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Getting it Right with Recovered Embezzled Funds EDITORIAL

The looting of public funds is not a phenomenon that is peculiar to Nigeria, but that which is associated with corrupt governments all over the world, both military and democratic.

Recovery of these funds mostly stashed in foreign vaults, has also been a task of responsible governments, oftentimes with the collaboration of admin-

istrators of the accounts in which such embezzled funds are domiciled.

Over the years, stupendous amounts of monies stolen by successive governments in the country have been reportedly recovered into the country’s treasury but it is doubtful that these funds have proper records

By: Manny Ita

against them. And given the propensity of public officers to dip their hands in the cookie jar, not a few believe that these embezzled funds have created another avenue for embezzlement.

Trends and statistics from the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN indicate that Nigerian banks lose huge amounts of money annually to different

forms of cyber-crime and cybercriminals with total estimated loss incurred by the financial system alone from 2012 to 2014 more than N64 billion or USD321.689m. The Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC, had also in a report it issued in 2014, observed that the increase of fraud in the country

was a result of astronomical increase of online banking and use of ATM as well as fraudulent withdrawal of funds. Illicit funds flows are a major area of organised crime in Nigeria with a report compiled by the presidency in 2013, identifying a total of over $33.144bn (N20.6 trillion) illicit flows during 2000 to 2013, of which over $7.456trn were proceeds of corruption and embezzlement in the country.

According to a popular clichĂŠ, all it takes for evil to succeed is for the voice of reason to be silent. Perhaps it was time to get the facts straight. Until recently when the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami disclosed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had so far recovered more than $2 trillion which at the current exchange rate would amount to about N400trn looted from the national treasury, you can bet a lot of Nigerians who were in the dark about this were jolted by the mere astronomy of the figure.

Within the first quarter of this year, the Nigerian government via the AGF, signed a letter of intent for the repatriation of yet another 321 million dollars allegedly stashed in Swiss banks by the late Gen. Sani Abacha.

These funds according to the Attorney General were

dress he presented at the First Annual Conference on Financial Fraud, Cyber-Crime & Other Cross-border Crimes which was held in Abuja, where he assured Nigerians that President Buhari had vowed to recover the fortunes that these criminals had made illegally by returning every penny belonging to the Nigerian public. Incidentally, only the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo was able to record the highest amount of US$ 1.25 billion from the Abacha loot.

It is instructive to note however that much as the government is focused on repatriating these funds in foreign accounts, it should also beam its searchlight well on the home front as a lot of these monies are in assets and raw cash stored inside walls, underground vaults in people’s houses and in other forms which can be translated to cash when the need arises; all it requires is a little more intelligence, creativity and genuine commitment clothed in sincerity.

stolen by criminal groups and public office holders within the past 12 years. The AGF made this disclosure in a keynote ad-

UAE government return monies hidden or invested in banks and real estates in the country; a development which has caused

In another development, President Muhammadu Buhari has signed agreements with the United Arab Emirate on repatriation of stolen funds and extradition of culpable officials.

The Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal and Commercial Matters will allow the

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panic among some ex-officials who it was learnt have started making frantic efforts to either escape from that country or relocate their slush funds out of the

now actively demand the repatriation of funds hidden in the country by convicted former officials as well as demand the extradition of other Nigerian

reach of the government.

The UAE has become a Mecca for Nigeria’s wealthy who are drawn by the expensive high rise properties, glitzy malls and ritzy hotels in the oil-rich country with billions of dollars allegedly stolen from the country’s treasury by former government officials believed to have been stashed in banks and invested in properties in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, two of UAE’s most prominent cities.

With the signing of the agreements the government can

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has frowned at the persistent harassment of Nigerians by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing the continued detention without trial of Mr. Warimopei Dudafa, a former Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan and invasion of the Abuja residence of former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode as irresponsible, barbaric and undemocratic.

Governor Fayose said it was the height of executive rascality for the EFCC to have held occupants of Fani-Kayode’s residence hostage for eight hours despite that he was only invited to come to the EFCC office on Monday and there was no evidence that FaniKayode refused to

EDITORIAL

fugitives residing in the country.

Some of the other foreign jurisdictions, where the stolen funds had been traced are Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. One of the latest discoveries included a US$ 550 million in a coded account in France.

The government must of neccesity make sure that those employed in the recovery chain of these funds do not also create avenues within where they make money from the exercise.

These must have been part of what informed the setting up the Presidential Advisory Committee on Corruption (PACC). However, a disturbing pointer to this is the alleged seeking of funds from international bodies for the execution of repatriation of stolen funds by PACC. This advisory committee is alleged to have received a combined financial help of over $5 million already from international organizations such as the Ford foundation, MacArthur Foundation and the Foundation to Promote Open Society.

In a report on a letter to the Director of Global Witness, Simon Taylor dated February 15, 2016, and signed by the Executive Secretary of PACC, Bolaji Owasanoye, PACC it is alleged stated that the government needed huge flow of resources to recover of these funds due to the multi-jurisdiction of the cases, and the exorbitant charges of professionals such as lawyers, forensic financial investigators, and so on.

It doesn’t seem like a good signal that a Presidential Advisory Committee on Corruption (PACC) could be writing to non-governmental organizations abroad soliciting funds to fight corruption in the country. People

should know better than to curry embarrassment to the Nigerian government by their level of expressed ignorance.

Really, a pack of uninformed or subtly corrupt PACC officials may well throw spanners into the works at the president’s efforts to recover these looted funds.

A better and less embarrassing option could be the contingency fee structures where prospective recovery lawyers would be willing to do the work for a percentage or an agreed amount. This model is what was used by Panama to fish out the corrupt riches of their former president Manuel Noriega from all over the world and also of Imelda Marcos in the Philippines. These professionals abound all over the US and UK and are best at what they do. Beyond the recovery of these loot, which if statistics are to go by are already ringing in trillions, the government needs to put in place a master plan on how to keep appropriate records of the recovered funds and how these funds will be expended.

This welcome mantra of change must not be allowed to become an odious verbicide.

honour the EFCC invitation.

According to the governor’s Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, “EFCC under President Mohammadu Buhari is acting as if it is above the law and Nigerians and the international community must remind the commission that we are in a democracy where rule of law is sacrosanct.”

The governor said actions of the EFCC have shown clearly that it is an instrument of victimisation against oppositions in the country, adding the antigraft agency should go and study how other anti-corruption agencies in other countries behave.

He said; “the EFCC must be reminded of the judgement delivered in March, this year by Justice Yusuf Haliru of the Federal High Court in

Nicholas Arinse Vs EFCC & Nigerian Army where the judge held that the EFCC did not behave as if we were in a civilised society and that the anti-graft commission was behaving as if we were in a military dictatorship, where they arrest and release person at will. “In the case of the former Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs to ex-President Jonathan, no one is saying those suspected of corrupt practices should not be investigated and tried, but it is wrong for Warimopei Dudafa to have been kept in EFCC custody for over two weeks without trial.

“Also, it is a demonstration of barbarism for the same EFCC that invited Fani-Kayode to its office on Monday to have invaded his house yesterday, holding the occupants hostage for eight hours when there is no

evidence that Fani-Kayode refused to honour EFCC invitation.

Fayose Frowns at EFCC’s Irresponsible Operational Manner

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“Why the show of barbarism by the EFCC as if Nigeria is now back to 1984 when Buhari was a military dictator?”

While calling on the international community to pay attention to the abuse of rights of Nigerians and threat to democracy under President Buhari, Fayose said; “It is obvious that democracy in Nigeria is becoming unsafe in the hands of Buhari’s government.”

He said Nigerians must begin to ask the EFCC what happened to the several petitions written against APC leaders and financiers of President Buhari’s election, including former governors, adding that it was worrisome that the EFCC and the

COVER

Fashola provides recipe for

boosting electricity generation

to provide 540MW of power, were to be overhauled once every 5-6 years but this was never done for 28 years, until it was handed over in 2013, in the aftermath of the privatization.

The theme of Fashola’s lecture was ‘Nigeria’s Electricity Challenge: A Roadmap for Change,’ in which he noted that in a report recently submitted to his office by the concessionaire of Jebba and Kainji, the total available capacity of the two plants is 482 MW and 340 MW respectively totaling 822 MW. Describing the plan by the investors to boost the generation to 1338 MW as incremental power, he disclosedthat the

first overhaul had now been completed and more would be undertaken.

The minister further stated that when the Egbin Power plant in Ikorodu, which was delivered in 1985 during the tenure of President Babangida had six turbines with total capacity of 1,320 MW but when it was handed over in 2013, it had only two functional turbines of 400MW generating capacity.

“I was at the plant in December 2015, to switch on Turbine 6, which means all the six turbines have been restored.

This is incremental power. But these are just examples of the maintenance and technical challenges we grapple with daily in the government from the Presi-

dent, to the VicePresident, and the Ministry which seek to manage the men and women. Let me share with you some of the human and administrative challenges, relating to incremental power,” he explained.

Fashola recalled what he called the announcement of an alleged “commissioning” of a power plant in Edo State by the last administration during the election campaign.

“This was the Azura power project meant to deliver 450 Megawatts. In reality, what took place was only the turning of the sod. The main activity, which were government securities and guarantees to enable the financing of the project were never issued. This was delayed for about a year. It was the Buhari administration that prioritised this, resolved it, and work has now started with 422 workers on site and estimated completion date of December 2018. This is the road to incremental power,” he added.

He also recalled the Aba Power plant initiated by Prof.

Barth Nnaji to generate140 MW and ring fence Aba for dedicated power, long before he was ever appointed minister.

According to Fashola, the former minister had an agreement given to him by the

federal government, which assured him that the plant would never be sold in the event of privatisation.

He revealed that the same government later made another agreement, ignoring the original one, and sold Enugu Disco to a new owner, which included Aba Power.

The minister noted that none of the two parties should be blamed as both of them had legitimate contracts, which were conflicting and issued by the same government.

“Instead of spending their energy and resources completing the power plants and delivering electricity, they were forced to spend their resources and energy seeking to untie themselves from the problems created by government since 2013. This government has waded into the matter, and, through the Vice President, directed our ministry to facilitate reconciliation, and with the cooperation of the parties, their sense of patriotism, we got the parties out-of-court in a settlement three years after.

“We are now formalising their papers so that they can operate independently and collaborate to supply power to Aba and Enugu Distribution that covers most of the East instead of fighting in court. Solving the problems of yesterday is the road to incremental power,” Fashola explained.

He also disclosed that the Zungeru Power Plant, meant to deliver 700 MW in Niger state, was held up in court for several years.

According to him, “although the project is now three years behind, the dispute has been resolved, parties are out of court, over 800 workers are back on site and this should deliver incremental power”.

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Tony Elumelu, bestriding The business world like a colossus

PERSONALITY PROFILE

Manny Ita

“Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world Like a Colossus, and we petty men Walk under his huge legs and peep about To find ourselves dishonorable graves.

Men at some time are masters of their fates.

The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars But in ourselves, that we are underlings.

Brutus and Caesar—what should be in that “Caesar”?

Why should that name be sounded more than yours?

Write them together, yours is as fair a name.

Sound them, it doth become the mouth as well.

Weigh them, it is as heavy”.

T

hese words in Famous Poet and writer William Shakespeare’s book Julius Caesar, would aptly describe any envious parley minions may have on the man called Tony Elumelu, just as Brutus and 52

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Cassius had on the towering Caesar.

Trained as an economist at the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Delta State and the University of Lagos where he obtaind his Bachelor and Masters degrees re-

spectively, the man Tony can well be referred to as a man with the Midas touch. Driven by transformation ideas, Mr. Elumelu has an affinity with great vision and success which have garnered him an unprecedented string of honors and accolades over the years.

An alumnus of Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Programme Mr Elumelu set the trail blazing in the banking sector when in his early career, he acquired and turned Standard Trust Bank into a top-five player in the country and went further to lead the largest merger in the banking sector in Sub-Saharan Africa in the acquisition of the United Bank for Africa UBA, transforming it into a panAfrican institution with a huge customer base from a single-country bank.

Elumelu who is retired from the bank on July 31, 2010 after 13 years as CEO on account of CBN Policy limiting the tenure of bank CEOs to 10, came on as the bank’s chairman in August 2014.

During his period as MD of UBA, the bank recorded remarkable as he was responsible for the creation of the bank’s financial services institution with a reputation for innovation and the democratization of banking services which now spans Africa, providing services to more than 10 million customers, across the continent and in London, Paris and New York.

Tony Elumelu's track record at UBA speaks for itself and his return to the Board brings a depth of knowledge and experience in the African financial services industry that is second to none.

The Bank recently unveiled its Project Alpha, a 3year road map of key transformation initiatives, designed to consolidate the Group's strategic positioning and fully exploit the opportunities provided by Africa's economic renaissance and the UBA Group's unique platform.

For Tony, UBA represents a tremendous investment opportunity, and at an inflection point in its growth path with an extremely powerful executive team which he believes can bring his experience and energy, to guide UBA’s long-term strategy.

“Financial services remain

PERSONALITY PROFILE

one of the key drivers of African growth, both in terms of social inclusion and regional integration, and the UBA Group provides a unique platform to deliver both extraordinary value and drive Africa’s economic success,” the guru posited as he took over the chairmanship of the bank from Ambassador Keshi.

Widely regarded as one of the most influential business leaders in Africa, Elumelu has developed a reputation for identifying value and bringing a long term investment orientation and discipline to sectors critical to

Foundation; a non-profit outfit with the objective of proving that the African private sector could itself be the primary generator of economic development. The Foundation, dedicated to the promotion and celebration of entrepreneurship and excellence in business leadership across the continent, with initiatives like The Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP), is also charged with the mission of driving Africa's economic development by enhancing the competitiveness of the African private sector.

To achieve its mis-

to the economic transformation of Africa through longterm investments that create both economic prosperity and social wealth, Elumelu envisages Africans taking charge of the value-adding sectors and ensuring that those valueadded processes happen in Africa, not through nationalisation or government policies, but through a generation of a private sector entrepreneurs who have the vision, the tools and the opportunity to shape the destiny of the continent.

According to the erudite banker cum philanthropist, “From interacting with customers, with communities,

lize the African private sector and non-African private sector operating in Africa to think long-term, to invest long-term in Africa in key sectors, then we might end up creating economic wealth, economic prosperity and social wealth. That is Africapitalism.”

Sharing the concept of his Havard Tutor, Michael Porter of Creating Shared Value (CSV) which refers to the idea that companies must take the lead in bringing business and society back together,Mr Elumelu who has pledged $2.5 billion to U.S. President Barack Obama's

Africa's development, including financial services, power, oil and gas, agribusiness, real estate and hospitality He founded the , the pan-African proprietary investment company Heirs Holdingsin 2010 of which he is the CEO and which holds stakes in a number of leading African businesses, including Transcorp Nigeria's largest conglomerate by market capitalization as well as UBA. Upon his retirementas the MD of UBA, Mr Elumelu founded the Tony Elumelu

sion, the foundation enhances the capacity of African businesses by supporting and driving policies that promote competitiveness, deploying financial capital through impact investments, and educating public and private sector actors through rigorous research.

Elumelu is the originator of the term Africapitalism. While insisting that Africapitalism is not capitalism, but an economic philosophy that embodies the private sector's commitment

with local governments, state governments and national governments, I started to see a pattern that indeed we can as a private sector help to develop Africa in a manner that's truly sustainable. I also, as a good student of economic history, have observed the development of the African continent and come to realize that despite all the aid inflows into Africa and despite our sovereign government commitment to develop in the continent, not much was achieved.

But ... if we can mobi-

"Power Africa" initiative - a campaign aiming to double access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa says he is convinced that companies are the most powerful force for addressing today’s pressing societal issues.

A man whose footprints are seen in virtually every sector, Elumelu is vicechairman of the National Competitiveness Council of Nigeria (NCCN) which he cofounded. He serves as CoChair of the Aspen Institute Dialogue Series on Global Securenigeria365.com

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PERSONALITY PROFILE

Food Security of and is a member of the President's Agricultural Transformation Implementation Council (ATIC).

At the invitation of the Federal Government and the Presidential Jobs Board, engineered to create 3 million jobs in one year, Elumelu is chairman of the Ministerial Com-

ficer at the United Bank for Africa. It contains messages from Aliko Dangote, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, Professor Michael Porter, former World Bank managing director and Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, President of Sierra Leone; Ernest Bai Koroma, former United

Republic (MFR). In 2011, New African magazine listed him as one of the 100 most influential people in Africa and a year later, he was recognised as one of Africa's 20 Most Powerful People in 2012 by Forbes Magazine.

The New African Magazine has featured him in their list of the "100 Most In-

Tony Elumelu was a member of the World Economic Forum's Regional Agenda Council on Africa. His presence on the Bretton Woods Committee, which brings together senior leaders in the global banking industry, is recognition of his work on African development. He is a

mittee to establish world-class hospitals and diagnostic centres across Nigeria. He serves as a member of the Global Advisory Board of the United Nations Sustainable Energy for All Initiative (SE4ALL) and USAID’s Private Capital Group for Africa Partners Forum.

An accomplished author, Mr. Elumelu has many top class books and articles to his credit some of which are How to Excel at Work, The TOE Way: A handbook that offers insights into Elumelu's philosophies, business practices, values and secrets of success, The Power of Vision: Insights on Tony Elumelu is a testimonial compiled on the occasion of his retirement as Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Of72 Securenigeria365.com

States Comptroller of the Currency, Eugene Ludwig and Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria Elumelu has contributed to the Nigeria Leadership Initiative White Papers, writing on Leveraging private sector approaches in transforming government delivery.

He has written about his philosophy and the economic development of Africa for several publications around the world including The Economist, the Wall Street Journal and Financial Times.

Elumelu holds the Nigerian national honours, the Commander of the Order of Nigeria (CON) and Member of the Order of the Federal

fluential Africans in Business.He was awarded an honorary doctorate of science degree from the Benue State University and an honorary doctorate of business administration from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

In 2013, Mr Elumelu received the Leadership Award in Business and Philanthropy from the AfricaAmerica Institute (AAI) Awards.He was also named African Business Icon at the 2013 African Business Awards.

ESI-Africa, frequently described as "Africa's power journal", named Elumelu in its 2015 'ESI Most Influential Figures in African Power' list in January 2015.

Fellow of the Nigeria Leadership Initiative (NLI), also involved, through his foundation, with the Tony Blair Africa Governance Initiative (AGI) in a partnership to strengthen the private sector's role in the economic transformation of select African countries.This partnership is called the BlairElumelu Fellowship Programme.

He is co-chair of the Africa Energy Leaders' Group (AELG) and a Trustee of the Infant Jesus Academy in Delta State. Born in Jos in the year 1963.Tony Elumelu is married to Awele Vivien Elumelu, a medical doctor and they have five children.

LASG enters partnership to construct top class medical Park NEWS

Limited Consortium which comprises MEDIPARK International Limited, Cleveland Clinics Ohio USA, St. Barnabas Healthcare System New Jersey and American Hospital Management Company Washington DC. Briefing journalists alongside the

Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde and Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Wasiu Anifowose, Idris stated that the project which is expected to be completed in 20 months, would gulp about N49 billion, saying the State Government would provide the land and the market only.

According to Idris, the State Government had last year placed adverts in national dailies for Expressions of Interest for a development of a Medical Park aimed at ensuring qualitative healthcare delivery to Lagosians, saying 16 companies/consortiums responded to

the advertisement, after which an Evaluation Committee was set up in line with State procurement guidelines with individuals comprising both statutorily mandated members and officers invited to lend technical depth to the exercise.

“It gives me great pleasure to announce that after the receipt of a Certificate of Compliance from the State Public Procurement Agency and a final presentation today to the Executive Council of Lagos State, Approval has been given to MEDIPARK International Limited Consortium which comprises of MEDIPARK International Limited, Cleveland Clinics Ohio USA, St. Barnabas Healthcare System New Jersey and American Hospital Management Company Washington DC to be the developer to construct manage and operate a Medical Park. It is a joint venture arrangement with Ibile Holdings Ltd,” Idris said.

He said the Medical Park would be sited at the former Lagos State School of Nursing site, spanning over two hectares expanse of land along Awolowo Road, Ikoyi and will serve as a one stop shopping medical experience offering spaces to primary care physicians alongside in-house specialists as well as ancillary services providing a full spectrum of excellent quality high technology cutting

– edge medical and diagnostic services to cater for general and specialty medical services tailored to meet the medical needs of Lagosians and Nigerians at large.

The facility, Idris said would comprise of a central management area, clinic complex, theatre complex and procedure rooms, ward complex, conference and seminar complex medical goods and lifestyle shopping centre, stress management and lifestyle improvement unit, data cabling/integrated IT system, structured landscaping, residential accommodation, staff quarters, hotel, emergency and ambulance service, trauma unit, helipad amongst other things.

Describing the facility which will be built under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative as a milestone in healthcare delivery aimed at reducing medical tourism abroad, , Idris said, “16 companies started the expression of interest. The first step was just to assess their capabilities and we now narrowed them down to 7 companies which later presented proper proposals on the terms of reference we gave them. Based on the assessment of experts, the list was further pruned down to three and later, we arrived at the one which was finally awarded the project.

“The ultimate goal is that we as a Government believe that health is wealth and there is no amount of investment in the healthcare sector, that can be too much for the good people of this State because the progress of the state in all ramifications is paramount to us,” the Commissioner concluded.

The strides of Lere Olayinka, Chief Press Secretary to Ekiti State Governor

The name Lere Olayinka is a well known and admired one in the circle of journalism.

Special Assistant to Ekiti State Governor on Public Communications and New Media, Olayinka is a fearless

journalist who has worked as Media Aide to Chief Segun Oni when he was the PDP National Vice Chairman (South West) and was responsible for the vibrancy that was brought to the media of the

Southwest PDP between 2012 and 2013. Before then, he was Media Assistant to Chief Segun Oni between 2007 and 2010 when he was the governor of Ekiti State.

Due to his love and commit-

ment to democracy and loyalty to PDP, the party retained him when Chief Segun Oni moved to the APC. Lere Olayinka led a virile media opposition against the APC Securenigeria365.com

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government of Dr. Kayode Fayemi, contributing immensely to the victory of PDP in the June 21, 2014 governorship election.

He contributed particularly in shaping narratives on social media which saw to the emergence of Gov. Fayose as Governor of the state in 2014 and his media opposition to the APC-led government of Fayemi led to his attack,arrest, detention and trial on October 12, 2012.

He was accused of inciting over 22,000 teachers in Ekiti State against the APC government of Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

His residence in Ado Ekiti had earlier been broken into through the roof by agents of the APC government with only his laptop taken away.

On his arrest, detention and trial, a renowned Canada-based Professor and public commentator, Prof.

Pius Adesanmi wrote; 92

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"...Lere Olayinka has been consistent with his opposition to Mr Fayemi’s government. He has led a very successive Facebook campaign which I follow closely."

Adesanmi further opined: "I have followed Mr. Olayinka long enough to be able to offer a considered assessment of his methods.

You may hate the fact that he works for the degenerate PDP establishment (I do) but you cannot take away the empirical thoroughness of his critiques.

He is unrelenting. He deploys facts, moves thoughts, supplies details and statistics (and frequent pictorial evidence) to support his position.

He wants you to see that the ACN system in his southwest corner of Nigeria, is turning out to be just as deleterious – if not more dele-

terious – than the PDP system we collectively hate and vilify.

His campaign is social media-based but sometimes he also hits the trenches."

Despite several threats to his life, he was undeterred. The very day he was released from detention, he granted press interviews castigating the APC government of Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

Dating back to the pre-2015 election period, Governor Fayose had always broken the super-information highway by his press releases issued through Lere Olayinka, especially those taking critical stance against Buhari.

It is to the credit of Lere Olayinka and Governor Fayose that the Buhari’s administration has been set on its toes especially in the area of national issues and economic policies.

Indeed Olayinka is a talented individual that is blessed with the knowledge of the theory and practice of effective public communication through proper data probing.

His cutting-edge journalistic acumen; ability to analyze facts for media relevance and spartial control, as well as to formulate them accordingly is remarkable.

Widely knowledgeable in local, national and, where applicable, international media, Olayinka has the ability to tackle specific fields of communication including corporate public identity, internal communication, crisis/risk communication, media/relations, online communication, personnel communication, lobbying, product PR, sponsoring, amongst others.

With his experience on various support tools, such as creativity, planning and evaluation techniques, as well

NEWS

as political market and opinion research as well as his knowledge of, and skills in professions related to communication, such as public affairs, lobbying, political marketing, advertising, brand management, direct marketing, to mention but few, Lere Olayinka stands head and shoulders above most considered best in the media industry.

Given his Superb knowledge of contemporary methods in print and electronic media, his knowledge of communication technologies for communicating politics, for coaching, moderation, presentations, negotiations and communication skills, he has carved a niche for himself as a force to reckon with at home and on the international circle.

Okayinka has stamped his authority on the media world and the Nigerian political terrain with his Extensive knowledge of political systems and processes within the Nigerian immediate and remote publics' geographical spaces and his skill in the professional handling of team work, communication in the context of (party) political activities. Indeed there would not be words enough to describe this unique man with the ability to communicate emphatically with staff and voluntary supporters.

He is deeply committed to a carefully-chosen cause, able to work under pressure, a team player and one with amiable social skills, able to act and think flexibly, responsible and highly creative.

There is no doubt that having someone like him as the next National Publicity Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party, will be of immense benefits to members and the entire public both remote and public.

HEALTH

Onions Consumption Has Propensity to Lower Risk of Cancer — Dietician

Dr Tunde Ajobo, a dietician at the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan has said that consuming onions could lower the risk of several diseases, particularly colorectal and stomach cancer.

Ajobo, who is also Head of Department of Dietetics, disclosed last Thursday in Ibadan that onions were a good source of strong antioxidant and vitamin C that help in combating the formation of free radicals known to cause cancer, describing onions as part of the alliums family of vegetables and herbs like chives, garlic, scallions and leeks. ``Allium vegetables have been cultivated for centuries for not only their characteristic, pungent flavours but also for their medicinal properties. ``Onions can vary in size, shape, colour and flavour and

the most common types are red, yellow and white onions,’’ he said.

According to Ajobo, onion flavours can vary from sweet and juicy with a mild flavour to a sharp, spicy and pungent often depending on the season in which they are grown and consumed.

He said an estimated 105 billion pounds of onions are harvested each year world-wide with a quarter of the figure grown in Africa.

He also said that the possible health benefits of consuming onions (aside from lowering risk of several cancers) include improving mood and maintaining the health of skin and hair. ``Onions are a nutrient-dense food; meaning that while they are low in calories they are high in beneficial nutrients like vitamins, minerals and

antioxidants. ``One cup of chopped onion contains approximately 64 calories, 15 grams of carbohydrates with no fat and no cholesterol. ``It also contains 3 grams of fibre, 7 grams of sugar, 2 grams of protein and 10 per cent or more of daily value for vitamin C, vitamin B-6 and manganese. ``Onions also contain a small amount of calcium, iron, folate, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium and the antioxidants quercetin and sulphur,’’ he said.

The dietician also recommended consumption of onions because of its many other health benefits. ``Allium vegetables have been studied extensively in relation to cancer, especially stomach and colorectal cancers.

``Their beneficial and preventive effects are likely due in part to their rich organosulfur compounds. ``Although the exact mechanism by which these compounds inhibit cancer is unknown, possible hypothesis include the inhibition of tumour growth and mutagenesis and prevention of free radicals.’’

According to Ajobo, several studies have proved that onion consumption help to lower risk of stomach cancer, colorectal cancer, colon and prostate cancer.

He, however, warned that consuming a diet of mostly onions has its health risks. ``It is best to eat a diet with a variety of foods than to concentrate on a single one; this is key to good health,’’ the dietician advised Securenigeria365.com

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FA S H I O N

“A high level of hygiene without compromise is important in making up”Ms Julian Gambiye

J

ulian Gambiye is a name that is fast rising on the horizon of makeup artistes. The soft spoken, pretty Adamawa born Julian chose to follow her childhood passion after obtaining degrees in Statistics and Management. In this parley with Segun Lawal, she bares her mind on her strides, experience and challenges in the industry.

Give us a brief about yourself I am Julian Gambiye, the fifth of a family of seven. I hail from Numan, Adamawa state.

I am Bachama by tribe and studied Statistics from Federal University of Technology, Yola. I obtained my Post 11 2

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graduate Diploma in Management from the Nigerian Defence Academy.

What inspired the name “LOOKS BY PWAXXY”?

I got the nickname pwaxxy from friends and families, and decided to make use of it as my nickname when starting my makeup studio. I felt people who knew me could relate and identify with it, since they addressed me by my nickname, hence the name” LOOKS BY PWAXXY.” How do you keep your outfit going with the high competition in the field?

I possess valuable experience in makeup and makeup training through my work experiences at Sleek studio, House

of Tara and my own makeup studio, Looks by Pwaxxy. I also have good interpersonal and communication skills, which I feel is very important in this regard.

Why this profession?

Simply because of the passion I have for makeup and beautifying people.

Biggest challenge as a makeup artist The biggest challenge I have encountered in the course of being a professional makeup artist has been getting people to know my brand.

How do you change a customer’s mind to what’s best for them?

I will do what the client asked for after which I will show the client a style that will be more suitable.

Preparation for dry and oily skin for foundation makeup application For dry skin foundation application, I make sure I use an oil based or creamy foundation while for oily skin foundation, I make use of water based or non-oil based foundation.

Any experience in cosmetics retail?

Yes. Your experience as a makeup artist I started my career at House of Tara as a makeup trainee in 2011. I proceeded to Sleek studio, Kaduna in 2012 to work as an instructor. I later worked at Gaze production in 2013 as a makeup artist before venturing into entrepre-

neurship and started my own Looks by Pwaxxy makeup studio in Yola, Adamawa state.

Do you apply makeup for special events? Name some you have covered?

Yes. I have done make up for Adamawa state Deputy Governor’s wife for the swearing in and also for the inauguration ceremony of the new Governor and Deputy Governor elect.

I did the bridal makeup for Omuaran kingdom prince’s wedding in Omuaran, Kwara state.

The difference between applying makeup for a TV shoot and applying makeup for a live appearance party The make up for a TV shoot should be mild and not heavy, which live appearance should be heavy.

How often you clean your makeup tools such as brushes and combs. How does it affect the wear and tear of your tools and how do you feel about the associated expense?

I clean my makeup tools twice in a week. Cleaning my makeup tools further guarantee hygiene and does not easily wear the brushes off. I feel it is important to maintain a high level of hygiene and without compromise. No amount is too much to achieve this aim in any case.

Determining a client’s undertone before you decide what makeup technique to use

FA S H I O N

I make use of color matching to determine the skin tone and what to use thereafter.

Your experiences on making up characters apart from using typical makeup techniques I can make use of my hand to apply makeup in the absence of my professional make up tools. Although this technique might not guarantee a professional look and finish, it sure can get the job done.

Your hobbies Dancing, travelling and going out.

What would you ascribe your success to?

Focus and hard work.

Your role model Tara orekelewa.

“LOOK BY PWAXXY� 10 years down the line A foremost beauty and makeup training institute in Nigeria with a reputation for excellence and excellent service delivery.

What would you not be caught doing?

Making use of substandard or fake beauty products to service my clients.

Nice Talking with you

My Pleasure.

Julian Gambiye pictures

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Afrima An Epitome Of

E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Africa’s Music Heritage

E

ssentially societies exist with cultures because culture is the way of life of a people. Every society exists with its cultural values and norms. It is therefore important for societies to foster and protect their cultural heritage.

Music and dance form a part of every culture. They project the cultural identity

globalization. But again music being a universal language must of necessity transcend ethnic borders and today we see artistes from all over the world collaborating with their counterparts in other parts to make music.

Improving the quality of life embraces diversity. Diversity can be viewed as the tolerance and celebration of

pacts on attempts to build community, create place identities and add huge economic values to African societies.

There is no gainsaying that All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, designed to promote the distinct rich African music worldwide, engaging millions of fans by propelling African music to glorious pinnacles beyond the

world, has enormous value.

Music, either making it or listening to it is linked to life experiences and peoples’ culture.

The birth of AFRIMA was therefore to inspire millions of followers of African music all over the world to understand and appreciate Africa’s culture and celebrate Africa’s music.

and heritage of every society.

In Africa, indigenous musical instruments are common components of every musical band, played during festivals, outdoor occasions, christening of child, installation of chiefs, funeral, marriage ceremonies and etc.

However, western infusion into Africa’s traditional music has brought about acculturation, much like the manner the world has turned into a global village termed 13 Securenigeria365.com

difference and is of course the hallmark of innovation and creation.

Cultural diversity is a positive social value to be protected and encouraged; that authentic democracy requires active participation in cultural life, not just passive consumption of cultural products; it is a huge resource.

The efforts to preserve, affirm, and advance Africa’s musical heritage can have important beneficial im-

borders of Africa has been at the forefront of the preservation of Africa’s musical heritage. It has restored pride in Africa’s musical culture.

In Africa, music is always seen as inseparable from human existence. It carries long traditions and values that are associated with the people and represents part of their identities.

Music in African societies, as it functions in many different societies in the

Consequently, Nigeria, known for its energy and warm hospitality won the rights ahead of 13 other countries to host the AFRIMA for three consecutive years from 2014 to 2016.

AFRIMA is a combined effort to recognise, award, promote and preserve Africa’s rich music culture. In partnership with the African Union, AU, it is expected to be the biggest music event in Africa.

E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Debates, ideas, strategies have taken place over the last three years to identify a gap in the market place and most importantly to close that gap.

who expressed his appreciation to the African Union Commission for the honor, said AFRIMA had shown that there were assets of cultural

litical titan, it was a great opportunity and demonstration that the young ones, the youth across Africa were the continent’s future, tasking Afrima

public of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, on Friday March 26, 2016 at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Also to create a brand that will truly live up to the expectations of its internal and external stakeholders.

Deliberations and conferencing included Regional directors and strategists from the SADEC, Eastern Africa, Central Africa, North and West Africa have been part of the conferences and deliberations of AFRIMA. At the 2015 edition of the awards on November 15 at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, was honored as the Pillar of Arts and Culture in Africa for social change with a 23.9karat gold-plated AFRIMA trophy presented to him by Senator by Ambassador (Dr) Wale Maiyegun, Director of Social Affairs, African Union on behalf of the African Union Commission and the International Committee of AFRIMA. The former governor,

variables that could be harnessed and appreciated in the African diversity, saying AFRIMA had demonstrated how Africa’s talents could be brought together to promote peace, wealth and prosperity in the continent.

In his acceptance speech, Tinubu highlighted the benefits of a united Africa through arts, culture and entertainment. “It is with very humble respect that I accept this honour on behalf of my country. It’s a gift for all the talents in Africa. Tonight is a night of culture, a night of Africa. It is a night of talent, a night that shows that we all belong to one single humanity. We had the situation some years back where artistes were not rewarded, but tonight, we are demonstrating to the rest of the world that culture, talent and artistry are unifiers. The unity of Africa is demonstrated here tonight,” he said According to the po-

to do more to unite Africa with cultures around the world, assuring that Africa could walk out of poverty, defeat and break the shackles of ignorance and disease by recognizing and promoting Africa’s talents.

Speaking on that event, the president and Executive Producer of AFRIMA, Mike Dada, averred, ‘’AFRIMA 2015 is a great improvement when compared to last year in terms of participation from more African countries. AFRIMA is where you can find Africa’s top 300 artistes under one roof” thanking the Asiwaju for the honor and new responsibility on the continent.

As part of the activities to the build-up for the 2016 edition of All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), African Union Commission (AUC) and The International Committee of AFRIMA paid a courtesy visit to the former President of the Federal Re-

Obasanjo commended AFRIMA and AUC for unifying Africa through music, saying music was part of African Culture and reiterated the need for music and culture to be commercialised in order to create jobs and reduced poverty among African youths. Imploring AFRIMA and AUC not to relent in achieving their objectives, the former President called on brands and governments in Africa to partner with AFRIMA, recalling similar projects as president like All African Games (COJA 2003) and Festival of Art and Culture in Africa (FESTAC '77) as platforms for promoting African culture and unity that require huge resources to organise.

He thanked AFRIMA for honouring him with their visit and challenged the AFRIMA Executive Producer to a squash game thereafter.

Earlier in his opening remark, the President and Executive Securenigeria365.com

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Producer of AFRIMA, Mr. Mike Dada said, "the meeting and visit was in recognition of the former president as the former Chairperson of the African Union (AU) between July 2004 to January 2006.

He is an African global icon, a cultural enthusiast and champion of African renaissance."

He intimated the former president with the objectives of the All African Music Awards, AFRIMA which is mainly to unite Africans through the instrumentality of art, music, culture and entertainment as well as promote and reward upcoming and established talents on the continent.

Said he "AFRIMA remains steadfast to the AUC’s values of promoting African unity and celebrating cultural uniqueness and thanked the former President for receiving AFRIMA team at his residence and specially invited him to the 2016 AFRIMA schedule to hold in November’.

A giant photo frame for his 79th birthday and an Djembe drum were presented to the former President by the AFRIMA Director of Sponsorship and Communications, Matlou Tsotsesi with the support of the AFRIMA 2015 winner of Best RnB & Soul in Africa, Praiz and Communication Manager, ONE Campaign Africa, Nde Nfodinka (Wax Dey).

The 30-man AFRIMA team comprising AFRIMA Associate Co-Producer, Efe Omorogbe, AFRIMA jury Member, Mr. Laolu Akins, AFRIMA media Committee member and Mr. Biodun Kupoluyi, AFRIMA Production Manager, Mr. Henry Alade, Entertainment Editor of The Sun Newspaper, Mr.Tosin Ajirire among others were later treated to a scrumptious indigenous food; Amala (Yam flour) with gbe15

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E N T E R TA I N M E N T

giri soup (cooked mashed creating jobs, reducing international platform to celcoatless beans soup) and poverty, calling attention of ebrate our cultural heritage ewedu (smashed jute leaf and world leaders to Africa and and values, reward up coming

melon seed) in Abeokuta.

In partnership with the African Union Commission, AUC, The All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, is a music property developed to celebrate, reward and showcase

promoting the positive image of Africa to the world.

For the 2016 edition of the continental awards tagged AFRIMA 3.0, The AFRIMA 2016 calendar will be formally unveiled in May by the

as well as established talent, create sustainable growth of the African music industry as a contributor to national and continental economies, Afrima’s values encircle FACE IT, with the letters rep-

the rich musical culture of Africa, stimulate conversations among Africans and between Africa and the rest of the globe about the great potentials and values of the African culture and artistic heritage for the purpose of

African Union Commission (AUC) and International Committee of The All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA at the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the African Union Youth Charter.

With a vision to produce an

resenting; Fairness, Authenticity, Creativity, Excellence, Integrity, Transparency.

AFRIMA has five Regional Directors and 54 Country Directors as part of the decision making organs.

EVENTS

Burna Boy Pays Tribute to Grandfa- 2Baba Clears Air on “Buckwyld ‘n’ Breathless; The Disruption 2016 ther, Benson Idonije

Damini Ogulu, alias Burna Boy, paid tribute to his famous grandfather, Benson Idonije, at the Lagos Jazz Festival which ended last weekend. The ace broadcaster, regarded as Nigeria's most revered music critic and first manager to legendary musician, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, has been credited many times by Burna as the man who influ-

Iyo Out with ‘’Kokan Won’’

Fast-rising Nigerian artiste, Iyo

enced his music the most.

On the final night of the Jazz festival, Burna Boy took to the stage to give a moving speech about his grandfather, extolling his virtues while emphasizing the great man’s influence in his life. He looked delighted to be given the opportunity to honor his grandfather, and he went on to perform a few songs for him.

Burna Boy has been working non-stop since the release of his sophomore album OAS (On A Spaceship) last November, releasing videos and gaining acclaim in different African cities. Earlier in the year, he won the One Africa Award and two more at the Metro FM Awards in South Africa.

has released a new single with a crisp video titled 'Ko Kan Won'.

The new single is a follow up to her last hugely successful Afro Pop tune, Pack Up & Go which was adjudged as one of the most played songs on radio and made it to most of the popular music charts.

The new single, Ko Kan Won is an upbeat jam that once again re-emphasized the immense talents of Iyo and her vocal dexterity. Produced by Dapiano, the song is poised to top music charts and rock the dance floors in coming weeks.

The crisp video which was directed by Mex featured cameo appearances from Sound Sultan, CDQ, Orezi, DJ Spinall and May D. Managed by veretan artiste manager, Sunday Are of List Entertainment, lavishly talented Iyo is one of the music acts that is poised to lead her generation in no distance future.

Lagos Jazz Festival Culminates on Sensational Note

The spirit of Jazz found residence in Nigeria as the as the Satchmo’s Jazz and Culture Festival (SJL) rocked Lagos for four unforgettable days with jazz music.

SJL ’16 embodied the uni-

fying and uplifting spirit of jazz and saw breathtaking performances from prominent international jazz artists.

The festival featured sensational musical events, kicking

Nigerian music icon, 2Baba, pulled a surprise on ace OAP Olisa Adibua and millions of listeners on the Morning Rush on The Beat 99.9 FM, Lagos alongside M.I Abaga with the unscheduled announcement of Buckwyld ‘n’ Breathless: The Disruption.

The growing speculation over the DisruptionAfrica teaser campaign that has taken social media by storm for days, driven by mind-bending images and distorted quotes finally ended with the announcement.

2Baba will be co-headlining the Lagos leg of Buckwyld ‘n’ Breathless: The

off on Wednesday, 27 April, 2016, at Industry Nite where the festival’s first IJD Pre-Countdown saw London-based Afro-soul musician Jon Scott and saxophonist Sax Tee perform together. The following day, the second IJD Pre-Count-

down event was held at The Blowfish Hotel with some more live music by saxophonist and quasiVocalist, Phebean, Jon Scott & Sax Tee. The highlight of the festival was the International Jazz Day (IJD) Countdown on Friday, 28 April, 2016 that saw Grammy winner and smooth jazz guitarist and singer, Norman Brown, deliver a truly memorable performance alongside smooth jazz trumpet player and multi-instrumentalist, Rick Braun. Award-winning Afro

Disruption - and a couple more cities across the continent to be subsequently announced - which will kick off in Nairobi, Kenya on June 11 with the rapper. It will with East African royalty coheadlining. The critically acclaimed game-changing concert experience will also feature guest cameos by Alibaba, Tanzania's Vanessa Mdee, Kenya’s Sauti Sol, Churchill and comic, MC Jessy.

Earlier series built around the enthralling catalogue of 2Baba, then known as 2face Idibia, were 2face Live: Buckwyld ‘n’ Breathless, Lagos 2010; Buckwyld ‘n’ Breathless: Away & Beyond, Lagos 2012 and Buckwyld ‘n’ Breathless: Live at the 02 Arena, London 2012.

2Baba has been on an incredible run this year, releasing three singles including the groovy ‘Coded Tinz’ and the Valentine Special ‘Officially Blind’. His latest single titled ‘Oya Come Make We Go’ features fellow Buckwyld ‘n’ Breathless headliners, Sauti Sol, and was released last month.

Jazz Guitarist, Femi Leye, delivered his own unique brand of jazz on a cool night that also saw renowned Jazz Saxophonist, Imoleayo Balogun, Phebean and Carlo Rossi &The Organic Jam bring the house down.

That exh i l a r a ti n g night was followed by a party in Banana Island park, in partnership with The Pattiserie, as International Jazz Day celebrations reached a climax. The festival came to an end the same day, in grand fashion, with IJD Closing Celebration &Afterparty at Vellvett Lounge & Bar. As jazz music filled the air on all the event days, art met business and culture, lighting up what will always be a festival to remember Securenigeria365.com

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T

EVENTS

The Official opening of the Styles By Saennys showroom he Official opening of the Styles By Saennys showroom which took place on March 28, 2016 was one with color, and glamour. Styles By Saennys is a leading gemstone designing company in Nigeria with over a decade of churning out great designs of beautiful and top class quality gemstones.

The unveiling of the state- of- the- art gemstone jewelry showroom situated at 61b Ajose Street/8 Oki Lane, Mende, Maryland, Lagos, Nigeria attracted men and women from diverse economic and social sectors who all gathered to witness the epoch-making event.

The showroom was officially unveiled as Pastor Mrs. Oyindamola Shoderu from the Fountain of Life Church cut the pink ribbon giving cue to everyone to move into the exquisite shop and exclusive gemstone jewelry topick their choices at discounted prices.

Speaking to securenigeria on the occasion,

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CEO/Creative Director of the company, Eniola Akintunde could hardly contain her joy and appreciation, “I don’t know what to say, really. I’m just so excited that the whole event is turning out so well. I thank God for the privilege and strength to put this together, and I thank my ever supporting team that wouldn’t let me worry beyond measure.”

According to the amiable and stylish Director, gemstone is a passion with her and an industry she would love to develop in the country; which she said was a story for another day. The event was a success, even if we say so ourselves, and we look forward to having you at our showroom.

With good music, sumptuous food to eat, and assorted drinks to relax with, Eniola,in her vintage self of giving honor to whom it was due,appreciated everyonewho made the day a reality; “On behalf of the news team, staff and management of Styles By Saennys, these

EVENTS

few people and groups must be acknowledged for their donations, support, and partnership; The Fountain Of Life Church, Beaded Jewelry Designers Association of Nigeria (BJDAN), Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (FADAN), Kingdom Electronics, Modela Couture, Buzz Multimedia, SME TINK-TANK, Our Lady of Apostle Yaba, Old Girls Association (OLA), City People, Mr Ariyo Traffic Radio,

Pastor Gbenga Olumujimi, Keppy Ekpeyong and wife, Sebeccly Cancer Care, all other media houses and a host of many others. God bless you all.”

For enquiries and business dealings, you may contact the jeweler through the following media;

Showroom: 61b Ajose Street / 8 Oki Lane, Mende, Maryland, Lagos, Nigeria.Website – www.stylesbysaennys.com..Instagram – @stylesbysaennys....Twitter – @stylesbysaennys...LinkedIn – Eniola Akintunde Call 07045981387 Whatsapp 08033304594

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