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WEDNESDAY August 14 - 19, 2019

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VOL.4 No.31 N200

Anambra’s comparative advantage in skills not agriculture –Okonkwo

•Says commercially viable agriculture a function of landmass •Calls for technical education to develop young people’s skills •Neighbouring states with ‘landmass can do agriculture not Anambra

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NCDMB raises Committee for Bayelsa NOGaPS

T •An Anambra rice farmer

Nigerians spend N730bn on sports betting annually – Report •P2

Page 37

he Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has inaugurated Community Interface Committee (CIC) for the Nigerian Oil and Gas Park Scheme NOGaPS) located at Emeyal 1 in Ogbia LGA of Bayelsa State. The committee was set up to enhance the interface between the communities, the contractors and the board, and would ensure community participation, cordial relationship and promote compliance

to the community content elements of the project. The Executive Secretary NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote inaugurated the committee recently during a town hall meeting held to formally introduce the contractors that will execute the newly approved work scopes on the industrial park. He explained that the committee would ensure conducive environment for

Cont’d on page 2

Eagles to engage Ukraine in friendly in Kiev

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 14 - 19, 2019

NEWS Anambra’s comparative advantage in skills not agriculture—Okonkwo By KODILINYE OBIAGWU

N what might look like a veiled criticism of the famed agricultural policy of the Anambra State, a political economist and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Obiora Okonkwo, has said that the strength of the State lies in the brains and skills of its citizens, not in agricultural production because the state lacks the land mass for commercially viable agriculture. In a keynote address at the 2019 International Youth Day, held at Shanahan Hall of the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha last Saturday, High Chief Okonkwo noted that agriculture, as a path to wealth creation and economic empowerment, would succeed more in a State with a huge landmass and arable land than in Anambra, with

Nigerians spend N730bn on sports betting annually – Report

its small landmass. Okonkwo stared: “With a robust agricultural policy and production, a neighboring Kogi State can change its economic fortunes for good. Kogi has a huge arable landmass; Anambra is the smallest state in the South East. Kogi alone is bigger than the entire South East in landmass. “So, anyone who says Anambra can make progress, using agriculture as a pivotal economic policy, is not being truthful. At best, Anambra can farm to feed itself but not as a means of wealth creation and economic empowerment of its teeming mass of the unemployed.” Addressing a capacity crowd of the young and not-so-young, Okonkwo, a culture ambassador and venture capitalist, said Anambra’s comparative advantage lies in the know-how of its pool of skilled people with the capacity to

convert agricultural raw materials into valued-added finished products. He said: “I make bold to say that Anambra people are highly talented. Thus, while Anambra may not have any comparative advantage in farming, it can be the receptacle for the vast agricultural produce coming from Kogi and Benue states, which it can then turn into finished products that can be sold within the country and outside. “Capital can invest in such skills to gift the State with a thriving economy founded on food processing and other forms of manufacturing and technological innovations.” To prepare the State for industrial and technological take-off, Okonkwo called for a new school curriculum that emphasises technical education rather than the theory based system that produces job seekers rather than job cre-

ators. “With technical schools, we would be able to produce school leavers and graduates with enough technical know-how and skills to generate employment for themselves and others. That is the way to go. “We cannot eradicate poverty by buying and distributing tricycles, which is the commonest empowerment projects that our governments and philanthropists do. For, tricycle driving is not a skill but a measure that does not take one without a lasting skill far.” Only skills can lift our skills out of poverty. Meanwhile, Okonkwo, the Founder, Pro-Value Humanity Foundation (PVHF), noted that the number of youths thrown into the labour market every academic year, should challenge governments to seek ways to create jobs for this critical mass for national

T least N2 billion is generated daily as Nigerians spend over N730 billion annually on sports betting according to recent research. Data from the research indicate that over 60 million Nigerian punters spend over N3, 000 daily placing bets in the 50 betting sites in Nigeria. Respondents, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, said they placed bets to generate quick and easy income, and turn their passion for football into cash. A 28-year-old fashion designer, Segun Mukoro who bets at least once weekly said that it was the fastest way to double his income and although he might lose sometimes, the wins come big. He said, “I bet weekly, especially when there is a league match. When you have been betting for long, it’s easier to know what odds to play and what teams to bet on. “It is a guessing game and you get better with time. I know that it is addictive but I see it as an investment, a way to double my income.” Similarly, 23-year-old Eronini Kolapo explained that he used betting to augment his allowance as a student. He told NAN that he started for fun, at first but soon built a network from Kolapo’s almost-perfect predictions made him a leader of his sport betting ring where his peers pay him extra to place ‘sure’ bets for them. His model is not strange as website and online channels where predictions are sold to help punters maximise betting stakes, populate social media. However, there are tons of fraudulent platforms. 30-year-old Noble Obiora sold his agro-business and combined the proceeds with his savings to purchase predictions from a fraudulent channel that swindled him. He spent almost one million naira trying to place a ‘sure’ stake with hope of making over N10 million in return. He told NAN that losing all his money helped him realise how addicted he was to betting and how much he had given to the greed

Cont’d on page 17

•A cross section of leaders at a leaders conference held in Enugu.

development. In his lecture, “SDGs And Their Impact On The Youth,” Okonkwo bemoaned that despite this lack of skill to employ themselves and create jobs for others, “the youths aspire for the quick and easy money, desire to drive the best cars and dream of living the lifestyles associated with high income earners like football stars and musicians,” and spend more time in betting offices. He reminded the youths that there are no limits to what they can become and that age was not limit to achievement. He reminded the youths that, “the late Professor Chinua Achebe, wrote the classic novel, “Things Fall Apart” in his 20s. He had no cellphone or internet or laptop when he did that. Today, you have much more than he had.” Okonkwo noted further that with the youth making up a staggering 60% of the Nigerian population, “the implication is that even the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of eradicating poverty is in jeopardy because not having jobs means not having an income. “If the youths are unemployed, hungry, unclothed, not housed, not educated etc, they hardly will be concerned about other social goals like maintaining clean cities, clan environments, sustainable climate habits, etc.” Okonkwo noted the growing need to refocus the educational system towards technical and vocational education, which will empower the youths with the necessary skills to become self-reliant as they leave school. “Youths must think critically beyond their immediate environments; become change-makers because they have the numbers. “They must challenge the limits and exploring new ideas and proffer new solutions, become communicators and communicate the change that they want to see in the polity through positive social actions and engagements. “They must lead the change in their immediate communities by translating what they have learnt into practical solutions. That is

NCDMB raises Committee for Bayelsa NOGaPS Cont’d from Pg 1

the execution of the contracts awarded for the development of the site at Emeyal 1NOGaPS. “Hence, the Board deemed it fit to constitute a committee made up of representatives from the communities, the contractors and the Board”, Engr. Wabote said. Enumerating the roles and responsibilities of the committee, he announced that His Royal Highness Jephthah Ogba Wolisi will serve as the chairman. Other members include representatives of the host communities, contractors and the NCDMB, while Mr. Kelly Olaye of the NCDMB will serve as the secretary. The committee’s existencewill terminate at the completion of the project or whenever the management of NCDMB determines that their services is no longer required. Speaking further, the Executive Secretary commended President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the next phase of the project which entails the key infrastruc-

ture for the NOGaPS site. He noted that the Federal Government was impressed with the harmonious manner way the contractors have been working with the community since the commencement of the project. Introducing the contractors, he disclosed that Messrs OK Isokariari& Sons would be responsible for the road construction and capacity building centre, which when completed will be a technical skill development centre at the park, while MegaStar Construction Company Nigeria Limited is responsible for the construction of security and administrative block and hostel/mini estate. According to him, the project will be successfully completed if there is maximum cooperation between the communities, the contractors and NCDMB. Responding on behalf of the contractors, the chief executive of MegaStar Construction Company Nigeria Limited, Arc Harcourt Adukeh, commended the Executive Secretary for the initiative and stated that the NOGaPS project

was the first of its kind where the Board organized a proper kick-off with the community. He appealed to the communities to stick to the terms of reference in providing workforce for the project and not short change qualified indigenes in the area. On procurement opportunities in the project, Adukeh indicated that advertisements will be placed on local newspapers and the company’s website for community suppliers to register within a specified window, adding that only successful suppliers who qualify will be considered and notified. He also promised that applicant suppliers that lack requisite documentations will be assisted in a bid to get the persons that will work for the community. He also pledged to promote cordial relationship with the communities and to visit the paramount ruler to pay due respects. In his response, the chairman of the Bayelsa NOGaPS CIC, His Royal Highness Jephthah Wolisi thanked the Executive Secretary for the opportunity and pledged the com-

mittee’s commitment to make the NOGaPS project a success. He appealed to community leaders and youths to give the project the needed support. Giving the vote of thanks, the Obhanobham III of Ogbia Kingdom, His Eminence, Dumaro Charles Owaba, expressed gratitude to the Board for initiating the project and thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment to the welfare of the communities in the area. He also praised the quality of contractors mobilized to site, while charging all parties to be resolute in the delivery of their duties. The royal father enjoined all concerned to work harmoniously to achieve the set goals for the overall good of the area to berth development and industrialization. He noted the first oil well in Nigeria which Ogbia is known for had no direct impact on the populace but the advent of the NOGaPS project marks the commencement of development in the area.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 14 - 19, 2019

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION RUGA claims first casualty as Buhari drops Enang

he controversial Rural Grazing Area (RUGA) programme of the Federal Government may have claimed its first casualty in the Muhammadu Buhari administration as reports emerged, Monday, that the President’s Senior Special Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate) has been dropped. Enang, a former senator from Akwa Ibom State, who was appointed a special adviser to Buhari during the president’s first term, has, like most of the other aides continued to act in that capacity this second term. Already, Buhari has picked Senator Omoworare Babajide, from Osun state, as Enang’s replacement. Enang’s sack may not be unconnected with last week dust raised by comments credited to the embattled aide claiming that the Federal Government made a provision of N2.258bn for the implementation of the controversial Rural Grazing Area (RUGA) programme in the 2019 budget. Following the comment, the leadership of the Senate, Sunday, challenged the former Senior Special Assistant to show Nigerians where the N2.258 billion he claimed was appropriated for the Rural Grazing Area (RUGA) programme was inserted in the 2019 budget. Although the project has since been shelved over outcry which trailed the government decision, the role played by Enang was deemed by the Buhari administration to have pitched it in confrontation with the National Assembly. Enang was reported last week as calling on states in southern Nigeria to support the initiative by making land available, saying N2.3 billion had been provided by the administration for its implemen-

tation. He denied that the programme’s intent was to “Islamise” or Fulanise” the country. Enang was quoted to have told indigenes of Akwa Ibom State, who are students of the Nigerian Law School, Abuja, that the budget had been passed by the National Assembly and signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari. “We have gone through the 2019 budget critically and we did not come across any money that was voted for Ruga programme implementation there. Let Senator Ita Enang prove us wrong, then we will take the issue up from there. He who alleges must prove,” Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, said.

“I spoke with Ita Enang and he told me that he was misquoted on the issue. So I don’t think we should go ahead discussing the pronouncement since he had told me that he was misquoted. “I asked him where in the 2019 budget that money is. I also asked him why he would say states in the southern part of the country should support the programme and even provide land for the project and he (Enang) said he never said so. “I don’t think that we can make further comments on a pronouncement that has been denied. For us, I don’t think any such thing was in the budget. I will have to go through the budget again and check properly.

“However, if such a thing comes up in the course of my findings, then we would do the needful. The Senate will certainly not be a part of anything that will cause disruption of peace and problems within the country,” reacted the Minority Leader of the Senate, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe. Some members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Senate have vowed to revisit the N2.258bn RUGA money claims on resumption from their current recess. The RUGA programme has been suspended by the Federal Government following its poor handling by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

•From left: Executive Director, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, 9mobile, Abdulrahman Ado; Winner, 2018 9mobile Prize for Literature, Ayobami Adebayo, and Chief Financial Officer, 9mobile, Phillips Oki at the prize presentation in Lagos, Thursday

Buhari, Ramaphosa to meet in October over trade, xenophobia resident Muhammadu Buhari rity & socio-economic development She said that the meeting sought Bobby Moroe, had held several meetPRamaphosa, and South African President, Cyril in our continent.” (President Cyril to discuss President Cyril Ramapho- ings with the police and other senior will meet in October to discuss issues relating to wellbeing of citizens and ways to further strengthen trade relations between the two largest African economies. It is also believed to that the meeting will deliberate on the recurring xenophobic attacks on Nigerians as well as extra-judicial killing of the country’s nationals in the country. Nearly 200 Nigerians have lost their lives in South Africa in the under two years over issues relating to xenophobic attacks and police killings. In a telephone conversation with Ramaphosa at his country home in Daura, Buhari accepted an invitation to visit South Africa to further “consider recurrent issues concerning wellbeing of the Nigerian community in South Africa, and the need to promote trade and investment.” In an earlier letter of invitation, the South African President said: “Your visit will provide an excellent opportunity for our sister countries to further consolidate and advance our strategic partnership and cooperation on matters of peace, secu-

Ramaphosa to President M. Buhari) “We will discuss issues of mutual interest and concern in global governance.” Ramaphosa said the meeting will provide an opportunity to inaugurate a Bi-national commission for both countries to “effect the strategic decisions taken in 2016 to elevate it to the level of Heads of State.” Meanwhile, the South African government has expressed concern over the call by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) for the expulsion of South Africans and protest at South African owned businesses in Nigeria. The country made its feelings known in a statement issued by Ms Anna-Maria Jojozi, Counsellor in-charge of Political Affairs at the South African High Commission in Abuja on Sunday. Jojozi quoted Dr Naledi Pandor (MP), Minister, International Relations and Cooperation, to have expressed the feeling at the South African Development Community (SADC) meeting held in South Africa on Sunday.

sa of South Africa official visit to President John Magufuli of Tanzania, for the SADC Summit, from Wednesday to Thursday. Jojozi said, “I wish to express my department’s concern regarding statements said to emanate from student organisation in Nigeria, calling for expulsion of South Africans and protests at South African owned businesses. “The protests are said to be in response to alleged killings of Nigerians by South Africans; as you are aware these allegations are devoid of truth, reckless and unwarranted. We find these statements most unfortunate as they do not reflect the strong relations that exist between the people and the Government of South Africa and Nigeria. “The two countries enjoy strong bilateral relations, which were forged over many years during our struggle for liberation in South Africa; also, in this democratic era supported by the people and Government of Nigeria.” Jojozi said South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr

government officials in Nigeria. She said South Africa had established contact from the highest level of the Nigerian Government and received assurances that authorities in Nigeria were taking the calls for protests seriously. “They have also assured us that South African citizens and their property in Nigeria will be protected. South Africa values the strong ties it has established with Nigeria and will continue to enhance these even further,” Jojozi noted. The counsellor said the statements referred to the unfortunate death of Mrs Elizabeth NdubuisiChukwu, Deputy Director-General of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, in June. She said that, the South African Police Service was still investigating the incident. “We believe no one should abuse this unfortunate tragedy to generate negative sentiments about South Africa and we express our condolences to Mrs Ndubuisi-Chukwu’s family; friends and the people of Nigeria.”

Nigerian writer wins N6.6m 2018 9mobile Prize for Literature By VICTOR NZE

igerian writer, Ayobami Adebayo, has been unveiled winner of the 2018 edition of the 9mobile Prize for Literature, the most prestigious literature prize for first time fiction writers of African origin. For her novel ‘Stay with Me’, Ayobami was announced the winner at an event held on Thursday, at the 9mobile headquarters in Banana Island, Lagos. She received a prize of £15,000 (N6, 587, 405 million) and a Montblanc Meisterstück pen among several other rewards. Another Nigerian, Lesley NnekaArimah, author of the book, ‘What it Means When a Man Falls Down from the Sky’, and a South African, Marcus Low, author of ‘Asylum’, emerged as runners-up. Ayobami’s announcement followed the unanimous selection of her book by the judging panel for the 2018 9mobile Prize for Literature chaired by Nigerian academic Professor Harry Garuba and supported by Siphiwo Mahala and Doreen Baingana. Acting Managing Director, 9mobile, Stephane Beuvelet, congratulated the winner and the runnersup, and restated the company’s commitment to continuously support Nigerians and other Africans with the best platforms to express their passion and creativity. Beuvelet, who was represented by the Executive Director, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, 9mobile, Abdulrahman Ado, also assured of the company’s commitment to the prize, stating, “we will continue our sponsorship of the prize. It will continue; I assure you it’s not sunset.” Speaking, Ayobami expressed shock at emerging the winner of the coveted prize and commended the runners-up. “It’s unexpected. I’m surprised not just in terms of winning the prize itself because it was a very strong shortlist. The other books were very amazing. Leslie Arimah’s collection of short stories, I think, is one of the best books that was published that year. Marcus Low’s Asylum is also really brilliant. So, it’s surprising to win the prize. I’m shocked,” she said. Born in Lagos, Nigeria in 1988 and raised in Ilesa and Ile-Ife, Osun State, Ayobami has written for the BBC, LitHub, The Guardian (UK), and has worked as an editor for Saraba magazine since 2009. Her 260-page novel, Stay With Me, set between 1985 and 2008 in Nigeria, revolves around a childless couple – Akin and Yejide. They are young, educated Nigerians with modern sensibilities about work, marriage and children. Everything appears perfect, until Akin’s mother and Aunts begin pressuring them to have children, something they have been unable to do despite years of trying. In addition to the prize money, other rewards for Adebayo include a 9mobile-sponsored fellowship at the University of East Anglia where she will be mentored by Professor Giles Foden, author of ‘The Last King of Scotland’.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 14 - 19, 2019

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION

Ban films with suicide scenes -- Group urges Censors Board

he Yoruba Youth Socio-Cultural Association (YYSA) has called on National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCD) to ban production of films with suicide scenes. National President of the association, Mr Olalekan Hammed, in a statement on Monday in Osogbo, Osun State, said suicide rate was alarming, adding that negative roles of suicide in most home videos was contributing to the menace. He said watching of suicidal films had made people, especially youths to see it as an ordinary measure someone could take to free himself or herself from frustration. “Film producers should be encouraged to use the medium to promote tolerance, endurance and professional steps that could be used to resolve issues rather than committing suicide. “It is not an overstatement to say that, all forms of immoralities and abnormal behaviour being exhibited by Nigerian youths were adopted through music and films they watch. “The National Films and Video Censors Board needed to do more to curtail moral decadence and abnormalities in the country. ”It is like the regulatory body has derailed totally from its primary assignment which is to regulate films and video production in the country”, Hammed said. He also implored the Federal Government to appoint religious leaders and custodians of culture as members of the board to help the board achieve its mandate. In a related development, a psychiatrist with a Private Hospital in Owerri, Dr Julia Ogwunga, has urged Nigerians who are depressed to seek professional help before thinking of self-medication or suicide. Ogwunga who gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said that depression, also known as major depressive disorder, was one of the most common mental disorders in the country. She regretted that depression, drug abuse and suicide had become common in the country. According to her, depression affects different people in different ways, but most of them experience some combination of the symptoms. She identified some of the symptoms as anger, irritability, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, prolonged sadness or feeling of emptiness among others. She stressed: “depression is not a sign of weakness, neither is it something one cannot snap out, rather it is an illness that requires professional treatment and with the right care, people can feel better.” According to her, most young people experiment with substances or drugs, but the longer the person continues to use the substance, the faster the substance takes over the functioning of the brain. The psychiatrist said that there is a fine line between regular drug use and drug abuse and addiction,

…As psychiatrist urges depressed Nigerians to seek professional help

adding that very few drug abusers or addicts are able to recognize when they have crossed that line. ”If the drug fulfills a valuable need, you may find yourself increasingly relying on it. You may take illegal drugs to calm or energize yourself or make you more confident. ”You may start abusing prescription drugs to relieve pain, cope with panic attacks, or improve

concentration at school or work. ”If you are using drugs to fill a void in your life, you’re more at risk of crossing the line from casual drug use to drug abuse and addiction. ”To maintain a healthy balance in your life, you need to have positive experiences and feel good about your life without any drug use,” she said. Ogwunga stressed that while

each drug produces different physical effects, all abused substances share one thing in common. ”Taking the drug causes a rush of the hormone dopamine in your brain, Which triggers feelings of pleasure. Your brain remembers these feelings and wants them repeated. ”When you become addicted, the substance takes on the same significance as other survival be-

haviors, such as eating and drinking. ”Changes in your brain interfere with your ability to think clearly, exercise good judgment, control your behaviour, and feel normal without drugs,” she added. Ogwunga, however, noted some of the signs and symptoms of drug abuse and addiction as neglecting responsibilities at school, work or

•President Muhammadu Buhari (left) addressing members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in Katsina State who had visited him in Daura, Monday

Minimum wage: Labour to blame for delay in implementation -- FG

Government has attribFofederal uted delay in the implementation the “Consequential Adjustment”

of the N30, 000 new minimum wage to the unrealistic demands of labour unions. Chairman, National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC), Chief Richard Egbule who made this known in Abuja on Monday, explained that the current demand of the labour unions would raise the total wage bill too high and that was why government could not accept their proposed salary adjustments. “Labour is asking for consequential adjustment and government in

its wisdom had made budgetary provision for an adjustment of N10, 000 across board for those already earning above N30, 000 per month. “However, the Unions have refused this offer, saying that because the increase in minimum wage from 18,000 to N30, 000 was 66 per cent, therefore they want 66 percent increment across board. “We told them that the minimum wage was not raised from N18, 000 to N30, 000 through percentage increase but as a result of consideration of economic factors including ability to pay. “However, we said that if they want consequential adjustments

in percentage terms, we will use a percentage that when applied will not exceed what has been provided for in the budget. “The computation based on percentage which government had given to labour, was 9.5 per cent from level 7 to 14 including level 1-6 of those salary structures that did not benefit from the minimum wage. “And then five percent from level 15 to 17. Labour countered the offer and proposed 30 per cent increase for level 7 to 14 and 25 per cent for level 15 to 17. “One point we keep repeating is, it will be unfair that because you gave the person earning minimum

Stop posting non-education graduates to teach -- TRCN advises NYSC

egistrar/Chief Executive, TeachR ers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Prof. Segun Ajiboye, says

the council has written to the Director- General, National Youth Service Corp (NYSC), advising him to stop posting graduates without Education degrees to teach in schools. Ajiboye told newsmen on Monday in Ibadan that the measure was one of the steps toward transforming education in the country. “Most of those posted to teach in the mandatory one year scheme do not have qualification to teach. Education system gets bastardised

when unqualified persons without requisite professional skills are deployed to teach,” he said. Ajiboye, however, acknowledged that there was a dearth of qualified teachers in some states of the federation, noting that majority of those teaching in private nursery and primary schools nationwide were not qualified to be in the class. “We have written a letter to the NYSC Director-General requesting that only those who read Education should be posted to schools during their service year. “This will ensure that only round

pegs are deployed to round holes. Why are doctors not posted to teach? Why are Education graduates not deployed to hospitals to operate the sick? “If you cannot allow a teacher to treat you in the hospital, why should you allow a fake teacher to teach your children and destroy their future? “We should not debase the teaching profession. State governors must also ensure that they train and re-train those in their schools. Human capital development must be taken seriously to transform our education system.”

wage N12, 000, you give a level 17 officer almost N100, 000 if you apply 25 percent,’’ he said. Egbule said that at the last meeting between the Federal Government and the labour unions, the government proposed a 10 per cent increment for level seven to 14 and a 5.5 per cent increase for level 15 to 17. He advised labour to come to a compromise because government had so far been magnanimous in agreeing to increase salaries without any threat of downsizing. “Labour is currently stretching out and eating up the time that people could have used in benefiting from the adjustment because the new minimum wage was implemented since April. “My advice is for labour to accept the terms for now and prepare to fight for the harmonization of salaries that is coming up. Harmonization of salaries will take care of this issue. “The committee has already been formed and awaiting inauguration. I want them (labour) to know this and liberate us from this unnecessary log jam,” he said. Egbule reiterated the commission’s commitment to giving sound advice to the government on the portion of national income that should be devoted to the payment of salaries and wages.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 14 – 19, 2019

news

Sallah: Enugu Muslims appeal to Ugwuanyi for recognition, hail him on good governance From CHUKS EZE, Enugu

he leader of Muslim community in Enugu North Senatorial Zone, of Enugu State, Alhaji Sani Muhammed Ugwuanyi, has appealed to the State governor, Rt Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, to recognise indigenous Igbo Muslims of Enugu State extraction and include them in the scheme of affairs in the State. Amir Ugwuanyi made the plea at his Nsukka residence in an interview with our Correspondent during the just-concluded Sallah celebration, while also pleading with governor Ugwuanyi to activate his earlier appointment of the Muslim leader as a Board Member in the State. According to him, the governor had appointed him as State Board

member when he visited IgboEze South Local Government Area, the Muslim leader’s council area, on December 23, 2019 for governorship campaign, on grounds that he was “bigger than my earlier appointment as Executive Assistant (EA)”. He disclosed that Enugu indigenous Muslims immensely supported the governor’s election and re-election projects and attended all his campaigns during the 2019 election process because of their belief in him. But according to him, he had not seen or heard anything about either EA or Board appointment since Ugwuanyi’s, alleged, proclamation. The Muslim leader, who commended the governor for his good works in the State since he assumed office in 2015, adding

Senator Utazi handing over a tricycle to a beneficiary of his Empowerment Programme held recently at his hometown, Nkpologu in Uzo Uwani LGA, Enugu State. Photo: Chinazom Okenwa that, “he is performing; Governor Ugwuanyi is doing very well, no doubt about that,” also stressed that even though he would like the governor to activate the board appointment, but that he was more concerned about many of their indigenous members who were graduates but jobless. “The issue is that inasmuch as I want the hardworking governor to make true my appointment, I am more concerned about our children – Igbo Muslims of Enugu State extraction – young

graduates but without jobs. We appeal to Governor Ugwuanyi to recognize us, our leaders and our children, and carry us along” he pleaded. The Muslim leader also alleged outrageous mismanagement of the affairs of the State’s Muslims Pilgrims Board (MPB) and called for the governor’s quick intervention to put the house in order. He noted that he had received several complaints from different quarters, and as well expressed dissatisfaction and

lack of confidence on the present leadership of the board. On the rising insecurity in the country, Amir Ugwuanyi, who hails from Igbo-Eze South council area of the State, declared that the government knew the solution to the problem, stressing that, “government, right from the central down the line, knows what to do to exterminate the problem or at least, drastically reduce it. Take it from me, they know what to do, no need stressing on it,” he insisted.

End motions without movement, FG advised *As 150 traditional, religious leaders parley in Enugu, identify corruption as bane of Nigeria’s progress From CHUKS EZE, Enugu

ver 150 traditional and religious leaders have identified corruption as the cause of all evils and bane of Nigeria’s progress, declaring that unless the cankerworm was addressed headlong, the nation would continue to experience governments of motions without movement. The leaders, who cut across various Christian denominations, autonomous communities and Muslim Communities had converged on Enugu, for an anti-corruption town hall parley, themed, “Strengthening the Moral Institutions in Building a corrupt Free Society”, at the instance of Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA), a non-governmental

organization (NGO). Chairman of Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu, was represented at the event by His Royal Highness, Igwe H.A Edeani, who was also one of the keynote speakers. Presenting a paper entitled, Strengthening Society’s Resilience Against Corruption: The Role of Cultural and Traditional Institutions,” Igwe Edeani, regretted that many of those entrusted with various positions of authority in the country abused such powers, adding that most corruptions occurred at the corridors of power and authority. The monarch, who is the Chairman, Council of Traditional Rulers in Nkanu East Local Government Area, noted that the negative effect of corruption

on the nation, her economy and citizens was gargantuan, and advocated that efforts must be made to avoid round pegs being put in square holes while entrusting authority or leadership positions on people in order to reduce corruption. “Corruption in Nigeria is from top to the bottom of the strata. It has become so endemic that unless offenders are severely punished, with no sacred cows or untouchable syndrome, the fight against corruption will remain a mirage in Nigeria,” he said. Igwe Edeani maintained that all mechanisms that had been put in place, over the years, to fight corruption in the country, had remained mere paper works with little or no implementation, especially when the so-called sacred cows were involved.

Alaibe felicitates with Dickson, PDP and winners of council election From CLEM ONYEMAECHI, Yenagoa

eading governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Bayelsa State, and former Special Adviser to the President on Nigeria Delta Affairs, Mr. Timi Alaibe, has congratulated Governor Henry Seriake Dickson and the Bayelsa State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the overwhelming success recorded by the party in last Saturday local government election. In a congratulatory message Alaibe said the success of the party and all the candidates—from chairmanship to the councillorship— is another proof that Bayelsa people have come to a common agreement that only the PDP-powered

government can deliver satisfactorily on the dividends of democracy. Alaibe, who is also the former managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), equally congratulated all the eight Local Government Council Chairmen and their Councilors for their victory at the pools on Saturday. He stated: “Your victory at the pools demonstrates the confidence the people of Bayelsa State have in Governor Henry Seriake Dickson, the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party in the State and in you as individuals. It is now left for you to justify this confidence by being servants of the people. “You must see your election as an opportunity to serve the people. As you assume office soon, you must

ensure that whatever you promised the people during your campaign is given to them. You must be ready to account for all your actions and inactions because that is what the people expect from you. As a leader, you are expected to listen to the people even if you cannot meet all their needs. “Your victory would have been impossible if the party in the State under the leadership of Governor Dickson did not cultivate and sustain the trust of the people in the last four years through development plans. It will be my joy, by the grace of God, to work with you in a few months time when I am elected your governor so that together, we can continue from where he stops. “Once again, congratulations.”

Cross section of the leeaders 2

ED PAACA, Ezenwa Nwagwu

Senator Utazi empowers constituents, thanks them for support From CHINAZOMU OKENWA, Nsukka

he third phase of the Senator Chukwuka Utazi Empowerment Programme held last Tuesday, August 6 to be precise, with the empowerment of 60 beneficiaries from the 16 and 10 wards in Igbo-Eze South and Udenu Local Government Areas of the Enugu North Senatorial District of Enugu State. The sharing the empowerment items was done under the watchful eyes of officers of

the Independent Corrupt Practice s Commission(ICPC) in Nkpologwu in Uzo Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State, the country home of Senator Utazi who represents the Enugu North senatorial district. The items distributed were, among others, 30 grinding machines, 24 motorcycles and six tricycles. According to the Senator, the items were being shared in bits and on different days and local government by local to ensure there was no stampede at the arena.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 14 - 19, 2019

Ihedioha seeks strategic partnership with Imo youths

HE Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha has called on the youths to partner with his administration in its quest to rebuild the south-eastern state. Ihedioha made the call in a message to youths in the state on the occasion of the 2019 International Youth Day. In a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Monday in Owerri, Ihedioha said that his administration was committed to moving beyond mere observance of

the Day. He stated: “Proactive measures have been taken to ensure that the youth become key strategic partners in my administration’s “Rebuild Imo Agenda.” “We will continue to support the goal 4 of the 2030 agenda of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which seeks to ensure inclusive and qualitative education, and promote learning opportunities for the youth. “In line with the theme of this year’s celebration, which examines how gov-

•Gov. Ihedioha

ernments and youth-led organisations are transforming education, my administration will improve the education sector to serve as a tool to encourage and empower youths.” He assured the youths that his administration would improve the infrastructure in public schools in order to create the right environment for teaching and learning, and ensure transformation of the youth. While charging the youth to brace up for the challenges ahead, the governor urged them to shun cultism and other vices, which could undermine their growth and development. He stated that his administration, through the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, would collaborate with other relevant agencies to empower the youths through the establishment of learning centres, skill acquisition programmes, as well as business and entrepreneurship training in various fields

Nigerians spend N730bn on sports betting annually – Report Cont’d from Pg2

and dissatisfaction that came with regular betting. Obioria also agreed with respondents who said that the presence of betting sites and platforms online made it too easy and

fuelled the desire to place stakes. Research statistics show that over 14 million bet stakes and payments are made over the internet every day. This, however, does not affect the rate of teem-

PDP govs condemn killing of police officers, commercial motorcyclist HE Peoples Democratic TForum Party (PDP) Governors has condemned the

killing of three policemen and a civilian by men of the Nigerian Army in Taraba State. The Chairman of the forum and Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, in a statement Monday in Abuja condemned the killing of Mr Chimaobi Nwaogwu, a commercial motorcyclist in Abia State by a soldier. Dickson described the killings as “unfortunate, sad, tragic, wicked, malicious, unprofessional and totally unacceptable,” to the people of the country. “We wish to reiterate that the killings are unnecessary. It is sad that a security personnel, who is paid and maintained with tax-payers’ money, could turn around to kill the person he was paid to protect.” The governor called on the Federal Government to redress the situation immediately as it portrayed “signs of inefficiency and irresponsibility.” He stated: “We implore the Federal Government to adequately compensate the families of the victims and ensure justice is served on the culprits.” The police authorities had on Wednesday announced

the killing of its personnel by troops on Ibi-Wukari road in Taraba. The police had alleged that the suspected kidnappers in custody of the attacked officers were released by the army troops. But the Army Headquarters, in reaction, described the incident as “unfortunate and avoidable” while explaining that troops, while responding to a distress call to rescue a kidnapped victim, exchanged fire with suspected kidnappers on Ibi-Wukari Road in the State. The police, in a countered, raising questions that the military authorities needed to answer, especially the whereabouts of the arrested suspected kidnapping kingpin, Alhaji Hamisu Bala Wadume. Meanwhile, statement issued by Col. Aliyu Yusuf, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, stated that the killer of the commercial motorcycle operator said that authorities of the 82 division, Nigerian Army has been arrested and in detention. According to the statement, “he will be tried according to extant military law and if found culpable will be dismissed and handed over to the Police for prosecution.”

ing punters at offline, physical shops. A betting shop attendant, Niyi Adejujagbe said that he gets at least 500 stakes placed in his shop daily, adding that he has a crowd of punters as early as 9 am. He said, “people place bets here every day. They still use shops very well because some don’t know how to use the websites and other people like to see their paper bet slips.” NAN reports that in five betting shops visited, there were only two women placing bets each a part of two male-dominated groups. Jennifer Olisa said she enjoyed the process as she loved football and wanted to make money from it. On the low participation of women in betting, she said women try to be more careful, especially with money. She added that she took the risks to bet as her prediction most times, worked. However, she gets help from her male friends who had been betting for longer. A psychologist, Dr Aimua Cole said that betting and gambling had high tendency to lead to depression in addicts, adding that it takes a toll on victim’s mental health. She said, “Gambling addiction could lead to other serious effects, including loss of jobs, failed relationships, and severe debt. “Problem gambling is often associated with mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.” She also decried the high advertising rates of betting sites glamourized the habit, leading more young people to indulge in the addictive act.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 14 - 19, 2019

NEWS Ebonyi Govt confirms death of only two yellow fever patients By CHINEDU NWAFOR Abakaliki

HE Ebonyi State Government has confirmed that two persons have died out of the nine confirmed cases of yellow fever at Ndungele and Mgbaluzor communities in Izzi local government area of the state, while dismissing the report of 16 deaths as reported by the Permanent Secretary designate, State Ministry of Health, Dr. Chris Achi. The state government, in a press briefing by the Secretary to Government and Coordinating Commissioner, Dr. Kenneth Ugbala, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Daniel Umezurike, dismissed the figure, and insisted that “the report was false and misleading, hence the need to put the facts straight.” Umezurike said: “We interviewed the members of the communities and realized that since this yellow fever outbreak was reported, the villagers, out of ignorance, innocently started attributing the every death within this period to the disease and subsequently, some reporters started quoting different figures that had no authentic source.” It said the findings of the State Rapid Response Team deployed to the affected areas showed that “Mr. O.J, a 34 year old farmer nkumoru village in Ndingele community was on admission in Ndingele MDGs with symptoms of fever and yellowness of eyes.

“The index case was said to be Master NN, a 7-year-old child who took ill on July 2019 with similar symptoms of fever and yellowness of the eyes and presented to MDGs on 12 July 2019, but was referred to General Hospital Iboko, though he was still in the MDGs as at 15th July 2019. “Four samples were collected and sent to Public Health Laboratory Lagos, but because there was no reagent, the samples were subsequently sent to national reference laboratory Abuja and three of them tested positive for yellow fever virus on 22nd July 2019. “Consequently, the National Centre for Disease Control declared this an out break of yellow fever and reactivated the National Rapid Response Team comprising NCDC, NAPHCDA and WHO on 1st August 2019 to support our state. “The summary of the situation report is that since the current outbreak of yellow fever, Ebonyi has recorded a total of 9 positive cases with two deaths among the positive cases”. “Presently, we have six patients on admission: 3 in Ndingele MDG,1 in Iboko General Hospital and 2 at the Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital. “However, the index case has been successfully managed and discharged from MDG Ndingele”, the text read. Dr. Umezurike said the state has reactivated its rapid response team to contain the outbreak among other measures.

CHANGE OF NAME

EZE: I formerly CHIKWENDU CHIOMA CLARA CHRISTIANA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OKONKWO CHIOMA CLARA CHRISTIANA . All former documents remain valid. Please Banks and General Public take note.

SIR CHIKE: I formerly known as SIR CHIKE GODFREY CHUKS, now wish to be known and addressed as SIR GODFREY CHIKE CHUKWUNEKE. All former documents remain valid. Please Banks and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

EZE: I formerly known as IKECHUKWU NDUBUISI EZE now wish to be known as IKECHUKWU NDUBUEZE EZE. All former documents remain valid. Please Banks and General Public take note.

VERA: I formerly known as OBI VERA CHINWE, now wish to be known as IGBO VERA CHINWE. And that my original date of birth is 12th of June, 1981 and not 12th of June, 1983. All former documents remain valid. Please Banks and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHIZOBA: HENRIETTA: I formerly known as I formerly known as AROH EZENWANKWOR CHRISTIANA HENRIETTA UKAMAKA, CHIZOBA, now wish to be now wish to be known known and addressed as and addressed as OKOYE CHARLES CHRISTIANA HENRIETTA UKAMAKA. All CHIZOBA. All former documents former documents remain remain valid. Banks and General valid. Banks and General public public take note. take note.

Alleged invaders disrupt peaceful protest, chase journalists away From PAMELA EBOH, Awka planned peaceful proA test on Tuesday turned into war zone of sort in Umuobam community, Ojobi, Umunya, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State when a group of persons alleged to be invaders stormed the community laying claim to a land. The protesters, and journalists who came to cover the protest, narrowly escaped attack by the invaders as everyone took to their heels to escape the irate invaders. The protesters claimed to be the rightful owners of the land located at Nkwelle junction and were in the area for a peaceful protest against

•Lay claim to land the intruders when they were attacked. Addressing journalists shortly after the incident, chairman of the community, Augustine Onalue expressed shock at the unexpected attack. He explained that the state government had three months ago through the Boundary Commission instructed that nobody should venture into the said land He said: “We went to Onyenekwu land, which rightfully belongs to us and which the government ordered that nobody should enter. “When we got there, we saw some people working

there and we demanded to know on whose instruction they were there but suddenly, they started fighting us, shooting at us with guns and attacking us with all kinds of weapons. They beat us ruthlessly and injured many of us.” He called on government to intervene saying the land was not officially allocated to the invaders. Onalue added: “They entered that land through a kangaroo way. The land is more than eight hectares and it’s just a contractor who is busy developing the place and selling structures

at different rates, N5million, N3million per shop, all for his personal enterprise.” While expressing shock at the speed at which the people are building on the said land, he said: “Every day you come here you see work going on. They even work in the night and on Sundays. “We don’t know them; that’s why we were inquiring from them. But instead of answering us, they started attacking us.” Onalue said his community had explored so many options including writing to the state governor, Boundary Commission and the Police, but nothing positive has come out of it as work continues on the land.

Igbo-Eze North recruits more 400 personnel to straighten security

• Neighbourhood Watch

From CHINAZOMU OKENWA, Nsukka

n line with the directive of the governor of Enugu state, His Excellency Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to the local govCHANGE OF NAME IKECHUKWU:

I formerly known and addressed as IKECHUKWU NDUBUISI EZE now wish to be known and addressed as IKECHUKWU NDUBUEZE EZE

All former documents remain valid. Banks and the general public to take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OBODOZIEI: I formerly known and addressed as OBODOZIE CHINAZA FAITH now wish to be known and addressed as IKEADIM CHINAZA FAITH. All former documents remain valid. Banks and the general public to take note.

ernment chairmen to beef up security in their areas, Comrade Uwakwe Chairman of Igbo-Eze North LGA, Comrade Uwakwe Ezeja, has recruited additional 400 men for the Eze North Neighbourhood Watch. Speaking during the inauguration of the new members, Ezeja said: “This group will

work as a central body for the already existing Neighbourhood Watch group and not as a parallel organisation. Therefore, there should be effective collaboration between the groups for effective security work in the various communities to ensure adequate protection of lives and property.”

PUBLIC NOTICE Burnt down hotel of Mr Chuks Kenny The Rosekenny hotel situated at Abagana was burnt down during a clash between the IPOB and the Security Operatives. Mr. Chuks Kenny, the owner of the hotel and active member IPOB is yet to be found.

CHANGE OF NAME EZEOKOLI: I formerly known and addressed as EZEOKOLI OGOCHUKWU UJUNWA now wish to be known and addressed as EKEH OGOCHUKWU UJUNWA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, Banks and the general public to take note.

The new members of the group were recruited from the 20 political wards that make up the council area. Ezeja warned that those who were not willing to work hard should decline the offer so they would be replaced immediately, noting that is a very sensitive issue that only those willing to work to provide security for their people could be trusted with. Decrying the dangers that kidnapping posed to the society, the council boss promised a very hard time for those who engage in such dastardly acts. He said: “Anyone caught in the act of kidnapping would have his or her assets confiscated by the government. In the same vein, anyone caught harbouring a kidnapper in his house would have such a house demolished.” He gave order that all uncompleted buildings in the forests and bushes be demolished, lamenting that such abandoned buildings often served as dens for criminals. He asked those living at the boundaries to be security conscious and wary of the movements of unfamiliar faces within their domains. The process of selection of the group was very thorough with only the most energetic and able-bodied youths not more than 40 years were selected. In attendance at the event were stakeholders including security agents, party faithful and traditional rulers from the various communities in the area.

CHANGE OF NAME

Picture of burnt Rosekenny hotel

HOPE: I formerly known as ORIMOGUNJE IRETI HOPE now wish to be known as ONWOSI NWABUMMA HOPE. All former documents remain valid. Please Banks and General Public take note.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 14 - 19 , 2019

Feature

•Africa’s youth see a future for Bitcoin beyond speculation

Seeing a significant growth in digital currency transactions on the African continent in recent years, driven largely by users under the age of 35, leading global peer-to-peer Bitcoin marketplace, Paxful, is on a mission to increase access to the Bitcoin economy for the people of Africa through education.

Africa’s youth see a future for Bitcoin beyond speculation

Paxful is on a mission to increase access to the Bitcoin economy for the people of Africa through education key, practical insights, with each attendee also receiving free Bitcoin to start them on their journey. Over 1000 youths have attended the events across SA/Kenya.

An African view on peer-to-peer finance Benjamin Onuoha, Africa’s Regional Consultant for Paxful (Paxful.com), addressed delegates at a Johannesburg event recently to share insights on the bitcoin and cryptocurrency economy as well as present use cases observed from Africa’s consumers. He commented: “The people of Africa have been the most ingenious and resourceful of our users – they are redefining our understanding of the uses of bitcoin. The world has much to learn from Africa about the future of the crypto-economy.” Bitcoin use cases on the continent Reflecting on Paxful’s experience in Africa and further afield, Onuoha added: “Three developments made the cryptoeconomy possible. First, the emergence of peer-to-peer electronic currency, Bitcoin that is powered by the blockchain technology. The second and arguably the most important miracle is the human layer that connects everyone in the world making this peer-to-peer revolution powered by the people. And lastly, the third miracle is the sharing economy.” Onuoha listed the following as true use cases for Bitcoin: grey markets, speculation, payments, e-commerce, remittance, wealth preservation and social good. “Historically, much of the news coverage about Bitcoin has tracked speculative activity where 90% of trading volume is currently centred. This toxic phase is in line with expected adoption trends as the crypto economy, still in its infancy, matures. The next focus point of the evolution is the end-user

and their opportunity-laden journey in peerto-peer finance. It’s about wealth generation – and giving people the means to do it.” He noted that many young Africans see Bitcoin as an opportunity to develop entrepreneurship ventures; users set up sidehustles and their own businesses - which include remittance, as well as import and export enterprises, amongst others. Demonstrating how the cryptocurrency community can contribute to social good, Paxful recently completed the building of a second school in Rwanda, as part of the group’s strategic commitment to education. Through its #BuiltWithBitcoin initiative, the group is in pursuit to build 100 schools across the continent. Education, Education, Education With over 2.5 million users globally and Africa being the fastest-growing region, in

2018, Paxful disclosed it had seen a 200%+ increase in users in Africa over the previous 12 months. According to the company, a new generation of young African graduates and professionals making use of peer-to-peer finance as a way to better engage the global financial system. Co-founded by Egyptian entrepreneur Ray Youseff, who is passionate about empowering fellow African youth, Paxful is committed to reaching as many young people as possible to help them better understand the opportunities presented by the cryptocurrency economy. To this end, Paxful launched its first university education drive to expose youth to the true use cases of Bitcoin, highlight how to avoid falling prey to bad actors in the crypto-space, and counter the over-emphasis on Bitcoin speculation. Launched at universities in South Africa and Kenya, the Paxful workshops provide

Charities could benefit from the cryptoeconomy To date, Paxful’s #BuiltWithBitcoin initiative has raised over R3 million for charities across Africa and the MIddle East. The company has donated over R13,000 worth of Bitcoin to GROW with Educare Centres, the donation forming part of Paxful’s #BuiltWithBitcoin initiative and is its first South African charitable contribution. As a non-profit organisation, GROW with Educare Centres empowers qualified, passionate women to own and run successful high-quality Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres, such as Day-Cares and preschools, in low-income communities using the principles of social enterprise and micro franchising. With reading being an integral part of the Educare programme, the donation from Paxful will be used to purchase books for their various centres’ mini-libraries. The GROW with Educare Centres project was incubated by a partnership between The Clothing Bank and Grow Learning Company and currently has 31 ECD centres running across Cape Town, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. “This donation opens new opportunities for our organisation to engage the cryptocommunity in charitable giving. An investment in Early Learning is one of the greatest investments you can make since one teacher influences a generation of learners. We hope that Paxful will inspire others to do the same,” Helene Brand, Marketing and Fundraising Manager for GROW Educare Centres said. •Paxful launched #BuiltWithBitcoin in 2017 to encourage the cryptocurrency sector to contribute funds for humanitarian projects. •Culled from APO news agency

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The Oracle Today Wednesday August 14 - 19, 2019

LIFE

ONORABLE Adiele Ekeke, a political chieftain from Ohanku-Ndoki in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, had looked forward to last Sunday with warm expectations. A family man, he was expecting to spend the evening in the cozy embrace of his wife and three children. His wife, Jessica, his seven-year old daughter, Sophia, his second daughter, Glory, and his son, Victor, who celebrated his second birthday some months ago, were coming home from Abuja, where Obum was based and running her business. Family sources said they were coming for the wedding ceremony of Jessica’s sister, billed for Imo State. A few kilometers to Okigwe, at a spot between Leru junction and Ihube junction, on the Enugu axis of the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway, the unexpected happened. It was an car crash. Obum, described as a very supportive wife and magnanimous personality and two of her children had no chance of survival: they died. The driver and the second daughter, Glory, survived. However, Glory’s condition is said to be critical and is being handled in the intensive care unit at an undisclosed hospital. What should have been a happy day and a memorable union turned sour, a very black day for the family, and community. Ekeke, a Commissioner in Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ASOPADEC), is still speechless. He managed to mutter in vernacular, as a way of expressing his mood and responding to inquiries on the incident: “My brother, it is too hard to believe, but it did happen. We were on our way to Ohanku to bury my two children, my only son and first daughter. Their mother is still in mortuary.” Ekeke, popularly known as Adico in Ukwaland, had hurriedly repatriated the corpses of his two children to his Ohanku Ndoki home where they were buried same Sunday. Monday morning, he was off to the hospital in Okigwe to look after his surviving daughter while the remains of his wife, who was reportedly pregnant, has been deposited in the morgue. Ukwa was in mourning, but they were not alone. Abians from all walks of live thronged the home of the Ekeke last Sunday to sympathise with them over the cruel blow fate has dealt them. Emotions were high just as lamentations filled the air and tears flowed freely. Few people could hold back their tears. The unfortunate incident threw the people of Ndoki into instant and deep mourning. Among those who lamented was the Publicity Secretary of Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, Sir Don Ubani. On his Facebbook wall he described the tragedy as “a terrible debilitating knock.” Ubani wrote: “There are occurrences that are extremely difficult to mention, much more discuss. Today; a Sunday (August 11, 2019) and a day of worship, unfortunately, leaves us with one of such occurrences glaring before us. “An illustrious son of Ukwa Ethnic Nationality, Chief Adiele Ekeke, (a.k.a Adico), of Ohanku-Ndoki, in Ukwa-East and a Commissioner in Abia State Oil Producing Area Development Commission; ASOPADEC, is reported to have lost his family; wife and two children, in a ghastly motor accident, along

Auto Crash: Community in mourning as mother, her two The Ukwa town in Ohanku-Ndoki, Ukwa East local government area of Abia State was roused from its rustic slumber when news of the tragic auto crash near Okigwe on the Enugu- Port Harcourt Expressway, consumed the lives of a mother and her two children. With the third child critically injured, the kinsmen gave the dead a quick burial. BONIFACE OKOROwitnessed

•Hon. Adiele Ekekek

Enugu-Okigwe express road.” Ubani, popularly known as “Okwubunka Asa” condoled Ekeke, on behalf of members of Ukwa Peoples’ Assembly as he “conveyed their heart-felt condolences to the bereaved Ekeke,” whom he described as “brother and friend.” Also in Facebook post, another prominent son of Ukwaland and a former Deputy Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Elechi, said Ndoki people had to switch from merriment to mourning upon learning of the mishap that has befallen the people, hurriedly abandoning the 70th birthday of Dame Gladys Nwafor to bid farewell to the little Ekekes. He wrote: “Gone in a flash: Yesterday, Sunday 11th August, 2019, we all turned out in our finery at one end of the PH - Enugu Expressway (between Aba and PH) to celebrate the 70th Birthday of one of Abia State’s Stateswoman, Dame Gladys Nne Nwafor. “It was an event our friend, Hon. Adiele Ekeke (Adico) could not have missed. But, alas, he was busy at another end of the PH - Enugu Expressway (between Enugu and Okigwe) extricating the bodies of his wife and children from a car-crash scene. “He put his wife’s body in the morgue and brought the bodies of his eldest daughter and his only son for a quick burial at Ohanku. “This morning, he is off to take care of one daughter who survived the accident and is in intensive care in a hospital at Okigwe.”

Elechi urged his friends who read his post “to please say a word of prayer and supplication to God to spare the little girl’s life. With so many of us praying for her, God will surely show mercy on her and on her father; Adico” he signed off. Meanwhile, messages of condolences have been pouring in for Ekeke and the larger family. The Abia State governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, in his condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Barrister Onyebuchi Ememanka, expressed sadness over the tragic car crash that consumed the lives of family members of Adico. The statement stated: “Governor Ikpeazu is deeply saddened by this tragedy and prays the Almighty God, the great comforter to console Hon. Ekeke and grant him the fortitude to bear this great loss. He prays the good Lord to intervene and save the life of the child who is battling with her life presently. “The Governor also sends his personal condolences and that of his family, government and people of Abia State to the larger Ekeke family of Ndoki, the entire people of Ukwa East LGA, the management and staff of ASOPADEC over this sad incident.” Similarly, the Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji, has condoled with Ekeke. In a condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Jude

the late children

Ndukwe, the Speaker who described Ekeke “as a close friend whose loss is also a huge personal loss to him (Speaker), said that he was also deeply shocked and saddened by the incident and prayed that the Almighty God will grant the departed eternal rest; while granting Ekeke the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. “Mrs Ekeke was a woman I knew very well. She lived a godly life and supported not only her husband but also humanity in her own way. She helped her husband to raise their children in a godly way, and supported him in touching the lives of people, hence, I am convinced that her soul and those of their two beautiful children are already resting with the Lord,” the Speaker stated. For the ASOPADEC family, the incident remains a fatal blow. ASOPADEC chairman, Chief Sam Nwogu, described the incident as “a great loss not only to the family but to the entire Staff, members of the ASOPADEC commission and the people of Ukwa in general given the supportive role of his wife to him and her invaluable contributions to the growth and

development of the women of Ohanku-Ndoki.” In a glowing tribute, Nwogu noted that Obum was “a dedicated and dignified woman whose support and contributions to her family had in no small way, impacted positively in the successes recorded so far by her husband.” “On behalf of the Management, Staff and the Members of the Board of ASOPADEC, I commiserate with you as well as the Ohanku-Ndoki people over the demise of your cherished wife and beautiful children,” said the ASOPADEC chairman who hails from Ukwa West local government area. As the Ukwa community mourns quietly, an elder counseled “what has happened has happened and death is irrevocable. It is most painful when it strikes unexpectedly.” “For, Ekeke, who by a stroke of fate, has lost his wife and children in a most traumatizing manner., life may never be the same again. Only God can console him, more so by graciously making Glory, his surviving daughter, to overcome her current travails and live.”

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 14 - 19, 2019

RELIGION

t some time or another, bad things could happen to some children while they are growing up. Such tragedies could be natural disasters like hurricane, flood, fire incidents, ejection from homes, domestic violence, divorce of parents, sexual abuse or rape, child labors, death of a parent or parents, e.t.c. Others might be wars or community violence, abuse of one’s mother, accident, robbery attack, bullies, starvations, deprivations or intimidations. Even though, some of these tragedies are still natural platforms for the child’s development process, however, repeated or prolonged tragic experiences may completely overwhelm a child with sense of fear and loss, thus leaving them with feelings of insecurity, fears and anxiety, inability to think or reason. Childhood trauma, on the other hand is a very pathetic condition. It is a mental health challenge that lives with the victim all though the given life time. According to US department of mental health, it is ‘the experience of an event by a child that is emotionally painful or distressful, which often results in lasting mental and physical effects’. Kids that were exposed to trauma are likely to develop psychological illness known as “a heightened stress response”. This illness affects one’s ability to regulate emotions, causes sleep difficulties, lowers the immune functions and other related physical illness like chronic stress all through the adult stage. Sources of Childhood Trauma and Neglects •Bad Parenting: This is yet a super channel through which a child gets exposed to trauma and or experiences neglects. As a result, it makes the growing child readily available or prone to social vices and criminal behaviors. Abandoned and neglected kids are likely to be exposed to violence and molestations. They form, majorly, the lists of those to be prosecuted at Juvenile courts for juvenile delinquency. •School Teachers •Peers •Home or foster homes All these are known as our primary attachment figures because they represent the world we know and can access. Our view about the world is just a reflection of them. In most cases these primary figures expose the child to the following •Complex Trauma (Prolonged/Repeated Exposure to Stressful Events) •Emotional abuses •Sexual abuses •Physical abuses •Spiritual abuses •Rick of becoming depressed •Risk of developing anxiety •Addictions and indulgence •Running away from homes or foster homes Childhood Neglects and Trauma Are Slaps On The Face Of Romantic Relationship Our experiences at childhood stage are very crucial to our emotional development. Neglected and traumatic children, irrespective of their color or size, except for those who have over time taken conscious cognitive efforts to work on their minds become adults who struggle with feelings of low self worth. Some of them live endlessly with depression and anxiety. Research has shown that the more trauma a person suffered at childhood, the more he or she is likely to suffer from chronic stress at adult stage The victim of childhood neglects and trauma lacks the potentials to surrender to romantic relationships since he never trusts another to meet his emotional needs. How Does Childhood Neglects And Trauma Affect The Romantic Relationship At Adult Stage? Childhood experience is a powerful determinant factor about how best we can easily bond with another in a given relationship. Again, it determines how one responds emotion-

Singles connect column: With EVANGELIST

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The effects of childhood trauma and neglects on the romantic relationship at adult stage

ally when that person is separated from a partner. You shall understand this more as we look at the Basic Attachment styles Four Basic attachment styles A. Secure Attachment Some individuals at early stage are so fortunate to grown up in an atmosphere of love and cares (Environment such as this is called the supportive environment) Adults from this kind of families have background potentials to make the best of partners in any given relationship. Reasons •They are open about themselves •They can easily ask you for help •They allow others to lean on them at an emotional level •They have positive outlook about life •They are comfortable with closeness •They seek physical and or emotional intimacy with little or no fear of being rejected, used or overwhelmed •They are generally consistent and reliable to partners •They include partners in decision making B. Dismissive Avoidance (Insecure-Avoidance) Children with insecure avoidance syndrome are kids whose major care-givers never care about their responsive roles. They are parents or guardians who shy away from responsibilities. As a result, the children, with time learn to pull away emotionally as a way to avoid feelings of rejection. This survival strategy makes them, at adult stage, to •Become uncomfortable with emotional openness •Deny themselves the joy of initiate relationship despite their partners assurance of love and intimacy •They value, with impunity, independence and autonomy •Develop strategies to reduce or suppress feelings of being commit-

ted and or getting overwhelmed •They have already made answers/ measures to defend their actions •They fight any suspected attempt to their independence •They easily shut down and remain shut down •They hardly say ‘I love you’, ‘I’m sorry’, not because they don’t feel like saying it but they just want to say it •They are highly secretive •They may go on with an understanding partners for a while but along the line, the relationship may suffer shipwreck C. Fearful- Avoidant Attachment (Disorganized-Disoriented) Children from this background are exposed to prolonged and or repeated abuses or neglects. These are majorly children that are brought up by care–givers. Funny enough these care-givers are the primary source of their pains and trauma. Having been abused by fellows who ought to have given them cares and intimacy, they resort to develop unconsciously as adults:•With fears about intimacy within the relationship platform •Afraid of close relationships (they don’t want anyone’s access to their past) •They may recognize the values of intimacy, have the desire for one, yet they have a kind of constraint engaging in it because they already lost the ability to trust anyone. •They consciously emotional openness with others because they are afraid of getting hurt or rejected. D. Anxious Preoccupied Attachment (Insecure Ambivalent) This happens when parents are inconsistent with their responsibilities towards the children. Such parents are just on and off. I call them fluctuating parents. They could be nurturing, caring and attentive today but become rejecting, cold, and fierce or emotionally detached the next

day. Some parents with history of addiction or psychological illness are prone to this kind of styles. The kids raised in families like this don’t really know what to expect per time. And as a result they become. •Adults who earnestly desire a lot of connection within relationship, they are so pushy to the point of becoming “clingy” •Easily detect any slight change in the relationship •Become easily worried at any sight negative change in the relationship. So he/she focuses energy on measures to increase connectivity inside of the relationship Note- People with this kind attachment style need more validation and constant approval than their other counterparts. General Features of Childhood Trauma and Neglects In A Romantic Relationship Although this is a deep long lasting wound on the victims’ life, yet it is not easily noticed by the people in close relationship with them. Nevertheless, the factors mentioned below are some of their characteristics attributes •They have some troubles/challenges communicating emotions or feelings •They consciously and constantly withdraw instead of exploring feelings •They use only functional simple sentences •Many a times their partners often wonder if they hurt them, without being aware of that, through what they might have said •Their partners work tirelessly to unravel the underlying elements first and then begin to think about the effective means to fix or change just to accommodate them •They are mostly seen but not heard •Never cares about sharing emotions •Lacks the capacity and the right diction to explain or understand what they are feeling

•They grew up not attracting empathy for themselves or others around them. They had no safe space and as a result appear too harsh and strict in a supposedly romantic relationship •They operate on a ‘close system’ •They lack healthy communication skills (feedback is not needed by them) •Conflicts become normal daily chores •They quickly resort to addictions •Hides and escapes to avoid any seemingly difficult situation •Their family members get tired, trying to resolve relationship related issues with their partners because, they mostly have irreconcilable differences with their loved ones •Their partners go through series of emotional abuses and harassments •There is always no synchronization between what is being said and what he/she understands. This causes lots of problem for their partners •Like infants, they throw tantrums as their loved ones Ways Out To Freedom Although parents and care-givers play paramount roles on your upbringing; hence shaping our approach to life and relationship at large. This article, however, is not just meant to attack or blame them, or leave us with regrets. Rather it is a package to stimulate you as an adult to develop the abilities to create change for yourself, work on your mind and attitude in order for you to give your best in any given relationship. Awareness about these factors will empower you to make a definite impact in your life and relationships. Understanding how your early childhood life had been coupled with the experiences you got, you can now decide to shape your own attachment style and the characteristic connection to suit your own present styles of interaction and relationship. Sure, you can’t just improve, you can still maintain the improved level of connection towards your own relationship Reconnection Tools for Happiness •Be 100% Self-Reliant •Decide never to appear emotional, melancholic or needy •You are not superhuman, meaning you can make mistakes. So forgive yourself at any mistake and move on with your life •Stop hiding •Learn the beauty of mutual dependence. •Accept help and support from others •Be expressive in a way that helps you achieve happiness •Learn and use the voice of compassionate accountability. (Everyone makes mistake, no one is an island, no one is perfect, practice makes perfect). • Be comfortable about identifying and sharing your feelings • View conflicts as a normal spice of life. So don’t o hiding at the emergence of any • Allow the people in your life to get closer to you What To Do If You Are In A Relationship With A Victim Of Childhood Neglects And Trauma • You must need to provide yourself a self compassion • Don’t always expect that they should always connect on mature level at any given conversation • If you notice this condition early at the onset of the relationship it may be an issue to re-consider because everyday conversation may be frustratingly boring •You might not really do much to offer tem emotional balance, therefore, you might be at risk of going through reoccurring unintentional emotional abuses, if you ever venture to changing them •Remember, you can never bend an adult

POLITICS

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 14 - 19 , 2019

To forgive Wike tightens noose and to on acriminals, cultists, remember kidnappers in Rivers... Pg 14

Pg 17

Obiora Okonkwo: Anambra’s diaspora population is reason for low poverty rate in the State It has been said that in many aspects, the Anambra State diaspora population has helped in maintaining stability in many families. Dr. Obiora Okonkwo, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) explains that a huge percentage of the 2018 remittances in 2018 from the diaspora into Nigeria is from the South East and Anambra State in particular. This is why Anambra is today rated as the lowest on the poverty index in Nigeria, says Okonkwo, a political economist, in this interview with FELIX OGUEJIOFOR ABUGU and KODILINYE OBIAGWU. Excerpts: HOW do you rate the relationship, if any, between the ruling political elite in Anambra and the money bags--the millionaires and billionaires in the state--in terms of their contribution to the state’s development? Beyond certain philanthropic gestures or social responsibilities associated with this category of Anambrarians, I do not think there is or has been a deliberate effort on the part of government to harness them or have what you will call a relationship to push for the development of the state. But for that to happen here, there must be a clear government policy that will bring about an enabling environment to grow business. Sometime in the past, a good number of these billionaires and millionaires were living in Anambra. The idea of them living outside Anambra today is a response to certain developments. While they stayed back in Anambra, the headquarters of their business empires, they sent their most trusted lieutenants to go and run things outside the state. This was the situation until things happened that started shrinking or threatening to shrink the economic infrastructure of the state. Suddenly, the economy shrank and out of frustration, these men left the territory. The issue of insecurity and kidnapping had become worrisome and they were compelled to look for havens for their businesses. Then there was a breakdown of infrastructure; at this time, the road network was hellish. Things got so bad that people stayed away from Anambra and this ushered an era when fathers were giving their daughters away in marriage while outside Igboland. It will take a leadership that recognizes the role of these moneybags in the development of the state to seek a significant relationship with them. This is critical because every Anambra man loves his home. Is there is any truth in the claim that the billionaires in Anambra can fund the running of the government without the governor bothering with statutory federal allocation? I know that there are people in Anambra who have the capacity to provide any amount of money needed to strengthen the economy of the state. This does not mean that these individuals will just hand over their money to the government to dispense as it likes. But, if the government can create the enabling environment, these people can bring their resources and invest in critical areas that will bring about economic growth, create employment and strengthen the state’s economy. When government provides the right infrastructure, there will be multi-billion dollar factories, industries and internally-generated revenue will improve, unemployment will drop and security will improve. With many economic activities going on, workers will pay taxes, standard of living will improve and, generally, good things will begin to happen. This is just what it means. Even if the government has to borrow money to create the enabling environment, it would have been money well spent. If that should happen, Anambra sons and daughters will be trooping home to invest in critical economic areas.

the cultural support system that has been built and sustained between those abroad and those at home. There is no government social programme that supports the poor or the aged in terms of free medical care, for example. But, 70 per cent to 80 per cent of our strong and active population is living in diaspora and they show responsibility to support the 20 per cent of the old and younger population, made up of parents and siblings. These are not earning incomes, so they are supported from outside. If they are sick, need to pay school fees or house rent, money is sent from outside the state. The diaspora remittances are one reason a lot of things look normal in Anambra.

•Obiora Okonkwo What do you expect from Anambra’s significant diaspora population in the context of the think-home-and-come-home mantra in critical circles in the political economy? The concept of think-home is different from come-home. Think-home is an invitation to be part of the process of what is happening at home. You can also extend whatever you are doing wherever you are to home. We can learn from what is called the Jewish formula. The greatest strength of the Jews is their population in the diaspora; the homeland, Israel, doesn’t have enough landmass to accommodate them. But wherever they go, they are first and foremost Jews. They, like the Chinese, link whatever they are doing anywhere else to their homelands. That is what think-home means. But the come-home principle is for them to physically relocate and return home.

Anambra’s diaspora population should go as far and as wide as they can. And that places a huge responsibility on them. They must in doing so, think home always like the Jews. They must not forget their origin, which even includes not forgetting their culture. These are critical things. In several other aspects, the diaspora population is the reason there is still stability, improved standard of living and higher quality of life in many families in Anambra. According to available statistics, in 2018, remittances from the diaspora to Nigeria were put at US$18 billion. This is higher than the national budget. From this amount, South East accounts for 70 per cent and more than half of that 70 per cent is traced to Anambra. This is why Anambra, today, is rated as the lowest on the poverty index in Nigeria. This is not because of any special government policy to fight poverty. It is all about

Shouldn’t government harness this diaspora population in a methodical way to develop the state as is done in the Philippines, for example? I don’t think that is possible. No government can wake up one day and make a policy on how to get part of the income of a young man, who trekked from Nigeria to Libya through the desert, hid himself in a vessel and made it to Spain. He then went to prison and finally found himself in the system where he eventually started sending money to his parents. What will be government’s excuse to make him make remittances to them? These remittances are informal and generated by individuals for the purpose of sustaining their families. Essentially, they are channelled towards survival, feeding, day to day expenses, hospital bills for relatives. In the absence of a government policy in Anambra, you can only appeal to their sentiments bearing in the mind that the only people who can develop a place are the indigenes. They can be encouraged with special incentives to engage in certain investments that may not be driven by the values of the formal economy, but driven by sheer passion and sentiment. Actually, on a national level, diaspora remittances are a very serious business. They require a deliberate policy that of course doesn’t exist in Nigeria. The Philippines got US$38 billion diaspora remittances, which constitute about 40 per cent of their GDP. They have a working population but they don’t have a strong economy. India has the highest repatriation rate of funds, but they were properly planned for. They come from highly skilled personnel that benefitted from a clear government policy on skill acquisition and training. Over 90 per cent of these people is employed directly from their country and given the necessary resident permit to go into that place and work and the remittances are formal and properly documented. What do you think of the PDP ahead of the politics of 2021 after its poor run in previous elections in the state? Things are different now for the PDP in Anambra. The party hasn’t had what you call a poor run in previous elections. The state has always been a PDP enclave and the party has

Cont’d on page 16

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 14 - 19, 2019

Tribute to Toni Morrison (1931-2019)

To forgive and to remember From the archive: An interview with Nobel Prize laureate, Toni Morrison, on memory and reconciliation, peace and revenge, survival skills and ghosts. Morrison, a pioneer and reigning giant of modern literature, died Tuesday aged 88. In 2004, HAARETZ spoke to her about her novel “Love

EW YORK – No. 240 is located on a very neglected street, in the southern part of Manhattan. In its size and its splendor, the building stands out on the rather dirty industrial block planted between Chinatown and Soho. Two black lion statues adorn the building’s exterior, and upon entering, there are colorful carpets, wide stairwells and two doormen speaking very quietly between themselves. Does Ms. Morrison live here? “Yes, absolutely,” replies one of them. Apartment 6D is opened by a woman in a blue kerchief, her gray-white hair gathered beneath it. She is large, slow-moving, chainsmoking; her deep, hoarse and resounding voice fills the room. She offers her hand to be shaken, and then ascends heavily to the second floor to conclude a phone conversation. “My son is hospitalized, he doesn’t feel well,” she sighs, sitting in the large armchair. “I’m worried. I’ll go visit him later.” She lowers the volume of the music playing in the background - a CD of world music. Statues and African masks and a lot of wood furniture are scattered all around. A high chair stands next to a wooden reading stand, surrounded by many books. Despite the building’s grand facade, the apartment itself is simple, functional, not particularly large, not ostentatious: It has no large windows overlooking all of Manahattan, and no newfangled electronic gadgets. This is the home of Toni Morrison, the African-American writer who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1993, author of the book “Beloved,” for which she was awarded the Pulitzer Prize. Morrison has a special status in America. The first black

woman writer to win a Nobel Prize, she showed millions of readers the world over the disastrous meaning of slavery in the lives of blacks in America, and her bestselling books are studied in schools and researched in universities. Morrison, who over the years has turned into a spokeswoman of race and gender, today enjoys celebrity status. Her good friend is popular television presenter Oprah Winfrey, who produced “Beloved” as a film. Morrison’s 70th birthday party was attended by such personalities as Hillary Clinton and Kofi Annan. People look up to her, read her regularly, await her next book. Reservations about the war It is therefore not surprising to find her behaving like a celebrity. She won’t devote more than an hour to a newspaper interview, because in an hour a driver in a shiny black car will be waiting for her downstairs to take her to a lunch date. She agreed to this one hour only after demanding information about the interviewer, and after reading several of the questions, to decide whether it was worth the effort. Sekindo TAG Parameters Description. All values must be ENCODED. cbuster : Cache buster, pubUrl : Source page url, x : The width of the video player, y : The height of the video player, code from sekindo - Haaretz - Haaretz VS Mid-Article code from sekindo In her living room she confirms that the interview is taking place in honor of her new book, “Love,” which was published in the United States last October and will soon be published in Hebrew. Despite its

name, the novel depicts hatred. In March 2004, when New York is the scene of protest demonstrations against the war in Iraq, and the city is still very much influenced by the trauma of 9/11, discussion of the subject seems more pertinent than ever. And in fact, Morrison talks about hatred and love in social and political contexts as well. About a year ago, Morrison expressed reservations about the war. “When there are no political means, only the bullet remains,” she said at the time in an interview. Today she says, “My feeling is that cultures and nations that are clashing - they’re doing the easiest thing. Murder and killing is the easiest thing to do. The language of reconciliation, the language of peace, is understood as not having the strength, as not sexy, not adventuresome, not strong. The language of war - Churchill, all the poetry, the epics and sagas are about war and death and honor and so on. Maybe it had to be that way to get people to go and fight and die. But it looks to me that the language of Gandhi, of Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela - is the real language of humanity. It’s understood by those who want to live in peace. It’s the strongest language. That language got us to the civil rights movement. It called upon the best parts of other people. It’s demanding the best parts of ourselves.” From slavery to freedom For Morrison, the past is never over. Dead people and ghosts are permanent features in her novels. This is most evident in “Beloved,” which tells about a mother who murdered her baby daughter as a

last act of independence before the child is taken into slavery as well, but her ghost returns and arises from the dead. This murder comes up again in the opera written by Morrison based on the true story of Margaret Garner, which will soon be performed. Doesn’t there come a time when one should forget the past so that it won’t continue to dominate humanity? “`Beloved’ represents a brutal past that was not confronted in the literature. Sethe is very busy forgetting the past. There is a very big danger in being clutched by the past, and there is a big danger in escaping it. The job is to look at the past and take from it what is useful to go forward. Not to ignore it, not to be entrapped by it, but to use one’s intelligence and instincts for progress. And try not to repeat it - you already know what it’s like. Just don’t do it. I understand it was extremely important to the first and second generations of freed ex-slaves not to dwell on the past, it would just paralyze them. And so they did not pass on these stories. But the third, fourth and fifth generations needed to learn about the past in order to go on.” Morrison warns against restoring the past. “Forgive and remember is more my slogan. My model for that is South Africa. The whole notion of speaking to your torturer or your killer, hearing them confess, and then not requiring punishment, is a brand new example of human enterprise. I’ve seen some of these things take place. What do you want? To get them punished? Do you want justice? The other way of reacting - which is forgive and remember - does this service to the dead. But don’t

The Oracle Today WednesdayAugust 14 - 19, 2019

Tribute to Toni Morrison (1931-2019) repeat it by killing. I always thought the death penalty is not useful. People who murder routinely get used to it, they become more and more interested in death, and also interested in their own death. So you can’t really punish them by killing them.” Morrison sees the transition from slavery to freedom, which blacks and Jews have in common, as a kind of common fate. Her book “Beloved,” dedicated to the “Sixty million and more” (a reference to the number of slaves who died during the Atlantic crossing from Africa to America) implies an association with the memory of the Holocaust. She says that black Americans and Jewish Americans share “a very close and intimate fate, there were moments when people talked about black anti-Semitism. That relationship is so close I suppose it’s not a good idea to take it for granted.” Morrison says that the conflict that took place several years ago between Jews and blacks in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn is an exception, since the blacks involved in the conflict were from the West Indies - they were not veteran African-Americans. She adds that she doesn’t even know whether any pure blacks remain in the United States, and says that there may be only 50 people in the entire country without any mixed blood. A writer thanks to her divorce Morrison, 73, divides her time between her Manhattan apartment and her house on the Hudson River, in New York’s Rockland County. (The house burned down about 10 years ago, and has since been rebuilt.) She is divorced and the mother of two sons, Ford, an architect, and Slade, an artist. When she was 27 years old she married Jamaican architect Harold Morrison, whom she divorced after six years, when she was pregnant with their second son. She once said in an interview that had there been no divorce, she wouldn’t have become a writer but would have continued being a wife, and would have drowned her frustration by reading books. She has never remarried; in interviews she has said that several times she was about to get married, but “something stupid” prevented her from doing so.

She was born in 1931 in Lorain, Ohio as Chloe Wofford. At the age of 12 she was baptized, and added the middle name Anthony. In college her friend called her by her nickname, Toni, which has remained with her since then. After finishing high school she enrolled in Howard University in Washington, D.C., a prestigious black college (“I wanted to be surrounded by black intellectuals,” she once said). In 1953 she went on to Cornell University, where she studied for her master’s degree in American literature and wrote her doctoral dissertation on alienation in the works of William Faulkner and Virginia Woolf. In 1964 she began to work as an editor at Random House, and edited quite a number of books that later served as a basis for black studies, gender studies and post-colonialist studies. Since 1989 she has been teaching at Princeton - literature, African-American studies and creative writing. Between her work as an editor and caring for her young children, Morrison used every free moment to write. Her first book, “The Bluest Eye,” about a black girl who dreams of having blue eyes, was published in 1970, when Morrison was 39. After it came “Sula,” “The Song of Solomon,” “Tar Baby,” and in 1987, “Beloved.”

Later she wrote “Jazz,” “Paradise,” and a book of essays, “Playing in the Dark: Whiteness and the Literary Image,” in which she defined white identity as a separate category formed in contrast to the black man. She has also written children’s books, poetry, a play, a musical and an opera. Morrison has no objection to labels, such as a “woman writer” or a “black writer.” On the contrary, these are identities that enrich her, she says. She is in favor of affirmative action (“If the door is open you go in it; if you can’t stand it they will put you out”). She leaves feminism to white women. In her writing she doesn’t spare criticism of African-American society. She describes the class differences and the hierarchy of color in black society, murders, rapes, abuse and the breakup of the family unit. Her critics find her writing to be overly didactic, and too full of politics and social viewpoints. When she won the Nobel Prize some claimed that she had received it for reasons of political correctness and because of her race and gender, rather than for literary reasons. Morrison is sensitive to the subject: “It’s important, the money is fabulous, but let’s go on,” she said in an interview several months ago.

“ “It’s a symptom of all the social

struggles: You fight, you win, and then what do you do? The thing to do when you win is to free somebody else. That’s what freedom is about. It’s easy to betray freedom, to become just interested in riches, acquisitions, power

“

•Toni Morrison poses after being awarded the Officer de la Legion d’Honneur, France’s highest award, Paris, November

Feminine power Her new novel, “Love,” tells the story of Bill Cosey, a middle-aged black man, who runs a hotel and resort for wealthy blacks during the first half of the 20th century. Cosey is a complex figure: He is charming and charismatic, but he operates out of perverted urges; he has a black identity, but he adopts the whites’ rules, first and foremost by being bourgeois. His original sin, which causes his downfall and the disintegration of his family, is his marriage, after the death of his wife, to an 11-yearold girl, his granddaughter’s best friend. From that moment, his child wife and his granddaughter become bitter enemies, and the love and friendship between them is abruptly terminated. In the book, Morrison portrays the unfortunate manner in which social struggles clash with one another. In the war for black rights, for example, the women are harmed. In one of the scenes in the book, a civil rights worker rapes a young woman volunteer, but society doesn’t punish him, in order not to undermine male brotherhood. The same is true of Bill Cosey’s attempt to save an 11-year-old girl from a life of poverty: One hand builds up and the other destroys. Will every social struggle to help one group of people necessarily harm another group? Morrison: “It’s a symptom of all the social struggles: You fight, you win, and then what do you do? The thing to do when you win is to free somebody else. That’s what freedom is about. It’s easy to betray freedom, to become just interested in riches, acquisitions, power. Trying to remain a complex human being with all those temptations and also to hold other people’s hands. After you get your freedom you open your hand.” The women in the book are the weakest social link. But she says it must be remembered that they are the ones who give Bill Cosey his power, and only toward the end do they understand that they helped him to invent himself. “The fight, the struggle, is for more freedom, not less. Bill Cosey represents that part of the black community that has flourished under an apartheid situation. They had a trapped clientele, the black lawyers, the black doctors, and they were ambivalent about the black civil rights movement, because its success would make it possible for their clients and their patients to go elsewhere. So there will be no neighborhood, because in those days the professional blacks lived next door to less wealthy blacks. There was a community, but after civil rights, blacks could be wherever they wished. So there is a class conflict, which I hope is parallel to the class differences between Christine and Heed in the novel.” How much free will does she give her characters? How much does she believe in free will? Morrison says that for her, a happy ending is when the characters in the book learn something they didn’t know before, a kind of painful knowledge, a difficult blessing. They only seem to lose, but actually they win, because they learn something. “I think my imagination is stimulated by duress, how human beings manage under duress. For me their survival is extraordinary, this ability to do things, to tell themselves stories and lies, be creative about this, be insistent about that. If they figure out what the truth is - that’s worth their life.” Showing the same heaviness with which she opened the door for me, Morrison gets out of the armchair. She has to go out for lunch, they’re waiting for her. She stands in front of the mirror, straightens her blue kerchief, piles a few books, pamphlets and papers under her arm, and goes out to the hall. She locks the door while the elevator comes. Is she writing anything these days? She is, as a matter of fact, because there’s a subject that looks interesting to her now, she answers briefly and doesn’t continue.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 14- 19 , 2019

EDUCATION A

T the famous Princess Alexandra Auditorium (PAA) at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), Professor Marcel Ugwuoke Agu gathered his friends, professional colleagues, his students and former students the supervisees, captains of industries, traditional rulers to celebrate. It was the launch of his book, “Principles of Power Electronics Circuits.” He called the occasion, “Celebration of Academic Excellence and Book Launch in honour of Professor Marcel Ugwuoke Agu.” And In the words of his supervisees, Agu “is an excellent academician.” The don tore into the youths and the nation’s educational system. To the youths, he lamented the absence of a reading culture and research. He went further: “There is very poor reading habit and research in our educational system, low educational standards and over politicisation of recruitment of teaching staff instead of focusing on merit and excellence. Therefore, these and more portend a lot of dangers to our educational system. They should be addressed immediately by overhauling our educational system.” The event, which turned out to be a gathering of who is who in engineering department of the university, paralyzed academic activities at the department of electrical engineering. It was the supervisees of Prof. Agu (Masters to Ph.D) who used the event to honour the erudite professor of electrical engineering, with a major in Power Electronics, and also launch his new book. In an interview about his book, Professor Agu said: “When you do something that gives you joy, it is good that at the end of the day you transfer the knowledge in a document for posterity. That is transferring knowledge to others. That is what motivated me to write this book, which I started far back in 2003,” a mind boggling 16 years. The book is the author’s retiring souvenir to the department of electrical engineering of the university and the engineering world at large. The book is based on his more than 42 years of dedicated study, teaching and research in the relatively new and very fast growing subject of Power Electronics. Agu noted that, “the book is an effort to provide an upgraded and comprehensive coverage of the features, analysis and control of core Power Electronics Circuits.” “Principles of Power Electronics Circuits,” represents one of the continued efforts by a specialist in Power Electronics to provide updated, easy to use and comprehensive Power Electronics book for the teaching and practice of Power Electronics. It benefits both engineering students and engineers pursuing careers in the wide area of control and conversion of electric power to various voltage levels and frequency for residential, commercial and industrial applications. Prof. Agu started out in 1976 when he was

Don calls for overhauling of educational system in Nigeria The recent launch of a book on engineering by Professor Marcel Ugwuoke Agu at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) came as a celebration of academic excellence in honour of the renowned academic. CHINAZOMU OKENWA was there in Nsukka for The Oracle Today. recalled to UNN to serve as a junior research Fellow in the department of Electrical Engineering. This was after his National Youth Service programme at the defunct Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) in Jos, then Benue Plateau State. He was overseas from October 1976 to June 1982 where he was a post graduate student at the prestigious University of Toronto, Canada. He returned to UNN and resumed as Lecturer II. He was to head the department later. He held various positions including Chairman of an ad hoc committee that produced a guiding operating manual for the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). He was Director UNN Computer Communication Centre, and served the National Satellite Research and Development Agency, Abuja as the chairman of the Agency’s Power Generation, Distribution and Control Research Group. The consultant group advised the Agency on solar and fuel cell energy based electric power supply system etc. He was Chairman Enugu State Rural Electrification Board, Field Engineer of the Volunteer Service Scheme of old Anambra State and the Chairman of Caretaker Committee of Igbo -Etiti Local Government Area, Enugu State. He was honoured with the chieftaincy titles of Chinyelugo 1 of Igbo-Etiti LGA as well as Chinedum of Ohebe DimEze, his home town. The chairman of the event, Prof. Ogbonnaya Inya Okoro, who was once head of Depepartment of Electrical engineering UNN, and former Dean, College of Engineering and Engineering Technology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, (Supervisee of Prof. and the leader of the organisers), said that the event was to show case a man who made them (the supervisees) good academicians. According to Okoro, “it is a way to appreciate our teacher for the knowledge he imparted in us, both in character and learning. He is a committed academic, a father and mentor, who was known for a certain academic excellence, which is diminishing in Nigerian universities.

“Agu is humility personified, an academic colossus, scholar, a father of modern Electrical Engineering at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a professor of professors.” On the book, Okoro said, “to me, it is quite obvious that Agu set out in life with the determination to impact the society tremendously in a positive manner. The book is a product of his teachings and research at the university spanning over 34 years. “In the department of electrical engineering, I make bold to say that Professor Agu has produced more than 75 per cent of the total

Ph.D and M.Engineering graduates since the inception of the department.” Okoro went on praising Agu for his brilliance, warmth, humility, humanity, tolerance, generosity and uncommon devotion to God. He threw the gauntlet to other retiring professors to emulate Agu by producing a book for posterity. Dr. Goshwe, Nentawe Yilwatda, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Commissioner In Benue State, was the Chief launcher; he unveiled the book.

them completely in terms of success or failure or what they would have wanted to do. But one thing is certain; there is a need to create the atmosphere that will make the state benefit from the available huge human capital base. Sometimes, it is obvious that the proper environment doesn’t exist to attract home quality manpower in every field of human endeavour. At every point in time, the needs of a people differ. At any time, resources must be deployed to that focus in terms of need. It could be security, education, ICT, agriculture, industrialization. The impact is what defines success and failure. The needs assessment has to change so that we can effectively use the available resources.

to move forward. We have abundant human resources; they have to be fully tapped and when that is achieved in Anambra that surely will trigger the renaissance that is needed in the entire South East, because the multiplier effect will spread. It is then that the zone will start to develop an integrated economy, an integrated infrastructural development, integration in terms of policy and security. These critical factors can bring about stable development in a region; we can be one common economic unit. If today we are signing African treaty for one African market, that means nations have realized the needs to be one in so many aspects. The South East has to realize the reason to be one in many aspects. When this is done, we can then begin to talk of a shared vision.

...Population is reason for low poverty rate Cont’d from Page 13 always aided every APGA government in the past. The ruling party couldn’t have won without the support of the PDP in 1999 or 2003. What made the difference was the internal conflict in the PDP, which made critical elements of the party fight and work for APGA’s victory. Those forces for example fought against Ngige’s government and supported Obi’s court process; that was bad news for Ngige. Obi’s second term election was based on an understanding with PDP. All that is what has changed now. PDP will work for PDP and in 2021 and will take Anambra back. How much of an issue is zoning in Anambra politics going into 2021? Zoning is not a problem in Anambra politics. I am particularly interested in the kind of leadership that is in the state. We are in a democracy and the people would select their leader. Anambra needs competent, capable and credible leadership to enable it play its role in the South East zone. As a member of the PDP, I am not aware of any zoning, in my party or in the state. At the last stakeholders meeting, the PDP hierarchy encouraged everyone to come out and con-

test. There was no talk about zoning. My interpretation of zoning is that it should be discussed, agreed upon and a zoning formula set. And then that rotation must be respected under any circumstances. Is that the case in Anambra? So far, nobody has been able to say where it was discussed, who sat down to discuss it, and what the formula is. Zoning is not a crippling issue, as far as I am concerned, in Anambra politics. The issue of equity in Anambra North at the time it was mooted by APGA made more sense. Again, if it had been zoned to them and it was agreed upon, there is chance that it might not have been respected. But the people of Anambra Central respect equity and showed it in the support for the North. We saw the need for equity and it was in consideration of that that the zone did not support their kinsman Ngige, who for the first time in his political journey lost his local government, his strong hold, Idemili North and South. Do you think the state leadership at various times has leveraged on its huge human resource base both at home and in the diaspora to develop the state? Previous leaders may have done their best within the circumstances of their administration. I don’t have the information to assess

Do you think Anambra has really pulled itself up enough to play a bigger role in the South East? I might be asking myself the same question. Am thinking of how Anambra can play a role in the integration of the South East zone because of how it is situated geographically, politically and economically. It is obvious that we have not maximised those opportunities available in charting that course. The leadership must be able to design a way to make those special human resources to be part of our developmental process, our discussion, the strategies needed

What’s your view on marginalisation amidst feelings that Nigeria has been unfair to the South East? If any section thinks that Nigeria has not been fair to them, the principle is to get up. You don’t fall down and remain there; you cannot be sitting down there and crying. You need to do something. Some parts of this country cry because they don’t have the means to do anything for themselves. The Igbo are a people that cannot be stopped.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 14 - 19, 2019

POLITICS

Wike tightens noose on acriminals, cultists, kidnappers in Rivers...

• Govt will do everything to protect lives and property •Proscribes all youth associations •Police, Army: “we don’t have wanted cultist and kidnapper, Bobosky, in our custody” •As CP laments that “almost all communities have been overrun by cultists” From NATH OMAME, Jr. Port Harcourt

overnor Nyesom Wike has continued to tighten the noose on criminals, armed robbers, cultists and kidnappers in Rivers State. And the new security architecture, code-named “Operation Sting”, which he launched on Friday, July 26, appears to be yielding dividends in quick measure. Two notorious cultists and leaders of two deadly kidnap gangs were last week killed by operatives of the Nigerian Police. While Goodluck Ovouna was killed at Egamini, around the Ndele axis of the EastWest Road, Sunny Wovodo, aka Abacha was killed at Ndele junction along the East-West Road. Abacha was declared wanted and a bounty placed on his head by Governor Wike along with the late Don Waney and 29 others in the aftermath of the 2018 New Year Day shootings that killed about 23 people who were returning from Crossover activities in their various Churches, at Alikor, near Omoku, in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of the state. Abacha and two of his gang members were intercepted at the Ndele junction as they rode in a taxi on their way to Port Harcourt , on Wednesday, August 7, by members of the Rundele Odege Security Planning Advisory Committee (ROSPAC), a new local vigilante group working in concert with military and security operatives to provide security to travellers along the East-West Road, which is being terrorized by kidnappers. Abacha had gone underground after he was declared wanted but had continued to perpetrate criminal activities in Emohua Local Government Area and on the East-West Road, robbing and kidnapping travellers. Upon identifying Abacha and his gang members, members of ROSPAC alerted the Police. In a bid to escape, Abacha and his gang members engaged the police in a shootout. Abacha was killed in the exchange of gunfire that ensued, while his two colleagues escaped with bullet wounds. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Nnamdi Omoni, who confirmed the incident said it was undertake by a combined team of

•Gov. Nyesom Wike Operation Sting, officers from Rumuji Police Station and members of ROSPAC. Security operatives also stormed and destroyed a kidnappers’ camp at Rumuakunde, Emohua Local Government Area. Some of the travellers kidnapped along the East-West Road were taken to the camp while awaiting the payment of ransom by family members. One notorious kidnapper, Ekwueme and some members of the gang that operated the kidnap camp also escaped with bullet wounds having been over-powered by the superior fire power of the security operatives. The security operatives have now turned

the heat on armed robbers, cultists and kidnappers terrorizing drivers and passengers at Rumuodogo, along the East-West Road. Last week, kidnappers stopped an 18-seater bus with a barrage of gunshots along the East-West. But their plan of abducting all the passengers was foiled by the security operatives who killed three of the kidnappers and rescued all 18 passengers. Omoni stated that “Operation Sting” is yielding result because the modus operandi is different, making it possible to take the criminals unawares. “Operation Sting is working with an entirely new concept. There will be no hiding place

for criminals in the state,” the PPRO vowed. In fulfillment of his promise to fully support the new security architecture “Operation Sting” in the state to enable it weed out criminals, Governor Wike recently gave out over 40 patrol vans fitted with communication gadgets to the Federal Special AntiRobbery Squad (FSARS), See 4 Eye, Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Police Anti-Cultism Unit, Federal Road Safety Corps and Eagle Crime at Government House, Port Harcourt. The governor, consequently, proscribed all youth associations in the state, lamenting that “cultists have taken over youth groups in the state.” Governor Wike asserted: “Rivers State government is fully prepared and will do everything required to protect lives and property. Without the protection of lives and property, there will be no governance and development.” Unimpressed by the involvement of cultists in youth associations across the state, the governor proscribed all youth groups in the state, making it illegal to belong to any youth group in the state. “Anybody operating under any youth group will be arrested by security agencies. Before you contest for any youth leadership, you must send the names to the DSS and the Police for screening. If they are cultists, we will not allow them to operate.” The governor also placed a bounty of N30 million on any useful information that can lead to the arrest of a notorious criminal, cultist and kidnapper, Bobosky from Gokana Local Government Area who has for years been terrorizing the Ogoni area of the state. Governor Wike fingered Bobosky as one of those involved in the crisis in Choba, in Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area, where the University of Port Harcourt is located. The crisis led to the death of a director in the Rivers State government. On Friday, barely 24 hours after Governor Wike announced the bounty on Bobosky, the governor in a security meeting with leaders of Rumuolumeni community, at Government House, Port Harcourt, stated that “the army has captured Bobosky of Gokana. I will pay the bounty that I promised to the Nigerian Army. Anyone who generates insecurity in Rivers, I am ready to pay any amount to ensure the arrest of that person.” He appealed to community leaders to cooperate with the state government in fighting crime and criminality by providing information on cultists and criminals in their communities to security agencies to enable them frontally reduce crime in the state. However, the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Aminu Illiasu, told The Oracle Today that “the Nigerian Army has no official comment to make on the matter. We don’t have Bobosky in our custody, so, we will not be making any official comment on that. When Don Waney was killed, I started sending out invitations to the press as early as 4.am, that Sunday morning. The Nigerian Army has established a precedence regarding the capture of wanted criminals.” The spokesman of the Rivers State Police Command, Omoni, also said “Bobosky is not in our custody so we cannot make an official statement on that matter.”

Bayelsa holds ‘pseudo’ local government election

n virtually all the places visited across the State by our correspondent Iduring the local council election,

people were seen going about their normal activities despite the restriction of movement from 8 am to 2pm as announced by the Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission (BYSIEC). There were also neither election materials nor election officials seen at the places visited, which used to serve as polling units even in the recently conducted National and State Assembly elections. The major opposition party in the state, the All Progressives Congress, (APC) had earlier said it would not participate in the election, citing the meddlesomeness of the PDP-led state government in the electoral process.

As expected, the Bayelsa State local government election held on Saturday, August 10, 2019 witnessed unprecedented apathy from the residents of the state. From Yenagoa, CLEM ONYEMAECHI reports. The state governor, Henry Seriake Dickson had appointed a card-carrying member of the PDP as the Chairman of BYSIEC against counsel by stakeholders in the electoral process. As a result of this, the APC said the situation would not guarantee level playing ground for the opposition in the election; hence it pulled out along with some other members of the opposition. However in Odi, Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tonye Isenah told journalists that election held in his ward 3 unit 1 where he voted, adding

that there was a large turn -out of voters at the unit. Our correspondent learnt that the apathy, which characterized the election was also fuelled by the “kangaroo” primaries conducted by the PDP where the governor was alleged to have handpicked his acolytes as chairmanship and counsellorship candidates which left many party faithful disenchanted. The governor it was further learnt is desperate to install a successor in the forthcoming governorship election in the state and, is therefore, believed to

using the local government election to raise those who would become automatic delegates during the governorship primary. There are eight local government areas in the state and 105 wards, so altogether the election is expected to produce 113 delegates including eight local government chairmen. The governor’s calculation, according to analysts, is that with 113 delegates already in his kitty, the governorship primary would be a walk-over for his preferred candidate. “This is the reason the government does not want to do anything straight with regard to this local government election. The governor has an agenda,” a concerned Bayelsan told our correspondent on Saturday in Yenagoa.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 14 - 19 , 2019

FOCUS

The plight of Ogbaru 1Constituency

gbaru 1 State Constituency in Anambra State is one of the 30 constituencies recognised by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended. The constituency comprises three major quarters, namely, East-Niger, Nkpikpa and Central Okpoko respectively but the bone of contention is that the constituency has been allegedly abandoned by successive administrations without any step taken to revamp the area as well as bestow on it the status of a city-side with all the prerequisites necessary to make life and living in the area worthwhile. A tour of the three quarters in the constituency further reveals obvious government outright neglect , abandonment and insensitivity thereby casting a blight on the inhabitants of the aforementioned quarters Ogbaru one constituency is currently bedeviled by erosion , flood, poor housing facilities , absence of roads and amenities as well as general environmental degradation and poor standards of living thereby reducing the entire constituency to a haven of criminalities as evident in its deplorable state . Furthermore Some of the streets visited upon investigations in the constituency namely Ogbudike , Nwokedi , Nicholas , Aririonwu and a host of others revealed that there has been no government presence in the area since the creation of Anambra state and that from all indications the constituency seems to have been forgotten completely . This is in accordance with the revelation made by Mrs.Benedict Ibeazor who lives along Aririonwu street in Central Okpoko . She said they have been subjected to perpetual suffering due to ecological problems . She said whenever it rained , the street is like River Niger itself because nobody comes out for fear of being carried away by flood and that most times people fled from their houses to avoid being submerged by flood adding that no government delegations have ever visited the area to undertake an environmental impact assessment on the level of degradable and deplorable conditions of the area . One Chief Samuel Okorienta who narrated the ordeals people go through at Nkpikpa axis of Ogbaru one constituency , noted that it has been a recurrent factor for people to loose their lives during rainy seasons in the area . He bemoaned the absence of drainage facilities as well as the menace of flood and erosion stressing that they have been allegedly alienated from urbanisation because no government has ever remembered them including the incumbent state government . On his part , the lawmaker representing the constituency at the state assembly Hon.Chukwunonso Noble Igwe said his constituency is not part of Anambra state because if it is , government wouldn’t allow his constituents to suffer in perpetuity . Igwe explained that “ our people do not feel anything like government presence in my area . For instance , you will cry for Okpoko community , from what you have seen there . The whole place is in a very sordid condition. We do not have any single good road in Okpoko entirely .The absence of good roads in Okpoko has led to the increase in crime because the

In this report, OZO RAY, writing from Awka asks: Is Ogbaru 1 Constituency still part of Anambra State? It is the story of neglect and near-abandonment of an otherwise vibrant part of Anambra State.

security personnel does not have access to the nooks and crannies ; they can’t move about to apprehend criminals because of bad roads . Also , we have a very big challenge when it comes to flooding . The only drainage system which is the sacamori in Okpoko is filled up with sand and that drainage is supposed to collect water from some parts of Awada , Fegge and the entire Okpoko down to Idemili river and finally to the river Niger but for now , the Sacamori is filled up making flood to destroy peoples’ property and lives . By this time last year , we lost about five lives to the menace of flood as a result of poor drainage system in Okpoko . We have a working governor ; maybe he has not been told about the conditions of the people of Okpoko . We are suffering and we are beckoning on him to please do at least two or three kilometers road for us ; we will appreciate it “ the only good road we used to enjoy before was Obodo-Ukwu road but come now , if you pass through Obodo-Ukwu road it will take you about one hour to cover just less than two kilometers of road . The entire place is in a total mess .We

are begging the working governor of Anambra state Dr.Willie Obiano to come and assist the people of Okpoko . As a matter of urgent need to come and do a total reconstruction of Obodo-Ukwu road and Ede road and also help us dredge the Sacamori drainage . Once that is done , our people will be happy and they will continue to support him and the government of Anambra state . “ According to him , Ogbaru one constituency is currently a no-go area because of the magnitude of flood in the area . He said any rainfall meant that one cannot go out or come into the constituency because of the level of flood devastations . He said “ from Awada - Obosi most of the flood coming down from there empty into Okpoko . Likewise from Fegge through the Sacamori drainage ; so Okpoko is more or less a dumping ground for flood and there is no control mechanism that would take care of that . At the end , it has a resultant negative effect on peoples’ property and lives . Houses are being destroyed . Properties are being destroyed . Thank God for the bravery of one barrow-pusher who saved the

life of a small child who nearly got drowned as a result of flooding in Okpoko area on Tuesday 30th July , this year . So when you get to Okpoko , you will have every right to have mercy on us because there is nothing like erosion or drainage control there and once it rains everywhere becomes flooded and people begin to scamper for safety . Last year , we lost so many people including bankers to flood menace . Four UBA staff were drowned in flood . They lost their lives just like that and many other people in Okpoko community . So if it rains in Okpoko , everybody will be in fear and at the end of it , it is either a building collapse or peoples’property got damaged or they loose their lives to flood . It has been a recurrent event and my people are in perpetual fear ! “ He however maintained that urgent proactive measures should be taken by the government in power to remedy the precarious situation in his constituency stressing that Governor Willie Obiano should have mercy on his constituents and direct the commissioners for works and environment to come to Okpoko community and see

that streets are destroyed and that the environment is nothing to write home about . The lawmaker therefore stated unequivocally that judging from the infrastructural deficits and environmental decay in his area , the implication is that Ogbaru one constituency is not part of Anambra state in principle but only exists in the archives of the state government . . The legislator who also doubles as a teacher disclosed further that all the government schools in Ogbaru one state constituency were completely non-functional . He therefore mentioned that Okpoko Boys Secondary School , Okpoko Girls Secondary School and some others were all in very bad conditions such that students struggled through flood waters to find their way home whenever it rained . Another problematic issue he raised was insecurity in Okpoko community . He said there should be more watertight security to reduce crime rate in Okpoko community pointing out that Ogbaru one constituency has been in the dark for too long and that it was time government remembered the constituency and include it in its development projects .

BU$IN£SS

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 14 – 19, 2019

•Energy

•Finance

•Stock

•Insurance

•Aviation

•e-Platform

Resource optimization: Seplat canvasses predictive intelligence

By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

Demand crash: Oil economies to expect shock

FMDQ OTC, now FMDQ Securities Exchange P26

AVIATION

• CEO, Seplat, Austin Avuru operators develop more Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques, and acquire real time data through Logging While Drilling (LWD) and Measurement While Drilling (MWD). In exploration and appraisal, he said that technology has made it possible to obtain big data from sensors attached to equipment used during exploration and appraisal activities, including seismic and well drilling activities. The practice, he pointed out, would further help in improving subsurface mapping and new well delivery performance through micro-seismic three-dimension (3D) imaging. In the midstream, Mr. Okon noted that refinery operators could now analyze economic indicators and weather patterns for forecasting demand, pricing and resource allocation while optimizing integrated refineries and leveraging machine learning for predictive analysis and selfdiagnosis. In providing a case study to

CBN Exchange Rates As At Friday, August 9, 2019 Currency Buying(₦) US DOLLAR 305.9 POUNDS STERLING 369.0072 EURO 342.5774 SWISS FRANC 314.2916 YEN 2.8902 CFA 0.5028 WAUA 420.2479 YUAN/RENMINBI 43.3314 RIYAL 81.5472 SOUTH AFRICAN RAND 20.141 DANISH KRONA 45.8896 SDR 420.949

Energy

P25 Equity & Capital Market

ndigenous energy firm, Seplat Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Plc, has advanced a pan-industry proposal for deployment of technologies that provide predictive intelligence in addressing issues that threaten downtime and operational losses. Executive Director in charge of Operations, Mr. Effiong Okon, who delivered a presentation at a technical conference in Lagos, said the right adoption of contemporary technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), big data and mobile technology would address risks associated with upstream, midstream and downstream operations in the industry. He explained that predictive technology and data intelligence would enhance planning, operations and forecast efficiency in the Nigerian petroleum industry. Mr Okon’s presentation at the event was titled “Transforming Big Data and Technology to Business Value: Challenges and Strategic Options.” He declared at a panel session that leveraging Cloud computing and big data, for instance, would promote accurate forecast of oil production for planning, drive operational excellence, production optimization and asset performance. He did not make a hazard at what the industry is currently losing due to low predictive intelligence or what it stands to save when the level of deployment is enhanced. He however contended that the use of predictive and data-driven maintenance for production and cost efficiency has helped to reduce Mean Time To Repair (MTTR) and increase Mean Time Before Failure (MTBF) in the industry. In the upstream, he said, operators could get predictive analysis through smart drilling, guarantee early identification of drilling anomalies, and identify hazards to well control problems. He added that predictive technology could also help

•Tourism

the delegates Mr. Okon said Seplat has continued to invest in contemporary technologies for efficient operations. According to him, Seplat’s investments in technologies are driven by measurable and justifiable values. “With the right technology, we can identify rock and fluid properties through Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI); locate new oil fields through Wide azimuth towed streamer (WATS) Acquisition; and analyse big data through Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) for cost efficiency. “It also applies to oil/gas transportation while connecting pipelines, sensors, leak detection, alarms and emergency shutdowns; using drone technology for pipeline surveillance. “Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionising midstream pipeline operations through Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) -based applications Okon added: “These technologies have a huge role

to play in the future of the oil and gas industry. The need for smart, cost efficient ways to access unconventional reservoirs is undoubted. It requires the combination of technology and thinking that redefines how firms manage and execute a more harmonised approach to early well life. As drilling projects grow in ambition, smarter equals faster. “Blockchain revolution is starting here and now. There is huge potential to reduce risk of fraud, error and invalid transactions in energy trading and enable interoperability. To revolutionize joint ventures (JVs), risk management, contracting and regulatory compliance, this is critical to unlocking the efficiency potential of distributed energy generation.” According to Okon, technology will be a facilitator in the transformation of oil and gas companies, and this demands that companies make confident, data driven decisions using relevant, accurate and trusted information platforms.

African airlines passenger traffic hits 11.7% P28

e-Platform

e-Nigeria to become Africa’s ICT conference, exhibition by 2020 –NITDA boss P29 Money Market

World Bank spends $11bn in Nigeria P31

STOCK MARKET HIGHLIGHTS AS AT FRIDAY, August 9, 2019

Summary

Central (₦) Selling(₦) ASI DEALS 306.4 306.9 VOLUME 369.6103 370.2135 VALUE 343.1374 343.6973 EQUITY CAP 314.8053 315.319 BOND CAP ETF CAP 2.8949 2.8997 0.5128 0.5228 Top 5 Trades 420.9348 421.6217 S/N Coy 43.4027 43.4739 1. FBNH 81.6805 81.8138 2. ZENITHBANK 3. ACCESS 20.174 20.2069 4. GUARANTY 45.9646 46.0396 5. UAC-PROP 421.637 422.3251

27,424.92 3,586.00 281,912,032.00 N2,720,720,730.33 N13,329,816,209,867.68 N12,455,842,678,519.10 N0.00

5 Top Gainers

Symbols Last Close DANGSUGAR N9.8 ETI N7.25 FBNH N5.15 NESF N552.2 UHOMREIT N40.7

Current Change N10.75 0.95 N7.95 0.7 N5.65 0.5 N552.2 0 N40.7 0

%Change 9.69% 9.66% 9.71% 0.00% 0.00%

5 Top Losers (By Volume) Value(N) 59,131,653 N296,946,762.85 39,044,925 N664,637,097.55 38,310,065 N233,661,603.60 30,795,404 N832,085,083.60 20,070,333 N22,482,988.96

GUARANTY HONYFLOUR PORTPAINT SKYAVN UAC-PROP

N27.7 N1 N2.47 N4.65 N1.24

N26.9 N1 N2.47 N4.65 N1.24

-0.8 0 0 0 0

-2.89% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 14 - 19, 2019

ISSN: 2545-5869

The

racle www.oraclenews.ng

EDITORIAL

Help patients with depression O wing to the hard times witnessed in the past few years, many Nigerians have come down with different types of mental disorder. It is no surprise that cases of suicide are rising in the country. Yet, our people do not even understand that many who commit suicide are just patients that deserve treatment or care. Depression is a medical condition marked by loss of interest or pleasure, inability to sleep, weight loss, constant fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, back pain, restlessness, feeling of guilt, and thoughts of suicide. One interesting fact is that this sickness affects every class of people: rich and poor, old and young, employed and unemployed, educated and uneducated, married and unmarried, men and women. The World Health Organization states that depression is the leading cause of disability in the world, as the number of people suffering from depression and or anxiety disorders have increased by almost 50% since 1990. In commemoration of the World Mental Health Day 2018, recently, the Nigeria National Depression report states that at least 60 million Nigerians are at risk of suffering from depression. It further found: “31.6% of polled respondents reported experiencing depressive symptoms. Putting this in perspective, 3 out of every 10 Nigerians are at risk of depression; 27.8% of respondents reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety. While both physical and

mental health is important for a flourishing life, mental illness explains more of the misery in the society more than physical illness, poverty or unemployment.” A depression patient could jump into a well or river and drown. She could deliberately drink a poisonous substance. He could tie a rope to a tree and hang. She could fall from a tree or highrise building. He could run into a vehicle on an expressway. He could become addicted to drugs in a vain effort to “cure” his worries. Suicide bombers used by terrorists could be patients with depression too. When a man decides to give up his life for a cause, he means business. Anyone who shows signs of depression should be watched closely. One pervasive form is the one that usually afflicts women during pregnancy (prenatal depression) or after they have given birth (postnatal/postpartum depression). And medical authorities say it afflicts two out of every 10 women of childbearing age. Left unprotected, she could easily commit suicide. Of the 60 million Nigerians estimated to be depressed, perhaps half a million are already dead. Only high-profile cases are reported. Many communities choose to live in denial: they attribute deaths by suicide to supernatural forces or “the enemy” at work. Some heap blames on the victims. At times, even the relations of a suicide victim refuse to disclose the actual cause of death, for fear of being despised. Things are getting unbearably tough in the country, and mental diseases like depression, which are rarely treated here, are taking their toll on Nigerians. It is only when a mental case becomes irreversible that family members chain the victim and seek psychiatric doctors. We are great pretenders, however. Many Nigerians live false lives – they buy big cars and houses with money borrowed from banks. Until recently, smiling faces were common wherever you went, despite the misery in the land. We do not approve of suicide or thoughts of suicide in any way. Only a coward would take their own life. Many people who faced extreme poverty a decade ago are millionaires today, and it is not because they took to armed robbery, cybercrime or other crimes. The Nigeria National Depression report advises: “Nigeria needs to be proactive in taking mental and emotional health seriously by reviewing the national mental health policy and creating a viable legislative framework to meet global standards, investing in public education to influence the culture to one that promotes resilience and creates safe spaces for emotional and mental healing, and investing in research, innovation and development.” Those who control the resources of the nation should give their compatriots hope, or else they will continue to live in fear with suicidal neighbours. Acts of injustice and economic recessions fuel suicidal

Today

VOX POPULI SACRUM

tendencies. Over 130million Nigerians live below the poverty line today; they have become nervous wrecks. Frustration has kept many in beer parlous where they take illicit gin or sniff Indian hemp. “Only when people are sustainably happy can they truly flourish, innovate, and make the world a better place,” said Damola Morenikeji, one of the authors of the Depression report. “The collective roles of governments, businesses, and other stakeholders have to transcend from creating an environment purely for wealth creation to creating environments that facilitate the genuine well-being and flourishing of people. “Human misery is real; the goal of every intervention should be to reduce misery while increasing the happiness of people. Investing in citizens’ happiness and well-being should not be a luxury, but a necessity.” Nigeria has no job for psychologists yet. Thankfully, religious houses have taken over the job. Let people understand, however, that mental illness is of various types. It is not only the people admitted in psychiatric hospitals or who roam the streets and eat from dustbins that are “mad”. It takes a mental illness for one to consider taking their own life. •Editor’s note: That there is always an increased incidence of depression in a depressed economy such as ours cannot be overstated. Since we ran this editorial in early June, we have noticed that the incidence of depression has increased all the more as there are as yet not too many positive developments in the economy. So, again, we reproduce this editorial on why society must help depression patients.

Our Vision TO 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.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 14 - 19, 2019

OPINION ‘Revolution’ meant to entrap government By EHICHIOYA EZOMON

t’s announced as a mass revolt, to take place simultaneously within and outside Nigeria, beginning on Monday, August 5, 2019. Its auspices - Global Coalition for Security and Democracy - depicts a universal embrace. The promoters of #RevolutionIsNow took a page from the playbook of uprisings in other climes, lately in Sudan. And its convener, Omoyele Sowore, online publisher of Sahara Repoters, and presidential candidate in the 2019 general election, was unequivocal about the aliased “#DaysofRage.” Post-the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of his political platform, the African Action Congress (AAC) in Abuja recently, Mr. Sowore had declared: “As you know, they did it (revolution) in Sudan and it was started by some women. They (government) were making fun of them but they did not stop until doctors joined them, the labour union joined them and what started with five people became 5,000 and 500,000 and became 5,000,000 and the regime fell.” There’s no “beating about the bush.” Sowore was straight to the point: a “regime change.” He damned the consequences of his proposal, and vowed to die for its cause. His words: “Don’t ask me whether I am afraid or worried about the legal implications of what I am saying. I am carrying out a historical duty and only history can judge me, not a prosecutor or a federal judge. You can’t kill somebody who is not afraid of death.” That’s the setting for the #RevolutionIsNow, and not the so-called “Key Demands” that seem an afterthought when the authorities raised concerns over the scheduled mass action, and their resolve to stop it in the bud.

Germaine, and pressing as some of the issues are, do they warrant a declaration of “revolution” in a society already at tenterhooks due to insecurity, and political, religious and sectional tensions? It’s like adding fuel to a fire. The government and security agencies had to put preventive measures in place to abort the rioting. And they did a good job of it, notwithstanding the “collateral damage” in citizens being manhandled by security operatives, who should provide protection for the agitators. That said, we’re familiar with the phrase, “No responsible government will allow” anything untoward on its watch. Most times, the term is used loosely to emphasis government’s awesome powers, and the capacity to deploy them accordingly. The appropriate time to test the terminology presented itself that Monday, and the security operatives bared their fangs in taming the alleged insurrection. My baffle, though: Were the organizers expecting to be ushered into a tea party? A revolution, as defined, is “a forcible overthrow of a government or social order, in favour of a new system.” It’s “a period of far-reaching social and political upheaval...” mostly achieved through tears, sorrow and blood, as in the Sudanese struggle that Sowore alluded to in his “Manifesto” for the #DaysofRage. Among revolution’s many synonyms are: anarchy, coup, disorder, insurgence, insurrection, mutiny, overthrow, putsch, rebellion, revolt, riot, seizure of power, sedition, subversion and uprising. Which of these words is a plaything to be bandied by persons dissatisfied with the status quo, and desirous of change by calling for “sustained” days of rage until the regime falls?

Let’s be honest! No government, not even that of the bastion of democracy, the United States of America, would fold its arms when individuals or groups threatened to levy a “revolution” on it. Perhaps, the organizers of #RevolutionIsNow played into the hands of the authorities. If by omission, they had employed “revolution” in the place of “protest,” it would indicate naivety and tactlessness: that the security operatives would give them a hug, guide and protect them in their resolve to overawe the government. But they definitely hit the bull’s eye if, by commission, they had reasoned that by using “revolution” as the call to action, the authorities would be jittery, and pounce on them, as witnessed in the tight security cordon across the country. Thus, the marchers’ artfulness, seeming fashionable, and a sort of “bragging right” in the polity, is for so-called “activists” to ruffle the feathers of the government, so they could be taken in by security operatives, locked up, and made “popular” by default. Sowore’s case could be likened to that of Absolom Frederick Jordan, as told in “The Anderson Papers,” written by Jack Anderson (a Pulitzer Prize winner for his investigative reporting), with George Clifford. In the chapter on “The FBI Story” in the provocative work “from the files” of Mr. Anderson, the authors note that, “For some, having a file with the FBI has become a status symbol,” as related below: “Absolom Frederick Jordan, a Black United Front member in Washington, D.C., greeted the FBI agents with a satisfied smile. It had taken them altogether too long, he complained, to get around to him. Their confidential report says: ‘Jordan stated he was somewhat hurt that the Federal Bureau of

Investigation had not interviewed him. He remarked that practically all of his friends in the BUF had been contacted and he could not understand why he had not been interviewed.’” The Black United Front’s ideals for “struggle for self-determination, liberation and power for Black people in the United States,” put them on the FBI radar. So, being “interviewed” means invited for questioning over their activities. As regards Sowore, he wasn’t only grilled, but detained by the Department of State Services (DSS), which has obtained a court permission to keep him for 45 days, rather than for 24 (or 48) hours prescribed by law. The detainee has appealed the court order. The #RevolutionIsNow organizers’s action may have confirmed the allegation that the government was intolerant of criticisms, and protests against its handling of the nation’s affairs. Could the administration have managed the situation differently? Surely, as firstly, it had the chance to advance the rule of law by obtaining a court injunction to stop the “revolutionary” march. Similarly, a warrant could have sufficed in extending Sowore’s quizzing, and detention beyond 24 or 48 hours. It’s the first step, which the DSS sought later. The Presidency has, however, declared as “victory for democracy” the abysmal outing for the “revolution” only in four states, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, and with lean crowds. Does the size really matter? The government, by the manner of its approach, has allowed organizers of #RevolutionIsNow, especially Sowore, to claim, from the DSS cooler, “triumph” for the August 5 crusade, and a nationwide awareness for its cause!

Why you must watch HBO’s brilliant new Israeli drama ‘Our Boys’ By ADRIAN HENNIGAN

hat’s the right length of time to wait before revisiting a traumatic incident from your country’s past? I ask not because of the new “Beverly Hills, 90120” reboot but the Israeli series “Our Boys,” which takes the horrific events that led up to the 50-day Gaza War in the summer of 2014 and creates a grueling but gripping 10-part drama series out of them. You could be forgiven for not wanting to tune in, given the show’s use of the tragic time when four teenage boys — three Israeli yeshiva students and a Palestinian boy from East Jerusalem — were murdered and a permanently simmering country finally boiled over. But “Our Boys” is done in such a thoughtful and sensitive manner that it demands to be viewed by as large an audience as possible, both locally and globally. “Our Boys” — a co-production of Keshet International’s Keshet Studios and HBO, and produced by Movie Plus — is the first entirely Hebrew/Arabic-language series to air on the U.S. cable giant. Buying the rights was a laudable move on HBO’s part, because this is an unapologetically Israeli show that makes few concessions to its international audience. .com</a>, or enable JavaScript if it is disabled in your browser.</div></div> In that regard, it is the complete opposite of Netflix’s anodyne film The Red Sea Diving Resort,” which did everything possible to create a generic action thriller that could have been about any nation or people instead of about Israeli and Ethiopian Jews. By contrast, the only thing that could make “Our Boys” any more Israeli is if it came with a tub of hummus and a heated debate about the cultural appropriation of food. This is a show about a country situated on a geographical and cultural rift, one where rival cultures and ideologies are constantly crashing into one another: Jew versus Arab; Ashkenazi Jew versus Mizrahi Jew; secular versus religious; Muslim versus Christian; left versus right … the list goes on. It was a daring move by creators Hagai Levi (“The Affair”), Joseph Cedar (“Beaufort”) and Tawfik Abu Wael (“Thirst”) to take the most painful week in Israel’s recent history and to

HBO’s grueling but gripping Israeli show ‘Our Boys’ reprises the violent summer of 2014

ask Israelis (Jews and Arabs alike) to have those wounds picked over in their living rooms. But it was particularly brave (some might say foolhardy) to set the drama in two of the country’s least documented (and some might say least loved) communities: the Arabs of East Jerusalem and the Mizrahim of West Jerusalem and West Bank settlements. Dark places But that is precisely what makes this show so compelling. The Hollywood Reporter called “Our Boys” “abject misery porn,” but after five episodes I’d call it the most painful but strangely rewarding show of the year, one that is not afraid to go to some very dark places in the country’s psyche. The modus operandi is explained in the opening credit: “This show is a dramatization of events that occurred during the summer of 2014 in the Greater Jerusalem area. Some of the names have been changed and some of the events, characters, and dialogue have been fictionalized for dramatic purposes.” Don’t be misled by that phrase “dramatic purposes,” though. “Our Boys” isn’t interested in taking liberties with history, but rather wants to explore the events from the perspective of those on the ground who either had to solve a crime or deal with its aftermath. Interestingly, the show is being released just a week after the biggest scandal in Israeli television, when the police reality show “Jerusalem District” was pulled after some officers were found to have planted an M16 gun in the home of a Palestinian man during a particularly dramatic episode. It’s a welcome reminder that if “Our Boys” had been made as a docudrama, it would have probably been far more sensationalist than this fictionalized version of events (for starters, the music would have been far less subtle than the minimalist soundtrack heard here). This is instead a procedural in which — irony alert — events in the world’s greatest hotbed of religious fervor unfold at a decidedly glacial pace. It should be made clear that this is not a story

about the three kidnapped Israeli teenagers Eyal Yifrah, Gilad Shaar and Naftali Fraenkel, but what happens when their fate becomes known and the streets of West Jerusalem scream for blood and vengeance. The show’s protagonist is Simon (beautifully played by Shlomi Elkabetz), a senior investigator in the Shin Bet secret service’s Jewish Division — a unit that probes hate crimes committed by members of the Jewish community toward Muslims, Christians and any other denomination you might find in Jerusalem. (That choice of where to root the story tells you everything you need to know about “Our Boys.”) Simon might qualify as morose if only he would cheer up a little. As reflective as a Torah portion of the week, he’s a single man of Moroccan descent who is married to the job — which is just as well, because that work is about to get even more demanding. As the search for the three missing Jewish teens continues, he’s nervously tracking a group of young Jewish extremists to make sure they don’t commit a revenge “price tag” attack on the Arab community. (The show assumes the audience will know what terms like “price tag” and “hilltop youth” are, and that Lehava is an anti-assimilationist organization — which is obviously fine for Israeli audiences but much riskier for, say, any Nebraskans tuning in.) But it turns out that extremists come in many guises, leading to a politically charged manhunt when 16-year-old Shoafat resident Mohammed Abu Khdeir is abducted and brutally murdered. It soon becomes clear the perpetrators are young Jews. I had one person in mind while watching “Our Boys”: Israel’s incendiary culture minister, Miri Regev. Herself a proudly Mizrahi Jew of Moroccan origin, she has waged a full-on war against both the country’s Arab citizens and the Ashkenazi liberal elite and their continued efforts to capture the real Israel, warts and all (well, to be fair, mainly the warts). Here is a show that does the very thing she hates: Washes Israel’s dirty linen in full view of the world — and this time not in some arthouse

movie that might be seen by 14 people and a cat, but on one of the most prestigious channels in the world. Liberal elite 1, Miri Regev 0. Over the five episodes viewed, for me “Our Boys” is at its best when it picks away at the seam between Ashkenazim and Mizrahim. Simon is a rare Mizrahi voice in an otherwise Ashkenazi working environment, and the show hits new heights when he goes undercover in the Mizrahi community. I particularly loved the scene where he engages in a theological and political debate with a settler rabbi and a Russian-Israeli mathematician — and, trust me, that scene is far more entertaining than I just made it sound.

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

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 14 – 19, 2019

BUSINESS NEWS

Afreximbank canvasses industrialization, capacity for market opening By JEROME USHAKANG

fforts to achieve market opening should be accompanied with industrialization and capacity building initiatives to help African countries produce value-added goods, Kanayo Awani, Managing Director of the Intra-African Trade Initiative at the African Export-Import bank (Afreximbank), has said. In a keynote address during the opening of the Trade with Africa (TWA) Business Summit in Chicago, over the weekend, Ms. Awani said that such an approach would allow for such value-added goods to be traded within the continent and globally in a competitive manner. She highlighted the need for the approach to be underpinned by enhanced collaboration, including with governments regional development banks, the private sector and relevant stakeholders on the continent and in the Diaspora. Afreximbank was already financing and facilitating the production of such valueadded goods, using a number of instruments which also support intra-African trade, said Ms. Awani. Those included supporting the establishment of industrial parks and export processing zones, establishing testing inspection and certification services, also known as Africa quality assurance centres, and setting up export trading companies. The Bank had also recently launched the Pan-African Payments and Settlements System, established

MANSA, an Africa customer due diligence repository platform, and instituted the Intra-African Trade Fair, which hold its second edition in Kigali from 1 to 7 September 2020, in order to further boost intra-African trade and support the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), continued the Managing Director. She reaffirmed Afreximbank’s commitment to transforming trade on the African continent and to working with partners, including the U.S., to promote inclusive growth and socio-economic transformation. Although the political relationship between African policy makers and Washington had strengthened in the last two decades, resulting in increased in foreign aid to Africa, she noted, the conversation had shifted from capturing foreign aid to trade. The accompanying strategy, therefore, needed to shift to take into account that Africa now had many of the fastest-growing economies in the world and was home to a rapidly growing consumer class. Ms. Awani added that, with the Diaspora accounting for 32 million Africans, there were opportunities for growth in Diaspora-focused trade in ethnic foods, textiles, the creative industry, including music and film, and in tourism. Also speaking, Albert Muchanga, African Union Commissioner for Trade and Industry, said that the AfCFTA had the potential to overhaul, ease and increase trade across borders in Africa. Toyin Umesiri, the founder of the

• Kanayo Awani, Managing Director of the Intra-African Trade Initiative at the Afreximbank.

Waltons grow wealthier at $4m/h

TWA Summit, urged African and U.S. policy makers to remove barriers to trade in order to foster economic growth in both regions and to allow he family behind Walmart Inc., for the exploitation of the untapped Walton, remains on top of the market for authentic African products, list of 25 wealthiest business raw and manufactured items in the dynasties that control $1.4 trillion in U.S.

FCMB’s Agric Finance Facility targets Palm Oil, Cocoa, Ginger, others

irst City Monument Bank (FCMB) has introduced an enhanced agrocommodity trade finance facility for agribusiness operators. According to the Bank, the revamped facility is designed for agrocommodity merchants with supply contracts to multinationals, large corporates and processors of agrocommodities. Targeted commodities are cocoa, cashew nut, sesame, ginger, palm Oil, grains (maize, sorghum, soya beans, paddy rice). Under this new FCMB trade finance facility, which is structured in the form of working capital, the minimum amount that can be accessed by a qualified customer is N100 million, while

the maximum is N2 billion. Explaining the rationale behind the introduction of the facility in an enhanced form, the Divisional Head, Agribusiness of FCMB, Kudzai Gumunyu, said the bank recognises the gap that exists in agribusiness financing as well as other challenges faced by operators, including farmers, in the sector. According to him, “We realise there are millions of agro-traders and processors across the country that need credit at convenient and affordable rates, considering the level of attraction the agric sector has garnered. Our decision to introduce a revamped agrocommodity trade finance facility is part

of our intervention in the agribusiness space to ensure agribusinesses and other stakeholders are empowered with the requisite funds and enablers to boost production and marketing of agricultural commodities. Commodity producers and traders stand to immensely benefit from this facility because it is a veritable and convenient opportunity to access funds that ensure cash flow is available for maximum output. We urge all to take advantage of this offering’’. He assured that FCMB is focused on being a strategic partner in the agric sector to drive the diversification of the Nigerian economy, food self-sufficiency, employment and export earnings.

Saudi Aramco awaits government’s call for IPO, reports

audi Aramco, the world’s largest crude producer, highlighted its financial muscle and resilience to slumping oil prices on Monday, but otherwise offered few revelatory insights in its first ever earnings call to analysts, bankers and the media, who have been eagerly awaiting the company’s much-vaunted but muchdelayed stock market listing. State-owned Aramco stands ready to execute an initial public offering, but any decision on timing will be left to the country’s government, Chief Financial Officer Khalid al-Dabbagh said on the earnings call, repeating a common refrain from company officials. “The company is ready for the IPO. The timing of the IPO itself, this is a shareholder issue. They will announce it depending on their perception of the

optimal conditions,” Dabbagh said, providing no further information on how the oil giant would operate as a publicly traded company. Saudi Arabia’s national oil company announced net income of $46.9 billion for the first six months of 2019, down from $53.2 billion in the same period a year earlier. Even with the year-onyear slide, Aramco remains the world’s most profitable company by far and talked up its durability in the face of lower oil prices, with Brent futures having fallen 20% since April to less than $60/b. Aramco, which averaged crude production of 10 million b/d and refining throughput of 4.6 million b/d in the first half of the year, is working toward an IPO by 2021, whose proceeds could transform the

kingdom’s economy, and is hoping to use the positive sentiment from its first international bond sale in April that raised $12 billion. “Despite lower oil prices during the first half of 2019, we continued to deliver solid earnings and strong free cash flow underpinned by our consistent operational performance, cost management and fiscal discipline,” Aramco CEO Amin Nasser said in a statement. Though its income fell, Aramco’s dividend payments to the government rose in the first half to $46.4 billion, including a $20 billion special dividend that Dabbagh said reflected the company’s strong results from last year. Dividends totaled $32 billion in 2018, of which the special dividend accounted for $6 billion.

turnover. According to world’s wealth index published weekend, the Walmark retail chain earns the Waltons’ some profit of $70,000 per minute, $4 million per hour, or $100 million per day. According to the update of Bloomberg ranking of the world’s richest families, the Walton fortune has swelled by $39 billion, to $191 billion, since topping the June 2018 ranking of the world’s richest families. The heirs of Sam Walton make millions daily from the profits if the America’s biggest retail chain, supporting a lifestyle that contrasts with the frugal thrift of the business’ founder.

The Oracle Today reports that Sam Walton is in the books as notoriously frugal penny pincher that founded Walmart that now builds extreme wealth for the family tree. The Walton family, according to the report, leads other world’s notable business investors in building pyramids of wealth that place them in the line of power dynasties. And the American family enterprises stand out as world’s most successful empires. According to the family wealth index, other American dynasties close behind in terms of the assets they have accrued include the Mars family, of candy fame. Mars family added $37 billion in the year bringing its fortune to $127 billion. The Kochs, the industrialists-cumpolitical-power-players, follows with $26 billion, to $125 billion.

Sterling Bank unveils Agriculture Summit for Africa

o strengthen agriculture, the most important sector of the African economy, Sterling Bank brings together policy makers, development agencies, international financial institutions, and value chain players on the continent through Agriculture Summit Africa holding in Abuja from 5th to 6th of September 2019. The international summit themed “Agriculture – Your Piece of The Trillion-Dollar Economy” seeks actualization of the $1 trillion African agribusiness economy dream by 2030. More than 50 percent of the world’s fertile and unused land estimated as 450 million hectares is in Africa. Bukola Awosanya, Group Head, Agric Finance and Solid Minerals at Sterling Bank, said ‘’Agriculture productivity in Africa is low and a source of concern in the sector that account for 60 percent of the continent’s labour force and 75

percent of its domestic trade. And the creation of a single African market with over 1.2 billion people through the Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) treaty is not without possible adverse impact on the sector’s growth which calls for a panAfrican agriculture summit.’’ “Sterling Bank has been at the forefront of Nigeria’s agricultural transformation agenda which seeks commercialization at scale nationwide through focus on value chains where the country has comparative advantage. This market-led transformation driven by strategic partnerships is stimulating investment, creating new jobs, wealth and food security. It is imperative that this same model is adopted across the 54 countries that now make up the single African market to improve productivity, guarantee food security and ensure a future of shared prosperity for all Africans,” Awosanya disclosed.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 14 – 19, 2019

BUSINESS NEWS By JEROME USHAKANG

he National Pension Commission (PenCom) in its latest report disclosed that Nigeria’s Pension Fund assets stands at N9.32 trillion in June 2019. According to the report, the Pension Fund Assets increased significantly in June when compared to the value reported in March 2019. A review of the figures released by PenCom during the period under review shows that the pension fund assets rose from N9.03 trillion in March to N9.32 trillion in June, thus, representing a growth of N294.9 billion within the space of three months in absolute terms or an increase of 3.2 percent. A breakdown of Pension fund performance in recent times revealed that more Nigerians have begun to take their retirement plans seriously and this has significantly improved the total pension fund assets in the country. In addition, a closer look into the PenCom report shows that pension funds grew by 13 percent within a year. The latest report shows that between June 2018 and June 2019, pension fund assets rose by N1.09 trillion. As at the end of June 2018, Nigeria’s total pension fund assets stood at N8.63 trillion. Analysts are of the view that the significant rise is largely traceable to the growing awareness campaigns. Over time, one factor that has not helped the increase in pension assets in Nigeria is the low return and lowinterest-rate environment that the pension funds operate in. Although most pension funds have consistently been making positive gains year in year out, the percentage returns are not high enough. This is largely blamed on the bulk of pension funds administrators investing in FGN securities. Meanwhile, the latest report shows pension funds investment in FGN securities has dropped. A further look into the report shows that the asset class of Nigeria’s pension fund constituted 69 percent of FGN Securities, Corporate Debt Securities (5.42percent ), Local Money Securities (11.21%) and Mutual Funds (0.25percent). Despite a drop in investment in the asset class, FGN securities still

Pension Assets increase to N9.3trn as investments in FGN securities decline

• DG. PENCOM, Aisha D. Umar gulped a total of N6.84 trillion. In recent times, the yield on FGN bonds has dropped and this may partly be responsible for the low investment in FGN securities by Pension Fund Administrators. For instance, in late July, the yield on FGN Naira bond with 10 years to maturity fell by 24 basis points to 13.95percent. Basically, investors appear to be reacting to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) revised Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) placement

by banks which is now capped at N2.0 billion (US$5.7 million) from N7.5 billion previously. While the pension funds leaped to a new high of N9.3 trillion, the breakdown of the asset class still remains a source of concern. Meanwhile, an expert in the sector has revealed that the major reason for the low rate of return on pension fund assets is the “ultra-conservative” investment strategy of pension fund managers who invest almost

NNPC mobilizes security for Chad basin reentry

he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has started making security arrangement for reentry into the Chad basin for re-launched exploration activities. Group Managing Director, Mallam Mele Kyari, who visited the Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin, in Abuja said the corporation seeks military support as it was getting prepared to reenter and commence full operations at the Chad Basin, Gongola and Benue Trough. The corporation, he said, was asking for holistic military supports for the protection of its workforce and exploration equipment. Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, also stated that due to the security challenges in the Chad Basin, Gongola and Benue Trough,

NNPC had not been able to mobilize fully to those areas of its important operations. “I’m visiting the Chief of Defence Staff as my first port of call following my appointment to seek for the support of the Armed Forces to help the NNPC in re-entering the Chad Basin, Gongola and Benue Trough to enable us carry out our mandate for national development. Your support in terms of providing full security for staff and equipment is critical to us,” Mallam Kyari said. He added that the corporation equally required the military to intensify efforts in the protection of NNPC’s pipelines and Right of Way (RoW) across the nook and cranny of Nigeria. Mallam Kyari stated that the NNPC was seriously challenged due to the nefarious activities of pipeline vandals, petroleum products thieves and other

economic saboteurs that breach the operations of the corporation in various parts of the country. General Olonisakin promised assistance, saying: “It is imperative for the Armed Forces and the NNPC to collaborate and synergize for the benefit of the country going by their various strategic roles to the nation. The Armed Forces operations, code named: Operation Wase and Operations Delta Safe, along with other operations, were geared towards protecting pipelines and various oil and gas facilities,” General Olanisakin averred. He said the military and the NNPC had been working together and the visit of the GMD would further bolster the various operations to secure the oil and gas installations, adding that the Military had devised several strategies to stem the tide of pipeline breaches in the country.

exclusively in Treasury Bills and FGN bonds. However, he said fund managers should not be blamed entirely as the regulation requires them to allocate a sizeable portion of their assets to fixed income securities while forbidding them from investing in alternative asset classes and equities. Although this is a riskmanagement strategy, but the government and the fund managers are expected to work

together to ensure that pension asset growth is not sacrificed on the altar of capital preservation. While the latest report by PenCom shows that Nigerian Pension contributors rose to 8.67 million in March 2019 is indeed a welcome development, although this only represents 12 represent of the population of employed people in Nigeria, while the total number of Nigerians employed in both full and part-time jobs stood at 69.6 million.

U.S. sanctions: Venezuela succumbs to import pitfall

enezuela is importing fuel at a rate not seen since the U.S. imposed crippling sanctions on the country and cut off its main supply of foreign petrol. Fuel imports, which are key to President Nicolas Maduro’s grip on power in Venezuela, more than doubled in July from the previous month, according to shipping reports and ship-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg. Maintaining that supply of heavily subsidized transportation fuel is central to keeping a lid on discontent in the nation, already suffering from inflation, food shortages and a widespread humanitarian crisis. Petrol supplies are especially important as state-owned oil refiner Petroleos de Venezuela SA, or PDVSA, is expected to operate at just 15% of its capacity through 2020, according to Nicolas Daher, a London-based analyst at Facts Global Energy. “So fuel imports are and will continue to be vital for meeting domestic fuel demand and avoiding

any further increase in social discontent.” The last time a Venezuelan leader attempted to phase out fuel subsidies, a wave of riots broke out nationwide leaving at least 3,000 dead. Despite escalating U.S. sanctions, the Venezuelan government has so far kept petrol prices at bay. Venezuelans can fill a tank with less than $1. In July, imports soared to 196,000 bpd, with Greece as the main supplier. About 33% of that volume loaded in Agioi Theodoroi, the port that serves refineries owned by Motor Oil (Hellas) Corinth Refineries S.A, Greece’s largest exporter of oil products. The Athens-based company has an agreement to supply oil products to a Rosneft Oil Co PJSC subsidiary, Petrocas Energy Ltd, through 2022. Rosneft is a long-time ally of PDVSA, having loaned $6.5 billion to be paid back in oil. While Venezuela used to import all of its petrol from U.S. Gulf refiners, that flow came to a halt after sanctions were announced.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 14 – 19, 2019

ENERGY

Oil firms stall N25.2 trn FIDs in 7 projects By Sopuruchi Onwuka

nternational Oil Companies (IOCs) that hold substantial deepwater assets in the country’s petroleum industry are yet to take final investment decisions (FIDs) for seven development projects that could confer Nigeria with additional production capacity of 875,000 barrels of light crude oil per day. With the seven deepwater development projects already sanctioned, FID on them would entail capital importation of over $70 billion or N25.2 trillion in the country’s upstream petroleum industry alone. The country produced an average of 850,000 barrels per day from the deepwater in 2018. Total operated Egina deepwater field came online at the end of the year and has quickly ramped up to nameplate capacity of 200,000 barrels of liquids per day. The Oracle Today reports that if the new field developments scale investment decisions and project stages, Nigeria would be pumping about 1.925 million barrels of crude oil and condensate from the deepwater province by 2022. And with another 1.450 million barrels per day flowing from conventional offshore, swamp and onshore terrains, new developments could fire up the country’s petroleum liquid output to 3.375 million barrels per day. According to list of official project sanctions that were originally scheduled for commissioning by next year, seven deepwater oilfields exclusively operated by IOCs have failed to meet the time frame, mainly due to inability of the investment partners to close out funding commitments. All the deepwater fields are operated under the controversial 1993 production sharing contracts (PSCs) interpretation of whose terms have remained subject of fiscal disputes since 2008 when the nebulous Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) was introduced to the National Assembly. The Oracle Today also gathered that part of the proposals in the bill entails alteration of fiscal terms that govern deepwater operations. And investors in the industry stridently contend that such modifications directly breach existing contracts and agreements that provided bases for huge investments in deep and ultra-deep offshore explorations that built about 13 billion barrels of deepwater reserves. Deepwater fiscal terms became big issue for deep pocket international oil companies following migration of their operations from maturing onshore and shallow water locations where existing brownfield assets have become increasingly vulnerable to worsening operating environment. Shell, Total, Eni and Chevron have since 2010 divested onshore assets worth over $12 billion or N4.32 trillion as part of ongoing profit taking from onshore assets. Within the period and along with ExxonMobil, they have also ploughed back over $25 billion in deepwater exploration and developments, according to the document sighted by our correspondent. Total delivered the record shattering $16 billion (N5.56 trillion) Eginal deepwater field development in 2018. It is also working on development of deepwater Porewei and conventional offshore Ikike fields, using tie-back project models to optimize proximate production

“Part of the broad economic aspirations for the industry is to build the nation’s cumulative crude oil reserves to 40 billion barrels, and increase physical production to 4.0 million barrels per day; but the target has remained a mirage since the 2007 initial deadline.” facilities. Both Total Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited (TEPNL) and ExxonMobil’s Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited (EEPNL) separately announced the billion barrel Owowo deepwater discovery which straddles oil prospecting lease (OPL) 223 and oil mining lease (OML) 139 respectively. Similar exploration and development budgets were expected to sustain vibrancy in the nation’s deep and ultra-deep offshore petroleum play and drive realization of prime national aspirations on reserves growth and production upside if the operating terms remained congenial for commercial investors. Part of the broad economic aspirations for the industry is to build the nation’s cumulative crude oil reserves to 40 billion barrels, and increase physical production to 4.0 million barrels per day; but the target has remained a mirage since the 2007 initial deadline. Part of the reasons advanced by the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LACCI) for investment quandary in the industry includes unsteady policy outlook, fiscal volatility, insecurity and political risks. And no significant exploration and development investment has been announced by key members of the group, including Shell, ExxonMobil, Eni and Chevron. Whereas exploration successes

are controlled by factors that shape the outcome of seismic and drilling campaigns, development of discovered assets is clearly product of deliberate commercial decisions that target optimal returns on investment. And members of OPTS have maintained that fiscal terms that govern operations must guarantee significant returns for owners of investment capital. According to the list gleaned from a presentation by the OPTS, Nigeria’s oldest upstream operator, Shell, is withholding investment in two deepwater developments with combined capacity to pump 325,000 barrels per day (325 kbd). Shell and partners have repeatedly refrained from committing to FID for development of the straddled Bonga Southwest and Aparo deepwater oil fields hosted in oil mining leases (OMLs) 118 and 132 and 140. Bonga Southwest and Aparo development was originally sanctioned by Ministry of Petroleum Resources to come online by next year using a stand-alone floater with nameplate production capacity of 225,000 barrels per day. Development budget of about $10 billion or N3.6 trillion captures subsea facilities; risers; floating production, storage and offtake (FPSO) vessel; and single point mooring buoy (SBM). Shell and partners including Chevron, Total, Eni and Sasol severally called off FID that was

expected to pave way for funding outlays and launched the field development into project stages. Next in the list of stalled development projects is the Shell operated Bonga North field also located northwards of Bonga Main in OML 118 in the deep offshore. The field was also scheduled to start producing 100,000 barrels per day by next year. The development model is currently not clear since Shell has no visible plans to launch the project. Budget is estimated to hover around $10 billion or N3.6 trillion if a separate floater would be required. However, the estimate is to fall by over 50 percent if production from the new development is to be tied back via subsea flowlines to the Bonga Main FPSO. The Bonga Main FPSO which started production in 2005, according to an official of company, might have space for Bonga North production if there is significant production drop from the maturing field. “Bonga Main is currently being regarded as brownfield asset,” he said, adding that natural production decline after years of production pressure could create space for production from Bonga North. “As we speak, we are not certain when Bonga North will start production; but I know it will not come ahead of Bonga Southwest.” Likewise, Italy’s Eni whose local business entity, Nigeria Agip Exploration (NAE) operates the

controversial Zabazaba ultra-deep offshore field is also stalling to launch the programme into project stages. Eni is in partnership in Shell in the development of the Zabazaba field, also using a floater with nameplate capacity for 120,000 barrels per day. Budget is officially at $12 billion or N4.32 trillion. However, it is likely that the current budget might be adjusted when the partners reach FID on the project. And it may not be soon. Both Shell and Eni are under investigation in Europe on allegations of corrupt practices in securing the controversial oil block through a back stage arrangement in collusion with government officials. Both companies have declared innocence by prosecutors in Europe and Nigerian litigants battle to establish their cases against Shell and Eni in various courts in United Kingdom and Italy. And if the companies are made liable, the validity of their operating licenses on the six billion barrel asset would be lost. Before the court cases gathered steam in the past two years, Eni had secured project approval from government regulators and was approaching FID with Shell. Effort by The Oracle to get status report on the project was unsuccessful as no company official took a hazard at responding to the questions on the asset. ExxonMobil is totally silent on FID for three deepwater development programmes with combined capacity for producing 330,000 barrels per day. The company which operates exclusively offshore assets in Nigeria holds cards for development of three deepwater fields including Uge in OML 145, Bosi in OML 133 and a group of smaller satellite fields offshore Nigeria. All the development programmes have no visible budgets and project details even though approvals have been secured from government regulators in the industry. Although the original 2020 production startup has been missed, Bosi field holds prospect for nameplate production of 140,000 barrels per day when the FID is reached. Budget might hover around $10 billion or N3.6 trillion given the possibility that an FPSO might be needed. With the satellite fields which aggregate production from fields proximate to main production hubs, ExxonMobil plans to muster as much as additional 80,000 barrels per day. Budget is uncertain until full development details are worked out. The American supermajor also intends to add 110,000 barrels per day from deepwater Uge field, using shared floater with a thirds party producer in the marine vicinity located 113 kilometres offshore in water depths of between 800 and 2,000 metres. Project budget is placed at $10 billion or N3.6 trillion according to industry deepwater cost templates. However, shared FPSO means that cost sharing will also beat down the figures for parties and government; as well as shore up commercial returns for stakeholders. Lastly, Chevron’s local deepwater affiliate, Stardeep, is yet to declared FID on operated Nsiko field. Although production start up from the field targeted for 2020 is no longer feasible, Nigeria expects additional 100,000 barrels per day from the Nsiko field which was discovered in 2003.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 14 – 19, 2019

ENERGY

Demand crash:

Oil economies to expect shock O il producing nations that depend heavily on revenue returns from the market might face shock following slowing demand forecast that entail both falling consumption and associated risk of further price plunge. Revenue from crude oil and gas export accounts for over 80 percent of total funding support to Nigerian government budgets, over 90 percent of total foreign exchange income for the country and over 75 percent of her balance of payments. Most members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and other key producers with less industrial exports, including Russia, also face similar economic gloom following increasing pressure for energy transition, competition from rising production from industrialized United States as well as rising trade tension between United States and China. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) which harnesses energy intelligence for industrialized nations gathered under the rival Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (PECD), the outlook for global oil demand has become fragile amid growing signs of an economic slowdown, which squeezed consumption growth during the first five months of this year to the weakest in a decade. The IEA which advises the major economies trimmed forecasts for oil-demand growth for 2019 and 2020, and warned that it may lower the estimates further as the U.S.China trade conflict drags on. World consumption increased by just 520,000 bpd from January through May -- about half the rate seen the previous year, and the slowest for the period since 2008, the agency said. “The situation is becoming even more uncertain: the U.S.-China trade dispute remains unresolved and in September new tariffs are due to be imposed,” the Paris-based agency said in its monthly report. “The outlook is fragile with a greater likelihood of a downward revision than an upward one.” The IEA trimmed its estimates for global oil demand growth in 2019 by 100,000 bpd to 1.1 MMbpd, implying a growth rate of about 1.1%. The outlook for 2020 was lowered by 50,000 bpd to 1.3 MMbpd, or a rate of 1.3%.

In the first half of the year, the only significant growth in demand was seen in China, the world’s second-biggest oil user, the IEA said. Nonetheless, despite the downward economic pressures the agency still anticipates that demand will surge in the second half of the year, tightening markets sharply. Consumption will expand by 1.6 MMbpd in the second half, almost three times the rate seen in the first. Markets have tightened recently amid production cuts by OPEC and its partners, who collectively pump about half of the world’s supply. OPEC’s crude output fell 190,000 bpd to 29.71 MMbpd in July, remaining at the lowest in five years, the IEA said. That’s about 940,000 bpd less than will be needed in the third quarter, and so should cause world oil stockpiles to contract, it predicted. The group’s biggest member, Saudi Arabia, signaled this week that it may be prepared to do even more. The kingdom has contacted other producers in the coalition to discuss further options to contain oil’s slide, according to an official who declined to be identified. The IEA report indicates that next year Riyadh and its allies may indeed need to cut output further to keep supply and demand in balance. Oil markets face a renewed surplus in 2020 amid growing production from OPEC’s rivals, most notably U.S. shale drillers. The agency expects non-OPEC supply will surge by 1.9 MMbpd this year and then an additional 2.2 MMbpd in 2020. “Under our current assumptions, in 2020 the oil market will be wellsupplied,” the agency said. Brent crude futures slumped into a bear market last week as tensions between Washington and Beijing escalated, and was trading near $57/bbl in London on Friday. In response, Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest oil exporter, signaled that the kingdom and fellow nations within OPEC would keep production restrained; a position that entails leaner oil revenue for Nigeria. Nigeria is a key member of OPEC and has struggled with keeping with the group’s output ceilings due to internal pressure to support a shaky economy with funding surge. Since 2015, the country’s annual budgets have been supported with borrowed funds, pushing the nation’s debts profile beyond the red lines.

From left: Petroleum Engineering Application Services Department Manager, Saudi Aramco, Sami Alnuaim; Chairman, Nigeria Council of SPE, Mr. Debo Fagbami; General Manager, External Affairs and Communications, Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc, Dr. Chioma Nwachuku; and Executive Operations Director, Seplat Petroleum, Mr. Effiong Okon, at the Seplat booth during the SPE NAICE 2019 in Lagos.

Egina crude unsettles international supply pattern Stories by Sopuruchi Onwuka

he Nigerian Egina middle sweet crude which launched into the international market in February has rapidly grabbed full capacity space, displacing other competing crude oil grades in major refiners’ order list. Shipping sources that track oil tanker movements showed that Egina loading programmes future deliveries are currently overbooked following refiners’ preference for the high distillate yielding crude grades. Following strong demand and associated commitments, Total which operates the deepwater Egina field offshore Nigeria is stretching production capacity above the 200,000 barrels per day nameplate. Tanker tracking agencies that monitor cargo destinations across the globe and the trade flow software, cFlow, used by Platts commodity trading group to build data, showed strong demand for Egina among refiners across major continents of the globe. Other trading sources monitored by The Oracle Today showed that Egina crude is currently dominating transactions at both the spot market and term contracts for future

deliveries. With major demand from refiners in Europe, other identified destinations for Egina crude include America, Asia and the Mediterranean. Data showed that Egina crude cargos dominate other from big refiners in France and, Netherlands, Italy, Norway and the United Kingdom, making Europe the biggest consumer of the new crude spec from Nigerian deepwater. India, Sri Lanka and China have taken cargos to Asia; while the United States and Brazil have taken orders that would see Egina crude sailing to Americas. Platts cFlow data showed that distillate-rich crude grades West Africa and the Mediterranean currently offer strong margins to distillate refineries, putting them ahead of other competing light sweet and medium grades that currently suffer slight glut in the Atlantic Basin. Egina has been classified as a medium sweet quality crude oil with a low level of acidity. When refined, Egina produces a high yield of middle distillates and vacuum distillates, making it attractive to refineries equipped with cracking units in the Americas, Asia or Europe. The crude has a specific gravity of

27.3 API, along with a sulfur content of 0.165%, according to an assay seen by Platts. The Oracle Today reports that loading programmes for Egina crude for August loadings are sold out while September loading schedules are being oversubscribed. And strong demand confers margins on the commodity, with Egina trading in a range assessed at Dated Brent plus $1.75/b. Thus, with strong demand and higher margins in the marketplace, Total is pumping at full throttle, reaching above the 200, 000 barrels per day capacity. And Egina loadings for the month are estimated at an average of 214,516 barrels per day, according to marketing sources. Supply sustainability remains a major guarantee for future contracts as production from the field is expected to be stable for nearly 20 years before natural declines would set in. The field came online last December after a $16 billion development programme that employs a floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel with oil processing capacity of 208,000 b/d and a storage capacity of 2.3 million barrels.

Industry leaders debate policy options at NAEC Conference

olicy drivers, commercial investors and business experts in the Nigerian petroleum industry are expected to explore resolution to several policy issues that impair investments and growth in the sector which provides funding support to government’s annual budgets. The plat form for policy debate would be the 2019 annual conference of the national Association of Energy Correspondents (NAEC) scheduled for the end of the month. A statement from the association lists leaders in the panel discussions to include the Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari. Mallam Kyari is to lead

government’s policy drivers from Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and sister agencies to dialogue with industry captains, investors, financiers and consultancy groups on ways to resolve the policy impasse in the industry. Managing Director of ExxonMobil Nigeria, Mr. Paul McGrath, who is Chairman of Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), is to lead investors’ position at the conference. Panel discussions focus on ‘Effects of Sanctity of Contracts on Commercial Operations” and “Commercial Viability in Gas- to-

Power Value Chain.” Focus would be on the best ways to harness and optimize the nation’s petroleum resources in driving the much needed industrial development of the country. According to NAEC Chairman, Mr. Olatunde Dododanwa, the event also plays host to Managing Directors of International Oil Companies (IOCs) and their indigenous counterparts. Also expected are CEOs in the power sector value-chain. Confirmed speakers at the conference include: Director of Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Ahmad Rufai Shakur; Group Managing Director of Oando Plc, Mr. Wale Tinubu; Managing Director of Aiteo Group, Victor Okoronkwo; Managing Director of ExxonMobil

Nigeria, Mr. Paul Mc Grath; Managing Director of Total Nigeria, Mr. Mike Sangster; Managing Director of Nigeria LNG, Mr. Tony Attah and President of Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Mr. Debo Fagbami. Others are; Managing Director/ CEO of Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Mr. Chiedu Ugbo; Managing Director of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), Mr. Adeoye Fadebiyi; Managing Director of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Mohammed Gur; Executive Secretary of Association of Power Generation Companies, Dr. Joy Ogali; The President of Nigeria Gas Association (NGA), Audrey JoeEzigbo, amongst others. Mallam Kyari would be sharing his wealth of experience of over

27 years in NNPC as he delivers the keynote address on the conference theme: ‘Harnessing Oil and Gas Potential for National Development’ and strategies on how best to harness oil and gas potential for national development. The highlight of this year’s conference is the conferment of ‘NAEC’s Award of Excellence’ on the Group General Manager (GGM), Group Public Affairs Division (GPAD), NNPC, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, MFR, and ‘NAEC’s Lifetime Achievement Award’ on General Manager, Corporate Communications, Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Alhaji Yakubu Lawal. Other award recipients are Shell Nigeria, Chevron, Total, ExxonMobil, amongst others

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 14 – 19, 2019

EQUITY & Capital Market

FMDQ OTC, now FMDQ Securities Exchange Stories By JEROME USHAKANG

he erstwhile FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange has been transformed into fullfledged Securities Exchange Plc. This was achieved following necessary regulatory approvals from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the apex regulator of the Nigerian capital market. FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange, its former name has also been change to FMDQ Securities Exchange Plc or the Exchange, to commensurate with its current status as a standard exchange. The Exchange, following due process, has activated and operationalised two whollyowned subsidiaries - FMDQ Clear Limited (FMDQ Clear) and FMDQ Depository Limited (FMDQ Depository), positioned to provide efficient post-trade services, amongst others, for the Nigerian financial market, thus making FMDQ a one-stop Financial Market Infrastructure (FMI) Group and an integrated platform to execute, clear and settle financial market transactions. Also, in order to befit its new identity, role and responsibility in the Nigerian capital market, a new Logo was recently unveiled for the FMDQ entities - FMDQ Exchange, FMDQ

MD/CEO of FMDQ EXCHANGE Mr. Bola Onadele Koko

Clear and FMDQ Depository replacing each of their individual identities. The new Financial Markets Dealers Quotations (FMDQ) Logo, whilst maintaining its vibrant colours – deep blue, depicting trust, confidence, depth and stability; bright gold, showing off passion, value, prestige, quality and prosperity; and a touch of cool grey, representing conservativeness,

professionalism and sophistication communicates FMDQ’s drive to consistently move forward. The FMDQ Securities Exchange PLC in a statement made available to The Oracle said, “We are pleased to inform you of our Company’s transition from an OTC Market to a fullfledged Securities Exchange, having received the necessary approvals from the apex

regulator of the Nigerian capital market.” The Exchange advised stakeholders of FMDQ and the Nigerian financial markets, to update all records accordingly. “We are excited about the opportunities ahead, and with your continued collaboration, remain committed to our transformation agenda and quest to align the Nigerian financial

markets with global standards and best practices” It stressed. FMDQ is Africa’s first vertically integrated financial market infrastructure (FMI) group, strategically positioned to provide seamless execution, clearing and settlement of financial market transactions across the debt capital, foreign exchange and derivatives markets, through the FMDQ Entities – FMDQ Securities Exchange Plc, FMDQ Clear Limited and FMDQ Depository Limited – towards transforming the Nigerian financial markets through its Global Competitiveness, Operational Excellence, Liquidity and Diversity (GOLD) Agenda. In furtherance of its product and market development mandate, FMDQ has instituted an education programme for the Nigerian financial market stakeholders - governments, regulators, operators, investing public, media and students in support of its sustainability strategy and corporate vision. According to FMDQ Exchange the Academy is positioned to drive the Exchange’s sustainability by rallying financial market participants in alignment with FMDQ’s product innovation and market development agenda through efficient and effective developing, planning and managing of the Academy’s strategic, financial, technical and administrative function.

Beware of Ponzi schemes, SEC Caution Nigerians

he Acting Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms Mary Uduk, has warned the investing publics to be on guard as regards unregistered financial firms that swindle people with false claims. Uduk made the statement in relation to several ponzi schemes that have made their way into Nigeria with claims of doubling people’s investment within a short period of time. The Ponzi schemes which promise their prospects unrealistic investment gains and claims.Some of the Ponzi schemes eventually made away with people’s investment without a trace.

One of them is Loom, another is the popular MMM that had also defrauded many people of their investments with same claim in 2017, a period Nigeria just exited recession. The Acting DG said that there are still some silent ponzi schemes that are in operation, this in a nutshell is the reason why she is warning people in order to dissuade them from falling victims again. “These fraudsters or promoters of Ponzi schemes are the false prophets of the investment environment. They are the ill-wind that blows no good and at whose sight you must flee. They are to be avoided. This is one

message you must keep spreading to family, friends, relations and acquaintances in order to save them from the agony of loss of their hard-earned money.” Uduak said. The Acting DG, Who was addressing the investment community at the weekend in the face of various unregistered schemes luring unsuspecting Nigerians with unreasonable returns, enjoined investors to be wary of any investment that is proposing return levels that are unreasonably high, also advised investors to always cross check that such fund managers and the products they are offering are registered with the SEC.

According to her, the capital market is properly positioned to attract Nigerians and provide benefits to Nigerians who invest therein. She said the SEC has been doing a lot in terms of investor education to assist people understand whatever issues they have around the capital market. “But besides that, there are new products coming up every day in the Nigerian capital market. We have a lot of ethical funds, one of the safest areas to invest in is in Mutual Funds, Collective Investments Schemes and we encourage Nigerians to be part of these and others”. She stressed Uduk said that the SEC is

presently undertaking various initiatives to make the capital market more user-friendly such that people can participate in it with greater ease, comfort and convenience. She said, “There are the added and all-important purpose of ensuring that the gains of your participation, be it dividends, or proceeds from share sales/ transfers, among others accrue to you seamlessly, without sweat and in the shortest time possible. “The purpose is also to ensure that you do not fall victim to the antics of fraudsters who purport to be able to double any amount of money you make available to them as investment value.”

Forte Oil holds 40th AGM, September 3

orte Oil Plc is scheduled to hold 40th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 3, 2019 at Lekki in Lagos. In a statement notifying the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) the company said that in its special resolution, shareholders are expected to mandate the company to enter into discussions with Prudent Energy and Services Limited and or any company or individual(s) representing it in connection with the acquisition of identified downstream assets including but not limited to plant

and machinery, trucks, stations and subject to independent valuations on fair value, enter into subsequent binding agreements on comparable arm’s length/ commercial terms in relation to the assets to be acquired. They are also expected to give approval to renew the general mandate authorizing the company to enter into recurrent transactions which are of a trading nature or those necessary for its day to day operations with related parties or companies in accordance with

the Rules of the Nigerian Stock Exchange governing transactions with related parties or interested persons. In addition, that the directors and/or management of the company be and are hereby authorized to approve, sign and/ or execute all documents, appoint such professional parties and advisers, as may be necessary. However, in Ordinary business, the existing members of the company have their rights to receive the Report of the Directors, the Consolidated

Statement of Financial Position with the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and other Comprehensive Income for the year ended December 31, 2018 and the Report of the Auditors and Audit Committee thereon. To ratify the appointment of the following directors:Mr. AbdulWasiu O.Sowami as a Non-Executive Director in the Company;Mr. Olumide Adeosun as an Executive Director in the Company;Mr.Moshood Olajide as an Executive Director in the Company:Mr.Mohammed Aminu

Umar as a Non-Executive Director in the Company; Mr. Olusola Adeeyo as an Independent Non-Executive Director in the Company; andMrs. Aniola Durosinmi-Etti as an Independent Non-Executive Director in the Company. Another function incumbent on the investors are: to authorize the Directors to appoint new Auditors, to authorize the Directors to fix the remuneration of the Auditors and to elect/reelect the members of the Audit Committee.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 14 – Monday August 19, 2019

INSURANCE & PENSION

FG approves new Ag. Insurance commissioner Stories by VICTOR NZE

ederal Government has approved the appointment of Mr Sunday Thomas, as the new Acting Commissioner for Insurance (CFI) for the country. News of the appointment is contained in a circular signed by Mr A.O Bello, the Deputy Director, Home Finance, for the Permanent Secretary,

Federal ministry of finance on Friday in Abuja. The circular was released to newsmen by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) The circular with Reference number F.19482/BFPIAC/S.2/24 was titled: “Re: Handing over Note: Appointment of new Acting Commissioner for Insurance.” The circular said:“ I am directed to refer to a letter

PTAD verifies 1, 042 pensioners in Borno

ension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) on Saturday said it had verified 1, 042 pensioners in the just concluded verification of pensioners held in Maiduguri. Director Corporate Services of the agency, Mr Babagana Kaigama, said in Maiduguri that the verified pensioners were from Borno and Yobe. Kaigama disclosed that 1, 033 pensioners were verified at the Maiduguri verification centre, while nine other sick pensioners were verified on their hospital beds and homes using a mobile verification team. He added that four other pensioners from Adamawa, Bauchi, and Taraba states also participated in the exercise in Maiduguri. PTAD had conducted a 5-day verification of pensioners, verification which began on August 5 and ended on the 9th in Maiduguri. PTAD’s Executive Secretary, Mrs Sharon

Ikeazor, who spoke at the inauguration of the exercise, said that it was designed to enable the agency to establish a comprehensive, accurate, and reliable database for pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS). Ikeazor explained that the database would eliminate duplicate payments, weed out ghost pensioners, regularise anomalies such as over and under payments, obtain accurate work records, and update Next of Kin (NoK) records. The director said that the directorate had embarked on a nationwide exercise to correct observed anomalies and streamline payment of pension and gratuities. “The directorate did not inherit a credible pensioners’ database in spite of the many verification exercises conducted by defunct pension offices. ”There is urgent need to verify pensioners under the DBS, to resolve their complaints.

Pension fund assets hit N6.5trn

igeria’s pension funds, under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), grew to about N6.5 trillion as at the end of July 2017, just as the number of pension contributors rose significantly to 7. 6 million. As at the end of July 2017, the fund increased to about N6.5 trillion from N6.4 trillion it stood at as at April ending. Moreover, between April and June this year, there were 97,713 Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holders registered under the new pension scheme, with 77,023 contributors from the private sector. 9,148 workers from the federal government registered under the CPS, while state governments recorded 11,542 contributors, thus, increasing the total number

of pension contributors from inception of the scheme till now to 7.6 million. In the same vein, report has it that between April and June, 2017, the pension fund gained about N7.5 billion as private sector added N4.1 billion to the pension pool, with states contributing N1.5 billion, while the federal government added N1.8 billion to the pension funds. The fund is growing despite the fact that federal government has accumulated about N200 billion pension arrears under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) and Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), even as most states as well as some companies in the private sector are still defaulting in remittance to RSAs of their workers.

referenced NAICOM/FMF/ DCTO/002 dated August 2, on the above title and covey the approval of the Permanent Secretary for Mr Sunday Thomas, Deputy Commissioner for Insurance (DCFI), Technical as Ag, CFI, to oversee the affairs of the commission. The circular said the appointment was pending until the appointment of a substantive CFI by President Muhammadu

Buhari. The circular said the appointment was to ensure effective administration of insurance industry in line with the provisions of National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) Act of 1997. Immediate past National Commissioner, AlhajiMohammed Kari, has end of last July officially stepped down as the Commissioner

for Insurance and Chief Executive of NAICOM, following failure of the Federal Government to renew his appointment. Accordingly, the former Deputy Commissioner for Insurance, Technical, Mr. Sunday Thomas was appointed as Acting Commissioner for Insurance. Kari handed over to Thomas after his four years reign came to an end.

Thomas was appointed Deputy Commissioner for Insurance, Technical, by President Muhammadu Buhari on April 15, 2017. Prior to his appointment in April 2017 as Deputy Commissioner in charge of technical matters at the Commission, Thomas held the position of DirectorGeneral at the Nigerian Insurers Association, NIA, for seven years from May 2010.

NPL Pensions pays N1bn welfare assistance to police retirees

PL Pensions Limited has paid over N1 billion as welfare assistance to retired police officers awaiting their pension entitlements. The money was part of the company’s Retiree Resettlement Support Scheme. The company has set aside N500 million annually

to provide succour to retired police officers who had not received their pension benefits due to nonremittance of their accrued rights. The scheme was introduced in January 2017 to provide assistance to all police retirees registered with the company immediately they

retired and submit their documentation. The retirees` accounts are credited immediately upon request while awaiting the remittance of their accrued rights by the Federal Government and it is given free. The welfare package is the first ever welfare package to retirees by any

pension fund administrator in the country. From the scheme’s implementation to date 8,695 Police retirees have received over N1 billion from the earnings of the company. The company was established in 2014 and commenced payment of retirement benefits to Police retirees from January 2016.

From left: Major General Addullahi Muraina (rtd.), National Treasurer, Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered) -(NIM); Mrs. Pat. Anabor, Deputy President, NIM; Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, Chairman, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc;. Dr. (Mrs.) Sally Adukwu-Bolujoko, Past President, NIM and Mr. Tony Fadaka, Registrar/CE, NIM at the 2019 Distinguished Management Lecture in Lagos last week.

NSE lifts suspension on shares of Universal Insurance

he Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has lifted the suspension placed on the trading of shares of the Universal Insurance Plc. This is contained in a notice posted on its official website, the notice thus reads: “We refer to our Market Bulletin dated 2 July 2019, with Reference Number: NSE/RD/LRD/ MB34/19/07/02 wherein we notified Dealing Members of the suspension of eleven (11) listed companies for non-compliance with Rule 3.1, Rules for Filing of Accounts and Treatment of Default Filing, Rulebook of The Exchange (Issuers’ Rules) (Default Filing

Rules”), which provides that: “If an Issuer fails to file the relevant accounts by the expiration of the Cure Period, The Exchange will: (a) send to the Issuer a “Second Filing Deficiency Notification” within two (2) business days after the end of the Cure Period; (b) suspend trading in the Issuer’s securities; and (c) notify the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Market within twenty- four (24) hours of the suspension.” Universal Insurance Plc, one of the eleven companies suspended on July 2, 2019 has now filed its Audited Financial Statements for the year

ended 31 December 2018 with The Exchange. In view of the Company’s submission of its Audited Financial Statements, and pursuant to Rule 3.3 of the Default Filing Rules, which provides that: “The suspension of trading in the Issuer’s securities shall be lifted upon submission of the relevant accounts provided The Exchange is satisfied that the accounts comply with all applicable rules of The Exchange. The Exchange shall thereafter also announce through the medium by which the public and the SEC was initially notified of the suspension”, Dealing members are hereby notified that the

suspension placed on trading on the shares of Universal Insurance Plc was lifted today, Wednesday, 7 August 2019. Universal Insurance Plc has, over the past five years, sustained its momentum in terms of profitability, cutting edge customer services, innovative products designs tailored to meet special needs of its teeming customers and prompt claims settlement. Recently the Company embarked on total restructuring and re-engineering of its operations and developed a full-fledged retail unit with requisite qualified personnel to man it.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 14 – Monday August 19, 2019

AVIATION African airlines passenger traffic hits 11.7% …As FTKs increase by 3.8% Stories by VICTOR NZE

he International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced global passenger traffic results for June 2019 showing that demand (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose by 5.0 per cent compared to June 2018. This was up slightly from the 4.7 per cent year-overyear growth recorded in May. June capacity (available seat kilometers or ASKs) increased by 3.3 per cent, and load factor rose 1.4 percentage points to 84.4 per

cent, which was a record for the month of June. In the report, African airlines’ traffic soared 11.7 per cent in June, up from 5.1 per cent in May. Capacity rose 7.7 per cent, and load factor jumped 2.6 percentage points to 70.5 per cent. The report for continent’s figures also showed that demand is benefitting from a generally supportive economic backdrop, including improved economic stability in several countries, as well as increased air connectivity. “June continued the trend of solid passenger demand growth while the record load factor shows that airlines are maximizing efficiency. Amid continuing trade tensions between the US

and China, and rising economic uncertainty in other regions, growth was not as strong as a year ago, however,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO. June international passenger demand rose 5.4 per cent compared to June 2018, which was an improvement from 4.6 per cent annual growth recorded in May. All regions recorded increases in growth, led by airlines in Africa. Capacity rose 3.4 per cent, and load factor climbed 1.6 percentage points to 83.8 per cent. European airlines saw traffic rise 5.6 per cent in June compared to June 2018, in line with 5.5 per cent demand growth the month before. Capacity climbed 4.5 per

cent and load factor rose 1.0 per cent percentage point to 87.9 per cent, tied with North America as the highest among the regions. The solid growth occurred against a backdrop of slowing economic activity and declining business confidence in the Euro area and United Kingdom. Middle Eastern carriers posted an 8.1 per cent demand increase in June compared to the same month last year, which was well up on the 0.6 per cent annual increase recorded in May. The timing of Ramadan which fell almost exclusively in May this year likely contributed to the strongly contrasting outcomes. Capacity rose 1.7 per cent and load factor jumped 4.5 percentage points to

76.6 per cent. Asia-Pacific airlines’ June traffic rose 4.0 per cent compared to the year-ago period, which was down from a 4.9 per cent increase in May. US-China trade tensions have impacted demand in the broader Asia-Pacific-North America market and also within the inter-Asia market. Capacity rose 3.1 per cent and load factor edged up 0.7 percentage point to 81.4 per cent. North American carriers’ demand rose 3.5 per cent compared to June a year ago, down from 5.0 per cent annual growth in May, similarly reflecting US-China trade tensions. Capacity climbed 2.0 per cent, with load factor increasing 1.3 percentage points to 87.9 per cent.

NAMA charges ICAO on ATSEP Licensing

he Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has charged the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to consider as a matter of urgency, the inclusion of Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEP) licensing in its Annex1 to the Chicago Convention. This, the agency stated would place the responsibility to ensure safety on the holder because a license is the confirmation of competence in a specific safety related area. Speaking at the just concluded 9th International Federation of Air Traffic Safety Electronics Associations (IFATSEA)organised by the National Association of Air Traffic Engineers (NAAE) in Abuja, the Managing Director of NAMA Capt. Fola Akinkuotu, said although the demand for the licensing of ATSEPs has been a recurring issue in the ICAO general Assembly yearly due to efforts of IFATSEA to give it a “loud voice,” stakeholders in the industry have the onerous duty to ensure that this message resonates globally given the safety-critical role ATSEPs play in the aviation sector. Akinkuotu said as an agency with the largest concentration of ATSEPs in Nigeria,NAMA would continue to support the advocacy for the inclusion of ATSEP licensing in ICAO Annex 1

as this would give them a sense of accountability and commitment to duty. “Licensing of critical personnel in the aviation industry is fundamental to safety. We are demanding for license so that we can hold people responsible for their actions. The fact that a license unlike a university degree can be withdrawn makes the holder extremely responsible and careful in taking safetycritical decisions,” he said. The NAMA boss said in recognition of the immense contribution of ATSEPs to safety in the nation’s aviation sector, Nigeria has an operating ATSEP licensing and rating programme included in the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (NCARs),which NAMA is vigorously implementing as required, stressing that the programme had gone a long way in increasing the competency of ATSEPS in the country. Akinkuotu, who was full of gratitude to ATSEPs said,“NAMA engineers have proved that they can stand their own in every situation and they have continued to ensure that our navigational equipment propagate accurate and reliable signals thereby ensuring safety of air travel in the country.” Remarking earlier, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Sabiu Zakari said the professionalisation of ATSEP

From left: Regional Director, International Federation of Air Traffic Safety Electronics Associations (IFATSEA) Africa, Frank Kofi Apeagyei, President, National Association of Air Traffic Engineers (NAAE), Ishaya Dung, MD/ CE NAMA, Fola Akinkuotu, and IFATSEA President, Thorsten Wehe at the just concluded 9th IFATSEA Africa Regional Meeting in Abuja. has become indispensable as it would create the link between air traffic controllers and pilots as is the practice globally. Zakari, who was represented by the Director of Human Resources, Nkeiru Ejiofor said Nigeria has been a significant affiliate of IFATSEA and a flagship of safety in the region, even as he tasked participants to “churn out realisable and realistic strategies and modalities to enhance safety in the African airspace and the entire global aviation environment.”

Also in his welcome address, the President, National Association of Air Traffic Engineers (NAAE), Engr Ishaya Dung lamented that in spite of concerted efforts by members over the years, ATSEPs has not been recognised by ICAO Annex 1, adding that this development had impacted negatively on the psychology of members worldwide, making it a safety concern. He called on stakeholders to back the association in its plan to represent the “safety case”

in the forthcoming ICAO General assembly in September, 2019. This year’s conference with the theme: Aviation Safety and Licensing of ATSEP was attended by 131 participants drawn from nine countries, which includes: Burkina Faso, Gambia, Zambia, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Tanzania, Germany and Nigeria as well as representatives from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Agency for Aerial Navigation Safety in Africa and Madagascar (ASECNA).

China-Africa air traffic soared 630% in last 10yrs

ir traffic between China and African continent has expanded rapidly over the last decade, due to a massive investment pouring into Africa from the east Asian country. There are currently eight direct flights operating on an average day between China and African nations. That is a huge increase from less than a decade ago when airlines averaged less than one flight a day. At the moment, the AfricaChina traffic route is serving

2,616 annual flights, according to statistics from aviation company OAG, which were seen by Quartz. They showed the airline fleets operating between China and Africa are now capable of carrying about 850,000 passengers annually. Ethiopian Airlines, which didn’t have a single Africa-China route nine years ago, is now operating almost half of the 2,616 annual flights. The carrier has more than doubled the size of its fleet in the last decade,

becoming the largest airline operator in Africa. Chinese travelers comprise the airline’s largest group of customers, according to its spokesman, Asrat Begashaw. The airline flies daily to Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, and three times a week to Chengdu. It has announced plans to add three more Chinese destinations. Chinese firms have been winning infrastructure projects on the African aviation market, which has long been challenged

by a lack of integration, deficient infrastructure, and high costs. Airbus predicts that the continent will require 1,130 new aircraft by 2037. In recent years, Chinese companies have helped to build airports in Kenya, Mali, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nigeria, the Republic of Congo, Togo, Sierra Leone, and other countries. According to the China Investment Global Tracker, Chinese investments and contracts in Sub-Saharan Africa

totaled almost $300 billion from 2005 to 2018. Chinese president Xi Jinping last year pledged to invest a further $60 billion into African nations. He added that Chinese companies will be encouraged to invest no less than $10 billion in the continent in the next three years. Beijing’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative has already seen billions of dollars loaned to countries in Asia and Africa for roads, railways, ports, and other major infrastructure projects.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 14 – Monday August 19, 2019

e-Platform

LG excites, rewards customers with ‘Twinwash’ dance contest Stories by VICTOR NZE

G Electronics on Saturday, August 3, held the TWINWash Dance Contest as the top 10 finalists of the social media competition battled one another for the big prizes; LG TWINWash and N500,000 for the 1st place winners, G+ Washing Machine for the 2nd place winners and Front Load Washing Machine for the 3rd place winners in Lagos. According to Mr Jiung Park, General Manager, Home Appliance Division, LG Electronics, West Africa Operations, the contest is to enhance awareness for LG TWINWash Washing machine through a Dance Contest and to generate consumers’

Airtel introduces cheap home broadband plans

elecommunications services provider, Airtel Nigeria, has moved to deepen broadband connectivity in homes and offices across the country the recent introduction of affordable packages with large volume of data for subscribers. According to a statement, the Airtel Home Broadband (HBB) package is available in Routers and MiFis and comes in various affordable recharge plans, offering up to 100GB of data bonus. Under the new Airtel Home Broadband plans, when a customer purchases an Airtel Router for N25,000, he or she is instantly credited with 100GB data and also offered complimentary 10GB data for 6 months on purchase of the Airtel N10,000 data bundle plan. The Airtel MIFI comes at N15,000 and offers instant 40GB data and an additional

interest towards the product by showcasing its unique benefits to consumers through Dance contest. “Life’s Good with LG. We are not only committed to innovation for a better life or telling our brand stories but we also create beautiful experiences that would excite our customers through campaigns like the LG TWINWash Dance Contest, Mr Park said. “Life’s about more than having the latest electronics. It’s about the experiences technology creates. LG’s vision is to deliver innovative digital products and services that make your life better, easier and more comfortable. From TVs to home appliances and computer 5GB monthly for 6 months on purchase of the N5,000 Data Bundle plan. The Routers and MIFIs are bundled with a 4G SIM and customers can buy a bundle plan, register their data line and check their data balance by dialling *370# or by visiting the website, www.onetouch.ng. Commenting on the new offer, Godfrey Efeurhobo, Director, Home Broadband, Airtel Nigeria, said, “Airtel believes the new offer will empower more telecoms consumers to become more productive and more successful in their respective endeavours.” “With the widest 4G network in the country, Airtel is well positioned to offer a robust and best in class experience for Home Broadband and mobile Internet as we connect people to their dreams,” he added. It was stated that existing customers with 3G routers can also enjoy the Airtel Home Broadband plan by upgrading their data SIMs to 4G. Airtel explained that the launch of its exciting Home Broadband offerings rides on its expansive and modernized 4G network, which has been deployed in over 130 cities and towns across Nigeria, making Airtel the first operator to launch the Home Broadband plans in all 36 states including the Federal Capital Territory.

products, LG Nigeria delivers consumer electronics that let you embrace life and prepare you for its greatest moments”, Mr. Park added. The company’s TWINWash Dance Contest consisted of five simple routines, each symbolizing a different feature of LG TWINWash; Separate Wash, Delicate Wash, Simultaneous Wash, Big Capacity, and TWIN Wash. The fun, easy-to-follow dance encouraged maximum consumer participation and drew a clear parallel between the even and the LG TWINWash – a washing machine that keeps on running. The reach of the campaign was further expanded with many of the challenge participants actively

sharing videos across social media. In his remark, Mr Hari Elluru, Head of Corporate Marketing Division, LG Electronics West Africa Operations also added that “doing laundry has never been fun, but now it’s more practical, efficient and time saving with LG TWINWash. This is what we try to replicate with this dance contest”. Speaking at the occasion, the winners of the contest, Calisus and Peter Uzodinma of the I AM FLY group, the brothers expressed their deepest gratitude to LG Electronics for giving them such a platform to express their innate ability. “This is about the only contest we have participated in since we

started our career in dance that thought us synergy, connectivity, precision and determination for success. We were deliberate about our performance as the brief we got from LG was very clear as regards how their brand could connect with the users and that was what we brought to bear during the performance that gave us the win.” We will like to do this again, Peter added. The light-hearted and amusing campaign brought LG closer to consumers who have a zest for life. The event which took place at the Marquee Hall of Colonades Hotels, 21 Alfred Rewane Road, Ikoyi, Lagos had in attendance over 300 customers.

From left: Head of Corporate Marketing Division, LG Electronics West Africa Operations, Mr Hari Elluru; the Judge, Kafayat Oluwatoyin Shafau (Kaffy); the winners of the dance contest, Calistus and Peter Uzodinma of the I AM FLY group; and the General Manager, Home Appliance Division, LG Electronics, West Africa Operations, Mr Jiung Park, at the LG Twinwash Dance Contest event held on the Lagos Island, Saturday.

e-Nigeria to become Africa’s ICT conference, exhibition by 2020 –NITDA boss

irector-General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr Isa Pantami, said in Abuja on Thursday that e-Nigeria would become Africa’s Information Communication Technology conference and exhibition by 2020. Pantami spoke while inaugurating the Local Organising Committee (LOCs) for e-Nigeria and the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) for the year, according to a statement by Mrs Hadiza Umar, Head, Corporate Affairs and External Relations Unit of NITDA. e-Nigeria Conference,

Exhibitions and Awards is NITDA’s annual flagship event that brings stakeholders together in the Nigeria Information Technology ecosystem. GITEX on the other hand is the biggest technology show in the Middle East and third biggest technology show in the world. It creates a platform for countries to share knowledge and experience and as well provides space for start-ups to meet venture capitalists and investors. The director-general urged the committees to come up with ideas that would surpass the successes of previous years’

exhibitions. “We want the LOC to consider e-Nigeria as a national assignment and put in their best efforts with the view of ensuring a successful outing at the event. “e-Nigeria is very dear to us as IT stakeholders and as a nation because of the importance the leadership of the country attaches to the development of IT sector. So see it as a rare opportunity to serve. “e-Nigeria will metamorphose into African Information Technology Conference and Exhibition by 2020 with the objective of integrating other African countries to the conference.”

Galaxy Tab S6: Samsung announces world’s first tablet with HDR10+ certified display

amsung recently announced the Galaxy Tab S6, its latest Android tablet antd a true flagship offering at that, boasting the Snapdragon 855 at the helm, unlike its predecessor which for some reason had to make do with the previous year’s top SoC. Samsung felt it necessary to omit a rather important detail about the tablet in its initial press

materials, namely the fact that its display is HDR10+ certified. Not only that, but this is the first ever tablet to be graced with that honor, so it’s even more outstanding of an achievement and thus apparently worthy of a separate press release sent out today. Samsung says the Tab S6 “achieved the esteemed HDR10+

certification after extensive quality testing”. If you’re wondering what the “+” stands for, as in what’s the difference between this standard and good ‘ol HDR10, it’s that HDR10+ has dynamic tone mapping for each scene, continuously fine-tuning settings as content plays. As opposed to HDR10’s static nature, this results in richer, more vivid

colors, and even better shadow and light detail. If you’re confused about how you can put all that to use, it’s easy: just watch HDR10+ content in Amazon’s Prime Video app, which supports the standard (for specific movies and shows). Earlier this year, the Galaxy S10 was the first mobile device to receive HDR10+ certification, and in the meantime

the Note10 has followed suit. Whether this, or any other of the Galaxy Tab S6’s features, will persuade you to buy an Android tablet in this day and age is a good question, of course. These mostly seem like a dying breed now, but Samsung is still pushing, and at least this time around it gave its premier tablet the flagship specs treatment.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 14 – Monday August 19, 2019

e-Platform

Huawei launches smartphone with HongMeng OS

Huawei has launched its first devices with HongMeng OS, an Honor Smart TV for the Chinese market. However, a smartphone with the mobile system will follow in Q4, 2019 to lure developers and fans into the new ecosystem. The information from the state-funded media comes less than a month after Huawei VP assured journalists that HongMeng OS is not intended for mobile phones. The HongMeng OS was officially released at Huawei’s Developer Conference on August 9 in Dongguan. It will be primarily running on autonomous driving platforms, remote medical devices, and industrial control. However, the company has also noted that if Google really cuts off its OS supply, Huawei will have no other choice but to expand its reach. Sources say that the new platform has better protection of personal data and prevents user’s privacy from getting compromised. It also stated that Huawei is preparing to manufacture several million units and will launch the device alongside the Mate30 series.

Android Q Beta 6 released with gesture navigation improvements

ndroid Q’s final Beta 6 release is out and it’s going to be the last one before the official version of the OS is released. Most of the changes are under the hood and Google is focusing on helping developers optimize their apps to the new environment. But there’s also one thing that users, who are running Android Q just to experience the latest features will appreciate. Android Q Beta 6 released with gesture navigation improvements Google has greatly improved the gesture navigation after taking user feedback into account. The back gesture requires 200dp vertical app exclusion limit for

more consistent performance and there’s a new setting that allows you to adjust the sensitivity of the back gesture. Surely, there will be a few more changes when the final and complete version of the software comes out, but it’s mostly done at this point.

Apple Card roll-out begins for select users

pple has begun the “preview roll-out” for its Apple Card to a select group of customers who signed up early after the service was announced back in March. The select few will be able to sign up for the service and apply for their cards ahead of the wider rollout scheduled for later this month. In addition, Apple also released several introductory videos detailing how to set up the card and use its basic features. The setup procedure requires a device running iOS 12.4 or later and entering your personal details in a form via the Wallet app. The data will then be approved by Goldman Sachs and after that you will see your Apple Card pop up in the Wallet app. You can immediately start using it but if you prefer to have a physical card you’ll have to request one (free of charge) during the

setup process. If you go that route, Apple will send you an envelope with the shiny metal card by mail and you can activate it in a matter of seconds with your iPhone. Having the physical card allows you to make payments without your phone nearby but unfortunately, it’s not contactless. The Wallet app’s new Apple Card interface has some neat features which will help you track your spending, with different color categories which will reflect in the actual look of your digital Apple card. In addition, the UI categorizes your spending and lets you schedule payments and groups merchant data for your convenience. Another added benefit of Apple’s solution is that you get 2% cashback on all transactions made with Apple Pay. Apple is expected to begin its large scale Apple Card rollout in the US by the end of this month but there’s still no word on an international release for now.

Glo tops internet subscriber gainers’ chart for June

lobacom has topped gainers’ chart in the latest statistics of Internet subscribers released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for the month of June. Indeed, June was a difficult month for the industry generally, as the total number of internet subscribers dropped by a whopping 332,338 from 122,624,417 in May to 122,292,079 in June. The bulwark against complete free fall came from Globacom and Airtel who recorded subscriber gains, while the other operators recorded a loss. Globacom gained a total of 196,816, moving from 28,825,533 data subscribers in May to 29,022,349 in June. Airtel gained a total of 42,510 subscribers in the corresponding

period. On the other hand, MTN lost 178,103 subscribers, dropping from 52,433,020 in May to 52,254,917 in June. Nigeria’s fourth largest telecommunications operator, 9Mobile lost 310,924 data subscribers, dropping from 9,350,477 in May to 9, 039,553 in June. Globacom has proven to be the favourite of internet subscribers over the years on account of its customer-friendly data packages and fast internet connectivity. The operator became the first network in Nigeria to launch nationwide 4G in 2016. With the launch of the service, millions of subscribers on the Glo network have been able to enjoy instant, efficient broadband internet connectivity.

NanoCell –LG Best LCD TV Outstanding Colour and Clarity from Every Seat in the House.

Unilag students develop ‘Lagmobile’ app to ease communication, security

group of students of the University of Lagos has developed an app known as `Lagmobile’ and a campus life website, in a bid to improve communication and security within the university community. Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe said at the launch of the app on Friday in Lagos that a student of French Language was in the group. “We threw up this challenge open to all of the students cutting across all the departments and faculties when we thought about improving communication as well the level of security on our campus.“I am very proud to let you know that what we are launching here today was developed by students of this institution. “This app was designed in such a way that if, for instance, there is a case of rape, kidnap, cultism, all the person affected needs to do is to click a button on his or her telephone. Once this is done, probably accompanied by a short message, wherever such the

person is, the signal will be sent to the right quarters for urgent intervention. “Again, the beauty about this app is that if any student is having any academic problem, such a student can reach the appropriate quarters through this same app, and information concerning it will be conveyed equally,’’ he said. Ogundipe said that the students of the institution were also set to develop another app that would serve as a map within the university. He said that the app would be launched in two weeks’ time. “The essence is to direct or inform visitors and students how to reach whoever they want to see at various locations within the university without necessarily asking questions around.”He said that the android for the app had already been done and the IOS almost completed. “We are migrating to a situation whereby we will have things all over the campus to make life easy for our students as well as visitors to the university. This development is going to push up the visibility of

the university because students are directly involved. “These students are bloggers, and the university is encouraging them in this regard as well as supporting them as much as possible. “We want to develop students who will not say they are thinking outside the box. We want students who will say there is no box in the first place, that is, there is no limitation – those who will just soar like the eagle in achieving their dreams.” Ogundipe said that the university would continue to strive in exposing its students to artificial intelligence, data processing, large data processing and others, in order to make them globally competitive. Acting Director of the university’s Centre for Information Technology and System, Dr Victor Odumuyiwa, said that the development of the apps and design of the website was part of the vision upon which the institution’s ICT goals were being driven.

Apple’s 2020 iPhones. LG Display even has actual rollable TVs. So, it is definitely more that is a pipe dream. The latest LG smartphone design to surface, incorporating a foldable display appears still firmly anchored in the realm of future possibilities. Not that the tech itself is not already there, but with word of a much simpler dual-display LG design coming to consumer electronics and home appliances trade show, the IFA 2019, this sort of foldable LG phone is still probably some way away. But, we digress. The designs are very interesting and could offer potential hints as to the direction LG is planning to take its foldable smartphone panel tech once it finally becomes reality.

The document in question details the “Z-FOLD TYPE FOLDABLE SMARTPHONE”, was just recently published in the WIPO (World Intellectual Property Office) database and contains a surprisingly large quantity of sketches. The pictured device combines a foldable display, bending inward with a separate second display, also mounted on a hinge in a rather clever way. The two outer segments appear to fold in on the middle one, positioning the separate display on the front of the folded-in device. In this state all the typical features of a smartphone are just where one would expect - main camera on the back, power button and volume rockers (presumably) on the side and speakers on the bottom.

LG patents Z-Fold type foldable smartphone ahead IFA 2019

oldable display smartphones might have been rushed yet again judging by the rocky lifecycle of both the Samsung Galaxy Fold and Huawei Mate X, neither of which is still available for purchase. Even so, the tech is definitely there and it’s mostly a matter of time and refinement at this point. And actually few players have been working on foldable displays longer than LG. This might sound a bit surprising, given that the Korean giant still doesn’t have any concrete foldable smartphone offer, but it is a fact that as early as 2014 and even 2013 LG was spearheading the foldable revolution. Since then there have been more than a few foldable and rollable design patents from LG. Also rumors of some major partnerships. Most notably an alleged one for flexible OLED displays to be incorporated in

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 14 – 19, 2019

MONEY Market

World Bank spends $11bn in Nigeria Stories by KAYODE OGUNWALE

he World Bank has revealed that it has so far spent around $11billion over the years on projects across the country. Country Director of the World Bank in Nigeria Mr Rachid Benmessaoudade made this disclosure in Abuja at the maiden edition of the Nigeria Portfolio Performance Award. He said the projects which this huge sum of money was spent on over the years are targeted at alleviating poverty and improving the lives of Nigerians. He described the World Bank’s financial commitment in Nigeria as being among the largest in the entire Africa continent with over 30 operational projects. The projects he said were spread across health, education,

agriculture, social protection, energy, infrastructure, governance among others, in all 36 states of Nigeria, and the FCT. He said that 60 percent of the bank’s programmes were implemented at the state level and another 40 percent at the Federal level Benmessaoudade also revealed that the bank was working on a new country partnership framework “that would outline the new reform challenges that the government faces and how it could support it in implementing solutions to the challenges.” According to him, “the country partnership strategy is always anchored on the economic reform plan of the government and in this case we have used the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan

(ERGP), which is the medium-term programme of the government on which we are anchoring our country partnership framework.” He said the bank feels that “the world bank can play a catalytic role in creating a conducive environment for private sector to finance infrastructure so that we can create the fiscal space for the government to put more money in human capital and in social spending.” Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Dr. Mahmud IsaDutse, assured the World Bank of the ministry’s commitment to build an enabling environment to manage its portfolio in Nigeria and assist the bank deliver on all its projects implementation. Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, said “one of the things I found upon taking office about

four years ago was that most governors do not know what is going on as far as world bankfinanced projects are concerned. Often you find large amounts of money sitting idle that can be used for the benefit of the state that the governors are not aware of. The more the states carry out their projects, the more impact they will have on social sectors because most of the projects financed by the World Bank are targeted at social sectors like education, health care, nutrition and so on.” El-Rufai said that the Nigerian Governor’s Forum (NGF) was currently more aware of the bank’s projects because of the bank’s constant briefings, but that some governors engaged more than others as some were hands-on while some were a bit disconnected.

“It makes sense for Nigerian youths to become entrepreneurs instead of looking for jobs,’’ Okhaimo said. He said that DBN would continue to partner participating commercial banks to ensure lending to SMEs to reduce unemployment rate. Mr Mudashiru Olaitan , CBN Director, Development Finance, said that SMEs was a sector that would not be neglected by any country. Olaitan said that SMEs contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) presently stood at 50 percent. According to him, SMEs presently employed 98.7 percent of the country’s labour force.

issuance of a bankruptcy notice against the Managing Director of Rahamaniyya, Alhaji Abdulrahaman Musa Bashir, has also been granted on June 27, 2019 by Hon. Justice A.O. Faji of the Federal High Court. The action against Alhaji Musa Bashir in his personal capacity is based on his personal guarantee to repay the loans which said obligation, Alhaji Bashir has failed to meet following his company’s huge indebtedness to the bank.

“These recovery actions come on the heels of the Bank’s resolve to ensure that debtors fully honor their obligations after benefitting from credit facilities which helped to grow their businesses. The bank by the actions filed, seeks to enforce collateral agreements, wind up the company for inability to pay its debts and obtain an order of court, adjudging Alhaji Abdulrahman Musa Bashir Bankrupt.

The Group Head, Strategy & Corporate Transformation, Bank of Industry (BoI), Yinka Adegboye; Divisional Head, Managed SMEs, Fidelity Bank Plc., Osaigbovo Omorogbe; Regional Bank Head (RBH), Yaba-Surulere, Fidelity Bank Plc., Chetachi Ezenagu; Divisional Head, Brand & Communications, Fidelity Bank Plc., Charles Aigbe, at the Fidelity SME Radio Forum held at Inspiration FM in Lagos to create publicity ahead of the forthcoming Fidelity SME Funding Connect. problem affecting small businesses in Nigeria, noting that the bank would concentrate on SMEs to bridge funding gap. Speaking on the funding connect, Okonkwo said that the bank partnered PWC to bring SMEs to founders and funders. “About 2,500 people entered the competition, we were down to about 12, now finalists are about five,’’ Okonkwo said. He explained that winning the prize was not the major issue but knowledge and interaction these SMEs were exposed to. Also speaking, Mr Ernest Ebi, Chairman Fidelity Bank, assured that the board was solidly behind the

management on the initiative. Ebi said that the bank was playing a leading role in SMEs and retail banking space. “SMEs are very important to stimulate economic growth and development, no economy can do without SMEs,’’ he said. He called on the Federal Government to create an enabling environment for SMEs to thrive. The chairman said that the needed infrastructure should be provided for them to succeed apart from funding. Mr Bonaventure Okhaimo , DBN Chief Operating Officer, said that the organisation would continue to support the growth of SMEs.

Ecobank to recover N25.9bn debt

cobank Nigeria Limited, has instituted debt recovery actions against Rahamaniyya, oil and gas company in Nigeria, to recover a debt in the sum of N25. 9 billion which were availed Rahamaniyya for the purpose of financing the importation and local purchase of petroleum products. The bank, through its Solicitors,

Olisa Agbakoba Legal, has instituted actions at the Federal High Court and the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to recover the indebted sum. According to a press statement by Olisa Agbakoba Legal, “in vigorously pursuing the recovery of the said indebted sum, Ecobank has deployed a wide range of legal

actions. So far, an order of interim injunction restraining Rahamaniyya and its directors from interfering or tampering with the petroleum products in their Tank Farms, which were financed by Ecobank, has been granted on August 7, 2019 by the Hon. Justice (Prof) Chuka Austine Obiozor of the Federal High Court. “Additionally, an order for the

ccess Bank, through its W Initiative has partnered with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs on the 50 Million Women Speak Project with ECOWAS designed to empower women in business across Africa on skills required to build sustainable businesses. The W Initiative is the home of everything Access Bank has to offer women. It is a brand dedicated to inspiring, connecting and empowering women across every stage of their lives either as women in business, women and family or young professionals. The initiative has identified the importance of boosting one’s business while leveraging technology and digital platforms. Hence, the partnership with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs on its 50 Million Women Speak Project with ECOWAS will boost the economic empowerment of women through the provision of a capacity building and networking platforms that will provide access to information on financial and non-financial services. Victor Etuokwu, Executive Director, Retail Banking Division, said “the world at large has gone global and in a short while, even the most basic things will require digital expertise. We have gone into this partnership to reiterate Access Bank’s focus on the women and to help them move with this digital evolution to strengthen their businesses” The pioneer program was held in Lagos on the 29thof July 2019 with more than 100 women in attendance while the subsequent trainings will cut across the six regions in Nigeria. One of the beneficiaries of the pioneer program and CEO Nanny Academy, Mrs. Amara Agbim, said, “the program is expository and has provided me with latest information and skills on how to market my business and expand my reach across Africa” It is believed that Access Bank’s commitment to empower female entrepreneurs will continue to contribute immensely to the growth of SME’s in Nigeria and further impact on the social and economic growth of the nation.

Fidelity Bank disburses N9.6bn DBN Fund to SMEs idelity Bank Plc says it has disbursed N9.6 billion to MicroSmall and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) fund being disbursed by participating deposit money banks. Mr Nnamdi Okonkwo, the bank’s Managing Director, disclosed this at Fidelity Bank SMEs Funding Connect-Lagos with the theme: “Entrepreneurship Meets Capital’’. Okonkwo said that the bank’s access limit to DBN fund was N25 billion, noting that N9.6 billion had been disbursed to small businesses. “DBN started about two years ago, we have access to N25 billion in DBN, we have already done N9.6 billion,” he stated. Okonkwo said that the bank would remain committed to the growth and development of SMEs by ensuring disbursement of the remaining balance to qualified small businesses. He also said that the bank had disbursed N2.3 billion from the N220 billion Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) SMEs fund to support small businesses. Okonkwo said that the bank would continue to play actively in various intervention funds initiatives introduced by the Federal Government for SMEs. He said that the bank had also disbursed the sum of N6 billion under the Bank of Industry (BoI) SMEs fund. Okonkwo said that the funds were disbursed to SMEs at single digit for small businesses. He identified funding as a major

Access Bank partners FG on ‘50 million women speak project with ECOWAS’

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 14 – 19, 2019

Travel & Hospitality Addis Ababa leads Africa in hotel room rates Stories by VICTOR NZE

thiopia’s capital of Addis Ababa, posted Africa’s highest average daily rate (ADR), according to the most recent 12-month data from STR. The market will play host to the Africa Hotel Investment Forum on 23-25 September at the Sheraton Addis. From July 2018 through June 2019, Addis Ababa registered an absolute ADR of US$163.79 when measured in constant currency, which removes the effects of inflation. That figure was a 1.1% increase year over year. The next closest STR-defined markets in Africa were Accra Area, Ghana (US$160.34) and Lagos Area, Nigeria (US$132.51). “Addis Ababa continues to maintain high ADR levels when compared internationally,” said Thomas Emanuel, a director for STR. “The city has multiple demand drivers, such as a growing economy, successful airline and its status as the diplomatic capital for Africa. Air connections and ease of access compared with other cities

also factor in the equation for strong demand, which provides hoteliers with the confidence to maintain rate levels. “With healthy performance comes interest in investment. The market’s pipeline is strong with 22 hotels and 4,820 rooms in active development. We will continue to monitor these new openings to see how the market reacts once these additional rooms open.” Emanuel will present the latest hotel performance and development insights on the Tuesday (24 September) of AHIF. “Hosting high-profile international meetings like AHIF is one factor that has helped Addis to maintain its position as the city with the most expensive hotel accommodation in Africa,” said Matthew Weihs, Managing Director, Bench Events (http:// www.BenchEvents.com) (AHIF organiser). “Our delegates will be looking carefully to see if the addition of a lot more highquality accommodation and meeting space will depress room rates or help Addis become even more attractive as a destination.” Addis Ababa’s occupancy

From left: Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, Barrister Allen Onyema, Chairman, Air Peace Airline, Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano, wife of Anambra state Governor, his husband, Governor Willie Obiano and another child of the deceased at the funeral mass service for late Chief Michael Chukwuka Onyema held at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Mbosi, Ihiala, Anambra State over the same 12-month time period was 58.4%, up 6.5% year over year. Cairo & Giza was the continent’s occupancy leader at 74.5%. Cape Town Centre, South Africa (65.0%), ranked second in the metric followed by Accra Area (59.7%).

Arik Air, Radisson Blu partner to provide luxury hospitality

rik Air and Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Lagos are partnering to offer passengers discount on room rates as well as free room upgrade in the five star hotel. The offer according to the airline includes 10 per cent off weekend rates, free room upgrade, 15 per cent off buffet meals, 10 per cent off spa treatment and 10% off beauty studio services. The airline explained that to enjoy the offer, guests are required to present their Arik

Air boarding pass not older than one month after flying at Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. According Arik Air said that starting from August 9 to 31, 2019, passengers can enjoy the discount offer every day of the week and from September 1 to December 31, 2019, the offer is available on weekends. Speaking on the promotion, Arik Air Chief Executive Officer, Captain Roy Ilegbodu said, “We are delighted about this partnership which offers our

loyal customers the chance to experience the five-star service of Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel”. On his part, Radisson Blu Director of Sales and Marketing, Wellington Mpofu said, “Arik Air is a vibrant, recognizable brand in the region and this partnership compliments the strong presence and growth of the Radisson Hotel Group in the continent and beyond. This is a promotion to experience luxury offered by the two entities”.

Amnesty Int’l cautions Nigerians, others against travels to U.S

mnesty International is urging visitors to United States to be cautious amid a ‘human rights crisis’ they blame on ‘ubiquity of firearms’ and government reluctance to confiscate them. Travelers to the United States ‘cannot reasonably expect to be free from harm,’ Amnesty International USA’s Ernest Coverson said in a statement, advising people that ‘the country does not adequately protect people’s right to be safe.’ The group specifically warned racial, ethnic, and sexual minorities to be on their toes due to ‘recent attacks linked to white supremacist ideology’ – though only one of the weekend’s mass shootings was ‘linked’ to white supremacy through his manifesto, and the other shooter’s

allegedly far-left leanings were not mentioned anywhere in Amnesty’s alarming message. Those travelers who brave the gun-fetishists the group claims are terrorizing the American streets were advised to ‘be extra vigilant at all times and be wary of the ubiquity of firearms among the population.’ They were also warned to keep away from “places where large numbers of people gather” –that is, all tourist attractions – as well as bars, nightclubs, and casinos. Accusing the United States of ‘prioritizing gun ownership over basic human rights,’ the group shamed the government for ‘ignoring its international obligations to protect people’s rights and safety’ – a curious argument to make given that the US is not exactly famous

for honoring international agreements and respecting obligations. The ‘unprecedented’ travel warning was accompanied by a familiar list of ‘common sense reforms’ including strict background checks, a national firearm registry, and a ban on high capacity magazines and assault weapons, plus a plea to pass gun control legislation – some of which already exists at the state level – federally. Amnesty’s statement comes on the heels of similar warnings from the foreign ministries of Uruguay and Venezuela and the Japanese Consul in Detroit, all of which issued traveler alerts following two deadly mass shootings in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio over last weekend that killed a total of 31 people.

Yabatech art museum gets $100,000 Ford Foundation grant

aba College of Technology (Yabatech) has won 100,000 dollars Ford Foundation Project grant for the development of an art museum. The project expected to incorporate advocacy against sexual harassment and gender based violence will be supervised by a team that made the proposal for the research grant. The team includes Dr A. Abiodun, Yabatech’s Chief Lecturer in the Department of Chemical Science, Dr Funmilayo Doherty, a Principal Lecturer in the Department of Biological Science, and Mrs Odun Orimolade, a Principal Lecturer in the Department of Fine Art. Prof. Paul Nwulu, Senior Programme Officer, Ford

Foundation, who announced the grant during a visit to the proposed site for the museum, said that the partnership between the college and the foundation was that of progress and development. Rector of the college, Mr Obafemi Omokungbe, thanked Ford Foundation for the grant and gave the assurance that the college would carry out the project effectively. Ford Foundation officials and principal officers of the college also visited the location designated for the project at the basement of Yabatech’s School of Art, Design and Printing. The project will be monitored by the West African Office of Ford Foundation.

Samuel L. Jackson heeds Ghana president’s call, officially gets Gabonese passport

resident Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s Year of Return is already yielding results in other African countries, as Gabon is now the latest to benefit from the declaration made by the Ghanaian leader which called on black people everywhere to return to the continent and help build it. Hollywood superstar actor, Samuel L. Jackson has officially secured a Gabonese passport after finding out his ancestors hailed from the Central African nation. The Year of Return coincides with the marking of 400 years since the first slave ships left

the coast of West Africa in what has now become the biggest nightmare of race relations globally. President Akufo-Addo made the headlines when he made declared in France a few months ago during an interaction with 400 representatives of the African diaspora in France who gathered at the Elysee Palace in Paris that “the destiny of all black people no matter where they are is tied to Africa”. The call is making a big impact as many black people, especially in the United States, have started their journey to reconnect with the African continent.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 14 – August 19, 2019

Love and Living

...With Ireto Temofeh

MODEL OF THE WEEK

LOVE NEWS

‘We just went at it like she just didn’t exist.’ Former Playmate reveals she had sex with Donald Trump in front of her friend

former Playboy Playmate has told how President Donald Trump cheated on his pregnant fiancée Marla Maples – who later became his second wife - during a steamy six-month affair. Model Barbara Moore, 49, met the tycoon in March, 1993 – three months after she became Playboy’s Miss December centerfold – and claims the president was a ‘great lover’ and a true ‘gentleman’. The pair embarked on a passionate love affair which saw Moore spending time with the billionaire at Mar-a-Lago and Trump Tower behind Maples’ back. And in a series of stunning photos obtained by DailyMail.com the blonde beauty is seen posing up in a bikini amid the opulent surroundings of Mar-a-Lago in the private residence of Trump. She even took a photo of the president flexing his muscles on a sun lounger by the mansion’s swimming pool. In an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com, she said: ‘I dated Donald Trump for around six months, from March to September 1993. Moore decided to tell her story after being bombarded with press

Name: Joy Tel: 07030801774 If you want to be our next Model of The Week, e-mail or forward your photos/data to: ireto007@yahoo.com. Call 07031028714

ODD NEWS

The strategies that will have YOU thinking like a slim person US Weight Control Registry which tracked a group of people who lost 15 kilograms or more and kept it off. The data from that study revealed those who reported reduced rates of self-weighing, tended to show greater weight gain over time. ‘Keeping an eye on our weight via regular check in’s with the scales reminds us to pull back when we see those numbers start to creep up,’ Susie said.

hen it comes to changing eating habits - whether it’s to lose weightor just make healthier choices - having some strategies on-hand can make all the difference. Leading Australian dietitian, Susie Burrell, believes it’s more beneficial to consider taking the long view when it comes to altering dieting patterns, rather than reach for short-term benefits. Here, FEMAIL reveals Susie’s top five recommendations for creating new and healthy eating and dieting behaviours for long-term, and sustainable, success.

SELF-MONITORING According to Susie, one important aspect of weight control - whether this is done by keeping track of your food intake, daily step number, or how much you actually weigh - is constant awareness of how much you are eating or moving. ‘Being mindful of our day-today food and activity habits and incremental changes in body size is a crucial aspect of long-term weight control,’ she wrote. Susie said self-monitoring has been proven in studies as an effective tool for those who wanted to stay accountable, namely to themselves. She cites research from the

CHOOSE LIMITING NOT RESTRICTING Though conventional dieting wisdom holds that you need to cut out everything from your diet to lose weight, it can be better over the long term to practice moderation, rather than restriction. The expert said there are two reasons for why restricting can be problematic: one, people like to eat tasty food and restricting can set up a binge cycle, and two psychological restriction impacts blood glucose regulation, which may, in turn, cause a craving for the very thing we’re trying to abstain from. Susie said a moderate dietary approach can is a more sustainable, especially over the long term. She said ‘Including an occasional glass of wine, or dessert or whatever your vice is should not be frowned upon, rather encouraged.’ TAKE

CONTROL

YOUR

ENVIRONMENT Though it would seem logical to remove tempting treats if you’re making every effort to lose weight, Susie said she’s often astounded by clients that continue to bring high-fat foods into their homes, and then get upset when they eat them. Again drawing on science, Susie cited the work of behavioural food researcher Brian Wansink whose research shows that people will eat more food when it is readily available. Susie explained: ‘If we can see the lollies, we will eat double the amount we would if we could not see them. ‘The larger the plate, the more we will eat. Working backwards this simply means if you do not want to eat it, do not buy it, and simply serving yourself less is a powerful weight control technique that we have 100 per cent control over.’ PLAN SNACKS AND MEALS

requests after she was named in legal documents filed by former Playboy model Karen McDougal who is now seeking to invalidate her agreement with America Media Inc. ‘It was a passionate affair, he was a great lover and a gentleman. ‘But at the time I didn’t know he was with someone else, let alone engaged to Marla Maples and it was only recently I learned she was pregnant at the time. This has shocked me, but I don’t hold it against Donald, he was a great lover and I think he’s a great president.’ DailyMail.com reached out to the White House for comment. A source familiar with the matter said the president said these are more false accusations. Moore’s revelations come amid a cloud of controversy surrounding his alleged flings with porn star Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal, who both claim to have slept with Trump while he was with current wife Melania. But while Daniels and McDougal have both publicly criticized the president, Moore is far more complimentary. She met the billionaire at Trump’s Castle Casino hotel, a former Trump owned property in Atlantic City, New Jersey in March, 1993. As Miss December, 1992 Moore was hired by Playboy to do a fashion show at the posh casino hotel. ‘Planning is the key to dietary success,’ the nutritional expert said. Susie explained that if you have foods on-hand you need to eat, you don’t fall into the trap of eating whatever is most convenient. ‘How many times do you travel, go to a conference or to a social function and find yourself eating poor quality, high-calorie food because you have nothing else on hand and are hungry?’,’ she asked. To avoid this, Susie suggests always having a backup supply of nutritious food available so you can make choices aligned with your dietary goals. AIM FOR CONSISTENCY A blowout for a special occasion can often seem justified. However, Susie believes it’s better to aim for a more consistent approach to creating and maintaining eating habits. ‘It does not matter if it is Christmas, a birthday or if they have been “good” in the week, individuals who control their weight keep their basic dietary intake consistent,’ she states.

Romantic Joke Finally Together

Maria, a devout Catholic, got married and had 10 children. After her first husband died, she remarried and had 10 more children. A few weeks after her second husband died, Maria also passed away. At Maria’s funeral, the priest looked skyward and said, “At last, they’re finally together.” Her sister sitting in the front row said, “Excuse me, Father, but do you mean she and her first husband, or she and her second husband?” The priest replied, “I mean her legs.”

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 14 – August 19, 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

By Douglas Omoyooma wenty years ago, exactly Independence Day 1999, the duo of Isaac Moses and his wife, Nneka Moses stormed the Nigerian entertainment scene when the first edition of Goge Africa, a cultural/tourism TV programme hit the airwaves. And this year, as the platform clocks 20, Oracle Today had a chat with Nneka Isaacs at their state-ofthe-art-studio located in Maryland, Lagos, and she opened up on how she met her husband, their struggles and how Goge Africa was transformed into a global brand. Going down memory lane Nneka recalled how she and her husband first met? “When we first met, it was on set and he upset me with his first move and he did something I found embarrassing so I slapped him.”

Really? What did he do? “We were in a room together and when the director said action, he was supposed to open the door and come out. I was in the room waiting for action while he stood there, looked at me and before I knew it, he grabbed and kissed me and I slapped him immediately! That was that in the script,” Nneka said as she continues laughing.

With Douglas Omoyooma

How my husband wooed me

Nneka Isaacs Moses, Goge Africa

Goge Africa

So, how did they eventually hit it off? “He came back to apologise formerly and asked me to forgive him by accepting a date. And can you guess what, on the day I found out at the last minute that he was taking me to an amala joint at Shitta, Surulere! And when we got there he said ‘pick your plate and join the queue’ and that was my first time of eating amala. It was my first time of going to eat at such a road side joint and I had told my friend that a guy was taking me out and at the end of the day, she asked me ‘where did you guys go’ and I said it was an amala joint. Truly what I expected was a big cozy restaurant with candle lights but here I was at Shitta with area boys eating amala on our first date.” she said breaking into more laughter. Didn’t she feel like dumping him at that moment? “I was just like ‘let me eat this and get out of here. We will sort that out later.” Goge Africa It is 20 years since Goge Africa hit TV screens and today it is a household name. Any plans to celebrate your 20th anniversary? Her response: “As a matter of fact, we have mapped out events. We have the writing competition themed: My Culture, My Heritage. There is also a photography competition and a documentary competition. The competitions are built around the things that we do. Over the years, we have met lots of people struggling to be successful, either as photographers, creative writers, content writers or fashion designers in this space. The fact that we have met all these people bubbling with creativity has been inspiring so we decided to give them a platform. The competition has a lot of prizes attached. There will also be a symposium and a gala and awards night. Recalling how they came about the concept for GOGE Africa she continued: “It was borne of the desire to promote what we have. If you talked about culture back then, people felt you were talking about rustic village people. When I listened to foreign media those days, the only thing they had to say about Africa was negative and when I juxtaposed that with what I knew about my country, I felt they were not telling the truth so we decided to tell our own stories.

It is 20 years since Goge Africa hit TV screens and today it is a household name... It was borne of the desire to promote what we have. If you talked about culture back then, people felt you were talking about rustic village people. When I listened to foreign media those days, the only thing they had to say about Africa was negative and when I juxtaposed that with what I knew about my country, I felt they were not telling the truth so we decided to tell our own stories. Goge Africa was my husband’s idea. Goge Africa was my husband’s idea. Could you share the turning point for Goge Africa with us? “Wow! That was when MultiChoice contacted us. They said ‘we like what you guys are doing. Do you have up to 26 episodes? We want to acquire them for our local channels’ and we said ‘yes.’ Then we had barely seven episodes but they wanted 26 and paid for it. That was the turning point. The deal was worth hundreds of thousands which was big money those days. Most memorable moment “We were in Ethiopia in 2002 and a CNN crew interviewed us and we left. We did not know when they would air it but as God would have it, a short while later, we went to Ikoyi Hotel now Southern Sun to discuss with the management about a crew coming from France for a co production with Goge Africa. So, we were waiting to see the manager and when we were ushered in guess what he said ‘I was just watching your interview on CNN’ and we were like wow! So he said ‘what do you guys want me to do for you?’ And we told him and right there and then, he have us three rooms for three weeks without paying a dime. We moved in immediately and stayed for the entire length of the production.”

Tourism in Nigeria “No, we are not. Developing tourism will help take a lot of kids off the streets. That is one good reason it should be on the front burner of government. Countries like The Gambia, Mauricius Seychelles, Egypt. Kenya, Cape Verde and South Africa survive on tourism. Look at Dubai, with all the oil they have, they were not been blinded by the oil and have one of the strongest tourism sectors in the world. Even Ghana is reaping more of the tourism dividend than we are. Look at Togo and Benin Republic. “If government will fix tourism infrastructure so that we have good access roads, energy and a sense of security and of course, hotel grading, tourism could transform the economy. And now you don’t have to stay in a hotel while on tour. There is a new trend now. You stay in the community you are touring and the arrangement is that you live with the local community because you want to experience them by staying with them. You pay for a room and the family you stay with benefits from tourism. So, if there is that sense of security, it will help and whatever tour operators are doing will be complimented by government effort.”

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 14 – 19, 2019

Entertainment

Segun Arinze, others set for Bluefest ‘19

How doctors battled to save Tuface’s life for 48 hours

•Real reason his management denied reports

ast week, news broke on social media that Tuface Idibia was rushed to an undisclosed hospital after he suddenly took ill. However, his management had denied the stories describing them as rumours. However, Tuface’s wife, Annie Idibia had gone on social media and opened up on the terrifying experience, debunking earlier claims by Tuface’s spin doctors. Said Mrs. Idibia said: “Incredible human, so Baba has been ill, on drips and plenty medications. Doctors were by his side for 48 hours! We all didn’t think he could make it to this big event that was all about him and the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Even with his voice and body shaking, the man got up told the doctor ‘Man I no go too tey, I nor dey like

Tuface

cancel work matter and this one over important. Make I just drag body reach the event! He made it but back to his medications. Get well soon baby,” Annie wrote alongside a picture of Tuface. However, speaking an insider told Oracle Today that the move by his management was planned and deliberate. He said: “The real reason his management kept mute was that they were really scared. Tuface’s condition was critical and could detiorate like Annie Idibia admitted. In fact, they were all panicky and did not want to create a media frenzy that would alarm his fans especially his aged mum who dotes on him so much.” Tuface was unveiled as an ambassador on the floor of the Exchange last week Tuesday.

f you are a Chelsea fan then there is good news for you. Chelsea Nigeria Supporters Club, the official supporters’ club of Chelsea FC in Nigeria is set to give Chelsea fans a swell time when it hosts a live match viewing and get-together for fans of Chelsea at the Poolside, O’Jez Entertainment, national Stadium, Lagos, when Chelsea FC trades tackles with Leicester FC on August 18 at 4:30pm. Speaking, popular actor, Segun Arinze described the event as epoch making: “The event is tagged Bluefest’ 19. It will mark rmal meet-up of members of Chelsea Nigeria Supporters’ group and all Chelsea fans and we would be viewing the season’s first home match against Leicester City at the Pool Side of O’Jez Entertainment, at the National Stadium. This is in celebration of the success of Chelsea FC last season and ushering us into a more exciting and promising 2019/20 Season. we shall also be hosting a charity event by visiting Little Saints Orphanage as part to our Corporate Service Responsibility (CSR) on that day.” Speaking, Henry Ifeanyuchukwu Okpara, the president of Chelsea Nigeria Supporters Club said: “We would be honouring some people who have supported us not only towards the Bluefest event, but those who have been instrumental to the success of the group. In view of that Chief Joseph Odobeatu will be decorated as the first Patron of the supporters club. This is in recognition of his support to the organisation and also his love for Chelsea FC. Okpara stated that among others, Chelsea Nigeria Supporters Club would initiate reward-driven programmes for loyal fans and embark on community youth development, charity events and corporate social responsibility programmes. All fans of Chelsea FC who want to participate should go online and register on the fan club’s portal. He also added that admission is free.

Daar Music Global signs Liberia’s mega-gospel star, Kanvee Adams

D Cossy Orjiakor

Excitement as white dove visits Cossy Orjiakor after discharge from hospital

oobs star, Cossy Orjiakor received an unusual visitor recently when a white dove flew into her home. This is coming a few days after she was discharged from hospital after spending three weeks during which she underwent a series of surgeries to fix her broken ankle and fibula. An excited Cossy who received the unusual visitor early in the morning had posted the following message with a picture of the white dove orchid in her room: “Look who came to visit me. I opened the verandah door upstairs and it flew in. It is a white dove and it is so peaceful.” The experience was described as a good omen by fans against the backdrop of Cossy’s accident three weeks ago and her subsequent discharge from the hospital. Recalling her hospital experience, the exhibitionist said: “I had an x-ray and I found out that my fibula was broken in three places and I was referred to General

Hospital, Lagos. I went there but was told to get another x-ray which showed that my ankle broke in two places and also the back of my fibula was broken in three places and I had to undergo an operation.” Cossy says though she did not have enough money on her, her doctor approved the surgery so she could get treatment and pay later. “It was a huge relief. After the surgery I was weak but happy. Recovering has been very easy because I had lots of friends that truly cared about me bringing me plenty gifts. In fact, my ward was like a party zone. I want to thank all the doctors especially Dr. Olaonishola and all those who stood by me for their support and encouragement. “Though I have been discharged but I still can’t step on my foot. I use non weight bearing clutches but I am no longer receiving visitors at home. My house still smells from the raw rotten chicken I left in the fridge,” she concludes laughing.

AAR Music Global Limited, an outfit owned by business tycoon and politician, Raymond Dopesi has signed on a leading Liberian gospel musical superstar, Kanvee Adams for a mega five-year deal. Produced by Nigeria’s ace music producer MasterKraft and videos directed by Paul Gambit, the album’s track list includes tracks like Mama Reloaded and daily prayer among others. Popularly known as Kanvee, Ambassador Kanvee Adams’ musical prowess has elevated her to transcontinental heights through her inspirational gospel songs. The official unveiling of both Kanvee Adams and Daar Music Global was held both in Lagos and Abuja respectively. The Lagos unveiling held on the 13th of May in Lagos, and on the 15th of May, 2019. She has since released an album titled Hosanna as well as 3 beautiful videos, Mama and Daily Prayer were directed ace Video Director Paul Gambit in Lagos, and Hosanna by Holy Steve, under the label. She is set to go on a nationwide, and continental tour where she will create awareness for the album. Since she came to the limelight in the early 2000’s with her debut song Be Like Joe, the Liberian gospel superstar has gone on to produce other smash hit songs and has won numerous awards.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 14 - 19, 2019

Crime

Army’s claim on killing of 3 policemen ‘disrespectful, insensitive, unpatriotic’ –Police

Stories by VICTOR NZE

igeria Police Force has described statements credited to the Nigeria Army over the killing of three police operatives and one civilian by its personnel in Taraba State, last week, as ‘insensitive, disrespectful and unpatriotic.’ A statement reacting to the Army’s claims made available to Oracle Today, and signed by Force Public Relations Officer, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, Mr Frank Mba, refuted allegations of non-identification of the police operatives, even as it also challenged the Army to reveal the source of the alleged distress report which prompted its soldiers to attack the policemen on duty. Further describing the Army statement as an attempt to ‘justify the unprovoked and unwarranted mur-

Killer soldier identified, to be tried according to extant military law -- Army

ollowing an incident in Abia State, Wednesday, which led to the killing of an innocent commercial motorcycle operator (Okada) by a soldier, the Army authorities have moved to identify the personnel involved in the fatal shooting. The ill-fated incident led to the death of one Mr Chimaobi Nwaogu of Umuokereke-Ngwa, in Obingwa local government area of the state, as well as rampage by youths and other motorcycle operators in the area. A statement to that effect released by the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Col. Aliyu Yusuf, Saturday, said the Army has identified to culprit to be Lance Corporal Ajayi Johnson. “Further investigation on the incident revealed that Lance Corporal Ajayi Johnson one of the soldiers deployed at Forward Operations Base Ohanze for security duty absconded from his duty location to an unknown destination and was reported to have been involved in a scuffle that led to the shooting and killing of the Okada rider Mr Chimaobi on Wednesday 7 August 2019. “The soldier was casually dressed in camouflage T – shirt which led to the initial suspected identity of the culprit as a cultist. “The soldier has since been arrested and detained. Disciplinary procedure is in progress. He will be tried according to extant military law and if found culpable will be dismissed and handed over to the Civil Police for prosecution. “The Nigerian Army deeply regrets this unfortunate incident and pray for the repose of the soul of the deceased. We also pray that the almighty God will strengthen his family, loved ones and the entire Abians for this irreparable loss,” the statement read.

der of three police officers and one civilian,’ the police spokesman said it had become imperative for it ‘to set the record straight by addressing the obvious distortion of facts inherent in the press release by the Nigerian Army.’ “The attention of the Nigeria Police Force has been drawn to the press release by the Nigerian Army dated 07 August, 2019, seeking to justify the unprovoked and unwarranted murder of three police officers and one civilian, and serious injury to other operatives, who were on legitimate criminal investigation activities to Taraba State, to arrest one Alhaji Hamisu Bala Wadume indicted in a series of high-profile kidnap incidents in the State. “In the best tradition of Esprit de Corps, Inter-Agency Harmony and

National Interest, the Nigeria Police Force would naturally have kept quiet, but it has become imperative to set the record straight by addressing the obvious distortion of facts inherent in the press release by the Nigerian Army. “The most important question arising from the Nigerian Army press release is: ‘Where is Alhaji Hamisu Bala Wadume? Alhaji Hamisu Bala Wadume is a millionaire kidnapper arrested by the police but paradoxically treated as a ‘‘kidnap victim’’ by the soldiers and subsequently ‘rescued’ by them. Where is he? Where is the rescued kidnapper? “Secondly, the press release was silent on the source of the alleged distress report or identity of the complainant, on the strength of whose report, the Army claimed

had informed their decision to engage in the purported chase and rescue operation. Needless to state that in the true spirit of transparency and accountability, the Nigerian Army ought to have arrested the purported distress caller - if any - for obviously and deliberately furnishing them with false and misleading information. Besides, such arrest should in fact be made public. “Thirdly, it is not true that the policemen failed to identify themselves as alleged in the press release. The video on the incident, now viral, wherein the voice of one of the soldiers was heard loudly proclaiming that the policemen were from the Force Headquarters, Abuja speaks volume. Besides, the presence of the IRT personnel was well known to the Taraba Police Command as

the operatives officially and properly documented not only at the State Command Headquarters but also at the Wukari Area Command and the Ibi Divisional Headquarters. As a matter of fact, some of the detectives from the Taraba State Command’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) were part of the operation. “The Force also considers it insensitive, disrespectful and unpatriotic for the press release by the Army to continue to describe policemen on lawful national assignment as ‘suspected kidnappers’ long after it had become crystal clear to the Army that these are law enforcement officers who unfortunately were gruesomely murdered in the line of duty by Nigerian soldiers attached to 93 Battalion, Takum,” the police statement read. Continuing, the police demanded that the Army answer provide relevant answers as to the whereabouts of the man it had rescued from kidnappers. “In the final analysis, we leave the Nigerian Army authorities to provide Nigerians with answers on the following questions emanating from their press release: ‘ Where is the notorious kidnapper, Alhaji Hamisu Bala Wadume ‘rescued’ by the soldiers? · How and why was Alhaji Hamisu Bala Wadume released by the soldiers? ·How could a kidnap suspect properly restrained with handcuffs by the police escape from the hands of his military rescuers? “If Alhaji Hamisu Bala Wadume is a ‘victim of kidnap’ as claimed, and properly rescued by soldiers, why was he not taken to the Army Base for documentation purposes and debriefing in line with the Standard Operating Procedure in the Nigerian Army? “Why were the police operatives shot at close range even after they •From right: Abia State Commissioner of Police, Mr Etim Okon, with the state Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, Commissioner for had identified themselves as poInformation, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, at the residence of late Mr Chimaobi Nwaogu of Umuokereke-Ngwa, in Obingwa local gov- lice officers on legitimate duty as ernment area who was allegedly shot by a soldier attached to the Headquarters 82 Division Nigerian Army, in the state, last evident in the video now in circulaweekend tion?” the police asked.

Police nab notorious kidnapping informants in FCT

ederal Capital Territory (FCT) Fachievement Police Command has reeled out recorded by its offic-

ers in its approach to crime-fighting. According to Commissioner of Police FCT Police Command, CP Bala Ciroma, the Command has continuously reviewed its policing strategy to meet up with emerging security concerns. As part of the Command’s drive to enhance its performance and strengthen the already existing cordial relationship between the police and FCT residents, the Command has developed a policing plan for FCT. “The plan was developed after a wide consultation with community leaders, stakeholders and sister security agencies. The plan is designed to address five identified crimes of concern, which include: Drug abuse, theft/house breaking, one chance robbery, armed robbery, car theft and cultism. “Having identified these crimes as top-most in the minds of FCT residents, our principal interest as a Command is to proactively develop crime fighting measures to address and reduce these crimes to the barest minimum. It is also important to state that the Command has

commenced the distribution of this document to members of the public across the six Area Councils in the FCT. “The essence of the distribution is to cultivate public support that will help the police effectively fight these and other crimes,” Ciroma said. Some of the achievements recorded by the operatives from the Command’s Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) include; the arrest of seven members of a notorious robbery gang that specialises in transferring money through bank accounts linked to their victims SIM cards. The syndicate whose robbery operation is targeted at their victims’ SIM cards, especially SIMs linked to bank accounts, were arrested at their hideout in Keffi, Nasarawa State. Most bank accounts used as destination accounts where the proceeds of this crime are lodged are bank accounts created by the syndicate for unsuspecting persons picked from the streets. “When such accounts are opened, the leader of the syndicate takes custody of the ATM cards and use same to withdraw all money

transferred into the account from victims’ whose account have been hacked. “The suspects arrested in connection with this crime are: Salisu Maaki ‘m’, Abraham Yusuf ‘m’, Mohammed Auwal ‘m’, Babangida Mohammed ‘m’, Abubakar Musa ‘m’, and Abubakar Ibrahim Sadiq. “The exhibits recovered from the suspects include: thirteen (13) phones, fifty-five (55) SIM cards and six (6) ATM cards. Suspects will be arraigned in court when investigation is concluded. Similarly, the FCT Police Command acting on credible intelligence has arrested five suspects who have been identified as secret informants to kidnappers terrorising communities around Abaji and its environs. The suspects who have made useful confession to their involvement in the crime which is for financial gains were arrested in Abaji. The arrested suspects are: 1. Yusuf Sani ‘m’ 2. Mohammed Abdullahi ‘m’ 3. Surajo Ali ‘m’ 4. Bello Mohammed ‘m’ 5. Aliyu Yusuf ‘m.’ Meanwhile, the Command is making concerted effort to arrest their cohorts who are currently at large. The suspects will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of inves-

tigation. “On 30 July, 2019 at about 2000hrs following a discreet investigation, Police operatives from Abaji Division have arrested one Iyajesu Azaki ‘m 40 years who runs a gun fabrication outlet in Kulo village of Abaji Area Council. “The arrest of the suspect was in furtherance to an ongoing investigation into the source of two guns recovered from one Suleiman Abubakar and Monday Ayuba who were arrested at Nuku village during a robbery operation. “Also arrested is one Nasiru Musa ‘m’ and his brother Abdulazeez ‘m’ who supply charms used by the suspects to carry-out their robbery operations. “Exhibits recovered from the suspects include: seventeen (17) locally fabricated single barrel guns, charms, four (4) barrels and some blacksmith tools. The suspects will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigation. “On 1st August, 2019, acting on intelligence operatives of the Command Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) busted another one chance robbery syndicate which operates between AYA (Asokoro), Kubwa, Zuba and Nyanya axis.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 14 – 19, 2019

SPORTS Eagles to engage Ukraine in friendly in Kiev

...As Rohr advocates synergy between NFF, Ministry By MADUABUCHI KALU

arring any unforeseen circumstance, three time African champions, the Super Eagles of Nigeria will engage Ukraine as a part of the team’s preparations for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign which commences on November. It is going to be a very historic match as both sides have never met before and it is going to take place in Ukraine’s capital city, Kiev. This international friendly was announced by the country’s football governing body, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Already the team’s manager, Gernot Rohr, who is solidly backed by the leadership of the NFF led by Amaju Melvin Pinnick, has started making arrangement for the historic encounter. It is recalled that the Super Eagles who finished third in the recently concluded 2019 Africa Cup of Nations which Egypt played host rose 12 places to 33rd in the FIFA world rankings. As a matter of fact, the Federation have already secured a 10 September date against the Eastern Europeans as Nigeria prepare to open their Cameroon 2021 campaign against Benin in November’s Group L fixture.

Super Eagles (Inset) Gernot Rohr “We have secured a Grade A international friendly match for the Super Eagles against the Ukraine in Kiev, on the 10th of September,” the NFF president, Amaju Pinnick confirmed. “It is part of our on-going drive to expose as many players as we can to global football, so this should be another springboard for our young stars,” he explained. Despite having a year left on his contract, Gernot Rohr, who has been linked with a move away from Nigeria, is set for showdown talks with the NFF in a couple of weeks, the Oracle Today can report. His managerial style and tactical decisions came under intense scrutiny at the last two tournaments in Russia and Egypt, but the NFF has publicly backed him to continue in his

role. However, Rohr told a local newspaper (The Punch) last week that both the country’s sports ministry and football authority must work together to ensure success for the three-time African champions. “For the future, if it’s with me or without me, they should both find a way together to work in the same direction - the sports ministry politics and the officials of NFF,” he said. “You cannot improve Nigerian football if you don’t have a good relationship. The infrastructures, the pitches and togetherness, we need them.”

Williams hopeful of success in Morocco ...Hinges hope on Diaspora swimmers

By MADUABUCHI KALU arely a week to the commencement of this year’s All Africa Games which Morocco will be playing host to, the President of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF), Mr. BabatundeFatayi, has expressed optimism of success in the aquatics sports as the country will be fielding both local and Diaspora swimmers

like other African countries like Senegal, Ghana amongst others. Williams expressed the optimism in exclusive interview with the Oracle Today Sports on the Federation’s preparation for the forthcoming Games otherwise known as “African Olympics). According him, there have been some Diaspora swimmers who have identified with the Federation and expressed the desire to represent the country and that they have been doing well as some of them have actually participated in some of the

Federation’s international outings. He explained that these young swimmers who have indicated interest in representing the country contacted them through their parents who have been very supportive in their children desire to represent the country in international tournament. “Well, I am very optimistic that we are going to do well in Morocco. Of course Nigerian swimmers have been winning medals for the country in All Africa Games,” William began. “One good thing is that there is a

bright future for aquatic sports in this country. I am saying this because the completion for who represents the country in swimming events is getting tougher because of the arrival of Diaspora Nigerian swimmers. “The Federation have been receiving enquiries from Diaspora Nigerians who want their children who are swimmers to represent the country in international tournament. Some of these Diaspora Nigerians are doing a lot in ensuring that their children succeed in their quest to represent their fatherland.”

Drogba mauls contesting IFF Presidency By MADUABUCHI KALU with agency report

ormer Ivory Coast international, Didier Drogba, is considering contesting the position of Ivory Coast Football Federation (IFF) Presidency whose election is billed to take place in November. Though, he was evasive when asked about his ambition to run as president of the Ivorian Football Federation (IFF) but at the same time he said the idea of becoming the Ivorian Football Federation Presidency interests

him if the conditions are right. It is recalled that the position is currently being occupied by Augustine Sidy Diallo however, recent reports have it that the Elephants’ all-time top scorer is weighing up his chances of taking over from Augustin Sidy Diallo in the elections scheduled to be held in November. “It’s something that can interest me because I know Ivorian football well,” Drogba told Radio Foot Internationale. “I have been in the national team for many years and have worked with many leaders. If

Maureen relieved of Falcons’job

all the conditions are met, why not?” “We had good years with the previous generation. We allowed Ivory Coast to participate in three World Cups in a row, and we were disappointed not to see the team at the last one.” Furthermore, Drogba emphasised the need for unity within the Federation and called for football to be the focus, not personal gain. “If I ever decide to go ahead and run for office, I will not come to take sides for one or the other, but to come together,” he

By MADUABUCHI KALU with agency report Super Falcons Assistant Coach, Maureen Madu, has been dropped from the team’s technical crew. The Oracle Today Sports gathered that former Nigeria international was dropped alongside other local coaches in head coach Thomas Dennerby’s staff following the expiration of her contract as it was not renewed. According to sources, the assistant Super Falcons’ contract wasn’t extended beyond the World Cup in France, where Nigeria reached the last 16. Meanwhile, the former Super Falcons’ star has been replaced by Wemimo Oni, who is currently with the Falconets and will join the senior national team on her return from the African Games in Morocco. Nigeria will face South Africa, Cameroon and Zambia in Group B at the Games which holds from August 16-30 in the cities of Rabat, Casablanca, El Jadida and Khemisset.

affirmed. “We must forget the personal quarrels, think of the country and move Ivorian football forward. We have to talk about development first and foremost.” Drogba played 105 times for the West African nation and scored 65 goals spanning a 12year international career. The Elephants, under Ibrahim Kamara, were involved in the just-concluded Africa Cup of Nations, where they exited in the quarter-finals after a defeat to Algeria.

Mourinho carpets Man Utd

...Says “Man City’s ‘B Team’ better than Man Utd, Chelsea

By MADUABUCHI KALU Jose Mourinho claimed that the Manchester City ‘B Team’ has more chance of winning the Premier League this season than his former clubs Manchester United and Chelsea. United get their Premier League campaign underway against the Blues on Sunday, but the Portuguese doesn’t hold much hope for either side ahead of the new season. When asked on Sky Sports who he thought was in the race for the title, Mourinho identified four teams: “Manchester City, Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester City B team. “Today, even if one team plays magnificently or has a fantastic result, I don’t believe the title is possible.”

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 14 – 19, 2019

SPORTS

Serena Williams quits tournament final injured ...Heaps praise on champion who comforted her By MADUABUCHI KALU with agency report

AAG: Okagbare faults ministry over AG ‘threat’ B

lessing Okagbare, Africa 100m record holder, has faulted the warning by the Ministry of Sports to overlook athletes who shun the African Games in Rabat, Morroco between August 19 and 30 for Tokyo 2020 Olympics Game. It is recalled that the permanent secretary in the ministry, Olusade Adesola, last week told athletes that it was a privilege for athletes to represent Nigeria, stating in clear terms that “no participation at the African Games, no participation in the Olympics.” Earlier, Nigeria’s overseasbased athletes, who are record holders in their events, threatened to shun the African Games if their allowances were not paid. Among those that hinted shunning the Africa Games were Okagbare, Divine Oduduru, Ese Brume and Tobi Amusan. Also, home-based athletes have expressed discomfort with their poor treatment by the ministry and the AFN, warning that they may stage confrontation at the African Games if they were not well-taken care of. Reacting to the sports

ministry’s threat, Okagbare said it was wrong for Adesola to think that Nigeria was doing athletes any favour. “I’ve already been through hell. So, give it your best shot. Not only will I survive, but I will also win. When they think they are doing you a favour, somehow,” Okagbare tweeted. She also described the threat as “sad” saying, “It’s even more than sad.” Apart from Okagbare, athletics fans also condemned Adesola for his statement. It is recalled that the issue poor welfare of athletes in the country is no news for sports lovers and fans for it is like a culture in this part of the clime. It is recalled that the Super Falcons just few weeks ago refused to vacate their hotel rooms in France where they had gone to represent the country if not for the intervention of the Federal Government just as their male counterparts, the Super Eagles refused to train for their match following the inability of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) led by Amaju Melvin Pinnick to pay them their accumulated allowances.

Consider us for 2020 FIFA Women W/ Cup, Ebonyi CPS tells Pinnick

he Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Ebonyi State Governor, Emmanuel Uzor, said the construction of Olympic size stadium embarked upon by the state government will be ready before the 2020 women World Cup proposed to be staged in Nigeria. Uzor said that theOlympic sized stadium would be ready in 16 months, expressing optimism that it would be chosen to host the tournament. “We are also making efforts to ensure that Ebonyi is chosen to host the FIFA Under-20 Women World Cup in 2020 as there are hopes that more venues would be selected,” he said. Uzor expressed Ebonyi’s desire to be a part of the states that would play host to the global women football tournament when the member of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in the state paid him a congratulatory visit

over his re-appointment. The Chief Presss Secretary used the occasion to commend the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) for reviving sports in the state; noting that the government appreciated their efforts. The CPS said that sports was ‘dead’ in Ebonyi before the inception of the present administration but the vibrant coverage of the government’s sporting policies and activities, ensured the sector is back to life. “The immediate past administration in the state mismanaged sports probably due to non comprehension of modern intricacies and trends in sports management. “The present administration embarked on aggressive sport policies which culminated in the resuscitation of the school sports, paramilitary games and the staging of several competitions.”

wenty three Gram Slam winner, Serena Williams Sunday left the Rogers Cup final in Toronto, having been plagued by back spasms, the Women’s Tennis Association said. The American tennis super star made it, though four games of the opening set, but was forced to retire from the match when the pain became too much, WTA said. Her opponent, 19-year-old Bianca Andreescu, took the title in front of a hometown crowd. But instead of immediately celebrating, Andreescu rushed to comfort Williams, who was visibly upset on the sideline. “I started tearing up because she was tearing up,” Andreescu

Iwobi’s father gives reason his Nadal retains son signed for Roger Cup in Everton Montreal By MADUABUCHI KALU lex Iwobi’s father, ChubaIwobi has taken time to explain the reason behind his son’s departure from the Emirates Stadium on deadline day. According to the older Iwobi, his son’s decision to leave the Emirates to Everton was informed on his decision to grow bigger and become a better player playing in his preferred No10 role like his role model and uncle, Austin Jay JayOkocha. “It’s a new challenge for him but a very bold decision with the potential to grow into a bigger and better player playing in his preferred No 10 role,” MrIwobi stated. Meanwhile, it was somehow a disappointment for Everton fans, who had looked forward to seeing their new acquisition step to the pitch to showcase his skills as the Super Eagles star failed to make his debut for his new club, Everton as they played 0-0 with Crystal Palace on Sunday. However, the former Arsenal striker it has been explained was unable to done Everton’s colour on Sunday as a result the late submission of his paper work.

older and top seed, RafaNadal overwhelmed Russia’s Daniil Medvedev in straight sets to win his fifth Rogers Cup title in Montreal on Sunday.

said during a post-match press conference. “It’s because I know how she feels. Injuries really, really suck.” The young player, who had been nervous to face the legendary champion on the court, ended up giving Williams a pep talk. “I just said, ‘Girl, you are ... a beast. You’re going to bounce back. You’ve dealt with so much in your career. This is just a minor setback for a major comeback,” Andreescu said. Serena Williams becomes upset after withdrawing from the final match. Williams told reporters she was touched by the gesture. “I was really sad and she made me feel a lot better, so that was really nice.”

The Spanish world No2 retained his crown with a 6-3 6-0 victory over the eighth-seeded Medvedev in their first-ever meeting. The Russian had not dropped a set in the tournament but was no match for the 33-year-old who saved a break point in his first game. He confidently put away Medvedev who is 10 years his junior. Nadal broke in the fourth game to go 3-1 up and dominated the remainder of the 70-minute match. With high and heavy forehands on a windy afternoon that pushed back the at times confused looking Medvedev, the Spaniard broke the Russian three times in the second set. He then went on to wrap up the victory, a record 35th at the Masters 1000 level.

Rollins regains Universal Championship at WWE SummerSlam 2019 By MADUABUCHI KALU with agency report eth Rollins is the new WWE Universal Champion, regaining the title he lost to Brock Lesnar at Extreme Rules by defeating ‘The Beast Incarnate’ in the main event of SummerSlam 2019. Rollins overcame seemingly insurmountable odds to recapture the championship, beating Lesnar despite injured ribs from Brock’s attacks on Seth over the previous episodes of Monday Night Raw. ‘The Architect’ almost claimed a stunning victory early on in the match after landing on his feet following an attempted German suplex from Lesnar, he countered with a Stomp for a two-count which instantly hooked the Canadian crowd. Lesnar took control of the contest following Rollins’ initial flurry; hitting an F5, numerous suplexes and swinging Seth around the ring via his rib tape.

However, Seth continued to show glimpses of potential; reversing Brock into the ring post on several occasions and hitting him with multiple dives. The former champ fought back as the action continued, putting Lesnar through the Spanish announce table with a huge Frogsplash, but was unable to put Lesnar away despite hitting a second Frogsplash and a Stomp in the ring. Nevertheless, Rollins continued the assault, and just as it appeared that Lesnar would retain his title courtesy of an F5 out of nowhere, Seth escaped, dropped the champion with a Superkick and landed a Stomp for the pinfall victory. Emotional scenes followed as Rollins celebrated with his newly-won prize in front of an enraptured Canadian crowd, and now eyes turn to tonight’s Monday Night Raw to see what will happen next with the Universal Championship.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 14 – 19, 2019

SPORTS

All Africa Games: Ejidike tasks athletes to make country proud

Joshua rematch with Ruiz Jr won’t happen in Saudi Arabia –Lewis ABUCHI KALU with Agency Report

espite Anthony Joshua and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, announcing Saudi Arabia as venue for the rematch with Mexican-American, Andy Ruiz Jr. who surprisingly defeated him and took away his three, belts, former heavyweight champion, Lennox Lewis does not believethe rematch will happen in Saudi Arabia. It is recalled that Promoter Eddie Hearn and AJ caused huge controversy by announcing the highlyanticipated December bout will take place in the Middle East. However, the announcement by Joshua and his promoter does not seem to go down well with Ruiz Jr. though the American has yet to make any public announcement regarding the rematch. Therefore, it is based on that reason that Lennox believes the fight will not go ahead in Diriyah. Writing on Twitter, he said: “Until I see both fighters signed on the bottom line, I don’t believe it. “Although I wouldn’t mind seeing it in Mexico,

I would think Hearn would angle for the Cardiff or Wembley, or worse comes to worse, NYC again.” Ruiz’s team have already admitted that “nothing has been confirmed.” It’s been reported that the hold-up is linked to the fight purse after The Athletic said that Ruiz ‘isn’t expected to sign off on the rematch in Saudi Arabia unless he’s guaranteed a significantly higher purse”.

Osimhen on fire, scores brace on Lille debut

of goal as he fired past Alban Lafont. By MADUABUCHI KALU with Agency Report The Nigerian converted again off a Celik through-ball with ictor Osimhen did not delay to repay the 10 minutes left to play, after the latter’s own goal had excitement his Lille arrival has generated levelled the scores for Nantes. among fans, as the former under-17 FIFA World Lille travel to Amiens SC for their next fixture on Cup golden ball winner struck twice on his debut to August 17 with the former Wolfsburg man expected to announce his arrival at Lille to hand his 2-1 victory play a crucial role. over Nantes on Sunday. It is recalled that Osimhen was a part of the Super Osimhen joined the Great Danes on a long-term Eagles squad that participated at the recently ended deal to replace Nicolas Pepe who joined Arsenal Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and was confined on for £72 million and slotted into the starting XI for the bench by the national team gaffer, Gernot Rohr as Sunday’s clash at Stade Pierre Mauroy. he played little or no part in the entire tournament. The youngster took a fitting first step toward The Edo State-born goal poacher did not hide his replacing Pepe, scoring after just 19 minutes on the frustration as he played no part in the Eagles’ quest field. for glory for fatherland. His sterling performance on After latching on to Zeki Celik’s long pass, the Sunday is the most fitting answer to Rohr’s inability to forward found himself in blissful solitude in front make a part of the team’s campaign in Egypt.

There’s need for D’Tigress to get better –Akhator By MADUABUCHI KALU ’Tigress’ power forward, Evelyn Akhator, has declared that there is need for the continental champions, D’Tigress to get better. The declaration is coming on the heels of the team’s opening game destruction of Tunisia, at the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket where they annihilated the Tunisians 75-26. Speaking after Nigeria defeated Tunisia 75-26 at the magnificent Dakar Arena on Saturday to go top of Group B, Power forward, Evelyn Akhator said the team would need to get better if they are to defend their title. Akhator dropped the tournament’s first double with 13 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block to inspire D’Tigress to a resounding victory to send an early warning to all their opponents.

“We still need to get better because this is the (women’s) Afrobasket,” Akhator told FIBA.basketball. “This game was like bread and butter because the main meal is yet to come so we have to keep fighting and playing hard.” A 14-6 lead at the end of the first quarter showed the gulf in class as Otis HughleyJr’s outfit dominated the action on both ends of the court with absolute command showcased by AtonyeNyingifa who got right to the gist of the matter and eventually dropped a total of 12 points, picked four rebounds and one assist. At half time, Nigeria led 40-10 much to the discomfort of the North Africans who were torn in between anger and disappointment for such a mediocre fight they put up against a much stronger side. They play against Cameroon on Tuesday.

By MADUABUCHI KALU with agency report onatusAgu-Ejidike, Nigeria’s Pillar of Sports has urged the country’s representatives to the forthcoming All Africa Games in Rabat, Morocco, to make Nigeria proud at the championship. According a press release from his office, High Chief Ejidike explained that Nigerian athletes have all the talents and abilities to perform well at the championship commonly called ‘African Olympics’. “Nigeria is certainly a leader in global sports. And going into the All Africa Games, I believe our athletes have the potentials to dominate at the championship,” Ejidike, who is also a board member of Karate Federation of Nigeria, remarked. He thanked the President Muhammad Buhari-led government for its timely approval of the allowances and preparations of Nigeria athletes for the championship.

Quadri retains ITTF Nigeria Open, not sure of AG participation

igeria table tennis star, Aruna Quadri, Sunday fulfilled his promise of defending the ITTF Nigeria Open as he defeated Austria’s Gardos Robert 4-2 in the final to take home sum of $7,000. The crowd favourite went in a thrilling six games decider (15-13, 11-3, 8-11, 11-6, 10-12, 11-1) despite a fresh injury to defeat world No64 at the Molade Okoya-Thomas hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos. Quadri, who was exited after fulfilling his promise to Nigerians, expressed happiness for winning the title once again while also casting doubts on his availability for the fast approaching African Games later in the month. “I am very happy I got this title again, though from the beginning, I faced some difficulties with my health because I had a neck injury but I managed to gain confidence after my previous victory,” he said. “For now I have to take care of my health because I have been representing Nigeria for the past 11 days, so without taking treatment I don’t know if I would be able to go for the Africa Games.” For the women’s singles, Russia’s Mikhailova Polina came top in an exciting 4-3 comeback against Noskova Yana of Russia to be crowned champion of the event. In the Men’s double event Nuytinck Cedric and Robinot Quentin defeated Nigeria’s duo of Toriola Segun and Omotayo Olajide 3-0 (11-7, 11-9, 12-10) to win the doubles event. While Mikhailova Polina and Noskova Yana from Russia won the Women’s double event after beating Croatia duo of Jazbec Ida and Malobabic Ivana 3-2 (8-11, 5-11, 11-9, 13-11, 7-11).

Emenalo quits N40m-a-month Monaco job

ormer Super Eagles’ defender, Michael Emenalo has signed his job as sports director at French Ligue 1 side, AS Monaco. This much was made public by the club as they announced the departure of the former Chelsea sports director. Emenalo, 54, who previously held down a similar post at Premier League club Chelsea, reportedly earned 100,000 Euros-a-month (about N40 million) at Monaco. He joined Monaco in November 2017 highly recommended for his eye for top talent, but his recruitments caused him to lose the confidence of his bosses. Monaco recent signings were done by the top bosses and the return of Coach Leonardo Jardim to the club in January finally condemned Emenalo to the shadows. As it is at the moment, the former Super Eagles’ star is out of job and will be looking out for a possible offer sooner or later. The Anambra State-born former international was a part of the squad that won the country’s second Africa Cup of Nation in 1994 and at the same time qualified the country for her first Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) World Cup in the United States of America.

WEDNESDAY August 14 - 19, 2019

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ast week, Nigerian stocks were bearish and slumped further, as investors lose N157 Billion, but, let it be a topic for another day. Let me hazard my opinion on the issues at stake. Talk about free zones and you hear of ‘free export zones’, ‘industrial free zones’, ‘investment promotion zones’, to mention but a few. Free zones exist to maximize opportunities in manufacturing, legal system an economic regulations by enjoying reduced taxes, customs duties, as well as regulatory requirements for business registration. Free zones foster economic activity and employment in special ways. As far back as 1960, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), was a regional trade organization by those who lost out from European communities. Though now it is only four countries (Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein) that remained because other countries have joined the Communities/EU. If not for European Single market, there is no major benefit of trading in the European Union (EU). European single market is the largest international single market in the world with greater competition in services and removes trade barriers. There was European Economic Area (EEA) in 1992, which enables the extension of the EU’s single market to non-EU member parties. Talk about the ASEAN–China Free Trade Area, or China–ASEAN Free Trade Area for 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the People’s Republic of China But which one is for Africa? African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA)! ACFTA, modelled in form of EFTA and ASEAN was a brainchild of the African Union to deepen regional integration. Since January 2012, it has been work in progress, and Nigeria is one of its major promoters. In Africa, labour unions and big corporations reportedly were against it. Former Nigeria’s trade and investment Minister, Okechukwu Enelamah admitted that there was a continuous opposition to the deal, but he added that efforts were afoot to get the buyin of all the stakeholders before the signing. Last AU summit in Niamey, Niger was grand. That was the signing of the newest trade bloc with headquarters in Accra, Ghana. That was the African Continental Free Trade Area, (ACFTA). That ‘game changer’ event, according to IMF, brought together national leaders and corporations. ACFTA’s goal is to create the world’s biggest free-trade bloc, with population of 1.3 billion people and a $3.4 trillion market. Of the 55 African nations, Eritrea is the only country yet to sign the accord, even though only 25 nations ratified it. Where is Nigeria in all of this? Are there land mines ahead? Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari, after some hesitations signed the accord. Soon tariffs would be reduced or eliminated. In Africa, there are blocs, including the 12-nation Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the East African Community. Before now, each bloc was protective of its local manufacturing at the expense of other blocs, but now these interests would be reconciled for ACFTA to work. Of what benefit would this be to Nigeria? Is the lowering or removal of tariff going to be beneficial to Nigeria’s foreign policy? Is it going to encourage specialization and enhance economic efficiency for Nigerian companies and experts? Is Nigeria’s cost of import going to be lowered and its exports increased? Is there going to be healthy competition between member states on products they have comparative advantage over others and company products thus gain global competi-

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African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA) and the rest of us

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

tiveness in the world market. Is ACFTA going to harm the local economy? Why was President Buhari not in Kigali, capital of Rwanda for ACFTA seal? Is ACFTA going to stop hostile and discriminatory treatment against Nigerian businesses and organisations? United Kingdom exploited Nigeria for years as its colonial masters , USA became a destination for Nigeria’s professionals creating a brain drain, and China is heading to Africa with Nigeria, its biggest partner. I was shocked to hear that the President of Tanzania, Magufuli stopped China’s $10 billion port project at Bagamoyo known as ‘the Bulldozer’ on what he described as ‘exploitative terms’, of the project, even when work started on the project since 2015. It would have become the biggest port in East Africa and a key part of China’s $900bn Belt and Road Initiative. What went wrong? The Chinese according to Magufuli, wanted Tanzania to give them ‘….a guarantee of 33 years and a lease of 99 years, and we should not question whoever comes to invest there once the port is operational’. He added that the Bagamoyo port would undermine the $500m expansion of the Dar es Salaam port, due for completion this year. What lesson or lessons have we in that to learn? My worry is why Ghana when Nigeria is the giant of Africa. The Free Trade Zone comes with a new airline hub for Africa. And Ghana takes that. For winning the host, a consortium,

CGI will undertake financing of an airline hub in Ghana to serve the Africa free trade zone. Does Nigeria learn from History? Only but 14 years ago, former Governor of Cross River State Donald Duke began an African Airline hub in Clalabar close to Tinapa, but that got no support from Nigeria’s government and it died. It would have served this need for Africa’s free trade zone. Tinapa too died. If the air hub for Africa is located in Nigeria, what it means is that Nigeria automatically retains its gateway to the world as every flight abroad, first arrives Nigeria before connecting other African countries. It is shocking if not surprising that before you travel to any other African country, you first travel either to Frankfurt or Amsterdam, then connect to headquarters of the African country, you are headed. Why is this happening to Nigeria? Was it lack of visionary leadership or myopic reasoning sequel to uneducated and unintelligent leaders? If America hosts the United Nations headquarters in New York, the World Trade Centre and World Bank, why won’t the ACFTA headquarters be in Nigeria as African’s giant? Why should Nigeria finance and fund ECOWAS, as well as undertake substantial expenses of AU, but not good enough to host the ACFTA office? Has this any implication to Nigeria’s big brother status? How can Ghana with population of a state in Nigeria,

host ACFTA headquarters and African Airbus terminal even when Ghana survives on Nigerians investment? Is Ghana prospering because it opened its doors to 250 Black Americans and offered them automatic citizenship when Nigeria turned them down? Why didn’t Nigeria give some conditions to be part of ACFTA, like insisting on hosting the ACFTA and African Airhub because of its enormous influence on other African countries? Do you know that about 65 countries offered visa free entry tickets to holders of Ghananian passports, with South-Africa being the latest? Is it actually visionary leadership or ethnicity, religion, zoning in the name of federal character, with primitive partisanship that is holding us back as a country? Is Nigeria going to lose money in millions of dollars for its engagement in the ACFTA agreement? Is the Nigeria’s Custom tariff collection going to be affected by this decision of Nigeria to endorse ACFTA? Is the thriving manufacturing sector to benefit from this agreement in Nigeria? Is the National Assembly going to endorse its ratification? Are Nigerian banks ready to support the manufacturing lines with good lending rates to enable them grow production? Is the government going to embark on infrastructure upgrade and curtail multiple taxation which was responsible for hundreds of companies folding up in Nigeria’s harsh operating environment? Can Nigerian products compete favourably with other African countries? Too many questions begging for answers. Trade bloc of 1.2 billion people with a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of more than $2 trillion isn’t a child’s play, but if countries liberalise services, remove tariffs on 90 per cent of goods, how would they pay their bills? What could be done to ensure local consumption is satisfied and there is enough quality products for export to maximize the ACFTA? Has the African Development Bank (AfDB) any role to play? The Senior Director of (AfDB), Regional Office Nigeria, Mr. Ebrima Faal said ACFTA is visible and good omen for Nigeria as the country is ready. He was quoted as saying: “Africa is ready and Nigeria is ready. The investment landscape is promising, and it is time to put our money where our mouth is. Permit me to tell you why. “The rate of return on foreign investment is higher in Africa than any other developing region – 9.3% and still growing; Africa continues to demonstrate economic resilience with an expected GDP growth of 4% in 2019, signifying growth above expectation. “The Africa Investment Forum offers a unique opportunity to exhaust numerous options for sound, innovative, and economically viable growth for the continent and especially for Nigeria. Even with gross international reserves of about $45 billion and a pension fund of about N8 trillion, Nigeria will need a considerable amount of private finance to bridge its cumulative infrastructural needs of about $3 trillion by 2024. The time for bridging this gap is now.” The treaty establishing the African Economic Community was signed in Abuja in 1991. It is believed that ACFTA will eliminate challenges of security, corruption among others but with a strong buy-in of the private sector and civil society stakeholders as well as the public in general.

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.