Wednesday Sept 25- Tuesday Occtober 1, 2019 Edition by oracle

POLITICS

Why is it always about Dickson and Sylva in Bayelsa?•P13

International Visits: Prophets pray for Kanu, restoration of Biafra By THEO RAYS

XCITED by the visits of the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu to

The

VOX POPULI SACRUM

European Union in Brussels and the United Nations office in Geneva, Prophets of the Sabbath Churches in Nigeria have offered special prayers to God to see Kanu

through in his mission to restore Biafra. At a combined service of Sabbath Churches, the prophets, who converged under the umbrella of Unit-

ed Voice, Zone 10, said that the visits by Kanu, is an indication that God was already at work for the much needed restoration of Biafra.

racle www.oraclenews.ng

Wednesday Sept 25 - Tuesday Oct 1, 2019

•P11

Today

ISSN: 2545-5869 VOL.4 No.36

N200

Inferiority complex, major setback for my AIDS drug – Ezeibe

•Nigerian Scientists first to discover electrostatic attraction •Raises posers for Nigeria Academy of Science •Experts urge Ezeibe to bring invention to world stage •P5

Flare-gas capture:

NLNG to buy 6.0 Bcf/d •P11

•FG offers flare gas free to investors

High Court orders the immediate release of Sowore •P11

•Prof. Maduike Ezeibe

Page 32

‘We made $4,000 from cyber fraud’

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 25 - Tuesday October 1, 2019

NEWS

ince February 2017 when a research expert and great scientist, Prof. Maduike Ezeibe, made it public that he has discovered a drug, the Medicinal synthetic aluminum-magnesium silicate (MSAMS) for curing the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the Federal Government has yet to come up with its position on the discovery. Initial reaction by the Federal Government was a cold shoulder to give Ezeibe, a Professor of Clinical Virology and Head of Department of Veterinary Medicine, Michael Okpara University, Umudike in Abia State. The then Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, said the researcher’s claims were hostile and adversarial. “It is not even just simply skeptical, it is utterly dismissive,” Adewole had said. If the former minister’s reaction was mild, then that of the heads of regulatory agencies under the Ministry of Health was scathing. A joint statement by the National Agency for Control of AIDS (NACA) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), criticized Ezeibe’s claims, stating that there was no basis for a claim for curing AIDS in his study. They claimed that the journals where Ezeibe’s research was published, including the British Journal of Medicine and Medical Research, were obscure, feecharging journals. “The claim for a HIV/AIDS cure is not new. It is also not new to find a scientist using ambiguous scientific methods and practices to buttress this claim and to find obscure journals increasingly prepared to publish these claims. “Following the discrediting of the claims of Dr Jeremiah Abalaka in the late 90s, we had also hoped that the Nigerian press would thoroughly investigate these ‘AIDS cure’ claims before going to press, given the huge impact that these could have on patients’ lives,” NACA’s Director-General, Dr Sani Aliyu, and the NCDC Chief Executive, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, stated. At the point Ezeibe made his claim public, he had requested the Federal Government to investigate his claim and, most importantly, fund the clinical trials on HIV/AIDS patients which he said was beyond his reach, financially. Despite the outburst by the heads of the Federal Ministry of Health, it is safe to say that there has been no scientific inquisition into Ezeibe’s claims till date. Instead, when it seemed that the Federal Government was not interested in the Ezeibe discovery, the researcher took his matter to the Senate, asking the lawmakers to prevail on the Federal Government to investigate his claims. Upon the Senate’s recommendations, a joint committee comprising experts from the ministries of Health and Science and Technology, was set up. In their recommendations, they urged the Federal Government to encourage Ezeibe financially to enable him to conduct more research into his studies. The Committee did not write off Ezeibe’s claims. Curiously, the Nigerian Academy of Science has maintained a deafening silence! Orchestrated efforts to ensure that Ezeibe’s invention is thrown into the dust bin are alive. The latest was one write-up in the Punch newspapers of September 1, 2019, which was categorical that Ezeibe’s claims were false. The author of the write-up, Jususegun Alagbe, had asserted that “some Nigerian so-called in-

Inferiority complex, major impediment to my AIDS drug – Ezeibe Amidst orchestrated attempts by some Nigerians to discredit novel research efforts by Prof. Maduike Ezeibe who invented the medicinal synthetic aluminum-magnesium silicate (MSAMS) for curing HIV/AIDS and foot-dragging by the Federal Government to recognize and take advantage of the drug, invitations have continued to pour in for Ezeibe to come to the world stage and share his discovery. BONIFACE OKORO reports. ventors have made certain claims, which eventually turned out to be false.” He mentioned Ezeibe as one of those who made false claims but did nothing to provide any scientific proof to back up their assertion. Since that publication, invitations from international groups have been pouring in, calling on Ezeibe to bring his invention to the global stage. The latest is the one inviting the researcher to the 2019 European Ezyme meeting, A letter dated September 19, 2019, addressed to Ezeibe and endorsed by the Program Manager, Enzyme Conference 2019, Adam Louis from Singapore, said their experts have come across Ezeibe’s works and were impressed. Titled, “Join us at World Congress on Enzymology and Molecular Biology Conference 2019,” the letter read in part: “With great pleasure, we invite you to “International Conference on Enzymology and Molecular Biology” scheduled on December 6-7, 2019 at Berlin, Germany. “Our research team had a glance on your published article “Medicinal synthetic aluminum-magnesium silicate [Al4 (SiO4 )3 +3Mg2 SiO4 →2Al2 Mg3(SiO4 )3 ] effective treatment for HIV/AIDS” which is very remarkable and thought it would be an excellent fit for the Conference. “Your proficiency and eminent research work in the field will be an excellent Add-on to Congress. “So we are feeling privileged to welcome you as Keynote Speaker to our Event 2019: Enzyme - 2019 It will be an honor for us if you can deliver your lecture/participate along with your research team/colleagues/students in Berlin, the Germany on the field of your research expertise. “We hope to have your gracious presence with International experts in the field of Enzyme 2019. We are very confident that we will definitely offer you an unforgettable experience in exploring new opportunities.” Also, an American-based group, Cancer Science and Research is requesting Ezeibe to bring his scholarly cerebral accomplishments to the world stage at a time the researcher’s detractors are working tirelessly to shoot him for allegedly making false claims. Cancer Science and Research approached Ezeibe to submit his article for publication in its journal because of its staunch belief that Ezeibe’s published works have added value to research efforts globally. A letter mailed to Ezeibe on Thursday, September 5, 2019, which was signed by Cancer Science and Research Editorial As-

•Prof. Maduike Ezeibe

sistant, Naina K, said it would be a great honour for his organization to have enduring relationship with an eminent scientist like the Professor of Clinical Virology. “We have gone through your research profile and your published papers have added value to the existing literature and have helped other researchers to frame their future projects accordingly. “It would be a great honor for us if you can send us any type of article for our Cancer Science & Research journal and give us a chance to continue the long-lasting scientific relationship with an eminent researcher like you,” the invitation letter, titled “Call for Articles Submission,” read in part. Ezeibe has received several of such letters in the past with his research work published in over 30 articles and many international journals, but some Federal Government agencies have preferred to describe them “as fee-charging journals.” Reacting to these invitations during an interview with The Oracle Today, Ezeibe said: “See how the world sees our research efforts and compare it with Mr. Alagbe’s report in the Punch newspaper. Did any of those whose claims were later found to be false ever publish anything (scientifically and internationally)? Ezeibe said: “Nigerian scientists are the first people in the world to discover electrostatic attraction between electrical charges ob Nano- medicines and opposite charges on electrically charged

pathogens such as viruses – HIV, Ebola, Lassa fever, HBV, etc, cancer-prostrate, brain cancer, cervical, etc. - and other abnormal cells like fibroid as mechanism for treatment of their diseases. “The only problem standing on the way of the country towards adopting the invention and reaping its benefits is inferiority complex in some of her citizens who think that Nigerian professors are as inferior as the feel about themselves. So, even after clear explanation has been made in layman’s language, they keep jesting. “It is now left to the country to listen to scientific explanation or listen to those who use mass media to jest.” The recent invitations are coming days after the Punch newspaper publication. The author did not disprove Ezeibe’s claims with any scientific-backed evidence, but only regurgitated opinions of Adewole and his aides who dismissed Ezeibe’s claims for allegedly not following laid down protocols for announcing such groundbreaking inventions. Ezeibe said he was reacting to the said publication because the author brought in Nigeria Academy of Science (NAS) whose President, Prof. Mosto Onuoha, said that in the past, the body had gone after some Nigerians who claimed to have made inventions and raised the following posers for the agency: Ezeibe’s response via a statement made available to The Oracle Today in Umuahia states:

“My attention has been drawn to an article on pages 56 and 57 of Sunday Punch newspaper of September 1, 2019, by Jususegun “Alagbe, captioned “Busted: Nigerian “inventors” whose claims turned out to be false.” Mr. Alagbe`s “proofs” that my claim (that Medicinal synthetic Aluminum-magnesium silicate cures HIV/AIDS) is “false”, are non-scientific statements he credited to a former Minister of Health and his aides. “Though Alagbe`s “investigations revealed…” about other claims in the article, he did not investigate my own claim but he did well to bring in the NAS. “I therefore pose these questions to NAS and urge the public to insist that they make the answers, public: *Is it true that the mineral, Aluminum-magnesium silicate (AMS) is safe as medicine and has been used as medicine, for many decades? *Is it true that molecules of AMS are made of very tiny particles that are only 0.96 nm thick (Nanoparticles)? *Is it true that each AMS-Nanoparticle has both positively charged end and negatively charged end? *Is it true that every virus is bigger than 0.96 nm and is negatively or positively charged? *Is it true that cancer cells and other abnormal (infected) cells are also electrically charged (negative)? *Is it true that electrostatic attraction between charges on the medicine and opposite charges on electrically charged pathogens, make it bind to the disease agents? •Is it true that though AMS is not absorbable, simple sugars (eg Glucose®) can carry charged particles across mucous membranes into blood-circulation, by a principle called active transport? •Is it true that AMS is a stabilizing agent (potentiates other medicines)? •Is it true that silicates are immune stimulants (normalize immunity)? •Is it true that synergy between continuous mopping of pathogens, normalized immunity and increased potency of supportive medicines can cure any disease? •Is this equation by which we used two solid minerals (which are already licensed by NAFDAC as medicines) that are abundant in Nigeria, for a reaction to get a synthetic form of AMS (not found in Nigeria), correct? : Al4 (SiO4)3 + 3Mg2SiO4 2Al2 Mg3 (SiO4)3. “If answer to each of these questions is “YES”, then the claim that in Nigeria, HIV/AIDS is curable is not among Mr. Alagbe`s “more false claims.” Ezeibe, therefore, reiterated his call on Federal Government to adopt his drug and use it to improve the health of Nigerians and as well, diversify the economy. “It (Federal Government) should take over its clinical trial on HIV/AIDS and on other diseases caused by electrically charged agents (viral diseases, prostrate cancer, other cancers/tumors) and as a pharmaceutical raw material (to potentiate drugs),” Ezeibe submitted. He said that several requests for him to participate in world conferences or submit his research work for publication in many international scientific journals was a reflection of opinions being expressed all over the world “that a Nigerian has found an effective treatment for HIV/AIDS.”

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 25 - Tuesday October 1, 2019

NEWS

IPOB to protest against Buhari’s administration at UN Assembly From PAMELA EBOH, Awka

HE Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB) said it has perfected plans with its people in the United States of America to protest against President Muhammadu Buhari and his government in Nigeria during the United Nations General Assembly summit to prove its determination for the coming of Biafra. Buhari is billed to attend the General Assembly, which is scheduled to start deliberation on September 25, 2019 in New York, with some governors and Ministers. IPOB said Tuesday that the pro-

test will clarify why Biafrans need freedom from the “unworkable system of Nigeria,” without delay. In a statement by IPOB Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, the group said that Buhari’s “government has destroyed the country.” The statement partly reads, “We must let the world know what transpired between Biafra and Nigeria since 1945 till date. “IPOB family worldwide especially our great family members in the US are waiting for Buhari to appear in the UN General Assembly this week. Buhari‘s government in Nige-

ria has destroyed the country. We are aware Buhari departed Abuja for New York with three governors, seven ministers to attend the UN General Assembly. “IPOB is going to stage a powerful protest against him in US for the incessant killing, arrests, destruction of properties and secret abduction of Biafrans both men, women and children daily in Biafraland. “The plans by the government to stop IPOB from demanding their rights for a free state and independent nation of Biafra will not work. The whole world must see IPOB at the UN headquarters in New York.

Chidoka bemoans lack of access to data, information on Government activities

“Our case is now before the various specialised UN agencies or working groups with specialty in various specific monumental human rights abuses systematically perpetrated against Biafrans and other vulnerable individuals and groups in Nigeria. “High levels of police and army brutality against innocent and unarmed citizens of Biafra, a compromised judiciary makes Nigeria a prime candidate for a cataclysmic implosion soon. “We must protest against Buhari and his collaborators at the 74th United Nations general assembly in New York City this week.

By IBE NWACHUKWU

hief Osita Chidoka, former minister of aviation at the weekend, bemoaned lack of access to information and data on activities of the various tiers of government, with particular emphasis on Anambra state. In a press statement issued to newsmen in Onitsha by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr Ikechukwu Okafor, Chidoka, a Peoples Democratic Party, PDP chieftain noted that the communication gap between governments and the people was partly responsible for the country’s development challenges. He therefore charged youths, especially social media influencers and various government agencies to deploy their energies towards enriching dialogue between the government and the people by providing policy data and information available to them, adding that federal and state governments in Nigeria should emulate Rwanda where budget for the city of Kigali was made public with details of revenue and expenditure for a budget period. Chidoka who regretted that no such information could be accessed in the official website of state governments including Anambra, declared: “In Kigali, the city website has information about vacancies, test results with scores and names of those finally chosen. The website has information about procurement plans, budget and implementation status. The city master plan is also online. Can we start from today to demand information from our States?” “In Anambra, my State, he continued, there is no information on budget, recruitment, procurement and master plan. A search for 2019 budget on the website brought up issues except budget. While we are waiting for the new restructured Nigeria, we have to hold our states and agencies to basic standards of openness”. “Our young educated social media commentators miss the issues and allow false narratives to control the dialogue about National and sub national government activities. Anambra State is richer than Kigali yet it is now trending for it’s failed governance model”, he stated.

•Prof. Umenweke, Dean Law Faculty, UNIZIK (4th from right), Barr. Okpaleke, guest speaker (3rd from right), Barr. Egumgbe (3rd from left) and others in a group photograph shortly after the event Photos by Uchenna Kalu, UNIZIK Law student.

Obey rule of law, lawyer tells Nigerian leaders at UNIZIK LAWSA law summit By IBE NWACHUKWU legal luminary based in Lagos, A Martin Ezeana Gerald Okpaleke has charged Nigerian leaders to al-

ways obey the rule of law as a panacea for purposeful leadership. Okpaleke, a guest speaker at annual law summit organized by Law Students Association (LAWSA), Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra state maintained that absence of rule of law degenerates into a state of anarchy. In the paper entitled: “the Nexus between law and purposeful leadership”, Okpaleke, proprietor and principal legal counsel of the commercial and corporate law firm, Gerald-Martin & Company, noted that anarchy occurs when people act in utter disregard to to law, just as government and the leaders act whimsically or arbitrarily beyond their powers. According to Okpaleke who is also a pioneer graduate of UNIZIK law faculty, “rule of law also requires that laws are responsive to the need of the society. The rule of law provides the terrain upon which law and purposeful leadership interact whimsically on the basis of the constitution and constitutionalism to

provide good governance towards pursuit and fulfilment of the common good of Nigerians”. He described good governance as a subjective term that decides how public institutions conduct public affairs and manage public resources in the preferred way which centers on the responsibility of governments, governing bodies and public leaders meet the needs of the masses of its citizens. He, therefore proposed that another look be taken at the office of the President which is the highest office in the land, with a view to coming up with a constitutional amendment that would reshape it into a better and more effective institution and instrument for provision of purposeful leadership to Nigerians. He specified that such a constitutional amendment must be done in such a way that the composition of the state appointments to be made by the President or Vice-President be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character with a view to providing national unity and at the same time command national loyalty, thus ensuring that there should be no predominance

of persons from a few states from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in every particular Presidency or in any of its parts. According to him, “this will help in giving Nigerians a truly national purposeful leader better equipped to provide purposeful leadership to all Nigerians”. Earlier in his brief remarks, the Dean, Faculty of Law, Umenweke, expressed appreciation to the guests for find time out of their tight schedule to come and teach the students about the rudiments of law which he noted would guide them when they graduate, pass out from law school, called to the bar and join in the practice of law. Another Guest Speaker, Chimezie Nkwo, a lawyer, urged the students to work hard towards the restoration of judicial arm of government in case if they eventually find themselves in future leadership positions as according to him, disobedience of rule of law has become so rampant that our present day leaders are now making mockery of our judicial system. Also in his own lecture, Dr. C.O.C. Egumgbe noted that it is clear that our society, national and global

suffers from a leadership deficit, adding that we need our brightest, toughest, most ethical most broadguaged to combine strong substantive visions with an ability to get things done. According to Egumgbe, “Surely, our law graduates can try to address the deficit if they are so motivated as the core competencies of law are as good a foundation for broad leadership as other training. This is not to say that the best and the brightest are entitled to lead, nor will they succeed if they do”. Highlights of the summit included an award of excellence bestowed on Okpaleke, the guest speaker by the Law Students, for his erudite lecture, love, support, and commitment towards the welfare of the students. Three of the students, Ifedigbo Chukwuebuka, the incumbent Chief Justice of LAWSA High Court; Chima Uzochukwu Obi, the Senior Advocate of LAWSA and James Chimaobi, a Judge of the UNIZIK Students Union Government, SUG received awards for clinching first position at the recently concluded Victor Ojeha International Law Students Association Essay Competition.

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 25 - Tuesday October 1, 2019

NEWS

Emeka Agbanari Foundation to establish cellophane industry for Nnobi women T From UZO UGWUNZE, Ojoto

HE Chairman ‘Emeka Agbanari foundation’ Emeka Agbanari, has donated N7 million for the establishment of a cellophane industry for women Nnobi, Idemili South, Anambra State. He made the donation during the Nnobi Women Summit that featured a proposal to establish a cellophane industry as part of a women empowerment project. Agbanari, who opted to sponsor the venture said that he was undertaking it in memory of his late mother, Mrs. Paulina Agbanari (Nee Ibekwe). He also said that he believed that empowering a

woman entails empowering a nation as he believed in affecting people’s lives to enable them fulfill their dreams. He said: “A woman is the pillar of a community or nation. Each time I have opportunity to invest in women I don’t relent because they are home and nation builders. “My mother, who died when I was only 12 years, was my mentor and model. She taught me life lessons that made me to survive the tough times I passed through to succeed today. He told the women that “this cellophane project is a challenge. All eyes are on you. I commission you to go and conquer,” and that he was proving the women for

the sake of my mother.” He promised to further offer scholarships up to University level to six indigent Nnobi youths and that he would sponsor the payment of JAMB/UME examinations for another 100 students. The Iyom Nnobi Chairperson, Mrs. Grace Ugoigwe said that the reason for establishing the cellophane industry was to engage unemployed women to enable them put food on their tables and meet other needs. The Commissioner for Education, Prof Kate

Omenugha who also has some Nnobi youths under her scholarship scheme, called on “Nnobi girls within 18 to 24 years to apply for the ‘Girls can Fly’ program. If one passes the tests and becomes a pilot, she can earn up to 3million monthly.” Chief Michael Omenugha said he was happy that the Women Summit he established in 2008 when he was the Nnobi President General had come of age as he thanked the women for their developmental projects.

Engineer Stone Odera, said that he “will contribute money and expertise in this cellophane industry. My team will hold a free skill acquisition workshop to teach Nnobi women about seven skills.” Highlight of the occasion include the decoration of Mrs. Caroline Nwankwo (Lolo Inyom Nnobi), Mrs. Nnekwelugo Ifeyinwa(Odiukonamba Inyom Nnobi) and Mrs Juliet Azugo (Ugosimba Inyom Nnobi) with their traditional titles by Igwe Nich Obi of Nnobi.

More buildings may collapse in Anambra over poor drainage systems, says lawmaker

BRIGHT: I Formerly known as UJU BRIGHT AGUDOSI now wish to be known as UJUNWA BRIGHT EZENWAMADU. Former documents remain valid Banks and general public take note

line town to the river. The re-directed water created a huge gully at the base of the building which led to its collapse.” Commending the state government and the state police command for their quick response, Nwachukwu emphasized that, “If immediate actions are not taking to salvage the situation, more buildings will collapse.” He added: “I am calling on the government to make arrangements for those who have been displaced as a result of the emergency evacuation. I have received calls from those who were affected and I have also visited the areas. These are families whose kids were set to resume school but they are left without shelter, food and proper health care.” The Speaker, Uche Victor Okafor maintained that, “Anambra state is well planned with agencies that are responsible with town planning but it is quite pathetic that the state is still losing properties to the menace of flood because of faulty poor drainage system. “The lifestyle of Ndi-Anambra towards drainage is not encouraging. People have continued to build on drainage systems and the dump refuse in drainages. The effect of it is what we are seeing and experiencing now in collapse of buildings, collapse of roads and destruction of road infrastructures.”

CHANGE OF NAME

VICTORIA : I formerly known and addressed as OKONKWO ABUMUCHUKWU VICTORIA now wish to be known and addressed as NWAKALOR ABUMUCHUKWU VICTORIA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and the general public to take note.

AMARACHUKWU: I formerly known and addressed as MISS OKEKE CHINELO AMARACHUKWU now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EZENWA CHINELO AMARACHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, Banks and the general public to take note.

From OZO RAY

he Anambra State House of Assembly has called on the Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano to urgently direct the commissioner for works, housing and the commissioner for environment to effect the assessment and repairs on the collapse building at inland town Onitsha. The state assembly has equally directed that the section of the road leading to the ill fated building is so damaged and should be attended to while it directed the chairman Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to urgently make emergency arrangement to shelter those who have been displaced by the disaster. The lawmaker representing Onitsha North 1 Constituency at the State House of Assembly, Dauglas Nwachukwu brought the notice of other legislators during plenary to the catastrophe that occured at inland town Onitsha. According to Nwachukwu, the collapse was as a result of a faulty drainage system. He said: “There is a gutter that directs rain from In-

CHANGE OF NAME

•Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha (second right), receiving the report by members of the Committee on the Implementation Strategies on Strengthening Internal Security Framework and Community Policing in Nigeria, last Friday, as Inspector General of Police, Mr Mohammed Adamu (right) watches

Ohafia clan wants to succeed Ikpeazu, seeks adherence to Charter of Equity From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia people of Ohafia in Tof heOhafia local government Abia State have solicited

the support of other sections of the state in assisting the Udumeze clan to produce the next governor of the state in 2023. A political pressure group known as Mben Political Assembly (MPA), which made the appeal Monday, in Umuahia, told journalists that Ohafia Udumeze clan has demonstrated fidelity and loyalty in supporting others to produce governors, senators and politicians for other elective positions The group therefore stressed that on the strength of equity and justice, it was pay back time as the clan was best suited to produce a successor to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu in 2023. President of MPA, Dr Eme Uche Onuh, said that, “all lovers of truth, equity and justice are convinced beyond doubt that the time is come for the exalted position of Abia Governor to be occupied by an Abian of Ohafia Udumeze extraction after Ikpeazu in 2023. “MPA assures that Ohafia Udumeze will offer the best-in-class technocrat-politicians to drive Abia to real-

ize her dreams and return it to its position as the most promising sub-sub region in Africa. “In line with our character, we shall present to Abians only hardworking, selfless, passionate, fit-for-the-times leaders. We will eventually present to the state as Governor an Ohaifian who will seek the right answers, who will not seek to fix the blame for the past but who will accept as his or her responsibility to learn from our past and create the future Abians seek.” He sought support for the project tagged, “Ohafia for Abia Governor 2023,” and argued that the clan was the most marginalized in Abia North as well as in Ohafia local government area. According to Onuoha, “Politically, Ohafia Udumeze has not fared well as far as elective and appointive positions go when compared with other clans in Abia North senatorial Zone.” The group, therefore, called on stakeholders from Abia South and Abia Cebtral to support a candidate of Ohafia Udumeze extraction to emerge as governor in 2023. “We call on Ikpeazu and all Abia political leaders to do the needful. Ohafia has come out to serve Abia in

that exalted position, ready to present capable hands when called upon,” MPA added. The group contended that the justice component of Abia Charter of Equity has made it imperative that Ohafia Udumeze takes the first shot at the governorship position since it has rotated among the three senatorial zones and would return to Abia North again. Calling on other areas to follow the Abia Charter in choosing their gubernatorial candidates, the group stated that the Udumeze Clan would not support any sons or daughters of Ohafia local government who aspires to the governorship position in 2023. The Vice President of MPA, Prof. Ukpai Iro Ukpai, said no one has been chosen for presentation as the people were still consulting and reaching out to other sections to support their cause. The traditional ruler, His Royal Highness, Prof. Emmanuel Imaga, the paramount ruler of Ohafia clan, who was represented by Chief Emmanuel Aki, said the traditional institution was in support of the quest by Ohafia Udumeze to produce the next governor of the state and has endorsed the mission embarked by MPA.

Anambra 2021: Friends of Ezeemo drum support, back zoning By THEO RAYS

HE campaign of philanthropist, industrialist and Chairman of Orient Group of Companies to govern Anambra State, under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2021 is gathering momentum as most of his friends have started drumming support for him. Perhaps encouraged by what they are seeing, his friends from the three senatorial zones in the state have joined forces to root for him to emerge the next governor. His friends, made up of politicians, businessmen, youths, traders, market women and retirees, led by veteran grassroots politician Ibuchim Kostant Ezekwelu, converged under the aegis of Friends of Godwin Chukwunaenye Ezeemo (FGCE) at Onitsha and vowed to mobilize the necessary support for their friend to clinch the PDP ticket and win the election. At the meeting, Ezekwelu noted that considering Ezeemo’s massive achievements in the business world, he has what it takes to deliver Anambra to PDP and he can replicate and improve on the standards of good governance in line with what former former governor, Peter Obi achieved during his tenure. Ezekwelu said: “Ezeemo from his track records of unprecedented achievements in business, printing and publishing, agriculture, hospitality, manufacturing has what it takes to handle Anambra. Based on his achievements he will certainly make a good governor because he is going there to serve and create jobs having done so as a private businessman. He is going there to up grade our roads, our schools, our hospitals, up grade agriculture and so on. “As his friends, we have gathered to discuss how we can support him. We are aware that he is now in PDP, which is a bigger party, so we have a big job to do in mobilizing support for him to clinch the party ticket and win the election.” The meeting resolved that members should return to their senatorial zones to present Ezeemo to the grassroots, the bedrock of party politics and election success. On zoning, the friends pointed out that it is in the best interest of Anambra politics to embrace and entrench zoning in the State. Thus the meeting agreed that Anambra South Senatorial District should produce the next governor of Anambra in 2021. The meeting argued that it is unfair to other sections of people in Anambra South for the people from Nnewi to run for Governor as, “Nnewi is in the Senate and in House of Representatives, thus, it amounts to pure marginalization of other blocs in Anambra South for Nnewi to produce Governor in 2021.”

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 25 - Tuesday October 1,

NEWS

Initiate marshal plan for integrated regional development, Igbo Ekunie tells S’East Govs

By IBE NWACHUKWU

he Igbo Ekunie Initiative (IEI), comprising individuals in Nigeria and the Diaspora; have charged South East Governors to initiate a marshal plan for regional integration, development and advancement.. It regretted that the Nigerian state has long betrayed the ideal for development, which has been engendered primarily by the nation’s contradictions and consequent retrogressive policies of marginalization pursued by successive regimes. In a press statement issued yesterday, after it crucial meeting, a copy of which was made availaqble to newsmen in Onitsha, Anambra state, IEI noted that having reviewed events of the past few years and taken cognizance of global trends and the state of the nation; said it wished to again state as follows: That, given these realities; its abundantly self evident, that any region desiring development must do so through a self-driven effort, a comprehensive Marshall plan and a regional development platform. For 59 years Nigeria has continued to fail. As a distinct people, we have the onerous responsibility to take the bull by the horn and create a separate, ingenious and audacious part for development. In the statement jointly signed by its President, Chief Tochukwu Ezeoke and its Secretary, Lawrence Nwobu, IEI further stated as follows: That, across various continents, contiguous states, regions, provinces

and nations are forming economic blocs and integrated development agencies that benefiting from economies of scale can better aggregate resources for capital intensive infrastructure and projects across their geographical spheres. “In the same vein, we note that the then Eastern region made rapid progress under the auspices of the defunct Eastern Nigeria Development Corporation, ENDC and we submit that the Southeast region has more population than Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Taiwan, Belgium, Sweden, Israel, Netherlands, Portugal, Denmark, Ireland, Switzerland as well as many African countries”. “It is thus a region that can effectively mobilize its population; human and material, at home and in the Diaspora for unprecedented regional development through a public/private/Diaspora partnership under the auspices of a regional investment/development corporation”. “We hereby again call on the governors of the Southeast region to initiate a Marshall plan and following from its recommendations, float a regional investment/development corporation to be capitalized through contributions from each state in the first instance, banks, shares, bonds, crowdfunding and Diaspora development funds”. “That the regional investment corporation like the defunct ENDC will then invest in major capacitybuilding infrastructure across the region such as super-highways (with

tollgates), real estate with particular emphasis on high density buildings/ skyscrapers (for population management), establishment of strategic industries such as steel plants, refineries, cement plants and the creation of special industrial parks/ free trade zones across states in the region so as to lead in innovative start-ups and industrialization”. “In the area of tourism, the corporation will seek partnership with international consortiums in view of establishing major game parks such as Disneyland Park amongst others”. That, all projects to be undertaken, must be “generative” infrastructure that would bring rapid returns for investors in the public /private partnership scheme. In order to encourage maximum participation by a broad spectrum of South-east-

erners and other interested parties at home and in the Diaspora, a public enlightenment program should precede the inauguration of the Marshall plan and float of a regional investment/development corporation. The 21st century is replete with success stories and shifting dynamics. Theatres of development are spreading and shifting across the globe. From West to East, Singapore, South Korea, China is taking a centre stage in development. In the Middle East, Qatar and the city of Dubai are blazing a rarely seen developmental trail. We have a rare opportunity to put ourselves in the global map of development by building from the ashes, an audacious first world region with glistening skyscrapers, superhighways, massive industrial parks,

world-class health centres and technological research centres amongst others. We put African literature on the global map with Chinua Achebe’s epic “Things Fall Apart”, we put African movies on the global map with the “Nollywood” movie industry. There is no reason why we can’t put our region in the world map of development through aggressive regional development. It’s time to build a civilization: economic, industrial, political and social that will stand the test of time. We hereby again urge governors of the Southeast to think outside the box and take ownership of our collective destiny by initiating a Marshall plan and creating a regional development corporation that will usher in a renascent East. We can and we must do it. The time is now!

Israel election results: Gantz capitulates without battle L ess than a week after his impressive electoral achievement, the head of the largest Knesset faction, Kahol Lavan leader Benny Gantz, conceded his right to be the first to try and form a coalition government. The explanation given by “party sources” for this concession is that Gantz prefers to wait for Netanyahu to try first and fail. Regrettably, this lame excuse is unconvincing. This move looks like a capitulation without a fight, an admission that the right wing’s longstanding tactic of de-legitimizing parties representing Arab society succeeded. Gantz was apparently worried over being portrayed as someone who “depends on the votes of anti-Zionist, terror-supporting Arab citizens,” as the Joint List is described by right-wing politicians and journalists. Gantz ignored the Joint List’s support for him as the candidate for the prime minister’s job, even though without it he has no chance of forming a coalition. He refrained from discussing the demands posed by the Joint List, responding with disdain (“our platform already addresses these issues”), not trying to even put on a show of trying to prevent the departure of the Balad faction in the Joint List, which refused to recommend him to the president. This leaves him with only 54 Knesset members supporting him, one less than Netanyahu has. Balad relinquished an unprecedented opportunity to present its positions in the course of political

negotiations, hunkering down behind its anti-Zionist ideology that automatically disqualifies cooperation with any party that is not part of the Joint List, from the extreme right to Meretz. Balad represents a significant position within Arab society, and it’s a good thing it wasn’t disqualified from participating in the election. But by refusing to recommend Gantz, it effectively supports the continued corrupt, inflammatory rule of Netanyahu. Using a cover of ideological purity and listing the wrongs committed by the Zionist movement against Palestinians, from Herzl to Netanyahu, cannot justify such political folly. The bottom line is that they preferred Bibi to [Joint List MK] Tibi. In contrast to Balad, Gantz can’t, and is not even trying to, justify his concession with ideological reasons. Hollow slogans of “unity” and “conciliation,” accompanied by ostracizing the representatives of 20 per cent of Israel’s citizens, place him among a long list of centrist and leftist politicians who folded in the face of hypocritical tests of patriotism posed by the right, allowing Netanyahu to keep holding on. Obviously, the results make it hard for Gantz to form a coalition and fulfill his promise to replace Netanyahu. But by handing his rival the mandate, he threw away the hopes and expectations of his voters. The above article is Haaretz’s lead editorial, as published in the Hebrew and English newspapers in Israel.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, (m) Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo, the new Chairman of the State Council of Chiefs, His Eminence, Nteyin Solomon Etuk, Deputy Speaker, House of Assembly, Princess Felicia Bassey, DG Divine Mandate Campaign Organization, H.E Otuekong Idongesit Nkanaga, and the State Chief Judge, Justice Godwin Abraham cutting the 32nd Akwa Ibom State Anniversary Cake at Government House, Uyo, Monday

Ikpeazu praises Foundation over grant of special status by UN From BONIFCE OKORO, Umuahia

he Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, has felicitated with Vicar Hope Foundation, his wife’s Pet Project, on the conferment of a Special Consultative Status by the United Nations under the Economic and Social Council. This new status grants Vicar Hope Foundation the right to have observers and representatives at the United Nations General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council, the Human Rights Council and public meetings of the United Nations Intergovernmental Bodies. The status also grants the Foundation the right to submit written statements relevant to the work of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations on subjects in which they have special competence, and such statements may be circulated by the Secretary

General of the United Nations to all members of the Council. The Secretary General may also request Vicar Hope Foundation to carry our studies or prepare reports in relevant areas. The governor described it as a fitting recognition from the highest global organization, of the great work the foundation has done in the area of women empowerment, girl child education and eradication of poverty. He noted that the pioneering efforts of the Vicar Hope Foundation in breaking the cycle of the Sickle Cell Disease through the creation of awareness and ensuring that all secondary school age students and others have access to genotyping, which allows them, to know their genotypes and reflect such information on their identity cards. “By establishing the first ever Sickle Cell Clinic in Abia State, Vicar Hope Foundation has created a

platform for fighting the scourge of the disease through the provision of tests and counseling services,” Ikpeazu said. Ikpeazu also recalled that the Foundation has also introduced Mammogram equipment at their Clinic to provide tests for Breast Cancer, which will enable women to get tested for the disease and seek solutions in early. According to the Governor, the efforts of Vicar Hope Foundation in the provision of housing for indigent women across the state is unmatched in the history of women empowerment in Abia, noting that about 100 houses have been built for indigent women, widows in addition to the provision of microcredit support to assist women set up small businesses. He assured that his administration will consistently support the Foundation in its work of supporting Abia women and daughters to live better lives.

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 25 - Tuesday October 1, 2019

NEWS From OZO RAY, Awka

OME members of the Anambra State House of Assembly have dismissed as propaganda, reports of any proposal by the state government to distribute 30 Toyota Prado SUVs to the lawmakers for the discharge of their duties. A section of the lawmakers, who refused to be identified had earlier complained about the delay in the payment of their statutory allowances and other entitlements by the state government, contending that the purchase of the cars, which would cost almost N1 billion, was wasteful when a similar purchase from INNOSON Motors Limited would cost less. The lawmakers, who spoke alongside the All Progressive Congress (APC) House of Assembly lawmakers in the South East noted that while other governors in the South East and South South were patronizing the local car manufacturing company, INNOSON Nnewi, Obiano in whose domain the auto factory is situated is not keen in patronizing the company. The chairman, South East Conference of 2019 APC House of Assembly Lawmakers Hon. Afam Ezenwafor said, they were wary of the implications of the statements on the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) lawmakers who were supporters of locally made goods, so that they do not become victims of witch hunting. Ezenwafor noted that the market price for a 2018 model of Prado SUV was N33 million for each of the 30 members of the state Assembly. He wondered why about N1 billion of state funds would be taken off shore instead of using it to purchase Innoson IVM SUV for the lawmakers. Insisting on the need patronize our local investors, he said that “the Speaker Uche Okafor should stop the planned purchase of Prado SUVs and ask the governor to rather get INNOSON SUVs for them.” He urged the South East governors to make it mandatory for all commissioners, lawmakers, local government chairmen, permanent secretaries, heads of agencies and all other government officials to use IVM as their official cars because patronizing locally made goods would reduce the high de-

Lawmakers split over SUVs gifts from Obiano •Call for patronage of local industry •Dismiss rumors, pledge unity of House

n a bid to implement some of its landmark decisions arrived at during its recent meeting in Enugu, the South East Governors Forum has followed up its action plans with the inauguration of a five-man joint security committee it set up during the meeting with Enugu as the operational headquarters of the committee. The committee has its chairman as Major-General Abel Umahi (retd) representing Ebonyi state as its chairman, while Captain Awa Agwu (retd) representing Abia state; IGP Ogbonna Onovo (retd) representing Enugu state; CP Ikechukwu Ayo Aduba representing Anambra state and Mr. Raymong Nkemdirim representing Imo state are members. The Governors Forum had during their meeting, restrained foot movement of cattle and herdsmen from state to state and commu-

By Odogwu Emeka Odogwu rofessor Bona Uchenna Umeogu of the department of phiPlosophy will on deliver the 50th Inaugural lecture of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. Very Rev. Fr Prof Umeogu, will Thursday deliver the lecture entitled, “Kola nut in Igbo Metaphysics: A phenomernalyical research into its symbolismic universe.” According to the chairman of the Inaugural lecture committee, Prof Richard Uwakwe, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Charles Esimone will chair the event, which will hold by 10 am at the university auditorium.

Let us partner to develop Delta, Okowa tells opposition

From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba elta Governor, Senator (Dr) D Ifeanyi Okowa, has urged his rival in the March 9 gubernatorial •Guest speaker, Barr. Okpaleke receiving an award of excellence from Sub-Dean UNIZIK law faculty, Prof. Amaka Eze, shortly after his lecture mands on foreign exchange. He commended the former state governor Peter Obi for buying over 500 pieces of INNOSON motors during his tenure saying, “Obi procured Innoson motors for AVS, schools and local government councils in the state and it is worthy of emulation. “I commend Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi who recently purchased over 100 pickups from INNOSON motors for the security agencies in the state. Other South East governors must do same. We can only grow our local

economy and encourage think home investment when our leaders patronize local content. “I commend the military for patronizing Innoson motors. The Governors of Imo, Abia and Ebonyi are not patronizing INNOSON motors and that is sad. That attitude must change.” The governor’s Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Emeka Ozumba urged the public and the reporters to discountenance the allegations as he noted that there is no cause for alarm as that both the Executive and the Legislature have continued to enjoy a harmonious relationship.

Meanwhile Chukwunonso Noble Igwe (Ogbaru 1 state constituency), who said that there was no controversy whatsoever amongst lawmakers concerning any issue, stressed that the house remained one indivisible entity. The Chairman House Committee on Information and Public Enlightenment, Hon. Okechukwu Okoye said the rumours about PRADO jeeps for lawmakers were propaganda intended to destabilize the unity and progress of the House. He said, “there is nothing like that. People just go about spreading propaganda.

than reactionary measures on their part will be more rewarding, as well as treatment of all credible information from the citizenry with the seriousness it deserved by the security agencies. In his post inaugural press statement signed by one of the committee members, Aduba representing Anambra state and made available to newsmen in Onitsha, yesterday, Aduba who is the chairman of Anambra State Vigilante Supervisory Committee and Senior Special Adviser to Governor Willie Obiano on Vigilante Matters, noted that Anambra Vigilante Group, AVG would stop at nothing to ensure that Anambra remains one of the safest states in the country. According to the statement, “As we are now in ‘Ember’ months, no efforts will be spared in ensuring a crime-free yuletide with the collaboration of other security agencies”. The statement further noted

that the Governors Forum would stop at nothing to ensure protection of lives and properties, adding that the citizens have a big role to play by way of being vigilant and ready to supply vital information. The statement maintained that South East Governors are doing the needful and must be applauded, adding that accusing them of supporting operation python dance is mischievous and a major distraction towards their good intentions. “Sowing seed of discord amongst us Igbo people will be most unwise. We are almost in a state of war following the cattle, Fulani menace and rampage in recent times. Should we fold our hands and be slaughtered in our own backyards? The answer is a resounding No. So, let us give as much as we have so that harmony will reign supreme. AVG is on red alert for now”, Aduba added in the statement.

Insecurity: S’East Govs inaugurate joint security committee to implement their action plans By IBE NWACHUKWU

Unizik Jubilee inaugural lecture holds in Awka, Thursday

nity to community, adding that it would establish forest guards like Enugu state had already done to monitor activities in the bushes, as well as apprehend AK47 and cutlass wielding herdsmen. The Forum insisted that the present dicey security situation in the country was giving all citizens in the South East Geo-political zone cause for serious concern, adding that setting up the committee was part of the proactive measures to check the escalating menace of the marauding Fulani herdsmen who kill, maim and rape with impunity within the geographical zone. The forum further maintained that some of the proactive measure included maintaining joint air operations with other sister states in the South east, clarion call on the security agencies (Army, Police, etc.) to redouble their efforts and at the same time, cut down on the number of checkpoint barricades because proactive rather

election, Chief Great Ogboru of the All Progressive Congress (APC), to join his administration in building a stronger state. He made the call at an inter-denominational thanksgiving service shortly after the reaffirmation of his electoral victory by the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, which sat in Asaba. “I appeal to my brother, Ogboru, that the time has come to stop fighting; it is time to partner together to do the best that we can for our people. ``I appeal that enough is enough; it is time to build Delta State together for the good of our people. “I ask for the hands of the opposition, because Delta State is for all of us; we cannot do it alone and I want to thank our supporters and all Deltans for praying for us. ``We require the assistance of all in prayer and in human partnership, and we must continue to pray for our state and our country, because we believe that our prayer will save our country.As Deltans, we must hold firmly to the Lord, because Delta State will continue to remain peaceful and united as we will prosper together,” he said. The governor, who also thanked his legal team and former President of the Senate, Sen. David Mark, who attended the service in company with his wife, assured Deltans that the next four years would be more fruitful than his first tenure. Earlier in his sermon, the Government House Chaplain, Venerable Charles Osemenem, had said that God ruled the affairs of men. According to him, because God is interested in the affairs of man, we should be careful and mindful of what we do; let us acknowledge God in all our ways because, our God never fails. ``When He opens a door, nobody can close it,” the chaplain said. Wife of the Governor, Dame Edith Okowa, the Deputy Governor, Mr Kingsley Otuaro; Sen. James Manager, House of Representatives member, Ndudi Elumelu; Speaker, Delta House of Assembly, Sheriff Oborovweri, were among dignitaries at the service.

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 25 - Tuesday October 1, 2019

NEWS

PDP appoints former guber aspirant as DG Senator Douye Diri Campaign Organization

From CLEM ONYEMAECHI, Yenagoa

he Peoples Democratic Party in Bayelsa State has appointed Dr. Nimibofa Ayawei as Director General of the Senator Douye Diri Governorship Campaign Organization. Dr. Ayawei, who is Chairman of the Bayelsa State Internal Revenue Board, was also a frontline aspirant of the PDP in the last gubernatorial primaries which produced Senator Diri as the party’s candidate for the November 16 election in the state. A statement by the State Secretary of the PDP, Chief Godspower Keku, said that Dr. Ayawei’s appointment was part of the key resolutions of a meeting of the Gubernatorial Campaign Advisory Council of the State Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) held at the weekend. According to the statement, Governor Seriake Dickson at the meeting reiterated his commitment to hand over power to the PDP democratically elected governor in February 14, 2020. The governor further described the opposition party, APC as a toothless bull dog that lacks capacity to win any free, fair and credible election in the state. He said PDP has demonstrated its readiness to retain the Governorship seat in the state through the conduct of peaceful primaries which had been adjudged as the best in the political history of the state. Governor Dickson said APC in

the state is noted for thuggery ballot stuffing, hijackings and political violence, adding that this played out during the party primaries when the principle of fair play was jettisoned for personal interest. He commended the PDP aspirants for exhibiting a high sense of discipline, maturity and sportsmanship during and after the conduct of the primaries and assured them that necessary measures would be taken at bringing everybody on board to work for the success of the party in November 16, Governorship election. His words:”Let me congratulate all our party members on a very successful, peaceful and orderly primary that our party conducted. If you can juxtapose that with what happened in the APC, you will find out that they never really held any primaries because they are used to writing results whether in the general elections or their own primary election. “Our party went through the rigours of a real primary election where friends, colleagues and even party leadership disagreed and supported candidates of their choice. That is the tradition of our party. “I congratulate all PDP members on the transparent manner it was done. It was beamed live across our nation and around the world to show that our party is the only truly credible democratic platform in the country and particularly in our state. “I want to particularly congratulate all the aspirants who

Journalist turns school proprietor, dwells on language and skills acquisition From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

journalist, who has become the proprietor of a private school in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, has promised to transform the. education of children in the state through her creative methods of teaching. According to the journalistturned School Proprietor, Mrs Chinwe Ugele, the school, Rock Kids Academy, located in the Umuobasi area of Umuahia, would inculcate crafts and language skills in the pupils by teaching them the three major languages of Igbo, Hausa and Youruba and serve them lunch, Monday to Friday. According to her, “almost every school in the country teach English, French and any of the three major languages in the country. We have decided to approach this differently. The three languages will be taught, spoken and used in the school at will. “The first five years of childhood should be dedicated to language development, recognition of objects, identification of numbers and letters of the taught languages and personal development.” She told The Oracle Todaythat the lessons would be practicaloriented, and every child would be primed to acquire a skill before graduation as a whole day every week is set aside for teaching of

crafts. She said: “Crafts, language development and information technology are our strengths. We have assembled capable hands as staff teaching and non-teaching to take care of children when in school.” The Rock Kids Academy Proprietor said the school’s emphasis in language was to help children to discover their identity and cultures. “A child who starts with us as a pre-schooler will be proficient in the use of the three languages before age 5. This is our target, so that learning the languages from primary 1 will not look and sound strange,” she said. According to her, “every talent will be developed and harnessed and “one of the week days has been specially earmarked for this.” The Journalist and blogger disclosed that, “we know that every child is peculiar in his or her own way and does not develop at the same speed and duration, judging these children, below 5, is wrong,” “We have a school built for excellence in the most beautiful way, preparing children for their future using modern teaching techniques. Whatever path a child shows more interest in, it will be honed by the school.”

put themselves forward; who had sleepless nights canvassing for support and votes across the nooks and crannies of this state and everywhere in this country spending their hard-earned resources. “Our party remains truly grateful to each and every one of them. Indeed, they are the true heroes and heroines of democracy in our country. When the story of how we have consolidated the gains of our democratic governance in our state will be written, i assure them that there will be a special place of honour reserved for each

of them.” “I want to assure all our party men and women and the well meaning people of our state that our party leadership understands the challenges that we are here taking steps to ensure that all issues are resolved in our party so that our party can move forward to victory come November 16.” Earlier in his remarks, the State PDP Chairman, Mr. Moses Cleopas had described the PDP standard bearer as comparatively the best among candidates presented by all the political parties for the guber poll.

Mr. Cleopas who also referred to the governorship aspirants as good ambassadors of the PDP, urged all to jettison their individual differences and work collectively for the common goal. The stakeholders meeting also had in attendance, the PDP flag bearer, Senator Douye Diri and some of the aspirants in the just concluded PDP governorship primaries. They are, Keniebi Okoko, Nimbofa Ayaowei, Chief Benson Agadaga and the reinstated Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Kemela Okara.

•Managing Director NLNG, Mr Tony Attah (left) chats with the MD NGC, Dr. Salihu Jamari, after a country breakfast meeting on Nigeria at the just concluded 2019 Gastech Conference and Exhibition in Houston, Texas, United States.

Okowa charges appointees on Stronger Delta agenda From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

overnor of Delta, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, has urged political office holders to be committed to his administration’s Stronger Delta agenda. The governor made the call on Tuesday while swearing in a Special Adviser, Chief Emuobo Gbagi and inauguration of five boards of different parastatals and agencies in Asaba. He said that all government functionaries should “sit up and get running, because there is a lot to be done”. According to Iowa, I see you appointees as a vehicle for rendering of selfless service to Deltans and not as opportunity to enrich yourselves or for ego trip. “You (political appointees) must hold the position in trust for the people; it is not about eye service to the Governor but, about the impact that you will make in the life of the people. ”We are to render service to the people, work with the people, communicate with the grassroots, and bring development to them; only then would we have performed as a government,” he said. The governor congratulated Gbagi and others who were inaugurated at the ceremony and urged them to cooperate with civil servants to ensure seamless rendering

of service to the people. “There is a lot to be done and we will continue to do our best to meet with the aspirations of Deltans. “I want to state that it is not possible to give appointment to all Deltans who saw to my emergence as Governor; what I will assure is that as much as possible we will deliver the dividends of democracy and reposition our state to be prosperous for stronger Delta to be achieved. “We will continue to stay focused

on our goals; everybody should provide the enabling environment that will engender peace for investment to thrive, because the more resources we have, the more we engage in development programmes,” he stated. The Boards inaugurated were those of Delta State Library Board with Dr. Israel Abido as Chairman and Mrs Ayo Ojeifoh, Mr Donald Akpojohare, Mrs Blessing Oghogho as members. Delta State School of Health Technology has Dr Chris Oharisi as Chairman, while Mr Sunny Tatabuzogwu and Mrs Osuobeni Ebikabo-Ere as members. Chief Christiana Etaluku is new Chairman of Delta State Post Primary Education Board, with Mr Anthony Nzugwuogwu, Mrs Eunice Angozi and Mr Venture Oyiborhoro as members. Delta State Waste Management Board has Mr Emmanuel Chinye as Chairman and Mr Jude Onya, Mr Mofe Edema, and Mr Daniel Ighedo as members. Also inaugurated was Chief Andrew Orugbo as Chairman of Governing Board of Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro. Orugbo responded on behalf of all the appointees and congratulated the governor on the recent reaffirmation of his electoral victory by the Gubernatorial Election Petitions Tribunal.

The Oracle Today wednesday September 25 - Tuesday October 1, 2019

NEWS

Flare-gas capture: NLNG to buy 6.0 Bcf/d From SOPURUCHI ONWUKA, Houston Texas

Federal government and the Tthehecountry’s gas industry leader, Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited are respectively providing policy and market incentives for investments in flare-gas capture and commercialization in a joint effort to optimize the value of the resource. Whereas government has offered to give flare-gas free to local and foreign investors who wish to invest in its flare-gas capture and commercialization programme, NLNG Limited has also offered to provide ready market for credible

•FG offers flare gas free to investors

off-take of harnessed gas. Leaders of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and NLNG Limited who work together to extract value from the nation’s petroleum resources assured international investors at the just-concluded 2019 Gastech conference and exhibition in Houston, Texas, United States that the global emphasis on gas as the vehicle of energy transition has made it imperative to curb resource waste in Nigeria. Managing Director of Nigerian Gas Company (NGC), Dr. Salihu Jamari, who spoke at a Global Lead-

ers Panel at the conference told investors and global industry leaders that Nigeria is laying claim to all volumes of gas dedicated to the flare booms and is providing guarantee for investors’ access to all flare gas volumes in the country. Also, Managing Director of NLNG, Mr Tony Attah, declared that the company is solidly positioned to take all volumes of gas successfully harnessed in the government’s flare gas commercialization programme, assuring investors that the company’s expansion programmes hold a guarantee of incremental feedgas

of Police and other top positions. All the roads in the South East are bad. No power supply and no federal industrial presence. That is pure injustice? It is pure injustice and I am sure God is not in any way in support of it and that is why Nigeria is not making progress.” Speaking on the topic, “Pharoah let my people go,” he stated, “one thing I understand very well as a Prophet is that God does not support injustice, oppression or marginalisation of people that believe and worship Him. “Ndigbo believe and worship God massively so the Almighty cannot allow people that so much believe in Him to continue to face injustice from others. As a Prophet, I advise Nigeria to address the grievances

of Ndigbo by allowing Biafra to go. There is no other better way to address the problem of Ndigbo except letting Biafra be.” The host Prophet, Paul Chibundu of the Ark of Noah Synagogue said the best way to address the marginalisation of Ndigbo in Nigeria is to allow them to to go and establish the Republic of Biafra. He added: “As a Prophet of God, I have been praying for Nigeria for many years and I can assure you that all these problems in the country will stop if Biafra is allowed to come into existence. If Biafra is allowed to go, Nigeria will be free from consequences of oppressing Ndigbo and by so doing the country will make progress at a faster rate.”

International Visits: Prophets pray for Kanu, restoration of Biafra

he Chairman of the zone, ProphTmenced et Daniel Oguejiofor, who comthe prayer session, called

upon God to continue to provide Kanu and the IPOB the necessary support links needed to bring to reality the Biafran project. He added that it is in the best interest of Nigeria for Biafra to thrive as according to him, Nigeria will only get better when Ndigbo leave to establish Biafra. The Prophet said that it is a spiritual reality that a country or a community cannot make the desired progress when one of its members is not treated fairly as other parts. He asserted that Nigeria will continue to face security challenges, economic hardship, poverty, hunger, collapsing infrastructure, lack of jobs and poor power supply if the situation of Ndigbo is not properly addressed. Prophet Oguejiofor, who is the founder of Yahwe the King International Synagogue said: “God does not support injustice and I am sure that God is not in support of the injustice being meted against Ndigbo in Nigeria. “Ndigbo cannot produce the President, Ndigbo cannot produce the Chief of Army Staff, Chief Justice of Nigeria or Inspector General

Buhari redeploys Keyamo, Alasoadura

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has approved the immediate redeployment of two Ministers. According to a statement from the office of the Secretary to the government of the federation (SGF) signed by Willie Bassey, director, Information,Mr. Festus Keyamo, Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs is to

move to Ministry of Labour and Employment as Minister of State while his counterpart in the Labour Ministry, Senator Tayo Alasoadura moves to Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs as Minister of State. The redeployment has since been effected as it took effect from Tuesday, September 24, 2019.

High Court orders the immediate release of Sowore Federal High Court sitting in A Abuja has ordered the immediate release of the detained

and money laundering against Sowore. Cited also as defendant is one Olawale Adebayo Bakare (aka convener of #RevolutionNow Mandate). protest, Mr. Omoyele Sowore from Falana had earlier withdrawn his the custody of the Department of application for bail dated SeptemStates Security Service (DSS). ber 13, 2019 on the grounds that Justice Taiwo Taiwo, who it had been overtaken by events, Tuesday issued the order directed arguing that since the applicant has Sowore to deposit his traveling not been charged with terrorism, passport with the court registry, there was no basis for the applicapredicated his decision on the tion to be moved. fact that his earlier order made on Falana urged the court to order August 8, granting the DSS permis- the release of Sowore since its earsion to detain Sowore for 45 days lier order for his 45 days detention in the first instance, had expired on by the DSS has since expired by September 21, 2019. since September 21. He therefore held that in view of He equally submitted that the fact that the DSS had equally since the prosecution had also withdrew its application seeking withdrawn his application for the the renewal of his detention for 20 renewal of the detention order, more days, there is no competent there is no competent order of order of court for his continued court for his continued detention detention by the DSS. by the DSS. The court ordered that Sowore Falana specifically argued that should be released to his counsel, “since the application for the Femi Falana (SAN), who will prorenewal of the detention of the duce him in court for his arraignrespondent has been withdrawn ment on the pending seven-count and struck out by the court, we charge preferred against him by urged the court to make an order the Federal Government. for the immediate release of the reThe Federal Government had spondent from custody in line with last Friday preferred a seven section 35 of the 1999 constitution. count charge marked FHC/ ABJ/ “Furthermore, the initial order CR/235/2019 of treasonable felony for his detention for 45 days was

predicated on the information that he was been investigated for terrorism. However, from the seven count information against the respondent, there is nothing like terrorism. The prosecution counsel, G. Abadua, urged the court to take note of the fact that the respondent has been charged with terrorism and treasonable felony before this court. He equally submitted that the offence upon which the respondent is charged is a capital offence by the provision of section 161 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, which states that a person arrested and detained for an offence punishable with death can only be admitted to bail by a Judge of the High court under exceptional circumstances. Abadua further submitted that since a charge has been filed against the respondent to fulfill the requirement of the constitution, to bring any person accused before the court, the whole essence is to ensure probity, only the court can determine whether or not, a person is right to freedom of movement should be guarantee or withheld in certain circumstances.

demand. Dr. Jamari told The Oracle Today exclusively afterwards that government decided to offer huge resource incentives to investors in a drastic measure to curb gas flare in the country after series of penal disincentives failed to yield the desired flare down result. “It is not difficult to figure out. You know that flaring associated gas has penalty, and that has gone up to $2.50 per 1000 standard cubic feet ($2.50/1000scf) now. So those fields that have high gas-to-liquid production ratio may no longer be commercially viable to continue producing, and nobody would like to shut them down because that would affect the revenue side to government. So government and other stakeholders will lose money if you shut in gas prone fields. “So, government has come out with a directive that if must produce those fields, you must have a robust programme for flare out, and I think there is a duration attached to that. And if you do not have a workable flare out programme, then government can take the gas. You don’t pay royalty on the gas you flare; therefore the flare gas belongs to government. So, government has to look for a different investor under a different arrangement that has been worked out to generate value from the gas. “So, it is something that is going on. And prospective investors seeking detailed information on this can visit the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) or the Gas Division of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources,” he said. The Oracle Today reports that players in the country’s domestic gas market have been reluctant to lay out capital resources in harnessing flare gas following the fixed prices for gas, piling debts in the gas-to-power programme and the mandatory supply obligation to industries with history of piling gas debts. Under the gas-to-power arrangement, oil companies under the infamous domestic supply obligation are owed over N900 billion by power generating companies who are also owed over N1.3 trillion by the electricity distribution companies that hold marketing franchise in the country. Funding intervention from the government, which has fixed both gas prices and electricity tariff as part of social subsidy, has failed to wipe off the debts. Dr. Salihu admits that “the main suppliers are not comfortable with the fact that price of gas is fixed because the investment required to bring the gas is not fixed. So you buy the equipment, you buy pipeline and you buy compressors at the international market price, and when you get home government has already fixed the price of gas. So that is not encouraging for suppliers to invest in gas capturing. So, that was one of the reasons why efforts at even producing gas are not forthcoming as expected.” He also pointed at “other issues like fiscal regimes particularly on some partnerships like production sharing contracts (PSCs) where there are concerns that the fiscal regimes are not very clear, some are not firm and other matters like that because most of them were based on oil. So, the suppliers would like to have some kind of firm fiscal regime on gas in order to make investments.” Other suppliers in the domestic gas market lament that the fixed

price arrangement established for the power sector, textile industry and other utilities, has not guaranteed returns on investment. Some investors who spoke on the matters argued that it would be very difficult to invest in flare gas capture unless the domestic market is liberalized. Dr. Salihu however assured that government is working to make the domestic gas market more conducive for investments in flare gas capture, saying that “we are doing everything possible to see that we create an environment where suppliers will be comfortable in developing infrastructure and in developing gas.” In a separate chat, Mr Attah who spoke with The Oracle Today in the company of the Deputy Manging Director of NLNG, Mr. Sadiq Mai-Bornu, said NLNG would continue its primary role of mapping up gas from oil production sites by providing ready market for any investor that is able to bring gas to its feed channels. He said the liquefaction company currently buys 3.5 billion standard cubic of gas per day (3.5 Bcf/d) from its domestic gas suppliers at international prices, adding that its 8.0 million tons per annum (mtpa) Train 7 project imposes additional demand of 2.5 Bscf/d. Cumulatively, the company alone would absorb about 6.0 Bscf/d when its seventh train roars online. “You talked about national programme on flare gas capturing; we say we are solidly positioned as receptacle. Once it is gathered, we are willing to buy it. That was the bane in the past when people say if we gather it who is going to buy it? Today, we declare that we are willing to buy it. “We take 3.5 billion standard cubic feet (Bcf) of gas every day. So, we can do with more gas. On the back of Train 7 we can take another 2.5 Bcf; and as we cross the ambition of Trains 8, 9, 10, more gas, more gas and more gas. And as Sadiq mentioned, we need more gas and we need to end flaring: and I totally agree with that,” Mr Attah assured. He pointed out that NLNG has been the main channel for taking gas out of flare booms in the country, stressing that the presence of the company has lowered Nigeria from the second biggest gas flare nation in the world to the seventh. “That is not even the position we should be proud of. But think of being number two for a long time. In fact when you talked about Nigeria they would refer to that country that was burning money; but not too much to say about Russia that was number one at the time and till remains number one as at today. And today, United States is actually flaring more than Nigeria. Think about that. So, it is a journey towards total flare out,” he said. On his own, Mr. Mai-Bornu pointed out that the government’s flare capture programme would provide equal opportunity for both gas suppliers and NLNG. According to him, the programme would avail NLNG of adequate feedgas supply for seamless operations as it grows in liquefaction capacity. “When you talk of the government’s flare out programme, what I see in that is opportunity for adequate commercial feedgas supply for our operations. We have a line of steady gas supply from the upstream petroleum industry, but the more the merrier because we see the opportunity for supply reliability and flexibility if all the produced gas is captured for commercialization,” he buttressed.

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 25 - Tuesday Ocotober 1, 2019

NEWS Features By CHARLES I. ANEKWE

ialectics teaches tempus fugit! Time flies by stealth and demands a reckoning sooner than we expect. DATE: Friday14th June, 2019. VENUE: The multi-purpose Princess Alexandra Auditorium. The deed was done. Professor Charles Arinzechukwu Igwe stepped into the University of Nigeria‘s cockpit of power as the 15th Vice- Chancellor and Chief Executive. The inauguration signifying the commencement of an oven fresh five year tenure has been consummated, bringing to this writer’s mind fond memories of the past with Prof. Igwe at college. We are now in September, 100days after, just like yesterday, the euphoria of the freshness of the inauguration, like newness of everything getting old and familiar, is fading. The cascade of expectations around the man of the moment is now in full spate, prompting this piece rooted in a relatively old tradition. That is, the tradition of assessing the achievements or other wise of a newly emerged leader in the first 100 days in office of his tenure. Ever since President Franklin D. Roosevelt( January 30, 1882 – April 12, 1945),of United States popularized the concept of 100 days in office when he came to power in March 1933 and set a historic time frame in which he planned to end the Great Depression, the catchphrase and fad has caught on. Recall that Prof. Igwe emerged out of a keenly contested race, full of hype and the hobbesian side of man -ranging from truths buried in tissues of lies told through pushing of obnoxious and crude opinions to pouring of “the kitchen sink” on his public persona to thwart the course of things. Perhaps, for obvious reasons and the fact that power comes from God; He gives it to whom He desires at the time of His choosing, Prof Igwe weathered the storm without qualms. No hubris. No vendetta. Rather, he holds an olive branch understanding that when emotions and sentiments overtake our hearts, the right words are mostly not used as reason usually finds it hard to be heard, believing that “an eye for an eye” will make all of us blind rather than spur a reciprocal gesture. A product of Nsukka to the third power: primary school, Nsukka, secondary school, Nsukka and the University of Nigeria,( Did I hear the only University of National Representation ?) Nsukka, where he obtained his Bachelor’s, Masters and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in Agriculture. In all these, his academic ability is res ipsa… He has functioned largely in the University system, rising through the ranks to become the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) . With exceptionally commendable precedents attendant to his tenure and trajectory and the benefit of previous experiences in leadership, he gave a shot at the Vice Chancellorship and was successful in one of the fairest process of electing a VC. His allowance for apprenticeship and avoidable error is therefore meagre. From bits and pieces of information gleaned in a relaxed mood during a social visit that turned an enlightening evening of sort with an old friend recently, Prof Igwe has undertaken actions that not only show the compass of his roadmap and proved constructive in the daunting task ahead, but also accentuate the events of his first hundred days in office. Hundred days is a fleeting time in a fiveyear administration. But it is also a good time to start looking at the direction an administration is headed. To this end, the first hundred days of Prof Igwe in the saddle could be described as a foundation laying period for the regeneration of the University towards being “technologically driven and academically robust” and being capable of “promoting enterprise and entrepreneurship” . The Vice- Chancellor himself was very clear on that and more in his inauguration speech when he intoned that his tactics would be an integrated development model anchored on the sustainable development goals. He added “We shall ensure sustained infrastructural development and supply through private public partnership , attend to ongoing and abandoned projects and enthrone maintenance culture

Prof Charles Igwe: 100 days into a five-year journey

•Charles Igwe and environmental cleanliness “. It may be pertinent here to note that he has started on a more down -to -earth approach with no glitz. He is following his own path. He lives a simple life, devoid of razz matazz associated with the office in the past. He has directed that the ubiquitous pot holes and ditches hampering smooth vehicular movement in the university be fixed and rid the University of the menace of refuse dump sites. This is pursued vigorously through regular cleaning of the street roads to ensure clean and healthy environment. Smiles are returning to the otherwise corrugated faces of many as salaries are being paid promptly, He has also demonstrated a spark of enthusiasm in his careful assessments of projects and programme in the university and reorganization for greater impacts which are good launching pads and clear indications of sustainable future for the university. Not really bothered about the bogey of 100 days, he is keeping close to his chest, for a more auspicious time, reports of the various committees he set up and agenda that were carefully worked out at a policy think-tank when he came into office . It is to Prof. Igwe’s credit that from the sheer range of policies he is enunciating and the singular attention with which he is pursuing them has made many to opine that his record so far within the stint of time of a hundred days in office has been impressive. The task of iterating Prof. Igwe’s achievements should be left to his publicists and information machinery; what is of interest to this writer, not being a crowd chaser, is the right of the people to know and that some of his policy planks are people and pocketfriendly.

His body language shows amply that he understands that Nsukka lies prostrate in the economic sphere of life in Nigeria because the Federal Government has no Industrial Investment at Nsukka and that huge private investment go alongside Government establishment. He shares in the sentiment of this precarious situation and that his position as the man on top of the affairs of this great citadel of learning is as important and critical for everyone. He has demonstrated that he means to run an administration that would enable me and you go to sleep at night, knowing full well that when we wake up we have an administration that is taking us forward. For most, Prof Igwe’s coming is a breath of fresh air. Going by his rolled up sleeves and leg on the throttle to accelerate guided development premised on the principles of visioning, meritocracy, planning, prioritization, prudence and participatory governance, Prof Igwe appears conscious of his place in history. The first alumnus of the University to clinch the highly coveted office is not a feat for the faint at heart. For good or bad, its vantage position will draw commendation when things are done properly and condemnation when things do not meet their expectations. He works assiduously to ensure that the throngs from far and near that came to hail him at the inauguration do not transform into angry mobs five years after or even sooner. He has been in the crew of the flight before stepping into its cockpit. He knows that the graph of popularity of leaders oscillates. “Hail Caesar!” very often soon becomes “Nail Caesar!” and that the dividing line can be very thin indeed. The Vice-Chancellor who keeps his doors

open to ideas and the sharing of the University challenges has shown a combative determination to pursue the development of the University; to give priority to the welfare of Staff and students, to build on the achievements of his predecessors and to entrench a regime of consensus where every staff of the University is encouraged to re-dedicate himself/ herself anew and contribute to the management of the University. This is with a view to taking the University to the next level of development. What is more, he has not indicated interest in looking back to whatever misdeeds of his predecessors, not the least for fear of suffering the Biblical Lot’s fate or bumping into people going in the opposite direction, as such looking back has the tendency to, than dissipating energy and time resource much needed to take the University to its pride of place in the comity of Universities. Opinion is rife that Prof. Igwe is bringing his dexterity, administrative acumen, a dose of social sagacity, vast experience and super human relations garnered over the years to secure additional revenue streams for the university by ensuring that the university’s economy is supported by business sectors. He is employing new strategies to boost Humane Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for the University in order to shore up funds to support some of his brimming developmental ideas. He comes across as one who practices authentic leadership which has to do with mission and goal driven leadership above self. Put in a better perspective - a leadership style where people enact leadership based on their own previous experience. He rose through the University and has worked with a lot of superiors and subordinates. He knows those he would rather not like to be like because he didn’t like the way they treated the University or him. Hear him, “You have to learn from one’s experience and then make sure that when you are in a leadership position, you play down the negatives and emphasize the positives and above all, show candour”. With the University community atmosphere evidently charged with the new spirit of the times, Informed commentators aver that Prof, Igwe has started on a good footing as his leadership style is watering the growing unity of purpose and cohesion currently playing out in the University. In all, as Prof. Igwe steps into the cockpit of power amidst a variety of expectations, provoked by his all round goodwill and popularity, to resume the University’s journey to higher heights, it may be pertinent to humbly hint that no meaningful progress would be achieved if the buy- in of the followership is lacking. The shortest way to obtaining that is when they are not treated on the basis of where they come from, what language they speak or what religion they profess. In return, followership should submit and cooperate if their wishes are to come to reality. In other words, managing these expectations should form the central strategy on how to move the University forward. While welcoming the new helmsman in the saddle, it may also not be out of place to again humbly suggest that he seizes the momentum from the outset and start baying for results. Otherwise it may be a tall order regaining the confidence of the people who may feel that their wide spread endorsement is not matched by concrete actions, for as Shakespeare opined in Julius Caesar, “There is a tide in the affairs of men, which, taken at the flood, leads to fortune; omitted, all the voyage of their life is bound in shallows and in miseries. And we must take the current when it serves, or lose our ventures” And so, as Prof. B.C. Ozumba gratefully, graciously and gracefully handed over the baton to Prof Igwe, hopes are high that with God on Prof. Igwe’s side and with the cooperation of the people, working in the perspectives of one another’s brother’s keeper, Prof. Igwe shall in the months and years ahead deliver the goods and justify the confidence reposed on him by the people. So help him God. •CHARLES I ANEKWE, President, Odenigbo General Assembly, Nsukka, wrote from Odenigbo

POLITICS

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 25 - Tuesday October 1, 2019

Revered, age-old I defeated my opponent tradition of Nri in throes without money – Ejiofor of asphyxiation Pg 14

Pg 16

Should Bayelsa be all about Dickson and Sylva?

Hopelessness and disillusionment are pervading the political landscape of Bayelsa since the conclusion of the party primaries for the November 16 governorship election in the state. This followed the outcome of the primaries which saw the two leading parties, PDP and APC produce candidates which some political watchers see as the extension of the political dynasties of the outgoing governor, Seriake Dickson and the former governor, Timipre Sylva. From Yenagoa, CLEM ONYEMAECHI reports...

ickson and Sylva who have remained inveterate political foes went out of their ways to ensure that candidates of the two parties emerged from their loins in order to sustain their hold on the political fortunes of the ‘Glory of All Lands’. While Dickson employed all manner of arm twisting tactics to edge out the opposition from Chief Timi Alaibe who was the favorite to clinch the PDP ticket for his preferred choice, Senator Douye Diri, Sylva on the other hand ‘tamed’ the boisterous Senator Heineken Lokpobiri and ‘foisted’ the relatively ‘unknown’ David Lyon on APC as the candidate. For almost a decade, Bayelsa politics has been defined by the fierce struggle between Dickson and Sylva to hold and control the levers of power in the state with its concomitant dire consequences. It was Dickson who was used to dislodge Sylva from the Government House as governor in 2012. Since then the two do not see eye to eye and have continued to plot the down fall of the other at any given opportunity. The political rivalry between the duo got to a very devastating dimension in 2015 during the state governorship election as many people were caught in the crossfire orchestrated by the two gladiators as they fought to foster the interest of their benefactors (Dickson and Sylva). Apart from many lives lost, properties worth millions of naira were also destroyed in some communities. Here again in 2019, it is the same Dickson and Sylva that bestrode the political firmament to ensure that one of their acolytes picked the ticket of the two leading political parties. Interestingly, they are also the leaders of the two parties in the state. This also means that whoever becomes the next governor would likely be from either of the two parties, and either Dickson or Sylva would still be behind the scene manipulating the destinies of over two million Bayelsans! Interestingly this has become a major talking point among stakeholders and analysts in the state who posit that the two men who are in their early 50s are now the ones dictating the course of events affecting the lives of the generality of the people including elders and the founding fathers of the state many who even knew when they were not yet born! Apart from the fact that the two gladiators in their time as governors did not offer the best form of service to the state, those they have presented as candidates may even appear worse if either of them emerges as governor from what has

•Seriake-Dickson

been observed so far in the process leading to the party primaries. In the build up to the primaries, many of the governorship aspirants across party divides were everywhere engaging stakeholders and interest groups selling their agenda, and seeking the support of the delegates. But nowhere was either Douye Diri of PDP or David Lyon of APC found engaging any group to talk about their vision for the state. While Dickson allegedly used intimidation and public funds to purchase the ticket for Diri as he reportedly out paid the other aspirants in PDP to garner delegates’ support for Diri, Sylva smartly prevailed on the national leadership of his party, (APC) to approve direct form of primary to knock out Heineken Lokpobiri and other aspirants to have a field day for the emergence of Lyon. The unfortunate outcome is that while those who spent their energy and resources, to even hire experts and consultants to help them prepare their blueprints to tackle the many developmental challenges of Bayelsa were denied the ticket, those who did practically nothing like Diri and Lyon got the ticket on their laps. And this would chime with the position of two leading governorship aspirants of PDP, Chief Timi Alaibe and Arch. Reuben Okoya who in their interactions with stakeholders prior to the primaries warned of imposing “accidental” leaders on the state.

•Timipre Sylva

Okoya even went further to say that Bayelsa is at cross roads and that the times require one who has what it takes to carefully steer the state out of the cross roads to safer shores. Could it be said that Dickson and Sylva have the best interest of Bayelsa at heart by single handedly imposing their cronies on Bayelsa as potential governors of the state? It is even more shocking that Dickson is carrying on without deferring to the current political leader of Bayelsa, former president Goodluck Jonathan, who even made it possible for Dickson to become governor ab-initio. Again having had his way to single handedly produce the governorship candidate of PDP, Dickson is also said to be sticking to his guns to single handedly produce the running mate to the governorship candidate, who is from the same local government area with the governor! All according to political watchers in the state is to serve the selfish interest of the governor as he schemes to proceed to the senate after handing over in February next year. The game plan according to analysts is to cause the senator representing Bayelsa West in the upper chamber, Lawrence Ewrhujakpor , who incidentally, is the immediate past Commissioner of Works in the state to resign and become the running mate to the PDP governorship can-

didate. Thereafter during the bye election to fill the vacant position, Dickson would present himself as candidate if the governorship election goes the way of PDP. As it stands now, Bayelsa will not have any senator in the National Assembly soon as the three senators representing the state are either running as governorship candidate or as running mates. Douye Diri representing Bayelsa Central has picked the ticket of the PDP as the governorship candidate, while the other two senators, Lawrence Ewrhujakpor representing Bayelsa West has been picked as running mate to Diri; Senator Degi Eremienyo representing Bayelsa East has also been picked as running mate to the APC governorship candidate, David Lyon. That is the setting as being plotted by Dickson and Sylva. Very soon, after the governorship election, the battle will shift to the senatorial districts to replace those who will succeed and enter the Creek Haven, either as governor, or as running mate. The two gladiators will also face each other at that level to flex more muscles over whose party man will carry the day. And with that, the agony of the average Bayelsan will persist. Undoubtedly, Bayelsans are in dire need of a relief from the backlashes often occasioned by the political struggles between Dickson and Sylva.

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 25 - Tuesday Ocotober 1, 2019

BOLD & BLUNT

Revered, age-old tradition of Nri in throes of asphyxiation

rom investigations, Nri seems to be sitting on a keg of gunpowder waiting to explode at the slightest prompting. Little wonder then why Nri, which is said to be the cradle of Igbo nation should be enmeshed in kingship bravado especially as it is customary that the town would remain without an Eze for seven years until the final Ofala festival of the late Eze is performed to enable him bid farewell to his subjects and transit to eternity while a new king is coronated after a rigorous process of spiritual rebirth and purification as approved by a certain twenty-four elders and native doctors of Nri town. The question of who succeeds the late Eze Obidiegwu Onyesoh has become a subject of discord and acrimony as allegations of Aguukwu Nri holding so tenaciously to the traditional stool has become the order of the day in the area. It is as a result of the foregoing that our correspondent sought to unravel the mystery surrounding who becomes the next Eze-Nri. Prophet (Dr.) Ramas Okoye Asuzu, a core traditionalist and custodian of Igbo culture who hails from Uruofolo village in the Ikenga-Nri axis of the community, said his area had been sidelined for too long from the kingship of the community, adding that this time around, they are prepared to fight for it until the king emerges from their domain. Asuzu who went down memory lane to lend credence to his claims, noted that “Nri has been in crisis for decades for over 30 years since after the death of Eze Nri Nrijiofor Tabansi.” “The kingdom is divided into two, Agukwu-Nri and Ikenga ( Ifite) Nri and the case is still in the Supreme Court up till today waiting for a verdict. Ikenga Nri has been having kings before the coming of the Agukwu-Nri to the area,” Asuzu further explained. “Then, there was a problem in 1115 when Nri Namoko who was the king from Diodo village in Akamkpisi quarters was not taken good care of; he was sick and his nephew, Nribuife came to look after him. He bestowed ‘Ofo na Alo’- the symbols of royal authority- on Nribuife and ordered him not to go back to his people and should as well take over the throne of kingship over the entire town Nribuife accepted the oath never to depart from Akamkpisi and Diodo where the original throne of Nri Namoko domiciled. He was crowned the king at a place called ‘Eke Agu’ and should be there but after about 10 years, the Agukwu people conspired and told Eze Nribuife to leave the Ekeagu palace and return to them.” Asuzu narrated: “Then they took an oath that the kingship should only rotate among the Nribuife lineage which is made up of three villages, Uruoji, Agbadani and Obeagu and that is a taboo as far as I am concerned. That is where Nri started messing itself up and since then, the Nri kingship struggle started rearing its ugly head from time immemorial. But we are saying that enough is enough; nobody is a slave in Nri kingdom and no village is excluded from producing a king. It could come from Umuochogu in Obeagu village or from Akamkpisi quarters. It was only Diodo village in Akampisi

•Controversy, uncharacteristically erupts over next Eze-Nri

Things fall apart. The centre cannot hold as mere anarchy is loosed upon Nri community in Anaocha local government area of Anambra state . Agu-ukwu Nri and Ikenga Nri , the two major quarters that comprise Nri town have both drawn the battle line over which quarter should produce the next Eze-Nri because Eze Obidiegwu Onyesoh, the former king has gone to join his ancestors and the traditional stool is currently vacant. While Agu-ukwu Nri says that Eze-Nri is not political and not for sale, Ikenga-Nri is of the opinion that no quarter is a slave to the other and to that extent, it is the right of Ikenga Nri to produce the next traditional ruler of Nri town. From Awka, OZO RAY writes on the wrangling over the traditional stool of a town reputed as the cradle of Igbo civilization.

community that had a curse placed on them and until they appease the gods of the land to remove that curse, no Eze can come from their quarters. But the curse did not affect Uruofolo and Ekwenaanyika villages in the same Akamkpisi community. For record purposes, Uruofolo is the oldest aborigin in Nri kingdom and they are the rightful owners of the town. Therefore, the next king will automatically come from Uruofolo village, which is the oldest occupant of the land. The village has the authority and power in Nri kingdom and it was Uruofolo that gave Uruoji village where to be settled within Nise community after they must have fought Nise over land occupation. It was also Uruofolo that gave Agbadani village and Diodo lands they are occupying now. So, nobody can argue it and it is their turn to produce the next king. Formerly, Uruofolo was watching asking

them a visitor could posses the powers and authority of an aborigin in taking kingship vows. Initially, the king from Nri kingdom was not crossing any river but it has been reversed at present. So, the next people to take over the kingship should be the Uruofolo village--there is no negotiation about it. Is it not absolute marginalization when Uruoji, Agbadani, Obeagu and Diodo have produced kings and now that it is supposed to be shifted to Uruofolo by right people are playing pranks? I wish to see any person that can swear with their children in contradiction to this deliberate marginalization just like I have sworn. Yes, that is what I am saying and that is what it is supposed to be. No matter the tricks, they will adopt or conspiracy between the moneybags and the Anambra State government, it will never work this time. What everyone needs and expects in the entire commu-

nity is the rotational kingship. “I repeat, no village or villages should take the kingship as exclusively preserved for their generations and generations unborn As I said, it is only Diodo village that was cursed by Eze Nri Namoko and embargoed from the right of kingship in Nri until they pay the price as was ordered. At this point, the curse was not laid on the entire Akamkpisi, so when the next king emerges from Uruofolo, it will be easier to break it because it is only a crowned king that has the power and authority to pronounce the abolishment of the curse on Diodo.” Explaining the processes through which Eze Nri emerges and how the ongoing crisis has corrupted them, Asuzu said: “The Adamas and the king work together. After coronating EzeNri by the Adamas, they will bring two young people among them that will assist in the affairs of EzeNri at the palace. As

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 25 - Tuesday Ocotober 1, 2019

BOLD & BLUNT

•Eze-Nri-Obidiegwu-Onyensoh the kingmakers, they also give ‘ofo’ to the new king after his coronation. But in later years, due to the problem between Agukwu-Nri and Ikenga Nri, they turned Adamas into the servants of EzeNri. Even at this, no Adama attacked the wrong impression. It is of recent they started gathering together to form what they called Adama in Council and signed for ‘Okwudolueze’--I have never seen such a weak action. Adama seems to be confused by having conspired to relegate the head of Adama, the oldest man, Chief S.O. Mbanefo, from their council by mere sidelining him in whatever they are doing, which can be described as a taboo. Though they are not united, they are still the kingmakers . “I had a dream where the ancestors were beckoning at me to return home to my fatherland. I obeyed the voice of the ancestors and returned as just a common evangelist. As my father was about to die, he handed an ’ofo’ to me and prayed that I should project my town and shortly after, he gave up. From then, I projected Igbo culture and tradition for

over 17 years. I took the title of Nze-na – Ozo and later, the Obas from Ikenga Nri came to me and asked me to take Oba title which I did. After a year, they came back again and introduced me into the highest traditional title initiation, Ezeoba title, which was taken last by one Atuanya and no other person living has such title. “After the discussion, I visited Ogbumuo, Eze Ikenga Nri, to verify about the Ezeoba title, which he confirmed that whoever that will be the EzeNri must be conferred with the Ezeoba title.To further confirm, I went to the late traditional ruler of Nri kingdom, Eze Obidiegwu Onyesoh who sat me down and told me that both he and his predecessor had such a title before their coronations. He supported me to take the title and warned me to wait after his death before I should take over his throne. “Then, I prepared for the chieftaincy title and invited the cabinet members of Eze Onyesoh which they attended, after which Eze Onyesoh said that I should sit behind him, after him as the

king. I should then be the next king. Eze Onyesoh equally conferred on me a title, ‘Odenigbo of Igboland’, which contributed to my superior titles nobody has equaled in the entire community. He also offered me an appointment ‘Onosolueze’ as the traditional minister of Nri but I told him that he should recognize Adamas for me to be coming to the palace sittings. “He told me that Adama is the palace servant and that singular attribution made me to reject the appointment. But just imagine that I missed the royal offer at Eze’s palace because of the Adamas who conspired to fight my power and right in Nri kingdom. There must be a retributive justice. My advice to my people is to do the right thing at the right time. They should sit on the roundtable and make a proper pronouncement of rotational kingship in Nri because nobody is a slave in his fatherland. No quarter is a slave in Nri kingdom and I believe that the best thing to do in order to enthrone peace is to adopt rotation of kingship to every community in Nri or at worst go

back to status quo ante as we were in two communities. We don’t want bloodshed or people with money throwing around or even obtaining fictitious certificate from State Government House. “ Be that as it may, Mr.Samuel Nnamdi Abana, a renowned traditionalist who is a native of Uruoji village from the Agukwu quarters and well-grounded in the customs and traditions of Nri ancient kingdom, disputed the claims made by Dr. Ramas saying that Nri kingship is not got with money and neither is it contested because it is not political. He said that as it stands at the moment, nobody knows who will be the next Eze-Nri because the gods and ancestors of the land have not spoken. According to him, any individual posing or parading himself as the next candidate for Eze-Nri is only doing so at his own peril because the process of producing Eze-Nri is spiritual and not by physical power or by might. He said that Ikenga-Nri does not exist in Nri town, adding that Nri has six villages, namely Uruoji, Agbadana, Obeagu, Uruofolo, Ekwunaanyika and Diodo respectively. He emphasized that no part of Nri community is known as Ikenga-Nri and that the name Ikenga-Nri is a political coinage. Although the he took cognisance of the fact that Nri community has a rotational kingship model, he explained that it is only the Nze-na-Ozo that perform rituals to ascertain the village from where the king would come from. According to Abana, historically, about 27 kings have ruled Nri community and each of them was identified by his ancestral spirit, stressing that Nri kingship is not a mortal affair but the exclusive preserve of the supernatural . Abana insisted that there is no crisis in Nri town over the next Eze-Nri because the time is not ripe yet for any person or village to venture into it until after seven years of the passing of the late Eze Obidiegwu Onyesoh “embarked on a journey to be with his ancestors” only two years ago. Assuring that “at the appropriate time”, the next Eze-Nri would emerge and that Nri tradition forbids anyone to act as king when the gods have not spoken, Abana then took Asuzu up on the issue of whether Adama Nri are kingmakers in Nri town. He explained that the Adamas are not kingmakers per se but are responsible for bestowing OkpuEze on the king after the king must have gone through a series of spiritual cleansing and purification. He said no one becomes Eze-Nri without being given a certain mystic pot got from the depths of Omambala river and subsequent confirmation at Obu-Gad in Aguleri from whence Nri migrated. Abana, however, admonished those clamouring for Eze-Nri to tread with caution because the kingship of Nri kingdom is not contested, stressing that those who ascended to the throne of Eze-Nri through agitations never lived to tell the story. As he put it, “no one wrestles with the gods of the land” and Eze-Nri is the overall head of the Igbo race. The traditional medicine man who is the Akajiofor na Nri as well as the special adviser to the custodians of Nri tradition said no village is assumed to be next to produce Eze-Nri but maintained that when the time is right for the next king to emerge, the 24 elders of the six villages together with renowned medicine men will come together and consult the spirits of their ancestors through divinations to know who the cap fits to occupy the traditional stool of Nri kingdom. And until the appointed time comes, Nri town would remain without a monarch.

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 25 - Tuesday Ocotober 1, 2019

POLITICS

hose who have followed recent developments in the polity know that for Okorocha to speak to the media the way he did with so much frenzy, and to appear live on a radio programme, it is not for nothing that he did so. There are three former governors in Imo State today: Chief Achike Udenwa, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim and Chief Anayo Okorocha. Among the three former Governors it is only Okorocha that has appeared live on radio to throw mud at his successor in a panicky, face saving measure. Udenwa left office as Governor in 2007, 12 years ago; Ohakim left office as Governor in 2011, 8 years ago, and Okorocha just left office on May 29, 2019, about 3 months ago. Yet Okorocha is running from pillar to post, making spurious allegations against his successor. Recently, Okorocha was predictably a guest of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He was not invited to play ludo or dance makosa. He was invited to answer questions on how he managed the affairs of Imo State for the eight years he was Governor, to throw light on his “awkward stewardship in the state”. Okorocha might have been asked embarrassing questions and boxed to a corner, probably by officials young enough to be his sons, on the series of allegations of financial rascality against him and his administration. No doubt, he had made statements in writing and even claimed things that do not exist. You know, when Okorocha speaks you have to be careful, else you mistake falsehood to be the truth. Having managed to leave the EFCC on the intervention of certain people, the former Governor knew that his ordeal with the anti-graft agency had become feast for the media. Before his invitation by the EFCC, he had been away in Abuja for three months. It was not therefore a surprise that he chose to return to Imo State after he had been to the EFCC. His mission was simple: to save his face. Part of the face-saving antics of the former Governor was to justify the estimates he had given to the anti-graft agency by engaging in media stunts in which he would real out some figures of his financial expenditures while he was Governor and try to compare them with what he thinks the current state government spends. This was why he confessed that he spent N200M on the monthly sanitation exercise in Owerri alone while he was Governor. He went on to claim that the Ihedioha administration spent N2.8bn on the monthly cleanup exercise for the month of July 2019. Did Okorocha actually spend N200M monthly on sanitation in Owerri? The facts seem to dictate otherwise. Okorocha stopped the monthly sanitation exercise in the state for the first four years of his administration, only to reinstate it in 2016. For the period of 8 years he was Governor, Imo State was an environmental disaster, having lost the position of the Cleanest City it enjoyed for three consecutive years of 2009, 2010 and 2011 under former Governor Ikedi Ohakim. But under Okorocha the environment became so dirty that the people frequented the hospitals for purposes of treating malaria. The drainages in the state capital, Owerri, were blocked and the city was flooded every day it rained. In fact, the least drop of water flooded the city. There was no plan to desilt the drainages and the consequence was not only that the city was flooded, people’s living homes were ravaged by flood. Okorocha did not procure waste disposal trucks for 8 years he was Governor. The few years he had the caricature he called monthly sanitation exercise the government hired trucks and did not procure waste disposal bins either. This is notwithstanding the fact that the Ikedi Ohakim administration had procured trucks and waste disposal bins un-

Of EFCC, Rochas Okorocha and scared rabbit

Among the Igbo people, it is widely believed that it is not for nothing that you would see a rabbit running in the afternoon. It is either it is running for its dear life or it is chasing after a prey. It is not for nothing that former Governor Rochas Okorocha is running helter skelter, engaging the media, moving from one media house to the other, from one press briefing to the other, writes COLLINS UGHALAA.

•Rochas Okorocha

der the Imo Roads Maintenance Agency (IROMA) for easy collection and disposal of waste. The waste disposal truck and bins procured by the Ohakim administration disappeared from the scene after Ohakim left office, with the Okorocha administration proffering no answers. The outcome was that Owerri became so dirty and a huge environmental risk for everyone. It was worse than a jungle. By the time Okorocha was leaving office few months ago, experts said that Owerri was sitting on 420 metric tonnes of refuse, in addition to the over 78 unauthorized refuse dump sites in the state capital. Most of the unauthorized refuse dump sites were between 8 and 6 years old. It was so bad that even school and church premises or their surroundings were converted to unauthorized refuse dump sites. On what then did Okorocha spend N200M monthly? It is glaring to Imo people that Okorocha’s claim that Governor Emeka Ihedioha spent N2.8billion on the last successful sanitation exercise is another

vain statement with the sole purpose of justifying the N200M figure he confessed to have spent on monthly sanitation in Owerri alone. He thinks that wasting N200M on monthly sanitation exercise in Owerri alone was fair enough if Governor Ihedioha spent N2.8billion on same exercise in July. But that is not the case. By his spurious claim that Governor Ihedioha spent N2.8 on the July sanitation exercise Okorocha has given a clear indication that he has lost touch. The July sanitation exercise is one of the most organized and successful sanitation exercises since the creation of Imo State. It was as if the people were waiting for an opportune time to “cleanse” the state. From market women to the civil servants and public servants in government’s ministries and parastatals, it was fun carting away 8 years old refuse from the state. In some communities the traditional rulers volunteered and led their communities in cleansing their communities of the filth Okorocha left behind. Students of even tertiary institutions were not left out. It

was an amazing experience never seen in a long time. To cap it up, private citizens and well to do individuals in the state, including corporate entities, supported government effort and donated equipments such as trucks, pail-loaders, etc. Government officials and members of the July 2019 Monthly Cleanup Exercise Comnittee led by Governor Emeka Ihedioha and Dr. Ikedi Ohakim went to work spiritedly. For a whole week after the cleanup exercise of July 27, trucks and pail-loaders were still evacuating the debris and refuse dump sites littered across the state capital. In the end, the state government evacuated over 300 metric tonnes of refuse. All this was not for more than N15M on the side of the government. If Governor Ihedioha spent N2.8billion on the last sanitation exercise in the state, how much is the allocation of the state? It is impossible that the Ihedioha administration that is focused on rebuilding the state would have the luxury of spending Continued on Page 18

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 25 - Tuesday Ocotober 1, 2019

POLITICS

I defeated my opponent without money – Ejiofor The four towns of Anaocha1 State Constituency in Anambra State, comprising Agulu, Adazi-Ani, AdaziNnukwu and Adazi-Enu have unanimously committed themselves to prayer sessions and supplications to God to intervene in the legal war between the winner of Anaocha1 State Assembly election and member representing the constituency in the 7th Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon . Ejiofor Ebele Leonard and his antagonist. From Awka, OZO RAY reports.

on. Ejiofor Ebele Leonard, a lawmaker who functions as the Deputy Minority Leader of the 7th Anambra State House of Assembly as well as the Chairman House Committee on Sustainable Development Goals and Foreign Partners, has the sympathy of his constituents, thanks to the life-changing projects and programmes he executed in the area in his first term. Ejiofor who spoke with The Oracle Today at the State Assembly complex Awka said his constituents were unanimous in their prayers for him to triumph in the election tribunal because they wouldn’t want his mandate to be stolen, what with his antagonist apparently bent on thwarting his victory in the polls. He said the State Assembly election in his constituency was free and fair and that he defeated the incumbent with a wide margin but could not comprehend the reason his opponent has refused to accept defeat in the spirit of sportsmanship and let the sleeping dog lie. The Deputy Minority Leader recalled that in his first outing in the State Assembly, he did quite a number of constituency projects which he said cut across the four communities in his constituency. Chief among these numerous people-oriented projects are his educational empowerment schemes, which are aimed at alleviating the plight of indigent people in acquiring formal education . Apart from his scholarship schemes, the lawmaker noted that his zeal and passion to deploy youthful energy towards accomplishing meaningful ventures could not be overemphasized. This, he said, prompted him to organize and galvanise youths who possessed inexplicable enthusiasm for craftsmanship to undergo vocational trainings for skill acquisitions, adding that, under his stewardship, his constituents have been beneficiaries of democracy dividends and result-oriented representation in the State House of Assembly. According to Ejiofor, the support his constituents gave him in the 2019 State Assembly election for Anaocha1 State Constituency was so much that he defeated the incumbent despite being a money-bag. He said the election was a fierce battle but expressed profound gratitude to exGovernor Peter Obi whose goodwill and reputation in the area paved the way for his electoral march into the 7th Anambra legislature . The lawmaker whose constituents nick-named Mandela Anaocha further

disclosed that the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) provided the platform for him to embark on his second journey to the State Assembly, stressing that the party’s internal democracy offered a level playing field for all and sundry which he leveraged on to return to the legislature for another four-year term . The not-too-young to lead astute politician emphasized that he was the first person to let the people of Anaocha1 Constituency know that a representative could be seen and interacted with, pointing out that because one is a House member does not place him or her over and above others thereby ridiculing the mandate of the people. The lawmaker said: “I interact with everybody irrespective of political party affiliations. I believe it is what gave me an edge over my opponent in the last election because despite being an incumbent with so much money, I still defeated him without any money. So, I believe that the changes I brought endeared me to my people. “ Ejiofor, however, assured his constituents of robust representation in the 7th Anambra House of Assembly, stressing that he would continue to appeal to the executive arm of the state through motions to rescue his constituency from uncompleted road projects and other projects in the area. He declared: “In my community AdaziNnukwu, there is a road project going on there but it has been abandoned for some months now and I don’t know the reason for the abandonment. Again, Obeleagu Community Secondary School in Odidaama village Agulu needs government attention in terms of perimeter fencing to secure the lives of the students. “ He, therefore, faulted the performance of the Anambra State Road Maintenance Agency (ARMA), saying that the agency was not doing enough to maintain roads in the state, adding that most of the roads in his constituency were in deplorable conditions and bedeviled by flood and erosion menace. The lawmaker also reaffirmed that teachers in the ill-fated Obeleagu Community Secondary School, Agulu, complained to him that each time they returned from holidays, they would find that their files and other valuable items were missing from the principal’s office due to the fact that the school had no perimeter fence to protect it from bandits. That corps members posted to the school were also afraid to live there for fear of being attacked by

•Ejiofor hoodlums. He also pointed out that virtually everything has been stolen from the science laboratory of the school despite countless pleas by the principal to government to come and fence the school to protect it from external forces, alleging that all the pleas had largelyfallen on deaf ears. He lamented that every so often, female students were vulnerable to rape in the school owing to lack of adequate security in and around the school, especially owing to lack of perimeter fencing around the school. The Deputy Minority Leader recalled that some time in the recent past, killer herdsmen attacked a farmer in Ifite-Ani village Agulu where they attempted to kill the farmer over a stick of cigarette but he was rescued by vigilante operatives who heard him screaming for help after sustaining severe matchete cuts, expressing worry that such fate might befall Obeleagu community secondary school Agulu

because the school was not fenced . Ejiofor also listed some roads in his constituency, which he described as “deathtraps” to include Nwa-agu junction Agulu, Nneogidi-Agulu-Nise road, Neni-AdaziEnu road and a host of others, stressing that the number of potholes on the roads was unacceptable. The lawmaker who reassured his constituents of people-oriented representation in the 7th Anambra Assembly, among other numerous pressing constituency issues, said he would intensify and expand his education programme to accommodate more beneficiaries as well as provide water borehole facilities across the four towns of Anaocha1 Constituency. He said he would support the realisation of the policies and programmes of the incumbent state government but stated that his loyalty to former Governor Peter Obi and vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remained sacrosanct.

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 25 - Tuesday Ocotober 1, 2019

POLITICS

•Ihedioha

•Magu

Of EFCC, Rochas Okorocha and scared rabbit

Cont’d from page 16 such whooping sum on one month’s sanitation exercise. It is impossible for even the most corrupt state government in the country to spend N2.8billion on one sanitation exercise. Okorocha’s figures are just indications of how he frittered away state funds in pretext of the charade he called projects. But not so with Governor Ihedioha. For a former Governor like Okorocha whose era was notorious for corruption, inferior projects, funds diversion and sundry misappropriations, it was not shocking to hear him on radio and read him on the pages of the newspapers making frivolous claims, especially about his unbridled acquisition of public properties. Before Okorocha became Governor of the state in 2011, IBC Quarters located in Orji, Owerri North Local Government, used to be the property of the state government. Few years on the seat as Governor, that property became Okorocha’s. It became the Rochas Foundation College. At what point did the property change ownership? Before Okorocha became Governor, he was the only name that rang a bell in his family. How come all his siblings and in-laws became overnight billionaires just after he became Governor? Prior to 2011, Okorocha’s wife was nowhere known as a business woman or an estate mogul. But once her husband became the Governor and she became the First Lady, the whole members of the Okorocha family became estate moguls and seasoned investors. The sordid story of the Okorocha era shows that those who have unbridled ap-

petite can steal even in heaven. All of a sudden Okorocha’s wife became a popular investor in real estate, with her name linked to the biggest privately owned estate in the state, the Akachi Estate. What of the WODDI Center located at the Orlu Road Secretariat, belonging to Okorocha’s wife? That land used to be the property of the state government, with buildings on it. Now, WODDI Center sits majestically on that government property, with government’s buildings pulled down to erect it. What magic transferred that property to Okorocha’s wife? It is utterly irreconcilable that the former Governor whose administration broke the Guinness Book of Record in abuse of office and non-adherence to governance standards, would speak the way Okorocha spoke. Where lies our conscience as human beings? Does politics have a way of stealing our conscience and hardening our feelings in such unspeakable manner that we no longer feel ashamed of our conduct? In Igbo cosmology, it is anathema for someone or a family be described as shameless. For few weeks now, Imo people have been fed with the news of the absurdities that went under the stinking Okorocha’s government, especially as pertains to the award of contracts. He is accused of awarding series of contracts to a company many say belongs to him, Zigreat Intl Coy Ltd, a practice that is abhorred by public service rules. Yet he was on radio trumpeting to the whole world that he is not corrupt! Zigreat has been exposed for getting the contracts for the construction of Community Hospital Ogboko for over N683 million, award of contract for the

•Okorocha

construction of Ministry of Niger Delta Office Blocks for over N611 million and award of contract for the construction of Ministry of Happiness Office Blocks for over N689 million is presenting himself as a saint. He also awarded a contract for the construction of the Ministry of Sports Office Blocks for over N689 million, award of contract for the construction of Police Headquarters, Owerri, for over N5 billion, award of contract for the construction of Police Headquarters (II), Owerri, for over N4 billion, award of contract for the construction of Imo State University of Agriculture and Environment Aboh/Ngor Okpala for over N3 billion, to several others. This abuse is more glaring when we juxtapose the fact that the Principal Secretary to the Governor was the contract awarding officer, an officer that had nothing of sort to do in his line of duty. The good news, nevertheless, is that Imo State under Ihedioha is a new state that is undergoing rebuilding. Under

this government, no one does things as usual. There is a clear paradigm shift in the way government businesses are conducted. Due Process, Rule of Law and Accountability have returned to the state. For the first time in 8 years government contracts are now advertised and interested companies invited to submit their tender. The Tenders Board is back again. Under this good governance architecture, it is very difficult for the Governor to have free access to state funds or spend the mindboggling N2.8billion on one sanitation exercise. It is impossible. Okorocha should try another trick. Meanwhile, he should return to the EFCC and further explain how he spent N200M on monthly sanitation exercise in the state, because by his confession, he spent over N26billion on the monthly sanitation exercise. This is the truth he wants to hide. If he believes this claim himself, he should tell the story to the EFCC.

BU$IN£SS The Oracle Today Wednesday September 25 – Tuesday October 1, 2019

•Finance

•Energy

•Stock

•Insurance

•Aviation

•e-Platform

FX restriction on food import may raise inflation rate in Q4 2019 –Report By KAYODE OGUNWALE

SOUTH AFRICAN RAND

DANISH KRONA SDR

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

Seplat JV delivers SDG in rural communities AVIATION

Delta invest $2m on biofuel production facility P27 e-Platform

• Mr. Godwin Emefiele, CBN that the restriction of milk importers access to banking sources of foreign exchange was to conserve foreign exchange and encourage local milk production is difficult to sustain. The numbers do not add up. Nigeria is a low milk consumption economy with the country consuming an annual per capita litre of milk of 1o litres compared to the African average of 28 litres, and the global average of 40 litres per person. Nigeria’s domestic production of milk is 34 percent of its total domestic demand, suggesting that the country has to import 66 percent of its annual milk intake of 1.7 million litres. The demand and supply gap are significant but not overwhelming when juxtaposed against the average consumption levels on the continent and in the world. However, through a multi-year milk acceleration tariff plan (MATP), the government can encourage importers to increase domestic production capacity over a period of three years without causing a major disruption of the present milk supply chain.” Furthermore, analysts have noted that Nigerians prefer to consume evaporated milk rather

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

Energy

P24

alling inflation rate may see a reversal in coming months as the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) restriction on foreign exchange (FX) for food imports begins to bite. According to a recently released analysis by Proshare, the critical problem in the domestic food value chain is not importation but instead an urgent need to redesign the government’s policy framework for building the domestic agricultural value chain in line with best global practices. The report notes that if the government insists on the FX restriction on food imports domestic food inflation will rise steadily over the next few months thereby reversing its recent year on year downward trend. The report looks at the restriction on the use of official foreign exchange sources for the import of milk products and notes that the monetary authorities will need to shift focus from saving an estimated $1.2 billion per annum on milk import to building a cattle value chain that generates more income in both domestic and foreign revenues. The problem is that value chain growth and diversification is a fiscal and not monetary responsibility. The report lists the major beneficiaries of the measure and identifies those that may likely suffer from the measures, some economic agents actually gain with one hand and lose with the other. Furthermore, the report observes that cattle rather than milk production chains offer larger business propositions and could provide more jobs for youths in areas ranging from the planting of Napier grass to the production of glues, oleo used in margarine, bone China, fertilizer from cow dung and gelatin used in ice creams and canned meat products. According to Proshare Analysts, “A full cattle processing production system would genuinely diversify animal husbandry in the country while equally supporting other industries that would in turn employ more labour (Nigeria’s unemployment rate was 23.01 percent, Q3 2018). The Central Bank of Nigeria’s argument

•Tourism

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

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

than ‘fresh’ milk, meaning that for producers of milk to sell the required minimum volumes to achieve breakeven sales quantity, the milk needs to be evaporated/pasteurized. The local value chain as presently configured cannot accommodate the varied quality of milk produced by a motley number of pastoralist producers selling to two or three large milk companies. The CBN’s concerns about domestic milk production appear valid, but only within the broader context of a cattle production value chain rather than a domestic dairy production template, the report stated. The importance of the CBN’s desire to see more organized and strategically designed cattle production by far outstrips its concerns over milk production. The foreign exchange savings argument for the restriction to the official foreign exchange market by local milk manufacturers is less powerful than the argument that Nigeria can within a short period propel itself to the position of Africa’s largest producer of sundry cattle products. The large value chain from cattle can

serve as a major foreign exchange earner and employ a vast number of youths. The problem, however, is that the matter is less an issue of monetary policy than of fiscal and budgetary management. Proshare’s report observes that the search for food sustainability may need to start in less obvious directions. The animal husbandry business is going through a strategic shift as global vegan diets become ascendant. One of the reasons for this development is that cattle and other farm animals take up 80 percent of land and contribute only 18 percent of human protein intake. A lot more protein can be obtained from less use of land by resorting to veggie diets. If the conversion from meat to vegetables persists, the price of beef will fall and cattle herders will, going forward, need to rethink the economics of their business. The domestic Nigerian meat market will become just as wretched as the global beef bazaar if the fiscal authorities do not reconsider the present and reimagine the future of a potential cow economy.

Blue Star expands into W/Africa with Lagos launch

P28 Equity & Capital Market

Interim dividend: Access Bank to credit investors’ accounts October 3 P29 Money Market

Judge urges AMCON to stop bank debtors from contesting elections in Nigeria P30

STOCK MARKET HIGHLIGHTS AS AT FRIDAY, August 16, 2019

Summary

ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE EQUITY CAP BOND CAP ETF CAP

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

Top 5 Trades S/N 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Coy WAPCO TRANSCORP ZENITHBANK UBA FBNH

5 Top Gainers

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

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

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

NESTLE CADBURY DANGSUGAR WAPCO MANSARD

N1143 N10.3 N9.6 N14 N1.8

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

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

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 25 - Tuesday Ocotober 1, 2019

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VOX POPULI SACRUM

Humiliation of Nigerians abroad: Time for introspection

ir Peace has been lifting Nigerians from and service to fatherland: “Arise O compatriots, Nigeria’s problems have been documented; what South Africa back to their home country. Nigeria’s call Obey/To serve our fatherland with is left is implementation. The issue of power, for At least 500 have returned, as the benevlove and strength and faith…” instance, has lingered for 50-plus years without olent airline continues its philanthropic One troubling question many home-based Niany end in sight for its solution. Why? activity and the federal government also starts gerians ask is: to what have these returnees Nigerians have not been mad like the xenophobic atferrying angry citizens back from the “rainbow returned to? It is a happy thing that they have tackers of South Africa. But some Nigerians have nation”. We say congratulations to all those escaped death in the hands of haters in South been madder by killing their fellow compatriots who have been saved alive from the xenophoAfrica, but is the reason for their emigration in or colluding with foreigners to inflict terrorism bic attacks in South Africa. the first place no longer relevant? South Africa, and banditry on their own people. Desperate for We do not, however, sympathize with those a nation Nigeria committed enormous resources survival in an economy that offers no hope, some who were, indeed, criminals peddling drugs, to free from Apartheid more than two decades have taken to such crimes or even sold their own robbing people or luring young women into ago, is not one of the most attractive places on biological children for a few naira notes. prostitution. But the South African authorities earth. Even now, Nigeria’s economy is much We must return to the words in the National Anshould have dealt with criminals the same way larger than South Africa’s. What is in South Afthem: “Guide our leaders right/Help our youth they deal with South African criminals. Their rica and some other smaller economies in Africa the truth to know/In love and honesty to grow/ law enforcement agents are at liberty to trace that millions of our able-bodied youth are strivAnd living just and true/Great lofty heights attain/ and arrest Nigerian criminals, put them on trial, ing so hard – and dangerously so – to pluck? To build a nation where peace and justice shall jail them or deport them. They could also have We can hazard a few answers. They seek jobs even reign.” If we don’t build this country so it could adopted a more stringent visa policy to stop if they are low-paying ones. They seek a place offer opportunities for those who wish to work foreigners from “overrunning” their country. they can find stable power supply necessary for and earn legitimate income, our youth will keep Hiding behind their inability to stop their own doing any kind of business. They want to sleep embarking on dangerous trips to countries that criminals carrying out xenophobic attacks is with two eyes closed and not be terrified by are less endowed than Nigeria. Every day, we not acceptable. It seems the authorities like armed bandits. They seek to drive on well-paved read reported cases of young Nigerians dying in what their “criminals” have been doing. Their roads. They want to drink clean water and thus the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea as diplomatic shuttles to Nigeria and to some avoid several diseases that cause sicknesses and they seek to cross over to Spain through northother African nations now won’t help their deaths. These are the bare necessities of life that ern African countries like Morocco and Libya. case. every well-run nation provides for its citizens. Those trapped or kidnapped in Libya tell horrifyAs the returnees sang the National Anthem and It is understandable when Nigerians therefore ing stories: Many have become slaves by choice heaped praise songs on the chairman/CEO flock to Europe, America and now Asia in search just to escape imminent death. of Air Peace, Chief Allen Onyema, as soon as of greener pasture. But what is South Africa? The latest humiliation by South Africans should the aircraft first landed in Lagos, penultimate The Boers that ruled it under Apartheid might serve as a wake-up call for everybody. It is time week, tears welled up not only in the eyes of have grown its economy, but that era of relative for soul-searching. And we urge the political leadChief Onyema but also in the eyes of thouprosperity for white South Africans ended 25 ers of the country to reexamine their ways. Let us sands of their compatriots who watched the years ago. The blacks of South Africa are not far build a better country for this and future generaairport event on television and video clips better off than Nigerians. tions. shared widely on social media. The anthem re- The leaking roof which Nigerians are fleeing should minds all Nigerians of the need for patriotism be mended quickly. The solutions to most of 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. Culled from Asukwo blogshot.com

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 25 - Tuesday Ocotober 1, 2019

OPINION

Here comes a ministry for everyone By ANIEBO NWAMU

y its nomenclature alone, newly created Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development should be appealing to almost every Nigerian. Who doesn’t need one form of humanitarian assistance or the other these days? At least 75% of the country’s population does. And they’re not just those displaced by insurgency and natural disasters; they include the poor, the destitute, and the physically and mentally challenged. The unemployed would certainly cherish social development, as would everyone else that desires a higher standard of living. Almost every Nigerian is threatened by social disorders such as illiteracy, ignorance, armed robbery, drug addiction, kidnapping and terrorism – these are the usual causes of man-made humanitarian crises. I have no difficulty, then, in describing the new creation as a catchall ministry. There is no other ministry or agency of the government whose duties the catchall ministry would not encroach upon. In fact, government as a whole exists to provide humanitarian assistance and social development for the people. The famous chapter II of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) – Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy – states clearly in section 14 (b) that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government”. If I regarded the pioneer minister of humanitarian affairs, disaster management and social development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq, as a prime minister, I won’t be far off the mark. Upon her head now rests most of the country’s burden. Is she equal to the challenge? She was a federal commissioner at the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) before this appointment. But I hope someone won’t try to make her the fall guy (or fall gal)! The federal government’s annual budget, N9—10trillion, won’t be enough for

the new ministry alone, if it attempted to find genuine solutions to the country’s intractable humanitarian and development challenges. Perhaps I’m jumping the gun, since the mandate of the ministry has not been made public. But its supposed responsibilities have been betrayed by its name. For it to collaborate with some existing agencies, the laws setting them up – agencies like the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Ecological Fund, the NCFRMI, and possibly the Social Investment Programmes – will need to be reviewed to reflect their supervising ministry. How fast would the 9th National Assembly do this? Will it take them a few weeks or months to enact the enabling legislations? As I’ve stated, however, it’s an important ministry that deserves to be given attention. I’m told that South Sudan, China, Niger and Rwanda have similar ministries. Nigeria now faces even more humanitarian and development challenges than these other nations. Nevertheless, we’ve been lucky. In this part of the world, disasters like cyclones, hurricanes, landslides, tsunamis, earthquakes and tremors are non-existent. Until recently, stories of the damage done by terrorism, disease epidemics, drought, wildfires and flooding were associated only with foreign lands. Erosion problems that afflict mostly southeast states and flooding in coastal areas are insignificant in comparison. If I were Minister Farouq, I would engage the several U. N. agencies and other international NGOs such as the Red Cross and Red Crescent. I would engage the local NGOs to help in preventing disasters by giving me timely and accurate information, for prevention is still better than cure. What plans, for instance, have been made to curtail the disasters that the last rains of the year will certainly generate? In just a few weeks, we’re likely to start hearing that thousands have been forced from their homes in Lokoja. About this time last year, those of us that drove past the confluence town were stupefied by hor-

rible sights: houses submerged, streets abandoned, and canoes plying former residential areas. Each year for the past decade, coastal towns or towns bordering the two great rivers Niger and Benue have faced disasters at this time. I remember reading about lofty plans to dredge the river at Baro, Onitsha and Lokoja. There was talk of constructing more dams to swallow excess water. To date, nothing concrete has been done; we’re waiting for the next catastrophe. The warning occasionally issued by NEMA is for people residing in flood-prone areas to relocate. Is it easy to move out of one’s home to a tent on a mountain or to a primary school or to an abandoned building? Well, it’s a matter of life and death. In one recent year, hundreds of people perished and items of property worth billions of naira got lost due to flooding. Most victims did not or have not enjoyed any succor; never mind the tales about relief materials and grass-cutting and contracts. Help from government is always limited. I don’t bother about claims made on radio and television anymore, because I know many of our compatriots pass through hell. We’re not yet talking about the effects of the war on terror and some 3million people displaced in the northeast, or the millions more who have abandoned their homes and farms due to the activities of armed bandits in other parts of Nigeria. Already, the armed forces are overwhelmed. Millions of our compatriots have become refugees or, more appropriately, internally displaced persons in their own country, and are daily facing real threats of death from malnutrition, diseases and starvation. The third ministerial title, “social development”, is likely to present the greatest challenge to Hajiya Farouq. Humanitarian disasters are themselves offshoots of social disorders that have to be managed. Social development is a process – it is about solving people’s economic problems. How, for instance, can poverty in the country be eradicated so most Nigerians can live better

A disturbed elite class is no use A By OWEI LAKEMFA.

major news item on the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) 7 am Network News on Thursday, September 19 was that President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the programme for the 59th Independence Day. The radio reported that the programme included a lecture and prayers at the National Mosque and Church. I was sad that the President of over 180 million people with serious economic challenges, an unviable record of being the world poverty capital, and beset with seemingly unending terrorism, widespread banditry and brazen kidnappings even in the posh areas of Abuja, can be portrayed as being so jobless as to sit down over the usual programme of an annual ritual. I put it down as one of the antics of groveling, overfed aides who want to show the President as being so hard working that he goes through even routine things a clerk in a Ministry can pass. This is part of what amazes me about governance; a display of indolence. Actually, a lot of action and inaction by the Nigerian elites, do not make sense because even a prodigal person should know his limits. Let us examine a handful. In the 1960s and 1970s most roads in the country were built through direct labour which provided mass jobs in the Ministry of Works. Those roads including the one running from Lagos to Cotonou in Benin Republic, were well built. Then the elites switched to contractors, some of them, foreign, and building roads became like rocket science with some built over various administrations, yet remaining uncompleted. For instance, the repairs and part reconstruction of the 117-kilometre Lagos-Ibadan Expressway which began during the Obasanjo administration, has spanned the Yar’ Adua, Jonathan and Buhari administrations, yet, remains uncompleted. As I write, parts of that road are blocked for repairs resulting in so much traffic jam that a passenger taking the Lagos-London flight, would have gone through British immi-

gration before the motorist on that stretch of the road would wade through it. The Lagos-Badagry Road which leads to the Seme Border has been under reconstruction since 2010 with parts submerged whenever it rains. The 162-kilometre Abuja-Lokoja Express Way which began under the Obasanjo administration remains uncompleted despite the contract sum being reviewed upwards from N42 Billion to N116 Billion. The 657–kilometre East-West Road from Warri to Calabar has been under construction since 2006 despite the upward review of the contract from N211 Billion to N 726 Billion. Let us take the elites and the importation of fuel products. Despite being an oil-producing country, the leadership insists on importing our petroleum product needs and paying fraudulent subsidy claims. I recall that during the Civil War, Biafra refined its petroleum needs internally even as the bombs rained. Until today, the petrol and diesel used in many riverine communities in the Niger Delta are refined by the locals. Rather than learn from them and develop local refining capacity, the government sends young naval ratings to destroy the refining centres, burst and spill refined petrol and diesel, and harass the locals. The result is more oil pollution and the perception of the Nigerian Armed Forces, as an army of occupation. If we have a thinking elite class, what it needs to do is get technicians or engineering students to study and modify the crude refining system to make the process efficient, safe and environmentally-friendly. Secondly, it would have evolved a system of supplying them with crude oil, so they do not need to burst pipelines or steal crude. That is how countries develop. If we refine locally, we will create jobs, retain foreign exchange and pay far lower for the products. A situation where kerosene sells for N500 per litre is a poverty–engendering one that leaves many people with no choice but to fell trees and contribute to climate change. An issue I cannot get over is why a country with over 180 million people and a coastline of 853 kilometres bordering the Atlantic Ocean,

would rely only on the Lagos Port Complex and the Tin Can Port in Lagos. This over the years, has resulted in endless congestion and unprecedented traffic jams on roads leading in and out of the Lagos ports. Most times, port-bound trailers and fuel tanks stretch several kilometres and it can take a trailer within Lagos, weeks to get to the ports. Part of the fall out is that many agricultural products meant for export get rotten. Only a sick elite would make Africa’s most populous country and supposedly largest economy, rely on only the Lagos ports. For reasons that cannot be economic or logical, other seaports in the country including the Calabar, Port Harcourt, Onne, Sapele, Burutu, Koko and Warri Ports, are practically abandoned. Another matter that is perplexing is electricity. We had epileptic power supply. Rather than increase generation which stood at 4,000KW and improve transmission and supply, government portioned out the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) into eighteen companies and sold seventeen. So rather than a single bureaucracy, the sector now has eighteen, all sharing the same 4,000KW and being paid for by the same government and consumers that were paying before privatization. While none of the privatized generating companies has in six years added a megawatt, the distributing companies even refuse to pick the little generated. As at August 25, 2019, what the 27 power stations in the country were generating was below 3,000 megawatts; at least one thousand megawatts below pre-privatization levels. Despite consumers paying more for poorer services, government giving the private companies over N1.5 Trillion bailout funds and the companies showing gross incompetence, the country’s leadership has not thought it fit to review the electricity privatization process as some Western countries and the state of California in United States have done. My conclusion is that we have a sick ruling elite that is utterly unreliable and incapable of leading our country. In a sense, we are on autopilot and need to get the control levers of the

and eat better? It’s not about cheap talk or about bureaucracies meant to give “jobs to the boys”. The poor should be empowered to fend for themselves – they don’t need to be given fish; they need to be taught how to fish. And when the majority are lifted out of the poverty hole, everyone benefits. When corruption is fought with honesty, the people value productivity, ostracise criminals and strive to contribute positively to society’s development. That’s how cohesive societies and institutions are built. It’s not by preaching or propaganda. Economic development will inevitably trigger social development. Nigeria is already a basket case. But Chapter II of the constitution yet again provides a clue to a solution. Section 16 (d): “The State shall direct its policy towards ensuring: (a) the promotion of a planned and balanced economic development; (b) that the material resources of the nation are harnessed and distributed as best as possible to serve the common good; (c) that the economic system is not operated in such a manner as to permit the concentration of wealth or the means of production and exchange in the hands of a few individuals or of a group; and (d) that suitable and adequate shelter, suitable and adequate food, reasonable national minimum living wage, old age care and pensions, and unemployment, sick benefits and welfare of the disabled are provided for all citizens.” Thus says the country’s supreme document. Is the constitution followed in practice? Not really. Today it is “privatize NEPA”, tomorrow it is “take over DISCOs and GENCOs”. We commit $16billion of our scarce resources to generate darkness, and we celebrate the attainment of 4, 000MW in a nation of 200million people. But no nation can develop without adequate and regular electricity. QED! Upon power lies the solutions to poverty, unemployment and economic misery. President Buhari has done well by creating this ministry at the beginning of his second term. Great things are expected to happen there. I wish Minister Farouq well in her new assignment. •Nwamu writes from Abuja +234-8054100220 (SMS/WhatsApp only) country and pilot her safely. In practice, we do not have the answer to the insecurity, greed, prodigal and povertyinducing misrule of our elites across all the major parties down to the Local Government level. Therefore, conscientious Nigerians need to develop a programme of Action with buy-in from the mass of our people which we can sell to the populace. This will also form the basis of our organization and political movement to take back our country. I do not have any doubt that the old, rotten order will fight back, but nothing good comes easy; freedom does not come without a fight. We need to organize and mobilize to chase out those causing us pain and suffering from the temple, as Jesus Christ did.

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 September 25 – Tuesday October 1, 2019

BUSINESS Hilton reaches 100-hotel milestone in Africa

ilton has announced the signing of Hampton by Hilton Sandton Grayston, a deal which marks the first for the brand in Africa and a milestone of 100 hotels trading or under development on the African continent for Hilton in its centenary year. A franchise agreement was signed with Afrirent Pty through its Indalo Hotels & Leisure subsidiary, a level one Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) third party operating company, during the African Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Monday. Indalo will be the operator of the 158 guest room Hampton by Hilton hotel in Sandton, the financial capital of South Africa. This mid-market property will join Hilton’s flagship upscale Hilton

Sandton, offering additional choice for travellers to the district commonly known as ‘Africa’s richest Square Mile’. Construction is scheduled to begin at the site on Grayston Drive in early 2020 with first guests set to be welcomed by mid-2021. “With this being our 100th year, reaching the milestone of 100 hotels allows us to reflect on our rich legacy of pioneering tourism on the African continent but also to look to the future. We continue to step up the pace of our growth, especially in the midmarket segment which presents a tremendous opportunity as evidenced by the rapid expansion of Hilton Garden Inn on the continent since its debut in 2016,” said Patrick Fitzgibbon, Senior Vice President, Development, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Hilton.

Lagos tourism commissioner, Akinboboye, others headline 2019 ANJET seminar

ommissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture in Lagos, Mrs. Shuli Adebolu will lead a host of top industry personalities, including Founder and President of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, and others for the 2019 edition of the Tourism Seminar organized by the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET). The seminar is billed for Tuesday, October 8 at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, under the theme of: ‘Tourism and Jobs: Better future for all.’’ According to a statement by ANJET, Monday, and signed by the body’s president, Mr Andrew Okungbowa, the seminar traditionally is organized on the sidelines of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) World Tourism Day of September 27, every year. The statement also disclosed that aside the Lagos Government’s Tourism commissioner who will be the Special Guest of Honour for the occasion, His Royal Majesty, Professor Oba Adeyemi Obalanlege,

Director Deepwater & PSCs, Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), Rick Kennedy (left) receiving an award from Chief Executive Officer, PRSG-Richardson HSSE Forum, Akin Osuntoki, on behalf of CNL Chairman/Managing Director, Mr. the Olota of Otta, Ogun State, will Jeff Ewing, chaired the 2019 edition of the PRSG-Richardson Health, Safety, Security and the Environment (HSSE) perform the role of Royal Father of Forum which held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, Tuesday. the Day. ‘‘The seminar is organised yearly by the association in furtherance of its commitment towards developmental journalism, promotion and marketing of Nigeria tourism, which informs our choice of the theme which also celebrates the UNWTO’s annual World Tourism Day (WTD). ‘‘For us as a major stakeholder in the travel industry, the seminar is part of our contribution to deepening discourse and development of the sector and creating a platform for the various players across board to network, and promote their businesses and close deals. “Our choice of Akinboboye, for keynote speaker, is very crucial, as he has greatly impacted on the lives of thousands of Nigerians and others, especially in the rural setting through its world acclaimed African themed resort. He is respected across the global for his contribution to the development of Africa Tourism through his ‘Continent Building’ project among others,

World Bank, IFC commit to bridging infrastructure gap in Nigeria

orld Bank Group and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) have promised to continue to support Nigeria in bridging its infrastructure gap. Both organisations said this in a statement issued by the World Bank’s Senior Communications Office in Nigeria, on Monday in Abuja. World Bank Vice President for Africa, Mr Hafez Ghanem, IFC Vice President for the Middle-East and Africa, Mr Sérgio Pimenta, and IFC Vice President for Economics and Private Sector Development, Mr Hans Lankes, were quoted to have discussed at a just concluded visit to Nigeria. The meeting discussed how the World Bank Group could help Nigeria leverage private and public investments and expertise for inclusive growth. According to Ghanem, the Bank can together with the private sector leverage government resources to

bridge infrastructure gaps in Nigeria. “We have supported and seen success in transport, energy and power sectors using Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) models. “The Azura power project is an example of how we have attracted private sector investment in the power sector. We are happy to work with the Government of Nigeria on power sector reforms, which will create a better environment to attract more private sector financing,” Ghanem said. Pimenta said that the financing needs of developing countries often surpassed their own budgets and available donor funding. He, however, said that private sector resources and expertise could go a long way in bridging the gap. “In Sub-Saharan Africa, we are increasingly seeing the private sector design sustainable business models that are creating jobs and lifting people out of poverty,” he said.

Travel, tourism industry contributes 8.5% to Africa’s GDP –Report Stories by VICTOR NZE

ravel and tourism service firm, Jumia, has launched the 3rd edition of its Hospitality Report Africa, which showed that the travel and tourism industry contributed 8.5 per cent to the continent’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2018 According to the 2019 Jumia Hospitality Report Africa, the industry remained one of the key growth drivers of Africa’s economy, contributing 8.5 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2018; equivalent to $194.2 billion. This growth record, the report noted, placed the continent as the second-fastest growing tourism region in the world, with a growth rate of 5.6 per cent after Asia Pacific and against a 3.9 per cent global average growth rate. “Our focus is to continue showcasing Africa as a continent full of beauty and opportunity. Through this report, we want to help draw attention to the vast potential of the tourism industry, that we believe is an untapped lever of economic growth,” said Jumia’s Head of Travel, Estelle Verdier, who was speaking during the official release of the annual report at the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) in Addis Ababa, ahead of the 2019 World Tourism Day. Africa received 67 million international tourist arrivals in 2018, to record a +7 per cent increase from 63 million arrivals in 2017 and 58 million in 2016. This gradual increase is attributed to the affordability and ease of travel especially within the continent, with spending among domestic travellers accounting for 56 per cent as compared to 44 per cent international expenditure. Additionally, leisure travel remains an important component of Africa’s tourism industry, taking up a majority 71 per cent of the tourist expenditure in 2018. Verdier notes that the

implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA) is expected to further boost domestic travel. “To realize the full potential gains will require cooperation from all industry players. Governments have to be willing to eliminate visa requirements for African nationals traveling to their countries. Ministries and other responsible partner organizations should create campaigns that will promote their local travel destinations and tourism offerings to attract more regional travellers. At Jumia, we will continue to offer diversified products at affordable prices including resident rates for regional travelers booking through our platform”. The report, now in its third edition, shows that while pay-at-hotel remained the most popular mode of payment among travellers booking via Jumia’s travel platform, its percentage use went down from 65% in 2018 to 62 per cent in 2019 (down -5 per cent). Card transactions gained popularity with +24 per cent within the same period, “and this reflects an increased trust in our booking platform,” Verdier affirmed. On the other hand, the use of mobile money and travel agencies decreased by -11 per cent and -20 per cent respectively. The mobile, as a source of traffic on the Jumia Travel platform, accounted for a record 74 per cent in 2019 from 57 per cent in 2018, seen as a result of the increased mobile penetration in the continent. The mobile industry contributed $144 billion to Africa’s economy (8.6 per cent of total GDP) in 2018, up from $110 billion (7.1 per cent of total GDP) in 2017. Commenting on the continent’s aviation industry, the report recorded an increased passenger traffic increased from 88.5 million in 2017 to 92 million in 2018 (+5.5 per cent), it’s world share was only 2.1 per cent (down from 2.2 per cent in 2017).

The report attributed this trend to high competition from other regions such as the Asia Pacific. Africa’s share is however predicted to grow by 4.9 per cent annually over the next 20 years. Improved visa facilitation in major tourism countries in Africa remains a major boost to both the tourism and aviation industries. For instance, Ethiopia’s visa relaxation policies combined with improved connectivity as a regional transport hub placed the country as Africa’s fastest growing travel country, growing by 48.6 per cent in 2018 to be worth $7.4 billion. “Most African government leaders are now committed to making travel between African countries easier and more affordable. An example is the creation of the East Africa Visa programme that allows travellers to apply for a visa online before visiting Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. Such collaborations are visionary. It is when we work together, pool our resources, partner and share our best knowledge that we can do much more,” stated South African Tourism’s Acting Chief Executive Officer Sthembiso Dlamini through her insights on the report. In terms of top airlines generating most revenue in the African airspace, the report sites Emirates at the top of the list; earning over $837 million with popular flights from Johannesburg, Cairo, Cape Town and Mauritius. “Africa’s most profitable air route between April 2018 and March 2019 was from Johannesburg in South Africa to Dubai, generating $315.6 million in revenue; while state-owned Angola Airlines and South African Airways were the only two African airlines that made it to the top 10 Africa’s highest revenue air routes within the same period. “Respectively, the two airlines generated $231.6 million flying from Luanda to Lisbon and $185 million flying between Cape Town and Johannesburg.”

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 25 – Tuesday October 1, 2019

BUSINESS

Dangote

Foundation to empower vulnerable women with N1.1bn in 4 states

Stories by JEROME USHAKANG

he Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has concluded arrangement is to empower a total of 106,000 vulnerable women across four states in Nigeria with a total of N1.1 billion as part of its empowerment programme before the end of year 2019. A breakdown of the empowerment programme revealed that Katsina State women topped the list as 34,000 will be actively targeted and empowered. Others are Zamfara 28,000, Sokoto 23,000 and Kebbi 21,000 women. According to a statement, the initiative is part of the Dangote

Micro-Grant scheme and is aimed at poverty alleviation through economic empowerment of women. The beneficiaries of the programme are selected from communities with primary consideration for vulnerable women, food distressed household with infant or children under-fiveyear-old, disabled, divorcee, widows, extremely poor residents in these communities. Meantime, according to a report by the World Poverty Clock, Nigeria has overtaken India as the country with the most extremely poor people in the world. Now, 86.9 million Nigerians of the estimated 180 million population

are said to be living in extreme poverty. A quarter of very poor people in the world will be Nigerians. This, perhaps is the reason why Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote through the Dangote foundation has taken it upon itself to focus on poverty alleviation by disbursing funds to lift more citizens out of extreme poverty. Meanwhile, ‘The Dangote Micro-Grant Scheme is one of the empowerment programmes of Aliko Dangote Foundation. It was launched in 2011 in Kano State and it’s a N10 billion project, targeting indigenous and vulnerable women. It has been systematically rolled out nationwide to

cover 774 Local Government Areas in the country. According statistics , since it was established, 334,500 women and youth have benefitted from the programme across Kano, Jigawa, Kogi, Adamawa, Borno, Yobe, Lagos, Nasarawa and Niger states. The Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) is a foundation with the objective of reducing malnutrition and diseases in the lives of people, especially children. The Foundation is basically engaged in using our investments in health, education, and economic empowerment to help lift people out of poverty.

Zenith Bank posts positive half year results …Pays 30kobo interim dividend per share

enith Bank Plc has recently announced its results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2019, recording positive growth across key financial indices. Following its superlative performance and as a commitment to its shareholders, the bank declared an interim dividend payment of 30 kobo per share which has already been credited to investors’ accounts first week of September 2019. The results signed by the company’s Secretary, Michael O. Otu Esq. and released to the Nigerian Stock Exhange (NSE) shows that Profit Before Tax (PBT) increased by 4 percent to close the half year at ₦111.7 billion over ₦107.4

Ecobank Nigeria appoints key management staff

cobank Nigeria has recently announced the appointment of key Management Officers across various levels are in line with the bank’s Roadmap to Leadership Transformation Programme. Speaking on the development, the Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Mr. Patrick Akinwuntan, said the appointments are in line with the bank’s Roadmap to Leadership Transformation Programme. He added that Ecobank which also promoted over 950 staff early this year, is committed to meritocracy, providing exciting career opportunities to deserving staff in order to achieve improved profitability, cost efficiency, regulatory compliance and customer excellence. Amongst those appointed are Kenneth Okere, who is now the Company Secretary and Chief Legal Counsel; Ibukunoluwa

billion reported in the comparable period of 2018. Similarly, fees from electronic products increased from ₦10bn in the first six months of 2018 to ₦27 billion the second quarter of 2019, a growth of ₦17billion, representing 168percent, reflecting significant progress in its retail banking initiatives. Earnings per share (EPS) also grew by 9 percent to end at ₦2.83billion for 2019half year from ₦2.60billion achieved in the previous 2018 half year. In addition, Gross Earnings grew by 3 percent from ₦322.2 billion to ₦331.6 billion driven by the significant growth of 24 percent Year-On-Year (YoY) in non-interest income from ₦88.6 billion in 2018 half year to ₦109.7 billion as at June 30, 2019. Retail deposits between December 2018 and June 2019 rose from ₦861 billion to close

at ₦1.1 trillion, an increase of N267billion, representing 31percent while Zenith Bank ‘s Group total deposit increased by 3 percent. Commenting on the half-year results, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive officer, Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu said,”We optimized interest expense leading to a 4percent reduction from ₦74.7 billion to ₦72.1 billion due to the Group’s improved funding mix and our profound treasury management skills.” According to him, Net Interest Margins (NIMs) witnessed a compression from 10 percent in the same period last year to 8.6percent in half-year 2019, as a result of the declining yield environment but the cost of funds improved from 3.4 percent to 3.0 percent. “Our robust risk management ensured that our absolute Gross Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) remained flat. However, the marginal

Oyedeji, Chief Financial Officer (CFO); Abiola Aderinola, Financial Controller; Adetokunbo Uko, Treasurer and Akintunde Dawodu, Chief Compliance Officer and Head, Compliance and Control. All the appointments have since been ratified by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). In a statement, the bank said, the new Company Secretary and Chief Legal Counsel, Kenneth Okere has over 26 years legal experience. He has held various senior roles within the Legal department in Ecobank Nigeria. He previously worked at Metropolitan Bank, Omega Bank and Bayo Osipitan & Co. (Legal Practitioners). Kenneth Okere holds an LL.B, B.L and LL.M in Law from the University of Jos and University of Lagos respectively. He is also a Member of both the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and International Bar Association (IBA). On the other hand, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Ibukunoluwa Oyedeji, has over 20 years’ experience in funds/assets management, credit analysis, treasury management and securities trading. She was until the new appointment the country Head for the Securities, Wealth and Assets Management business of the Ecobank Group. She previously worked at the FBN Capital Assets Managements, Guaranty Trust Bank

Plc, Goldman Sachs international, HSBC Global Market and Morgan Stanley international. Ibukun holds a Bachelors’ degree in Economics from the University of Ibadan and Master’s degree (MSc) in International Securities and Investment Banking from ISMA Centre, University of Reading, United Kingdom. She is a CFA Charter holder, Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) of Nigeria. The new Financial Controller, Abiola Aderinola, has over 19 years banking experience covering various aspects of financial control function and regulatory reporting, MIS, performance management, management and statutory reporting, and strategic planning. He started his banking career with Metropolitan Bank and later on in his career worked as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Ecobank Zambia. Abiola holds, a BSc Degree in Banking and Finance from Olabisi Onabanjo University, an MBA from University of Lagos and a Diploma in International Financial Reporting. He is also an Associate Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ACA) and an Associate Member, Accounting Technician (AAT). Adetokunbo UKo, the Treasurer, Ecobank Nigeria has 25 years banking experience

movement in NPL ratio was as a result of the 3 percent reduction in our loan book from ₦2.02 trillion as at December 2018 to ₦1.95 trillion at the end of the period. We are creatively deploying new retail loan products to ensure we capture a reasonable share of the retail loan market. We remain committed to maintaining our strong balance sheet with a liquidity ratio at 74.6 percent and Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) at 25 percent, ensuring we remain above regulatory thresholds.” Onyeagwu emphasized that going into the second half of the year, Zenith Bank will continue to consolidate its leadership in the corporate space while her retail banking drive will continue unabated. We expect to see an improvement in economic activities even as we maintain our promise of delivering a unique service experience to our customers, he stressed. covering Treasury and Financial institutions Marketing, Retail Banking, Public Sector, Credit and Marketing and Branch Operations. She began her banking career with Gulf Bank in 1994 working in Branch Operations, Sales/Marketing roles, and Treasury. She also worked at Oceanic Bank (now Ecobank) as Head, Treasury and Financial Institutions and Treasurer. Adetokunbo is a member of the Financial Markets Dealers Association (FMDA) and Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN). She holds an MBA from Obafemi Awolowo University and a B.A. in English from Ogun State University. Chief Compliance Officer and Head, Compliance and Control, Akintunde Dawodu, started his banking career in 1996 with Guaranty Trust Bank where he worked in Branch Operations. He was until recently Managing Partner for BILD professional services. Tunde possesses over 18 years valuable banking experience. He holds a B.Sc. Degree in Finance from the University of Lagos, Nigeria. He is an Associate Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ACA), Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (ACIB), Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (ACTI) and an Associate Member of the Nigeria Institute of Management (AMNIM).

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 25 – Tuesday October 1, 2019

ENERGY

Why government offers huge incentives for investment in flare-gas capture, by Jamari

You appealed to international gas investors to take commercial opportunity in Nigeria’s flare gas capture programme even if it means taking the gas free. On what legal and regulatory framework do base the proposition given that there operators that hold licences on the assets? The Ministry of Petroleum Resources drive and have developed the kind of commercial arrangement that you talk about. All the companies that have declared interest in the programme are already aware of the arrangement and they are participating. It is not difficult to figure out. You know that flaring associated gas has penalty, and that has gone up to $2.50 per 1000 standard cubic feet ($2.50/1000scf) now. So those fields that have high gas-to-liquid production ratio may no longer be commercially viable to continue producing, and nobody would like to shut them down because that would affect the revenue side to government. So government and other stakeholders will lose money if you shut in gas prone fields. So, government has come out with a directive that if must produce those fields, you must have a robust programme for flare out, and I think there is a duration attached to that. And if you do not have a workable flare out programme, then government can take the gas. You don’t pay royalty on the gas you flare; therefore the flare gas belongs to government. So, government has to look for a different investor under a different arrangement that has been worked out to generate value from the gas. So, it is something that is going on. And prospective investors seeking detailed information on this can visit the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) or the Gas Division of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources. I know that licensing round was announced and the turn-out was low because investors wonder why different entity would risk investment in flare gas capture if the field operator finds it very difficult. What do you think are the major deterrence to flare gas capture investments? Well, history has shown that the main suppliers are not comfortable with the fact that price of gas is fixed because the investment required to bring the gas is not fixed. So you buy the equipment, you buy pipeline and you buy compressors at the international market at market determined price, and when you get home government has already fixed the price of gas. So that is not encouraging for suppliers to invest in gas capturing. So, that was one of the reasons why efforts at even producing gas are not forthcoming as expected. There are other issues like fiscal regimes particularly on some partnerships like production sharing contracts (PSCs) where there are concerns that the fiscal regimes are not very clear, some are not firm and other matters like that because most of them were based on oil. So, the suppliers would like to have some kind of firm fiscal regime on gas in order to make investments. So, as you pointed out, infrastructure is part of it but it is not the only things. The fact is that

In this fireside interview with Deputy Editor, SOPURUCHI ONWUKA, during the 2019 Gastech Conference and Exhibition in Houston, Texas, United States of America, the Managing Director of Nigerian Gas Company, Dr. Salihu Jamari, explains why government is offering huge resource incentives for investment in flare gas capture and commercialization. Excerpts.

“The fact is that if the commercial arrangement is attractive, investors can stake funds on harnessing the gas an recoup cost from the market under willing seller-willing buyer arrangement. If you know you are going to make a good margin, you will stake money on infrastructure.” if the commercial arrangement is attractive, investors can stake funds on harnessing the gas an recoup cost from the market under willing sellerwilling buyer arrangement. If you know you are going to make a good margin, you will stake money on infrastructure. So it is not a big deal. However, with the kind of fixed price arrangement we have for suppliers to sell gas to power sector, fixed price for textile industry and fixed for other utilities, it has not been encouraging from the perspectives of the supplier. So, they are getting back a little bit; but one assurance I can give you is that government is very much aware of that, NNPC is also aware of that, and we are doing everything possible to see that we create an environment where suppliers will be comfortable in developing infrastructure and in developing gas. The fixed prices are very contrary; and they are being reviewed from time to time and updated. Recall the fact that about two to three years ago, the price of gas was about $1/1000scf but as I talk to you today, the price of gas is $2.50. So, it is undergoing review and giving hope to our suppliers to put more investment into making gas available. Also, government on its own is devoting a lot of money in providing infrastructure for supply of gas to various markets.

The concern is that even at the fixed price for gas-to-power, the electricity industry has proved incapable of paying for gas, resulting in huge debt overhang in the upstream end of the power sector. So how do you resolve demand of deregulation in domestic gas market and weak commercial returns from the power sector? I am not in best position to discuss the issues in the power sector. I can only discuss the efforts and successes we are making in

ensuring availability of gas to the electric power market; but power itself is a different issue altogether which some other persons may be in better position to discuss. The evolution of gas policies in Nigeria has been cyclical and ineffective is addressing value optimization. What do you think would be the final fix to commercial issues in the nation’s gas industry? In my opinion which might be different from widely held belief

is to liberalize activities in the sector. And when you do that you commercialize operations in the sector. The moment you convince an investor that if he puts his money in a venture he would recovery his funds with a small margin he will definitely source money to invest. But if we do not liberalize and commercialize activities in the industry and continue subsidizing for every sector, we are definitely going to operate in a situation that is not sustainable.

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 25 – Tuesday October 1, 2019

ENERGY Ilorin depot returns after eight years

he Ilorin petroleum products distribution depot, part of the notorious System 2B Pipeline Network operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has been rehabilitated and restored to activity after eight years of redundancy. The depot was knocked down more than eight years ago due to acts of pipeline vandalism. Group Managing Director, Mallam Mele Kyari, who re-commissioned the depot stated that the facility had to be restored for ease of fuel distribution across the country. He said the rehabilitation of the facility was part of the campaign to recover the corporation’s depots and pipeline networks in the country. Kwara State Governor, Mallam, Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq, who witnessed the commissioning of the depot, said NNPC has saved the region of the stress and hazard of hauling products across hundreds of kilometers. He promised to assist in securing fuel distribution facilities in the state. Meanwhile, Mallam Kyari declares that NNPC would begin the much awaited rehabilitation of the nation’s refineries by January with aim to relaunch them by 2022. Mallam Kyari, who visited the PortHarcourt Refining and Petrochemical Company (PHRC) weekend, stated that full rehabilitation of the plants would commence January, 2020. He said recovering the refineries

to full capacity was a priority. “We will stick to time; we will deliver this project by 2022. We will commence actual rehabilitation work in January. We will do everything possible between October and December to close out all necessary conditions for us to deliver on that project. I believe that with the support that we have from the shareholders - government of this country, the entire staff of this company and the contractors, I believe it is doable and we will deliver the project,” he said. He tasked the contractors on the need to consider their reputation as most critical element in business processes and engagements. “It’s no longer about business now, but a reputational issue. For the original builders of the refinery, Tecmmont, Eni/NAOC and NNPC, let us be conscious of the fact that our reputation is at stake as far as this project is concerned. The NNPC leadership has promised this country that our refineries will work, therefore, we must work not to disappoint over 200 million Nigerian stakeholders.” He also challenged the PHRC management to ensure that the nation’s indigenous engineers and other professionals working in the refinery are fully engaged to participate actively during the rehabilitation exercise and own the process, pointing out that involvement of the indigenous workers would build capacity and save cost.

Investors cautious about FG’s asset divestment plan

sset hungry investors in the Nigerian petroleum industry may not be in a hurry to advance bids for government’s 20 percent interest in joint ventures operated by the foreign multinational oil companies in the country. Minister of Styate for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, had listed plans for additional divestment of government’s stake in oil and gas exploration and production joint venture operated by private companies in the country. Some of the indigenous and international independents who spoke on the plans by the government to sell down its interests in upstream petroleum assets stated that the declaration was not a surprise, pointing out that similar attempts in the past met strict opposition from public stakeholders. The Oracle Today reports that government holds overriding 60 percent in the numerous exploration and production joint ventures operated by mainly multinational players in the country. However, government divested additional five percent of its interest in the Shell operated joint venture, reducing its overriding stake to 55 percent in favour of the partners. The joint ventures account for over 60 percent of Nigeria’s total oil and gas production, and form the basis for

government’s overriding 49 percent stake in the Shell Nigeria LNG Limited. Financial proceed from the joint venture operations along with various other operations in the industry, plus sundry tax receipts account for over 90 percent of Nigeria’s total foreign exchange earnings, over 70 percent of total funding support to government’s annual budgets, nearly 80 percent of the nation’s balance of payments and some 40 percent to the gross domestic product (GDP). Public pressure groups including the influential Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had mounted stiff resistance to earlier moves by previous administrations of the government to sell off or sell down state interests and assets in the petroleum sector. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo had sold the nation’s refineries to a consortium of companies led by the Dangote group, but a spate of public outcry and subsequent protests by organized labour pushed late President Umaru Yar’Adua to reverse the transaction in 2007. However, multinational oil firms whose assets and operations in the Niger Delta become increasingly vulnerable to attacks have since 2010 divested their interests in risked assets in a profit taking that earned them over $12 billion.

• Managing Director, Seplat, Mr. Austin Avuru.

Seplat JV delivers SDG in rural communities Stories by SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

ndigenous independent petroleum exploration and production company, Seplat Petroleum, has restated its commitment to rural healthcare interventions in the country and delivering the key components of the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to the people. Managing Director, Mr. Austin Avuru, declared at the Medical Health Centre at Izombe, Imo State, that the company would continue to invest in social healthcare service delivery in areas where it operates to make them centers from which other Nigerian could access free eye care and maternal health. Mr Avuru whose speech was delivered at the company’s 2019 session of its Eye Can See and Safe Motherhood programmes stated that the company’s social investments in host communities and other communities in the areas of health, education and economic empowerment are to support the SDG of the United Nations. The Oracle Today reports that the company has carved a niche for itself in the industry with its signature Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) health programmes centered on combating the rising scourge of blindness and maternal mortality in the rural areas of the country. The company’s General Manager in charge of External Affairs, Dr. Chioma Nwachuku, who delivered Mr Avuru’s messages at the event, said Seplat designed the programmes

to bring succor to community members of its areas of operation and to other members of the public. She said tThe Eye Can See and Safe Motherhood Programmes are Seplat’s CSR initiatives executed annually across the company’s host communities with focus on providing comprehensive, quality and free healthcare to members of the host communities and states. According to her, the programmes align with the Sustainable Development Goals 3, Health for All and the respective state governments’ aspirations of providing good health for their people. Dr. Nwachuku said: “People are at the center of everything we do. The NNPC/SEPLAT joint venture takes delight whenever we have opportunity to deploy these two key programmes specially designed for the wellbeing of our community members and for other indigenes of the state who wish to access the benefits of these health progrommes.” Through the Eye Can See and Safe Motherhood initiatives, she explained, Seplat has provided premium health care in line with its commitment to ensuring the wellbeing of people living in its host communities. The Eye Can See initiative has brought community dwellers face to face with specialist optometrists, she pointed out, adding that some 7,343 patients have already benefitted from the initiative with 2,200 patients given reading glasses while over 233 had successful eye surgeries within two year,

On the other hand, she said, Seplat has through the Safe Motherhood initiative supported pregnant women and nursing mothers with Safe Motherhood kits comprising a maternity bag, treated mosquito nets, vitamin supplements and other medical items. About 3,586 expectant mothers have received Safe Motherhood kits in Seplat’s Eastern Asset area in the last two sessions of the initiative, Dr. Nwachuku said. The aim, she explained, is to enlighten pregnant women on safe and planned motherhood, enhance safe delivery healthier baby care. Speaking at the event, the wife of the Imo State Governor, Lady Ebere Ihedioha, who flagged off the medical outreach, commended Seplat on the initiative and exemplary commitment to the social and medical wellbeing of its host communities. “If all the corporate organizations were to tow this route of SEPLAT petroleum today, the burden of underdevelopment and social restlessness particularly in the oil producing areas in the state would be greatly reduced. This programme therefore places SEPLAT Petroleum at the top of the Corporate Social Responsibility in the state, and by extension has won the hearts of our people,” she said. Seplat began to run these programmes annually in 2017; and the 2019 session drew the presence of political leaders, traditional rulers, community leaders, government officials and petroleum industry captains.

Ajiya, the project scope covered by the agreement would include exploration, development, production and provision of facilities. Additional production from the FTSA is projected for last quarter of next year. Mr. Ajiya explained that over the project’s life, it was expected to generate over $6.35bn in taxes and royalties to the Federation to support Government’s medium to long term economic development agenda

He said the package brings comprehensive financing solution to NPDC’s production issues, minimizes cost of capital, maximizes its value preservation, and strikes a balance between risk and reward which gives investors a rate of return that is commensurate with funding a brownfield project that has significant exploration risk. According to Mr. Ajiya, preagreed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) would determine incentive payment due to CPDC.

NNPC enters $876m FTSA on OML 65

igerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is undertaking princely $876 million debt in a Funding and Technical Services Contract (FTSC) to facilitate enhanced oil recovery programme that would lift output from the Oil Mining Lease (OML) 65. The acreage has producing oil fields operated by the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), a unit of the corporation. However, production from the fields in the block has fallen to mere 900

barrels per day, and the agreement is aimed at ramping up output to a peak of about 60, 000 barrels per day with projects average production of 40,000 barrels per day across the field life. The Oracle Today gathered that NNPC had at the weekend in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, closed a Funding and Technical Services Agreement (FTSA) with CMES-OMS Petroleum Development Company (CPDC) as part of debt finance model to assist NPDC enhanced oil recovery

from operated OML 65. OML 65 has resource profile of cumulative probable and proven reserves of about 800 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMboe) of which 244 MMboe is booked as recoverable. Two fields, the Abura Main and Abura South East , are booked with 44mmboe producibility. Under the agreement confirmed by NNPC’s Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, and corporation’s Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Umar

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 25 – Tuesday October 1, 2019

INSURANCE & PENSION PTAD verifies 10,357 pensioners in South East

ension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has so far verified over 10,000 pensioners of federal government parastatals, agencies and institutions under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS), during the Fifth Phase of the Parastatals Pensioners verification exercise in the Southeast region, the directorate said in a statement, Thursday. The exercise commenced on Monday, August 26 across four centres in Awka, Enugu (two centres) and Owerri. Owing to the large turnout of pensioners in Enugu and Owerri, the executive secretary, Dr Chioma Nnenna Ejikeme, had approved a six-day extension for the centre in Owerri and a four-day extension for the centre in Enugu. The extension was to ensure that all eligible pensioners and Next of Kin who presented themselves, were verified. The exercise, which held simultaneously across the four centres, recorded an average daily turnout of 344 pensioners. This verification exercise did not include customs, immigration and prisons pensioners, civil

service pensioners, police pensioners as well as parastatals pensioners who had already been verified by PTAD. The next phase of the parastatals pensioner exercise in the Northwest region commences on Monday, September 23 and ends on Wednesday October 2, 2019. “Pensioners are again advised that they do not have to travel to the state or location they retired from to be verified. They can be verified at any of our centres that is within the geo-political zone where they currently reside. All pensioners currently living outside the country will be verified whenever they visit the country provided they show proof of residency outside Nigeria. Such proof should be provided in advance via PTAD email: info@ptad.gov.ng. “Continuous mobile verification will be conducted for sick and infirm pensioners. The original documents of the pensioners must be brought to the verification venue together with proof of infirmity for authentication, before mobile verification can be scheduled.”

Recapitalisation: Coronation Research advocates fewer insurers with stronger capital base

Stories by VICTOR NZE

igeria’s insurance industry has not shared in the growth experienced by other Nigerian financial services, notably banks, pension funds and mutual funds. In fact, it has hardly grown in real terms over 10 years, according to the report from one of the leading research houses in Nigeria – Coronation Research, a part of the Coronation Merchant Bank. The report noted that without scale, the industry suffers from poor returns on equity. ‘Yet its smallness is also its opportunity. If it were to grow to the level reached by countries with similar GDP per capita, it might grow by a factor of 10 times in real terms in eight-to-10 years. The technological

infrastructure and data necessary for the expansion are largely available.’ It would be recalled that the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) announced the introduction of new capital requirements, due in June 2020, for the sector. We believe these will reduce the current 59 companies to around 25. “There are close parallels with the banking reform of 2004. The banking industry grew rapidly after that, so the question is how the insurance industry can grow after 2020. In the meantime, there will be capital raising and mergers and acquisitions,” said the report. Commenting, Head of Coronation Research, Guy Czartoryski, advised, therefore, that to position

the sector for radical growth, one must consider the lessons learned in Asian markets, and also in West Africa, which show how insurance can be rolled out to tens of millions of customers. “Cooperation between regulators is critical, as are distribution partnerships with banks and telecom companies. Fresh capital is necessary for development, but a fresh strategic approach is required to reach the industry’s potential. “Nigeria’s insurance sector presents perhaps the most remarkable investment case of any industry in Nigeria. At one level, the business case is very simple. Insurance penetration, at 0.31 per cent is extremely low, even compared with countries with similar GDP per capita, for example

India with insurance penetration at 3.69 cent. “Nigeria has achieved great things in financial services. Pension Fund penetration is an example, with the total assets under management (AUM) of its pension funds growing, in real terms, at 9.8 per cent between 2008-2018 and taking the proportion of the population covered up to 4.3 per cent and rising. “However, the insurance industry has lagged its other financial services. Conditions have not been helpful for growth. Experience from other markets, particularly in Asia, suggest three remedies. “First, government and regulators – not only insurance regulators but bank and telecom regulators, too – need to cooperate: there are gains for all.”

Anchor Insurance unveils two unique products

nchor Insurance Company Limited, We d n e s d a y , launched two new products into the Nigerian insurance market. The two new products; the Anchor Travel Insurance and Anchor Agriculture Insurance, were recently approved by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM). Speaking at the launch the Managing Director/ CEO, Ebose Augustine, said that the approvals from the commission provides the opportunity for the company to extend its wellknown passionate service difference and finesse to drive the products for the maximum comfort of its potential customers. “For about 30 years that Anchor Insurance Company has been in operations, we are remarkable for excellent delivery of services to our teeming customers. “We assure all potential customers of a seamless claims process which they are acclaimed for. We do not tell stories when genuine claims are reported to us. We assure you of the very best of service as you invest in our policies. “ Speaking on the products he said the company received approval for four of its Agriculture Insurance products which

includes: Multi-peril Crop Insurance which covers against the risk of fire, lightening, pest/diseases, drought, flood, windstorm and aircraft. This policy covers damage for all cash and arable crops. Speaking on Anchor Travel Insurance, he said that the company will be running the policy under an agreement with MAPFRE ASISTENCIA, based in Spain. The policy according to him comes with a family plan which ensures that children between three months and 18 years travelling with their parents only pay half of the premium rate being charged. It further comes with premium discount package for group subscriptions. The group is expected to have a minimum of 10 persons. The discounts range from 5% to 25% according to the number of persons that make up the group. However, because of perceived risks associated with certain categories of age, the policy comes with variations in the premium charged to persons aged between 66 and 75 years, 76 and 80 years and 81 years old where only the Schengen policy isavailable. The policy comes with three travel protection plans: Schengen, Worldwide and Worldwide 1.

(From left): Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Samson Ajibade; Director General, Lagos State Pension Commission, Mrs. Folashade Onanuga and Honourable Commissioner, Establishment, Training & Pensions, Mrs. Ajibola Ponnle at the 66th retirement benefit bond certificate presentation ceremony held recently in Lagos.

NHIS provides technical, implementation guidance for states’ schemes

ational Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has said it will work with state governments to improve access of Nigerians to healthcare as well as ensuring everyone irrespective of their economic status accessed quality healthcare. Head Communication NHIS, Mr Ayo Osinlu, said this at the Opening Ceremony of a workshop on shaping the Future of Health Insurance in Nigeria, on Monday, in Kano State. He said the event was in partnership with U.S

Agency for International Development (USAID) and Department for International Development (DFID). Osinlu explained that the workshop was organised to collectively forge a way forward and device methods of fast tracking State Health Insurance Schemes (SHIP) implementation towards expanding health insurance coverage in Nigeria. Osinlu highlighted some of the workshop objectives as, to review progress of implementation of SHIP by states as well as providing

technical guidance towards providing legal, operational and implementation design. “To examine impediments, challenges, opportunities, and lesson learned. To foster, peer learning and experiences sharing among states on SHIS design, implementation, and problem-solving strategies,’’ he said. Osinlu, however, said the programmes were in line with the agenda of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari. He added that it was also

in line with the global agenda of achieving universal health coverage for all by the year 2030. On September 10, the Federal Government began the disbursement of the first phase of Basic Health Care Provision Funds to the State Health Insurance Agencies estimated at N15 billion. The disbursement was done by the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire; Minister of State for Health, Dr. Olorunimbe Mamora and Executive Director of National Health Insurance Scheme, Prof. Mohammed Sambo.

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 25 – Tuesday October 1, 2019

AVIATION Delta invest $2m on biofuel production facility Stories by VICTOR NZE

s part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, Delta Air Lines is investing $2 million to partner with Northwest Advanced Bio-fuels, LLC (NWABF) for the feasibility study of a biofuel production facility to produce sustainable aviation fuel and other biofuel products. The sustainable aviation fuel, expected to be produced in a facility in Washington State, could be used in Delta operations at stations in Seattle, Portland, San Francisco and Los Angeles. NWABF’s project would utilize wood residue deposits and

wood slash lying on forest floors to produce the biofuel, which would qualify under an approved carbonreducing pathway recognized by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM). NWABF plans first delivery of the fuel by the end of 2023. “While Delta continues to take actions toward our longterm goal of reducing carbon emissions by 50 percent by 2050, fuel is a key area where we are examining opportunities to create real sustainability differences and drive accountability across the entire business as we lower our environmental impact,” said Alison Lathrop, Delta’s Managing Director

— Global Environment, Sustainability and Compliance. Delta expects the feasibility study to be complete by the middle of 2020. At that time, Delta will evaluate the next steps in moving forward with the project’s development. “This single project could provide approximately 10 percent of Delta’s annual jet fuel consumption in the West Coast region and, if successful, could become the blueprint for future projects to support Delta’s goal to further reduce its carbon footprint,” said Graeme Burnett, Delta’s Senior Vice President — Fuel Management. “This project has additional environmental benefits because it reduces wood residuals in

forests, which can increase potential fire hazards and inhibit future tree growth.” “We are excited to partner with Delta Air Lines in lowering the airline’s carbon footprint and supporting Delta’s sustainability strategy,” said Dave Smoot, Head of Northwest Advanced Bio-Fuels, LLC. “This project combines proven technologies to produce exceptional quality sustainable aviation fuel on a large scale from renewable feedstock resources.” “Our research demonstrates that using forest harvest residuals to produce sustainable aviation fuels, not only reduces emissions from the aviation sector but also

provides for much needed jobs in the rural and timber-dependent regions of the Pacific Northwest,” said Michael Wolcott, co-director of the Northwest Advanced Renewables Alliance (NARA) and professor at Washington State University. Delta’s sustainability strategy is comprehensive and focuses on true responsibility. The airline drives accountability and evaluates areas of opportunity across the business to lower its environmental impact. Since 2005, the airline has reduced its jet fuel consumption, leading to an 11 percent decrease in emissions as it works toward its long-term goal of reducing carbon emissions by 50 percent by 2050.

Air freight: African carriers continue rally with 10.9% increase in July

he International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global air freight markets showing that demand, measured in freight ton kilometers (FTKs), contracted by 3.2 per cent in July 2019, compared to the same period in 2018. This marks the ninth consecutive month of year-on-year decline in freight volumes. However, African carriers posted the fastest growth of any region in July 2019, with an increase in demand of 10.9 per cent compared to the same period a year earlier. This, according to IATA, continues the upwards trend in FTKs that has been evident since mid-2018 and makes Africa the strongest performer for the sixth consecutive month. Capacity grew 17 per cent year-on-year. Strong trade and investment linkages with Asia have underpinned a double-digit increase in air freight volumes between the two regions over the past year. The report released by IATA showed that air cargo continued to suffer from weak global trade and the intensifying trade dispute between the United States and China. “Global trade volumes are 1.4 per cent lower than a year ago and trade volumes between the US and China have fallen by 14% year-to-date compared to the same period in 2018.

“The global Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) does not indicate an uptick. Its tracking of new manufacturing export orders has pointed to falling orders since September 2018. And for the first time since February 2009 all major trading nations reported falling orders.” Freight capacity, measured in available freight ton kilometers (AFTKs), rose by 2.6 per cent year-onyear in July 2019. Capacity growth has now outstripped demand growth for the 9th consecutive month. “Trade tensions are weighing heavily on the entire air cargo industry. Higher tariffs are disrupting not only transpacific supply chains but also worldwide trade lanes. While current tensions might yield shortterm political gains, they could lead to long-term negative changes for consumers and the global economy. Trade generates prosperity. It is critical that the US and China work quickly to resolve their differences,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO. Airlines in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East suffered sharp declines in year-on-year growth in total air freight volumes in July 2019, while North America and Europe experienced more moderate declines. Africa and Latin America both recorded growth in air freight demand compared to July last year.

Arik Air resumes Warri operations

rik Air has resumed flights to the Osubi Airport, Warri in Delta State. A statement issued by the airline’s Public Relations & Communications Manager, Adebanji Ola stated that operations resumed last from Friday, also disclosed that the airline would be operating daily flights to Warri from both Lagos and Abuja. It would be recalled Arik Air suspended operations to the Osubi Airport, Warri earlier in

the year as its Bombardier Q400 aircraft underwent maintenance abroad. “We are pleased to announce the return of flight services to Warri. We missed our highly esteemed customers during the period of our absence. We assure our customers of high standards of service and travel experience which are the hallmark of the airline,” said Arik Air’s Chief Executive Officer, Capt. Roy Ilegbodu.

From left: AIB’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Tunji Oketunmbi; Director, Human Resources & Administration, Kakangi Aliyu; AIB Director of Operations, Capt. Dayyabu Danraka; Commissioner/CEO AIB, Engr. Akin Olateru and MD/CEO Leadstream Aviation, Engr. Roland Ahmed; Director, Engineering, AIB, Engr. Mohammed Wali during the presentation of certificates to AIB on behalf of 28 Air Safety Investigators, who recently completed a type training course on B737 Classic and NG (New Generation) by Leadstream Aviation.

EATECH becomes first Nigerian firm to bag ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation

ngineering Automation Technology Limited (EATECH) has bagged the International Organisation for Standardization and the International Electrotechnical Commission ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation following series of evaluations to prove its compliance. The firm made history at the weekend becoming the first Nigerian firm to be accredited, after one year of painstaking and rigorous subjection of the company’s laboratory, personel, and allied facilities to tests and audits to ensure they function

and align with standards set by the Australian-based International Laboratories Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC). A statement, by the Nigerian National Accreditation Service (NiNAS) on its website lauded the management of EATECH for making the requisite investment to bag the accreditation, the first in the country, saying it would go a long way in boosting the quality of equipment calibrations in the country. “The Management and staff of NiNAS congratulates Engineering Automation Technology Limited

laboratory on the attainment of this enviable feat. This is a positive progress for the Nigerian economy and West African quality infrastructure,” NiNAS said. Managing Director/CEO of EATECH, Mr. Emmanuel Okon at a press conference in Lagos, yesterday, said attaining the accreditation would help the country save millions of dollars lost annually as capital flight in shipping critical and sentive equipment in the aviation, oil and gas, and power sectors abroad for electrical, pressure, and temperature measurements.

Boeing agrees pay N50.5m to families of each B737 Max crash victim

oeing has agreed to pay families of passengers who died in two separate B737 Max crashes the sum of $144,500 (representing N50.57 million) per person. The company disclosed that a N17.5 billion ($50 million) financial assistance fund was announced in July and will now be open to claims from family

members. One hundred and fifty persons, among them two Nigerians, died last March when a B737 Max aircraft operated by Ethiopian Airlines crashed shortly after take-off from the Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The tragedy came about five months after a Lion Air B737 Max

flight went down over the Java Sea last, killing all 189 people on board. A problem with the aircraft’s flight control software was initially identified as the cause, but later Boeing said further software problems had been found requiring further work. All 737 Max planes have been banned from flying since the

March after crashes in Ethiopia and Indonesia that together killed 346 people in a space of five months. The bereaved family members will not be required to give up their right to sue if they opt to take up money from the fund. “We continue to extend our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of all

those on board,” said Boeing Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dennis Muilenburg, adding: “The opening of this fund is an important step in our efforts to help affected families.” Boeing said it assumes the 737 Max would return to service in the United States and other countries in the autumn, but could not give an exact date.

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 25 – Tuesday October 1, 2019

e-Platform

Blue Star expands into W/Africa with Lagos launch Stories by VICTOR NZE

ndia’s leading cooling systems brand, Blue Star is set to spread into West Africa as it has unveiled a range of top quality products for the Nigerian market. Blue Star Limited is looking to introduce the range of products through its air conditioning and commercial refrigeration whollyowned subsidiary in Dubai, the Blue Star International FZCO, in collaboration with the Port Harcourt-based engineering and construction company, Merald. It would recalled that Blue Star, with its comprehensive range of air conditioning and refrigeration products, commenced operations in Nigeria in collaboration with its local distribution and after-

sales service partner, Merald Technology Solutions Nigeria Ltd, back in 2017, and now it intends to rapidly expand its business in this market. Speaking during a media conference/technical seminar which held, Friday, at the at the Sheraton Lagos Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, Dawood Bin Ozair, Chief Executive Officer, Blue Star International FZCO, said: “Blue Star takes immense pride in being associated with Merald Technology Solutions, a leading player in Nigeria with a strong base in providing engineering services and facility management solutions. “We are confident that with Blue Star’s products that are backed by robust R&D and worldclass manufacturing and Merald Technology’s well entrenched network in this region, we will be

able to build on and consolidate our presence in this region.” While recognizing the leverage localizing production can offer the Blue Star cooling systems brand in Nigeria, Ozair said the company is still studying reports in that direction and would take appropriate steps in the near future towards realizing that goal. “I cannot give you a specific date when we will commence production locally bu we recognize that that is what we have to do and we are working in that direction. We will be there eventually,” Ozair said. On prospects of the brand in Nigeria, Ozair said: “Blue Star will succeed because we took a long time to understand what the market wants. So we produce what will last a long time. The

Nigerian climate is a lot similar to the Indian climate where we are already leaders in the business and since we have succeeded in that market, we also believe we can succeed here in Nigeria. “Also, our products are ecofriendly, we have created a sustainable back-up system for our products because we have engineers who are on standby, parts that are readily available for installation, repairs and servicing.” On his part, Yogendra Singh, Managing Director, Merald, said: “With many upcoming projects and development of both residential and commercial properties, we are ready and equipped to provide the best of Blue Star’s HVAC solutions most suited to each requirement.” Blue Star, with its rich pedigree of 75 years of leadership in the HVAC industry, has an edge in the

industry due to its diverse and technologically superior product offerings such as air cooled chillers, water cooled chillers, process chillers, ductable splits, ductable packaged systems, VRF systems, magnetic bearing oil free centrifugal chillers, cold rooms, banana ripening chambers, chest freezers, room air conditioners, water coolers, and bottled water dispensers, amongst others. Blue Star’s new generation highly energy-efficient 100 per cent inverter VRF V Plus systems, for example, exemplify the Company’s leadership. These systems are best-in-class as they deliver 100% capacity up to 43˚C ambient temperatures. With over 75 models of indoor units, and outdoor units with capacities upto 112HP, they can cater to a wide range of applications.

Nigeria, dumping ground for obsolete technologies –NACETEM

igeria has become recipient of obsolete and misfit technologies, a research carried out by the National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM) has revealed. NACETEM is an agency of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Science and Technology that provides critical knowledge support in the area of Science, Technology, Innovation (STI) management for sustainable development. In a report made available in Abuja, the centre said the development was due to reliance of the country’s manufacturing and service firms on imported technologies. Speaking, Assistant Director of Research in NACETEM, Dr Abiodun Egbetokun, said a survey was jointly carried out by NACETEM and Centre for Innovation Indicators (CesTII) at the South Africa’s Human Sciences Research Council. He said the research focused on the innovation performances of Nigeria and South Africa and how the productive sector of the economies of both countries fare particularly in relation to the creation and application of knowledge. He said findings revealed that both countries use technology acquisition as the key innovation strategy but South Africa used more technology in the manufacturing sector than Nigeria. “We compared innovation

in manufacturing between both countries; we found a slightly higher rate of innovation in South Africa than in Nigeria. “But, firms in both countries rely on technology acquisition (that is, the purchase of embodied technology through machinery, equipment and software) to innovate. In the specific case of Nigeria, most of the technology is imported. “In the comparison of service firms, the difference in innovation rates between both countries is not noticeable. While Nigerian service firms still rely on technology imports, South African firms emphasise staff training as the main innovation strategy,’’ he said. The director said both countries used technology acquisition as key innovation strategy to improve the quantity and quality of their value propositions. He noted that the two countries faced critical financial and other barriers to innovation. On services sector, the official said the two countries used training and technology acquisition as key innovation strategies to improve the quantity and quality of their proposition. According to him, the findings of the research show that the Gross Domestic Products (GDPs) of the two countries were stalled in recent years. The director said there were

From left: Managing Director, Merald, Mr Yogendra Singh; Chief Executive Officer, Blue Star, Mr Dawood Bin Ozair; and Chief Executive Officer, Merald, Mr. Sudhans Hu Gaurav, during Blue Star press conference at the Sheraton Hotel Lagos, Friday.

several reasons why GDP growth rates could be stalled but the most plausible in the case of both Nigeria and South Africa is what economists term “middle income trap”. “This happens when a country grows rapidly and attains middle income status (according to World Bank classification) but is unable to grow beyond that status. “Often, what drives the pre-middle-income growth is connected to specific advantages that the country has, for instance in the export market for primary commodities (in the case of Nigeria, crude oil, and in South Africa, gold). “Due to local wage increases that accompany middle income status, the country tends to

become less competitive in the export market and is, at the same time, unable to compete with more advanced countries in the market for finished goods. “That is the story of Nigeria and South Africa. Currently, both countries grapple with poor domestic labour market conditions, evidenced by incessant wage increases, worker protests, large share of workforce in indecent employment, etc among other characteristic middle income trap problems,’’ he said. Egbetokun said data from the research was drawn from the South Africa Business Innovation survey (2008) and the Nigerian Business Innovation Survey (2010). “These are the latest available

data. The surveys stopped since then because funding of the NEPAD African Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators Initiative (ASTII) stopped and each country needed to fund its own innovation surveys. Unfortunately, NACETEM did not receive funding for the surveys from the Nigerian government until in the 2018 budget year. “We are now embarking on the data collection process for another round, but any analysis for now will have to rely on the old 2008-2010 data. “For comparability, we chose 2010-2012 data for South Africa. Other years would have been too far apart between both countries,’’ the director said.

Redesigned Samsung Galaxy Fold finally goes on sale, Sept 27

arlier this month Samsung finally made the redesigned Galaxy Fold official, and the phone has gone on sale in its home country of South Korea in the meantime. Later this week, the device will become available in the United States as well. Samsung has officially

announced that the redesigned Fold is hitting select AT&T and Best Buy stores on September 27. That’s also when you’ll find it in Samsung Experience stores. Both Best buy and Samsung will offer AT&T and unlocked versions. You can pick between Cosmos Black and Space Silver,

color-wise. Redesigned Samsung Galaxy Fold finally goes on sale in the US on September 27 The foldable handset comes with Galaxy Fold Premier Service, which nets you the opportunity to consult with a Fold Concierge who will walk you through the

device, the in-box materials, and the included accessories. And any time you have a question about the Galaxy Fold, or are looking for tips, you can reach specialists at a toll-free number that’s available 24/7. The Fold Concierge can also be contacted through the Samsung Members

app via video chat. With every purchase of the Galaxy Fold you get a free pair of Galaxy Buds earphones as well as a custom aramid fiber case, which features “thin and durable materials in a sleek design”, according to the Korean company.t

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 25 – Tuesday October 1, 2019

EQUITY & Capital Market

Interim dividend: Access Bank to credit investors’ accounts October 3 Stories by JEROME USHAKANG

ccess Bank Plc has declared an interim dividend of 25 kobo per every Ordinary share of 50 kobo, for the half year ended June 30, 2019. The bank in a statement notifying the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), said the interim dividend will be paid electronically to shareholders on Thursday, October 3, 2019. It added that the payment will be made only to those whose names appear on the Register of Members as at Monday, September 23, 2019, and to those who have completed the e-dividend registration and mandated the Registrar to pay their dividends directly into their Bank accounts. The 25 kobo interim dividend per share scheduled to be paid to all the shareholders of the company, will amount to a gross total of N9 billion from 35,545,225,622 issued and fully paid ordinary shares of the company. It also disclosed that the Register of Shareholders will be closed on Tuesday, September 24, 2019, while qualification Date has been scheduled for Monday, September 23, 2019. Access Bank’s Gross Earnings for the half-year 2019 period stood at N324.3 billion, compared to N253 billion recorded in 2018, representing a 28.1percent increase. Profit Before Tax increased by 61.6 percent to N74.1 billion during the period under review, compared to N45.8 billion recorded in June 2018.

…As H1, 2019 profit rises to N74.1bn Similarly, the bank’s profit after tax stood at N63 billion as against N39.6 billion recorded in the same period in June 2018, representing a 59 percent increase.Earnings per Share (EPS) grew to N1.94kobo, up from N1.38 kobo in the comparable period in 2018. An interim dividend is usually declared and distributed by a company to its shareholders prior to the determination of final profit position for the financial year. Before interim dividends are paid, the company’s financial statements will also be audited. Access Bank Plc has released its half-year results June 30, 2019 with pre-tax profits increasing from N45.8 billion in the second quarter of last year to N74.1 billion. The bank in a statement said a total of N13.9billion has been recovered from bad debts following the merger with Diamond Bank up from N1.6billion a year earlier. According to the statement, most of these recoveries were from Diamond Bank debts previously provided for. It added that Access Bank was able to recover the loans following tough negotiations with obligors whom they had a cordial business relationship with. The half year results of the bank also showed that Net Interest income grew from N85.3 billion recorded in the comparable period of last year to N155.1 billion in 2019 second quarter. Income from investment

securities topped fees income as it stood at N37.5billion net during the period under review while Net income from fees rose from N30 billion to N37.5 billion Earnings per share recorded a growth at the end of the first six months of the year to close at N1.93 kobo up from N1.38 kobo same period last year. In the same vein, Return on Average Equity rose by 11.7 percent during the period compared to 8.1percent at the end of June 2018.

Meanwhile, Access Bank earned about N60 billion from securities investment up from N28 billion a year earlier. Out of Access Bank’s N5.5 trillion in investable assets about N2.8 trillion was lent out as external loans. On the other hand, acquiring Diamond Bank also had to come with some cost, so the bank’s allowance for credit losses rose from N88.1 billion at the end of last year to N219.3 billion by halfyear. This is the first half-year results

since the bank consummated its merger with Diamond. With an overview of the results, one can say that it’s impressive considering the fact that Diamond Bank’s pre-tax profits in the half-year of 2018 was a paltry N2.9 billion. Meantime, in the banking sector, Access Bank is currently the largest bank by Customer deposits, rising from N2.56 trillion to N4.1 trillion, followed by Zenith Bank PLC with at N3.8 trillion deposits.

Representative of the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso (right) receives the Social Responsibility Award on behalf of the Governor from Mr. Yomi Badejo-Okusanya at the 2019 Public Relations/CSR Forum. With them is Mrs. Adenike Shobajo, the Managing Director, AS+A Communications Limited.

Seplat transfers 4.63m shares in Vitol Energy Ltd’s name

eplat Petroleum Development Company Plc (SPDC) also known as the Company (Seplat) has announced that it received notification of dealing in in Shares by a PDMR Lagos and London on Monday September 23,2019, involving a transfer of 4,632,803 Ordinary shares registered in the name of Vitol Energy Limited. The company in a statement

notifying the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), signed by Mrs. Edith Onwuchekwa, Company Secretary/Chief Governance Compliance Officer, said that the sale relates to the deed of Share Charge entered into between Shebah Petroleum Development Company Limited (Shebah BVI”, an entity controlled by Dr. A.B.C. Orjiako and members of his family) and Vitol S.A. as

previously disclosed by RNS on May 27, 2015. According to the statement, the remaining 8,167,197 shares held by Vitol Energy Limited will now transfer back to Shebah BVI. It added that after the sale, Dr. A.B.C. Orjiako will hold a direct interest in 877,501 Ordinary shares and together with family members, an indirect interest in 36,941,021 Ordinary

shares, totalling 37,818,522 representing 6.43perent Ordinary shares of 50 kobo each of the Company, based on the Issued Share Capital of 588,444,561. As it is detailed on note 4b of the attached Form for those need more details. He statement also revealed details of the transaction which are set out in the attached ‘Notification and Public

Disclosure of Transactions by Persons Discharging Managerial Responsibilities and Persons Closely Associated with them.’ SPDC stated that the notification is made in accordance with Rule 12 of the Amendments to the Listing Rules of the Nigerian Stock Exchange and Article 19 of the EU Market Abuse Regulations.

SEC restates commitment to develop commodities trading Eco-System

he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is set to hold a roundtable on the commodities trading Eco-system, in its quest to further deepen the capital market and have a vibrant commodities exchange, Acting Director General of the SEC, Ms. Mary Uduk, who gave the hint said the roundtable with a theme: “Building a strong Commodities Trading Ecosystem for Inclusive Economic Development”is scheduled to hold on October 3, 2019 in Lagos. Uduk disclosed that the roundtable is expected to convene industry experts, policy makers and thought leaders to have discussions to further develop the commodities market in Nigeria. The SEC boss said the objective

of the roundtable is to obtain the buy-in of policy makers and agencies of government and to get perspectives of stakeholders towards encouraging investments and get more participation in the commodities market. She said, “The Capital Market Master Plan did an analysis of where we are and where we want to be as the leading capital market in Africa and one of the areas is the Commodities market which is very important, but one of the least developed. The Nigerian economy is mainly agrarian driven, all states of the federation have exportable quantities of commodities and we have some of the highest grades in the world.” “Government wants to diversify to agriculture and so we need to

be able to export some of these commodities. If the farmers do very well, the earnings of the country will be boosted” She said. She stressed that Nigerian commodities can be exported, while on the other hand industries can be set up that will employ a large number of our teeming youthful population. She is convinced that if we can develop this very well, our country will be better for it. What we need now are better pricing, transparency and better quality and these are what we set to achieve with the farmers and that is why the Commodities Exchange is important. “The crude form they are trading now does not provide the farmers the benefit of price discovery,

transparency among others. The only way to achieve these is to have an exchange hence the need arose to set up the Technical Committee to look holistically at all the issues; the nation needs to harness the full potentials in the Commodities market. The Acting-DG. said , the aim of SEC is to have an efficient commodities exchange because right now that sector of the capital market is dormant and that is why the Commission is leading other capital market stakeholders on capacity building and public enlightenment campaigns. She said “We have already commenced capacity building for stakeholders and the public on commodities exchange to bridge the current knowledge gap to

ensure we reap the benefits of trading in commodities, all these are part of the implementation of the report of its Technical Committee on Commodities Trading Ecosystem”. Some of the topics to be discussed at the roundtable include, enabling environment for functional commodities trading system, developing a thriving commodities market: success stories from Africa and Emerging economies and Private sector involvement: Key to a strong commodities trading system.Recall that the Commodities Trading Ecosystem committee’s report, published on SEC’s website, contains no fewer than 40 recommendations on how to have an efficient commodities exchange.

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 25 – Tuesday October 1, 2019

MONEY Market Judge urges AMCON to stop bank debtors from contesting elections in Nigeria Stories By Kayode Ogunwale

ustice Mojisola Olatoregun of the Federal High Court, Lagos Division, has urged the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) to adopt a new strategy of partnering sister agencies of government to stop its debtors from gaining access to political positions or aspiring to a leadership position. Olatoregun who spoke during a one-day seminar for External Solicitors and Asset Management Partners (AMPs) of the corporation, said following the signing of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) (Amendment) Act 2019 into law by President Muhammadu Buhari, it was now the right time to produce a comprehensive database. This list of obligors, he advised, should be made available to such agencies as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC);

Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC); Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC); Department of State Security (DSS); and Nigerian Police among other. Under such as situation, according to the jurist, who was chairman at the seminar, when election is approaching, lawyers can approach the court and obtain orders stopping such obligor candidates from seeking votes from Nigerians. According to her, lawyers must understand that the over N5 trillion owed AMCON belongs to all Nigerians including the lawyers, which is why recovering the outstanding debt will have huge positive impact on the development of the economy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. She expressed sadness that the Nigerian society has continued to allow AMCON debtors and people who cannot honour simple

obligations contest elections and on most occasions win and eventually occupy exalted offices in the country. “It is in our constitution that people of questionable characters and criminals should not contest elections but we are yet to see confident lawyers that can come out and challenge this people beyond reasonable doubt that they are not eligible to stand for elections as a result of their heavy indebtedness,” she stressed. The AMCON Act 2019, as amended, she reminded her audience, has literally opened new doors, which smart lawyers can explore to help AMCON and indeed Nigeria recover these huge debts. Speaking earlier, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of AMCON, Ahmed Lawan Kuru, lamented that the huge outstanding debt will eventually become a burden to the Federal

Government if, at sunset of the corporation, it failed to recover. He said the interaction was very important to AMCON because, besides being a regular interaction, which produces positive result in the quest to recover AMCON’s debt, the seminar was the first since the amendment of the Act by the National Assembly, which has been signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari. The AMCON boss also acknowledged that the amended act has provided additional powers to an already strong Act of AMCON, recalling that the process of passing the amendment was challenging, expressing gratitude to the National Assembly and President Muhammadu Buhari for “putting the issue to rest and making the AMCON (Amendment No. 2) Act, 2019 a thing of the past.” Kuru explained that it was not unusual to periodically amend the law that governs activities of

organizations such as AMCON, to deal with obligors that constantly try to avoid, circumvent and totally deny commitments and obligations. However, the amendment according to him can only be effective to the extent that solicitors of AMCON understand the Act and thereafter utilize the far-reaching powers that have been vested in the Corporation. For him, “even prior to the amendment, not all the provisions of the Act were effectively utilized. From our interaction with the judiciary, some judges are not very impressed with the approach of solicitors to the application of the unique provisions of the AMCON Act. In some instances, judges have had to direct lawyers to relevant provisions of the Act. It is said that some lawyers are not at home with the provisions of the Act, particularly the AMCON special powers provided in the law.”

Poor identity management remains greatest barrier in Nigeria banking sector –Heritage bank boss

he Managing Director of Heritage Bank, Mr Ifie Sekibo has identified poor identity management as the greatest hinderance to boosting access to credit, especially for small and medium enterprises, in Nigeria. Sekibo stated this while speaking as a guest at the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria, FICAN annual conference which held in Lagos. Represented by Divisional Head, Strategy and Business Solutions, Mr Segun Akanji, Sekibo said the dearth of effective and standard identity management infrastructure makes access to credit for the SMEs in Nigeria tough as banks only see unmitigated risks. “I am talking about identity management challenge. That is the biggest collateral to lending and that is what is missing in this economy. The day banks can verify where you live, everybody will get loan with ease, because you cannot run away,” he stated. According to him, there is no need for bank customers to provide collateral to a bank if the bank knows where the customer resides. “But the problem is this, I don’t know where you live. The address of the company is not where you live. And you can wake

up in FESTAC today, but tomorrow you move to Ajangbadi or Victoria Island. You don’t have to tell me. And that is a huge problem for banks,” he said. He noted that the problem is that “there is no value in our identity management as we have it. So, it is not just about banks, it is about the holistic structure where there is no value to the person that each of us will represent”. He gave instances about developed economies such as the US where if one changes accommodation, they must notify all relevant institutions that they deal with because of the inherent value in the system. “Just like they do abroad, when you are changing accommodation, you will be the one going to your bank, hospital, everywhere, you will dedicate a day in a week until you go around to everyone and inform them of the address change. “Why? There is value to where you live. That’s where your mail, pension, cheque comes. Everything attached to you comes to that address. So, there is value. We need to get to that and then no one will be needing collateral to get some minimum amount to do business.” Sekibo also observed that although the banks had pushed

Seun Bode, Managing Director, Trahusers; with Edidiong Peters, Public Affairs Specialist, Nestle Nigeria Plc; Agharese Lucia Onaghise, Executive Secretary; both of the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA); Nwamaka Onyemelukwe, Head, Public Affairs and Communications, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, also Technical Lead, FBRA; and Osifebo Olusegun, Assistant Marshal, Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC); during the World Clean Up Day commemoration at Agege Community in Lagos.

the government to some form of identity management system through the bank verification number, BVN, it has not been enough to solve the problem of the identity constraining lending in the country. “You can argue that the banks have driven the government to some identity management system through the BVN, but the problem

is that the infrastructure that will keep everybody in the homes where they live and not just change is non-existent. “People take a loan from banks and change accommodation, run away to Ibadan and you cannot find them. That must change. “But how do you do that? It is very simple. All the benefits that is allocated to you as a person, the

day you relocate like that, you are as good as dead. “Like when you live abroad, once you misbehave with your identity, you cannot bank, your credit goes bad, you cannot go to hospital and everything else goes bad and you cannot do anything. So, you have a responsibility to yourself and the country that supports you to report yourself.”

Nigeria’s company income tax amongst highest in the world, says Oyedele

igeria has one of the highest company income tax rates globally which is a disincentive for business growth, Tax leader, PwC Nigeria, Taiwo Oyedele has said. According to Oyedele, Nigeria is in the top 10 in the world, for highest income tax rate. “We pay Company Income Tax, CIT 30 percent, education tax, 2 percent, whatever is left, we pay withholding tax of 10 percent. If you add it together, it is more that 40 percent already. If you now make a mistake of

having a group and you say it’s a holding company, another 30 percent. Who does that?” he said. Speaking further, he said: “When you start a business today, there is something called commencement rule. It is supposed to punish you during commencement, so that you pay tax twice. It does not make sense.” To address this challenge, the tax expert advised that operators in the private sector should focus on demanding for removal of some of these disincentives that

affect business operations. “What I keep saying to government is that I can insist that I have a pot that is this small and I say I must get 60 percent of this pot by all means. Or I allow this pot to be big enough and then get 10 percent of it. Government must remove tax disincentives. One thing I am asking the business community is stop asking the government for incentives because they will think they are doing you a favour. Ask them to remove the disincentives that are not allowing us to do

business,” he said. He also called on the authorities to change their thinking about taxation as current approach has only made compliance difficult. He said: “Our thinking around taxation is completely upside down as a country. Nigeria does not seem to understand that you need to be prosperous so that you can pay tax. So, tax does not just fall from heaven.” “As a government, I should help you make money so that you can pay me tax. Its just common

sense. Nigeria has a tax system that does not allow businesses to thrive, whether you are small or big,” he added. He noted that “the reason Nigeria cannot make money from tax, and is not a curse, is that it continues to beat up the people at the bottom of the ladder. But they cannot give you what they don’t have. In societies where they think things logically, they focus on the top 1 percent who are the rich and big companies and they will get the desired tax result,” he said.

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 25 - Tuesday Ocotober 1, 2019

PEOPLE

ECENTLY, the Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Judicial Vicar of the Abakaliki Catholic Dioceses, Reverend Father Abraham Chukwuma Nwali Ph.D, celebrated his 25th priestly ordination anniversary. The event, which lasted for three days, took place at St. JohnPaul ll Parish, Ugwuachara Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, from 23rd to 25th August. Nwali is the Senior Special Adviser (SSA) to the state governor, David Umahi on Welfare and Religious Matters; he is a household name in the state, and that might be reason his 25th anniversary was a carnival of sorts. For the three days there was near shutdown of the capital by government officials, friends, relations, members of Catholic community and many others, who have been touched by the kindness of the Priest. The church was filled to capacity as people trooped from both within and outside the state to be part of Nwali’s priestly ordination anniversary. There were clergy, members of the State Executive Council, the judiciary, members of the state House of Assembly, youth organisations and church groups like the Catholic Women Organization (CWO), among others. Activities lined up to spice the celebration include local dance troupes, unveiling of books written by different authors in honor of Nwali, and the cutting of anniversary cakes. Umahi described Nwali as a gift to humanity. In a press statement signed by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Social Media, Emmanuel Igwe, said Nwali’s 25 years priestly service in God’s vineyard has been impactful and eventful. The governor thanked the Bishop of Abakaliki diocese, Bishop Michael Okoro, and the entire Catholic community in the state for giving him Nwali to serve in his administration. He disclosed that Nwali’s service to his administration has immensely helped him in realizing his dreams of positively affecting the lives of the poor, the sick and the less privileged citizens of the state. He added that the department of Welfare and Religion manned by Nwali had recorded uncountable heart touching testimonies from the people who had received medical treatment for different ailments, some free of charge, courtesy of his administration. Umahi admitted that, “this makes me feel fulfilled, because of the many lives that have been saved as well as many others that have been uplifted from poverty.” At the grand finale, Umahi lauded the leadership qualities of Nwali, disclosing that he appointed him Special Adviser because he had distinguished himself as a true servant of God. He maintained that the celebrant has since his ordination embarked on charitable works and care for the less privileged, the indigent and widows. Said Umahi: “Father Nwali is the conscience of the State Executive Council, because of his forthrightness in contributions to issues concerning the state at Council meetings.” In an interview, Nwali, said that the anniversary was a period of gratitude to the Almighty God for the grace and wisdom to serve in His vineyard. He said: “I feel I’m already in heaven because, for 25 years, I have been sorjourning as a man of God. In fact, it is a gracious period I must appreciate. A very long period and it had its challenges. “When I remember that I am 25 years as the priesthood, I say, thanks be to God. Thanks to our Lord Bishop, my parents and siblings, friends and relations. I also say thanks to the presbyterium,

Fr. Nwali: Twenty five years of working in God’s vineyard From Abakaliki, CHINEDU NWAFOR writes on the celebrations of the silver jubilee of the priestly ordination of the Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Judicial Vicar of the Abakaliki Catholic Dioceses, Reverend Father Abraham Chukwuma Nwali, Ph.D

•Fr. Nwali: Governor Umahi; thanks to everyone in the Ebonyi. It is simply that of gratitude.” On how he has been able to combine his work as a Priest with that of a Senior Special Adviser, he said that his success is essentially because, “we are created as humans to attend to both spiritual and social needs. “During the celebration of praises, I decided to cut two cakes: one, standing for public society and the other, standing for the Church. We all have two

parts, the soul and the body. The soul attends to our spiritual needs and the body attends to our social needs. “We usually say that life requires the interrelationship and interconnectivity between the body and the soul, showing that knowledge seeks understanding from divinity. “The combination is, “here I am Lord, I have come to do your will’. The will of God in the Church is that I serve His people in the public service. “Actually, a man of God is a public

servant. There is nothing extraordinary. The extraordinary part of it is that Government is seeking that I advice them in the public service. But I am born to serve God in serving his people. I see the combination as that of the soul and the body.” He added that his biggest achievement having sojourned in God’s vineyard for 25 years was that he was able to ask God to write his name in heaven through the services he has rendered to humanity. He noted: “Somebody asked me what the basic thing is that I have achieved. I answered like Jesus, saying, ‘I have been able to ask God that my name be written in heaven.’ “How? Some have been baptized and I am sure that they are running into thousands. Some are wedded. And I’m sure I have been able to pay the bride price of over 2000 people who would not have been married. Some have been buried and I’m sure I have given a befitting burial to some. “The sick have been relieved and healed and I’m sure I have spent up to N10b to N20b relieving the sick in the past 25 years. People have been given ophthalmological attention and I am proud to say that over 10,000 persons have been restored to good health. “I have identified with the sick, the physically challenged, the poor, the widows, etc and I can say that we have touched over 5000 religious men and women with over N500 million by empowering their ministries.” He continued: “There are three basic functions of a man of God: a teacher, a preacher and a celebrant of the sacrament, and I’m glad I am committed to the three. “I have asked God graciously to be his unworthy instrument in disseminating the gospel, in preaching salvation, in teaching the right doctrine and in celebrating the dignity of the sacrament and most importantly, always there as a mere servant.” Nwali called on religious leaders to imbibe the virtues of humility, selflessness and righteousness in the discharge of their ecclesiastical duties. He said: “When the apostles were watching Christ advice them after the resurrection, he said, ’peace be unto you. I give you what the whole world cannot give, peace.’ Again he said in John chapter 17, ’Father, that they may be one.’ The oneness of the Christendom; living a life of peace and be there to serve. Christ had said, ’I came not to be served, but to serve.’ “So, my advice is, be there for the people, serve them and do not talk about self. Talk about selflessness and God will talk about the self. But when you speak about selfishness you will see Godlessness. “Always be humble and remember that we are mere servants. We should never let it enter our heads that we are doing well, because where your integrity is, there comes your temptation. “We continue to struggle, we are partners in progress, pilgrims and we can only become successful pilgrims when we reach our destination, which is heaven.”

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 25 - Tuesday Ocotober 1, 2019

Toyosi Ogunseye: No berth yet for magic of youth mentoring in Nigeria (1) T

HE Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) was tasked to come up with capacity building programmes for its members, to improve professionalism in media practice in the nation. One time Managing Director of Champion Newspapers, Emma Agu made the call in Lagos at the biennial convention of the NGE in Lagos, April 2017. He had said that the media should encourage professionalism over trade unionism. His words: “Professionalism is the path to knowledge, respect and efficiency. To insist on trade unionism will continue to retard corporate growth, diminish individual ambition, breed quackery and erode respect. “Like the accountants, lawyers and engineers, journalists in Nigeria should go the professional way. This entails a qualifying exam, a code of conduct and a set of sanctions for breaches of the code. By extension, it is in the interest of the media to have an effective media council that serves as an arbitrator in disputes.” Agu explained that capacity building for journalists was important, so as to equip them with adequate knowledge for proper information dissemination, in order to shape the policies of government, and properly inform the public. This is part of mentorship and strengthening the profession. Emma Agu was the Managing Director and Editor in Chief of Champion Newspapers when I sauntered into his office from Amanuke, Awka North Local Government Area. That was 2005. Some ruffians in the name of religion were burning Churches for only God knows why and I challenged them on why such acts, unknown to me that religion isn’t same in the South as in the North. If I had ten others in my exuberance then, we would have countered them. I lost my job opportunities. I left Dutse, Jigawa State midnight because it might result in something tragic. At the young age, I was already Editor/Chairman of The Rock Newspaper Editorial Board and Acting Public Relations Officer of the Diocese of Dutse. Then Bishop of Dutse diocese, Anglican Communion, Right Reverend Yesufu Lumu was satisfied with my services and even planned to ordain me a priest. But, I lost that to some few outspoken fanatics, who believed not in one Nigeria. They took advantage, ruining people’s life and burning Churches over nothing. Religious intolerance at its peak. Desperate for a new job, I applied for a position in some places in Lagos. None called me for an interview. I left for Lagos to find out from the offices if possible on why I was not invited though there was no specific advertisement I saw when I applied. but Champion Newspapers, already ending the next day. It was not this era things are easier and cheaper to catch up with deadlines. Champion did not invite me because I didn’t do when advertised but applied through their address at the folio. As strange as it sounded, I headed to Lagos, determined to come home with a job. Luckily, I got three offers at same time, but I chose Champion. The day I visited Champion coincidentally was the day they had the interview and it was over by the time I arrived the office. But, before that, my host in Lagos made mockery of me over my daring attitude of leaving East to come to the West hoping to get a job. That discouraged me but I didn’t relent. I told my host I will get a job. It happened that way. Agu, after a thrilling encounter with me, called the then Executive Director Publications, Ugo Onuoha who later became MD/EiC to interview me. God being kind, I was a voracious reader for the fun of it, even though not committing anything to mind. But at the interview, all I read came to play a big role. I was asked to name at least 20 Governors and their right titles among other questions. At the interview, my certificate in French did its magic as one of the panellists saw it and started speaking French to me. I was still in my element and my mouth clattered as if the language was mine. He was impressed, so were others. I got the placement to be Awka correspondent from where I grew to become the State Correspondent of Champion newspapers in 2008. I recall with nostalgia great moments in Champion with Seyi Fasugba as the Editor, Group News Editor Thomas Imonikhet , and the Editors of the stables Justus Nwakama, Luke Okoro and Rose Moses. Iheanacho Nwosu, now Editor of

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

•Toyosi Ogunseye

The Sun was my Political Editor, while Charles Abbah of the Punch was on Education desk. And a host of others. Later Sam Ibemere rose to become the Managing Director. Before Champion Newspapers, Anambra State Broadcasting Service (ABS) Awka moulded me, energized me, formed me, and opened my eyes in what the rudiments of broadcasting and news gathering was all about. And, when I ventured into print media, the rudiments remained same with little variations depending on house style and medium. I remain eternally grateful to reporters and Editors of ABS, Awka. I honed my journalistic skills at ABS, Awka. My good, bad and ugly experiences in ABS Awka is a story for another day. I still relate with the Publishers daughter and our overall boss in the organization, Lady Nwadiuto Iwuanyanwu and almost all others several years after. There is nothing like Champion Newspapers. It remained the best newspaper ever to work with. Whatever I am today is Champion Newspapers. It made me. It changed my history because the editors supported me without qualms. I roared like a lion. Ugo Onuoha told me that I was the MD/EiC in Anambra State and I should carry myself thus. Why did he say so? I told him that then Governor Peter Obi wanted to see MD’s. After that call, I became more responsible for my organization and I never disappointed. The only minus was at Champion newspapers, nobody was interested in compiling the works of journalists for awards, especially those from outside station. I would have won some. And 14 years after, Agu may have forgotten but I remember and still relate with him. Between that time and now I have worked in more than six newspapers of National appeal and others to become a Regional Editor in the last 4 years. In between, I have had some low moments and joyful moments. The greatest in-

justice was when I lost my job with the Nation Newspaper as my by-line appeared as lead story with over two pages inside in Sun Newspaper, shortly after Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano assumed duties. Let me not bore you with the Federal Polytechnic Oko connection, village (Awka North) people and fate, a story for another day. The injustice was lack of fair hearing. Journalists still share stories today. Don’t they? Chika Abanobi, Associate Editor of The Sun then, who handled the piece probably mistook me for my vibrant younger brother doing the Sun proud. He won the future writer of the year of Promasidor Quill awards within that era or so. Gbenga Omotosho now Information Commissioner in Lagos State was my Editor then. Victor Ifijeh was my MD/EiC. He insisted I must go. Former Governor of Anambra, Peter Obi, Obiano, and others intervened but to no avail. Joe Martins Uzodike was briefing me as well as Val Obienyem. Kasie Abonne was told pointedly by Simon Kolawole, a former editor of This Day newspapers, Nigeria and founder of Cable Newspaper online that it was a bad case. That ended the era. I bear no grudges against anyone because that sack was a huge blessing today in retrospect. I have moved on bigger and better. There are people I am indebted to in my career, but I shall spare them a mention now. A future write up shall dwell on them because the cookies are yet to mature, and life is memorable when you have loved ones around. Are you part of my success story? Hold your breath for I surely shall name you. As an intending member of Nigeria Guild of Editors, I was in Port Harcourt for the AGM during the 12th edition of 2016 All Nigerian Editors Conference, ANEC, organized by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), I met Ifijeh, we exchanged banters, even when I knew he must have forgotten me and I explained myself. We

laughed it off and I moved on to connect with more Editors. I met Funke Egbemode, the NGE President and we had a brief chat though she had a tight schedule to listen to why I wanted a chat with her, but she gave me another option for us to see. I failed as I ran out of cash. I ran back to Awka. Later, I called her, but her calls rang severally but she was not picking. Texts sent but no reply. The calls were never returned. I gave up. At the same, I met a social friend and MD of Sun by that year Eric Osagie, but he gave me an attitude of a low ranking personality while searching for attention of other considered personalities. Let me not tell you other big shots who gave me audience even if it ended there. I applied for membership over two years now without a response on whether rejected or accepted through the Vice President SouthSouth/South-East. Who is a better role model? Who could I say is my mentor? So many names came to mind but ABS Awka stood out. Looking back, I have not been stable in the last five years due to man’s inhumanity to man, but, I have over 50 student journalists I have mentored and 20 of them are doing great in the field today, some greater than myself. But, I moved on and to the glory of God, I have repositioned myself for higher responsibilities now than ever. My story is just a little illustration of how one could be given a helping hand and he or she blossoms. That’s why I am presenting the story of Toyosi Ogunseye, BBC West Africa Head and Multiple Awards winner as a perfect example of what journalists and media men should do to one another. But, the opposite appears to be the case as there is so much back biting and witch hunting in the media. If it is not lack of salary, it is frustration by your superiors by killing your stories unnecessarily. Some editors brag that it is their duty to kill your stories, and reporters or correspondents’ duty to fill them in for slaughter. Do, if they fail in their duties for the newspaper, but not out of mischief or wickedness. Some award winning stories were knocked out of shape by wicked superiors, while human and understanding superiors improve on works to enable it stand a chance at award ceremonies. But, Toyosi a former Thomson Foundation Young Journalist Award finalist was lucky as she confessed to work where she was not only paid but supported all through even pleaded to file a story or have her assisted with story line. Reading her interview in Explore of Sunday Sun Newspaper August 11, 2019 brought goose pimples all over me. She started contributing to Punch while still a student and had a meteoric rise to the top in Journalism to become Editor Sunday Punch from where she was elevated as Head of language services at BBC World Service West Africa. And today she is the Vice President of World Editors Forum (WEF). Wait for Toyosi Ogunseye’s mentors unmasked.an 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 buy-in 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.

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 25 - Tuesday Ocotober 1, 2019

Crime

Lagos police arrest 40 armed robbers, 29 cultists, 19 murder suspects in one month Stories by VICTOR NZE

agos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Zubairu Muazu on Monday said that the State Police Command arrested 40 armed robbery suspects, 29 suspected cultists, and 19 suspects for murder in the last one month. Muazu who disclosed this to newsmen during a news conference at Ikeja in Lagos, said that the state had witnessed a reduction in violent crimes over the last few months as a result of the robust crime prevention strategies put in place by the command. “I appreciate Lagosians for their supports to the command in terms of providing us with credible information on criminal activities. I also thank the media houses for their supports and contributions. Together, we will continue to make Lagos State safe for everyone,” he said. The CP said that seven dismissed soldiers who used to operate in military uniforms around Ijegun and its environs in Ipaja area of the state had been arrested for armed robbery. “In February, a commuter who was travelling from Ibadan to Ijegun in Baruwa Estate in Ipaja area of the state was accosted and dispossessed of his black Lexus car RX330 at gun point by the dismissed soldiers. “Members of the SARS operatives apprehended members of the gang who were alleged to be fond of operating around Ijegun in Baruwa Estate, Ipaja, Iyana-Paja, Ishashi and Ikotun areas of Lagos,” he said. Muazu identified them as: Ndidi

Oluchukwu, 30, Owolabi Adeyemo, 42, David Olufemi, 47, Samuel Iseyin, 41, Emeka Ibeh, 29, Samuel Anochime, 36, and Stephen Ebedot, 27. He said that items recovered from them include: 12 pairs of military camouflage uniforms, two cutlasses, ATM cards, military ID cards, jack knives, female pants and a local ring. “The suspects have confessed to be responsible for a series of robberies within Ijegun and its envi-

rons and will be charged to court,” he said. The CP also said that 11 notorious traffic robbery suspects who specialise in snatching phones, money and other valuables during traffic gridlocks from unsuspecting members of the public had also been arrested. Muazu said that they confessed to be members of ‘Eiye’ Confraternity and also confessed to be responsible for a series of robberies at traffic points and other areas of

the state. “Investigations revealed that one Ahmed Oyebode, a suspected cultist and a motorcycle operator used to give his bike out for robbery operations and used to receive stolen phones and cash derived from such operations as his reward. “One Seyi Ogundele and Ogunmola Akintayo are also well known leaders of the `Eiye’ cult in Ejigbo. ”The suspects will be charged to court,” he said.

FCT safe, secure –IGP

nspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Mohammed Adamu, has stated that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is ‘safe, secure and not under any form of siege.’ According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Abuja, Mr Frank Mba, nthe clarification became necessary following recent speculations in sections of the media, ‘particularly the Social Media, of an upsurge in crime rate within and around the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.’ While observing that, like other climes across the world, the country has its security challenges, the IGP however notes that a comprehensive analysis of crime statistics on major cities across the world would reveal that Abuja has one of the lowest crime rates and remains indisputably one of the safest capital cities in the world. The IGP further observed that the Federal Capital Territory Police Command ‘has a robust anti-crime architecture which is continually rejigged to effectively tackle prevailing and emerging crimes.’ Adamu, however, enjoined ‘all law-abiding citizens and visitors alike to go about their lawful endeavours without any fear or apprehension.’

•(From left): Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Mustapha Dandaura with the alleged serial killer, Gracious David West in Port Harcourt, Thursday

‘DSS has no official twitter handle’

he Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday said it does not own, use or operate any official twitter handles and therefore, urged Nigerians to disregard twitter messages linked to the service. Public Relations Officer of the service, Dr Peter Afunanya, who disclosed this in a statement in Abuja, said the attention of the service had been drawn to messages on social media, claimed to have emanated from the official twitter handles of of the service. “The Service, therefore, disowns the ones, notably DSS 255 and DSS_NG_, currently in circulation. “These twitter handles which also bear the Service’s symbols are not only fake but designed by their creators to deceive, misinform and defraud unsuspecting persons.

“It is also believed that such handles were desperately created by subversive elements to spread fake news and falsehood,” he said. Afunanya, therefore, urged the public to disregard the twitter han-

dles and any message(s) emanating from them. He, however, added that a detailed investigation had begun to ensure that the suspects were apprehended and prosecuted.

Finally, police nab Port Harcourt serial killer The notorious serial killer, Gracious David West was, Thursday, September 19, 2019, arrested by the Police in Rivers. The 26-year old killer from Buguma local government area of Rivers State, who is also a member of the Degbam cult group was arrested along East-West Road enroute to Uyo from Port Harcourt.

He has since made useful statements to the Police. Investigation is on with a view to ascertaining his motives and possible accomplices. The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Mustapha Dandaura, confirmed the arrest in his briefing to the media on this significant Police breakthrough, Friday.

Items recovered by the police from the suspects

he CP also said that two locallymade double barrel guns with six live cartridges, two pump action guns, two double barrel guns and three single barrel guns with 14 cartridges had been recovered from nine armed robbery suspects. He said that the suspects used to operate around Bariga areas of Lagos state , robbing passers-by of their valuables. “The suspects include: Jamiu Sanni, 27, a.k.a. ‘Satban’, Idowu Omorodiom, 29, a.k.a. ‘Sugar’, Aliu Mukaila, 15, Monsuru Kilani, 39, a.k.a ‘Siro’ and Azeez Quyum, 21, a.k.a ‘Falapa’,” he said. Muazu said that the suspects had confessed to be members of the Èiye’ confraternity that used to terrorise Bariga and Oworonshoki areas of Lagos state. He added they would be charged to court. The CP also said that the ring leader of Àwawa’ Boys, Toby Akinbayo, a.k.a. ‘Scorpion’ had been arrested by the operatives of ‘Operation Crush’ attached to Area ‘G’ Command, Ogba. “Akinbayo is the most dreaded in the hierarchy of cult leaders and his gang is responsible for a series of violent crimes and social disorders in the state. ”Particularly, they operate around Agege, Dopemu, Elere, Ijaye-Ojokoro, Alakuko, Pen Cinema, Abattoir and Oko-Oba areas of Lagos State. Two other members of the gang have also been arrested. The suspects will be charged to court,” he said. Muazu also said that three suspects, two men and a lady who specialise in blackmail had been arrested by the Nigeria Police Force. He said that one Aspita Mercy, Jonathan Ukonues and Emmanuella Ozeegi were arrested in connection with blackmailing their victims and dispossessing them of their valuables. “Their modus operandi involves using the lady to lure married men to hotels where video clips of their mischievous acts will be taken and used to threaten their victims. The suspects have confessed to the commission of the crime and will be charged to court,” Muazu said. Earlier, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bala Elkana, in a statement had said that eight cultists alleged to have set ablaze Chukuma Hotel by Babashola Street, Itire, had been arrested. Elkana said that investigation conducted by the police had revealed that the fire was caused by some members of Èiye’ and Àiye’ Confraternities that clashed at a drinking joint in the hotel. “Trouble started when a hot argument ensued between members of the two rival gangs in the joint over a lady. The son of the owner of the hotel, who is now at large was said to have stabbed a member of a rival gang identified as Aliu Lamidi, 29, on the neck. “The victim was rushed to a hospital where he eventually died,” the DSP said. Elkana said in the statement that security had been beefed up around the affected area. He said that investigation was ongoing and the suspects would be charged to court after the police would have concluded its investigations.

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 25 - Tuesday Ocotober 1, 2019

CRIME

‘We’ve only made about $4,000 from cyber fraud’ – Uyo Facebook hackers confess

yo Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Monday, arrested six suspected internet fraudsters, who specialize in hacking into Facebook accounts of unsuspecting victims and defraud persons in the compromised accounts’ contact list. They were arrested in a two-bedroom apartment, located on No. 54 Church Road, Off Calabar Itu Expressway, Uyo, in Akwa Ibom State, following intelligence report on their nefarious activities. The all-male suspects are: Lawrence Nnamdi-Mba Ebesike; Prince E. Udeh; Chijioke Victor; Promise Odimba; Ugbor Ifeanyi and Prince Anthony, all within 22 and 29 years age bracket.

Police recover weapons from 2 suspects arrested in Lagos

mota Police Station in Ikorodu area of Lagos State has recovered two battle axes and a knife from two suspects: Emmanuel Chinonso, 21, and Thomas Israel, 20, also suspected to be members of the ‘Eiye’ Confraternity. This is contained in a press statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), DSP Bala Elkana, and made available to newsmen in Lagos on Sunday. Elkana said that the Imota Police Station on Friday evening received information from a reliable source that some cultists on Police wanted -list were sighted in Igbalu community. “Operatives of Operation Crush attached to the division were promptly deployed in the area and arrested two suspects namely: Emmanuel Chinonso and Thomas Israel. “Two battle axes, a knife and one beret belonging to ‘Eiye’ Confraternity were found on the suspects who confessed to being members of the confraternity. “They said that their gang had been responsible for a series of violent attacks recorded in Imota ,” Elkana said. The DSP also said that seven additional suspects were arrested between Sept.6 and Sept.8. According to him, they are: Ariyo Omonuga, 25, Oyerinde Omoniyi, 23, Adelaja Opeyemi, 28, Hassan Babatunde, 26, Sodiq Babatunde, 24, Sodiq Oladire, 22 and Shakiru Liasu, 18. “Investigation is ongoing and the suspects will be charged to court,” he said. Elkana also said that the Bariga Police Station had arrested one Francis Aiyekomologbon of No. 10, Olatunji St., Bariga, Lagos State, for robbing one Mr Damilare Ismaila of No. 17, Jebba St., Bariga, of his Samsung Phone. The DSP also said that one Daniel Okorie, 29, was arrested at No. 13, Olarewaju St., Akoka for attempting to steal one white Vanagon bus parked in the house by one Mr Tolu Onyenusi. “The suspects confessed to the command of the crimes. Investigation is ongoing and suspects will be charged to court,” Elkana said.

During interrogation, the suspects said the apartment which served as their home and office was rented by their leader, Ebesike, adding that they have only made about $4,000 from cyber fraud. Ebesike who claimed to be a musician with the stage name “Lawre Blue” confessed to the crime and gave a detailed account of how they carry out their operations on Facebook. “I am into internet fraud. Part of how I operate is that I edit Facebook accounts, go to Google and search for pictures of United States military personnel. I download some of these pictures and put them on my fake Facebook accounts. “After doing that, I target foreigners, mostly old white women who are in need of men. I stay online all day trying to befriend them. After convincing them, I will make them apply for my leave so that I can see them,” Ebesike confessed. He further revealed that the syndicate has a US-based partner, named Benjamin Best, who he said provides them with the account where

their victims make payments into. “After convincing my victims, Benjamin will provide an account for me to give them to pay the money into. He usually takes his commission before sending mine to me,” he said. Ifeanyi, who was caught inside a wardrobe with his laptop is an undergraduate of the Abia State University, said he was introduced to Ebesike by Udeh, who is one of the arrested suspects. According to Ifeanyi: “After hacking into a Facebook account, I edit it to a white military man’s account and start adding many white women and gradually make them fall in love with me. “After two weeks, I will tell them to apply for a vacation for me so that I can leave the camp and visit them. I also make them send me money. I have hacked one A. Harifat’s account and impersonated one T. Jesus,” he said. Udeh, Victor, Odimba and Anthony equally gave similar accounts and that they were all trained by Ebesike. Anthony was caught while attempting to hide his laptop in the

water cistern of their toilet. Items recovered from them are: Six laptops, 12 sophisticated mobile phones, one International Passport, four Airtel Sim packs, three MTN Sim packs, two Glo Sim packs and one Smile router and two internet modems. A statement by Mr. Wilson Uwujaren Head, Media and Publicity, EFCC, said the suspects ‘will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.’ Meanwhile, the Abuja Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has recovered the sum of N423, 006,987.92 million; $39,253; €2,330 between January and August , this year, from cybercrimes suspects. This was disclosed by the Acting Chairman of the Commission, Ibrahim Mustapha Magu who spoke through the Head of the Abuja Office, Aminu Ado Aliyu, at a press briefing in Abuja, last Tuesday. Aliyu disclosed that the zone was also focusing on cybercrime through intelligence gathering and collaboration with other agencies across the world.

“Prior to the release of the FBI list, we had in collaboration with the FBI, cases under investigation of which 2 suspects indicted in the list released by the FBI are in our custody. On the other hand, another suspect on the list is being investigated independently on a different case and his case is pending arraignment,” said Aliyu. Two of the suspects, Chika Augustine and Godspower Nwachukwu, were arrested in Abuja and $35,000 has been recovered from one of them (Chika Augustine). The Zonal Head disclosed that 33 convictions have been secured from January 2019 till date; 293 arrests have made and over 465 cases are currently under investigation. He further warned that the modus operandi of these criminals include and not limited to love scams, email phishing, identity theft and fraudulent bitcoin and crypto currency sales. Aliyu also cautioned the public against the prevalence of fraudulent bitcoin sales seeing that it is on the rise.

•Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu playing host to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Muhammed Adamu, who led his team to the Governor’s Office, Alausa, Ikeja on a courtesy visit, last weekend

Navy nabs 12 suspects for smuggling 1,072 bags of contraband rice From INI BILLIE, Uyo

he Nigerian Navy, operating in Akwa Ibom State, has apprehended 12 suspects for smuggling 1,072 bags of 50kg rice. The Commanding Officer, Forward Operating Base, Ibaka, Mbo local government area, Captain Peter Yilme, said the arrests were made in two different operations, and that the Navy is determined to end smuggling on the water ways. During the hand-over of the items to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Tuesday in Ibaka, Yilme said that two wooden boats were also seized from the suspects and that the Navy will take the fight against smuggling

to the communities. He explained that the Navy will liaise with the communities on the possibility of fishing out the smugglers before they venture into the sea for the illegal trade. The Commanding Officer, who was represented at the hand over by Lieutenant Commander Kabiru Yusuf, Base Operations Officer, FOB, said the two arrests involved eight suspects with 536 bags of rice, and four suspects with another 536 bags of rice. He said, “the wooden boats along with its 12 crew were arrested at about 0345 and 2230 hours on September 21, 2019 during a routine patrol by the Navy gunboats.”

The Deputy Superintendent of Nigeria Customs Service, Alabi, Adedokun commended the Navy for the cooperation existing between them. Two of the suspects, a Cameroonian Pastor, Samuel Gregory with Hope of Assurance in Christ Ministry International, and a Malian, Amadu Bello Jalo said they were innocent of the crime as they were only passengers on the boats. Gregory said, “I came from Cameroon to attend a programme in Nigeria organised by Prophet Omotola Jeremiah in Owerri. I never knew the boat I was entering carried some illegal goods. I only found out when we landed off shore that the boat was carrying some illegal

goods. This is my first time of coming to Nigeria.” Amadu Bello Jalo, a Malian carpenter in Cameroon said he was on his way to Mali to visit his sick mother and had to pass through Nigeria, adding that he boarded the apprehended boat because he did not have enough money to take a speed boat. He said, “I was told that the fare is 20,000 CFA but since I didn’t have the money, the man said he would put me on a boat If I gave him 10,000 CFA. I did and he put me into the boat carrying illegal rice. I did not know that it was a crime to carry rice and that the rice was smuggled.”

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 25 – Tuesday October 1, 2019

Love and Living

...With Ireto Temofeh

MODEL OF THE WEEK

LOVE NEWS

Millionaire landowner, 94, leaves NOTHING of his £1.5m fortune to his partner of 42 years only for judge to overturn his wishes and give her a £225,000 cottage and cash anyway

Name: Edna Tel: 0816 633 9597 If you want to be our next Model of The Week, e-mail or forward your photos/data to: ireto007@yahoo.com. Call 07031028714

n elderly Pembrokeshire woman who was left nothing in her millionaire partner’s will has been saved from poverty by a senior judge. Joan Thompson, 79, lived with Amroth landowner Wynford Hodge for 42 years before his death, aged 94, in 2017. Mr Hodge, who owned Parsonage Farm and Caravan Park, along with land and other properties, was worth over £1.5 million when he died. But he left Mrs Thompson without a penny, instead bequeathing everything to two of his tenants who had been kind to him in his final years. In a letter attached to his will, Mr Hodge was adamant that he did not want Joan or her four children to inherit any of his fortune. Describing Joan as ‘financially comfortable’, he said she had ‘her own finances’ and would have no need of his money. But Judge Milwyn Jarman said that was a ‘mistake’ and Mrs Thompson had in fact been left with only modest savings of about £2,500. Reluctantly living on benefits in a nursing home, she wanted to return to the family estate where she had friends on the caravan park. Now, in an extremely rare decision, Judge Jarman has ruled that Mr Hodge failed to match up to his responsibilities to his long-term partner. And he effectively re-wrote the wealthy businessman’s will by awarding Mrs Thompson a cottage on the estate worth £225,000. She will also receive almost £190,000 in cash to pay for the cottage’s refurbishment and to provide her with reasonable financial

support. Mr Hodge, who suffered from prostate cancer, made more than 10 wills before his death, the High Court in Cardiff heard. In hospital shortly before he died, he told Mrs Thompson ‘not to worry as she would be well looked after’, said the judge. But, in the last will he signed in December 2016, Mr Hodge left everything he had to tenants, Karla Evans and Agon Berisha. Working as subsistence market gardeners and on the caravan park, the kindly couple became instant millionaires on Mr Hodge’s death. Parents of two young children, they rented a house called Penffordd, in Narbeth, from Mr Hodge, doing unpaid errands for him and helping him with his shopping. But, when asked, Ms Evans said she didn’t want to be a millionaire and would be happy with an annual holiday and enough money to bring up her kids. Judge Jarman said that, even after his ruling, the couple would receive ‘by far the major part’ of Mr Hodge’s seven-figure estate. But the landowner’s belief that Mrs Thompson would need no financial support after his death was simply a ‘mistake’, he said. She and her son, Dean, then a young boy, moved into a caravan at Parsonage Farm in the 1970s and into the farmhouse with Mr Hodge soon afterwards. She worked on the farm and on the caravan site without pay and helped care for Mr Hodge’s mother, said the judge. They were together for over 40 years and, after Mr Hodge’s health began to fail, she acted as his main carer.

ODD NEWS

Prostate test ‘breakthrough’ in NHS trial biopsy, ultrasound images with 3D MRI scans are used to target areas for taking tissue samples. The NHS claims the technique virtually eliminates the threat of sepsis. ‘Encouraging breakthrough’ The new technique is being trialled at Charing Cross Hospital, Epsom Hospital and Queen Mary’s Hospital in Roehampton, where about 5,000 men will be tested over the next two years. Imperial College London chairman of urology Professor Hashim Ahmed said: “Fast access to high-quality prostate MRI allows many men to avoid

state-of-the-art MRI scan could reduce a man’s prostate cancer diagnosis by weeks The NHS plans to cut prostate cancer diagnosis times from six weeks to a matter of days, NHS England has said. Currently a test for men with

invasive biopsies as well as allowing precision biopsy in those men requiring it to find high risk tumours much earlier.” “What we are hoping to do is show the NHS that this can be done, that it can be done cost-effectively and that we can improve the outcomes for men in a much better way than we were doing.” Mr Stevens said: “This is an encouraging breakthrough in prostate cancer diagnosis that is genuinely world-leading. “While still early days, the potential benefit to men with suspected cancer is significant.”

Romantic Joke prostate cancer requires an MRI scan and a biopsy where a dozen samples are taken, requiring multiple hospital visits. But a new “one-stop” service will be trialled in three west London hospitals which hopes to complete all the necessary tests in one day.

NHS England CEO Simon Stevens said the programme was “world-leading”. A new MRI scan, known as an mpMRI, provides higher quality imagery and provides up to 40% of patients with a a same day diagnosis. For people who need a

Social Security Office

An old man goes into the Social Security Office and fills out an application. Too old to have a birth certificate, he is asked to prove he is old enough. He opens his shirt and shows them the gray hair on his chest and they accept that as proof. He goes home to his wife, shows her the check, and explains to her what has happened. She replies, “Well get back down there, pull down your pants, and see if you can get disability!”

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 25 – Tuesday October 1, 2019

True Confession

Hold my hand and fly with me, Let us share these wings of love, And paint the skies the colour of passion.

y name is Grace. Ten years ago, I was at the University of Ibadan. My best friend, Bunmi, asked me to go on a double date with her and I agreed. I agreed because she was always dating older men for money although she had a boyfriend on campus, and she had put me under so much pressure to do likewise. So before the outing, I took my time to prepare very well so that I would look as sweet and sexy as possible to any man who looked my way. I hated miniskirts because I felt they debased womanhood by exposing the thighs of a woman who ought to keep herself for her husband’s eyes alone. However, because I needed more cash than loving at the time, I knew I had to let go of my high moral standing. After all, they say that a woman stoops to conquer. So I had to morally stoop, as it were, in order to get what I want. You can describe my reasoning as twisted but the fact is that I was really desperate for money at that time and was willing to double date or to put it plainly, to even sell my body if only I would get enough money to meet my needs, which indeed were many. We went out that night and it turned out to be a different night. The big man that my girlfriend was interested in was interested in me. So Bunmi had to go with another man that she wasn’t interested in. From the look in her eyes, I knew that she was jealous of

‘I married my friend’s ex and I have no regrets’ Dave really liked my girlfriend Bunmi, but she was a gold digger and was just using him. She was always asking him for money and he was always hurt and upset about the way my best friend treated him. Finally, Bunmi broke up with Dave and moved to Abuja. me and I decided not to go out with her ever again. Later on when we had returned to school, her boyfriend Dave came to see her. He asked her where she had been the previous night and she lied to him. I didn’t know how to lie because I pitied Dave since I could see that he loved Bunmi so much. So I took him aside privately and confessed to him that we had gone to visit some old sugar daddies. Dave really liked my girlfriend Bunmi, but she was a gold digger and was just using him. She was always asking him for money and he was always hurt and upset about the way my best friend treated him. Finally, Bunmi broke up with Dave

and moved to Abuja. But occasionally, I would chat with Dave on phone and still maintained contact with him. In 2004 I realized I had a lot of feelings for Dave but I was in a relationship and he was in another relationship as well. I didn’t want to destroy his relationship because I thought he was happy. I also didn’t want to risk losing his friendship if I told him how I felt. I kept it all secret and made little jokes about how I felt to him, never letting him know how I really felt. I broke up with my boyfriend in 2005 and moved back to Ibadan to continue schooling. I told Dave I was back at Ibadan and he promised to visit me. At Ibadan, I refused to live in the same

room off campus with any promiscuous female student because what they were doing was affecting my safety. She could go out and bring home men from the bar when her boyfriend was not around. I hated lying to anybody’s boyfriend because I was really against cheating. So I lived with a Christian sister. When Dave came to visit me, we had fun for a week but one night changed everything. We went out to a club. Then we went dancing on the floor and I realized we were both alike. We both danced the same way and loved it. It is rare to find some one like that. My feelings welled up inside of me. I wanted to give Dave a simple kiss on the cheek and as I did that, he moved his head and we kissed. I confessed to him that night that I have always loved him. He was not surprised. We went to his hotel room that night with passion on our minds. We made love that night and almost everyday after that. Within one month he took me to see his parents and they approved of our getting married. Now we are happily married with three kids.

Do you have a story or comment about this confession? Call 07031028714.

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 25 – Tuesday October 1, 2019

It happened to me:

My husband had an affair with my Dad!! I’m a 28-year-old woman, my husband’s 32, and we have two children, a four-year-old son and a two-year-old toddler. A few months ago my husband began receiving suggestive text messages from someone claiming they were having an affair with him. I asked him outright if there was anything going on, but he denied it. However he kept getting these sexually suggestive texts and had recently began buying new shirts and t-shirts, having his chest waxed, and even going to the tanning salons and becoming obsessed with going the gym. He even had his teeth whitened... and spent all his time looking good and ignoring me. I asked him why he was having all this treatment, and he said it was to look good for me. However, we haven’t had sex very much at all, he refuses it most times I initiate it, when we do have sex he wants to stop after 15 minutes. He’s also been coming home late from work as well too, he claimed he had a lot of work to do but we don’t seem to have much extra money coming in. I hired a private investigator to find out if he was cheating on me or not as he had been coming home late from work regularly. The private investigator carried out his investigation over the next few weeks, and when I got the results last Friday, I was shocked. The private investigator told me he’d seen my husband driving to the gay area of town, with another guy a lot older than him, and had heard their

“I feel disgusted and sick to the stomach. The two men closest to me in my life having an affair with each other - it makes me want to throw up and when I think about it, I just feel angry, upset and disgusted.” conversations too - he showed me the footage and photos he’d got of them. I was disgusted by what I saw - pictures of my husband and this man kissing in a car park, and footage of them getting into gay clubs, and even bar-hopping around Canal Street (people in the UK will know where I mean). The private investigator told me he’d heard my husband saying to the guy “Let’s leave our wives and get together, our wives are boring pieces of sh*te! Well, we’ve been doing this for a year and a half now, and no-one’s noticed, heh heh!” and the other man saying “Well, that’s OK, because I’m dumping the wife for you anyway, and I’ve bought us a nice new riverside flat! Let’s dump

our loser wives and get together!!” and then the conversation got more explicit, apparently with references to them having had sex together frequently. I was stunned to see who the other man was, and asked if I recognized him - which I did - the other man in the photo was my dad. I feel disgusted knowing about my dad’s secret life. I thank the private eye for bringing it to my attention. At least now I know why my husband was so obsessed with his looks. I feel disgusted and sick to the stomach. The two men closest to me in my life having an affair with each other it makes me want to throw up and when I think about it, I just feel angry, upset and

disgusted. My husband’s now away on a training course with work for 3 weeks, how should I deal with this when he returns?? I also haven’t seen my dad for a few weeks either as well. How do I tell my mum about it?? This whole situation’s making me feel upset and worried. I can’t cope, and I feel stressed. I haven’t seen my husband or my Dad since Christmas... What do I do?? Where do I go next?? Please help me.

Do you have a story or comment about this confession? Call 07031028714.

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 25 – Tuesday October 1, 2019

With Douglas Omoyooma ENTERTAINMENT Omowunmi Dada, Actress

Marriage can’t stop me from acting

mowunmi Dada wears many hats. She is an actress, TV presenter and model. Undoubtedly one of the emerging faces in Nollywood, the thespuan has starred in movies like Somehwere in the Dark. In this chat with Oracle Today, the indigene of Ogun State and graduate of the University of Lagos opens up on career and other interesting issues. A smile melts her oval face as she begins displaying a perfect set of white teeth as she waves her head vigorously asserting that not even marriage coykd come between her and her acting career. “No! Don’t even rethink asking the question agaain. I want to be old and grey still acting because it is what I love; it gives me fufilment.” Which has been her most challenging role ever? A gkow comes over her as she responds: “That must be Moremi where I acted the role of a boxer. I had to go train like boxers do for like two months. “And then I just did Omoture courtesy Ebonylife TV. It is not out yet. I had to do research on the role. When the private screening was done, I saw a lot people crying and I was so happy. I don’t run away from challenges and hard work.” In the beginning From humble beginnings presenting a kiddies programme on NTA, Omowunmi DadA aside acting has also found relative success as a model and TV presenter. And there is no gainsaying it, she is ine of the emerging faces in Nollywood. How did acting begin for her? She smiles broadly as she responds: “The early days were rouugh! Had to attend lots of auditions. You can’t become a star in a day. You must pay your price and no matter how challenging, enjoy the process because it hones your skills and opens up platforms for networking and this are the things that make you a professional. “You must be diligent. I gave me this advice a long time ago and I have always strived to give my best at every point in time.” What was the title of her first movie and what movie does she think brought her to the limelight? “My first movie ever was an epic, Oya. Talking about the movie that brought me to limelight? It depends. Some people would say it is Kinky Afolayan or Omugo, while others will say it is Somewhere in the Dark. Again some would say it is an Mnet soap on which I featured but the truth is, so many people are yet to know me and that is the truth. “That is why I need to constantly give my best in all that I do. I feel appreciated and honoured for all the jobs I have done so far.” Which does she prefer, TV presenting or acting? “I am an all round act. I can do any perfectly. There is this saying that those who study Theatre Arts are better in role interpretation compared to the ‘I found myself in here group.’ Well, there is training and training is key. “No matter whatever you have to do as an actor, you can’t run away from training. You can’t just wake up and jump into what you are not trained for. In every profession, there is talent and you surely have to be well trained to be effective. “We have a lot of people who studied Theater Arts but are now in banking halls thriving. For someone like me, my passion is key. If I am at home and I am not working or on set, my spirit becomes restless.”

What influenes her choice of roles? “First things first, the storyline is very important. I try to figure out those that will learn from my role. It is not just all about get entertained. “If I don’t really believe in the character I am offered I dont do it. Most times it doesn’t really have to be lead; it could be a very minor but also very informative and didactic role. Like I always say, no character is small. I look out for stuff like ‘is the character believable?’ There is no small role, only small actors.” Role models “That should be Tina Mba. She is very professional and disciplined and I love the way she handles her private life. I love that because I am also a private person. Most times I love to drop Omowumi at home and project my professional self for the sake of my job and fans. Secret to success “I always say that in whatever you do, always give your best. Sometimes it only takes one scene for someone to notice your skills and that could land you a referral for projects you never imagined your entire life. Always remember, your success is in the hands of God and you.”

“...Always remember, your success is in the hands of God and you.”

The Oracle Today Wednesday September 25 – Tuesday October 1, 2019

Entertainment

Royal Hugs Empire Surprises is all about making people happy –Deborah Oyesanya, social media influencer

Majek Fashek: Wanted dead than alive? Majek Fashek By MIKE ASUQUO

t’s just some odd hours ago that Prof Pat Utomi wrote about reading his obituaries several (if not many) times over! Then Yemi Emiko broke the news about the passage of indigenous reggae icon MAJEK FASHEK! Only for the news to be controverted and YEMI reacted with a quip - “Yea my brother. Dead now or not, Majek Fashek is already dead”. The video that made the round on the platform early in the day show a Majek that was more a living dead - at least, physically! The rousing chants and lofty percussions, the vibrant and vigorous dance routines and the near angelic handsomeness reminiscent of Majek the reggae star dimmed from the stage a long time ago! All the dear fans of this Nigerian musical icon and export were left with were only memories of a greatness now flying at half staff! I recall a personal experience at the Sheraton Hotel at Ikeja, Lagos some years ago when Majek was prevented from going into the lobby of the

hotel! Yes, the great Majek being turned back from his once regular jaunt! Yes, the great Majek- by then had fallen off his famed high horse with virtually nothing to break to his fall! In retreat from the hotel, Majek was spewing epithets and abuses - but helpless. We could only decipher the once iconic voice trailing off with “F-ck you, f-ck you”! The refusal to allow Majek into the hotel that day was final! Few celebrities in Nigeria would garner as much public sympathy as Majek Fashek when they fall from glory! Reggae-dom had its inimitable ambassadors like Bob Nesta Marley, Jimmy Cliff and Peter Tosh - all from the cradle of the rhythm - the slums outside Kingston, Jamaica! Then came the African reggae minders who fused local vibes and creativity to give the world a transnational beat - all inventive, creative and African but no less reggae - Lucky Dube, Majek Fashek and Alpha Blondy! Majek’s musical sojourn abroad (precisely in United States) ended on a tragic note!

Deborah Oyesanya, founder, royalhugssurprises.com, an interractive platform on instagram has disclosed that her platform is all about making people happy. She said: “Royal Empire Hugs Surprises was founded in 2015, I was just depressed and did not feel loved at the time so I wanted to love, I wanted to reach out to people and that was how Royal Hugs Empire Surprises was born. That was what inspired me.’ Recounting how her journey began she continued: “I had to do everything by myself. I wanted something unique, something that will cut across all age barriers and unite people across the world as they strive for happier lives. When I look back I am grateful to God for the journey so far. The secret to my success is hardwork, consistency and definitely the grace of God. Revealing the secret to her success she continued: “Also, I try to be genuine. Most people are not genuine because whatever they do is denominated by money and not happiness and that is why I always try to give out positive vibes.” Where will we see her platform in a couple of years? “We are going global by the grace of God.”

Studio24 unveils robotic photographer, Grace Convi Nigeria Limited, owners of Studio 24, are making new inroads into Artificial Intelligence (AI) as it has unveiled its first robotic photographer, Grace at an event which held at Studio 24’s Allen Avenue office and themed: The Game Changer. Speaking, Chris Oputa, the CEO, Convi Nigeria Limited and Team leader, Studio 24, said that the female robot, personalized as Grace in honour of the pioneer team leader of Studio24, Grace Ugboh, will be the ambassador for female photography in Africa. Among others, Oputa stated that Grace mirrors the beauty of artificial intelligence. Her features include her ability to go to any event, take photo without human assistance, programmed to speak different languages, can navigate and avoid obstacles and is a data collection robot. Among others, the female robot photographer will be on hire for event planners and will be handled at event by female staff. Said Oputa: “The organisation founded in 1998 has been a trailblazer but was not in the tradition of trumpeting her strides. One of which was being the first to introduce digital photography in Nigeria. Now we are at it with the introduction of artificial intelligence in the form of a robotic photographer which will radically revolutionise the way events are captured and covered.

The Ghost and The House Of Truth hits cinemas

Patorankin

How Patorankin hawked bananas, garden eggs

oday he is one of Nigeria’s biggest musical exports but once upon a time, the goings-on was so rough, the star known as Patorankin (Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie) had to hawk bananas and garden eggs in Lagos traffic in order to survive. According to a close pal who spoke to TS Weekend, Patorankin’s success today is due to sheer hard work and a tenacity of purpose “Growing up for Patrankin was rough, really rough. His family and him lived in in squalor. In fact, most people who have his beginnings never amount to anything in life but that was not the case for him. It was so bad his father hawked sunglasses and wristwatches on Eko Bridge in order to send him to school. His story is indeed inspiring. A lot of people envy him today without knowing what he has been through. “It was so bad that as soon as he closed from school,

he was on the streets hawking bananas and garden eggs. And what was more, he was the first child of the family and so he grew up very early aware of his responsibilities to his siblings and parents. Little wonder he never stopped working hard and see where he is today. “he has done so much for his family and practically lifted them out of poverty and deprivation. He even built a mansion for his parents.” Today, Patorakin is one of Nigeria’s biggest dancehall/hip hop acts with two albums to his credit. He signed a record deal with K-Solo’s Igberaga Records in 2010, releasing Up in D Club under the outfit. Patoranking became a protégé of Dem Mama Records after collaborating with Timaya on Alubarika. In February 2014, he signed a record deal with Foston Musik and released Girlie O. However it was the remix of the song featuring Tiwa Savage that put him in the limelight.

Temple Productions Slate 1 Films and The Mission Entertainment is set to release its latest movie entitled The Ghost And The House Of Truth, which was directed by Akin Omotoso and produced by Ego Boyo and which premered September 20. The movie tells the story of a counselor whose eightyear-old daughter goes missing. Frustrated with the police investigation, she takes it upon herself to catch the perpetrator but as time runs out, things take an unexpected turn. Ego Boyo is a well-known and accomplished actor and producer who has worked extensively in the Nigerian film industry since the 90s. She made her debut as an actor in the critically acclaimed Soap Opera, Checkmate, which aired on the NTA network service for five years playing the role of Ann Haastrope, a role which endeared her to Nigerian audiences.

Eddy Ugboma honoured posthumosely Late TV veteran, Eddy Ugboma has been honoured post humusly. Recently, Lagos State came alive when Voice Of Integrity International honoured him with an award. under the umbrella of Excellent Leadership in the Entertainment Industry, a platform, designed to reward deserving Nigerians who have contributed immensely towards the growth of enterta9inment in the country. Commenting, his daughter, Amacechi Ugboma who receieved the award on behalf of the Ugboma family appealed for government assiatance in order to preserve his legacies and thanked theborganisers for honouring her dad. “I feel great and honoured, that after his demise, his indelible contributions to the entertainment industry is being appreciated. I am so excited and I must thank the organisers of the award for honouring my dad.

WEDNESDAY September 25 - Tuesday Ocotober 1, 2019

The

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racle Today

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When a government goes bankrupt…

he warning signs have been there for at least 10 years, and we’ve not left Nigerians uninformed. Now, even the blind can see that any further hiccup in oil prices would send the nation’s economy crashing finally. The string that has held the economy is oil alone. One of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu’s predictions has just come to pass: “A time shall come,” he said three years ago, “when your money will not be safe in the bank.” Implementation of the Central Bank’s “Cashless Policy” from September 18 is a fulfilment of Kanu’s prophecy. If you deposit as little as N500, 000 you lose N10, 000 and N15, 000 again when you or your loved one wishes to withdraw same. The government and your bank share the N25, 000 pilfered. You can therefore imagine what richer bank customers (e.g. employers who pay their workers’ wages) are to lose, for some pay casual workers up to N20million in cash each month. And this is different from the “normal” bank charges you pay for leaving your money in the bank or transferring money from one account to another – for these transactions, your bank withdraws its fees at source, and may inform you by SMS. Your own money! Yet, electronic bank transactions haven’t been foolproof in Nigeria. These days, armed robbers operate with POS machines. Some force their victim, at gunpoint, to use their phone to transfer their lifesavings to the criminals’ account right away. When it happened to my neighbour on the last day of July this year, I accosted a police officer “investigating” the robbery and he told me pointblank that the transaction could never be traced. Not by the Central Bank, not by my neighbour’s bank, and not by the EFCC! In effect, the bank verification number (BVN) and other digital nonsense we’ve been subjected to, in recent years, are not helpful. “It’s a fake [banking] policy. The country itself is fake,” the policeman told me. Nigeria has become hell on earth for its inhabitants. Whenever government is broke, it invents new policies to mop up funds from helpless bank depositors. The “Cashless Policy”, for instance, was preceded by increment in the value-added tax (VAT) from 5% to 7.2 or 7.5%. Never mind the legislators’ directive that it be suspended; there are no checks and balances anymore, if ever there were. The tax authorities are also on the necks of businesspeople; it doesn’t matter whether you’re making profits or not. I hear that that Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has been mandated to seize the deposits of companies that default in tax payment. The Nigeria Customs Service has closed the borders: you can’t buy or sell food items and other essential things. Consequently, a bag of rice now goes for

Aniebo

Nwamu

•CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele

N21, 000+, and the price is likely to keep rising as the economic crisis deepens. What have we done wrong to deserve these treatments? There’s no electricity to power industries or other favourable infrastructure necessary for businesses to thrive and create jobs, and yet the few struggling ones are taxed to death. Only criminals are left to roam freely – scam artists and drug barons still ply their trades unmolested. Most of the time, the EFCC, ICPC and now NFIU show interest mostly in politically exposed persons. Even then, they are merely scratching the surface: the wealthiest Nigerians are still those who plunder or plundered the public treasury. Government may be monitoring money stored in banks, but a lot of cash is still outside the banking system. Looters, I’ve learned, have built bunkers in which are stored hundreds of billions of naira; most are guarded by armed soldiers. Don’t wonder how these pieces of information escape. Go to Ariara or Dei-Dei or Alaba market and listen to big-time traders; they’d tell you how goods are paid for. Some buyers enter the market with as much as N60million cash. On occasion, the EFCC or NDLEA, acting on privileged information, follow the looters, drug barons or their agents

to markets and arrest them. But you can bet on the power of liquid cash: the agents often get settled; and nobody remembers what they had read as EFCC press releases announcing the arrest of “economic saboteurs”. It’s now certain that the country is broke, even as a barrel of crude oil still fetches $70+. What if it plummeted to $40? And what if, as is expected within the next 20 years, the oil in the Niger Delta dries up or becomes useless? The future of Nigerians yet unborn has been mortgaged already. The white man is very clever: I suspect the advanced countries already know when oil will finish or become useless, and that’s why they’ve outlawed production of fossil fuel-powered vehicles by 2040. Electric cars are already here. What will make Nigeria competitive in the global arena? The best indication that Nigeria is broke is its current debt profile. The federal government’s foreign debt now stands at $25.6billion and local debt $55.6billion. Now it’s seeking $2.5billion from the World Bank. How shall we pay back? There is a limit to what government can generate from high taxes – the people who are supposed to pay are already drained. We can’t even produce enough food for

local consumption, much less export. And we’re nowhere in technology. Only a few of us still run our business on generators; we’re doing so not because it’s profitable but because we’re helpless. Less patient entrepreneurs have migrated to well-run nations, but some of us have chosen to remain where God planted us. There is, therefore, no cause for anyone to remain hopeful as government battles to save itself. The minimum wage will not be paid. Many states have yet to pay the N18, 000, minimum wage passed into law eight years ago; so how can they pay N30, 000? Of course, they may decide to pay even N200, 000 as minimum wage. That should be expected after they’ve devalued the naira. If they make the naira as worthless as the Zimbabwean dollar, they’ll be able to pay civil servants much more. But when that day comes, we should expect to pay maybe N20, 000 for a loaf of bread. In Zimbabwe, a loaf goes for $2billion! The value of money is what it can buy. That day is not far ahead. I guess naira devaluation is the reason President Buhari has constituted an Economic Advisory Council chaired by Prof. Doyin Salami and with eggheads like Prof. Chukwuma Soludo and Bismark Rewane as members. I pity the advisers. That can’t invent any magic wand for reviving the economy while they expose themselves to the people’s wrath. Not only would they be unable to agree on the best economic remedies to recommend, government might not implement their prescriptions. Will they advise against devaluation? Soludo may reintroduce his redenomination idea – striking out two zeros from our currency – which President Yar’Adua rejected 11 years ago. Or will they provide regular electricity for Nigeria? As these things happen, I wonder who is truly in charge of Nigeria. It certainly is not the Buhari I knew and admired up until 2016. At this point, I urge other patriotic Nigerians to reexamine the claim in certain quarters that an unelected cabal has been running the country. There’s no patriotic cabal anywhere in the world. Under the cover of anonymity, it could do anything so long as it doesn’t take responsibility for its actions. The $9.6billion judgment debt awarded to P&ID against the Nigerian government is instructive. When the economy finally crashes, nobody should hope to be spared. We all go to the same markets. Armed robbers, terrorists and kidnappers don’t discriminate against their victims – they hardly consider one’s tribe, religion or status before they strike. We’re in this mess together.

•Nwamu, an entrepreneur, is the CEO of Eyeway.ng +234-8054100220 (SMS/WhatsApp only)

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