic challenges – occasioned mainly by the fall in oil prices – as an opportunity to set the economy firmly on the path of true diversification, sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity.”

Buhari said after the Business Forum, he looked forward to increased trade and investment flows between Nigeria and the United States.

The president said Nigeria would soon be one of the most attractive investment destinations.

$2.36m

The capital importation of the Marketing sector of Nigeria in Q4 2013.

Source: National Bureau of Statistics

2.63m

The total volume of payment channels made by Mobile payments of Nigeria in February 2015.

Source: National Bureau of Statistics

nor ion sed deure by rs, ith pormaies proemple, ely ate pur wth.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

3

4

NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

How police torture, extort detainees –Amnesty

Onwuka Nzeshi and Emmanuel Onani Abuja

A

mnesty International yesterday accused the Nigeria Police of torturing detainees and demanding bribes from suspected criminals in their custody in exchange for freedom.

The global human rights watchdog said that the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a police unit set up to combat armed robbery and other violent crimes, has instead metamorphosed into a deadly syndicate in whose hands many innocent citizens have passed through hell.

In its latest report unveiled yesterday in Abuja, Amnesty International Nigeria said its researchers interviewed former detainees who revealed that they were subjected to horrific torture methods, including hanging, starvation, beatings, shootings and mock executions, while in the custody of the SARS. In the report titled: "You have signed your death warrant," Amnesty International presented the findings of its survey conducted on the activi-

ties of SARS in different parts of the country with special focus on Anambra and Enugu states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Damian Ugwu, Amnesty International researcher, said that in the course of the survey, his team received reports from lawyers, human rights defenders and journalists and collected testimonies stating that some police officers in SARS regularly demanded bribes, stole and extorted money from criminal suspects and their families.

"A lawyer told Amnesty International that his client, a 70-year-old man, was asked to pay N200,000 by officers at SARS Awkuzu for the bail of his two sons aged 20 and 22 who were arrested for assaulting a neighbour. When my client failed to meet their demand, SARS arraigned them in court for armed robbery,” he said.

A middle-level police officer in Lagos told Amnesty International that being posted to SARS is often regarded as a “juicy” posting and is, in some cases, preceded by intense lobbying by potential officers.

He said that officers sometimes pay superior officers responsible for

transfers as much as N300,000 to influence their posting to SARS, as it is seen as a means of earning a substantial amount of money in a short time.

Allegations of police corruption were made by lawyers, human rights defenders and victims who spoke to Amnesty International in Enugu, Anambra, Lagos states and Abuja.

Lawyers and human rights defenders told Amnesty international that there are increasing numbers of detainees forced to pay a bribe to avoid being tortured or even killed.

Lawyers in Anambra State told Amnesty International that legal practitioners are not allowed to see their clients in SARS and that, in some cases, SARS officers direct family members to specific lawyers who will negotiate a bribe on their behalf.

“Our research has uncovered a pattern of ruthless human rights violations where victims are arrested and tortured until they either make a ‘confession’ or pay officers a bribe to be released.

SARS officers are getting rich through their brutal-

ity,” said Ugwu.

According to the report, SARS detainees are held in a variety of locations, including a grim detention centre in Abuja known as

2

The total number of open play goals scored by Australia at Brazil 2014 World Cup. Source: Fifa.com

£11,340

The daily salary of Rafael Van der Vaart of Hamburger SV in 2014/2015.

Source: Paywizard.co.uk

the ‘Abattoir’, where Amnesty International found 130 detainees living in overcrowded cells.

The report also revealed that, in addition to its statutory duties of tackling violent crime, SARS investigates civil matters and, in some cases, torture detainees involved in contractual, business and even non-criminal disputes.

The 26-page report cited a case in Onitsha, Anambra State, where a 25-year-old petrol station attendant was arrested by CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Niger Investment Board, Boubacar Zakari Wargo; President of Niger Republic, Mahamadou Issoufou; and Group Managing Director/CEO, UBA Plc., Mr. Kennedy Uzoka, during the USAfrica Business Summit in New York….yesterday

Sanusi, experts back CBN on retention of interest rate CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

other interest rates in the economy, while the CRR is a portion of banks’ deposits kept by banks with the CBN. MPC’s retention was against the call by the Finance Minister, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, to lower borrowing costs to aid growth and lower cost of government borrowing.

Former Governor of the CBN and Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, lent his support to the apex bank’s decision at the launch of Afrinvest’ Nigeria Banking Report 2016 in Lagos yesterday.

He said that the decision showed “the CBN was beginning to reclaim its independence,” adding that a cut in interest rates would not help the economy at this time.

He said: “If you lower the MPR by 100 or 200 basis points, it will not lead to increase in credit growth; it will fuel inflation and discourage foreign investors from coming in with inflows.”

He argued that foreign inflows was critical to the economy at this time, stressing that everything should be done to attract such inflows and that it did not matter whether the inflows were portfolio investments or Foreign Di-

rect Investments (FDI).

Sanusi, however, said while he had commended the CBN’s decision to introduce a flexible forex policy, he was concerned that the regulator had not allowed the market to operate as it ought to.

He noted that the naira was currently undervalued in terms of Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) and urged the CBN to have the courage to implement the document of the flexible forex policy.

He cited Venezuela and Ghana as countries which tried to defy the market and paid dearly for it.

He said: “If you allow people to bring in money, you have liquidity. The market does not accept orders.

If you don’t have dollars you will not have liquidity.

If the CBN implements the document of the flexible forex policy, there will be foreign inflows and gradually, you will have a narrowing of the gap between the official and parallel market rates.”

Alan Cameron, an economist at Exotix Partners, a leading investment firm for frontier and illiquid markets based in the United Kingdom, described the apex bank’s decision as one of the “most sensible statement in months (and) one clear about the mandate

and policy limitations.”

He said that the naira was no longer overvalued, but rather at fair value on a real effective exchange rate basis or perhaps significantly below 325-350 locally.

Cameron said there would be another three to six months of high nominal yield before some cuts in 2017, if external dynamics continue to improve.

He added that the MPC position “should be confidence-building, albeit from a rather low level.”

Similarly, Senior Macroeconomic Specialist at Ecobank International, London, Gaime Nonyame, said the CBN could not have reduced interest rates because of inflation and also could not increase it because of ongoing recession.

This, she insisted, would not be desirable and encouraging to investors, who are expected to bring in much-needed foreign currency, which Nigeria needs to get out of recession.

Also, analysts at Foreign Currency Trading & Investment arm of Diamond Bank Plc., Uyi Ohenhen, lauded the CBN, saying the decision was a positive development that triggered inflow of funds into the foreign exchange market a day after.

One of the economists

that spoke with Reuters also praised the CBN for shrugging off political pressure.

"CBN's refusal to bow to government pressure is a notable sign of the institution's independence," said John Ashbourne of Capital Economics.

On his part, a Senior Analyst at Delta Investments, Mr. Ken Halim, said: “The CBN’s decision was generally in line with analysts’ expectations. I would have been surprised if the CBN had cut interest rates given that the most serious challenge facing the country at the moment is forex issue.

Dollars are still very scarce and companies are shutting down because they can’t access forex. Cutting interest rates would have discouraged foreign investors from investing in treasury bills and bonds.”

Also, in a note released yesterday, experts at Time Economics Limited backed the MPC’s decision, citing the fact that past efforts to cut rates in order to stimulate spending were misapplied by Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), which rather than lend to the real sector, diverted loans to traders, importers of manufactured goods and government.

The analysts noted: “Cutting the MPR could do

more to erode the credibility of the CBN with regard to the conduct of monetary policy. Such action, in our opinion, will help worsen the already growing negative real interest rate and could further discourage the return of foreign investors – something the CBN has worked so hard to avoid.

“Moreover, the pursuit of an expansionary monetary policy in order to support growth, in the face of rising inflation and currency depreciations, could prove to be counterproductive, particularly in the absence of complementary fiscal policy reforms.”

Indeed, most analysts polled prior to the MPC meeting had predicted the best decision that the CBN was likely to take was to leave rates unchanged.

Analysts at FSDH had said: “We expect the MPC of the CBN to hold rates when it meets on September 19-20, 2016. The current economic recession does not support an increase in rates; rather it supports rate cut to boost output. On the other hand, the rising inflation rate and weak currency do not support rate cut but a rate increase.

“However, given the stagflation the country faces at the moment, maintaining rates at the

current level may be the best option. We expect the MPC to continue to use the Open Market Operations (OMO) to influence yields to achieve positive real yields on fixed income securities.

“Looking at the economic developments in the country, we believe the MPC will vote to maintain rates at the current levels.

The need to stimulate economic growth in Nigeria does not support a rate hike. Meanwhile, the need to tame the rising inflation rate also does not support a rate cut. The most appropriate policy option is to do nothing.”

The CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, had insisted that reducing the MPR at this time would only worsen inflationary conditions and put further pressure on the exchange rate.

He said all the MPC members had considered calls for a rate cut, but concluded that the biggest challenges the economy faces were "unsystematic and incomplete structural reforms" which raised "cost, risk and uncertainty."

Emefiele stressed that the MPC decided not cut interest rates because it found out that this does not result in increased borrowing by the private sector.

NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

5

Drama as reps move to suspend Jibrin for 6 months

lEthics committee to probe lawmaker lI won’t appear before probe committee in camera –Rep

Philip Nyam Abuja

T

here was mild drama in the House of Representatives yesterday as the lower chamber charged the former chairman of the Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin, with breach of privileges of members and sundry acts of misconduct in his allegations of budget padding against Speaker Yakubu Dogara and other principal officers.

Jibrin risks a six-month suspension from the House if the Ethics and Privileges Committee, led by Hon. Ossai Nicholas Ossai, which has been given one week to investigate the allegations and make recommendation, finds him guilty.

Recall that Jibrin had, in the last two months, made

serial allegations of budget padding and corruption against Dogara, his deputy, Yussuff Lasun; chief whip, Ado Alhassan Doguwa; minority leader, Leo Ogor and called for their resignation.

But Speaker Dogara, in his welcome address, declared that the House, under his leadership, would not be distracted in spite of the allegations and shall continue to be accountable to Nigerians.

Shortly after the speaker delivered his welcome address, chairman of the House committee on rules and business, Hon. Emmanuel Orker-Jev, in a motion on matters of privileges, called for the investigation of Jibrin, whom he noted that since he was relieved of his appointment as committee chairman on July 21, “embarked on a campaign of calumny and denigration by making

false and scandalous statements and publications in the print and electronic media and Internet against the entire membership of the institution of the House of Representatives and National Assembly as an institution.”

Orker-Jev, who quoted some seven statements made by Jibrin to buttress his point, submitted that the “words were written, made and published with reckless disregard as to whether or not they were true, thereby scandalizing the House and its members.”

Trouble began as soon as Orker-Jev started reading the motion and as such was severally interrupted by some members sympathetic to Jibrin, who were protesting and shouting ‘no, no, no’.

As he read halfway into the motion, Jibrin, who sits behind Orker-Jev, walked

out of the chambers quietly, while his supporters continued the disorderliness.

The rowdiness continued for about 30 minutes, but Orker-Jev was undeterred and, at 12 noon, the speaker put the motion to vote and the ayes were overwhelming. It was thereafter referred to the Ethics Committee for investigation.

Attempts by Hon. Aliyu Garba Madaki (APC, Kano) to raise a point of order on the manner the allegations against the speaker and some principal officers were treated, were continuously rebuffed by Dogara’s supporters.

At this point, mufflers bearing “Dogara” were being freely distributed to members on the floor and all the speaker’s supporters were decked in the green coloured apparel on their necks.

Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma (left) and Japanese Ambassador Sadanobu Jusaoke, during a visit to Udoma in Abuja...yesterday

Responding, Dogara said since the allegations also rubbed on him as a member, Madaki should take the first step by resigning before him (the speaker).

However, after the House exhausted its motions for the day, Hon. Gudaji Kazaure (APC, Jigawa) was given special privilege to speak on the developments in the House. He admonished members, saying the speaker will complete his term and that no member too will be suspended.

Earlier, Dogara called on President Muhammadu Buhari to convene a joint session of the National Assembly to brainstorm on the way out of the recession, warning that “this is not the time for partisanship. This is not the time to score political points.

This is not the time for grandstanding. This is not the time for blame games.

The situation and the times call for bold, courageous, enlightened and purposeful leadership.”

He said: “The recent retreat by Mr. President with his cabinet and sundry statutory appointees is most commendable. It is in this regard that I urge Mr. President to consider holding a joint emergency session of the National Assembly to brief both the legislature and, indeed Nigerians, of his plans to pull Nigeria out of recession.”

According to him, “to achieve the needed result, we must never shy away from telling our brothers

and sisters that the change we seek can never be about what we are changing from, but what we are changing to.”

Dogara noted that “as leaders, we must take responsibility for the present economic situation, although we are not directly responsible for it. We must admit that this is a difficult thing to do in the present generation that spurns responsibility."

Reacting to his probe over allegations of breach of privileges and misconduct, Jibril said: "Despite all these and since I can substantiate the allegations I raised with cogency, I will take up the opportunity provided by the ethics committee to state my case under the condition that the hearing will be public and will allow the press, CSOs, NGOs, NLC, ASUU, NANS, NBA and the general public to witness the entire proceedings.

"This is the only way that I can have the comfort and confidence that the proceedings, the investigations and the outcome will not be manipulated or compromised. I am ready to appear before the committee even today if the proceedings will be public.

"I have all the stamina and agility to go the marathon and ensure justice is served. I have said repeatedly I stand by my allegations and will continue this struggle to expose the 2016 budget fraud and corruption in the House, even if I am alone.”

opposes Saraki Amnesty accuses Police of torture, extortion Ekweremadu on sale of assets CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

SARS after his employer had accused him of being responsible for a burglary at their business premises.

“The policemen asked me to sign a plain sheet.

When I signed it, they told me I have signed my death warrant. They left me hanging on a suspended iron rod. My body ceased to function. I lost consciousness. When I was about to die they took me down and poured water on me to revive me," the ex-detainee told Amnesty International.

The report further revealed that more often than not, many people detained

by SARS were not allowed access to their lawyers, doctors or family members during their ordeal while victims' complaints to police authorities about torture and brutality seem to have fallen on deaf ears.

Although there were speculations that about 40 officers alleged to have carried out various acts of

torture and ill-treatment of detainees were transferred to other stations in April 2016, there was no evidence that the claims against them were investigated to ascertain their veracity.

“This lack of accountability breeds and perpetuates impunity, creating an environment where SARS officers believe they have carte blanche to carry out acts of torture. This is hardly surprising when many of these officers have bribed their way to SARS in the first place.

The police chiefs in charge are themselves entwined in the corruption.

"Our research has exposed the callous workings of a police squad operating outside of the law and inflicting daily brutality on Nigerians who are often legally powerless to defend themselves against criminal accusations, let alone from the torture meted out

by SARS. Depressingly, there are scant judicial

or any other mechanisms in place to prevent SARS officers from subjecting vulnerable targets to human rights violations for their own financial gain," Ugwu said.

At a roundtable discourse on the report, some stakeholders advocated an outright disbandment of SARS, a thorough investigation of its activities and the prosecution of all those who might be found culpable.

But the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Ibrahim Idris, has picked holes in the latest report by the Amnesty International (AI), accusing the global rights watchdog of bias.

The IGP, who debunked the claim, accused AI of manifest bias, saying the report was not a true reflection of the state of affairs at SARS. To buttress his position, Idris said notwithstanding AI and civil society organisations' recent assessment of SARS' detention facili-

ties across the country, the group had allegedly said what they saw was prearranged.

"We were invited for a roundtable discussion on Amnesty International report, but instead of waiting for us, they went to the foreign media.

"It is a case of head or tail, we are guilty. They had written to us asking to inspect our cells and we obliged them, but they said the cells were too clean; that we may have cleaned them because we knew they were coming.

"So, it is a case of head or tail, you are guilty. I say that as Police officers, we have a duty to defend the image of the police and our image is improving," the IGP said.

In the face of this, however, the IGP has assured that special units of the Police will undergo restructuring, in a bid to equip them with a better knowledge of their responsibilities.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

"The president needs to look at his cabinet. He has to put square pegs in square holes. Your Excellency, distinguished colleagues, Udo Udoma is my friend, an accomplished lawyer for that matter. But in fairness to him, I believe he can do better in another ministry especially like Trade and Investment, but certainly not Budget and Planning.

"The Minister for Finance can do much better in another ministry. At this critical time, we need somebody who is more experienced to man the Ministry of Finance so that he can coordinate the strategies for this recovery,” he said.

Suggesting short-term

measures to solving the problem at hand, Ekweremadu advised Buhari to release the money in the Treasury Single Account (TSA), and also the recovered looted funds, so that there would be sufficient money in circulation to enable people to do business.

But Senator Shehu Sani, in his contribution, stated that removing the Minister of Finance “won’t be able to get us out of this problem because this recession is not in Nigeria alone; it is in all countries that are dependent on oil revenue."

Other senators who contributed to the debate urged the Federal Government to take drastic and urgent steps to address the economic crisis in the country.

$606.95m -0.18% The capital importation of the Financing sector of Nigeria in Q2 2013.

Source: National Bureau of Statistics

The growth rate of Non-oil sector of Nigeria’s GDP in Q1 2016.

Source: National Bureau of Statistics

6

NEWS | national

Buhari seeks more cooperation with France, Switzerland

Anule Emmanuel

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari has lauded the long history of economic relationship between Nigeria and France.

He also lauded Nige-

ria’s relationship with Switzerland.

Buhari made the commendation on yesterday at separate bilateral meetings he held with President Francois Hollande of France and President Johann Schneider-Ammann of Switzerland.

CNPP demands Dogara, others to step aside Johnchuks Onuanyim Abuja

C

onference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has demanded that the Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara and other principal officers of the House of Representatives, who were named in the budget padding and abuse of office allegation to step aside to allow the House and security agencies to investigate the matter.

The Conference, in a statement issued by its Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu, in Abuja, stated that the decision was taken at a meeting by the national leadership of the umbrella, which held in Abuja, following its independent investigation into the matter.

The Conference, in the statement signed by its National Chairman, Alhaji Balarabe Musa and Ezugwu vowed to mobilise Nigerians to occupy the National Assembly if the Speaker and his accused colleagues refuse to listen to the voice of reason."

The body maintained that "it is out of place for the House leadership to continue to be the Judge in their own case".

The statement reads in part: "The best way to lay to rest the budget padding allegation is for the Speaker and the principal officers of the House to step aside. Anyone whose hands are clean should not be afraid to submit himself or herself for investigation.

"To us, the budget fraud allegation running into billions of naira is grave enough for the leadership of the House of Representatives to disqualify itself from presiding over the House to allow for internal self-cleansing and to give room to the security agencies to do a thorough job."

Responding, President Hollande pledged that France would not only engage with Nigeria on different fronts, but would also provide humanitarian assistance in the North-East.

“We will invest in Nigeria, we believe in her,” the French President said.

Buhari sought the cooperation of President Johann Schneider-Ammann of Switzerland on speedy repatriation of Nigeria’s money stashed in that country.

He said that Nigeria needed such resources to develop its infrastructure.

He said that the two countries had agreed on projects the funds would be deployed.

In his response, President Schneider-Ammann promised quick action, as soon as the draft agreement on repatriation of the funds was signed.

He also pledged consolidation of mutual trade relationships, infrastructural development and support in training and equipping of the Nigerian military

Former Vice President/ chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar and wife of late Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu, Alhaja Bose, during a courtesy visit to Atiku in Abuja, … yesterday

Enugu to rehabilitate Oji River-UgwuobaAnambra FG road The Enugu State Government has approved the award of contract for the rehabilitation of failed sections of the Federal Government road along Oji-River- Ugwuoba - Anambra State border (old road). The road had collapsed to a state of disrepair and now traps vehicles for several hours.

Announcing the decision after the State Executive Council meeting, the state's Commissioner for Information, Dr. Godwin Ikechukwu Udeuhele, said that the contract was awarded to ANBEEZ Nig. Ltd at the contract sum of N783,005,827.92 (Seven hundred and eighty-three million, five thousand,

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meetings were held on the sidelines of the 71st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Buhari, who welcomed more investment and economic partnerships from France, said that Nigeria was a fertile ground for handsome return on investments.

“Apart from your country’s close relationship with us, you have the same with most of our neighbours,” Buhari told Francois Hollande of France.

“We seek more collaboration, particularly in agriculture, mining and security.”

Buhari informed his French counterpart of the Presidential Committee on the North-East.

He described the committee as a `one-stop’ mechanism on development partnership for a zone that had been ravaged for many years by Boko Haram insurgents, and which needed urgent rebuilding.

eight hundred and twenty seven naira, ninety-two kobo) only.

Udeuhele, who said that work would commence immediately, noted that the immediate past administration in the state rehabilitated the road about three years ago at a contract sum of N3,104,996,450.00, (Three billion, one hundred and four million, nine hundred and ninety-six thousand, four hundred and fifty naira) only, which was later revised to N4,794, 196, 251.79 only.

26.8m

The total population of Australia and New Zealand in 2010.

Source: Un.org

Court sends ‘doctor’, associate to prison over N66.9m fraud John Chikezie

J

ustice Oluwatoyin Ipaye of the Ikeja division of the Lagos High Court, yesterday remanded in prison a self-styled doctor, Innocent Chukwu and an accomplice, Mrs. Obiageli Anachebe, for allegedly swindling a businesswoman, Mrs. Vivian Amadi of N66, 900,000 .00.

The duo of Chukwu and Anachebe were remanded in prison by Justice Ipaye who fixed further hearing to October 14 following their plea of notguiltytotheallegedoffence.

The accused persons were arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission

(EFCC) on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy to obtain money by false pretence, stealing by fraudulent conversion and concealment of deed.

According to the agency, Chukwu with intent to defraud, allegedly obtained N50, 000, 000.00 from Amadi "under the false pretence that they were capable of solving all her problems by spiritual means," knowing the representation to be false.

Yesterday, the EFCC’s lawyer, Mr. Kunle Fayanju, alleged that Chukwu dishonestly obtained and concealed title documents of a building situated at 4, Nteje Street, New Haven, Enugu, valued at N35, 000, 000.00 property of Amadike.

thursday, september 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Recession: Lawyers call for caution over assets sale Akeem Nafiu

L

awyers have called on the Federal Government to be cautious in putting up critical assets of the country for sale in a bid to fix the economy.

The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, while speaking at a retreat in Abuja had disclosed that plans were in top gear to sell the nation’s critical assets in order to raise $15 billion to rescue the country out of economic recession.

At the occasion, the minister revealed that sale of government assets, advance payment for license renewals, infrastructure concessioning and use of recovered funds from corrupt officials were part of strategies put in place by government to bridge the huge funding gap and get the economy back on track.

Some of the assets being considered for sale are government shares in Joint Venture Companies (JVCs), the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), the four refineries in Kaduna, Warri and Port Harcourt as well as some aircraft in the presidential fleet.

However, in a telephone chat with New Telegraph, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Norrison Quakers, said only wasting and non-performing assets should be sold off by the government.

He said: “The sale of critical assets by the government to raise money for the funding of the economy is not out of place particularly if the assets are wasting and non-performing assets. The current economic quagmire requires pragmatic and well thought out solutions. The sale must be transparent and accountable and the proceeds judiciously utilised for the purpose for which the assets are sold”.

“This government is saddled with the challenge of salvaging a sink-

ing ship and as such, must do everything practicable to save the ship and the crew from the peril of sea voyage. Privatisation is legally permitted. What the government has embarked on confirms the recession that has crept in. Let us hope that remedial and palliative measures will finally give way to long lasting economic measures, policies and plans.”

A former Vice-President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Adekunle Ojo, said in as much as all hands must be on the deck to get the country out of recession, government should be cautious in selling off the country’s assets.

The lawyer, while noting that there was nothing wrong in selling some assets that are barely useful to the country, however cautioned the government with regards to putting up refineries for sale.

He said: "Bailing out the economy is a duty that must be performed, as a matter of urgency, by the government. I want to say that there is nothing wrong with the selling of some of the aircrafts in the presidential fleet. I don't think there is anything wrong with that. Those assets that are barely useful to us should be sold. Those properties seized from looters of public treasury should also be sold off. By the time we disposed off some of these assets, we will get money to fix the economy”.

“But, I will not subscribe to the selling off of our refineries at this point in time. It is not a good idea. We don't have to sell our refineries. We should rather put them into good shape. Except if there are plans to build new ones.

I can't think of a country that produces oil as much as we do and cannot boast of viable refineries. Even countries that cannot boast of the quantity of oil in Niger have refineries. So, I will only support selling any refinery if it with a view that we will build another one.”

Police arrest 17 trucks laden with fuel

Emmanuel Onani

T

he Nigeria Police has announced the arrest of 17 trucks carrying "vandalized PMS and suspected adulterated Diesel."

The disclosure was made in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Don Awunah, a Deputy Commissioner of Police.

"In a large scale coordinated operations carried out in compliance to the directives of the Inspector General of Police to rid Lagos and other states where vandalism of oil pipelines have become endemic...the IGP Special Task Force on pipelines vandalism, illegal bunkering...trailed and. arrested...suspects..."

Seventeen suspects were arrested in connection with the crime.

News|national

THURSDAY, september 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Budget padding: Protesters demand Jibrin’s resignation

lRep sues lawyers for defamation, demands N1bn Philip Nyam Abuja

H

undreds of protesters under the aegis of Coalition in Defence of Democracy (CDD) yesterday stormed the National Assembly demanding the immediate suspension of former chairman of the Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin.

Displaying placards with different inscriptions, the protesters “demanded the indefinite suspension and prosecution of Jibrin for contempt of the House, operating of foreign account, scandalising the House, contract splitting, money laundering and living above his means."

Mr. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, who led the procession, told reporters that they had already approached the Attorney General of the Federation and Justice Minister, Mr. Abubakar Malami, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to

prosecute the lawmaker for allegedly maintaining a foreign account in the United Kingdom (UK), and also his admission of illegally receiving N650 million in the House of Representatives.

Ugochinyere, who accused Jibrin of plotting to derail democracy, added that "despite knowing the powers of the legislature in appropriation as provided in sections 59, 81, 82 of the constitution, Jibrin has obliged himself to negative democratic influences who are willing to go the extra mile to derail democracy. This must be condemned in its entirety."

He further maintained that Jibrin's ownership of foreign account contravenes the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, which bars public officer from owning and operating foreign accounts.

He also informed that the group had submitted petition against Jibrin to the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

"Today, we kept to our words and have submitted our petition to the CCB and EFCC against Hon. Jibrin. We call on them, as a matter of urgency, to unravel: The real identity of the owner of the Account on the bank statement allegedly identified as Mr. A. Jibrin of 453 Cranbrook Road, Ilford, Essex, IG2 6EW; the true identity of the Nigerian who was a Director of Berkley Investment Limited identified as Abdulmumin Jibrin and whose address is listed as 453 Cranbrook Road, Ilford, Essex, IG2 6EW. “We also want the agencies to establish whether the Abdulmumin Jibrin, born in September 1976 and who was a Director in Berkley Investment Limited Ilford, United Kingdom is the same person as Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin, a member of Nigeria House of Representatives born in September 1976; the real identity of the persons who operated the accounts of Berkley Investments Limited up till 2nd January, 2012 when Abdulmumin Ji-

brin resigned from being a Director Meanwhile, Jibrin has dragged two lawyers to High Court of the Federal Capital Territory over claims that the lawmaker has £1.5 million in his account in the United Kingdom.

Jibrin had previously denied the allegations, saying it was the handwork of Speaker Dogara and his hatchet men.

In the writ of summons served on the defendants, Messrs Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere and Ifeanyi Okonkwo, the lawmaker said the publications implicitly and/or expressly procured, authorized, and or caused to be published by the defendants “are false, malicious, without legal justification, and are defamatory/libellous of the reputation and character of the plaintiff to the general public."

Jibrin, therefore, sought an unconditional, detailed apology, and fullpage retraction in five national dailies; payment of N1 billion as general damages to the plaintiff, and payment of N20 million as cost of the suit.

Troops withdraw from Borno town after Boko Haram reinforcement Emmanuel Onani Abuja

T

he Nigerian Army yesterday, said that troops of Operation Lafiya Dole and those of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), have withdrawn from the recaptured

town of Mallam Fatori in northern Borno State, after a reinforcement by suspected Boko Haram fighters.

The Army, however, noted that many of the fighters were killed in the fierce encounter.

The disclosure was made in a statement by the Acting Director,

Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman.

“As part of Operation Gama Aiki, troops of Operation Lafiya Dole and Multinational Joint Task Force captured Mallam Fatori in northernmost part of Borno State after a fierce battle closely covered by air operations.

“However, the terrorists reinforced around border with Niger Republic. This was while the troops were consolidating on this success.

“The troops killed several of the Boko Haram terrorists in the resulting encounter and subsequently had to withdraw to a vantage position.”

L-R: Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd); former Primate of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, His Grace, Most Rev. Peter Akinola and former Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, at the Peter Akinola Foundation Housing project in Abeokuta… yesterday.

Nigeria upbeat ahead of World Pension Summit Sunday Ojeme

A

s Nigeria finalises arrangements to host global pension experts in Abuja next week, the Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, said the event would deepen discussions around investment of pension funds in the real sector.

In a statement made available to New Telegraph, the DG said she was excited by the opportunities that the World Pension Summit would present by providing solutions to some of Africa’s most pressing pension investment challenges.

Global experts on pension innovation; leaders of thought and key practitioners are expected in Abuja from September 27 to brainstorm on key ele-

ments of developing and structuring a sustainable pension system for Nigeria and other African nations.

With the theme, “Pension Innovations: The African Perspective”, the summit, as designed by PenCom in partnership with the Pension and Investments/ World Pension Summit, Amsterdam, will focus on innovations in pension industry in Nigeria and Africa.

The World Pension Summit “Africa Special” is the platform to exchange knowhow and support professionals in social security and in all aspects of pensions to gain expertise. It is also about taking pragmatic steps to professionalise pensions and make them future proof.

Anohu-Amazu said the summit was aimed at exchanging expertise between all pension professionals in

7

N6.8bn: Judge’s absence stalls ex-NAMA MD’s trial Wole Shadare

T

he absence of the judge in the trial of the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Ibrahim Abdulsalam, in a N6.8billion fraud was stalled at the Federal High Court, Lagos yesterday.

Abdulsalam is facing trial alongside six of his former Directors and General Managers for allegedly stealing and defrauding NAMA to the tune of N6.8 billion. They were said to

have used it for the personal use.

Others facing trial with Abdulsalam are Director, Director of Finance, Clara Aliche; General Manager, Finance, Segun Agbolade; Assistant General Manager, Muyiwa Adegorite; his wife, Joy Adegorite and two companies, Randville Investment Limited and Multeng Travels and Tours Limited.

The case was fixed for continuation of trial but the absence of Justice Babs Kuewumi, who is attending a conference in Abuja stalled it.

PSC approves promotion of 47 ACPs, 10 DSPs he Police Service Com- Vigara, Anthony Okpara, T mission (PSC) has ap- Umege Umar, Ebeneproved the promotion of 47 zer Ogunjobi, Titilayo Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACP) to the next rank of Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCP).

This was contained in a statement issued by Mr Ikechukwu Ani, Head, Press and Public Relations of the commission in Abuja yesterday.

Ani said the commission also approved the promotion of 10 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSP) to Superintendents of Police (SP).

The beneficiaries of the promotion to the rank of DCP include; Lawrence Onwuka, Amos Omuiyadun, Mathew Akinyosola, Sodipo Rasaki, Mathew Onah and Damain Okoro.

Others are; Michael

Kayode, Ngozi Onadeko and Emienbo Assayomo among others.

Ani said the newly-promoted SPs are; Romanus Iwoha, Gold Akponfagha, Yahaya Adamu, Edward Oshadare, Haliru Madaki, Christiana Alabaraonye, Dominic Nwahiri, Julian Igbudu, Adenyi Abayomi and Anda Ali. He said the chairman of the commission, Mr Mike Okiro, urged them to rededicate themselves to the service of the nation.

Okiro said the commission would continue to ensure that promotion in the Nigeria Police Force was regular and based on seniority and merit amongst other established criteria.

MultiChoice reiterates commitment to subscriber satisfaction

M

ultiChoice Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to better service delivery to its subscribers.

In a statement released yesterday, the company said greater attention was being paid to issues that affect subscribers’ enjoyment of DStv services.

Notable among these are signal loss, subscription payment and reconnection, customer care services, Free-to-Air channels and hardware related issues.

Africa and to stimulate pension market developments and innovation.

In particular, she said this year’s edition would focus on key areas and experiences on relevant topics and developments such as pension innovations, dynamics of pension investment (ALM, new asset classes, infrastructure investments), ESG for pension funds and investing; financial inclusion, covering financial literacy, micro pensions and social security, among others.

“We put our customers first at all times and hold them in high very esteem.

We are committed to delivering world class service to our customers and proud to say we are the first video entertainment company to implement new subscriber initiatives requested by the Consumer Protection Council (CPC). Over the past year, we have worked closely with the CPC to identify our customers’ areas of need and made a commitment towards implementing solutions that will resonate with our customers and lead to improved service,” the company said.

On the issue of customer care services, MultiChoice explained that the call centre hours have been extended to accommodate more queries.

“Call centre operating hours are now 8am to 9pm on Saturdays, Sunday and public holidays. In addition, toll free numbers have been introduced on major network providers”, MultiChoice stated.

8

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

METRO

ABIODUN BELLO

...CRIME, CITY WATCH, COURTS

11 die, 14 family members missing in auto crashes

Scene of an accident

Charles Onyekwere and Blessing Njoku

E

leven people have reportedly lost their lives in auto accident which occurred in Enugu and Kaduna states.

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) yesterday confirmed that three members of a family died while 14 others were missing when a bus conveying 18 people plunged into River Rijana on Kaduna-Abuja Road.

But in Enugu, eight people lost their lives while many others were injured in an accident on the Enugu-Port Harcourt Ex-

pressway.

The Kaduna State sector’s Head of Operations, Mr. Salisus Galadunci, said the 18 persons, who were from one family, were returning to Lokoja from Kano when the accident occurred about 11 pm on Tuesday.

Galadunci said three bodies were recovered from the river while only one person survived the accident.

He said: “An 18-seater bus travelling to Lokoja from Kano plunged into River Rijana with about 18 persons, all related, returning from Sallah break.

“The incident was reported by the only survivor, a woman who managed to report to an

FRSC ambulance stationed at Doka unit on Kaduna-Abuja Expressway, about 7a.m. today (yesterday).

“Rescuers from FRSC Doka, Katari and Kakau were immediately dispatched with ambulances, and with support of local divers to search for survivors.

“Eventually, only three bodies were recovered, while the remaining persons could not be found, including the survivor’s daughter.”

Galadunci added that the survivor explained that the accident happened in a flash, and attributed it to over speeding and fatigue.

According to him, the recovered bodies have been buried by the river side by villagers, while efforts have been intensified to rescue the 14 missing persons.

He said: “Among the FRSC rescue team were the Zone 1 Commander, Bulus Darwang, Kaduan State Sector Commander, Francis Udoma and Zone 1 Head of Operations, Yomi Asaniyan.”

The Enugu accident occurred last Friday about 7:15p.m., near University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku Ozalla, Enugu.

The vehicle with registration number KTD 58 LG (Akwa Ibom State) was conveying people believed to be coming from a pilgrimage centre at Ezeagu in Enugu State to Aba, Abia State.

The Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ebere Amaraizu, said in a statement that the driver, Kenneth Nwigwe, a native of Enugwu Ukwu, Anambra State, but residing at Uratta, Aba, Abia State, lost control of the vehicle before it skidded into the bush and tumbled.

According to the PPRO, those injured are now receiving treatment at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku Ozalla.

He added that bodies of the eight yet-to-be identified victims were deposited at the hospital’s mortuary.

abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com 08023938212

Catholic priest, Adeyi, killed after N1.5m ransom – Police ...he was destined to die, says suspect EmmanuelOnani Abuja

P

olice yesterday disclosed that abductors of Rev. Fr. John Adeyi of the Catholic Diocese of Oturkpo killed him a day before they collected a N1.5 million ransom.

The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Mr. Don Awunah, a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), made the disclosure during the parade of four suspects at the Force Headquarters.

This was as the deputy leader of the gang, Saidu Abdullahi, who confessed to firing the fatal shot, said that he was “destined to kill the priest”.

Apart from Abdullahi, other members of the killer-gang paraded, were Suleiman Gina (gang leader), Aliyu Garba, and Haruna Idi. Adeyi, who was the parish priest of St. Bernard’s Parish, Okpoga, was killed on April 24.

His decomposing body was found about two months after his murder.

According to the FPRO, the suspects were arrested by the Intelligence Response Team attached to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) monitoring unit, between September 1 and 14.

Adeyi

City Briefs

21-year-old electrician electrocuted Nollywood star, Azodo, in court for robbery Adeolu Adeyemo Osogbo

A

n electrician, Mutiu Aderemi, was yesterday electrocuted on a pole carrying low-tension electric cables at Aleegun area of Ota Efun, Osogbo, Osun State.

The 21-year-old Aderemi was trying to reconnect the cable which was disconnected by Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) for one of his customers.

The pole reportedly broke while the cable fell on the electrician. He was said to have repeatedly shouted for held before he gave up the ghost.

Residents of the area rushed to

the scene only to discover Aderemi’s body on the ground.

The IBEDC spokesperson, Mrs. Kikelomo Owoeye, warned against illegal tampering with electric installations.

She said: “A lot of cases are being handled by the police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for us concerning those caught in the act of illegal access to our facilities.

But we would be glad if communities work with us by ensuring that their members are not engaging in this criminal act so as to avoid loss of lives and property.

“IBEDC is ready to serve the customers better. So, if there are faults on their lines they should not hesitate to report to us.

Okegwo Kenechukwu Onitsha

A

n Onitsha Magistrate’s Court has adjourned till November 24 hearing in a case of robbery brought against an Anambra Stateborn Nollywood actor, Mr. Ifeanyi Azodo.

Azodo was arrested by the police in Onitsha recently for an alleged robbery in a private hotel.

The police Area Commander, Alhaji Abubaka Yahaya, and the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nkiru Nwode, confirmed the arrest.

Meanwhile, a middle-aged man, Pascal Julius, was also on Tuesday arraigned before an Atani Magistrates’ Court presided over by I. O. Chukwudebelu for stealing and selling of 560 cartons of Hero

Azodo

beer, property of Amiwaco Resources Limited.

But after the charge was read to the accused, he pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, ASP J. O. Uwakwe told our reporter that the driver loaded the beer at the Hero depot and left. But after some days, he went back to report that he had an accident.

Uwakwe said the company’s quick intervention led to the recovery of some of the goods while 560 cartons valued at N1.4 million were missing.

The matter was later adjourned till November 9 for hearing.

METRO

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Recession: Man steals neighbour’s pot of food Pamela Eboh Awka

N

igeria’s economic recession has continued to take its toll on Nigerians as a man in his late forties yesterday stole his neighbour’s pot of rice.

The man (name withheld), who lives at Ifite, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, was in his own apartment when a neighbour, identified simply as Mama Ebuka, was cooking jollof rice (a West African dish) and waited until the meal was well cooked.

A neighbour, Mr. Emmanuel Okafor, told our correspondent that when the woman finished cooking, she left the pot on the stove and went inside her apartment.

But, according to Okafor, when Mama Ebuka came out to dish food for herself she discovered that the pot was gone.

He said: “She started asking who took her pot of food but nobody owned up to it. Buy a young girl told those who had gathered that he saw the man take the pot into his room.

Buhari

“When the girl said that, we all rushed with the owner of the food to the man’s room only to see the pot of rice half empty.”

Okafor added that the man confessed he stole the pot of food because he was

very hungry and had not eaten for three days.

Neighbours said the man was a bricklayer who usually works at construction sites. But, according to them, the man had not work in the last couple of months and no other means of livelihood.

“The man knelt down and started pleading with Mama Ebuka to forgive him. Mama Ebuka, being a religious woman, forgave the man.

She even told the man to tell her to give him food next time instead of stealing. Mama Ebuka also promised she would not invite the police.

“I know the man very well. He is not a bad person but I think the situation in the country is pushing people into things they would not ordinarily do. I am certain the worst is yet to come,” Okafor said.

Meanwhile, people, especially those living in multi-tenant houses in the state have devised new ways of protecting their pots of food.

They either lock the pot inside a small cage or padlock the pot itself with a cross bar until they are ready to eat.

‘Money made us insert cocaine into our anuses’ lNDLEA seizes N15m drugs, truck Juliana Francis and Ibrahim Abdul

T

wo men, Okechukwu Okonkwo and Lucky Ifedigbo, have told officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), why they inserted wraps of cocaine into their anuses.

This came as the agency said it arrested a truck conveying three tons of drugs in Yola, Adamawa State.

But Okonkwo (44) and Ifedigbo (37) had different stories to tell on why they embraced drug trafficking.

The suspects inserted seven wraps of cocaine each, weighing 350 grams into their alimentary canals to evade arrest.

Okonkwo said that he accepted to smuggle drugs because of frustration and also because he needed money to leave Brazil. On the other hand, Ifedigbo said he became a drug courier because he was looking at the profit margin.

NDLEA agents arrested the suspects at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos, on Nigeria-Brazil route. They were arrested during the inward screening of passengers on a Royal Air Maroc flight from Sao Paulo, Brazil through Casablanca, Morocco.

The agency recovered 700g of powdery substance that tested positive for cocaine from the two suspects.

Okonkwo said: “I was stranded in Brazil where I worked as a waiter in a restaurant for two years.

Life was awful as I struggled daily to feed myself. When I was contacted to smuggle cocaine to Nigeria, I was very happy because it was an opportunity to return home. My sponsor also promised to pay me N500,000, with which I had planned to start a business.”

Ifedigbo, who has also spent two years in Brazil, described his arrest as a stroke of ill-luck.

He said: “I’m a businessman. I import female shoes from Brazil since 2014. This arrest is just bad luck for me because I was already calculating my profit from the deal.”

But the Adamawa State Commander of NDLEA, Mr. Yakubu Kibo, said yesterday that the three tons of the drug with estimated street value of N15 million, was neatly concealed in 220 cartons in the truck.

He said: “The team of NDLEA operatives on Yola-Numan Road on August 22 intercepted a Mercedes Benz container truck with registration number XA 673 WSH for a search.

“The search revealed three tons and 80 kilograms of stopcof Lictus Cough Syrup with codeine concealed in 220 cartons in the truck.”

Kibo added that the driver and his assistant claimed that the goods belonged to a pharmaceutical company.

According to the commander, the suspects, after interrogation, told the command that they were en route from Minna, Niger State to Jalingo, Taraba

Ifedigbo

State.

Kibo, however, said that investigation revealed that there was no fixed address for the delivery of the said 220 cartons of the cough syrup with codeine.

He said: “This goes show that the movement of the substance was with criminal intention and investigation is going to unveil the truth of the matter.”

9

Epe farm workers return to Togo

One of the farms

Taiwo Jimoh

O

ne of the farm workers at Igbodu-Isiwo, Epe, Lagos State, where two female farmers, a farm worker and six-month-old baby were kidnapped, yesterday said that some of his colleagues were running back to their country, Togo.

The man, Mathin, said the farm workers, who are predominantly Togolese, were leaving Nigeria for Togo because police were arresting them.

He said: “We cannot come out to work.

Some of our colleagues have even run back to Togo for fear of being arrested by policemen who are hunting for the kidnappers.

We only came to Nigeria to work, so that we can feed our family members. We are not safe anymore.”

On Friday morning, gunmen invaded a farm settlement at Epe and abducted Mrs. Oluwatoyosi Aboderin, her sister’s sixmonth-old baby, another female farmer, Mrs. Ogechi Maku, and a farm worker identified as Baba Togo.

On Tuesday, the kidnappers asked for N70 million to release the two farm owners, Baba Togo and the six-month-old baby.

The abductors demanded N50 million to free Aboderin, her sister’s six-month-old baby and Maku, while they asked for N20 million for Baba Togo’s freedom.

One of the managers of the farms, who refused to disclose his name, said abduction of the victims and the baby was a bitter experience.

He said: “We have not experienced such incident in this settlement before. The kidnappers came through the river. We are surrounded by water. Marine police should be deployed to coastal communities for protection. We are not safe anymore.

“In order to secure farm workers, we have contracted local vigilantes for protection.”

A resident in the community said: “Some of the workers in the farm settlement used to come to our community to buy foodstuff and some other needs. Since the incident, they have stayed away. Everyone is afraid.”

Abduction: Two landlords flee Nigeria, three others relocate lKidnappers reduce ransom to N200m Camillus Nnaji

T

wo landlords at Oshorun Estate in Isheri area of Ogun State where suspected militants abducted four people on Saturday have fled the country.

Three other landlords have also relocated from Oshorun Estate.

The five landlords, who fled the estate, left amidst fear that the estates around the community were no longer safe.

Earlier, families of those abducted have reportedly abandoned their houses in the estate.

Also, sources in Oshorun Estate disclosed that the kidnappers had reduced their demand from N1.2 billion to N200 million. Initially, the kidnappers asked families of the victims, three landlords and an aerobics instructor, to pay N300 million each but have now reduced it to N50 mil-

lion each.

The Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the estate, Mr. Michael Adefura, said that five more landlords had moved out of the estate with their families.

The kidnappers, on Saturday, abducted Dr. Bello Omololu, Mr. Esang, Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Ayo, their trainer. They were on their routine Saturday morning jogging and aerobic training at Lekki Gardens Estate, at Isheri community, when the kidnappers struck. The abducted landlords live on Peace Avenue in Oshorun Estate.

A source said that family members of the victims and members of the estates were now praying for divine intervention, as they feared that nobody could be able to meet such outrageous ransom demand.

“We have started praying for God’s intervention. Even the Federal Government cannot bring out such amount of money. May God touch the hearts of the kidnappers. Just

Peace Avenue, Oshorun Estate

because someone has built a house doesn’t mean the person is wealthy. Some of these landlords are managing; some converted part of their buildings into offices in order to be able to fend for their families.”

But Adefura said that five landlords moved out 48 hours after the abduction of their colleagues. According to him, the men fled over shock and fear of the unknown.

10

NEWS | national

thursday, september 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Airport terminals funding: Stop blackmailing Jonathan, PDP tells Adeosun Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

T

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeo-

sun, of blackmailing the previous government with her claim that Nigeria has not paid the airport terminal counterpart funding of $100 million.

Adeosun was said to have made the claim in a

CONFIRMATION/change OF NAME

ARUWA

I, formerly known and addressed as Victoria Alami Durojaiye (Nee Aruwa), now wish to be known and addressed as Henrietta Vicky Aruwa. And that my correct date of birth is 3rd November, 1975. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Nwokolo

Dada

I, formerly known and addressed as Eunice Olugbemi Dada now wish to be known and addressed as Rachael Olugbemi Dada. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public should note.

Noah

I formerly known as Amah Onyekachukwu Mercy wish to be known and addressed as Nwokolo Onyekachukwu Mercy.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly known as Okuar Ruth Blessing wish to be known and addressed as Noah Ruth Blessing. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Ofuokwu

Ekpo

I formerly known and addressed as Okagbue Chizoba Florence now wish to be known and addressed as Ofuokwu Chizoba Florence. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and general public take note.

Adebayo

I formerly known as Ogunbadewa Adedamola Daniel now wish be known as Adebayo Adedamola Daniel. All former document remain valid general public take note.

Ayansina

This is to confirm that my name was wrongly written as Moradeyo Mary Adefunke Ayansimi instead of Ayansina Moradeyo Mary. Henceforth, wish to be known and addressed as Ayansina Moradeyo Mary. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Igwe

I formerly known and addressed as Igwe Nnenna Roselyn, now wish to be known and addressed as Igwe Nnenna Rose. All document bearing my former names remain valid. General public, please take note.

Echeonwu

I formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Rosdine Echeonwu and Echeonwu Ego Frank now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Echeonwu Ego Roseline. All former documents remain valid. FCMB Plc and the general public should note.

Rafiu

I formerly known and addressed as Blessing Joshua Akpan now wish to be known and addressed as Blessing Joshua Ekpo. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note.

Durojaiye

I formerly known as Akinjogunla Gbenga now wish to be known as Akinjogunla Gbenga Durojaiye. All former document remain valid general public take note.

Olukayode

I formerly known and addressed as Bakare Mohammed Titilayo now wish to be known and addressed as Bakare Mohammed Anofiu Olukayode. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Olowonjoyin

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Bamidele Maryanne Olubu now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olowonjoyin Maryanne Oluwabunmi. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Johnson

Johnson: I formerly known and addressed as Bassey Asukwo Johnson now wish to be known and addressed as Johnson Asukwo Johnson. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Adesina

television programme.

The party described such statement like her previous ones as false, misleading, malicious and was deliberately made with the intention of blackmailing previous PDP administrations in the country.

In a statement yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, the PDP said it was pained that the All Progressives Congress (APC) under President Muhammadu Buhari was bent on sacrificing the nation's hard earned

democracy on the altar of falsehood by consistently disregarding and denying its achievements in the 16 years.

The PDP said the contract for the remodeling and building of the airport terminal in the nation's airports in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano and Enugu, which was awarded in 2014, was on Built, Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis.

According to the party, the contracts were financed by the Chinese EXIM Bank with counter-

Appolonia Adeyemi

D

etermined to prevent unnecessary death in children, scientists have alerted the public that codeine isn't safe for kids.

According to the findings of a study published in the journal ‘Pediatrics,’ a leading United Statesbased paediatrician group has warned that codeine shouldn't be used to ease pain or relieve coughs in children.

Codeine has been prescribed for decades to ease pain and relieve coughs, despite mounting evidence that it doesn't always work and sometimes causes serious or potentially fatal side effects, said doctors from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Lead author of the statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr. Joseph Tobias of Ohio State University and Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus said: "We

firmly believe that there is never a reason to use codeine."

Codeine has been linked to life-threating or fatal respiratory problems in children for more than a decade, Tobias and colleagues noted.

A recent review by the United Sates Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of potentially dangerous side effects in kids using codeine, identified 64 cases of severe slowed breathing rates and 24 deaths related to the drug, including 21 deaths in children under 12.

Respiratory issues often develop after children had surgery to remove their adenoids and tonsils, a procedure done to address obstructed breathing during sleep or treat acute or chronic tonsillitis.

Generally, the lifethreatening events and deaths associated with codeine were found in relatively young kids who received a combination of

CONFIRMATION/change OF NAME

Uwalaka

Aimuanmwosa

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Margaret Yewande Martins to be known and addressed as Mrs. Margaret Yewande Adesina of Oluwaseun Close Magboro Ogun State. Married by Traditional Wedding on Feb. 20, 2010 at Plot 20, Block 80 Basheer Shittu Avenue Magodo.

I, formerly known as Miss.

Nwachukwu Oluchukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Uwalaka Oluchukwu. All former documents remain valid.

General public please note.

I, formerly known as Ekhaguosa Aimuan, now wish to be known and addressed as Ekhaguosa Aimuanmwosa. All former documents remain valid.

General public please note.

Okoli

Bello

Auwal

Fawei

I formally known and addressed as Miss Titilayo Olubukola Oladapo now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Titilayo Olubukola Bello. All former documents remain valid and the general public please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

TREASURE HOMES ESTATE PRESIDENT'S ASSOCIATION

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the corporate Affairs commission for registration under part 'c' of the companies and allied matters act 1990.

The Trustees are: 1. Mr. Babasoji Smith 3. Mrs. Fade Kemi Fausat Abiri 5. Mr. John Igba

2. Mr. Odoh Diego Okenyodo 4. Mrs. Kemi Okenyodo 6. Mr. Eruemu Happy Aghogho

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To ensure peaceful co-existence among the residents of the Estate.

2. To safeguard both individual and collective lawful interests of members.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: QOUSIM A. OPAKUNLE ESQ

on September 14 last year.

PDP quoted Bello to have said that; “Finance was not an impediment, and that Nigeria’s counterpart funding of $100 million has been paid at the commencement of the projects," while adding that the project would be completed and delivered at the first quarter of 2016.

It wondered why the minister "is not only standing the truth on its head, but depicting the habitual lies and deceit that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is known for.

Codeine not safe for children, says study

I formerly known and addressed as Mr. Adeola Adekola Akanni now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Rafiu Nafiu Adeola. All former documents remain valid. First bank Plc, FCMB Plc and the general public should please take note.

I formally known and addressed as Miss Esther Chinwe Ndidigwe now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Esther Chinwe Okoli. All former documents remain valid and the general public please take note.

part funds from Nigeria.

"The contract total sum was $500 million with counterpart funding of $100 million from Nigeria.

"The fact of the matter is that, Nigeria paid her $100 million on January 29, 2014 through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) at the beginning of the projects," the statement revealed.

It added that the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation, Hajiya Binta Bello, corroborated this in an interview with a national newspaper

I formerly known as Awalo Yahaya Sabo now wish to be known and addressed as Auwal Yahaya. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known, called and addressed as Daniel Emomotimi Fawei now wish to be known, called and addressed as Fawei Mekpoebighe Daniel. All former document remain valid. General public, particularly First Bank and Ecobank Plc should take note

PUBLIC NOTICE

LIVELY FAITH MOUNTAIN OF GOD MINISTRY

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Ministry has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, under Part 'C' of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990.

The Trustees are: 1. Pastor Chukwuagozie Isaac Festus – General Overseer 2. Pastor (Mrs) Chukwuagozie Goodness Chinwe 3. Bro. Obi Adolphus Okoli 4. Bro. Ubechune Ikenna Kenneth 5. Bro. Umennabuike Kenneth Elodi AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To preach God's word to the world and positively affecting soul through the power of the Holy Spirit.

2. To teach men and women how to be committed to God. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

acetaminophen and codeine after surgery.

Some children with undiagnosed nighttime breathing problems may also have respiratory problems after taking codeine, and obesity may increase the risk of this occurring.

As doctors weigh the risks of prescribing codeine to children, they also need to consider the instances when there's not enough evidence that the drug works, according to the AAP.

There's little proof codeine is effective for kids' coughs, and mounting evidence suggests that some children may not respond to treatment for pain.

According to the ‘newsmaxHealth’ report, part of the problem is the way codeine is processed by the body. “It's converted by the liver into morphine that can ease pain. But genetic differences can trigger the liver to create too little or not enough morphine.

FG to increase school enrolment by 13.6m Dan Atori MINNA

A

s part of plans to ensure more children have access to education, the Federal Government yesterday said it has plans to increase school enrolment in the country by13.6 million children by the year 2020.

Speaking on behalf of the Federal Government, the Focal person of the government's Social Intervention Investment Programme for Niger State, Mrs. Afiniki Dauda, said that the government

also planned to ensure that these pupils were physically and mentally fit to face the challenges of education and life.

According to her, "this is one of the reasons why the Federal Government introduced the 'home Grown School Feeding and Health Programme and other social security schemes."

While speaking with journalists after assuming office, Dauda said the administration of President Muhammad Buhari was also determined to increase the 8.15 million of the school system.

...plans stable power supply for 40 varsities Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

M

inister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu and his counterpart in the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, are collaborating through a programme, the Energising Education Programme Initiative (EEPI), to provide stable power supply for 40 federal universities through the utilisation of off-grid Independent Power Projects (IPPs) and Public Private Partnership (PPP) structures.

The two ministers disclosed this at an interactive session with ViceChancellors and Directors of Physical Planning of

the 40 federal universities in Abuja yesterday.

The Education Minister, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry; Dr. Folashade Yemi- Esan, said the Power, Works and Housing Ministry initiated the Energising Education (EE) Programme to provide uninterrupted and dedicated power supply to all the federal universities through the utilisation of off-grid Independent Power Projects.

Commending the initiative, Yemi-Esan said this would also be an avenue to train students, especially those in the Faculty of Engineering, on how to utilise various energy sources in their respective departments.

11

THURSDAY, September 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Edo decides PDP alleges compromised ballot papers

Politics

Emefiele Govt working to stimulate economy by spending

12 13

Daniel: My relationship with Obasanjo good, not perfect Former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, featured on a radio personality programme on Sweet FM, Abeokuta, where he spoke on sundry national and political issues. KUNLE OLAYENI brings the excerpts of the interview Nigerian politicians usually refuse to quit office for younger ones contrary to what obtains in other climes. What do you think is responsible for this sort of sit-tightism?

I do strongly believe that it is because of our level of development.

Having said that, I don’t think I am guilty of that because what I have always encouraged are the younger elements. They are not just the future; they are why we are here. But coming back to what you can call a general perspective, it is the level of our development. Part of the challenge that we have in our country is that everything stems from government. I didn’t even know this because between you and I, before I became governor, I was running my private organisation. As a matter of fact, I didn’t do government jobs. So, I was strictly playing in the private sector. God so good, I was relatively successful and became fulfilled.

Now coming into government, I then saw that a large chunk of what is happening in the private sector is being dictated by the government. If you look at everything from beginning to the end, without government, nothing happens. And if we don’t make conscious effort to remove the hand of government in quite a number of things that we do, you will find out that it is going to be a continuous battle as it is today that everything is about government. I continue to look at what has happened in the electoral process now and I continue to marvel. There are only two industries in the country today: the church or what you can call religious industry or religious tourism and the government. And you now begin to see why there is so much battle; somebody is not looking for job, he just wants to fight to become a councillor and he has not done anything in his life. Because why? There is no other life.

FELIX NWANERI

GROUP PoLITICAL EDITOR nwanerif@yahoo.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

In the last general election, it was rumoured that you were interested in senatorial seat but along the line, some powers within your party frustrated you from getting that slot.

Can you shed more light on this?

I don’t want to talk about interest or not because at a certain stage, it can only be a privilege and an honour to be called upon to come and serve. There is no question that in the last eight years of my administration, I would have touched quite a large number of people. I also feel that the people who felt that I have done well are much more than the people who feel I didn’t do enough.

So, when you look at the balance of scale, it is not unexpected that people would draft people like me to come and join the race and that is what happened not only in 2015 but also in 2011. The fact of the case is that on both occasions, it wasn’t really something I was interested in.

Because if I was really interested, I know what to do. But it’s something that I was just not hot upon, let me just put it that way; money bag or no money bag.

At a point, you moved from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to Labour Party and back to PDP. Why defecting from one party to another?

Basically, that we need to trace back to 2010/2011 when it was a common knowledge there was crisis in the PDP. The crisis in the PDP was not a crisis of performance. Even opposition elements agreed that as a government, we have done what we needed to do and we delivered the dividends of democracy and also fulfilled our obligations to the people.

I guess that in the process of doing that, we raised the bar and in raising the bar, the person who occupies that position becomes quite contentious and there was a scramble. That scramble was ongoing within the party. We obeyed the rules and had party primaries openly at MKO Abiola Stadium, everybody witnessed it, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) wrote their report, police were there, likewise State Security Service (SSS), everybody was there.

During that election, somebody emerged in PDP but because of some people who were not happy, a parallel congress was held and we thought it was a huge joke and one thing led to the other and there was

Daniel

With the advent of politics in 1999 came the dearth of politics of principles

a court judgment and the parallel congress was accepted. So, quite honestly, that was a big problem. I wasn’t running but for me, it was a moral burden that I was leading a party, we had a congress, for me it is democracy, it is principle and here we are. All of those 40 people who won in open primaries were been denied for some spurious reasons.

You may say I’m not an activist, but my background is progressivism in politics and that is something that we don’t believe in. And we felt that we have fought all our lives trying to entrench right from wrong. We were trained and we looked up to great people for ideals, for what is right and wrong. And how is it that in our very eyes, the sort of thing that we condemned when Abiola was being cheated, the sort of thing that we condemned when Obafemi Awolowo was being cheated would happen in our own eyes and we say because of some exigencies, then that would be the end of the matter. No, that is not how I was trained.

So, quite naturally, rather than to begin to create crisis and all of that, there was another party and we felt the people who felt cheated have the right to go and look for their fortune elsewhere. So, that is how Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN) came about at that time.

This is something that people have misunderstood and I think it is an opportunity for people to really know what happened. In the course of PPN, the then President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan had appointed me as the South-West coordinator of his campaign. My attention was divided quite clearly

because morally, I must support those people who were cheated.

On the other hand, I don’t want to disappoint Jonathan. So, what do I do? The first thing that I did was to say ‘look, this is not about personal interest.’ If I was going to run for a senatorial election, I will go to PPN and run because that is where majority of my supporters went.

Meanwhile, I am standing and campaigning for PDP president.

So, I then felt, no, I would forgo whatever senatorial that is there.

Let us go and run the election, let’s get the President back. Let the PPN run their elections, let’s see what happens. If at the end of the day we can now reunite, fair enough!

And did that happen?

That is what happened. After the election, the unity process started.

I think people learnt some lessons, the people who thought they will not lose election, lost; the people who thought they cannot win, some won; we now know that we need ourselves. So that process of unity started. But let me put it this way: that the challenge we have within Ogun State PDP is very simple. We have some people who believe that winning elections is the way to affecting positively the lives of the people beyond immediate gains.

We also have some who think winning election is a far cry; we have to eat before we win election. There is therefore a conflict in perception of what we need to do. I don’t believe in doing something without winning.

If I’m not going to win, I will not do CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

12

POLITICS

THURSDAY, September 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

PDP alleges compromise of ballot papers Stories by Cajetan Mmuta Benin

L

ess than a week to the rescheduled governorship election in Edo State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Reform Group has raised the alarm over a grand plan by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to use compromised ballot papers to rig the poll in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Convener of the Group, Mr Ariyo-Dare Atoye, who raised the alarm yesterday in Abuja, alleged the complicity of the Edo State chapter of the APC and INEC in what he described as the “despicable plot to subvert the will of the people through criminal manipulation of the ballot papers, which the electoral body plans to deploy for the election.”

He said: “We have just

received credible information from the grapevine that the INEC has been fully compromised by the APC and Governor Adams Oshiomhole in their desperate bid to rig the September 28 governorship election.

“Their modus operandi is to use special ballot papers that will make the spot of the PDP where voters are to thumbprint slippery and difficult to absorb ink, with the possibility of the ink staining beyond the mark line to void the PDP votes.

“The entire agenda is to invalidate a substantial number of the votes that will be cast for the PDP in the election so that the APC, which is already afraid of imminent defeat, will be able to have an edge in terms of popular votes.”

He said that the real reason behind the postponement of the election, earlier scheduled for September 10, was an intelligence report at the disposal of the APC and

Governor Oshiomhole indicating a crushing defeat of their candidate, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, in the election and not the planned attacks by militant groups as claimed

in the security advice by the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to the INEC. He stated that the group “is urging the international community,

T

tive members and consequently put in place a 20 man interim ad hoc election committee.

Rising from its meeting held at the state campaign headquarters in Benin, where it deliberated on matters relating to the conduct of the forthcoming governorship election, APGA leadership frowned at the conduct, utterances and activities of party members, which it claimed contravenes the party’s philosophy and Article 22 of its constitution.

The ad hoc committee said the state chair-

order to inspire our confidence again in its ability to conduct a credible, free and fair election, which will be acceptable to Edo electorate and Nigerians.”

Benin chiefs deny endorsing Ize-Iyamu

M

embers of the Eghaevbo-N’ore group, made up of top Benin palace chiefs and led by the Iyase of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe, yesterday, described as misleading and untrue, reports that the group has endorsed the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

Addressing newsmen after an emergency meeting of the group, held at the palace of the Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Chief David Edebiri, the group described as shocking the report of Ize-Iyamu’s endorsement, saying it was the figment of imagination of the reporter who wrote the story.

Edo DECIDES

Chief Edebiri, who spoke on behalf f the group, said that as top chiefs in the palace of the Oba of Benin, members of the body do not endorse candidates but only pray and bless them.

His words: “From all the evidence we have from everybody who was at the Sunday meeting, which

APGA to investigate suspended chairman he national leadership of All Progressives Grand Alliance [APGA], yesterday, constituted a three man disciplinary committee with a mandate to investigate allegations of anti-party activities and sourcing of funds from other political parties leveled against the suspended Edo State chairman of the party, Elder Godfrey Ehimen.

The leadership crisis rocking the state chapter of party took a twist last week, when the national chairman, Victor Oye, ordered the immediate suspension of the execu-

local and foreign observers as well as all other stakeholders in the electoral process to prevail on the INEC to come clean by responding to our expression of concern in

man remain suspended pending the outcome of the investigation. Consequently, the party appointed Maxi Emmanuel Ani and Barrister Frank-Gold Oikerhe as interim state chairman and secretary of the party respectively.

APGA National Vice Chairman (SouthSouth), Tony Eboka, who addressed journalists said the party has no intention of fronting for any other political party and re-affirmed that its governorship candidate, Osaro Onaiwu, is still contesting the rescheduled Wednesday Septem-

L-R: Son in-law to Dr. Orji Kalu, Mr. Lawrence Iyere Ehimen; former Abia State Governor, Dr. Orji Kalu; Mr. Frederick Iyere Iyobebe and Mrs. Niniola Iyere Iyobebe, at the traditional paying of bride price ( Ivu Mmayi Nwanyi) of Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu’s daughter, Neya, in Igbere, Abia State…yesterday.

ber 28 poll.

A communiqué issued by the committee reads in part: “That in line with APGA constitution, the state chairman, Elder Godfrey Ehimen remains suspended indefinitely from office pending the investigation and report of the allegation against him.

“That people masquerading as APGA members negotiating and soliciting for funds from political parties for the Edo governorship election are disgruntled and faceless persons looking for bread and butter’’

we hold ones a month on rotational basis, it was obvious that the EghaevboN’ore group did not take any decision to adopt and endorse the candidature of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

“What we do in our group is that anybody who is contesting is free to come to our group and ask for our prayers and we freely give the prayers. The first candidate to come was that of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Godwin Obaseki.

The day he came we held a meeting at the residence of the Eson of Benin. He came with his retinue of supporters. What we pray is that

the best candidate among all of them, somebody who will do better than Oshiomhole should emerge.”

“That was why when we saw the headline yesterday, people started calling from everywhere to find out when EghaevboN’ore started endorsing candidates. The decision that this house came to is that that report was untrue and I was mandated to refute it. We did not endorse Ize-Iyamu. When Pastor Ize-Iyamu came, we prayed for him in the usual manner like other candidates and that was not an endorsement.”

Union roots for Obaseki

H

undreds of members of Drivers Welfare Empowerment Scheme in Edo State, yesterday, vowed to use their voters’ cards to punish the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 28 governorship election in the state.

The drivers stated this during a rally to endorse the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Godwin Obaseki.

The Secretary of the group, Mr. Jude Anomeh, said those who ruined the state between 1999 and 2007 will never be allow to govern the state again.

Anomeh also declared that the state would never be allowed to go back to Egypt, noting that the same set of people have

nothing different to offer to the people as their aim is to destroy the good work that the Adams Oshiomhole government had done as well as to impoverish the people like they did between 1999 and 2007.

According to him, “we are ready for them with our PVCs; we will not allow them to take us back to Egypt again. We are also appealing to the people not to allow this personal aggrandizement seeking people to govern the state again.

Let us all use our PVCs to deny them that opportunity.”

Addressing the drivers, Obaseki said the state transport system would be redesigned to meet modern challenges if voted into power.

Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu (middle) flanked by his inlaws and friends at the event.

POLITICS \ INTERVIEW

THURSDAY, September 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

13

Govt working to stimulate economy by spending – Emefiele In this concluding part of an interactive session with media executives in Lagos, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, speaks on various measures being put in place by the Federal Government to stimulate economy. New Telegraph reports Treasury Single Account (TSA) issue appears to be a case in which you have got everybody in through one door and none is coming out. How will the government avert the looming petrol crisis?

I am telling you that with the arrangement put in place; and I mean the agreement between CBN and NNPC to ensure that dollar is available to the importers of petroleum products, all the International Oil Companies (IOCs) selling dollars have been directed to channel to marketers to import fuel. This a mechanism created by CBN and NNPC. At the time this programme started were told that they could procure forex at not more than N280 to a dollar and the price should not be more than N145 per litre. In working out the effective price of N145 the template provides for nothing less than N30 per litre margin for the marketer. You can quote me on this. That template is available.

By making N30 per litre available to the marketer, what this does is that even if the marketer does not find the product at N280 to the dollar and he finds it at a price close to N300 to the dollar or N305 or even N310, that marketer will still make a profit even though it could be a reduced margin. That is the template that is currently in place and I am optimistic that it will work.

Based on this arrangement between CBN and NNPC, we will see to it that IOCs are not compelled to sell at a fixed rate, we will see to it that they sell at the average of the interbank rate of the previous day, which means where the marginal rate is N305, and some are selling at N310 or N315 the rate will then be between N305 and N310. If the marketer procures forex at and average of N305 and N310, they will still make a profit and sell that petroleum product at not more than N145 per litre.

What are you looking at in the short term and on the bridge funding arrangement to stimulate the economy?

Again you talked about the need to sell some assets in the oil industry and last week, the president of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote also spoke to CNBC and talked about selling some of assets the government is holding onto in order to raise money. But the impression one is getting is that government is not looking at that advice.

What I am saying is this; government can stimulate demand by spending to fund its budget and we as the monetary authority have told the fiscal side that if the need arises to the point where they need a bridge fund, we will provide that.

We are not there yet and I would

imagine that should not bother you at this time. Government is working to stimulate the economy by spending. That’s why as you heard the Minister of Finance talking about the fact that N420 billion and another N370 billion to N400 billion is being made available this week is certainly an attempt to stimulate the economy through spending. The most important thing now is that we need to stimulate the economy and the fiscal authority is alive to its responsibilities in achieving this objective.

On the sale of assets in the oil industry, you will recall that in April 2015, I granted an interview to Financial Times, where I suggested that in order to raise money to fund its capital expenditure, government needed to sell between 10 to 15 per cent of its oil and gas assets. At that time, oil price was about $50 to $55 per barrel, and our consultants did the numbers and told us that we could raise between $25 and $35 billion. I would imagine that the option is still on the table because more people even in the cabinet have made the same suggestion and if it happens, that will be fine, including the option to buy back the assets at some premium when the crude prices move up and the assets value also move up. You know that in government, there are those against and those in favour. The argument in favour of selling the assets has gained a lot of credence recently.

The CBN seems to be inconsistent in the resumption of sale of forex to BDCs after you stopped that in January this year. Secondly, on some of the $1 billion you said have started flowing in, don’t you think these are hot money which may be dangerous for the economy?

CBN is not inconsistent and I will tell you how. As at January 2016, CBN was the only central bank in the world that was selling forex in cash to BDCs and we felt that because of the hemorrhage on our reserves we needed to stop.

At the time, we said that we were stopping, go and read the speech; we said that, the CBN would seek to open other windows, where the BDCs could continue to do their business. By this current arrangement, we are saying that the diaspora funds coming in through money transfer operators should form a substantial part of what should go to fund the BDC market. This is not a reversal. It only took us about six months to eventually say let’s look at this window as a way to channel the funds coming. In any case, we are being told that over $20 billion comes in annually in diaspora money. If some portion of this diaspora

Emefiele

The CBN would seek to open other windows, where the BDCs could continue to do their business

money comes in, we might as well channel a little of it towards meeting the needs of citizens, who need retail cash; who want $5,000 and below. It is by no means a reversal but in consonant with what had been said at the time we contemplated that the CBN was no longer going to put cash into the market.

Now, the question of whether the inflow of about $1 billion is not hot money; you see the template that we designed for the new flexible forex market regime is the template where we said that that we will introduce not just spot but also futures. What futures is that it encourages more and more importers to push their FX demand into the futures with varying maturity profiles. What I mean is the we are in the valley now and we have put in place a document that provides for a single exchange rate determination mechanism, we put in place a system that reduces the level of volatility where it pushes demand that would have been stuck in the spot market into the future. Because that system is seen to be a credible system, they are coming at a time when you are in the valley I don’t think it can be worse than where it is right now. So, what am I saying? You will find a situation where naturally there would be maturity of these investments. As many are coming in others are going out and if the net effect is a negative we dip into our reserves to plug in. If the net effect is positive it goes to boost the reserves. That’s the way it is supposed to work. If while we are in the valley they are encouraged by the system we have put in place to come in then all we can expect is that as more and more the Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) come in, we will naturally move northwards and up the hill.

What we know of getting countries out of recession is that governments’ fraternity with the private sector.

During the President’s visit to the US, we were told that he was not favourably disposed that they were on the trip. Secondly, when you introduced the flexible exchange rate, it was supposed to close the gap between the official and black market rates, but that is not happening yet…

That report was untrue. It is

false that the President was unhappy with the private sector people who attended that event albeit as you used the word ‘uninvited.’ It is untrue and I want to use this opportunity to correct the impression and to put it bluntly that Mr. President was cracking a joke and if you watch that video after he cracked that joke, everybody laughed.

Again, I am aware that President Buhari has been meeting with private sector leaders to encourage them to work with government to get us out of this situation and that is being done. Only last week the economic management team met leaders of the private sector to talk about what role the private sector would play. On Monday (two days ago) the economic management team is going to meet with the private sector in Abuja. That is not a government that does not want to fraternize with the private sector.

Secondly, the flexible forex system is supposed to close the gap.

But don’t forget that we are coming from a very wide gap situation.

I am aware that there are two rates in the market – the CBN and interbank rates. I am also aware that some people are operating in the parallel/free funds market; which

by Nigeria’s Foreign Exchange laws is an illegal market. That market is very shallow and we often stressed that the rate in that market should not be used as a barometer for determining the value of our currency.

Now, talking about the interbank rate, which today varies between 305 and the other rate at about 320, I am optimistic about it and I am saying this for the records that as more flows come in , the market rate will close. Again, on the Parallel market. It is unfair to use the shallow market as a basis for determining the value of our currency. No one uses the Travelex rate at Heathrow to determine the exchange rate for the pound in the United Kingdom.

So it is unfair to use that to determine the value of our Currency. .

Those who are dealing in the market are doing so illegally. We should not be encouraging the tendencies of those people who are involved in capital flight’, or those who want to conduct foreign exchange business without providing necessary documentation.

14

POLITICS \ INTERVIEW

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 1

it. So, we then said for what has happened, let us begin to unite and we unite the party to a large extent before the game started from the other people and all of a sudden, we saw that it’s not going on well. So, all the people who ran under PPN came back to us and said ‘Oga, we come and plead with you. You can’t continue to leave the situation like this, we are in quandary and the way PDP is going, you need to come back and help us. Come and lead us into Labour.’ That was how Labour Party came about. But listening to the voice of the people; what we keep hearing on the streets is that you people, go and unite.

You played this game in 2011, opposition won while you divided your votes between PPN and PDP. Whatever ideals you may have in mind, if you don’t unite and win, you cannot translate into reality. Now you are doing it again, you have Labour Party and PDP. You have divided your structure again and if you are not careful, you would lose again.’ So, we had to hearken to the people and in hearkening to the voice of the people, the only thing that we can do is to say ‘okay, we know we have challenges in PDP, let everybody go back there and see what you can do to repair the house.’ And that is how I directed everybody back to PDP, unconditionally. The rest is history.

The people wanted change and they voted for change. So, it has nothing to do with inconsistency on my own part. Quite on the contrary, it is principle.

Talking about impatience with leadership in this country, your party, PDP, stayed in power for 16 years; there has been a change. But it was reported that PDP members are saying President Muhammadu Buhari should resign.

What is your take on that?

That is politics and what do you expect them to say? Do you expect them to ask him to stay on? But the fact of the case is very simple and I think the earlier we begin to appreciate where we are, the better. Between you and I; with the advent of politics in 1999 came the dearth of politics of principles and politics of ideology.

It started when G34 formed PDP. Bola Ige was in G34 and many other people were also there. And somehow, they went to some meeting and they said we can’t sit with these renegades in the same party. So, they moved to another party which at that time was called All Peoples Party (APP).

And I know because I was quite close to Chief Bola Ige, that he was part of the constitution of the PDP and APP. And when they got to APP again, they were not happy with some of the people there, they formed Alliance for Democracy (AD). So, when you look at the constitution of those three parties, which is actually the precursor to the current political dispensation, there are no differences.

As a PDP governor, I did free education and free medicare to the best of my knowledge. My welfarism is something that is debatable but I believe that the welfarism that I put in place, even as a PDP governor, considered as the reactionary government in Yorubaland, was even much better than what my predecessors did. So, with any of those parties, with the death of ideological imputations, it is now a question of personalities and that is why today, the people who are saying they are APC, they are all PDP people. So, what are we talking about? My governor here was my PDP senator in 2003 for God’s sake. So, what has happened? The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for eight years was a PDP president and I think at the last count, probably about 70 per cent of APC governors today were in PDP. I think the earlier we begin to downplay political parties and talk about personalities; and people can now look at personalities that can affect their lives positively or otherwise. I think that is the issue now.

How true is the rumour that you wanted to contest the national chairmanship of PDP?

Politics of ideology died in 1999 – Daniel

THURSDAY, September 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

time. Look, don’t let us forget that there is also a big crisis in APC. But I give it to that party because they have managed one way or the other, to keep that division in-house.

Of course, you and I know what the facts are but all of them behave in public. And that is actually the key to victory.

Let us be frank to ourselves, PDP has not been able to do that. It could also be because there is now the absence of a father figure. Obasanjo is out. In the days of Obasanjo all of us would probably have gone to him and you know Baba, he would resolve it one way or the other whether you are satisfied with it or not. But today, fact of the case is that there is no visible father figure. There is no spirit in the PDP today. It is now left to various caucuses, various local champions; so you go and do your thing in your state, I go and do mine in my local government. Okay, if we are able to do it, you do it together. That is fine. But still, there is no successful political party that I know of in this world that do not have some kind of father figure somewhere along the line; that is like a spirit. It could be one, two or ten. But that today is missing in the PDP. You mentioned Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; it is believed that there is no love lost between the two of you?

That is not correct.

Daniel

We also heard that you stepped down for Chief and of course, media naturally interpreted Raymond Dokpesi? that to be that I have stepped down for him.

I didn’t contest for the chairmanship I didn’t see any reason to deny it because of PDP. I didn’t obtain any form but in the it is not everything that is required to be midst of the crisis, I won’t deny that quite a denied. In any case, I don’t mind him benumber of people, across board, even across coming chairman anyway. But that is not political parties, approached me and said to say that there are no other people who ‘oh OGD, is this how you are going to fold can be chairman. And at a point when it your arms and this whole thing is going to was happening, a decision has not even go the way it’s going? There is an opportu- been taken whether the thing should come nity, if we see somebody like you chairing to South West or elsewhere. that party, quite a number of us will be So, later on, the thing came to South considering returning. We know you; we West. People like my boss, Chief Bode know what you can do and all of that.’ To George, showed interest; my good friend, that extent, I then started consultation. But Jimi Agbaje, showed interest; Professor you know consultation in our country, once Tunde Adeniran also showed interest; evyou are not careful, it can be appropriated erybody showed interest. All these people to participation. So, my consultation was without exception are my people and I said just to getting to people and say ‘chairman- well, look, the thing is getting congested. ship, what is your take? Shall This is not the time to be batI throw my hat into the ring?’ tling ourselves over who beAnd people were saying OGD comes chairman. Please go is interested. So, that is what ahead and let us see how it happened. goes. So, that was what hapI didn’t endorse or step pened. down for Raymond Dokpesi.

There are Ali Modu Sheriff and I said clearly that Dokpesi Ahmed Makarfi groups in the had been my friend of some Fact of the case PDP; on whose side are you?

35 to 40 years and it has been Which side will I not be? a consistent friendship. Rayis that there is mond also has been, with See, Makarfi was governo visible father his African Independent nor when I was governor. I Television (AIT), a good served with Makarfi for four figure. There is sympathiser of the PDP and years when I was governor Raymond came to me and out of my eight years. Ali no spirit in the Modu Sheriff was goversaid he was interested. And PDP today I said okay, the fact of the nor when I was governor. I case is that I am also being served with Modu Sheriff for four years. I have relaapproached, let us see how the thing goes; we are not tionship with all of them. So, even sure of what is going to the issue for me is not to say I am one side. The issue is if happen.’ But at some point in time, Raymond jumped the gun and said the party is going to regain its lost glory, the he was going to start his campaign and of two sides must work together. And that is course, he came to Ogun State, and he came what I have always maintained. The road to my house in Sagamu with his entourage to victory has no room for divisionism and and quite naturally, when he came, I spoke once a party is not in a position to resolve nicely about him and I wished him well the line of division, then we are wasting

Okay, what is the situation now?

Why do you people keep manufacturing what is not right? I have told you earlier on; I am a man of principles, Baba Obasanjo is also a man of principle. We attended the same school in this same Egunya. We were trained to be people of very high morals and principles. That is it. When there is disagreement in principles, we look at ourselves in the eyes, but it is with respect because whether anybody likes it or not, Baba remains Baba now. I am a thoroughbred Yoruba man, so, in terms of age, he is my senior. In terms of experience, he is my senior. I have ruled Ogun State, he had ruled Nigeria. What are we talking about?

But there is something that with due respect sir, Papa you may know this but with the little that some of us also know, with due respect sir, that is what it is. And I do not want people to be talking about no love lost.

Have you not noticed that there is no other person that has celebrated Baba Obasanjo as governor? Because for me, he was like my alter ego. He can’t be in Abuja and there is crisis in Abeokuta, what am I doing here? I must solve it. So if there are disagreements based on principles, that cannot be said to be no love lost. But I think it is people who think that for various other reasons, they must throw wedge between people. That is what they do. I have no issues.

In other words, you are in perfect relationship with OBJ? That is not the way to describe it. Good, not perfect (laughter).

He stated emphatically that of all the people that offended him in 2011, before and during the election, he had forgiven them but he finds it difficult to forgive you...

Then, you should have asked him what I did. I don’t think Baba will make such a statement. See in 2011, we had as I have stated earlier on, a disagreement. You don’t know Baba, I know him. It is the person who gets to him that he listens to; that is Baba’s downside. It is public knowledge.

So, it’s not out of place that some people went to him and told him things that are not correct. So, he took a position which was different from our position. We went into election, we lost out. I am not also sure that Baba could have been happy with the result of the election. But as a father figure of all, he put behind him and he moved on. And that is it. Have you ever heard me publicly disparage Olusegun Obasanjo?

You know the people who abuse Baba every day, even in newspaper advertorials. I am a thoroughbred Yoruba man and that is the difference.

POLITICS

THURSDAY, September 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

15

Orji traded Abia governorship for senatorial ambition – Akwukwuegbu Igbeaku Orji Umuahia

T

he traditional Prime Minister of Ibeku Ancient Kingdom, High Chief Uche Akwukwuegbu has said that the much talked about equity by the immediate past governor of Abia State, Chief Theodore Orji, which made him to accept an Ngwa man as his successor was done to get enough support to realise his senatorial ambition and not because he can be trusted politically or otherwise.

Akwukwaegbu popularly known as Bawa, stated this yesterday in reaction to a media report credited to Chief Theodore Orji, in which he called Akwukwuegbu a fair weather politician that cannot be trusted. Orji also claimed in the publication that he made the latter a politician and businessman by giving him contracts.

But Akwukwuegbu described the former governor as a man, who cannot be trusted politically and otherwise.

His words: "Somebody like T.A. Orji cannot talk about equity by saying that he gave Ngwa people governor for equity sake. He did not surrender power to them selflessly and Ngwa people know this. He believes that Ngwa people are fools but time will tell.

"Does he know that anybody that goes to equity must go with clean hands, which was never done? It was because of his senatorial ambition that made him to shift power to them after having promised other notable Abians of putting them in the same office, which he never fulfilled.

“Why didn’t somebody like Orji Uzor Kalu remove Senator Uche Chukwumerije to install himself as senator, why didn’t he make his brother a governor because he had the arsenal to do that? It is because he has conscience.

“I was born in Aba, my sisters are married to Ngwa people, Ngwa people are my friends, I don’t have any bad intention against them and most of them know this. T.A. Orji did not surrender power to them wholeheartedly and willingly. What he gave to them was a Greek Gift for which if they don’t apply wisdom will bite them. He has given them a television and he is still holding the remote control, they should beware of him.”

He added that the former governor, who claims to be a steadfast and trustworthy politician, left Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), which made him governor and jumped into All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in less than two months.

According to him, “it was for that reason that the late Igbo Leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu led highly respected Igbo sons in the party to come to Abia and campaign for him. Ojukwu defied his ill health and led people like Peter Obi, Victor Umeh and over 100 men of timber and calibre to come and campaign for T.A.Orji, begging Abians to support him, but like the man he is, under two months, he abandoned Ojukwu, the party that stood by him and ran to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This betrayal broke Ojukwu’s heart and he wept openly. Can a man like him be trusted politically and otherwise? And Ojukwu never recovered because of that betrayal from T.A. Orji.”

He added: “When he joined PDP, he pocketed the party and made it

Akwukwuegbu

his household property and used it at his whims and caprices’ not minding whose ox is gored. He gave power to whom he knows that he can get something from in return, made so many unfulfilled promises, as his yes is always no, which Abians know him for.

He never kept his word, which was why one Chief Ahamdi Nweke wrote him off once and those who did not know him wondered why.

"For me, I don’t have any problem with Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, he should know that his problem was made by the man who claims to have put him in as a governor, and if he doesn’t know that he is sitting on a keg of gun powder, I wonder when he will know that.

"T.A. Orji should search his conscience if he has done any good to Ikpeazu, because there is a God that watches the affairs of men. In his claim that he gave me contracts, he did that to impoverish me the more, not knowing that I have gone too far for him to make me poor.

“A contract was given to me with an ulterior motive, a contract which he never paid me a dime for, after spending my personal money. He did it to siphon money and frustrate me in life, it was never done with good intentions, but he did not succeed. Only God will judge T.A. Orji and I if he treated me like somebody despite my sufferings to ensure that his administration stands.

“I am a notable businessman who had businesses outside the shores of Nigeria as far back as 1985. I became an independent oil marketer since year 2000, chief executive officer of Geo James International S.A.R.L Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, which deals on importation of fabrics, when he was made governor in 2007.

“Bawas Oil Nigeria Ltd and Bawas Investments have been in business before he was made governor, these are verifiable facts. I don’t know who among the two of us is lying against each other. I was the chairman of the youth wing of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) Ikwuano Umuahia under Chief B.B. Apugo; state treasurer of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC) in the then Imo state while Chime Nzeribe was the state chairman.

Orji

T. A. Orji did not surrender power to them wholeheartedly and willingly.

What he gave to them was a Greek Gift

“I was the coordinator that handled his 2007 political activities with my money, while he was in prison during the campaign period. When he came back, my house was the first house he visited to say thank you for what I did for him. At Isieke Ibeku clan, he also told them to thank me for how I tried to pilot the course of his being made governor. This is also verifiable.

“One major reason why I am happy is that Abians know that he wronged me and his conscience will judge him because I meant well for him by treating him like a father not knowing that he never wished me well .

“T.A. Orji should remember that he is not God who can make a man.

Despite his threats to wipe away my family, so that nobody will hear or have trace of us, God is still sustaining us. The security agencies should know what I am talking about and take note of that threat to my life and family. Even if I die today, God knows that I fought a good fight for the liberation of Abia from bondage and my course will still continue.

“Has he any conscience, when he took away the Umuahia Main Market

from the masses who voted for him in 2007 and relocated it to Ubani and made them to pay through their noses. He relocated the market they rely on for their livelihood and built a personal estate there for himself and family.

“Do we talk about the Timber Market which was given to an individual for a personal estate because of PDP ticket? How about the Old Spare Parts Market; whose property is it now? Can I talk about Garki, which he took to build what he called Abia Mall, but is which is his personal property. No compensation whatsoever was paid to their owners.

“The new Timber Market, which he took from Ndume people, he used part of it to build his personal estate.

The land that his predecessor gave to Catholic Church near St Finbarrs, he took it away from them and used it for his selfish interest to build a personal property. A land that was given as a gift to God, he took it away from God for selfish reasons. He believes that God is not watching him.

“This is my message to him: ‘You were governor for eight years, and you claim to have come from Ibeku extraction, your paramount ruler goes with Keke (tricycle) and you could not build a befitting house for him , but rather, you subjected him to suffering and abject poverty.

“You said that I am nobody, the day you came back from prison, was I not the one that Dr Orji Uzor Kalu handed you over to, while we were in the same bus that brought you to Umuahia? Was it not me, ADC Okoro, your wife and driver in the bus that Orji Kalu told Okoro to give you the seal of the state and said Bawas, I have done your wish and left, because I personally asked him to make you governor but you betrayed the man who lifted you up and I. “Abians and Ngwa people will soon know more of who you are if they don’t already know. God that I serve will bear me witness of what I have said here whether I am lying against you. Take note; a man's destiny is not tied to any other man, it is only God that can make a man what he should be and the same God who knows right and wrong will judge between me and I.”

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

16

Opinion Latest earthquake in Italy Turning Point MIKE ARAYUWA WILKIE pmikky1950@yahoo.com 0802-3097-251 (sms only)

A

n earthquake is generally a sudden and violent shaking of the ground, which at times, can cause great destructions due to movements in the earth’s crust or volcanic actions or eruptions.

It is caused by faulting, a sudden lateral or vertical movement of the rock along a ruptured surface. When the stress of the edge overcomes the friction, there is the occurrence of an earthquake. Italy, had in the past experienced earthquakes, dating back to the year, 1570.

The 1570 Ferrara earthquake occurred on November 16 and 17, same year. Its magnitude was 5.5, with 171 people dead. The messina or the messina Reggio earthquake took place on December 28, 1908, in Sicily and Calabria, Southern Italy. It was a magnitude of 7.1.

75,000 to 200,000 people died in the quake. The L’Aquila earthquake’s magnitude was 5.8 to 6.3, which occurred on April 6, 2009. 308 people died, 1,500 and above were injured, while 65,000 plus became refugees and homeless.

The Friuli or Friulian earthquake occurred on May 6, 1976. It had a magnitude of 6.5, and 900 to 978 died, about 1,700-2,400, who were injured. The Umbria and Marche earthquake, In Central Italy, was on September 26, 1997.

The magnitude was 6.1, with 11 dead and 100 people injured. The Irpinia quake followed on November 23, 1980, with a magnitude of 6.8. According to Wikipedia, 2,483 to 4,900 died, while 7,700 to 8,934 were injured, and 250 persons dis-

placed as refugees.

In 2012, two major earthquakes occurred in the Northern part of Italy. This was on May 20, 2012. In this quake, 27 people died with massive damages. In 2015, there was another earthquake on November 20, 120 people died, and 368 injured. It was called the Umbria earthquake.

The quake’s magnitude was 6.2.

The latest, in the serial earthquakes in Italy, happened in the early hours of Wednesday morning, August 24, 2016. The quake was a replica of the devastation caused in the region in 2009, about seven years ago. Its magnitude was 6.2. The area covered by the quake was essentially very close to Accumoli, Latium, Maumere and the East of Nusa Tenggara.

On the whole, about 247 persons were consumed by the earthquake, with colossal destruction of buildings and other infrastructures, including the collapse of bridges. The scenario was accompanied with wide-spread rumours and panics. According to the Cable News Network (CNN), more than 100 people were already displaced. The quake was such that it reverberated up to Rome, about 160 kilometers away from the scene of the quake.

The shock experienced by the people will continue for weeks, months and even years to come. It was further confirmed that the mountainous areas of Italy had some landslides.

Sniffer dogs were sent to the quake’s zone in order to rescue people who were trapped under-ground. Crews were also mobilized and drafted to the region to rescue victims. Earth movers and other heavy equipment were also mobilized to site.

Hospital Doctors called-in other doctors from Italy and sundry places to move to the quake region for assistance. The medical and Para-medical personnel were also called-upon to assist. Reacting to the deadly situation, the

Many parts of the country lie on a seismic faulty line

president of Italy declared the disaster as: “A moment of pains for the country.” Pope Francis, on the other hand, was deeply saddened by the total destruction of Amatrice. The German and Spanish Governments sympathized with Italy and promised to offer immediate assistance.

The question is: what is the cause of the consistent quake in Italy since the year 1570? The fact is, many parts of the country lie on a seismic faulty line. According to the Italian Foreign office, “tremors and earthquakes are almost a daily occurrence.” The office added that the quakes were caused by movements in the Eurasian and African tectonic plates, which are in conflict with each other. De Angelis, a geologist, is however of the view that the Apennine range, or Apennines Mountain which runs from the north to south is responsible for the quake’s recurring decimal.

And, what about the Italian scientist whose official function, is to predict and warn government about future occurrence(s) of an earthquake? It is obvious that some seismologists may be put on trial for their inability to advise the government accordingly with respect to the 2016 quake.

For instance, six Italian scientists and a former government official were charged to court for “manslaughter, negligence of duty and imprudence”. This was in respect of the 2009 quake.

The case is pending, and has been adjourned to October 1, 2016.

Scientists world-wide, are of the strong opinion that the pending case could set a dangerous precedent in such legal matters. The Attorneys for the defendants are equally opined that “there is simply no accurate way to predict earthquakes”.

However, it is instructive to note that earthquake is a natural phenomenon and very difficult to predict. To prosecute the Italian scientists, any further, is tantamount to fighting nature. Mankind is not competent to predict and prevent or fight any quake from occurring in the world.

The photographer called Ndukwe Peter Eze

S

cience has shown that quite often some men tend to be mentally unbalanced albeit mildly but the severe cases happens when the said person daily struggles to expose such mental deficiency at every slight opportunity.

Once, I spoke at a youth gathering that the way a man thinks about his roots defines him and his character.

When a man forgets his roots, there is need to visit a psychologist, as he might be very sick (by sickness I do not refer to physical illness). Sickness has different levels but when you see someone who just returned from a psychiatric hospital laughing and hauling stones at you, just know he is not just sick, he has gone mad.

And thus poses a general threat to public welfare.

Rt.Hon. Cosmos Ndukwe, who has chosen to cry more than the bereaved must have gone nuts again by abandoning his constitutional duty as deputy speaker, Abia State House of Assembly to register his hatred for his former boss and benefactor, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, herein referred to as OUK. A freelancePhotographer who was favoured by OUK’s grassroot governance in his days as Abia State Governor has suddenly developed heartache over the nemesis that has

begun to catch up with his later political ally, Chief T. Ahamefule Orji.

The paramount Ruler of Ibeku Kingdom, the home of T.A Orji, Eze (Sir) Samuel Onuoha had during the weekend apologized to Dr. Kalu when the latter was hosted by Ibeku community. His Royal Highness, on behalf of the community begged OUK to forgive them for the ingratitude meted out to him by their son, T.A Orji, whom he said was made governor by OUK amidst several challenges. With remorse and regret in his apology, he explained that repaying good with evil is the height of wickedness.

According to the Eze, OUK should not be surprised at T.A Orji’s behaviour because even the Bible acknowledged that the heart of man is deceitful and wicked. T.A Orji has also responded to the apology by denying being made Governor by OUK. A man who served under OUK as Chief of staff for eight years; never participated in his own election as he was behind bar as of the period; whose release was facilitated by OUK after winning the battle for him; whose provoking story has remained permanent in the public domain can only tell his moonlight tales and denials to kindergarten pupils. He didn’t even stop there, he went as far as showing his bitterness over some people he claimed to have helped by awarding

contracts as Governor but have now turned back to castigate him. Isn’t it ironical? Many are yet to even forgive him for maltreating Late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.Or would he also deny how Ojukwu defied his ill health and led people like Mr. Peter Obi, Chief Victor Umeh and over 100 stalwarts to come and campaign for him?

Nevertheless, the most confounding is the man who turned a photographer when his ‘Mai-Shai’ business collapsed in Umuahia. It would be recalled that OUK, believing that Cosmos Ndukwe, an Abia Citizen and his brother deserved a better life, had picked him up,dusted him and placed him in positions that have concurrently taken him to his current status as deputy speaker.

Barely few years, Cosmos Ndukwe has developed loss of memory or rather feigned selective amnesia.

During the last Abia North Senatorial rerun election, he narrowly escaped been lynched by Bende Youths when he personally attempted to hijack and flee with ballot boxes. Today, he has abandoned his legislative duties to personally sponsor a hogwash and pointless article to discredit his former benefactor.

While Ndukwe acknowledged in his article titled,” Unity or Embers of Disunity: Where does Orji Uzor Kalu Stand? that by 2007, OUK had al-

ready fitted in as the new face of Igbo leadership, he made every attempt to vilify him by pouring his anger on OUK for accepting a community apology. Is it possible he is heartbroken that T A.Orji’s traditional ruler and the people of Ibeku kingdom are ashamed of their own son’s ingratitude? Your guess is as good as mine.

The bitterness that Ndukwe vomited on a man who has built bridges across the length and breadth of Nigeria and Africa is nothing but irresponsible.

While some refer to OUK as the last man standing, others simply call him the balloon on the sea. But Ndukwe misfired when he stated that a man like OUK, whose achievements has been underreported is engrossed with media publicity.

Although Cosmos Ndukwe was sincere by asserting that Bola Tinubu is OUK’s mate in Nigerian politics, he refused to accept that unlike OUK, Tinubu’s political sons never exhibited the philistinic and caricaturic mundane tendencies, he and his cohorts all publicly gyrated to. Casting aspersions on the integrity of OUK would in no way erase his good deeds as a governor.

It is usually laughable hearing a ‘sit –down- dey look’ House of Assembly member priding himself a commonsense legislator.

•Eze writes via ezepetersoneze@gmail.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

17

EDITORIAL

Our VISION To build a newspaper organisation anchored on the sanctity of truth.

Sanctity of Truth

Our MISSION To publish a newspaper of superior value, upholding the fundamental ethics of journalism: balanced reporting, fairness, accuracy and objectivity.

T

Nigeria’s most authoritative newspaper in politics and business

Our heroic Special Athletes

he athletes who represented Nigeria at the 2016 Paralympics arrived the country on Sunday with eight gold, two silver and two bronze medals. The number of gold medals won was two short of the 10 promised by the athletes but we believe the performance was still very commendable.

Powerlifting gave Nigeria six gold medals at the games courtesy of Rowland Ezurike, Paul Kehinde, Lucy Ejike, Bose Omolayo, and Josephine Orji while athletics produced gold medals in shot put through Onye Lauretta and javelin through Flora Ugwuna.

The dance steps of Lauretta after winning her shot put gold was exceptional. It will linger in the minds of many for a long time. Such was the patriotic zeal of the athlete.

We are aware that Team Nigeria’s Paralympics athletes have been consistent. They never disappointed. They always make the country proud at all continental and global events.

Our investigations revealed that the key to the consistent results being posted by these athletes is hard work. The athletes train without season. With or without a coach, they train rigorously because work out is seen as a way of life. Some of them cannot walk properly and some are even partially sighted. Yet, they enjoy coming together to train, keep fit and generally make themselves happy. They enjoy training regularly even when there are no

competitions before them.

It is of huge concern that most of the special sports athletes do not have means of livelihood and there are no competitions to keep them busy or serve as means of winning some price monies like their abled counterparts. It is really amazing that despite all the odds, these athletes excel at global stage.

We recall that at the Olympics Games proper which took place between August 5 and 21, Nigeria only managed to win a bronze medal courtesy of the U-23 team in the men’s football event. It is sad that the winless run recorded at London 2012 Olympic Games almost repeated itself it Rio. On the con-

Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief

Funke Egbemode

Managing Editor, Business & Strategy n Yemi Ajayi

Managing Editor, Publication & Operations n Emeka Obasi

Managing Editor, South n Emeka Madunagu Managing Editor, North & Abuja n Laurence Ani (Leave of Absence) Editor n Ayodele Ojo Editor, Sunday n Juliet Bumah Editor, Saturday n Waheed Bakare Deputy Editor, Group Head, Newsroom n Geoffrey Ekenna

Bureau Chief, Abuja n Onwuka Nzeshi Bureau Chief, Brussels n Leo Cendrowicz Bureau Chief, Washington DC n Marshall Comins Editorial Coordinator, Europe n Sam Amsterdam

Business Development Manager n Taiwo Ahmed Sales/Circulation Manager n Oyebanji Abiodun Head, Arts & Creative n Ugochukwu Nnakwe Head, Admin. n Robinson Ezeh

of them paid to keep fit in the run-in to the games and also paid some experienced coaches to be ready for the games.

Most of them are not under any form of employment and they do not have good homes as well. Government can give the medallists automatic employment in their respective bases.

There should also be employment opportunities in stadia and local governments for other athletes who did not make it to the games. Some failed to make it

The glorious athletes prepared for the competition in tears

trary, the Paralympic athletes won five gold medals in London but surpassed it at the Rio Games.

That is progression and so the glorious heroes and heroines should be shown appreciation not only by government but other wellmeaning Nigerians and multinational bodies. We believe what the Paralympic athletes needs most from Nigerians is love. This is the best time to do so for these hard working people.

It is important to also remember that the glorious athletes prepared for the competition in tears. They barely feed well. Some

DAILY TELEGRAPH PUBLISHING COMPANY LIMITED

Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon and the truth – Buddha

because they do not have money to prepare well like others who struggled, borrowed money to make the cut for the games. We also recommend that a

sports hall with gymnasium and accommodation facilities be built in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Delta for the use of the special sports athletes.

Only recently the sports reform committee submitted its report to the minister and recommended that a gold medallist at the level of the Olympic Games should be given N10m, N5m for silver and N2.5m for bronze. President Muhammadu Buhari can make a bold statement by starting with the Paralympic athletes even if it is half of the recommendation of the committee. On the other

hand, the ministry can source funds from the private sector to put smiles on the faces of these athletes.

We make bold to say nothing can be too much to compensate the athletes. It is bad enough that there is no sports policy and so there seems to be nothing to fall back on as platform to reward the great job done by the special athletes. This is an enormous test to the ministry of sports and the Buhari administration.

At the airport reception held for the athletes, Permanent Secretary in the ministry of sports, Christian Ohaa, said: “This is one of the most astonishing performances that have brought great honour to this country.

It goes to prove that beyond strength, there is also ability in disability.

“You told us that you were going to make Nigerians proud and you fulfilled your promise. It was a wonderful outing because Nigeria emerged the best country leading in Africa in Paralympic Games and we are 17th in world.”

These are kind words, Nigerians appreciate the feat achieved by the special sports athletes but government should adequately compensate them so that ‘their labour will not be in vain.’ The response of government and corporate organisations at a time like this, we believe, will go a long way in motivating other athletes in preparing scrupulously to bring honours to the country.

18

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

19

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

SouthEastFocus

Begging their way out of recession

It was disdainful for an Igbo man to beg or be seen on the streets soliciting for arms. The situation is forgivable for the physically disabled.

But nowadays, it is not unusual to see ablebodied people feigning disability, seeking alms.

In Anambra State, a largely commercial state, the legion of such people is increasing every day. PAMELA EBOH, in Awka, reports

B

efore now, in Igbo Land, begging for alms was seen as an act for the lame and the handicapped. It was especially seen as something that happened with those from the northern part of the country.

But at the moment, it has become a means to an end for many lazy people who feel that through it, ends would be met.

While beggars from the eastern part ply their trade mostly in motor parks and in busy areas like the market, the handicapped from the northern part which comprise mostly men with deformed legs have on their part taken to very bad points along Enugu/Onitsha expressway.

Despite the many dangers prone on the highway, these beggars seem undeterred as they sit daily in a straight line, cracking jokes with each and even admiring female passengers that pass by them in commercial vehicles.

The areas they occupy in Anambra State include the bad spot close to Abba junction, Awkuzu area of the Enugu/ Onitsha expressway, as well as the Oji River end of the same expressway.

As a permanent means of livelihood, they gather at these points as early as 6am, take their positions on the ground for alms begging under rain, and under

the sun. They employ the kind of strategy used by the Federal Road Safety Corps by sitting at those sections of the roads where there are big ditches, knowing that every car passing through that route must slow down at that point. While they carry out their daily business, commercial bus drivers patronize them for a change of bigger denominations like N1, 000 and N500 notes after giving them a tip of between N20 to N50. They tarry with their trade on daily basis from the wee hours of the morning till late hours of 7pm before they disappear into an unknown enclave. According to one of them at Abba junction, who seem to be chairman of the circle, Usman Yaro, the jokes they crack with themselves and admiration of female passengers is a way of easing the pain they feel in their condition.

He said that despite the risk of staying along the expressway,

It is in human nature to help. Even though not everybody can help, but at least, many people have pity on us because of our condition and how we sit along the road under rain and under sun

GEOFFREY EKENNA coordinaTor

goeekenna@yahoo.co.uk 08068774740

South South Focus Where it rains every market day

21 News School begs for attention

22

Though the Igbo race is seen and known as a section that are innovative and hard working, the country’s economic balance in the recent times have shifted ground hence more healthy men and women join the alm begging trade.

For example, a woman was earlier this year caught at the Eke Awka main market feigning breast cancer. The woman, who had been in the business for some time met her dark day when she went on her daily business of begging alms inside the market with a little girl of 8 years guiding her.

In the moment of gathering money from women traders, who were the ones with greater empathy, a woman who hailed from the beggar’s home town came around to buy some food and saw her. She couldn’t believe what she saw. She screamed on seeing her and started shouting, Some beggars on a “That woman is from my town, street in Onitsha mama Uju….there is nothing wrong with her. She is well, she they chose to be there because doesn’t have any cancer. Chai, it is always busy with vehicles she doesn’t have any breast canpassing by and with the large cer o”.

With that said, some women number of road users, there is a bigger opportunity of getting rushed and grabbed the woman alms from empathic people. as she was making frantic effort “It is in human nature to help, to disappear from the gathering even though not everybody can crowd. help but at least, many people One of them tore off the have pity on us because of our soaked, grubby looking bancondition and how we sit along dage placed on the left breast the road under rain and under and immediately the woman’s sun”, he said. real breast was exposed to the But one may wonder how full glare of traders. The womthey come about the beautiful an was manhandled before few handsets they wield and how other elderly women came and they manage to keep themselves begged the people to let her go neat, even neater than some of with the curse she has incurred them found at the motor parks. for herself since she did not steal While they are part of the or hurt anyone.

New Telegraph gathered that group that are visibly impaired, there is another group who feign the woman went into alms begtheir condition and another ging out of laziness after the group with little or no physical death of her husband, who was impairment, who probably be- a carpenter despite opening lieve that the trade is the quick- a small shop where she sells est means of making money CONTINUED ON PAGE20 without much struggle.

20

south-east

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Thirsty for Golden Guinea

It used to be the biggest brewery in the Eastern Part of Nigeria. The Golden Guinea breweries has been off line for about 13 years now. But hopes have risen that it would roar back to life soon until the economic downturn hit. IGBEAKU ORJI, reports from Umuahia

T

he comatose state of the Golden Guinea Breweries has been a source of worry to many, especially people of Abia, the host state. That is because its resumption of production would be of immense benefit in the face debilitating unemployment. But the hope of resumption has been raised and dashed severally by successive administrations until people no longer took such pronouncements seriously. They regard it as one of the political talks meant to excite the people.

Operation of Golden Guinea Breweries PLC was finally suspended in February 2003, when the boilers blew up. Since then, the company’s machines grounded to a halt and even after declarations by the government that it would soon resume operations, the machines are still quiet.

Golden Guinea Breweries was incorporated on September 26, 1962, by the Eastern Region government of Dr Michael Iheonukara Okpara under the Eastern Nigeria Development Corporation (ENDC) as Independent Breweries Ltd. The first phase of construction was inaugurated on September 30, 1963 and even before C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 9

kerosene and few beverages like biscuits, sweet, etc.

Apart from the cancer disguising woman, a man in his mid-forties was also caught and beaten to pulp at a commercial bus park opposite Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, when it was discovered that the man who was feigning blindness actually had good vision.

Aside from those that roam the major highways and loading parks in the state, there are another group of beggars who have taken a permanent position at the Unizik fly over, as well as Savoy Flyover Bridge in the commercial city of Onitsha. They come in different shades of deformity, which drugs can ordinarily cure….those with bloated tummy, swollen legs, bandaged hand, popping head and other forms of deformity.

When New Telegraph spoke to one Miss Ebele Ikegwuonu, who ply her begging trade at flyover bridge in Onitsha, she said she was diagnosed with nephritis a year ago but because of lack of money to continue with her treatment, she took to begging of alms.

On the amount she makes daily, she said she makes between N400 to N1,000, adding that the money she make from people everyday has helped her to remain alive.

For Mr. Okechukwu Okaro, an elderly man in his late sixties, whose case is more of an involuntary euthanasia, he told New Telegraph he took to begging to be able to eat as his children abandoned him after taking ill for a

New machines ready for work

its present state of inactivity, it had management challenges before it finally closed shop 13 years ago.

The company is quoted on the Nigeria Stock Exchange as Golden Guinea Breweries Plc. It had in its production line such brands as Golden Guinea Beer and Malta, Eagle Stout and Bergdorff Beer.

The disconcerting state of affairs in the Breweries is a reflection of the general rot and decay in infrastructure, economic structures and the solid growth foundations laid by the visionary patriots and patriarchs of the first republic and the nation.

Efforts to resuscitate the brewery have been Herculean. Politics and inconsistent economic policies have combined to frustrate its resumption several years after it retooled.

The brewery was expanded in 1979 by the Chief Sam Onunaka

Mbakwe’s administration in the old Imo State with increase in production capacity.

However, while the first brewery built by the Eastern Region Premier had full concrete walls and roofs, the expansion by the old Imo State Governor has half walls and roof completed with corrugated aluminium sheets. The complex has offices and a guest house with functional borehole.

It is situated in a moderately large expanse of land between Aba Road and Afara Road in the heart of Umuahia, the Abia State capital with the main entrance on Aba Road.

The concrete pavements and sidewalks and yard are amazingly solid after over 50 years. The underground drainage collects the rain water and industrial waste and sends them to the large drainage outside the complex. It has a

large parking facility for trucks and another for cars. The brewery also has large ware houses one of which can take five trailers.

But in the last 18 months, significant work has been done towards its resumption of operation. The overgrown lawns have been trimmed just as the flowers and trees that had grown wild had been dressed and cut.

The Managing Director, Chief Ifeanyi G Idika, is excited with the progress made so far.

According to him, new boilers have replaced the blown up ones even as a brand new bottling line has been installed to complement the old.

Also a new power transmission line with poles and transformer is being installed to boost the power supply.

He said that these were made possible by the interest shown by investors.

What then is still holding the company from resumption given all that has been done?

Idika blamed the present economic recession for the delay. “The present circumstance in the economy has slowed down the process. Our schedule is slowed down and we are actually behind schedule. We are supposed to be in the market by now. We are set, but the rate of the Naira to the Dollar caught up with our schedule. We even have new bottle designs ready.”

Idika’s confidence as a business expert is reassuring and far different from the unsure declarations of the politicians. Investors and the people of Abia State are looking forward to the resumption of operations of the company as soon as possible with the attendant creation of jobs and resurgence of ancillary business.

Begging their way out of recession

Another set of beggars

long while.

“My children got tired of paying my hospital bills and abandoned me to my fate. I decided to beg for alms instead of lying at home without anybody to care for me and just die. My wife is dead and I am left alone in the village”.

Okaro, who claimed to have come from Ogbaru said that he was a successful farmer before his health issues started. The economic downward spiral in the country is not helping matters as those who may not have the moral

My children got tired of paying my hospital bills and abandoned me to my fate

conviction to go into robbery or kidnap are shifting base to alms begging.

Even the physically strong, young women with leading guides of about eight to 17years now flock every commercial bus loading spots begging for alms from passengers wearing dark goggles to cover their eyes while feigning blindness or dumbness.

One of them who was confronted at the TRACAS loading park in Awka by a passenger, who asked her why she is begging

even when she looks physically able and strong with her son of 12 years, who should be in school, didn’t respond but rather disappeared from the park with her child.

Suffice it to say that with the increasing hardship and its attending woes, more healthy men and women may be prone to go into begging in order to have a daily meal and until the thick wind blowing calms down, worse things than begging may be taken up by people in order stay alive.

21

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

SouthSouthFocus

A section of the market

Where it rains every market day Tony Anichebe uyo

T

he people of Akwa Ibom State known before now as civil service-minded people are now being more business conscious, especially in the acts of trading.

A typical Akwa Ibom person loves buying and selling. Every place in Akwa Ibom is a potential market; homes, churches, schools, roadsides, etc. Not even stringent measures by the government and corporate bodies can properly check the incessant buying and selling, especially where such should not be allowed.

Because of the buying and selling culture in Akwa Ibom, the state has some renowned markets. However, markets in some parts of the state are selective and based on the economic and agricultural viability of the area where the market is located.

For instance, markets in coastal areas like Oron, Mbo, Itu, Ibeno, etc mostly sell sea products like fish, crayfish, shrimps, and other sea foods while markets in other parts of the state sell select farm produce mostly cultivated in the

respective areas.

Due to the high rate of businesses in the state capital city, markets in Uyo are the one-stoptrade-centres.

Presently, there are two renowned markets in Uyo; Urua Itam and Akpan Andem markets. But the, Itam market popularly called ‘Urua Itam’ cited at the gateway into the Uyo city is mother of all markets in the state.

History has it that the market started as a small outlet, providing commercial opportunities for people around Uyo and its environs. With the creation of Akwa Ibom State from old Cross River State in 1987, efforts by successive governments have been geared towards upgrading the market to an international level. Notable is the Obong Victor Attah-led government who saw the need to rebuild the market and provide it with basics social amenities like the police station, banks, conveniences and car parks, to enhance commercial activities.

Sitting at a large expanse of land, Itam market ranks top in commercial activities among markets in the state. The market plays host to traders beyond Akwa Ibom State as buyers and

Everything has gone up. The transportation fare is on the high side and then the demand is low

sellers within the South-South and South East regions also patronize it.

The market operates everyday but also has a special day within every week when people from different states of the country come to sell and buy every consumable or material merchandise or products.

It is a one-stop market because there is hardly any commodity that one cannot find in Itam market especially on that selected day of the week.

Ranging from fresh farm/sea products, clothing, house utensils/home furniture, etc, and even things one cannot easily find it elsewhere.

Besides buying and selling, the market is also famous for some superstitious belief. For instance, it is a common belief among those who patronize the market that it rains every Itam Market day, sometimes even at the peak of dry season.

It is believed that the mysterious rain is a kind of blessing for the traders though when it rains, only those in stores and under shades are spared from being drenched. However, like other major markets, there is also high rate of pick-pocketing in the market during the Itam Market day.

New Telegraph gathered that while people go to the market for buying and selling, many others equally go there to steal.

The unlucky thieves caught by traders are usually beaten to a pulp before being handed over to the police. The rowdy nature of the market and vastness for buyers to buy especially second clothes at cheap rate make them vulnerable to pick pocketers.

Another outstanding thing about Itam market is the fact that the traders engage in cooperative alliances as they regularly contribute funds to a purse which they draw from in an orderly manner. This has helped in many ways to sustain their businesses, settle financial challenges like rent, school fees, debts etc.

However, the cooperative societies differ and engaged in traders with common understanding of the purpose and benefits. There is also the presence of small contribution outfits which are either registered by the government or known to Itam Market committee.

These persons go round the market and collect sums of money, depending on a contributor’s ability, save them and give them back to their owners bi-weekly, fortnightly or monthly with a little cost on the savers.

However, a recent visit to the market recently, revealed that the present economic challenge in the country has taken a serious toll on the traders as most of them bitterly complained about how the economy is really affecting their sales and making it hard to make profits.

According to Mr Otobong Akpan, many goods in the market are imported. So, the current high exchange rate has seriously affected their businesses. “Everything has gone up. The transportation fare is on the high side and then the demand is low. People don’t really buy again as they used to owing to economic difficulties. Normally we make a lot of sales before the end of the day but everything has changed now”, he said.

Again, another noticeable challenge confronting the Itam market presently is the overflow of the traders towards the major roads leading into the city.

Mrs Emem Ukoh, a Trader in the market, attributed it to the increased trading activities in the market.

“The market no longer contains everybody despite the fact that the market occupies a large expanse of land and moving the market out of the present location will be resisted by those who have some superstitious belief about the market”.

New Telegraph observed that on every Itam market day, the roadside trading causes heavy traffic jam along the adjoining roads around the market, leaving travellers stranded for hours owing to the activities of roadside traders.

22

south-south

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

School begs for attention Different faces of the school

Tony Anichebe Uyo

B

rotherhood Secondary School, Ikot Ide Akpakpan, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has become a shadow of itself. It is laced with dilapidated structures, resulting in weak educational foundation for the children Established in 1978 by late Mr Emem Okon Udoh - a cripple, and later handed over to the state government in 1981, the school is today a shadow, leaving students studying in dilapidated buildings partially occupied by reptiles and rodents Initiated by the founder, first as a typing pool, then a vocational and trade school and later a conventional secondary school, the school before its present decay, served the community diligently as it graduated many who today have made meaningful contributions to the society.

The school, according to the principal, Mrs Rose Ekwere William, has suffered neglect and dilapidation, as there is hardly a structure that is not in a serious state of decay. Such environment, she noted, does not encourage effective and efficient teaching and learning processes, especially during the rainy season.

Williams, who has been

championing the effort to renovate the school has called on the Parent/Teachers Association of the school, the state government and other public spirited institutions and individuals to come to the aid of the students.

In a letter to the PTA and made available to New Telegraph, the management appealed for support in the areas of building materials to enable the school renovate a dilapidated six classroom block, hosting the principal’s and other offices.

“Our children are mostly from the less privileged class in the society. They cannot afford the bill of high ranking schools. Yet, a good majority of them possesses great potentials”. The letter reads When New Telegraph visited the school, it was discovered that in addition to the flooded classrooms, the children were exposed to great risk posed by the sinking roofs and very weak walls which may cave in anytime.

For the 1,300 students in the school, it was also observed that the only surviving laboratory was one washhand basin with nothing else to expose even the SS3 students who were on their examinations to practical in sciences to prepare them for the examination.

While the principal had converted one of the stores

Our children are mostly from the less privileged class in the society. They cannot afford the bill of high ranking schools

to an office accommodation, the 29 teaching staff and three non teaching staff are all within the dilapidated block and usually fled during the rains to the few protected zones within the premises.

In addition to dilapidated structures, this school also lacks qualified teachers in certain core courses, especially English and Literature in English. This has led to reliance on youth corps members and other non professionals for such courses. This, a teacher who pleaded anonymity said has affected the children’s results in WAEC examinations in such areas.

Also speaking with our correspondent, the PTA Chairman, Obong Usen Umoh, regretted that such a school should not have been allowed to suffer such setback considering its origin.

His words: “That collapsed block is the main building that was used to establish the school. It is very unfortunate that government’s attention has not turned to it. The structure has been overstretched because it was originally built to take about 150 students, against the over 1,200 it accommodates today.

“The late Emem Okon Udo, the man who established the school was crippled in the leg but highly intelligent in the head. He started as typing school but later converted

to a trade school and then to what it is today. Today it is an eyesore. Due to the neglect, students are fused into one class room, leading to redundancy and under utility of teachers”.

“At PTA level, we have sent out appeals, parents are donating. It is encouraging, each parent is expected to pay N2,000. We have tried government but to no avail. Unless you have a government official with permanent interest in the school, nothing can happen. Of course, you know that no government official would send his or her child to a village school like this” he said He also expressed concern about the state of security of the school as lack of perimeter fencing has led to theft of the children’s lockers in the school. He however, reported that parents once again agreed to sacrifice by levying themselves N100 per term to ensure that security measures were put in place in the school.

The retired school principal however insisted on the need for the state government to turn attention to the institution to also enable parents from that part of the state feel the impact of the ongoing free and compulsory education in the state, adding that no amount of individual’s effort can satisfactorily arrest such huge level of decay as presently witnessed in the school.

23

THURSDAY, September 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Insight

Baptist High School, Akure, Ondo State.

A dilapidated structure at Alapata/Onireke Community Grammer School, Akobo, Ibadan.

In this concluding part of the focus on the poor state of public primary and secondary schools in the country, KAYODE OLANREWAJU suggests ways to revamp the education sector

N

iger State is not also immune to the rot in the education sector in terms of dilapidated infrastructure and poor teaching/ learning environment.

Schools in the state, especially rural areas, are confronted with the problem of dilapidated building structures, leaking and falling roofs, broken windows, lack of perimeter fencing to provide security, as well as shortage of classrooms and lack of furniture (benches and desks) for students and teachers.

In some schools in Minna, the state capital, for instance, students sit on dusty floors. Students have to wet every morning before classes in order to reduce the dust.

At New Tunga Primary School, most of the classrooms have no benches, desks and chairs as about 80 per cent of the students sit on bare floor.

While lamenting the poor structures at the Government Secondary School, Minna, a parent, Mrs. Fatima Abdullahi, said: “Most of us parents, who could not afford private schools have to enrol our children in public schools, but it seems government does not bother any longer about the children’s well-being and education.”

However, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the governor, Jibrin Ndace, reiterated that education was the priority of the Governor Abubakar Bello-led administration. He hinted that the sector got N2.9 billion, being the lion’s share of the state budget for this fiscal year.

But, worried by the development, a teacher in the school, Mr. Bosso Aliyu, pointed out that ow-

St. Williams RCM Primary School, Ilorin

Iyange Community Primary School, Akure

Learning made difficult ing to lack of basic infrastructure and teaching aids, some parents are withdrawing their children and wards from public schools to enrol them in private schools, where there are adequate facilities and conducive learning environment.

Meanwhile, in Osun State, where Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s administration constructed some state-of-the-art schools and improved infrastructure, several other schools are derelict.

“The conditions of the structures and facilities in these public schools are terrible, discouraging and retrogressing for learning,” a teacher said.

The teacher added that the poor structures and facilities in some of the public schools had greatly affected the learning process.

Further investigations by New Telegraph indicated that some of the poorest schools are Osogbo Grammar School; Laaro Grammar School; Ido-Osun High School; LA Primary School, Iwikun-Ijesha; All Saint Anglican Primary School, Eti-Oni; Community Primary School, Ajegunle; Community Primary School, Lapade-Ede and Community Primary School, Kajola Bewaji.

But as part of plans to provide adequate classrooms for the pupils, the Aregbesola administration set out to build modern 100 elementary schools, 50 middle

The conditions of the structures and facilities in these public schools are terrible

schools and 20 high schools across the state. However, government could only complete 14 elementary, 15 middle and 11 fully-equipped state-of-the-art model schools.

Each of the new elementary schools has 24 classrooms with capacity to accommodate 960 pupils, Information Communication Technology (ICT) room, library, multipurpose hall, toilets, offices, food court, sick bay, security office, and water fountain, while each of the high schools has 72 classrooms, six offices for study group, laboratories, library, laboratories for art and science, a sick bay, a 1,000-capacity hall, sports facilities, borehole and a transformer, among others.

The situation in Oyo State schools, where most parents are withdrawing their children and wards from public primary and secondary schools due the level of rot to private schools, is more precarious.

However, the plan of the Governor Abiola Ajimobi administration was to build some model schools across the state, for which some dilapidated structures at Oba Akinbiyi High School, Mokola, Ibadan and others were demolished, but paucity of funds has frustrated the plan. Apart from the protracted strike over nonpayment of the teachers’ salaries that gripped the ‘Pace Setter’ state in the last few months, there is the

problem of overcrowding in most of the schools, where between 80 and 100 students are cramped into one classroom.

For instance, at Alarere Secondary School, Iwo Road in Ibadan, most of the learners sit on broken chairs and tables, while some sit on planks with their books placed on their laps to write owing to inadequate furniture.

Besides parents providing benches and desks for their children, students are asked to buy chalk and dusters for their classes as a result of lack of instructional materials because of the inability of government to provide these items.

When New Telegraph visited Alapata/Onireke Community Grammar School, Akobo in Lagelu Local Government Area, a block of classrooms, which roofs were blown off by storm sometimes ago, was yet to be repaired.

But, the Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to the governor, Mr. Yomi Layinka, said government was trying to identify the schools with poor structures, which had been put on the priority list.

Layinka explained that the projects were dragging because of lack of funds.

He said though there were challenges in the last one year to upCONTINUED ON PAGE 24

24

INSIGHT

THURSDAY, September 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Reverting the rot in education CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

grade some of the structures, government had already commenced work on the repair of desks and benches in some schools.

In Enugu State, the deplorable condition of public primary and secondary schools has continued to take its toll on the education of the children, in terms of mass failure being recorded in public examinations. As a result of this, New Telegraph learnt that proliferation of private primary and secondary schools has been on the rise, as almost every residential building has been converted to private schools without recourse to quality education provision.

When our correspondent visited Obiagu Primary School Extension, some pupils were sitting on bare floor to learn because there was no furniture in the school.

Since one of the classroom blocks was blown off six years ago by storm, nothing has been done to fix it, while all the pupils were packed into the only block of three classrooms. It was also learnt that the primary school, which was established in 1957, has never been renovated since the proposed rehabilitation exercise that supposed to have been carried out two years ago, had been suspended indefinitely for no reason given.

According to a teacher in the school, despite several letters written to the SUBEB to draw attention to the needs of the school, nothing has been achieved in that direction.

“That is the type of free education we have in Enugu State; a free education without classrooms and lack of pupils and teachers’ furniture, playing ground and instructional materials,” the teacher, who craved anonymity, said.

Another teacher recalled how they used to kill snakes in the school compound and in the classrooms as a result of overgrown bush surrounding the school premises.

With an enrolment of over 161 pupils in the secondary arm; 111 pupils in the primary school and 50 pupils in the nursery school; eight teachers; a head-teacher, as well as two teachers in the nursery school wing, the pupils of Artisan Primary School, use the overgrown bush whenever they want to answer the nature’s call because of lack of toilet facilities.

In all the schools visited by New Telegraph, such as Umuhu Community Primary School, EguAmedi; Community School, IheEnyi all in Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of the state, there were unresolved problems of lack of teaching materials, poor facilities and decayed infrastructure, shortage of furniture for pupils and teachers, and lack of toilet facilities.

Though the governor is basking in the euphoria of free education from primary to junior secondary schools, he assured the people that educational sector would be given priority attention.

Despite the governor’s pledge, the sector was merely allocated about 14 per cent of the state 2016 budget.

Faced with the rot in the state public schools, the Education Commissioner, Prof. Uchenna Eze,

All Saints Anglican Primary School, Eti-Oni, Osun State.

pointed out that part of the bailout funds received from the Federal Government would be set aside for the renovation of some of primary and secondary schools.

Specifically, he said a committee had been set up to evaluate all public schools across the 17 local government areas with a view to taking necessary action to make them more congenial to the children’s learning process.

Like other states of the federation, Kwara State is not insulated from the rot stagnating development of public primary and secondary schools.

Investigations by New Telegraph, however, indicated that most of the schools affected by infrastructural decay are schools in the rural communities, particularly in the northern axis of the state, allegedly neglected by government.

Apart from the challenges of inadequate infrastructure, some of the teachers said they go to school daily amid fear of threat posed by damaged building structures.

The leadership of St. James Catholic Church, Sabo-Oke in Ilorin, Kwara State, the former owners of St. James RCM LGEA School, has cried out to government to return the school to the mission following the level of rot in the school.

The school, which is one of the oldest primary schools established by the church, is in a state of total ruin.

Speaking with newsmen, the Chairman of the church’s Building Committee, Prof.

Aderemi Olutola, bemoaned the neglect of the school.

According to him, the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), the late Prof.

Adewole Oyinloye, begun his academic career in the school as a

Most of the schools affected by infrastructural decay are schools in the rural communities

Olutola

‘headmaster’.

He said: “The State University Basic Education Board (SUBEB) is not doing what it is supposed to do to improve the school, as it is doing to other neighbouring schools.”

According to Olutola, parents no longer enrol their children or wards in the school owing to nagging level of failed infrastructure.

Acknowledging the poor state of the school, government explained that it had already fixed about 400 blocks of classrooms in primary and secondary schools, while plans had been concluded to do more this year.

According to Dr. Muideen Akorede, the Senior Special Assistant (Media) to Governor AbdulFattah Ahmed, government plans to overhaul and rehabilitate 120 secondary schools, out of which 30 would be funded from the N10 billion infrastructure bonds to be obtained by the state.

However, despite the N20 billion said to have been spent by Governor Olusegun Mimiko-led government in Ondo State on the construction of new mega primary schools and renovation of existing public primary and secondary schools in the 18 local government areas, most of the government-owned schools in the ‘Sunshine State’ are still in a state of collapse.

Investigation, however, revealed that government had invested heavily in the renovation of Saint Joseph Secondary School, Ondo and Saint Louis Secondary School in Owo, but several other public schools are bogged down by dilapidated structures with some students still studying under poor school environment.

Some of the most affected

schools are United Secondary School on Ilesa Garage in Akure, where students are learning in uncompleted buildings and dilapidated structures with fear that the structures might give way during downpour or windstorm.

The story is similar at Adu Memorial Secondary School on Idanre Road, Akure, where most of the classroom doors and window planes had broken down.

Also, Baptist Secondary School, Fanibi area of the state capital has its share of the decayed infrastructure as the school and many others across the state are operating without functional classrooms to study and instructional materials, except in the few mega and model primary schools which are equipped with computers and state-of-the-art facilities.

In fact, pupils in Iyange Primary School in Akure are still studying in classrooms built with planks, while the pupils use the nearby busy to answer the nature’s call owing to lack of toilet facilities as it is the case in many schools across the state.

However, to address the challenges in the education sector, there is urgent need for adequate resourcing of the system, which will be needed to build new schools and train more teachers.

There is also need for the implementation of the UBE Act, while attention should be given to quality such as the size of classes, number of teachers and provision of teaching-learning materials.

Besides, there should be proper governance of schools and implementation of Schools Management Committees (SMCs), and the tracking of resources to ensure proper and adequate utilisation of resources budgeted for education.

Piqued by the level of dilapidated infrastructure and facilities in public primary and secondary schools in the country, the immediate past National President of the All Conference of Principal of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Dr. Fatimat Bintu AbdulRahmon, described it as an ‘unacceptable state of woes.’

On the way forward, she said the challenge should not be seen as that of the government alone, but a collective one, involving Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) initiative including parents, corporate organisations, old students and well-meaning individuals in the society.

“The government cannot shoulder the responsibility of funding education alone, and hence all and sundry should rise up to the challenges of fixing the sector,” AbdulRahmon said.

She also appealed to parents and other spirited individuals to join hands in building the schools.

“Since education is capital intensive and which will take a longterm to manifest, all hands should be on deck to improve the state of facilities and infrastructure in our schools. This is one of the ways in which the country could get out of the present rot confronting the public school system,” AbdulRahmon added.

•Additional reports from Dan Atori, Adeolu adeyemo, Sola Adeyemo, Charles Onyekwere, Biodun Oyeleye and Babtope Okeowo

25

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Industry

Business WHAT'S NEW Flight disruption: ‘Arik’s position on insurance laudable’

Curbing adulterated products through standardization

eWorld Telecoms: Battling illegal operators

27 29

Taxes, others cost telcos N220bn yearly –Report

26

Tax evasion: Nigeria, others lose $14bn yearly 26

L-R: South West Coordinator, Nigerian Export Promotion Council [NEPC] Babatunde Faleke, Head, African Growth Opportunity Act [AGOA] Trade Resource Center, Joseph Ogungbade, and AGOA Specialist, Nigerian Export Trade & Transport Project, United State Agency for International Development, Mrs. Liz Oluwadare, at the NEPC stakeholders’ forum with Performing Exporters to the United States, in Lagos

BANE Governments continue to see telecoms as cash cow to boost declining revenue, thus engaging in imposition of multiple taxes on operating firms

Kunle Azeez

The Business Desk Ayodele Aminu

Deputy Editor (Business)

Bayo Akomolafe

Asst. Editor (Maritime)

Sunday Ojeme

Asst. Editor (Insurance)

Tony Chukwunyem

Asst. Editor (Money Market)

Dayo Ayeyemi Property Editor

Adeola Yusuf Energy Editor

Wole Shadare Aviation Editor

Chris Ugwu

Capital Market Editor

Abdulwahab Isa Finance Editor

Taiwo Hassan

L

icensed telecommunications companies in Nigeria remit over N220 billion to government in taxes and other regulatory fees annually, a report by Pyramid Research has revealed.

According to the study obtained through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), telecoms’ contribution to the economy over the years has been phenomenal in Nigeria, as the industry also accounts for N640 billion in licence and spectrum fees alone annually.

This is in addition to the over $35 billion, which the sector has also attracted in local and foreign direct investment (FDI) in the last 15 years of deregulating the sector.

According to data from the tele-

Industry, Agric & Brands Editor

Kunle Azeez

Senior Correspondent

Chuks Onuanyin Energy

Nnamdi Amadi Reporter

Johnson Adebayo

Asst Production Editor

coms industry regulator, NCC, investment in the industry stood at about $500,000 in 2001 while mobile subscriptions and teledensity jumped from less than 500,000 to over 152 million and less than one per cent to over 107 per cent currently.

However, New Telegraph gathered that cases of multiple taxations, described as imposition of the same or similar taxes on the same income base, transaction or person by one or more levels of government in one or more jurisdictions, has been one of the banes of the industry.

According to expert, the root causes of multiple taxation have been traced to the declining income from the Federation Account due to the fall in oil prices; federal structure and the constitution authorising certain items to be legislated across the three tiers of government; drive to increase internally-generated revenue particularly at the state and local government levels; as well as the notion that telecoms is a “cash cow” and should be the main target in raising revenue for state.

“Taxation of infrastructure will constrain infrastructure deployment, whereas subsidising deployment of same will facilitate broader tax revenues from the ensuing value chain of economic activity,” said Director, Legal and Regulatory and

N640 billion Being telecoms contribution to the economy through licence and spectrum fees annually

Company Secretary, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Shola Adeyemi, in a presentation made available to this newspaper.

He cited incidents of multiple taxations as witnessed by Airtel in states such as Kogi, Abia, Kano, Delta, Rivers, Oyo and by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).

According to him, Kogi State Board of Internal Revenue demanded N2. 295 billion as ground rent fees for fibre optic cables laid on federal roads despite the fact that Airtel obtained Right of Way permit from the Federal Ministry of Works.

Abia State Ministry of Industry, Science & Technology demanded N96 million as business premises permit, because base stations are classified as business premises.

Kano State Urban Planning & Development Authority (KNUPDA) demanded N196.250 million as Right of Way (RoW) fees for fibre optic cables laid along federal highway.

This, Adeyemi said, was in addition to KNUPDA demanding N324. 250 million, as annual planning permit renewal fees despite the fact that planning permit is a CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Rates Dashboard INFLATION RATE August 2016 ..........................17.61 % July 2016.................................17.1% June 2016 ..............................16.5%

LENDING RATE Interbank Rate....................12.57% Prime Lending Rate...........17.93% Maximum Lending Rate...26.83%

EXCHANGE RATE (Parallel Market as at September 16)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N423 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N550 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N470

l Foreign Reserves – $44.83bn as at 15/9/2016

Source: CBN

EXCHANGE RATE (Interbank as at September 16)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N305 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N406 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N344

26

BUSINESS |NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Flight disruption: ‘Arik’s position on insurance laudable’ ILLEGALITY It is globally unlawful for any aircraft to fly without insurance as the airline and passengers would not be qualified for claims payment in the event of an accident

Sunday Ojeme

L

ast week’s decision by the management of Nigeria’s biggest carrier, Arik, not to airlift passengers due to improper documentation of its insurance has been described as normal.

In a chat with New Telegraph, an aviation insurance expert, Mr. Sunny Adeda, said it would be risky for the airline or any other to fly its planes without proper insurance cover.

He pointed out that the airline management needed to ensure that the aircraft was properly covered before putting it in the air as part of assurance that the passengers’ families would be compensated in the event of an accident.

Adeda said: “What the management did was normal. Although I don’t know the insurance company in charge, but it was a good thing to get the insurance clearance done. That

L-R: Minister of State, Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika; Director-General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority [NCAA], Capt Muktar Usman; Commissioner, Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), Dr Felix Abali and representative of the Managing Director, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria [FAAN], Mr Ikechi Uko, during an interactive session between major stakeholders in the aviation sector and the minister in Lagos.

aircraft costs millions of dollars.

Assuming it is not insured, what if it crashes. What about the passengers?

“It is like vehicles’ Third Party insurance. Apart from enabling you to go through police checks, it mainly transfers the liability to the insurance company in the event of an accident.”

Similarly, President, Institute of Loss Adjusters of Nigeria (ILAN), Mr. Raph Opara, said globally, it was not allowed for aircraft to fly without insurance.

Taxes, others cost telcos N220bn yearly

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

one-off fee.

“Delta State Ministry of Environment demanded for the sum of N733 million as Ecology fees for the period 2007 -2015.

Rivers State Internal Revenue Services demanded the sum of N1.6 million, as Premises fitness fees. In Oyo, the state’s Board of Internal Revenue demanded the sum of N3 million as Business Premises fees.

“Also, NIWA demanded for a total sum of over N1 billion as RoW fees for fibre optic cables laid within the Federal Government’s RoW in Northern States in spite of the fact that similar fees had already been paid to Federal Ministry of Works,” he said.

This newspaper gathered that similar charges are also applicable to other telecoms companies such as MTN, Globacom and Airtel, other Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and will apply to ntel, as it expands operations across the country.

It was gathered that states often resort to extra-judicial enforcement methods such as sealing of sites, arrest of operators’ employees and seizure of site equipment to compel compliance, causing service outages and impact negatively on quality of service delivery.

However, experts say cases of multiple taxations may be difficult to control due to is legitimisation by in May 2015 when the then Minister of Fi-

nance amended the Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Act Cap.T2, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (the Act).

Consequently, taxes for the Federal, State and Local Governments increased from 8 to 9, 11 to 25 and 20 to 21 items respectively.

He said it was a global aviation rule that cannot in any way be flouted.

“One thing that should be made clear is that aviation insurance and reinsurance are done overseas and paid for in dollars. I wouldn’t know if it is the foreign exchange challenge currently in the country that led to what Arik experienced.

“However, the airline took a very wise decision not to fly by ensuring that everything relating to insurance of the aircraft and passengers were properly sorted out before resuming flight operations,” he noted.

Aviation insurance provides coverage for hull losses as well as liability for passenger injuries, environmental and third-party damage caused by aircraft accidents. It is geared specifically to the operation of aircraft and the risks involved in aviation.

It is arranged specifically towards the operation of aircraft

and all the associated risks the aviation industry is exposed to and distinctly different from other transportation insurance such as marine, rail and road.

Last week, a major uproar occurred in the nation’s aviation industry as Nigeria’s biggest carrier at the moment, Arik, suspended its flight operations due to non-renewal of insurance.

The situation, which suddenly became a global concern as stranded passengers in Nigeria and some other countries felt disappointed, was roundly condemned with the airline management calmly taking the heat from aggrieved passengers.

Reports that Arik had cancelled flights on Tuesday morning and afternoon had fuelled speculation that the airline might have become the latest casualty in the financial crisis plaguing Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Arik’s Public Relations and

Communications Manager, Olabanji Ola, had said that the delay in “approval of documentation” was caused by the Salah public holiday, which was followed by a long weekend.

He said: “At the present time, all flights of the airline have been cancelled for Tuesday, 13th September, 2016 and the airline has stated that it would be getting in touch with passengers to provide an update on rescheduling of their flights.

“This situation is likely to continue for the next few days until such time that NAICOM (National Insurance Commission) approves a waiver on a priority basis for the new insurance company to renew the policy.”

Chief Executive of Arik, Michael Arumemi-Ikhide, said: “We are fully committed to returning to our normal operations and minimise any unfortunate inconvenience to our passengers.”

Tax evasion: Nigeria, others lose $14bn yearly FORFEITURES Africa loses about $50 billion through illicit financial flows

Taiwo Hassan

N

igeria and other countries in the sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have been listed among the countries that contributed to the continent’s loss of about $14 billion in tax evasion annually, which severely undermine the growth of economies on the continent.

A new report published by Oxfam, revealed that the continent, which is the least developed globally, topped the other developing continents in the world, thereby linking the tax evasion among these African countries as the reason scaring away investors and creating unequal opportunities across the continent.

According to Oxfam, the billions of dollars being lost to taxes could be used to save four million children from early mortality and employ enough teachers to help educate the African child.

Indeed, transfer mispricing, where a local company sells or buys goods or services to a related company overseas at undervalued or overvalued prices to evade paying taxes, is in many cases used to disguise the true value of goods or services shifted out of African nations.

The report stated that most countries in the continent lack legislation to address transfer mispricing by multinational companies and a few registered taxpayers compared to the potential number of people who should be remitting taxes, according to the Africa Tax Outlook Report published last July.

The research was conducted in 16 nations, Burundi, Cameroon, Gambia, Kenya, Lesotho, Mauritius, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles and Swaziland. The

other countries are Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Nigeria and South Africa.

According to Oxfam, it was the first ever report by African nations to assess and compare revenue collection systems.

Specifically, transfer pricing by multinational companies and the existence of offshore tax havens like Panama Islands are key avenues that are used to evade taxation.

The continent has about 30 per cent of its wealth hidden in offshore tax havens, Vox reported.

The existences of offshore bank accounts are a major contributor to the high levels of inequality in Africa.

It was revealed that multinational companies with affiliates in different countries trade in goods, services and engage in financial deals that are ‘controlled’.

The prices of the goods and financial transactions are falsely dropped or hiked to shift profits

between the affiliate companies and escape paying taxes.

At least 60 per cent of international trade happens within multinational companies rather than between them, further making the vice a nightmare to tax authorities across the continent.

Also, most multinational companies ship their profits from the countries of operations into other nations where the tax rates are low, such as Mauritius, Namibia and Lesotho, which are some of the poorest nations in the world.

The practice has denied African nations the much-needed profits and reduced the amount of capital available to these nations to support development projects, according to United Nations Conference on African Development (UNCTAD). Africa loses about $50 billion through illicit financial flows, which have also been a major contributor to the loss of revenue through manipulation of gaps in the taxation systems, Enca reported.

THURSDAY, september 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

InDUSTRY

27

Recent pronouncement by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) on the status of products imported into the country has indeed raised a fresh controversy over the quality of goods in the Nigerian market.

TAIWO HASSAN reports

I

n 2013, the Federal Government, through the Presidential Taskforce on Port Reform, announced the eviction of nine agencies at the nation’s gateways, as part of process to reform the nation’s gateways and make it more business friendly and efficient in service delivery.

Former Minister of Finance and Head of government’s Presidential Taskforce on port reform, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, had sacked the nine agencies from operating at the ports, saying that the process would reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks in the clearing of cargoes and also improve trade facilitation at the gateways.

Specifically, government reduced the number of its agencies from 14 to 6.

These agencies included the SON, National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Quarantine amongst others.

However, since the removal of the government agencies from the ports, SON has been at the vanguard of drawing attention to the influx of adulterated products being shipped into the country, since it could no longer perform its mandatory exercise at the gateways.

But to the importers of goods in the country, SON’s position on the influx of goods is doubtful as the agency has a hidden agenda.

They believe the agency is looking at a way to stage a comeback to the ports, as one of the government’s agencies saddled with the responsibility at participating in the clearing process.

SON’s pronouncement SON revealed that it had no opportunity to verify 90 per cent of the products imported into the country between September and December 2015.

The Acting Director-General, SON, Dr. Paul Angya, revealed this during a two- day capacity building workshop organised for media practitioners in Lagos recently.

Angya said that September to December 2015 was a three-month window provided for importers to register on the Nigeria Customs Service’s electronic platform, Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS).

He said: “The NICIS platform allowed all stakeholders in the maritime sector to view data on

Seized imported items, Inset:Angya

Curbing adulterated products through standardisation shipment. But because the World Trade Organisation required that we allowed time for importers to register on the NICIS platform, we left a window of three months between September and December and issued them Electronic Provisional Clearance Certificate as an alternative.

“EPCC permitted importers to bring in their goods without the mandatory SON Conformity Assessment Programme certificates.

“But when this window of opportunity was created, criminalminded importers took advantage of the situation and brought in substandard products, which they were able to take out of the Nigerian seaports without SON’s verification. So, between the periods of September and December 2015, 90 per cent of the goods imported into this country had no SON verification.”

Angya explained that after observing how importers had taken advantage of the EPCC platform to bring harmful products into the country, the agency had gone ahead to close it and as a result, the management and staff of SON are now facing threats and blackmail from importers.

“When we tried to communicate this fact, they resorted to blackmail, threatening that if we close down the EPCC platform, they would react. So we shut down the platform in July and directed that whatever they were bringing into Nigeria should go through the SONCAP regime.

“So they have now gone to the Internet to vilify SON. My staff and I have also been threatened by some of them, violently,” he noted.

Angya added that the major challenge the agency faced was being able to intercept containers right from the arrival point, noting that since 90 per cent of substandard products come into Nigeria through the seaports, the absence of SON’s agents at the ports had made the job more difficult.

He said since they were not allowed at the ports, they resolved to chase containers on the highway any time they received informa-

tion that the container carried harmful goods.

“My officers, who are all graduates and engineers, chase trailers on the highway like touts, risking their lives to jump on trailers to try and catch them,” he added.

90 per cent of substandard products come into Nigeria through the seaports

OPS’s view The Organised Private Sector (OPS) had earlier disclosed that the high rate of substandard goods in the country was killing the growth and development of local industries, saying that statistics revealed that the Federal Government was losing about N15 billion annually to fake and substandard products in the country.

The private sector body agreed with SON that 90 per cent of products imported into Nigeria presently were either adulterated or doctored.

Consequently, this has led to the Nigerian market having over 90 per cent of fake goods as against 10 per cent, which is obtainable in other developed economies.

President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Tony Ejinkeonye, in a chat with New Telegraph, said that the Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SMEs) were the most hit, as they suffer massive losses due to the influx of substandard products.

According to Ejinkeonye, the influx of substandard goods has eaten deep into the heart of the country’s economy, thus killing the growth and development of the local industries.

“There is no gainsaying that the Nigerian economy and local industries has continued to suffer due to the high rise of substandard goods in the Nigerian market. Ninety per cent of products imported into Nigeria are either substandard or fake, this has led to the Nigerian market having over 90 per cent of substandard goods as against 10 per cent which is obtainable in other developed countries.

“In our local industries, most genuine business enterprises put in efforts and strive to make quality products with standards, at the end of the day, consumers prefer to

purchase substandard goods at a cheaper rate other than going for the standard ones due to high cost, which resulted from the high cost of production and certification of the goods. Consequently, the genuine industries with standard goods are not able to sell, this deters their growth and this translates to loss of jobs, reduction in tax payment to governmente.t.c,” he noted.

He stressed that the nation’s SMEs sector accounted for over 90 per cent of Nigerian manufacturing sector, having over 22 million operators operating in the sector as at present.

The ACCI president explained that the SMEs had been known as the engine of growth of every economy, adding that SMEs had been an avenue to alleviate poverty, create wealth and food security in the country.

He stressed that many local businesses had gone into extinction due to their inability to sell their products, adding that this had been the bane of development of SMEs. He added that business enterprises from other countries had reduced their importation of goods into Nigeria, due to the already established mindset that Nigerian products were always of low quality.

He, however, stressed that most of these local industries had resorted to taking their businesses outside Nigeria, to countries where the worth of their products can be identified and where they do not have to battle or compete with counterfeits.

His words: “No economy survives where substandard goods hold sway and until quality is emphasised in production of goods and services, the nation will always take the back seat in global industrialisation.”

Conclusion No doubt, regular standardisation of the nation’s gateways to check the importation of substandard products will place Nigeria among league of nation with global regulatory framework.

28

business \ industry

THURSDAY, september 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Guinness Nigeria to invest N4.8bn in Benin plant DECLINE Guinness Nigeria results shows that earnings after tax fell 83 % in the nine months through March

Taiwo Hassan

T

he management of Guinness Nigeria Plc has disclosed its intention to invest about N4.8 billion in one of its plants in Benin City, Edo State.

Chief Executive Officer of the company, Peter Ndegwa, disclosed this in a chat with New Telegraph.

This he said, is in line with the company’s strategic plans to reduce spending on imports, increase exports and generate foreign exchange.

On the company’s longterm business plans, he said the firm decided to invest the fund in Benin City to cushion the effect of over reliance on imported raw materials for production.

He said that the inflation rate at 17.1 per cent, the highest since October 2005, had raised the cost of doing business in Nigeria astronomically.

According to him, Guinness Nigeria has worked towards increasing the amount of goods sourced locally in the

past 18 months to make savings through the reduction of imports, a strategy that will also ease the need for foreign currency.

Generating foreign currency from exports would help Guinness Nigeria offset scarcity of dollars in its home market caused partly by a slump in oil revenue, the country’s biggest earner.

“With all the challenges we have had with foreign currency availability, we realised that export is a great opportunity to gain foreign exchange and stabilise,” Ndegwa said.

The chief executive disclosed that Guinness Nigeria

was the country’s secondlargest brewer to overcome an economic slump in its home market, adding that its unit of London-based Diageo was considering plans of selling Guinness stout and the herbal drink, Orijin, in South Africa to boost the proportion of beverages it sends to international markets from its Nigeria.

The step, according to him, will help resolve the brewer’s shortage of foreign currency in Nigeria, which the beverage maker needs to pay for imported goods.

“We have heard a lot of inquiries from South Africa. We

are currently in the process of seeing how we can export some of those brands to the country,” Ndegwa said.

He said that his company was seeing drinkers switch to cheaper beer brands such as Satzenbrau as disposable incomes decline, and is expanding its range of spirits to increase choice in its more affordable product range.

“We are focused on brands that are lower priced, by either improving distribution or improving awareness.

“We have spirit brands across all categories but the growth is mid-to-lower end,” he added.

L-R: Chief Executive, PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC, Christos Giannopoulos; Managing Director, PZWilmar, Mr Santosh Pillai; Chairman PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC, Chief Kola Jamodu; Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbe and Executive Director, NIFOR, Dr. Omorofe Asemota, during the signing of an agreement in Abuja.

Group lauds CBN’s 60% forex to real sector Stanley Ihedigbo

P

harmaceutical products manufacturing association, under the auspices of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group-Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMGMAN), has applauded the new directive by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to give 60 per cent of foreign exchange allocation to the real sector of the economy.

PMG-MAN Chairman, Okey Akpa, who disclosed this at the group’s forum in Lagos, said this would assist local manufacturers to build capacity in the industry.

Akpa said the apex bank’s decision to ensure that at least 60 per cent of forex are sold to local manufacturers was a timely intervention dedicated to boost local manufacturing.

He explained that since local pharmaceutical manufacturing was directly linked to national healthcare, a strong argument is also presented for the immediate prioritisation of the pharma sector, in order to maintain National Health and ensure the sanctity of human lives.

Akpa called on government to urgently address the anomaly created by the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) in the sector, whereby imported medicines attract zero duty, while raw

As Guinness Nigeria battles the list of economic challenges, the company is committed to investing in Nigerian market, he said.

Ndegwa said: “We see opportunities for growth, despite the fact that the economy doesn’t look as attractive.”

Part of firms’ results shows that earnings after tax fell 83 per cent in the nine months through March, while revenue dropped 18 per cent to N69.6 billion ($220 million).

The shares are down 17 per cent this year, compared with a 3.7 per cent fall in the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All Share Index.

and packaging materials for local manufacturing attract up to 20 per cent duty.

He commended the efforts being made so far in addressing the CET imbalance, but warned that the high attrition rate in the sector and the disastrous consequences of further delays in the implementation programme, indicated the need for government’s imminent intervention.

Akpa said: “Our view is that

T

he National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) has said that manufacturers will continue to become more internationally focused, with export sales being one of the larger growth drivers for many firms.

Indeed, 58.3 per cent of respondents to the latest NAM Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey cited overseas sales as either somewhat or very important to their company’s growth strategies, and another 15.7 per cent reported that trade was helpful for their customers, even though their own company was not directly selling abroad.

If you were to add those figures together, that would signify that 74.0 per cent of manufacturers benefit directly or indirectly from trade with overseas markets as part of their growth strategy.

Indeed, of those firms that

this policy will have positive impact on trade in the country.

“Specifically, the policy has the potential not only to increase Nigerians’ access to medicines, but also, support massive employment in the sector, improve the economy and facilitate export of Nigerian medicines to neighbouring countries.

“These are cardinal objectives of the present administration.”

He further added that PMGMAN was therefore eager to partner with government to ensure its successful implementation, particularly in the areas of research, policy monitoring, evaluation, and modification.

The PMG-MAN Chairman immediately directed the secretariat to develop a robust and comprehensive feedback and review mechanism.

The data generated is ex-

pected to feed into the CBN’s monitoring and evaluation framework and contribute to the successful implementation of the new policy.

He congratulated the Executive and the Legislature for ground-breaking policies to support patronage of locally produced medicines.

Akpa expressed hope that these policies would be faithfully implemented and pledged PMG-MAN’s support to government with research and intelligence to ensure that the relevant policies succeed.

‘Local firms’ll still be globally focused’ exported, the average percentage of total sales that come from exports was 14.9 per cent, and in total, 39.3 per cent of firms had export revenues that equaled 10 per cent or more of their total sales.

With that in mind, it should not be surprising that manufacturers were more upbeat about their company’s outlook if they had higher expectations for export sales over the next 12 months.

Such data, of course, help to explain why global challenges have weighed so heavily on manufacturing business leaders’ minds.

The strong U.S. dollar and economic weaknesses to key markets have made it much harder to increase exports.

Using non-seasonally adjusted data, US manufactured goods exports totaled $607.12

billion year-to-date in July, down 7.5 per cent from $656.46 billion from one year earlier.

Moreover, exports were lower to the top six markets for US manufactured goods.

In addition, seven of the top 15 markets for US manufactured goods experienced expanding levels of growth in their manufacturing sectors in August, down from nine in July.

Of those top 15 markets, countries with the fastest growth in manufacturing activity in August included Germany, The Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Singapore and Taiwan.

In contrast, many of the countries contracting in their latest PMI releases have been in negative territory for much of the past two years, including most notably Brazil and

France.

Of course, a fair share of Brazil’s problems has been political in nature, including the removal of President Dilma Rousseff in late August following impeachment proceedings in the spring.

Australia and South Korea both slipped back into contraction in August on falling demand and output, and Chinese manufacturing activity stagnated following July’s expansion, which had been the first positive reading since February 2013.

Meanwhile, the manufacturing sector in the United Kingdom bounced back after plummeting in the last release post-Brexit.

Markit sentiment surveys mostly reflected a slight expansion globally in August, but with persistent challenges.

29

eWORLD

THURSDAY, september 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Telecoms: Battling illegal operators Telecoms regulator has, again, sent strong warning that it is no longer business as usual for players operating in Nigeria without obtaining requisite authorisation, going by the Commission’s recent enforcement activities. KUNLE AZEEZ reports

T

elecommunications industry in Nigeria has always been dotted with cases of illegal players, who dabble in offering services in certain segments of the market without obtaining appropriate licences for the specific services they offer.

While the Commission is saddled with the sole responsibility of licensing players legally providing various services across the broad spectrum of telecoms industry, there are other players, who hide under some guises to operate illegally in the sector.

However, available records on the NCC’s enforcement activities, over the years, have revealed that the Commission has painstakingly and constantly embarked on different enforcement and monitoring exercises towards stemming the fledging tide of illegal operations in the country.

Common cases of illegal operations Common cases of illegal operations in the telecoms industry revolve around illegal utilisation of certain spectrum by some players. Ordinarily, use of spectrum in Nigerian telecoms market, like in other economy, is licensable.

It is instructive that spectrum, in a country, is a scarce resource, necessitating its judicious allocation to legally-licensed players to provide legitimate services to telecoms consumers.

However, a number of small players, especially Internet Service providers and some transmissions companies do use spectrum illegally and this, over the years, has been met with heavy sanctions from the regulator.

Although, the licensing fee to roll out certain service in the country is as low as N500,000.00, per annum, some industry players tend to indulge in operating without obtaining such licences, a development that runs contrary to the provision of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.

Latest enforcement activities However, at a time when experts say the industry appeared to have attained some level of sanity after several years of regulator’s battles with illegal players, some

breaches from equipment vendors and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have recently reared their ugly heads, as revealed during another ‘operation clampdown on illegal operations’ carried out in Lagos metropolis by the Enforcement and Monitoring Unit of NCC. In the recent raids by the regulator, Nokia/Alcatel and Innjoo were sanctioned while some players in the Automated Vehicular Tracking Service (AVTS) space were also caught in illegal operations during an enforcement carried out in the second quarter of this year.

Nokia/Alcatel Two weeks ago, the Enforcement and Monitoring Unit of NCC stormed Lagos and shut down the office of Nokia/Alcatel for failing to obtain requisite authorisation to run certain telecommunicationrelated services in the country.

Addressing newsmen shortly after the Nokia’s premises was sealed, Head, Enforcement Units of NCC, Mr. Salisu Abdul, said that what Nokia ought to have obtained from NCC was the sales and installation licences of the major category, which is category A, that would have cost barely N2 million.

He added: “In one of our monitoring activities, we discovered that Nokia had not obtained prerequisite authorisation to operate

ICT gadgets, Inset: Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta

As at 2012, there were about 175 AVTS firms operating illegally, whereas the number of licensees, according to NCC report, is around 50

services in Nigeria. We have now come to visit them. As a matter of fairness and transparency, we asked them to provide the licence we have granted them. However, we discovered that they only applied for licence two or three months back and they are yet to complete the process for the licence.

“We all know Nokia has been in this country for a very long period of time and ordinarily, for a telecommunication entity to do telecommunication services in this country, it needs to have consulted NCC to obtain requisite authorisation licence being the issuance of licence such as individual and class licences.”

Innjoo In another committed effort to sanitise the Nigerian market from substandard mobile devices, the enforcement unit also sanctioned Innjoo, Chinese mobile phone maker, with a fine of N4 million for selling non-type approved handsets in the Nigerian market.

Abdu, who also led the enforcement team, shortly after the payment of the N4 million fine by Innjoo, said that the sanction had been suspended following the payment.

“This is a warning to other phone manufacturers to get their devices type approved by NCC. This is an opportunity for them to get necessary type- approval. It is an offence

to sell devices not type-approved by NNC”, he said.

AVTS Similarly, the NCC, in the second quarter, conducted a compliance monitoring exercise on Automated Vehicular Tracking Service (AVTS) licensees.

According to the Commission in its 2016 Q2 Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Report, “given the peculiar security issues associated with the provision of vehicle tracking services and given concerns of increasing activities of illegal operators in this market segment, it became most imperative that a comprehensive compliance monitoring checks is done.”

As at 2012, there were about 175 AVTS firms operating illegally, whereas the number of licensees, according to NCC report, is around 50.

Conclusion Going by the recent enforcement in the industry, industry experts have counseled all equipment manufacturers, vendors and operators, including customer devices such as mobile phones and wireless adapters, to always conform to the applicable standards as mandated by the Commission before commencing business of any type in the fastest growing sector in Nigeria.

Gitex 2016: NITDA engages industry on investment forum Kunle Azeez

T

he National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is firming up preparations for the Africa Investment Forum (AIF) in its engagements with major drivers of Nigeria’s technology industry in Lagos, the country’s commercial hub.

Expected to lead testimonials on Nigeria’s investment climate are the Chairman, Zinox Group, Mr. Leo Stan Ekeh; Founder/CEO, Systemspecs, Mr. John Tani Obaro; Founder/CEO of Precise Financial Systems, and Founder/CEO,

Signal Alliance, Nigeria, Mr. Collins Onuegbu.

Others according to the statement, are Founder/CEO, Omatek Computers Plc, Mrs. Florence Seriki; CEO, Rack Centre, Mr. Ayotunde Coker and the Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Prof. Sonni Gwanle Tyoden, who is a delegation to share investment potential of the state.

Also expected are testimonials on the Africa investment scene from the continent’s leading lights in Kenya, Ghana, Gambia, Egypt, and Sierra Leone, among others.

NITDA is co-managing the

AIF with the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) as part of major conference highlights around the major themes of this year’s Gitex Technology Show scheduled to hold at the World Trade Centre in Dubai from 16th -20th October 2016.

The AIF will focus on technology investments and how the continent could leverage on increasing value to gross domestic product (GDP) of Information and Communication Technology in most developing economies.

Speakers across different verticals will be speaking on ICT diffusion across different

sectors that include education, cybersecurity, startups, retail, energy, healthcare, and finance.

More than 20 African countries are expected to participate and provide groundwork for driving further investments in the ICT sector of the participating countries.

“Nigeria offers some of the continent’s brightest spot for technology investments. Despite the current recession, the opportunities of investment and the returns on investment (RoI) remain huge,” said acting Director General of the NITDA, Dr. Vincent Olatunji.

30

business \ eWORLD

THURSDAY, september 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

NCC, telcos move against excessive regulations OVER-KILL Excessive application of various rules and regulations by other government agencies at state and local levels aside the NCC could stifle telecoms growth

Stories: Kunle Azeez

T

he Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and telecoms operators have jointly condemned the rising wave of multiple regulations of telecoms companies by some agencies of government, especially at state and local levels.

The industry stakeholders spoke in unison at a seminar organised in Lagos recently, which sought to address issues of over-regulations on quality of service delivery in the nation’s telecoms industry.

They spoke at the forum organised by the Association of IT Reporters Association (NITRA) and sponsored by Airtel Nigeria with the theme: ‘The Impact of Over-Regulation of Telecoms Industry on Service Quality.’

Executive Vice Chairman,

NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, said NCC remains the only statutorily-empowered national agency saddled with the responsibility of regulating telecoms industry.

Danbatta, who was represented by the Director, Public Affairs, NCC, Mr. Tony Ojobo, said while ‘over-regulation’ is the operating word in the theme of the seminar, “It’s either we are too strict with what we are doing at the Commission to the extent that we are impacting negatively on the industry we are created to protect or there are other bodies whose incursion into the Commission’s terrain is creating too much discomfort for

those operating in the sector.”

He said in spite of a seeming convolution of activities, which affect the health of the industry, there have been good stories about the industry, as telecoms contributed N1.58 trillion to GDP in the second quarter, according to National Bureau of Statistics report.

While noting that the regulator has unveiled an eight-point agenda, which include facilitating broadband penetration, improving quality of service and facilitating strategic collaboration and partnership, among others, Danbatta said NCC has helped to reduce infrastructure deployment charges in some states

while it continues dialoguing with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NFG) on the need to reduce unnecessary levies on telcos in their quest to boost Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR).

The National Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, who was the chairman of the occasion, noted, “Today, regulation in the name of revenue generation, is a major hindrance to the satiability of the telecom industry and a threat to our broadband penetration objections as well as the entire vision 20: 2020 objectives of the government.”

L-R: Deputy President, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Mrs Ola Owolabi; Acting DirectorGeneral, National Information Technology Developmnt Agency, Dr. Vincent Olatunji; President NCS, Prof. Sola Aderounmu and Provost, College of Fellows, NCS, Mr. Ojinta Oji Alala, during a visit of the DG to NCS in Lagos.

‘Nigeria requires speedy IPv6 uptake’

T

o position Nigeria as a leading player in the current global digital economy, the Internet Protocol version Six (IPv6) Council Nigeria, has stressed the need for speedy adoption of the protocol in the country.

The Council Chairman, Mr. Muhammed Rudman, made the call in Abuja during a courtesy visit to the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof.

Umar Garba Danbatta at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

According to Rudman, the world of Internet is going out of Internet Protocol version Four (IPv4) addresses.

He said this is a fact as Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) has allocated the remaining eight IPv4 address blocks to each of the five regional Internet registries (RIR since 2011.

He explained that the new Internet Protocol (IPv6) will open a pool of Internet addresses that is a billion-trillion times larger than the total pool of IPv4 address, which is about 4.3 billion, pointing out that this means the number of IPv6 addresses is virtually inexhaustible for the foreseeable future.

This, he noted would address the need of the ever expanding world population, the growth of the domain name system due to the opening of the new generic Top Level Domains (gTLDs) and the emerging Internet of Things (IoT).

Rudman also said that IPv6 preserves everything good in today’s Internet, and much more, such as stateless auto-configuration, seamless mobility, automated network management, end-to-end security and new optional service levels.

He equally said most of the developed world has already embraced IPv6, with countries competing for positions in the global ranking on IPv6 adoption, lamenting that Nigeria is

lacking so far.

“Unfortunately, most of the African countries are late on this mass migration, with Nigeria particularly lagging behind even within Africa, this should not be taken lightly considering that we have the largest number of Internet users in Africa and the seventh in the world.

He listed some of the challenges identified for the lack of IPv6 adoption in Nigeria to include lack of the required

technical skills, Core, Metro and Edge equipment compatibility issues, lack of IPv6 upstream service providers, among others.

Responding, Danbatta assured the council of NCC’s tencourage telcos to key into IPv6 deployment in the country and through facilitation of capacity building workshops, pointing that it may be difficult to identify all the challenges hindering IPv6 adoption in Nigeria.

StarTimes’ N20bn investment to improve services

N

igeria’s digital paytelevision company, StarTimes is aiming to deliver improved services for its subscribers with its over N20billion already invested in the country so far.

The company, in a statement, said spending aggressively to the tune of over N20 billion as at May 2016, on deployment of digital infrastructure and equipment, has earned wider coverage and improved coverage across the nooks and crannies of the country.

The company, which has evolved over the years, as a brand with a mission to improve viewing experiences with rich contents, currently operates in 13 African markets while acquiring contents that would put it in the forefront of its Nigerian consumers.

One of such contents, according to the Marketing Director, StarTimes Nigeria, Mr. Oludare Kafar is football. He

said: “this is basically on the understanding of love of the round leather game in Nigeria.”

Kafar, who spoke with New Telegraph on how the company has evolved in recent times, said: “Today, we have gotten many broadcast rights in the area of football contents including the Bundesliga, SerieA, Ligue 1 and other exciting local content such as the ongoing series on ST Dadin Kowa Epic series (Kukan Kurciya).”

He said that with operations in 13 African markets, StarTimes has a mission in Nigeria to become an influential international media group.

“Over the years, we have maintained a steady growth on account of combined consumer insight market strategies. Today, the door-to-door after-sales service, which we pioneered, has become second to none in the industry,” he said.

Kafar particularly noted that the 2-in-1 combo decoder,

which the company recently introduced to the market, is a game- changing product and it was deliberately designed with latest global technology to lavish subscribers with unprecedented access to digital television and entertainment.

“Interestingly, this new combo decoder works with both antenna and dish and offers channels on both for the price of one. It also grants our esteemed customers access to over 100 channels across the genres with an enhanced high definition picture quality.”

Kafar noted that the digital television company’s desire was to “offer multiple accesses to subscribers to enjoy both digital terrestrial and digital satellite television channels and offerings on the same decoder and grant ease of access to switch between the options conveniently because our customers deserve utmost comfort and convenience.”

According to Adebayo, “multiple and/or unlawful levies, taxes and charges are increasingly imposed upon telecom operations by myriad ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) of government at all levels in a way to subtly regulate the industry.”

Also speaking, President of Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Mr. Olusola Teniola, who was represented by the association’s 1st Vice President, ST Vice President, Mr. Anthony Nwosu, said, “there is no doubt that the incessant shutdown of telecoms facilities by multiple regulatory have an adverse effect on the quality of services offered by operators in the industry.”

According to him, the outages occasioned by these shutdowns negatively impact quality of service indices such as reduced call completion rates, increased call drop rates, increased voice quality impairment, and transmission quality impairment.

“The overall implication of these is heightened consumer dissatisfaction with the quality of services provided by operators.”

Director General of the Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA), Mr. Babajude Odekunle, said while the agency does not license telecoms operators, its mandate is to regulate public infrastructure to ensure human safety.

Ntel, Samsung in 4G/LTE deal

N

igeria’s broadband services provider, ntel, has announced its network’s compatibility with two Samsung devices, the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge.

According to ntel in a statement, following months of compatibility tests, its network is now compatible with Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge making it possible for owners and users of the devices to call and browse at superfast speeds on the ntel network.

“With this feat, ntel becomes the first 4G/LTE provider in Africa to achieve device and network compatibility that will enable VoLTE capable call ntel’s network supports crystal-clear HD Voice calling (VoLTE), as well as key LTEAdvanced features: Carrier Aggregation (CA); and Multiple In, Multiple Out (MIMO) Antennae technology, the statement said.

Ntel said the features combine to enable downlink data speeds of up to 230Megabits per second and are both supported on Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge devices.

Chief Executive Officer of ntel, Mr. Kamar Abass, said “Samsung is the leader in the Nigerian smart phone market and news of the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge compatibility with our 4G/LTE Advanced network is fantastic news for our customers who have been eagerly waiting to use their high-end Samsung devices on our network.

31

THURSday, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

News ‘Women lack access to life-saving drugs in pregnancy’

Health

Blood pressure measurement

The incidence of high blood pressure in this part of the world is on the increase due to several factors. Making routine checkup accessible for the general populace could prevent many conditions leading to the disease and unnecessary deaths, report APPOLONIA ADEYEMI and OGUNBAMOWO ELIZABETH

T

hat high blood pressure is a silent killer is not news anymore. What remains a challenge is the negative attitude of the majority of Nigerians to the condition.

A common scenario in this

Appolonia Adeyemi Health Editor

appolonia.adeyemi@newtelegraphonline.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Interview Rape survivors now get more medical support

33 32

PHOTO: ghanaclass.com

Making blood pressure checks accessible country is that a man is aware his blood pressure is high and has been counseled by medical professionals, he is expected to be on medications that control the blood pressure as well as do routine blood pressure checks to ensure that it is within the normal limit of 120/80 mm Hg. He begins taking the prescribed drugs but along the line, abandons it. Neither does he bother checking the status of his blood pressure.

Of course, due to the nature of high blood pressure which has no symptoms nor disturbs daily activities unless it has gotten to the point of no return, an affected person can go on living this unhealthy lifestyle without any inclination he is moving closer to his untimely grave.

Normal blood pressure is vital for keeping all parts of our bodies supplied with the energy and the oxygen we need. However, problems can occur if our blood pressure is too high or too low.

To avoid a low or high blood pressure then we need regular checkup.

High blood pressure is a common condition in which the longterm force of the blood against

Uncontrolled high blood pressure is the number one risk factor for stroke, heart failure, schemic heart disease, and kidney failure

your artery walls is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease.

High blood pressure also known over time as hypertension is a very deadly disease. It has been documented as a threat to the health of people in sub-Saharan Africa and a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in the sub-region.

In Nigeria for example, uncontrolled high blood pressure is the number one risk factor for stroke, heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and kidney failure.

As deadly as this disease is, so many Nigerians do not check their blood pressure. While some feel that they do not need to check it because there is no money for checkup, some believe they are not yet up to the age of those that should develop high blood pressure. Some others believe that high blood pressure is usually caused by being anxious or being apprehensive over some problems.

Mr. Olaleye Jimoh, a middleaged man said, “I personally don’t see any reason why I should go for blood pressure checkup. After all, I don’t think too much; I eat well, sleep well and I have no baby at home that would disturb me.” many have however complained of lack of financial

empowerment as the hindrance to checkup.

For those going to hospital setting, either private or public, it is known that a patient must be registered for a medical file to be opened for the patient. While a registered patient can get that service of checking blood pressure free, one that is not registered may not. This is applicable to federal hospitals which not only charge at least N1000 registration fee, but also request patients to pay at least N1000 consultancy fee on every hospital visit during which they seek the attention of the medical doctor.

Investigations by the ‘New Telegraph HEALTH’ also revealed that some big community pharmacies have Sphygmomanometer installed to assist patients who require blood pressure check. However, while some of them check the blood pressure of their customers free, some charge between N50 to N100 for the service.

Pharmacist Florence Obi of JUTA Pharmaceuticals Limited in Isheri-Idimu said, “If a person who is not our regular customer just walks in and asks for blood pressure checkup, we will charge the person N50 or N100, provided that the perCONT INU E D ON PAGE 32

32

Health\News

THURSday, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

‘Women lack access to life- Immunisation: NIFT seeks $181m saving drugs in pregnancy’ to save 7m children Ebere Ameh

A

new study has highlighted that many Nigerian women lack access to the lifesaving medicines that can prevent the two most deadly complications of pregnancy and childbirth – post-partum hemorrhage and eclampsia.

The research conducted by PATH, a global health organisation and Association for Reproductive & Family Health (ARFH), a nongovernment organisation (NGO), which is titled ‘Stronger Markets, Increased Access to Maternal Health Supplies’ details how inconsistent availability and poor-quality supplies of oxytocin, misoprostol, and magnesium sulfate in the country threaten women’s lives, and what can be done to solve the problems.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more Nigerian women die due to pregnancy and childbirth-related causes than in any other country in the world. In 2015 alone, 58,000 Nigerian women lost their lives; and of those deaths, about half were caused by uncontrolled bleeding after childbirth, also known as post-partum haemorrhage; and a condition that causes high blood

pressure and seizures during pregnancy called pre-eclampsia/eclampsia.

A 2012 report by the United Nations Commission on Life-Saving Commodities for Women and Children, detailed that medicines to prevent and treat these conditions – oxytocin and misoprostol for post-partum hemorrhage and magnesium sulfate for pre-eclampsia/eclampsia – are affordable, effective, and promoted for use by the global health community.

However in Nigeria, the Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition (RHSC) found that inconsistent availability and supply of products of poor or unverified quality put pregnant women at risk.

“As of March 2016, 13 oxytocin products and four magnesium sulfate products registered in Nigeria have not been verified to meet international quality standards, increasing the risk that pregnant women are being administered poorquality products,” the study stated.

A Nigerian Annual Progress Report (2013), conducted by GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, found that despite the fact that oxytocin requires refrigeration, only 47 per cent of local government authorities and health facilities in Nigeria have refrigeration capacity,

Joint pops bubbles

T

President of Federation of Muslim Women’s Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN) in Lagos State, Dr. Ajoke Ashiru; Project Director of Community Health and Research Initiative (CHR), Dr. Aminu Magashi; Head, Communications at the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Eugene Ivase; and Senior Programme Officer, Direct Consulting & Logistics to International Vaccine Access Centre, Dr. Obinna Ebirim at a retreat in Lagos recently

Appolonia Adeyemi

T

he National Immunisation Financing Task Team (NIFT) advocacy committee members have called on the Federal Government to meet $181 million immunisation funding requirement for 2017 and 2018.

They made the call during a two-day retreat organised for NIFT advocacy committee members

by Community Health and Research Initiative (CHR) with support from Partnership for Advocacy in Child and Family Health (PACFaH), in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and International Vaccine Access Centre (IVAC).

Speaking at the opening Ceremony of the pro-

gramme which held in Lagos recently, the Project Director of CHR/PACFaH, Dr. Aminu Magashi urged the Federal Government to scale –up plan towards fund mobilisdation for immunisation, timely and transparent release of the 2016 budget.

As the country begins its transition process from GAVI – the Vaccine Alliance support in Nigeria, its funding requirement increases, for 2017 and 2018. Close to $264 million is required for immunisation to be paid for between Nigeria and GAVI, and Nigeria is expected to commit $181 million out of the $264 million to for immunisation programme.

To this end, Dr. Magashi called on the government to ensure that Nigeria’s commitment is met.

He said the fund should be factored into the 2017 budget to create sufficient

time to order for vaccines needed to save the lives of nearly seven million children born yearly will need vaccination.

In a message, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) acknowleged that the country faces an enormous funding gap for the immunisation programme due to the cost of additional vaccines, expanding birth cohort, loss of funding following GAVI graduation and insufficient budgetary allocation to vaccines.

To fill the gap, therefore, the New Executive Director (ED) of NPHCDA, Echezona Ezeanolue said said Nigeria needs to secure progressively more money for its vaccine programme, starting from N29 Billion in 2016 and rising to an estimated N63 Billion Naira by 2020.

Making blood pressure checks accessible CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

son is below 60 years. If the person is our regular customer and beyond 60 years of age, we do it free.”

Obi explained, “we are not running a charity organisation here. We charge for it, though we have a way of compensating our customers by doing it free for some of them.

“At a time, checkup for blood pressure was free and people were abusing that privilege. Somebody might come for checkup four times a day.

“Also, somebody who does not have high blood pressure problem might come and start struggling with patients who know they have high blood pressure and they want to do checkup and even pay for it.

Speaking in similar vein, Mrs. Aderemi Adeola, the manager of Engraced Pharmaceuticals Limited in Idimu area of Lagos, said, “People are being charged for checkup because the Sphygmomanometer used to conduct the checkup was bought with money.

Dr. S.T Akintade, 2nd Vice Chairman, Association of General Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMPN) in Lagos State, said in a standard hospital run under the auspices of the AGPMPN, “checking blood pressure is free. “If it is commercialised, it must be a nurse that may be behind it.

He added, “No medical doctor will commercialise the measurement of blood pressure; no doctor will take money because he wants to check the blood pressure of a patient. That is why we are advocating that everybody must have a doctor.”

When asked whether it is possible for someone who is a registered patient in a hospital in a specific just walk in and request for a blood pressure check, get it done? Akintade replied in the affirmative.

Explaining further, the 2nd vice chairman of the AGPMPN in Lagos State said normally, the fellow’s blood pressure will be checked by a nurse but if the person now requests

that he wants a medical doctor to do the check, “the nurse will not allow the person access until he is registered with the hospital.

Considering the benefit of regular blood pressure check as activities that can save lives, he recommended that whether it is in public or private hospitals, blood pressure check for people should be provided free and wherever such readings are found to be high, there should be prompt follow up in terms of prescribing rest or necessary medications.

Dr. Albert K. Alkali, National Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), debunked claims

that community pharmacists across the nation charge money to check the blood pressure of those seeking such service.

Alkali asserted that genuine pharmacists will never bill their customers for blood pressure measurement. “After all, pharmacists are in the community to serve the people in the area.

However, he has pledged to initiate discussions at various geo-political zones of the ACPN, where pharmacists would be informed about the importance of providing blood pressure check free for both customers and noncustomers alike.

In an interview with the New Telegraph, a Gen-

eral Medical Practitioner, Dr. Abijo Oluwatobi said high blood pressure is not a condition one should joke with as it has been the cause of many preventable deaths.

According to him, many Nigerians shun checking their blood pressure because of ignorance, poverty and inaccessibility to health care facilities.

He therefore urged Nigerians to ensure they go for checkup once in a while because the consequences of this disease condition are grievious.

In his words, “high blood pressure not taken care of can lead to stroke, failure of certain organs in the body, it can ultimately lead to death.”

Blood Pressure Category

Systolic mm Hg (upper #)

Normal

less than 120

and

less than 80

Diastolic mm Hg (lower #)

Prehypertension

120 – 139

or

80 – 89

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 1

140 – 159

or

90 – 99

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 2

160 or higher

or

100 or higher

Hypertensive Crisis (Emergency care needed)

Higher than 180

or

Higher than 110

• Culled from American Heart Association website

he cracking sound made by knuckles, necks, backs, and other joints when they are cracked is the sound of bubbles popping in the joints’ fluid. Is it harmful?

Not terribly. But cracking a joint too often can hurt the cords, called ligaments that surround the joint Sweat is odorless Sweat doesn’t smell bad. A stinky “body odor” is caused when the skin bacteria feed on sweat.

Their waste products are what smell bad!

Injury to the brain After sustaining trauma to the brain—such as an injury, stroke, or infection—some people develop “alien hand syndrome,” a condition where the victim can feel sensation in the hand, but has no control over movement and does not sense the hand as a part of the body, as if it belonged to an alien being.

Age shrinks the hair As a person ages the diameter of each hair on the head shrinks. Hair is thickest in the early 20s, but by age 70, it can be as fine as a baby’s. Aging also causes hair to grow where it is not wanted, such as in the nose and ears, and to fall out where it is desired.

Skin as sense receptor The skin contains approximately 640,000 sense receptors, scattered unevenly over the body’s surface. These receptors are most abundant in the ridges of the fingertips, in the lips, at the tip of the tongue, in the palms, on the soles of the feet, and in the genitals.

How odors are differentiated An estimated five million olfactory receptors are clustered in the membrane at the upper part of our nasal passages. These receptors help us distinguish among thousands of different odors.

Age thickens the eye lens As humans grow older, the lens in the eye grows thicker. This is why people who once had perfect vision often need glasses in their 40s.

Contraction of heart muscle Unlike other muscles, the heart muscle contracts without stimulus from the nervous system. Signals for the heart to beat come from the sinoatrial node near the top of the right atrium.

THURSday, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Itoro Eze-Anaba is a legal practitioner and managing partner of the Mirabel Sexual Assault and Referral Centre in the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja in Lagos State. In this interview, she discusses rising cases of rape and sexual abuse of minors, and care provision for victims of sexual abuse at Mirabel Centre, among other issues. APPOLONIA ADEYEMI reports

What is SIWC? SIWC is Sexual Intercourse Without Consent. Consent is the underlining word there and that consent has to continue throughout the act because if I start now and along the way I say no I don’t want to you to continue, if you go on after I have said no that amounts to rape.

You said since you started you have attended to 1,812 clients, would you say there are more incidents of rape?

I wouldn’t say we are having more incidents; I would say we are having more reporting because even the 100 clients we have in a month is just a tip of the iceberg. There are hundreds of others that have not been reported but the system is changing. People are beginning to have more confidence in the system. So, more people are reporting and there is also more support now for clients or survivors in the form of needed care provisions, counselling, meeting some social/domestic needs of the clients.

Also the role of the social media makes it easier for people to come out and report. As to whether it is on the increase it is difficult to say because we can only do that based on available data.

At the Mirabel center we have data on reporting and we know that when we started it was about 25 to 30 clients in a month.

Now we are averaging on 89,90

Health\INTERVIEW

Rape survivors now get more medical support

33

95 and we have even had 100 clients in two separate months.

So, when you compare from 2013 when we started to 2015 you would see that more people are reporting. For us to determine if there are more incidents we also need to make that type of comparison and without available data it will be difficult to do that.

What are the implications if today Mirabel is shut down?

It means that 80 to 100 boys, girls, women and men that come to Mirabel center every month to receive free counseling services will not be able to access the services anymore.

It means that the medical report we give to the police that aids prosecution of these cases will no longer be easily available. It means that survivors will not have enough counseling that enable them cope with the trauma and you know that there is a possibility of a male victim becoming an abuser as well, especially when there is no proper intervention. So, all these things will no longer be available and also there would be no credible source of data for people to work with because we provide credible data on rape.

So, it means that so many other things would not hold, schoolchildren would also not know where to go to when there is a problem on rape.

Mirabel center is not just for the survivors of rape and sexual abuse, its also for the society which include the care givers that we talk to, the schools that we go to and talk about rape, the hospitals that assist us in laboratory services and all that.

The Mirabel center is unique.

For us to actually determine how unique the Mirabel center is, you need to speak with police officers that come to our center with a client to get service and they will tell you they did not even know how they were coping before the Mirabel center was established.

In what way do you think this center can be sustained?

It’s funds and services. For instance if you are a pharmaceu-

Eze-Anaba

tical company you can give us free drugs. If you supply water you can give us water. If you are a telecommunication company you can give us a toll-free line; that will also cut cost. It’s not always about the money. If we need your services or you know that we use you your service you can give that to us. If you are an internet company you can give

us your internet services free. In the area of Food Company like sweet sensation and Mr. Biggs or whatever, you can give us food stamps. When our clients come they go there and get food and the administrative cost will be reduced drastically. Of course, we need the money as well to pay our staff and the doctors that work with us.

‘Women lack access to life-saving drugs in pregnancy’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32

PHOTO: funny-pictures.picphotos.net

meaning that many public and private drug shops are threatening product safety and efficacy by storing the drug on shelves.

The paper outlines actions that advocates and decisionmakers in Nigeria can take to solve persistent problems related to the availability and quality of maternal health products to include: increasing resources committed to the regulation of health products, aligning registra-

tion requirements with international quality standards, strengthening guidelines for proper storage and distribution of maternal health products, such as oxytocin, misoprostol, and magnesium sulfate, and addressing procurement inefficiencies to improve availability of maternal health products.

While the solutions are not simple, the paper states that these policy changes could dramatically accelerate Nigeria’s efforts to reach

maternal health targets laid out in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

To reach these goals, the paper concludes: “it will be critical to ensure that women have reliable access to life-saving maternal health products. Strengthening the policy environment in which markets function will be fundamental to sustaining wellfunctioning markets and improving access.”

According to the Director of Programmes, ARFH,

Kehinde Osinowo “More mothers die in pregnancy or childbirth in Nigeria than in any other country, but fortunately, we know what to do to prevent those deaths.”

She noted that it was time to work hand in hand with advocates, the government, suppliers, and donors to improve the quality and availability of maternal health medicines, reduce counterfeit medicines, and ensure that all women receive the care they deserve.

34

Health\News

THURSday, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Paediatricians tasked on infant feeding practices

NEMEL boss seeks favourable policies for pharmaceutical companies

Appolonia Adeyemi

T

Ebere Ameh

I

n an effort to be in the forefront of preventive medicine especially in the area of child health, paediatricians have been charged to take their right position in the society so as to educate parents and caregivers on appropriate infant feeding practices.

A Consultant Paediatric Nutritionist at the Babcock University, Prof.

James Kweku Renner who gave the advice in Lagos recently, lamented that the dearth of paediatricians in the country, has led to a situation where other people (non paediatricians) were taking over the roles of paediatricians.

He however urged his colleagues, the genuine paediatrics professionals to re-invent the will by playing their roles of providing the right information on child nutrition.

Given the death of paeditrician estimated to be about 600 in 2014, Renner said this poses the challenge of inadequate human resources. In this situation, he lamented that the ratio of paedia-

L-R: Paediatric Resident Doctor in Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Dr. Ayo Renner; Dr. (Mrs) Emi Renner; Consultant Paediatric Nutritionist at the Babcock University, Prof. James Kweku Renner; and Dr. Adeola Animashawun at the lecture on ‘Intrauterine and Early Childhood Nutrition Imbalance: Implications for Future Health; The Role of Genes’, by Department of Paediatrics, West African Medical College, held in Lagos recently

trician to patients is one paediatrician to 50,000 patients. “With this ratio, we cannot make impact,” he lamented.

Speaking on the theme, ‘Intrauterine and Early Childhood Nutrition Imbalance: Implications for Future Health; The Role of Genes’, he decried the junk food majority of mothers and care givers package for their children daily, adding that it is the role of paediatricians to inform the community about the right diet for children inutero and after delivery till their second birthday.

According to Renner, any unhealthy damage arising from poor nutri-

tion in kids during their first 1000 days existence (two years of age), becomes irreversible.

To ensure that kids get adequate nutrition before and after birth, the consultant paediatrician recommended that government must as a matter of urgency establish programmes that would ensure adequate nutrition for expectant mothers.

Mothers planning pregnancy must equally have adequate nutrition even before getting pregnant as poor nutrition before and during pregnancy results in poor health outcomes for the baby in-utero, he added.

he Chief Executive Officer of NEMEL Pharmaceuticals Nigeria Limited, Prince Nnaememeka Ugwu has called on the Federal Government to stop the importation of drugs that can be manufactured in Nigeria and formulate policies that would help local manufacturers to grow and become big corporations.

He made the call while speaking exclusively to New Telegraph on the sidelines of the just concluded 54th Anniversary

celebration and first national summit of National Association of Patent Proprietary Medicine Dealers (NAPPMED) that took place in Abuja.

Ugwu noted that helping local manufacturers to grow is also another way of helping the economy to rebound.

“The Nigerian government should have a rethink. Instead of allowing the importation of drugs that can be produced in Nigeria, it should formulate policies that would help local pharmaceutical companies to flourish. The fact is that any dollar you

Church offers medical check for Badagry community

A

s part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) to its immediate environment, Life Transformation International Chapel in Badagry, Lagos has organised a three-day free health talk and medical check-up for members of the community.

The health talk is to mark the annual ordination and 10th year anniversary of the church in collaboration Fortune Careers and Health Awareness company

that seeks after good and healthy living of Nigerians with a focus on physical, spiritual and financial prosperity.

Spokesperson of the company, Dr. Mariam Chioma said the company partners with organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and National Cancer Institute as shefurther advised participants on importance of healthy living because a healthy nation

Why bitter leaf is good for you

E

verybody seems to know it.

It grows everywhere. Bitterleaf, ‘vernonia amydalina’, is a very homely plant. Wherever it grows, it flourishes. Evergreen.

The Igbos call it ‘Onugbu’. The Yorubas call it ‘Ewuro’. The Hausas call it ‘Shiwaka’. Perhaps the most distinctive part of the bitter-leaf plant is its bitterness.

Every part of the plant is bitter: the leaves, stems, root and bark.

The Igbos of Eastern Nigeria use the bitter-leaf mostly as a vegetable, while the Yorubas use it more as a medicine.

Bitter-leaf is popular among the old people for its bitterness.

But the young people of today do not like the bitterness of the bitter-leaf. They would rather prefer biscuits, ice cream, chocolate and other sugary products.

Their philosophy is ;Life is sweet, therefore, food must be sweet.

The fact is that bitter herbs are good for the body. On the existential level, they remind us that life is not always sweet; that life is not ‘a bed of roses’; that both sweetness and bitterness are essential parts of life and so are not opposed.

Bitter herbs help to tone the vital organs of the body, especially the liver and kidney. The liver is the largest organ of the body. It weights between one to three kilogrammes kg in adult.

Its major functions are (a) secretion of bile and (b) formation of glycogen.

The liver is essential in the metabolism of fats and protein;

Nature Power

Anselm Adodo

naturepower@paxherbals.net twitter: @anselmadodo

it must therefore be well taken care of. Once the liver has any defect, it is hard to correct. Every effort must be made therefore to keep the liver in good condition.

Alcohol, sugar and processed or refined foods can weaken the liver and make it susceptible to infections.

The kidney is another important organ in the body. The kidney is the organ that helps to expel waste materials from the body. It secretes urine that flows into the urethras. If the kidney breaks down, there will be a general disorder in the body.

Bitter leaf is very useful in the care of the kidney and the liver.

It is for this reason that we refer to bitter leaf as a cure- all, for if the kidney and liver are healthy, the whole system will function well.

The bitter-leaf plant contains

Bitter leaf not only reduces sugar-level drastically; it also helps to repair the pancreas

change, Nigerians are losing jobs; so the local industries should be encouraged and also export.

“And for us in Nigeria, especially now that the price of oil has fallen, the private sector and agriculture is our best bet to boost our economy again,” Ugwu explained.

Speaking on poor patronage for locally manufactured drugs, he advised Nigerians to patronise made in Nigeria drugs, adding that the local pharmaceutical companies are well regulated and produce quality drugs using state of the art equipment.

‘Vernodalin’, ‘Venomygdin’ and ‘Saponin’.

Bitter leaves should always be taken fresh. Boiling or cooking reduces the potency of most herbs. The Igbo people of Eastern Nigerian eat a lot of bitter leaf.

But they often squeeze out the bitterness from the leaves before eating it. What is left then, is mere chaff, with little or no medicinal value.

Always remember that raw vegetables are better than cooked ones. And half-cooked vegetables

Bitter leaf vegetables

are better than over- cooked ones.

Bitter-leaf, like other plants, is a sacred plant. Therefore, respect it and pray over the plant before you cut it. We need to cultivate an attitude of reverence for God & creatures so that we can be in harmony with them.

I have heard from some unconfirmed sources that drinking bitter-leaf water is not safe.

Such rumours are what they are: rumours and nothing more, with no scientific basis.

For centuries, bitter-leaf has been a source of health and vitality to our ancestors, and its medicinal values are well-documented.

In our chemical and fertiliser age, it is indeed difficult to find fruits and herbs in their natural state as majority of them have been polluted with fertiliser chemicals.

PHOTO: www.orijoreporter.com

is a wealthy nation.

According to her, there are three things a person should do to ensure healthy living which are: having adequate rest, engaging in routine exercise and consuming healthy diet.

She said people need to have a good and uninterrupted sleep for at least eight hours to allow the brain function properly but added that the lifestyle in Lagos where people hustle on a daily basis does not encourage enough sleep.

Food dropped on the floor may be contaminated

A

gainst the popular notion of the ‘fivesecond rule’ which states that food dropped on the floor but picked up quickly is safe scientists have affaimed that such food is unsafe to eat because bacteria does not need time to transfer.

Researchers from Rutgers University in New Jersey in the United States (U.S) have debunked the claim, saying it is not okay to scoop up food and eat it even within a second of it falling on the floor.

Donald Schaffner, professor and extension specialist in food science, found that moisture, type of surface and contact time all contribute to cross-contamination.

In some instances, the transfer begins in less than one second that the food fell down.

“We decided to look into this because the practice is so widespread. The topic might appear ‘light’ but we wanted our results backed by solid science,” said Schaffner.

He conducted the research with Robyn Miranda, a graduate student in his laboratory at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences in the Rutgers University.

35

THURSday, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

MOM’S ALERT

Mom&Parenting

Transitioning to Peaceful Parenting: 8 easy steps

Parenting The child justice system must look beyond diversion

36 36

S

ome families may think that religion helps kids become more empathetic and giving toward others, but a surprising study recently published in the journal Current Biology found the opposite to be true: The study revealed that children from religious backgrounds were less likely to be altruistic, defined as lacking selfishness and showing a desire to help others.

In the study, which involved 1,170 children between ages 5 and 12 from six countries — the United States, Canada, China, Jordan, South Africa, and Turkey- the kids were given two tasks: first, an altruism task, in which they played a version of the “Dictator Game.” In the game,they were given 10 stickers and had the opportunity to share the stickers with another unseen kid. The University of Chicago researchers measured altruism based on the average number of stickers shared.

The second task tested moral sensitivity: The children watched an animated short in which one character pushes or bumps into another, either by accident or on purpose. After viewing the short, children were asked how mean the behaviour was and what level of punishment the characters who pushed or bumped another deserved. Meanwhile, parents were given a questionnaire about their religious beliefs and their take on how empathetic and sensitive to justice their children are.

The questionnaire revealed that religious parents in all six countries reported that their children showed more empathy and sensitivity for justice in everyday life than the kids of non-religious parents did.

However, the researchers found that Christian and Muslim children (there wasn’t a large enough sample size for the study to include kids from other religious households) were less likely to share stickers, and were more likely to suggest harsh punishments for bad behavior than less religious kids. The researchers found that children from atheist and non-religious families were more giving.

Mom&Parenting

Oluwatosin Omoniyi City Editor

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Children praying at a crusade

photo:ihuanedo.ning.com

Study: Religious kids aren’t good at sharing Previous research shows that children tend to share more as they get older, but things didn’t necessarily improve with age based on this study. According to a University of Chicago press release on the research, the negative relationship between religiousness and altruism grew stronger with age. Children with a longer exposure to religion in the household were the least likely to share. “Our findings contradict the common sense and popular assumption that children from religious households are more altruistic and kind toward others,” the lead author of the study — Jean Decety, the Irving B. Harris distinguished service professor in psychology and psychiatry and director of the Child NeuroSuite at the University of Chicago — said in the release. “In our study, kids from atheist and non-religious families were, in fact, more generous.”

Decety added: “Together, these results reveal the similarity across countries in how religion negatively influences children’s altruism. They challenge the view that religiosity facilitates pro-social behavior, and call into question whether religion is vital for moral development — suggesting the secularization of moral discourse does not reduce human kindness.

In our study, kids from atheist and non-religious families were, in fact, more generous

A child deep in prayer

In fact, it does just the opposite.”

For parents hoping to encourage their kids to become better at sharing, as well as be kind and helpful to others, experts recommended leading by example. “It’s important to be

photo: www.pinterest.com

a good role model,” David Schonfeld, MD, director of developmental and behavioral pediatrics at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, told Parents magazine. “Children learn to be helpful from watching you.”

36 MOM&PARENTING

THURSday, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

i-Protect

Childhood Protection & preservation culture

with

Taiwo Akinlami principal@taiwoakinlami.com

The child is always a product of his or her environment. He is not self-made

MOM’S ALERT with

Grace Essen

grace.essen@gmail.com

Transitioning to peaceful The child justice system must parenting: 8 easy steps

look beyond diversion

I

salute the Child Justice System in our dear nation. It is mainly focused on what is called Diversion measures. According to experts, ‘diversion as a tool of restorative justice is used primarily to put the child offender on a path away from the criminal justice system and its attendant negative features.’ It is commendable as it is restorative in nature. It restores the child offender and gives him another chance. It is in accordance with international principle.

Having studied the diversion system of the child justice system, I am burdened to pick a big hole. The hole is not in the workability or effectiveness of the diversion measures, but in the environment in which the measures are being applied.

I do not think a society, which has not prepared an enabling environment for the child to develop has the moral justification to subject the child to any kind of disciplinary measure, diversion or otherwise.

The child is always a product of his or her environment. He is not self-made. By the time the child becomes irresponsible, the root is found in the custodians. It is like the case of a masquerade, who is dancing on the road with his drummers hidden in the nearby bush. That we do not see the drummers does not mean that they are not formidable in determining the dance steps of the masquerade. If we want the masquerade to stop dancing, it is important we locate the drummers.

What our child justice system does most of the time is to pick up the masquerade, while they leave the drummers to continue their drumming until they attract another masquerade.

When a child is in conflict with the law, we should be interested in the journey that took him to that point. The rehabilitative measure must also take into consideration the roles of the custodian. It is not enough to only involve the custodians in the process of diversion; they must answer very important questions on how the child slipped out of their hands.

Considering the nature of the child’s conflict with the law, we must also trace the roles of the state. It is the responsibility of the state to provide social support services to the child and his family. The social services provided to the child are to aid his development. While the ones provided for the parents are to help the parents to play their roles as parents.

I have kept saying, for example that the children on the street are not children in conflict with the law. They may have the potential to be in conflict with the law but they are not in conflict with the law by virtue of the fact that they are on the street. Children on the street are victims of failures of families and the state in which the family live.

When a child offender is apprehended, he is labelled a child in conflict with law and made to face the music of diversion measures under the child justice system. The truth of the matter is that I do not agree with the label of a child in conflict with the law. To my mind, it is the law and the society that make it that are in conflict with the child.

It is my final conclusion that subjecting the child to the dictates of the child justice system does not mean our laws would have been justified, as it is not designed to consider the circumstances under which a child commits or is made to commit a crime. Our law often painfully forgets that ‘the society creates the crime and the criminal commits it.’ I think this should be left as a fresh discussion for another day.

If our Child Justice looks beyond the child to address the issue of children getting into conflict with the law, we will be on the path to improve our child justice system to be in the best interest of the child and by extension in the best interest of our society.

I round up today by charging you to Think the CHILD…Think TODAY…Think the FUTURE…

THE VIRTUOUS MOM with

Hameed Opeyemi abdulvirtuepen@gmail.com

THE RARE GEM Truly nothing last forever except words of God Truly time fade as wind goes off the way Truly both sex met at the beginning of life Truly we all arrive by the call of nature in here Truly we live by the length of time with tide Truly we were born for a purpose to live and die Timing the strength behind the stanza up here You will see more of living from a pilot as rare gem Giving hope to life from every aspect of our world Taking the gig from stage up to down ward slide For every birth means the work and stress of one Mothers are simply the world best friend of all As healthy as a warrior, as great as the creator As large as the earth, love of mum larger than life No one knows the race lane like the first sprinter As runner raced on like death socking the mourner Just as the wild king cares to defend the jungle Mums love to all with feeds and care that is rare Rare is the care that keeps our home stronger From mum you received, receive and receive

From mum you get all for all and all to all Mothers from planet of love in mighty fold Releasing her strength to serve us in stress She gives the love, not minding the distress Every friend has a purpose to serve us in life Verily we give to friend, the wise avoid fiends For all we receive means to turn on to be good The light splash appears at all end of the tunnel Finishing the race to feel the space of our quote Mothers are home lord, Daddy’s all time mistress Nothing can be compared with mum’s motivation Turning our world on for a better things to come She will say, all I prayed for his your success in life When I needed someone in school, she appears When holiday bell rings, mum on tour with us All her life, she gives her time for our comfort Mothers are diamond meaning the world most rare Mothers are deity of another world, greater by far Mothers are free gift to man, expanding our world No one comes here without mums’ effort

L

ast week we started a dis- How about spending 15 minutes course on peaceful par- connecting one-on-one with each enting, considering how child daily, just following his lead hard, overwhelming and and pouring your love into him. sometimes confusing parenting You’ll be amazed how differently can be, especially when we keep he will respond to you.

Give support and win-win solugetting conflicting ideas on the tions. “I know your little sister gets right parenting approach.

Well, I’ve been trying to adopt on your nerves sometimes, and the peaceful parenting approach she always wants to play with your in my home. It hasn’t been easy. I things. That’s really annoying to still yelled, on one occasion I was you. You want to be able to keep forced to use the cane, after a long your things safe. But it isn’t okay time. However, a lot has changed. to yell at your sister or hit her. Why I’m now more mindful of my re- don’t we work together to find a sponses as a parent; I catch myself safe place for your things where asking, “What am I doing wrong?” your sister can’t get at them?

“How can I respond better?” UnSet limits that work. When you fortunately, we don’t get time off to set limits from your child’s point learn a new parenting approach, of view more often, you will betry it out on some ‘dummy chil- come more flexible. The key is to dren’ and then implement. Par- set the limit while you still have enting is like learning on the job! a sense of humor and can emTransitioning to a new parent- pathize with their perspective. ing approach is a choice, a daily Acknowledging their perspective choice. Every day offers us the helps children cooperate with us. opportunity to make the commitExpect some emotions. When a ment to stay calm, to listen active- child “acts out” she is acting out ly and to choose love. This I think feelings that she can’t express in is very empowering. We don’t only words. Emotions are never the become better mums, we become problem; humans will always have big emotions. better persons.

Now when I deal And, of course, that with issues, I doesn’t make it right don’t focus only to hurt anyone else. on what the When your child You need to make child did wrong, shows you she’s upset, stay calm. Don’t I appreciate or strong bonds encourage one take it personally. little thing he The more you stay before you can did right - “…it compassionate and change anything was thoughtful accepting you can of you to have help your child work with your child picked up the through the hurts and fears that are broken glass on the floor.” driving her anger, so Shifting our parenting ap- they no longer drive her behavior. proach is like making a journey.

Teach reparations. If you’ve I have experienced some bumps been using punishment as a coralong the way and it felt better to rective measure, when your child stop and just make a U-turn. But does something wrong and don’t according to experts, setbacks punish him you’ll feel unfinished. don’t mean we’re doing anything Resist the urge to punish or force wrong, what’s happening is that an apology because it leads to rewe’re healing old hurt feelings so sentment. Train yourself to think they stop driving new bad behav- in terms of repair, instead. So ior. Here are a few tips on how to after everyone has calmed down make the transition to peaceful and is feeling reconnected, have a private discussion with the child parenting a little easier: Begin with You. The “peace” about what happened. Listen to in peaceful parenting comes his perspective and empathize. from you. Make a commitment Ask if there is anything he can do to regulate your own emotions. to repair the damage. And if you That means that when you feel model apology yourself, your child upset, you stop and just breathe. will learn to follow your example.

This helps restrain you from actExpect setbacks. We’re only ing on that urgent “fight or flight” human, so we have to accept that feeling that makes your child look we aren’t perfect. The secret of like the enemy. Delay taking ac- making this transition is havtion until you feel calmer. This ing compassion for ourselves, will require some getting used to. just as we do for our children.

Ditch the guilt and the need to Expect to fail or make mistakes be ‘right’. Take it one step at a time. sometimes (maybe most times).

You’re paying the price, after all, Expect some days (not every day) and making amends now, by help- to be a big struggle. Parenting is ing your child through all those old hard, it gets even harder when hurt feelings. Besides, feeling bad we’re starting something new. doesn’t help you act “good,” any But it will get easier with time.

Remember you’re on a path that more than it helps your child.

Make connections. You need to leads to a happier, more rewardmake strong bonds before you can ing and more peaceful parenting. change anything with your child. All the best!

BUSINESS | MONEY LINE

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Banks’ NPLs to hit 12.1% in 2016 –Afrinvest

RISING Gross earnings projected to decline

tio at about 12.1 per cent in 2016.”

It also projected that gross earnings growth will slow down further in 2016 due to factors such as reduced interest income growth and depressed trading income occasioned by recent reforms in the interbank FX market.

The firm further predicted reduced profitability and more cost cutting by banks which will include more lay offs.

It said: ‘’Profitability is expected to further moderate despite cut backs in operating expenses. Lower gross earnings due to weaker interest income and strains on non-interest income despite rising impairment charges will pressure margins.

Hence, PBT and PAT margins are expected to soften.

“Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) is expected to come under intense pressure in 2016 following the devaluation of the naira and a nominal expansion in risk weighted assets due to significant foreign currency exposure.”

Our analysis suggests a 2.2% average decline in industry CAR in FY:2016 for all the listed players under our coverage.

However, majority of the banks (except for SKYE)

Tony Chukwunyem

T

he growing volume of Non Performing Loans (NPLs) in the banking industry will hit 12. 1 per cent by the end of this year, one of the leading financial services groups, Afrinvest has predicted.

The firm stated this in its 2016 Nigeria Banking Report, entitled: “Searching for Investor Confidence”, which was launched in Lagos yesterday.

According to Afrinvest, the tough sociopolitical, economic and regulatory environment, which impacted performance in the banking industry in 2015 will hurt lenders’ performance this year.

It said:’’Newer threats to asset quality in the Nigerian banking system are expected to emerge given the level of concentration in select high risk sectors as highlighted above. Thus, NPLs are expected to remain pressured despite efforts by the banks to restructure significant portions of their loan books. We project industry NPL ra-

appear well capitalized to withstand the pressure given the stringent regulatory guidelines. We suspect the possibility of SKYE, DIAMOND and FBNH raising capital in 2016/17 as their current CAR levels remain close to regulatory threshold.”

Contrary to wide-

spread speculation that the tough times in the industry will result in Mergers and Acquisition (M&A), the firm said it didn’t think that will happen.

It said: Against the rising speculation of further consolidation in the banking industry

A

s students resume after the long holidays, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, is set to support schools with their educational requirements to enhance preparations for the school year.

In a statement, the lender announced that it had developed an array of products and solutions targeted at enabling schools acquire attractive educational facilities to support their business whilst empowering parents and guardians to seamlessly send their wards back to school.

The lender’s educational products and solutions include the FirstEdu Loan, Operational Vehicle Loan, Commercial Mortgage, Personal Loan against Salary (PLAS) and Salary Overdraft (SODA)

which enhances Parents/Guardians’ capacity to pay their wards’ school fees.

According to the statement : “The FirstEdu loan is targeted at private Nursery, Secondary and A-Levels schools. The product offers opportunity for private schools to access flexible funding to meet urgent cash flow needs, replace old furniture and equipment, as well as refurbish dilapidated buildings and classroom blocks.

“With this product, school owners/proprietors can stay ahead of competition in providing educational services and support to the target population by maintaining acceptable standard infrastructure at all times. This product allows the customer access up to N10 million

MPR 91-day NTB Bonny Light Ext Res**

Description 15.10 27-APR-2017 16.00 29-JUN-2019 15.54 13-FEB-2020 16.39 27-JAN-2022 14.20 14-MAR-2024 12.50 22-JAN-2026 10.00 23-JUL-2030 12.1493 18-JUL-2034 Tenor (Days) Call 30 90 180

Mar, 2015 Mar, 2015 August, 2016

14 10.77 US$46.16 US$24,838,459,382

26/07/2016 Mar 2015 21/9/2016 19/9/2016 Source: CBN

FGN Bonds

TTM

Price 104.65 114.59 111.96 120.58 109.60 100.54 83.82 97.56

1.07 3.24 3.87 5.82 7.95 9.81 14.31 18.29

NIBOR

Rate (%) 4.4583 9.1071 11.0102 12.3790

Bid Yield 10.38 10.55 11.60 11.44 12.27 12.40 12.44 12.49

Change (%) -2.50 ▼ -0.74 ▼ -0.65 ▼ -0.68 ▼

P Change (%) -0.02 ▼ -0.01 ▼ 0.00 ↔ 0.00 ↔ -0.07 ▼ -0.08 ▼ -0.03 ▼ 0.02 ▲

Price 104.80 114.89 112.26 120.88 109.90 100.84 84.12 97.86

Tenor (Months)

Change (%) -0.02 ▼ -0.01 ▼ 0.00 ↔ 0.00 ↔ -0.07 ▼ -0.08 ▼ -0.03 ▼ 0.02 ▲

NITTY

Rate (%) 6.9949 7.2368 8.0819 9.2061 9.5872 10.5042

1 2 3 6 9 12

Treasury Bills

Offer Yield 10.24 10.45 11.51 11.38 12.22 12.34 12.39 12.44

Change (%) 1.12 ▲ -0.27 ▼ -0.17 ▼ -0.11 ▼ 0.03 ▲ 0.42 ▲

Money Market

Maturity Date Discount Bid Yield Change (%) Discount Offer Yield Change (%) Rate (%) 30-Jun-16 7.92 7.67 7.82 -0.51 ▼ Open-Buy-Back (OBB) 3.83 8.08 -0.51 ▼ 6-Oct-16 8.59 8.34 8.71 -0.31 ▼ Overnight (O/N) 4.33 8.99 -0.31 ▼ 16-Mar-17 9.36 10.28 -0.07 ▼ 9.11 9.98 -0.07 ▼

Spot($/N)

Bid 199.14

FX

Offer 199.24

Change (%) 0.57 ▲

NIFEX

Spot($/N)

Bid 199.0000

CBN Clearing Rates of January 7, 2016 Spot($/N)

196.00

197.00

think the possibility of M&A amongst the 15 listed banks is slim.

Nevertheless, we may not rule out the likelihood of M&A with the indigenous private unlisted banks and Keystone Bank (which is currently being offered for sales by AMCON).”

0.00 ↔

with no tangible collateral required apart from the domiciliation of school account with the Bank. This reduces the cost of borrowing to the customer and eliminates the challenges posed by the provision of additional demanding collaterals,” it stated.

It further stated that the Operational Vehicle Loan, which is targeted at registered businesses allows an entrepreneur to acquire brand new vehicles for the day to day operation of the business.

The lender said: “Organisations can take advantage of this facility to purchase school buses in the case of school proprietors and even upscale their staff welfare schemes through provision of staff buses. The organ-

isation can access up to N10 million, for a single transaction, with flexible repayment plan spread over 36 months.

The minimum equity contribution is 30per cent and the purchased vehicle doubles as collateral for the loan.”

Another loan offered by the bank include the Personal Loan against Salary (PLAS), which offers customers in paid employment access to cash to meet immediate financial needs such as payment of school fees, medical treatment and holiday expenses.

The bank stressed that its educational facilities are offered without collaterals and urged customers and stakeholders to visit any of its branches for further information about its school solutions.

PwC to absorb graduates of Lagos Entrepreneurship initiative

As at N19,142,526.05m N18,579,219.49m 17.61

due to capital adequacy threats, we do not foresee much M&A transactions in 2016/17 given the size of banks now relative to pre-2005 consolidation.

In our opinion, most of the banks are adequately capitalised to withstand the pressure in the horizon. “Accordingly, we

FirstBank offers educational products to schools

Economic Indicators M2* CPS* INF

37

Offer 199.1000

Change (%) -1.75 ▼ -2.08 ▼

Change (%) 0.00 ↔

ricewaterHouse Coopers (PwC Nigeria), has announced that it would absorb 10 graduating students of Ready Set Work Initiative of the Lagos State Government, as interns for a period of six months with a possibility of employing them at the end of their internship.

Country Senior Partner for PwC Nigeria and Regional Senior Partner for the West Market Area, Uyi Akpata, disclosed this at the graduation ceremony of the pioneer class of the initiative consisting of 422 students. PwC is a major sponsor of the initiative.

“PwC is taking 10 of the graduating students as interns to run over a sixmonth period and I can say here from what I am seeing that those 10 people would have almost a foot in the door to get professional careers in PwC,” he said while calling on the other organisations sponsoring the initiative to follow the example saying that if at the end of the day 10 per cent of the graduating students gain employment within the sponsors, it would go a long way in not only further supporting the initiative but also help to address the

unemployment issue in the country.

The Ready Set Work is an entrepreneurship and employability initiative of the Lagos State Ministry of Education for final year students of the state-owned tertiary institutions consisting of Lagos State University, Lagos State Polytechnic, and Lagos State College of Health Technology.

Akpata commended the initiative saying it aligned with PwC’s objectives as it equips students with the critical skills and know-how necessary to either become employable or become employers of labour.

He said PwC did not only invest money in the initiative as sponsors, but also invested time, effort, commitment, dedication over a 14-week timeframe that the training lasted.

“It was a no-brainer and we wanted to align with the initiative that has been established and headed by the Executive Governor of Lagos State and of course driven down the line by members of the Ministry of Education. It sure aligned with the PwC’s objectives and about 16 partners from PwC joined in training the participating students.

38

BUSINESS |FINANCIAL MARKET NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

21-Sep-16

The DQL contains data relating to, amongst other things, market and model prices, rates of foreign exchange products, fixed income securities and instruments in the financial market (the “Information”). The Information does not constitute professional, financial or investment advice. We attempt to ensure the Information is accurate; however, the Information is provided “AS IS” and on an “AS AVAILABLE” basis and may not be accurate or up to date. We do not guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, completeness, performance or fitness for a particular purpose of any of the Information, neither do we accept liability for the results of any action taken on the basis of the Information.

Bonds

FGN Bonds Issuer

Rating/Agency

Description 15.10 27-APR-2017 9.85 27-JUL-2017 9.35 31-AUG-2017 10.70 30-MAY-2018 ^16.00 29-JUN-2019 7.00 23-OCT-2019 ^15.54 13-FEB-2020 14.50 15-JUL-2021 ^16.39 27-JAN-2022 ^14.20 14-MAR-2024 ^12.50 22-JAN-2026 15.00 28-NOV-2028 12.49 22-MAY-2029 8.50 20-NOV-2029 ^10.00 23-JUL-2030 ^12.1493 18-JUL-2034 ^12.40 18-MAR-2036

Price

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (₦’bn)

27-Apr-12 27-Jul-07 31-Aug-07 30-May-08 29-Jun-12 23-Oct-09 13-Feb-15 13-Jul-16 27-Jan-12 14-Mar-14 22-Jan-16 28-Nov-08 22-May-09 20-Nov-09 23-Jul-10 18-Jul-14 18-Mar-16

15.10 9.85 9.35 10.70 16.00 7.00 15.54 14.50 16.39 14.20 12.50 15.00 12.49 8.50 10.00 12.15 12.4000

480.13 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 606.43 210.59 605.31 719.99 421.02 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57 1075.92 310.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

6,451.16

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

5,889.32

Rating/Agency

Agency Bonds Nil

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

Description

Issuer

17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017

FMBN

Maturity Date

TTM (Yrs)

27-Apr-17 27-Jul-17 31-Aug-17 30-May-18 29-Jun-19 23-Oct-19 13-Feb-20 15-Jul-21 27-Jan-22 14-Mar-24 22-Jan-26 28-Nov-28 22-May-29 20-Nov-29 23-Jul-30 18-Jul-34 18-Mar-36

0.60 0.85 0.94 1.69 2.77 3.09 3.39 4.81 5.35 7.48 9.34 12.18 12.66 13.16 13.83 17.82 19.49

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

18.61 19.52 19.87 17.84 14.38 14.48 14.59 14.61 14.62 14.79 14.94 14.87 14.86 14.85 14.83 14.73 14.93

18.33 19.31 19.67 17.73 14.31 14.34 14.48 14.52 14.54 14.72 14.87 14.82 14.80 14.77 14.76 14.68 14.87

98.04 92.71 91.33 89.90 103.53 81.87 102.43 99.57 106.36 97.40 87.87 100.66 86.60 63.71 71.89 83.82 84.09

98.19 92.86 91.48 90.05 103.68 82.17 102.73 99.87 106.66 97.70 88.17 100.96 86.90 64.01 72.19 84.12 84.39

6406.155565

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

03-Apr-12

17.25

Outstanding Value (₦’bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Modelled Price

0.60

03-Apr-17

0.36

2.94

19.51

99.21

19-Apr-17 30-Jun-17 31-Dec-17 30-Sep-18 04-Oct-18 09-Dec-18 12-Dec-18 14-Feb-19 02-Oct-19 22-Nov-19 12-Dec-19 27-Nov-20 31-Dec-20 31-Dec-20 06-Jan-21 09-Dec-21 16-Feb-22 27-Feb-22 30-Mar-22 31-Mar-22 27-May-22

0.58 0.53 1.27 1.09 1.10 1.29 1.29 1.47 1.68 3.17 1.85 4.18 4.27 2.51 2.53 3.08 3.30 3.32 3.27 6.46 3.41

1.00 5.71 2.39 1.00 1.00 3.82 3.56 3.82 2.02 2.01 1.00 1.30 3.76 2.53 1.00 1.52 4.01 1.00 2.52 1.79 3.04

19.53 24.08 21.57 20.77 20.74 22.97 22.69 22.37 19.91 16.51 18.33 15.90 18.36 17.76 16.19 16.00 18.55 15.54 17.05 16.42 17.61

95.00 95.07 91.85 93.91 93.88 91.24 90.96 91.95 94.23 95.12 94.68 92.80 90.25 93.84 97.63 98.80 95.30 102.27 101.02 102.03 98.49

0.60

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

0.60

Sub-National Bonds A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto A-/Agusto A/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto‡ ; A-/GCR† A-/Agusto A-/Agusto; A-/GCR BBB+/Agusto; A-/GCR Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR BBB-/Agusto; BBB+/GCR† Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro A/Agusto‡ A-/GCR A-/Agusto A-/Agusto Bbb-/Agusto Bbb+/Agusto Bbb+/Agusto A-/GCR

LAGOS *BAYELSA EDO *DELTA *NIGER *EKITI *NIGER *ONDO *GOMBE LAGOS *OSUN LAGOS KOGI *EKITI *NASARAWA *BAUCHI *OYO *BENUE *PLATEAU KOGI *CROSS RIVER

19-Apr-10 30-Jun-10 31-Dec-10 30-Sep-11 04-Oct-11 09-Dec-11 12-Dec-13 14-Feb-12 02-Oct-12 22-Nov-12 12-Dec-12 27-Nov-13 31-Dec-13 31-Dec-13 06-Jan-14 09-Dec-14 17-Feb-15 27-Feb-15 30-Mar-15 01-Apr-15 27-May-15

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019 15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 13.50 LAGOS 27-NOV-2020 15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021 15.50 BAUCHI 9-DEC-2021 16.50 OYO 16-FEB-2022 16.50 BENUE 27-FEB-2022 17.50 PLATEAU 30-MAR-2022 17.00 KOGI II 31-MAR-2022 17.00 CROSS RIVER 27-MAY-2022

10.00 13.75 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.50 14.00 15.50 15.50 14.50 14.75 13.50 15.00 14.50 15.00 15.50 16.50 16.50 17.50 17.00 17.00

57.00 11.33 25.00 23.44 4.22 9.45 7.01 18.70 12.55 80.00 19.40 87.50 5.00 3.74 3.76 14.37 4.17 4.30 27.10 3.00 7.34

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

428.37 405.46

Corporate Bonds A+/Agusto; A-/GCR A-/Agusto; A-/GCR Nil Nil Nil A/GCR BBB-/GCR Nil

NAHCO FSDH ***LCRM UBA *C & I LEASING #{r}

A-/DataPro†; CCC/GCR AAA/DataPro†; B/GCR A+/Agusto; A/GCR Bbb+/Agusto†; BBB+/GCR† BBB-/DataPro†; BB/GCR Nil A-/GCR A+/Agusto; A-/GCR Bbb/Agusto; A-/GCR BBB/GCR A/GCR

*DANA

#

*TOWER # *TOWER UBA *LA CASERA

#

*CHELLARAMS #{r}

*DANA *FCMB NAHCO

*TRANSCORP HOTELS PLC *FCMB UBA

BBB/GCR Bbb/Agusto; A-/GCR A/GCR A/GCR AAA/GCR

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016 0.00/16.00 LCRM 08-DEC-2016 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 19-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017 13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018 MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

*TRANSCORP HOTELS PLC STANBIC IBTC STANBIC IBTC *NMRC

13.00

15.00

29-Sep-16

0.02

1.00

18.15

99.86

25-Oct-13 09-Dec-11 20-Apr-12 06-Jul-12 30-Sep-10 30-Nov-12

14.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50 13.00 18.00

5.53 112.22 116.70 66.49 20.00 0.36

25-Oct-16 08-Dec-16 19-Apr-17 06-Jul-17 30-Sep-17 30-Nov-17

0.09 0.21 0.58 0.79 1.02 0.70

1.34 1.00 3.55 5.25 1.88 1.88

17.90 16.59 22.08 24.56 21.87 20.87

99.57 99.72 97.07 94.39 92.22 98.93

09-Apr-11

16.00

3.60

09-Apr-18

0.80

3.15

22.49

95.61

09-Sep-11

18.00

1.45

09-Sep-18

1.21

6.35

25.73

92.56

09-Sep-11 30-Sep-11

16.00 14.00

0.40 35.00

09-Sep-18 30-Sep-18

1.21 2.02

1.00 1.17

20.38 17.94

95.60 93.53

18-Oct-13

15.75

1.50

18-Oct-18

1.07

4.42

24.25

92.64

17-Feb-12 01-Apr-14 06-Nov-15

18.00 16.00 15.00

0.23 4.50 20.87

17-Feb-19 01-Apr-19 06-Nov-20

1.41 1.28 2.13

6.11 3.28 4.47

24.87 22.46 20.92

92.40 93.50 90.79

14-Nov-13

15.75

2.05

14-Nov-20

4.15

1.00

15.60

100.38

04-Dec-15

15.50

9.76

04-Dec-20

2.65

3.55

18.56

93.95

16.48 FIDELITY 13-MAY-2022 16.00 TRANSCORP 26-OCT-2022

20-Nov-14 30-Dec-14

14.25 16.45

26.00 30.50

20-Nov-21 30-Dec-21

5.16 5.27

2.51 1.00

17.13 15.62

90.32 102.82

13-May-15

16.48

30.00

13-May-22

5.64

1.00

15.64

103.00

182D T.bills+1.20 STANBIC IA 30-SEP-2024

26-Oct-15

16.00

10.00

26-Oct-22

3.81

2.77

17.37

96.42

30-Sep-14 30-Sep-14 29-Jul-15

16.29 13.25 14.90

0.10 15.44 7.82

30-Sep-24 30-Sep-24 29-Jul-30

8.02 8.02 9.25

1.00 1.00 1.00

15.83 15.83 15.92

102.03 88.49 95.39

10-Oct-20

2.27

3.37

19.36

92.10

14.00 UBA II 30-SEP-2018 15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019 15.00 FCMB 6-NOV-2020 15.75 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020 15.50 TRANSCORP 4-DEC-2020 14.25 FCMB I 20-NOV-2021 16.45 UBA I 30-DEC-2021

FIDELITY

29-Sep-11

13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024 14.90 NMRC 29-JUL-2030

535.52

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

517.73

Sukuk *OSUN

14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020

10-Oct-13

AAA/S&P

IFC

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

11-Feb-18

1.39

1.00

17.17

91.67

Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P

*AfDB

11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021

10-Jul-14

11.25

12.95

01-Feb-21

2.61

1.00

13.86

94.52

Maturity Date

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

BBB-/Agusto

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

14.75

9.02

9.02 8.31

Supranational Bond

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

24.95 23.24 Description

Issuer

Issue Date

Outstanding Value ($’mm)

Coupon (%)

FGN Eurobonds

Prices & Yields

BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

FGN

6.75 JAN 28, 2021

07-Oct-11

6.75

500.00

28-Jan-21

6.50

6.26

100.94

101.82

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

12-Jul-13

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

4.62

4.18

100.86

101.61

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

12-Jul-13

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

6.60

6.47

98.75

99.49

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,500.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,502.72

Corporate Eurobonds B+/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

6.49

6.49

100.60

100.60

B/Fitch; B/S&P

FIDELITY BANK PLC

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

21.20

18.10

81.16

84.80

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

6.46

6.46

99.10

99.10

B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P

ZENITH BANK PLC

6.25 APR 22, 2019

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

7.33

7.33

97.50

97.50

B/Fitch; B/S&P

DIAMOND BANK PLC

8.75 May 21, 2019

21-May-14

8.75

200.00

21-May-19

22.10

22.10

74.13

74.13

B-/Fitch; B/S&P B-/Fitch; B/S&P B-/Fitch; B/S&P

FIRST BANK PLC ACCESS BANK PLC II FIRST BANK LTD

8.25 AUG 07, 2020 9.25/6M USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021 8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021

07-Aug-13 24-Jun-14 23-Jul-14

8.25 9.25 8.00

300.00 400.00 450.00

07-Aug-20 24-Jun-21 23-Jul-21

14.14 14.25 15.90

13.36 13.81 15.90

82.44 82.74 73.50

84.48 84.09 73.50

B-/S&P

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

12.23

11.76

84.88

86.63

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

3,150.00 2,748.94 Description

Issuer

Issue Date

Yield @ Issue (%)

Outstanding Value (₦’bn)

Maturity Date

DTM

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Discount Rate (%)

18-Apr-16

11.00

16.80

18-Oct-16

27

2.03

18.75

18.50

Commercial Papers A-/Agusto

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT COMPANY PLC

UPDC CP 18-OCT-16

16.80

**TREASURY BILLS^ DTM 15 22 29 36 43 57 71 78

FIXINGS Maturity 6-Oct-16 13-Oct-16 20-Oct-16 27-Oct-16 3-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 1-Dec-16 8-Dec-16

Bid Discount (%) 17.21 16.86 15.92 16.03 16.62 16.89 16.86 15.59

Offer Discount (%) 16.96 16.61 15.67 15.78 16.37 16.64 16.61 15.34

Bid Yield (%) 17.33 17.03 16.12 16.28 16.95 17.35 17.44 16.12

Money Market

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 12.7500 18.5168 19.8411 22.4010

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards)

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

10.33

Tenor

Closing Rate ($/N)

O/N

11.83

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M 3M

310.08 314.62 316.24 318.66 322.07 325.73

Tenor Call 1M

REPO

Rate (%) 11.33 13.33

8.50 20-NOV-2029 ^10.00 23-JUL-2030 ^12.1493 18-JUL-2034 ^12.40 18-MAR-2036

20-Nov-09 23-Jul-10 18-Jul-14 18-Mar-16

8.50 10.00 12.15 12.4000

200.00 591.57 1075.92 310.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

6,451.16

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

5,889.32

Rating/Agency

Description

Issuer

Agency Bonds Nil

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017

FMBN

BULLISH Equities market maintains positive trajectory with N1billion gain LAGOS *BAYELSA EDO *DELTA *NIGER *EKITI *NIGER *ONDO *GOMBE LAGOS *OSUN LAGOS KOGI *EKITI *NASARAWA *BAUCHI *OYO *BENUE *PLATEAU KOGI *CROSS RIVER

Stories: Chris Ugwu

rading activities on the floor of the NigeTOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE rian Stock Exchange TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION (NSE) yesterday exCorporate Bonds tended gaining streaks, as the A+/Agusto; A-/GCR NAHCO A-/Agusto; A-/GCR FSDH overall market performance Nil ***LCRM Nil indices firmed up marginally Nil with cent.

A/GCR a gain of 0.02 per UBA BBB-/GCR *C & I LEASING Transactions on the stock Nil *DANA market the previous day reA-/DataPro†; had CCC/GCR *TOWER #{r}

#

AAA/DataPro†; B/GCR A+/Agusto; A/GCR

*TOWER

Bbb+/Agusto†; BBB+/GCR†

*LA CASERA

Nil

A-/GCR

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

Bbb/Agusto; A-/GCR BBB/GCR

LAGOS 19-APR-2017 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 EDO 31-DEC-2017 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 ONDO 14-FEB-2019 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 LAGOS 27-NOV-2020 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021 BAUCHI 9-DEC-2021 OYO 16-FEB-2022 BENUE 27-FEB-2022 PLATEAU 30-MAR-2022 KOGI II 31-MAR-2022 CROSS RIVER 27-MAY-2022

turned to the green territory, as market recovered from a day of losing streak following appreciable demand by investors, which was buoyed by the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) decision to keep its interest rates stable at 14 per cent to encourage capital inflows into the economy, which recently slipped into recession.

Consequently, the All-Share Index gained 4.64 basis points or 13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016 0.02 per cent to close at 28,214.57 0.00/16.00 LCRM 08-DEC-2016 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 19-APR-2017 index points as against 28.209.93 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017 recorded the previous day, while 13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 the market capitalisation of eqMPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018 uities appreciated

by N1 billion MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

#

G

MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018

#

*CHELLARAMS #{r}

*DANA

NAHCO

*TRANSCORP HOTELS PLC *FCMB

Bbb/Agusto; A-/GCR

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019

15.00 FCMB 6-NOV-2020 15.75 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

*FCMB

BBB/GCR

A-/Agusto

63.71 71.89 83.82 84.09

64.01 72.19 84.12 84.39

6406.155565

Outstanding Value (₦’bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Modelled Price

0.60

03-Apr-17

0.36

2.94

19.51

99.21

BUSINESS |FINANCIAL MARKET NEWS

UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT COMPANY PLC

19-Apr-10 30-Jun-10 31-Dec-10 30-Sep-11 04-Oct-11 09-Dec-11 12-Dec-13 14-Feb-12 02-Oct-12 22-Nov-12 12-Dec-12 27-Nov-13 31-Dec-13 31-Dec-13 06-Jan-14 09-Dec-14 17-Feb-15 27-Feb-15 30-Mar-15 01-Apr-15 27-May-15

10.00 13.75 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.50 14.00 15.50 15.50 14.50 14.75 13.50 15.00 14.50 15.00 15.50 16.50 16.50 17.50 17.00 17.00

57.00 11.33 25.00 23.44 4.22 9.45 7.01 18.70 12.55 80.00 19.40 87.50 5.00 3.74 3.76 14.37 4.17 4.30 27.10 3.00 7.34

19-Apr-17 30-Jun-17 31-Dec-17 30-Sep-18 04-Oct-18 09-Dec-18 12-Dec-18 14-Feb-19 02-Oct-19 22-Nov-19 12-Dec-19 27-Nov-20 31-Dec-20 31-Dec-20 06-Jan-21 09-Dec-21 16-Feb-22 27-Feb-22 30-Mar-22 31-Mar-22 27-May-22

0.58 0.53 1.27 1.09 1.10 1.29 1.29 1.47 1.68 3.17 1.85 4.18 4.27 2.51 2.53 3.08 3.30 3.32 3.27 6.46 3.41

30-Nov-12 09-Apr-11 09-Sep-11

18.00

0.36

30-Nov-17

16.00 18.00

3.60 1.45

09-Apr-18 09-Sep-18

09-Sep-11 30-Sep-11

16.00 14.00

0.40 35.00

18-Oct-13

15.75

1.50

or 0.02 per cent from N9.690 trillion the previous day to N9.691 trillion.

Meanwhile, a turnover of 2,095 billion shares exchanged in 2,815 deals was recorded in the day’s trading.

Insurance sub-sector of the financial services sector was the most active (measured by turnover volume) with 2.889 billion shares exchanged 29-Sep-11 by investors 13.00 25-Oct-13 14.25 in 97 deals. 09-Dec-11 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 Volume in20-Apr-12 the sub-sector was 06-Jul-12 0.00/16.50 largely driven by the activities 30-Sep-10 13.00 in

14.00 UBA II 30-SEP-2018

UBA

UBA uinness Nigeria Plc said yesFIDELITY terday that it *TRANSCORP had received a HOTELS PLC A/GCR STANBIC IBTC $95 million loan from parent A/GCR STANBIC IBTC AAA/GCR *NMRCwith dollar Diageo to help it cope TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE shortages in the West African counTOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION try caused by a slump in crude prices.

According to Reuters News, Chief Sukuk BBB-/Agusto officer Ronald *OSUN Plumridge, finance TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE said the company’s currency needs TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION were much bigger than it was able to Supranational Bond and from its exports source locally AAA/S&P IFC and so Diageo had stepped in with Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P *AfDB TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE the loan.

TOTAL MARKET “The loanCAPITALISATION was priced at 3-month Libor plus 4.75 per cent”, heIssuer said.

Rating/Agency Nigeria is in recession due to a FGN Eurobonds slump in oil prices, which has hurt its BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P currency and government revenues.

BB-/Fitch; FGNof NiIn June, the Central Bank BB-/S&P BB-/Fitch;(CBN) floated the naira to try geria BB-/S&P to resolve the dollar TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE shortage and TOTAL MARKET its CAPITALISATION to preserve dwindling foreign reserves. naira lost a third of its Corporate The Eurobonds value B+/S&P after the float. ACCESS BANK PLC B/Fitch; B/S&P FIDELITY BANK PLC “Longer term we intend to source B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK PLC raw materials locally ,” Plumridge B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P ZENITH BANK PLC B/Fitch;an B/S&Panalysts’ call.

DIAMOND BANKmix PLC told “The of B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANK PLC the business, FX impact and inflation, B-/Fitch; B/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC II B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANK LTD put pressure on the growth.”

B-/S&P ECOBANK NIG. LTD Guinness Nigeria last Tuesday reTOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION corded a pre-tax loss of N2.35 billion for 2016, its first loss in 30-years, hit by Rating/Agency Issuer and declining sales, dollar shortages domestic inflation running at 11-year Commercial Papers A/GCR

17.25

14.77 14.76 14.68 14.87

39

Stock market records marginal gain 10.00 13.75 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.50 14.00 15.50 15.50 14.50 14.75 13.50 15.00 14.50 15.00 15.50 16.50 16.50 17.50 17.00 17.00

Currency shortage: Guinness gets $95m Diageo loan BBB-/DataPro†; BB/GCR

03-Apr-12

14.85 14.83 14.73 14.93

0.60

Sub-National Bonds

T

Coupon (%)

13.16 13.83 17.82 19.49

0.60

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION NEW TELEGRAPH A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto A-/Agusto A/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto‡ ; A-/GCR† A-/Agusto A-/Agusto; A-/GCR BBB+/Agusto; A-/GCR Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR BBB-/Agusto; BBB+/GCR† Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro A/Agusto‡ A-/GCR A-/Agusto A-/Agusto Bbb-/Agusto Bbb+/Agusto Bbb+/Agusto A-/GCR

Issue Date

20-Nov-29 23-Jul-30 18-Jul-34 18-Mar-36

15.50 TRANSCORP 4-DEC-2020 14.25 FCMB I 20-NOV-2021

16.45 UBA I 30-DEC-2021 16.48 FIDELITY 13-MAY-2022

high of 17.6 per cent.

It said it would cut its total divi182D T.bills+1.20 STANBIC IA 30-SEP-2024 dend to IB0.50 naira for 2016 from 3.20 13.25 STANBIC 30-SEP-2024 14.90 NMRC 29-JUL-2030 naira a year ago and also cut 310 staff in the last quarter of the year, the CFO said.

Guinness plans to start local pro14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020 duction of spirits half way through 2017 and to cut costs to revive profits, the company said.

Revenue dropped 14 per cent to 10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018 N102 billion due to the “effect of 11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021 foreign-exchange policy and the devaluation of the naira’’ and a weak economy, Chief Executive Officer Description Peter Ndegwa said in the statement.

Operating profit plunged to 4.4 billion 6.75 JAN 28, 2021 naira from 15.7 billion naira.

5.13 JULhas 12, 2018 The currency lost almost 40 per cent of its6.38value against the dolJUL 12, 2023 lar since June, when the apex bank removed the peg of 197-199 naira per dollar after more than a year. That 7.25 JUL 25, 2017 increased price pressures in the na6.88 MAY 09, 2018 tion that imports goods from fuel to 6.00 NOV 08, 2018 industrial inputs. domestic 6.25 APR 22,Gross 2019 8.75 May 21, 2019 product contracted by 2.1 per cent 8.25 AUG 07, 2020 in the three months through June 9.25/6M USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021 8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021 from a year earlier, while inflation 8.75 AUG 14, 2021 accelerated to 17.1 per cent in July, the highest rate since October 2005.

The economy is on track to shrink 1.8 per cent thisDescription year, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

16.00 TRANSCORP 26-OCT-2022

UPDC CP 18-OCT-16

1.00 5.71 2.39 1.00 1.00 3.82 3.56 3.82 2.02 2.01 1.00 1.30 3.76 2.53 1.00 1.52 4.01 1.00 2.52 1.79 3.04

19.53 24.08 21.57 20.77 20.74 22.97 22.69 22.37 19.91 16.51 18.33 15.90 18.36 17.76 16.19 16.00 18.55 15.54 17.05 16.42 17.61

95.00 95.07 91.85 93.91 93.88 91.24 90.96 91.95 94.23 95.12 94.68 92.80 90.25 93.84 97.63 98.80 95.30 102.27 101.02 102.03 98.49

0.70

1.88

20.87

98.93

0.80 1.21

3.15 6.35

22.49 25.73

95.61 92.56

09-Sep-18 30-Sep-18

1.21 2.02

1.00 1.17

20.38 17.94

95.60 93.53

18-Oct-18

1.07

4.42

24.25

92.64

2.03

18.75

the shares of GNI Plc and AIICO Insurance Plc. Banking sub-sector also of the financial services sector, boosted by the activities in the shares of UBA Plc. GTB Plc followed with a turnover of 96.2 million shares in 931 deals.

The number of gainers at the 428.37 close of trading session was 22, 405.46 while decliners closed at 13.

Further analysis 15.00 29-Sep-16 of the day’s 0.02 5.53 25-Oct-16 0.09 trading showed that Conoil 112.22 08-Dec-16 0.21 19-Apr-17 Plc,116.70 just as in the previous0.58day, 66.49 06-Jul-17 0.79 topped the gainers’ table with 20.00 30-Sep-17 1.02

10.11 per cent to close at N42.60 per share, while PZ Cussons Plc followed with 4.98 per cent to close at N18.97 per share. Oando Plc trailed with a gain of 4.87 per cent to close at N5.60 per share.

On the flip side, Neimeth Healthcare Plc led the losers’ chart with a drop of 9.26 per cent to close at 98 kobo per share.

Guinness Nigeria Plc followed with a loss18.15 of 7 per cent99.86 to close 1.00 17.90 99.57 at1.34 N93.00 per share, while e1.00 16.59 99.72 3.55 22.08dropped by 97.07 Transact Plc five per 5.25 24.56 94.39 cent at N5.70 per share.

1.88 to close 21.87 92.22

Carlyle ends support for Barclays’ Africa offer

B

17-Feb-19 1.41 6.11 24.87 92.40 ob 18.00 Diamond, 0.23 co“The consortium has Shares in the continent’s 16.00 4.50 01-Apr-19 1.28 3.28 22.46 93.50 06-Nov-15 15.00 20.87 06-Nov-20 2.13 4.47 biggest 20.92banks, including 90.79 founder of African committed long-term stra14-Nov-13 15.75 2.05 14-Nov-20 4.15 1.00 15.60 100.38 banking group Attegic investors,” Diamond Deutsche Bank AG, Uni04-Dec-15 15.50 9.76 04-Dec-20 2.65 3.55 18.56 93.95 20-Nov-14 26.00 5.16 2.51 Credit 17.13SpA and90.32 las Mara14.25 Limited, said said20-Nov-21 on a conference call Banco 30-Dec-14 16.45 30-Dec-21 5.27 1.00 15.62 102.82 Carlyle Group LP 30.50 has in April.

“The funding is Popular Espanol SA, have 13-May-15 16.48 30.00 13-May-22 5.64 1.00 15.64 103.00 26-Oct-15 16.00support for 10.00 a 26-Oct-22There is 3.81support 2.77 tumbled 17.37 this year, 96.42 withdrawn in place. as they 30-Sep-14 16.29 0.10 30-Sep-24 8.02 1.00 15.83 102.03 potential joint acquisition for this potential 30-Sep-14 13.25 15.44 30-Sep-24 8.02transac1.00 continue 15.83 to struggle 88.49 with 29-Jul-15 14.90 Plc’s African 7.82 29-Jul-30 9.25 1.00 bad loans, 15.92 95.39and a of Barclays tion.” litigation 535.52 unit.

In a related develop- wave of capital rules that 517.73 The US buyout firm ment, Bob Diamond said regulators introduced to ended its backing for the his Atlas Merchant Capi- prevent another crash.

10-Oct-13 9.02 a 2.27 3.37 19.36 92.10 potential 14.75 joint bid for tal 10-Oct-20 LLC private-equity “We’ve seen tremen9.02 stake in Barclays Africa business sees opportudous opportunities in in8.31 Group Limited for vari- nity in smaller European vesting in the second-tier ous reasons, Diamond, banks as their bigger ri- banks across Europe,” Di11-Feb-13 10.20 12.00 1.39 1.00 17.17 65, said in an interview vals11-Feb-18 face ongoing scrutiny amond said. “In 91.67 Europe, 10-Jul-14 11.25 12.95 01-Feb-21 2.61 1.00 13.86 94.52 with Bloomberg Radio in from regulators. we’re eight years down 24.95 23.24 .

New York on Wednesday Eight years after the fi- the path and we’re still Regulators made it clear resolving non-performOutstanding Value nancial crisis, banks “are Issue Date Coupon (%) Maturity Date Bid Yield (%) Offer Yield (%) Bid Price Offer Price ($’mm) that they weren’t keen on getting close to capitula- ing loans, we’re still rePrices & Yields an offer from a private- tion,” because of legal solving credit provisions, 07-Oct-11 6.75 6.50 6.26 101.82 equity firm, he said. 500.00 and 28-Jan-21 credit provisions, Diawe’re100.94 still resolving legal 12-Jul-13 According 5.13 500.00 12-Jul-18 4.62 4.18 charges.”

100.86 101.61 to Bloommond said in a Bloomberg berg News, in- TV interview at6.60the U.S.Regulators still99.49 believe 12-Jul-13 6.38Diamond’s 500.00 12-Jul-23 98.75 6.47 terest in the Barclays unit Africa Business Forum in that many of the world’s 1,500.00 emerged in April, 1,502.72 when New York yesterday. “We biggest banks are ‘too-bighe confirmed that he was need to look at the op- to-fail’ or ‘too-complex-to25-Jul-12 350.00 25-Jul-17 seeking to7.25pull together portunity at the said Diamond.

6.49 smaller 6.49 manage,’ 100.60 100.60 09-May-13 6.88 300.00 02-May-18 21.20 18.10 81.16 84.80 a group of investors, inbanks and medium-sized Those lenders are likely 08-Nov-13 6.00 400.00 08-Nov-18 6.46 6.46 99.10 99.10 cluding New York-based banks,” including Italian to face more requests to 22-Apr-14 6.25 500.00 22-Apr-19 7.33 7.33 97.50 97.50 21-May-14 8.75 200.00 21-May-19 22.10 22.10 have 74.13 74.13 Carlyle, for a joint bid. lenders, he said. “buffer upon buffer 07-Aug-13 8.25 300.00 07-Aug-20 14.14 13.36 82.44 84.48 Barclays Chief Executive Investment funds have buffer” of funds to 24-Jun-14 9.25 400.00 24-Jun-21 14.25 13.81 upon82.74 84.09 23-Jul-14 8.00 450.00 23-Jul-21 15.90 15.90 73.50 73.50 Officer Jes Staley had earbought up tens of bilprotect against possible 14-Aug-14 8.75 250.00 14-Aug-21 12.23 11.76 84.88 86.63 lier said that Diamond, a lions of dollars of Euro- losses while getting fined 3,150.00 former Barclays 2,748.94 CEO, pean banks’ unwanted for misdeeds and being may lack the “financial assets since the financial forced to take fewer risks Risk Outstanding Valuation DTM Issue Date Yield @ Issue Maturity Date Discount Rate (%) Premiumwith customers’ capability” to (%) buy Value the (₦’bn) Af- crisis forced many lenddeposits, Yield (%) (%) rican business. ers to seek state bailouts. he said.

17-Feb-12 01-Apr-14

#

18-Apr-16

11.00

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

16.80

18-Oct-16

27

18.50

21-Sep-16

16.80

The DQL contains data relating to, amongst other things, market and model prices, rates of foreign exchange products, fixed income securities and instruments in the financial market (the “Information”). The Information does not constitute professional, financial or **TREASURY BILLS^ FIXINGS investment advice.

We attempt to ensure the Information is accurate; however, the Information is provided “AS IS” and on an “AS AVAILABLE” basis and may not be accurate or up to date.Money We doMarket not guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, completeness, Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) DTM Maturity Discount Discount (%) Bid Yield (%)on the basis of the Information.

Tenor Rate (%) performance or fitness for a particular purpose of any of the Information,Bid neither do (%) we accept liabilityOffer for the results of any action taken NIBOR

15 22 29 36 43 57 Rating/Agency 71 78 85 99 106 120 134 148 155 162 169 176 183 190 197 204 211 225 232 246 253 267 TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE 281 288 TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION 295 302 309 Rating/Agency 316 323 Agency Bonds330 337 FMBN Nil 344

FGN Bonds

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

6-Oct-16 13-Oct-16 20-Oct-16 27-Oct-16 3-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 Issuer 1-Dec-16 8-Dec-16 15-Dec-16 29-Dec-16 5-Jan-17 19-Jan-17 2-Feb-17 16-Feb-17 23-Feb-17 2-Mar-17 9-Mar-17 16-Mar-17 23-Mar-17 30-Mar-17 6-Apr-17 13-Apr-17 20-Apr-17 4-May-17 11-May-17 25-May-17 1-Jun-17 15-Jun-17 29-Jun-17 6-Jul-17 13-Jul-17 20-Jul-17 27-Jul-17 Issuer 3-Aug-17 10-Aug-17 17-Aug-17 24-Aug-17 31-Aug-17

17.21 16.86 15.92 16.03 16.62 16.89 Description 16.86 15.59 15.10 27-APR-2017 14.31 9.85 27-JUL-2017 14.30 9.35 31-AUG-2017 16.84 10.70 30-MAY-201815.32 17.82 ^16.00 29-JUN-2019 16.92 7.00 23-OCT-2019 17.32 ^15.54 13-FEB-202017.91 14.50 15-JUL-2021 17.45 ^16.39 27-JAN-202217.16 16.78 ^14.20 14-MAR-2024 17.31 ^12.50 22-JAN-2026 17.85 15.00 28-NOV-202817.40 12.49 22-MAY-202914.87 8.50 20-NOV-2029 17.94 ^10.00 23-JUL-203015.82 17.21 ^12.1493 18-JUL-2034 17.96 ^12.40 18-MAR-2036 17.37 17.13 17.88 17.47 17.50 17.44 17.98 17.63 17.61 17.75 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 17.64

Description

*for the Amortising the average life is calculated and not the TTM TOTAL MARKETbonds, CAPITALISATION #

Risk Premium is a combination of credit risk and liquidity risk premiums **Exclusive of non-trading t.bills

16.96 16.61 15.67 15.78 16.37 16.64 Issue Date 16.61 15.34 27-Apr-12 14.06 14.05 27-Jul-07 16.59 31-Aug-07 15.07 30-May-08 17.57 29-Jun-12 16.67 23-Oct-09 17.07 13-Feb-15 17.66 17.20 13-Jul-16 16.91 27-Jan-12 16.53 14-Mar-14 17.06 22-Jan-16 17.60 28-Nov-08 17.15 22-May-09 14.62 17.69 20-Nov-09 15.57 23-Jul-10 16.96 18-Jul-14 17.71 18-Mar-16 17.12 16.88 17.63 17.22 17.25 17.19 17.73 17.38 17.36 17.50 17.39

17.33

17.03 Bonds 16.12

16.28 16.95 17.35 Coupon 17.44 (%) 16.12 15.10 14.80 14.88 9.85 17.71 9.35 16.13 10.70 19.07 16.00 18.16 7.00 18.70 15.54 19.46 18.98 14.50 18.70 16.39 18.32 14.20 19.02 12.50 19.75 15.00 19.27 12.49 16.26 20.17 8.50 17.58 10.00 19.47 12.15 20.51 12.4000 19.90 19.73 20.81 20.34 20.46 20.46 Issue Date 21.29 20.88 20.94 21.23 03-Apr-12 21.15

Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M Outstanding

Value (₦’bn)

Rate (%) 12.7500 18.5168 19.8411 22.4010

Maturity Date

480.13 27-Apr-17 NITTY 20.00 27-Jul-17 Tenor Rate (%) 100.00 31-Aug-17 1M 17.1924 300.00 30-May-18 2M 17.3172 351.30 29-Jun-19 3M 17.5237 233.90 23-Oct-19 6M 18.7069 606.43 13-Feb-20 9M 19.9452 12M 22.2146 210.59 15-Jul-21 605.31 27-Jan-22 719.99 14-Mar-24 NIFEX 421.02 22-Jan-26 75.00Current Price ($/N) 28-Nov-28 150.00 22-May-29 NIFEX Rate 325.2500 200.00 20-Nov-29 591.57 23-Jul-30 1075.92 18-Jul-34 310.00 18-Mar-36

OBB

10.33

Tenor

O/N

11.83

Spot 7D 14D Offer1M Yield 2M (%) 3M 18.33 6M 1Y 19.31

Tenor

REPO

TTMCall (Yrs) 1M 0.60 3M 6M 0.85

Rate (%)

Bid Yield 11.33 (%) 13.33 18.61 14.50 15.00 19.52

0.94 19.87 19.67 17.84 17.73 NOTE: 1.69 2.77 14.38 14.31 :Benchmarks 3.09 Bond 14.48 14.34 * :Amortising 3.39 Bond 14.59 14.48 µ :Convertible 14.52 AMCON: 4.81 Asset Management14.61 Corporation of Nigeria FGN: Federal Nigeria 5.35 Government of14.62 14.54 FMBN: Federal of Nigeria 7.48 Mortgage Bank 14.79 14.72 IFC: International Finance Corporation 9.34 14.94 14.87 LCRM: Local Contractors Receivables Management 14.87 Company14.82 NAHCO: 12.18 Nigerian Aviation Handling 12.66 14.86 14.80 O/N: Overnight UPDC: UAC Property Development 13.16 14.85 Company 14.77 WAPCO:West Cement Company 13.83 Africa Portland 14.83 14.76 17.82 14.73 14.68 19.49 14.93 14.87

6,451.16

Closing Rate ($/N)

Bid Price

310.08 Price 314.62 316.24 318.66 322.07Offer Price 325.73 334.71 98.19 351.60 92.86

98.04 92.71 91.33 91.48 89.90 90.05 103.53 103.68 NA :Not Applicable 81.87Prices 82.17 ^ : Market 102.43Rate Bond 102.73 # : Floating ***: Deferred 99.57 coupon bonds 99.87 DTM: 106.36 Days-To-Maturity 106.66 TTM: Term-To-Maturity 97.40 97.70 ‡ : Bond rating under review 87.87 88.17 †: Bond rating expired 100.66 100.96 N/A :Not Available 86.60in receivership 86.90 {r} :Issuer NGC: Nigeria-German Company 63.71 64.01 UBA: United 71.89 Bank for Africa 72.19 83.82 84.12 84.09 84.39

6406.155565

5,889.32 Coupon (%)

17.25

Outstanding Value (₦’bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Modelled Price

0.60

03-Apr-17

0.36

2.94

19.51

99.21

0.58 0.53 1.27 1.09 Implied Yield 1.10 1.29 15.25 1.29 14.72 1.47 14.76 1.68 14.81 3.17

1.00 5.71 2.39 1.00 Implied Portfolio 1.00Price 3.82 135.0841 3.56 148.9817 3.82 110.4312 2.02 129.3406 2.01 1.00 1.30 3.76 2.53 1.00 1.52 4.01 1.00 2.52 1.79 3.04

0.60 0.60

Sub-National Bonds

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto A-/Agusto A/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto‡ ; A-/GCR† A-/Agusto A-/Agusto; A-/GCR BBB+/Agusto; A-/GCR Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR BBB-/Agusto; BBB+/GCR† Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro A/Agusto‡ A-/GCR A-/Agusto A-/Agusto Bbb-/Agusto Bbb+/Agusto Bbb+/Agusto A-/GCR

LAGOS *BAYELSA EDO *DELTA Modified Duration Buckets *NIGER *EKITI <3 *NIGER 3<5 *ONDO >5 *GOMBE Market LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 Porfolio Market Value (₦’bn) 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 967.49 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 1,345.02 15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019 1,327.07 15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 3,639.59 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019

*OSUN LAGOS KOGI *EKITI *NASARAWA *BAUCHI *OYO *BENUE *PLATEAU KOGI *CROSS RIVER

14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 13.50 LAGOS 27-NOV-2020 15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021 15.50 BAUCHI 9-DEC-2021 16.50 OYO 16-FEB-2022 16.50 BENUE 27-FEB-2022 17.50 PLATEAU 30-MAR-2022 17.00 KOGI II 31-MAR-2022 17.00 CROSS RIVER 27-MAY-2022

19-Apr-10 10.00 57.00 FMDQ FGN 13.75 BOND INDEX 11.33 30-Jun-10 31-Dec-10 14.00 25.00 30-Sep-11 14.00by Mkt 23.44 Total Outstanding Volume Weighting by Weighting Bucket Weighting (₦’bn) Outstanding Volume Value 04-Oct-11 14.00 4.22 09-Dec-11 14.50 9.45 957.73 24.24 26.58 0.24 12-Dec-13 14.00 7.01 1,325.30 33.55 36.96 0.34 14-Feb-12 15.50 18.70 1,667.49 42.21 36.46 0.42 02-Oct-12 15.50 12.55 3,950.52 100.00 22-Nov-12 14.50100.00 80.00 1.00 12-Dec-12 14.75 19.40 27-Nov-13 13.50 87.50 31-Dec-13 15.00 5.00 31-Dec-13 14.50 3.74 06-Jan-14 15.00 3.76 09-Dec-14 15.50 14.37 17-Feb-15 16.50 4.17 27-Feb-15 16.50 4.30 30-Mar-15 17.50 27.10 01-Apr-15 17.00 3.00 27-May-15 17.00 7.34

19-Apr-17 30-Jun-17 31-Dec-17 %30-Sep-18 Exposure_ Mod_Duration 04-Oct-18 09-Dec-18 12.67 12-Dec-18 29.48 14-Feb-19 57.85 02-Oct-19 100.00 22-Nov-19 12-Dec-19 27-Nov-20 31-Dec-20 31-Dec-20 06-Jan-21 09-Dec-21 16-Feb-22 27-Feb-22 30-Mar-22 31-Mar-22 27-May-22

1.85 4.18 4.27 2.51 2.53 3.08 3.30 3.32 3.27 6.46 3.41

19.53 24.08 21.57 20.77 INDEX 20.74 22.97 1,228.95 22.69 1,291.58 22.37 1,331.36 19.91 1,231.66 16.51 18.33 15.90 18.36 17.76 16.19 16.00 18.55 15.54 17.05 16.42 17.61

95.00 95.07 91.85 YTD93.91 Return (%) 93.88 91.24 10.9314 90.96 27.5547 91.95 32.2085 94.23 95.12 16.7247 94.68 92.80 90.25 93.84 97.63 98.80 95.30 102.27 101.02 102.03 98.49

40

NEWS News|SOUTH-WEST

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

World Bank partners Ogun on agric, investment

Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

T

he World Bank has expressed interest in partnering with the Ogun State government to boost agricultural production with a view to improving business environment for investment in the state.

The Country Director of World Bank and Coordinating Director for

Regional Integration for West Africa, Mr Rachid Bemessaoud, made this known yesterday while speaking with reporters in Abeokuta.

Bemessaoud, with some officials of the bank, had embarked on a two-day visit to the state during which he met with Governor Ibikunle Amosun and the economic management team of the state.

Speaking after a spe-

£4.97m

The amount of money received by Sunderland as merit payment for the 2015/2016 season.

cial dinner held at the Government House, Abeokuta to round off activities for the visit, the World Bank chief expressed satisfaction with the vision and leadership of the governor in transforming the state.

He said the international financial institution would assist the Amosun administration towards achieving set objectives on rural development.

181.9

The average height of football players of Italy in the 2009-2010 season.

Bemessaoud pointed out that the bank and state officials had fruitful discourse on improving low productivity in agriculture and partnership with the private sector.

He said: “We have been very much impressed by the vision of the governor in transforming Ogun State with great action and emphasis on reducing poverty, bringing prosperity, creating jobs for the youth of the

0.39%

The percentage by which the total number of NSE AseM Index of the NSE rose from Jan. 2015 – Dec. 2015.

state.

“We have talked on the way we can improve the agricultural sector, addressing the aspect of low productivity and also the fact that agricultural sector cannot be developed on its own, you need to bring in private sector.

“We discussed ways of improving the business environment for investment in Ogun State. We also discussed linkages between agricultural sector and infrastructure.

“We know that agriculture cannot be developed without adequate infrastructure such as

World Peace Day: Lagos handles 37,000 disputes cases in one year Muritala Ayinla

A

L-R: Secretary to Osun Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti; General Manager, O’odua Investment Company, Mr. Adewale Raji; representative of Ogun Government, Mr. Taiwo Adeoluwa; Public Relations Officer, O’odua Investment Company, Mr. Victor Ayetoro and Secretary to Oyo State Government, Alhaji Olalekan Ali, at the Annual General Meeting in Ibadan…yesterday

PHOTO: NAN

Why Buhari, govs must promote agric, by Aare Babalola Sulaiman Salawudeen Ado-Ekiti

F

oremost lawyer and founder, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, yesterday insisted that agriculture remains the panacea for the nation’s dwindling economy.

According to Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, agriculture was the only alternative and solution capable of rescuing the country from the economic doldrums as it

had the key for Nigeria’s actual and sustained greatness as a nation.

Speaking yesterday at the event of his investiture as Life Patron of Nigerian Association of Hairdressers, Barbers and Cosmetologists (NASHCOB), Ekiti chapter, Aare Babalola noted that only agriculture was capable of rescuing the country from its current multiple challenges, particularly food shortage.

He however urged President Muhammadu Buhari and the 36 governors to promote commercial farming and support

farmers’ group as this was the surest way to arrest the nation’s growing unemployment problems and the economic ecession.

Babalola said: “Before the advent of oil, we used to make good money from agricultural products. Our naira was stronger than the British Pound and the American Dollar. We had it so good. But after oil was discovered in Olobiri in 1956, we abandoned that all-important income earner in favour of oil.

“For Nigeria to over-

come the present economic problems, we must add business to agriculture. We need to develop our own technology, improve our own farming practice, innovate, invent and create massive and robust markets for our unique African agricultural products.

“Now, the price of oil has gone down in the international market.

But there is a way out; we should go back to our first love, agriculture.

I believe the time has come for Africa to take its pride of place via agriculture.

s the world marked the International Peace Day, the Lagos State Government yesterday said that it had handled 37,000 dispute cases in one year, per cent of the cases were amicably resolved.

This was even as the state Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode called on the residents to irrespective of their tribal, religious and language differences, embrace the Citizens’ Medication Centre to settle conflicts.

The governor, who attributed the steady prog-

Akure

C

onfusion and division yesterday enveloped the Ondo State All Progressives Congress (APC) following a decision by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to endorse the primary election that produced Mr. Oluwarotimi

Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN. NWC had upheld a report by the appellate committee of the party which heard grievances arising from the primary election where Akeredolu emerged as the party’s standard bearer for the November 26 governorship election in Ondo State.

While those in the camp of Akeredolu yesterday went into wild

jubilation over the NWC endorsement, other aspirants’ camp vehemently refuted the report, insisting on fresh primary election.

In fact, members of the party in Ondo East and West Local Government areas of the State yesterday took to the streets to protest the decision of NWC to uphold the governorship primary that

produced Akeredolu as the candidate of the party.

The members led by the Chairman of the party in Ondo East, Mr Temitope Akintunde, said the decision of the NWC to accept the governorship primary had shown that they were insensitive to the aspiration of the party to win the forthcoming governorship election.

ress in the state to the peaceful co-existence of residents, said that the state government had established agencies to ensure sustained harmony among over 22 million heterogeneous residents.

Speaking at the 2016 International Day of Peace organised by the Lagos State Citizens Mediation Centre, Governor Ambode urged residents to do everything possible to eschew violence, saying Lagos had the potentials to experience continuous turnaround development, if the peaceful coexistence in the state was sustained.

Recession: RCCG embarks on youth training Esther Bakare

W

orried by the nation’s dwindling economy some religious organisations have decided to take the bull by the horn to address the current economic recession.

One of such is the Redeemed Christian Church of God, (RCCG) which is organising an all-encompassing convention for youths across the nation on how to tackle the present situation.

Addressing reporters yesterday at the Interna-

tional Youth Centre, KM 46, Lagos/Ibadan Expressway, the Youth National Coordinator, Pastor Belemina Obunge, said the church was targeting the youths to rescue the nation from economic recession and national rebirth as the youths who made up two thirds of the country’s 182.3 million population had significant roles to play.

Obunge said: “One of the major challenges confronting the Nigerian youth is not lack of creativity and talents but non availability of platform to express their talents and creativity.

We’ll complete 456 inner roads

by May 2019, says Ambode

Ondo APC protests NWC’s decision to uphold committee report L Babatope Okeowo

rural road as a critical part of improving agricultural competitiveness and bridge the linkages between the farmers and market.”

The Country Director added that both parties had discussed on community support development programme to make community the centre of development in the state.

In his remarks, Amosun assured that his administration had the political will and determination to pursue the recommendations by the World Bank.

agos Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday said his administration would complete no fewer than 456 inner city roads before the end of May 2019.

Ambode, who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Community Affairs, Alhaji Tajudeen Quadri, made the projection at the commissioning of the Federal Low Cost bypass in Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area.

He said his adminis-

tration would continue with the commissioning of some roads project embarked upon in collaboration with local governments in 10 councils until September 24 just as he said that another set of 114 roads had been identified.

This, he said would be delivered next year as his government would remain committed to grass roots development, urging residents to take ownership of the infrastructure in their areas.

THURSDAY, september 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Group seeks compensation for herdsmen’s attack Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

A

pressure group, Ndigbo Unity Forum (NUF) has called on the Federal Government to compensate families and communities where lives were lost and farmlands destroyed due to the activities of Fulani herdsmen.

The forum, in a press statement signed by its President and Secretary, Augustine Chukwudum and Chinedu Onyebuchi, respectively, stated that, “In order to avert the shortage of foodstuff which can be traced to the activities of the herdsmen, the Federal Government and states Government should set up a committee that should be saddled with the responsibility of compensating numerous

farmers whose means of livelihood have been disrupted by the activities of the herdsmen.”

The group argued further that maiming and killing of innocent farmers through the activities of Fulani herdsmen have gone unchecked for almost one year and that the dastardly acts has continued unabated without any intervention from relevant authorities.

Condemning the numerous atrocities of the herdsmen, the group called on relevant security agencies to, “live up to their responsibilities and squarely tackle the security challenges posed by the nefarious activities of Fulani herdsmen which have been tagged the fourth most dangerous terrorist group in the world.”

News|south-east

Aba traders defy govt’s relocation order D Victor Mba ABA

ealers in mobile phones, accessories and repairs at the St. Michael’s Road GSM Market in Aba have refused to relocate to the Aba mega mall, defying the directives of the state government.

The traders said the relocation would adversely affect their business, noting that the Aba mega mall is on the outskirt of the city, not well constructed and had no security for traders that carry large sums of money.

Mr. Bainy Ukwu, said he had been trading at St. Michael’s for the past four

years and wondered why government will wake up without first making the market conducive for them.

“All my customers come to St. Michael’s, if I relocate I will lose a lot of them who may not be able to access the market due to the distance from the city centre,” he said. According to him, what the state government should have done “is to give us sufficient notice and also give us some palliatives especially in this hard time.”

For Mr. Innocent Okwe, the distance from St. Michael’s to the mega mall is not the problem, but the hurried nature with which the state government is enforcing it.

“Many of us at St. Mi-

chael’s road GSM Market have paid rent that will expire in the next three years. How can we forfeit it and pay another N300,000 for a shop at this hard times?”

Due to the refusal of the traders to move to the designated site, the state government through the Abia State Market Development Committee (ASMDC) locked all the shops along St. Michael’s road, and prevented traders from gaining access to their stalls.

The chairman of the committee, Mr. Nwigwe Solomon Nwigwe, stated that St. Michael’s road is not a market place but primarily designated for residential purposes.

“Traders along this road

Ugwuanyi seeks sustenance of DfID health programme

Chairman, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, Amb. Lawrence Agubuzu (fifth left), being assisted by his colleagues to perform the new yam festival in Enugu … yesterday.

I

mpressed by its numerous achievements in healthcare delivery in the past six years, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has called for a successor project to the Department for International Development’s (DFID) Path II Programme.

The governor made the call at a dinner organised by the state government for DFID members at the Banquet Hall, Governor’s Lodge, Enugu.

He said that a continuation will enable the state government strengthen its health care delivery system and build a platform for future progress and expansion of the sector, adding that it would also strengthen the cordial relationship between the state and the organisation Commending the organisation for its painstaking commitment to healthcare, Ugwuanyi said: “We are hopeful, and in fact, believe that the team will articulate and mount a successor programme that will help bring further improvement in the state health-care delivery system and also strengthen relationship between it and the state government.”

The leader of the team, Dr. Diana Simplitari, said they were in Enugu to thank the governor for his immense support and to highlight some of the challenges that remain.

Simplitari noted that the programme has helped in improving the health status of urban and rural dwellers who are the primary beneficiaries of the Public-Private Partnership programme.

PHOTO: NAN

Kerosene now sells for N400 per litre in Anambra Pamela Eboh

A

s people continued to lament the high cost of living in the country following the current economic recession, the hike in the price of kerosene is gradually beginning to also take its toll on the inhabitants.

As at yesterday kerosene, which used to sell between N200 and N250 per gallon, now sells for N400.

According to a seller,

Mrs. Chinwe Nnagbo, who sells at the “Gbalingba market’ in Awka, she used to buy kerosene from the fuel station for N200 or N250 not long ago but the price suddenly shot up to N350 per litre.

She said: “Kerosene is so expensive now but one can’t do away with it, gas is more expensive and only the rich can afford it. If you decide to resort to using firewood, you will need money to buy the firewood, and many of the bushes where one

can easily go to fetch firewood now have buildings erected. Also firewood is very messy that’s why people prefer to use stove for those who cannot afford gas cooker.

“We as retailers sell according to how we buy and you have to add other exigencies to be able to cover your expenses and make profit.”

When New Telegraph visited some petrol stations in the state, most of them had no kerosene, and the only one with

kerosene, pegged its price at N350 per litre with few people lining up with big gallons to buy as they only started selling yesterday.

Apart from kerosene, the price of drugs have also been increased, with paracetamol which used to sell for N50 per sachet now selling for N70, while the prices of other drugs such as vasoprin, amdolopine, propanolol, cyprotab, etc., commonly recommended by doctors for elderly people have also been increased.

Stop deductions ment of subvention, ASUU tells Ebonyi of embargo on staff as complement tax returns Uchenna Inya ABAKALIKI

E

bonyi State University (EBSU) chapter of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) yesterday warned the state government to desist from the alleged continued upfront deduction of N23million from the University monthly subvention.

It also condemned place-

employment in the University by the government and non-release of their Professorial promotions for three years, saying it was no longer acceptable.

Briefing journalists in Abakaliki, the Chairman of ASUU-EBSU, Professor Ndubuisi Idenyi, said the N23million deductions from the University N200million monthly subvention by the government

of the university in line with the provisions of the Payment Income Tax (PIT) Act, 2011 (as amended) should stop with effect from this month.

According to him, any action aimed at foisting the PIT Act 2011 (as amended) on the staff of the University, without, as a first step complementing the gazetting of staff, instituting the Contribu-

tory Pensions Scheme, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and other tax-free components of the PIT act 2011 should be roundly condemned and discouraged.

“The staff of Ebonyi State University have been paying our legitimate taxes and would continue to pay as long as we remain in the employ of the University Council, and as long as it is legitimate to do so.”

41

have blocked sanitary lanes, blocked waterways and caused traffic jam along the road,” he said.

Nwigwe further said the state government had been negotiating with the traders for the past six months, adding that the governor in his benevolence had reduced the stall fee from N300,000 to N20,000, and had agreed to shave N2 million to the first 20 traders that register at the mega mall, in addition to providing a luxury bus that will convey them to and from St. Michael’s to the mega mall. According to him, there is no going back on the relocation as it has been passed into law by the state House of Assembly.

Anambra to inject N3.6bn in community project Okegwo Kenechukwu ONITSHA

A

nambra State gover nment yesterday said it has injected N3.6billion into the ongoing community project in all the 179 communities in the state.

A breakdown of the allocation shows that each community will receive about N20million to spend on their most pressing project which would be executed by the community under strict government supervision.

Governor Willie Obiano announced this yesterday at a press briefing at the Government House Awka, Anambra State.

Represented by the state Commissioner for Information, Nze Tony Nnacheta, Governor Obiano said government will provide automatic employment for all graduates of Anambra State origin living with disability into the state civil service.

According to the governor, the state will henceforth work closely with the United Nations Development Programme to provide training and empowerment programme for uneducated physically challenged people in the state.

He said government will also, among other things, fund the development of 500 hectares of land in all agrarian communities across the three senatorial districts of the state to support out-grower schemes and link them up to big industries.

42

News|SOUTH-SOUTH

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

national leaders urged to MOSOP faults military raids, APC intervene in Delta crisis shootings in Ogoni community Gabriel Efeduku Ughelli

Emmanuel Masha Port Harcourt

T

heMovementfortheSurvivalof theOgoniPeople (MOSOP) has faulted incessant raids allegedly carried outbythemilitaryinYeghe,Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State despite the fact that the community’s peaceful co-existence.

MOSOP Publicity Secretary, Fegalo Nsuke, who made this known in a statement yesterday, said the military in the latest raid last Sunday was unprovokeddescribingtheraid unjustified, calling on the military to probe it.

He said during the inva-

sion, the security personnel rolled out heavy tanks to nocturnally invade Yeghe community, and left the people with pain, injuries and traumatic conditions, which eventually led to victims’ death.

He said: “This incessant militaryinvasionof Ogonicommunities, particularly Yeghe, portrays sinister motives, especially when considered against the backdrop that the area was experiencing significant peace.

“We recall that in February and March this year, similar raids were carried out on Yeghe and neighbouring communities in which 28 people were killed, scores maimed, raped and property wantonly destroyed.

“In the raid of September 18, two people were feared killed, including Mr. John Sorbarikor Gbarazia and his wife, Gloria.

“MOSOP does not find any justification in the unabated invasions and killings of Ogoni people by government forces and call for a probe into this latest military invasion.

“MOSOP is particularly saddened by the attitude of the Nigerian security personnel, who rolled out tanks to nocturnally invade the Yeghe community, leaving our people with pain, injuries and traumatic conditions, which eventually lead to death.”

He said MOSOP was com-

pletely against criminality, but wants the military to use civilized methods in dealing with substantiated breaches, noting that the reasons given by the military to justify the raid was unacceptable.

Nsuke added: “We demand that the security forces must conduct themselves within acceptable standards of human rights, respecting the sanctity of human life and the rights of our people to fair treatment and adopting more civilized approaches in addressing social problems as it is taking a very dangerous dimension and worsening the state of our already vulnerable population.”

Emmanuel: Paucity of funds responsible for non-conduct of LG poll

President, Enigie Wives Forum, Mrs. Stella Aigbe, presenting a souvenir to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, during a courtesy visit to the governor in BeninCity…yesterday

18

Tony Anichebe Uyo

A

The life expectancy of men at age 60 years of Bosnia & Herzegovina in 2012.

Source: Un.org

46.19%

The capital importation percentage share of Banking of Nigeria in 2009.

Source: National Bureau of Statistics

3

The total number of goals conceded by Russia at Brazil 2014 World Cup. Source: Fifa.com

A’Ibom council boss escapes death

Tony Anichebe Uyo

P

olice corporal attached to the Transition Committee Chairman of Etinan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Cletus Ekpo, was killed yesterday when suspected armed robbers opened fire on the vehicle the council boss was travelling in.

It was learnt that some bullets also hit Ekpo and his driver, but his orderly died immediately as he was said to have sustained

T

he national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been urged to take urgent steps to resolve crisis rocking the party in Delta State.

A statement by a former candidate of the Delta State House of Assembly for Sapele state constituency, Chief Felix Anirah, while expressing reservations over a decision by the state executive of the party to set up a committee to investigate the crisis, also called on the party leaders to close ranks.

According to Anirah: “The choice of members of the disciplinary committee is that of the state executive. I would say without fear that it was an arrangement done by the state executive and they only want the

membership of the party to rubberstamp it, which of course, I feel, is not too democratic. Even if the disciplinary committee does anything, they have the right to appeal.”

On how to end the crisis in the party, he said “when the leaders of the party intervene, all of this will stop,” adding that “basically, a group of people are just struggling for space without thinking of how the victory of 2019 in Delta State would come.

“What are they fighting for, we all should be ashamed that we lost the election and think of how we can win in 2019, but here we are fighting over nothing.”

He called on members of the party to unite and ensure that the party wins the 2019 election, adding that “all warring factions should sheath their swords and give peace a chance for absolute democracy to prevail.”

fatal injuries from the attack.

New Telegraph gathered that Ekpo and his team were returning from the bank where he had earlier collected some money, but his assailants were said to have left without snatching the money.

Ekpo is a younger brother to Paul Ekpo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairman in the state.

He said the assailants trailed him to Mbiokporo Bridge in Enen Nsit, Etinan, where they shot his vehicle at close range.

The council boss said: “I

came out of a bank where I went to do a transaction.

We then drove on to AkaEtinan Road en route Etinan, where I noticed that a car was trailing us.

“As we got close to the Mbiokporo Bridge, the car drove closer and the next thing we heard were gun shots directed at us, while the attackers also made demands for the money.”

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Cordelia Nwawe, confirmed the incident. She said both the chairman and his

driver were responding to treatment in a hospital.

She said: “The police corporal attached to Etinan Local Government Transition chairman died while trying to shield his principal from armed robbers. The chairman and the driver are responding to treatment in a hospital.”

Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom State government has issued a statement forbidding members of the public from gathering around banking premises or where ATM machines are installed.

kwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, yesterday said paucity of funds was responsible for the non-conduct of local government election in the state and solicited the people’s cooperation in that regard until the economy improves.

Emmanuel, who spoke during a media briefing with journalists as part of the activities marking the 29th anniversary of Akwa Ibom State, however, regretted that the state operated the transition government at the local government level beyond one year.

Akwa Ibom State will need about N4 billion to conduct a successful council election.

The governor, who described the media as partners in progress in the Akwa Ibom

project, sued for objective reportage through constructive criticism as well as appraisal of government performances where necessary.

He said the state was working despite the dwindling economic situation in the country.

On the various groundbreaking ceremonies that had taken place, he assured the people that the groundbreaking was laying the economic foundation that will take some process to materialise.

While emphasising creativity, the governor described Akwa Ibom as the highest in electricity generation in the country.

He reiterated his resolve to revisit the health sector, provide quality education in the state, while charging Akwa Ibom people to embark on massive agriculture because Akwa Ibom State must feed herself.

Edo farmers get CBN’s N2bn loan, endorse Obaseki Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

E

do State government yesterday said farmers in the state have benefitted from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) N2 billion loan guaranteed un-

der the bank’s Anchor Borrowers’ Programme.

The programme is one of the CBN’s policy initiatives to pursue the creation of jobs, reduction in food importation and the diversification of the country’s economy.

The farmers, who also

got a N1 billion grant in 2011 from the state government to buy farm implements and grow their farms, also endorsed the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the September 28 governorship election, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, to succeed Governor Adams Oshiom-

hole, in the state.

Speaking during the flagoff of the programme held in Benin, the state capital, Oshiomhole said the private sector involvement was needed to create employment and wealth for people, especially those in the rural areas.

He said: “Let me welcome you formally to this programme. For me, this is a very important project. No matter how hard any governor will try, or indeed any government, government alone will not be able to create all the jobs that we need in this state

and in our country.

“The primary purpose of government is not the recruitment of civil servants, indeed, the civil service is there to work and create the environment to support the citizens to do their own businesses and run their lives.

News|NORTH

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

43

Boko Haram: Shettima relocates office, supervises Bama reconstruction

lCommissions 500 civilian JTF, vigilantes to compliment soldiers

B

orno State Governor, Kashim Shettima on yesterday temporarily relocated his office to Bama town, severely attacked by Boko Haram insurgents during the almost two years occupation of the town by the insurgents.

The governor’s relocation, it was gathered was to avail him to begin and supervise the reconstruction

66.1m

of the town, ravaged by the insurgents before it was liberated by the military towards the end of 2015.

Located about 74 kilometers away from Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, Bama town, is one of the third most populated local government areas next to Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Biu in the southern part of the state.

The estimated total population of Western Asia in 1960.

Source: Un.org

Boko Haram insurgents had attacked the town, killing several dozens and destroyed more than 80 per cent of the houses in the community, as well as sacked the Emir of the town and took over the palace after declaring it as Boko Haram sovereign territory with set of laws and ‘constitutional’ leader.

But the military toppled

187,155

The total number of active fixed wired/wireless lines of Nigeria in December 2015.

the insurgents and recovered the area towards the end of 2015 a few months after President Muhammadu Buhari took over as the President.

To fast track the major reconstruction works which was flagged off; the governor has now relocated to 3Bama town with his aides.

The governor was said to have departed

0.54%

The capital importation percentage share of Trading of Nigeria in 2008.

Source: National Bureau of Statistics

Maiduguri at about 12:10 pm and arrived Bama at about 2:18 pm, while he went straight to inspect reconstruction works on private residential houses, police stations, stores, schools, hospitals, the Emir’s palace among others.

The governor said: “My office is now here. I decided to relocate here to live and supervise the

Police arrrest two SUBEB officials in Benue Cephas Iorhemen MAKURDI

O

peratives of the Special Fraud Unit of the Nigeria Police (SFU) Headquarters in Abuja yesterday arrested two officers of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) for allegedly concealing financial information requested from them by the unit.

New Telegraph gathered that the affected officers are Paul Mella (Cashier 2) and Jacob Ageva (Cashier1).

The SUBEB Chairman, Reverend Philip

L-R: Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Police Force, Mr Jimoh Moshood; Public Relations Officer, Mr Don Awunah; and Benue State Deputy Governor, Mr Benson Abounu, at a news conference where suspected killers of Rev. Fr. John Adeyi and other criminals were paraded in Abuja … yesterday

Ibrahim Abdul Yola

F

resh facts have emerged that the health of Isa Hamman, currently undergoing treatment at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, following the removal of his kidneys by mistake by a medical doctor in Adamawa State has continued to deteriorate, hospital and family sources have confirmed.

To assist the patient, the state governor, Senator Bindow Jibrilla was said to have donated N5 million for Hamman’s kidneys’ transplant in Aminu Kano Teaching

Kidney patient Hamman’s condition deteriorates in hospital – Family Hospital, following the doctor’s mistake to remove the herdsman ‘s kidney.

“For now, his swollen body has doubled the size of his body, even before he was transferred from Yola to Kano for the kidney transplant in Kano,” the sources said, adding that “while still at Yola his dialysis was once a week, but since we arrived Kano his condition has deteriorated as he now undergoes dialysis three times a week.

The family source added: “He is breathing

slowly and he is now wearing Oxygen mask.

Let me be frank with you since we left Yola to Kano two weeks ago, they only gave us N500,000 out of the N5 million donated by the governor.

“Indeed, we have since spent the money on his dialysis which is now three times a week, with the cost N160,000 per dialysis, as well as for feeding, drugs and hotel bills. We have almost exhausted the money and no one has come to tell us anything concerning the kidney

transplant. We appeal to you to use your good office to plead with the governor to come to our assistance,” Hamman’s, brother said.

But, in a swift reaction, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Fatima Atiku Abubakar, said that the patient (Hamman) was responding to treatment.

Abubakar, in a statement at Yola, said that the patient was referred to Malam Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and his health condition was improving.

Yobe: NAFDAC sensitises patent medicine dealers Hassan Jirgi DAMATURU

T

he National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Yobe State unit in collaboration with the Nigeria Association of Patients Medicine Dealers, has sensitised medicine vendors on how to deal in quality drugs.

It was at a one-day sensitization workshop for medicine vendors in Yobe South Senatorial District of the state, which drew

participants from the four Local Government Areas in the district. The councils are Fune, Fika, Potiskum and Nangere respectively.

While declaring open the workshop, NAFDAC Coordinator in the state, Lawan Musa Dadingelma, said that the workshop was aimed at sensitising patent medicine vendors on counterfeit drugs as well as offer them guide for good storage practices.

“The need for this workshop was necessitated or borne out of the gradual return of peace

and normalcy to our state after a series of activities of the Boko Haram insurgents that had lasted for over two years,” he said.

He lamented that some scrupulous elements were using the avenue to shortchange the general populace by selling counterfeit, expired and unwholesome drugs, thereby endangering the people’s lives.

The coordinator further explained that counterfeit drug “is a medication or pharmaceutical product, which is produced and sold with

the intent to deceptively represent its origin, authenticity or effectiveness; a counterfeit drugs may contain inappropriate quantities of active ingredients or none, may be improperly processed within the body.”

He, therefore, noted that the correctly labeled, low-cost generic drugs were not counterfeit or fake, saying that although they would be counterfeited, as such drug could be caught up in anti- counterfeiting enforcement measures.

ongoing reconstruction work. I will administer Borno State from here.

I am fully prepared to be here for days or two weeks, or even more. I will not leave until we are able to rebuild a good number of private houses, municipal buildings, markets, schools and clinics. I want the reconstruction work to take proper shape before I leave.

Tachin, who confirmed the arrest of his officers however, told journalists that the arrest was made by a team of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He recalled that two weeks ago, officers from the Force Headquarters in Abuja, had stormed the board unexpectedly and demanded some documents.

Tachin hinted further that the police had been investigating activities of the board from January 2011 to 2015, and as such, demanded statement of account for the period under probe.

Sokoto warns contractors against substandard projects Umar Abdullahi Sokoto

T

he Sokoto State Government yesterday warned contractors against executing projects awarded to them below standards and government specifications.

The Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu, gave the warning yesterday when he inspected some ongoing road projects in Sokoto metropolis and its environs.

He, however, warned that the state government would no longer accept or tolerate such untoward attitude from any contractor

handing government projects in the state.

Aliyu, who also doubled as the Commissioner of Works and Transport, added: ‘’The state government would not in any way compromise the execution of projects in line with global standards. All projects must be duly executed in accordance with the stipulated completion period and according to the set standards, as well as specifications.’’

The deputy governor also reiterated that the state government would not abandon any of its projects, since the projects were being initiated for the benefits of the people.

1,560 pilgrims from Sokoto, Zamfara return home Umar Abdullahi and Idris Salisu

N

o fewer than 1,560 pilgrims from Sokoto and Zamfara States were yesterday airlifted back to the country through the Sultan Abubakar III, International Airport, Sokoto.

The Airport Manager, Alhaji Ahmed Adamu disclosed in Sokoto, said that the pilgrims, who were all hale and hearty, were airlifted back home

by Max Airline.

“The first flight with pilgrims to the Sokoto Airport arrived at about

6.40 am with 560 pilgrims from Bukkuyum and Gummi Local Government Areas of Sokoto State,” he added, saying the second flight landed at the airport at about 10.04 am with 500 pilgrims on board, who are from Bungudu and Kaura Namoda Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.

While the third flight, according to him, landed at about 6.20 pm with 500 pilgrims on board, who were from Gada, Isa and Binji Local Government Areas of Sokoto State.

44

WORLD \ NEWS

A

boat carrying around 600 people capsized off Egypt’s coast, killing at least 42, officials said yesterday, in the latest disaster to befall migrants attempting to make the crossing to Europe.

The boat sank in the Mediterranean Sea off Burg Rashid, a village in the northern Beheira province. Of the 42 bodies found so far, 18 were men, 10 were women and one was a child, local officials said.

“Initial information indicates that the boat sank because it was carrying more people than its limit. The boat tilted and the migrants fell into the water,” a senior security of-

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

42 die as migrant boat carrying 600 capsizes off Egypt ficial in Beheira told Reuters.

Rescue workers have so far saved 150 people, officials said.

The boat was carrying Egyptian, Syrian, and African migrants, they added.

It was not immediately clear where the boat was headed, though officials said they believed it was going to Italy. More and more people have been trying to cross to Italy from the African coastline over the summer months,

particularly from Libya, where people traffickers operate with relative impunity, but also from Egypt. Some 320 migrants and refugees drowned off the Greek island of Crete in June. Migrants who survived told authorities their boat set sail from Egypt. Some 206,400 migrants and refugees have crossed the Mediterranean this year, according to the International Organization for Migration.

At least 29 dead after boat carrying 600 migrants capsizes off Egypt coast.

Kerry urges grounding of Syrian planes

T

he US Secretary of State has called for all planes to be grounded in key areas of Syria to save the truce there, following an attack on an aid convoy.

In a blistering speech at the United Nations, John Kerry said the future of Syria was “hanging by a thread”.

He said Monday’s attack, which killed 20 civilians, had raised profound doubt over

whether Russia and the Syrian government would live up to terms of the ceasefire deal.

Moscow has denied being involved.

Mr Kerry said flights should stop “in order to de-escalate the situation and give a chance for humanitarian assistance to flow unimpeded”. The attack had “dealt a heavy blow to our efforts to bring peace to Syria,” he said.

The Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the attack.

A further attack two days ago killed five medical workers for an international aid agency partial truce brokered by the US and Russia lasted just a week.

Syria’s five civil war has left more than 250,000 people dead and displaced more than 11 million others.

Protests in North Carolina after Police shoot black man

A

fter a night of violent protests in Charlotte, the police chief tried to quash rumors about what happened to Keith Lamont Scott. Scott, a father of seven, was killed by police in an apartment complex parking lot as officers looked for another man named in a warrant they were trying to serve.

His family said Scott, an African-American, was unarmed and sitting in his car reading a book, waiting for his son to come home from school. But CharlotteMecklenburg Police Chief Kerr Putney said Scott exited his car with a gun, not a book. He said officers couldn’t find a book at the scene.

“It’s time for the voiceless majority to stand up and be heard,” the police chief, who is also black, said yesterday. “It’s time to change the narrative because I can tell you from the facts that the story’s a little bit different as to how it’s been portrayed so far, especially through social media.”

Putney said both evidence and witnesses support the officers’ claim that Scott was armed.

Officers repeatedly told Scott to drop his gun, Putney said, but he didn’t. Officer Brentley Vinson, who is also black, then shot him. The chief said he was not certain whether Scott pointed his gun at officers; Vinson was not wearing a body camera at the time. But a person doesn’t have to point a weapon directly at police to spur deadly force, CNN law enforcement analyst Art Roderick said. “You don’t have to actually wait until a handgun is pointed at you because you’re talking milliseconds of a decision as to whether you’re going to pull your trigger, or that individual is going to pull their trigger,” Roderick said.

Hundreds of protesters rallied overnight, with some throwing rocks at police and setting fires.

Many chanted “Black lives matter. Putney said 16 officers were injured in the protests. Some

blocked Interstate 85 and started a fire in the middle of the highway, forcing vehicles and tractortrailers to stop as far as the eye could see. Protesters removed boxes from the backs of semitrailers and set the items on fire.

Police in riot gear formed a line and forced crowds away from the highway. Others jumped on top of a police van and stomped on it, breaking the windshield and other windows.

At least seven people were hospitalized with minor injuries, CNN affiliate WSOC reported.

Five others were arrested, WSOC said. Corine Mack, who attended the protests, said the community is frustrated. “When will our lives truly matter? A black father is dead. There are children tonight who will never see their father again,” said Mack, president of the Charlotte chapter of the NAACP. “It clearly appears as if our lives don’t matter.

We need to change policies.

We need to change procedure.

More than 2,800 deaths were recorded between January and June, versus 1,838 during the same period last year. World leaders, including Egyptian

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, gathered in New York this week at the United Nations General Assembly to discuss the migrant crisis.

South African universities close after tuition fee protests

A

t least three South African universities suspended classes yesterday because of student protests over tuition fees after the government recommended above inflation increases for 2017.

Students demanding free tertiary education marched near Johannesburg’s University of the Witwatersrand, known as “Wits”, where classes were called off for the rest of this week. Academic activities were also suspended at the University of Pretoria’s main campus, and the University of Cape Town said it had temporarily suspended classes two days ago and yesterday.

Demonstrations since 2015 over the cost of university edu-

cation, prohibitive for many black students, have highlighted frustration at the inequalities that persist more than two decades after the 1994 end of white minority rule.

The latest protests were triggered by a government recommendation on Monday that 2017 tuition fee increases be capped at 8 percent. Inflation stands at 5.9 percent. Police spokesman Lungelo Dlamini said 31 students arrested two days ago at Wits had been released, but gave no further details.

The government and the main opposition party have accused students of turning campuses across the country into battlegrounds and damaging university property.

Ahmad Rahami charged over New York, New Jersey bombings

T

he US has charged Ahmad Khan Rahami with planting bombs in New York and New Jersey, in court documents that shed more light on his alleged motivations. The federal charges include use of a weapon of mass destruction, bombing and use of a destructive device.

The 28 year old allegedly bought bomb-making equipment on eBay and was filmed by a relative lighting “incendiary material” in a bin. Mr Rahami remains in hospital with gunshot wounds from a police shootout. The Afghan-born US citizen was already charged by the state of New Jersey with the attempted murder of police, stemming from his arrest on Monday outside a bar in Linden, New Jersey. The FBI complaint reveals that 31 people two more than previously reported were

injured when a bomb went off in the Chelsea neighbourhood of Manhattan on Saturday.

Unsealed two days ago in a Manhattan federal court, the document says an unnamed Briton was among the casualties. The victims included a woman who “had to have multiple ball bearings removed from her body, as well as metal fragmentation from her ear and wood shards from her neck”.

The FBI said Mr Rahami was also found with a notebook containing such writings as, “my heart I pray to the beautiful wise ALLAH. To not take jihad away from.” Another passage in the journal allegedly said: “You [USA Government] continue your [unintelligible] slaught[er]” against the mujahideen, or holy warriors, be it Afghanistan, Iraq, Sham (Syria), Palestine.”

Calais camp: UK must take responsibility, says Sarkozy

F

ormer French president Nicolas Sarkozy has insisted that Britain must take responsibility for the thousands of migrants in the “Jungle” camp at Calais. Meeting local residents, he vowed to “fix the problem” of the camp by the end of 2017 if his campaign to win back the presidency next year is successful.

Mr Sarkozy is among seven candidates for the Republican nomination. But his campaign’s focus on immigration has been dogged by controversy. Mr Sarkozy has taken a hard line in a bid to secure right-wing sup-

port, say commentators. But he has been mocked for insisting in a speech on Monday that immigrants to France should accept that “once you are French your ancestors are the Gauls”.

On a visit to Calais yesterday, Mr Sarkozy heard from residents how their lives had been ruined by the Jungle camp, which is now home to between 7,000 and 10,000 migrants and refugees. He ridiculed a plan outlined by Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve to disperse the camp’s population to migrant reception centres around France.

45

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Did you know?

Sport Paralympics Team gets N18m Reps’ largesse Emmanuel Tobi

T

he victorious Team Nigeria athletes to the just concluded Rio Paralympics Games in Brazil on Wednesday got a pledge of N18m from the members of House of Representative after adopting a motion by Ayo Omidiran, APC, Osun, who proposed a N50,000 donation from each members for the athletes.

The lawmakers also resolved to host members of the team at a special plenary session.

“The athletes deserved our support because of their achievement at the Rio Olympics and for the feat of winning 12 medals at the Games,” Omidiran told New Telegraph.

She added that, “The athletes though physically-challenged, did what has never been done in the history of Nigerian athletics and that they needed the support and encouragement of the House.”

Also speaking with New Telegraph, Hon. Ayodeji Joseph representing Apapa, Lagos, and a member of the Sports Committee, “We decided to set the pace and not to wait for the Executives to reward the team. The team did well and they deserved to be rewarded more because they are special athletes with special needs.”

According to the chairman of the House committee on sports, Goni Bukar, APC, Bauchi the performance of the Nigeria Paralympics Team was outstanding and should be replicated by other Nigerian athletes.

Mikel may join Lampard at MLS

That Real Madrid’s James Rodríguez has scored more goals (11) from outside the box than any other midfielder in Europe’s top five leagues since 2014/15

International Sport Fabregas: Arsenal, a special place for me

46 47

Officials on the run as Police, DSS storm LMC office

A

combined team of Nigerian Police Force and Department of State Security on Wednesday stormed the headquarters of the League Management Company, Abuja to effect the arrest of the Chairman and Chief Operating Officer, Shehu Dikko and Salihu Abubakar, respectively after the Jos High Court served on them the warrant of arrest.

Accompanied by court bailiff from the Jos High court, the police high command in Abuja and Jos invaded the premises located at the Maitama district and ransacked the

offices but were disappointed when none of the two officials could be found.

Staff members of the LMC who were visibly shocked conducted the security operatives round the offices. After the search, the operatives moved out of the building for consultations and returned for another round of search and left afterwards.

When journalists who had thronged the LMC office on hearing of the development asked the operatives of their mission, they declined comments but directed them to the court bailiff who accom-

panied them to effect the arrest.

The bailiff, Blessing Yobo, said she had the warrant of arrest signed by Justice I I kunda of Jos High Court for the arrest of the LMC topshots.

“We are here with a warrant of apprehend to arrest the duo of Abubakar and Dikko from the Jos High Court but after a thorough search we could not get any of them.

We are not giving up on arresting them. We are going to turn our searchlight on other places where they could be hiding,” she said.

Dikko

Table Tennis:

Quadri sponsors self to World Cup

Toriola agrees to coach colleague, pays self’s bills to Germany Adekunle Salami

A

The Sport Team Adekunle Salami Group Sport Editor

Emmanuel Tobi Assistant Sport Editor

Ajibade Olusesan Sport Correspondent

Charles Ogundiya Sport Correspondent

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Sport News

Quadri

frica’s number one table tennis player, Aruna Quadri, may be participating in the forthcoming 2016 Men’s World Cup between October 1 and 3 in Saarbrucken, Germany like an ‘ophan’ Quadri who emerged the first African to qualify for the quarterfinal of the Olympic Games at Rio 2016 in Brazil last month will be going into the competition without any support from Nigeria as a representative of the country.

At the last event in 2014, Quadri emerged 5th and has the potential to do more at this event. He also finished overall 5th at Rio 2016.

“The support so far is just zero from government, I had to buy the flight ticket, pay for my hotel and feeding with my personal money because I am committed to get better in the game.

“I had some individuals supporting me. The money I got from Mr. Frank Momoh is really helpful and also some money I got from a member of Country Club Ikeja called Mr.

Tayo Adesoji really boosted me for the World Cup.” On preparation, Quadri said he was battle ready because of his involvement in the leagues in France and Portugal.

“French and Portuguese leagues are really getting me well prepared for the big war in Saarbrucken city of Germany. It has been very tough and I really enjoyed it. I am ready for the World Cup” he said.

He also revealed that Toriola had agreed to be his coach for the World Cup “He (Toriola) is really helping me because he has to buy his ticket and pay his hotel bills just to support me in Germany. This is amazing, I feel loved,” he added.

Toriola

46

SPORT NEWS

Enyimba’s Udoh tips Rangers for league trophy Ikenna Amadi

E

nyimba International FC of Aba striker, Mfoh Udoh, has tipped derby rivals Rangers FC to win the Nigeria Professional Football League trophy adding that their good brand of football deserves to be rewarded with the title.

Speaking during a live radio programme monitored in Lagos on Wednesday, Udoh also opened up on his team’s chances of ending the season on a high.

“Anybody can win the title as this is what makes the league interesting. I will go for Rangers this season because they have been fantastic and have played awesome football so far. They have a good chance.” he said

The Federation Cup clash between Enyimba and Nassarawa United is a viable chance of sealing a continental ticket and the striker is not ready to take chances.

“Hopefully, we have the Federation Cup to hold on to but for that to be achieved, we have to take it seriously,” he said Speaking further, the forward reflected on the season as a whole for his team as he claimed that lack of rest had played a huge part in their underwhelming performance.

“It’s been a stressful season, we played in three competitions, the CAF Champions League, FA Cup, and the league and it has not been easy. When everyone is resting, we have all been working and travelling by being on the road.”

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Mikel may join Lampard at MLS Emmanuel Tobi

S

uper Eagles and Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi says he may one day join former Chelsea teammate Frank Lampard in Major League Soccer.

The 29-year-old midfielder, who has been with Chelsea since 2006, said that he would talk to other clubs in January if he hasn’t yet been offered a new deal by the English Premier League giants.

“I am happy that [Lampard] is back to his best, doing what he loves to do and, one day, who knows, I may go over there and play against him, or with him,” Mikel told Goal.

Mikel is yet to play a part in any of Chelsea’s seven matches across all competitions this year. The longtime Nigerian international has made 354 career appearances for Chelsea in EPL and cup competitions and has four goals in 75 career appearances with the Nigerian national team.

Mikel has won two EPL titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups, one UEFA Champions League and one UEFA Europa League with Chelsea.

He lifted the Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria in 2013 and competed for his country at the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics, captaining Nigeria to a bronze medal.

Mikel (left)

Ikom Stadium ready for inauguration Charles Ogundiya

Udoh

Youth Games: FCT unveils 110-man contingent Adeolu Johnson ABUJA

T

he Federal Capital Territory contingent to the 2016 National Youth Games taking place in Ilorin Kwara State will hit the venue of the tournament with 110-member contingent.

According to the FCT Acting Director of Sports Mrs. Dilichukwu Onyedinma the team comprising 80 athletes and 30 officials will participate in ten events.

Onyedinma who spoke in Abuja on Wednesday was full of appreciation to the FCT Minister Malam Muhammad Musa Bello for facilitating the participation.

“I want to confirm to you today that the FCT contingent to the National Youth Games will depart Abuja on Thursday 22 September.

“We are going to the games with 80 athletes and 30 officials drawn from athletics, table tennis, Karate, cricket, tennis, chess, badminton, wrestling and taekwondo.

As you are already aware, there are no team events at the games, with the exception of cricket.

The FCT athletes have been in camp for the past two weeks, though they have been training individually for quite a while now.

The second edition of National Youth Games will be declared opened by the Minister of Youths and Sports Barrister Solomon Dalung on Friday, at the University of Ilorin Sports Complex.

C

hina Civil Engineering Construction Corporation has revealed that the newly-built Ikom Sports Stadium is ready for commissioning after three years.

Making this declaration was the general manager of the company for Cross River State, Lin Changsen, who said they were waiting for the Cross River State Ministry of Special Projects for inspection

before CCECC will hand over the project formally to Governor Ben Ayade, commissioning.

Changsen maintained that, CCECC which is well known all over the world for quality services could not compromise standard, “football is one of the recreational activities that can relax the mind and take it away from problems.

Football makes you physically fit, strong and healthy. CCECC considered it necessary and

Country Club tennis festival hots up Ajibade Olusesan

T

he 2016 Lagos Country Club Tennis Festival has hit the homestretch as contenders and pretenders are being separated at the nine-category tournament which will end on Saturday.

In the men’s singles ‘A’ of the Etisalat-sponsored event, Kola Sofola defeated Ayo Oludemi 6-4, 7-6 and will face Adeniji, who walked over Kunle Onamusi for semifinal spot. Henry Mbadiwe and Matthew Holmes will battle in the other semifinal.

In the men’s singles ‘B’, Dele

Top Sprinters get September 29 date Charles Ogundiya

O

has worked hard to achieve result,” he said Also, the Federal Government of Nigeria recently signed a memorandum of understanding with CCECC for the construction of various coastal rail line within the country.

CCECC has since handed over the Abuja-Kaduna rail line to the Federal Government on July 26, with Abuja to Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, Enugu, among others, to be handed over by the end of 2016.

ne of the biggest athletics championships in the country, Top Sprinter, has been scheduled to hold from September 29 to October 1 to coincide with the independent ceremony of Nigeria.

The three-day track and field fiesta billed for the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos, will see some top athletes competing for honours in various events.

The organisers of the event, Making of Champions Ltd, in a statement said they were bringing the past, present and future stars of Nigerian Athletics together, which for the first time in the country’s history will feature three age categories at the same competition – Youth (U-17), Junior (U20), Senior (20 & over).

Nigeria’s Independence Day on October 1st will bring the 3-day event to an exciting cli-

max, comedian SACO will be providing the entertainment on the same day.

The junior and youth athletes will also be competing across the full range of track and Field events – the sprints, hurdles, jumps, throws & relays – Top Sprinter 2016 is set to be a massive post-Olympics celebration of Nigerian athletics as the journey to find country’s next generation of Top Sprinters for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and beyond begins.

Oshiga defeated Ifedayo 6-1, 6-2 to set up a final-four clash with Omatsola Abati, who triumphed over Osibanjo. The other semifinal will see Olukayode Ifeajika confront Deji Osikoya following respective wins over Oladimeji and Segun Aluko.

In the veteran doubles, Steve Oboh and Hope Gbagi will take on O. K Richards and Amuzu Akpaka while Samuel Ojo and Olabajo face Arinze Onubogu and Gabriel Ogbechie.

The final of the ladies doubles will see the partnership of Dolapo Holmes and take on Lola Aluko and Ayo Odiah. For the junior under 8 (Red Ball), Tobi Ayoola and Nathaniel Aluko will meet in the boy’s final while Mosi Gabriel and Sewa Teluwo will vie for the girl’s title. Toluwase Dele-Oshiga and Fisayo Ariyo will contest for the boy’s 9 and under (Orange Ball).

INTERNATIONAL SPORT

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Fabregas: Arsenal, a special place for me

The Muyiwa Daniel Column md_muyiwa@yahoo.com 08023525087 (sms only)

PMB, this is sore!

C

helsea’s midfielder Cesc Fabregas has said that he would always love his former club Arsenal no matter the insult he gets from people.

Chelsea will on Saturday play against Arsenal and Fabregas whose transfer from Barcelona to Chelsea has stirred up hatred from the Gunners fans, is expected to play against his former side but the Spaniard has said he would ignore whatever has been said.

‘No matter what I hear or what they say to me, Arsenal will always be a fantastic, special club in my heart. They gave me absolutely everything and I will repeat it until I die, no matter what they will always be in my heart.”

I

Fabregas

Redknapp wants attacking role for Pogba

F

ormer Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp thinks Paul Pogba should

be given an advance role in the Manchester united team for him to flourish.

sss Pogba (left)

Busquet set for new contract

B

arcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets is set to sign a new five-year contract with the Spanish champions.

A statement published on Barca’s official website said Busquets, 28, would commit his future to the Catalan club until June 30, 2021 by agreeing a new

deal on Thursday.

The new contract includes the option of a further two-year extension, depending on the number of games the Spain international plays.

Busquets graduated from Barca’s academy in 2008 and has since made 390 competitive ap-

pearances for the Nou Camp outfit, winning LaLiga six times and the Champions League thrice.

The son of former Barca goalkeeper Carles Busquets, he became a world champion with Spain in 2010 and helped his country defend their European title two years later.

Gundogan open to Dortmund return

M

anchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan said on Wednesday that he has not ruled out a return to his former club Borussia Dortmund in the future.

The Germany international joined the former English Premier League (EPL) champions earlier this year on a four-year deal for a fee in the region of 20 million pounds ($ 25.96m) from Dortmund.

“If it was the case

in the next one or two years, I would probably not be happy about it. Because it would probably mean that I have failed or not developed myself,” Gundogan was quoted as saying by German publication Bild.

“If I’m 29 or 30, I do not know if [Dortmund would] still want me. Basically, I would not exclude the possibility, but now I have other big targets.”

Gundogan

The 23-year-old Frenchman joined the Reds for a world-record £89m ($115.5m) from Juventus over the summer, but has failed to match fans’ immediate expectations.

Pogba has been primarily deployed alongside Marouane Fellaini in a 4-2-3-1 formation at Old Trafford.

But Redknapp feels Pogba needs to be afforded more freedom if he is to flourish at United.

“He can play in a midfield two but it’s not his position. Playing him like this makes him a £20-£30m player, but to get the full £89mworth he must play further forward,” Redknapp told the Daily Mail regarding the United midfield star.

UPDC Hotels/Golden Tulip squash goes international

D

47

ue to the phenomenal success achieved in the maiden edition of UPDC Hotels/Golden Tulip Squash Series, which rounded off last weekend, the tournament will go international and will become a world ranking event next year, organisers said on Wednesday.

Chairman, UPDC Nigeria plc, Larry E. Ettah who disclosed this exclusively to HotSports at the tournament, said they were satisfied with what they saw and hope to make it an annual affair with next edition going to be an international event.

The UPDC Nigeria plc boss, who also represented O’Trafford Club as a player at the Series, said the facility in use at the competition is one of the few Professional Squash Association certified facilities in Nigeria, which is why they want to raise the standard to international.

“Our intention is to expose this world class facility to the cross-section of Squash fraternity and community because most of the facilities we have in this country don’t meet this standard,” he told HotSports.

“If we don’t have our young men and women playing on this kind of world standard facility, they will go out there complaining like our footballers, who find playing turfs strange outside Nigeria because they are not used to them.”

am sure officials of the Sports Ministry would have fired memos to your esteemed office for the setting up of a committee to accord a ‘befitting’ reception to the special athletes who returned from Rio Paralympic Olympic Games and now are the toast of the continent like their counterparts from South Africa and Egypt. Do the athletes deserve national recognition by President Mohammadu Buhari? I believe they do. But what happens after that just like it happened in 2012 when the paralympians came with accolades from London? Unfulfilled promises.

The fact of the matter remains that after the regime of “professionals” Dr. Amos Adamu, Tijani Yussuf and Patrick Ekeji, Alhassan Yakmut the NSC is now headed by those who have not felt the pain, success and failures on the sport pitch just like PMB and former Chief-of-Staff Supreme headquarterslate general Shehu Yar’Aduah-did on the hockey pitch way back as students of Government College, Kaduna as contained in the autobiography of late Sports Minister-Steven Ibn Akiga.

That misplacement of priorities have denied former sports people-Hauwa Kulu-Akinyemi, Tayo Oreweme, Steve Olarinoye, Peter Nelson, Uche Onwumeh the opportunity of advising Minister Solomon Dalung on how to change things for the better means Nigerian athletes will continue to vote with their feet to Europe, the US and Arab nations because the policies are not in place by the “egg heads” who feel its unacceptable that sports-people should live the life of affluence while they are “owed” salaries and denied “DTAs” for tours that have no relevance to their calling with the exception being “sharingthe-national-cake”.

That was the feeling I had midweek with some top members of the NSC who came to Lagos to really “investigate” the hullabaloo of the media in affairs of the abandoned Lagos National Stadium. Learnt another will carry out same “under their noses” at the Abuja version. Civil Servants encourage committees and reports. It smoothens their egos and adds a bit of “bread-on-the-butter”. Sure as they complete Lagos with visits to the Eric Moore Games Village and Railway Compound complex of the NSC almost being annexed by Minister Rotinmi Amaech’s officials behind Tejuoso Market-the next point of call will be Liberty Stadium in Ibadan, Nnamdi Azikiwe in Enugu, Afuze training ground in Benin, Tafawa Balewa in Bauchi, Ahmadu Bello in Kaduna and Wash Pam in Jos. The committees will ‘write’ the reports and another ‘committee’ will be set up to distil same, wittle it down” and through the office of the Permanent Secretary present the “Executive brief ” to Minister Dalung who then breaks sweat with his aides in getting same-“garbage” to the Executive Council” for approval and an implementation that resides in drawers gathering dust and moth.

However, PMB should not be distracted. He should demand from Dalung the LAW establishing the NSC where eight sports zones were established-Lagos, Ibadan, Benin, Enugu, Jos, Kaduna, Bauchi, and Maiduguri before the advent of Abuja. These zones are to manage sports potentials to their full blossom in the states that are captured within the geographical space of those zones and thus produce athletes to their full potentials.

For now it is only the domestic football league that keeps those stadia alive except Lagos where I know Minister Dalung’s interest has been within the purview of the swimming pool with a neglect of the main-bowl, the Brai Ayonote gymnasium and hostel, the education facility-National Institute for Sports (NIS)-which is not better than a glorified primary school facility. PMB should NOT be deceived. These facilities need a kick in the foot for the Local Governments/states/NSC zones to return sports back to the grassroots with finances from the private sector.

Of course it will not be a bad idea if the Executive Chairmanship of the NSC as conferred on Dalung by the statute can have a proper BOARD constituted with the likes of Aliko Dangote, Mike Adenuga, Femi Otedola and Pat Utomi amongst others providing the enabling environment.

For now it is sore!

On Marble

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”

– Albert Einstein

Sanctity of Truth

Mike A. Wilkie Latest earthquake in Italy

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016

}16

N150

Buhari, Biafra and NYSC “Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing.”

– Albert Schweitzer

Political Musings

wo major issues came up last week from our President that merits some analytical thinking before they are is consigned to the litterbin. One was the President’s Sallah message which he sent by proxy to Biafra and Niger Delta agitators. The President sent the message to the dissenters through their hapless kits and kin serving the nation in President’s hometown of Daura, Katsina State.

The other is the President’s despatch to the team of economic eggheads assembled to tinker and come up with a solution to the fast crumpling national economy. On the first one, its either that the people of the South South and the South East geo political region have been thoroughly subdued using the 95/5 per cent voting compensatory theory or that they have so lost faith in the current federal administration that they now choose to look away at every repulsive issues.

Otherwise nothing can explain the undignified silence of the people on the mien of the President to the Corp members from the region, an action that clearly is uncomplimentary. The youthful corps members were in high spirit coming to share good mood of the festivity with the father of the nation but it turned out to be a chastising lecture for a section of them for having rebellious brothers.

Many Nigerians appear not to have properly comprehended the weight of the President’s action especially on the psyche of the children. If they do, it would not have been allowed to be swept off just like that. By all benchmark the President’s action amounts to nothing short of loathe coming from the wrong place and should not have come at all. Golden rule remains the fairest religion we were taught to always cuddle which says never do to another that which you would not want done to you. That is why the two major religions, Christianity and Islam sermonize peace, and love of one another in our way of life.

“O You who believe! Enter absolutely into peace (Islam). Do not follow in the footsteps of Satan. He is an outright enemy to you.” (Holy Quran: 2, 208) “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see The Lord” (Hebrews 12:14) I was just imagining how the country would have reacted if for instance Governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi or Sam Ortom of Enugu and Benue States respectively whose states have been under constant attack by the Fulani Herdsmen had summoned the corps members serving in their states maybe during Christmas or Easter festival and isolated the ones from the North West and charged them to go and tell their brothers to stop attacking their farmers.

I am sure the Fulanis or political leaders from the affected areas would not be happy because they did not send

IKE ABONYI

T

igwebuike2001@yahoo.com 0802-402-4029 (sms only) their children to serve in those states to be dragged into national politics or to be made carriers of message for their “criminal” nomadic brothers.

Ditto if Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers decides to send corps members from North East to Boko Haram members, or as President Goodluck Jonathan had attempted similar thing, Governor Shitemma of Borno state sure would find such action repulsive and uncalled for as it falls outside the affable spirit and oneness which the NYSC was set out to achieve when it was established by General Yakubu Gowon soon after the civil war when the nation was thoroughly divided.

Also, the Nigerian government certainly would take strong exception if any President or head of any international Organisation or agency decides to isolate Nigerians at any gathering maybe sports or peacekeeping and transmits a message to other Nigerians on its perceived negative side. It’s hard to fathom what really informed the President’s action or what he desired to achieve on this matter except to think that he cherishes every available channel that enables him convey his anger to a people he is not too positively disposed of.

This is notwithstanding that he has used other means including appointments to demonstrate this. I see no way that Presidential outburst helped in cementing an already fractured unity in the land and one expects the man standing as the father of the very huge family called Nigeria to be at the forefront of crusading for peace, harmony and unity amongst the populace.

A polygamous father who decides to send younger children of one of the kitchens at a family gathering to go and tell their troubling mother to forget her perceived negative actions, may just end up achieving two negatives things, hardening the children to believe their mother that truly their father does not like her and the children or exposing them to hate by the other children who may feel that they are upsetting their father, their bread winner. Imagine the apprehension of corps members from the South East and South South returning to their primary duties there in Daura only to be looked at as children and relations of those who are upsetting their brother the President.

I hear that their colleagues now jokingly but in a pejorative manner refer to them as Biafra and Avengers. I actually did not want the import of this to be lost on a nation desirous of unity for which it set up the NYSC hence my decision to bring these implications to the fore so that it’s not repeated either by the President or any other political leaders because of the obvious negative political implications.

NYSC Director-General, Brig.-Gen. Sule Kazaure

As regards the content of the message of forgetting Biafra, the President is in the right position to make it happen by running an inclusive government of a Nigeria whose geography includes but not limited to the South East and South South.

But even at that, Nigeria must not

ignore the very wise counsel of our own Nobel laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka who continues to counsel that the “idea of Biafra cannot be defeated, you may kill the people behind the idea, but you can’t kill the idea” And now the Economy and the Cotonou example. “Indeed, the challenges we face in the current recession require ‘out-of-the-box’ thinking, to deploy strategies that involve engaging meaningfully with the private sector, to raise the level of private sector investment in the economy as a whole” That was excerpts from President Muhammadu Buhari’s clear message to his economic team’s retreat on how to bail the country out of the recession. The President believes that the level of private investment will grow as the government appears determined to make it easier for investors to do business in Nigeria.

One area I strongly believe that is yet not adequately utilized by both present and past government is the Seaports. If neighbouring Benin Republic has as its main revenue base proceeds from their seaports and that nearly 80 per cent of the goods that pass through their ports have final destination in Nigeria, our three seaports in Lagos, Calabar and Port Harcourt need total overhaul.

Investigation has shown that the private sector involvement through concession may have only benefitted private individuals whom we learnt are too strong for the relevant regulatory bodies to touch. Why can’t a government that wears a change garb be able to inject speed and absence of bottleneck in our seaports? Why can’t the relevant regulatory bodies in our ports be given the required teeth to bite and enforce efficiency and competence in the system if really we desire to diversify the economy? God bless Nigeria.

Printed and Published by Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Ltd: Head Office: No. 1A, Ajumobi Street, Off ACME Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja-Lagos. Tel: +234 1-2219496, 2219498. Abuja Office: Orji Kalu House, Plot 322, by Banex Junction, Mabushi, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Advert Hotlines: (Lagos 0902 928 1425), (Abuja 0805 5118488) Email: info@newtelegraphonline.com Website: www.newtelegraphonline.com ISSN 2354-4317 Editor: AYODELE OJO.