Monday Sept 30-Sunday Oct 6, 2019 Edition

NEWS

Rev. Father calls for the sustenance of t kola nut ritual in Igbo prayer •P10

CORNUCOPIA Mentoring in journalism: Toyosi Ogunseye’s mentors unmasked •P18

The

VOX POPULI SACRUM

CRIME FEATURE Questions as confessed serial killer admits strangling 15 women to death in seven states

racle •P38

www.oraclenews.ng

Monday Sept 30 - Sunday Oct 6, 2019

Today

ISSN: 2545-5869 VOL.4 No.37

Covert NYSC to skills acquisition scheme – GUO

N200

•Tasks government on youth entrepreneurship •Calls for unity among Ndigbo, Nigerians •Says sustenance of family business lies in rigorous handover training

Business climate:

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igeria and other big economies in the Africa are receding on the preference list for attraction of international investment capital, conceding space to emerging markets where indices of ease of doing business have significantly marked up in the past few years.

The Oracle Today can

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report that new post-colonial competition for Africa’s resources is driving international investment capital from Europe, Asia and America into the black continent; sparking off external capital inflows that drive development in infrastructure and facilities as African governments embark on economic reforms.

With capital inflows

•Chief G. U. Okeke (GUO)

Asian tour to rally Biafrans’ support for restoration --IPOB

Nigeria losing attraction to foreign capital

By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

•P4

From PAMELA EBOH, Awka

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from China threatening to outmatch traditional European financial influence on Africa, governments are conditioning local business environments to capture and trap down floating investment capital badly

needed to provide development stimulus in key segments of their economies.

A report on Africa Risk and reward index published by specialist global Cont’d on page 4

he Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has explained that the current tour of Asian countries by its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is designed to rally support from Biafrans in Asia for the continued quest for the restoration of Biafra under the auspices of the IPOB. In a statement released by its media and publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, IPOB, therefore, expressed its profound gratitude to members and Biafrans generally in Japan for the rousing welcome and support given to Mazi Kanu during the town-hall

meetings he held in Nagoya and Tokyo Japan between 21st and 24th of September, 2019.

The group also described the tour as “a diplomatic overture as well as to rally the Biafran base for the restoration of Biafra within the shortest possible time.”

IPOB said the visit and town-hall meeting hosted in Japan completely brought the issue of Biafra to the knowledge of the usually well-informed government and citizens of Japan.

Comrade Powerful noted that Biafrans across Japan “have been re-energised with the message of hope

Cont’d on page 5

Why African must decentralize its grids –Experts

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The Oracle Today Monday September 30 - Sunday October 6, 2019

NEWS

Covert NYSC to skills acquisition scheme – GUO

By THEO RAYS

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opular transporter and Chairman of Anambra Motor Manufacturing Company (ANAMCO), Enugu, Chief Godwin Ubaka Okeke (GUO) has called on the federal government to convert the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to one year of skills acquisition and entrepreneurship training schemes for Corps Members.

He said such change of focus has become necessary in view of the “unacceptably” high unemployment

rate among young Nigerian graduates for whom the NYSC offers no hope except as a period of cooling off before plunging into the oft-deary post-graduation unemployment market for “these children.”

Speaking in an interview with The Oracle Today in his office in Onitsha, Anambra State, Okeke who is also Group Executive Chairman, GUO Transport Company Ltd, operators of luxury and mini commercial buses, said that the change of focus he envisages “will be more profitable to the nation”

Business climate:

than allowing these young people to practically waste one year of their active lives doing pretty little and waiting for the one year to end so they would go hunting for white collar jobs, which are scarcely available now.”

He opined that deliberate effort by the effort by the government to help the youth acquire productive skills would be worth all the money that the government will spend on the scheme.

“Take, for instance, a situation where a million graduates that

participate in NYSC programme yearly are trained to acquire skills in craftsmanship and other productive activities as well as in acquisition and be given like say N500, 000 or like say N1million each as take-off grants. I bet you that if this were to be done, before we know it, they would become employers of labour,” Chief Okeke enthused. “By the time they start to engage others in what they do, the number of unemployed people will drastically reduce.

“And it is possible to raise the

money. First you can convert the monthly allowance they give Youth Corps Members to a bulk sum and then source additional money in form of soft loan from the Central Bank to make it N1million and advance same to these youths. I tell you that it is possible to do this and by the time you do it annually for five years, you give unemployment a good fight, reduce crime and the economy will improve beyond our imagination.”

notorious fourth position in countries that pose significant threat to investment dividends, queuing behind traditional names like Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Sudan and Zimbabwe.

Other countries that pose risks to international investments are Algeria with 6.14 risk score; Mozambique with 6.07 score; Uganda with 6.04 risk score and Cameroun with 6.58 risk threat to investments.

Chief Economist Southern & East Africa of Oxford Economics, Jacques Nel, stated that “the current edition of the index shows a slight increase in reward scores for some of the continent’s largest economies, including Nigeria, Angola, and Egypt, as the economic recoveries in these giants gain traction. However, the highest reward potential remains centered in the East Africa region, with expanding services and infrastructure development boosting demand and improving business environments.”

The report offers a comprehensive and up-to-date view of the highly-dynamic business investment landscape in Africa.

The respected index tracks the evolution of the investment landscape in major African markets, and this year’s edition marks several important and intriguing trends that impact investment strategy across the continent.

The benchmark research recognizes that elections in African markets can often fuel tensions and raise investment concerns.

However, it also demonstrates how elections increasingly serve to stabilize Africa’s evolving political landscape. It is crucial to identify how elections can end prolonged uncertainty, provide

legitimacy, and empower existing or new African leaders with the mandates required to push forward with reform or counter-reform agendas.

“Do not get carried away by enthusiastic reform promises by assuming that reform-minded ‘strong-man’ leaders can push their way through free of any constraints,” Barnaby Fletcher, Associate Director Analyst at Control Risks, warns. “The real political lesson of recent years is to not underestimate the strength of counter-reform efforts by existing political structures, as well as the complexity of the undertaking,” he explains.

The index comes at a time of continental and international trade dynamics and economic alignments with regional power blocs flexing muscles to exert greater diplomatic and trade influence on the African continent where governments in stabilizing democracies scramble for fund to deliver growth programmes that earn them positive performance appraisal from their impoverished and angry populations.

African investment has traditionally been dominated by its big economies but the long-awaited emergence of intercontinental trade blocs is shifting the balance of power.

The paper stressed the huge potential significance of introduction of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in late May, but raised some concerns about its implementation.

It also analyzed the significant progress made by regional blocs such as the strengthening East African Community (EAC).

The report also noted emergence of strong Chinese cash

backed inroads into African economies and pointed out that Africa is no longer an even battlefield for US and Chinese players as commonly thought.

“Current US-Africa totals USD 39bn, while China-Africa represents more than USD 200bn, and EU-Africa trade is now over USD 300bn according to data revealed in the paper. The research also notes a surge of interest in Africa from smaller geopolitical players such as Russia, the Gulf states, Turkey, and India,” the authors stated.

Associate Director at Control Risks, Barnaby Fletcher, stated in the report that: “The standard narrative of US-China rivalry in Africa had always looked like an over-simplification, but is certainly outdated now. China’s engagement with Africa is undergoing a fundamental shift, the US is playing catch-up, and a host of other countries are seeking to expand their influence in an increasingly multipolar landscape.”

“Geopolitical objectives are being supported by a flood of development finance, creating both opportunity and competition for private-sector players,” he added.

The Oracle Today’s findings show that as the shifting trade and investment dynamics play out, African countries driving reforms with improved infrastructure and facilities for congenial business environment in a stable political space are stepping forward to capture needed investment funds to catalyze industrial and economic development.

And smaller African countries with smarter political administration beat big ones that hold little or no incentives for investments in manufacturing industry.

•See full interview on P15

Nigeria losing attraction to foreign capital Cont’d from Pg 1

risk consultancy Control Risks and independent global advisory firm Oxford Economics shows that improvement in infrastructure, security and political stability mainly in East Africa continue to shape new investment landscape for the continent.

The index offers a comparative snapshot of market opportunities and risks across the continent, offering critical information for market entry strategies. It also provides a grounded, longer-term outlook of key trends shaping the investment landscape in major African economies, and provides informed view on investment into the continent.

Head of Africa Research at Oxford Economics, François Conradie, declares that the index provides investment guide at a time when dependence on raw commodities exports is a serious weakness for an economy due to trade war that threatens to further depress Chinese demand for commodities and global demand for oil and gas.

“It is for this reason that governments are competing to attract investment capital and firms in order to grow their manufacturing and services sectors, to supply goods and services to the many millions of Africans moving to the continent’s cities,” he says.

The report which is contained in the fourth edition of the Africa Risk-Reward Index plots each country’s performance relative to its African peers by comparing some of the continent’s largest and emerging markets.

The position of each country is defined by its risk and reward score incorporating a weight for a country’s GDP. The publication notes that Africa remains a desirable investment destination with a young and increasingly urban demographic, a wealth of natural resources, and a proven ability to leapfrog technologies in areas such as telecommunications or finance.

“The growing competition for

investment across the continent is helping to promote reform, which in turn encourages greater investment. In Africa, diversification increasingly equals success and economies can no longer rely on merely holding the most mineral resources,” it stated.

Out of the 26 countries plotted in the index, the traditionally biggest African economies including Nigeria, Egypt, Angola, South Africa and Ghana were discovered to hold mere bragging rights instead of conducive investment climate that form basis for international investment destinations.

Nigeria particularly features in the declining investment preference index, falling to the eighth position just below Senegal and above Uganda. The famed Africa’s biggest economy by gross domestic product scored 5.76 in the 10 range scale below Senegal which scored 5.99 and above Uganda which scored 5.75 in the investment reward scale.

Among the big African economies, only Egypt struggled up to 6.70 to become a distant second to Ethiopia which leads the chart with 8.09 score to emerge Africa’s best business environment.

South Africa with its notorious xenophobic attacks on foreign investments scored 4.51 on the chart, Cameroun scored 4.6, Ghana scored 5.44 and Angola came with 3.18 in the ranking for attractive environment for business.

Interestingly, smaller African economies that are smarting from internal conflicts and driving reform programmes top positions in the scale of business congeniality. Mostly East African countries led by Ethiopia dominate the list.

Apart from Ethiopia which flaunts investment reward incentive of 8.09 against a risk score of 5.99, other countries with bullish drive for international investment capital include Cote D’Ivoire with a reward score of 6.65; Kenya with reward score of 6.27; Rwanda with 6.01; Tanzania with 6.38; and Senegal with 5.99 reward scores.

In the risk scale, Nigeria ranks

5

The Oracle Today Monday September 30 - Sunday October 6, 2019

NEWS From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

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he Outgoing Deputy Comptroller of Immigration (DCI) of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Ime Nta has charged personnel of the Cross River State Command of the service not to get entangled in acts that would tarnish the image of the Service.

He urged authority of the command to ensure that all erring staff are fished out and made to face the consequences.

Nta gave the advice after receiving an award of honor from the immigration high command to mark the end of his career in Calabar at weekend.

He advised personnel of the service against engaging in sharp and corrupt practices that could attract

‘Don’t tarnish the image of Nigeria Immigration Service’, personnel warned dire consequences including suspension, dismissal and subsequent handing over to the ICPC for prosecution.

He said “Corruption can be expunged from the service by no one else except by ourselves, and that the only forward to better our country Nigeria.

“If you do anything that would be inimical to the development and growth of the service, it is not you that will take the disgrace but the immigration service”, he said.

He urged personnel/ officers of the service willing

Asian tour to rally Biafrans’ support for restoration --IPOB Cont’d from Pg 1 and restoration,” adding that the transparent, sincere and peaceful nature of the town hall meetings not only “captivated Biafran audiences who were fortunate enough to attend the events,” but also permeated the subconscious of every black African and

•Nnamdi Kanu

Japanese who has had the chance to listen to Kanu’s message of redemption.

While commending the government and people of Japan for the acceptance of Biafran people within the Japanese territory, the statement disclosed that “Biafrans across the far eastern part of the world have publicly pledged their moral and material support for Biafra’s restoration as piloted by IPOB.” “Many more IPOB family meetings, influential individuals and diaspora organisations are queuing up to host our leader in various cities across Asian countries. We expect Biafrans and non-Biafrans alike to gather to welcome and listen to him preach the gospel of the restoration of Biafra at a town-hall meeting,” Powerful enthused, adding: “We promise to do all we can to restore Biafra at the earliest possible opportunity by the grace of Almighty God.”

PUBLIC NOTICE AMBASSADORS CITY OF JUSTICE AND GLORY MINISTRY This is to infirm the general public that the above-named church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration in accordance with Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

Trustees are: 1. Anughere Chigozie Christopher 2. Okoli Chidinma Blessing 3. Akudo Henry Mmaduabuchi The aims and objectives are: 1.To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ 2.To undertake Missionary work in Nigeria and also in other nations of the world at large.

3.To express love through giving material things to the needy and less privileged in the society.

4.To bring children up in the fear of God, teaching them to know and observe the things and way of the Lord.

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

Signed: Okoli Chidinma Blessing (Secretary)

to exhaust the stipulated 35 years of their career in the service to as a matter of fact operate within the code of conduct of the service so as not to run fowl of the law.

The DCI urged them not to allow their personal interest override the interest of the nation stressing that if all hands were put on deck towards attitudinal change and reorient ourselves with issues of corruption, Nigeria would become a better place for everyone to live.

Earlier Comptroller Nigeria Immigration Service,

Cross River Command, Oke Ezugwu while presenting award of honor also warned personnel of the service not to be involved in acts that will compromise the integrity and security of the nation or be ready to face the consequence.

He told officers and personnel of the service to put in all their best for effective service delivery in a manner that investors from advance nations won’t have any fear to come into Nigeria and invest.

“We are employed to serve. We should derive

pleasure to offer quality and satisfactory service to Nigerians.

“We are employed to secure the country. Our duty is to attract investors who will at the end of the day generate employment for our people.

“We must cherish, protect and maintain Government property in our care”, he said.

The CIS called for the protection of the country’s integrity in the course of doing their job so as not to drag the country’s image to the mud.

•Mr Tonye Dagogo, chairman of University of Jos Alumni Association, Rivers State Chapter, presenting books to Mrs Patience Nwogu, Principal of Model Girls Secondary School, Mbodo Aluu, Rivers State

Unijos alumni association donates books to mark Literacy Day T HE Rivers State Chapter of the University of Jos Alumni Association (UJAA) has donated books worth about N100,000 to Model Girls Secondary School, Mbodo Aluu, Rivers State in celebration of the 2019 International Literacy Day. The Chairman of the Rivers State Chapter, Mr Tonye Dagogo, who presented the books and inaugurated the “Book Club” and “Literary Society” of the school, explained that the celebration of the event was delayed in anticipation of the return of the students from the long vacation.

Two of the authors, Dr Obinna Nwodim, a former Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Rivers and Mr Wellington Nworgu, whose books were donated, advised the students to cultivate the habit of reading good books in order to expand their knowledge of the world and communicate better.

Wellington and Nwodim

jointly responded to questions from the students on issues of writing.

In a goodwill message, the Executive Chairman of the Rivers State UBE Board, Venerable Fyneface Akah commended the alumni association for such a mentoring initiative.

Akah, who was represented by the Director in charge of Legal and Public Relations Services at the Board, Mr Karibi George said Model Girls Secondary School, Mbodo Aluu is a special, all female boarding school conceived and built by the State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike when he was Supervising Minister of Education, and that the school is a beacon of hope for the restoration of the boarding system in public schools.

The UBE Board Chairman said the Board regularly engages with community leadership, not only to protect and preserve school facilities, but also to monitor teaching and learning through School

Based Management Committees (SBMCs).

He challenged members of the association to make themselves available to serve on SBMCs in their communities.

The pastor of the Church of the Holy Spirit, Eliozu Parish of the Anglican Communion, Rev Canon Chuka Opara prayed for the students to imbibe the spirit of excellence in character and in learning.

The School‘s Principal, Mrs Patience Nwogu thanked the Alumni Association for the books and for affording the students the opportunity to interact with established authors. She promised that the books would be well utilized and called on other public spirited individuals and organizations to donate books to the school.

Some of the novels donated were Angel of Light; Towards a Greater Nigeria; Basket of Errors; Back to School; A Slave of Honour; and Amaka, the Child of Fate.

Nigeria @ 59: CLO tasks leaders on legacies of founding fathers

By THEO RAYS

A

s Nigeria celebrates its 59th Independent Anniversary, Chairman of the Anambra State branch of the Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme has called on leaders of the country at all levels to build on the legacies of the founding fathers by imbibing the culture of good performance in their respective offices.

Ezekwueme noted that Nigeria leaders of today must consolidate and improve on the achievements of the founding fathers so that their patriotic labours should not be in vain.

In press statement to commemorate the Independence Anniversary on October now called Democracy Day, Ezekwueme said: “Today’s leaders must be concerned about the predicaments of the inhabitants of of the world’s most populous black nation. Nigerians need benevolent leaders with patriotism, honesty and selfless service to the country and its people.The dreams and aspirations of our founding fathers could only be achieved if our leaders deliver the kind of performance expected of them. Performance built on works and,love for humanity with sincerity of purpose to improve the living condition and social wellbeing of citizenry.”

He enjoined leaders to continue to “emulate the founding fathers’ culture of patriotism and desire to sacrifice for the betterment of the people regardless of their tribe, religion, ethnic group or political party.”

“We have a situation where elements of tribalism, religious fanatics and political horse trading among political parties all combine to hamper the development and progress of the country.”

The right activist also called on the people to shun corrupt practice such as selling their votes and other forms of money politics, noting that it is the duty of the citizens to contribute their own quota toward actualisation of Nigeria of the founding fathers dreamed about from the very beginning.

“The political class, civil and public servants must as a matter of public interest develop the good motive in servant leadership .The motive of doing good for ones country, rendering selfless and patriotic services in tandem with the ideals and aspirations of the founding fathers” he maintained,” he surmised.

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The Oracle Today Monday September 30 - October 6, 2019

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION WAEC’s non-teaching workers threaten nationwide strike, Oct. 14

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he Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), members working in Nigeria offices of West Africans Examination Council (WAEC), will withdraw their services as from Oct. 14.

General Secretary of NASU, Peters Adeyemi, in a statement on Sunday, said the action, which is slated to commence on the Oct. 14, became necessary following WAEC management’s delay in responding to the union’s previous letters.

On the letters NASU listed review of scheme of service, need to create more Establishment for its members, refusal of the management to implement the policy on ex-grata Also dichotomy of payment allowance to members Serving Council’s Meetings amongst others as its requests.

Adeyemi said none of the union’s letters to WAEC management has been responded to so far.

“I therefore express concerns about the nonchalance of WAEC management in their treatment of these important lingering issues, which could put the global campaign for decent work policy and wellbeing of workers in WAEC Nigeria in jeopardy.

“It is on this premise that your management is hereby given a period of 21 days from the date herein to positively resolve all the issues listed above.

“Failing to do this would leave the union with no other option than

to direct our members in WAEC throughout Nigeria to proceed on total strike by Monday, October 14.”

The letters also listed irregular recruitment of Examination Officers and incessant and unwarranted query to some union’s officers as the union’s grievances.

Adeyemi noted that though the union headquarters is reliably informed that work on re-review of scheme of service has reached appreciable level, the management’s alleged reluctance to harmonise the grey areas is delaying its approval and operation.

“In view of the importance of scheme of service in daily administration, it is highly imperative that the Head National Office (HNO), not only talk the talk but also walk the walk as he promised in one of the meetings held with NASU executive branch committee.

“Part of the agreement is to immediately set up a committee of management and NASU to work on the grey areas and come up with scheme of service that meets international standard and the yearnings of staff.”

The union said the review of scheme of service has been lingering since the year 2013 till date without any positive resolution despite the

union’s favourable disposition to collective bargaining with the WAEC management on the matter.

The NASU scribe, who described the level of stagnation of officers in the Council as worrisome, said the situation is a clear case of injustice on the affected staff.

He said: “The truth of the matter is that the affected staffers are due for promotions and are also qualified but they are denied.

“I therefore call for the creation of additional Establishments to take care of the affected staff in the spirit of fairness and equity.”

NASU also flayed the decision of WAEC to neglect the implementation of the policy on ex-gratia.

“The union believes that it is improper for the payment to be stopped midway, as there is no justification to change the goal post in the middle of a game.

“The stoppage is a gimmick from the management to polarise the workers in the council. Therefore, those who were schemed out of the payment should be paid without delay,” Adeyemi stated.

NASU also decried the dichotomy of payment allowance to members serving council’s meetings.

“The dichotomy in payment of allowances to staff serving council’s meetings and conduct of examinations offshore is a great injustice which should be stopped as there is no justification for such pernicious action as what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.

“Such equality and fairness should be maintained in the payment of allowances to those involved in such crucial and important assignments,” the union noted.

The union said the management should as a matter of policy look inward on the employment of Examination Officers as some staff are already trained and have qualification to assume such position.

According to Adeyemi, instead of employment of fresh hands that need to be trained in order to fit into the system, this increases productivity and reduces cost of training of retraining of new recruits.

NASU also observed the regularity of queries issued to some of the union officers noting that most of the queries are issued based on flimsy and inconsequential offences, which is a form of intimidation, targeted at witch-hunting the members of the union.

FAAN begins rehabilitation of Enugu Airport runway ederal Airports Authority of NigeFrehabilitation ria (FAAN) has commenced the of the runway at the

Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Henrietta Yakubu, confirmed the development in Lagos on Sunday.

FAAN had on August 24, announced the closure of the airport, which is the only international airport in the South East region, for the reconstruction of its runway.

Yakubu said that work has finally began at the airport ahead of the December 2019 deadline set for the completion of the runway repairs and other renovation works.

Following the closure of the airport, international flights have been diverted to the Port Harcourt International Airport in Rivers by Ethiopian Airlines.

Similarly, domestic flights were diverted to the Sam Mbwkwe Airport, Owerri, the Port Harcourt Airport and the Asaba Airport in Delta.

Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, had in a meeting with South East governors assured them that the Enugu airport would be reconstructed to meet the Abuja International Airport standard.

Sirika had also disclosed that the runway repairs and other renovation works would be completed by December 2019.

•From left): Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Hon. Oladele Ajayi; Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Hon. Dr. (Mrs.) Lola Akande; President, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote Gcon; Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb Maryam Katagumi; and President, Chemical and Non-Metallic Products Employers’ Federation, Mr Devakumar Edwin during the commissioning of the Chemical and Non-Metallic Products Employers’ Federation (CANMPEF) House in Lagos

2019 UTME: Over 100,000 candidates now in universities, says JAMB

oint Admissions and MatriculaJ100,000 tion Board (JAMB) says over candidates who met admis-

sion requirements have so far been offered placements into Nigerian universities for the 2019/2020 academic session.

Spokesman for JAMB, Dr Fabian Benjamin, said on Sunday in Lagos that the board hoped to utilise 80 to 90 per cent of the available spaces for this year’s admission.

Benjamin stated that the board’s projection for this year’s admission was to ensure that candidates utilised more available spaces unlike in 2018 where about 40 per cent of spaces were not utilised.

“We will continue to adhere to our admission deadline. The first choice admission for public universities commenced from Aug. 21 and

would last till Nov. 16 and for private universities, it will be from Aug. 21 to Feb. 15, 2020.

“The second choice admissions for public universities will be from Nov. 17 to Dec.17,’’ he said.

Meanwhile the board had distanced itself from a recent advertisement placed on what it described as ‘roque website’, urging unsuspecting candidates and other concerned stakeholders to subscribe to, ahead of the 2020 UTME. According to Benjamin, the board knows nothing about such advertisement.

“It has come to our notice that some mischievous persons are trying hard to use the name of the board to defraud innocent candidates and the general public ahead of the 2020 Unified Tertiary Matricu-

lation Board (UTME).

“These fraudsters are urging interested candidates or persons to forward their names and telephone numbers to the rogue website, as well as pay subscription fees to acquire past questions and answers and a copy of the literature novel ahead of the board’s 2020 UTME. “We want to state that these are mischievous persons who are out to cause pains to the public and therefore urge candidates to disregard the information and the perpetrators of this evil in their own interest.

“JAMB operates with set standards and it is not ready to compromise such standards. We have an authentic website for all official information. Do not be deceived,’’ Benjamin warned.

Independence Day artillery gun firing: Army urges public not to panic igerian Army Guards Brigade has N urged the public not to panic over movement for firing of field

artillery guns during the 2019 Independence Anniversary Parade.

The Army gave the assurance in a statement by Capt. Haruna Tagwai, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, on Saturday in Abuja.

Tagwai said the 59th Independence Day Anniversary Parade was scheduled for Oct. 1 at the Fore Court of the Presidential Villa Abuja.

“As part of the ceremonial activities for the anniversary, there would also be traditional firing of Artillery Gun salute during the occasion.

“Members of the public especially those living within Asokoro, Maitama and its environs are hereby alerted.

“They are urged not to panic on hearing sound of firing of weapons during the aforementioned period,” he said.

Siasia’s mother regains freedom after 75 days in captivity Abducted mother of former coach of the Super Eagles, Samson Siasia, Madam Beauty Siasia, has regained freedom after 75 days in captivity.

The 78 year-old woman was freed in the early hours of Sunday according to a family source, who pleaded anonymity.

The Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Police Command, Bayelsa, Mr Asmini Butswait also confirmed her release in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

The police spokesman said some personnel of the command had been sent to visit the victim, adding that a statement would be issued afterward.

Some armed men had, around 2 a.m on July 19, taken away the septuagenarian from her home in Odoni, Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa.

Her abduction was the second in three years as she had earlier been kidnapped in November 2015 and released after 12 days in captivity.

The former Super Eagles coach had repeatedly made series of appeal for the release of his mother while in captivity until she was finally freed on Sunday.

•Siasia’s mothe

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The Oracle Today Monday September 30 - October 6, 2019

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION Lagos set to host Year 2020 edition of Global Citizen Festival agos State Governor, Mr. BabaLUnited jide Sanwo-Olu in New York City, States announced Lagos,

Nigeria as the host city for the year 2020 Global Citizen Festival.

Sanwo-Olu who made the announcement during an interactive session of global leaders, activists and entertainers said the need to end extreme poverty by the year 2030, which is the aim the Global Citizen movement be embraced by every leader around the world.

The Governor said that Nigeria, which has over 200 million people with half of that population living below the poverty line requires concerted efforts by all and sundry to ensure that more people are taken away from extreme poverty on a regular basis.

“I stand before you this evening to join my brothers and sisters from Nigeria to announce to you that come September 26, 2020, we would be hosting the world. We would be hosting the Global Citizen Festival in Lagos, Nigeria. We are looking forward to it. It is the beginning of greater things to happen to us as people from West Africa and indeed the entire African continent.

“I will encourage the Federal Government of Nigeria to invite leaders from countries in Africa and around the world to grace the occasion. And as Governor of one of the 36 states in Nigeria, I will invite my colleagues to come and make commitments on behalf of nearly one hundred million poorest of the poor people in Nigeria so that by the year 2030, we would be writing a different story about the situation of the poor masses in the country,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

Speaking on the event, the CEO of Global Citizen, Hugh Evans, together with the CEO of Teneo, a supporting company, the historic 10 hour global broadcast event spanning five continents will reach every corner of the world.

According to them, the idea is to spread the message in a very loud and well-coordinated manner for every leader across the world to hear and for them to see the urgent need to commit their knowledge and material resources to help the poor.

The year 2019 festival will hold at the central park in New York on Saturday.

Leaders in music and entertainment who have signed on to the perform at the year 2020 Global Citizen Festival in Nigeria include Usher Raymond, Pharell, D’banj, Tiwa Savage, Hold Space, Shawn Mendes among other artistes.

Alex Ekwueme varsity deepens partnership with ANA

By VICTOR NZE

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anagement of the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (AEFUNAI) in Ebonyi State has set up a high-level Central Working Committee to deepen its partnership with the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), that has so far delivered ‘The Expanding Frontiers of Nigerian Literature Conference and Workshop’ for two consecutive years (2018 and 2019) hosted by the institution.

To this end, the university’s Cen-

tral Working Committee has already commenced moves aimed at again collaborating with the ANA technical committee towards delivering the next edition of the prestigious Conference/Workshop slated for 2020.

Similarly, the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba, has also approved the production of three creative writing anthologies in the three genres of literature(prose, poetry and drama) arising from the creative writing workshops organised so far by the

partnership.

Driven by the desire to fully harness proceedings from the papers presented at the yearly conference hosted in partnership with ANA, the university further approved the establishment of the publication of a peer-reviewed journal to be tagged ‘The Expanding Frontiers of Nigerian Literature Journal.’

Already, ANA has been invited to nominate qualified and well-experienced persons to be part of the team that will oversee the production of the anthologies and journal.

•Special Adviser on Arts and Culture, Mr. Solomon Bonu with the Brazilian Delegation from the Oduduwa Heritage Home led by Muma Gee and Ajoyemi Osunleye during a courtesy visit to the Ministry, weekend

NITT can design Made-in-Nigeria vehicles’ –Amaechi

inister of Transportation, M Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, says the Nigerian Institute of Transport

Technology (NITT) Zaria, has all it takes to design “Made-in-Nigeria” vehicles.

Amaechi stated this in a statement issued by the Director, Public Affairs, NITT, Mr Paul Mshelizah, Sunday in Zaria.

According to Mshelizah, the Minister stated this during a familiarisation and facility tour of the institute in Zaria, Kaduna state during the repositioning retreat by the institute.

“NITT has all it takes to design a car, I am sure the institute could convince the Federal Government that it has what it takes to design

a made in Nigeria car. From design, to engine to body, then funding will not be an issue, we can create patency for NITT,” the minister said The Minister expressed satisfaction with the facilities but called on its management to ensure proper use and adequate maintenance of the equipment.

Amaechi also advised the NTT to seek accreditation from National Universities Commission (NUC), to run certain diploma programmes toward metamorphosing into a full-fledged university of transport and logistics.

The Minister pledged the ministry’s support to help in the creation of more faculties in the institute.

He, however, called for a holistic

perusal of the institute’s enabling law to know the scope of its mandate. At the Biodiesel Laboratory, Amaechi also urged to the institute to expand the project aimed at producing Made-in-Nigeria vehicles, by establishing a feedstock farm for renewable energy.

He suggested to NITT to factor into the 2021 budget the acquisition of about “200 hectres of land” to start the project.

The minister said further suggested that in subsequent budgets, personnel and other logistics for effective operation of the feedstock farm might be captured.

This, according to the Minister, can attract private investors to cue

Nigeria listed in ‘World Bank Top 20 Improvers in Doing Business’ for 2020

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he World Bank Doing Business (DB) team has announced Nigeria as one of the top-20 improvers in doing business out of 190 countries.

This announcement comes ahead of the 24th October release of the 2020 World Bank Doing Business rankings.

The World Bank Doing Business Report is an objective assessment of prevailing business environments based on a number of ease of doing business indicators. In Nigeria, the report assesses doing business conditions in the two largest commercial cities of Lagos and Kano.

The World Bank’s announcement acknowledges reforms spearheaded by the PEBEC in the areas of “operationalising a new electronic platform that integrates the tax

Reacting to the development, which it described as a ‘bouquet of harvests,’ ANA in a statement, signed by its National Public Relations Officer (South), Mr. Wole Adedoyin, also revealed that since the last conference which held in July 2019, authorities of AE-FUNAI and ANA have been exchanging drafts of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to institutionalize the partnership and ensure its continuity well beyond the present minders of both institutions.

The MoU, according to ANA, has gone through rigorous assessment by the legal units of both institutions and a signing ceremony would soon be held.

It would be recalled that the ANA/ AE-FUNAI Expanding Frontiers of Nigerian Literature Conference/ Workshop is one of the legacy projects of the present Mallam Denja Abdullahi-led National Executive Council of ANA and a fulfilment of a campaign promise made before inception to unbundle the yearly ANA International Convention that once featured a time-challenged seminar series/workshop.

The 2019 Conference/Workshop was attended by foremost pioneer critic of African Literature, Editor, ‘African Literature Today’ and one of ANA Trustees, Prof. Ernest Emenyonu, among a host of other top scholars, writers and critics.

Hundreds of students of both AEFUNAI and others were also taken through an intensive workshop in the three genres of literature by foremost writers/experts in the fields.

authority and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)”. It also acknowledges reforms carried out in some of the World Bank Doing Business indicator areas such as starting a business, registering property, getting construction permits, getting electricity, enforcing contracts, and trading across borders.

Welcoming the announcement, the Special Adviser to the President on Ease of Doing Business, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, said that “the recognition being given to Nigeria as one of the top 20 most improved countries, who have implemented the most reforms this year, is significant because we weren’t even able to achieve some of the key reforms we had pursued, but what we have done so far is being recognised. This

validation confirms that our strategy is working and we will continue to push even harder.”

These improvements in the standing of Nigeria trail the reform agenda being implemented at national and sub-national levels across the country since the establishment of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC)

by President Muhammadu Buhari in July, 2016. The PEBEC works towards the fulfilment of the projections of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP 2017-2020), which is striving to deliver sustainable economic growth in Nigeria by restoring growth, investing in our people, and building a competitive economy.

The Presidential Enabling Busi-

ness Environment Council through the Enabling Business Environment Secretariat has carried out over 140 reforms so far in a bid to remove bureaucratic constraints to doing business in Nigeria and make the country a progressively easier place to start and grow a business.

With the impending ratification of the Companies and Allied Matters Bill and the introduction of the Business Facilitation (Omnibus) Bill, 2019 in view, along with other pending regulatory, judicial and sub-national reforms, Nigeria is poised to meet its goal of being a top 100 ranked economy by 2020.

The announcement is indicates that our goal of moving into the top 70 doing business destinations by 2023 remains achievable.

into the project.

Interacting with NITT N-Power automobile participants, the Minister admonished them to be disciplined in everything they do.

He assured them of the Federal government’s commitment toward the success of the N-Power scheme, stressing that “President Buhari’s administration is interested in lifting people out of poverty.”

“As potential entrepreneurs, you can create jobs through training a number of people in your workshop. I therefore enjoin you to utilise the skills acquired through the scheme, optimally, for personal gain as well as for the country at large.”

Speaking on behalf of the NITT NPower participants, Mr Abdulazzez Owoseni-Salihu, commended the social investment programme of the present administration, especially the N-Power scheme.

Owoseni-Salihu noted that the scheme had not only empowered the beneficiaries but also changed their mindsets toward self-sufficiency. He appealed to the Federal government to “kindly“ provide N-Power graduates with “contemporary machines to enable them go into the field to practice the skills acquired.”

The Acting Director-General, NITT, Dr Bayero Salih-Farah, explained that the institute was accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to run Diploma and Advanced Diploma programmes.

He also said that NITT had entered into affiliation with Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria to run Postgraduate and Master’s degree programmes.

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The Oracle Today Monday September 30 - October 6, 2019

NEWS

NIGERIA @ 59: Okowa calls for sacrifice, rebuilding From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

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HE Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has urged Nigerians to embrace selflessness and sacrifice to rebuild Nigeria.

At an inter-denominational thanksgiving service at the Cathedral Church of St. Peters, Bishopscourt, Asaba, to mark the country’s 59th Independence anniversary, the governor said that building of a nation required the participation of all.

He called on Nigerians not to despair in spite of the challenges facing the nation and noted that the process of nation building should begin with the rebuilding of the family structure where parents could direct children aright, Okowa.

He said: “The country requires everybody to be committed to nation building. We must pray and fast so that God will hear us. The church must continue to pray for Nigeria as only prayers can deliver us as a nation.

“For those in authority, we need to render the best of services, because being in position of authority means we must render services to the people and not be lord over them.”

The Bishop of Asaba, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Justuce Mogekwu, in a sermon, urged the leaders to look up to God for wisdom to govern the people as deplored the prevailing hard times in the country, lamenting that, “Nigeria is not what it should be. We must pray hard for Nigeria to be better.

“We must be ready to stick out our necks and tell the leaders the truth; the country does not belong to any particular ethnic group, we all have equal stakes in this country. We need to fight against any injustice.”

Ikpeazu set to evict traders at Isigate, inaugurates new market From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

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HE Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has given traders at Isigate, the epicenter of Umuahia metropolis, ten days quit notice or face the wrath of government.

The notice came after he inaugurated the Governor Victor Okezie Ikpeazu Ultra-Modern Relief Market in Amauzukwu, Umuahia North local government area at the weekend.

Ikpeazu called on traders at Isigate to relocate to the new market, which was reportedly constructed in five weeks with facilities such as borehole, electricity, toilets and a warehouse for convenience of the traders and their customers.

The market is an alternative place for traders dealing on perishable goods while others who deal on other goods are expected to move into Ubani International Market, which many traders have abandoned for Isigate or residential areas in the state capital.

Other projects commissioned by the governor in the course of his tour of projects, either completed or under construction by his administration include the new 77-room office headquarters of Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ASOPADEC) in Umuahia, Rice Mills at Uzuakoli and Acha in Bende and Isuikwuato local governments respectively where Osikapa Abia would be produced.

At Ahaba Imenyi, in Isuikwuato, the governor laid the foundation stone of the proposed Isuikwuato Central Motor Park, a complex designed to house Acha Rice Depot and warehouse and Acha Rice Marketing Agency respectively, lock-up shops, administration block/ticketing office as well as Ambulance and First Aid Unit. He also inspected the Ozuitem Water Scheme to ascertain its level of completion and the Zone 9 Police headquarters at Ogurube layout, Umuahia.

The traditional Ruler of Amuzukwu Ibeku Autonomous Community,

HRH Eze John Ibezim, lamented that his community has been cut off from Umuahia urban as the road leading into the community at the railway crossing junction has deteriorated and needed urgent repairs, why also appealing for resuscitation of railway transport to curb vandalism of railway materials.

The governor described ASOPADEC as a catalyst that supports government in the development of the state and urged the agency to increase its output.

The Chairman of ASOPADEC, Chief Sam Nwogu, said the Commission embarked on execution of 150 project across the state, with 50 already completed, just as it trained 200 youths on skills acquisition.

At Uzuakoli where he was received

by Pastor Okey Dike who is overseeing the Osikapa Abia Rice Production project, Ikpeazu said “our target is to grow enough rice for local consumption and to check rural-urban migration.”

NIS officers warned against acts that tarnish the nation’s image From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

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HE personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Cross River State Command have been charged not to get involved in acts that would tarnish the image of the Service.

The Outgoing Deputy Comptroller of Immigration (DCI) of NIS, Ime Nta, who made the charge, urged the authority of the command to ensure that all erring staff are made to face the consequences of their actions.

After receiving an award of honor from the immigration high command to mark the end of his career in Calabar, Nta advised officers of the NIS against engaging in corrupt practices that could attract dire consequences including dismissal and prosecution.

He said: “No one but ourselves can expunge corruption from the service, and that is the way to better Nigeria.

“If you do anything that is inimical to the development and growth of the service, it is not you that will take the disgrace but the immigration service.”

He urged officers of the service willing to exhaust the stipulated 35 years of their career in the service to operate within the code of conduct of the service so as not to run foul of the law.

The NIS Comptroller, Cross River Command, Okey Ezugwu while presenting award of honor, also warned officers not to be involved in acts that will compromise the integrity and security of the nation.

He told officers of the service that, “we are employed to serve. We should derive pleasure to offer quality and satisfactory service to Nigerians.

“We are employed to secure the country. Our duty is to attract investors who will at the end of the day generate employment for our people.

“We must cherish, protect and maintain Government property in our care.”

• L-R: Chief Jackson Agbai Abbah, Chairman, Dover Hotels; Mr UK Eke, MFR, Group Managing Director, FBN Holdings Plc and Chairman of the occasion; Dr Alex Otti, former MD Diamond Bank; and Chief Leslie Ezikpe, Chairman, Virgin Rose Resorts at the formal opening and dedication of Dover Hotels Ikeja, Lagos.

Umeogu calls for sustenance of kola nut ritual to foster unity

By ODOGWU EMEKA ODOGWU

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ROFESSOR of Philosophy, Rev. Fr. Prof Bona Uchenna Umeogu, has called on Igbo people to sustain their rich kola nut tradition, which is a multivalential symbol of Igbo thought and culture.

Umeogu, a former Dean, Faculty of Arts, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, while delivering the 50th Inaugural Lecture at the University Auditorium Friday, stated that said the kola nut correctly depicts the multidimensional individuality and personality of the communalistic Igbo personality.

The theme of the lecture is “Kolanut in Igbo Metaphysics: A Phenomenalysical Research Into Its Symbolismic Universe.”

He stated: “The information, outformation, transformation, conformation and even deformation of the kola nut reveal how God, the world, human existence, the society, and knowledge came to the world through Igbo land and culture; but I have to establish both for now and forevermore that the genesis and ontology involved in the context under attention is symbolic, or at best, symbolismic.

“So, the conflicts of ontologies involved in the consideration of the

polyglot genesis of Igbo reality is resolved in and by the logical significance of the kola nut’s symbolismic universe: of kola nut symbol, of kola nut symbolism, of kola nut symbolismic expression and kola nut symbolismic deposition.”

Umeogu, who is the Foundation Director, Igbo Village and Center for African Civilization (IVACAC), Unizik stated that the kola nut tradition, which affords the Igbo the opportunity to offer prayers to God at every gathering, is one tradition that should be sustained.

He described kola nut as one of the core values of Igbo people, which engenders love and peace among brothers, adding that kola nuts is a sacred fruit and that God listens to prayers made during its presentation and breaking.

He stated: “Some of the reverences being accorded to kola nut are no longer being observed due to lack of knowledge and we must wake up as a people to check this trend.

The founder, convener and moderator of the university’s 1st Ogirisi Igbo Lectures on ‘’Ofo: Igbo symbol of Authority,” Umeogu produced Igbo kola nut juice for stimulation, energizing and sustenance of the body.

He noted that kola nut, which is

highly respected in Igboland has both mystical and medicinal effects to human beings.

Umeogu stated that kola nut has a nature that can be influenced by words and thought, and “there is life in kola nut. He that brings kola brings life. There is something in kola nut that is affected by behavior and attitude.”

The professor lamented that the kola nut was not getting due reverence in some places due to poor knowledge, but urged that people should embrace kola nut as a symbol of unity.

He said that Igbo separated the kola nut from profane use and dedicated it to sacred use, prayers and communion between God and man.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Charles Okechukwu Esimone, commended Umeogu for doing justice to the topic, which he described as unique.

Prof Esimone said that the ethnoreligious crisis that threatens the peace and unity of the country can be resolved through kola nut.

Rev. Fr. Patrick Bosah, who represented the Archbishop of Onitsha Metropolitan Most Reverend Valerian Okeke said that the ritual of kola nut in Igbo culture should be respected.

NIS officers warned against acts that tarnish the nation’s image From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

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HE personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Cross River State Command have been charged not to get involved in acts that would tarnish the image of the Service.

The Outgoing Deputy Comptroller of Immigration (DCI) of NIS, Ime Nta, who made the charge, urged the authority of the command to ensure that all erring staff are made to face the consequences of their actions.

After receiving an award of honor from the immigration high command to mark the end of his career in Calabar, Nta advised officers of the NIS against engaging in corrupt practices that could attract dire consequences including dismissal and prosecution.

He said: “No one but ourselves can expunge corruption from the service, and that is the way to better Nigeria.

“If you do anything that is inimical to the development and growth of the service, it is not you that will take the disgrace but the immigration service.”

He urged officers of the service willing to exhaust the stipulated 35 years of their career in the service to operate within the code of conduct of the service so as not to run foul of the law.

The NIS Comptroller, Cross River Command, Okey Ezugwu while presenting award of honor, also warned officers not to be involved in acts that will compromise the integrity and security of the nation.

He told officers of the service that, “we are employed to serve. We should derive pleasure to offer quality and satisfactory service to Nigerians.

“We are employed to secure the country. Our duty is to attract investors who will at the end of the day generate employment for our people.

“We must cherish, protect and maintain Government property in our care.”

Teaching hospital brainstorms on patients management From OGE ONYEANUSI, Nnewi

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S part of measures to improve its services, the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State, held its bi-monthly Hospital “ground round” with the hospital’s Board of Trustees Chairman, Chief Ezekiel Afukonyo, and other senior medical personnel of the institution.

The Chairman, Medical and Advisory Council (CMAC) of NAUTH, Dr Joseph Ugbaja told journalists that the ground round, otherwise called clinical pathology conference, was a bimonthly routine at the hospital when medical experts at the health institution brainstorm on issues around patients.

He said that the case of a patient already managed was presented to the medical personnel, including professors for critical examination, to know whether the patient was well managed and to point out the gap or the ideal thing that should have been done.

Ugbaja noted that in the course of doing so, if there were institutional deficiencies, they would be pointed out and discussed for possible corrections. He said that the conference had been of immense value to the hospital since it started.

He explained that every department involved in that patient’s management would always be present at the conference to explain its role.

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The Oracle Today Monday September 30 - October 6, 2019

NEWS Ikpeazu unveils plans to empower Abia women, youths From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

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HE Abia State Government has unveiled plans that would focus on establishing rice, cassava and oil palm plantations as part of its efforts to empower women and youths in the state through agriculture.

The State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, during an interaction with newsmen at Government House in Umuahia after a tour of some projects being executed by his administration, outlined the focus of the administration in his second term.

According to him, there are plans to make Abia a value chain hub, which would create jobs and in so doing, “we are going to sustain our strides in agriculture and this is why we are trying to create small, small agro-based cottage industries in the 17 local government areas in the state.”

He said that the government would establish rice mills, oil mills and cassava mills where women were actively involved and that his administration plans to distribute 7 million tenera specie palm seedlings by 2023, while 4 million have already been distributed.

Ikpeazu noted that, “my interest is for those crops, which our women are very very good in. If you do something around what these women know how to do, it is possible you can enhance the spending power of various individual households. And that is our strategy.”

The governor noted that a rice mill was built in Acha because he discovered that women were involved in rice product, “so, we want do something about the economy of Acha people. We know that 70 per cent of their women are involved in rice production. With that mill, which they will own and manage, I also intend to empower a few young men with some money that can buy paddies and mill and then go to sell. I will be very happy to create a rice economy around Acha since that is what they produce there.

“There are local governments that are very good in oil palm, we will also try to establish oil mills to enable us create oil palm economy in those neighbourhoods.”

He disclosed that an agro-industrial city, designed like Enyimba Economic City, would be established in Umuahia, adding that a cassava processing plant would be the first industry to be sited in the area.

“My idea is that women will be encouraged with the exotic cassava stems to produce cassava that will give them so much per plot of a hectare so that a woman can wake up and say if I sell my four or five plots of cassava, I am going to send my son to the university, even if it will cost N5 million. So, that is the kind of power I want to give as they crop even in their respective villages,” the governor said.

Governor Ikpeazu also said that the youths would be empowered financially to become up-takers so that they would buy cassava and rice from the women in the villages and take them to the urban centres to sell.

“What we want to do is to make sure that we are the value addition hub, if not in Nigeria, then in the South East,” he said.

10 year old wins 2019 Amichi singing competition

By ODOGWU EMEKA ODOGWU

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EN year old primary five pupil, Miss Nzubechukwu Chiamaka of Church of Divine Compassion, Amichi has won the 2019 edition of a singing competition.

The event tagged “2019 I can sing gospel music talent hunt” is organized by St Andrew’s Anglican Church, Amichi, Nnewi South local government area, Anambra State.

Miss Chiamaka, who beat 15 other contestants, won a cash prize of N150,000.

The second price of N100,000 went to Miss Ijeoma Ezeh of Save the Lost Mission School, Nnobi while Onyebuchi Okonkwo of Cathedral Church of St Andrew, Amichi won N70,000 and was placed third.

The competition, which is the fourth in the series, attracted participants from various denominations in Amichi.

The convener, Ven Chukwuebuka Chukwuemeka commended the contestants for their courage and talent and charged them not

to be too keen on the star prize but to the value their zeal to participate in the competition.

Chukwuemeka who is also the Amichi Diocesan Communicator and Amichi Diocesan Administrator stated: “Let me restate that this project is not really about winning the prize. It is about what you are able to add to yourself. It is about personal development. It is about putting yourself in a position where you are better equipped to serve God, the church as well as leverage on God’s gift in your life

to live a more productive life to the benefit of yourself, your family, the church and the wider society.”

Among the throng of supporters, he thanked the Anglican bishop of Amichi diocese, Rt. Rev’d. Ephraim Ikeakor and his wife, Dame Nkem Ikeakor for their support and encouragement to the them to exercise their own ministry in the cathedral.

The winner of the star price, Miss Nzubechukwu Chiamaka thanked God for giving her the courage to contest with those she called her seniors.

NIWA denies N20m bribe to permit use of Party House From OGE ONYEANUSI, Nnewi

T • Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu cuts a ribbon to commission a project during his media tour to some of the projects executed by his administration.

Lawmakers did not demand or reject Prado SUVs from Obiano, says Info Commissioner From PAMELA EBOH, Awka

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he Anambra State Government over the weekend accused the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of planting reports in the media claiming that members of the State House of Assembly rejected Toyota Prado sport utility vehicles (SUVs) given to them by the state governor, Willie Obiano in preference to Innoson SUVs. In a statement at the weekend, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr C.Don Adinuba, described the report as false and misleading.

He insisted that the lawmakers neither rejected any Toyota Prado vehicle nor did they request for Innoson vehicles.

He stated: “It was the House of Assembly members who asked for Prados, to be in line with vehicles used by legislators in every other state of the federation.

“However, when they saw the huge financial implications of purchasing 30 units of the 2019 model of Toyota Prado vehicles for each member, the 30 lawmakers, easily the most patriotic, productive and considerate of any set of legislators in Nigeria, opted for the 2017 model.

“They are the only legislators elected in the 2019 to have the older model. By so doing, they have saved for the government and people of Anambra a fortune.

“For purposes of historical accuracy, let it be stated in the public domain that it is the executive, which has been leading the campaign to make the Innoson SUV its official vehicle.

In March, 2018, for example, following the second inauguration of the Obiano administration, an order for a fleet of Innoson SUVs was placed with Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) for the State Executive Council members.

“The order, however, could not be met early enough, apparently on account of several orders from even outside the country. The government was consequently constrained to seek another brand. It settled five months later for Ford because a worthy son of Anambra, Dr Cosmas Maduka of Coscharis Group, holds the Ford franchise in Nigeria. Besides, Maduka bought early enough into the Think Home philosophy of the Obiano administration, which encourages illustrious sons and daughters of the state to invest in their homeland.”

Adinuba insisted that both the management and staff of Innoson Motors acknowledge that the State Government is not only its best customer but also its greatest supporter.

He recalled that on March 29, 2018, the state government handed over 40 Innoson pickups to the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Security, Anambra Vigilante Group, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Navy and National Security and Civil Defence Corps to enhance their capabilities in making Anambra remain the safest state in Nigeria.

Adinuba added: “In November 2019, the state government will donate 60 Innoson SUVs to the security and intelligence agencies. It is a well acknowledged fact that not only does Obiano patronize Innoson Motors more than any other governor, he has been marketing the vehicles to fellow governors and executives of corporate organizations across the nation.

“Indeed, the Anambra State Government is eminently proud of its relationship with IVM Manufacturing Company. Its founder, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, is a role model. We are proud that he is a major investor in our state. We are prouder of his genius: he pulled himself up by the bootstraps. Despite his modest formal education, he has displayed world class imagination and creativity. He

represents the typical Anambra story: a determination to succeed despite all odds.”

The commissioner noted that Maduka has spent a colossal sum to acquire 10-kilometer square of land at Anaku in Ayamelum Local Government Area where he now does both rainy and dry season rice farming, having built a state of the art dam and irrigation system there.

He disclosed that the state governor will on October 4, 2019, commission the world-class automated Coscharis Rice Mill at Igbariam in Anambra East LGA, with a milling capacity of 60 tonnes per day and 40,000 tonnes per year. The construction started in 2017.

Adinuba stressed that Coscharis Farm and Coscharis Rice Mill can provide all the rice needed in at least the South East geopolitical zone, even providing jobs and business opportunities for many Nigerians, and will continue to do so far into the future.

He urged PDP in the State to borrow a leaf from the other political parties by joining hands with Anambra people to make the state better.

While saying that too much politicking compromises the people’s future, he observed that though the 2021 gubernatorial vote in Anambra and the 2023 general election are years away, the Anambra State branch of the PDP has been sponsoring news publications and broadcasts in a section of the Nigerian mass media against the state.

According to him, PDP is determined to see if it can gain a foothold in Anambra, in spite of its abysmal performance in the House of Assembly election last March where the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) won majority seats.

He said the state under the leadership of APGA will continue on the trajectory of rapid progress and moreso remain Nigeria’s most competitive state.

HE Onitsha Area Manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority, (NIWA), Mr. Agbahi Fidelis, has dismissed as false the speculation in some quarters that some unnamed people have, in collaboration with NIWA, gone to Abuja with a N20 million bribe for permission to use the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) building, on Niger Street, Fegge Onitsha.

Agbahi reiterated that nobody has the right to encroach or do anything with the building and that “it is false and untrue that some people have gone to abuja to bribe NIWA with #20million to make use of the party house, because the case about the party house is pending in court.

“We can only get to the party house when the concession for a river port is granted but for now the matter is pending before a court of competent jurisdiction.”

Hitherto, an Onitsha based businessman, Chief Okechukwu Ojimba had dragged NIWA, J.N. Okpagu and sons Enterprises Ltd and Chief Ngozi Okpagu, to an Onitsha High Court praying for a declaration that the first defendant (NIWA) lacked the legal right to acquire or take over possession of property, known as Party House, situated at Niger Street, Fegge Onitsha.

He argued that NIWA cannot lawfully take possession of the Party House for use by the two defendants for any private use and for an order of perpetual injunction restraining NIWA from interfering with/or in any way whatsoever, take over possession of the property for use for a purpose at variance with the statutory function of NIWA.

The Oracle Today Monday September 30 - October 6, 2019

NEWS I wish God made me Bishop during Obi’s tenure, says Cleric

By ODOGWU EMEKA ODOGWU

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HE Anglican Bishop of Niger West, Most Rev. Dr. Johnson Ekwe has recounted series of “regrets” noting that the He regrets not being a Bishop during the tenure of former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi. At the burial of the mother of Ven. Emma Onovo at Ogbaku, Enugu State, Ekwe

explained that not been a Bishop at the time Obi was the Governor of Anambra State, was top on his the regret list.

He said: “Before I arrived Anambra, I was conversant with how the people of Anambra were beholden to him because of his achievements, which I witnessed as soon as I arrived and took office as a Bishop.

“I noticed the pilot vehicle in my

Diocese as well as those of other dioceses were provided by him. He also provided buses to all the secondary schools in the state, government, Church-owned and private.

“I learnt about his special relationship with the Church and all organizations desirous of the progress of the state. All this invoked the feeling of regret.”

Describing Obi as an epitome of

leadership, integrity and humility, the Bishop prayed for the fulfillment of God’s wishes in his life.

The bishop who commiserated with the Onovo family said that funeral services should remind the people that death awaits everybody and that what mattered was one’s relationship with God through living good life according to the dictates of Christianity.

In his vote of thanks, the local ordinary, Bishop Emmanuel Ugwu of the Diocese Awgu/Aniri said it was good to be good. Using Obi as an example, he said it was nice to see how everybody was speaking good of him. His words: “I have observed his relationship with people, his humility and his special relationship with our former Primate, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Akintola to conclude that there are a lot in him.”

Unijos alumni association donates books to mark Literacy Day

Petroleum Ministry proposes out of court resolution in Aiteo, host communities face-off

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From CLEM ONYEMAECHI, Yenagoa

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HE Ministry of Petroleum Resources has intervened in the lingering face off and litigation by Nembe communities, hosts to Oil Mining Lease (OML 29) due for renewal on June 30, 2019.

An indigenous oil production firm, Aiteo is the operator of the Oil Mining Lease in question.

A Federal High Court in Yenagoa on June 24, 2019 declined an application to halt the renewal of OML 29 pending the determination of a suit by Nembe communities in Bayelsa.

The OML 29 host communities are seeking an environment audit of the impact of the oil field on the host communities and the implementation of the social obligations of the host communities by the operator of the oil bloc amongst others.

At the resumed hearing last Friday, counsel to the plaintiffs, Mr. A. Eyinda told the court that officials of Ministry of Petroleum Resources had proposed an amicable resolution of the face-off.

He explained that the Ministry had prepared a draft Memorandum of Understanding for resolution of all the issues by the parties and had sought the input of the communities at a meeting scheduled for August 27, which did not hold.

Eyinda expressed the desire of the plaintiffs to continue with the case while hoping that the settlement option proposed by the Petroleum Ministry materializes.

However, Counsel to the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mr. Agbade S. Agbade said that although he was aware of the disposition of his client for an out of court settlement, he had no update to give the court without recourse to his client.

The lease expired on June 30, 2019, while the operator of the oilfields, Aiteo had commenced renewal formalities with the payment of $82 million to the Department of Petroleum Resources.

Justice Awogboro Abimbola, heard four pending applications for joinders from Bayelsa communities seeking to join the suit About 40 chiefs from Nembe communities seeking to join the suit besieged the court premises and filled the courtroom to the brim.

The plaintiffs are Ikaonaworio Eferebo-Igoma, Iyerite Chiefson AwululuAtubu, Ayebaesin Edoghotu-Omoh, Markson Amaegbe-Orutari, B.C. Benwari-Yousuo and Doibo Evans representing OML 29 host communities.

The defendants are Attorney-General of the Federation, Minister of Petroleum Resources, Federal Ministry of Environment and Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria.

Others are Aiteo Exploration and Production Ltd, Attorney-General of Bayelsa and The Deeds Registrar, Bayelsa Ministry of Lands.

The Shell Petroleum Development Company in 2015 divested its equity in OML 29 and transferred its interest in the oil bloc, including NCTL for $1.7 billion to Aiteo.

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•The Vice Presidential candidate of the PDP, Mr. Peter Obi ( middle), with the Anglican Bishop of Niger West, Most Rev. Dr. Johnson Ekwe (right) and Bishop Emmanuel Ugwu of the Diocese of Awgu/Aniri (left), during the funeral of mrs. Uchenwa Onovo, the mother of Ven. Emmanuel Onovo at Ogbaku, Enugu State, yesterday.

PDP appoints former guber aspirant as DG Senator Douye Diri Campaign Organization From CLEM ONYEMAECHI, Yenagoa violence, adding that this played out during the party primaries when the he Peoples Democratic Party principle of fair play was jettisoned in Bayelsa State has appointed for personal interest.

He commended the PDP aspirDr. Nimibofa Ayawei as Director General of the Senator Douye ants for exhibiting a high sense of Diri Governorship Campaign Organi- discipline, maturity and sportsmanship during and after the conduct of zation.

Dr. Ayawei, who is Chairman of the primaries and assured them that the Bayelsa State Internal Revenue necessary measures would be taken Board, was also a frontline aspirant at bringing everybody on board to of the PDP in the last gubernatorial work for the success of the party in primaries which produced Senator November 16, Governorship elecDiri as the party’s candidate for the tion.

His words:”Let me congratulate November 16 election in the state.

A statement by the State Secre- all our party members on a very tary of the PDP, Chief Godspower successful, peaceful and orderly Keku, said that Dr. Ayawei’s ap- primary that our party conducted. pointment was part of the key reso- If you can juxtapose that with what lutions of a meeting of the Guber- happened in the APC, you will find natorial Campaign Advisory Council out that they never really held any of the State Chapter of the People’s primaries because they are used to Democratic Party (PDP) held at the writing results whether in the general elections or their own primary weekend.

According to the statement, Gov- election.

“Our party went through the ernor Seriake Dickson at the meeting reiterated his commitment to rigours of a real primary election hand over power to the PDP demo- where friends, colleagues and even cratically elected governor in Febru- party leadership disagreed and supported candidates of their choice. ary 14, 2020.

The governor further described That is the tradition of our party.

“I congratulate all PDP members the opposition party, APC as a toothless bull dog that lacks capac- on the transparent manner it was ity to win any free, fair and credible done. It was beamed live across our nation and around the world to election in the state.

He said PDP has demonstrated show that our party is the only truly its readiness to retain the Governor- credible democratic platform in the ship seat in the state through the country and particularly in our state.

“I want to particularly congratuconduct of peaceful primaries which had been adjudged as the best in late all the aspirants who put themselves forward; who had sleepless the political history of the state.

Governor Dickson said APC in nights canvassing for support and the state is noted for thuggery bal- votes across the nooks and crannies lot stuffing, hijackings and political of this state and everywhere in this

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country spending their hard-earned resources.

“Our party remains truly grateful to each and every one of them. Indeed, they are the true heroes and heroines of democracy in our country. When the story of how we have consolidated the gains of our democratic governance in our state will be written, i assure them that there will be a special place of honour reserved for each of them.”

“I want to assure all our party men and women and the well meaning people of our state that our party leadership understands the challenges that we are here taking steps to ensure that all issues are resolved in our party so that our party can move forward to victory come November 16.”

Earlier in his remarks, the State PDP Chairman, Mr. Moses Cleopas had described the PDP standard bearer as comparatively the best among candidates presented by all the political parties for the guber poll.

Mr. Cleopas who also referred to the governorship aspirants as good ambassadors of the PDP, urged all to jettison their individual differences and work collectively for the common goal.

The stakeholders meeting also had in attendance, the PDP flag bearer, Senator Douye Diri and some of the aspirants in the just concluded PDP governorship primaries.

They are, Keniebi Okoko, Nimbofa Ayaowei, Chief Benson Agadaga and the reinstated Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Kemela Okara.

HE Rivers State Chapter of the University of Jos Alumni Association (UJAA) has donated books worth about N100,000 to Model Girls Secondary School, Mbodo Aluu, Rivers State in celebration of the 2019 International Literacy Day. The Chairman of the Rivers State Chapter, Mr Tonye Dagogo, who presented the books and inaugurated the “Book Club” and “Literary Society” of the school, explained that the celebration of the event was delayed in anticipation of the return of the students from the long vacation.

Two of the authors, Dr Obinna Nwodim, a former Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Rivers and Mr Wellington Nworgu, whose books were donated, advised the students to cultivate the habit of reading good books in order to expand their knowledge of the world and communicate better.

Wellington and Nwodim jointly responded to questions from the students on issues of writing.

In a goodwill message, the Executive Chairman of the Rivers State UBE Board, Venerable Fyneface Akah commended the alumni association for such a mentoring initiative.

Akah, who was represented by the Director in charge of Legal and Public Relations Services at the Board, Mr Karibi George said Model Girls Secondary School, Mbodo Aluu is a special, all female boarding school conceived and built by the State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike when he was Supervising Minister of Education, and that the school is a beacon of hope for the restoration of the boarding system in public schools.

The UBE Board Chairman said the Board regularly engages with community leadership, not only to protect and preserve school facilities, but also to monitor teaching and learning through School Based Management Committees (SBMCs).

He challenged members of the association to make themselves available to serve on SBMCs in their communities.

The pastor of the Church of the Holy Spirit, Eliozu Parish of the Anglican Communion, Rev Canon Chuka Opara prayed for the students to imbibe the spirit of excellence in character and in learning.

The School‘s Principal, Mrs Patience Nwogu thanked the Alumni Association for the books and for affording the students the opportunity to interact with established authors. She promised that the books would be well utilized and called on other public spirited individuals and organizations to donate books to the school.

Some of the novels donated were Angel of Light; Towards a Greater Nigeria; Basket of Errors; Back to School; A Slave of Honour; and Amaka, the Child of Fate.

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The Oracle Today Monday September 30 - October 6, 2019

NEWS Nsukka Journalists Foundation (NJF) holds convention

From IKECHUKWU OKENWA, Nsukka

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he 2019 edition of the annual convention of Nsukka Journalists Foundation (NJF) will hold on Independence Day at Ikenga Hotels, Nsukka, Enugu State.

Addressing press men at preconference media parley, Chairman of the Foundation, Professor Nick Okonkwo Idoko, a university don and veteran journalist, said the conference, which is the second after last year’s maiden edition, will have journalists from the seven local government areas that make up Nsukka cultural zone in Enugu State, home and abroad, converge on the university town of Nsukka, host of the nation’s first indigenous university, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

Okonkwo Idoko stated that the foundation will, among other things, deliberate on a number of issues relating to the development needs of Nsukka cultural zone, which comprises Nsukka, Igbo-Eze South, Igbo-Eze North, Udenu, Igbo-Etiti, Uzo-Uwani and Isi-Uzo Local Government Areas.

Also of immediate concern to the group, is how to get governments at different levels to partner wit relevant stakeholders to ensure equitable distribution of social amenities among the communities.

As a host community of UNN, the question of a special status for Nsukka will feature in the deliberations at the convention which, according to Okonkwo Idoko, will be taking a more than passing interest in the welfare of members.

Said he: “As journalists, we report events and mould opinions that shape our society. We ask questions about the use of our commonwealth by those in positions of authority.

As professionals scattered all over the world, giving voice to the societies where we live and practise, we should also ask ourselves: have we also given voice to our people? As we do all those in our respective beats and postings, we have the duty to also ask questions about our home, Nsukka Cultural Zone. We owe it a duty to also ask about government activities and how these activities could be applied to promote quality standard of living for our families in our respective communities. Above all, we owe it a duty to come together to review how we are faring in our different locations.”

“We have more than 100 registered members,” Prof. Okonkwo Idoko stressed, adding: “Who says we cannot establish an in-house journal that could cater to our information needs?

We are meeting for the second time and we hope to settle a lot of issues at the end of the convention.”.

Also speaking, convener of the Foundation and Publisher of The Starlite newspapers, Nsukka, Mr. Harrison Ogara, said the formation of the foundation was the best thing to haven happen to the journalists of Nsukka extraction.

He stated that membership of the body is made up of veterans, middle class professionals, and the younger ones who have vowed to blend together for the greater good of the people of Nsukka Cultural Zone. He further stressed that only members who are officially registered are allowed to attend the convention, adding that the convention is expected to be formally declared open by the Executive Chairman of Nsukka Local Government Council, Hon. Patrick Omeje while the Enugu State Governor, Rt Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, is expected at the occasion as the Special Guest of honour.

Dickson mocks APC governorship candidate, calls him a rookie From CLEM ONYEMAECHI, Yenagoa

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HE Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson has urged the people of the state to be mindful and make the right choice in the November 16 governorship election in the state.

While inaugurating the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Grassroots Youth Movement drawn from four local government areas of the state preparatory to the November 16 Governorship election in the state, the governor described the the PDP candidate Douye Diri as a capable hand unlike the APC governorship candidate, David Lyon who

the governor called a “rookie.”

In a press release by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Fidelis Soriwei, the Governor stressing that the office of a governor is crucial, and Bayelsa, being the only homogenous state of the Ijaw people, does not need a governor who would be remote-controlled.

He said:”This state and Ijaw nation needs a governor who will be our leader and our spokesman. We need a leader who will speak on our environment, on what the oil companies are doing to our people and not colluding with them and being a mercenary for them.

“What we know is that, in Douye Diri, we have a man who has been

prepared and groomed for this high and important office.

“This office is a very important one where very serious decisions that a governor takes have consequences for all of us, not just for the present but the future.

“So in this office, in this our only homogenous state, we have no room for a rookie governor that people will programme like a computer and remote-controlled.”

Dickson, therefore, urged the youth movement to effectively mobilize Bayelsans across the wards and local government areas to support and vote Diri, the PDP standard bearer.

According to the Governor, the

APC candidate does not stand a chance when compared to Diri who has the capacity to govern the state.

Dickson noted that by the time campaigns kick off, the voters would be convinced that the PDP is the only party that has an experienced and presentable candidate to take over leadership of the state on November 16.

Speaking on behalf of the PDP Grassroots Youth Movement, with youths drawn from Sagbama, Ekeremor, Nembe and Kolokuma/Opokuma local government areas, Mr. Ekisa Esinkumo, assured that they would work hard to ensure that Diri emerged victorious on the election day.

Project the country in positive light, Okowa admonishes Nigerians From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

T • Buildings ravaged by erosion in Nyakasang community, Cross River

ISOPADEC meets needs of communities, rolls out empowerment schemes

From COLLINS UGHALAA, Owerri

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HE Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC) has kept its promise of addressing the needs of the oil producing communities in Ohaji-Egbema and Oguta local government areas with its empowerment programmes in agriculture, education and skill acquisition.

The Managing Director of ISOPADEC, Owuoma Anthony Okwuosha at the launching of the programme during its sensitization programmed tagged: ISOPADEC Special Town Hall Meeting On Cassava Buyout Pilot Scmeme And General Training Programme Sensitization And Awareness, said that the Commission was changing the narratives in the oil producing communities by addressing the needs of the people and stimulating economic activities in the area.

He said: “We have got the approval of the Deputy Governor, Gerald Irona, to empower our people by rolling out these programmes. But we have decided that for us to achieve what we want, we must make sure that the selection process is rigorous so that only those who will be committed to it and excel will be selected in the end.

“We must put them to rigorous test so that we will get value for the money we will spend. These programmes are designed to take our youths out of the streets, and the deputy governor has developed a programme to ensure that those who will participate in our programmes are engaged at the end of the day.”

He added: “We have identified the low hanging fruits. There are several stories about agriculture and its allied

businesses, but we have been able to come up with programmes that can stimulate economic activities for our people. We will train people in Fittings, Pipeline Welding, ICT, Artificial Intelligence, Coding, etc. The jobs you have today, in the next 30 years you won’t have them. That is why we want to train our people and prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow.

“But before you go into that you have to eat. Ohaji-Egbema and Oguta local government areas have identified belts for cassava production but we have not leveraged it. We have come up with a programme around cassava, which we will execute soon.

Cassava as a farm produce has a lot of value. From cassava you can get sugar, alcohol, starch, casavita, garri, etc.

“We understand that even the youths cannot go into agriculture if they don’t see the value in it. The programme is to buyout cassava at a margin so that the farmers would make additional money. We have identified partners that would help us in the value chain and find the market for us. Our target is to stimulate agricultural business in the communities and create wealth for our people.

We are making arrangement to procure farming equipments that would help our people cultivate more with ease.”

He stressed that the Commission has programmes like bursaries for the students, and he assured that the new management would leave the oil producing communities better than they met them.

He said that the programmes rolled out by the Commission would help address the challenge of youth restiveness in the area by taking the youths off the streets and engaging

them meaningfully.

The Deputy Governor, Gerald Irona, said: “What we intend to do at ISPOPADEC is to train our youths in skills acquisition, and by the time they finish we have the capacity to absolve them. In few weeks or months the Assa Gas Plant will come up stream and we will leverage on it.

“We must invest in the education of our people. No matter the political party you belong to, we must make you feel that you are from the oil producing areas and when you graduate we would task you to help and develop our area.

“In terms of infrastructure, it is our goal to ensure that by the end of four years there will not be any community in Ohaji-Egbema and Oguta local government areas that would not have access to water, electricity and good roads.

“We have decided to bring the oil companies working in our communities to partner ISOPADEC. We have mandated the Watersmith to partner ISOPADEC to provide electricity in Assa Community. We also met with Sterling Global Oil Company to work out their budget and partner ISOPADEC to give electricity to the people of Agwa. We must be deliberate in our actions to develop our people.”

The Deputy Governor added that ISOPADEC will procure tractors and other farming equipment and help the people. “They will buyout cassava from our people and process it and create the value chain. We have the off-takers now. They will provide you with improved seedlings and extension services also. So, if you are cultivating one plot of land you would be cultivating 5 plots of land,”he said.

HE Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has urged Nigerians to shun negative attitudes towards the country, but project it in positive light.

The governor, who made the call in Asaba, at the Standing Committee Meeting of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) at St. Peter’s Cathedral Church of the Diocese of Asaba, cautioned that citizens must resist the temptation to join those in the habit of condemning the country and its leaders.

He said, “it is impossible for us to pray right and then speak wrong, because what happens after prayer is as important, if not more important, than the actual prayer.

“Our words as Christians are powerful; negative words carry the power to invalidate our prayers and derail our expectations.

“So, let us all take heed and begin today to speak healing, peace, prosperity, progress and accelerated development to Nigeria.

“My faith is that in no distant time, Nigeria will become one of the most sought-after countries in the world; it shall be well with us as we continue to stand in faith for Nigeria.

“We need to also teach the flock to release their faith for the purpose of national development and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.

“We are not often as determined and steadfast in exercising faith for a transformed Nigeria as we are when it comes to our personal needs.”

Okowa commended the Anglican Communion for its steadfastness in preaching the word of God, noting that all over the world, the pulpit was under severe pressure.

According to him, congregants, having itchy ears, are hardening their ears to the truth and looking for preachers who will tell them what they want to hear.

The Primate of Anglican Communion, Most Revd Nicholas Okoh, thanked the governor for his support to the Church and called on the Federal Government to tackle the challenges of insecurity in the country

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The Oracle Today Monday September 30 - October 6, 2019

NEWS Anambra Govt warns against illegal motor parks

C’ River residents send SOS to Govt, NEWMAP as erosion sacks community

From OGE ONYEANUSI, Nnewi

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HE Anambra State Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Christian Madubuko has expressed worry over the increase of illegal motor parks across the state and has vowed to recover all the roads occupied by squatters who preferred roadside trading to doing legitimate businesses in government-owned places.

Inspecting some of the motor parks in Onitsha and Ogbaru Local Government Areas, the Commissioner said he was shocked that individuals have chosen to run illegal private motor parks, therefore denying government of revenue.

Warning such operators to desist or face the full weight of the Government, the commissioner instructed Taskforce officials to impound any vehicle loading or offloading in an authorized place within the State.

At Obodoukwu road in Ogbaru Local Government Council, several illegal motor parks were discovered by Madubuko and his team, and they were issued an ultimatum to shut down or to bear the consequences.

Assuring that the taskforce will have a human face in the discharge of its functions, the Commissioner told journalists at the utra-multimillion motor park at Obodoukwu road, the he wants the cooperation of all to ensure that the good face of the state will be recovered from those working against the government

From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

HE resident of Nyakashang community in Calabar, Cross River State have sent a plea to the State Government and the Nigeria Environment and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) to come to their rescue as the menace of erosion takes its toll on the community.

The community, which is recover-

ing from the electrocution incident that claimed lives some years ago have a bigger problem to deal with now as a result of the deep gullies that surround the community.

Nyakashang, with a population of about 10, 000 people, made up largely of low income earners, farmers and petty traders, is one of the new settlements that sprung up following the influx of people into Calabar over the years.

A picture of despair and hopelessness pervades the community as residents recount their challenges over the years with the imminent disaster looming if measures are not put in place to forestall it.

Anietie Uwana James, a resident said, “I have lived in this community since 1985 and we have not experienced this kind of problem.

This menace started around 2013 and state government officials who

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as OSUORIE KENNETH OBUMNEME now wish to be known as OBUMNEME KENNETH. former documents remain valid Banks and General public take

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as OKONKWO ABUMUCHUKWU VICTORIA now wish to be known as NWAKALOR ABUMUCHUKWU VICTORIA. former documents remain valid Banks and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I Formerly known as MISS OKEKE CHINELO AMARACHUKWU now wish to be known as MRS EZENWA CHINELO AMARACHUKWU. former documents remain valid Banks and general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as OKONKWO ABUMUCHUKWU VICTORIA now wish to be known as NWAKALOR ABUMUCHUKWU VICTORIA. former documents remain valid Banks and General public take

CORRECTION OF NAME I formerly known as DANIEL LOUIS GOODLUCK now wish to be known and addressed as LOUIS GOODLUCK DANIEL. All former documents remain valid.

Banks, other relevant authorities and general public please take note.

•The contractor handling the Ozuitem Water Scheme explains a point to the Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu during the governor’s visit to the community

Anambra indigenes hail FG on 2nd Niger Bridge, bemoan gridlock on Owerri Road

From OGE ONYEANUSI, Nnewi

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ROMINENT indigenes of Anambra State have praised the Federal Government for making the construction of the Second Niger Bridge a reality.

The commendation came in the wake of persistent traffic jam at the Upper Iweka area of Owerri Road and Niger Bridge-Head in Onitsha.

The President-General, BridgeHead Markets Associations, Mr. Sunday Obinze in Onitsha, Sunday, thanked the Federal Government for the bridge, which he noted would be of great economic significance not only to the people of the South East, but to the entire country.

He equally expressed happiness to the Anambra State Government for creating the enabling environ-

ment for the contractors handling the project.

He observed that the people of South East who are noted for commercial activities as well as residing in other parts of the country would continue to support the good intentions of government to reduce the sufferings of the people.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Okpoko Police Station, Mr. Onyeka Adinuba explained that the bad condition of Owerri Road was a security threat to motorists and their passengers.

He revealed that criminals often attack their targets when stalled in hold-ups or sometimes vandalize cars abandoned by motorists at night during traffic grid lock.

The areas have for many years been experiencing traffic grid-lock occasioned by the huge number

of vehicles that ply the road from other states into Onitsha.

Speaking to newsmen in Oba, the spiritual leader of Ogilisi-Igbo, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka stressed that another major source of the grid lock at the Bridge Head end of Onitsha through Owerri Road, is the dilapidated Federal road, which gets worse each day.

According to him, commuters and other road users have often been compelled to abandon their vehicles along the busy road to get to their destinations due to manholes that have taken over various portions of the road thereby frustrating road users.

“However, it is disheartening that the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has turned a blind eye to sufferings of motorists and other road users,” he said.

came here promised that they are going to address this problem but the promises have not come to fruition.

“We have written countless letters to them as well as the Niger Delta Development Commission, NEWMAP and they keep assuring us that they will come and work on it but we are yet to see them and this problem has been deteriorating over the years.

“The menace has affected us so badly and whenever it rains, we live in fear and cannot stay in our houses because we are afraid of being washed into the ravine. The major community road, which is used to evacuate farm produce has been washed away and we are appealing for government’s urgent intervention,” James said.

An indigent resident, Etim Okon, who said he has been in the area for the past 17 years stressed that things have been getting worse.

“Houses have been washed off and we are pleading with the government to come and look at this and see how they can control this erosion. There are thousands of people who are affected and they don’t have anywhere to go and stay. Government should try and look at this situation and see how they can address it.

“If the problem is not addressed, it will affect both the federal and state government as the garment factory, Ayade Industrial Park, CAlapharm, Rice factory as well as the Federal Government Girl’s College Calabar are also at risk. The ravine is increasing by the day.”

The chairman of the community, Etim Sunday Umoh bemoaned their fate and blamed their plight on urbanisation. There is improper channelisation of the flood water.

“I have lived here since 1993 and the time I lived here there was nothing like this, but when people came and built plenty houses then the water, which was not properly channelised chopped the land and it came to this state. it has taken many lives particularly children and even pythons have pursued us here as a result of this ravine.

“There was even a time a python came from the ravine and pursued a child here but the child was fortunate because we were able to interrupt the snake in time and chased it away.

“The former government tried by executing some channelisation projects but they constructed a big gutter at a particular spot where another developed and subsequently escalated.

“Secondly, all the water from the Margaret Ekpo Airport, Atimbo, Ekpenyong Abasi ends here and whenever the rain falls, the floods end here and this is one of the reasons the ravine has been expanding daily in the community. We are still begging government to come and help us.”

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The Oracle Today Monday September 30 - Sunday October 6, 2019

INTERVIEW

The point is our leaders are not doing well enough, says GUO •Harps on Igbo, Nigerian unity, alliance, focus on the youth •Seeks new focus for NYSC programme

Transporter and business mogul, Chief Godwin Ubaka Okeke, aka GUO, is uncomfortable with the situation of things in Igboland and Nigeria. He notes that leadership is an issue and calls for governments to invest in the youths as a way forward. The Chairman of ANAMMCO, bemoans the marginalization of Ndigbo in national politics and he calls for unity. He spoke with THEO RAYS. Excerpts: ALMOST everywhere you turn to, you hear Ndigbo complain about the condition of things in the South East and the country generally. Do you think these complaints are justified?

Of course, the situation we have found ourselves in the South East and in Nigeria calls for complaints. As a businessman, I can say that I am conversant with the Nigerian situation. The point is that our leaders are not doing well enough. Take for Instance in the South East, I have checked and found out that the spirit of the likes of the late Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Akanu Ibiam, Ikemba of Nnewi Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Dr M. I. Okpara and those who led us in the 70’s and 80s is lacking today.

The issues of leadership in both Igbo land and Nigeria changed drastically about 30 years ago and it is most unfortunate. The situation has impacted negatively on the people, especially the youths. We have to do more to reinvent and reprogram the youth because they are the hope of the nation. they are the key to the future.

Personally, my children, have not just taken over my businesses but have made them stronger and better. Their youthfulness and exposure gives them edge over me now, so it is very important for our leaders to focus more on the youth as strong measures for nation building. The major cause of our problem is that we are losing the youth to all sorts of crimes like armed robbery, kidnapping and drug dealing. Some are languishing in prisons in foreign countries and some have died on account of illegal migration because they had no job to do in their country. Government has to do more to recover our youth.

What in concrete term would you expect the leaders to do to create jobs for the youth, nourish the system with them and prepare them for the future?

First, give them opportunities in politics so as to groom them towards leadership.

Second, expose them to skill acquisition and entrepreneurship programs and empower them with soft loans. If you expose them to skill and entrepreneurship, they will become job providers. For instance, if the Federal Government can enact practical programs on the National Youth Service scheme and convert the one year service to practical scheme on skill acquisition and entrepreneurship programs the NYSC program will be more profitable to the nation. In some countries like China and Japan, younger people play with handsets like ludo game. We can send out our youths there for training and they come to live a more meaningful life.

Take for instance, if a million graduates that participate in NYSC program yearly are trained in skill acquisition and entre-

preneurship within three months and are given N500, 000 or N1million each as take off, in no time, they will become employers of labor. By the time they start to engage others in what they do, the number of unemployed people will reduce. It is possible to raise the money. First you can convert the monthly allowance they give the corpers to a bulk money and then source additional money in form of soft loan from Central Bank to make it N1million. It is possible to do this and by the time you do it annually for five years, you would have given unemployment a good fight, reduce crime and the economy will improve beyond your imagination.

Let the youth be carried along in the scheme of things. I still like to use my family as example because charity begins at home. As my children were growing up, I started carrying them along. I engaged them in the transport section as well as in ANAMMCO and others areas and they I started looking after what they were doing. I tried to coach them according to my standards and fortunately they were able to catch up. Leaders in Government can emulate such measures and carry the youths along.

Do you agree that the major problem of Ndigbo today is marginalization especially in the non appointment of the Igbo politicians in key positions and lack of Federal Government infrastructures in the South East?

The problem of Ndigbo is the lack of unity among the people mostly the political class owing to their pursuit of their personal interests. If Ndigbo can come together and decide on what to do, they can make a more meaningful impact on Nigeria. For instance, during the presidential election, Ndigbo came out in force to support the PDP ticket of Atiku/Obi candidacy and the entire nation felt the impact.

People in various parts of Nigeria like Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Kaduna were jittery over the votes from Ndigbo. What happened in that election is an indication that Ndigbo can do something great if they unite for a purpose but lack of unity remains our bane. If Ndigbo can unite and align forces with the South-South and any other region that shares the same ideology with us, chances are that we can go far to fight and retrieve our deserved position in the country.

What would you tell Ohanaeze Ndigbo at this moment?

Bring Ndigbo together and take Ohanaeze to the grassroots through the towns and villages. What Ndigbo needs is to mobilize and chart a new course in politics and governance and also a new course

•Chief Godwin Ubaka Okeke in business and in bringing up the youth.

I have told Onitsha traders that buying and selling is no longer the ideal business.

There are a lot things that people can do to make money.

People are going back to original local delicacy like roasted yam, roasted plantain, local beans known as akidi, cocoa yam, and vegetables but we don’t have enough of them. Could you believe that a woman that roasts yam and plantain trained her two children in the university with the profit she was making from the

business. Most people are lazy and that is why they go for fast money. Sometimes you don’t balme them because that’s what they inherit from the society in the absence of lack of vision for the youth on the side of Government.

In most cases you cannot find people to work as masons or to do carpentry work because the society no longer prepares people for such jobs. So how can you grow secure the system and grow the economy without engaging the youth, it is not possible.

16

The Oracle Today Monday September 30 - Sunday October 6, 2019

Feature

To solve its power distribution problems, Africa needs to modernize, decentralize its grid Electrification is an on-going and foundational investment, and a necessary one to realize all modern-day development objectives. Despite bullish policies, the fact remains that over 640 million Africans lack access to electricity. The effect of this is apparent. It impedes economic growth; it inhibits the advancements of self-reliant local communities, and it threatens national security.

African governments are beginning to rethink their electrification plans. Grid modernisation, specifically the deployment of microgrids in rural areas, provides a promising strategy.

Grid modernisation, specifically the deployment of microgrids in rural areas, provides a promising strategy writes ANASTASIA WALSH

The centralized utility model is not adequately serving Africa’s needs Attempting to replicate the centralized utility models implemented in the U.S. and Europe has not succeeded in improving energy access across the continent. Despite this, it seems many governments and utilities wrongly maintain the position that the expansion of the traditional grid infrastructure is the solution. In areas where communities have access to the central grid, they still have to supplement the intermittency of the power with diesel generators. On the flip side, the utilities are financially strained because they are unable to collect revenues from their customers. The low rate of revenue collection is due to the unsustainable tariffs the providers impose on customers as a result of the political pressure exerted on them. This results in the utilities being unable to finance upgrades in infrastructure, further exacerbating the issues.

Those who favor the expansion of the central grid as the most effective means of increasing rates of electrification face the challenge of reconciling two contradicting positions. The first position is that increasing access requires lowering tariffs. The second position is that lowering tariffs will intensify the financial stress utilities are currently under. Neither of these positions is sustainable.

The incorporation of microgrids into a hybrid system of electrification is the best solution.

Grid modernization and micro-grids Micro-grids are small-scale power grids that run on a combination of solar, wind, or biomass or fossil fuels to provide reliable power. They operate either independently from the main grid or can be synched to it at the same voltage to shift the energy and respond to peaks and troughs in supply and demand.

This ensures there is no interruption in power supply, allowing communities to be more energy independent by cutting costs and providing reliable energy access.

Productive Use of Energy (PUE) is key The off-grid solar lighting market is thriving thanks to the falling prices of renewable energy equipment. The solar lighting market has been further bolstered by widespread deployment of pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) payment systems that utilize mobile-money technology. These solar devices provide sufficient generation for low consumption needs like household lighting, charging cell phones, and the use of small household appliances. Despite its attractiveness to householders, off-grid solar lighting is currently not scalable. The deployment of microgrids will be necessary to provide the adequate output

required to power commercial businesses, hospitals, schools. Demand for electricity from small industry and business, which is classified as the productive use of energy will determine the success of microgrids; without this demand, the deployment of microgrids will not be financially viable. Ensuring the Productive Use of Energy enhances the economic and social development impacts of microgrids and rural electrification in the wider context.

Leading the way: Kenya and Nigeria Africa is forecast to be the world’s fastest-growing market for microgrids at a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 27%, representing 1,145MW by 2027.

Within the continent, Kenya and Nigeria are at the forefront of the grid modernisation revolution.

With strong renewable energy and microgrid policies, Kenya has doubled its energy access rates since 2014. To reach its goal of 100% electrification by 2030, Kenya should implement a hybrid-decentralized system. This entails a combination of traditional utility distribution and the deployment of an extensive network of microgrids. The prevalent use of mobile money in the region, if

HIGHTLIGHT •Targeting rural populations for distributed energy via microgrids •Implementing low-cost and low-barrier permitting and licensing rules with standardized quality control and operating requirements •Ensuring that electrification strategies are financially viable. harnessed correctly will provide the best means of collecting payment of energy bills. Nigeria similarly has ambitions to drastically increase their generating capacity by 2030 with 30% of that planned to be from renewable sources. Microgrids are expected to provide 5.3GW of this increased generation capacity.

Nation-specific policies To improve energy access, African nations should consider incorporating the following into their policies: First, targeting rural populations for distributed energy via microgrids; then implementing low-cost and low-barrier permitting and licensing rules with standardized quality control and operating requirements; and finally ensuring that electrification strategies are financially viable.

Decentralized/ hybrid solutions such as microgrids are the most cost-effective solution. The PAYGO business model provides an efficient means for project developed to collect revenues from their investments. Despite the tendency to paint all sub-Saharan countries with the same brush, as it relates to electrification rates, this is especially inappropriate. When it comes to implementing electrification and grid modernisation strategies, policymakers should consider their countries unique geography, natural resources, climate, population density, and power demand patterns.

•WALSH is international energy consultant based in Johannesburg, South Africa.

17

The Oracle Today Monday September 30 - Sunday October 6, 2019

NEWS Features

Nagbana London Village in Anambra welcomes PHC Centre IN Umunnachi area of Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State, nestles Nagbana London village, in a remote part of the area. The village, which is predominantly inhabited by peasant farmers has existed without a befitting hospital where the rural populace could access healthcare services. Apart from the absence of a health facility and access roads, the area is ravaged by erosion and flood. OZO RAY reports.

N

agbana London village, the community where the Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief Protocol Officer of the Anambra State Government Mr. Uzoegbunam Ezennia Okagbue hails from, used to have a makeshift maternity, housed in a one-room apartment. The one room has had its fair share of sick people and pregnant women who came to be delivered of their babies.

Not much changed for many years until they eventually got a hospital where villagers could respond to emergency health problems and obtain instructions on healthy living.

It was therefore joy and jubilation when the people bade farewell to the one room maternity and traditional midwives, and welcomed quality healthcare services.

It was Okagbue, who single-handedly salvaged the community from decades of poor access to medicare by building a hospital for the community. The advent of Ogugua Chike Okagbue Primary Healthcare Centre marked the end of traveling far and wide to access medical needs.

The commissioning of the hospital by the state commissioner for health Dr. Vincent Ogochukwu Okpala was an elaborate ceremony that featured cultural dances, acrobatic displays together with the Ogene youth musical group that thrilled the people with home made songs.

On the occasion, Okpala who represented the State Governor Willie Obiano said the edifice qualified as a model primary healthcare centre (PHC). It has the medical section as well as residential quarters for medical personnel. The commissioner also observed that the health facility has access to water and electricity stressing that the benefactor has done a great job for his people. Okpala charged the community to take ownership of the centre as well as deploy it to maximum use.

He pointed out that it is incumbent on the officer in charge of the hospital alongside the ward development committee to ensure that the hospital operates consistently so as to satisfy the health needs of

•Obiano the grassroots. He also expressed gratitude to Obiano for getting Anambra ready to participate and benefit from the basic primary healthcare provision funds of the Federal Government.

Okagbue who built the hospital said he saw the need to alleviate the pains of his people in accessing healthcare and decided to bring quality healthcare services to the doorsteps of those in the hinterlands so as to reduce the burden of having to traverse the nooks and crannies of other communites to access medical attention.

He said, “my people must have been lacking in healthcare to have requested me to help them get a place where women can deliver their babies because before now they deliver in their homes. I am motivated by the things my father did. He was more interested in developing the people.

“For me, writing cheques is not genuine philanthropy and is it enduring. What I have done for my people is not motivated by politics. I really don’t know what i need from politics because I am a fulfilled man.

What people strive to achieve from poli-

tics is to bring dividends of democracy; I have in the last 15 years been doing things for my people.”The chairman of Dunukofia LGA, Engr. Emeka Okonkwo stressed the importance of giving back to the community and to the society at large.

He said Umunnachi has many well-to-do individuals but only Okagbue thought it necessary to remember the people. He said that with the building of the primary healthcare centre, the benefactor has put smiles on the faces of Nagbana women, Dunukofia council area and Anambra in general.

He emphasized that there was need to find out the needs of the people especially the grassroots and help them address those needs.

The leader of the delegation from the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency at the opening of the hospital, Mr. Izuchukwu Kenechukwu said the state health insurance scheme would use the hospital as one of its referral centres because the facility has all the prerequisites of a standard hospital. He explained that the agency was at the event to educate the people on the merits of being registered in the state health insurance scheme.

The national president of Umunnachi Women Union Lady Perp Uzuh, the building of the hospital is a welcome development because the people of Nagbana have waited for many long years to get it. She said the women of Umunnachi were greatful for obvious reasons because apart from being beneficial to young women, older women would access the facility for medical check-ups.

Chief Raymond Nwabunwanne, a retired civil servant who resides in Nagbana village said the major infrastructural problem in the area is lack of roads. He said no roads exist in the whole of Umunnachi and that Nkpuke, Nkwelle and some other villages are currently suffering the ravages of erosion. Although he noted that youths embark on palliatives on the roads, such efforts according to him were of no consequence. He described the new healthcare centre as the first of its kind.

The Oracle Today Monday September 30 - Sunday Ocotober 6, 2019

L

ast week, I wrote on the magic of youth mentorship lacking in Nigeria, christened ‘’Toyosi Ogunseye: No berth yet for magic of youth mentoring in Nigeria’’.

I used my experiences, but trying to connect it to Toyosi Ogunseye, the Vice President of World Editors Forum (WEF). She is the Head of language services at BBC World Service West Africa. She was Editor Sunday Punch before moving to the international scene. She started contributing to Punch newspaper while still a student as editors then encouraged her. Today she is a world figure. Isn’t that amazing? She has won so many awards. A serial award winner and a former Thomson Foundation Young Journalist Award finalist, yet, she isn’t satisfied as she summed it, ‘I am just starting’. She wants to conquer more grounds.

She read Biochemistry, but today, heading all those who read Mass Communication and Journalism as their foundational course. What was her secret? Voracious reading, dedication to duties and eyes on excellence at all times as well as interest in self-development, she said. Was she alone on this trend in the Nigerian media circle? But, how feasible was this in the Punch newspaper of today? How many other Toysosi’s have we in the media houses today? The magic of youth mentorship is indeed lacking in Nigeria, hence so many struggles by young school leavers.

Again, quest for material wealth and lust have taken due diligence and learning the rungs away from our youth population. Easy ways to success mostly fraudulent ways via online are trendy. Was it possible because she was a Yoruba Babe, resident closer to newspaper houses?

Or was it about interest? Or rather because of her alma mater, University of Lagos where she received a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry was in a city of newspapers?

Was there something we are not told? She had post-graduate diploma in print journalism from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, even with a master’s degree in Media and Communications from Pan-Atlantic University in 2010.

She is on for her PhD in Politics and International Relations at the University of Leicester, United Kingdom. I envy you. ‘Who dash Monkey banana?’ I did my PhD at Unizik, the great University named after Zik of Africa, but we as Nigerians are in love with anything outside Nigeria. Hahaha!

Can Editors of today give a second year student of Biochemistry like Ogunseye, an opportunity for her stories to adorn news pages unattached? What a blossoming way to start a career! ABS Awka did it for me under Oliver Ikegwuonu, Francis Okonkwo aka Idu now late, Angus Iloka. They recommended me for employment but the MD then Ikechukwu Abana for whatever reasons turned me down, hence my movement to Lagos for employment. But, for Ogunseye, Musa Egbemana gave her a shot at reporting news happening in University of Lagos to be published on The Sun Newspaper at the time when Femi Adesina was the editor in 2004.

She later worked with News Star Newspaper as a senior correspondent in 2007. But, in 2009, she joined The Punch Newspaper as the sub-assistant editor for news and politics till 2012. Why was that so? She has garnered experiences working with the game changers in the media as Musa assigns her investigative reports and fine tunes the script for her. Consistency and constant practice makes one perfect. And like play, she became an editor for Sunday Punch Newspaper. She had worked as news editor and senior correspondent with special interest in crime. She was the first and youngest female editor at The Punch Newspapers.

Groomed to be a star, she has won over 25 media awards including the health category of the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist of the Year Awards in 2011 and 2013, which started her journey in the international scene. She won also Nigerian Academy of Science Journalist of the Year 2013, The Future Awards Africa 2013, ChildFriendly Reporter of the Year by the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME). What a great star and model for ladies out there, but is she grooming anyone? If she benefited from grooming and mentorship and she fails to groom other youths, be them males or females, then she has failed the litmus test, for a star begets a star, even more. She should extend a hand of fellowship to mentor Africans and particularly Nigerians now that she is on the world stage. I am available for mentorship Toyosi, my world leader. Little Toyosi of yesterday now travels all over the world where some of her mentees didn’t reach. Isn’t that the beauty of mentorship?

Toyosi is even undergoing another round of mentorship as her bosses in the World Editors Forum, WEF Board made up of impressive journalists across the globe put her name forward as Vice President, and went a step higher by voting her in without discriminating or stereo-

Mentoring in journalism: Toyosi Ogunseye’s mentors unmasked

In

CORNUCOPIA

By Odogwu Emeka Odogwu Telephone number: 08060750240 E-mail : odogwuchampionawka@yahoo.co.uk

•Toyosi Ogunseye

typing of any sort as obtainable here. I was below 40 when I contested to lead Anambra NUJ, full of vision and mission but age scuttled that beautiful opportunity to unleash my exuberance positively having attracted the building of the state NUJ Press Center before 32. I repeated after 40 but met the worst clannish minds ever.

All my appeals and petitions to the zonal and national body yielded nothing. I relinquished the ambition and supported the ‘chosen’ ones in office. I stand by this any day.

Toyosi summed it up when she said: ‘’I was inspired by their confidence in me and told myself that I was going to rise to the occasion. They voted overwhelmingly for me and I’m grateful’’.

Is Toyosi , the brightest and best of best in the media industry of today? She had a rare privilege of good mentorship and God’s grace and she is utilizing it judiciously like Financier of Aspire FC of Adazi-Ani, a medical doctor by profession, Dr Emeka Okeke who despite being the son of a Billionaire businessman, Chief GUO Okeke, has carved a niche for himself at a very young age in all ramifications as an international businessman, a medical doctor and social Entrepreneur.

Dr Okeke is mentoring so many young men now in sports and other spheres.

Is Toyosi the only lady in the print media despite that most other females are in the Broadcast media, because the print newsroom is masculine, coupled with rigour and long hours challenge? It is as well tough balancing family with journalism for the married women. Let me salute women who pull it off.

Are other male journalists and media managers blind to gender like those Toyosi encountered? If they are not, who have they produced like Toyosi? Are there still women who are good news persons in the media with experiences in other beats like politics, business and investigations to enable them to be editors? She mentioned Musa Ebomhiana who gave her the first chance in the media, Mr. Femi Adesina, and Mr. Dipo Kehinde, as well as Mr. Rotimi Williams.

Others she mentioned were Mr. Casmir Igbokwe, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, Mr. Azubuike Ishiekwene, Mr. Joseph Adeyeye, Chief Ajibola Ogunshola, late Mr. Wale Aboderin, and Mr. Ademola Osinubi. She remembered them with nostalgia and each name played a remarkable role in her life. Have you played any role in someone’s life to be remembered in glowing terms?

Even today, Toyosi is still under nurture.

Hear her: ‘’My current line manager, Solomon

18

Mugera, who is a news guru, is clear about the BBC vision and expects me to lead Anglophone and Francophone West Africa to meet its part of the 500 million 2020 BBC target. This involves getting BBC Hausa, BBC Afrique, BBC Igbo, BBC Pidgin and BBC Yoruba, to deliver on reaching more audiences in West Africa. I was and I’m still properly trained by the best. So what you see today is both nature and nurture’. Should I ask Toyosi to give me a chance to understudy her for one month? Impracticable, you said! Far from it, opportunities abound for such mentoring because understudying is part of mentoring.

In spite of the challenges in the media industry though not with Punch, the best place to work in while the ride is smooth and worst to be remembered after the tide sweeps you away, she trudged on because some people had faith in her. The hire and fire knows no boundary.

Do our young girls still read books, novels and newspapers or bury themselves in social media channels doing nothing irrelevancies? Are the youngsters still monitored by parents and mentored first before external mentorship? Does society care for the progress of children other than theirs as was obtainable before a decade ago?

Toyosi confirmed to the Sun interviewer that her industry and success was attributable to her upbringing and her managers in the office, admitting that, ‘God hasn’t finished with me yet’.

She said at home ‘every child’s excellence is the responsibility of everyone’. And in the office, ‘all my bosses were men who went the extra mile and there was nothing like excuses in their dictionary. They worked so hard, persevered and when they saw I was willing, they showed me the ropes’.

Her parents played their own role. But do parents of today play their own roles? Hear her: ‘’I grew up in a strict home and we were not allowed to watch television. My father bought three newspapers daily and I had to write a summary of the story that I liked the most. It’s no surprise that I became a journalist. I read novels so much that my friends wonder why I have not written a book. My dad bought me a small carton of novels weekly that I often finished reading the same week. There were two booksellers at Palm Grove Bus Stop and Marina that my dad would go to every weekend and bring me a small carton of books. Reading is my first love. I would listen to music and read novels round the clock…….’’.

Imagine the then Saturday Editor of the Sun, Mr. Steve Nwosu, would not close his paper if he had not spoken to Toyosi, a 20 year old undergraduate?

Who is a mentor? You are this and that but nobody has thanked God because of you. Who are you? Please throw away your ego and mentor a soul today. It does not matter your age, impact on someone in any way possible for his or her career progression.

Mentee, you have to be humble and tolerate all to grow, but my dearest mentor, you have to be effective to understand the mentee depends on you for guidance for a brighter carrier and opportunities. Don’t mess it up. Mentorship is a critical ingredient geared towards positive youth outcomes, so let’s embrace it today.

It is a serious duty, so feel connected and see your mentee succeed better than you. It is only when your mentee is successful better than you that he or she can be of value to you in mentoring others you may refer. Mentorship is not only in career progression or employment but in empowering mentees to develop better their own strengths, beliefs, and personal attributes that will smash their imagination. This is because someone in a duty post may be wasting away, but your guidance having known better catapults his progression holistically.

See how proud Toyosi was, calling names of Editors and MD’s who impacted in her life to become who she is today. What do you do for a living? Who and who have survived because of you in your chosen profession? What has selfishness and egocentricism achieved for you in your profession? Who will call your name in your profession and bless God? Wake up dear!

•Cornucopia is a weekly column of Odogwu Emeka Odogwu.

Odogwu is a known Journalist, Editor, Media Consultant and famous Blogger, as well as Social Media Entrepreneur, Publisher and Conversationalist @ www.odogwublog.com among others.

19

BU$IN£SS The Oracle Today Monday September 30 – Sunday October 6, 2019

•Energy

•Finance

•Stock

•Insurance

•Aviation

•e-Platform

Imperative of improving operating environment for E&Ps

By VICTOR NZE

A

s abandonments, gas flare, contracts, bidding and imminent disruption continue to challenge the oil and gas industry in the face, operators and government alike must come to terms with how to raise about $100 billion to produce already appraised 875, 000 bopd of crude buried underneath.

To this end, maximizing the potential of the various segments of the value chain in the industry has remained a challenge since the discovery of the resource in the country.

Experts in the upstream division of the country’s oil and gas sector recently called on the Federal Government and its relevant regulatory agencies to improve on the fiscal policies guiding exploration and production (E&P) for better returns on investment for all stakeholders in the industry.

This is also they charged media practitioners on the imperative of continuously advancing key agenda for both the private and public sector stakeholders with a view to driving performance and responsiveness to issues challenging the industry.

The experts were speaking during their separate presentations at the just-concluded Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) One-Day Workshop for Oil and Gas Media Professionals, which held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Thursday.

Top Exploration & Production (E&P) professional and entrepreneur, Mr Oluseye Fadahunsi, in his lecture called on the government’s regulatory authorities to come to terms with the high risk and capital challenges faced by upstream oil and gas players, advising that such would bode well for the economy of a country like Nigeria with more than 70 per cent dependence on the resource.

Fadahunsi posited that the peculiar risks involved in explorations and production of oil and gas called for improved fiscal policies guiding the entire value chain of the upstream sector.

Speaking on the topic, ‘E&P Value Chain, Business and Key Stakeholders,’ Fadahunsi posited that a dysfunctional regulatory framework and fiscal policy guideline

SOUTH AFRICAN RAND

DANISH KRONA SDR

Buying(₦) 305.9 371.852 338.6925 312.1747 2.8782 0.5008 419.7409 43.4366 81.5516 20.1107 45.4066 419.603

Energy

NNPC hints on new developments for 3.0 mbd by 2023 P23

AVIATION

Nigeria rallies support for Africa on SAATM at 40th ICAO Assembly P27

e-Platform

• Minister of Petroleum Resources, President Muhammadu Buhari by government had the capacity to cause disruption in any of the value chains of the upstream sector.

Listing such segments as appraisals, contract terms negotiations and implementations and abandonment, inconsistent fiscal policies had the effect of causing mistrusts among players on one hand and the government, which eventually culminates in abandonment of drilling sites.

“Look I still don’t know why the country is yet to sign into law the PIB, in as much I’m still wondering why the President is still acting as Minister of Petroleum, answerable to who exactly, I don’t know. These are the things upstream players see on ground and walk away.

“What we have dotting all over the drilling sites are abandonment, but then again we have the abandonment fund which is sitting there and begging for implementation. There is a need for government to enforce the implementation of the abandonment fund in order curb the spate of abandonments in the E&P value chain,” Fadahunsi said.

He therefore, used the occasion

CBN Exchange Rates As At Friday, August 16, 2019 Currency US DOLLAR POUNDS STERLING EURO SWISS FRANC YEN CFA WAUA YUAN/RENMINBI RIYAL

•Tourism

Central (₦) 306.4 372.4598 339.2461 312.685 2.883 0.5108 420.427 43.5081 81.6849 20.1436 45.4809 420.2889

Selling(₦) 306.9 373.0676 339.7997 313.1952 2.8877 0.5208 421.1131 43.5795 81.8182 20.1765 45.5551 420.9747

of the workshop to charge the media practitioners to step up the game and methods of digging for answers to question belabouring the industry.

“You are the people who should be asking the questions and probing.

Don’t just wait to join the crowd of journalists who simply wait for releases from operators, you should equally seek answers. At present what can you do for us? Give us clear information. You are the watchdog of the industry, you need to highlight certain issues, engage the operators.

“There are issues like the lifespan of carbon and the fossil energy, how long can these last in the face of the renewables, which on its own can disrupt the industry.

“And the rather worrying absence or seeming deliberate policy of failing to call another round of licensing bid for 12 years now. A new round of licensing should have taken place long ago, as it is done in other countries. And these are the things that cause uncertainties among major players and investors,” Fadahunsi stated.

Delivering his lecture on ‘E&P MCPs and Global Portfolio Ranking; The E&P Industry,’ scientist and

strategist, Mr Tosan Omatsola, said the country needs a minimum of 6.2 per cent growth of its gross domestic product (GDP) year-onyear over a period of seven years to be able to attract investments, even as he further maintained that there is no reason why Nigeria cannot attain that level considering it has done it before.

“The MCPs are the major capital projects which form the E7P ranking drivers. If your country’s fiscal and regulatory framework are not clearcut, then it is going to be difficult for portfolio companies to invest in and by extension attract investment by the E&P firms because of the high capital and risk factors involved in the business.

“Intangible value analysis in terms of brand and perception also matter as companies must always see your country in positive light. In Nigeria, we need a minimum 6.2 per cent year-on-year GDP growth over a period of seven years to be able to attract investment by E&P firms.

And there’s no reason why Nigeria should not be producing 4 million barrels a day going by what is yet to be tapped,” Omatsola said.

9mobile affirms support for youth entrepreneurs, tech-start-ups P28

Equity & Capital Market

NSE collaborate with GRI, Dangote Cement on sustainability workshop P30 Money Market

NDIC pays N116.258bn to customers of dead banks P31

STOCK MARKET HIGHLIGHTS AS AT FRIDAY, August 16, 2019

Summary

ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE EQUITY CAP BOND CAP ETF CAP

27,115.89 4,116.00 250,743,761.00 N4,170,451,797.13 N13,214,119,487,341.67 N12,490,669,880,371.90 N6,423,077,329.83

Top 5 Trades S/N 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Coy WAPCO TRANSCORP ZENITHBANK UBA FBNH

5 Top Gainers

Symbols Last Close MTNN N135 STANBIC N33 DANGCEM N164 ZENITHBANK N16.6 DANGFLOUR N20.65

Current Change %Change N138.7 3.7 2.74% N34 1 3.03% N164.5 0.5 0.30% N17 0.4 2.41% N21 0.35 1.69%

5 Top Losers (By Volume) Value(N) 47,152,867 N660,020,720.80 41,069,814 N36,962,941.87 26,717,641 N452,634,966.95 17,197,210 N97,344,589.70 16,526,624 N77,622,848.35

NESTLE CADBURY DANGSUGAR WAPCO MANSARD

N1143 N10.3 N9.6 N14 N1.8

N1113.9 29.1 N9.3 -1 N9.1 -0.5 N13.75 -0.25 N1.7 -0.1

-2.55% -9.71% -5.21% -1.79% -5.56%

The Oracle Today Monday September 29 - Sunday Ocotober 6, 2019

ISSN: 2545-5869

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Donate blood and save lives

O

fall in the number of voluntary blood n a daily basis, about 1, 000 nation’s requirements. While making donors and appealed to healthy Nigewomen die from pregnancy- or this appeal, we also urge the hospirians to come forward to enable the childbirth-related complicatals to ensure that all blood collected country bridge the need gap. tions, reports claim. Severe bleedfrom donors is properly screened being during delivery and after child- We note with sadness that, despite the fore transfusion in order to prevent huge population of Nigeria, the counbirth is believed to be a major cause solving one problem only to create a try is in short supply of people willing of mortality, morbidity and longmore complicated one. to donate blood to save lives. There It is necessary to point out the prevaterm disability. have been several reports of people It has been estimated that Nigeria has lence of blood racketeering in hoslosing their lives due to unavailability a blood deficit of over 206,000 units pitals – staff members sell blood of blood in hospitals’ blood banks. and requires between 1.5 and 2 mildonated freely to them at exorbitant If ever there was a time Nigeria needed lion units of blood to become selfprices. This, we think, might be one blood in the blood banks, that time sufficient. The deficit in the amount reason for the reluctance of people to is now. Apart from the lives of chilof blood, experts say, has resulted donate blood, as they suspect it will dren and women who account for a in numerous preventable deaths be sold with profit-making in mind. large percentage of those who need especially among women and chilAre the relevant government agenblood, the emergency situations that dren. This came to the fore when cies awake? They should investigate arise in parts of the country now Nigeria joined the rest of the world this allegation and put the offenders and again underscore the urgency to to mark the World Blood Donor Day to shame. make blood available in the banks. usually in June each year. The focus We are aware that a large proportion of We are persuaded to join the Safe is “safe blood for saving mothers” Nigerians are malnourished and canBlood for Africa, Federal Ministry of and the goal of the campaign, acnot be considered fit to donate blood.

Health and all other stakeholders to cording to the World Health OrThose who can pass the test should, call on all Nigerians who are healthy ganisation (WHO), is to increase the however, do the needful. .In cases of enough to donate blood to save the awareness about why timely access emergency such as accidents, blood lives of their fellow countrymen. to safe blood and blood products is banks could prove invaluable for Experts estimate that if 2 per cent essential for all countries as part of victims, both rich and poor. Private of the country’s adult population a comprehensive approach to prelaboratories and hospitals should not committed themselves to regular, vent maternal deaths. Health autoy with blood banks. non-remunerated blood donation, thorities on the occasion expressed Our Vision there would be enough to meet the concern about the prevailing shortTO BE among the top five newspapers in Nigeria and, in due course, the Numero Uno; to be a newspaper of records that effectively caters to the information needs of all segments and sections of the Nigerian society as well as all social classes and cultures. Essentially, we want to be a responsible corporate citizen, a commercially viable, properly organised media business, which meets its obligations to society, government and the workforce.

Mission WE INTEND to contribute to the development of an inclusive Nigerian society, with a view to getting rid of the dark sides of our national life (slothfulness, greed, corruption, nepotism, totalitarianism, etc); to continually engender and sustain national debates that would ultimately lead to the enthronement of healthy national values--hard-work, justice, equity and fairplay, transparency, good governance, resulting, in themselves, the egalitarian Nigerian society of our dream.

We will give voice to the voiceless and at all times, strive to be balanced, objective, honest, truthful and fair to all sides; so that through The Oracle Today, our people, the Nigerian people can see a bright light at the end of what has been a very dark tunnel. And we shall do all this in absolute trust in God who blesses good intentions.

Culled from Asukwo blogshot.com

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The Oracle Today Monday September 29 - Sunday Ocotober 6, 2019

OPINION

2023: Between South-East and micro-zoning

By EHICHIOYA EZOMON

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e return this week to the hotbutton issue of the presidency of Nigeria, particularly as it relates to the South-East geopolitical zone, which is home to the Igbo.

The last piece on “Rotation and SouthEast quest for presidency” essentially dealt with alternating the highest political office, between the North and South of the country, in every eight years of two terms of four years each.

It weighed the South-East clamour against the reported scheming of the North - and why does it want - to retain power in the region, after the completion of President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year tenure in 2023.

The “rotation” principle isn’t constitutional, but a mechanism hammered out by political actors to ensure “even” spread of political power to all sections of Nigeria.

Because it’s not grounded in law, but the convenience of politicians, some sections of the country may take undue advantage to deny other areas the fruits of the presidency.

Accordingly, the debate in the polity is premised on the North’s push to retain power. But this pursuit clashes with the desire of the South-East to assume the presidency, for the first time, based on a general election.

Thus, the instant analysis switches from rotation to “zoning” of the presidency, with the assumption that in 2023, all things being equal, the office will return to the South, where the question of zoning will definitely rear its head.

We’re employing rotation here to mean “a regularly recurring succession, as of people performing a job,” while zoning will be an allocation of that job

or position to a zone (e.g., to any of the zones in the North or South).

Like rotation, zoning has no constitutional or legal backing in Nigeria, but a conventional creation by politicians, who, if they agree that power should shift (rotate) to either North or South, it’s said to be zoned to that region.

So, if transferring power to the South is “accomplished,” how will zoning affect the search by the South-East to present the Nigerian president in 2023?

Being not a law, and not binding on political actors, any of the three zones of the South - South-East, South-South and South-West - can canvass to produce the president under any of the registered political parties.

For the South-East to get the slot, the powerful players in the political parties must, with the consent of the other two zones - South-South and South-West agree to “micro-zone” the presidency to the South-East.

Currently, only two political parties the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) - have the wherewithal to field formidable candidates for the presidency.

This dynamic could change by 2023, but those scheming, and forecasting for the presidency are doing so on the platforms of the APC and PDP, respectively.

In pushing the argument further, let’s consider how the three zones of the South have fared in terms of the number of times, if any, each zone has presented a candidate that won the the presidency, and the political leaning of the zones.

The South-West, under the PDP, presented Dr. Olusegun Obasanjo twice, in 1999 and 2003, and he won on both occasions, and occupied the presidency for eight unbroken years, from 1999 to 2007.

On the same platform, the South-

South presented Dr. Goodluck Jonathan in 2011, and he won and occupied a single term of four years. His bid for re-election in 2015 was thwarted by the victory of General Buhari of the APC. Taking our compass from 1999 when democracy returned to Nigeria, the South-East hasn’t presented a candidate that won the presidency in either the APC, PDP or any other political party.

That’s why the sentiment, aligning with the doctrine of fairness and equity, favours the South-East “to be allowed” by major actors in the political parties to field candidates for the presidency in 2023.

But this can only succeed via a combination of factors, chiefly, the political leaning of the zone, its unity of purpose, and ability to woo the South-South and South-West to allow micro-zoning of the seat to the South-East.

This, in itself, presents another hurdle, as especially the APC and PDP will consider the zone’s political leaning since 1999 against the possible interest shown by the South-West and/or South-South for the presidency in 2023.

Save the alleged “hawks” under its belt in other zones, the APC should be the easiest route to the presidency for the South-East, given that President Buhari will complete his tenure in 2023.

This presupposes that as the ruling party, the APC should cede the seat to the South-East, for it to ride on the back of incumbency to victory at the polls.

But there’s a snag! The APC has met with abysmal electoral returns in the South-East since its inception in the 2015 election cycle. What’s the guarantee that it will fare better if it fields a South-easterner as candidate in 2023?

Although the party’s fortunes are enhanced in the South-South, it has re-

Crunch time for Netanyahu

By OLIVER HOLMES in Jerusalem

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enjamin Netanyahu is Israel’s longest-serving leader. Photograph: Ronen Zvulun/ReutersBenjamin Netanyahu could inform Israel’s president that he is unable to form a government as early as this week after unity talks with rival politicians broke down at the weekend, his Likud party said.

Israel has entered a period of political paralysis after an inconclusive election on 17 September. Neither Likud nor the opposition Blue and White party, led by exmilitary general Benny Gantz, won a clear lead.

President Reuven Rivlin asked Netanyahu on Wednesday to try to forge a coalition, hoping he could make a powersharing deal with Gantz as together they have enough seats in the Knesset for a majority. One suggestion had been that the pair rotate the role of prime minister.

Netanyahu had potentially up to six weeks, but negotiations on Sunday abruptly stalled and both sides publicly blamed the other.

If Netanyahu hands back the mandate, the president might ask Gantz to try, al-

•Talks with rival politicians break down •Prime minister had potentially up to six weeks to form coalition but negotiations with the opposition stalled just days in though he also does not command a majority in the Israeli parliament. With no apparent route out of the crisis, and after two unclear elections this year, there is the possibility that a third national poll could be called.

Likud did not say why the prime minister might give up early, although Blue and White accused Netanyahu of wanting a third election to give himself another chance at securing a majority.

The opposition party complained on Sunday that Likud had made impossible demands, including promising religious and far-right political allies that they would be part of any unity government.

Netanyahu also announced he should serve first as prime minister.

Blue and White said those unacceptable preconditions had “the sole aim of generating support in preparation for dragging Israel into another round of elections at the behest of Netanyahu”.

Likud, meanwhile, said negotiations had been a big disappointment, adding

its rivals “made the strategic decision to slam the door shut on a unity government and drag the country into elections”. It said Netanyahu would “put in a last effort to find a possibility for forming a government at this stage, before returning the mandate to the president”.

Gantz and Netanyahu are expected to meet again on Wednesday, after the two-day Jewish new year holiday, Rosh Hashanah.

The vote this month cast doubt on Netanyahu’s ability to continue his reign as Israel’s longest-serving leader.

His freedom may also be at stake.

This Wednesday, Israel’s attorney general is due to hold a pre-trial hearing for the prime minister on fraud and bribery charges in three corruption cases. Netanyahu has denied all allegations and described proceedings as a media-led witch hunt.

•Culled from The Guardian London)

corded resounding victories in the SouthWest, both in national and sub-national elections.

So, the argument is: Why will the APC reward “failure” in the South-East rather than the South-West that’s the bulwark of its formation in 2013, and subsequent electoral contests?

Besides, if the APC fields a candidate from the South-East, will the “deciders” of the political leaning of the zone cease their open aversion to, and rhetoric against the APC and President Buhari?

Or will they, as they did in the 2015 and 2019 general elections, cast their lot with the PDP even if it (PDP) fields its candidate from the North? Such speculations preceded the 2019 polls.

Recall that the South-East reportedly raised the matter of the 2023 presidency with the candidate of the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, wanting him to commit to “only one term” in office if elected president in the 2019 election.

The former Vice President allegedly didn’t give the inquisitors a positive response, indicating that whatever the outcome of the 2019 presidential race (whether he won or lost), he could throw his hat into the ring in 2023. Yet, the South-East supported him almost 100 per cent in the 2019 polls.

Beyond Atiku, the PDP can decide to field its candidate from the North, to “stand a chance” at the election, thereby undercutting the South-East’s opportune moment for the exalted position.

That’s why the South-East must perfect its homework of getting the South-South and South-West on its side, to checkmate any ploy of a “no-Southern-cohesion” to deny it the presidency.

And the time for a Southern solidarity is now. Calling other zones names, and shouting “it’s our turn to be president” are no strategies for attaining the “agelong” desire. The “magic” is in behindthe-scenes manoevres, based on giveand-take, mutual trust and respect!

•Mr. Ezomon, Journalist and Media Consultant, writes from Lagos, Nigeria.

THE GROUP Managing Editor/COO Felix Oguejiofor Abugu Deputy Managing Editor/COO Sopuruchi Onwuka Chairman Editorial Board Igwebike Mbanefo Political/Production Editor Kodilinye Obiagwu SE/SS Editor Odogwu Emeka Odogwu Acting BDM Kelechi Nze Head, Graphics & Designs Nnamdi Alex Chukwu Circulation Manager Felix Oti

22

The Oracle Today Monday September 30 –Sunday October 6, 2019

BUSINESS RadissonBlu celebrates Nigeria @59 with ‘extended weekend rates’ for guests

By VICTOR NZE

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adissonBlu Anchorage Lagos has announced that it would celebrate Nigeria’s 59th Independence by offering its customers with extended weekend rates.

The Victoria Island hotel said beginning from the September 27 to October 1, 2019, guests of the hotel in Lagos will enjoy the unique offerings of serene accommodation, delicious intercontinental and African dishes, spa pampering and more, all at the discounted special weekend rates.

The hotel urged guest to visit and enjoy themselves while celebrating Nigeria’s 59th Independence Day at RadissonBlu Anchorage Lagos.

The hotel features 170 rooms and suites, all styled by Swedish designer Christian Lundwall. Other features in the hotel include; free high-speed wireless internet and air conditioning.

Also at the hotel, guests have the option to choose between international dishes or Nigerian cuisine at the on-site Voyage Restaurant or linger over a light meal on the terrace at Surface Bar & Grill.

For a perfect end to the day, guests can order a well-mixed drink at The View hotel bar.

“Our well-equipped fitness center makes it easy to maintain to your exercise regimen, while our wellness area invites guests to relax in the massage room, steam From right: President Muhammadu Buhari, Founder of Microsoft, Mr Bill Gates and the President of Dangote room and outdoor infinity pool,” Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, during a meeting on the sidelines of the just-concluded United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States.

RadissonBlu said.

Air Peace boss, minister, DGs for ANJET’s tourism seminar …Set to inaugurate exco, patrons

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ssociation of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET) has unveiled the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, as Special Guest of Honour, ahead of its October 8 Tourism Seminar, billed for the Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos.

The event will also witness the inauguration of the association’s new executive council and patrons.

A statement released by the tourism writers’ body, said the theme of the seminar is; ‘Tourism and Jobs: Better future for all,’ in line with the annual yearly World Tourism Day (WTD) celebrations by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), on September 27.

According to ANJET, other special guests of honour at the event include; the DirectorsGeneral of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe; Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Folorunsho Folarin-Coker and that of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Alhaji Momoh M. Kaabir, as well as the President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Alhaji Saleh Rabo.

The guest speaker for the proposed one –day seminar is Dr. Gabriel Gbenga Olowo, who is the CEO of Sabre Network while the panelists are: Allen Onyema, chairman/CEO of Air Peace; Ikechi Uko, publisher of Atqnews.com and organiser of Akwaaba; Mrs. Chika Ani, CEO of Esperanza Cakes, Victor Edosomwan, MD, Vicwan Limited (Hospitality and Lifestyle Consulting) and Lola Adefope, MD, BTML. The statement further disclosed that aside the inauguration of the newly-elected executive council, the new patrons to be formally inducted include: Otunba Wanle Akinboboye of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Lagos; Chief Oladipo Jemi – Alade of Jemi – Alade Tours; and Chief Nkereuwen Onunge of Remlords Tours.

Others are: Barrister Allen Onyema of Air Peace, Mr. Folorunsho Folarin-Coker of NTDC; Alhaji Momoh M. Kabir of NIHOTOUR; Ahaji Saleh Rabo of FTAN; Mr Bankole Bernard, President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) and His Royal Majesty, Professor Oba Adeyemi Obalanlege, the Olota of Otta, Ogun State.

AfDB holds West Africa fertilizer financing forum

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rom Monday, September 30 to Tuesday, October 1, 2019, stakeholders will gather at the Babacar N’Diaye Auditorium of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group Head Office in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire for the maiden West Africa Fertilizer Financing Forum organized by the lender.

At the event themed Fostering Fertilizer Future, participants will discuss the financing needs of the fertilizer value chain and appropriate financing products. The programme is supported by the Africa Fertilizer Financing Mechanism (AFFM) and the West Africa Fertilizer Association.

As the right fertilization is essential to achieve food security and reduce hunger, the Forum aims to showcase enabling financing, especially to private sector players, and build strong links between them and lending schemes, to help

increase access to affordable funding and improve farmers’ access to quality fertilizers.

It will serve as a platform for the African Development Bank and the AFFM to present their products that support the industry, and to connect private sector dealers to the Bank and other regional financial institutions.

The event will bring together West African stakeholders in the fertilizer value chain, including regional policy makers; producers, importers, blenders and distributors representing the 42-member West Africa Fertilizer Association. Commercial banks, development finance bodies and private funds, as well as agriculture digitalization companies and related non-governmental development organizations, are also expected to attend.

Banks allocate N15.13trn credit to private sector –NBS

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he National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says the Nigerian banking sector allocated N15.13 trillion as total value of credit to the private sector in the second quarter (Q2) 2019.

The NBS figures, contained on its “Selected Banking Sector Data: Sectorial Breakdown of Credit, ePayment Channels and Staff Strength (Q2 2019) was released on its website on Sunday in Abuja.

It said that of the amount, the oil and gas and manufacturing sectors

got credit allocation of N3.33 trillion and N2.32 trillion, recording the highest credit allocation.

The report said that a total volume of 711,299,990 transactions valued at N40.48 trillion were recorded in the quarter as data on Electronic Payment Channels in the Nigeria Banking Sector revealed.

“The Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) Instant Payments (NIP) transactions dominated the volume of transactions recorded,“ it said.

The report said 271,344,549 volume of NIP transactions valued at N25.18 trillion were recorded in the second quarter.

It further said that the total number of banks’ staff as at the second quarter of 2019, decreased by 0.62 per cent quarter-on-quarter from 105,017 in quarter one to 104,364.

The NBS said that the data was supplied administratively by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and was verified and validated by the agency.

Marriott to open 40 new properties across Africa by 2023 …With new extended-stay brand earmarked for Lagos

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arriott International has said it expects to add 40 properties and over 8,000 rooms across the continent by the end of 2023, including a new extended-stay brand, the Residence Inn by Marriott, earmarked for Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria Making this known at the Africa Hotel Investment Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Monday, the President and Managing Director, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International, Mr Alex Kyriakidis, also announced signed agreements to open its first property in Cape Verde and further expand its presence in Ethiopia and Kenya.

According to him, Marriott’s development pipeline through 2023 is estimated to drive investment of over $2 billion from property owners

and is expected to generate over 12,000 new jobs in Africa.

The hotel chain’s current portfolio in Africa encompasses close to 140 properties with more than 24,000 rooms across 14 brands and 20 countries and territories.

“Africa is a land of opportunity with untapped potential and remains core to our strategy. The economic growth the region is witnessing, along with the substantial emphasis countries across the continent are placing on the travel and tourism sector, present us with immense opportunities for growth.

“With compelling, wellestablished lifestyle brands and Marriott Bonvoy, our industryleading travel program, we continue to offer different attributes that resonate with the region’s fast-

growing middle class and cater to its evolving market place,” Kyriakidis said.

Marriott’s expected growth through 2023 is driven by a strong demand and steady growth for its premium and select-service brands– led by Marriott Hotels with eight anticipated openings and six slated openings under Protea Hotels by Marriott.

Marriott also continues to see growth opportunities for its luxury brands and expects to double its luxury portfolio in Africa by yearend 2023, with more than ten new openings across The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Luxury Collection and JW Marriott brands. The company also expects to launch W Hotels in Africa with the opening of W Tangier in Morocco by 2023.

GCR affirms rating on Transcorp Hotels

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ocal rating agency, Global Credit Ratings (GCR), has affirmed national scale ratings of A-(NG) and A2(NG) in the long term and short term respectively on Transcorp Hotels Plc, the hospitality subsidiary of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc (Transcorp).

A statement issued by GCR said it accorded stable outlook on the owner of the iconic Transcorp Hilton Abuja and Transcorp Hotels Calabar.

It further said it put A-(NG) ratings on the Series 1 N10bn Fixed Rate Bond and Series 2 N9.8bn Fixed Rate Bond of Transcorp Hotels, with both notes having stable outlook.

According to GCR, the rating reflects Transcorp Hotels ability to maintain its market position as a leading brand in Nigeria’s hospitality industry, supported by the major renovation and facilities upgrade at Transcorp Hilton Abuja (THA) and the subsequent improvement in pricing and occupancy rate.

“Following the upgrade at THA and the accompanying repricing of the hotel facilities in FY18, revenue improved across all service lines, with rooms and food and beverages rising 26% and 28% respectively.

“Per management, the company is currently exploring other

opportunities and add-on services that could be offered to boost overall earnings going forward.

“The average occupancy rate in 1Q FY19 stood at about 61%, albeit still well ahead of the industry average of 53%. Revenue from room lodging grew by a moderate 5% YoY in 1Q FY19, while food and other services rose 18% and 23% respectively,” the domestic rating firm said.

GCR in its report affirmed that Transcorp Hotels demonstrated a stable outlook in its businesses and the ability to maintain a positive rating in the longer term.

23

The Oracle Today Monday September 30 – Sunday October 6, 2019

BUSINESS

Nigeria@59:

Operators appraise Nigerian Capital Market

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head of the country’s i n d e p e n d e n c e anniversary on October 1, Nigerian capital market operators have identified some highs and lows of the market as the nation turns 59.

They spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos, while reviewing Nigeria’s capital market performance over the years.

Professor of Economics, Department of Economics, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun, Prof.

Sheriffdeen Tella, said that the country’s capital market

development and activities had been affected by macroeconomic instability.

Tella, who observed that the capital market had come a long way in terms of development and operations, said that economic instability remained a major threat to the sector.

“Naturally, development of and activities on a nation’s capital market are often affected by macroeconomic activities and stability of the nation, including ability of the country to withstand external shocks.

“The Nigerian economy is quite weak as it still depends

largely on primary sector for exports and corresponding income, which are externally dependent. So, lack of growth and economic instability of the nation affect the efficiency and effectiveness of the market, just as the underdeveloped private sector.

“Nigerians are not only risk averse but generally lack deep knowledge of capital market and its activities.

“The capital market needs to be continually innovative and dynamic to attract more patronage and participation,” Tella said.

According to him, listing requirements can be revised regularly.

He noted that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) managements need to approach businesses to list on its market.

Tella also called for more enlightenment of the private businesses and the public on benefits of being involved in the capital market.

Chief Executive Officer, Sofunix Investment and Communications, Mr Sola Oni, told NAN that unstable

macroeconomic environment, nurtured by uncertainty in the political and economic space remained a major drag to market rebound in Nigeria.

“The market has faithfully continued to serve as a barometer that gauges the economy. Nigeria’s economy is characterised by sluggish growth while insecurity and weak economic fundamentals, among others have further worsened the precarious nature of the market.

“This is not peculiar to Nigeria; trade tension between the U.S. and China is taking tolls on the world economy; this has dire effects on the operations of emerging markets. The emerging markets in which Nigeria is a member is characterised by high volatility and high returns while they provide diversification opportunities for investors in developed markets,” Oni said.

He noted that the Federal Government’s lethargic approach towards utilising the market remains the elephant in the house.

Oni said that the market was grossly undervalued across the board as investor apathy continued to deepen by the

day.

“Investors are still apprehensive of macroeconomic instability and inclement operating environment. This partly explained the prolonged downward trend on the Exchange. Aside from mega listing of MTN and a few others, there is abysmal dearth of new listing.

“Government is crowding out equity investors as monetary policy favours investment in fixed income,” he stated.

Oni, however, urged the new Economic Advisory Council (EAC), headed by Prof. Doyin Salami, to conduct a clinical review of all policies that would impact on market growth and development for effective implementation.

He explained that EAC’s engagement should focus on how to fix the economy with multiplier effects on global competitiveness of the market.

According to him, the Nigerian capital market remains a major hub by which the country can serve as an investment destination.

Oni said that in spite of the challenges, there was hope on the horizon, considering initiatives put in place by market regulators to scale up activities.

C’River warns low income earners against tax exemption

By ANIEKAN ANIEKAN

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he Cross River State government has warned residents, particularly low income earners not to exempt themselves from paying taxes as it is against the law.

During a Tax Enlightenment Town Hall Meeting organized by the Cross River State Internal Revenue Service (CRIRS), as part of its sensitization and enlightenment of tax payers for Voluntary Tax Compliance, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Eteng Jonas William in Calabar, explained that only the governor can exempt any one from paying tax sending the list of those exempted to the Assembly and then paying for them as the law does not cover tax exemption.

He noted: “What the law actually says is that at the beginning of a tax year, which is before the appropriation is passed, we have to write to the governor to give the Assembly the list of those to be exempted.

“Tax is compulsory, which means the government must pay for those people. If the

government does not pay, then they have not been exempted.

You cannot exempt yourself from tax because it is against the constitution of the country.

“If the state government is willing to pay for them, then they will be exempted particularly the low income earners. When government categorises those who are low income earners and then gives us the list of these people then they will be exempted and we will collect the money from government.

“Everybody must pay their taxes. If you are being exempted, you have to tell the government to pay for you because when someone asks you to present your tax certificate and you don’t, then it’s against the constitution,” Williams said.

He commended the CRIRS for organising the town hall meeting, stressing that the people must know why it is important for them to pay tax.

The Executive Chairman of the CRIRS, Akpanke Ogar, said that the sensitization workshop on Voluntary Tax Compliance was organized with support from

From left: Martin Ejidike, Senior Human Rights Adviser, United Nations; Omobolanle Victor-Laniyan, Head, Sustainability, Access Bank Plc; Herbert Wigwe, Group Managing Director/CEO Access Bank Plc; Joanne McNally, COO Mark Eddo Media; Edward Kallon, United Nations Resident & Humanitarian Coordinator; and Mark Eddo, CEO Mark Eddo Media at the Humanitarian High Level Meeting held during the just-concluded United Nations General Assembly in New York.

the World Bank/European Union funded State and Local Governance Reform (SLOGOR) Project. He said the overall development objective of the SLOGOR project is to improve transparency, accountability and quality in public financial management in Nigeria

and will close the communication gap between taxpayers and the CRIRS. According to him,the sensitization meeting will hold in the three senatorial zones of the state and the partnership between the CRIRS and the SLOGOR Project

will bring about reforms in key areas within the service and other revenue generating Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) with a view of supporting their operations and increasing the revenue generating capacity of the service and the state.

NSE market indices rebound by 1.09% on Nestle, Seplat price rallies

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he crucial market indicators of the Nigerian Stock Exchange rebounded on Thursday after three consecutive days loss following Nestle and Seplat price rallies.

The market capitalisation inched N145 billion or 1.09 per cent to close at N13.426 trillion against N13.281 trillion recorded on Wednesday.

Similarly, the All-Share Index grew by 296.80 points or 1.90 per cent to close at 27,579.85 compared with 27,283.05 achieved on Wednesday.

The upturn was impacted

by gains recorded in medium and large capitalised stocks, amongst which are; Nestle Nigeria, Seplat, Total, Access Bank and Eterna.

Analysts at Afrinvest Limited stated that “In the absence of any major stimulus, we expect a bearish performance for the rest of the week.

“Nonetheless, we see opportunities for bargain hunting in stocks with sound fundamentals.”

The market breadth closed positively with 16 gainers and seven losers.

Nestle, Seplat and Total led the gainers’ table in percentage terms, appreciating by 10 per cent each, to close at N1,336.50, N506 and N110 per share, respectively.

Continental Reinsurance followed with a gain 9.88 per cent to close at N1.89, while Cornerstone Insurance and NEM Insurance appreciated by 9.52 per cent each, to close at 46k and N2.30 per share, respectively.

Conversely, Forte Oil led the losers’ chart with a loss of 6.78 per cent to close at N15.80 per share.

Honeywell came second with a decline of 5.94 per cent to close at 95k, while Custodian and Allied lost 4.76 per cent to close at N6 per share.

Chams declined by 4.17 per cent to close at 23k, while Fidelity Bank shed 1.19 per cent to close at N1.66 per share.

In spite of the growth in market indices, the volume of shares closed lower as investors bought and sold 183.47 million shares worth N2.93 billion traded in 2,576 deals.

This was in contrast with an exchange of 462.31 million shares

valued at N7.92 billion achieved in 2,895 deals on Wednesday.

Transactions in the shares of Access Bank topped the activity chart with a total of 67.32 million shares valued at N509.83 million.

Guaranty Trust Bank trailed with 23.16 million shares worth N651.7 million, while Transcorp traded 14.08 million shares valued at N14.29 million.

Lafarge Africa sold 10.43 million shares worth N156.63 million, while FBN Holdings transacted 8.73 million shares valued at N47.94 million.

24

The Oracle Today Monday September 30 – Sunday October 6, 2019

ENERGY

NNPC hints on new developments for 3.0 mbd by 2023

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ome of the various field development plans in the upstream petroleum may soon launch into project stages to drive a new aspiration by government to increase the nation’s crude oil output to 3.0 million barrels per day (3.0mbd) in the next four years.

Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari, who hosted an Indian military delegation in Abuja, declared that Nigeria would take advantage of supply disruptions in the international market to optimize its production capacity.

The Oracle Today reports that Nigeria currently produces about 2.3 mbd; and a lead to 3.0 mbd by 2023 would require about three deepwater fields to come online within the average project gestation period of four years.

Although Mallam Kyari did not provide details of the processes that would yield additional production, the target and deadline correspond with time frames that exist for a number of deepwater development programmes announced by multinational operators.

Some of the deepwater field development projects currently awaiting investment decisions include Shell operated Bonga Southwest and Aparo fields; Eni operated Zabazaba deepwater field, ExxonMobil operated second Erha field development, Total’s Porewei deepwater field and a number of others.

Final Investment Decisions (FIDs) that would unlock funding outlay for the projects have beeb caught up in a pan-industry fiscal impasse, and government and operating partners await legislative resolution of the dispute through passage of the controversial Petroleum Industry Fiscal Bill (PIFB) which hosts the contested proposals.

Former Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, had stated before his retirement that NNPC was

• GMD, NNPC, Mele Kyari working directly with the oil companies that operate the fields to dismantle all fiscal obstacles to new investments in the deepwater, but investors are cautious with arrangements that might be voided by national legislation.

However, talks about FIDs on deepwater projects have remained a6 recent industry conferences that provided platforms for debates on ways out of the prevailing imbroglio in the nation’s deepwater fiscal regime.

Managing Director of Nigerian Gas Company (NGC), Dr. Salihu Jamari, told The Oracle Today in a separate chat that government was working to resolve all disputes that hinder

investments in deepwater field development.

He pointed out that the disputes have also affected realization of the nation’s aspiration for harnessing and commercializing gas resources especially from fields government by production sharing contracts (PSCs).

While discussing hindrances to flare gas capture and commercialization, he pointed out that “there are other issues like fiscal regimes particularly on some partnerships like production sharing contracts (PSCs) where there are concerns that the fiscal regimes are not very clear, and some are not firm.”

“But one assurance I can give you is that government is very

much aware of that, NNPC is also aware of that, and we are doing everything possible to see that we create an environment comfortable for development projects,” he stated.

Nigeria’s age long aspiration to increase crude oil production to 4.0 million barrels per day; build reserves to 40 billion barrels, cut gas flare to operations necessity and increase local content of the industry to 70 percent.

Time frame for realization of the aspirations was originally fixed for 2007; but series of operations issues, project funding hitches and fiscal disputes have pushed the targets far into the horizon.

Mallam Kyari told his visitors

that the country will deliver significant production increase to meet projected rise in demand, adding that fears of drop in oil demand on projected peak oil by 2040 is allayed by increasing role of petroleum in the global energy mix.

He projected that crude oil demand would be very high even beyond 2040, adding that NNPC was determined to grow Nigeria’s production to 3.0 mbd by 2023 and take advantage of the gap that exists in the demand-supply balance.

He said Nigeria would continue to maintain leading role in satisfying global energy demand through robust export of crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

MOMAN wants NNPC to loosen grips on the market

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ajor Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) is requesting the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to concede more space in the domestic petroleum market. The demand is one of the several messages the leadership of the group took to the new Group Management of the corporation weekend.

Chairman of the group, Mr. Tunji Oyebanji, decried several policy and administrative issues that erode commerciality and investors’ confidence in the downstream petroleum industry in the country, lamenting that most of the member companies are crumbling under a low margin market environment.

According to him, marketers in the country are suffering acute

impact of diminishing margins, difficulties in securing foreign exchange at official rates, dollar denominated charges by port agencies and multiple regulatory agencies in the industry.

The Oracle Today reports that the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) is the officially designated technical regulator of the industry; while the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) remains the commercial regulator for the domestic fuel market.

However, PPPRA concedes market enforcement to multiplicity of enforcement agencies including the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), Weights and Measures Department, DPR,

and many other agencies of the government. The situation, according to players in the domestic market, exposes them to exploitation and multiple taxation.

In their visit to the NNPC, the leaders of MOMAN decried low margin operations as NNPC remains the sole source of supply, pointing out that it has become difficult to return profit to owners of the companies.

Mr. Oyebanji appealed to Mallam Kyari assist market players return to smooth marketing operations with less disruptive regulations, enhanced access to foreign exchange and higher returns from the market.

Members of MOMAN including Oando, MRS, Total, Nipco and Forte control over

50 percent of total retail sites in the country; but most of them have suffered acute declines in declared profits, leading shareholders of the companies embark on massive share loadouts that led to sharp fall in share prices.

Some of them complain that inability to operate independent of NNPC have limited their fortunes to the level of patronage they could get from the corporation which currently hold sole importation rights in the local market. They lament that the huge state monopoly in the market and lack of flexibility in supply sourcing have drained competition from the market and limited players to fixed and predetermined margins.

Mallam Kyari maintains

that NNPC would work with all stakeholders to sustain the growth trajectory of the Petroleum Industry as well as ensure energy security of the nation, saying that the corporation has the mandate for petroleum products supply and distribution in the country.

On regulatory and administrative bottlenecks in the local fuel market, Mallam Kyari said promises of early passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) would fix a lot of regulatory issues in the market.

According to him, government is determined to ensure that PIB is passed to address the concerns over overlapping roles among agencies of government in the domestic fuel market.

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The Oracle Today Monday September 30 – Sunday October 6, 2019

ENERGY

Microgrids crucial in connecting 640 million Africans to electricity

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frican governments must adopt decentralized microgrid networks and work out appropriate tariff models that would confer commerciality on rural electrification investments.

International energy consultant based in Johannesburg, South Africa, Anastasia Walsh, stated in an presentation made to the African Energy Chamber that the measure has become imperative for countries of the continent to solve their power distribution problems.

She stated that grid modernization, specifically the deployment of microgrids in rural areas, provides a promising strategy to reach over 640 million people who currently live without connection to the existing centralized grid systems.

“Electrification is an on-going and foundational investment, and a necessary one to realize all modernday development objectives. Despite bullish policies, the fact remains that over 640 million Africans lack access to electricity. The effect of this is apparent. It impedes economic growth; it inhibits the advancements of self-reliant local communities, and it threatens national security.

African governments are beginning to rethink their electrification plans.

Grid modernization, specifically the deployment of microgrids in rural areas, provides a promising strategy,” she argues.

Microgrids are small-scale power grids that run on a combination of solar, wind, or biomass or fossil fuels to provide reliable power. They operate either independently from the main grid or can be synched to it at the same voltage to shift the energy and respond to peaks and troughs in supply and demand. This ensures there is no interruption in power supply, allowing communities to be more energy independent by cutting costs and providing reliable energy access.

The Oracle Today reports that weak central grid system has remained the major reason for poor power supply to Nigerians that are already connected to the grid networks operated by the Transition Company of Nigeria (TCN) and the 11 electricity distribution companies in the country.

Executive Secretary of Association of Power Generating Companies (APGC) in Nigeria, Dr. Joy Ogaji, declared at a conference in Lagos that Nigeria’s installed electricity generation capacity of 12,000 megawatts has been limited to about 3500 megawatts of actual output due to weak transmission and distribution grid networks.

She said Nigeria’s total transmission capacity remains 5500 megawatts while total available distribution capacity comes at paltry 3500 megawatts.

It would be recalled that

government had last year issued the eligible customer declaration to enable generation companies to supply directly to maximum demand customers as a way of giving vent to some 9,000 megawatts suppressed at power plants across the country.

In his presentation, Ms Walsh stated that a mix of generation sources including renewable and grid supply could be twisted off into microgrids tjhat would service rural dwellers that currently relay on fuel fired micro-generation to power lighting and micro-businesses.

She maintains that operating centralized electricity grids copied from developed countries has not succeeded in improving energy access across the continent, warning that ongoing attempts by governments and utility companies to expand traditional grid infrastructure hold no solution.

“In areas where communities have access to the central grid, they still have to supplement the intermittency of the power with diesel generators. On the flip side, the utilities are financially strained because they are unable to collect revenues from their customers.

The low rate of revenue collection is due to the unsustainable tariffs the providers impose on customers as a result of the political pressure exerted on them. This results in the utilities being unable to finance upgrades in infrastructure, further exacerbating the issues,” she said.

According to her, continued efforts at expanding centralized grid networks to increase rural access to electricity would entail reduction in tariffs, which, she pointed out, would intensify the financial stress utilities currently suffer.

Ms Walsh advocated switch to off-grid solar lighting model as prices of renewable energy equipment make it more affordable.

She said the solar lighting market, bolstered by widespread mobile payment systems, provide sufficient generation for low consumption needs like household lighting, charging cell phones, and the use of small household appliances.

She however pointed out that off-grid solar lighting is currently not scalable, making deployment of microgrids necessary to provide the adequate output required to power commercial businesses, hospitals, schools.

“Demand for electricity from small industry and business, which is classified as the productive use of energy will determine the success of microgrids; without this demand, the deployment of microgrids will not be financially viable. Ensuring the Productive Use of Energy enhances the economic and social development impacts of microgrids and rural electrification in the wider context,” Ms Walsh pointed out.

• President Muhammadu Buhari

FG redefines operating terms with NAOC, Oando

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ederal government has altered the operating terms with partners in five oil and gas exploration and production licenses to facilitate resumption of commercial investments and sustain uptime in exploitation of the assets.

The new arrangement involves that partnership configuration in the Eni operated NNPC/NAOC/Oando joint venture drops sovereign membership under a novation agreement for Oil Mining Leases (OMLs) 60, 61, 62 and 63.

The agreement entails transfer of the overriding 60 percent equity interest of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company; a deed which confers financial and administrative autonomy to the Joint Venture.

NPPC also signed a parallel Heads of Terms Agreement with the partners to resolve disagreements over fiscal and operating conditions that govern commercial investments in Abo deepwater field hosted in OML 125.

The agreements which were executed between NNPC, Eni’s

local JV subsidiary, Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC), and indigenous energy group, Oando Energy Resources (OER), are meant to clear all obstacles to investments in reserves and production growth in the five oil blocks.

Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, stated that the novation agreement marks a significant milestone in resolving all disputes and end to all litigations and arbitrations that have over the years inhibited the growth of those assets.

With the agreements, NPDC will now hold 60 percent financial stake in OMLs 60, 61, 62 and 63 operated under a joint venture by Eni in partnership with Oando. The company which is the upstream exploration and production arm of NNPC would also assume significant responsibility in funding proportionate equity interests in the operations of the joint venture.

Acting Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of NNPC, Mr. Samson Makoji, explained that the transfer of state interest in those assets to NPDC would open up the company to contributing to cash calls

and further progress the growth of the partnership.

Mallam Kyari added that the asset transfer would further boost NPDC’s status as a medium size upstream company, saying that the novation agreement would boost activities on the assets, and open a new chapter of business for the company.

“This is the beginning of greater things to come in the oil and gas industry. We are ready to make sure that NPDC delivers on her mandate to grow reserves,” he stated.

On the Heads of Agreement with Eni’s local deepwater affiliate, Nigeria Agip Exploration Limited (NAE), on OML 125, Mallam Kyari said the instrument on Abo field would resolve issues affect PSCs in the country.

With the development, the parties can now look forward to the renewal of OML 125 and further investment in exploring and developing Abo field resources, he said.

In his response, the Managing Director of NAOC, Lorenzo Fiorillo, said they were glad to partner with the NNPC in its drive to increase crude oil production in Nigeria.

US crude exports may hit 4 million b/d amid Saudi outage

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S crude exports could test new highs and potentially hit 4.0 million barrels per day (mbd) for the first time by the end of the year as a result of higher demand from a possible prolonged Saudi disruption.

Data from Energy Information Administration (EIA) weekend showed that the US Gulf Coast tanker market was showing higher interest in fixings, although US exports dipped to 2.98 million b/d last week after remaining above 3.0 mbd for four straight weeks.

“It’s not going to get fixed overnight; it’s going to take some time, and that will keep the market tight,” Sandy Fielden, Morningstar’s

oil research director, said of the Saudi disruption. “And, therefore, the market call on the US will increase because the US is effectively the marginal supplier.”

US crude exports averaged 2.9 million b/d in the first half of 2019, compared with 1.8 million b/d in H1 2018.

The US Gulf Coast can handle additional export volumes thanks to major new Permian pipelines in operation: the 600,000 b/d Epic and 700,000 b/d Cactus II, to be followed soon by the 900,000 b/d Gray Oak pipeline.

S&P Global Platts Analytics expects Permian-to-Gulf pipeline capacity to

increase by 2.4 million b/d between mid-2019 and mid-2020 to 5.2 million b/d.

Fielden believes existing Gulf Coast capacity can handle 4 million b/d in exports, but getting to 4.5 million b/d or 5 million b/d could prove to be more difficult. He pointed to concerns about vessel traffic in Corpus Christi and the vulnerability of the Houston Ship Channel to storms or protests, such as Greenpeace’s September 12 blockade.

“It’s certainly not problem-free,” he said. Sergio Baron, senior crude analysts for Platts Analytics, said the impact of the Saudi disruption on US crude exports will all depend on duration.”

Eni stakes $4.5 bn in ExxonMobil’s upstream assets

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orld oil giant, ExxonMobil, has entered a deal with Italian multinational major, Eni, to trade its non operated Norwegian oil and gas interests for $4.5 billion in one of the biggest divestments in the year.

Eni’s affiliate, Vår Energi AS, is to capture the assets in its portfolio in the North Sea and probably become the biggest producer by equity in the region.

The transaction includes ownership interests in more than 20 producing fields operated mostly

by Equinor, including Grane, Snorre, Ormen Lange, Statfjord and Fram, with a combined production of approximately 150,000 boepd in 2019.

The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2019, subject to standard conditions precedent, including customary

approvals from regulatory authorities.

The majority of the ExxonMobil employees impacted by the sale will transfer to positions at Vår Energi.

ExxonMobil said the deal is as part of its previously announced plans to divest approximately $15 billion in non-strategic assets by 2021.

Senior Vice President of ExxonMobil, Neil Chapman, stated: “Our objective is to have

the strongest, most competitive Upstream portfolio in the industry.”

“We’re achieving that by adding the best set of projects we’ve had in many years and divesting assets that have lower long-term strategic value. This sale is an important part of our divestment program, which is on track to meet our $15 billion target by 2021.”

In 2017 the company sold its ownership interests in the

ExxonMobil-operated fields Balder, Jotun Ringhorne and Ringhorne East to Point Resources.

The ExxonMobil refinery in Slagen and network of approximately 250 independently owned Esso-branded retail sites are unaffected by the agreement.

The Oracle Today gathered that the deal would also build a new status for Eni as rising global producer.

26

The Oracle Today Monday September 30 – Sunday October 6, 2019

INSURANCE & PENSION

Climate resilience: Insurers offer Recapitalisation: $5bn in capacity to poor nations One firm meets NAICOM’s requirement

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nsurers are partnering with the United Nations and other public groups to help the poorest countries bounce back from natural disasters that may become a more regular occurrence.

As part of the programme, as much as $5 billion in insurance capacity will be offered to 20 developing countries that are vulnerable to shifts in the climate and willing to work with the groups to increase their resilience, according to a statement, Sunday, from the Insurance Development Forum, the UN Development Program, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and the U.K. Department for International Development.

Insurance executives including Chubb Ltd.’s Evan Greenberg have warned that climate change is a reality bringing a heightened frequency and severity of natural catastrophes. One of the most recent natural disasters, Hurricane Dorian, pummeled the Bahamas

earlier this month, causing as much as $6.5 billion in losses for insurers, according to risk modeling firm RMS. “Given the risks countries face today, our industry has a responsibility to take the lead in driving action that is needed from both the public and private sector,” Denis Duverne, who is chairman of AXA SA and the Insurance Development Forum, said in the statement.

The UN is hosting a climate summit this week to showcase government and business efforts to reduce emissions. Sunday’s announcement also says the United Kingdom government is contributing up to $110 million to the global risk financing facility, which is co-funded by Germany and was designed for faster financing after a disaster.

The Insurance Development Forum said Allianz SE, AXA and Munich Re are among companies that have endorsed this effort.

Stories by VICTOR NZE

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ational Insurance C o m m i s s i o n (NAICOM) on Wednesday said one company has met the necessary requirements of the Recapitslisation Plan out of the 47 insurers and two reinsurers that have submitted thier recapitalisation plans.

This is contained in a statement made available by the head, Commissioner for Insurance’ Directorate, Rasaaq ‘Salami, that further

to the circular issued by NAICOM on May 20, 2019 increasing the paid up share capital of Insurers and reinsurers in Nigeria and, the subsequent directives to companies to submit their recapitalization plans

by August 20, 2019 the Commission hereby notifies all insurance stakeholders that it received plans of 47 insurers and 2 reinsurers.

The statement further read: “In keeping with the recapitalization roadmap, the Commission has concluded review of the

submissions and have communicated individual companies on their positions as detailed below: 26 companies have been granted “No Objection ” to proceed with their plans; the plans of 17 companies were corrected and have been advised to resubmit their new plans using paid-up capital and not shareholders fund; 4 companies do not have the requisite 2018 financial statements and are thus, advised to review their plans of using IPO; 1 company has litigation

issues and has been advised to resolve them as soon as possible to enable its progress; 1 company’s submission was noted to have met the necessary requirements; the review of submissions from two companies is ongoing while, 3 companies are yet to submit their recapitalization plans.

It added that the Commission will adhere to the recapitalization roadmap towards achieving its desired objectives in the best interest of all stakeholders.

Business leaders spend less time focusing on cyber risk –Survey

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majority of busy board members and senior executives, who are responsible for their organization’s cyber risk management, spent less than a day in the last year to focus on cyber risk issues, according to a new report published by Marsh and Microsoft Corp.

This lack of time by senior leaders to focus on cyber risk comes as concern over cyber threats hits an all-time high, and as confidence in an organization’s ability to manage cyber threats has declined, said the report titled “2019 Global Cyber Risk Perception Survey.”

The global survey of 1,500 organizations details the current state of cyber risk perceptions and risk management, building on a related survey conducted in 2017.

The report highlights the gap between concern about the risk and the actual approach taken to mitigate cyber threats.

According to this year’s survey, nearly 80% of organizations now rank cyber risk as a top-five concern, compared to 62%

in 2017.

Only 11%, however, expressed a high degree of confidence in their ability to assess cyber threats, prevent cyber-attacks and respond effectively, which is down from 19% in 2017.

For many organizations, strategic cyber risk management remains a challenge, the report indicated. For example, while nearly two-thirds (65%) of organizations surveyed identified a senior executive or the board as a main owner of cyber risk management, only 17% of c-suite executives and board members said they spent more than a few days in the past year focusing on the issue. More than half, 51%, spent several hours or less.

Likewise, 88% of respondents identified their information technology and information security functions as primary owners of cyber risk management, yet 30% of IT respondents said they spent only a few days or less over the last year focusing on cyber risk.

From left: Chief Technology Officer, FBNInsurance Limited, Rivers Khumalo; Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, FBNInsurance Limited, Elizabeth Agugoh; President, Jakin NGO, Olubukola Adebiyi; Board Member, Jakin NGO, Dr. Adebiyi; Head, Technical Operations, FBNInsurance Limited, Juliet Ajiboye, at the 2019 Jakin NGO Dress-A-Child Project in commemoration of the International Literacy Day.

NDIC commences payment to depositors of 154 failed MFBs

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igeria Deposit I n s u r a n c e Corporation (NDIC) said it had commenced payment to depositors of 154 Micro Finance Banks (MFBs) that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) revoked their licences in 2018 due to insolvency.

Managing Director, NDIC, Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim, said this at the Corporation’s day at the ongoing 14th edition of Abuja International Trade Fair.

The event holding between September 21 to 29 is with the theme; “Remodeling SMEs Financing: Option and Solutions’’.

Represented by Mr Mustapha Ibrahim, Director of Research, NDIC, the Managing Director said that the payment was extended to depositors of six Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs).

According to Ibrahim, in the last quarter of 2018, the CBN revoked the licences of 154 MFBs and six PMBs due to their insolvency and corporate governance issues.

“Hence, the corporation successfully liquidated the failed banks and has commenced payment to the depositors of the failed banks,’’ Ibrahim said.

He said that the corporation had investigated and mediated to address complaints from

bank customers on various issues that affect them.

“As at June 30, the corporation received 35 petitions/complaints from banks customers on various issues such as ATM frauds, unauthourised funds transfer and cheques related issues.

“Investigations were carried out and where necessary and customers were appropriately reprieved,’’ he said.

He said that NDIC would continue to work with CBN to ensure effective supervision of banks and the adherence to prudential guidelines and code of corporate governance for banks.

Ibrahim said that this was to ensure their safety and the overall stability of the Nigerian financial system.

He, however, urged small savers to avoid depositing their money with thrift collectors.

“It is imperative to point out the need for traders, artisans, farmers and other small savers to ensure that their savings are deposited in banks or other licensed deposit-taking financial institutions nearest to them.

“This is to avoid losses that could result from incidents of burglaries and other forms of crimes,’’ Ibrahim added.

AIICO Insurance announces appointment of Olusola Ajayi as ED

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oard of Directors (BOD) of AIICO Insurance Plc has appointed Mr Olusola Ajayi as Executive Director, following a successful assessment and due approval by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM).

A statement released last Monday, in Lagos, and signed by Mr Segun Olalandu, Head, Strategic Marketing

and Communications Department, AIICO, said,”Ajayi is an experienced business leader of over fifteen years.

“Ajayi has experience in leadership positions in management consulting and insurance in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

“He joined AIICO in 2009 as head of the Business Strategy and Transformation teams.

“In 2013, Ajayi assumed leadership of the retail life insurance business, and has led the transformation of the agency business.

“He deployed cutting-edge solutions and enabling capabilities which has resulted in significant growth in the company’s annual premiums and asset under management (AUM).”

According to the statement, Ajayi, before joining AIICO, worked at Accenture (Lagos), in the Financial Services market unit, before joining Deloitte Consulting (London, UK).

“As a business consultant in both firms, he supported/led business transformation initiatives in Strategy, Process Optimization and Technology Deployments.

“In this new position, he will oversee the Group Retail Division, with a mandate to drive growth, across the group retail businesses and retaining AIICO as an industry leader,” it read.

The underwriter said Ajayi currently serves as Chairman of the Board of AIICO Multishield Limited, the Group’s Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO).

27

The Oracle Today Monday September 30 – Sunday October 6, 2019

AVIATION

Nigeria rallies support for Africa on SAATM at 40th ICAO Assembly Stories by VICTOR NZE

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igeria’s Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika has called on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to support the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) as regional liberalization efforts of states could be used as incentives to achieve global liberalization of market access.

Sirika said this when he addressed the 40th assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal, Canada stating that Nigeria has been a major champion of liberalization.

According to the minister, liberalization efforts in Africa have

already been yielding benefits including increased manual traffic and foreign airline traffic in the country.

“Nigeria has been a great supporter of liberalization and as a continued champion of liberalization efforts in Africa through the implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision ( YD) and the Single African Air Transport Market ( SAATM), I wish to call on ICAO to continue to support the regional liberalization efforts of states as they could be used as incentives to achieve global multilateral achievement on liberalization of market access.

“I am happy to inform you that

Nigeria’s effort at liberalization has led to significant increase in the operations of foreign airlines utilization so far our airports resulting in manual traffic growth of over 8 per cent. Today aviation in Nigeria is the second fastest growing industry. We recorded 12.6 per cent growth this quarter,” the minister said.

Sirika also expressed Nigeria’s belief that successes in technological advancement should be complemented with the modernization of global regulatory frameworks. ”We believe that successes in technological advancement should be complemented with the modernization of global

regulatory frameworks through the liberalization of market access and convergence of regulatory approaches. This will maximize the social economic benefits of air transport and enhance the comfort and convenience of consumers of our services,” he said.

He further relayed the country’s resolve to be a hub stating that the country is enacting new strategies to make air transportation, ‘safer, more secure, more efficient and more environmentally friendly as well as ensure the growth and sustainability of aviation industry globally.’ ”With 200 million people and 923 766 sq km of land mass, our resolve is to make Nigeria the hub

of west and central Africa region and make air travel the preferred mode of transportation. We are fully aware that achieving this will require a robust industry that is safe and secure and environmentally friendly with modern and adequate infrastructure.

“In the area of safety, Nigeria in the last three years has continued to work towards sustaining the successes achieved ICAO universal safety oversight programme and the FAA International aviation safety assessment category 1 rating through strengthening of the Nigeria civil aviation authority to keep regulating aviation safety without political interference,” Sirika stated.

Barbados seeks direct air connectivity with Nigeria, others to boost tourism

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arbados has expressed the desire to establish a direct air link with Nigeria, as well as other West African states in order to boost cultural and economic ties.

Making the disclosure at the just-concluded Akwaaba Travel Market which held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Director of the Tourism Development of the Barbados Ministry of Tourism and International Transport, Dr. Kerry Hall, decried the ‘harrowing’ long distance air travel between the Caribbean and West Africa regions, saying the 15-hour journey through Europe and America is needless.

Noting that Barbados even after introducing a visa waiver for African countries including Nigeria has realized that only direct air connectivity would improve the situation from the present situation. ”It took me 15 hours to get here (Nigeria). We have gone far in the air services agreement in Kenya, Ghana we haven’t gone so far but we understand that you can draw a straight line from the Caribbean to West Africa, the alternative of taking a 15-hour flight, I’m sure if it were a direct flight it will take four or five hours through the Atlantic to any of the West African nations.

“So, it doesn’t make sense and plus the fact that even though we lift the visa requirement, you’d still experience some challenges with the transit visas if you have to go through, London or the US. The only way this can be resolved is through direct connectivity.

So I think that is where the focus should be in terms of direct connectivity. Some travel agents say that’s not gonna happen but I say no, we want this to happen and we are determined at the highest level that that it is gonna happen, it will happen.

“So we understand that in order to boost travel back and forth from the Caribbean to Africa and Africa to the Caribbean one of the major obstacles or hurdles that need to be overcome is not just the waving of visa requirement but having that direct connectivity,” she said.

On the integration of Barbados and Africa, she explained there was a link between both peoples albeit one borne of slavery but despite the distance. The Caribbean people know their roots and are willing to strengthen the ties.

“What prompted us to be here are so many factors but at the main factor is where the government is engaging at a macro level, where the government of Barbados is moving swiftly to create travel linkage between itself and itself African counterparts.

“So one area is air services agreements and another is the lifting of travel visas between Barbados and Africa this will increase tourism, business investment and trade be able to stimulate business in Africa “As we all know, there is a missing link, a disconnect; I don’t think we have connected with each other over the years, the way we should.

“Knowing that Africa has a shared history, heritage or shared origin with the Caribbean, the same culture even though those origins are not so pleasant because we have connection with Africa through the enslavement of Africans as we are descendants of those enslaved but we understand our history and we are coming back home to embrace our brothers and sisters. We urge them to come to the Caribbean even if it was colonized by the British and Europeans, we know our history from our ancestors,” Hall said.

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council President, Dr Olumuyiwa Aliu with Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) Commissioner/CEO, Engr. Akin Olateru (2nd Right), Director General of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Murtah Usman (1st from right) and former Managing Director of United States’ National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Mr Dennis Jones, after a meeting with the ICAO President in his office in Montreal, Canada

Nigeria re-elected into ICAO Council

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igeria has been re-elected as a member of the International Civil Aviation organisation (ICAO) Council for another three year term.

The election was held on Saturday at the ICAO Headquarters in Montreal, Canada.

Nigeria’s re-election as Part 2 ICAO member was in recognition of its substantial investment in air transportation.

The Council is comprised 36 members, 12 of which are in the Part 2 category, and a Nigerian is the outgoing President of the Council.

Director of Public Affairs, Ministry of Aviation, Mr James Odaudu, in a statement in Lagos from Montreal, said that Nigeria garnered 151 votes out of the

IATA launches gender diversity campaign

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he International Air Transport Association (IATA), Thursday, today launched the 25by2025Campaign —an airline industry initiative to advance gender diversity in the airline industry by 2025.

The 25by2025 Campaign is a voluntary commitment by participating IATA member airlines.

Key among the commitments of airlines participating in the

25by2025 Campaign are: Increasing the number of women in senior positions (to be defined by the member airlines) by either 25% against currently reported metrics or to minimum representation of 25% by 2025; Increasing the number of women in under-represented jobs (e.g. pilots and operations) by either 25% against currently reported metrics or to a minimum

representation of 25% by 2025; Reporting annually on key diversity metrics.

IATA member airlines who have already signed up to the 25by2025 Campaign include China Eastern, Lufthansa Group and Qatar Airways.

There is currently no comprehensive airline industrywide gender diversity statistical report.

But, with women

168-member states, 18 votes more than it did in 2016.

He added that the number of votes marked a significant rise in the popularity of the country within the global aviation community.

Reacting to the development, Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, said the continued success and recognition of the country in all issues relating to the world aviation governing body goes to show that Nigeria was on course in its transformation agenda for the aviation sector.

“The re-election of Nigeria into the ICAO Council would further spur it to push for the attainment of the ideals and objectives of the organisation, as it has always done, with a stronger commitment to representing around 5% (1) of the global pilot population and 3% (2) of CEOs, the gender imbalance in the industry is clear.

“Aviation is the business of freedom. An example of that is the freedom for 2.7 million women and men to develop exciting careers within this industry. But women are under-represented at senior levels and in some professions within airlines. Airlines understand the value that a diverse and gender-balanced workforce delivers. The 25by2025 Campaign provides a global context

the implementation of the aviation sector development road map of President Muhammadu Buhari Administration,’’ Sirika said.

Also, reacting to the re-election, the Country Representative on the ICAO Council, Captain Nuhu Musa, described it as a momentous occasion for the country, as it showed the growing influence and popularity of Nigeria within the global aviation industry.

The International Civil Aviation Organisation is a specialised agency of the United Nations.

It changes the principles and techniques of international air navigation and fosters the planning and development of international air transport to ensure safe and orderly growth. and encouragement for the many initiatives our members are already taking to address the gender imbalance. I am confident that 25by2025 will be a major catalyst for progress—progress that will set the industry up to achieve even more in this important area. Our work will not be done in 2025, in fact, this is only the beginning. Our ultimate aim is of course for a 50-50 gender split with equal opportunities for everyone in every part of our industry,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

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The Oracle Today Monday September 30 – Sunday October 6, 2019

e-Platform

9mobile affirms support for youth entrepreneurs, tech-start-ups Stories by VICTOR NZE

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elecommunications company, 9mobile, has again affirmed its support for young entrepreneurs and technology start-ups, promising to assist them in achieving their growth and development plans in a competitive global economy.

Acting Managing Director, 9mobile, Stephane Beuvelet, gave the assurance recently at the inauguration of the Vatebra Tech Hub, Ajah, Lagos, created

by Vatebra Limited, with funding from the Bank of Industry and network support from 9mobile, to host technology-driven startups and provide them with the resources, mentorship and

support required to grow.

Speaking at the occasion, Beuvelet said that 9mobile remains committed to young entrepreneurs, start-ups and MSMEs, and will not relent in supporting their dreams and aspirations.

“9mobile is very proud to be associated with this transformative initiative because a tech-hub will enable Nigerian youth to unleash their potentials.

We know there are talented people in Nigeria and this is one of the places that will allow ICT start-ups to flourish and deliver the level of innovation that they are capable of,” he said.

Beuvelet added that as an enabler of individuals and enterprises, the Hub’s goals align

with those of 9mobile. “Our core value is innovation and we express this by raising the bar and fulfilling the aspirations of young entrepreneurs. We are here as enablers; providing bestin-class internet services, because what is important to young entrepreneurs is to be connected to the world 24-7, and be able to compete on a global scale,” he said, while pledging continued support for local content and ICT development in Nigeria.

Managing Director, Bank of Industry, Olukayode Pitan, disclosed that the tech-hub is “targeted at promoting skill development, youth entrepreneurship and job creation, using new technology and innovation. BOI’s mission is

to transform Nigeria’s industrial sector so that new businesses will emerge as existing ones thrive.”

Also speaking, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide SanwoOlu, reiterated that technology development, a core pillar of his campaign, will receive the needed attention under his administration.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Hakeem Fahm, thanked BOI, Vatebra Hub and 9mobile for partnering on the project while reaffirming his commitment to the development of technology in the state.

He said, “Technology is right there in my front; it is in my heart because of its importance to this age and the future. We will

empower people to drive Lagos State with technology. The future of our country is not oil, it is our young people, and when you give them the right education, they will move our country forward.”

The Vatebra Hub, a Bank of Industry (BOI) Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, provides tech developers and entrepreneurs with affordable access to facilities such as constant power, high speed internet and comfortable workspaces, which are essential to innovation and the development of world class tech solutions.

9mobile was selected by BOI to provide high speed and high capacity internet services at the Hub in recognition of its superior quality of service.

NCC blocks 2.3m unregistered SIMs, revalidates 6.9m lines

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elecommunications regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has blocked a total of 2,277,311 improperly registered lines.

The action which was effected last Wednesday followed directive by the Minister of Communications, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, to the commission to ensure that all improperly registered SIM card numbers have been blocked.

A statement signed by the Mrs Philomena O. Oshodin, the Deputy Director/Head Information/Press & PR Unit, at the Ministry of Communications, Thursday, also said that 6,830,249 lines have been revalidated by the NCC on the minister’s directive.

“In line with the directives of the Honourable Minister of Communications, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) has ensured that all improperly registered SIM card numbers have been blocked.

“This was as a result of Dr Pantami’s directives that no

improperly registered SIM card number should remain active beyond 11:59pm of Wednesday, 25th of September, 2019.

“Subsequently, according to the report submitted by the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, on Thursday, 26th September, a total of 2,277,311 improperly registered lines have been blocked.

“As earlier reported, 6,830,249 lines have been revalidated since the directive was given.

“Dr Pantami has reiterated the need for all improperly registered SIM cards to remain blocked until they are properly registered.

While, therefore, appreciating the telecommunications firms for their cooperation in the exercise, the minister also enjoined them ‘to redouble their efforts in ensuring that the momentum is sustained.’

The ministry further announced that it is collaborating

Minister-of-Communications, Dr. IsaPantami

with relevant parastatals and security agencies ‘to ensure that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that the security of lives and property in the nation is not compromised through the use of SIM card numbers. ‘ “Pursuant to this, Dr Pantami

has directed that the profiles of persons linked to crime, aided and abetted by the use of SIM cards, should be promptly provided to the relevant security agencies when requested and a copy be sent to him for monitoring.

“The Ministry will continue to work with relevant parastatals and security agencies in the background to ensure that SIM card numbers are not used as a platform for committing crime,” the statement read.

Facebook Accelerator London now open to African companies

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he 12-week Facebook Accelerator London programme will launch in November JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, September 25, 2019/ -Facebook has invited applications for the third edition of its London accelerator programme, which is open for the first time to startups from Africa.

The programme is designed for startups from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) that are creating impact at scale using artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/ VR), blockchain and other Facebook technologies.

The 12-week Facebook

Accelerator London programme will launch in November, and startups will gain access to the knowledge and expertise of Facebook employees, which includes practical workshops in product, engineering, growth, impact, and bespoke mentorship.

Nicola Mendelsohn, VP of EMEA at Facebook, said: “Innovation is at the heart of Facebook and today we are opening up our London accelerator programme to Africa. The selected start-ups will gain access to experts from across Facebook including those working in AR, blockchain and AI. We hope that through this programme we can help nurture a new cohort of businesses that

make a positive impact on the world.”

Product managers, data scientists, marketers, recruitment specialists and engineers from Facebook will offer mentorship to the startups involved in the programme.

Facebook Connectivity will support companies that are building solutions to bring faster, cheaper and better connectivity and internet services to people across Africa.

Hosted inside Facebook London’s tech office, the programme will run in partnership with Founders Forum Group’s digital consultancy agency, Founders Intelligence.

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The Oracle Today Monday September 30 – Sunday October 6, 2019

e-Platform Future iPhones to come with LED-illuminated Apple logo

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ccording to a new patent, future iPhones might finally get LED notification light of some sort, which would double as an Apple logo too.

The patent tells a story about a transparent layer on the back of a smartphone with adjustable decoration overlapping by the transparent layer changing the appearance of the light that comes out of the logo.

There is also a control circuitry that can adjust the appearance in response to an event like a call or missed notification.

It is interesting to see this feature being revived after it was removed from MacBooks, considering that the Apple logo was once illuminated on MacBooks.

However, this may just a patent feature as there is no guarantee yet that it would make it to the iPhones proper.

Gmail ‘Dark Mode’ now on Android 10, iOS 11+ devices

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oogle has already released Dark theme for plenty of its applications, and now Gmail will get it too. It should be hitting users with Android 10 and iOS 11 or higher, but might take up to two weeks before it gets to all devices.

If you are using Google Pixel smartphone, Gmail will automatically be in Dark theme once you have Battery Saver enabled. It will also respect the system default settings, if you decided to have all black everything. However, if you want ONLY the Gmail app to be

dark, simply go to Settings -> Theme -> Dark.

Apple users with iOS 11 or 12 should also look for the option in Settings, while for those who already are rocking the latest version, will receive it automatically if they have already set up total blackout for the UI. Once again - if you want only Gmail to be in Dark Mode, look for the toggle in Settings.

Dark Mode will be available both for regular customers and G Suite accounts once you update your application.

New Android devices to feature pre-installed YouTube Music app

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ouTube Music was a logical successor to Google Play Music since the YouTube library is far superior to the one available to Google Play Music.

And since last week, Google made that perfectly clear by announcing that future devices will come with pre-installed YouTube Music app.

Each new phone coming with Android 10 and Android 9 out of

the box, will swap the Google Play Music app for the YouTube Music app. However, current Google Play Music subscribers and users can still download the app from the Google Play store and enjoy their personal library.

However, with this step, it’s clear that Google wants to kill Google Play Music sometime in the near or more distant future.

Samsung working on affordable Galaxy Fold for global market

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amsung Galaxy Fold is finally available in select regions, in limited quantities and at a high price to boot (it’s been on sale in South Korea since early September, as well as the United States market, last week and soon in the United Kingdom).

However, Samsung is reportedly working on a second Galaxy Fold model that will be available globally and will be more affordable.

That phone – bearing a model number SM-F700F – will come with half the built-in storage

(256GB) and may feature other cost-saving measures like cutting back on the RAM (from 12GB).

However, it’s not clear what price point Samsung is targeting (the current Galaxy Fold was available for pre-order at $1,980 in the US).

Also unclear is if Samsung will stick to just downgrading a few components to lower the price or if it’s aiming for an extensive redesign like the Galaxy W20 5G clamshell that surfaced a few days ago (Samsung is also working on an outwards-folding phone).

New Foldable Motorola RAZR phone to launch by end of 2019

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he Motorola RAZR is one of the most iconic cell phones, selling over 130 million units during its lifespan. The company has previously revived the brand as the Droid RAZR with a line of thin Android phones, sold exclusively with Verizon in the US. An inside source has now confirmed that the Motorola RAZR reboot is set to launch sometime before the year’s end.

However, it seems that foldable displays require more time, both Samsung and Huawei’s frequently delayed launches of the Galaxy Fold and Mate X can attest to that.

Rumors sparked back up back in February of 2018 when a Lenovo executive hinted of the phone’s

existence. Over a year later, the RAZR and One Vision both received Bluetooth certification.

The One Vision launched shortly thereafter, but there’s still no hint of a new RAZR. A private meeting with Chinese media caused a buzz when Lenovo allegedly used fanmade concept renders to show off Motorola’s folding phone, but nothing came soon after that.

The RAZR would become available in December for European markets for a hefty sum of EU 1,500. There is at least some corroboration to these reports, but the launch is at the mercy of the product’s readiness to launch for the masses – should it launch at all.

Of course, it’s been over three years since the first hints of a RAZR comeback when Motorola released a video in 2016 featuring its classic Motorola RAZR clamshell phone. That video has since been removed from public viewing.

From earlier rumors, the phone would feature a 6.2inch display with 876 x 2142 px resolution that closes vertically like a clamshell. It features a smaller exterior display and a fingerprint scanner on the back of the lower section of the display.

It is also said to be powered by the Snapdragon 710 CPU and a 2,730 mAh battery. Verizon is said to have exclusivity with the RAZR once it does launch in the US.

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The Oracle Today Monday September 30 – Sunday October 6, 2019

EQUITY & Capital Market

NSE collaborate with GRI, Dangote Cement on sustainability workshop Stories By JEROME USHAKANG

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he Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in partnership with Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Dangote Cement Plc recently held a capacity development workshop on sustainability value proposition and reporting for accountants, financial analysts and communication practitioners at the Stock Exchange House in Lagos.

The workshop, driven by the need to demonstrate the relationship between financial and non-financial functions and the strong synergy between the two in achieving business continuity, brought together over seventy(70 participants from the media, accounting and investment communities.

In his opening remarks at the event, Divisional Head, Shared Services, NSE, Mr. Bola Adeeko, said “we recognize that sustainability should not be separate from core business strategy as it involves operating in a way that takes full account of an organisation’s impact on the planet, its people and the future. At the NSE, we continually seek innovative initiatives to build competence for businesses within our ecosystem.

This workshop is designed to help accountants, financial analysts and communication practitioners respond to new demands resulting from changes in the way businesses now define value creation”.

In the first opening session which dwelled on introduction to sustainability ,Director, GRI Africa Mr. Douglas Kativu introduced

participants to the concept of sustainability reporting within the context of the GRI Standards and the NSE Sustainability Disclosure Guidelines.

He said it helps accounting and investment professionals understand the role of impact measurement, innovation and value creation of sustainability reporting in improving corporate financial performance. According to him, the workshop is also aimed at also helping communications practitioners understand recent advances in sustainability reporting with the objective of improving of sustainability issues across the capital market.

Kativu who also led session two of the workshop on overview of Sustainability Reporting, the value proposition of leveraging and Reporting to enhance performance and stakeholder relationships said “The GRI Standards help companies understand and disclose their impacts on the world – and by doing so enable them to manage these impacts and improve ESG performance.

Accountancy professionals, financial analysts and communications specialists all have important roles in supporting corporate sustainability reporting”.

He stated that he was delighted by the engagement achieved through the session. Kativu, who is a Director, Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Africa was the lead facilitator at the workshop.

In addition, Kativu touched on reporting on SDGs and exploring the main challenges.

Group discussion on

sustainability in the manufacturing sector as well as case study of Dangote cement Plc was led

by Group Chief Sustainability and Governance of Dangote Industries limited(DIL), Dr.Ndidi who introduced the workshop participants to the Dangote Industries value creation model, which builds on the seven Sustainability Pillar Methodology.

She said, “Our work in Dangote Cement Plc showcases the importance of mainstreaming sustainability as the key to engendering holistic business impact, innovation and value

creation.

She disclosed that the workshop, scheduled during the United Nations 74th General Assembly, supports the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa by establishing the positive correlation between financial and non-financial functions and the potential synergy between responsible business growth and sustainable development.”

On the other hand, Group financial Controller Designate DIL, Oliver O. Obu and General Manager /Head Sustainability at Dangote

Cement Plc took turns to expatiate on the link between financial and non-financial sustainability.

The NSE, realizing the crucial role played by accountants, financial analysts and communications professionals in facilitating behavioral change in support of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), designed the session in collaboration with GRI as part of the collaborative partnership to improve the performance and disclosure of Sustainable Development Goals issues across the ecosystem of the NSE.

L–R: Mr. Olumide Orojimi, Head, Corporate Communications, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Ms. Ugochi Obi, Head, X-Academy, NSE; Mr. Bola Adeeko, Head, Shared Services Division, NSE; Dr. Ndidi Nnoli, Group Chief Sustainability and Governance, Dangote Industries Limited and Mr. Douglas Kativu, Director, Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Africa during a capacity development workshop on sustainability reporting for accountants, financial analysts and communication practitioners at the Exchange.

IOSCO says member nations abide on rules to deter mis-selling of complex financial products

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nternational Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), IOSCO has released a report indicating that most of the participating jurisdictions have implemented the necessary rules aimed at preventing the mis-selling of complex financial products, consistent with its set standards.

The Thematic Review was conducted by the IOSCO Assessment Committee (AC), with the participation of 29 IOSCO members from both developed and emerging market jurisdictions.

A Thematic Review offers

a snapshot of implementation of IOSCO Principles, which enables the AC to identify gaps in implementation and examples of good practice.

The AC reviewed implementation of the nine Principles set out in the 2013 IOSCO report titled:’Suitability Requirements with respect to the Distribution of Complex Financial Products’. The nine Principles are aimed at promoting robust customer protection by preventing the mis-selling of complex financial products.

The Principles focus on the application of suitability and

related disclosure requirements to intermediary services, including selling, advising, recommending and managing discretionary accounts or portfolios, as well as the regulator’s role in supervision and enforcement.

The Report includes several findings and observations from the Thematic Review, including for instance, that most jurisdictions have standards for how to treat customers fairly and for addressing conflicts of interest.

In addition, the majority of jurisdictions require intermediaries to distinguish between complex and non-

complex products despite the fact that what constitutes a complex financial product differs among jurisdictions. Notably, none of the participating jurisdictions reported having a suitability regime specifically for complex products.

The Report found that with respect to customer classification, most jurisdictions allow intermediaries to classify certain types of customers as “non-retail” (or its equivalent), based on the nature of the entity or specified monetary thresholds alone.

However, these practices do not consider the complexity and

riskiness of different products, as required by the Principles.

The review also found that FinTech developments related to digital advisors and online platforms have created new suitability-related challenges.

In light of the findings and observations, the Report indicates that jurisdictions must have effective supervisory and enforcement mechanisms to support suitability regimes for complex products and to ensure that intermediaries take corrective action where their behavior falls short of supervisory or regulatory expectations.

Fresh Products will deepen Capital Market –SEC

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here are strong indications that beyond the conventional capital market products of equities and bonds as well as manual regulatory processes, the players and regulators in the Nigerian capital market are introducing new and innovative processes and products.

This assertion was made

by Acting Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, Ms Mary Uduk during an excursion visit by students of Aduvie Pre University College, Modibbo Adama

University, Yola and University of Abuja to the Commission, Wednesday.

Uduk said capital markets across the world have products and mechanisms to stimulate economic growth and development. Although many of such products are available in Nigeria, there are aspects that are still untapped, thereby limiting the realization of our potential.

She said it is for this reason that some of the processes of the SEC that were previously manual and inefficient are now being

automated to make the market more attractive to investors.

“For instance, with the dematerialization process completed, investors no longer need to not worry about the loss or damage to their physical share certificates as they are now electronically stored.

“Further, the current e-Dividend system enables shareholders’ dividend to be paid directly into their bank account without the stress of dealing with physical dividend warrants.

Also, the Direct Cash Settlement protects investors from funds

mismanagement by ensuring that the proceeds of their shares sales are credited directly into their own account as against that of the stockbroker.

“We are equally working on ensuring that companies’ annual reports are distributed electronically thereby ensuring timeliness of information to shareholders and cost reduction to public companies” she stated.

The Acting DG told the students that through the Commodities Trading Implementation Committee,

the Commission has engaged the Standards Organizations of Nigeria to publicize the relevant standards issued for Agricultural products, while warehouses have also been mapped to provide information on its availability and location.

She stated that the SEC is working towards a future where the capital market would be used to solve challenges of misprizing and non-standardization of commodity products, as well as low foreign exchange earnings bedeviling the country’s agricultural sector.

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The Oracle Today Monday September 30 – Sunday October 6, 2019

MONEY Market NDIC pays N116.258bn to customers of dead banks

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he Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has said it paid a sum of N116.258 billion to depositors and customers of defunct banks last year.

NDIC Managing Director/CEO, Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim, revealed this while speaking at the 14th International Trade Fair in Abuja, said the payment comprised insured and uninsured deposits of N108.641 billion, N2.973 billion, and N70.53 million to depositors of defunct deposit money banks

(DMBs), micro finance banks (MfBs) and primary mortgage banks (PMBs).

Represented by the Director of Research of the Corporation, Dr. Muhammed Ibrahim, the CEO said as at June 30, this year, the number of subscribers to Mobile Money Operators (MMO) stood at 9,249,265.

“As it stands, the number of licensed MMOs by the CBN is 23, with eight being ‘Bank-Led’ and the remaining 15 ‘Non-Bank Led’.

“In the last quarter of 2018,

the CBN revoked the licenses of 154 MfBs and six PMBs due to their insolvency, corporate governance issues, etc. Hence, the Corporation successfully liquidated the failed banks and has commenced payment to the depositors of the affected banks.

“As at 30th June, 2019, the Corporation received a total number of 35 petitions/ complaints from banks customers on various issues such as ATM frauds, unauthorised funds transfers, cheque related issues

and much more. Investigations and mediation were carried out where necessary and customers were appropriately reprieved.

“Recently, in collaboration with the CBN, the Corporation adopted a ’bridge bank’ resolution option in the resolution of Skye Bank Plc and the establishment of Polaris Bank Ltd. “Consequently, Polaris Bank Ltd was able to continue banking operations in the 277 branches of the defunct Skye Bank, over 6,000 jobs were saved and

depositors have unhindered access to their deposits in excess of N949.60 billion as at June 2018.”

The President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ABUCCIMA), Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, in his remarks commended the NDIC for its very important role in the economy, and urged the Corporation to continue its public awareness campaign to further strengthen public confidence in the banking sector.

First bank targets 500,000 agents to boost financial inclusion

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ith a view to enhance financial inclusion across the country, First Bank of Nigeria Limited has announced its drive to get up to 500,000 operators on board its agent banking platform. This was disclosed at the opening ceremony of the 12th Annual Conference of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) by FirstBank’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, who also served as the Chairman of the CIBN 2019 Conference Consultative Committee. The event was held in Abuja on 24 – 25 September 2019.

The CIBN conference themed: “the future of the Nigerian banking industry – 360o” had Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria as the Special Guest of Honour.

In his remarks, the Bank’s CEO said FirstBank would support all efforts to ensure effective financial inclusion in Nigeria.

According to Adeduntan “we have a very ambitious plan to appoint about 500,000 agents across the nook and cranny of our country and to ensure that banking facilities and services are made available to all Nigerians.”

He noted that the banking sector

in Nigeria remained the primary partner to the government with regards to economic growth and development in the country. “If we do not utilise those opportunities and mainstream them properly, the country and the entire economy will be left behind,” Adeduntan stated.

In 2017, FirstBank launched its agent banking network; ‘Firstmonie Agent’, described as its ‘Human ATM’. The Firstmonie Agents are empowered to extend access to finance to all Nigerians, regardless of where they may be across the country. The Firstmonie Agents complement the Bank’s effort at reducing the unbanked in the country, whilst providing a handful of the Bank’s bespoke financial services, including; account opening; cash deposit; airtime purchase; bills payment; withdrawals and money transfer.

According to the Bank, FirstMonie Agents are usually owners of small businesses within communities with limited or no banking penetration.

The Bank has an Agent Banking strength of over 31,000 Agents, spread across 98 percent of the country’s 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs).

Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria (middle); Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, Chief Executive Officer, First Bank of Nigeria Limited (right); Dr Uche Olowu, President, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (second right); Otunba Debola Osibogun, Non-Executive Director, FBN Holdings Plc and former President, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (third left); Mr. Abdullahi Ibrahim, Executive Director, Public Sector, First Bank of Nigeria Limited (second left); and Folake Ani-Mumuney, Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, First Bank of Nigeria Limited (left) at the CIBN 12th Annual Banking and Finance Conference held in Abuja.

AFFC lauds Heritage Bank on youth, entertainment devt

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frican Freestyle Football (AFFC) Championship 2019 in collaboration with World Freestyle Football Association (WFFA) have commended Heritage Bank Plc for its pivotal role in enhancing youth development and engendering the Nigeria’s entertainment space on the world’s stage.

The 2019 African Freestyle Football Championship ended on a high note, with defending champion Abdul Titi Kone of Cote

d’Ivoire emerging as the African Champion once again. This event marked the 2nd edition of the African Championship and the 3rd annual edition of the Nigerian Championship hosted by Feet ‘n’ Tricks International Limited. The final was a repeat of the 2018 championship, as Kone again defeated Egypt’s Yousef Mohamad just as he did in last year’s final while Ashley Mhkize of South Africa placed third.

In the female category, Evelyn

Okafor (Nigeria), Hadhara Charles (Tanzania) and Augustina Unamba (Nigeria) placed first, second and third respectively.

This year’s edition accommodated at least 30 African countries that participated at the championship.

The Chairman of AFFC, Valentine Ozigbo, who commended bank for being at the forefront of promoting freestyle football for the past two years, said Heritage Bank is “always very innovative and supportive to the

cause of entertainment and youth development.

According to him, these achievements would have been impossible without the extensive support of the official bankers (Heritage Bank) for the championship for two years running.

Speaking further, Ozigbo hinted, “since inception, Feet ‘n’ Tricks has been committed to promoting freestyle football talent to stardom and we haven’t relented. Through

this platform, we have seen talented freestylers get a head start in life, travel to exciting places and represent our beloved continent doing what they know how to do best.”

The MD/CEO, Heritage Bank, Ifie Sekibo, said the bank has strong desire towards developing and positioning youths to become worldclass citizens equipped and ready to be absorbed into an increasing competitive professional skills and endeavours.

Lagos Govt, APRA President commend Ecobank on environmental sustainability ... As the Bank Wins CRS Marble Award for Excellence on environment protection

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cobank Nigeria’s environmental sustainability initiatives targeted at removing nonbiodegradable elements particularly plastic bottles from the streets of Lagos has continued to generate commendation, recognition and goodwill from government officials, corporate organizations and wellmeaning individuals.

At the weekend, Ecobank was also presented with the 2019 CSR Marble Award of Excellence at an event organized by a renowned public relations outfit, AS+A Communications in Lagos.

Speaking at the Corporate

Social Responsibility (CSR) forum, exhibitions and awards ceremony in Lagos State, the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, said the award for Ecobank was well deserved, stressing that the Bank has demonstrated high degree of consistency in tackling environmental issues and thereby enhancing healthy living across the country.

Specifically, the Commissioner said Ecobank’s current efforts at removing plastic bottles from the streets of Lagos is assisting the government to make the environment safer for people to live,

urging other Corporate organizations to emulate the Pan African Bank.

According to him, “We are impressed with what Ecobank is doing in the state ecosystem.

Its collaboration with relevant government agencies as part of its CSR initiatives to get rid of used plastic bottles from streets is making the state safer for people to live and do business. I implore other Corporate organizations to partner with us to make the ecosystem safer for habitation.”

Speaking in the same light, President, African Public Relations Association (APRA), Mr. Yomi

Badejo-Okusanya commended Ecobank for raising the bar of CSR activities in the protection of the environment. He advised the Bank not to relent in its efforts until the a livable environment is achieved.

Managing Director, AS+A Communications, the organisers of the event said Ecobank deserves the award based on its past and current efforts in the protection of the environment.

According to her, “annually, we recognize and honour socially responsible personalities and institutions of high esteem in areas of national development and

most especially their land mark achievements in the area of human capacity development as well as other social and environmental development initiatives. Ecobank fit this description. We salute the bank’s initiatives and we believe this award would further spur them to do better in helping humanity.”

Responding, the Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Patrick Akinwuntan, said the award validates the positive impact of Ecobank’s CSR strategy, noting that the award further reinforces the bank’s determination to support in the protection of the ecosystem.

The Oracle Today Monday September 30 – Sunday October 6, 2019

Travel & Hospitality

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BTM unveils CWT corporate travel brand in Lagos

By VICTOR NZE

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usiness Travel Management Limited (BTM) has officially announced its partnership with CWT (formerly Carlson Wagonlit Travel), the business-to-businessfor-employees (B2B4E) travel management platform.

Operating under the CWT brand in Nigeria, the company aims to elevate the standard of travel management in the region and, by partnering with a global B2B4E travel management platform, BTM will bring further focus and cohesion to positively impact the continent, enhancing value and service delivery levels.

Business Travel Management Ltd.’s (BTM) Predecessor travel management company started in 1979.

In 1998 it joined a global travel group which evolved in 2006 to specialize in corporate travel and pushed the envelope for Managed Travel in the region. Business Travel Management Limited (BTM) has earned a reputation as a ‘one stop shop’ for everything travel related. Our core focus and strength being the provision of excellent corporate travel services to our clients, for over 20 years of being in existence. BTM has been an ISO certified company since 2008.

Our Management team consists of the most experienced travel professionals, especially as BTM is a member of the GHI Assets Group of companies (airline representatives and travel management specialists).

The travel business is now in its third generation with a staff strength of close to 200. BTM has operations in Nigeria and Angola.

Benefits derived from representing the CWT brand in Nigeria include BTM’s ability to now deliver a global standard of service, travel technology and efficiencies, locally.

The company continues to be the pace setter for Travel technology in the region. BTM will now have the ability to provide enhanced customer advice and services without compromising on ethics. We will continue to operate in a developing market and improving industry standards with the support of a Globally Dominant Partner with sustainable business methodology.

“Nigeria has a rich cultural and economic heritage, especially in natural resources, and corporate travel is a key facilitator of industry here. With BTM, we would like to build on our long-standing reputation for successful travel delivery in the country, and want our brand to be as synonymous with corporate travel as Zuma Rock is with Nigeria,” said Francisco Nunez, CWT’s Vice President of Global Partners Network.

“Business Travel Management Limited is proud to Partner with CWT. There have been some very exciting changes within the global company that we are looking forward to being a part of. Our company has operated in the Managed Travel space for almost forty Years as a TMC (Travel Management Company). This is what

From left: Chairman, BTM, Olufemi Adefope; Executive Director BTM, Bola Adefope; Managing Director, BTM, Lola Adefope; Vice President & Global Head of CWT Global Partners Network , Francisco Nunez, and Senior Vice President & Global Head of CWT Energy, Resources & Marine, Raphael Pasdeloup, during the Business Travel Management (BTM) unveiling of CWT in Lagos. we do best, efficient service delivery, innovative ideas and cutting-edge travel technology,” says Lola Adefope, Managing Director of CWT in Nigeria (owned and operated by Business Travel Management Limited).

“The evolution of the travel industry is inevitable. With technology underpinning everyday life it is obvious that corporate travellers are going to want the same efficiencies in their Travel Programme that they get in their everyday life. Partnering with CWT in Nigeria allows our company to bring new travel technology and

Sheraton Lagos Hotel lines up ‘inspiring activations’ for October

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heraton Lagos Hotel has lined up what it calls ‘inspiring activations’ for customers, patrons as well as anyone visiting the hospitality establishment this October.

In a month which the General Manager, Mr. Barry Curran, described as ‘transformative,’ the hotel said that with regards to food and beverages, everyone visiting ‘will have something to enjoy.’

“October will be a transformative month of possibilities with regards to our food and beverage as well as rooms; everyone will have something to enjoy.

“For Independence Day which comes up on the 1st of October, the hotel will offer special room rates starting from N63,600. We are about creating opportunities for families and loved ones to refresh, bond and enjoy the Independence Day celebrations.

“Guests will be delighted by the Independence Day cake prepared by our hotel’s creative pastry department. This will be set up at the lobby; our guests are welcome to help themselves to a nice piece as part of celebrating 59 years of Nigeria’s independence.

“On the 6th of Oct, we will celebrate Noodle Day at the Pumpkin Leaf Restaurant. Our live cooking station will be activated with delicious noodle varieties which will come alongside vegetables, proteins and more. Lovers of noodles will have their choice of noodle menu preference.

“With Dessert Day coming up on the 14th of October, the dessert station at our renowned Pumpkin Leaf Restaurant will feature an array of special desserts for the sweet toothed and desert enthusiasts to indulge in.”

Felabration 2019 kicks-off October 14

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elabration, the annual celebration and memorial in honour of Afrobeat maestro and music legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti returns this October with an exciting lineup of music and thought leadership events.

Felabration which is in its 21st year is an annual festival of music and arts commemorating the life and times of Nigeria’s foremost musical icon, Fela Kuti. In celebrating Fela, the organisers of Felabration seek to empower the people through art, dance, music and intellectual

discourse with the belief that together we shall succeed.

This year’s celebration will proceed under the theme: ‘“From Lagos With Love’ and will run from October 14 – 20th 2019.

Orange Prize winning author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie will set the ball rolling on Monday October 14 2019 at 11am with in an afternoon of intellectual discussions with the theme ‘Teacher don’t teach me nonsense’ at NECA Hall, Hakeem Balogun Street, Ikeja. She will be

exchanging ideas with Ugandan opposition politician, Bobi Wine, UK based conscious artist, Akala, psychiatrist and ideas man Prof. Akin Oyebode. NOMA award winning author and Caine prize judge, Sefi Atta will moderate.

In the last seven years, Freedom Park Lagos has become a leading partner venue for Felabration, catering to the needs of an elite audience not at home with the populist ambience of the New Afrika Shrine which is home to Felabration.

ideas to the table. This partnership allows Business Travel Management Limited to remain at the forefront of Travel Technology in the region” says Olufemi Adefope, Company Founder & Chairman of Business Travel Management Ltd. Amongst the long-term goals of the partnership between BTM and CWT is for Business Travel Management Ltd to encourage Corporate Brands in Nigeria to improve the efficiency of their travel programme and experience truly professional, open and honest travel

services.

At an elaborate corporate event at the Civic Centre in Lagos on September 10th, 2019, the CWT brand was officially launched as being operated by Business Travel Management Limited in Nigeria.

The brand launch is sponsored by BTM partners; Africa World Airlines, Air Cote d’Ivoire, Amadeus, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Air France, Emirates, Kenya Airways, Lufthansa, Radisson Blu, RwandAir Limited, South African Airways & Virgin Atlantic.

700 new hotel restaurants, bars set to open in Africa by 2025 –Study

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new study released at the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) by food and beverage (F&B) strategy & design firm KEANE, forecasts that 700 new hotel restaurants and bars will be opened in Africa by 2025, in internationally branded hotels.

The prediction is based on KEANE’s research into 410 F&B venues across the 100 internationally branded hotels in the major 10 cities in Africa and W Hospitality Group’s authoritative hotel development pipeline report.

Group Strategy Director of KEANE, Stefan Breg, said: “Over the last 70 years, the restaurant market internationally has been built on three factors; growing towns and cities, broad distribution of income and a growing middle class. When you take into account that the anticipated rate of urbanisation, expected across Africa, will outpace India and China in the next 25 years, Africa will become one of the world’s most vibrant dining scenes.”

He explained that Africa’s hotels could follow different

routes forward for F&B. First, the European/North American model of 2-3 F&B venues per hotel with F&B playing a secondary role to the marketing of rooms. The alternative was the Middle Eastern/ Dubai model of four or more venues, a proportion of which, are operated in association with third parties; a scenario where F&B plays not only a strategic role but also a significant source of income.

Hotel investors are becoming increasingly focussed on the performance of the F&B element of their businesses, ensuring that they cater to both hotel guests and local tastes. In a panel discussion at AHIF about hotel F&B offerings, Emma Banks, VP Food & Beverage Strategy & Development EMEA, Hilton, said: “We look carefully at the market to determine the right number of F&B concepts. If a hotel is considering a third party partner, a good approach could be to trial the concept initially with a popup to gauge the market appetite before committing to a larger investment and commitment.”

WTD 2019: incentivise investment in Nigeria tourism –FTAN urges FG, others

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mbrella body for hospitality operators, the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has called on governments at all levels in the country to diversify the nation’s economy by stimulating the development of tourism clusters and tourists destinations across the country.

President, FTAN, Alhaji Saleh

Rabo who made the call in Uyo, while representing the private sector at the World Tourism Day (WTD) celebration organised by the Akwa Ibom State Government, Friday, stated that tourism development is a guaranteed way of creating employment in Nigeria, especially in tourist host communities in rural areas.

Rabo who revealed that globally,

the tourism industry is the highest employer of labour, both skilled and unskilled labour; insisting that the value chain of the tourism economy is robust and sustainable, further called on the Government to create enabling environment for tourism industry to ease their business and to incentivise investments by Nigeria tourism operators.

The FTAN President admonished the state governments to give tourism business operators in their domain tax holidays, and that the Federal Government equally waive import duties for tourism operators.

He argued that presently 85 per cent hotels and tourist resorts in Nigeria are owned by FTAN members, but they are being overburdened with

a barrage of taxes and levies by federal government agencies, states, local councils’ drive for internally generated revenues (IGRs).

Rabo clarified that despite the huge of operations, FTAN members currently employ thousands of Nigerian workers in hotels, tourist resorts, travel agencies, transport sector, cultural centres, and many tourism related operations.

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The Oracle Today Monday September 30 - Sunday Ocotober 6, 2019

Crime

How Lagos council boss hired cultists to ‘test bullet-proof charm’ at secretariat Stories by VICTOR NZE

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ome residents of Ajeromi/ Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos State have raised alarm over incessant shootings inside the council secretariat.

The shooting had created fear in the residents, forcing some to run away from their homes to avoid stray bullets.

On September 18, there were sporadic gunshots within the council secretariat, which saw many running for dear life following the booming of guns.

It was gathered that the gunshots were carried out by some

suspected cultists called “Agbalajobi Boys” allegedly doing the bidding of a senior council official (names withheld).

When the alleged council official was challenged over the incessant shootings by some political leaders in the area, the official claimed that “he was trying to test the efficacy of his newly acquired bullet proof charm.”

“As if the September 18 shooting was not enough, the police orderly to the said council official held another round of shootings on September 20, thus becoming a norm in the Ajegunle council secretariat.

“These cultists move around

during the day with guns unmolested or check by the security agencies. The police station is just a stone throw away from the secretariat, but the officers seem not bothered,” a source said.

As people in the area continued to live in palpable fear, concerned residents were beginning to question if the police were aware of these security breaches or if the said senior official was licensed to bear arms.

“I feel I owe it to posterity to draw attention to a very dangerous and quite unbecoming aberrations happening right inside the Ajeromi Ifelodun Secretariat.

Enough is enough. This is not the first time that this same senior official will do this. Indeed, the first time it happened, it was a very scary scenario.

“I think something drastic need to be done on this matter before it becomes endemic. I think that the police in Lagos State should look into this issue before it escalated,” said a resident of Ajegunle who craved anonymity.

When contacted, Spokesman for the Lagos State Police Command, Bala Elkana, said he was yet to receive such report.

“I have not received such brief,” Elkana said.

5 RRS operatives arrested over alleged extortion of N5, 000

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ive policemen attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos State Police Command had been arrested over alleged extortion of N5, 000 from a woman.

The RRS said through its Twitter handle that the men were arrested on Friday in Ajah area of the state.

“Our officers at Ajah extorted N5, 000 from a lady; our Ops officers went in search, arrested and detained them at Alausa Headquarters of the squad. They will be transferred to the headquarters on Monday for trial,” the RRS twitted.

The squad, however, did not state what led to the extortion and if the money collected was recovered.

In response to queries on cases of impersonation of RRS operatives, it said that all RRS operatives must wear official badges on sleeves and their name tags on the breast of their shirts.

It stressed that the public could also identify white vehicles of RRS operatives with red and blue stripes and “RRS” boldly inscribed on the body of the vehicles, motorcycles and Armored Personnel Carriers (APC).

NIS intercepts 2 Niger nationals with pistols, electronics

T •Participants at the August 2019 Hack/Hackers meet-up training organised by the Code-for-Nigeria (C4N) in Lagos

Police partner students in Nsukka to fight cultism

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he Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) has engaged no fewer than 1,500 students and teachers on sensitisation against cultism in Nsukka/ Obollo axis of Enugu State.

The National Coordinator of POCACOV, SP Ebere Amaraizu, delivered the lecture against cultism on the theme; “Challenges Facing 21st Century Teenagers and Inspiring Young Minds’’ at the hall of St. Theresa College, Nsukka on Thursday.

The forum was organized by Beyond School Walls Initiative in conjunction with Post Primary School Management Board (PPSMB), Enugu State and POCACOV. Amaraizu maintained that “cultism is an envelope’’ containing many vices and negative end points.

He advised the youths to always “say no to cultism and other vices’’ in order to become champions in life.

The national coordinator pointed out that lack self-confidence had led youths to involvement in vices,

adding that youths should have positive mindset.

“Avoid bad companies and be bold to break the silence by reporting to either your guardian, parents and teachers about anybody who want to coerce you into joining any unlawful group,’’ he said.

Amaraizu further informed the students that the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Mohammed Adamu, was poised towards reducing the incidences of cultism, its as-

sociated violence and other vices through community-oriented policing tenets.

“The I-G has made the POCACOV campaign to be community-driven to galvanize stakeholders support across the country and ensure that youths are transformed for the betterment of the society,’’ he said.

According to him, the I-G is interested in saving Nigerian youths from cultism and also getting those involved re-oriented and de-radical-

ised through POCACOV initiatives.

“POCACOV is now collaborating with National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) through its Community Development Services (CDS) to ensure sustainability of the programme in schools which is on nationwide,’’ he said.

Highlight of the event was playing of the newly composed anti-cultism song, aimed at deepening the message of POCACOV on youths, especially students.

NSCDC arrests kidnap kingpin in Borno igerian Security and Civil arrested on Monday following hideout, rescuing Bello and four Defence Corps (NSCDC) a report by a resident, Isa Bello, other victims in the process.

N investigations Command in Borno, says it has about alleged abduction of his “Preliminary arrested a 45 year-old man, Ibrahim Ali-Jobo, suspected to be a kidnap kingpin in Biu Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

The state Corps Commandant, Mr Ibrahim Abdullahi, who made disclosure, Thursday, in Maiduguri, said the suspect was

brother, Haruna Bello, at a helmet in Biu. He said that the suspect requested the victim’s family to pay N4 million ransom, to enable them secure his release from captivity.

The commandant added that men of the command tracked the suspect and stormed his

indicated that the suspect has been terrorizing communities in Biu, He has been on the police wanted list,” he said.

He further stated that the command had already transferred the suspect to the police for further investigation and possible prosecution.

he Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has intercepted two Nigerien with pistols, computers and phones at Kongolam border, Katsina.

NIS Public Relations Officer, Mr Sunday James made this known in a statement in Abuja on Saturday.

According to him, the interception was as a result of the swift operation by the NIS border operatives.

“This action by the operatives was after the visit by the Comptroller-General, NIS Muhammad Babandede and his Customs counterpart, Col. Hammeed Ali (rtd), to assess the level of cooperation, synergy and successes so far recorded’’.

James further said that the two Nigerien had attempted to open fire in defiance and to evade arrest.

“The gallant operatives overpowered them leaving one dead and the other who survived is helping with useful information about their activities.

“After due interrogation and profiling the surviving criminal has been handed over to the police for further necessary action’’.

He advised the border communities to desist from conniving and sabotaging government efforts at ensuring safer borders.

34

The Oracle Today Monday September 30 - October 6, 2019

BOLD & BLUNT Nigeria in Crisis There is a crisis in Nigeria. The Nigerian State has never been at peace with itself and recent events amplify this pending emergency.

And, as has been the case since independence from Britain in 1960, Biafrans are the easy target of the lack of a credible Nigerian State. Nigeria governs without the consent of all within its borders.

Nigeria claims to be ruled by law but, in reality, there is de facto lawlessness in Nigeria.

Nigeria’s epidemic of violence flowing from the North is well documented. In 2014, the Global Terrorism Index judged Fulani militants to be the fourth most deadly terror group in the world, behind Boko Haram, Isis and the Taliban.

Lawlessness is always one step ahead of the Government. In response, the Government, when it is convenient for it to do so, attempts to give a veneer of legality to the lawlessness. Recent proposed land reforms across Nigeria do just that. The Fulani herders from the North are increasingly encroaching on the settled farmers of the South/South East. This includes Biafra. As Amnesty International has reported, there were more than 2,000 deaths in 2018 linked to this land crisis. Instead of seeking to address the violence, the Government has sought to condone it and legitimise the land grab.

There is an underlying problem in the North which has to do with climate change and encroaching desertification due to overgrazing and deforestation.

This has drawn Fulani herdsmen further south and led to violence against Biafran farmers seeking to defend their land and crops. The fertile farming lands of Biafra are very attractive to the Fulani.

To address this land crisis, the Government, the President of who is Fulani, sought to establish the RUGA scheme (an acronym for Rural Grazing Area – or is it, as some suggest, a Fulani word?) whereby Fulani herders could officially move into areas and absorb land as part of a Government coordinated programme across Nigeria.

Is this an attempt to develop settled land practices for the Fulani, or, as is the experience of Biafrans, is the drive behind RUGA an attempt to Fulanise (or Islamise) Biafraland and force out Biafrans? Biafrans who stand up to the Fulani are killed. Because of the uproar across Nigeria, the RUGA settlement programme has been suspended, but the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) remains in place. This programme advocates ranching. How different is it from RUGA? For Biafrans, the effect is the same. They are forced from their land and will be killed if they do not make way for the Fulani.

Nigeria: The Problem, Not the Solution Nigeria has always been a fiction. The state we now know as Nigeria was created for British administrative and colonial convenience in 1914. An audacious move by the British, but no surprises in Empire.

Britain’s Nigeria drew together disparate people into one entity.

To over simplify, to the North are the Muslims. Two ethnic groups dominate the North, the Hausa and Fulani. The Fulani are now on the ascendancy. One hundred years ago, these were seminomadic, pastoral people. Many Fulani continue to live as herders. The South is mainly Christian and in the South East there is also a vibrant Jewish tradition.

The rural communities in the South/ South East tend to be settled farmers.

The principal ethnic group in the South is the Yoruba.

•Nnamdi Kanu

As IPOB takes Biafra to the outside world...

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) under the leadership of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu addressed the European Parliament in Brussels on Tuesday, September 9, 2019, on the crisis of confidence between the people of ‘Biafra’ and the Nigerian government.

The ‘Biafran’ delegation led by Kanu addressed the prestigious European Union Parliament in the early hours of Tuesday, September 9. Below are excerpts from the speech.

The South East is the region that makes up Biafraland or Biafra. There is a coherence to Biafra. Its western border is the River Niger and it incorporates most of the Niger Delta. The eastern border is

Cameroon. To the west, across the Niger, are the Yoruba. In the north are the Muslim people. Despite colonisation and being forcibly absorbed into Nigeria, Biafrans are defined by common values and

a shared sense of identity. Biafrans don’t all speak the same language. Many Biafrans are Igbo speakers. Other Biafrans speak Urhobo-Isoko, Ijaw-Epie-Ogbia, Ogoni, Efik, Annang, Eket-, Oron-Ibibio,

35

The Oracle Today Monday September 30 - October 6, 2019

BOLD & BLUNT Soviet Union and Britain actively supported Nigeria. “Biafra, Britain’s Shame” was how many described the UK position. French compassion was gratefully received but it could do little to protect the fledgling state. America’s neutrality in effect backed Nigeria. China was silent. The UN was hopeless. Biafra was doomed. Starved into submission, after three years, the Biafrans surrendered.

At least 2 million Biafrans perished.

The atrocities, war crimes and crimes against humanity committed against Biafra during the Biafran War remain unaccounted for. Was it an attempt at genocide? Biafrans were considered an existential threat to the state. The killings were indiscriminate. All Biafrans were targeted.

Biafra Subjugated After the war, Biafrans slowly rebuilt their world. But, as far as Nigeria was concerned, they were not and never had been Biafrans. They were Nigerians from the South East or Igbo-speaking Nigerians. The Biafran War was airbrushed out of the Nigerian consciousness. Biafrans could only whisper about their loss. Joining the global Biafran diaspora was one option for those who could get out. Others remained in Biafraland, their Biafran identity amongst themselves, undiminished.

Nigeria continues to prioritise crushing assertions of Biafran identity. Even peacefully commemorating the War risks arrest, detention, prohibited illtreatment or being shot.

In recent years, the Nigerian state authorities have conducted three orchestrated campaigns against Biafrans.

The three Operation Python Dance campaigns have been battles against Biafrans. The first campaign was in 2016, the second in 2017 and the third is ongoing. They are designed to undermine calls for Biafran self-determination.

Operation Python Dance campaigns intimidate. Serious and systemic human rights violations are carried out by state forces with impunity.

•President Buhari

•Army Chief, Burutai Ogoja, Ejagham, Igala, Idoma, Ibani and Igbanke among others.

To put Biafra in its Nigerian geo-political context, Biafraland is made up of the following Provinces: Rivers Province, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Imo, Anambra, Abia, Enugu, Bayelsa and Delta. Fulani herdsmen have shown great interest in those provinces that form the central belt of Biafra, such as Enugu.

The Biafran War (1967-1970) With independence, the persecution of

Biafrans started. One colonial master was replaced by another, although, and without endorsing British rule, Biafrans fared better under the British than they have under Nigerian dominance.

First, the Biafrans who had been transplanted to the North by the British were massacred. Those that survived fled back to Biafra. The oppression and intimidation did not cease. In 1967, Biafra was left with no choice but to proclaim independence. Nigeria declared war.

Biafra didn’t stand a chance. The conflict turned the Cold War on its head. The

A Voice for Biafrans: The Indigenous People of Biafra The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is the main organisation, which represents all peoples who consider themselves to be Biafran. IPOB has one principal purpose: IPOB calls for the recognition of the Biafran people’s right to self-determination. IPOB pursues the right to self-determination for Biafrans without the use of force. IPOB upholds human rights. IPOB rejects violence.

The Nigerian authorities target organisations calling for Biafran self-determination, most notably IPOB. Being found with IPOB symbols can result in an individual disappearing. Arrest is inevitable.

And now that IPOB has been proscribed, prison sentences are harsh.

The IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has been targeted, harassed and persecuted by the authorities. He has been unlawfully detained, subjected to prohibited ill-treatment and unfair trials. It is a miracle that he’s alive. Following an attack on his home, he was forced into involuntary exile. Many of those defending him were killed or disappeared. There is still a warrant out for his arrest.

Biafrans, supported by IPOB, respond cannily to these targeted attacks organising stay-at-home days each 30th May, the day Biafra declared independence in 1967. No one in Biafraland goes to work that day and the economy, along with everything else, grinds to a halt. As Nigeria denies the human rights of Biafrans, the Biafrans become more skilled in honing those rights. IPOB remains commit-

ted to non-violent campaigning.

A Right to Self-Determination for Biafra International law is clear in relation to self-determination. Where there is a credible claim to self-determination, the only way to resolve the issue is by holding a referendum which complies with international standards. IPOB is calling for a referendum. It is for that reason the Nigerian authorities have sought to brand IPOB a terrorist organisation. The EU, the UK and the US have all rejected the labelling of IPOB as a terrorist group.

They know that IPOB seeks only to uphold human rights.

Impunity for Northerners?

It is not only the direct attacks on Biafrans by the Nigerian state that perpetuate the intimidation and torment of Biafrans. Nigeria’s policies of accommodating Northerners have a direct impact on Biafrans. No different to 1967, Northerners act with impunity in Biafraland.

The current land crisis in Biafra caused

by Fulani herders is just one more chapter of brutality facing the Biafran people carried out with the tacit support of the Nigerian state. Despite the apparent suspension of RUGA, Northerners continue to threaten Southerners, including Biafrans. They will have no peace if Fulanis are not allowed to establish the RUGA scheme, the Fulani say.

This land crisis throws into sharp relief Nigeria’s crisis. The Government of Nigeria is, to all intents and purposes, giving land to Fulani herders from the North which belongs to Biafran farmers. These are the same Biafrans who legitimately claim their right to self-determination.

Biafran farmers live in fear. The farmers of Ebonyi and Enugu are particularly affected. This torment must end. Biafra is entitled to resolve its own future and security.

Why Self-Determination Matters IPOB has always called for creative solutions to recognise Biafrans’ right to self-determination. However, what is clear is that the existing model of the Nigerian constitution is fatally flawed. It continues to cause harm to all within the jurisdiction and it is unsustainable.

Nigeria may once have worked for the British as a colonial administration. It has never worked as an independent state.

To this extent, it is a failed state. Nigeria is an artificial vehicle which buttresses those with power, or aspirations for power. As there is no legitimacy to the state of Nigeria, there is no rule of law.

Law is used as a tool of coercion by the authorities to crush opposition. Others, such as the Fulani herders, simply ignore the law and act with impunity.

Biafra: Africa’s Future Biafran pleas for self-determination are ignored by the international community. Why are Biafran voices not heard?

Resolving Biafra’s legitimate claim for self-determination will resolve Nigeria’s crisis. Biafra is a forgotten global crisis.

IPOB believes that by resolving Biafra’s right to self-determination, Africa’s peaceful future will be revealed. To that extent, Biafra is Africa’s future. The effects of Nigeria’s permanent state of conflict resonate across the continent.

Signed: Mazi Nnamdi Kanu Leader Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) through Comrade Emma Powerful Media and Publicity Secretary IPOB. 9 September 2019

37

The Oracle Today Monday September 30 – Sunday October 6, 2019

Relationships and Love Advice

“How can I get another chance to make him love me?”

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Dear Love Doctor, My name is Maureen and I live and work in Lagos. I used to have a boyfriend who loved me very much. But sometime last year I felt tired of our relationship especially because we were always having

quarrels and fights and decided to break up with him. But now I regret my action because I’m not getting younger and need to get married. But he no longer seems interested in me again. Please how

can I get another chance to make him love me?

Thanks, From Maureen.

Love Doctor’s Advice: Dear Maureen, Let him know that you’ve truly changed and that you no longer do those things that used to cause fights or quarrels between both of you.

You can write him a note or send him a text signifying your love for him and your readiness to be committed to him, this time for

good (and mean it if you sincerely want him to love you again).

You can also wear something attractive and sexy and hang out where you’re likely to meet him.

People normally respond positively when your feelings come straight from the heart.

But if you’re faking it, or trying to make him love you again for your own selfish reasons, it won’t take

long for them to know and fall back out of love with you!

So before you make any move or do anything about getting another chance to make him love you, search your heart or think about it, because in the end it will only be worth it if your heart is in sync with your desire and design!

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38

The Oracle Today Monday September 30 - Sunday October 6, 2019

Crime Feature

Questions as confessed serial killer admits strangling 15 women to death in seven states

From NATH OMAME, Jr. Port Harcourt

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RACIOUS David-West, a 39-year old man from Buguma, Rivers State, has earned global notoriety for deliberately killing 15 women without provocation.

He killed the women after promising them an amorous night in exchange for money; he never kept his own side of the bargain, but rather, stole their money and cell phones and killed them.

The Police said that David-West drugged the drinks of his victims while inside a hotel room. So, he strangled them with ease while they were under the influence of whatever substances he spiked their drinks with.

From his confessional statements, DavidWest is a cold-blooded killer and an inveterate liar. But the Police is patiently but expertly extracting what may culminate into an evil-plot. The wait is nerve wrecking.

David-West was paraded by the Police, Friday, September 20, at the headquarters of the Rivers State Police Command. In a statement, the Commissioner of Police, Mustapha Dandaura, stated: “Today, it is my pleasure to announce to you that resulting from the measures put in place, the Command has arrested Gracious David-West, ‘M’, 39, hails from Buguma in Asari Toro, LGA, of Rivers State.

“The suspect was arrested in a commercial bus enroute Akwa Ibom State. He confessed to have carried out five killings in Port Harcourt, one in Owerri and another in Lagos State. He was on his way to Akwa Ibom, having seen that Rivers was no longer safe.

He was arrested by the operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), who were on a routine stop and search along the Ogoni axis of the East/West Road.”

According to David-West, he threatens his victims with a knife, asking them to keep quiet, or else, he would kill them if they scream. He would, then, proceed to tie their hands behind their back before killing them.

The Police statement that he drugs his victims sounds more probable. The first panic reaction of anyone confronted with a knife would most, probably, be to scream in fright, knowing full well that there are other people in the hotel. And that they may just well come to her rescue.

•Ties their heads, waist and legs with white cloth •Yet to publicly reveal the motive for the murder •Police says 3 suspects have been arrested, undergoing interrogation •Rivers State Lawmakers demand for unedited video footage of CCTV from hotels

Another deliberate attempt to strangle a lady in a hotel at 2 a.m. in the Rumuokoro axis Port Harcourt, on Monday, September 13, failed because the lady in question screamed as the man that took her to the hotel to spend the night, charged towards her with a pillow, apparently, to suffocate her to death.

According to eyewitness accounts, the lady who had checked into the hotel with her supposed boy friend, at midnight, raised an alarm when her male consort attempted to strangle her. Her scream attracted some of the hotel staff and the local vigilante members of the community who rushed to the scene apprehended the suspect.

Upon identifying the room, the hotel staff knocked on the door, but he refused to open the door. A staff then forced the door open with his leg. It was an emergency and the thought of going to pick up the spare key to the room in question was tantamount to a dangerous delay.

So, her life was spared because she screamed. Her scream is a natural reaction in the face of imminent danger. The confession of David-West that he threatens his victims with a knife is too vague to comprehend, considering the enormity of his deadly rendezvous.

The Police had earlier stated that a suspect was trailed to Kaduna and arrested on the strength of a recording of his image in a Close Circuit Television (CCTV) footage that was given to the Police by the management of the hotel.

On record, the arrest of David-West, the suspect apprehended by the staff of the hotel and the community vigilante and the suspect arrested in Kaduna, brings the number of suspects so far arrested in connection with the serial killings to three.

So far, only David-West, the last suspect to be arrested through the recording of the

CCTV installed in one of the hotels where he strangled a woman to death has been paraded by the Police.

What can be deduced from the action and statements of the Police is that the other two suspects are still being interrogated.

The Police say they have made useful statements, which the Police are working on.

The Police have, however, being emphatic that David-West is a member of the dreaded Degbam cult group. And that the sole method he has employed in killing 15 women in different hotels in seven states out of the 36 states in Nigeria, typifies premeditated “ritual murder.”

With the arrest of three suspects, with one confessing to have killed 15 women, it is clear that David-West is not the only one luring women to hotels and killing them.

David-West has deployed doublespeak since his arrest. First, he said he was acting under the spiritual manipulation of an evil spell cast upon him by his people. No one believed that going by the way he walked into the hotel where his image was grabbed by the CCTV. He was to embellish his confessed with the admission that he derives joy in killing women. And when the urge to kill women envelopes him, he would seek out a woman, take her to the hotel and kill her. A sadist on a mission, his true motive is not unraveled yet.

Could he have been alone on his killing spree? What joy does he derive in killing these women? What was his motive?

In one of the video clips that was recorded in two unnamed hotels, he was recorded speaking with a man wearing a two-piece black suit. David-West was swinging his two hands while speaking with the unnamed man in the video, just after the woman he killed in the hotel had just entered the hotel room.

The collective desire of many Nigerians is that all those connected with the serial killings are apprehended and prosecuted. The Chairman of the Rivers House of Assembly ad-hoc Committee Investigating the Serial Killings, Kelechi Worgu, ordered two unnamed hotels, in the state whose CCTV’s captured Gracious David-West to bring the unedited footage of the CCTV to the committee within 24 hours.

Worgu, whose voice evoked pain and anger bellowed: “Any CCTV that is edited by any hotel will be rejected by the committee.

Any hotel that submits an edited CCTV footage here will not exist. People work in the hotels concerned, so, we know what we are saying. We will treat the owner of any hotel that submits an edited CCTV footage as an accomplice.”

The Chairman of the Rivers State Hotel Owners Association, Eugene Nwuzie, assured that the association will liaise with the owners of the hotels to ensure that the CCTV footage that are submitted are unedited.

“It is the CCTV installed by the hotel owners that captured the footage of the serial killer. We have no doubt that the management of hotels will cooperate with the committee’s request. We are determined to get to the root of this unfortunate incident. “ The SARS Commander in Rivers State, is Geovinus Uchenna, also urged the Rivers House of Assembly to enact a law that will make it mandatory for all those in the hotel and hospitality business to install CCTV in their facilities.

Worgu had in a commendation visit to the Commissioner of Police for the arrest of David -West, on Wednesday, September 25, told CP Dandaura, that hotels whose owners failed to heed the directive of the Police to install CCTV cameras, would be shut down.

He insisted that some of the ladies killed by the serial killer would have been saved

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The Oracle Today Monday September 30 - Sunday October 6, 2019

Crime Feature

if CCTV cameras were installed on the hotel premises. He commended the Police for the arrest of David-West, stressing that no woman will die again in the hands of the 39old -man who killed.

Worgu informed the Commissioner of Police that investigation carried out by the House revealed that David-West had killed 15 women as against nine he earlier told the Police in his confession.

The Commissioner of Police later confirmed that David-West had actually killed 15 women while inaugurating the Committee for the Mandatory Installation of CCTV Cameras in Hotels in Rivers State. Clearly, the State House of Assembly is keenly following the unfortunate development and ongoing interrogation of David -West.

In demanding for unedited copies of CCTV footages from two specific, but unnamed hotels, it is without doubt that the State House of Assembly Ad-Hoc Committee on the Serial killings in the state is not resting on its oars.

CP Dandaura, is appealing to members of the public with useful information to apprehend the accomplices of David-West , or other serial killers who are still in the lurch to avail the Police with such information.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Rivers State Police Command, DSP Nnamdi Omoni, a lawyer, has responded to questions being asked by members of the public after David-West was paraded by the Police.

A man who attempted to strangle a woman, at about 2 a.m., in the Rumuokoro axis of Port Harcourt, was arrested before DavidWest, so, why has he not been paraded by the Police?

According to Omoni, the suspect is helping the Police with its investigation. The lady that survived the attempted murder is also helping the Police with its investigation. The man in question will be paraded after the Police has completed its investigation and if he has any accomplices, they too will be arrested and interrogated.

According to Omoni, it will be too early to speak publicly on the matter not to jeopardize Police investigation. He emphasised that David-West has taken Police operatives to all the hotels where he killed his victims in Rivers, including an hotel, at Omoku, in Egba/ Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.

And he was identified by the hotel staff.

All the staff where he killed his victims have identified him and the staff of the hotels have also been interrogated. Omoni, fur-

ther added that a team of Policemen from the Edo State Police Command also visited the Rivers State Police Command, having identified him in the CCTV footage got from the hotel where he killed another woman, in Benin, as the same person paraded by the Rivers State Police Command.

The spokesman for the Rivers State Police Command insist that the Police would not speak about suspects so far arrested because public statement may affect ongoing investigation. “The CP will address the press when we have a wholistic picture of the serial killings.”

David-West from what a lady at a hotel, where he killed another woman, in Port Harcourt, told the Police, he may have been taking his time to study the hotels and got to know some of the girls before he set out to lure them to his lair.

At an hotel, he called a lady and asked her: “Where is that neat girl. They called her for him. She was Jennifer Nwokocha, from Omoku, who had just finished writing her school certificate examination. He promised to give her N10, 000 for spending the night with her.

He spent the night with her. Killed her; stole her money and phone, and left unnoticed in the morning. How did he manage to leave 15 different hotels in Rivers, Edo, Lagos, Imo and Akwa Ibom states unnoticed after tying up and killing his victims?

He confessed to have threatened them with a knife. Did he enter the 15 different hotels with a knife on each occasion, or, he did so with the hotel knife when he ordered his meals?

The order from the State House of Ad-Hoc Committee on the Serial killings in Rivers State that “the remaining two hotels should bring the unedited footage of the CCTV that captured Gracious David -West and submit to the clerk of the House is a strong pointer that members of the committee have a feeling that the confessed serial killer wasn’t acting alone.

His deadly escapade was very expansive, spanning seven states, starting from Lagos State. “I killed her; stole her phone and left the hotel.” David-West picked some of his victims from night clubs, before taking them to the hotels where they spent the night.

Night clubs. Hotels. Hotel bills. Drinks.

Food. Transportation. Laundry. So, where was he getting the money to fund his deadly mission? After killing his victim, where does he go to? Where does he live? There are reports that he was recently released from

•David-West

the Port Harcourt Prison. So, how was he released. And why? Did he complete doing his time in the Port Harcourt Prison? And what was he in prison for?

Where are the 15 cell phones of his victims? Why did he kill only women? A CCTV footage showed him holding a phone. Who were those he was speaking with? Who were those he spoke with before and killing his victims?

There are so many questions popping up their heads like rabbits in a warren! The answers might come Commissioner of Police, Mustapha Danduara, will address the press at the conclusion of the investigation. “It will be a wholistic presentation of the outcome of our investigation,” he had said.

The news of the killings had gone global.

So, the world, too, is waiting for the outcome of its investigation. It is going to be an expansive and painstaking investigation that will cover seven states, perhaps more.

Nigerians can wait, so can the rest of the world. This indeed, is a litmus test for the Nigerian Police. Good enough, evidence abound that in very thorny situations such as this, the Nigerian Police have turned out wonderfully well. The vicious matter points towards that direction, too. That the Police will get not just to the bottom of it, but to the very taproot that fuelled it all, in the first place.

In the second place, the involvement of the State House of Assembly in the matter,

and the unyielding position of its Ad-Hoc Committee to ensure every accomplice is ferreted out of his or her hideous cocoon and made to face justice for snuffing out the lives of harmless women in their prime, thereby, cutting off generations of unborn children and further reinforced the trust of the public in the ongoing investigation.

In the third place, the Committee on the Mandatory Installation of CCTV Cameras in Hotels, consisting of security personnel an owners of hotels, is also involved in not just ensuring that defaulting hotels install CCTV cameras, but they are picking up snippets of information that would assist the Police in their investigation.

In the fourth place, the two suspects currently in Police that have made useful statements. In the fifth place, the lucky lady that screamed for help and survived the deadly effort of an arrested supposed male consort to strangle her to death at 2. am.

Above all, the arrest of the confessed serial killer, Gracious David-West, appears to be the lead that will get the genie out of the bottle of serial killers on the prowl, killing innocent people so that they get rich quick, while vigorously protecting themselves, wives and children from any untoward harm.

On this score, the die indeed is cast! The world is waiting! The Great Expectations is Loading!! And the Nigerian Police to the rescue!!!

MONDAY September 30 - SUNDAY Ocotober 6, 2019

The

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Like Osinbajo, like Gbajabiamila

Yoruba officer walked up to Mr OladiA po Diya at the height of his 1997 crisis with his boss, Mr Sani Abacha. “Sir, what is

happening?” The very senior officer looked away from the colonel and told him there was nothing.

“Sir, did you say there is nothing?” The officer asked with a tone of rhetorics and switched to deep structure Yoruba. “Sir, ti owo ko ba se san mo, a a ka l’eri ni” (if you can no longer swing your arms, fold them on your head).

The General looked away; the colonel left.

That was on December 13, 1997. Nine days later, Diya fell from everything called power.

He also lost his freedom – and almost his life.

It was like a journalist who reportedly asked Mr Abubakar Tafawa Balewa at the Lagos airport what he would do with the political fire raging in the West. The prime minister reportedly looked around and declared: “Ikeja is part of the West and I can’t see any fire burning.” That was less than a month to the January 15, 1966 conflagration which consumed the leader who said there was no fire anywhere.

The tragedy of humans in power is that they ignore endgame signs and refuse to make quick amends. You have been reading or hearing stories about Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the picture of his today in the Villa. Are you asking questions about what tomorrow will bring for this principal and his beneficiaries? George Orwell answered that query a long time ago with his most haunting statement: “If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face – forever.”

Last Friday, I read Speaker of the House of Representatives sulking that his words were not law before our service chiefs. His House of Representatives summoned the generals and those ones respectfully sent some guys to go listen to the House for them. The generals apparently knew where real power resides in this democracy – not in a House lacking rocky, steely stuffs. By now, the legislature is supposed to be educated well enough to know that no service chief would waste his precious time facing cold fires from a captured overlord. The parliament in a real democracy is the most powerful. We’ve seen it in action in Britain since the Brexit struggle started. You can’t sell the powers you have and still wield them. Mr Winston Churchill once deplored persons whose “insatiable lust for power is only equaled by their incurable impotence in exercising it.” A Sango priest who cannot ‘send down the rains’ with a full complement of lightening and thunder is a fake. Mr Mamman Vatsa at his 1986 trial said so many immortal things in a few words.

One of those things I took away forever from his speech is: “The day you start mocking yourself, others will join you.”

Gbaja did not like the fact that the House enjoys very lean respect outside its chambers. With his rain-beaten colleagues around him, he felt very little and inadequate and wailed. He lamented and hit his egg head against the wall wailing that he would report the generals to the president. That sounded like some weak orphan whose bean cake (akara) had just been wantonly snatched by the village bully. He reminded me of the ‘I-will-tell-my-father’ stuff of those spineless days. If the speaker can’t speak and be respected, can’t he just fold his arms and hang them on his head? Or is he too Lagos and too removed from Yorubaness to know that a kite that is scared of chickens has no right or claim to that name?

GUEST COLUMNIST LASISI

OLAGUNJU

History is a stubborn goat. A certain Mr Babafemi Ogundipe was Mr Aguiyi Ironsi’s deputy and the most senior military officer in Nigeria that survived the July 1966 northern coup. While the post-coup crisis was on, he gave an order to a sergeant and the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) told him he took orders only from his captain. What did the brigadier do? He did something like this Gbaja sob. He melted away – forever.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo interests me a lot. Since May 2015, he has been the very willing courier of all manner of menial messages and executor of curious tasks for his boss and his boys. He also enjoyed the smoothness of everything with his special caste of pious Pentecostals. Suddenly last week, his skies appeared rent and it has since been raining everything unpleasant on his office’s leaky roof. Then, he attended a burial in Ekiti on Friday and chose to talk about ‘saboteurs’ and ‘fifth columnists’ wrecking his boss’ government. When I read a sitting Vice President blaming ‘fifth columnists’ for his government’s success in entrenching failure, I said, yes, we are getting there. If that term “fifth columnist” had come from a failed school certificate holder, I would have said maybe he did not know that he was peeing right into his own bedroom. But it was a professor of law who used the term. He cannot, therefore, be heard pleading ignorance of the fact that the term refers to the mortal enemy within.

Fifth columnists, wherever they exist, are chinks in the armour of the king and all around him. Someone describes the fifth column as the “inner front.” The 1936 Siege of Madrid where that term came from is a story of war, death and preemption. Who was Osinbajo reporting the “saboteurs and fifth columnists” to? At what point did he become aware of their existence in the Buhari government? A leader is not enthroned to lament in supine helplessness. Bertolt Brecht wrote that a leader “cannot be arraigned for declaring a war…but only for running a war badly.” A sitting vice president has no business crying out about an enemy within. If he lacks the power to deal with that known foe, then let his eagle drop his feathers, talons and beak. They are useless to him and his tribe.

National politics in Nigeria is a deadly market of ravenous birds. Kites, vultures, hawks and eagles are the investors in blue chip Nigeria. If you would survive here, better be the eagle and perch at the very top, safe and deadly. The eagle is the worry of all other birds of danger – that is the wisdom the North has right from the beginning of Nigeria. There are talks down South that almost all southerners who served as number two to northern presidents had gory tales to tell.

This appears to receive a nod from history.

But is it also not true that these southern

•Osinbajo victims of northern power game had at the height of their glory sold their souls to alien gods? They always snub their sources thinking the sweet festival in Abuja would never end. They forget that puppeteers never really set free their toy to be man and manly.

The North is the soaring hawkish eagle of power. It forever keeps what it has while cooing southern captives to use their indentured fingers to fetch, from infernal hell, chestnuts of power.

I take what a fan of this column from the Hausa Fulani North recently exchanged with me. He had reacted sharply to what he described as my tendency to see the North as Nigeria’s sole illness. We had a backand-forth argument on this point, then he dropped this: “Perhaps I should have told you of my appreciation of the tolerance level of southern Nigerians. There’s no doubt that the North treats the south like a ‘conquered territory’.

Almost everything has to be on her terms.

The insensitivity embedded in Buhari’s appointment would have resulted to a serious crisis in the country if any southern president dared it. I know much of your tolerance is due to your level of education, exposure and cosmopolitan orientation and also our (un)civil war experience. However, I think your docility in the South is giving armour to the northern elite for the brazen display of hubris, arrogance and lack of respect for Nigerian laws and the constitution. And if you don’t rise up and check it, it could snowball in total recolonisation of the South. I know that the South is fractured politically. The Yoruba vs Igbo; Igbo vs South South and so

on. This serves well the northern elite.”

He spoke the truth and I knew. The North is the masquerade which spends others’ money; the chameleon that clads itself in others’ clothes. But it is also true that the northern political elite have succeeded this far because they do not sell their region while groveling before temporal power. They have their eyes on the ball all the time. Think 2023!

I enjoy reading social media posts of the Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai. His kite does not snatch chicks in secret; he does it right in the market place. He is not like the other so-called cabal in the Villa whose strength is in their voiceless anonymity.

El-Rufai’s posts are windows to his mindset and his mind’s workings. With him, you know where you stand on any issue. He is definitely not a coward who shoots his arrows heavenwards and runs for cover. Two days ago, in the midst of the Osinbajo storm, he posted on Twitter and Facebook a stuff which he called Saturday Wisdom: “The moment the masquerade begins to think he is God, the masquerade will be unmasked and reduced to be a laughing stock that is lower than a human being.” The glove appears off; the fight looks set to be bare-knuckle.

The governor added that what he posted was a “Yoruba Proverb.” Why el-Rufai chose a “Yoruba proverb” to teach wisdom on a wet, stormy Saturday morning, I do not know. The cold reason should be known to him alone and maybe to his Yoruba teachers.

Proverbs in Yorubaland are used like Fulani sticks to beat the errant back home. Sometimes the sticks hit the market mud to soil anyone close enough to receive portions of the sticky stuff. That is what el-Rufai has done.

He mentioned no one – named no names but the subject of his taunt and threat should take heed and prepare for the sacrifice of nakedness. But did he look in the mirror as he typed those words?

Wole Soyinka, in his ‘A Play of Giants’ suggests that to unmask the gods is to destroy their “ambience of power.” That is the task el-Rufai has set for himself. Enoch in Chinua Achebe’s ‘Things Fall Apart’ did same. He pulled off the mask of Umuofia’s egwugwu.

The next day, he lost his entire compound – and the village church – to the fire and machetes of ancestral spirits. So, in the battle of life, everyone is a vulnerable masquerade, sort of. Maybe I should add that there are several masquerades in the pantheon of proverbs in the Yoruba world. One recognizes the fact that behind the guttural mask is a human being.

Another warns every masquerader to use the ancestral costume wisely and with modest wickedness. The masked one who whips the crowd beyond the borders of entertainment will soon become human once again.

•No egungun festival is perennial like River Niger; none is celebrated till eternity. That is why leaders are counseled to rule well and with milk of human kindness. But who is that el-Rufai masquerader who thinks himself God? And are we about to witness the unmasking of a masquerade, the removal of all “fragments of humanity” and humanness in the mythical?

Or is the unmasking rite already unfolding before our very eyes? Most times it is a sacrilege to breach sacred groves; but sometimes it is expedient (and exciting) to smash the gourd of sacredness, violate the inviolable, make the wise very unwise. But in all situations, there is a price to pay – for all sides.

•Culled from crest.com

The Oracle Today is published by The Oracle Newspapers Limited. Head Office: 116 Awka Road, Onitsha. Lagos Office: 25 Remi Fani-Kayode Street, GRA Ikeja. Abuja Office: 1st Floor, Plateau House, Central Business District, Abuja, FCT. ISSN: 2545-5869 Email: oracletoday2016@yahoo.com, Twitter: @oraclenews.ng Facebook: oraclenews.ng@facebook.com Website: www.oraclenews.ng Advert hot lines: 09078310060, 09061836916. Editor: FELIX OGUEJIOFOR ABUGU.