Sunday 27th March 2016

We are Working Hard to Overcome Our Challenges, President Assures Nigerians Says 2016 budget’ll be faithfully implemented

Tobi Soniyi in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday assured Nigerians that his administration was “working very hard” to overcome the challenges it encountered on assumption

of office.

"We are moving on with an unshaken resolve and determination to deliver on the mandate you gave us on March 28, last year,” the President said in his Easter message, where he also

thanked Nigerians for their patience and understanding in the first ten months of his administration.

Assuring Nigerians that his government will deliver on its promised change, he said "that change, which we all

yearn for, will certainly occur more rapidly if we all place the love of our country above selfish personal and group interests.”

The President also commented on the 2016 budget passed last week by the

National Assembly, promising to ensure that the budget was faithfully implemented to grow the economy.

"I assure all Nigerians that we will do our utmost best to ensure that the budget, the first since my election as

President, is efficiently and successfully implemented towards achieving our objective of faster economic growth and development," he said.

Continued on page 6

Nigeria to Send Delegation to Cameroon to Verify Arrested Suicide Bomber’s Claim ... Page 100

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In Sign of Major Crack within Ruling Party, Tinubu Takes on Buhari’s Minister Battle may be over appointment of Onikepo Animashaun, NPDC GM Legal

Anayo Okolie Amid widespread criticism of the President Muhammadu Buhari government’s handling of the nationwide fuel shortages, national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, yesterday lashed

out at the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu, in a statement that exposed continuing rifts within the ruling party and the endless scramble among its leaders for sphere of influence in the government.

For more than one month, the public has been faced

with the frustrations of not being able to get enough premium motor spirit – the most consumed petroleum product in the country – to buy. This has resulted in long queues of vehicles and crowds of buyers at the few filling stations selling the product.

But Kachikwu told State House

correspondents in Abuja on Wednesday that despite the government’s efforts, the fuel situation might not improve until the next two months. He said he was not a magician and did not have a magic wand to eliminate the fuel queues, a comment that drew angry responses from various

segments of society, but which APC remained silent about.

However, Tinubu added his voice to the criticisms of Kachikwu’s comments, in a strongly worded statement titled, “Kachikwu needs to know that respect and good performance will do what magic cannot.”

It was however gathered that Tinubu’s denunciation of Kachikwu may not be unconnected with the appointment of Onikepo Animashaun as GM, Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC).

The former Lagos State Continued on page 6

NNPC Extends Crude Oil Swap to April Chineme Okafor in Abuja The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has again shifted the timeline for the planned commencement of its new crude oil trading and products sourcing arrangement, the Direct-Sale-Direct-Purchase (DSDP), to April.

The DSDP is expected to replace the crude oil for product swap programme, which its terms had earlier been pronounced to be corrupt.

By extending the Continued on page 6

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CONGRATULATORY VISIT

New Executive Secretary of Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Mr Waziri Adio, receiving the governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir Elrufai, who paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Abuja....recently

weekly pull-out

The Flipside oF Tonye princewill

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page six We are Working Hard to Overcome Our Challenges, President Assures Nigerians Buhari added his administration was determined to achieve greater peace and security across the nation by ending the avoidable conflicts and crises hindering national progress.

He therefore solicited for greater support from all Nigerians in this regard, adding that “We must put a stop to politically motivated killings. Our communities must be made safe again for all inhabitants to live together

in peace and harmony."

He asked all Nigerian to play their parts as patriotic citizens and do all that they could to make Nigeria a safer, more peaceful and happier place for its people and others.

Noting that the armed forces, police and other security agencies were being progressively reformed, repositioned and empowered to win the war against terrorism and make mass killings,

abductions and other criminal atrocities things of the past in the country, the President said the unfortunate notoriety in recent years as a country where the blood of men, women and children were wantonly and callously shed in frequent orgies of criminal, political, ethnic and religious violence had become very embarrassing and utterly unacceptable.

Commenting the significance of Easter and relating it

to the Nigerian situation, he said: "For Christians all over the world, this celebration is in commemoration of the supreme sacrifice which Jesus Christ made for the salvation of mankind.

"The Gospels also tell us that during his earthly ministry, Jesus Christ repeatedly urged his disciples and followers to 'love one another as I have loved you'.

"As we celebrate Easter this year, I sincerely believe that

it will serve our dear nation very well if we all imbibe this essential message of Jesus Christ and truly learn to love our countrymen and women as we love ourselves."

He said: “we will make faster progress towards the achievement of the peaceful, united, strong, progressive and prosperous country we all desire if, as a nation, we eschew all divisive, parochial, ethnic and religious sentiments and rivalries, and begin

to live more harmoniously with our compatriots, as Jesus Christ and the founders of the world’s other great religions enjoined mankind.

He said: "Faith, belief and the fulfilment of expectations are also key themes of the Easter celebration. I urge you all therefore, to continue to have faith in the future greatness of our country and to believe that the change my administration promised will surely come to fruition.”

Tinubu, however, expressed confidence in the commitment and ability of the president to lead the country out of the current economic crisis.

“From establishing full security and safety to staking a claim to true economic prosperity and fairness, this government shall salvage our national pride and purpose. Let all of us, in and out of government, never forget this. If we adhere to this remembrance, we shall see that magic will not be needed to bring the progress we seek,” he stated Tinubu acknowledged the hash economic climate occasioned by the sharp drop in crude oil prices. He said the situation required creative reforms, stressing, “Therein lies the essence of progressive democratic governance.” He said the Buhari administration represented Nigeria’s best hope for the installation of such governance and alleged that the country would have being in a more terrible condition if the immediate past Peoples Democratic Party federal government had continued in power.

Though, he has of late been critical of some of the policies of the Buhari government, Tinubu, in the statement, appreciated the efforts of the administration to right the wrongs of the past. But he stated, “In this effort, there may be no economic matter more difficult to unravel and more sensitive to the pulse of the average person than the current fuel scarcity.

Even here I am confident of progress because I know the commitment of the president to resolving this matter. I make no attempt to hide it. I am an avid and partisan supporter of this government and of the progressive policies of the party, the APC, upon which this government is based.

“With that I do reserve the right and the duty as a Nigerian to voice my opinion when I believe a member of this government has strayed from the progressive calling required of this administration. I do this because my greater devotion and love are for this nation and its people. Party and politics fall secondary.”

However, Tinubu, it was gathered, took umbrage at Kachikwu when he appointed Animashaun as GM, Legal, at NPDC. Presidency officials said they noted the unusual public criticism of Kachikwu, who Tinubu ought to know is the minister of state in the Office of the Petroleum Minister, occupied by President Muhammadu Buhari, and that they would have thought that if he had anything against

Kachikwu as Buhari’s minister of state, he had all the access to the presidency to lodge his complaints, and therefore found his public reproval of Kachikwu surprising.

A presidency official who said because he was not briefed to comment on the issue, he may not be quoted, noted that Tinubu’s anger with Kachikwu may not be unconnected with Kachikwu’s appointment of Animashaun as GM at NPDC without the approval of Tinubu, given that Animashaun was a permanent secretary in the Lagos State government and a Lagos indigene.

Tinubu was said to be particularly piqued that Animashaun was recommended by Pastor Tunde Bakare, and backed by former Lagos Governor Babatunde Fashola, without reference to him before being appointed.

He was said to have pointedly asked Kachikwu to reverse the appointment but the minister told him that it was a bit too late in the day to do that as Lagos State government did not raise any objection or make any adverse comment to her appointment as GM and that if they do, then the NNPC management would reconsider her appointment.

When this was brought to the attention of President Buhari, according to the officials, the President maintained that anybody once appointed after following due process could only be removed by due process and not because of opposition from individuals.

Following the President’s position on the issue, Lagos State government then wrote a letter to NNPC saying it did not support Animashaun’s appointment.

It was gathered that Animashaun quickly countered that by presenting a letter of commendation from Lagos State government for her exceptional and meritorious services to the state which earned her an award as one of the best performing permanent secretaries, a development that made it impossible for Kachikwu to act on the petition.

Tinubu was said to have insisted that Animashaun must be removed if Kachikwu was to know peace. Presidency officials, therefore, believed that yesterday’s statement authored by Tinubu was one of the first salvos in that direction. They believe so because they wondered why a small comment by Kachikwu on fuel scarcity would attract a strongly-worded statement by Tinubu, a national leader of APC, when he has unfettered access to Buhari to lodge his complaints on any issue.

In Sign of Major Crack in Ruling Party, Tinubu Takes on Buhari’s Minister governor in the statement which he personally signed said: “Much public ire has been drawn to the statement made by Minister of State Ibe Kachikwu that he was not trained as a magician and that basically Nigerians should count themselves fortunate that the NNPC under his stewardship has been able to bring in the amount of petrol fuel it is currently doing.

“Perhaps, the statement by Kachikwu was made in a moment of unguarded frustration or was an awkward attempt at a joke. Whatever the motive, it was untimely and off-putting.

The remark did not sit well with the Nigerian people; they were as right to feel insulted as the minister was wrong to have said such a thing. The fuel shortage is severely biting for the average person. They are forced to remain in lines far too long, for too much time, to pay too much money for too little fuel. This is no joking matter. Livelihoods and people’s welfare are at stake. With so much on the line, Kachikwu’s flippancy was out-of-line. He was basically telling Nigerians that they should be lucky that

they are getting the inadequate supply they now suffer and that they should just be quiet and endure the shortage for several weeks more.”

Tinubu criticised Kachikwu’s intervention as “unhelpful,” saying it has caused panic and despair among the public with regard to the duration of the crisis. “It insulted the people by its tonality. He spoke with the imperious nature of a member of the elitist government the people voted out last year and not the progressive one they voted in,” Tinubu said.

He added, “Kachikwu must be reminded that he was not coerced to take this job. He accepted the job and its responsibilities knowingly.

He also must remember that he does not own NNPC. This also is not a private company that owes nothing to the public except the duty of fair dealing. He is a public servant. The seat he sits upon is owned by Nigerians not by him. The company he runs is owned by Nigerians not by him. They are his boss.

He is not theirs. Power is vested in the people. He is a mere custodian or agent of

their will. In talking to us in such a manner, he committed an act of insubordination. If he had talked so cavalierly to his boss in the private sector, he would have been reprimanded or worse. If wise, the man should refrain from such interjections in the future.

“As his ultimate bosses, the people have a right to demand the requisite performance and respect from him. He should apologise for treating them so lightly in this instance. His portfolio being a strategically important one, he needs to re-establish the correct relationship with the public. They no longer feel he is working for their optimal benefit as their servant. Instead, he seems to be standing above them, telling them to take it or leave it.

“For his policies and stint in office to be successful and a help to this government, he must have the support and belief of the people at this tough time. He must talk to them in a way that they believe he seeks their best interest and understands the hardship weighing upon them. He must ask them to work with him and, perhaps,

to endure a bit longer but with the knowledge that he is working to resolve this matter as fast as he can and as permanently as possible.

That he is dedicated to the position that once these current lines are gone that never again shall they reappear as long as he has any influence in the matter.”

Tinubu said to maintain the confidence of the people and keep their hope alive despite the hard times required neither magic nor training in any strange craft. “It requires empathy, compassion and the willpower to forge a better Nigeria. These must be the common trademarks of those serving in a progressive government, for these attributes are integral parts of the spirit and ideals upon which the APC was founded.

Upon such notions was this administration voted into office by the Nigerian people in the operation of their sovereign will to seek a national leadership that would pursue their interests to the utmost and give them every fair chance to live in a better Nigeria,” the APC leader stated.

the DSDP will commence.

This new shift in date is the second the corporation would be making, having moved it from December 2015 to the first week in March 2016 when the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu, said the DSDP would start.

“For long-term solutions, the NNPC and the government is working to put in place machineries to ensure that our refineries are fixed and working optimally, while the pipelines which have been under attack for some time now are repaired.

“The Direct Sale Direct Purchase (DSDP) arrangement for crude would commence in the first week of April and

all these coupled with the fact that the President has given his support to increase the crude supply to NNPC to ensure local sufficiency of products will go a long way to solve the problems in the short and long term,” said NNPC in the statement.

While the NNPC under the old order exchanged crude for petroleum products through third party traders at a predetermined yield pattern, the DSDP accordingly obliges it to allocate a certain volume of crude oil within the period for refining at offshore locations in exchange for petroleum products at pre-agreed yield pattern.

Meanwhile, experts in the Nigerian oil and gas sector have expressed doubts that Kachikwu’s plans to set up strategic reserves of petrol to cushion in-country shortages would work out well.

The experts, who crave anonymity, however, explained that without a commercial framework to maintain such strategic reserve, Kachikwu’s plans, which he recently disclosed would be difficult to succeed.

Another team of experts from the International Institute for Petroleum Energy Law and Policy (IIPELP) also told THISDAY that the concept which Kachikwu is currently throwing around was not entirely new to the country.

NNPC Extends Crude Oil Swap to April commencement date of the DSDP, NNPC has extended further the stop date for an interim crude for product swap arrangement it set up after overhauling the former and putting it to last for only three months – from October to December 2015.

In September 2015, NNPC announced its overhaul of the swap programme because it said it was corrupt, and then engaged three of its joint venture companies - Duke Oil, Carlson and Napoil on interim basis to sustain nationwide supply and distribution of petroleum products.

However, THISDAY gathered that the interim swap programme which

was originally designed to run for only three months but has now gone on for six months is being kept by the corporation because of the lingering scarcity of petrol in the country.

THISDAY learnt that agreements with successful applicants in the DSDP was yet to be signed by the corporation partly because the scarcity has been persistent for weeks now and bites hard across cities and villages in the country.

The corporation, in an official statement that was signed by its spokesman, Garba Deen Mohammed, at the weekend said it was carrying over the interim swap to the first week of April when

LAST-MINUTE EASTER RIDE

Passangers at lddo Terminal, Lagos, scrambling to board a free train ride to Osun State for the Easter celebration...weekend

READ THE CONCLUDING PART ON www.thisdayive.com

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SUNDAY COMMENT

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

THE REAL MESSAGE OF EASTER We should live a life of service and sacrifice

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s millions of Christians around the world today mark Easter Sunday, it calls for both celebration and reflection. For adherents of the faith in our country, it is a day that gives meaning to their lives and offers hope for the future. If we imbibe the spirit and essence of the season, no matter how difficult things may seem today, our nation will ultimately overcome the challenges of the moment and fulfill its manifest destiny.

Easter is particularly a feast of Christendom which teaches several lessons: from the greed of a disciple (and his eternal damnation) to the conviction of the innocent and ultimately the redemption of mankind through sacrifice, death and resurrection. That, in a nutshell, is the story of Easter for which Christians are enjoined to look onto Jesus as the author and finisher of their faith and solution to all their woes.

At a time like this, the message for Christians in Nigeria is that they must reciprocate the sacrifice of their Lord and Saviour by caring for their neighbours while dedicating their energies to the promotion of the common good. It is a season that provides opportunity to identify common values from which to build a new national order where justice, service, peace, respect for human dignity and mutual understanding will reign in our country.

Therefore, in the spirit of the season, we call for a moral renaissance in Nigeria.

Those who hold public offices should

learn from Easter a lesson of selfless service to the people. And the same should extend to the people in the private sector. To the extent that Christ came to serve rather than to be served, those who profess his name must begin to live by those ideals. They must imbibe the spirit of the one who lived among the people yet without sin, while sharing their anxieties, hopes and aspirations.

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In the spirit of the season, we call for a moral renaissance in Nigeria. Those who hold public offices should learn from Easter a lesson of selfless service to the people

Letters to the Editor

F

rom the wisdom of Socrates we learnt that “he who is contented with what he has would not be contented with what he would like to have”.

Time changes.

We have just been treated to a political show where seemingly irresistible forces suddenly came to an unexpected stop, landing us in a rediscovered Nigeria where the quick fix no longer applies but a carefully calculated, purposeful and deliberate policy action. Curiously, past experiences have conditioned our minds to a misguided sense of the purpose and values of leadership so much so that matters of our nationhood only find expression in scandalising at one end

S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR TOKUNBO ADEDOJA DEPUTY EDITORS VINCENT OBIA, FESTUS AKANBI MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN

T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR OLUFEMI ABOROWA DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS PETER IWEGBU, FIDELIS ELEMA, MBAYILAN ANDOAKA, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS HENRY NWACHOKOR, SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI GENERAL MANAGER PATRICK EIMIUHI GROUP HEAD FEMI TOLUFASHE ART DIRECTOR OCHI OGBUAKU II DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

t is particularly noteworthy that this year, Easter comes at a most difficult period not only for our country but indeed, the entire world. Just last Tuesday, there were explosions and deaths in Belgium, the kind that millions of our compatriots in the North-east have had to live with for years. Yet it all reminds us of the danger posed to humanity by those who have taken it upon themselves to kill and maim in the name of God. But beyond terrorism, there are other challenges that we must come to terms with, especially in our country, while the message of Easter remains a simple one: ultimately, good overcomes evil and perfect love casts out fear.

Christ, after whom Christians ought to model themselves, brought divine wisdom to men and lived a life of unselfish love for mankind. He personified humility, service and other virtues that are in short supply in the world we live in. This is therefore a period for genuine Christians to ask themselves whether they can be truly numbered among followers of Christ, based on the true desires of their hearts and the motives behind most of their actions.

Whereas it is true that Christ came because of men, and also died because of their sins, the Christian condition for salvation rests on the understanding that Jesus endured the cross to pay the price for their redemption. Easter therefore gives the Christian believer a unique opportunity to re-examine himself/herself.

As we therefore reflect on the true significance of Easter, it is important that all Nigerians, regardless of their faith, resolve to become better citizens and better human beings.

We wish all our Christian readers Happy Easter.

TO OUR READERS Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-200 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (950- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive.com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer.

IT’S NO LONGER BUSINESS AS USUAL and trivialising at the other end.

Indeed, it is beyond one’s comprehension how some individuals still struggle to resist the fact that times have changed. That it is no longer business as usual and that it’s a President Buhari administration where arguments and actions are based on principles, integrity, sincerity and coordinated by defining priorities. Now, government business is transacted with passion, prudence and a sense of commitment hitherto alien to our teeming populace. The past ways of life, the days of a quick fix solution typified in deceptive facts and manipulated figures that played up to the mental attitude of a people who have all along been sheltered

from the real challenges of the present times by an easy environment which albeit, certainly mortgages our future.

In contrast, there is a new dawn where it is being emphasised that to make progress, to secure the future of a nation we must begin at the very beginning by confronting our worst fears, our adopted norm of impunity and recklessness and the stereotypical life of wealth without work. This government is preaching a change agenda built on the realities of societies and seeks to develop in us a mental attitude of a people who have been challenged and have responded victoriously. It is a proven fact of history that change is always resisted even by the very people who

would benefit from it in the long run.

The reason for such resistance is not far-fetched. Just as it is true that no one recovers from fever without having taste the bitterness of quinine, change cannot usher in the desired level of development without a variation in the status quo. It may involve such unpleasantness as the replacement of immediate comfort and perhaps, happiness with a consciousness of pressure and a feeling of anxiety. To be able to appreciate the struggles of the present administration, we must learn to take a long view. Ease, as they say, is the enemy of civilisation.

The situation in the Federal Capital Territory is much the same.

It is therefore unfair that a Nigerian

living in the present times could so despicably attempt to tarnish the name of a distinguished man, Alhaji Mohammed Musa Bello, the Minister of the FCT. In a recent publication entitled “ FCT Minister, sit up or resign”, it attempted to replace credibility with credulity. Criticising a man when you have a prejudiced mind, a selective vision and a grudge to deal with can be a messy and ridiculous exercise. In the writers haste to put the minister down as is being done to other ministers and even the president by henchmen of the fallen tyrants, the writer failed to see the benefits of the minister’s situation assessment, careful planning and strategic prioritisation.

Jamila Musa, Abuja

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May your home be blessed with happiness and unwavering faith this Easter.

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SUNDAYNEWS

News Editor Abimbola Akosile E-mail: abimbola.akosile@thisdaylive.com, 08023117639 (sms only)

FG Raises the Alarm on Rising Tuberculosis-related Deaths • Says 250,000 die annually, country ranked 4th in 22 TB-burdened countries Chineme Okafor in Abuja

UNILAG ALUMNI EXCO L-R: 1st National Vice President of the new UNILAG Alumni, Otunba Seni Adetu; President, Olorógun Sonny Kuku, and 2nd Vice President, Deaconess (Mrs.) Arit Ibanga, after the Alumni elected their new officers for the next two years in Lagos...recently

Leaders Preach Peace, Unity at Easter Abimbola Akosile in Lagos Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja, Olakiitan Victor in Ado Ekiti and Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu

As Christians in the country join their counterparts across the world to celebrate Easter today, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has called on Nigerians to emulate the virtues of forgiveness and self-sacrifice as exhibited by Jesus Christ in order to move the nation forward.

Ekweremadu made the call alongside other personalities including Ministers, Governors and Speakers of States House of Assembly, in various Easter messages and releases sent to THISDAY yesterday.

The Deputy Senate President, in his message, said recrimination, unforgiveness, and selfishness were major clogs in the nation’s wheel of progress. He said: “The Easter celebration is another reminder that forgiveness and self-sacrifice remain indispensable factors in nation-building.

I, therefore, call on the Christian faithful and all Nigerians to imbibe Christ’s sense of selfsacrifice by putting the nation’s interest above personal and other narrow interests. Meanwhile, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has felicitated with Christians in the country and Nigerians in general for witnessing another Easter season, urging them to always uphold the virtues of love and sacrifice which are the hallmark of the Easter celebration.

He also congratulated them for the successful completion of the Lenten season, a period of 40 days of fasting and prayer which climaxed in the Easter celebra-

tion.

The Minister in his Easter goodwill message, signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, also called on Nigerians to make ample use of the opportunity of the season for sober reflection.

In his own message, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode called on Nigerians to collectively imbibe the spirit of unity, tolerance and peaceful co-existence as panacea for overcoming the nation’s current challenges.

Ambode, in his Easter message to Lagosians, said such fundamental values would go a long way in promoting and strengthening the foundation of love, peace and harmony in the society adding that the season should serve as a reminder to all of the selflessness, love, sacrifice and tolerance of Jesus Christ throughout His earthly sojourn.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, the Governor said, “Remembering that foundation is particularly meaningful this Easter because our nation is facing challenges that we can overcome if we choose to, by exercising collective tolerance and be ready to make sacrifices.”

The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, in his Easter message, noted that only a total rebirth in national consciousness and values would deliver Nigeria from its many challenges.

Aregbesola said renewal, which a crucial theme in the celebration of Easter, should make Nigerians rediscover themselves for the purpose of their creation in the first place.

The governor, in a statement by the Director, Bureau of Com-

munication and Strategy, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, also called on all, especially Christians to use the period to supplicate to God on behalf of the country so that Nigeria will be able to come out of the present economic challenges.

Aregbesola, who described Easter as a period of sober reflection, enjoined Nigerians to live in peace and harmony at all times despite the present economic hardship.

Meanwhile, Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, has charged Nigerians not to use their positions to oppress others, but to learn from the Lord Jesus who used his power and position to serve and comfort others.

In his Easter message in AdoEkiti weekend, the governor said the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus gave mankind the hope that nothing is beyond the divine power of God. Fayose admonished the people of the state and Nigerians at large to expect a brighter tomorrow, in a message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Idowu Adelusi.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State also asked Nigerians to let the lessons of Easter continue to promote peace and harmony among one another.

In his message to the people of the state, Ugwuanyi noted that Christians must allow the virtues of humility, dedication, diligence, service and sacrifice as demonstrated by Jesus Christ himself to be their watch-words.

“I urge you to let these virtues to continue to rule your individual lives so that our dear state would continue to gain from the full import of this period of soul-searching and purification in promoting universal brother-

hood among our people,” he added.

Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, in his Easter message, urged Christians in particular and Nigerians in general to see the Easter period as opportunity to increase their efforts at showing love and promotion of peace among mankind.

The Speaker also urged Nigerians not to relent in cooperating and supporting the All Progressives Congress (APC) governments at centre and state levels in their efforts at putting in place programmes and measures that will enhance and improve the standard of living of Nigerians while also ensuring that they enjoy dividends of democracy even at their doorsteps.

Meanwhile, the National Chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ali Modu-Sheriff, while felicitating with Nigerians on Easter behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC), urged them to use the occasion to renew the bond of love, forgiveness and peaceful coexistence, irrespective of religious, ethnic and political persuasions.

The party, in a goodwill message issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh yesterday said such devotion to national unity and harmony is paramount to overcoming the economic, social and security challenges presently confronting the nation.

The party said “just as Easter represents the triumph of life over death, Nigerians can draw strength and inspiration to overcome the division, disagreements and bitterness that now threaten the unity and corporate existence of our dear nation.”

Kano: Fire Guts 4,000 Shops in Sabon Gari Market Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano

Fire has razed down over 4,000 shops at the popular Sabon Gari market in Kano, leaving properties worth billions of naira burnt to ashes. The fire, which started between 12:05 am yesterday night

and 11:39am, was suspected to be from an electrical fault.

Efforts by the State Fire Service and fire officials of other private companies could not save the situation as about 90 per cent of the market had been razed down. The incident

also affected a bank situated within the market and numerous stores and shops. Although thick smoke beclouded Kano’s horizon as a result of the fire, no life was lost in the outbreak.

Following the unprecedented inferno at the Market,

Kano State Commissioner of Environment, Alhaji Ali Bukar Makoda had announced that the environmental sanitation exercise was suspended to enable firefighters from neighbouring states provide succour for fire incidence.

The federal government has disclosed that there is a distressing rise in cases of undetected and undiagnosed tuberculosis in Nigeria, saying that this development puts lots of Nigerians at the risk of the disease.

The government said this just as Star Deepwater Petroleum Limited and its venture partners in the Agbami field project reiterated their commitment to partnering it and state governments to tackle the scourge of tuberculosis and other health issues in the country.

The Minister of Health, Mr. Isaac Adewole said at an occasion organised by Star Deepwater Petroleum Limited to mark the 2016 World Tuberculosis Day recently in Abuja that it is estimated that Nigeria records quite close to 250,000 deaths every year from tuberculosis.

Adewole also disclosed that amongst the 22 high-burdened countries that account for 80 per cent of global tuberculosis (TB) burden, Nigeria is currently number four, after India, Indonesia, and China.

According to him, the 2015 global TB report noted that of the estimated 9.6 million incidents of tuberculosis cases globally, only six million cases had been detected and notified, leaving an estimated 3.6 million cases either not diagnosed or diagnosed but not reported.

“Of this global group, Nigeria accounts for 15 per cent of the gap in tuberculosis case notification.

The implication is that only one out of six cases of tuberculosis roaming around are detected, while five out of six roam around undetected. In other words everybody is not safe,” said Adewole.

Heexplainedthatgovernment would move to possibly affected population like people living with HIV, urban slums, male prisoners,

migrants, internally displaced persons, including nomadic population, children and people with diabetes among others.

The minister lamented that the major constraint faced by the country in addressing the huge burden of tuberculosis is the financial gap, stating that for instance, in 2015, only 32 per cent of the $228 million required was realised, leaving a funding gap of $155 million.

He, however, stated that in the 2016 budget the government had made provision for laboratory reagents, equipment and second line drugs for tuberculosis. 2017, he said would have an increased funding to support health works against tuberculosis.

He commended all its partners and financiers, including the Agbamipartnersfortheirsupport and commitment towards ending the scourge of the disease in the country.

The Director, Star Deepwater, Mr. Jeffery Ewing who spoke for the Agbami partners said they were glad for the opportunity to work with the vision of the government in health care delivery.

Ewing, who was represented by the Manager, Government Affairs of Chevron, Mr. Umaru Ribadu, said such vision was key to Nigeria’s economic development, and he noted since 2010, Chevron companies in Nigeria as well as the Agbami partners have been building ultra-modern chest clinics fitted with x-ray machines, to eradicate the spread of tuberculosis and other related diseases in Nigeria. He further stated that in the next couple of weeks, the Agbami partners would also be partnering some Non-Governmental Organisations to launch a tuberculosisawarenesscampaign aimed at sensitising people in Kano, Lagos, Kaduna and Rivers States on the dangers, prevention, management and treatment of the disease.

Kogi Assembly: I Need Legal Advice to Take Decision, Says Arase The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, has said he needs the advice of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice before enforcing the resolution of the National Assembly to seal off the Kogi House of Assembly complex.

Arase disclosed this while speaking with newsmen in Abuja yesterday during an exercise tagged ‘Walk Against Crime’, organised as part of activities to mark the police week, according to a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report.

The Senate had directed the IGP to seal the Kogi Assembly complex, pending the resolution of the political crisis in the house.

Arase also said the position of the Senate had been sent to the minister for his advice on the matter.

“What I have done is to send

the papers to the minister of Justice for his advice. I am a police officer; I also need the advice of a legal expert to actually know the way forward. Once I get the response of the minister, I will be able to take a decision,” he said.

On the exercise, he said it was part of the police week aimed at connecting with other Nigerians. According to him, the mental and physical health of a police officer determines his or her level of work he or she can do. NAN reports that the walk took off from the Force Headquarters to the Unity Fountain in Maitama, and back to the Force Headquarters. In attendance were the ControllerGeneral of the Federal Fire Service, representatives of the Chief of Naval Staff, NSCDC, FRSC, Musicians and Sports men among others.

CORRIGENDUM In an article titled: ‘British Airways’ Shabby Treatment of Nigerians’ published in our March 20, 2016 edition, it was erroneously insinuated that British Airways was a recalcitrant racist. We apologise for this insinuation.

-–Editor

T H I S D AY SUNDAY MARCH 27, 2016

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T H I S D AY SUNDAY MARCH 27, 2016

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 27, 2016

INTERNATIONAL

PMB’s Anti-corruption Drive: Foreign Policy Implications of AGF’s 2014 Audit Report

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MB’s (President Muhammadu Buhari’s) anti-corruption drive is quite interesting and encouraging in many ways. It has clearly shown that corruption in Nigeria, the origins of which Professor J.S. Cookey, the Chairman of the Political Bureau, has traced to 1967 in the report of the Bureau, is, indeed, institutional. Since 1967, everyone talks about it but to no avail. Even though in the first coming of PMB as Head of State, his efforts at War Against Indiscipline (WAI) pointed to a better future that would not come. His tenure was cut short by Babangida’s coup d’état. PMB also came to power through a coup d’état. In his second coming as President, he renewed the WAI without necessarily calling it so, by engaging in a war on corruption.

This is done in the strong belief that if Nigeria is free from institutional corruption, toga of irrationality and political chicanery, development planning could be done within a framework of good environmental conditionings and a good foundation for a new Nigeria would have been built.

And true, his first major focus has been to secure the polity, by particularly seeking the neutralization of the Boko Haram group. The Boko Haram was found to have better firing power than the Nigerian military which is believed to be the strongest in the West African region. In fact, the Nigerian military was put to shame when the Boko Haram hoisted its flag of sovereignty in more than 10 local government areas in the North East. Besides, the fact that some soldiers had refused to fight the Boko Haram because of very poor kitting, prompted PMB to investigate why. This is one of the originating factors of what is now called ‘Dasukigate’ in Nigeria.

Additionally, seriousness of the anti-corruption drive is also evidenced in the 2016 budget, which was passed by the National Assembly on Wednesday, 23rd March. The budget, N6.06 trillion, was first characterized by consciously inflated figures which prompted much controversy, review and further review for purposes of perfection. The amount was eventually cut down by about N17 billion to reduce the cost of governance. This, probably, is the first time since independence in 1960 that a national budget would be drastically reduced to show transparency and seriousness of purpose.

With the anti-corruption drive, the agents of corruption are now better known than ever before. They are basically the professional politicians and the civil/servants who, though are in charge of public money but, most unfortunately, take advantage of their official position to steal public funds.

And perhaps most interestingly, the anti-corruption drive is also gradually changing the attitude of acquiescence of most Nigerians that has come to characterize the business of corruption in Nigeria.

In the eyes of many Nigerians, PMB does not have focus. Many people have suggested that the war on corruption should not be the main preoccupation of Government. Those who complain about the anti-corruption drive also admit of the need to deal with the problem of corruption but without proffering the modalities to guide the way forward. Many commentators have complained that PMB is selective in the choice of who to investigate and prosecute. As much as one may want to agree with this points of view, the hard truth remains that a selective approach is a desideratum in dealing with graft and corruption be it in Nigeria or elsewhere. An anti-corruption drive must begin somewhere and with someone. It is difficult to imagine prosecuting fifty or one hundred people at the same time, more so that the increasing revelations of the anti-corruption drive have shown that thousands of the elite are truly the agents provocateurs in the sustenance of corruption and other social ills in the country. In spite of this, PMB’s anti-corruption efforts are yielding very positive results. For instance, the Presidential Committee which was set up to investigate the various contracts by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) from 2011 to 2015, has not only recovered more than N7 billion and indicted more than 300 people and companies, but has also revealed that another N41 billion is to be recovered from some companies that were overpaid. The submission of the 2014 Audit Report by the Auditor General of Nigeria, Mr. Samuel Ukura, not only lent credence to the deepening institutional corruption in Nigeria but also justifies why PMB is quite right in seeking to arrest the trend first.

The 2014 Audit Report

The report is characterized by two main features: the unlimited scope of areas of possible intervention by the National Security Adviser (NSA), on the one hand, and government agents as the main carriers of corrupt blood, on the other. For instance, the report has it that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) was given the sum of $183 million for the rehabilitation and construction of dams.

Many observers see an anomaly in this type of contract. True, it can be rightly argued that there is no good basis for the NSA to be engaged in the construction of dams. However, there is no disputing the fact that, with the current universally acknowledged redefinition of security, the criterion of which now goes beyond the state centric criteria to include economic factors and protection of cultural values, the construction of dams can conveniently fall under security strategies.

Therefore, the NSA may not be seen in bad light.

There is the issue of $14.5 million to purchase hand sanitizers following the outbreak of the Ebola virus about two years ago. If due consideration is given to the high velocity at which the virus kills, no one will dispute the need for urgent preventive measures, and therefore the importance of the need to provide hand sanitizers in public spaces. In this regard, before any objective criticism can be made, the extent of distribution of the sanitizers must first be determined. Unless it can be argued that there was no purchase of hand sanitizers or that what was purchased did not correlate with the amount expended

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Buhari on it, the issue is not a big deal. Even with this, it will still be relative as the cost of purchase is a function of many other factors: place of purchase, the manufacturer, quality of product, etc.

Additionally, the sum of $157.4 million was given as subsidy for fertilizer and youth employment in the various agriculture programmes. Many observers raise eye brows about this. Again, who was charged with the subsidy should not be the issue to address, but the manner of allocation of the funds to the people, especially in terms of criteria for determination of the recipients, the amount of money given to each recipient, etc.

Apart from the foregoing, the critical points of observation that are noteworthy in the report include the facts that the sum of $1,104 million ought to have been paid by the NLNG (National Liquefied and Natural Gas), but was never paid into the Federal Account. In the same vein, the National Assembly, the legislative arm of government that ought to be at the vanguard of the anti-corruption war, expended $47.8 million without vouchers, in other words, without documentation. The Prison Service that made a deduction of $10.2 million from payments made to it as tax payable to Government has not remitted the amount.

In fact, the audit report also indicted the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington: it collected $3,705,528 for various services rendered but expended the amount without first transferring it to the Federal Account as required. In this specific case, can we really and rightly talk about corruption and indiscipline? In the face of dwindling resources, delay in the transfer of money by the home government to Nigeria’s missions abroad, the urgent need to settle social bills in the receiving states, the fact that no one is above the law in the US, and particularly where services are promptly disrupted whenever social bills are not settled as at when due, why would the Embassy not quickly utilize the money generated to ensure continued efficient management of the mission, especially when Nigeria’s image is at stake?

It is useful to also note that the current practice in Africa, and particularly in Nigeria, by diplomatic missions is to generate funds in their receiving states for the day-to-day running of their missions. True, Nigeria is a fertile ground for productive business and quick money making. Consequently, most diplomatic missions take advantage of the thousands of visa applications in Nigeria to generate management funds, as well as eke out a good living in the country. If the Nigerian government has been underfunding its diplomatic missions abroad, if financial remittances to them are always delayed, if we consider the strategic importance of Embassy of Nigeria in Washington in her foreign policy calculations and if we also accept the need to promptly execute government’s decisions in the US, as well as translate the implications of political developments in the US for policy making in Nigeria, the complaint that $3,705,528 had not been transferred into the federal account may, after all, not be a big deal. The real issue is whether the amount generated was diverted into a private purse or not. There is the need to respect the law but when the timing of the respect is inimical to the protection of the objective of the same law, common sense has to prevail. Thus, PMB’s anti-corruption drive, with the report of the Auditor General, has several foreign policy dimensions and implications.

Foreign Policy Dimensions and Implications

The international community is interested in the fact that corruption is being fought tooth and nail by PMB. It is happy that ghost workers as an issue is gradually becoming a thing of the past. In fact, Government has saved more than N3 trillion from the implementation of the TSA (Treasury Single Account). The number of ministries has been reduced from 42 to 24. In this regard, 21 Permanent Secretaries have also been removed and correspondingly, ‘the parastatals will be cut down to some size and realigned and the boards reconstituted.’

Besides, PMB wants to put an end to election violence before 2019, time of the next general election. The international community places great emphasis on free, fair and credible election that is violence-free.

It therefore cannot but be happy with PMB, who told the world thus: ‘even if I have to leave the presidency tomorrow, I want all Nigerians to believe and hold their PVC (Personal Voting Card) as a personal entitlement as Nigerians and use it the way they like, and vote for whoever they like at whichever election… Nobody who has money will come out to hire thugs, give them drugs and stop them from exercising their fundamental right.’

PMB’s policy commitment to violence eradication is better appreciated against the background of the political crisis in the Rivers State where the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the Rivers South East Senatorial District re-run election, Senator Magnus Abe, reportedly told all his supporters that ‘from today, if anybody opens fire on members of the APC anywhere in (his) senatorial district, there will be a response. Anybody who has two heads should bring out his second head to do whatever he wants to do within the senatorial district that would affect the lives or threaten the lives of members of the APC. We will no longer tolerate it… From now on, we will defend ourselves. We will protect our members and do whatever is necessary to secure our lives and secure the lives of our members.’ This pronouncement by Magnus Abe, though a Senator in the ruling party, APC, is not in any way helpful to a good foreign policy image which PMB is trying to project internationally. With his declared commitment to violence eradication, foreign policy handlers will need to hammer more on this commitment on a more serious note. The progress being made in the area of war on the Boko Haram terrorists is also good in the eyes of the international community. However, different analyses by security experts have pointed to the likelihood of Nigeria being the next target of Al Qaeda attack after the Brussel’s saga. For instance, on Wednesday, March 23, 2016, Dr. Ona Ekhomu, the President of the Association of Industrial Security and Safety Operators of Nigeria (AISSON), said ‘the trajectory of the Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and Al Mourabitoum (AMB) recent wave of terrorist attacks in West Africa showed that Nigeria was the probable next target. The most likely cities are Abuja or Lagos.’

In this regard, has Nigeria any foreign policy of containment? If Lagos or Abuja were to suffer the same fate as the most recent Brussel’s terrorist attacks, are the required emergency measures already articulated and put in place? Are the mechanisms well in place? Can a corrupt mind give birth to patriotism or even give information on crimes and threats to national security? If the ISIS and the Al Qaeda are increasingly finding it difficult to penetrate Western Europe and the US, will they not turn to Africa, and particularly Nigeria?

As PMB is currently enjoying increasing popular support in his anti-corruption drive, the point of interest is how to translate this support to foreign policy gains, especially in terms of mobilization against the Boko Haram, attraction of more foreign direct investments, and national solidarity. Concretely put, how would the international community appreciate PMB’s efforts in the context of the Auditor General of Nigeria’s 2014 report on the finances of the MDAs (Ministries, Departments and Agencies)?

In essence, PMB’s anti-corruption drive is critical to the making of a new Nigeria. The report of the Auditor General clearly justifies the need for a catalytic approach to the drive as the implications of the current drive raise many questions of credibility and extent to which public support should be given. For instance, how much has been recovered? Will there be an official record of who has returned what?

Will there be an end to corruption if the anti-corruption drive is left to the politicians and technocrats alone as drivers? Shouldn’t the people constitute a special mechanism to serve as a catalytic agent in the anti-corruption war? Will the current strategy of PMB endure after he leaves office? How do we explain the fact that the PMB-led government is fighting corruption and members of the same government are militating against it?

Without doubt, many Nigerians are likely to continue to oppose the anti-corruption measures put in place but there is no disputing their positive and negative implications. Positively, the international community will continue to be happy that PMB is dealing with corruption and sustaining democracy. Negatively, it will be difficult for Nigerian diplomats to paint a beautiful picture of Nigeria when the evidence on ground is that of ugliness. Corruption, to which the report of the Auditor General lent credence, taints Nigeria’s international image. Corruption necessarily makes life more difficult for Nigerian visa applicants in all embassies as they will be suspected of fraud at the slightest instance. In other words, they are unnecessarily perceived as ambassadors of corruption, violence and disorderliness.

Consequently, PMB has an obligation to prosecute the anti-corruption war to a logical conclusion as no government has succeeded in nipping corruption in the bud since inception of the chronic corruption in 1967. If PMB wants any legacy, he should devote more attention to his WAI in all ramifications and not just simply corruption as a componential factor.

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 27, 2016

INTERNATIONAL/NEWS

Obama’s Visit to Cuba as Real End of Cold War

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he Cold War supposedly ended in 1991 after the fall of Communism in the defunct Union of Soviet Socialist Republics(USSR), consequent upon which the erstwhile Soviet bloc broke into 12 countries (Armenia,Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine and Uzbekistan). But the real end of the Cold War came last week with the historic visit of US President, Barack Obama to the neighbouring Island Republic of Cuba, the last country of the world which retained the shackles of Communism long after its collapse in Eastern Europe.

Decades ago, it was unthinkable that anAmerican President would touch down on the Cuban territory talk more of spend a night or two on official visit as did President Obama last week.

However, President Obama, in his determination to forge a new direction for US foreign policy, shove aside the decades-long isolationist policy and landed in Havana for a two-day visit accompanied by his wife, Michelle and a number ofAmerican business people.

At the height of the cold war in the 1960s, Cuba was one of the satellite countries where USSR audaciously launched her Cold War offensives againstAmerica.

The Cuban Missiles Crisis of 1962 particularly put the international community on its edge as the world was at the brink of a Third World War which analysts posited would have spelled doom for humanity. It took the resilience and deft diplomatic maneouvers of Soviet Leader Nikita Khruschev and theAmerican President, John F. Kennedy to reach an agreement for the withdrawal of Soviet Nuclear Missiles in Cuba in return for a Commitment from the US to respect the Cuban territorial integrity.

Cuban-American relations have for long been characterized by tensions and deep suspicion. The Bay of Pigs episode during whichAmerica sought to invade Cuba paved way for the shipping into Cuba of Soviet Missiles positioned against the territory.

Although the Missiles crisis ended through diplomatic means, US constantly menaced Cuba and there was no love lust between Cuban strongman Fidel Castro and successive US Presidents.

Castrol’s successor, his younger brother, Raul Castro, basically continued with the existing policy until 20th July, 2015 when both countries restored diplomatic relations.

The exchange ofAmbassadors following the restoration of diplomatic ties paved way for last week’s visit of President Obama, the first by any US President in 88 years!

The re-engagement of Cuba by President Obama could thus be seen as one of the many high points of his foreign policy which prefers the use of diplomacy than force in the projection and protection ofAmerican interests around the world.

In reality, it made little sense thatAmerica kept her next door neighbor, Cuba at arms length for such a long period of time irrespective of the ideological differences which actually defined the relations between the two countries. Whatever were the roadblocks, Obama has scored a major foreign policy goal for the US by re-engaging Cuba.

Although the embargo on Cubans entry into US remains in place as well as the travel restrictions ofAmericans to Cuba, it is

imprisoned dissidents following negotiations with US, among them anArtist, Danilo Maldonado generally regarded as “the last prisoner of conscience in Cuba”.

More significantly, political commentary has expanded in both the traditional and social media while freedom of worship has been largely expanded. In 2008, Cuba allowed the use of personal cell phones and text messaging services for the citizens, a development with which raised the number of cell phone users to three million by 2014. There has also been corresponding increase in the access to Cletus Akwaya, Ph.D email services including Wifi hotspots across the country.

The government in 2013, eliminated “exit visa” for citizens, a e-mail: cletusakwaya@yahoo.co.uk mechanism hitherto used to restrict citizens from travelling abroad.

The period by which Cubans could live abroad without forfeiting their residency rights has been extended, thus allowing Cubans to live and work outside the country.All these are indications that Cuba may at last be moving towards a modern State.

On the economic front, Cuba lifted the ban on private sale of cars and houses in 2011, a departure from the old order where Cubans could own houses but were prevented by law to sell or rent out.

There has been a gradual shift of employment from government to self-employment, private and cooperatives as the economy moves from government control to a mixed economy. Much of farm - lands in Cuba are now owned by private people and cooperatives, as opposed to the old order when State cooperatives controlled the farmlands. There are over 300 non-farm cooperatives at the moment in Cuba involved in manufacturing, construction, food services and the commercial sectors of the economy with over two million people employed in the fast growing non-state sectors.

With these significant reforms getting entrenched, the US could look to Cuba as a potential “neighbourhood market” for the sale ofAmerican goods and services as Cubans expand their taste for ostentatious lifestyles, industrial goods and services in the emerging market economy.

President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro sit togethBesides, Cubans who hitherto posed security risk at the Florida er for members of the media before a bilateral meeting border in their continued desperation to enterAmerica in search of jobs can now enter US under the existing immigration policy expected that theAmerican Congress would soon consider an between the two countries. The Cubans could be become an adamendment to the legislation to lift these restrictions to make for ditional source of unskilled labour which is always in high demand better relations in the light of the recent developments. in the ever-expandingAmerican economy.

America’s vision of a new Cuba was clearly spelt out in Obama’s President Obama’s “defeat” of the last vestiges of Communism speech to the Cubans at Havana’s Grand Theatre in which he canin Cuba could boost the electoral fortunes of his party, the Demovassed speedy economic and political reforms including respect for cratic Party in an election year where the rival Republicans have fundamental human rights. Such reforms would hopefully open often criticized his handling of foreign policy. up the political space to democratic practice and possibly transform While President Obama deserves commendation for the sucthe State-run economy to a liberal, private sector-driven model, thus cessful restoration of ties with Cuba, there is the need forAmerica to bringing Cuba fully into the mainstream of international economy. extend technical support to Cuba to enable the country move faster There is every hope that Cuba would quicken her transition to in her reform efforts. democracy and a market economy. The country’s ultra-modern There is a lesson also forAmerica from the re-engagement of new Parliament building modeled after the US Capitol is a clear Cuba. It is yet another proof that America can achieve her foreign signpost of the country’s willingness to embrace Western-styled policy goals outside the use of force. Against this background democracy as an elixir to the current Communist-styled One Party therefore, one would suggest that whatever it took the US to achieve arrangement in place. the new level of relations with Cuba should be replicated in the Beyond this symbolism however, Cuba has since 2011 embarked management of her relations with other hostile state actors like on reforms to open up the political space.Although there are North Korea, whose recalcitrance in the development of nuclear still concerns about human rights abuses particularly bordering weapons is has become a major challenge to international peace. on short - term detentions, the government last year released 53

WORLD PANORAMA

As Korean Tensions Rise, Rival Leaders Get Personal

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scalating military tensions on the divided Korean peninsula took an increasingly personal turn on Friday, with the leaders of North and South each threatening the other’s destruction.

For North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un that meant overseeing a longrange artillery drill, simulating a strike on the offices and official residence of his South Korean counterpart, Park Geun-Hye. Park, meanwhile, countered by accusing Kim of leading his country down an ultimately destructive path and stressing the need for a drastic change of direction by the regime in Pyongyang.

Tensions between the two Koreas have been rising since North Korea carried out its fourth nuclear test in January, and a satellite rocket launch a month later that was widely seen as a disguised ballistic missile test.

Pyongyang has upped the rhetorical ante in recent weeks, with near daily threats of nuclear and conventional strikes against the South and the US mainland in response to large-scale South-US war games.

On Wednesday, it warned of a “miserable end” facing Park Geun-Hye, with its artillery

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un (C) attends the ground test of a high-power solid-fuel rocket engine

units standing ready to turn the presidential Blue House in Seoul into a “sea of flames and ashes”.

According to a report by the North’s official KCNA news agency on Friday, Kim took that warning a step further by ordering and personally monitoring a live-fire exercise involving the same target. “Artillery shells flew like lightning and intensely and fiercely struck

targets simulating Cheong Wa Dae and rebel governing bodies in Seoul,” the North’s official KCNA news agency said. Cheong Wa Dae is the Korean name for the Blue House.

According to KCNA, it was the largest drill of its type ever conducted, involving “hundreds of different types” of long-range artillery.

“If the enemies challenge us... our artillery forces’ merciless retaliating blow will turn Seoul into rubble and ashes,” Kim was quoted as saying.

The North’s ruling party newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, published around 40 colour photos of the drill in its Friday edition, showing Kim watching through binoculars as multiple batteries of heavy-calibre artillery units and missile rocket launchers pounded an offshore island from a beach.

South Korea’s Yonhap news agency cited military sources as saying the exercise was held Thursday near the eastern port city of Wonsan.

The North always reacts strongly to the annual South-US military exercises, which it sees as provocative rehearsals for invasion.

Its protests have been especially vocal this year, because of the first-time inclusion in the ostensibly defensive drills of a special operation that envisages strikes to “decapitate” North Korea’s top leadership.

The KCNA report made it clear that the artillery drill was a direct response to that operation by “the gangster US and Park Geun-Hye forces”.

In Seoul, the Unification Ministry said the North’s “provocative rhetoric” was self-defeating and urged Pyongyang to drop its default stance of defiance against the international community.

And speaking at a memorial to mark bitter North-South clashes on the disputed Yellow Sea, President Park said the South would “not be shaken one bit” by threats.

With the rest of the world united in its opposition to Pyongyang’s nuclear ambitions, Park said the opportunity was now there “to bring about change in the North Korean regime” which would otherwise “self-destruct”.

The North’s fourth nuclear test in January saw the UN Security Council -- backed by Pyongyang’s main ally China -- impose its harshest sanctions to date over the North’s nuclear weapons programme.

The North responded defiantly, claiming a series of key breakthroughs in its development of a long-range nuclear strike capability, and conducting its first test firing in two years of a medium-range ballistic missile ––AFP

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MARCH 27, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

OPINION 2015 Presidential Election in Retrospect

Emmanuel Ojeifo highlights the challenges facing the Buhari administration one after the election

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arch 28, 2015 was a historic day in the annals of politics in Nigeria. Some 30 million Nigerians, approximately one-sixth of the country’s total population marched to the poll to elect a new president of the republic, an event that resulted in the defeat of a sitting democratically elected president for the first time in Nigeria’s political history. The emergence of Muhammadu Buhari, a retired military general and former head of state, as Nigeria’s new president was greeted with euphoria across vast swathes of the country, especially in the North where he still enjoys a cult-like followership among young people. Buhari’s widely acclaimed reputation for simplicity, frugality and incorruptibility ranked among the first-order “political virtues” that endeared him to a vast majority of the people. Some political commentators spoke of a “Buhari effect” and other spoke of a “Buhari phenomenon” to describe the affection, admiration and attraction of many people, both within and outside his political circle, to the man who was destined to become the President of Nigeria, after contesting the presidential election for the fourth consecutive time.

During the electioneering campaign, the People’s General – as he was fondly called – spoke consistently about how corruption in public life had almost grounded the country to a halt. He promised to go after thieves and to restore Nigeria’s battered image in the international community. His robust experience as a retired military chief was counted among the credentials needed for the country to effectively win the war against Boko Haram insurgency. These two political advantages on Buhari’s side, more than anything else, tilted the political compass in his favour and largely facilitated his victory at the poll.

One year after that historic victory, it would seem that both euphoria and hysteria have died. The economic hardship seems to have more than doubled. Falling oil prices and dwindling oil revenues, falling naira value, cash-strapped states unable to pay workers’ salaries, the rising tide of youth unemployment, the loss of investment morale, the collapse of businesses, the inertia of industries and the resurgence of kidnapping and violent crime are among the most critical problems on Buhari’s lap.

Many observers blame these challenges on the lack of visionary

economic blueprint and the snail-pace motion of the All Progressives Congress-led government.

On the political front, we are yet to see a sincere commitment on the part of politicians to the Change mantra. On significant political barometric indicators it is still business as usual. A spirit of sacrifice is still far from both executive and legislative arms of government as politicians and lawmakers angle for a life of luxury with utter disregard for the acute level of poverty and misery in the land. Dirty political fighting continues to dog efforts to bring politicians to understand the exigencies of the moment. As the days go by, polarisations within and between the two major political parties continue to widen. With all the high commendations poured on the conduct of the 2015 general election, the volume of electoral cases brought to election petition tribunals across the nation in the last one year shows that we are still far from achieving significant milestones in the indices of free, fair and credible elections.

The war against corruption has won both friends and foes for the government. Many political observers of the unfolding of the anti-corruption battle cry have tagged the exercise as selective purging, targeted at politically decimating the main characters of the leading opposition party. If there was widespread consensus a year ago that “the fear of Buhari is the beginning of wisdom,” that sobriquet is gradually losing its steam and appeal today as new political shenanigans in the corridors of power renew their

With the economy wobbling in a trajectory of uncertainty, and politics struggling to build consensus, consistency and cooperation, 2016 might well be a year of hard decisions, tough choices, buckled shoes and tightened belts for the generality of Nigerians

concerted attempts to cut corners and continue the old game of graft and sleaze under the nose of the “no-nonsense general.”

The controversy surrounding the famous 2016 budget is a case in point.

The many travels of President Buhari since his assumption of office have earned him the infamous sobriquet of “Minister of Tourism” even as his media henchmen frantically struggle to convince a disaffected populace of the positive benefits of his overseas trips. More than at any other time since its establishment in 2003, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has become the busiest department of government today, with multiple open-ended cases shuttling between the headquarters of the eagle eye commission and the courts. Those who bought into the excitement that Buhari’s coming would witness the mass deportation of corrupt politicians and civil servants to Kirikiri are still aghast as to why no corrupt politician has been sent to jail. And it is in this very area that Buhari’s searchlight has revealed how past governments merely fast tracked the descent of our nation into the abyss of graft and malfeasance. In the name of fighting insurgency, the security agencies of government spun a heartless piece of social engineering that fleeced the nation of billions of naira.

With the economy wobbling in a trajectory of uncertainty, and politics struggling to build consensus, consistency and cooperation, 2016 might well be a year of hard decisions, tough choices, buckled shoes and tightened belts for the generality of Nigerians. For the incurable optimists, the hope that things will get better is still palpably high. They argue that we are only reaping the collateral bitter fruits of the tragic failure of past governments and that things must get bad to get better – something that resembles Plato’s cyclical interpretation of political history as a journey from degeneration to regeneration.

But for the die-hard pessimists, Nigeria under APC is only the gradual unfolding of disaster.

Right now, there is only one man who can decide in which direction the verdict tilts. That man is President Buhari; and unless he understands the meaning of political dexterity, 2016 will be a frightening race between change and catastrophe!

–– Ojeifo is a Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Abuja (emmaojeifo@yahoo.com).

Between Brussels And Chibok (1)

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Our response to the Chibok calamity puts all of us to shame, writes Patrick Dele Cole

t was about 1pm. We were transfixed to our television as we watched unbelievably as one aeroplane plunged into one of the Twin Towers in the World Trade Centre in New York. People thought this might be a trailer for a new action thriller film. An hour or so later another aircraft struck the second tower in the World Trade Centre. People stood around, watching. The television newscaster could hardly believe what they were reading and seeing. It was eerily true. The United States was under attack; commentators had never seen anything like it and began comparing this incident with the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. After the initial shock and numbness the mayor and governor of New York swung into action. Fire and emergency crews, ambulances, other emergency workers, all swung into action, saving the injured, sending them off to hospitals which by now were on full alert: every available doctor was at the hospitals. Still in this state of shock another aeroplane landed in the Pentagon, the biggest building in the world housing the US Defence Department; yet another plane was flying towards the White House, its intention to hit the residence of the President of the United States. The passengers in that plane managed to overcome the hijackers and crash-landed the plane somewhere in Pennsylvania, about 35 minutes to the White House, killing all those on board.

For two years or so, seven Saudi Arabians had studied to be pilots in the United States and on that fateful morning, all boarded various planes intending to cause mayhem by going for the jugular of the United States.

A nation is characterised by how it responds to national emergencies. On July 7, 2012 the London underground was blown up by a suicide bomber on the Central line in Edgware Road; another bomb was detonated on top of a double decker bus in Tavistok Square, near the centre of the University of London. The British swung into action, pulling people out of the underground, rushing others in Central London to hospitals and in a constant barrage of news kept its people informed, asked them to remain calm, stay at home while this mess was sorted out.

In Madrid the underground train was similarly attacked by six Moroccans in the name of Al Qaeda. The response of Spain was equally robust, and adequate. In all of this the thread running through the response in New York, London and Spain was to burnish a nationalistic sentiment of defiance - to say to the terrorists that you will not defeat us. We will get through this and be absolutely sure of this, we will get you, and we will get to the

bottom of this. Our spirit is strong, stronger than yours. We are organised to deal with vermin like you. We will get you. There is no place to hide.

It would be tedious to repeat other examples of terrorist plots and the answer of those nations which is similar; – In India there was the attack on the Taj Mahal by Pakistani terrorists; in Nairobi by Somali terrorists at the shopping mall: India and Kenya were defiant; they dug deep into their national spirit to find the strength to fight these terrorists. They always believed that their spirit was invincible and superior to that of the bombers.

They spared no resources to encourage resilience, willing to sacrifice even more to tell their enemies that they possess an inner strength, a belief in life which no acts of terror can diminish: that they are united in this single purpose of national survival and that they will survive and overcome, no matter what. Their leaders were resolute in the belief that they must lead their countries not out of the fear which these faceless cowards were trying to impose upon them but out of strength.

Nearly two years ago another group of terrorists – Boko Haram – went to Chibok and took 219 Nigerian girls and seemed to vanish into thin air. Before that, Boko Haram had terrorised our nation – bombing the Eagle Square in Abuja while we were celebrating independence; we watched shamefully as our visiting presidents and heads of state scurried like frightened rats into their planes and left our country. The terrorists bombed Police Headquarters and other buildings in Abuja, Niger, Kano. They spread mayhem all over the North East, seized territories where our governments could not go. But let me return to Chibok.

The whole world in solidarity with us put on “#Bringbackourgirls.” Even our president, security, chiefs, etc., without shame or appreciation of our utter humiliation, put on #tags if not for Chibok for some other terrorists’ attacks. When we tried to sympathise with France for the terrorist attack, our sympathy was thrown back to our face: we should solve the Chibok problem.

Where was the political leadership, the nationalism, the spirit shown in the moment of a national calamity? Where is the defiance to tell Boko Haram, that our spirit is stronger than theirs, you cannot beat us, you cannot hide, and we will get you? In London, New York, Paris, Brussels, hundreds of thousands came out on that day to express their defiance at terrorism.

Our response to that calamity puts all of us to shame; we scurried like frightened rodents and cockroaches into the nearest

hole we could find, throwing one blame after another to confound our weakness and shamelessness. Indeed so pathetic has been our response that people have begun to believe that Chibok never existed; never took place, that it was a political conspiracy to win an election. Pathetic. We have had more reaction over the alleged abduction of a wayward 14-year- old girl who ran away with her lover than we have had in Chibok for our 219 girls.

Eruese’s mother knew what was going on, even if she did not encourage it. She put her daughter in harm’s way and is complicit in the so-called abduction. Her father is less than useless if he did not know what was going on in his house: he should have. With Eruese, shameless potentates, governors, deputy Inspector General of Police – an endless stream of publicity seeking inconsequential lightweights, unashamedly want to take photographs with her; the courts have jumped into the act, with a N3 million bail for an okada rider – where were all these people during and since Chibok?

The girls of Chibok came from different states. What have their governors done? What have the police done in Chibok? Some ask, what can they do? They could have done a lot. And we could have sent a deluge of security people to Chibok, interviewing any and every body. Did the security people collect forensic evidence in Chibok? What are the answers they received from their investigation? Who is heading the Chibok inquiry, who is in his team?

Boko Haram has continued its mayhem in Sokoto, Kano, Abuja, Nasarawa, etc. Our governments are proceeding as usual – business as usual; our legislators, who earn US$ 1 million a year, have not mentioned Chibok in over 15 months. The governors of Nigeria instead are buying bullet proof luxury cars at nearly N2 million a pop.

Are the girls of Chibok not our children? What do I expect? I expect simple investigation to, gather evidence, if we do not have the expertise, we hire them before the trail got cold: if we can hire forensic auditors to look into NNPC lost money, why can we not hire forensic detectives whose job that really is – 219 people do not disappear into thin air without leaving a lot of evident. Even if they are married, as some claim, does that justify criminality?

They may have been sold off or are sex slaves of Boko Haram – the more excuses I hear the more my blood boils with shame at how callous and useless our people really are.

–– Cole, OFR, was Nigeria’s Ambassador to Brazil

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • MARCH 27, 2016

LETTERS Challenges of The Downstream Petroleum Sector

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s a Nigerian, I am disturbed by the alarming rate at which people are losing their jobs especially in the downstream sector of the oil industry. The effect of the problems in the downstream sector has also triggered massive job loss in the banking sector and others.

Recently, a company sacked a neighbour of mine who has spent all his youthful age working for a popular major oil marketing firm following ‘downsizing’ of workers.

The worst hit are companies owned by independent oil marketers. Over 10,000 Nigerians have lost their jobs due to the resolve by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to starve independent marketers of petroleum products.

The Independent Marketer Programme was a result of the petroleum products shortage of the 1970s, which was partly attributed to lack of sufficient investment by the major oil marketing

Minister of State for Petroleum, Kachikwu

companies in petroleum retailing outlets, especially in the rural and more distant areas of the country.

Consequently, in 1979, the indigenous independent marketers scheme was established to increase the number of outlets, particularly in the rural areas and to permit the direct participation of Nigerians in the petroleum marketing and distribution business.

As at date, over 1,500 independent marketers spread all over the country are registered with the PPMC to lift products from all the depots.

Today, most, if not all the independent marketers, have been complaining bitterly about this sad development whereby unlike previous governments which recognised that independent marketers have the largest

number of retail outlets (petrol stations) when compared to the major marketers, this present regime favours the majors in product allocation for inexplicable reasons.

Unfortunately for the independent marketers, the umbrella body that represents their interest, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has broken into two factions and the disunity is adversely affecting their primary role and taking up this unfortunate development forcefully.

The past few months have been terrible for the independent oil marketing community. Most independent marketers have reduced their staff and some have closed down their stations thereby increasing the number of unemployed Nigerians in the job market.

How could the president feel unconcerned when his fellow countrymen are losing their source of livelihood? To compound matters, there are independent marketers that accessed banking facilities to develop their outlets and

AMBODE, LAGOS AND ETHNIC FRICTIONS

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hile reacting to the recent clashes among some major interest groups at the Mile 12 market, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode reiterated for the umpteenth time the metropolitan nature of Lagos as a melting point of various ethnic groups in the country.

The governor used the occasion to reaffirm the multi-ethnic and multi-cultural composition of Lagos. He said: “Let me assure Lagosians that the state is home to every tribe and ethnic group and nobody should give this disturbance any ethnic coloration whatsoever. We are all brothers in Lagos and it shall continue to be like that”.

Ambode’s position is, of course, a true reflection of the spirit of Lagos. Lagos has always been home to all. Subsequent administrations in the state, especially since the dawn of the present political dispensation, have gone to limitless length to preserve the multi-ethnic status of Lagos. Indeed, the relative peace that has been in existence in the state, over the years, is a manifestation of the unrelenting efforts of the state government to accommodate various interest groups in the state. On a regular basis, the state government organises stakeholders meetings with the leaders of the ethnic/ tribal communities in the state to rub minds on how to make Lagos a better place for all.

Specifically, the state government has a healthy relationship with the various ethnic and tribal groups in the state. The result of this robust relationship is the atmosphere of peace and harmony that currently reign in the state.

Without a doubt, Lagos has continued to show the way forward in its commitment to an

indivisible Nigeria where no one is denied opportunities for self actualisation on mundane considerations. The state’s primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities and, indeed, other such infrastructure remain accessible to all Nigerians without any discrimination. Through the instrumentality of the State Security Trust Fund, the state government has continued to ensure the safety and security of every Lagos resident. The public primary and secondary schools in the state have continued to open their doors to all Nigerians, irrespective of tribal and ethnic affiliations. Since the inception of the now popular Spelling Bee competition, among public secondary schools in the state, the 13 winners that have emerged as ‘One Day Governors’ sufficiently demonstrated the cosmopolitan nature of the state’s public schools. A breakdown of the 13 ‘One Day Governors’ that have so far emerged reveals that seven are of Yoruba origin, two are from Edo State while the remaining four are of Igbo extraction.

Realistically, the issues involved in the development and growth of Lagos State and, indeed, Nigeria transcends ethnic and religious sentiments.

The brotherly love and bond that have existed between Lagos and the diverse ethnic and tribal groups in the state must not be compromised. Fifth columnists, whose major pre-occupation is to fan the ember of disaffection for self-seeking interests must not be allowed to profit, as it is their practice, from the current false campaigns. Traditionally, the hospitable disposition of Lagosians is legendary. It is a global legend that Lagosians are hospitable people who go the extra mile to accommodate visitors.

In Nigeria, Lagos remains,

perhaps, the only major melting points where all Nigerians could feel at home, irrespective of ethnic and religious differences.

There is no other state that has opened its doors to accommodate Nigerians of various shades as Lagos does. It has always been the tradition of successive governments in the state to accord every resident in the state equal and fair deal in the scheme of things. Everyone who resides in Lagos is traditionally referred to as a Lagosian. This is the spirit of Lagos.

It is this tradition that the governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has been building upon since he assumed office.

Being a detribalised personality, in all the policies and programmes of his administration, Ambode is motivated by a strong desire to build a state where everyone, irrespective of ethnic, tribal, religious and other such concerns could productively earn a living in a safe and secured environment.

His main goal is to leave behind a state where ethnic and tribal considerations count for nothing.

In Lagos State, excellence and competence remain major factors in the recruitment of its workforce. Apart from the Federal Civil Service, the Lagos State Public Service remains, perhaps, the only one in the country that employs people without regard to ethnic and tribal factors.

Today, the state public service has in its fold Nigerians that cut across the major ethnic/ tribal divides. While some states in the country employ or even retrench based on whether they are indigenes, Lagos State has simply continued its policy of absorbing qualified Nigerians into its public service.

One of the banes of the country’s march to greatness is tribalism and ethnicity.

Our diverse ethnic and tribal

configuration has always been a major setback in our quest for a united, prosperous and strong nation. The truth, however, is that irrespective of religion, ethnic and other such parochial divides, what every Nigerian wants is good governance that provides the basic needs of life and not unnecessary agitations over religious and ethnic differences that serve only parochial interests.

––Tayo Ogunbiyi, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Lagos

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do their business which are now in default with the affected banks harassing them for their loan repayments.

It has been observed that the ongoing restructuring of NNPC appears to be in consonance with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) which provides for amongst others, the ‘unbundling’ of the corporation and creating autonomous legal corporate entities that will be allowed to operate purely as companies in the private sector.

This is a very positive development. However, in so doing the Minister of State for Petroleum/GMD, NNPC should also adopt and follow the true spirit of these industry reforms by creating a more level playing field for all participants in the downstream sector. That policy direction will allow for a more positive outlook going forward, since there is no way NNPC through PPMC can ever solely cater for adequate supply of petroleum products efficiently and effectively to the nation taking into consideration the realities on ground. That is why the fuel scarcity is biting harder presently.

President Muhammadu Buhari has always stressed that he hates adopting any policy that would end up creating hardship and sufferings for Nigerians.

Unfortunately, the insistence by the federal government to hold on to the fuel subsidy regime and artificial pricing controls of petroleum products (PMS & DPK) has exactly that avoidable deleterious effect on practically all Nigerians. With the over 60% drop in the cost of crude oil prices since

last year, prices which have a direct relationship to the cost of refined petroleum products, our federal government has an excellent opportunity to completely deregulate the market now before crude oil prices shoot up again.

In addition, the Mr. President must as matter of urgency address the immature and confused foreign exchange policy which has scared away foreign investors willing and eager to capitalise on the huge and growing opportunities in a market adjudged only recently as the largest economy in Africa. The foreign exchange policy must allow for unfettered inflow and outflow of legitimate foreign currencies that would allow forces of supply and demand to inevitably impact the current exchange rates positively.

Once the twin issues highlighted above are addressed, all interested marketers with the capacity shall be better placed to import products directly and sell to the Nigerian public at prices moderated by PPPRA in a way to avoid the creation of unfavourable distortions.

With this, the Nigerian public shall have easy access to refined petroleum products at reasonable prices without the current hardship.

The way things are going, if not checked, the entire downstream sector of the Nigerian oil and gas industry may be tottering on the edge of imminent collapse. If that happens along with the financial exposures of the local upstream companies, the Nigerian banking sector shall be adversely affected.

––Odita Sunday, Lagos

VIOLENCE AS A WAY OF LIFE

he wanton violence in Rivers State prior to and during the recent electoral re-run has brought to the fore the meaninglessness of human life which, unfortunately, appears to have become acceptable particularly among politicians in the country. It is disturbing just to comprehend the extent of normalisation of violence in our communities today.

Regrettably, this sad reality is traceable to the elite who are the major benefactor of this negative trend. Without going too far into history, one would easily recall how many within the Yoruba elite sought to justify the OPC’s commitment to violence on the basis of the injustice of June 12 and Abacha’s brutality.

The elite from the South-south acquiesced to the violence of the Niger-delta militants on the basis of real or perceived marginalisation.

Even President Olusegun Obasanjo appeared to give in to Asari -Dokubo’s violent tactics, when Obasanjo flew him to Aso-Rock on a presidential jet, about the same time the Department of State Security was giving Adams Oshiomole a bloody nose, for his nonviolent struggle for labour courses.

Today, the Fulani elite are actively supportive of the extreme barbarities of Fulani herdsmen on the premise that the victims are killing their cattle.

And of course, politicians support and promote violence as a means of achieving their political aims. How sad!

On the short term, the victims are the ordinary Nigerians, the vulnerable mass of people; some driven by poverty and hunger, while others, motivated by impossible promises which are of course unfulfilled and largely unfulfillable. But they allow themselves to be easy pawns on the chessboard of politicians who

are in search of ambitions which are basically selfish and self-serving.

On the long-term however, it gets more pathetic and much more distressing.

This is because the perpetrators soon realise that the promises and pledges are vain and hopeless, pushing them into vices such as kidnapping, adoption, armed robbery, theft, piracy and many other terrible acts that the nation is having to endure as we speak. At this point of course, it gets more dangerous! The guns and other dangerous weapons are now turned on those who bought them. After all, those who possess these weapons have been made to believe that violence pays.

It’s high time the elite did some soul searching. It is important we find a way as a country, to ensure that no one benefits from violence.

Can’t we?

––Akin Akinyemi, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta

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SUNDAY MARCH 27 2016 T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R •MARCH 27, 2016

BUSINESS

Editor Festus Akanbi Email festus.akanbi@thisdaylive.com

QUICK TAKES Interbank interest rate

Thescrambleforfundsbycommercial banks forced the interbank overnight rate to jump by six per cent to 13.33 per cent on Thursday, from 7.33 per cent the previous day. Similarly, the openbuy-backandovernightratealso rose to 12.75 per cent, from 6.75 per cent.This came barely 48 hours after theCentralBankofNigeria’sMonetary Policy Committee increased the Cash Reserve Ratio for commercial banks to 22.5 per cent from 20 per cent, and the benchmark interest rate from 11 per cent to 12 per cent,as part ofmeasures to curb rising inflation.Similarly, customers’ deposits in the vaults of banks fell significantly on Thursday aftertheCBNwithdrewaboutN400bn from the banking system to meet a newCRRondeposits,itwaslearnt.The significant drop in the Deposit Money Banks’ deposits forced a number of themtotheinterbankmarkettoborrow funds to cover their positions ahead of the Easter break. Data posted on the FMDQ OTC website showed that the interbank overnight rate rose to 13.33 per cent from 7.33 per cent on Wednesday.

Rice Importation

An export processing zone

Stakeholders Seek Return of Export Expansion Grant

Olaseni Durojaiye

As the debate for diversification of the economy from a mono-export economy continues, stakeholders have identified the suspended Export Expansion Grant (EEG) as capable of boosting forex earnings and employment creation.

Beyond the argument that it will breathe life into the country’s non-oil export and augment the forex earnings, proponents of the call added that it will help with employment creation and generation among other pluses.

The Federal Government had introduced the EEG in 1999 to encourage non-oil exports and cushion the effect of cost disadvantages faced by Nigerian exporters due to infrastructural deficiencies. The grant was planned to be disbursed to qualified exporters in the form of the Negotiable Duty Credit Certificate (NDCC) and utilised by beneficiaries for the payment of customs and excise duty on their export shipments.

The EEG scheme was conceived as a very vital incentive required for the stimulation of export-oriented activities that will lead to significant growth of the non-oil export sector.

The impact assessment of the scheme on the Nigerian economy was to be carried out annually by external consultants, as may be determined by the Minister of Finance. The implementation committee consists of Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Federal Ministry of Finance (FMF), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS),and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Even with all its promises, at full implementation, the scheme still failed to record seamless implementation among the government agencies tasked with making a success of it.

The scheme was, however, suspended

ECONOMY in January 2014 for it to be reviewed.

THISDAY findings revealed that between 2005 and 2014, the EEG scheme had witnessed suspension for as much as eight times on account of various investigative panels, ministerial audits, presidential committee as well as House of Representatives’ probe reports alleging malpractices in the administration of the EEG. THISDAY investigations further revealed allegations of irregularities, especially claims that some of the beneficiaries of the scheme were unqualified for it were among reasons for its suspension. But President of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Dr. Frank Jacobs, disagreed.

Reacting to question bordering on the allegation, he explained that the allegations were unsubstantiated insisting that if it was found to be true, the culprits should be brought to book adding the continued suspension was impacting negatively on the country’s fortunes.

“We heard so too but have not been shown any proof of irregularity.

If there were irregularities, they should be pointed out and the culprits should be sanctioned. We cannot because of perceived irregularities, which have not been proven, discontinue an important scheme such as the EEG. This has serious implications for the country as a whole as it entails loss of confidence in Nigerian exporters who, on account of the changes in policy, failed to meet their obligations to their overseas customers,” Jacobs stressed.

It has remained so till date even as different groups, including the Organised Private Sector Exporters’ Association (OPEXA) decried the continued suspen-

sion and maintained that the only way out for Nigeria to extricate itself from the restraints of mono-economy was for the government to diversify the country’s export sector. It will be recalled that the scheme recorded $2billion growth between 2006 and 2013 before it was suspended.

In a widely reported press statement, Executive Secretary of the body, Mr. Jaiyeola Olanrewaju, had lamented that the extant policy on the EEG and the utilisation of the Negotiable Duty Credit Certificates had been put on hold, a development, which he said had impacted negatively on the activities of non-oil exporters in Nigeria.

Though the scheme has remained suspended since 2014, government officials have always maintained that it is Export Expansion Grant is the only incentive left for the real sector. The other time when we raised the issue with government, the response that we got was that they were reviewing it

under review and will be re-introduced, its re-introduction remained a pipe dream throughout the last administration and has continued to be so till date.

In response to THISDAY enquiries, Jacobs noted that , “the EEG scheme was introduced to provide incentives and rebates needed to reduce the high cost of production in Nigeria, boost production, stimulate and diversify non-oil exports.

EEG will reduce the burdens of the high operating costs.” Adding that, “MAN has written to the government and has met with relevant arms of government, explaining the need to conclude the review and lift the suspension. Besides, a lot of exporters’ money, by way of unsettled NDCC, is

tied down. MAN has made various recommendations on how to resolve the problem,” Jacobs explained.

A former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigerian (ICAN), Chidi Ajaegbu, while lauding the scheme noted that rescuing the economy from its current state requires an integrated approach including revisiting the suspended EEG. According to Ajaegbu, who is also the chief executive officer of Heritage Capitals Limited, the EEG will boost local industry and compliment government’s earnings from the oil sector.

“I agree EEG should be revisited. In an economy like this it is very critical that we do everything humanly possible to diversify our source of foreign exchange earnings and secondly encourage local manufacturers that are still producing profitably to continue to do so across all sectors of the economy.

“If it is revisited, the EEG will help to grow the manufacturing base of the economy and then help with employment generation because as we speak, companies are closing down, people are being fired everyday so whatever policy that will help to generate employment and grow the economy is welcome by me,” Ajaegbu added.

Also, in an interview with THISDAY, Director General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Muda Yusuf , noted that, “Export Expansion Grant is the only incentive left for the real sector. The other time when we raised the issue with government, the response that we got was that they were reviewing it so that all irregularities will be taken away and it will go to those that actually deserve and need it. In the light of that, we can only call on government to expedite action on the review of the export expansion grant.”

The Nigeria Customs Service has reintroduced therestriction on importationofricethroughlandbordersacross the country. Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd) gave the approval for the reversal of an earlier policy, which allowed rice importsthroughthelandborders,once appropriate duty and charges were paid. At a review session held with Comptrollers of Border Commands and Federal Operation Units in Abuja, the Service, noted that dwindling revenue from rice imports through the land borders do not match the volume of rice landed in neighboring Ports.

Rather,reportsfrombordercommands indicated an upsurge in the tempo of rice smuggling.

Implementationoftherestrictionorder got off to a smooth start, with a high level of compliance in October 2015.

However, revenue started dwindling from January 2016, with importers blaming access to foreign exchange as the major impediment. During the five-month period when importation was allowed, a total of 24.992 metric tonnesofricevaluedatN2.335billion wasimportedthroughthelandborders.

MoU on Tinapa

Cross River State Government has signedaMemorandumofUnderstanding (MoU) that introduces a trade fair totheannualCalabarCarnival.Theaim of the MoU, according to the government, is to position Calabar as a major tradehubandrevivetheTinapaproject through the introduction of a trade fair that is expected to increase the internally generated revenue (IGR) of the state up to N5 billion.

The State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Asuquo Ekpeyong, who signed the MoU on behalf of the State Government with the management of Tinapa Business Resort and Cliqit, ane-commercebusinessmanagement and development platform, said: “WhereTinapa is today is not the idea why Tinapa was conceived.”

According to him, “We have gone to the blueprints, we have identified those issues that prevented Tinapa from going where it should be and we are trying to tackle those issues with a fully detailed plan.”

Ekpeyongsaid:“IhavesignedaMemorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Tinapa, Calabar in Cross-River State, to introduce a trade fair to the annual Calabar Carnival and Tinapa through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV); the CalabarInternationalTradeFair(CITF).”

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R •MARCH 27, 2016

BUSINESS/MONEY

In Tackling Inflation, MPC Aligns with Conventional Economic Logic Confronted with a double-digit inflation, coupled with retarding economic growth and volatility in the forex market, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) met last week following which the apex bank announced the tightening of its monetary policy. In this report, Kunle Aderinokun and Olaseni Durojaiye present analysts’ views on the outcome of the meeting

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n a bid to respond to the rising inflation and retarding growth, as well as tackle the volatility in the forex market, the Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) rose from its two –day meeting and decided to tighten monetary stance.

Specifically, the MPC has raised MPR by 100 basis points from 11.00 per cent to 12.00 per cent and raised CRR by 250 basis points from 20.00 to 22.50 per cent. It, as well, retained liquidity ratio at 30.00 per cent; and narrow the asymmetric corridor from +200 and -700 basis points to +200 and -500 basis points.

The CBN, in taking decisions, reasoned that the balance of risks is tilted against price stability.

This, the committee pointed out, was consequent upon its assessment of relevant internal and external indices.

According to the CBN, “the Committee remains committed to price stability across the range of consumer prices, exchange rate and interest rate, which is fundamental to reviving economic growth and employment generation.”

“In the meantime, the bank would continue to leverage its development finance policy to support critical sectors of the economy. The MPC also stressed the need to sustain, deepen and speed up reforms designed to ensure focused coordination of monetary and fiscal policies,” added the apex bank.

Market watchers and economic analysts have however, expressed divergent views on the decisions. While some described the decisions as unexpected as they argued that the economy at this period needs stimulation and not tightening of monetary policy, others believed that the decisions were influenced by the latest data on inflation from the National Bureau of Statistics.

Many contended that that the outcome of the latest meeting was inconsistent with the decisions that were reached at its previous meeting as the committee appeared to have chosen to manage inflation rather than economic growth.

Lamenting that the decisions were incapable of stimulating growth in the economy, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Heritage Capital Markets, Chidi Ajaegbu, noted that the solution to easing pressure on the naira was to devalue just as he argued that even with the arguments against devaluation, devaluation will attract foreign investors.

“If you look at the highlight of the outcome of the meeting, I think they have only scratched the surface of the main issue, raising interest rates amounts to discouraging further borrowing and trying to mop up liquidity from circulation.

I totally disagree with all these short term measures or approach and I also strongly believe that the way to ease pressure on naira is devaluation. It is nothing to be emotional about, “ he concluded “The argument people are presenting against devaluation is that we are not producing anything and so we have nothing to benefit from a devalued naira. But the other side of the argument is that when you devalue it becomes an incentive for foreign investors to come in. It is clear from all indication that the current official exchange rate of 197 and 199 is artificial; the dollar currently sells for about 300 to 325 in the market place so there is need for a deliberate policy to realign with what is obtainable at the market place.

What the current forex policy is creating is a panicky situation which will further put pressure on the naira,” stated the immediate past president of Institute of Chartered Accountant

CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele

Finance Minister, Kemi Adeosun

of Nigeria (ICAN) In his own reaction, Director General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Muda Yusuf, expressed displeasure at a return to a regime of fiscal tightening adding that it was disappointing that the committee did not extensively debate the forex issue confronting the country at the moment.

“That’s not the kind of policy choice that we deserve now. All the economy indicators are showing that the economy is slowing down; growth has declined to 2 per cent. There is a lot of contractions, this not a time to tighten; it is time to stimulate the economy. There is increase in electricity tariff, high inflation, high cost of production; why add a higher interest rate to the burden?

“It is also not good that there was no major discussion on foreign exchange; that is not good enough. There was only a partial mention of forex.

We expected that the committee will deliberate on the issue in the light of current realities especially as more and more companies are closing shop and disengaging their work force,” he added.

Analysts at Financial Derivatives Company Ltd, led by its Managing Director, Bismarck Rewane, hold the same view.

According to them, “the failure to adopt a market oriented forex policy will still leave the currency vulnerable to speculative attacks in the near term. So politically volatile is the forex debate that even the president yesterday said that he believes that Nigeria’s external imbalances were temporary.”

The analysts argued that “the CBN is expecting an increase in portfolio investment inflows in response to the increase in policy rate,” stating however that, a 1 per cent per annum increase in MPR does not mitigate the possible devaluation risk to portfolio investors.”

“Capital outflows were recorded even when the MPR was 13 per cent per annum and the US Fed rate was 0 per cent. Investors are still uncertain of the country’s exchange rate policy, the big elephant in the room.”

Noting that “the CBN has placed emphasis on stimulating growth through increased lending

to the private sector”, he however, stated that “the MPC decided to go along with conventional economic logic, which suggests an increase in interest rates during periods of surging prices.”

To the FDC analysts, “this is an emphatic step taken by the MPC and is a signal of the CBN’s determination to complement fiscal policy in spurring growth.”

For the Macroeconomic and Fixed Income Analyst at FBNQuest Ltd, a subsidiary of First Bank Nigeria Ltd, Chinwe Egwin, “the MPC had two competing policy objectives and they decided to focus on inflation as opposed to growth (MPR now at 12 per cent from 11 per cent).” She now expected that “the committee would wait for at least the next set of inflation data before making a decisive move.”

While predicting that “GDP growth is likely to suffer,” she however, believes that once inflation stabilises, the MPC may attempt to spur growth. Yields on government bonds are expected to trend up.

Also speaking along the same line, Executive Director, Corporate Finance , BGL Capital Ltd, Femi Ademola, said, “considering the current

The MPC decided to go along with conventional economic logic, which suggests an increase in interest rates during periods of surging prices

economic situation, the most important issues before the committee were the foreign exchange volatility and stunted economic growth. According to him, “the decline in oil price had impacted the country’s exchange rate that most people are calling for a devaluation. However, the uptick in the oil price in recent days has reduced the pressure while the fact that the oil price is now close to the budget benchmark gives the necessary reprieve.

He therefore made a prescription that “on the growth front, the best approach would be to lower interest rate in order to spur the needed liquidity for growth” but was quick to point out that “the recent increase in inflation rate beyond the single digit and the policy target of 6 per cent – 9 per cent means that there may be need to tighten the monetary policy to rein in inflation.”

Ademola also said due to the varying circumstances, he had expected that the MPC will maintain the interest rate. “However, with the interest in the MPR and the CRR in an attempt to rein inflation, I think the MPC has given up of any possibilities of helping growth through monetary policy,” he posited.

Analysts at Eczellon Capital Ltd led by its chief executive, Diekola Onaolapo, noted that the decisions of the MPC implies that “the monetary authority is now interested in pursuing price stability as a policy objective; this is in contrast to its stance at its September 2015 meeting where the Committee chose economic growth as a policy objective.”

He, however, said, “the decision of the MPC to tighten monetary policy portrays conflicting signals as to the true direction of monetary policy in the Nigerian economy.”

Nevertheless, the analysts said they believed “the decision to hike MPR and CRR would go a long way to moderate liquidity in the economy in anticipation of the spending stimulus from the federal government which is expected to commence next week, other things being equal.”

Just like the FDC analysts, the Eczellon analysts “doubt that the move by the MPC would attract foreign inflows or stem inflationary pressures.

“As for the latter, the key driver for the sharp rise in prices was structural bottlenecks in the economy; while uncertainty around the value of the naira is the primary reason for the current shortage of foreign inflows into the country” “Thus, until a proper guidance is provided on the nation’s FX policy guidelines, we expect investors to continue their “wait and look” stance on the Nigerian economy.”

Differing from the other analysts, the former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Guinness Nigeria Plc, Seni Adetu, said the MPC decisions were a step in the right direction.

Acknowledging that, “this liquidity tightening approach by the apex bank is aimed at curbing inflation and reducing the pressure on the naira”, Adetu argued that, “the change in MPR is not material enough to cause a significant shift in cash deposits by both local and foreign investors.”

He, however, cautioned that, “the manufacturers that depend on the deposit money banks (DMBs) for their working capital needs, a potential increase in interest rate can further compound their profitability issues, with the result that product pricing considerations are put on the table again.

This potentially creates a vicious cycle of another round of increases in inflation.”

Adetu, nevertheless, concluded that, “this is a good step in the right direction, but a lot more interventionist efforts are need to address the forex issues we have today.”

23

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R •MARCH 27, 2016

BUSINESS/ECONOMY

Amidst Growing Concerns, FG, States Chart New Course for the Economy A two-day summit of the National Economic Council on the economy identifed challenges militating against development in agriculture, power, manufacturing, housing and healthcare sectors, and proffered solutions. Tobi Soniyi, in Abuja, reports

T

hese are indeed challenging times. The economic situation is giving everyone, including policy makers, a sleepless night.

Whoever you talk to, the reaction is the same: there is no money in the system.

More agonising, however, is the perception in many quarters that government is not doing enough to find solutions to the myriad problems bedeviling the economy. Whether this perception is right or not is arguable but one thing that is clearly beyond debate is the fact that government has not done enough to engage with the people and communicate to them what it is doing to make life better for them and the constraints it is facing. Government expects the people to know.

Perhaps, its desire to address these shortcomings and to chart a way forward necessitated the just-concluded National Economic Council (NEC) Retreat on the economy held in Abuja.

The council, which has as its chairman, the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo also comprises of all states governors.

The purpose of this retreat as outlined in the Retreat Concept Notes is to generate immediate, medium and long-term viable policy solutions to the economic challenges facing the country at both the Federal and State levels.

In his opening remarks, President Muhammadu Buhari demonstrated a good grasp of what the problems were and also came up with what, in his views, should be the solutions. This point is important because many people out there have been insinuating that the president does not appear to understand what is needed to be done to revamp the economy. From his presentation, it became obvious that Buhari not only understood the challenges, but also possessed the capacity to solve it.

Few instances from his opening remarks will suffice. The president said: “From information at my disposal, if we aggregate public views from the grassroots, city dwellers, the economic managers, consumer groups, the unions and other stakeholders of the economy, there is near unanimity about the ills of our economy. But naturally, there are divergent views about solutions.

“I am going to throw at this gathering some random policy options filtered from across the spectrum of our stakeholders on four selected sectors of our economy.

These are agriculture, power, manufacturing and housing.” Buhari eventually added the fifth: healthcare, which we all agree is critical to the nation’s development.

He repeatedly emphasised the need to reduce our ostentatious life style and voracious consumption of everything foreign and look inward.

Buhari said challenges militating against development in agriculture, power, manufacturing, housing and healthcare sectors must be squarely addressed to lift many Nigerians out of poverty.

The president expressed regret that despite huge oil revenues, the nation’s health sector remained undeveloped forcing Nigerians to spend $1 billion yearly to get medical treatment abroad.

The president, who noted that inadequate power supply undermined the country’s capacity to develop in all sectors, said his government would generate 10,000 megawatts in the next three years. “In 2016 alone, we intend to add two thousand megawatts to the national grid,” he added.

The president ordered a fresh campaign to patronise Made-in-Nigeria goods. In this regard, he said that, all uniforms in government-sponsored institutions should be sourced from local factories.

On agriculture, Buhari said that both the peasant and the mechanised farmers agreed with the general public that food production and self-sufficiency required urgent government action.

Osinbajo

Minister for National Planning , Udoma Udo Udoma

However, he noted that, “for too long, government policies on agriculture have been half-hearted, suffering from inconsistencies and discontinuities.”

According to him, the country’s real wealth is in farming, livestock, hatcheries, fishery, horticulture and forestry.

In order to address some of the challenges facing the agricultural sector, which he said included rising food prices and imports of subsidised food products, the president directed the Central Bank of Nigeria to mobilise banks to make credits available to farmers.

Buhari said: “First we need to carry the public with us for new initiatives. Accordingly the Federal Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the states should convene early meetings of stakeholders and identify issues with a view to addressing them.

“Inform the public in all print and electronic media on government efforts to increase local food production to dampen escalating food prices.

“Banks should be leaned upon to substantially increase their lending to the agricultural sector.

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should bear part of the risk of such loans as a matter of national policy.”

On power, the president promised to complete the privatisation of the sector. He said: “We are facing the classic dilemma of privatisation: public interest vs. profit motive. Having started, we must complete the process. But National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the regulatory authority, has a vital job to ensure consumers get value for money and over-all public interest is safe-guarded.”

He said the government would fast-track completion of pipelines from gas points to power stations and provide more security to protect gas and oil pipelines even as he called on power companies to replace obsolete equipment and improve the quality of service and technicians.

On the manufacturing sector, the president said: ”It grieves me that so many manufacturing industries in the country today are groaning and frustrated because of lack of foreign exchange to import raw materials and spare parts.

“Painful though as this is, I believe it is a temporary phase which we shall try to overcome but there are deeper, more structural problems bedeviling local industries which this retreat should identify short and long-term answers to.”

To reduce the problem associated with high

cost of borrowing money, Buhari directed CBN to create more incentives and ease credit terms for lending to manufacturers.

He also suggested that Infrastructure Development Fund be fast-tracked to unlock resources to address infrastructural deficiencies.

“There should be more fiscal incentives for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which prove themselves capable of manufacturing quality products good enough for export,” he added.

On housing, the president put Nigeria’s housing deficit at about sixteen million units.

He said: “In our successful campaign to win the general elections last year, our party, the APC, promised to build a million housing units a year. This will turn out to be a very tall order unless: “The Federal Government builds two hundred and fifty thousand units. The 22 APC States together manage another two hundred and fifty thousand units.

Buhari called for review of relevant laws to make the process of acquiring statutory right of occupancy shorter, less cumbersome and less costly. He further suggested: “Court procedures for mortgages cases should make enforcement more efficient. Ministries of Works and Housing should upgrade their computerisation of title registration system for greater efficiency.”

The president deliberately left out the roadmap to achieving his plans for the economy. He chose to leave this to NEC to decide. After all, the council is supposed to advise him and not vice versa.

Paragraph 19 of Part 1 of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution as amended provides that, “the National Economic Council shall have power to advise the President concerning the economic affairs of the Federation, and in particular on measures necessary for the co-ordination of the economic planning efforts or economic programmes of the various Governments of the Federation.”

In compliance with the above, NEC came up with specific ways to achieve the government’s economic vision. Among others, the council recognises the urgent need to eject fund into the system. In this wise, it said that N350 billion would be pumped into the economy to stimulate it. After the two-day brainstorming, NEC set up an Implementation Steering Committee headed

by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to ensure that the decisions reached were implemented.

The committee will oversee the work of the

implementation committee and provide appropriate boost to the Implementation Monitoring Committee to ensure that the resolutions agreed at the retreat were duly followed up.

Other members of the committee are: Abdulaziz Y. Abubakar, Chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum and Governor of Zamfara State; Adams Oshiomhole, Governor of Edo State; Abdulfatah Ahmed, Governor of Kwara State; Rauf Aregbesola, Governor of Osun State; David Umahi, Governor of Ebonyi State; Badaru Abubakar, Governor of Jigawa State; Mohammed Abubakar, Governor of Bauchi State; Sen. Udoma Udo Udoma, Minister of Budget and National Planning; Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, Minister of Finance; Dr. Okechukwu Enelama, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment; Chief Audu Ogbe, Minister of Agriculture; Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Minister of Solid Minerals; Mr. Babatunde Fashola, Minister of Works, Power and Housing ; while Mrs. Nana F Mede, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and National Planning will act as secretary.

At the end of the meeting , the NEC retreat recommended ways to revive the economy and keep it going forward.

Among the decisions reached at the retreat is the need for “concerted and consistent efforts to diversify revenue sources” as well as expansion of compliance on Value Added Tax (VAT), adopting a gradual plan for rate increase.

The meeting also resolved to “increase expenditure through borrowing, which should be invested in infrastructure while advising the federal and state governments to focus on fiscal responsibility as a critical element in macro-economic balance.”

Similarly, the NEC meeting resolved to “increase investment in infrastructure through public private partnership (PPP) and develop financial inclusion strategies to cater for the poor and vulnerable population.”

Specifically, the high-level retreat agreed that “the federal government should maintain a minimum level of capital expenditure of 30 per cent in the budget.”

On agriculture, NEC decided that, “the Federal Government should re-position Bank of Agriculture to enhance its capacity to finance agriculture; funding for agricultural sector is considered critical and sources of intervention funding from the Central Bank of Nigeria should be considered.”

The retreat also agreed that “a single digit interest rate for agricultural loans should be considered while duties and taxes for agricultural products and equipment should be waived.”

While NEC recommended “the development of strategic partnerships between Federal and State government”, it told “each state to make specific commitments to crops in which it has comparative advantage and request Federal Government intervention.”

Also, the meeting agreed that “the commodity exchanges should be established for price regulation and avoidance of losses due to lack of markets”, particularly it stated that “the Abuja Commodity Exchange should be revitalised.”

Other resolutions include: “Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to complete and present the solid minerals development roadmap. This framework should address issues of illegal miner, licenses, taxes and royalties by 31st March 2016; federal government to engage with state government on the roadmap and agree any amendment that may be required by 30th June 2016; initiate relevant legislative changes that maybe necessitated by the agreed roadmap by 31stJuly 2016; conclude the revalidation/recertification of all mining leases by 30th September 2016; and agree with states and local government on respective responsibilities for developing feeder roads and other critical infrastructure for solid minerals development.”

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R •MARCH 27, 2016

24

BUSINESS/ECONOMY

2016 Budget: Between Executive Estimates and Legislative Approval After so much ado, the National Assembly passed the 2016 Appropriation Bill last Wednesday.

The appropriation bill, which would have ordinarily passed through a simple process of passage became controversial because most of the figures were ‘padded’. Kunle Aderinokun and Damilola Oyedele report that after the bill was ‘cleansed’, and passed by the parliament, the final figures reflected differentials in allocations

W

hen on December 22, 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari presented his government’s N6.08 trillion ’Budget of Change’ to a Joint session of the National Assembly, with so much fanfare, the expectations from most quarters were that it would be passed on time. The parliament also assured on speedy passage of the budget estimates.

Troubled Waters The first threat to the 2016 budget was the dwindling price of crude oil, with the benchmark of $38 per barrel. As the price of crude oil continued to fall due to several factors in the international arena, it seemed the budget was in jeopardy particularly as the price of oil fell to $27 late January.

Fears were, however, allayed, with the plan of the government to improve on collection of taxes, levies, customs duties and its vow to block leakages that assist fraud. But the budget was caught up in the unbelievable controversy of having been stolen from the National Assembly.

The stories changed: it was stolen from the Senate, the copy of the House of Representatives was intact, it has been doctored, it was discreetly replaced, etc.

Hopes that the budget would be passed

by February 22, 2016 as the lawmakers had promised started to fade. As that controversy settled, it emerged that the document was fraught with errors, inflation, bogus planned purchases, repetition and other issues that made the government critics, particularly from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) term it the ‘worst budget ever presented to the National Assembly’.

As the committees in both chambers held budget defence sessions with the agencies they oversight, a new date, March 17, was set for the passage of the bill. The Appropriation Committees could, however, not meet the new date due to several unresolved issues that remained in the document. A member of the committee told THISDAY that the issues with the budget had to be completely resolved first.

“We have been working 24 hours and practically sleeping at the Appropriations secretariat. We are trying to resolve so many issues associated with the budget,” the lawmaker said.

Another member added that the document seemed to have been hastily put together, to meet the December deadline for it to be laid before the National Assembly, resulting in a lot of clean up, needing to be done before it could be passed.

It should be recalled that at every stage, the leadership of the Legislature assured and re-assured Nigerians that it was not working at cross-purposes with the Executive on the budget.

A N6.06trn Budget Passed with Reduction of N17bn The harmonised budget of N6.06 trillion was finally passed into law by both chambers of the National Assembly last Wednesday, resulting in a sigh of relief, and expectations of some boost to an almost stagnant economy.

Breakdown of the budget is N1.59 trillion

Buhari

Senate President, Bukola Saraki

for capital expenditure, N2.65 trillion for recurrent expenditure N1.48 trillion for debt servicing, N2.2 trillion as deficit, N500 billion for social intervention and N351.4billion for Statutory transfer.

The N17 billion reduction from the budget estimates, the first time since 1999, was blamed on the harsh economic challenges being experienced in the country worsened by uncertain oil prices. The lawmakers, however, left it predicated on an oil price benchmark of $38 per barrel with average production of 2.2 million barrels of crude daily, an exchange rate of N197 to $1, and a GDP growth rate of 2.14 percent.

“The available revenue for appropriation is grossly inadequate to meet the huge demand of MDAs to prosecute needed programmes for national development across all spheres in the economy…The bill seeks to stimulate the economy, but the recurrent expenditure as compared to the capital component at a ratio of 30:70 is still very high. This takes away from the infrastructure stimulus funding that the country so desperately needs for development.”

“The 2016 Appropriation Bill contained a number of omissions including the area of personnel cost. Though the Appropriations Committee has filled some of the gaps, there are many outstanding cases which could raise concern in the course of the year.”

The committee in its recommendations, urged the government to increase and diversify its revenue generation streams, and shore up capital expenditure by substantially reducing recurrent expenditure.

This, it noted, is the only way to free resources for critical infrastructure towards economic growth and development.

Position of the House Committee on Appropriation In its report, the committee chaired by Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin, stated that the budget estimate was not submitted in time to the National Assembly, affecting its timely passage. The report reads in part; “…after its presentation to the National Assembly, the budget was seen to be fraught with errors with some inconsistencies from MDAs, given the subsequent reference to them to different versions of the budget.

This was also noticed at the level of the sub-committees. This is strange and goes against proper budgetary procedures and processes with attendant implications.”

Differences between Proposed and Passed Budget Allocations The parliament kept true to its word that it would not increase the size of the budget.

But it did not only ensure that the total

TOP 10 IN CAPITAL ALLOCATION MINISTRIES, DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES

PROPOSED N’BN

PASSED N‘BN

WORKS, POWER & HOUSING

433.400

422.900

TRANSPORTATION

202.000

188.600

DEFENCE

134.572

130.840

INTERIOR

53.070

61.713

AGRICULTURE

47.001

46.173

ICRC

39.700

35.730

EDUCATION

37.000

35.433

FCTA

37.756

29.297

HEALTH

35.670

28.650

NIGER DELTA

24.281

19.440

budget size was not increased, it slashed it by N17 billion.

It reduced the recurrent (non-debt) expenditure to N2.486 trillion from the proposed N2.646 trillion. For the capital vote, the legislature passed a reduced version of N1.455 trillion as against the proposed N1.587 trillion.

The statutory transfers, which was initially proposed at N351.370 billion was slightly increased to N351.700 trillion.

A cursory look at the capital budget showed that most of the ministries, departments and agencies (MDA) had their allocations reduced while few witnessed an increase.

The Ministry of Works, Power and Housing, which had the lion’s share, had its capital budget reduced from N433.4 billion in the budget estimate to N422.9 billion appropriated, while the second largest share for capital went to the Ministry of Transportation with N188.6 billion appropriated instead of N202 billion in the budget estimate.

The Ministry of Defence had N130.8billion appropriated from the N134.5billion in its budget estimate. Also, the Ministry of Agriculture finally got N46.173 billion from the N47.001 billion it early proposed.

The Ministry of Education’s budget was reduced from N37 billion to N35.4 billion, while the Health Ministry had N28.6 billion appropriated, a reduction from the N35.6 billion it had estimated.

The FCTA budget was reduced to N29.2 billion from N37.7 billion, while that of the Niger Delta was reduced to N19.4 billion from N24.2 billion.

Capital vote for the National Security Adviser (NSA) was slightly reduced from N32.620 billion to N32.084 billion, which was proposed while Petroleum Resources was slashed from N7.648 billion to N6.304 billion. Likewise, Ministry of Finance had the sum of N0.667 billion passed for it as capital budget against the N0.819 billion it proposed while Budget and National Planning got N2.322 billion out of the N3.199 billion it proposed. Labour and Employment also had its allocation slightly reduced from N5.580 billion to N5.542 billion, which was passed. The same applied to Solid Minerals Development, which had its allocation pruned to N7.332 billion from N9.102 billion.

The MDAs that had their capital allocations reduced also include: Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission, from N39.700 billion to N35.730 billion; Science and Technology, from N27.890 billion to N27.006 billion; Communications Technology, from N6.080 billion to N5.992 billion; Environment, from N5 billion to N4.957 billion; Youth and Sports Development, from N4.660 billion to N3.497 billion; National Population Commission, from N5.030 billion to N4.411 billion; and Police Service Commission, from N0.280 billion to N0.269 billion.

Ministries that had their capital budget estimates increased include Ministry of Interior with N61.7 billion appropriated, an increase from the N53 billion, and the Ministry of Water Resources with N46 billion appropriated up from the N37 billion it estimated.

Similarly, Presidency’s capital vote was increased from N19.155 billion to N23.004 billion while that of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation was increased to N20.319 billion from N16.979 billion.

25

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R •MARCH 27, 2016

INTERVIEW

Osime: We’re Creating Gender Balance through Inclusion Programme

To ensure more women are represented at the management level, Lafarge Africa Plc has introduced an inclusion programme to actualise such aspiration. Director of Organisation & Human Resources, Lafarge Africa, Fidelia Osime, speaks with Kunle Aderinokun on the inclusion programme and addresses issues that border on the place and role of women in the workplace

L

afarge Africa introduced an inclusion programme that is aimed at giving 35 per cent of representation to women at management level by 2030. Currently speaking, what percentage of this number has been achieved?

company’s performance?

A point to note is that it is a journey that we have just started so it is a bit difficult to say this is the impact on the company’s performance but what I must say is that for me, as an individual and the company’s HR Director, it is something that gives me a lot of joy to go into the plants and see the women. When we look back, there is a world of difference between what we had a few years ago and where we are at today.

I remember sometimes ago, we identified a lady who is an engineer with a lot of potential, amongst men. To make sure she grows and actually becomes successful, we identified another business within Lafarge outside of Nigeria where there is a female quarry manager and we sent her there for some months. Today, she has come back, continued to do better and has been promoted.

Our mentorship programme could be internal or external. When we realize a woman needs the affirmation of another woman to encourage and support her, we do just that and the results have been wonderful.

One of the first things I must say is that in LafargeHolcim, the diversity target in terms of gender is now 30 per cent. So, 30 per cent by 2030 at management level is the target and today in Lafarge Africa we are at the leadership team level at 36 per cent. So I must say that we are doing well here in Nigeria and tracking quite well too at the global level.

So what is the driving force behind this programme?

The initiative behind the programme actually came from the Group. I recollect that when I first joined; it was just being put forward. It was recognised that we did not have many women at management levels, and, research has shown that where you have women at management levels an organisation tends to do better. I am sure that you will agree with me that there are characteristics that women have but men do not have and also, that men have and women do not have. So it is good for us to be complementary and to actually balance things. So it is always good to have the insight and to make sure that you have other people’s views. This is one of the things behind the diversity programme in LafargeHolcim globally.

Is the inclusion programme only targeted at women on management level or are structures in place to accommodate less qualified women who are unable to attain management level within the company?

Let’s remember that there is a pipeline in the business; which we call the talent pipeline. For women to get into management positions, they have to be coming from somewhere within the system. We don’t consider recruiting and bringing people in from outside as our first option, but we want to groom our people through the system.

This way, they turn out to be well-rounded people with full understanding of the values, people and the culture of the organization as they move into the management cadre.

Yesterday, for example, we were gathered together at Protea in Ikeja, celebrating International Women’s Day. It was an in-house event where we had women from Ashaka in the North-east, Ewekoro, Sagamu and Lagos in South West, our Mfamosing plant in Cross River State. We had about 60 women from across the business - a lot of them engineers. I was particularly touched with the participation of the only female engineer we have in Ashaka. These are not all women who are currently at management level, but they are women who have got potential. We deliberately look out for women and develop them through the system. The importance attached to this is such that at each point, we try to know where the women are and what they are doing. We pay attention to them, so that they don’t drop by the way side.

Are there processes to ensure the continuity of the programme?

Oh! Yes, for sure. When you talk about processes, we have some excellent models. It’s not just the diversity programme, it is a general procedure around talent, which is not just focused on women but on all employees. It is about constantly checking to be sure that we have good talents in every facet of our operations. Where we realize that we have good talent, we want to keep an eye on them and make sure that they run through successfully.

We have mentoring programmes where we identify the women as well. We know that women have some challenges particularly when we send

Assuming a successful inclusion of 30 per cent of representation to women at management level by 2030, are there any plans to increase the percentage after 2030?

For us, achieving a target is not the end of the world. We will not get there and say that’s it. We will continue building on the successes and if we get to a 100 per cent then why not?

Osime

women to the plants. There are challenges because the cement plants are male dominated: they are very masculine in nature. If you have been to the cement plant before, you would see that. And so, we look out for the women and try to ensure that they are very well looked after. Of course we do care for the men, we also make sure that the men are well taken care of.

of the fact that the cement plants are located in remote areas. So where we have women who are in the plants, then we need to go an extra mile for them because the remote areas are not always attractive even for the men and, sometimes a woman is there and her husband says “this is not working for the family”. So those are some of the challenges we face.

Globally there is a gap in payment between men and women. Does it apply in Lafarge?

To promote work and family balance, Lafarge has provided childcare support within and near company sites. What is the nature of the support and how many women are benefitting from this?

Not in Lafarge Africa, but we do know that in a number of countries, in the UK for example, that exists, and, I know that some legislations have been put in place which comes into effect. So from 2018, it will be almost a criminal thing for there to be the pay gap between a man and a woman doing the same kind of job. We do know that in some places, that gap is as high as 20-25 per cent, but in Lafarge Africa, we do not do that. I remember vividly that we measured that as one of the qualifying factors when we were applying for the GEIS (The Gender Equality International Standards) Award. And so, we had to look at all women and men in the organization and compare their salaries. With due consideration to some factors like time of joining, experience, performance, we found out quite honestly that there is no difference between the men and the women. In Lafarge Africa, I can say for sure that we do not discriminate.

What are the major challenges or restrictions being faced by the company as a result of the programme?

Of note here is the peculiarity of the industry in which we are involved. It is not just in Nigeria but worldwide, there is a shortage of female engineera. So you find out that even in North America, there have been programmes that have been put in place to encourage female engineers.

It is therefore expected that in the plants we need female engineers. If there are no engineers then there is a limit to what we can do.

In the non-engineering functions, for example, sales, marketing, HR, accounting and communications, we have women. In the plants, we have challenges and it gets even more challenging because

The nature of the support is, like you said, child care. What we do is to pay the child support fees. If an employee has a baby between the ages of 3 to 18 months, and the child is put in a crèche which is around the office, we refund the crèche fees. It is important to note that this applies not only to women but also to men whose wives are not in the organization. If they provide the receipts, we also reimburse them because we are an all-inclusive organisation.

What other support programmes are provided for working mothers in Lafarge Africa?

For mothers, we ensure that for the people who return from maternity leave, the general practice of giving one hour time for 3months is maintained.

Also, we have a programme that allows women who go on maternity leave for 12weeks to have their annual vacation which is another 5weeks in addition. So it is not maternity leave less annual vacation. So any year you have to go on maternity leave, you also have your 5weeks. If you want to add it to the 12 weeks or if you want to take it separately it is entirely up to the individual.

The other thing that we do also to make sure that we encourage and support the men is the introduction of paternity leave as well.

Cuts in: for how long?

Three days

What has been the impact, positive or negative of the inclusion programme on the

What processes have been put in place to bridge the skill gap to make women more viable for management level position?

For the women, it is really important that we identify them and we try to find out exactly what it is that is keeping them from achieving their potential. Sometimes a woman has challenges; her child is sick, her husband is ill. We make sure we support her through the process.

Those are some of things that we actually do to support them. But in terms of the skills and competencies, we give the men the same opportunities we give the women. But sometimes it is about women-to-women mentoring and shadowing a woman who has gone ahead and has been able to achieve success particularly in the kind of industry in which we operate.

Generally how will you describe the current position or status of women in the scheme of things in Nigeria? Have the women arrived?

No, the women have definitely not arrived.

I always say this is a journey and I think women need to be given more recognition. It’s not about saying women are responsible for women affairs but it’s about saying there are women who can do great and excellent things, there are women who are brilliant. I must say that in the banking industry, we are getting a lot more women coming up. There are at least two women who are chairmen of Banks, there is a woman who is the president of the CIBN. We are beginning to get some women CEOs but that is happening more and more in the private sector.

In the government, what we have seen is some steps forward and some backwards. So, where are the women? What kind of recognition and encouragement are they being given? If we want to see the women succeed, there has to be some encouragement and affirmative action to make sure that policy just does not exist on paper but that something is actually being done to make sure that the women are actually part of everything happening in society. Not just things that have to do with the girl child, international women’s day, maternity, child abduction and girl brides. There are much bigger things which I think women need to be involved in. So there is a long way to go, I must say.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R •MARCH 27, 2016

INTERVIEW Emasealu: Govt Must Act Quickly to Salvage Ailing Economy

In this interview with James Emejo, Vice Chairman, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Abuja Chapter, Mr. Odun Emasealu, who is also managing director, Interior Woodwork Limited, advises the current administration to take practical steps to resuscitate the economy

H

of people can now use it and Nigerians can now use it apparently.

ow would you assess the developments and contribution of the real sector to the overall performance of the Nigerian economy?

What are the challenges and way forward for the sub sector?

Yes, we’ve got over 160 million people in Nigeria, or thereabouts and that’s huge market-and so the market is there. In fact, we don’t even need to export to really make money. But the greatest challenge is that with the current situation that we are in, the difficulty in getting foreign exchange-because most of the materials in the furniture industry, apart from wood are imported. We have to integrate backwards and that’s what the government wants to achieve, which is fantastic. However, how do we integrate backwards? How do you manufacture accessories? How do you have wood good enough for the furniture industry? The government has to look at the issue of industrial raw materials and that’ll take care of a lot, not just the furniture sector but other sectors.

Of course, we’ve not done very strongly in the economic sector and unfortunately, we have the issue of oil price which has brought us to this quagmire or economic impasse. That’s where we find ourselves at the moment. But we believe that it happens; mistakes have been made in the time past and it’s time to sit back and come up with strategies to address it. Every situation can be overcome depending on the strategy. I think the government has to be very practical. All this sitting in the office and coming up with statements and lying to ourselves and believing we know it when we don’t know it, should stop. There’s need to understand the seriousness of our situation right now, it’s critical. And they should act quickly to ensure that they do the right things and solve the problem before the hardship becomes too much. They have to be working on that now, in real terms and not by making speeches and just saying things from the books.

So that’s my advice.

At a period when there are calls for local patronage amid concerns for quality assurance, how can the industry woo Nigerians, especially the luxury class?

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has recently made policy statements which are targeted at improving credit flows to the real sector. How much impact has this had?

A lot of times we don’t know the reasons or the parameters used by the CBN to come up with some of these policies but I believe they have their reasons. However, a lot of times, it does not come down right well because there are things we believe should be addressed as a fundamental before getting to what they are doing right now. I have said it in different fora that with lending rates of 24 percent, 27 percent and exchange rate of N200-N300 at the black market, there can’t be any meaningful development. That ought to be the first thing to address. And I don’t understand why banks should pay deposit rate at 10 per cent, 12 per cent, they should make it two per cent. Then you drop the lending rate also-and that’s the beginning of investment drive to the real sector.

Don’t you agree that there’s little the CBN can do to make banks lower interest rates given that they are profit oriented?

We have to understand that there are various kinds of businesses; hospital is a business, if they run it well as a business, if they want to be strict, people will be dying. Now, some businesses have dual purposes, of course, income making for the owners and some have the social part of it, some have developmental part of it. For example, if you are running a bank, there must be development, it’s part of it. If you are running a hospital, there must be a level of compassion, it’s not in all cases that someone comes in and is dying and you say you have to pay first before I treat you.

The hospitals take in people they treat and sometimes they don’t get their money but they can’t allow people to be dying. Similarly in banks, certain things can’t be allowed. I don’t think it’s right for the CBN to say banks are businesses and that they must make money; you can’t have banks declare profits every

Emasealu

year and there are no industries.

There are concerns by manufacturers in particular over the seeming difficulty in accessing foreign exchange for importation of raw materials. How bad is the situation?

I think the issue right now is not that it’s hard to access foreign exchange, there’s no foreign exchange. That’s it. The CBN doesn’t have to disagree. We are all human beings and we have eyes and we know how much the country makes. We know how much they were making when it was $150 per barrel of crude oil; it doesn’t take a Soothsayer to let you know that someone who was earning $140 per barrel and is now earning $30 per barrel will have lower income than when it was $140; it’s not what they (CBN) say, it’s what we know. So we know that income is low and the country is primarily import oriented and so there’ll be a problem. But the truth of it is that there’s scarcity and demand is high, it’s simple economics but it’s affecting everybody; it’s affecting business generally, of course manufacturing, even trade, commerce is affected.

How would you evaluate the potential and performance of the wood sub-sector of the economy?

It’s a developing sector generally in the country; and unfortunately, we’ve not been able to develop the primary supply of raw materials, so we are hoping that we can

achieve that as we go on. But this sector has grown over the years. There’s been a ban on furniture importation over the years and it has helped the sector but there’s still so much to do. People are coming to develop their businesses and we see a big future in it. There’s a high employment provision for the country. So I think it’s a good sector in terms of employment generation and income earnings for people who are participating in it.

How much of local content do you have in your company?

Everything you’ve seen in Interior Woodwork Limited are locally manufactured. Our factory is here in Abuja and everything is made here and that shows you how well Nigerians can do and go if they have the real tools and the environment, they’ll really do better. People argue that imported item is often better but from what you can see, it’s not always true.

Of course at the beginning, there could be issues with any company but over time we are expected to improve and if given the right environment and more factories come up, there’ll be internal competition and when that’s strong, of course, you will have to improve in order to sell to get any share of the market. So everything was done here to the highest standards. Of course, we have foreign technical partners because some of the machines we use are very advanced, and our people were not exposed to it. But we’ve done a lot of transfer of technology that a lot

Generally, in manufacturing, the beginning of quality control is your inputs. If the quality of the input is low, there’s no way the finished material will be high quality. So if you put in high quality materials and your processes are not good, you may not get high quality.

So for you to get high quality, you must get high quality inputs, good processes, and then good end results. We must first work on the quality of the raw materials. So for all, we use high quality materials, we ensure that our inputs are very good and we strengthen our processes.

In the wood work industry, it’s about your machinery, the capacity of your machinery and once you have very good machines, your work comes out good. Here, there are no machines all over the world better than what we have.

What’s the acceptance rate for your woodworks?

It’s hundred percent. We belong to a certain niche in the market and when people of that niche come to us, they don’t complain. Of course, if you are not in that niche, you may find it difficult but if you are higher, you may not come here but for our target market, we are very fine.

What’s your thought on the inability of Nigerian overseas student to pay their fees due to the forex situation as well as banks’ suggestion to cut supply of forex for school fees, BTA among others?

The problem we have in Nigeria is that everybody wants to livelike the rich. Abroad, there are people that go to certain places, certain schools but in Nigeria, once you make something very expensive, everybody wants to get there...so once it (foreign exchange) is not available (at the official window) people will sort themselves out. I don’t have a problem with; if you can afford it, fine. And if we devalue and the rate is the same, all these won’t arise.

Let me tell you, even at N400 to the dollar, nobody’s child is coming back, Nigerians will still send their children abroad to school, you know our people. They’ll sort it out.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R •MARCH 27, 2016

BUSINESS/MARITIME

Improving Connectivity in West Central African Region

With rising transport costs, poor connectivity in West and Central African subregion, stakeholders believe the solution is for member countries to revisit their trade facilitation programmes, in addition to improvement in the area of infrastructure and adoption of fewer direct services to multiple ports as a strategy for developing a hub-spoke system for the region. Francis Ugwoke writes

A

t a time when the global economy is facing recession, countries appear to have been left with no other option than to adopt measures to improve shipping trade through the reduction of cost of doing business. This is being pursued with the intent of promoting trade facilitation without compromising efficiency. For the West and Central African countries which are affected by the global fall in crude oil prices, among others, the agenda on the table is how to improve trade and check cost of doing business. This was the demonstration of industry leaders, experts and other stakeholders who gathered recently in Abuja to discuss transport costs, connectivity, new rules by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) on container weighing and Nigeria’s terms of payment in international trade.

The discussion centred on providing a panacea for economic development of Nigeria and the entire countries of the sub-region.

Connectivity and Transport Costs

The issues that played up during the conference include connectivity and transport costs within the sub-region and indeed within the global community.

The two - connectivity and transport costs - impact either negatively or positively on trade. To the Union of African Shippers’Councils (UASC), which organised the event in collaboration with the United Nation’s Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and hosted by the Nigerian Shippers’Council (NSC) in Abuja, poor connectivity in the region has been “the reason why Africa’s share of global trade is very small”. The share, according to UASC is about 3 per cent for an annual volume of 9 billion tons and less than 10 per cent with regards to intra-African trade. To facilitate trade, the council called for more efforts by governments in the region to improve on infrastructure, including roads, railways, ports and airports. These infrastructure offer economic and social advantages by connecting enterprises to regional and international markets. On costs in the sub-region, the council pointed out that transport costs and logistics have been known to be slow and costly. The average cost to transport a container within the West and Central African corridors was put at $2.43 per km, described as 1.5 and 2.2 times the freight rates applied in South Africa and the United States respectively. For the landlocked countries, transport costs represent on average of 45 percent of the value of imports and 35 percent of exports against global averages of 5.4percent and 8.8 percent respectively. With this development, such costs limit the competitiveness of the sub-region’s enterprises on markets.

Benefitting from Global Market Share

Apparently realising the importance of the global market share to the entire Africa, particularly the West and Central African economy, Nigeria during the workshop said it was time for the stakeholders to rise and take their share. This, according to the Minister of State for Transportation, Senator Hadi Sirika, requires the development of a global reach in trade and enterprises in the sub-region.

To do this, Sirika said, requires connectivity nationally, sub-regionally and internationally. According to him, this will include a multi-modal, integrated and sustainable transport system that will foster quality connectivity within the sub-region and indeed the rest of Africa. He argued that the ports alone were not enough to connect to the markets, and noted other modes, including road, rail and air transport, inland waterways and inland ports.

These, he said, were essential since trade logistics now involve door-to-door or factory to warehouse movement of goods in international trade transactions. Calling for the adoption of a holistic approach towards addressing the challenges of transport costs and connectivity, he said this should consider “cost effectiveness of shipping services, competitiveness and

Containers bearing ship on the high sea survival of national and regional operators, efficiency of seaports, availability of coastal shipping services, protection of shippers’interest and partnership with service providers”. Sirika disclosed that an enabling environment for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) is being created by government through new policies, legislation and institutional framework that would support the envisaged improvement of trade in Nigeria. President Muhammadu Buhari, he said, is interested in addressing the lingering challenges in trade and transport sectors of the nation’s economy.

He added that the main policy thrust of the administration was to evolve a multi-modal, integrated and sustainable transport system with greater emphasis on rail and inland waterways transportation in order to foster quality of connectivity within the system.

Noting that maritime transport has remained an indispensable tool for international trade because of its mode, operation and character, Sirika added that opportunities, problems and policy issues associated with it transcend national boundaries and can best be handled in an integrated regional and international level.

The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’Council (NSC), Mr. Hassan Bello, during the occasion said the challenge of poor transport connectivity was a major obstacle to sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries realising their potential in both regional and global trade. He said: “With the advent of global supply chains, a new premium is being placed on being able to move goods from A to B rapidly, reliably, and cheaply. Being able to connect to what has been referred to as the“physical internet”is fast being a key determinant of a country’s competitiveness”.

Transportation networks, Bello said, represent the economic arteries of countries and regions, adding that the network of transport routes and facilities all over the world can be likened to an internet.

“As observed by experts, for those able to connect, the physical internet brings access to vast new markets; but for those whose links to the global logistics web are weak, the costs of exclusion are large and growing.

Whether a cause or consequence, no country has grown successfully without a large expansion of its trade,”he said. He observed that most countries in the sub-region, including Nigeria, do not own fleets,

stating that with this development, the sub-region is at the mercy of foreign shipping companies.

To improve the connectivity and lower the cost of transport, Bello called on African countries to look very seriously at the areas of ship building and vessels ownership in order to increase the number of vessels plying their waters with a view to encouraging international trade.

According to him,“We pay dearly for poor connectivity by the fact that while in developed economies, freight as a percentage of the value of imports is only about 3 per cent, in developing economies it is about 10 per cent. While for Africa, the figure is estimated at a mind bogging value of between 20 per cent – 35 per cent, especially for land locked countries”.

Way Forward for Africa

Among the decisions reached at the end of the workshop which was organised under the auspices of the Transport Ministry headed by Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi include a call for the adoption of the Liner Shipping Connectivity Index (LSCI) by various countries to avoid multiple port calls in the region. The sub-region was equally advised to adopt fewer direct services to multiple ports so as to develop a hub-spoke for the West and Central African countries. In the communiqué issued at the end of the event which was sent to all the governments within the sub-region, member countries were urged to revisit the various programmes on transport connectivity and trade facilitation, such as the Sealgrid system, Lakaji Corridor, Sealink project in their efforts to achieve connectivity. The communiqué also identified trade barriers and restrictions of the flow of goods among the countries, which according to them hamper transport interconnectivity amongst member countries.

For instance, it was pointed out that the flow of containerised cargo in the sub-region does not exhibit good connectivity between the ports and the hinterland. Member countries were therefore advised to develop their infrastructure through public private partnership (PPP). The stakeholders, who noted that freight cost was determined by several factors, said the drive for the sub-region to create a hub-centre

can lead to the achievement of economies of scale of ports within the sub-region.

IMO Rules on Container Weight

One of the issues that played up at the workshop was the information on the new IMO rules on container weighing and its implication to export trade. IMO trade expert who is also a member of the Global Shippers’ Council (GSC), Mr. Chris Welsh, had informed the participants that new rules agreed by the international maritime apex body place new responsibilities on the shipper to verify the actual goods, packing and stowing materials , pallets and the tare weight of the container. The rules which apply only to export provide that the responsibility of verification of the gross mass weight of the container and goods rests on the shipper. The rules take effect July 1 this year. This information took the participants who are into export by surprise with many of them calling for its suspension. But Wesh was quick to inform them that IMO would not be in a position to suspend what it has agreed on just for the sake of the sub-region. Some had argued that there was not enough awareness creation on the matter. In the communiqué, however, the stakeholders agreed that for effective implementation of IMO rules on container weighing, member countries should advise their governments to set up a technical committee to carry out the relevant consultation, documentation and development of guidelines for enforcement. Member countries were also advised to sensitise relevant stakeholders on the importance of compliance with the IMO rules on container weighing as part of the urgent implementation.

Piracy, Arbitrary Charges Sub-region

in the

One other issue raised during the workshop was the rate of piracy in the region, which has affected shipping trade, including rise in charges and insurance cost. The communiqué called for a joint task force to wage war against piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.

They also called on member countries to check the activities of concessionaires by regulatory authorities in order to ensure that charges are commensurate with service delivery.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R •MARCH 27, 2016

NIGERIA’S TOP 50 STOCKS BASED ON MARKET FUNDAMENTALS

NAHCO AVIANCE PLC- Increase in sales cost and financial charges impedes potentially stronger growth in profitability

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igerian Aviation Handling Company PLC (Nahco Aviance) is a product of the Nigerian Enterprise Promotion Decree, starting operations in April 1979 with the commissioning of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. The Company has over 25 years of experience in crew/passenger transportation service delivery and continues to enjoy unhindered access to all areas of the airport which offers them the opportunity to serve airlines better, whilst providing comprehensive insurance for the vehicles as well as Passenger Liability Policy for the crew/ passengers.

Initially, the Federal Government, through the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) owned 60% of the company’s equity while four foreign airlines namely; Air France, British Airways, Sabena and Lufthansa shared the remaining 40%. Following the completion of a privatisation process, which saw the 60% government ownership divested to the Nigerian public, the Company entered into a strategic global alliance through its membership of Aviance, an international alliance of 9 reputable airport service providers operating from 112 stations in 17 countries and The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA).

, IN THE SHORT-TERM, ESCALATING FINANCE COSTS WILL CONTINUE TO HAMPER GROWTH UNTIL THE COMPANY SUCCESSFULLY CURTAILS COSTS TO ATTRACT INVESTORS. THEREFORE, WE PROJECT REVENUE OF N7.90 BILLION AND NET INCOME OF N692.63M RESPECTIVELY FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 2015

REDUCTION IN OPERATIONAL EXPENSES ADVANCES PROFITABILITY

The Company’s distribution and administrative expenses declined by 15.50% to N1.61 billion September 2015 from N1.86 billion in the corresponding period of 2014. This was in spite of an increase in staff strength and purchase of utility vehicles to distribute cargoes

Nahco Aviance, in partnership with The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) and the Lagos State Government, came together to address the challenges facing the export of horticulture products, fresh and processed food items from Nigeria, by assessing the various ways the Company’s operations could help to facilitate the bodies’ efforts at expanding Nigerian export of foods towards meeting the growing demands of European Union and The United States of America’s markets for fresh and processed food items from Nigeria.

In addition, the Company’s management further announced that its aviance’s Free Trade Zone’s soon to commence operations will be an impetus to exportation of goods in the country. Also mentioned was the business potentials that this partnership is expected to bring as 80% of Nahco Aviance’s total revenue is from cargo imports and ancillary services while cargo export services amount to well below 10% of the Company’s total revenue.

SETTING SAFETY STANDARDS WITH RECENT EU VALIDATION RECOGNITION

INCREASE IN COST OF SALES ERODES GROSS PROFIT

For the nine-months period ended September 2015, Nahco Aviance grew turnover by 4.91% to N6.32 billion in September 2014 from N6.02 billion in March 2014. The Company’s performance shows notable growth in business activity of passenger handling, cargo handling and equipment rental & maintenance. Further insight reveals that the Company’s core business of Air craft handling, Cargo Handling, Passenger handling and Crew transportation continues to account for a large percentage of earnings.

Cost of sales however grew significantly to N4.15 billion from N3.76 billion over the period; representing a change of 10.21%. Expectedly, due to the significant growth in cost of sales, gross profit declined to N2.17 billion in 2015 from N2.26 billion in 2014 representing a modest decline of 3.94%.

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH GOVERNMENTTO EXPAND EXPORT IN THE COUNTRY

within the airports and around the Federation. Other income however declined significantly by 48.60% to N297m in September 2015 from N578m in September 2014 as the Company derived income from disposal of obsolete assets during the period.

However, despite the aforementioned increase in total operating expenses, operating profit for the period grew by a significant 40.16% to N560m from N400m in the corresponding period of 2014.

In addition, the Company’s financial charges increased to N162m in September 2015 from N149m in the corresponding period of 2014; indicating a growth of 8.50%. As a result of the increase in financial charges, the Company recorded a decline of 16.04% in profit before tax to N696m in 2015 from N828m in 2014. However, a significant decline of 23.88% in taxation expense to N176m in September 2015 from N231m in September 2014 could not prevent a decrease of 13.01% in profit after tax to N519m in the period under review, from N597m over the period.

After meeting the entire requirement for safety and security validation, the company became the first ground handling company in Nigeria to be IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) certified, first to operate an IATA approved Authorized Training Centre (ATC) and the only ground handling company member of Association of African Training Organization (AATO). The Company stands to gain a drastic reduction in the cost of acquiring their ACC3 validation which is a requirement for EU bound flights.

These achievements have made Nahco Aviance the ground handler of choice for major airlines operating from Nigeria to the European Union by reducing significantly the cost of conducting air cargo or mail carrier operating into the Union from a third Country Airport (ACC3).

The certifications have also further proven that the Company can compete with its international counterpart through the delivery of global best practices with security and safety standards comparable with developed countries. This has also revealed Nahco Aviance’s proven leadership and pacesetting roles in West Africa.

WE MAINTAIN OUR HOLD

Valuation Metrics 24-Mar-15 Recommendation

BUY

Target Price (N)

4.13

Current Price (N)

3.99

Market Cap (N'm)

7,114

Outstanding Shares (m)

1,624

Rolling EPS

0.30

Rolling PE Ratio

14.60

Forward PE

9.70

Forward EPS (N)

0.43 Source: BGL Research

Q3 September 2015 Unaudited Results Turnover (N'm)

6,316

Profit Before Tax (N'm)

695

Profit After Tax (N'm)

519

Pre-tax Margin (%)

8.22 Source: BGL Research

Audited Year End 2014 Results Turnover (N'm) Profit Before Tax (N'm)

8,133 769

Profit After Tax (N'm)

568

Pre-tax Margin (%)

9.46 Source: BGL Research

Shareholding Information Shareholders % Holding

% Holding

British Airways

10.7%

Air France

5.8%

Lufthansa Commercial Holding GMBH

6.8%

Rosehill Group Limited Others Outstanding Shares (m)

9.5% 67.2% 1,624 Source: BGL Research

RECOMMENDATION

In the long-term, growth in profitability for Nahco Aviance would depend largely on the resulting effects of facilities upgrade, expansion initiatives and increase in handling charges. We expect the initiatives to result in enhanced efficiency with potential growth in core business activities, revenue and profitability.

However, in the short-term, escalating finance costs will continue to hamper growth until the Company successfully curtails costs to attract investors.

Therefore, we project revenue of N7.90 billion and net income of N692.63m respectively for the year ended December 2015; leading to a forward earnings per share (EPS) of N0.43.

Using the PE method of valuation, we arrive at a 3-month target price of N4.13 and thereby recommend a HOLD on the shares of Nahco Aviance.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R •MARCH 27, 2016

NIGERIA’S TOP 50 STOCKS BASED ON MARKET FUNDAMENTALS

SKYE BANK Plc. – Profitability pointers ascend despite escalation in interest expense and operational expenses

S

kye Bank Plc. (Skye Bank) financial results for the period ended September 2015 indicates a rise of 33.1% in gross earnings to N129.2 billion from N97.1 billion for the 9-months period through September 2015 as a result of expanded business activities. The growth in gross earnings was spurred by a 25.1% increase in interest income to N99.5 billion in September 2015 from N79.5 billion in the corresponding period of 2014 due to increased risky assets creation. On the other hand, interest expense increased quite significantly by 42.4% to N43.2 billion in September 2015 from N30.4 billion in September 2014.

However, despite the more than proportional increase in interest expense over interest income, net interest income grew by 14.5% to N56.3 billion from N49.1 billion over the period, while investment and other operating income increased by double digit growth of 68.8% to N29.7 billion in September 2015 from N17.6 billion in September 2014.

PROFITABILITY RISES DESPITE INCREASED OPERATIONAL EXPENSES Total operating expenses grew by a significant 37.8% to N64.6 billion from N46.9 billion in the corresponding period of 2014. The banks’ loan loss expenses decreased by 14.9%; to N6.4 billion in to N5.3 billion in September 2014 from N5.0 billion in the corresponding period of 2014 2015 from N7.5 billion in the corresponding period of 2014.

This is a commendable feat as the banks interest income grew while impairment reduced, showing improved loan management.

Moreover, pre-tax income increased substantially by 21.5% to N14.9 billion in September 2015 from N12.3 billion in September 2014. Net income also grew in tandem by 21.5% to N11.9 billion from N9.8 billion over the period.

The increase in net income led to the escalation of the Banks EPS by 15.7% to 86k in September 2015 from 75K in September 2014.

MODEST DECLINE IN ASSET QUALITY Skye Bank’s total assets declined by 6.9% to N1.32 trillion at the end

FURTHERMORE, WE BELIEVE THE MANAGEMENT OF THE BANK WILL CONTINUE TO FOCUS ITS EFFORTS TOWARDS STRENGTHENING INCOME GENERATION FROM FINANCIAL INTERMEDIATION

of September 2015 from N1.42 trillion as at December 31st 2014. Total company liabilities also declined by 8.6% to N1.17 trillion from N1.29 trillion over the period.

However the banks net assets didn’t follow the decline trend in total assets and liabilities as it grew by 9.8% at N145.1 billion in September 2015 from N132.3 billion as at December 2014.

Although Skye Bank’s asset base declined modestly over the review period, the Bank’s significant increase in operating expenses implies that the Bank needs to deploy innovative ways to overcome the operating pressures and to deliver value to investors.

As the 2016 fiscal year is expected to take a similar direction to the previous 12-month period in terms of regulatory policies and their constraining effects on the banking sector, the focus of industry players must be on expanding risk-asset creation. As a result, Skye Bank’s recorded a modest increase of 6.6% in loans and advances to customers to N694.3 billion at the end of the 9 months to September 2015 from N651.3 billion as at December 2014.

On the flip side however, the banks deposit base contracted by 12.7% to

N830.92 billion from N952.3 billion over the period; further preventing aggressive foray into financial intermediation and emphasizing the need for efficient deployment of balance sheet resources for desired earnings growth. However, the fact that the Bank grew loans and advances during the period, albeit modestly, despite the decline in customer deposits, suggests that the Bank is aware that a stronger focus on financial intermediation is necessary for strong and sustainable operational performance.

REAPING THE BENEFIT FROM RECENT ACQUISITION The Bank during the 2014 financial year acquired 100% shares of Mainstreet Bank Limited (Mainstreet Bank) from the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) as it emerged the preferred bidder to acquire the bank through an open bidding process; bidding N126 billion for the entire issued and fully paid capital of Mainstreet Bank.

According to the company’s management, the acquisition is part of its strategic plan for growth as it intends to leverage its wealth of experience from the successful integration of the five banks that form Skye Bank to drive efficiency, increase market share and ultimately ramp up stakeholders’ value. The acquisition will avail Skye Bank many benefits, including cost leadership, business optimization, and greater ability to offer business convenience to its teeming retail and commercial customers with a combined branch network of over 450 across all the states of the federation.

With this improved asset base and balance sheet size, Skye Bank is starting start to reap benefits, as interest income, loans and advances and net assets all grew over the period.

WE UPGRADE OUR RECOMMENDATION TO A BUY Despite the regulatory policies in the banking sector which threaten the Bank’s income generating capacity, we believe the management of the Bank will continue to focus its efforts towards strengthening income generation from its core businesses.

Furthermore, we believe the management of the Bank will continue to focus its efforts towards strengthening income generation from financial intermediation. Also the strong liquidity position of the Bank and potential profitability from

Valuation Metrics 24-Mar-15 Recommendation

BUY

Target Price (N)

1.93

Current Price (N)

0.96

Market Cap (N'm)

21,652

Outstanding Shares (m)

13,880

Rolling EPS (N)

0.86

Rolling PE Ratio

1.81

Forward EPS

1.14

Forward PE

1.37 Source: BGL Research

Q3 September 2015 Unaudited Results Gross Earnings (N'm)

129,238

Profit Before Tax (N'm)

14,979

Profit After Tax (N'm)

11,983

Pre-tax Margin (%)

11.59 Source: BGL Research

FYE December 2014 Audited Results Gross Earnings (N'm)

136,742

Profit Before Tax (N'm)

10,474

Profit After Tax (N'm)

9,741

Pre-tax Margin (%)

7.65 Source: BGL Research

Shareholders

Holding (%)

Stanbic Nominees Nig.

7.56

Public Float

92.44

increased focus on lending would cushion the effect of the liquidity withdrawals on the performance of Skye Bank in the future.

In light of these, we have valued each unit of Skye Bank Plc’s stock using the Net Assets Valuation Method (NAV) and Price to Earnings (PE), which resulted in a peer average book value of 0.21 and peer price multiple of 3.85x. Thus we arrive at a 3-month average target price of N1.93 for each share of Skye Bank Plc, which represents an upside potential of 23.71% on the current price. We therefore upgrade our recommendation to a BUY.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R •MARCH 27, 2016

BUSINESS/MEDIA

Safety: For Risk Managers, NFPAWA Confab Offers a Leeway

With key experts and trainers confirming their attendance with different safety modules to be taught, the National Fire Protection Association West Africa, (NFPAWA), conference offers risk managers chance to avoid losses, writes Raheem Akingbolu

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s preparations enter top gear for the National Fire Protection Association West Africa Conference on Building NFPA Compliant Fire Safety Systems, emphasis has once again been placed on where there is need for risk managers, architects and builders to have safety certifications. The conference will draw leading fire safety experts across the United States of America who would educate Nigerians, especially professionals, on latest developments on safety measures and safety gadgets that prevent hazards, both at the home and the workplace.

Antonia Beri, lead consultant of Safety Consultants Limited, the outfit partnering with NFPA in the United States of America for the conference, told THISDAY that the modules that participants will be taught deal with latest developments in safety standards and procedures. She said risk managers, insurers and architects had a lot to gain from these modules. She said enough of being fatalistic about safety issues and it is high time engineers and architects availed themselves of opportunities conferences like the NFPAWA conference offers.

“There is a quite a great deal of ‘God forbid’ in the way we approach these matters. I think some companies, however, like the oil and gas industries that are dealing with a lot of volatile materials are forced to provide safety measures and these are measured against some international standards. If their company has any foreign dealings, the foreign companies will insist that certain safety measures are applied. In industrial and construction sectors, about six or seven months ago, there was a nasty fire that gutted a paint company. I will keep the company’s name under wraps.

Paints also contain volatile materials. The question is that what measures were put in place to ensure that those working in

Leavitt

those environments are operating in a safe environment?”

Beri stated that safety starts with the design of the factory; of the plant and that of the building. He added that plans were put on paper by the architect or consultant engineer, all these things have to be considered.

“There are certain areas that National Fire Protection Association concerns itself with. And that is why we are organising the West Africa NFPA conference. We will be providing training as well as seminars on certain aspects of safety.”

Some of the areas expected to be covered in the conference included the Life Safety and Means of Egress. This training will be based on the life safety and means of egress requirements contained in NFPA Life Safety

Code. This training module will provide an overview of the latest technologies, design approaches, and challenges as it relates to the means of egress and life safety requirements for facilities. It will provide the tools needed to confidently apply or enforce requirements of the Life Safety Code. Topics to be covered will include classification of construction and occupancy type, determining occupant load and egress capacity, requirements for protection of vertical openings and hazardous areas, and determining requirements for building services and fire protection features. At the completion of the module the participants will have a basic understanding of the components of life safety issues.

The Fire Sprinkler Essence…

Another key area to be covered is the Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems. This training will be based on the fire sprinkler system requirements contained in NFPA Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems. This training will give an overview of the layout and organisation of NFPA13, the type of automatic sprinkler systems, how to classify hazards and how to choose the correct design criteria for a fire sprinkler system.

This presentation will also provide an overview of the layout and spacing criteria for the sprinkler systems and how the system will be designed and installed. At the completion of the module the participants will have a basic understanding of the certain components like the organisation and layout of the Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems; understand the Components and Operation of Wet Pipe, Dry-Pipe, Pre-Action and Deluge Sprinkler systems; differentiate the types of sprinklers(upright, pendent, sidewall and special application sprinklers) and spray nozzles, and how they work; understand how to classify hazards and commodities for storage; basic understanding of water supplies/sources, underground piping

requirements and backflow prevention requirements; understand the obstruction rules for standard spray sprinklers and extended coverage sprinklers and the rules governing aboveground pipe, fittings, hangers and seismic restraints. Others are design principles of pipe schedule, hydraulic calculations and room design method; system acceptance testing and commissioning requirements; overview of the different emergency control features and functions that are typically integrated with building fire alarm systems and understanding and application requirements for circuits and pathways, including survivability.

Among experts expected is Russell B. Leavitt. Russ is the Executive of Telgian Corporation, an international firm providing fire, life safety, and asset protection engineering and consulting services.

Under his direction, Telgian provides a wide range of fire protection and life safety services including fire systems engineering and design, code consulting, loss control engineering, installation, and the inspection and testing of systems. He is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and holds a Level IV certification from NICET in Fire Sprinkler Layout and a Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS). He is a recognized professional with over 32 years of experience in the design, installation, and testing of fire protection systems.

Also expected is John Campbell who has more than 25 years of experience in the fire protection community including all areas of the fire sprinkler industry. He has extensive experience in fire suppression system design, fire hazard analysis and fire protection system inspection and testing.

He is licensed as a Professional Engineer in all 50 United States, District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico and also in the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Saskatchewan.

MultiChoice’s Silver Lining behind a Dark Economic Cloud Kola Ojuolape

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t is clear to everybody of cognitive age that Nigeria is going through a storm economically.

Inflation hit 11.4% in February and growth has fallen to 2.1%.

At the start of the year, financial pundits projected that businesses will need to brace up and devise means of hedging the inevitability of a weaker naira in 2016. As at the time of writing this article, the naira has continued its unprecedented free fall in value against the US Dollar, trading at N352 to USD1 on the parallel market but remains pegged at N197 to the dollar by the Central Bank of Nigeria. Still, President Buhari has remained adamant in his resolve not to devalue the naira but instead will make dollars only available for certain trades considered critical to the economy.

The situation in the country has led to an unprecedented hardship on the average Nigerian, who has had to ditch certain ‘luxuries’. So, when MultiChoice announced that it would not be increasing subscription fees on its DStv bouquets this April, many heaved a sigh of relief. That would be one less cost to worry about in light of the present economic strain.

Ugbe

However, some wondered why MultiChoice would make such a decision knowing full well that most of the company’s costs are incurred in dollars and high inflation rates have put enormous financial pressure over the past months.

According to the statement issued, the company is quick to admit that it has been a

tough year for them but has magnanimously decided to absorb some of the pain and not impose a price increase this year. It cited its subscribers as the reason for its decision and as such is committed to bringing them the best possible content at the most affordable price.

Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, Mr. John Ugbe, said: “We are extremely pleased to announce that there will be no price increase on DStv subscriptions this April on any of the bouquets. Barring any further external economic shocks, we do not anticipate a price increase in 2016.”

This declaration comes on the heels of its announcement in February on the scaling down of top football leagues - the Barclays Premier League (EPL) and La Liga - to their mid-range bouquet, Compact, at no extra cost! Not only that, they also made a big price slash on its Zapper and Explora decoders.

At the time, many wondered if this decision was as a result of the Senate and CPC’s move to investigate MultiChoice’s operations. but Ugbe explained that it was a major business decision that had gone through months of careful planning and implemented in other regions without any pressure from regulators in those markets.

“These have been tough economic times for

everyone, we realised that our subscribers could use some good news”, Ugbe stated.

Over the years, MultiChoice has touted itself as a customer-focused company with its products and services designed with the subscriber in mind. Looking back at a number of initiatives rolled out by the company, one can invariably see an underlying thread of customer focus and service. An example of such ways is the self service options. In its over twenty years of operations in Nigeria, MultiChoice, has improved payment options, introducing self-service account management platforms such as mobile and online payments, bringing ease of mind and convenience to its subscribers.

Also, the company recently announced that it is embarking on technological and operational upgrades which include a revamped billing system, software enhancement to improve decoder and better case escalations.

Summing it up, Ugbe said: “MultiChoice is hinged on three important factors; one of the being people, that is our subscribers, the other two are our content and technology.

We believe that all three factors must interact seamlessly to provide the world class service that we stand for as a business”.

– Ojuolape writes from Jos.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R •MARCH 27, 2016

BUSINESS/ MEDIA

Going Global, Staying Local

Stories by Raheem Akingbolu

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ong before the globalisation buzz became a trend, media, especially broadcasting has always explored the world. Like James Bond, the world is simply ‘not enough.’

So, the ambition of an average broadcasting station is to be heard globally. That is why the dream and achievement of Megalectrics Limited, the operators of The Beat 99.7FM, Classic FM 97.3 and the pidgin-speaking Naija FM 102.7,endear patrons.

For the 8-year old media organisation, one continent is not enough; Megalectrics is set to once again shake up the Afrocentric music, news and entertainment sphere with its latest venture – TheBeat 103.6 FM London, and Lagos Talks.

This month, precisely on March 28, the launch of Megalectrics’ foray into Europe, will kick off with an unveiling party. At the same time, The Beat 103.6FM London will go live, projecting London street music, Hip hop, as well as Nigerian/ African Music and Caribbean Music.

Megalectrics has always shown confidence in targeting its demographics and sources familiar with the London deal reveal that the company struck with its legendary swiftness, taking over the management and operations of an alreadyestablished BangFM 103.6, a North London radio station. The Beat 103.6FM London is therefore poised to hit the ground running, conquer the airwaves and titillate the eardrums of a wider demographic. The company’s General Manager, Deji Awokoya, told journalists in Lagos that the London move was strategic: “This was by no means a hostile takeover, but a long-considered, calculated move because our aim is to globalize local talent. Already, BangFM is a fixture in the Afro-Caribbean entertainment industry, with close collaborations with radio stations and media in Nigeria; it even has Nigerians in its OAP-mix,” he said.

Indeed, stars such as Tiwa Savage, Seyi Shay, music producer Maleek Berry, Falz and May7ven have so far graced its popular Afrohits show, which also featured other African and Caribbean

A broadcasting equipment

celebrities.

Awokoya further added that this was also catalyzed by the changing dynamics of the UK radio industry.

Zeroing in, spreading out On a closer look of its operations, it appears the company’s staying power is encapsulated by one word: “niche.”

Megalectrics entered the Media Industry in 2007, when its Chie Executive Officer, Chris Ubosi left his top management role at Cool FM to begin what has now transpired into the revolution of independent radio broadcasting in Nigeria.

Ubosi, who has gotten over two decades in broadcast and communications experience, maintains that Megalectrics is deliberately catering to specific audiences.

“You have to zero in on your target. You cannot be everything to everybody. That’s what we have done. We created Classic FM for the older listeners, The Beat FM for younger demography and Naija FM as a common denominator and a celebration of pidgin English and local dialect” This technique seems to be winning on all fronts. Just six months into its operations, two of its presenters were up for awards, while Classic FM continues to convert much younger listener-ears.“Our core audience is aged over 35 and over 40 years but surprisingly, we find that about a fifth of our callers and people who mail us are aged 20-something years old. These people often say they remember that their fathers used to play the songs we air,” he stated.

The media station has also continued to reap the benefits off-air, as listeners exhibit a personal

connection with its brands. For the first time in Nigeria’s history, a man famously proposed to his girlfriend on-air, during a show anchored by The Beat FM presenter Toolz, while a young man turned up at the Classic FM studios with his late father’s vintage records, bequeathing them to the station to show his appreciation for playing the music his father loved.

In the same vein, it stands out for its ability to match the variety in its content-delivery with variety in geographical terms. It purposely created Naija FM, and located the Pidgin Language station in Lagos and Ibadan, to serve unreached territories and clients in Southwest Nigeria.

The same reasoning has clearly pushed its Easter 2016 entry into London, as well as the new Lagos Talks station, which has the broadcast frequency of 99.5FM. Moving from the music-based broadcast format,Lagos Talks 99.5FM, will according to the CEO,focus on contemporary issues as they affect Lagosians. “There will be credible and tested anchors on burning issues in Current Affairs, Sports, Business, Politics, Entrepreneurship, Family, Government and all facets of life in Lagos,” Ubosi said.

Offline, the brand has crafted a presence as one of the notable powerhouses that continue to raise the standard of Nigeria’s broadcasting and communication sectors; Ubosi was a member of the Federal Government’s committee, which deliberated and fashioned the country’s Mass Communication Nationwide Policy in 2002. And still serves on the communications committee of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) as well as being on the Advisory Board of the Social Media Week In addition, Nigeria’s entertainment and nightlife scene owes a considerable amount of its highlights to Megalectrics. High-caliber stars including Grammy award winning artiste – Maxwell, UB40 and Brandy have arrived these shores to thrill their fans, thanks to the Classic FM Valentine Concerts. Its contribution to Industry Nite and The Beat FM’s sponsorship of a music day in the Annual International Social Media Week, is also a huge contribution to industry growth.

Dubic Celebrates Brand Ambassador, Pete Edochie

L

ager Beer brand, Dubic ‘NkeAnyi’ has celebrated its brand ambassador Pete Edochie, on the anniversary of his 60 year birthday.

To celebrate him, the veteran in the Nigerian movie industry was said to have been presented with special birthday gifts at a colorful celebration at his home in Enugu.

Speaking at the occasion, the Senior Brand Manager, Lager, Guinness Nigeria Plc., Mr. Sina Ajiboye, stated that the leading beer manufacturer “is happy to share the joyous occasion with the Nollywood icon.”

He added: “This special occasion gives us and millions of Dubic ‘NkeAnyi’ consumers the privilege and opportunity of celebrating you on your birthday, it is indeed an honour to celebrate an icon such as yourself today. Your talent and wisdom has paved the way for so many and generations to come will forever be

grateful. We are proud to be associated with you and wish you many more years in good health and prosperity.”

Ajiboye revealed that the celebration underlines the company’s commitment to the partnership between the Dubic ‘NkeAnyi’ brand and the veteran actor.

He noted that the brand ambassador has not only demonstrated his commitment to the achievement of the brand’s objectives but is also supporting its vision of becoming the most desired beer brand in the region.

“We recognise and appreciate your contributions to the success and growth of DubicNkeAnyi in the Eastern region and this is our little way of showing appreciation to an exemplary and dedicated ambassador”, he added. “He said the company will strive to maintain these cordial relations with his ambassador even as it continues to provide quality products to its consumers and also get involved in activities that will delight them” he stated.

Pete Edochie

Polo Unveils ‘Urban Movement’ Collection

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he Polo Avenue has announced collaboration with Omowunmi Label in hosting the unveiling event for its ‘Urban Movement’ ready-to-wear collection.

A statement issued by the company stated that the two organisations hosted guests to a refined evening of top fashion as they unveiled the

new Urban Movement collection by Omowunmi Akinnifesi.

The Creative Director of Omowunmi Labels, Omowunmi Akinnifesi described her collection as one designed for the metropolitan woman who is actively on-the-go. She said the collection had fine cut lines, bold colours and unique structural pieces.

Speaking on Polo Avenue’s collabo-

ration in hosting the event, Executive Director Polo Luxury Group, Jennifer Obayuwana, lauded Akinnifesi’s creativity and the remarkable accomplishments.

According to her, as a brand, Polo Avenue reiterated its commitment to re-defining Nigeria’s luxury industry with its core values aimed at positively representing and promoting the efforts of remarkable female talents

across all spheres of the economy and in particular that of Nigerian women in luxury fashion.

She said: “As such, the Polo Avenue platform will continue to celebrate the myriad of women entrepreneurs, business owners and executives by positively promoting their hard work, successes and industry achievements in showcasing their talents as an inspiration to women everywhere.”

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R •MARCH 27, 2016

TRAVEL Lagos, its Waterways and Tourism

Edited by Demola Ojo Email demola.ojo@thisdaylive.com

In this report, Demola Ojo writes on how Lagos can truly be a state of aquatic spledour

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little over a year ago, when Lagos Governor Akinwunmi Ambode was seeking votes to occupy the seat he presently occupies, he mentioned tourism as one the major planks of his administration, repeatedly stating how tourism, hospitality, entertainment and sports would be given prominence in the economic drive of his government.

Specifically, he promised to create water-based theme parks and develop the waterfront by providing recreational facilities and encouraging investment in tourism infrastructure in order to make Lagos a tourism destination in Africa.

The plan is a no-brainer for a state named after lakes (which is what Lagos translates to in Portuguese) with a 180 kilometre coastline, a massive lagoon, and numerous creeks.

Lagos being one of the most populous urban agglomerations in the world and one of its fastest growing cities is a major business and financial centre in Africa, housing one of the largest and busiest ports on the continent.

The city doesn’t lack visitors, and is certainly one of the top-three most visited African cities.

However, a large percentage of the guests come strictly for business and would rather go to neighbouring African countries for fun. Lagos does not have a reputation for being a leisure destination.

At the moment, the major pull of the city for fun seekers is the cultural aspect; an emerging fashion scene, a growing list of entertainment icons and a thriving nightlife are the city’s claim to fame. The new administration’s most notable imprint – the One Lagos Fiesta, which was in celebration of the crossover into the New Year – toes the line of selling the city through concert-based festivals.

Recently, the commissioner for Tourism in Lagos, Folorunsho Folarin-Coker, has been on a ‘Buy Lagos’ campaign, with Instagram posts highlighting how cost effective it is vacationing in Lagos rather than travel abroad. The question is, what options are there for those bound to take his advice? Certainly not the quality obtainable in other coastal cities Nigerians love to visit. Cape Town and Dubai are just two of numerous examples that come to mind.

For a metropolis with more than a fifth of its total area made up of lagoons and creeks, the water in and around Lagos is grossly underutilized, especially for the purpose of tourism.

Humans have always gravitated towards water which has over time been synonymous with development. More than half of today’s world population live in coastal areas (within 60 km from the sea) and this number is on the rise.

Additionally, among all different parts of the planet, coastal areas are those which are most visited by tourists. Water has a powerful attraction for people. When people decide to plan vacations and travel for recreation and pleasure, many have a strong tendency to head towards water.

Coastal tourism supports businesses like hotels, resorts, restaurants, outdoor outfitters, chartered fishing services, and travel agencies. In many coastal areas, tourism presents the most important economic activity. In the Mediterranean region for example, tourism is the first economic activity for islands like Cyprus, Malta and Sicily.

For Lagos, water-based activities fueling tourism are practically non-existent. Not even the annual boat regatta which may have been exciting a hundred years ago but certainly not in the 21st century can paper over the cracks.

The coastline resorts in Lagos can be counted on your fingers. There’s La Campagne Tropicana on the Lekki-Epe axis, Whispering Palms in Badagry and a few more. To be candid, they are all average and can hardly be described as world class. There is no reason why Lagos does not have its own version of Durban’s Golden Mile, with hotels, restaurants and theme parks competing for tourists and the attendant spend.

Inland, the story is no different. There are a few properties bordering the creeks of Lagos but only a few see the need to even operate their

Lacampagne Tropicana Beach Resort jetties. There’s the Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel in Victoria Island, the Ikoyi Westwood and Sailor’s Lounge in Lekki. Not many more.

The Federal Palace Hotel apparently doesn’t see the need to further expand its entertainment options beyond the casino to include water sports and other water-based activities.

Like many other outlets in Lagos, they seem content selling the view.

Those in the know may regale you with stories of islands with pristine beaches minutes away from the city centre by boat. The beach strip that includes Inagbe, Ilashe, Ibeshe, Ikare and other villages is a favourite location for many of the city’s well-to-do. But the options are limited, with most of the properties on the peninsula being private beach houses.

The Inagbe Resort is probably the only one worthy of the “resort” moniker, while parties and other events are held at La Manga, the Pop Beach Club and Kamp Ikare. There aren’t many more. Why is there no equivalent of say, Diani Beach in Mombasa?

It’s All about the Water…

The answer lies in the water. Clean water contributes to the recreation and tourism industry worldwide by accentuating beautiful beaches, white-water rivers and aquatic ecosystems such as coral reefs. The water around Lagos is mostly dirty. It discourages water-based activities and sometimes, the view being sold is an eyesore.

Considering the summer-like weather in Lagos almost all-year round, it’s unforgivable that more has not been done over the years to harness the potential that the water around Lagos offers.

There are indications the populace is ready.

Jet skis can be found zooming and hopping along the Five Cowrie Creek especially during weekends, while there are weekly kayaking lessons on the Lagos Lagoon.

The Eko Atlantic City currently under construction is gradually becoming the new beach hub. Concerts and sporting activities are now being held with the Copa Lagos Beach Soccer competition around Christmas, and the Gidi Cultural Festival during Easter the standout events. But the possibilities are endless; a sporting calendar that includes fishing

competitions, a cruise ship culture, paragliding, sea planes for aerial tours...

Drone shots and underwater camera footage by avid sea-goers around Eko Atlantic also reveal that clear, blue water hasn’t totally disappeared. The Lagos government now has to take the lead in restoring the purity of the water surrounding it.

Sensitise the People Greater public awareness can make a positive difference. There should be an intense campaign to stop citizens from throwing rubbish in the water, done in the erroneous belief that it flows away and never comes back to shore. Defaulters should be fined.

A visible problem is the menace of plastics which can be seen across Lagos’ shorelines. It is the most common substance that washes up with the waves. It’s light and floats easily so it can travel enormous distances. Most are not biodegradable, which means that things like plastic bottle tops can survive in the marine environment for a long time. A plastic bottle can survive an estimated 450 years in the ocean.

Citizen activists also have a role to play. In the early 1990s, when surfers in Britain grew tired of catching illnesses from water polluted with sewage, they formed a group called Surfers Against Sewage to force governments and water companies to clean up their act.

People who have grown tired of walking the world’s polluted beaches often band together to organize community beach-cleaning sessions. The organisers of COPA Lagos always incorporate a beach cleaning initiative as part of activities for the three-day fiesta.

Anglers who no longer catch so many fish have campaigned for tougher penalties against factories that pour pollution into our rivers and creeks. For example, the Coca-cola depot in Apapa spews oily substances into the canal that separates Apapa from Ajegunle. The same body of deathly black water flows behind Marine Road all the way to Liverpool roundabout and beyond. Who knows just what toxic substances are in it?

In saner climes, the quality of both inland water bodies and coastal areas is regularly monitored. For inland water bodies, the parameters monitored include pH, dissolved

oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, ammonia and sulphide.

Coastal water samples are analysed for metals, total organic carbon, and other physical, chemical and bacteriological parameters.

Most environmental experts agree that the best way to tackle pollution is through something called the polluter pays principle. This means that whoever causes pollution should have to pay to clean it up, one way or another.

Polluter pays can operate in all kinds of ways.

It could mean that tanker owners should have to take out insurance that covers the cost of oil spill cleanups, for example. It could also mean that shoppers should have to pay for their plastic grocery bags, to encourage recycling and minimize waste.

Ultimately, the polluter pays principle is designed to deter people from polluting by making it less expensive for them to behave in an environmentally responsible way.

Bring Back our Fish It goes without saying that marine life has suffered greatly due to the pollution of the waters around Lagos. An ingenious way in resuscitating marine life involves using a serious menace for good. Along the Lagos coastline and the route leading to its ports are disused ships, many of them below the surface. A few years ago, they were estimated to be around 30.

The shipwrecks can be cleaned out, sunk and converted to artificial reefs like has been done in Florida. Reefs are primarily a habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals that flourish when the surrounding seawater is relatively nutrient poor, largely because they can utilize nutrients very effectively. It goes without saying then, that this diversity in marine life is sure to be an attraction that would help boost the state’s tourism drive.

In the past, the Lagos State government insinuated being hampered by federal authorities, especially the National Inland Waterways Authority, in putting the waterways to the best use. There has been bickering over jurisdiction and responsibilities. However, now that the state and the federal government are being controlled by the same political party, there is no better time to push the city towards a water-centred tourism-based economy.

T H I S D AY SUNDAY MARCH 27, 2016

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • MARCH 27, 2016

IMAGES

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ecently, the family of Borishade heldsaprayersessiontocelebrate one year remembrance for late Mrs. Silifat Tititola Borishade (Nee Fashola) at Batola Park, Marina, Lagos. Here are some faces of some of the personalities that attended the event.

Photos: Akinwunmi Ibrahim L-R: Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Alhaja Sinatu Aderopo Ojikutu, and Daugter of the deceased, Oluwatoyin Borishade

L-R: Ms. Aramide Wright, Chief Mrs. Morayosola Fadipe and Mrs. Ayo Onakoya

L-R: Ms Shade Esuola and Ms. Yinka Haastrup

L-R: Becky Ajibike, Biola Fadairo and Becky Oyedele

L-R: Chief Mrs. Bola Oloyede and Mrs. Olanrewaju Adebola

L-R: Hon. Adelaja Omolaja and Hon. Adeola Jokomba

L-R: Hajia Similola Adegbite and Mrs. Ibidun Oshodi

L-R: Alhaja Afusat Saro and Chief Mrs. Bisi Abiola

L-R: Mrs. Bimpe Adeshina and Mr. Femi Adenusu

Tolu Shodipo and wife, Pamela

R-L: Hon. Lookman Kotun and his wife, Tope

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WEEKLY PULL-OUT

THE FLIPSIDE OF TONYE PRINCEWILL

27.03.2016

T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R • MARCH 27, 2016

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CoveR

Tonye

THE FLIPSIDE OF TONYE PRINCEWILL Better known as businessman and politician, Tonye Princewill has nurtured an interest in the creative arts which he finally unveils with a big move into Nollywood.

Nseobong Okon-Ekong reports

D

epending on where you stand, Tonye Princewill, prince of the Kalabari kingdom of Rivers State, is either a businessman or politician.

Another independent opinion insists that he combines the two vocations well.

Rarely, would you hear his name mentioned in the creative circle. Yet, for years, he had used his vast wealth and robust influence to nurture and support many creative enterprises.

That, however, is about to change forever with the closeto N100 million investment in a

landmark movie on the events around the botched 1976 coup.

Without a doubt, ’76 is not Princewill’s first outlay to the performing arts. In his own right, he is somewhat an emerging patron of the artsgiving freely of his resources to support musicians, visual artists and movie makers.

Among his previous expenses on films is his involvement with ‘Nendi’, a movie directed

by Izu Ojukwu, the awardwinning director of ‘Mirror Boy’ and ‘Last Flight to Abuja’ who secured Princewill’s confidence to endow ’76.

Perhaps, his most definitive creative effort before ’76 was the self-produced documentary,

‘Man, Mentor, Maverick’, to mark his 44th birthday in 2013. This sustained interest in creative arts began at the University of Port Harcourt, an institution reputed for its outstanding department of literary and creative arts, where he studied Petroleum Engineering.

His acquaintanceship of some scholars in that department awakened a part of him previously eclipsed by the sciences.

Princewill whose father, King T. J. T. Princewill, was a Professor of Medical Microbiology before he became a monarch, may be yielding to the need to document the Nigerian

and African story in ways that will capture global imagination.

As he reclined into the seat in the lounge of a hotel in the precinct of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, he insisted on a commonplace ritual among drinkers-clink glasses.

Expectedly, the toast was the box office success of ’76, which is produced from the stables of Adonis Productions and Princewill’s Trust.

“Yes, there is a lot of money to be made from film production,” he admitted. “I am a hard-nosed businessman. I know where to draw the line, when it is charity.

But this is business. I intend to make my money back. There

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COVER

L-R: Princewill, AY with with his wife and Adonijah Owiriwa

L-R: Prince Tonye Princewill, Executive Producer; Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, Regional Director, M-net West Africa; Major General, Rogers Ibe Nicholas, Chief of Civil Military Affairs, Army HQ.; Rita Dominic, Nollywood Actress and Adonijah Owiriwa, Executive Producer during the press conference of The Movie 76 held at Four Point By Sheraton Hotel.

Princewill and Wangi

are many streams of income in movie production. I am not just looking at returns from the box office. For instance, we are producing an album of the sound track from ’76. There will be other merchandise, as well. Someone saw a part of the movie, the other day and when he heard Nelly Uchendu’s ‘Love Nwantinti’, he was taken aback. He did not know that it was a song. He thought ‘Love Nwantinti’ was just a phrase.”

Equally as popular for his diverse philanthropic engagements, he has been known to raise funds and organise relief materials for Niger Delta communities ravaged by flood. Also placed on high pedestal in the public space is his enduring commitment to youth development, which apparently led to his one agenda-job creation-manifesto during his last quest to become governor of Rivers State.

While he does not deny the pecuniary motive, Princewill, who writes a weekly column in a national newspaper, sees the motion picture platform as another veritable tool to achieve some of his political objectives.

“Film is a powerful medium to influence opinion. The only reason I seek public office is to better the lot of the Nigerian, starting from my state. I do not need anything. God has blessed my family and I. It is a sad commentary when you have a governor or minister

YES, THERE IS A LOT OF MONEY TO BE MADE FROM FILM PRODUCTION,” HE ADMITTED. “I AM A HARD-NOSED BUSINESSMAN. I KNOW WHERE TO DRAW THE LINE, WHEN IT IS CHARITY. BUT THIS IS BUSINESS. I INTEND TO MAKE MY MONEY BACK. THERE ARE MANY STREAMS OF INCOME IN MOVIE PRODUCTION. I AM NOT JUST LOOKING AT RETURNS FROM THE BOX OFFICE. FOR INSTANCE, WE ARE PRODUCING AN ALBUM OF THE SOUND TRACK FROM ’76. THERE WILL BE OTHER MERCHANDISE, AS WELL

who makes material acquisitions like cars and houses a priority.

How can that be the concern of a governor? Wherever we can deploy a medium like film to continue this conversation we should not shy away. These are the things that can assure a better Nigeria for us all.”

In ’76, there are layers of sub-themes revolving on hope, honesty, trust and undying commitment which run like strong under-currents to highlight the tragic end of the main characters. ’76 is a love story that challenges the myopia of ethnicity and bigotry. It brings to the fore the suffering and tenacity of the average Nigerian woman-mother and wife.

Inspired by episodes in the Nigerian military which overlaps national life, one of the most arduous tasks was the effort to secure a working relationship from the Nigerian Army.

“The fact that this movie survived three Chiefs of Army Staff is a commentary on how fluid things can be in the Nigerian terrain. And this is not even a period of military rule.

Thank God that each one of them who took over sustained the interest. We carried them along from the beginning. They scrutinised the script and a supervisor was appointed to monitor what we were doing from the beginning to the end.

That is how closely we worked.”

Princewill thinks ’76

is watershed of sorts in Nollywood, being the first time the Nigerian Army would encourage that level of involvement in a movie that comments on military history and an epoch in the Nigerian Army. Having opened the door, he is sure the imagination of other movie makers would be fired to follow the precedence of ’76.

“We are likely to see more ambitious feature films on some of the hitherto ‘sensitive’ episodes of our national life.

People would begin to demand that certain information be declassified. Why haven’t we made a film on June 12, MKO Abiola and Abacha?”

To underscore his seriousness, Princewill has his eyes set on perhaps, the most potentially volatile and sensitive subject.

He wants to make a film on the Boko Haram insurgency. To his mind, all he needs is to follow the successful template of ’76 by securing the understanding of relevant security agencies.

“We need to start telling our stories. Look at the number of stories spurn from the September 11 bombing of the World Trade Centre in America.”

Already, ’76 has created a buzz from mixed emotions generated at private viewing for corporate organisations. The movie is set for a tour of major film festivals in Cannes, France; London, Toronto, Canada and Cape Town in South Africa. It

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38

CoveR

Ramsey Nouah and Rita Dominic on set of the movie ‘76’

is listed as the closing film of the 2016 edition of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) in November.

Public viewing of the movie would open the same month.

Known for his stoic disposition, the film was able to bring out his soft side; making him cry all four times he watched the reel roll by. Laughing, as his audience’s eyes widened in astonishment, he said the thought of the amount of money spent on the film must have made him cry the fourth time. ’76 followed a painstaking process uncommon in Nollywood which thinks nothing of shooting a movie between four and 10 days. “It took seven years to make this movie. We were not in a hurry at all. We avoided all the errors possible because we set our mind on a global audience from the first day. For close to one year, we were pursuing approval from the authorities of the Nigerian Army. The movie was shot at Mokola Barracks in Ibadan and the story of how the actors were made to fit into the environment should be reserved for another day.

“At the end of the day, some of them had become so used to the character set in 1976 that it was difficult to bring them back to the present. Set designer, Pat Nebo, who also acted in the film did a marvelous job on set. You can see a One Naira note without it being copiously displayed. The table utensils, the walls, the cars were all set in 1976. This was not easy to achieve, but we did not settle for a substitute. For instance, it was difficult to get a 1976 Black Maria, but we persevered and finally we were able to get it.”

INSPIRED BY EPISODES IN THE NIGERIAN MILITARY WHICH OVERLAP NATIONAL LIFE, ONE OF THE MOST ARDUOUS TASKS WAS THE EFFORT TO SECURE A WORKING RELATIONSHIP FROM THE NIGERIAN ARMY….

PRINCEWILL THINKS ’76 IS WATERSHED OF SORTS IN NOLLYWOOD, BEING THE FIRST TIME THE NIGERIAN ARMY WOULD ENCOURAGE THAT LEVEL OF INVOLVEMENT IN A MOVIE THAT COMMENTS ON MILITARY HISTORY AND AN EPOCH IN THE NIGERIAN ARMY. HAVING OPENED THE DOOR, HE IS SURE THE IMAGINATION OF OTHER MOVIE MAKERS WOULD BE FIRED TO FOLLOW THE PRECEDENCE OF ’76

Princewill was optimistic that ’76 would resonate with the generation of Nigerians who witnessed the events, while retaining a magnetic pull on the younger generation. “The movie provides answers to some begging national questions.

Many may be wondering how we got to where we are as a nation. Some of these issues are dispassionately dealt with in the movie.”

Shot over a seven-month period meant that its 200 member cast and crew bonded as a family. “We had two years of pre-production and seven months of shooting including eight months of trying to secure all necessary permission from the Nigerian Army. We shot the movie at the Mokola Barracks in Ibadan. A large part of the action took place there. Well, I am excited about the film.

Some of the striking things that happened in the course of production were birthdays, weddings and passages.

“We shot on celluloid. This is not common. Izu Ojukwu shot without having a chance to view what he shot. He shot off instinct. To put it mildly, the movie is a miracle. Having people on set for between six and seven months meant that there would be birthdays. We had two weddings. The cast members involved had to go and get married and come back on set. Chidi Mokeme and Debo Oguns literarily got married on set. They are used to acting where they bond for a shorter period of time.

“In this case, they were together for over half of a year. You can see that bonding in the movie. You can see the chemistry. We had to send the

script to Hollywood to get scriptwriters there to look it over. We felt that we wanted it to play to an international audience. I don’t want to over blow one character over another, Ramsey Nouah outdid himself.

I can say the same for Rita Dominic.

“Chidi Mokeme has been a bit quiet. This movie is going to reestablish his presence and remind people who he is. Daniel K. Daniel acted wonderfully.

Incidentally he won a big laurel at the recent AMVCA. Rita’s performance was out of this world. She genuinely rocked.”

This is one movie, Princewill bets, that will generate different emotions not only because it is based on reality, but also for its careful combination of acted scenes with real life footage and archival material.

“At the end of the movie when they are about to be executed at the Bar Beach in Lagos, we moved from a shot scene to a real life scene of when they are being executed.

These were some tweaks done to give it more authenticity. We actually showed them being executed. We linked a shot scene that was acted to what actually happened. We delivered a smooth transition.” ’76 is the story of a young officer from the Middle Belt who gets into a romantic relationship with an O-level student from the South-eastern region. However, their relationship is strained by constant military postings.

The soldier gets accused of being involved in the 1976 unsuccessful military coup and assassination of General Murtala Mohammed, and the heavily pregnant wife, gets entangled in an emotional dilemma.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • MARCH 27, 2016

Onoshe

airtimeplus98@gmail.com

Nwabuikwu

Understanding Nollywood I’d originally planned for a very light Easter read for my wonderful AIRTIMERS. What I was going for was to make us laugh.Today being Easter Sunday and all. But other things got in the way. In the process of looking for some other old piece, I stumbled on this article ‘Understanding Nollywood’, originally published in AIRTIME in 2006! Now, I don’t know for sure that I can now say I ‘understand’ Nollywood. But what I can say of Nollywood at this point (regardless of what I say about some of its products) is that I accept Nollywood. Call it New Nollywood. Oyibonise it to Neo-Nollywood. Add other ‘woods, and I’ll still be okay. What’s in a name anyway?

This may not have been my idea of an Easter read, but then again, on the day Christ rose from the dead, some illumination (and bringing a ten year old article back to life) cannot be all that bad?

Enjoy. And a very Happy Easter!

“T

ihis is an ongoing story.

At some point last year, it was conceived under the title: ‘NollywoodNext Level’. I’d wanted to raise the level of discourse by speaking with different Nollywood stakeholders. I still might do that. More recently, the issue resurfaced in discussions and workshops as: ‘Why Nollywood is successful’. I know at this point you’re about to ask: ‘Who says Nollywood is successful?’ Don’t be in such a rush. The reason for this background is because my headline is a little misleading.

There’s the impression that I have the key to understanding Nollywood when some aren’t even agreed that’s the right name.

If you’re one of such people, I think this is a good point to stop reading, no offence intended.

As I was saying, when I talk about understanding Nollywood, it’s not that I have the magic wand. Or that I plan to write a Guide to Nollywood book called ‘Nollywood for Dummies’. I write as one who is sometimes in awe of this ‘phenomenon’ called Nollywood.

These last few weeks I’ve had a running discussion with mostly young people, which I must confess I sometimes hijack by turning into a lecture from me to whoever is unfortunate to be held hostage. It usually begins innocently enough. The other day we were watching a film on the Africa Magic channel (a useful channel for all those people who used to say with pride: ‘I don’t watch Nigerian films’). And there were the usual comments about the film’s believability or the lack thereof. Then a young man said: “Is it not a Nollywood film, what do you expect?” “What do you mean?” I asked him. He said: “Nigerian films are bad. They are not well made.

The acting is not real. They are not like Hollywood films…” So I asked if his own area of expertise-pharmacy- could be compared to that of America. Can our country Nigeria, great though it is worth being the giant of Africa and all, be compared to America? What would be the yardstick?

I have come to realise we are unduly hard on Nollywood for reasons that are not so clear. There are those who condemn it because they consider themselves the forerunners of the industry and can’t stand the fact that some people they consider illiterates and upstarts are basking in the limelight. There’s also the tribal and ethnic factor. You should hear the scorn with which words like ‘Idumagbo traders’ are uttered. Or how ‘Upper Iweka, Onitsha

Nollywood actors

filmmakers’ is derisively flung into a conversation. These people are seen more or less as criminals or as impostors and as people who overthrew an existing power bloc.

I think there’s also the not so flattering reason of small-mindedness. In fact, small-minded is too big. Some actors claim now not to belong to Nollywood because Nollywood now belongs to Igbo traders. Such people have my sympathy because talk like that shows ignorance of the highest order. The sort of ignorance that’s both impoverishing and debilitating.

Now, some out of favour actors, some who can’t be hired to play even ‘gateman’ are complaining of discrimination. I can’t hold brief for anyone but the ongoing media campaign where people deliberately spread false stories and fan embers of ethnic hatred is sad. Is there any industry in this country now that’s not dominated by people from a particular tribe? How many times have we heard that banking for instance has been overtaken by a section of the country? Or that Supreme Court considers people from only one section of the country supreme?

This is not to say that any filmmaker or director who discriminates against an actor because of his tribe is right. But then are we going to legislate the federal character system into filmmaking? Would

filmmakers be required now to make sure every tribe is represented in one film all in a bid to paint the picture that ‘it belongs to all of us’? Who would be supplying the money for this sort of film anyhow?

The point is we have to try to understand Nollywood. That’s where the question of why it is successful comes useful. There are plenty gaps, yes. Even the blind can see that. There’s poor quality, in the stories, in the thinness of the plots and even technically. I could write a book about that. But why is it successful? And don’t tell me it is not successful. I know Nigerians get ambushed with questions anytime they’re outside the country. They are asked if all Nigerians are like the films portray them? And this can become embarrassing.

But how many times do Americans get asked if all the shooting we see in their films is real? What about the wanton destruction of lives and values? How has that stopped almost everyone from trying to run to the US? I’m concerned when people who should know say these things. We should stop going about being defensive. How many of those who castigate Nollywood buy the films anyway? Ordinary people have made it successful. Nollywood is for the mass market and everywhere in the world, mass does not always translate to quality. There are badly made films even in America. What

they have and which we should adapt is categories. All films are not equal. When you buy a B-graded film for instance, you would not demand from it standards of an Oscarwinning film. It’s just that here all films are put out on the same level.

Hopefully, we’ll get to the stage those who want to watch serious films know where to go. Which is not to say there’s no need for improvement. Nollywood needs to improve not only so outsiders can think better of us but because we have and must take it to the next level.

Nollywood outside of crude oil is one of the few assets we have. There’s no need to throw it away or, for that matter, rest on our achievements.

How then can we understand Nollywood? We can begin by trying to understand why it’s successful. Why is it that people all over Africa find it wonderful? I don’t have all the answers but my guess is that Nollywood is successful, in spite of everything we know is wrong, because it tells our stories; in all our strengths and weaknesses. Nollywood is successful because it’s essentially Nigerian. It’s like no other model and it’s for that reason we shouldn’t condemn it just because it’s not like Hollywood.

Nollywood’s chief strength is that it’s not like Hollywood. Who needs another Hollywood anyway?”

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ON THE COUCH

CHIEF TAYO AKINNIBOSUN (ENGINEER)

Why I Am Active at 80 Interviewed by Funke Olaode What is the secret of your youthfulness at 80?

It is the Lord’s doing. I have always been active right from childhood.

I exercise from time to time. I have cultivated the habit of walking within my vicinity. I trek from my residence in Ikeja to Ogba to buy newspapers and other things.

two girls were brought in.

What was your childhood aspiration?

I liked using my hands to do something.

The fire of engineering in me was further ignited when I worked with the Nigerian Railways. I worked briefly after my secondary education and travelled abroad where I studied engineering. I worked with a couple of companies both in England and Nigeria. When I was about 60, I retired to become my own boss. I went into wine manufacturing.

Where were you born?

I was born in Ondo Town in Ondo State. My father was a produce buyer and my mother was a trader. I am the only child of my mother. My father married many wives and had many children. He was able to control his wives. I didn’t experience the intrigues of polygamy. My mother was the first wife.

Were you pampered as an only child?

No. My parents didn’t spare the rod.

I never lacked anything. My father was a disciplinarian. His decision was final and the cane was always at the corner. It was a strict upbringing and this put our rascality in check. I diverted it to sports as I was very active. I ran short distance races; I did 100 and 200 yards and sometimes up to 450 yards. In the jumps I was doing High Jump, Long Jump etc.

Did you play pranks?

Playing pranks was inevitable and one of the things we did (with my immediate brother and another cousin) earned us several punishment. I remember a day my father hosted his friends. As children, we were curious about the green bottle.

They have been drinking and smoking.

We decided to taste the remnants in the bottles and glasses. It wasn’t particularly tasteful. Nonetheless, we carried on and in the process we got intoxicated and when my father found out he didn’t spare the rod at all.

What is your educational background?

I had my primary education in Ondo before going to Warri for my post

primary education. Ondo Boys School was in existence and Christ School in Ado-Ekiti was also popular. But when I was to go to secondary school I was allowed to take entrance examination to two places: Hussey College Warri and Ondo Boys’ High School. Fortunately, I passed and was offered admission into both schools. My father wanted me to go to Ondo Boys’ High School instead of Hussey College. I wept bitterly when my father raised that suggestion. Why did I weep? I hadn’t stepped out of Ondo Town. I was about 14 years old then. I tried to convince my father that Ondo Boys’ High School was a good school and Hussey College too was good that I preferred Hussey College. I kept weeping and the same day my father gave it a

second thought and called me that he had approved my going to Warri. This was in 1950. I journeyed out of Ondo for the first time. I was there between 1950 and 1956.

What did you experience outside Ondo?

It was an adventure. I loved it and was naturally happy. Hussey College was a mini Nigeria as pupils came from all over Nigeria. I was in the boarding house with a couple of other boys. Senior Augustus Ikomi from Sapele was there.

There was Imadojemu, there were people like Aroloyes. One of them Oba Fredrick Aroloye is now the paramount ruler of Idanre in Ondo State. It was a boys’ only school when I was there and it was during my last year in the college that

How would you describe your experience serving yourself?

Having traversed different companies, I felt the time had come for me to be on my own. While I was in Britain, I joined the Basildon Brewers Association. We were making beers and wines. In those days, if I had a party I would brew beer in kegs. I was making wines in big jars. So I saw this as an opportunity to re-awaken that passion for making beer and wine.

I was already doing it as a hobby and majority of raw materials were sourced in Nigeria. It was doing well in the market until the June 12. This dealt a devastating blow on that business. The business was showing sign of advancement. There was a time I went to the Federal Palace Hotel and saw an empty bottle of my wine in their trash bin. It gave me a sense of accomplishment. Unfortunately, the election drove most of my customers away and many went with my money.

Would you say you are fulfilled?

No man fulfils all life aspirations.

What lesson has life taught you?

Whatever situation you find yourself, try and rise above difficulties. Do the best you can under all circumstances. Do your best to your fellow human beings because life is a revolving stage and nobody can tell where the table will turn. Above all, serve God.

ENCOUNTER

A

Word Conference at House on the Rock

ll is set for the annual Word conference organised by House on the Rock Church. The annual gathering pools guests from different walks of life for a spirit-filled conference. Like previous editions, this year ’s event promises anointing overflow from an array of great powerful ministers.

Founder of International Central Gospel Church, Accra, Ghana, Mensah Otabil returns this year with verve. He will be joined by Bishop David Abioye of Living Faith Church Winners Chapel; Matthew Ashimolowo of Kingsway International Christian Centre in London; Abel Damina and Cindy Trim will be ministering to the

teeming congregation from April 13 to Sunday April 17.

The conference themed ‘Faith to Faith’, will hold at the Rock Cathedral in Lekki, Lagos.

The convener Paul Adefarasin in a statement said “the conference is another way the church is impacting lives. Last year, we refreshed souls with the theme “Grace to Grace”. This year ’s theme ‘Faith to Faith’ gotten from Romans 1 vs 17 will show forth the righteousness of God. It will impact, empower and refresh every attendee.”

Music is not left out as soul lifting gospel musicians like Sonnie Badu, Jessica Reedy, Onos Ariyo, Sammy Okposo, and LMGC will perform at the five-day event.

Adefarasin

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foCus

A Commitment to Create Happiness As part of efforts to put smiles on the faces of the Sunday School children in Archbishop Vining Anglican Church GRA Ikeja, Fountain of Hope Society, a society in the church recently organised an event with the theme ‘Will fix it Make a Wish,’ writes Ugo Aliogo

‘W

ill fix it Make a Wish at Christmas’ was an idea that originated from ‘Jim Fix it’, an initiative in the United Kingdom many years ago. It was invented by a wealthy man who used his goodwill and connection to ask children to make requests, ‘then he will sort through the requests and every week one request was honoured, the request range from the mundane to the serious.’

The aim of the initiative was to give kids a fun-filled Christmas celebration by asking them to make a wish for the Yuletide season. The request ranged from the mundane to the serious. The request will be sought through and one request will be honoured weekly.

Fountain of Hope Society 10NG, a pious society in Archbishop Vining Anglican Church, GRA, Ikeja Lagos State, recently organised the ‘Will it fix Make a Wish at Christmas’ its own version of ‘Jim fix it’ for the Sunday school children, who were between the ages of 6-12.

This was part of efforts to create a platform for them to make them their Christmas requests, knowing that every child had a wish for Christmas. It was also aimed at giving them an opportunity to think and dream.

The Chairman of the Will fix it Make a Wish at Christmas committee, Oluwaseun Fajebe said when the President of the society, Femi Olutayo, approached him on what they could do for the Sunday School, “I remembered Jim fix it idea I had a few years back and I thought one could adapt this philosophy into the Sunday school environment.”

He said: “Having gotten a clear view of the idea and how it will profit the children.

So I felt let’s begin to tap into our Sunday school environment and encourage people to think and dream. During our time, one of the things we were not encouraged to do was to dream. But life goes beyond that, successes are made when you dream.

“We then shaped the idea and we then looked for younger members in the society who I knew were ready to work judging from how we had run projects previously.

We were about 7 to 8 in the community most persons who were probably has been working on a project for some time and it had a freshness that was needed. So basically, what we did was run a campaign to Sunday school children within the ages of 6-12 and ask them to come with a wish for Christmas. So we told them that it must be realistic, beautiful, and inspired.

“We did not want to do the regular thing everybody was doing, such as essay competition, luck deep and others. We decided to focus on the creative side, so the children will write their requests, but then act it out, so they have to do a video recording of themselves within three minutes and those were the parameters to judge.

“Two persons can write the same thing, but what will distinguish one person from the other is how to make the request. For instance in one of the requests there was a nine year-old boy named Emmanuel Okoh who plays the keyboard well, so we asked him to make a video of himself playing the keyboard, he did and so he requested to meet Cobham Asuquo and spend time with him because Asuquo was

One of the winners with her parents and members of the society

his mentor. So the boy introduced himself and his stage name. Others were asking for other things, but his own request was not material because he understood clearly that the meeting with Asuquo will change his life.”

The Secretary of the committee, Tolu Oni, stated that a child requested to spend a day with the motherless babies, and the committee granted, by putting together a party and took goods on his behalf to the motherless babies homes, adding that the request was a selfless one.

He added that the other winning entries included three girls, who were from one family, so they could not meet up, but one of them said she wanted to have a meeting with the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, ‘and the committee is working on that.’

According to Oni: “A particular girl who made a request had started writing her own books at the age of nine and made a request that she wanted to meet Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Others asked for physical things for instance a girl who asked for violin and she won it. The essence of asking the children to make the requests themselves was that we wanted to see the passion in the children because most parents could even assist their children in making the request.

“Also two persons might have the same request, but the manner of presentation matters a lot. Therefore we requested for recorded clips to ensure that it is original. There was a girl who made a request for a laptop because she wanted to free her father’s laptop which they were always competing for, so she could do her assignment. Incidentally, her father did not know she won until I told him and he was surprised.

“One fortunate thing that happened during the programme, was accompanying the ten-year-old boy for a meeting with Asuquo, for me it was moving and inspiring. Asuquo was so emotional about the whole experience.

What was interesting is that the day we met with Asuquo it was two days after the boy turned ten. So the boy’s parents,

Soludo Emechebe with his parents, Cohbams Asuquo and a member of the committee

cousins, and friends all came together to celebrate with him. We had an amazing time with Asuquo and he was invited the young boy to come to an event he is organising in March. He also was looking at the possibility of making music with the boy.

“I think just thinking about the little seed that we sowed just thinking at the time we started this project and what it is blossoming to becoming makes me happy.

They both had a great time together. The entire programme was very successful generally. For the girl, who wanted to meet the novelist Chimamanda Adichie, it was not possible because she (Adichie) just had a baby in the United States, so what we will do is to arrange a Skype call for the girl and Adichie to talk so she could use that platform to review some of her works.

“We hope the 2016 version will be stronger and participation will be better than what we had, we want to start the competition early in August and get some of those wishes done before Christmas.”

Oni explained that the society was concerned with making a difference in the Christian community, stressing that

there are lots of competitions organised for children, but few are concerned with encouraging creativity, therefore they decided to embark on the programme.

“The idea behind the programme was that we would have children within the ages of 6-12, then we will ask them to do a video recording of what they wanted at Christmas in order to provide a justification of why they wanted such gifts, and it will make a difference in the lives of others, the society and the church,” Oni said.

Continuing, Fajebe said the result was fantastic, stressing that they had 64 entries, but only 25 met their criteria, and from the 25 they gave prizes to ten children and all other valid applications got consolation prices such as Bibles and notebooks.

At the end of the three weeks programme, Clinton Amaobi who emerged the star winner got an I-Pad and had an opportunity to visit an orphanage home. Others were Soludo Emechebe who had lunchtime out with Cobhams Asuquo, Onyemelukwe Ogechi who won a laptop, and Desire Emechebe who requested for lunchtime with Chimamanda Adichie and other winners.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • MARCH 27, 2016

enteRtAinMent

witH nseobong okon-ekong 08114495324, nseobong.okonekong@thisdaylive.com

Fifty Grosses over N400m, Returns as TV Series

D

efining moments are here for EbonyLife Films as its recent movie ‘Fifty’, the much-talked about film on a pivotal week in the lives of four successful African women in 21st century Lagos has grossed an estimated over N400 million through various revenue generating streams. The film enjoyed a remarkable four-month run in cinemas.

In partnership with Film One Distribution, ‘Fifty’ made nearly N100 million through box office takings alone. Premiere sponsorship/ partnerships; private screenings; a first-of-its-kind deal with internet streaming provider, Netflix; in-flight entertainment deals and Video-onDemand (VoD) are amongst the other revenue streams.

This success has encouraged producers of the movie to extend its life to the television. The TV show will continue exploring weekly episodes in the lives of four African women approaching the golden age of ‘Fifty’.

Season One of the TV series is already set for production in the last quarter of the year. Scripting has already

Cast of Fifty

commenced.

Speaking on Fifty’s cinema run, executive producer, Mo Abudu said, “we started our cinema run in early December, 2015 and four months later the film continues to resonate with

Uche Elumelu in the Next of Kin

DLM KICKS OFF INVESTMENT LITERACY INITIATIVE WITH NEXT OF KIN

In the first series of its investment literacy initiative, Dunn Loren Merrifield Management & Research Company sponsored a stage play ‘Next of Kin’.

The riveting tale which was part of the recently held Lagos Theatre Festival tells a story of how a young woman grappled with the loss of her father and the confrontations of managing his assets against family oppositions.

The one-woman act produced by Eniola Shitta revolves round Fehintola and her expectations and musings on life. The most apparent question asked as she takes her audience through a series of phone conversations borders on after-life and how much we know our loved ones.

The audience at the makeshift hall in British Council Lagos office was compelled to rethink on whose hands they entrust their wealth as Uche Elumelu who played the act, meandered through the hall, laughing one minute, sobbing the next while constantly interrupted by phone calls as she pondered on her relationship with her father in the past 30 years.

The answers she sought for in his office where she had come to pack his assets came in stages. From the secrecy of his illness to the almost toxic relationship he had with his aunt, Elumelu

dazzled with her character.

The multi-themed plot addressed both cultural and social issues without ignoring the emotional grief that comes with such loss. Perhaps, this was where Shitta struck gold. Next of Kin in all its frankness took the spotlight from the widow and focused it instead on a relative.

However, Elumelu’s emotional appeal was its mascot. For instance, when she was confounded by her father’s seemingly generosity to non-members of his family, the audience reasoned with her.

When she was shocked to find out that her father sought guilty pleasures in x-rated movies, the reaction was shock mixed with humour. And by the time she was physically and emotionally drained by the tragedy and resultant quandary, seeking for a shoulder to cry on or one last dance with her father, the audience gladly indulged her. They also revelled with her in her joyous moments when she sang and danced to her father’s music collection.

Highlighting the firm’s interest with the play the Managing Director of the company, Tola Odukoya affirms that “supporting creative talents and significantly contributing to public awareness using the performing arts further drive the company’s commitment to positively impact on the lives and communities in which we remain connected.

“As custodian of wealth and asset

moviegoers across the country. We are extremely proud and it is testament that Nigerians do support their own.”

The movie’s revenue intake leverages on a unique business model not previously explored in the Nigerian management, building a formidable investment portfolio for the present and future is at the core of service provided by the firm. We owe the people a responsibility to educate and appropriately inform them.”

Odukoya also noted that guiding clients in making the right investment decisions come as serving benefits when adopting several products operated by the firm, including the High Interest Investment Plan (HIIP) among other client friendly investment products.

The play was DLM’s way of promoting better understanding and appreciation of investment planning.

GROUND-BREAKING AT LA CAMPAGNE TROPICANA KOTON KARFI

The ground breaking ceremony of La Campagne Tropicana River Resort Koton Karfi in Kogi State was recently held at the resort’s site amidst colourful celebration and feasting by the people of Koton Karfi and others in attendance at the event.

Koton Karfi brings to life the dream of Otunba Wanle Akinboboye to build African themed resorts outside its traditional Lekki home.

The new resort covers 89.7 hectares with the River Niger forming a lake across the land. Interestingly, just like the Lekki resort, which has the Atlantic Ocean and the lagoon with the mangrove swamp and stretch of forested land harbouring some animal habitats, the Koton Karfi resort also comes with its complete blend of natural elements such as the lake and forest area, which hopefully would make the resort a distinctive natural hideaway as well.

Akinboboye, described the new venture as a new dawn and celebration of industry and successes that have been achieved in the 30 years of the existence of La Campagne in Lekki, and that he hopes to replicate the same in Koton Karfi and even surpass it.

An elated Emir of Koton Karfi, Alhaji Gambo Abdulrazak Isa-Koto, rose in commendation of Akinboboye whom he described as a visionary

film industry. This model serves as proof to various stakeholders – producers, directors and investors – an unorthodox promotional mix combined with high quality production yields measurable results. and dedicated advocate of African culture. He assured him of the corporation and commitment of the palace and his people towards the successful delivery of the project as planned.

He urged the people to fully embrace the resort because it is for the benefit of the people and the community. He also charged them to ensure that they improve on themselves and their skills, talents, cultural and economic products so as to be of service to the project and benefit from it.

EBEDOZ HITS MUSIC SCENE WITH OMELA OMELA

Another act of international repute, Ebedoz, has arrived on the Nigerian music scene with the strong intent to take the renowned creativity of Nigerian music to the next level.

Ebedoz is a young and immensely talented Nigerian- Canadian crossgenre artiste. Ebedoz, who is as unique as the sound of his name, is reportedly on a musical mission and has decided to storm the music world, particularly, Nigeria, his homeland and rightly so, with his latest single aptly titled ‘ Omela Omela’.

The song, which literally means ‘He has done it’ in his native Igbo dialect, exemplifies his musical versatility.

And for music lovers and even the connoisseurs, the song throws you into a celestial mood, as well as the urge to shuffle your feet and do a refrain of the infectious song.

Lyrically simple and yet melodious, Omela Omela, is bound for the charts, just as other phat joints from him such as ‘Gangsta Soldier, Baby Mama and Escape’ and other hits featured on films and TV shows including the famous ‘Keeping Up With The Kardashians’, as well as ruling the airwaves in Canada and the Americas.

Described as an out of the box thinker, musician and composer, Ebedoz has a style that has also been called Afro-centric futuristic urban pop.

Interestingly, he is on this musical mission with his team of experienced and astute management outfit, UTurn Entertainment company.

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ENTERTAINMENT

I

GAMING ENTERTAINMENT ARRIVES BIG IN ANAMBRA

t was a very small and brief ceremony which, however, meant so much to the Anambra State Government. In these days of lean resources, any project that promises to generate as much as N375 million monthly gets the attention of any forwardlooking governor. It was not a surprise then that Governor Willie Obiano insisted on receiving the team from Global Gaming Company Limited led by its Chairman, Yahaya Maikori at the Governor’s Lodge in Awka.

Officials of Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA), the arm of the state government which facilitated the signing of an MoU for the establishment of a state lottery and structured gaming operations in the state were also present. Also present were the Secretary to the State Government and the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General and his counterpart in the Information, Culture and Tourism Ministry.

The traditional ruler of Umuoji and Chairman of ANSIPPA, Igwe Cyril Enweze said he was happy with the arrangement which will introduce scratch card and other types of gaming into the state. Beaming with

EVERGREEN HONOURS AFRICAN MUSIC LEGENDS

Last of the Originals, an initiative of the Evergreen Musical Company Limited, to celebrate the hard work of long serving Nigerian musical legends is set to commence with its first edition.

Evergreen has been at the forefront of promoting and preserving the works of Nigerian music legends who have paid their dues in helping to set a pedestal for the budding new generation artists.

According to Bimbo Esho, Managing Director of Evergreen and daughter of Mr. Femi Esho, highlife music aficionado who has supported preservation of the works of Nigerian musicians for more than 12 years now, her vibrant team and herself are set out to immortalise the legends and help build great enthusiasm for our declining musical heritage.

The maiden edition of Last of the Originals which is planned to take in May is a celebration of a juju highlife king, Dele Ojo born in 1940 and a native

Governor Wilie Obiano and Yahaya Maikori

smiles, he told Obiano that the partnership with Global Gaming would satisfy the internal revenue objectives of the state.

He said, “we have agreed on a sharing formula that guarantees 34 per cent to winners, 15 per cent to the state government, two per cent will be jointly managed, while the rest goes to Global Gaming.” The deal is for an initial period of 10 years which is renewable for five years.

Explaining why his company is taking a huge share, Maikori said the scheme will

be entirely funded by Global Gaming through its technical partners, Grupo Pefaco, which is committing full funding for the initial take off with $11 million. He expressed confidence that his company would make enough from ticket sales and other sources to keep to the terms of paying N375 million to the state government after the first seven months.

Describing gaming as a veritable tool for economic development, Maikori said while taxation is compulsory revenue for government, through gaming, the people are

of Ilara Mokin in Ondo State. Ojo is one of the few uncelebrated music icons of our time.

An exciting part of the programme will have young and vibrant artistes perform the songs of this musical maestro, while he relieves the old style of Lagos music.

which they found laudable,” he said.

Afolayan is a brand ambassador of Air France, with the deal covering The CEO movie and several projects of mutual benefits.

“I didn’t need to speak too much about the creative ingenuity in Africa. As part of my presentation at the meeting, I showed a preview of The CEO and they were quite impressed. In all, we had a two-hour talk about the many untapped potentials in the African market,” he disclosed.

The recent release of the trailer for The CEO, kicked off promotions for the Pan-African movie which stars top actors from Anglophone and Francophone countries, including Grammy Awardwinning singer, songwriter, entertainer and activist from Benin, Angélique Kidjo; Haitian actor and model Jimmy JeanLouis; consummate actor and founder of the New Nigeria Cinema movement, Wale Ojo; French-Ivorian actress and model, Aurelie Eliam; South African actor and presenter, Nicolaos Panagiotopoulos; Nigerian actress, Kemi Lala Akindoju; Moroccan star, Fatim Layachi; Kenyan actor Peter King, and Nigerian actress Hilda Dokubo, among others. The CEO is expected in the cinemas in July.

KUNLE AFOLAYAN CEO DAZZLES

Fifteen directors of Air France/KLM recently flew into Amsterdam from different parts of Africa for a conference with Nigerian filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan, whose latest film, The CEO is supported by Air France and Dutch partner, KLM. “We discussed film and the possibilities of taking African cinema to the next level. They wanted to know how I’ve been able to sustain ground-breaking projects and see the possibility of adopting this in other African countries,” he told newsmen upon arrival at the Muritala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos. “I also unveiled our plans for the premiere of The CEO across Africa

made to pay voluntary tax, while expecting dividends.

According to him Grupo Pefaco is listed in the Spanish Stock Exchange and already has its presence in seven African countries.

While emphasising on the company’s CSR goals, he assured existing gaming companies that they do not need to worry about being taken out of the market.

Commencement of gaming entertainment in Anambra is expected to create 500 direct jobs and 2,000 other related avenues of employment, apart from providing training and expertise to the people in that industry and raising the tourism profile of the state as well. Global Gaming is known to have established similar projects for the Cross River and Lagos State governments.

Congratulating Global Gaming for winning the keenly contested bid, Obiano urged the company to raise the expected income to N400 million monthly. He said a couple of state-of-the-art hotels including the ones in Onitsha will be unveiled soon along with a shopping mall. According to him, these facilities will stabilise the entertainment gaming industry in the state. issues.

The play will be directed by Award winning Stage Director Kenneth Ukpoho fresh from the British Council Theatre Festival where he was the festival Director and oversaw the staging of a series of plays over a five-day period.

Through a mixture of dance and song, Alibaba in various scenes would address current issues, throwing light jabs at political and social actors, give advice and pass commentaries while entertaining and holding the crowd spell bound.

It promises to be an exciting outing as theatre lovers would have the unique opportunity to watch Alibaba in a genre crossing role delivering tongue in cheek quotes and massively entertaining the crowd in ways we have come to regard and respect him for.

The play is being produced by versatile media man Olisa Adibua, Shina Peller of Quilox and Mofoluwake Edgar.

EDGAR BRINGS ALIBABA TO THE MUSON

Kunle Afolayan with Air France KLM directors in Amsterdam

Loud Whispers, a compilation of Edgar’s interesting articles by investment banker, Joseph Edgar and published in his THISDAY Newspapers column has been adapted as a series of monologues for stage performance that will feature famous comedian, Ali Baba at the MUSON on May 1.

The Book is a light hearted look at Nigeria and Nigerians which have elicited so much laughter and attention through its acerbic but comical banter on very topical

Joseph Edgar

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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Catching Up with Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice Fever Vanessa Obioha

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ong before its UK premiere, the new DC comic film had garnered euphoria from fans worldwide.

With A-list stars Ben Afleck and Henry Cavill as lead actors, there was scepticism on how the stars will deliver the epic roles in the new installment; albeit, critics laud Afleck for his peerless role in his first caped crusader adventure.

But the director Zack Snyder is reproached for muddling the storyline. Not a few thought that the film was packed with more exhibitionism than iconic fights which have garnered the film popularity in the past.

Some also argued that bringing the two superheroes together was not a perfect plan after all.

While Superman and Batman may not be enjoying the spotlight that much, Israeli Gal Galdot who played Wonder Woman is causing a reverie.

The super hero character has not been ubiquitous for a long while which makes her reappearance on screen not only appealing but refreshingly welcomed. Galdot on her own adds magic to the character with her imposing stature and mysterious character.

Critics are also sceptical about the film’s success in cinemas. They are doubtful that it will outshine Zootopia’s record-breaking success in cinemas.

Afleck, Galdot and Cavill at Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice UK premiere

Carlos Santana

DOLLY PARTON TO BE HONOURED AT ACM AWARDS

Iconic country singer Dolly Parton will receive special recognition for her NBC movie about her childhood, ‘Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colours’ at the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas, next month.

The honour is mostly reserved for movies that received major exposure for featuring country music stars. Other recipients of the awards include ‘Walk the Line’ among others.

Also, the singer will be joined on stage by Katy Perry as they perform a duet.

Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney among

The Rolling Stone

chael Shrieve shared the stage together was in Woodstock in 1969. The guitarist Neal Schon was however absent in that performance that propelled the band to stardom.

The band split in 1973 and since then Carlos has been solo but at the House of Blues on Monday night, it was a nostalgic reunion that drove the crowd wild with tears and excitement. The band classic 16-song album Santana IV is due on April 15.

APPLE ADDS MUSICIAN WILL.I.AM TO ITS TV SHOW

More names are being added to the secret list of the new TV show of the tech company, Apple Inc. The latest celebrity name to be added is the former Black Eyed Peas band leader Will.i.am. He joins veteran television executives Ben Silverman and Howard Owens on the original series about the app economy.

There are scanty details about the production and its impact on the company’s application store unclear. However, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services Eddy Cue made it clear that the company is not going huge into movie or TV production.

Dolly Parton

JOE GIUDICE TO BE DEPORTED AFTER SERVING SENTENCE Will.i.am

others are also performers billed for the occasion.

THE ROLLING STONE’S HISTORIC PERFORMANCE IN CUBA

Three days after US president Barack Obama’s historic visit to Cuba, the iconic rock band Rolling Stone performed their historic free concert in the country where their music was once banned.

It was during the country’s revolution between the 60s and 80s that the band music was blocked from the airwaves, although Cubans listened to their music secretly. Their Havana concert came on the heels of performances in Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Argentina and Uruguay.

CARLOS SANTANA PERFORMS WITH ORIGINAL MEMBERS 43 YEARS LATER

The show at Las Vegas was sold out as fans of the Santana’s band came to watch the epic reunion. The last time Carlos Santana, Gregg Rolie, Michael Carabello, and Mi-

The husband of the Real Housewives of New Jersey star Teresa Giudice will have to bid America goodbye after he’s served his 41-month sentence for bankruptcy fraud.

His sentence follows his wife’s completion of a 15-month sentence in Dec e m b e r. T h e c o u p l e i n 2 0 1 4 pleaded guilty to a bankruptcy fraud. Giudice who is not an American citizen will also be serving an 18-month state sentence for unlawful use of i d e n t i t y c a rd a n d i m p e r s o n a t i o n f ro m a n o t h e r u n re l a t e d case.

DASCHA POLANCO’S CASE DISMISSED

The ‘Orange is the new Black’ actress, Dascha Polanco was given a soft landing following an assault allegation last summer, but only if she behaves in the next six months.

Polanco, who played the inmate character Dayonara Diaz in the movie, however denied the allegations. The victim Michelle Cardona was said to have been consulted before Polanco was given the verdict.

HOGAN HOPEFUL FOR A WWE

REUNION

After winning the Gawker ’s sex case, Terry ‘Hulk Hogan’ Bollea is hoping that he would be welcomed back at the WWE. Hogan was fired by the wrestling organisation for using racist language in one of his videos. Hogan was one of WWE’s famous wrestlers and spanned a 35-year career in the industry.

The racial tirade also cost the wrestler from featuring in WWE’s upcoming comedy flick ‘Killing Hasselholf ’ and also stripping him of his judge’s role in WWE’s Tough Enough.

While he is remorseful about his actions, Hogan still harbours a dream of punching Vince McMahon’s nose.

MODERN FAMILY HITS THE TABLOIDS

The popular ABC sit-com ‘Modern Family’ has been in the news recently but not for a good reason. The series creator Steve Levitan’s messy divorce is giving the show a very bad light in the media.

Fox News reported that Levitan’s wife Krista filed papers recently that showed that she’s been a victim of domestic violence. She claimed her husband abused and intimidated her.

However, her request for a restraining order was denied.

Levitan is pleading innocent, accusing his wife of false claims. He admits that things have been rough between them and he amicably sought a way to reconcile their differences but his wife’s recent claim is just a plot to arm-twist him.

Krista is presently asking her husband to pay attorney fees and spousal support.

The couple has been married for 23 years and they have no prenuptial agreement.

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foCus

The Cost of a Smile Funke Olaode

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heir calmness belied the burden of low esteem they had carried for many years. For Tayo Adelekan, Funmilayo Olufa, Omobolanle Abodunrin, Chichi Anosike and Olannye Dumebi, it was good to have their confidence restored.

Once, they lived like recluses due to dental deformity that twisted their facial appearance.

Today, thanks to Project Smile Initiative, a project of renowned orthodontist, dental specialist and managing director of Smile 360, Dr. Amy Traore-Shumbusho, that sad and unfortunate era can better be imagined.

Project Smile is a dental corporate social responsibility initiative which seeks to identify people with flawed dentition in the society and give them a chance to correct their dental defects through a smile makeover contest programme.

As an expert in oral health care, Dr. Traore-Shumbusho has devoted her life to the pursuit of creating beautiful smiles, and helping people wear great smiles they never thought they could; the ability to change people’s lives with great smile.

The first edition was held in 2011 with Mrs. Chichi Anosike as the first beneficiary. And over the years, it has put great smiles on close to 19 beneficiaries. Project smile 3.0 was again launched on March 20, 2015.

On the heels of the 2016 World Oral Health Day, Project Smile restated commitment to its mission of touching the lives of Nigerians with flawed dentition through a complimentary smile makeover programme.

This, according to the Initiator of Project Smile, Dr. Amy Traore-Shumbusho is an acknowledgement of the achievements of the initiative in the past three seasons and milestones reached in view of the goal and mission set out to give great smiles.

“There is no better time to pause and recount our successes than on this momentous period in the dental world. The World Oral Health Day has always been epochal in launching each season of the Project Smile initiative.

Like the past seasons, we should be flagging off ‘Season Four ’ of Project Smile on 2016 WOHD,” she said.

Beneficiaries present at the media chat include Omobolanle Abodunrin, a sponsored beneficiary in Season 3; Tayo Adelekan, winner of the Moderate Category in Season 2; Funmilayo Olufa, winner of the Severe Category in Season 3; and Mrs. Chichi Anosike, winner in the maiden edition.

Omobolanle Abodunrin, a marketing communications executive said “my life is literally turning around before me” when asked how she feels about her ongoing treatment. She said she’s receiving a lot of compliments

L-R: Mrs. Funmi Olufa, Tayo Adelekan, Dr. Traore Shumbusho, Omobolanle Abodunrin and Mrs. Chichi Anosike

about the braces. Funmilayo whose dentition became mangled as a result of a fatal accident said “I had lost hope and became a recluse after I recovered from the accident. My life wasn’t the same any longer until I came across the Project Smile.”

Tayo Adenekan, a 24 yearold creative writer who enjoyed makeover courtesy of Project Smile couldn’t hide his excitement. According to Adelekan “It was a hell because before I talked to people I would have to look at myself. I lost my

AS AN EXPERT IN ORAL HEALTH CARE, DR. TRAORESHUMBUSHO HAS DEVOTED HER LIFE TO THE PURSUIT OF CREATING BEAUTIFUL SMILES, AND HELPING PEOPLE WEAR GREAT SMILES THEY NEVER THOUGHT THEY COULD; THE ABILITY TO CHANGE PEOPLE’S LIVES WITH GREAT SMILE

Dr. Traore Shumbusho

confidence. Dr. Amy changed my life and restored my low selfesteem.”

For 31-year-old Omobolanle Abodunrin who is still basking in the euphoria of this life changing experience, people who see her wearing braces don’t know it was a medical problem. They thought it was fashion.

For Mrs. Funmi Olufa, a 36-year-old civil servant, 2006 was a year she would not forget in a hurry. It was the year she had a fatal accident that altered her facial appearance. She carried this burden for eight years.

“I had an accident with my boyfriend on my way to work and was in a coma for six weeks.

He couldn’t cope with what became of me and walked out of the relationship. Naturally, I was an outspoken person but the accident dealt a big blow to my facial appearance so much that I became a recluse and withdrew to myself. The staff members of Smile 360 are awesome. Today,

my confidence is restored.”

Mrs. Anosike Chichi is the pioneer winner of project smile in 2011. Her story: “I had an accident as a child and the damage wasn’t pronounced until I grew up. I tried to see an orthodontist in the past but the bill was too much. I can say I am the life of the party as my confidence has been restored. Dr. Amy is an angel.”

Life has changed for good for Olannye Dumebi, a 22-yearold 400 Mass Comm. student of Babcock University. For someone who never dated due to her bad dentition, it was amazing. “My upper teeth were so bad and this always drove me out of the crowd. I was surfing the internet one day when I saw the advert and my mother encouraged me to put on for it. My bad teeth especially the upper one has come back to normal. I am blessed to be part of this Project Smile. My life is very exciting now, it has improved my speech.”

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • MARCH 27, 2016

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foCus

Changing the Script of Reality Shows with Chocolate City’s Unsigned Vanessa Obioha

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rguably, television programming took a new look since the popularity of reality TV shows in the early 2000s. They are now fixtures on our screens that entice magnanimous viewership. Cutting across the arts and entertainment, they have since become almost indispensable.

Most reality shows in Nigeria, like in any other developing country, draw inspirations from the West. From competitions, adventures to celebrity lifestyles, producers of reality television leverage on the mass appeal of these shows to boost ratings as well as financial gains. It is not unlikely then to find blue chip companies throwing their weight behind such projects to increase sales as well as consumers’ loyalty.

However, the fascination of reality shows largely depend on the characters involved and the challenges they surmount in their quest for success. Audiences are drawn into the reality world of the stars through a lens of drama, conflicts, suspense and overall exhilaration that in a way reflects the regular struggles humans face, depending on the script. While the reality of reality shows is very debatable, it undeniably gives ordinary people a place in the stars, particularly in music and arts.

Of all the genres of reality shows, music talent hunt shows are most popular in this part of the world. The reason is not far-fetched. Music has a universal appeal and provides a huge platform for budding artistes.

It is therefore not surprising to find thousands of music hopefuls throng venues for auditions, vying for a shot at stardom, although the outcome largely depends on the reward and sponsorship. For instance, MTN Project Fame garners much viewership based on its mouth-watering prizes.

Notwithstanding, music reality shows have the compelling force to attract enthusiastic followership based on its drama and charisma. Consisting of three important aspects: auditions, competition and reward, viewers follow the contestants in their journey to stardom, accompanied by a rollercoaster of emotions, from tears of joy to regret.

The climax is mostly determined by audience participation, a technique the producers use to heighten the drama.

Recently, reality shows have made the judges an essential part of the show.

Bringing conflicting personalities spice up the drama and attract more viewership for the show.

As much as these shows put the budding artistes in the spotlight, it doesn’t guarantee them success in the real word. At this junction, the irony of reality shows is metaphorically questioned. Most winners of reality shows fade into oblivion after their victory.

Only few like KC Presh of Star Quest, Iyanya and Chidinma of MTN Project Fame, Yemi Alade of Peak Milk’s Nigeria Got Talent and a few others sustained the celebrity brand after the show. Interestingly, the runner-ups end up taking the shine from winners like in the case of Timi Dakolo and Omawumi of West African Idol. Not until recently did Dakolo find his right footing.

This trend indicates the stereotypical way the shows are designed. Much attention seems to be on the rewards than on the careers of the artistes. It is as if the organisers hands off once the winner is

L-R: Victoria Kimani, Audu Maikori and MI

awarded his prize. Moreover, it is easy for the winner to be overwhelmed by the stupendous gift especially if he or she comes from a humble background.

Lacking the basic knowledge of show business inadvertently truncates the success of the career. This has resulted in many questioning the value of these shows besides the apparent monetary prizes.

Perhaps, it is against this backdrop that EbonyLife TV and Chocolate City Record Label teamed up to change the face of music reality shows. In a recent press briefing, the duo announced the birth of ‘Chocolate City Unsigned’ which is supposed to be the game changer in music talent hunt.

The idea is simple; scout for musical talents across the continent and groom them in the competition until a winner is crowned. It all looks familiar only that in this case, the winner’s career starts after the show.

“Our journey in the past ten years is to look for talents who we can sign on. One of the greatest changes I face every day as the CEO of a record label is that someone

OF ALL THE GENRES OF REALITY SHOWS, MUSIC TALENT HUNT SHOWS ARE MOST POPULAR IN THIS PART OF THE WORLD. THE REASON IS NOT FAR-FETCHED. MUSIC HAS A UNIVERSAL APPEAL AND PROVIDES A HUGE PLATFORM FOR BUDDING ARTISTES

is always asking me to sign on a friend or a relative. This got me thinking how I’m going to sign everybody but of course that’s not possible. So about two years ago we decided to go for a talent hunt.

“The feedback we got from our fans on social media was massive. Again, we had to look for someone who shares the vision with us. We don’t want to do what everyone else is doing where the artiste gets the monetary prize and a car. This is because there has never been any team that helps the artiste builds a career beyond the prizes.

“That is where ‘Chocolate City Unsigned’ is different. The artiste remains unsigned until he is signed with us. This hunt is going to be different because we will discover that talent wherever he or she may be, even in Sokoto,” said the CEO of Chocolate City Record Label, Audu Maikori.

What this means for the winner is that he not only wins the prize but also gets signed on the label which have offices spread across the continent. An optimistic Jude Abaga (MI) who is an executive in the label stressed that Unsigned will be a huge success because it is a departure from the norm.

According to him, it is a show that’s put together by practitioners in the industry who understands the nitty-gritty of the music business. Moreso, the artiste will be a member of the Choc family instantly and what this means is that he is introduced to the world of business in the music industry.

Citing himself as a product of the record label, MI believes that the artiste at the end of the day gains a lot from the seasoned professionals he or she will be working with.

With this in view, the artiste’s greatest reward for participating in the show is that he has a career that is managed by professionals; a point which Life Coach and executive director of EbonyLife TV, Lanre Olusola was quick to emphasise by stating that “Talent can only take you to the top but cannot keep you there.”

The imminent challenge for the organisers will be the sustenance of these contracts being that it has quite a few artistes signed on to the label. However, MI believes it is not daunting at all but rather gives room for expansion of the company. Audu added that the winner has the privilege to produce three singles under the label.

EbonyLife TV again scores a huge point by partnering with a record label to produce a reality show. No doubt, the CEO and founder Mo Abudu is not slowing down in her quest for success. Having successfully bought franchises and produced indigenous programmes, Mo believes that Chocolate City Unsigned will put Nigeria in a global spotlight.

“I’m particularly excited about this partnership because Audu and I have been talking about this show for two years. I believe we share the same vision of discovering and building stars. The unique selling point of this show is that we are dealing with an organisation that has made stars in Nigeria and in Africa. So they have the recipe to make a star across the continent and the peculiarities which other shows lack.

“When you work with an organisation that understands the nuances, complications of working in this environment, you would not want another partner. What I admire most in them is the professionalism in which they do their business. That was one of the major attractions for us. They have the structure to discover these stars and put them in their rightful place in the world; which is what Chocolate City Unsigned is all about.

“It is about finding that one talent we are going to sign every year. This is the beginning of the first show that will serve as a format to others because we understand what it is to find a local star, produce a local star and make them an international global star”, said Abudu.

Concerning sponsorship, the organisers deftly shied away from that but hinted that there is a massive selection of sponsors that will be unveiled later in the year.

If everything should go as planned, then Chocolate City Unsigned will be the first ever indigenous pan-African talent hunt show created with the sole aim of discovering, developing and supporting fresh artistes, giving them a platform to showcase their skills, launching them into a professional career of instant music sensation, stardom and celebrity status.

The show is billed to start in May while registration of participants will kick off in March.

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EVENT

Sparks from Feron’s Lingerie Show Yinka Olatunbosun

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inally, Feron nailed his VIP guests to their seats on Valentine’s eve with his best intimate apparel as a major spectacle at the COVA Lounge, a rooftop bar at Mega Plaza, Victoria Island.

It was a show that was expected to be exciting in terms of content with the promise of variety shows such as kissing competition, love ballads and steaming performances from various artistes. The stylish rapper, Elajoe was in the building with his artist, Nyelo who thrilled the audience with his single ‘My skele’.

Tagged, ‘The Art of Seduction’, the show features 50 lingerie designs by Feron, with the intent of keeping love aglow and passion aflame between couples and lovers. The show, being the second since its inception three years ago, is initiated as an annual event that targets women who yearn to keep the embers of their relationship burning.

Rated 18, the lingerie fashion show was a motion catalogue of eclectic pieces that score high marks from the audience in fabric and styles.

Feron sought his fabric from lace and silk, unleashing desires in men who only had that luxury to “peek-a-boo”.

He passed the originality test with his designs as he did not repeat any design in all 50 pieces. His designs show that he knows his way around the curves of a woman’s body. He incorporated the corset and bra trends in his art.

His collections include sensuous seethroughs, beautifully embroidered sets, floral print bra set, bold colours, bikini panties that exude playfulness, body suits that emphasise curves, mesh and lace that highlight body contours with a delicate touch. His show seems to be in sync with the Paris Fashion Week’s Fall 2015 trend of “lace is more”. And as it is often said, nothing is sexier than a hint of what’s underneath.

Feron has come a long way in being the first indigenous Nigerian designer to stage a lingerie show. Though he has no competition yet, as most designers still see lingerie as some mystery, one couldn’t help but notice his Achilles’ heel in this show.

Some of his models came on the runway with visible stretch marks and

Feron

spots on their buttocks. A few of them didn’t fit well in their pieces while some had panty liners that were sharing the spotlight with them. The models’ weave-on, when weighed against the brand they represented, is way too cheap to be on the runway especially at an exclusive Lagos bar.

Also, the mode of presentation by the hostess, Pat Obilor left very little to be desired. Many of us have watched Victoria Secret, Paris Fashion Week and even the Lagos Fashion and Design Week, there is no part of the runway scenario where the compere keeps talking unrestrained as models strut down the runway.

The music does the talking. Traditionally, the designer comes on stage with all his models at the end of the show and takes a bow. He usually needs no introduction because his pieces had done the introduction. Perhaps, Pat Obilor needs to do more research about anchoring fashion shows.

Another bit that was out of place

Models on runway

would be Oliver Duke’s jokes about disabled persons in Warri. There are some subject matters that are simply offlimits where jokes are concerned. Rape, disability and gender sensitive jokes have become controversial and mostly unacceptable. Stand-up comedians in Nigeria need to step up their game, get creative or simply be excluded from glamorous events.

They make the guests in the front seat to put up camera smiles with their poor, tasteless and classless jokes as they claim that if someone doesn’t laugh at their jokes, it is because that one is overwhelmed by life’s problems.

Stand-up comedians should learn the art of witty speech from television hosts such as America’s Ellen DeGeneres and Nigeria’s Teju Babyface.

Back to the models backstage, before the runway show, they got prepped for the show with make-over by Belleza Classica. A model, Damilola Babarinde, who is represented by Xa Modeling Agency, was the first to share her

experience.

“We started training this morning.

We have been working all day with our heels and we were a little tired but that is the nature of our job. I am feeling very great because I love being on the runway,” she revealed.

Amy Odigia thought it was a wonderful experience though she had been modelling off-the-runway for two years. “This is going to be my first time on the runway. It is a challenging part of modeling. We were taught to give this fierce look. But in this one, we were taught to smile to blend with what we will wear,” she revealed.

For the gap-toothed Yvonne Anslem, who almost got kicked out of the audition for failing to wear the specified outfit, it was a dream come true.

“I am very excited. I have been a model in lingerie and it is crazy. I don’t feel shy anymore. I feel like doing it more than ten times in a row. And I look up to models like Oluchi and Victoria Secret’s angels,” she said, smiling.

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IMAGES

R

Celebrant, Mrs. Rose Erewa Danmole (middle), with her children

ecently Mrs. Rose Erewa Danmole celebrated her 79th birthday anniversary. A special Thanksgiving Service was held at Church of Pentecost in Abraham Adesanya Estate Ajah. While reception was at Cinnamon Gardens, Admiralty Way Lekki, Lagos.

Here are some of the personalities that graced the occasion. Photos: Mubo Peters

L-R: Mrs Irene Harriman and the celebrant

L-R: Mrs. Lanre Ojora and Mrs. Derin Osoba.

L-R: Chief Bode Emmanuel; Prof. Sato Giwa-Osagie and his wife, Angela

L-R: Mrs. Iyabo Martins-Kuye and Mrs. Patricia Arawone.

L-R: Oba Tijani Akinloye and Chief Akin Dusu.

L-R: Ms. Temilade Remi and celebrant’s daughter, Mrs. Olalonpe Atunrase.

L-R: Mrs. Kehinde Erewa Adeogun and Mrs. Fagbemi

L-R: Hon. Abike Dabiri Erewa her husband, Segun.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • MARCH 27, 2016

IMAGES

L-R: Mrs. Omowale Akinrinade; Mrs. Maiden Alex Ibru and Mrs. Julie Omamuli.

L-R: Mrs. Eki Coker and Chief Mrs. Pat Adeniyi.

L-R: Mrs. Foluke Abdul Razaq and Ms. Ify Akerele.

L-R: Chief Sunny Kuku and Mr. Lai Oriowo.

L-R: Mrs. Bose Clark, Mrs. Margaret Odukoya and Dean Tower Okorodede

L-R: Ms. Enitan Akerele and Mrs. Folake Lapite

L-R: Mrs. Evelyn Rewane Fabyan and Mrs. Alero Erewa Oyeyemi

L-R: Mrs. Olivia Tytler and Mrs. Darlin Sofola.

L-R: Miss Molara Otuyelu and Ms. Folake St. Matthew Daniel

L-R: Mrs. Joko Oni and guest.

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EVENT

Kenyan Cleric Struggles for ‘Miracle’ in Nigeria Vanessa Obioha reports that a near mishap at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos would have further soiled the already grubby image of a Kenyan preacher who made a great effort to establish legitimacy in Nigeria Vanessa Obioha

M

any Nigerians surged at him as he stepped out of the arrival hall of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos, accompanied by Senator Helen Esuene, her daughter, Mrs. Eme Udom and Rev. Israel N. Israel, the man many know as his anchor in Nigeria.

Israel lives in and runs a church called Glorious Covenant Church in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. It was through this small congregation in the Niger Delta that controversial Kenyan preacher David Owuor who goes by the title ‘prophet’ crept into Nigeria; paying uncelebrated visits in 2011 and 2012.

“God bless you,” he spoke softly and motioned in that famed manner of revered religious personalities as he received a bouquet of flowers from a little girl.

These persons rushing forward to have Owuor lay hands on and pray for them had previously listened as he fielded questions from a small party of journalists. Hitherto, Owuor ’s mat of heavy, tangled beard reaching down to his chest masked his identity. Was he an artiste? His features conveyed the image of a sage. His conversation with the journalists revealed his personality.

As he was gently urged by Esuene and Israel to approach the car conveying him to his hotel, a few security men joined the rush for Owuor ’s touch. He looked at a middle-aged man and insisted that he remove the rosary on his neck before he could touch him.

It took four years to plan what was supposed to be a heroic return to Nigeria, a country which is in Owuor strategic scheme. His desire to make a lasting impression could be discerned from his insistence that his coming must be organised by a pool of influential Nigerian churches and personalities.

Welcome, Repent Now Nigeria, an inter-denominational platform “to plan for his reception in order that many Nigerians from denominations can be reached.”

The group which also had Mrs. Usen Bassey, Miss Ese Ekiugbo and Iniobong Esuene planned a three-day event.

The first two days were fixed for meeting with church heads at the MUSON Centre, Onikan-Lagos and the last day scheduled a ‘healing service’ at the Tafawa Balewa Square in the same vicinity. Owuor was quartered at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island.

Senator Esuene was the arrow

Owuor...struggling for a miracle

head, although she modestly referred to it as team work. But she was the interface at many meetings concerning Owuor ’s 2016 visit to Nigeria. Commuter buses carried the message of his visit to Nigeria and a private television network was contracted to record and transmit his activities in the country.

Owuor carries the stigma of a fake preacher, even in his home country. And many decent and self-respecting clergy keep their distance from him. Try as they did, the Repent Now Nigeria group was not able to get a buy-in from the organised body of Christians like the Christian Association of Nigeria and Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria. Therefore, they were not officially represented at any of Owuor ’s meetings.

In a veiled attack on another controversial Nigerian cleric in particular and many Nigerian preachers in general, Owuor said his coming to Nigeria signals an “end to ‘gospel of money’ where you have people come from South Africa and all these countries and you sell water and all kinds of things to them. I come to rise up against the gospel of money that is in this city. The gospel of buy your morning water, whichever water, gather people from Southern Africa, carry money to greet the men of God.” A former research scientist at various universities in the US before his spiritual calling, Owuor claimed to have heard from God who has spoken with him about the coming of the Messiah.

He would repeat various versions of this message throughout his meetings, moderating it sometimes with a direct charge to church leaders.

“Nigeria is a God-fearing nation, but now if they are really God-fearing, then this is the moment to return to the true gospel of cross and the blood - the holy salvation and the gospel that is not connected to money- that we may prepare the hearts of the people and the nation for the coming of the Messiah and then everything else will follow.

“I really bring the message of holiness of repentance and to prepare for the coming of the King. So the kingdom of the church you see in Nigeria now, the building of universities, the money and private aircraft acquired with big money and all of that is going to come down. That is why I have come. I come with tremendous power and there is no question about that.”

Instead of the demonstration of ‘tremendous power ’, all the meetings barely attracted a handful of people. The most obvious was the last assembly at the car park of the TBS which attracted little less than 400 persons. It was supposed to be a ‘healing service’ and Owuor whose strong taste for the miraculous in Nigeria could be seen by his invitation to inmates of two popular blind institutions in Lagos.

Even though he kept saying that the blind will see, at the end of the day, no blind eye was opened. No lame person abandoned his crutches.

Owuor struggled to have a confirmation of his healing prowess in Nigeria, but it was as if God had taken leave of him!

The few persons who came forward claiming relief from pain, stuttered with the ‘testimony’, while Owuor kept asking if there was a doctor to confirm the magnitude of reprieve enjoyed by this people.

A n e a r m i s h a p t o w a rd s t h e end of the TBS assembly would h a v e m a r re d O w u o r ’ s re p u t a t i o n i r re d e e m a b l y. A s w i n d storm heralding rainfall started the railing which held floodlights on stage collapsed on a l i t t l e b o y. O w u o r w h o w a s s t i l l talking when this happened, started announcing that people s h o u l d s t e p a w a y f ro m e l e c t r i c ity cables.

With worry written all over his face as it began to rain, he refused to heed Esuene’s request to enter a car. He continued to talk, as if to himself, “so this is the rain I saw in my dream.”

assistant editor nseobong okon-ekong senior correspondent funke olaode correspondent vanessa obioha designer ibirogba ibidapo CONTRIBUTORS onoshe nwabuikwu, temilolu okeowo, kelechi nduka THISDAY ON SUNDAY editor adetokunbo adedoja deputy editor vincent obia STUDIO art director ochi ogbuaku jnr THISDAY NEWSPAPERS editor-in-chief & chairman nduka obaigbena managing director eniola bello deputy managing director kayode komolafe

ARTS & REVIEW A

PUBLICATION

SAMBASA TAKES IT ALL...

PAGE 78

27.03.2016

A GLAMOROUS NIGHT FOR LITERATI L-R: Francesco, Molara, Fiston, Wanner, Quayson and Willsher

EDITOR OKECHUKWU UWAEZUOKE/ okechukwu.uwaezuoke@thisdaylive.com

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ARTS & REVIEW\\AWARDS

A GLAMOROUS NIG

An evening resplendent in its array of dramatic events, literary icons and readers led up to the declaration of the Congolese author, Fitson Mwanza Mujila as the winner of the 2015 Etisalat Prize for Literature, writes Yinka Olatunbosun

L-R: Junaid,Odia and Francesco

I

f you’ve prepared your heart to read some clichés about the Grand Finale of the Etisalat Prize for Literature, then you’ll be shocked a little to know that there really was no suspense, at least not for those present at the venue. The winning entry, Tram 83, a debut novel, was placed in each carrier bag atop every chair inside the venue at Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island long before the winner was announced, last weekend.

But the intrigues, leading up to the announcement of the poet and novelist, Fitson Mwanza Mujila as the winner, collectively added spectacle to the literary night which had been anticipated for months. Mujila made history that night as the first Francophone writer to win the prestigious prize. His trailblazing feat is similar to what the prize itself accomplished by being the first prize for debut fiction books written by African authors.

Originally written in French, Tram 83 was translated into English by Roland Glasser and published by Deep Vellum. Upon winning the contest,

Mujila, clad in black suit and a matching bow tie, received a cheque of £15,000, an engraved Montblanc, Meisterstück and an Iphone 6S. In addition, Mujila will enjoy the Etisalat Fellowship, worth £13,000, at the prestigious University of East Anglia, United Kingdom, under the mentorship of Professor Giles Foden.

The winning entry is considered to have aptly captured the 2015 theme of the literary contest, namely, “Representing the Diversity of African Voices’’. Tram 83, is the first novel written by a Congolese writer in the last 20 years which has been translated into English. Its central character, Lucien, is a die-hard idealistic writer who confronts the debauchery of a nightclub, which is a miniature of the decayed structure of his society. Through Tram 83, the author expresses a universal message of moral decadence; with a narrative technique that is brutally honest, and its theatrical presentation, as compared with the two other shortlisted pieces, Penny Busetto’s The Story of Anna P as told by herselfand Rehana Rossouw’s What will People Say, was really outstanding; what within its unconventional plot and picaresque tilt.

Actually, the gathering that evening was a potpourri of sorts; a handful of authors here, a pocket of corporate executives there and a sprinkle of friends from the media as well as those whose interest in such intellectual gathering could be debatable. Amidst the shimmering view of the stage, spot-lights and the magnetic African classics from the DJ, the audience was made to travel through time with the experiences captured in the literary pieces spread across genres and the African continent using two short films and a stage play.

It was a two-fold event. The winner of the Etisalat Prize for Flash Fiction was to be announced that same night.

Before that, the CEO, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher delivered the opening remarks with humour, much of which was lost on the audience.

“We are here to celebrate the tremendous wealth of literary talents not only in Nigeria but in Africa as a whole,’’ he began. “This Etisalat Prize is the first ever to celebrate first time published writers of fiction. It was launched in 2013. The theme for this year is woven around celebrating the diversity of

voices across the continent. Maybe, it is the diversity of our network that keeps us delivering qualitative service.

“Diversity is a foundation for innovation. It is something that is very true in the literary world; something that we embrace. Innovation is very important to us in how we deliver our services as it is in the literary world,” he said.

The word about town is that Willsher’s wife is an avid reader and that might have inspired the CEO’s unwavering interest in literary business.

“My wife, Debra, devoured every book in the long list of nine and that kept the house quiet a little bit. I am very grateful for the prize. It is not just about the cheque but it provides the opportunity for scholarship with one of the leading literary mentors. It also recognises that the literary world is not just about authors but that publishers play a vital part of the industry. We also committed as a company to buy a thousand copies of each of the shortlisted books to be distributed in schools and libraries.

“We also provide a book tour to South Africa as well as Kenya to give

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 27, 2016

ARTS & REVIEW\\AWARDS

IGHT FOR LITERATI Actually, the gathering that evening was a potpourri of sorts; a handful of authors here, a pocket of corporate executives there and a sprinkle of friends from the media as well as those whose interest in such intellectual gathering could be debatable. Amidst the shimmering view of the stage, spot-lights and the magnetic African classics from the DJ, the audience was made to travel through time with the experiences captured in the literary pieces spread across genres and the African continent using two short films and a stage play

visibility to the authors. As a company, it is an award that we don’t just invest money; we invest a lot of time in organising it. Once we provide that literary backbone, there are some other people we had to hire because it could not happen without them. I want to thank everyone who had entered for the contest across the continent who aspired to win the prize. I will like to thank the judges. They had committed a huge amount of time to this. They suit the job,” he said.

Now, this is the part that could have been pruned.

The Chair of the panel of judges for the 2015 Etisalat Prize for Literature, Ato Quayson who is a Professor of English Language, was in the mood for a long talk.

Hence, he created the “suspense” for the viewers at home while the other co-judges, Molara Wood and Zukiswa Wanner, literarily, looked on. Prior to that, Dr. Yinka Ayodele, who represented the Deputy Governor, Lagos State, Dr. Idiat Olabule, lent her voice to the credibility of the prize and the ultimate goal ahead.

“It is the best way to enhance the reading culture and help develop the writing skills of our youths. It will encourage the spirit of healthy competition while promoting friendship, unity and creative ideas among the youths. In addition, the initiative has the potential of discovering and delivering new talents with creative ideas who can easily relate with socio-political and cultural experiences of the African environment, to tell our own stories from our own perspectives.

This occasion also provides the young writers the golden opportunity of meeting with celebrated, high profile writers, literary critics and academics from across the continent that we have admired from afar.

It is also encouraging to know that beneficiaries from the award will be enjoined and enjoyed by publishers who will publish one thousand copies of all the shortlisted books to be donated to various libraries and schools across the African continent,’’ she declared.

She wrapped up the delivery with a plea to other corporate organisations to emulate the Etisalat initiative in order to provide opportunities to these young fertile minds as they demonstrate their innate talents.

For the Etisalat Prize for Flash Fiction category, Jacqueline Uche Agweh’s Madness in Degrees, Kuti Ojuolape Modupe’s Gone and John Chidi’s Invincible were shortlisted for the prize but only Kuti went home

L-R: Raji, Quayson, Willsher and Osofisan

L-R: Mohammed, Ayendele, Odubiyi and Elvis with the coveted prize. The Chair, Panel of Judges for the Flash Fiction category, Toni Kan gave a short yet meaningful conclusion to the contest which preceeded the Grand literary prize for literature.

“Literary prizes are strange things because every prize often leads to a certain kind of contention because we use very subjective criteria to judge the prize,” he told the audience. @But what defines the prize overtime is the integrity of the process that produces the winners. This prize has proven itself to have some integrity. Overtime, the judges had been seen to have been well-picked and they have in turn picked the right winners. This year, we received over 1300 entries. We didn’t read all of them. We selected 50 of those entries; those entries expressed emotions and experiences showing the diversity of African life. I want to thank all the writers who sent their entries for this prize this year for their bible faith. The entry we picked as winner

is soft and rich, so moving and so short,’’ he said.

The winner, Kuti, seemed to be genuinely dumbstruck by the honour, the applause and the massive dummy cheque.

“I don’t know. I am speechless,” was all she could mutter when the female compere for the evening, Sope Martins asked her. Soon, K-Peace mounted the stage, dazzled all with his famed fuji remix of John Legend’s “All of Me” which he, first, performed in “Saro the Musical”. The performance poet, Efe Paul Azino, in contrast, delivered a near-melancholic piece titled, “Let Our Voices Ring’’ which, understandably, has some Pan-African content just as the literary prize itself.

Mujila, on his part, read some parts of his winning work, Tram 83 in an emotion-laden voice in French while the English version was read simultaneously. Incidentally, Mujila’s award-winning piece will be read simultaneously across Africa with awakened curiosity in every reader seeking to justify his victory at the contest.

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MARCH 27, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

ARTS & REVIEW\\STAGELIGHTS

SAMBASA TAKES IT ALL Yinka Olatunbosun

A

nd the winner is “Sambasa Nzeribe!’’. Imagine the applause and backslaps that follow when a winner is declared at a very competitive award ceremony. The justconcluded Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) brought some substantial quantity of fame, honour and glory to one young, hardworking actor who hailed from Anambra State known as Sambasa Nzeribe. He won the Best Supporting Actor for Movie/ TV Series for his villainy role of Ghetto in the movie, “A Soldier ’s Boy”. Born Chiedozie, the actor adopted “SAMBASA’’ as his stage name which is an acronym for his philosophy of life, that is, “Surviving and Maintaining Balance Against Societal Aggression.’’ If you are wondering why he chose that, then his true life story will likely interest you.

Sambasa was born in Lagos almost thirty years ago. He didn’t exactly reveal the year. His father died when he could barely spell his name so his loving mother became the father figure. At the completion of his secondary school education, his mother also died. He had to be strong; hence, the philosophy he adopted for himself to stay positive. He found succour in the Christian-fold.

“My acting started in the church,’’ he recounted as he traced his sojourn in the profession to his early maternal influence. “My late mother found refuge in the church and to earn a living, she was working as a primary school teacher at a government school. In church, she became a drama teacher and a choir instructor in the children ministry, for the Jesus Cares Charismatic group at the St. Leo Catholic church in Isolo. She influenced me at an early stage and I always followed her to church.’’

Sambasa felt drawn to the women at the church because they cared about him not just in speech but in deeds.

“You know women are mothers. The women at St. Mary’s Catholic Church came up with Orphans’ scholarship scheme where they’d solicit from members and parishioners some funds to help train children and youths in the church. They reached out to me and asked me what I would want to do for a living.

“I gained admission into the University of Lagos to study Creative Arts and it was both a practical and theoretical course. I needed financial support and I got it from my parents’ families,’’ he said.

In his third year at the university, he met a film maker, producer and director named Eric Aghimien who was organising an audition at the campus. That was how he landed his first movie role in “A Mile from Home’’.

“There was a course we took in our third year in Creative Art where the lecturer picks five people to direct the part one students. I was at a rehearsal with the part one students when Eric walked up to me and invited me for the audition. He had done auditions in Shangisha and Magodo but he wasn’t convinced that he had got all he wanted.

He decided to come to UNILAG. I agreed and I answered hurriedly because I was busy directing and I didn’t want to be distracted. But I thank God. We were given scripts and made to act. We also did some monologues. I later learnt that I did well at the audition and got the role,’’ he recalled.

“A Mile from Home’’ was a very tough experience for Sambasa not just because it was his first movie but the budget was really low.

“It was interesting though. The producer didn’t have much. Some of the cast worked as crew members. The three locations we used for the movie was Shangisha, Magodo and UNILAG. The movie won several awards. I played the role of Suku and I got a lot of commendations for it. It was about a student who lost his way. When he got to the university, he joined bad gangs and he found it difficult. He couldn’t go home anymore and his father had to disown him. His father felt as though he didn’t have a son anymore. Suku found Lala very intelligent and always used him to scheme. At location, a lot of things were borrowed and some things were not at our disposal.

The shoot was supposed to last for three weeks but we spent three months on it and we had to go on break. But, I am grateful. After that, I did “Ojuju’’ and “Out of Luck’’ and then, “A Soldier ’s Story”. I did a short film with Gbenga Saliu titled,

Sambasa Nzeribe (Top and bottom)

“Boy Breadwinner ’’. The journey has been interesting,’’ he said.

In “A Soldier ’s Story”, where he played the award-winning supporting role, he interpreted the character of “Ghetto” in the movie as the right hand man of the militant which according to him meant “the man that gets things done’’. He recalled how he got the role by his friend’s referral.

“The production team for A Soldier ’s story had done their audition already and I got a call from my friend Tope Tedela who had mentioned my name to the director. The casting had been done already but they had issues with the way the role was being interpreted by the other actors. My friend gave the producers my number and they called me. We had a meeting and I agreed to work with them.

“I was flattered when they said it was Sambasa that could deliver this role. In the privacy of my room, I rehearsed and internalised the role. When I spoke with the director, I listened to what he told me. I had to return home and ask myself what the character meant to me. When I got on set, and they saw that I was living the character, they were impressed that they brought my character to some scenes where ghetto wasn’t in the original script.

I gave it my all. Anybody that sees Ghetto in the movie will know that Sambasa really brought a lot to the table,’’ he recalled.

Sambasa has a very calm appearance that con-

trasts his bad-boy roles in movies. The title of “the bad boy of Nollywood’’ is what he has quickly acquired but he just won’t let that get into his head, nor will he get picky at roles.

“People always asked why I keep getting bad boy roles and I don’t really mind. I keep telling them that I just started. But the truth is that they haven’t seen me in other roles. I am not scared for myself and I am that artist that will not be put in a box. I will take on any role as long as it pays the bill,’’ he said.

Still, will Sambasa take any role just because he can deliver? No. His ties with the church must have taught him more life lessons than that. Yet, he is open-minded about roles.

He was appreciative of the support from all who helped him to get the award, adding that the award has redefined his art.

“I am really grateful to all those who voted me for the award and my greatest assets, since I lost my parents, have been friends. They have always been supportive in terms of cash and kind. Nigeria is full of talents. Thousands of movies were selected before it was streamlined to five in that particular category,’’ he remarked.

On a final note, he named Richard Mofe Damijo, Ramsey Noah, Desmond Elliot, Omotola, Genevieve, Mercy Johnson, Denzel Washington, Will Smith and Mel Gibson as his artistic influences.

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 27, 2016

ARTS & REVIEW\\PHOTOGRAPHY TRIBUTE

NO PICTURES PLEASE!

M

y attention was brought to news about a photographer who is suing the Idibias for using pictures he took at their wedding without his permission and I thought it would be interesting to see how this pans out.

Shortly after, I was told that the Idibias were countersuing this photographer for gate crashing their wedding, rescinding on an agreement between them, and so the story begins. The question is, 1.

Who has a right to protect in this case, the couple or the photographer?

To make it easier, we will lean heavily on what the World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO) provides on what circumstances does someone have copyright, what events constitute an infringement on one’s rights as it pertains to photography and when a photographer needs to obtain permission: Intruding one’s privacy Photographers may be liable for violating the privacy rights of others when they intentionally intrude in an offensive way upon someone’s private domain. You can usually photograph someone in a public place. But if you surreptitiously or without permission view and photograph people inside their homes, business or other private areas, then you are likely to violate their privacy rights. An offensive intrusion can be anything from, say entering an individual’s house under false pretense, to setting up hidden cameras in order to spy.

Case in point: Was the photographer invited to the wedding as a guest or engaged as a photographer to cover the wedding? If he was not invited nor engaged, but showed up and took pictures which he put up on his website to garner more work (for commercial purposes), then the Idibias have a case against him.

Publicizing private facts Disclosing a matter concerning someone’s private life to the public could also raise issues of privacy rights. Unless you have permission, you should refrain from publishing or distributing any photo that reveals private affairs of a person, especially if the matter publicized is of a kind that (a) would be highly offensive, and (b) is not of concern to the public.

Photographs revealing sexual affairs, private debts, criminal records, certain diseases, psychological problems, etc. are likely to violate privacy rights.

However, in most countries, the right of

privacy does not protect against disclosure of matters of legitimate public concern such as newsworthy events. This means that politicians, celebrities and other newsworthy persons may lose their right to privacy to the extent that their private facts are relevant to legitimate news.

Furthermore, many laws do not protect private matters if they are in public view (unless the portrayed person has taken care not to disclose private details to casual observers). Thus, a photo of a mother grieving for her daughter who was victim in a car accident, if it was taken while she was on the street, is usually not considered to be an invasion of privacy. But this does not mean that all such photography is ethical. There are situations where photographers should consider refraining from photographing people, even if it would be legal. *In case of doubt, the best way to protect yourself from being sued for infringement of privacy rights is to obtain written permission from the person you want to photograph.

Using someone’s image for commercial benefit Many countries recognize that individuals have a right of publicity. The right of publicity is the direct opposite of the right of privacy. It recognizes that a person’s image has economic value that is presumed to be the result of the person’s own effort and it gives to each person the right to exploit their own image.

Under this right, you could be liable if you use a photograph of someone without his or her consent to gain some commercial benefit. (This was dealt with earlier) Although the right of publicity is frequently associated with celebrities, every person, regardless of their popularity, has a right to prevent unauthorized use of their name or image for commercial purposes. However, as a matter of practice, right of publicity suits are typically brought by celebrities, who are in a better position than ordinary individuals to demonstrate that their identity has commercial value. You should, therefore, act with special caution before using a photograph of a celebrity for your own commercial gain. If you consider selling photos of celebrities or using them in advertisements or on your website, then you should certainly obtain photographic releases (that is, permission to do so) from the people portrayed in your shots.

I’m a photographer and I would like to take a picture of a venue that has an artiste’s painting on the wall.

As indicated earlier, photographing

a copyright work is deemed a way of reproducing the work, and this is an act which the copyright owner has the exclusive right to do. This is why prior permission should be sought before you include a copyright work in your shot.

Some other activities that only the copyright owner has the exclusive right to do (and for which you may need permission) are: • Making prints of a work, scanning it into digital form, photocopying it, copying digital works, etc.; • Making a collage from several different photographs or images; • Adding new artistic elements to an existing work (e.g., colorizing a black and white picture); • Photographing someone’s work and then displaying the photo to the public (e.g., exhibiting the photo in a gallery, supplying copies to the public in postcard form, putting it on a website, sending it to customers via e-mail, etc.).

Note that Copyright law protects a wide range of different types of material.

Examples of copyright works that are routinely reproduced in photographs are: 1.

Literary works (books, newspapers, catalogs, magazines); 2.

Artistic works (cartoons, paintings, sculptures, statues, architectural works, computer and laser artwork); 3.

Photographic works (photos, engravings, posters); 4.

Maps, globes, charts, diagrams and technical drawings; 5.

Advertisements, commercial prints, billboards and labels; 6.

Motion pictures (films, documentaries, television advertisements); 7.

Dramatic works (dance, plays, mime); and 8.

Works of applied art (artistic jewelry, wallpaper, carpets, toys and fabrics) So dear photographer, the best way to avoid lawsuits will be to ensure you get written permission from the subject of the proposed picture, the copyright owner of the object/ property to be photographed regardless of the extent of the use of the picture. Also, where you are the right owner or you license your work to a third party, ensure that you are indemnified of any liability that may arise from the licensed use of the picture.

––Excerpts from the article Legal Pitfalls in Taking or Using Photographs of Copyright Material, Trademarks and People by Lien Verbauwhede (WIPO) were used.

Nomorelous

NOMORELOSS… A GREAT LOSS! Emem Ema

The Nigerian music industry was hit with a severe blow this past week. MuyiwaOsinuga who most people know as ‘Nomoreloss’ (another result of his creative side, he pronounced his English name backwards) passed on.

It was difficult for me to come to terms with his death because he was one of the ‘few good ones’ in the industry. He had the ability to make you laugh and found a way to insert humour in even the most serious things, without being offensive. Above all he was a very creative and cerebral mind; Muyiwa could switch from ‘beta pidgin’ to pristine Queen’s English in a second. He loved to perform live sha!It didn’t matter if it was in a two by four room or an arena he would give his best and engage his audience. I cannot believe for an effervescent being like Muyiwa, I will nowuse words in past participle. News of his death hit me and for the first hours after I heard, I hoped and prayed it wasn’t true, I didn’t want to believe it, I still don’t and as much as a lot of us would do whatever we can to change it…unfortunately there isn’t anything anyone of us can do about it.

When you meet Muyiwa or Nomoreloss you encounter a person; he wasn’t afraid to tell you as it is, to his friends he was every inch a friend, he loved music every totally and could discuss any part of the arts or its business; if he didn’t know something he wasn’t afraid to go learn about it. He was one of the few cerebral artistes I have had the pleasure of encountering in this world. He was selfless, his spirit infectious and helped his friends without making a big deal out of it. The most memorable one was being there for his brother OJB which most of us are witnesses to. To my knowledge, never expecting anything in return!

A consummate performer, true artiste, funny, loyal friend and he loved family from the little I knew of him. We had lengthy conversations when we ran into each other, his passion for the Nigerian music industry and live events scene was infectious. Nomoreloss was a walking encyclopedia on the Nigerian music industry and even when we had our disagreements on how certain things should have been handled, it was about protecting and promoting the very thing we love...Muyiwa, I bet you’re making music in heaven. Rest on Bro! ––Emem is the CEO of ONE Management. A Nigeria-based media strategy and support company. dealmaker@one1mgt.com

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MARCH 27, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

ARTS & REVIEW\\MOVIES

‘FIFTY’ BASKS IN A BLAZE OF GLORY

Olufunke Uwaezuoke

T

his week concludes FIFTY’s remarkable four-month cinema run in Nigeria. The box office smash hit from EbonyLife Films has redefined return on investment metrics in the African film industry. Industry-watchers estimate that through various revenue-generating streams, the film has grossed over N400 million.

In partnership with Film One Distribution, the much talked-about film, revolving around the lives of four successful African women in 21st-century Lagos, made nearly N100 million through box office takings alone.

There were of course the other revenue streams. Among them were premiere sponsorship/ partnerships; private screenings; a first-of-its-kind deal with Internet streaming provider, Netflix; in-flight entertainment deals and video-on-demand (VOD).

“We started our cinema run in early December 2015 and four months later the film continues to resonate with moviegoers across the country. We are extremely proud and it is testament that Nigerians do support their own,” enthuses FIFTY’s executive producer, Mo Abudu.

But there is a secret behind this movie’s successful haul. Its revenue intake leverages on a unique business model not previously explored in the Nigerian film industry. This model serves as proof to various stakeholders – producers, directors and investors – that an unorthodox promotional mix combined with high quality production yields measurable results.

Of course, FIFTY also enjoyed tremendous support from the Lagos State Government, the Federal Government, corporate and social Nigeria. Such corporate titans like Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu and Herbert Wigwe were among the many that attended the premiere.

Then music superstars Banky W & Waje surprised fans with cinema “Meet & Greet” in malls across the country.

Fifty ladies

There was also a “Win Big with FIFTY” promo, which was run nationwide with audiences walking away with weekly prizes including Wakanow holidays, SPAR vouchers, flat screen TVs courtesy of Konga and more. The Grand Prize of a brand new Mercedes Benz B-class courtesy Skymit Motors will be presented to a winner in next month.

FIFTY has in addition enjoyed rave reviews and international acclaim since it was first screened at the BFI London Film Festival 2015 from

the likes of BBC, CNN, Vogue, and Essence and other national online and print titles.

The success of FIFTY has spawned a television series, the movie executives announced that they will extend the movie’s success onto the small screen. The TV show will continue the premise that the movie set up – a week in the lives of four African women approaching the golden age of fifty. It is still uncertain whether the lead characters will reprise their film roles will be revealed in due course.

Season 1 of FIFTY: the TV Series is set for production in the fourth quarter of this year writing has already commenced.

Nigeria’s Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Lai Mohammed said of FIFTY: “It was an amazing film - the music, costumes, story, and the elegance with which the plot was delivered. I loved it.”

Meanwhile, EbonyLife Films is set to release its second feature title “The Wedding Party” in December.

Monthly Film Screening at Studio of Mode Yinka Olatunbosun

M

Aderinokun

ost Lagosians yearn for wholesome entertainment outside the confines of their home but not too far from home. They worry about getting trapped in traffic, mostly caused by queues at filling stations, nowadays. And for economic reasons, the budget on such outdoor entertainment is little in most families.

For those residing in Ikoyi, there is good news. The Studio of Mode inside Park View Estate has a monthly screening culture that is without charge. Studio of Mode is designed with architectural aesthetics using clay and modern fittings. It has three projectors with a total sitting capacity of 50.

The culture hub was opened in June 2015 to showcase talents and promote arts and culture. The CEO, Studio of Mode, Mode Aderinokun had dedicated the space to her late father, Chief Tayo Aderinokun, the former MD/CEO, GTBank who was also known as a very passionate art patron. Mode, who expresses her

thoughts in words and illustrations, recently initiated a free monthly screening tradition in her studio to renew interest in outdoor entertainment.

“I started screening six months ago, once every month. It is normally the third or last week of the month. It is not your typical blockbuster film that we screen here. They are movies from independent producers. I want people to enjoy different cultures from movies from various parts of the world,’’ Mode said at the end of the Ondine movie screening last Sunday.

For her, the interest is not in huge commercial sales at present but to institute the cinema culture in a cozy atmosphere that is really home away from home.

“The people who come often say that they never knew that such movies exist and I have got some loyal followership as well. I screen all sorts of genres. For me, it is about the story. If the story is good and clean, then I am going to screen it. The story should speak some truths to the audience,’’ she said.

For instance, Ondine, written and directed by Neil Jordan, is a contemporary fairy tale with a plot that nosedived into reality. Starring Colin

Farrell in the lead role, the movie, which was released in 2010, is a blend of romance and fantasy. At the screening, only a handful of people came to watch. Still, Mode was happy that there are always new faces at every screening.

“The audience size is not always predictable. Sometimes it is little, sometimes it is large. I am not making money from this. It is not exactly done for commercial purpose. It is more important to get more people to appreciate the cinema culture than making money. I believe the money will come afterwards. Let us have the culture of watching movies that are not just cliché or not just true,’’ she said.

Another winning point for the monthly movie screening at Studio of Mode is punctuality. The movies are usually screened just about the time advertised. It has become a norm in cinemas and even theatres to stall screenings or performances for half an hour for the sake of late comers. Mode thought the new cinema audience should respect time and arrive in time for movies. She also promised to screen a Nigerian movie but only on one condition: as long as the story is good.

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 27, 2016

ARTS & REVIEW\\Music

ISAAC GERALDS’ AFFAIRWITH MUSIC Yinka Olatunbosun

N

ot every affair ends well. Some disintegrate for the flimsiest reasons while others get stronger. For Nigeria’s singer-songwriter, Isaac Geralds, his music game has just begun; the romance is not over. Though Project Fame Season Four is a long gone competition, it propelled Isaac Geralds from being just a cool singer to a hot performer. Wedding ceremonies in the city never seem complete without his name on the list of headliners. He is a happy-go-lucky-man who values music and friendship, in virtually the same proportion.

He was out to enjoy himself a fortnight ago at Freedom Park as a guest when he caught up with this reporter on the way out of the cultural hub. It was a good time to reflect on what he has been doing especially after giving a sterling performance at the opening ceremony of the British Council’s Lagos Theatre Festival. He spoke on how his brand is selling in a market where afro-pop is king.

“I believe that good music will always find a way even in a market where it seems otherwise. I always tell people that there’s a market for everything so it’s getting to identify the market and taking the product there.’’

After teasing him about being a busy bee, he explained how he juggles studio and quiet time to ensure that his song writing doesn’t suffer.

“There’s time for everything. Song writing comes to me naturally and no matter how busy I get I always find time to shut down from time to time to reach in and be in touch with myself. Besides, who says I can’t write songs about the busy life and the experiences,’’ he said.

It is not uncommon to see pop artists making hits from free-styling in the studio. Infact, most artists in Nigerian mainstream music scene drop vocals on the beat without writing, claiming that they want to make money, instead of making sense. Some hits had been made but some songs had hit the rocks with poor commercial success. Isaac was quite optimistic that song writing won’t fizzle out with the trend since the music industry is fast growing and with ground breaking efforts, there will be a proper structure that will make song writing viable. He directed attention to his latest effort, “Cross Your Mind’’ which features Eva and Poe.

“My new single is a song that’s dear to my heart. It’s me simply asking a lady if I cross her mind. It’s a classic R&B ballad that will get you thinking about that special someone in your life. It is inspired by true life event,’’ he revealed.

His smash hit, “Fall in Love’’ is a powerful cross-over love song that blew people’s minds away. Sometimes, it is argued that there is an element of luck in the music success because some wellarranged and nicely composed songs just don’t get popular, or to use the urban phrase, “they don’t blow’’. This is why Geralds is thankful in the case of “Fall in Love’’.

“I’ll like to believe that fall in love is a personal blessing to me from God. I just had fun recording and here we are.

People don’t want to let the song go even after releasing new material time and again,’’ he said.

Geralds had featured a couple of artists such as Tiwa savage, MI, Omawunmi, Falz the bahd guy on his tracks. Despite his unique music genre, he finds a level ground with his contemporaries.

“It’s been blessings to have these guys bless my songs. The music is universal so it’s not a one man journey, you need friends.’’

At the last Grammy Awards, Taylor Swift, who cross-carpeted from country and folk songs to pop, cleaned the ceremony with a sweeping victory including winning the Album of the Year.

Geralds said he is open to reinventing his music just as Swift.

“In all, I can say she always had it in her because she’s doing pop well and that’s why she can be recognised. In switching genres I’ll maintain the excellent spirit and excel at it. But like I always say, my music isn’t to be boxed. I’ll go wherever the music leads me but you can be always sure about the quality of my message,’’ he said.

Geralds is working on an album having drawn confidence from the success of his singles. He hopes to drop it in 2017.

Before then, there are a few things he desires to see differently.

“I just wish the Nigerian music scene can be more structured because we have so much going for us we just need to have a proper means to channel the energy and resources in the right way,’’ he observed.

Stevie Wonder, Neyo and Jazmine Sullivan may have influenced him as a young singer, right now, he admires Sound sultan for his consistency as well as 2face. “I also admire MI a whole lot and a few other people,’’ said the 30-year old singer.

Geralds

CELL as Human Empowerment in Arts Yinka Olatunbosun

T

he management of Nigerian Turkish Nile University has decided to launch a new school with certificate programs called Centre of Lifelong Learning (CELL) for skill acquisition and professional training in the Drama, Theatre, Performance and Film Arts.

The new programme will focus on subjects such as modern drama, theatre and cinema, theatre for development, theatre and health, dramaturgy of social relevance, films and the prospects as well as new media.

The aim is to teach students in liberal arts to help prepare them for a wide range of career in arts including teaching, curating, policy-making, programming and distribution, preservation, filmmaking, writing, consulting, and arts administration.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • MARCH 27, 2016

CICERO

Editor Vincent Obia Email vincent.obia@thisdaylive.com

IN THE ARENA

As National Assembly Recommences Debate on PIB The Senate and House of Representatives have another opportunity to reclaim, reorder, and reposition the oil and gas industry for optimal national benefits. Vincent Obia writes

T

he Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, said last week that the Senate and the House of Representatives will restart debate on the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill, popularly called PIB, this week. Saraki promised a seamless consideration of the bill for the much-expected petroleum industry law.

“The National Assembly – both Senate and House of Representatives – is working very closely together in the eighth National Assembly and as such some of these processes would not be bogged down in any of the chambers,” the senate president stated on Monday in Abuja at a Business Environment Roundtable on the economy hosted by the National Assembly. “We are both committed.

We have both come out with our agenda and as part of this commitment, you will all see next week, when we lay the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill. You will see that the bill we are going to lay in the House is the same bill we are going to lay in the Senate because for the first time, we are committed to work together as one to achieve results.”

Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara, too, had consistently expressed optimism about the future of the all-important bill.

The reintroduction of the PIB in the National Assembly presents another opportunity for people of goodwill within the legislature and around the country to gather a fresh resolve to reposition the oil and gas industry for the good of all Nigerians. The presentation of the bill in the eighth National Assembly is the latest in a series of efforts since the inception of the Fourth Republic to enact a comprehensive law to regulate the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

The PIB was first initiated in 2007 as part of the recommendations of a presidential committee on reform of the oil and gas sector. It followed recognition of the fact that to realise the country’s aspiration of becoming one of the most industrialised economies in the world by 2020 the oil industry, which is the mainstay of the economy, needed serious reform. The PIB was envisaged as the fulcrum of the whole reform initiative meant to reposition the oil and gas industry for greater efficiency, local participation, openness, and competitiveness, as well as optimal revenues for the government and people of Nigeria.

But the PIB became contentious, as diverse

ezeibe.aguwa@thisdaylive.com 08093842953

interests in the oil and gas sector collided.

The fiscal regime proposed in the bill pitted the oil producing areas against many of the oil multinationals. And certain elements, especially from the non-oil producing parts of the country, presented a fear of the PIB as one that conceded a lot to the oil-rich Niger Delta to the detriment of other regions. This fear, of course, does not stand up to close scrutiny. Yet it was part of the hiccups that got stakeholders bogged down in trifling details, and the oil and gas industry hamstrung by a virtual lack of direction. The PIB was, thus, consigned to the dustbins of the sixth and seventh sessions of the National Assembly.

The hitches on the way of the PIB struck hard at the economic heart of the country.

But the import of the bill still wouldn’t go away.

Now that the eighth National Assembly has decided to return to the PIB, as an absolute minimum, Nigerians expect a dispassionate, sincere, and patriotic discourse on the bill

that would ultimately lead to its passage. It is hard to determine how the two chambers of the federal legislature arrived at the seemingly harmonised version of the bill, which Saraki promised would be simultaneously debated at the lower and upper chambers.

But what is important is the need for the legislators not to fail the country in terms of the investment of effort and passion for national progress that the PIB demands from them. Having sworn to perform their duties honestly and “always in the interest of the sovereignty, integrity, solidarity, wellbeing and prosperity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the lawmakers must eschew bitterness and resist the temptation to see the PIB debate as an opportunity to pursue a course of personal or group aggrandisement.

In considering the PIB, the need to optimise government revenues from oil and gas, boost incentive for investment in the industry, and address the lingering sense of exploitation in the oil producing areas should be uppermost in the minds of the lawmakers.

P O L I T I CA L N OT E S

On Buhari’s Apology for Dissolving Governing Councils of Universities

P

Buhari

resident Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday announced the reversal of the dissolution of some federal universities’ governing councils, saying the government found out that vice chancellors can only be chosen by the university councils. “There is nothing wrong in saying sorry and going back on your decision. So, we say sorry and allow all the universities to continue with their councils,” Buhari stated during the National Executive Committee meeting of his party, All Progressives Congress, in Abuja.

There is nothing really bad in a

government deciding to step back from a course based on new information.

But it was a terrible blunder for the federal government to have forgotten that the councils of the 13 universities it sacked in one fell swoop last month were on tenured appointment. Or that the councils were the statutory bodies vested with the power to appointment vice chancellors, contrary to the illegal appointments made by the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu. This incident reinforces the need for the government to always think its actions through.

– Vincent Obia

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • MARCH 27, 2016

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CICERO/ONTHEWATCH

Race for New Council Areas in an Era of Dwindling Finances Sheriff Balogun in Abeokuta, and Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo, ponder the motivation for the creation of new local councils in Ogun and Osun, despite complaints about financial constraints by the governments of the two states

D

espite the dwindling economic fortunes of Ogun State, the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, recently approached the House of Assembly to seek approval for the creation of 37 Local Council Development Areas from the existing 20 local government areas in the state. The proposal came a few days after another South-west governor, Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, announced the creation of 31 LCDAs in his state.

The additional council areas have been sought regardless of the grave concerns by the two All Progressives Congress governors about the finances of their states. This has fuelled suspicion that politics – rather than need – was the motivation for the setting up of the new councils.

Ogun Proposal

According to the proposal Amosun presented to the lawmakers regarding the new local government structure: 1. Abeokuta North Local Government Area will now have Abeokuta NorthAkomoje, Abeokuta North West- Lafenwa, Abeokuta North East-Ita Iyalode, Oke Ogun-Imala; 2. Abeokuta South will have Abeokuta South-Ake, Abeokuta South East- Ijeun Titun, Abeokuta South West- Ijeja; 3. Ado Odo/Ota will have Ado Odo/ Ota-Ota, Ado Odo-Ado Odo, Agbara/ Igbesa-Igbesa, Ota West-Atan Ota, Sango/ Ijoko -Sango; 4. Ewekoro will have Ewekoro- Itori, Ewekoro North-Wasinmi; 5. Ifo will now have Ifo -Ifo, Ifo Central-Agbado, Coker Ibogun- Ibogun, Ifo South- Ojodu; 6. Ijebu East-Ogbere, Ijebu East CentralOjowo; 7. Ijebu North- Ijebu Igbo, Ijebu North Central-Oru, Ijebu Igbo West-Ojowo, Ago Iwoye-Ibipe; 8. Ijebu North East will have Ijebu North East-Atan, Yemoji-Ilese; 9. Ijebu Ode will have Ijebu Ode-Ijebu Ode, Ijebu Ode South-Oke Aje; 10. Ikenne will have Ikenne- Ikenne, Remo Central-Iperu; 11. Imeko Afon will now have ImekoImeko, Afon-Oloka Afon; 12. Ipokia will have Ipokia- Ipokia, Ipokia West Ijofin, Idi Iroko-Idi Iroko; 13. Obafemi Owode will have Obafemi Owode-Owode, Oba-Oba, ObafemiiObafemi, Ofada/ Mokoloki-Mowe;14. Odeda will consist of Odeda-Odeda, Opeji -Opeji, Ilugun-Ilugun; 15. Odogbolu will have Odogbolu- Odogbolo, Leguru-Ala, Ifesowapo- Imodi; 16. Ogun Waterside will now have Ogun Waterside-Abigi; Ogun Waterside East-Bolorunduro Efire; 17. Remo North will consist of Remo North- Isara, Remo North East-Ode Remo; 18. Sagamu will have Sagamu CentralSagamu, Sagamu Remo West-Makun, Sagamu Remo South-Sotubo; 19. Yewa North will consist of Yewa North-Ayetoro, Iju-Iboro; Ketu-Tata; 20. Yewa South will consist of Yewa South-Ilaro, Yewa South East-Oke Odan.

The Speaker, Hon. Suraju Ishola Adekanbi, who read the governor’s letter at the plenary, said the request for new councils was in furtherance of government’s attempt to meet the yearnings of the people

Aregbesola

through delivery of democratic dividends.

According to the letter, the creation of the LCDAs would bring government nearer to the people and engender more development.

Bill

A bill was sent to the Assembly a week before the governor presented his proposal for the creation of additional 37 LCDAs for the amendment of the local government structure to bring the total number of local government areas to 57.

The bill titled, “H. B No. 02/OG/2016The Local Government (Amendment) Law, 2016, A Bill for a Law to Amend the Local Government Law of Ogun State, 2016,” was read by the Clerk of the Assembly, Mr. Muyiwa Adenopo. The Local Government (Amendment) Law, 2016 has passed through first reading on the floor of the Assembly.

Controversy

The bill for the creation of additional local councils has generated controversy and protests.

A resident of Abeokuta, Mr. Adesola Badmus, stated that creation of LCDAs at this period of economic downturn would worsen the condition of the people. According to him, the government that is still at loggerheads with its workforce over unpaid arrears of salaries and other benefits will not be able to cope with the additional staff, as the new local councils will requires more human resources.

Badmus said, “The creation of new councils has generated rancour among some towns and villages, as the councils, according to some elders, have not been properly divided. A typical example is Orile Oko community, which, since time immemorial have been cohabiting with the Remo and have seen themselves as part and parcel of Remo and, suddenly, they find themselves being dragged to Obafemi Owode area.

“You need to see the reactions of the Remo people. The traditional rulers under the leadership of Akarigbo of Remoland have sent a powerful petition to the state

Amosun

Assembly, condemning the development.

“The people of Ogijo also enquired the rationale behind giving the capital of Remo North West to Sotubo, claiming that the capital should have been Ogijo. Looking at population, economic viability and other amenities, it is crystal clear that Ogijo is far ahead of Sotubo. But the government would have looked into the matter politically and not otherwise. Now it is putting the people against one another.

“This time is not the best time to do this, as opposition parties in the state have seen it as part of a plot to rig the local government council election in the state.”

However, an Ogun West pressure group, Movement for Yewa-Awori Development, threw its weight behind the proposed creation of 57 LCDAs in the state. The group in a communiqué noted that Amosun should be commended for initiating the process of creating the LCDAs 13 years after the plan was cancelled.

The communiqué was jointly signed by chairman, Movement for Yewa-Awori Development, Sanya Akindele, and secretary, Biyi Ogunriola. It stated that revisiting the issue and granting additional LCDAs

The governor stated that the state would save huge cost with the new system, adding that the same number of staff will still run all the councils and no new appointments will be made

to Ado-Odo/Ota and Imeko-Afon local government areas was in consonance with the current growth in population and in the spirit of “equity, fairness and balancing.”

It regretted that the cancellation of the 52 LCDAs created by the Chief Olusegun Osoba government in 2003 by the Otunba Gbenga Daniel administration had brought a setback to development in Ogun West senatorial district.

The group urged “sons and daughters of Ogun West senatorial district to shun bitter politics that is only meant to attack a moving political train, as wrong usage of the social media cannot replace constructive criticism, which can spur government to greater achievements.”

The group further appealed to the lawmakers representing Ogun West at both the state and national assemblies to channel all their efforts towards attracting meaningful development to their various constituencies.

Another resident of Abeokuta, Mr. Babatunde Idowu, said the establishment of the LCDAs was a welcome development, as it would help to bring governance closer to the people.

Idowu said, “Ogun State is a combination of both urbanised and rural settlers, and that is the only way the rural settlers can benefit from the dividends of democracy by getting closer to them and as well giving them what they want and not what the government desires.”

He said the LCDAs, if enacted into law, will create job opportunities for the youth, as more potentials will be discovered. “Most untapped resources and uncultivated arable lands will be put into use by the leadership of the newly created LCDA’s to boost agriculture development and give more life to the local farmers, who have not been able to get more from the government due to the distance and other factors militating against them,” Idowu said.

The speaker has promised that the Assembly would invite all concerned stakeholders, interest groups as well as non-governmental organisations to a forum

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CICERO/ONTHEWATCH • RACE FOR NEW COUNCIL AREAS IN AN ERA OF DWINDLING FINANCES • Continued from Pg. 84 to get their contributions to the new law before its passage.

Protest

Shortly after the governor presented the bill before the Assembly, the member representing Remo North State Constituency, Hon. Adebiyi Adeleye, submitted a petition from the Remo Traditional Council against the alleged merger of Orile- Oko with Owode local government. Indigenes of Remo area of the state stormed the state Assembly to protest against the proposed creation of LCDAs in the state. The protest came as traditional rulers under the leadership of Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Micheal Adeniyi Sonariwo, petitioned the Assembly on the same matter.

The agitation was against the removal of Orile-Oko from Remoland to Obafemi Owode local government, which is under Egba section.

The protesters had placards with inscriptions like, “Avoid war, embrace peace, Orile-Oko belongs to Ogun East”, “Enough is enough, return Orile-Oko to her roots, Remoland”, “Remo Youths say no to imposition, Orile-Oko is our land”, and “Respect our heritage, norms and culture, Orile-Oko is ours in Remoland”.

Chief Pekun Awobona spoke on behalf of the Remo chiefs. The Atunluto of Remoland and former chairman of Remo North local government said the protest was to give support to the petitions earlier forwarded by the Remo Traditional Council. Awobona appealed to the lawmakers not to accede to the request of the governor to the effect of ceding Orile-Oko to Obafemi Owode local government.

According to Awobona, “We are here to give support to the petition that was submitted to the house by the Remo Obas. We are here to say that Orile-Oko totally belongs to Remo and that has been so for ages.

“Remo and Egba people have been cohabiting peacefully in Orile-Oko for ages, we have not had any quarrel, we live peacefully. But the executive governor of Ogun, Governor Amosun, wanted to create LCDAs. We thank him for this, because it is a way of development.

“But in doing that, we say ‘who goes to equity must go with clean hands’, and therefore Orile-Oko, which has been part and parcel of Remoland, has been excised and merged with Obafemi Owode local government. Some people who live in Orile-Oko are Remo people while others are Egba people. The land totally belongs to Remo and ages have shown this.

“Past petitions, past inquiries, name it, they have all supported Orile-Oko to be part of Remoland, not a single of them has shown that Orile-Oko belongs to any other part other than Remo. And, therefore, we have come to seek the assistance of the speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly and his distinguished members that they should return or not accede to the request of His Excellency merging Orile-Oko with Obafemi Owode local government because Orile-Oko is part of Remo; we are not ready to concede an inch square of Orile-Oko.” Adekunbi promised to look into the agitation of the Remo people. He explained that the bill will soon be committed to committee stage where stakeholders would be invited to be part of the discussion.

Like Ogun, Like Osun

In Osun State, two years after Aregbesola dissolved his cabinet, he has not reconstituted it. He says the state is in dire straits and would not be able to fund the commissioners’ offices. But recently, Aregbesola announced the creation of 31 LCDAs and said the creation would lead to economic development of the state. He insisted that the move would not aggravate the state’s financial situation but would assist the government to generate more revenue for the state.

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to judicious use of revenues available to it, saying increasing the number of councils will not constitute any additional financial burden.

This as Aregbesola dissolved the management committees of the existing 30 local

A local government secretariat in Ogun State

council and area office and their executive secretaries, deputy executive secretaries, members, special advisers, and other functionaries. The governor stated this in a state broadcast on the creation of additional 31 LCDs, three Area Councils, and two Administrative Offices.

The request for additional local councils, after several legal procedures, was sent to the House of Assembly in the form of an executive bill. The Assembly looked into the bill, set up a committee and, subsequently, a referendum was held on February 19 last year in which the people of the state overwhelmingly gave a yes vote to the bill.

The Assembly then passed the bill creating 31 new Local Council Development Areas, three Area Councils, and two Administrative Offices, was passed by the Assembly signed into law by the governor.

Rationale

On why the state was creating more councils at a time of grave financial challenges, Aregbesola held that his administration had given the issue sufficient consideration, saying he has put in place procedures that will cost less, save money, and bring rapid development. He added that the primary responsibilities of the newly created councils were to bring development to the people, market management, revenue mobilisation and generation. The governor stated that the state would save huge cost with the new system, adding that the same number of staff will still run all the councils and no new appointments will be made.

He said that the entire local government system will be managed by council managers for three months and managers shall be appointed and deployed by the Local Government Service Commission from among the substantive Grade Level 14 officers in the local governments.

According to Aregbesola, “Many would be wondering and asking: why create more councils at this special time of financial challenges? We have also given sufficient consideration to this. With this new parliamentary system, it will cost less to run the new councils and save a lot of money for the government than in the past.

“The primary responsibilities of our new local government system are sanitation, market management, and revenue mobilisation and generation. This is consistent with local government administration worldwide.

“The beauty of this new system is its parliamentary nature, which requires the chairman and the vice chairman to be elected by the councillors from among their own ranks, thereby saving cost.”

Highlighting the importance of local governments, the governor stated, “It is where the government is designed to be closest to the people. While you need to follow some protocols for reasons of security and tight schedule before having an audience with a minister, a state governor or the president, you can walk in on your local government chairman or other officials of the council.

“Also, because the geographical space of the local government makes it the smallest unit of administration, it is easier to get things done at this level. The local government is also the ideal training ground for political leadership.”

APC Salutes LCDA Initiative

APC in Osun State has congratulated the people and government of the state on the creation of new local governments.

The party said, “It is a joyful culmination of the long standing aspiration of the people to have government closest to their communities.”

The party especially congratulated the governor for following the constitutional process required to create new local governments.

The state chairman of the party, Prince Gboyega Famodun, said in a statement, ”This is one great moment for Osun because the landmark achievement of creating new local governments will further enhance peace within and between communities of the state as well as increase the potential for more efficient internally generated revenue for the state as well as for the local governments.”

Famodun added, “The ball is now in the court of the people to demonstrate their appreciation through dedicated effort at keeping the new as well as the old local councils running.”

He called on the people “to stand firm and fully give their support to the government which in spite of the financial challenges the state is going through, Osun is not standing still. It is not stagnant, but moving on with positive steps to bring the best it could afford to the people.”

PDP Condemns New Councils

However, some members of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state have criticised the decision of the state government to create new council areas. A chieftain of the party, Mr. Ajijola Nurudeen, said the action of the governor was not good enough, particularly, now that the state is critically in need of financial resources. He condemned the move and said Aregbesola seemed not to know how to manage the current economic downturn caused by the sharp fall in crude

oil prices.

Osun Assembly Approval

The Osun House of Assembly said that the new Local Council Development Areas, Area Councils and Administrative Offices announced by Aregbesola were passed by the Assembly. Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Honourable Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, said the Assembly commended the governor for taking the bold step, in spite the present economic situation.

It said with the announcement of the councils, the doubt over the commitment of government to bringing government closer to the people had been erased. This action, it said, would further enhance development at the grassroots across the state, stressing that in the process of approving the proposals for the new council, all the legal processes were strictly followed.

The Assembly had last year approved a bill for the creation of additional LCDAs, Area Councils and Administrative offices.

The councils and their headquarters as approved by the Assembly and announced are as follows: In Osun West Senatorial District, there are, Ayedaade South (Orile-Owu), Ayedire South (Oluponna), Ede East (Sekona), Egbedore South (Ido-Osun), Ejigbo South (Ilawo), Ejigbo West (Oguro), Irewole North-East (Wasinmi), Isokan South (Ikoyi), Iwo East (Olomowewe), ands Iwo West (Agberire).

Osun East has Atakunmosa East Central (Iwara), Atakunmosa West Central (Ifewara), Ife Central West (Elefon-Owa), Ife-Ooye (Ita-Oosa), Ife-North East (Modakeke), Ife North-West (Edun Abon), Ife South-West (Awolowo Town), Ilesa North-East (Imo), Ilesa West-Central (Ereja Square), and Oriade South (Ipetu-Ijesha). In Osun Central, there are Boluwaduro East (Ajoda), Boripe North (Iree), Ifelodun North (Eweta), Ila Central (Magbon), Irepodun South (ErinOsun), Obokun East (Ilare), Odo-Otin North (Oyan), Odo-Otin South (Inisa), Olorunda North (Ota-Efun), Osogbo South (Isale-Osun), and Osogbo West (Awosuru).

The area councils and their locations are, Ife North Area Council (Oyere-Aborisade), Ede North Area Council (Owode Ede), and Ifelodun Area Council (Iba).

The Administrative Offices are Orolu Administrative Office (Diisu-Ayekale) and Okinni Administrative Office (Okinni).

In both Osun and Ogun states, the governors have said that the new local council areas would boost development, rather than be a drag on progress. Only time can tell how this would be achieved.

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The Bloody Leadership Tussle Among Vigilantes in Adamawa Divisions within the ranks of the groups helping the security agencies in the war against terrorism in Adamawa State are causing another security menace, writes Daji Sani, in Yola

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t is a known fact that the Vigilante Group and Hunters Association of Nigeria played a significant role in degrading the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-east. Following the killing and displacement of millions of Nigerians from their ancestral homes by the insurgents, some groups started to emerge, who felt that something needed to be done urgently to halt the terrorist spread and ruthless occupation of territories.

Vigilantes to the Rescue

Boko Haram had captured several local government areas and established their authority over the areas. The group hoisted its flags as a mark of control over the captured territories, from where it planned and executed attacks on other areas. And because it was alleged that the insurgents were using voodoo (power of magic and witchcraft or mystics) to overwhelm the military, many of the communities, who fell victim to the terrorist attacks, felt the only way out was to draft in the hunters and vigilante groups to help the antiterrorism war.

With the aid of the hunters and the vigilante groups, the military was able to overwhelm the insurgents and recapture those areas under their control .The hunters and vigilantes were properly screened by the security apparatus in the state before being allowed to participate in the fight.

Some of the leaders of vigilante groups were even given AK 47 rifles and Hilux vans to facilitate their operations.

Factions

But the hunters and vigilante groups are currently bedevilled by factionalisation. They have been divided into two groups warring over leadership, and this is a thing of concern to both the communities and the security agencies.

Security experts say if the crisis is not properly handled it may become another security menace in the region.

The division was apparent when the two factions of the vigilante groups clashed in Adamawa State recently, leaving seven persons dead and many others injured. The clash was over control of local branches.

Eyewitness reported that a fierce battle had ensued during the coronation of two officials of the Amalgamated Union of Nigeria Hunters in Gombi town, Adamawa State.

“There was a fierce gun battle between the two rival groups, during which lives were lost,” said an eyewitness, Musa Buba, who is also a local resident. He added, “Seven local hunters were feared killed and about 19 others were rushed to the Specialist Hospital in Jimeta.”

Allegations, Counter Allegations

When contacted, the state chairman of the hunters’ group, Alhaji Muhammad Usman Tola, confirmed the incident. He said, “Some boys (hunters) loyal to the other factions struck while the occasion was progressing and just started firing shots.

“Though, I cannot give the exact casualty figures for now, I can confirm to you that over three members were killed and at least 20 others were rushed to hospitals here in the state capital.

“If not for my timely intervention it would have been disastrous. I asked my members not to retaliate.”

But in a swift reaction, the Sarkin Bakan Gombi (the area chief hunter) Alhaji Muhammad Sarkin Yaki, denied that his group had started the bloody attack. “No, it was blatant lies, we didn’t attack them,” he said by telephone.

“In fact, let me tell you, they followed through my house shouting all sorts of slogans. They even opened fire on us.

I lost my members, about seven were affected.”

The police spokesman in the state, DSP Othman Abubakar, confirmed the clash, but stated, “I was told that only one person was killed and investigation is still on course.”

Investigation

An investigation by THISDAY revealed that one of the two warring factions of the vigilante union is headed by Tola and his commander/discipline master, popularly known as Young Morris, while the other is headed by Yaki.

The situation degenerated when the Tola faction took its coronation to the stronghold of the other faction, despite warnings. According to a security expert, who does not want to be mentioned, the Saki camp felt it was insulting for Tola and his men to take their coronation to Gombi, his

A group of hunters in Yola

stronghold.

But the expert explained that since Tola was the overall chairman of the hunters and vigilante groups, it was expected that he had control over the all the various groups.

Although Tola told THISDAY that nobody warned him against holding a coronation in Gombi. He said the coronation was meant for two hunters to coordinate hunters and vigilantes in that area.

where each one of us got N42, 000 stipend after every two weeks.

“I know my actions are unjustified and uncalled for, as they are against the laws of the country.”

Kwarra later handed over Morris to the Adamawa State police command for further investigation.

Reaction

But reacting to the arrest of Morris, the elders’ forum of Guyuk Local Government Area of Adamawa State said Prior to the clash between the vigilante groups, Mr Young they were shocked by the news of kidnap, which later turned out to be the arrest of Morris on Tuesday, March 8.

Morris was arrested in connection with gun running by The elders, led by the former Secretary to the State an undercover operation superintended by the foremost Nigerian crime fighter in the area, Ali Kwarra. Kwarra told Government, Mr Ibrahim Walye, during a press briefing in Yola accused the Nigeria Police of subletting its constitujournalists in Yola that the arrest was the outcome of an tional roles of fighting crimes in the state to a civilian, Ali audacious undercover operation spanning many weeks, Kwarra, who now took the law into his hands. explaining that the operation was initially set up to arrest Walye stated, “The purported arrest of Young Morris for a notorious lady gunrunner who was operating in Taraba gunrunning was a planned design to reduce the person of State. He said that in the build up to the operation, the Morris Enoch, aka Young Morris, because of his prowess undercover agent he assigned to the job had established and fame he is getting in the fight against insurgency in the contact with the lady gunrunner but could not meet North-east region. her on the appointed day, as she told him that her local “Young Morris is a well-known person and a dreaded government was embroiled in crisis following the verdict of crime fighter who has been in the forefront in the fight the Taraba State election tribunal, which returned Jummai against Boko Haram insurgency in the state. He was invited Alhassan as the winner of the governorship election. by the government of the day to come and assist the Kwarra added that the lady then told the undercover agent that she had two contacts in Adamawa, one residing military in the fight against Boko Haram.”

Walye added that the AK 47 and the Hilux van, allegedly, in Yola and the other residing in Ganye, and asked him to recovered from him were given to him by the authorities contact any of them. with full documentation. “This I am aware of because I was According to Kwarra, “When my agent contacted the the Secretary to the State Government at that time,” he said. man in Ganye local government of Adamawa State, he “It is not true that he deals on gunrunning, he is a highly told him that he had run out of ammunitions and should contact another man in Numan, who incidentally happened respected man in the society and was even turbaned has the Seriki Bindiga two days before his adoption by the first to be Young Morris class ruler of Lunguda land.

“My undercover agent then arranged the transaction “The use of Ali Kwarra, a private citizen, by the police is with Morris with the knowledge of the police where Morris a public admission of incompetence.” sold 140 pieces of cartridges at the cost of N70, 000 to the While calling for immediate release of Morris on bail, the undercover agent.”

Kwarra explained that Morris even breached the contract, elders group accused the police of conniving with Kwarra to set up a Fulani herdsmen and farmers agenda in the as he said the consignment was allegedly short by one package, which necessitated another meeting, where Morris state.

Morris was arrested by Kwarra for alleged gunrunning was to supply the remaining consignment, prompting his and handed over to the police the next day. He was arrest by the police. charged to court but was returned to police custody for Confirming the incident, Morris, who at the time of his further investigation. arrest was found with one AK 47 rifle and a locally made Meanwhile, the hunters association in Adamawa State hand gun, said he was pushed by poverty to engage in has described the continuous incarceration of Morris has the illicit act. He alleged that Governor Jibrilla Bindow of unfortunate. In a statement signed the administrative Adamawa State had paid them anything since the past secretary of the association, Mr Salihu A.M, the group said, eight months, when he came to power.

“It’s very unfortunate that a man who had led us to many Morris alleged, “I was actually pushed by lack to sell battles to Sambisa forest in the fight against insurgency can the ammunition in order to buy tyres for my operational be treated like this. vehicle.

“Where was Ali Kwarra when we were combing “Since this administration came into being, we were never given a dime by the incumbent government, contrary the bushes, what was the police doing? This should be to what obtained during the administration of Bala Ngillari, celebrated.”

Controversial Arrest

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • MARCH 27, 2016

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As Queen’s College Battles Controversial Sexual Harassment Case...

A sexual harassment accusation against one of its male teachers is threatening the stability of Queen’s College, Lagos, one of Nigeria’s premier girls’ secondary school. Uchechukwu Nnaike highlights the controversies surrounding the case

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t can be puzzling when female students rise in unison to defend a male teacher who has been accused by a fellow student of a crime against womanhood. That was the case at Queen’s College, Yaba, Lagos, on March 21, 2016, when Senior Secondary Three (SS3) students delayed their mock examination in biology to stage a protest in support of their biology teacher, Mr. Olaseni Oshifala, who was accused by a certain Mrs. Chinenye Okoye of sexually harassing her daughter who is yet to be identified.

Okoye claimed that the teacher forcefully tried to kiss and touch the private part of her daughter, a Junior Secondary Two (JS2) student. She said Oshifala cornered her daughter on her way back from relieving herself just before lights out and assaulted her.

She claimed that her daughter screamed and students started coming out so the teacher left her and pretended he was punishing her. The case was said to have gone viral when it was reported by an online news platform.

According to Olorisupergal.com, which claimed to have got a letter from the affected parent, several parents and students have come out to accuse the management of the college of hiding cases of sexual harassment teachers had been involved in. In the letter, the woman alleged the principal and vice-principals had for over a month, deliberately suppressed several complaints of sexual harassment which her daughter and some other students had consistently reported to their class teacher, their year head, the head of department of the accused teacher and the principal’s office.

She said her daughter had complained to her that there was an integrated science teacher, Mr. Oshifala, who had been harassing her and some other students, but she did not take it serious until her daughter called her that fateful day in tears.

She claimed that Oshifala, who lives in the boarding house area, had cornered her on her way back from where she had Gone to ease herself just before lights out; she accused the teacher of smelling of alcohol when he approached her daughter, who thought he wanted to punish her for leaving her dorm room when it was almost lights out.

She also alleged that when her daughter started screaming and the other students came out, they already knew his ways so they started booing him until the house mistress came out and chased them inside telling them to be quiet and that nothing was actually going on.

However, in a show of solidarity to Oshifala, their biology teacher, SS3 students of the school staged a protest, claiming that he is innocent of all the accusations. Beyond the protest, which many believed was influenced by the school management, some of the students who spoke with THISDAY during a visit to the school, refuted the claims made by Okoye.

JS2 students, who should know the girl that was supposedly abused, denied any knowledge of her; they said Oshifala does not teach Integrated Science or any other subject in junior school, adding that he is a principled and hardworking man, whose only connection with junior students is through the Interact Club, which he coordinates.

They stressed that the club had junior and senior students as members and its programmes were usually in the first term, and that its meetings are held in an open place.

They wondered why any student would go outside the dorm alone to relieve herself when there were toilets inside, adding that the security details around the hostel area would not allow any student to leave the hostel an hour before lights out at 10:30pm.

They added that their hostels were heavily guarded by female security operatives who will not allow a non-inmate access at that time of the night.

Some of the SS3 students, who took part in the protest, said they did it because they believed Oshifala was innocent and that the allegations were fabricated.

They said the school management did not force them to protest for the teacher, but they decided on their own and they bought the card board papers with their money and wrote the inscriptions themselves.

They reiterated that the accused teacher was not among those teaching junior students so the claim of

A cross section of students of Queens College protesting

him teaching Integrated Science was false. “He does not drink alcohol, even during social events at the school and that he lives far away from the school so he could not have been around the hostel before lights out because he is always out of the school premises latest by 7pm,” they claimed.

As senior female students, they said there had never been any case of sexual harassment in the past six years of their stay in the school, adding that if something like that had happened, the whole school would have heard about it the next morning.

The students challenged the girl’s mother to come to the school and address them and provide evidence, insisting that all her claims are false.

Extolling Oshifala, they said the man has consistently emerged the best teacher; and because of his method of teaching and dedication to duty, students always excel in biology in external examinations. They described the accusation as the work of haters, who wanted to tarnish the image of the 89-year-old school.

As the case is currently being investigated by the committee set up by the federal government; the police; the state government and other agencies, and as the accused is being invited for questioning, it is pertinent to note that the accuser is yet to make an appearance to supply more information about her daughter

The old girls seemed to disagree with the current students, as they claimed in their findings that allegations of sexual harassment, sexual impropriety and indecent treatment of children by Oshifala were not unfounded, these they said go as far back as 2005 when he was first employed.

They stated that these allegations against Oshifala and other male staff were constantly reported to former principals and vice-principals, as well as the current principal and vice-principals, but no step was taken to stop the dastardly acts.

The old girls alleged that there were male staff living in close proximity (within the hostel areas) while the girls move about in different stages of undress. They also accused the school of total neglect of the welfare of the girls as shown by filthy hostels with overflowing and smelly gutters creating potential festering pools of disease.

They said all relevant petition letters had been dispatched to appropriate quarters and agencies, state and federal, mandated to address and investigate such issues with the urgency required.

“We are on watch for speedy reactions” the old students said.

The school authority had in a statement, exonerated the accused teacher. The Principal, Mrs. Lami Amodu, was quoted as saying that no single parent had come to her or any of the vice-principals to report Oshifala as a molester.

“I assure you that if the allegation was true, other parents would have been buzzing our lines non-stop.

Children spread gossip fast; they would tell their parents or relations if anyone was molesting them here.”

As the case is currently being investigated by the committee set up by the federal government; the police; the state government and other agencies, and as the accused is being invited for questioning, it is pertinent to note that the accuser is yet to make an appearance to supply more information about her daughter.

According to a social work expert, who preferred anonymity, for investigation into such a case to be successful, the accuser needs to be questioned along with the accused or else the issue would be further complicated.

The expert said even the committee set up by the federal government will require to hear directly from the mother and daughter, but because she is a minor, the daughter will be protected.

He said even in court, the complainant has to be present for examination, if not, the case would not be successfully decided.

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Rivers: The Election Rerun and the Propaganda Campaign Shola Oyeyipo, who was in Rivers State to cover penultimate Saturday’s rerun state and national assembly elections, writes that some of the allegations of violence by the two main political parties in the poll were exaggerated

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he stakes were high in the controversial Rivers State rerun election last week and the major actors were largely aware of the main factors that would determine the winners: effective deployment of violence and vote rigging.

But underneath all that was a well-oiled propaganda machine, apparently, designed to manipulate public opinion. The leaderships of the two fiercely contesting parties, the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party were aware of the situation and they seemed prepared for it.

For instance, in the build up to the elections, former governor of the state and incumbent Minister of Transport, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, who is also the APC leader in the state, pointedly accused Governor Nyesom Wike of being the brain behind the ruthless killings in the state lately. Wike and his camp, on their part, blamed the killings on cultists.

Political Killing

Though findings by THISDAY investigation revealed that the killings were, indeed, perpetrated by cult groups, the factors underlying the killings were basically political. The cultists, just as practically every segment of the state, have been divided along political lines.

Just as football teams may not necessarily commission their fans to start a fight – which they often do – the cult groups in Rivers State, in a show of political supremacy, have been on a killing spree.

“Today (Friday, March 18), they killed a security official in Etche. They just attacked a place in Ahoada East. We hope that tomorrow (Election Day) there will be enough security forces to prevent these PDP people from disrupting the election. They are doing that because they are afraid of defeat,” Amaechi told THISDAY a few hours before the election. He heaped the blame on Wike and his PDP. The former governor disagreed that cultists in the state were divided along the PDP-APC lines, stating, “It is not possible!

Are you saying that the cultists in APC are so weak that they are being killed every day? The pregnant women that are being killed, are they also cultists? The ward chairman of APC that was killed in Ward 4, an old man, are you saying he is also a cultist?”

Contradiction

Some have wondered if APC was so confident that the military and other security agencies would provide adequate security during the rerun poll that they did not make any contingency security arrangements.

Wike alleged that the invitation of the military during the election was an orchestrated plan by the APC to rig the election, and not for purposes of stopping the killings in the state. What he did not say was whether it was better for the cultists to have been allowed to continue taking innocent lives than for the military to intervene to complement the police and other security agencies to provide security during the election.

The police in Rivers State seemed overwhelmed by the web of lies by the politicians and were unable to promptly appreciate the truth about the issues. Or how else can anyone explain the controversy over the Ward 10 Collation Officer, Ekwi Adebisa, who PDP alleged to have been abducted by Amaechi with soldiers, but who was later found at the Mile 1 Police Station,

Voters waiting to cast their vote during the national and state assembly rerun election in Rivers State

Port Harcourt?

The provocative news filtered in March 20 afternoon, at a time that emotions were very high among the party supporters over the delay in the declaration of results. Any news could spark bloodletting and yet, it was said by the PDP that Adebisa was taken to Novotel Hotel where Amaechi, the APC governorship candidate, Mr. Dakuku Peterside, and the acting Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, had lodged.

There was also a rumour that PDP leaders, including Wike, visited the police station for explanation and when they stormed the station, a standoff ensued and the former governor, Peterside, Semenitari, and the AIG, Adisa Bolanta, eventually left with Adebisa.

Reacting to the Adebisa issue, the special adviser (media) to Semenitari, Bekee Anyalewechi, said there was no truth in the story peddled by the PDP-led Rivers State Government. He said it was Wike, with a retinue of aides, that invaded the police station and held Adebisa hostage.

Anyalewechi stated, “Mrs. Ekwi Adebisa, the Port Harcourt city ward 10 collation officer, for the March 19 rerun legislative election in Rivers State, was moved by force to the police station. The result she had collated was separated from her. While at the police station, agents of the Rivers State Government brought her under duress to write a statement that she had been abducted and made to falsify the ward result by agents of All Progressives Congress.”

It is still unclear which side of the story is the truth. Despite the fact that it was an issue that had to do with the police, the police authorities were yet to come clear on who was telling the truth. So the public can pick any side of the story to believe.

As the tension continued in Rivers State after the election, Peterside alleged that he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt on his life Monday. His special assistant (media), Sylvester Asoya, said his boss narrowly escaped death when his vehicle was attacked by gunmen in two utility vehicles on his way from the Port Harcourt International Airport.

He was said to be in his car with the Rivers State APC chairman, Dr. Ibiamu, and the deputy governorship candidate of the APC in the April 2015 election, Hon. H.O. Asita, when he escaped the assassins’ bullets narrowly. He also alleged that the two jeeps belonged to Emeka Woke, Wike’s Chief of Staff, and they were carrying the two unknown gunmen who trailed Peterside to UTC Junction and opened fire on his car.

But a different version of the story by Wike’s media aide, Simeon Nwaka, alleged that it was Peterside’s security aides that shot the aide to the governor’s chief of staff at UTC Junction in Port Harcourt.

Looking closely at the picture presented to the media by Nwaka and published by some national dailies, the vehicle in which the chief of staff’s aide was lying did not look as a vehicle that was assailed with bullets, as he claimed. Aside lying in the vehicle, there was no evidence of gunshot wounds on him, neither was his face shown in the celebrated picture.

This is similar to the case of one Lucky Igweh, who was allegedly shot by soldiers at Rumuokwuta in Obio/Akpor local government, home council of Wike. Rather than being taken to the hospital for emergency treatment, he was brought to the governor’s polling unit from where he was rushed to the hospital by policemen deployed to the

It seems PDP is beating APC to the use of the attack media tactics.APC used this tactic while in the opposition at the federal level

area. Though the picture was published in some national dailies, when THISDAY, which was at the polling unit, closely observed Igweh, who was purportedly shot at almost the middle of his chest, it was obvious that had the boy been hit by military bullet, as claimed, he would have died instantly.

More so, he was practically unruffled.

Even if he was shot, it must have been from pellets of locally made guns and not a high calibre firearm, as alleged.

Till this moment, no one can say for sure how many people lost their lives in the rerun election because there have been conflicting figures. The truth is that many people died but it is until the police authorities unravel those behind the act that the perpetrators can really be identified. To this extent, the truth about who killed who, who perpetrated the violence seen before, during and after the elections will remain in the minds of the masterminds, and what the general public knows will remain in the realm of propaganda.

Issue

Fact is, however, that Rivers is a predominantly PDP state, but with Amaechi, a former governor who has warmed his way into the hearts of many people of the state, the APC carved a space for itself in the political atmosphere of the state. So, even if his party may not win majority of the positions up for grabs, it won’t be expected that the APC would perform woefully.

But current the trend in the election is not reflecting that – going by the results released so far.

The PDP is already winning the elections with a wide margin. Yet, as in the case of Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State during the governorship election that brought him to power for a second term, the PDP is crying loudest. Though the APC is not agreeing with the results and is calling for the cancellation of the entire process.

So, as things stand today, it seems PDP is beating APC to the use of the attack media tactics. APC used this tactic while in the opposition at the federal level.

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CICERO/TRIBUTE

Tinubu and Verdict of History Mobolaji Sanusi

‘Nothing great will ever be achieved without great men, and men are great only if they are determined to be so’ - Charles de Gaulle

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here is a thought-provoking puzzle that many politicians currently in and out of power across the country have found a hard row to hoe. That conundrum is Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu - the Jagaban of Borgu land, Asiwaju of Lagos and former governor of Lagos State. On Tuesday, March 29, the enigma will clock 64; yet, he is still waxing stronger within the nation’s political firmament as an astute political strategist and unfaltering torchbearer of progressive politics.

Without any deliberate attempt, this man with large appetite for politics is impulsively etching his name indelibly on the sands of time.

Without sounding conceited, it would not be out-of-place to state today that he remains the mostsought-after politician and perhaps, one of the few most significant of the progressive hue in modern-day Nigeria. The reality, even amongst those that hate to love Tinubu, against the dictate of their conscience, is that he has become a veritable political brand that can be ignored at one’s peril in the political landscape of the nation. At a point in the history of this country, the late sage, Pa Obafemi Awolowo, was the issue.

Even after the great man’s death 29 years ago, most politicians in the south-western part of the country still use his name to deceive the electorate during electioneering periods. Momentarily, Bashorun MKO Abiola appeared on the political horizon, but was cut short by the feudal military oligarchy that denied him his electoral mandate by sending him into an early grave. Most politicians in our present day deploy the Tinubu political brand name to win grassroots support during elections.

Since the passage of Awo and, perhaps Abiola, one doubts if there is any Nigerian that has taken the political emancipation of his people from the yoke of democratic tyranny seriously as much as Tinubu has been doing. The political ignoramuses might deride him; the grovelers of centrist conservative elements are used to impugning his character, but that is the man still standing like the rock of Gibraltar. Asiwaju has the power of political liberation; he is imbued with a rare economic skill, being a shrewd accountant with vast international experience. This man of unquantifiable knack for philanthropy has this uncanny nerve for discovering a talent, which was reflected in the membership quality of his mostly well-endowed cabinet team that he assembled during his eight-year rein as governor of Lagos State.

The man turns 64 on Tuesday, but many people prefer to criticise him, out of sheer envy of his result oriented political track record; others do simply because they could not rival his steadfast commitment to finding solutions to political and other challenges facing the country. Tinubu thinks Nigeria, dreams Nigeria; he lives Nigeria and sleeps Nigeria. From the North, East, West and South, people call him at random to seek his help or input on intractable political quagmire. These men and women are not necessarily members of the political elite class; this is because the former governor is also at home with the downtrodden whose interests form the thrust of his concern for a better country.

Some, out of steep spite of his large-heart and enormous goodwill, will query his source of wealth: And simply because the man is doing what they cannot ever do or are not privileged to do since they are not in a position to do it, they harbour the ache in their bellies. Some see him as being immoderate. But Benjamin Disraeli had an answer for the Tinubu-phobia when he said: ‘Moderation has been called a virtue to limit the ambition of great men, and to console undistinguished people for their want of fortune and their lack of merit.’ There are empirical examples of Nigerians, irrespective of tribes and especially among the Yoruba, the man’s cradle, that have benefited immensely from his political and monetary largesse.

But sadly, these same people still hypocritically relish speaking ill of him. Surprisingly, Tinubu relishes welcoming such backstabbers back to his fold. Most of us see this as a weakness but he sees that to be one sacrifice of greatness that he must pay. One can only hope that this inclination of taking back backstabbers would not turn to be his undoing later in life.

Whoever doubts Asiwaju’s progressive credentials needs to embark on historical excursion. At a time that the Yoruba states of Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Osun and

Tinubu

Ekiti were falling to the gangsterism of dethroned People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2003 and 2007, it was only Asiwaju’s Lagos that stood to absorb the heat of conservatism before eventually launching, single-handedly, the worthwhile battle that liberated the former western region but Ondo, from the grips of rampaging agents of feudal politics. The giant progressive strides that the nation is witnessing today are a consequence of Asiwaju’s political acuity. This gives credence to Walt Whitman’s statement: ‘Produce great men, the rest follows.’ Progressivism is indeed taking firm root in the country today because of the great political mind possessed by Asiwaju. Indeed, Charles de Gaulle was right by saying: ‘Nothing great will ever be achieved without great men and men are great only if they are determined to be so.’

Tinubu is indeed and always politically determined to succeed. And it is this uncommon determination to be great and to politically liberate the masses from the yoke of reactionary politics that compelled him to take with zeal, progressive politics, since year 2014’s merger of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) with other opposition parties - far beyond the west and to all parts of the country. This gave birth to All Progressives Congress (APC) that today controls the seat of

Whoever doubts Asiwaju’s progressive credentials needs to embark on historical excursion. At a time that the Yoruba states of Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Osun and Ekiti were falling to the gangsterism of dethroned People’s Democratic Party in 2003 and 2007, it was only Asiwaju’s Lagos that stood to absorb the heat of conservatism before eventually launching, single-handedly, the worthwhile battle that liberated the former western region but Ondo, from the grips of rampaging agents of feudal politics.

power in Abuja. The move at that time generated spite, covetousness as much as cynicism from those who always see impossibility rather than possibility in Tinubu’s laudable political initiatives. The difference between Tinubu and the rest in the political arena is that he sees possibility where others predict doom. His often-talked-about political superiority complex does not mean haughtiness, although it might appear to be so in the eyes of the mischievous among politicians who want to see it so. Tinubu feels a higher esteem over the obstacles he desires to surmount and he is blessed with the rare courage of overcoming them, with enough energy reserved for any eventuality.

The positive roles of Tinubu in the successful political merger of the opposition parties; the outcome of the 2015 general elections in favour of then opposition and the fact that a precedent has been set that makes it impossible for a ruling party, especially at the centre, to take others for granted in the political space have become a burden of envy in the minds of most politicians that see Tinubu as a threat. Rejection of Tinubu’s political ingenuity is nothing but a deliberate creation of avoidable amphitheatre of perfidious hypocrisy.

Despite the sleaze of political mudslinging by mostly beneficiaries of his political large-heartedness, Tinubu’s democratic scorecard remains very glittering and unassailable. The current firm control of the centre by erstwhile opposition, hitherto considered as impossible, and the invaluable role played by the Jagaban of Borgu land in bringing it to fruition merely confirmed him as the definitive contemporary political leader of the progressives in the country.

Like Awolowo during his lifetime, Tinubu has, in contemporary Nigerian politics, become a thorn in the flesh of conservative/progressive politicians with lesser candour. This unjustifiable kvetching syndrome by some of the current political elite class against Tinubu has become a catalyst that gives him more inspiration to surpass his present enviable feat. But for a politician like Tinubu, it would most likely have been impossible for Nigerians to have the golden opportunity of looking back and saying today: We are free at long last from the shackles of democratic feudal that see power at the centre as their birth right! This writer wholeheartedly wishes Asiwaju, the husband of adorable Senator Oluremi Tinubu, plenteous happy returns of his day in sound health and continuing political relevance. Happy birthday to you sir. And as the Yoruba would pray: Igba Odun, Odun kan!

–– Sanusi is MD/CEO of LASAA

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PERSPECTIVE

Employment Crisis and Humanities (HSS) Graduates in Nigeria Tunji Olaopa

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outh,” says William Pitt the Elder,” is the season of credulity.” This sums up the tragedy of the Nigerian youths who grew up believing that they are the leaders of tomorrow. Credulity is not a vice.

Every human being has the right to dream. And so a child growing up, and along the way picks up a dream—of becoming a doctor, a lawyer, an engineer, a manager, a professor, a top business executive, a civil servant, and so many other lofty status that makes one a success in life. On the strength of that singular dream, a child labours through schools, burns the midnight oil and eventually makes it to the university. Out of those who eventually graduate from Nigeria’s many universities, only very few, say, 30% ever get close to realizing their dreams. Graduation draws them right into the reality of the Nigerian condition.

If you doubt my assessment of dream truncation, consider some critical but grim data. First, Nigeria is demographically a youthful country.

That translates into some optimistic prognosis about how that youth bulge could become the opportunity for development planning that would be premised on youth empowerment and employability. Unfortunately, we have to contend with the global phenomenon of unemployment, and its specific Nigerian horror. As at 2015, Nigeria’s youth unemployment rate is over 50%. This figure might even be larger as the CBN hinted in 2014 that over 80% of Nigerian youths are jobless.

Factor Nigeria’s lack of an impressive data culture in policy intelligence and analysis into the unemployment and education equation, and you get an understanding of how depressing the reality is.

No doubt, Nigeria has a serious development deficit. There is no developed nation in the world that does not recognize the significance of the youths to national progress. The youth constitutes a critical mass of national capital which is then converted into a workforce that could move the machinery of development. When this fails to happen, unemployment is transformed into a debilitating malaise that wastes the vitality of the nation. This is the stage at which Nigeria stands in terms of the employability of its youth. And we only need scrutinize the root cause of the Arab Spring, and the sacrifice of Bouazzizi, the Tunisian youth who was forced by the shame of acute unemployment to set himself ablaze, to realize what chronic unemployment portents for a nation of over 190 million people with a significant youth component.

While this is the dire consequence of unemployment, what is the cause?

Here we examine two corollary variables whose combine effects are undermining Nigeria’s development capacity. I have in mind the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Nigerian tertiary education system. The Nigerian Policy on Education (NPE) is a document fabricated within the context of a paradox. On the one hand, the government recognizes that human capital development plays a huge role in driving development planning. Hence, the essence of having

Olaopa

a policy on education is meant to push that recognition to the point of policy implementation. On the other hand, however, the very policy document that is founded on the critical role of human capital development undermines its own rationale by cutting its potential output by a radical half! In other words, by its avowed pursuit of 60:40 ratio in favour of the sciences over the humanities and the social sciences (HSS), the government undermines the potentials of the HSS contribution to national development. Suffice it to add that the critical issue really is not the 60:40 ratio which in some sense is self-justifying, it is the import of that policy as a totality of attitude of policy makers borne out of some intellectual laziness or partial blindness.

The ratio, I suspect, is borne out of the government’s belief that the HSS are not development-useful. And that seems perfectly logical. I mean, what possible role could history or religious studies or modern European studies or philosophy play in the nation’s attempt to create a science and technology framework that could launch Nigeria’s development initiatives? It therefore seems to make equally perfect sense that the sciences ought to be promoted and funded over the HSS. This development reasoning is not purely Nigerian. The HSS all over the world are under siege, especially in the wake of the rise of the STEM disciplines—science, technology, engineering and mathematics. These four forms the hard core of development education that any nation urgently requires. And so, several departments of the non-development disciplines have been forced to rationalise their staff, brutally merged to save cost or forced to close shop. Beheading therefore became the cure for a severe headache!

And the Nigerian tertiary education system only makes the matter worse.

Because this system is essentially tertiary, its foundation is built on what

of harmonious human relationships in what we call the human society.

Yet, the HSS graduates must compete with other well-endowed and competently prepared graduates in the age of global competitiveness. The critical questions therefore are: In what sense can the HSS humanize in the age of capitalism? How can the humanizing advantage of the HSS inflect the Nigerian development challenge, and transform it radically? What more do the HSS graduates require to become functionally adequate? These questions are critical and the right answers to them not only becomes the leeway the HSS require to be saved the looming threat of rationalization, these answers are equally significant in integrating the HSS graduates into the development equation in Nigeria. It does not serve any purpose to recraft the National Policy on Education to achieve a 50:50 ratio balance. On the contrary, what is needed is a concerted rethinking process that can impact policy intelligence and implementation. Put in other words, the policy hand of the Nigerian government must be forced to see why rationalizing the HSS or starving it of funds would not be in the national interest, in the final analysis.

There is a tendency that the global trend in the diminution of the relevance of the HSS would eventually trickle down to Nigeria. As it is, the first manifestation of that trend is the NPE and its lopsided ratio, fuelled by the strange belief that it takes only science and technology to develop we can call a ‘certificate illusion.’ In Nigeria. Unfortunately, government other words, the thousands of youths and its policy makers are not looking entering the universities every year at the issues from the other side—that hold the false hope that it is their science and technology themselves pose certificates that would earn them a significant threat to Nigeria’s developlifelong meal ticket. They are cured ment objectives in several critical senses. of this illusion after four or so years For instance, the emerging technologies in the ivory towers. And so over the have become the convenient avenues by years, the Nigerian universities, the which fundamentalism and terrorism intellectual sites for the generation of have run out of control in the human national intelligence and competences, society. have become grim industries that It therefore seems that the establishchurn out graduates who will eventument of the Ibadan School of Governally be unemployed or unemployable. ment and Public Policy (ISGPP) becomes And the graduates of the HSS are a timely catalyst that can independently the worst hit in this unemployment jumpstart the conversations around the equation. It would make for a rather urgent need to rethink and rehabilitate enlightening statistics to know the the HSS not only to be in tune with its proportion of HSS graduates that make own mandate, but also to facilitate a up the unemployment data. genuine and necessary dialogue with Most Nigerian universities are comthe Nigerian development needs and plicit in this depressing predicament. objectives. The ISGPP is initiating these At one end, there seems not to be any intellectual and policy conversations in publicized and sustained series of con- the recognition that the HSS constitute certed efforts, intellectual and political, a critical mass of disciplines whose to outline the critical role of the HSS development values have been lost in national development. Except maybe in the jaundiced perception of what the universities themselves are indifdevelopment is, and who and what ference to the possible roles the HSS they can contribute to it. But as a can play in the development equation first condition for that possibility, the of Nigeria. If universities are centres Nigerian universities owe the Nigerian of competences, then there is a lot that youth a radical intervention that would needs to be done to ensure that there be conducive to employability. It seems is really a genuine attempt to deliver to me that that is one fundamental on that mandate to boost Nigeria’s development dividend that any nation chance of ever achieving a wholesome owe its youths. And the employability of development profile. When compared the HSS graduate is a function of how with other disciplines, the HSS constientrepreneurial skill can complement tute a set of disciplines whose value the humanizing mandate of the HSS. significance to the society and the In that, I see the marching order for the nation ought to be critically revisited, Nigerian universities: the immediate or precisely updated. The slogan of the and urgent implementation of a thriving humanist scholars is that the humanientrepreneurial education compulsory ties humanize. True. In the inculcation for students, and shorn off all overly of a sense of beauty and values, an theoretical ambition. awareness of the divine, the internalizaDr. Olaopa is Executive Vice tion of the elements of critical thinking, Chairman, Ibadan School of Governetc., a human individual is weaned off ment and Public Policy (ISGPP) terrible subhuman attitudes and beastly (tolaopa@ibsgpp.com; tolaopa2003@ tendencies that compromise the essence gmail.com; tolaopa2003@yahoo.com)

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MARCH 27, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

PERSPECTIVE

Revisiting Mu’azu’s Years in Bauchi Tony Amadi

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ormer PDP National Chairman and governor of Bauchi State between 1999 to 2007, Dr. Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu, recently donated hundreds of copies of his tenure report to universities and institutions of higher learning across the country. The book, My Tenure Tenure is a 557-page treatise, exotically illustrated with excellent photography and richly documented report of his achievements during the period he led the state. Governor Mu’azu masterminded what can be said to be the biggest development agenda ever carried out in the northeastern region of the country over the eight years of leading Bauchi State.

For a frugal personality like former President Olusegun Obasanjo to testify to the quality of work done by the former governor in Bauchi State, then it is difficult to fault those achievements. And he was not alone. For former President Shehu Shagari, IBB, Shonekan and a host of others to join the fray, Mu’azu must have done something special in those days. Future leaders of the country now in various institutions of higher learning have got their turn to examine those legacies and make their own assessments when the books arrive in their libraries soonest.

“I have always believed”, wrote Mu’azu in the opening pages of the massive book, “that the best role in history is to leave a legacy for future generations”, and “if leadership fails to deliver in history, it will be written out of it”. He also added that “we have attempted to capture our contributions towards the positive transformation of Bauchi State from 1999 to 2007. It is presented as a report, with facts, statistics and photographs, so that the reader can make an independent judgment”.

Recently, Professor Pat Utomi regretted the failure of our leaders to properly document landmark events and developments in the various enclaves that they governed. He also blamed the ruling elite’s loss of institutional memory because they often fail to capture in book form, the history of their administration so that future generations can see their contribution to the development of Nigeria. One can say that Mu’azu with this book has done just that, laying bare the facts and figures of his service to the people of Bauchi State.

The Ahmadu Bello University graduate of Survey is credited as the maker of modern Bauchi State, considering the massive infrastructural development he wrought on the state during his term of office.

Mu’azu believes that “this publication will provide an impetus towards understanding the essentials of modern administration in a popular democracy”.

To say that the book is well packaged and produced is an obvious understatement. Mu’azu’s attempt to widen the scope of the political economy of the state via the tourism and agriculture routes explains why he spent huge sums in the projects aimed at beautifying the tourist attractions of the state. Little wonder that former President Olusegun Obasanjo, well known for telling it as it is without fear or favour, wrote lavishly about the authenticity of the achievements. The former President wrote that “I have gone round this country, in terms of performance; Governor Mu’azu (Ahmadu Adamu) is the first. You know if you are not performing, I will say it…”

Former Head of Government of Nigeria, Chief Ernest Shonekan, said that “Governor Mu’azu has demonstrated in clear and unambiguous terms that he is a good ambassador of the young generation of leaders in this country…one of the few beacons among the leaders that our nascent democracy has thrown up”. The inimitable IBB or former military President, Ibrahim Babangida, added that “Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu is certainly a governor that should be emulated for democracy to flourish in our country…for remaining focused, determined and resourceful, indeed a pride to the PDP and the new generation of Nigerians”.

Former Chief of Army Staff, General Martin Luther Agwai,said that “going by what Governor Mu’azu has been able to achieve within about six years…if I am given the option to choose between military rule and democratic governance, I will go for democracy”. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar added that “It requires a great sense of duty, a great sense of commitment, a great sense of patriotism to be able to do all these”.

“The Governor (Mu’azu) is one of the most prudent governors in this dispensation”, adds Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former Minister of Finance, Federal Republic of Nigeria and Managing Director of World Bank. Finally, Mr. John Campbell former Ambassador of the United States of America to Nigeria said that “Your projects have something in common…they are all practical and concrete efforts

to improve the quality of life of the ordinary people.

I came to Bauchi because of what I was hearing in Abuja about some splendid things that were being done” by the Mu’azu administration.

The Foreword to the book by Shehu Shagari, the former President (1979-1983) states unequivocally that “Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu is a good leader.

I saw in him the qualities of leadership. I believe Bauchi state will continue to reminisce on the fruits of his work. Of course, politicians are entitled to their opinions on the assessment of leadership in Bauchi State. However, as one who knows how the wheels of government grind and has witnessed the performance of Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu as governor, I can unequivocally say that he is a leader who delivered the best to his people at a most critical period” in the history of the state.

There are five sections of The Tenure Report following the introductory- Bauchi in Brief: Its History and People. Section One for instance examines the development strides in Human Resources Development and Empowerment where Education, Health, Poverty Alleviation, Women Empowerment and Partnership with Donor Agencies are x-rayed.

Section two, Infrastructural Development, looks at Lands and Survey, Roads, Housing, Water Supply and Electricity. Thousands of kilometers of roads were not only fully asphalted and built by some of the best contractors in the country, the Mu’azu administration gave a breakdown of water supply programmes that saw the state providing water to every community in the state, conducted one of the biggest housing programmes and provided electricity across the land despite the meager resources available from the federation account at the time.

Section three: Economic Development, features the government’s forays into Tourism, Communication, Agriculture, Solid Minerals, Industrial and Commercial Development as well as Sports and Youth Development. The tasteful furnishing of the corporate villas of the Yankari Games Reserve as well as the refurbished studio chalets is proof of Mu’azu’s own taste of good and comfortable living, all that international tourists need to flock your country and boost the nation’s finances.

Section four: Administration and Sustainability examines the Civil Service of the state, General Administration, Support for Traditional Administrative structures, the Judicial System, Conflict Management, the Legislature and State Government Finances.

Still on Saraki’s Trial at CCT Tope Ajayi

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he on-going case against Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) has at every point continued to reveal more and more surprises. The recent one is Thursday’s unabashed admission by the tribunal chairman, Mr. Danladi Yakubu Umar, that the tribunal under his leadership erroneously delivered its 2011 verdict that discharged former Lagos State governor, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Umar made the surprising revelation while giving a ruling in a motion filed by Saraki’s lead counsel, Mr. Kanu Agabi, SAN, challenging the jurisdiction of the tribunal on the basis that the condition precedent for filing the case was not fulfilled. Agabi had contended that on the basis that Saraki was not given the opportunity to either admit in writing or deny the alleged inconsistencies in the asset declaration form he filled in 2003 when he was governor of Kwara State, the charges should be quashed as it was done in the Tinubu case.

The CCT Chairman however refused Agabi’s prayer on the grounds that the proviso in Section 3 (d) of the CCB and Tribunal Act has been negated

by Paragraph 3 (e) of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution. While noting that Tinubu was tried under the same constitution and law, which are still in operation till date, Umar admitted that the tribunal took an erroneous decision in the earlier case. He said: ”The judgment in the Tinubu case was delivered par in curiam. The tribunal has since realized that the decision it made on the case between FRN vs Tinubu was in error and has clearly departed from it”.

Umar’s reversal of himself on Thursday in the CCT’s verdict in the Tinubu case throws up a series of concerns with strong implications for the reputation of

the CCT as a judicial institution of government and by extension, the integrity and credibility of the Nigerian judicial system in its entirety.

First, what judge admits to giving a judgment in error? What has changed in our laws? Was it not the same 1999 constitution and the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act that were used in the trial of Tinubu?

What should even be more worrying is the casual manner with which Justice Danladi declared that his ruling five years ago was a mistake. Why, one would ask, did it take Justice Danladi Umar five years, and another case to realize that he made a mistake? Let us assume, for the purpose of argument that Umar’s ruling on the Tinubu case was truly a mistake as he claimed. Let us also assume that the ruling he gave then was a capital punishment that had been executed, is this the way he would so dismiss it as an error?

With this claim to error, Justice Umar did not do himself a favour. Since the ruling last Thursday, several lawyers who were outraged by the ruling have roundly condemned it. One legal opinion is that the CCT is not competent to reverse itself on its earlier judgment as only a court of higher jurisdiction can reverse a ruling by the CCT. In this case, only the Appeal Court in the first instance can reverse or nullify a flawed judgment by the CCT not the CCT itself. It is only the Supreme court, being an apex court of the land, that has the power to reverse itself.

Umar held that the failure of the Code of Conduct Bureau to meet certain conditions precedents before putting Saraki on trial was not weighty enough to discharge him and strike out the trial. He said section 3(d) of the Code of Conduct Tribunal Act, which made it a requirement for any defendant to be invited for confirmation or denial of discrepancies in the Assets form had been overtaken by the provision of section 3 (e) of the 1999 Constitution.

According to Umar, section 3 (e) of the 1999

Saraki constitution had rendered the condition precedent contained in the CCB Act unconstitutional, null and void because the provisions of the CCB Act were inconsistent with the constitution. Umar further said that the failure of the CCB to invite the defendant in the instant case had not ousted the jurisdiction of the tribunal. Certainly, these are very contentious claims at best. Subjecting Umar’s ruling on the Saraki trial to rigorous legal interpretation reveals that once again, Umar is threading a new path of error just as he did in the Tinubu trial. It has been pointed out that Umar’s recourse to Paragraph 3 (e), of the third paragraph of the 1999 Constitution, as the tribunal’s basis for not adhering to Section 3 (d) of the CCT Act smacks of ignorance or mischief. It is argued that if the judge had gone further down to Section 3 (g), he would have found that there is nothing in the part of the constitution that he was citing that contradicts section 3(d) of the CCBT Act. Paragraph 3 (e) of the constitution’s Third Schedule states that the Bureau shall have power to “receive complaints about non-compliance with or breach of the provisions of the Code of Conduct or any law in

Section five deals with Appendixes. It features Questions and Answers on The Mu’azu Stewardship, Testimonies, Selected Speeches, Awards and The Executive Team that helped the former governor in making the achievements real. Comment of a selection of leaders across the country testified to the Essential Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu.

Engineer Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a former Minister of Defence and governor of Kano state for two terms and now a Senator said that Mua’zu “performed so well, I believe it is not a secret everybody knows that for the past four and half years or so, you have constructed so many roads, almost everybody came to Bauchi to commission either a road or rural electrification project. I very much congratulate your Excellency that I hope all other governors in the federation would emulate the good work you have been doing for the good people of Bauchi State. That is the only way we can run and sustain democracy by delivering the goods and that is what the governor is doing in Bauchi State”.

Dr. Ibrahim Tahir, the Talban Bauchi, said of Mu’azu, “He is an achiever per excellence, vigorous, yet smart and tact, a skilled professional in his own right…a man so prudent, so wise….

He has displayed so far and having come a long way, one may be tempted to pose this question, what more of a manner of a leader do you need?”

But the Metaawalin Bauchi and Governor of Bauchi after Mu’azu’s term, Malam Issa Yuguda, when he was Aviation Minister said that “Mu’azu summarized the three S-rules – Simplicity, Sincerity and Striving, to deliver selfless services to the people”. For students at higher institutions in Nigeria, go to your library for a page by page guide to the development of the modern Bauchi state you see today, courtesy of a strong and dynamic leadership of Dr. Ahmad Adamu Mu’azu.

The former governor and former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party obviously stamped his footprint in the sands of Nigeria’s development map and present and future governors should take a leaf off this man for setting the pace. It is urgent for all to document their achievements so the hope that democracy rather than dictatorship is the only route for the people to see light remains intact.

––Amadi is a veteran journalist

relation thereto, investigate the complaint and, where appropriate, refer such matters to the Code of Conduct Tribunal.” Paragraph 3 (g) however states that the Bureau shall “carry out such other functions as may be conferred upon it by the National Assembly.”

With an Act being a piece of legislation enacted by the National Assembly, the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act in Section 3, clearly spells out in detail the functions of the CCB/CCT to be to receive assets declarations by public officers; examine such assets and ensure that they comply with the law; retain custody of such assets declarations; and most importantly: “receive complaints about non-compliance with or breach of this Act and where the Bureau considers it necessary to do so, refer such complaints to the Code of Conduct Tribunal established by section 20 of this Act in accordance with the provisions of sections 20 to 25 of this Act.” The last clause is also premised on the fact that “provided that if the person concerned makes a written admission of such breach or non compliance, no reference to the Tribunal shall be necessary.” What this means is that the Act resulted from the powers granted the National Assembly by the same constitution and therefore both are not contradictory but complementary.

Again, if indeed the issues highlighted here are to be given serious considerations, they pose grave concerns. It should be noted that the powers of the tribunal are so enormous that it hardly gives room for errors, deliberate, contrived or otherwise. For example, once a person is successfully convicted by the CCT, that person has to fully serve his punishment as the prerogative of mercy or any power of pardon does not apply to convictions by the Tribunal. Moreover, the powers of the Attorney General to enter a plea of nolle prosequi to discontinue any criminal case at any stage does not operate to cases before the CCT. All these powers make the need to preserve and protect the integrity, character and credibility of the CCT even more imperative.

Ajayi writes from Lagos

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In Search of an Illusory Right

Winnifred O. Olanipekun

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he recent alleged abduction of 14-year-old Ese Oruru is one of the most topical issues in current public discourse. From a legal viewpoint, the issues thrown up have centered on the legal age of consent and marriage. These issues have been rightly put in the front burner of public discourse.

However, an important fallout of this incident, which appears to have been neglected, is the girl-child’s, and indeed, every child’s right to family life.

Anyone under the age of 18 years old is legally considered as a child (see Section 277 of the Child’s Rights Act 2003, Article 2 of the African Charter on Rights and Welfare of the Child (A.C.R.W.C.), Okwueze v Okwueze [1989] 3 NWLR [Pt. 109] 321 at 347, and Ugheneyovwe v State [2004] 12 NWLR [Pt. 888] 626 at 643). Ordinarily, every child ought to be entitled to family life. The importance of the growth, development and education of the child within a loving and conducive family unit cannot be overemphasised. However, it is important to stop here and find out, first, if there is indeed a right to family life.

Section 37 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) provides: “The privacy of citizens, their homes, correspondence, telephone conversations and telegraphic communications is hereby guaranteed and protected.”

The side note to the above provision reads, “Right to private and family life.” However, the terse provisions of section 37 of the constitution do not contain any guarantee of the right to family life as indicated in the side note. Rather, section 37 guarantees the right to privacy, a right incidental to the right to family life. One of the longstanding principles of constitutional and statutory interpretation is that the title, heading or side note is only to provide a guide for construction and not to control the express provisions of the statute (see Ibrahim v Judicial Service Commission [1998] 14 NWLR [Pt. 584] 1 at 49, 66-67). Express mention of one thing also implies the exclusion of the other not mentioned (see Ehuwa v Ondo State I.E.C. & Ors. [2006] 18 NWLR [Pt. 1012] 544) at 569-569. Therefore, the omission of the right to family life in the wordings of section 37 of the constitution can only bear the implication that such right has not been provided for, regardless of the indication in the side note.

For purposes of illustration, it is necessary to refer to provisions guaranteeing the right to family life in other

Oruru jurisdictions (see Article 17 of the American Convention on Human Rights and Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights).

From the foregoing examples, it is clear that the right to family life is a right that ought to be expressly provided for and not subsumed under or implied in another right. Article 18 (1) and (2) of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights succinctly captures the importance of the family in stating, “The family shall be the natural unit and basis of society.

It shall be protected by the State which shall take care of its physical health and moral and (2) The State shall have the duty to assist the family which is the custodian of morals and traditional values recognised by the community.”

Article 18 A.C.R.W.C. also states, “The family shall be the natural unit and basis of society. It shall enjoy the protection and support of the State for its establishment and development.” Pertinently, Article 19(1) A.C.R.W.C. provides, “every child shall be entitled to the enjoyment of parental care and protection and shall, whenever possible, have the right to reside with his or her parents. No child shall be separated from his parents against his will…”

The foregoing is part and parcel of Nigerian law, having been ratified and domesticated in Nigeria

(see the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act CAP A9 LFN 2010 and Abacha v Fawehinmi [2000] 6 NWLR [Pt. 660] 228 at 228229). Article 19(1) A.C.R.W.C. is particularly relevant to the Ese Oruru case. The right to family life and the protection of the family unit is, thus, an enforceable right, this does not however obviate the need for this very important right to be enshrined expressly in the constitution. The family is regarded as the basic unit of society. By section 14(2) (b) of the constitution, the welfare of the people is the primary purpose of government. If the family is the basic unit of society, then, the protection of the family unit should be the primary purpose of government. Arguably, most of the societal vices that bedevil the nation are direct consequences of the failure to emphasise and protect the family unit and the right to family life and values.

The constitution is the grund norm and takes precedence in the hierarchy of laws. It is inexcusable for the family unit and the right to family life not to be expressly protected in the grund norm. This gaping hole should be filled at the earliest opportunity of a constitutional amendment. It appears that the right to family life has been annihilated in the course of striking the balance between the right of the individual and the state, so that the constitution only emphasises rights within the individual and states perspective. Mary A. Glendon in The Transformation of Family Law wrote, “To the French revolutionaries, the old feudal statuses, the Church, the guilds…Aspects of family organisation were seen both as oppressive to individuals and as threats to the nationstate…The revolutionary leaders aimed at suppression of the corps intermediaries of the old regime under the slogan ‘There are no rights except those of individual and the State.’ ” The individual does not exist in a vacuum, but in the family. All the other rights guaranteed by chapter IV of the constitution can only be situated properly within the family context, where the individual is designed to flourish. The right to family life is a right that is beneficial not only to the child, but to the entire nation, which is a constellation of millions of families. If the family is protected, the entire nation is protected. Conversely, the neglect of the family is the neglect of the nation. This truism appears too simplistic as a solution to the complex Nigerian problem, but the true solution it is.

––Olanipekun writes from Lagos, and can be reached at: winnieolanipekun@yahoo.com

Let No One Trouble Ikpeazu Again

Godwin Adindu

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overnor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has a way of being witty, sarcastic and serious at the same time. He is a master of humour. Yet, he may not have read the American ace-humourist, Mark Twain, but he delivers the spoken word with the wit of Twain, interspersing message with the comic side of life and drawing from the rich Ngwa heritage of proverbs to create concrete images. It is a very rare gift, which has formed a potent arsenal for a leader, for he does not only hold his audience spell-bound, he disarms his traducers and rules his world – only with the art of the word.

So, was he being funny, witty or serious, in his characteristic fashion, when he declared: “Let no one trouble me again for I bear in my body the mark of our lord Jesus Christ?” The governor made this declaration few minutes after his victory at the Supreme Court. Re-echoing the words of Paul of Tarsus, he told his detractors to give him a break and a breath of life. But, can the governor actually avoid being troubled? Can he avoid the Shakespearian “slings and arrows of outrageous fortune”? He is in the eye of the storm; he is sitting on the hot seat; his head is wearing the crown and uneasy is his name. Can he, in all honesty, ever avoid the “sea of troubles”?

Back to his declaration. Was this a plea, a clarion call, a warning or a charge? What was the governor actually telling his detractors? The declaration is all of the above – a paradoxical plea and a clarion call. Beyond asking not to be distracted again and not to be caused to dissipate energy unnecessarily, the governor was speaking both to himself, his loyalists, his co-workers in the vineyard of governance, and his traducers. To himself, he was renewing his oath of allegiance to the people of Abia. He was self-motivating himself and recharging a covenant of service that has seen him construct 60 roads simultaneously in just eight months.

He was speaking to himself about the new challenges ahead and the task of conquering new frontiers, just like Apostle Paul had to conquer new territories with the message of salvation in the Greco-Roman world.

This drive to conquer new territories quickly found expression in the flag off of the Nkpa Road in Bende local

Ikpeazu council, Umuda Road in Umuneochie and the Nkporo road, two weeks after the Supreme Court victory. It found expression in the effective tactical measure, which Ikpeazu deployed to quickly tackle the menace of kidnapping that was rearing its ugly head in the sprawling city of Aba and the environs. It has been demonstrated in the large-scale programme of renovating all dilapidated primary school buildings in the state, with the funds accessed from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). It is a testimony to the new brand promotion for Aba-Made-Goods, sponsored by the government and which climaxed with the trade fair in Abuja.

Significantly, we could see the new impetus for work in the effort by Ikpeazu to revive and activate the moribund Golden Guinea Breweries in Umuahia and the International Glass Industry in Aba. After an inspection tour of the brewery last week, the governor disclosed that he had been assured by the managers that the brewery will commence operation by May this year.

It is being exemplified in the governor’s drive to link Abia to the sea through the development of the Obuaka City Port in Ukwa East. This will give a great boost to

Aba as the commercial hub of eastern Nigeria.

The new persuasion is also being given a meaning in the formation of the Abia State Rural Infrastructure Development Initiative (ASTRIDE), which is aimed at providing at least one project in each of the 184 INEC Wards in the 17 local councils and closing the gap of infrastructural development between the rural areas and the cities. The ASTRIDE committees are expected to choose an un-encumbered site for citing of the project and the type of project among project lines of the state government. It translates into the planned rural electrification and beautification of Ohafia, the third largest urban centre in the state which will commence very soon.

Indeed, we could see the motivation being translated in the governor’s move to source N1 billion Central Bank of Nigeria loan for agricultural revolution. This loan will be disbursed purely to genuine farmers and not for political patronage. It is connected to the state integrated infrastructural development project aimed at bringing donor agencies and development partners to assist in the development of the state.

Again, just like Apostle Paul also preached the message of love, Ikpeazu, by that declaration, also proclaimed the message of love, forgiveness and Abia unity by brandishing the olive branch to his opponents and traducers. By pleading not to be troubled again, he is figuratively beckoning on them to come and join hands with him in the crusade for the sustainable development of the state. He is soliciting for a ceasefire and calling all warring factions to sheathe their sword. By that declaration, he moved from politics to statesmanship, assuming the unbridled role of the father of the Abia nation. By this role, he must seek for the good of all and protect all lives and property, irrespective of varying political leanings.

The declaration, precisely, is a statement about the new energy injected by the assurances of the law, an affirmation of victory and a vindication. It is the new political will which will inspire and drive the governor’s moves in the years ahead. But, much more than that, it is a proclamation of innocence, a conviction of the fact of being a messenger and an instrument of a divine mission. Ikpeazu is simply saying: let’s fulfil this mission as one body, and he may have said it in his characteristic humour. Yet, we can discern the signs.

––Adindu is Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Abia State

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 27, 2016

PERSPECTIVE

Empowering Niger DeltaWomenThrough Agriculture Ruth Kufeji

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nternational Women’s Day is celebrated every March 8th and throughout the month of March. This year, in Nigeria, the day was celebrated by a number of local, regional, and national events all echoing the theme for 2016 - #PledgeForParity. According to the World Economic Forum, it is predicated that it would take until 2133 to achieve global gender parity – that is, another 117 years to achieve gender parity. We know that gender parity is linked directly to economic prosperity, and that the advancement of women, especially in leadership positions, is central to business performance and economic prosperity.

One of the most significant events in Nigeria was the one organised by the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) held in Asaba, Delta State and themed, ‘’Pledge for Parity: Support Women in Agriculture in the Niger Delta.”

A core central tenant of PIND Foundation is the promotion of a sustainable economic development in the Niger Delta, which includes empowerment of women, not just in leadership positions, but in the economic activities they find themselves working in. PIND’s ‘’Pledge for Parity’’ event drew participants from academia, the private sector, financial institutions, stakeholders in state and federal agriculture institutions, local and state governments, partners of PIND, as well as women involved in agriculture in the Niger Delta.

This year’s Women’s Day theme, ‘’Pledge for Parity’’ could not have been more apt, considering the widening gap between women and men in Nigeria. In Nigeria today, in spite of the efforts of gender activists and civil society organisations like PIND to raise awareness on the need for parity between the two sexes, all indications point to the glaring reality of disparity in that women are still second-class citizens in their own country.

Nothing validates this appalling reality more than the feminisation of poverty in the country.

Getting women engaged in agriculture would improve the income and economic development of women and thereby reduce the gap between women and men in terms of capacity and empowerment. Therefore PIND’s target this year, ‘’Women in Agriculture in the Niger Delta,’’ aims to place

women in the frontlines of the revival of agriculture in the country, beginning from the Niger Delta as a strategic composition of Nigerian society. The nation’s economy also stands to benefit greatly because it is believed that when a woman is empowered, a nation is empowered.

At the one- day event in Asaba, PIND’s Field Projects Manager, Sylvester Okoh, said the Foundation “works to establish and encourage innovative multi-stakeholder partnership that empowers communities to achieve a peaceful and enabling environment for equitable and peaceful economic growth in the Niger Delta. To do this, we have structured our operations into four distinct but mutually reinforcing program areas: economic development, capacity building, peace building and analysis and advocacy programs.”

The highlight of the occasion was the wellresearched and brilliantly delivered paper of the guest speaker, Dr. Etim Frank, a gender activist and Director of Women United for Economic Empowerment and Clement Isong Centre for Development Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Dr. Frank began his presentation by naming women such as Angela Merkel, Hillary Clinton et. al who have achieved parity in their various nations, as well as some Nigerian women such as Margaret Ekpo.

He, however, noted that many women were still only allowed minor positions in the political posts in Nigeria. He drew the attention of the audience to the fact that out of the 109 elected Senators in the 8th Nigerian Senate, only 8 of them are women. In Niger Delta States Legislative Houses, with a total membership of about 232, only 20 are women.

He asserted that unless gender parity was achieved in the distribution of elective and appointive positions among the various tiers of government, political advancement and development would be very difficult to achieve in the country.

Dr. Frank opined that in the Niger Delta, women in agriculture were mostly engaged at the subsistence and marginal levels, just like in many parts of the country. He blamed the minimal and peripheral engagements of women in agriculture on the patriarchal configuration of the Nigerian society. Women in the Niger Delta, and in many parts of the country, have no title to land for expansive and mechanised farming; have very limited access to credit facilities to bolster their agri-

cultural productivity; and little involvement in value adding chain agricultural activities.

He proposed some solutions, which if adopted and implemented by the relevant stakeholders, could provide a leeway for women to actualise their immense potentials in the agricultural sector, thereby making significant contributions to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, raising their own income level and ultimately, bridging the gender gap.

One of the solutions he offered was the urgent need for government to commence a process of leasing out lands to female farmers, which women could use not only for agricultural practices but also as collateral to access credit. This, for example, would enable women in the Niger Delta to contribute to food sufficiency, which is a necessity for growth and sustainable development in the region. He also suggested the involvement of specialised banks through loans to women practising agriculture in the Niger Delta, thereby empowering women to adopt modern agricultural practices and attendant high yields.

“For example, the 200 billion naira commercial agriculture credit scheme by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and Micro Finance Banks (MFBs) should be made to create facilities for women in agriculture, because of the need to push women forward to achieve parity, [therefore] some privileges in terms of accessing facilities should be set aside for women.” Dr. Frank said.

Another strong solution Dr. Frank proposed was the need to sensitise Niger Delta men on the opportunity cost of their women not being equipped to be part of the agricultural transformation. “Men should realize that women have been known to spend more of their income on their households; therefore, when women are helped to increase their income, the welfare of the whole family is improved.”

Mr. Deji Haastrup, General Manager, Government and Public Affairs of Chevron Nigeria Limited also attended the event and remarked that this year’s theme was very apt, especially as the country is shifting its focus from being a mono-economy, based on oil and gas, to other sectors, especially agriculture. Mr. Haastrup used the occasion to roll out some of the initiatives of Star Deepwater Petroleum Limited, a Chevron Company, with its co-venturers in the Agbami field, and PIND, aimed at enhancing the development of agriculture in the Niger Delta. Some of

these new initiatives include: pilot projects in three value chains in aquaculture, cassava and palm oil in Delta State; partnership with the National Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) to train six local equipment fabricators for the production of palm oil small-scale processing equipment in Delta and Imo States; and the sponsoring of Cassava Youth Empowerment Scheme in Ondo State.

Mr. Haastrup made an important statement on the need to combat some of the health challenges facing women in the Niger Delta, which might hamper their potentials and derail the gender parity drive. He gave the good news of the efforts Chevron, in partnership with Pact, is making with its multimillion-dollar community based project initiated to create awareness on HIV/AIDS as well as combat Mother to Child Transmission of the virus.

The event effectively buttressed the PIND Foundation’s resolve to foster an “egalitarian and peaceful society that guarantees equal rights and equitable access to and control of productive resources; ensuring that individuals are empowered to create wealth and overcome poverty and disease irrespective of sex and other demographic differentials.”

At the event, two interactive sessions were held where women farmers learnt how to access funding for their businesses and shared information on effectively organizing within their communities for their interests. The Forum provided an opportunity for women farmers and financial lenders to discuss access to finance. In a spirited conversation, women farmers urged the Bank of Agriculture and ‘Lift Above Poverty’ to be responsive to the realities of farmers, and charged the Bank to do more to reach out to women farmers. The representative from Lift Above Poverty Microfinance Bank discussed what his institution was doing to improve access to finance for farmers. Both he and the representative from the Bank of Agriculture offered to guide the women farmers with loan and grant applications. This is important, because so many women pointed out access to finance and farming equipment as a major challenge for their businesses. It was clear that, while women had many capacity gaps that needed to be filled in order to access loans, these financial institutions also needed to improve on their outreach to truly help farmers.

- Ruth Kufeji is an Agroprenuer in Delta State

In Search of a New Post Master General Nonso Amadi

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any people are asking why due process and transparency should not take their pride of place in the appointment of a new Post Master General for the Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST). The Post Master General is the chief postal officer for the nation. This question became pertinent following what is said to be alleged moves by some elements to manipulate the process of appointing the new Post Master General.

The process is already being handled by some consultants who many believe should not allow themselves to be used to achieve some ends that are inimical to our postal system.

Even if the process of appointing the new helmsman for NIPOST seems to be going in the wrong direction, the authorities, in this instance, President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Communication, Alhaji Adebayo Shittu, are there to ensure that the right thing is done. At least being God-fearing and committed to best practices, we expect nothing less.

NIPOST is so important in many ways to Nigeria that it will be a tragedy of immense proportion if, by acts of commission or omission, the wrong person

Shittu

is appointed to man its affairs because manipulators of the appointment process are allowed to have their way.

For the record, NIPOST is significant to the extent that it has emerged as the third largest cash cow for the nation, thanks to the Stamp Duties Act which rakes billions in revenue into the Federation Account.

Courtesy of the Act, N50 goes into the coffers of NIPOST from every deposit made into the bank that is above N1000. From the proceeds, NIPOST remits the bulk and keeps a little percentage to take care of its

affairs.

Second, NIPOST is a major employer.

The institution employs thousands of people across the country. It is in fact next to the police in terms of maintaining offices in virtually every part of the nation, no matter how urban or remote. What this means is that NIPOST employs more people than many people think.

So, what is the problem of the alleged manipulators that make them so bent on imposing on NIPOST a substantive Post Master General? There are some assets of the institution in which the alleged manipulators are said to be interested. The monetary value of the assets, according to sources, is in billions of Naira. If the assets are to be sold at all, the process ought to be transparent. But the manipulators were said to have preferred to acquire the assets through the back door. Some patriotic people in the system kicked against the move. The unscrupulous bid to acquire the NIPOST assets was aborted. Meanwhile, the alleged manipulators would not give up. They are waiting for a new leadership to be installed before renewing their acquisition bid of the NIPOST assets.

The on-going bid to appoint a new Post Master General for the institution seems to be the right time. Sources in the system described the manipulators as a mafia which will stop at nothing to get whatever it wants, no matter what it costs.

It is therefore left for the consultants vested with the responsibility of recruiting the new NIPOST top official and the Federal Government to ensure that due process and transparency are not only followed in the process of appointing the new Post Master General, but also all candidates are equally treated.

In fact, it would serve the interest of transparency and godliness to bring on board all stakeholders, especially those who know how the system has been made to work today, after years of decrepit performance.

Nigerians are watching to see that the Buhari government lives up to its promise that the nation has ended the era of impunity in this particular case of the bid to appoint the NIPOST chief. Beyond this, merit should also not be sacrificed on the altar of mediocrity in the search for the new Post Master General. Some people are rooting for an insider in the system to emerge as the head of the institution. I share this school of thought because such a person will have the benefit of knowledge of how the system works and use it to move NIPOST forward. The institution is too important to be left in the hands of an agent of the alleged manipulators to achieve selfish objectives.

Amadi, an economist, sent this piece from Awka, Anambra State

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • MARCH 27, 2016

PERSPECTIVE

Public Schools and Educational Opportunity in Nigeria Damilola Akinyele

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n Nigeria, many children are at risk of never attending or completing formal education: children from low socio-economic backgrounds, girls, those in rural areas, those with illnesses and disabilities, or places marred by conflict. Yet every human has a right to education, as made clear in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. Around the world, more than 70 million children are still out of school but progress is being made towards ensuring that many who are excluded, or at a disadvantage, have the opportunity to attend. Although there are challenges, criticisms, discussions on the purpose of education, how education is being done, quality education, and the institution of schooling, it is important to have these institutions in place that ensure that all children can realize their potential, choose their aspirations, and achieve their aims.

Tesconi, in his book Good Schools reminds us of the primary purposes of public schooling- it was invented for the purpose of the public, not for a school that will cater to like-minded parents, wealthy parents, or parents who anticipate the future of their students, e.g., If I send my children to school A, they have a chance of becoming president. Public school is the great equalizer. In the 19th century, Thomas Jefferson and others championed the cause of public schooling and described it as an opportunity for children, independent of their social or economic status. In Nigeria, the growth of the population, the inadequate infrastructure is a challenge. According to UNICEF, 40% of children aged 6-11 do not attend primary school. Although Nigeria is implementing the mandatory free Universal Basic Education (UBE)

I

Yemi Olowolabi

danre has a new song that captures its captivating scenery and defines its existential essence. It is entitled Udane ma s’enwa, which literally means Idanre is beautiful. It is a three-stanza lyrical composition that richly compliments the natural elements in a town like no other.

It is a land of honour where hills make headlines as nature’s frills for tourists’ thrills. From sunrise to sunset, Idanre smoulders in the ethereal radiance of its ubiquitously smoking hills and unbelievably luxuriant sprouts on hard rocks. And they all flourish in aerial relish, ushering visitors into a refreshing land of ravishing magnificence. Indeed, Idanre dazzles with undiminishing glitters of glistening gold. All of these are summarised in the rhythmic mantra, Udane ma s’enwa, the raving lines with avid refrains.

From the allures of nature to the halo around the hills, Idanre draws the attention and admiration of tourists and indigenes alike. Indigenes? Yes! Some indigenes of this ancient town cherish the picturesque natural architecture of the town and they are fanatical in the celebration of its beauty. The composition of Udane ma s’senwa is the best illustration of how to love one’s town dearly. Romanticising nature in rhymes and lines is an admirable feature of English literature.

From ST Coleridge to DH Lawrence, poets of old acknowledged the transcendental essence of nature in delightful lyricism.

Our own Wole Soyinka, Niyi Osundare and other icons of African literature pay glowing tributes to nature in their respective poetic compositions. No one can easily forget Osundare’s lyrical toast on Ikogosi warm spring. Entitled Ikogosi mo ki o, meaning Ikogosi I greet you, the world acclaimed literary scholar, romanticised Ikogosi Ekiti with cryptic and charismatic metaphors, very much like the fabulous verses on Idanre, Udane ma s’enwa!

Adamu law, the facilities, structures, curriculum, management, and outcomes of this education are in deteriorating conditions.

The question then becomes, ‘is public schooling providing a fairness of educational opportunity for Nigerians?’ A 2010 study on Nigeria shows that more than 26% of primary-age students are enrolled in private schools; these numbers are increasing due to the inefficiency of public schooling in Nigeria.

Ondo, a southwestern state in Nigeria, is reshaping how public education is being done in Nigeria. As of 2016, the state has built over 50 model primary schools. The schools are categorized into 2 types: type A & B. Type A can accommodate 1050 students while type B can accommodate 525 students.

Babatunde Fafunwa, a former minister of education in Nigeria in his book New Perspectives on African Education calls for a reappraisal of African education:

the structures, the curriculum, the teacher quality-- all issues that are being addressed in Ondo’s mega schools. The teachers in these schools have signed up to be lifelong learners, as teacher training is a priority of the education ministry in the state. In a global context, and in the age of knowledge, these schools are equipped with functional computer rooms, and libraries supplied with diverse content- international, and national.

In a study released in 2014, researchers found that the lack of infrastructure can shape the outcome of students. Minor things such as air quality in buildings can profoundly Influence learning. The mega schools are structured so that students have access to playgrounds, rooms for art expressions, power generators for when electricity cuts off during the day, sick bays for when students are ill, good desk tables, chairs, and boards for students learning. For children around the world, a challenge to attending school is the distancetohomefactor.Schoolbuseshavebeenprovidedforeverymegaschoolinthe 18 local governments, and students are being picked up before and after school, increasing their chances of attending school, and keeping them off the streets after school.

The schools are also working with the mandate of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which means that poverty and lack of money are not a barrier to the students attending the schools: the schools are free of fees and the libraries are overflowing with learning materials that the government supplies to ensure that students or teachers are nothing short supply of materials to learn or materials to prepare lessons.

Although much has been achieved in recent years in the public education

The Pride of Idanre Guess what? Udane ma s’enwa is not a song. Neither is it a poem. It is the club anthem of Club 66, Idanre. Yes. That is what it is. A sublime rhyme composed by the club’s immediate past president, Biyi Akinseye, multi-talented socialite, businessman and financial analyst. The origination and recitation of this poetic anthem have a strong magical appeal that serenades the resplendence of a city set on the hills and reinforces the commitment of its members to the progress and development of the land.

Indeed, the contents of the anthem have become the article of faith that brooks no infidelity. In other words, members live and work in the full consciousness of the avowed commitment to idanre as affirmed in these verses of bliss. Without any doubt, Club 66, Idanre, as a frontline social club, has distinguished itself in selfless community service and exemplary leadership.

Clearly not oldest club in Idanre but unarguably the boldest in terms of visible and palpable presence in the community.

Every year, the club disburses scholarship and bursar awards to brilliant but indigent indigenes in both secondary and tertiary institutions. The award was instituted with the active support and patriotic zeal of the club’s patron, Chief Pius Oluwole Akinyelure, the national vice chairman of the All Progressive Congress, APC, in the South West.

Akinyelure, accountant, businessman, socialite, politician and a community leader is surely a topic for another day.

But what cannot be withheld about him is that he has consistently used the platform of Club 66, Idanre to dispense kindness to his community without drawing any attention to himself. This is a paradigm shift from the one who hugs the limelight for highlighting thugs. Akinyelure is an

oxymoron; a resilient socialite famous for his reticence. Club 66’s interest in education is very strong, so is the passion to preserve the rich culture of the community. Recently, the club invested about N1.5million to buy musical equipment for Rotimi Akinlamilo, an Idanre-based traditional musician who propagates the town’s cultural renaissance through songs. Again, like the scholarship scheme, this significant intervention also enjoys the unsung imprimatur of its club’s patron. Akinlamilo is young. But his music is old. The investment in him, therefore is an investment in the past in the interest of the present to safeguard the future of the community’s cultural heritage. Of fact, before the emergence of Akinlamilo, many of us were already paranoid about the future of Idanre music, the dateless reservoir of our culture. From the inspiring stagecraft so far exhibited by the young singer, we are relieved that someone is stepping into the shoes of Idanre music legends like Sir Francis Akintade, late Adebayo Kuroloja and other forerunners. I remember watching Akinlamilo on stage recently; his lexical finish and lyrical flourish were evocative of the years of yore when Akintade ruled our world with mores, myths, mementos and muscular panegyric. Isn’t that beautiful? Indeed, Udane ma s’enwa!

Apart from the originality of this composition and the centrality of its theme, the anthem sufficiently encapsulates the heroic activities of the club: to develop Idanre and transfer the genes to younger generations. At a glance, the founding fathers of the club are men who spot grey hairs with graceful mien. Some of them include former director of press at the presidency, Eric Teniola, former editor-inchief of Nigerian Tribune, who is a media consultant with ICPC, Folu Olamiti,

sector, and in Ondo state, there is still more that the nation needs to address: the why, how, and what of the education system in Nigeria.

Public schools in Nigeria must also address issues such as the lack of education funding, accountability for how the education budget is being distributed and spent, the lack of teachers, untrained teachers, the classroom structures- school infrastructure, adequate and relevant learning materials with provisions for students with disabilities.

Other issues to be addressed include gender, conflict-ridden areas, and the plan for education, hunger and the expense of education (informal feestextbooks, school uniforms).

In Ondo state, as with Nigeria, it is critical that there is a sustainability plan for these schools, even after the current governor, Dr. OlusegunMimiko who has championed this cause leaves office. In the words of Nyerere, the first president of Tanzania “we must run while others walk.” In addition to educating for social capabilities, intrinsic reasons, education is an investment in the human capital.

Educating every Nigerian is critical to our national development. Quality education for every child regardless of ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, geographic location, is a human right.

I look forward to a Nigeria where our public school systems are not only for children of a low socio economic status, but every Nigerian, because it is good education- an education that fosters development, social responsibility, critical and analytical skills, productivity, innovation, artistic expressions, and change.

–– Akinyele is an education consultant and social researcher (damiakinyele@gmail.com)

executive chairman of Media Link, Babu Akinbobola, Lagos businessman Kelly Olurankinse and U.S.-based Marcus Akinboni. Just like the club is trying to save Idanre traditional music from extinction, it has never lost sight of saving itself.

Hence, these granddads have danced out of the executive affairs of the club, thus leaving the stage to much younger patriots who have been baptised in the faith. The love for Idanre is the cardinal article of faith in Club 66. This is evident in the musical anthem that rings like a typical declaration of commitment to a cause.

In a smart move to perpetuate the club’s vision, the pioneers identified Biyi Akinseye, who was relatively younger and made him president. That was a turning point. Radical and vocal, Akinseye took the leadership challenge with unequivocal commitment. He was president of The Apapa Club, a foremost recreation club in Lagos between 1996 and 1998. With such enviable track record, success was not unexpected. What was exceptional was the triumph of a transitional leadership which was largely experimented with Akinseye’s ascendance. In January this year, the club recorded the ultimate success when Akinseye also handed over to a much younger Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika as the new president. While most of the pioneers are in their late 60s, the president is[yemiolowo1] 50. It is an interesting development. But the important lesson here is that any club that wants to outlive its founding members must not only admit younger people but it must also yield leadership to them with a view to enjoying new ideas and fresh perspectives. That is the strength of Club 66. That is its beauty as well. And that is the pride of Idanre, where a new song has burst forth in the likeness of an anthem: Udane ma s’enwa o!

-Olowolabi is chief executive officer of Red Carpet Communications Limited, Lagos.

T H I S D AY SUNDAY MARCH 27, 2016

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SUNDAYSPORTS

Edited by Demola Ojo Email demola.ojo@thisdaylive.com

AFCON 2017: Egypt Beatable in Alexandria, Ighalo Boasts

W

atford striker Odion Ighalo has said he believes Nigeria could still get the victory they desperately need against Egypt on Tuesday to stay on course for next year’s AFCON in Gabon. Nigeria failed to beat visiting Egypt in Friday’s must-win match in Kaduna and now travel to Alexandria on Tuesday for the reverse

fixture against the seven-time African champions.

The Super Eagles thus remain two points behind group leaders Egypt after three rounds of matches in the qualifying tournament with only the overall group winners assured automatic qualification to Gabon 2017.

“Egypt got a draw in Nigeria and I believe we can still go over there to win,” declared Ighalo, who was kept quiet by the Egyptian defence on Friday for the duration of the game.

“It was disappointing that we did not concentrate till the last minute and that they didn’t give us the fair play, but we can still win on Tuesday.”

Goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi said the target remains a win in Egypt. “We need the three points in Egypt. It will be a tough task, but we are very capable,” said the South Africa-based shot stopper. “We will fight to get the victory in Egypt,” added defiant Gent forward Moses Simon, who started the game on Friday ahead of Chelsea loanee Victor Moses.

CAF May Fine Nigeria for Overcrowding at Kaduna Stadium

Ighalo

Nigeria are likely to be sanctioned by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for allowing for overcrowding at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna during a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Egypt.

The 25,000-capacity Ahmadu Bello Stadium, which was built in 1964, overflowed with more than 40,000 spectators after host Kaduna State government threw open the gates for the fans to watch the game free of charge.

Hundreds of fans stood on the stadium’s athletics tracks to watch the match, while the stands were packed to the seams. “Nigeria will most likely be penalised by CAF for this poor crowd control even though there was no major incident before, during and after the match,” said a

worried top official.

“Sanctions for such a shortcoming would be a fine and a warning.”

Another official said the police failed to stop the crowd from gaining access to the stadium even when it was clear the arena’s capacity was already overstretched.

In 2009, poor crowd control caused the death of 19 people before a 2010 World Cup qualifier between hosts Cote d’Ivoire and Malawi.

Investigations said ticketless fans were to blame or the stampede and Ivorian FA were fined $47,000 by FIFA. A stampede at the Accra Sports Stadium in Ghana in 2001 caused the death of 127 people.

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MARCH 27, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

UNRELIABLE SOURCES

Why PTAD Boss, Nellie Mayshak, was Suspended

T

James Emejo in Abuja

he indefinite suspension handed down to erstwhile Executive Secretary, Pension Transitional Arrangement Department (PTAD), Nellie Mayshak, by the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, shocked members of the public following developments in the recent past which had marred the reputation of pension managers in the country.

A statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media to the Minister, Mr. Festus Akanbi, penultimate week had confirmed Mayshak’s suspension by Adeosun while a director from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) was also appointed as acting executive secretary of the directorate.

Apart from Mayshak, three other senior officials in the directorate were also suspended.

The statement added that the suspension was a normal civil service procedure, to pave way for an unimpeded investigation into the activities of the directorate under Mayshak’s watch.

However, apart from the announcement that the PTAD boss had been relieved of her duties, no attempt was made to give the details surrounding the development which had already put most public pensioners on the edge.

It was rumoured that Mayshak’s allegedly pocketed up to N60 million as monthly salary, a claim which her close associates had told THISDAY it was untrue and impossible. It however gathered that she arbitrarily fixed for herself salaries and allowances, far above what she ought to earn in her position, (though not anything close to the N60million being speculated) without recourse to Wages and Salaries Commission that fixes the salaries and allowances of Public Servants in her cadre. THISDAY checks further revealed the underbelly issues which led to her being suspended indefinitely.

Trouble started when Mayshak had during the tenure of the former Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Jonah Otunla, demanded that the sum of N3 billion, which was earmarked for the verification of pensioners nationwide be released to enable her carry out the exercise. Otunla, however, reportedly declined her request and insisted that the verification exercise ought to be carried out by the OAGF and not PTAD. The suspended PTAD boss further insisted that the money must be released to her, else she would not sign as a party for the withdrawal of the fund.

The disagreement lingered all through Otunla’s tenure, THISDAY further gathered, making it impossible for PTAD to draw the N3 billion during the former AGF’s tenure.

The issue was said to have been reintroduced to the new Accountant General, Mr. Ahmed Idris, who also insisted that the verification be carried out jointly by PTAD and OAGF. But Mayshak, once again stuck to her guns and rejected the suggestion.

It was learnt that she later met with directors of the OAGF and maintained she wanted to carry out the exercise without any external support, a request which was further turned down.

THISDAY gathered that after much pressure, the AGF later yielded to her demand and released the money to her, even though the directors were unhappy with the release of the funds, prompt-

Mayshak

ing series of anonymous petitions accusing her of misappropriation of funds, nepotism, inflating contracts and using companies allegedly linked to her to corner juicy contracts at PTAD. Adeosun was said to have called Mayshak penultimate Tuesday to prepare her documents in response to the allegations. The minister had confronted Mayshak with the allegations bordering on abuse of office.

Specifically, Mayshak was alleged to have employed her relatives to important positions as secretary, and in the ICT department of the agency. Sources gave their names as Patricia Iyohe, Mrs. Ruth Imonikhe (who is her secretary), and one Yohab.

They were also alleged to be influential in PTAD and key players in some of the allegations leveled against the suspended pension boss.

After Adeosun confronted the suspended DG with the accusations and facts that Tuesday, Mayshak was said to have failed to put up a convincing defence and was ordered right before Idris not to return to PTAD as she had been suspended indefinitely.

Three other senior officials in the agency were also suspended in relation to alleged scam and abuse of office following an audit report.

Besides, counted as part of abuse of office and insubordination, inside sources also told THISDAY that Mayshak allegedly arrogated to herself the position of a director general instead of simply an executive secretary in violation of the Act that established the directorate. Section 42 (3) of the Pension Reform Act, 2014 designated her office as Executive Secretary. Her refusal to use that executive secretary designation was seen as a clear breach of the enabling Act. In the industry, only the office of the head of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), the regulatory authority of the pension industry in Nigeria, is designated as

Director General.

Although, Mayshak was ordered not to return to her office, sources alleged that she went back to the office on that Tuesday night and may have left with vital information.

Following the incident, THISDAY sighted a detachment of DSS officials positioned at the premises of PTAD in two black pickup vehicles.

The DSS was said to have mounted a round-the-clock vigilance at the premises of the agency, to perhaps monitor nocturnal activities at the agency.

A staff of PTAD told THISDAY that the security operatives had also issued orders to private security operatives in the agency to be vigilant and ensure that nobody moved out of the premises with excess luggage.

“The DSS have ordered that those who come in with one bag shouldn’t leave the office with more than one bag,” the source said.

THISDAY further learnt from company sources that there had been grievances against the former DG which bothered on favoritism and discrimination in job offers in the agency.

PTAD was created in August 2013 under the Pension Reform Act of 2004 to oversee the management of pensions under the defined benefit scheme for pensioners who were not accommodated in the new defined contributory scheme.

Essentially, the implementation of the contributory pension scheme (CPS) was envisaged as solution to the old pension arrangement whereby funds had been misapplied by various government regime, creating huge backlogs of arrears of unpaid pension among other challenges.

The lastest unsavory development came as Nigerians were still trying to cope with the recent pension fraud involving the former Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team, Abdulrasheed Maina, with over N2 billion he allegedly stole through fraudulent biometric contracts.

However, Nigerians were particularly pleased at the new arrangement in pension management where monies are not concentrated in the hands of a unit, often giving room for abuse.

Under the CPS, pension fund administrators don’t necessarily have access to contributed funds, a situation which reduces the incidence of corruption.

Following past experiences in pension assets mismanagement, however, issues relating to funds management had always been of interest to stakeholders who want to be assured that their money is safe at all times.

Nevertheless, sensing the magnitude of the disaffection which Mayshak’s removal may generate in the public, including the condition of pension assets, the management of the agency had been quick to assure pensioners, particularly those being currently managed by PTAD that the development would not affect pension payments and services.

Experts believe negative incidences of fraud as regarding pension funds management will continue to generate tension particularly among pensioners, some of who depend on it for sustenance.

Although the situation appeared to have been put under some measure of control, the managers of public pension assets would need to be put under spotlight to reduce the incidence or possibility of corruption which is capable of destroying the reputation of the system and eroding stakeholders’ confidence in the administration of their funds.

Who Owns House 42, Remi Fani-Kayode Street, GRA Ikeja?

A

Gboyega Akinsanmi

s the trial of Senate President Bukola Saraki resumes next week at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, ownership of one of the properties listed in a false asset declaration charge preferred against him at the tribunal would create a legal firework between the defence team and the prosecutor.

THISDAY checks showed that the said property, a newly refurbished storey building painted in cream colour, located on 42, Remi Fani-Kayode Street, GRA, Ikeja, alleged to belong to Saraki may actually be owned by Lagos State Government. THISDAY investigation reveals that some of the houses in the area are properties of the state government and are occupied by its staff.

When THISDAY visited the location of the property recently, findings revealed that the building was actually occupied by civil servants with the Lagos State Government.

During the visit, THISDAY sighted no fewer than 10 vehicles with private and official registration numbers parked inside the building, although THISDAY was not allowed to gain entrance into the building for thorough examination.

THISDAY also sighted a KIA Rio car branded and marked in the official colour and logo of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) inside the said property.

Even though he was not really persuaded about THISDAY’s mission, one of the people in the premises agreed to call out one of the occupants, whom he said, could provide answers to our inquiries.

Speaking with THISDAY, a dark complexioned occupant, who refused to provide his identity, acknowledged that the property belonged to Lagos State government.

He added that all occupants of the building "are public servants of Lagos State. Each flat in the building was officially allocated to the occupants.

So, this place belongs to the Government of Lagos State and not to any other person."

To further confirm veracity of the residents’ claim, THISDAY contacted the Ministry of Housing and Social Amenities, but the efforts were fruitless as officials contacted said they could only provide details until after going through

their records. Attempt to also get direct confirmation from the Commissioner for Housing and Social Amenities, Hon. Gbolahan Lawal, was also not fruitful as he could not respond to THISDAY enquiries at the time of going to press.

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NEWSXTRA

PROMOTING JOURNALISM L-R: CEO of CFG Advisory Group and Discussant, Mr. Tilewa Adebajo; Director of Press, Lagos State

Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mrs. Toro Oladapo who represented Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, and Founder, Centre for Values in Leadership and Chairman of the occasion, Prof Pat Utomi, at the Inaugural Lecture of the Centre for Financial Journalism held at The Civic Centre, Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island, Lagos...recently

FOCUS ON NIGERIA L-R: Public Relations Specialist, Turkish Airlines, Seda Dincer; Managing Director, Said Samil Karakas, and

MarketingandSalesSpecialist,YasinBattal,duringapressaddressontheairline’sNigeriaoperationsinIstanbul, Turkey...recently

Nigeria to Send Delegation to Cameroon to Verify Arrested Suicide Bomber’s Claim Tobi Soniyi in Abuja and Zacheaus Somorin in Lagos with agency report

The Federal Government is making plans to send two members of the Chibok community to neighbouring Cameroon, in order to verify whether a female suicide bomber arrested in Cameroon is one of the missing schoolgirls abducted in Chibok almost two years ago.

A statement yesterday by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari, said that the Minister of Women Affairs, Senator Aisha Alhassan, and the Nigerian High Commissioner in Cameroon, Ambassador Hadiza

Zakari Mustapha, had already swung into action and were receiving a lot of cooperation from the Cameroonian authorities.

Shehu revealed that the Nigerian High Commissioner in Cameroon had confirmed that the arrested girls might be brought to the Capital, Younde,

by Monday, at which point the High Commission would seek permission to meet with them.

The Murtala Mohammed Foundation has also offered to cooperate with Nigerian government in sponsoring two parents from Chibok who had been selected to embark on the trip to Cameroon.

The two are Yakubu Nkeki, Chairman of the Parents of the Abducted Girls from Chibok association, and Yana Galang,

the group’s women leader.

The Nigerian High Commission will receive the two and will facilitate their access to the two girls once permission to meet and verify their identities is obtained from the Cameroonian authorities. A teenage girl on a suicide bombing mission who surrendered to authorities in Northern Cameroon had claimed she was one of the 276 girls abducted from a Nigerian boarding school in Chibok, Borno State by Islamic extremists nearly two years ago.

If confirmed, the development would mark the first news of the missing Chibok girls in many months. It has long been feared that some are being used by their Boko Haram abductors to carry out such attacks given

the growing number of young female suicide bombers.

The girl is about 15 years old and turned herself in before detonating her explosives, said Idrissou Yacoubou, the leader of a self-defense group in Limani, Cameroon.

“The girl looked tired, malnourished and psychologically tortured and could not give us more details about her stay in the forest and how her other mates were treated,” he said.

Cameroon has ordered investigations to determine the authenticity of the 15-year-old’s declarations, said Midjiyawa Bakari, governor of the Far North region. Cameroonian authorities declined to identify her by name because she is a minor.

Saraki: Thousands of Youth, Women Stage Peaceful Protest in Kwara

• As group faults CCT’s ruling Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Thousands of youths and women in Kwara state yesterday staged a peaceful protest against the ongoing trial of former governor of the state and Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki by the Code of Conduct Tribunal in Abuja over an alleged false assets declaration.

Also, the Nigerian Needs Positive Change Group (NNPCG) has faulted the recent ruling of the CCT on Saraki, who is currently standing trial before it.

The protesters who moved across the major streets of Ilorin and to the Government House, Ilorin, expressed disaffection over the trial of Saraki by the CCT, Abuja. The group, under the aegis of Concerned Youths and Women on CCT, expressed belief that Saraki’s travail was politically-motivated.

The placard-carrying protesters were led by Yinka Dalas and some of the placards read: ‘The judgment of CCT on Saraki is already on the social media by 4am on the day of judgment by Umaru Danladi’; ‘Saraki’s case is political;’ and ‘CCT has two laws, one for one

the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) to exonerate ten governors and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“One now asks? Was the judgment written for him? Or was he that wrote the judgment and passed it to his sponsors?

With this we urge the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) to investigate the judgment”, he added.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Needs Positive Change Group (NNPCG) has faulted the CCT ruling on Saraki’s case pending before it. The group, in a statement issued in Ilorin, Kwara state capital yesterday and signed by its Secretary, Mr. Jide Jokotade, described Justice Danladi Umar’s ruling as “a

low point in the nation’s judicial system.” It also noted that the development has exposed the “double standard” in the CCT’s procedure.

The group lamented that “even the fact that the court unequivocally admitted flaws in a similar case involving a former governor of Lagos state, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is a strong testimony that the judgment was predetermined.”

The group re-echoed its stand that the CCT should re-arraign Tinubu to answer charges preferred against him “because it is the same tribunal and the same Judge that has delivered different rulings in similar matters.”

man and one other Nigerians’.

Dalas, who spoke with journalists in Ilorin said, “Senate President Bukola Saraki’s ongoing trial at the CCT is politicallymotivated. This is a man that single-handedly exposed the fuel subsidy’s scam. We are protesting in his support today and we want the APC leadership in the state to take our case to the appropriate quarters.

“They claim he mismanaged our money when he was the governor of Kwara state, but every discerning mind knows that it was this same man that opened up Kwara to the whole world. His achievements in office are there for all who care to see.”

Receiving the protesters PDP Not Sure of Allegations against Buhari’s yesterday, state chairman of Wife, Garba Shehu, Others APC, Alhaji Ishola BalogunFulani urged the Chief Justice Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja PDP’s Head of Publicity, of Nigeria (CJN) to probe the Mrs. Chinwe Nnorom, who CCT’s judgment on jurisdiction. The Peoples Democratic spoke to THISDAY last According to him, “I sym- Party (PDP) has failed to night on telephone recalled pathise with you; I sympathise own up to an allegation that the twitter account of with Kwarans and I sympathise made on its twitter account the party was hacked into with Senate President Bukola that the wife of President which led to its temporary Saraki. It is a known fact that Muhammadu Buhari, Aisha, suspension. She said she today in Nigeria we have two and the President’s Special would need to cross-check laws. One for the average, the Assistant on Media and properly to know whether well-to-do and those in politics Publicity, Garba Shehu, indeed the tweets actually and the other for those that have received forex from the originated from the opponot; a law that has been used by Central Bank of Nigeria. sition party.

Dons Highlight Impact of Boko Haram Crises on Culture Nseobong Okon-Ekong For many communities in Borno and Yobe states whose way of life was disrupted by the Boko Haram crises, gradual return to normalcy may not guarantee a reverse to their commonplace culture, according to teachers at the Yobe State University in Damaturu.

The university lecturers posited that a combination of emerging factors would significantly alter several aspects of the culture of the people, mostly in the negative.

Mr. Ali Haruna, a Clinical Psychologist who lectures in the Department of Sociology who is also Director, Centre for Research on Capacity Development and Humanitarian Studies, argued that there are positive and negative sides to the insurgency in the north east, and submitted that many displaced persons who find themselves in the cities and have become exposed to the good life may not be willing to go back to the villages, particularly women.

He said proliferation of insurgency has triggered incidents of sexual gender-based violence, hitherto unknown in this part of the country.

“Most of the girls from the villages are being harassed by the host communities and most unfortunately by security agents, whose primary duty was to protect them.”

Stressing that there are two categories of Boko Haram recruits - those who joined willingly and those who were forcefully conscripted, he argued that in a situation where the trauma of Boko Haram activities are still fresh on members of the community, it would be difficult to reintegrate Boko Haram ‘operatives’ (who have been liberated by the military) back into the community without putting a stigma on them.

Haruna also drew attention to the vigilante group known as ‘Civilian Joint Task Force’. He said the informal method of their recruitment did not allow them to be put through a proper process of protecting their communities.

Agatu: 1,000 Displaced Persons Get Succour from Health Organisation George Okoh in Makurdi

Over 1,000 internally displaced Agatu women and children camped at the Central Primary School Ugbokpo, Apa Local Government Area were yesterday provided with free medical care by the Live Healthy Organisation (LHO).

The medical outreach which was sponsored by the wife of the immediate past Senate President, Mrs. Kate Mark, treated the inmates for various ailments, while those with serious health conditions were moved to health facilities outside the camp for treatment.

Speaking on the initiative,

Mrs. Mark who decried the condition of the women and children in the camp, and said the outreach was her modest contribution to the wellbeing of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

She lamented that children in the camp were malnourished due to poor feeding and proper medicare and pleaded with public spirited individuals and organisations to come to the aid of the displaced persons.

Mrs. Mark, who said she was moved by the condition of the IDPs to undertake the outreach programme, promised to sustain the exercise till the inmates returned to their ancestral homes.

CISLAC Staff on NEITI Board The Board of Trustees of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has received with appreciation President Muhammadu Buhari’s approval of the appointment of Mr. Kolawole Banwo as civil society representative on the National Stakeholders Working Group (NSWG) of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), according to a release from the Legal Director for CISLAC Board of Trustees, Mr. Adesina Oke. The appointment of Banwo, who isaSeniorProgrammeOfficer(Extractives)withCISLAC,wasmadein linewithprovisionsoftheNEITIAct2007.IttookeffectfromFebruary 19,2016andwillrunforfouryears.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R •MARCH 27, 2016

High Life

101 witH LANRE ALFRED 08076885752

...Amazing lifestyles of Nigeria’s rich and famous

Cecilia Ibru’s Epiphany as She Clocks 70

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s she clocked 70, Cecilia Ibru, former boss of defunct Oceanic Bank, holds on to the gift of life and memorable youth like dependable friars on the Alps.

Cecilia smiled again as she celebrated her 70th birthday in abundant joy regardless of her woes. She clocked 70 on Tuesday, March 22, and despite all that she has been through, Cecilia remains strong and ageless.

The former bank chief who was known as the ‘first lady’ of banking back then, suffered a reversal of fate when she was hit by the Sanusi Lamido Sanusi-led Central Bank of Nigeria tsunami, following allegations of financial recklessness leveled against her. Consequently, the influential banker was forced to crawl back into her shell thus deserting the social scene.

Notable for her

philanthropy and generosity, Cecilia was instrumental to the rise of many men and women to the esteemed circuit of the rich upper class in contemporary Nigeria many of which landed her in trouble and cost her her reputation and position at the bank. Ask Jimoh Ibrahim!

Unfortunately, people she helped have abandoned her as none except three or four of her friends who pooled funds together to place a one-page advert in Punch Newspaper on Tuesday, congratulated her.

Cecilia has no doubt learnt from her mistakes as sources close to her revealed that she now takes life very easy. With perfect understanding of the transience of life, power and affluence, Cecilia has renewed her passion for philanthropy with unparalleled vigour. She currently assists the needy through her brainchild, the Michael and Cecilia Ibru Foundation.

Cecilia Ibru

industry caused them to bury their hatchets. Recently, the social media was awash with the news of their separation again.

But it seems the two brothers have embraced peace again, judging by their recent tweets. This may be good news to them, but the fans are getting bored with P-Square always running round the vicious circle of breaking up and making up again.

P-Square

P-SQUARE MAKE-UP...WHEN WILL THE SINGING SENSATION GROW UP? If they were livestock, the singing sensation, Peter and Paul Okoye, aka P-Square, would probably be peacocks.

The singing sensations, like the improbable creature and flightless bird, are so stuck on fame and their success in the music industry that they have begun to over-estimate their own worth. Pundits dismiss their persistent bickering and threats to break up as a pathetic plot in their desperate quest to remain in the news at all cost.

It is becoming irritating to music buffs to see and read news about the duo’s ploys to break up. If the brothers do not retrace their steps very soon, it may eventually cost them the love and respect of their teeming fans. There is no gainsaying the fact that they are good at what they

do. Since their marriages to their respective lovers, things have allegedly turned awry between the twin brothers.

Issues relating to money, property and management are reportedly at the root of their disagreement. Due to their beef with each other, Peter and Paul, who live just a building apart, rarely set eyes on one another, according to the ruse being spread by their publicity stunt managers. They’re no longer the inseparable duo everyone loves to love. They haven’t performed together since December 28, 2015.

This is not the first time this will be happening.

Some years ago, the news of their separation spread like Harmattan fire and it broke the hearts of many fans across the continent. But the intervention of well-meaning Nigerians and influential persons in the entertainment

Ladun Sijuwade

ON LADUN SIJUWADE’S LOW-KEY 60TH ANNIVERSARY In the midst of her fountain of bliss, there arose something bitter, which stung her and moved her to tears. As Olori Ladun Sijuwade clocked 60, memories of her late husband, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II, the Ooni of Ife (1980 - 2015), dampened her

joy.

But she would not yield to sorrow; rather the revered matriarch and socialite chose to honour her late husband by celebrating her milestone moderately. On Thursday, March 17, Olori Ladun scorned elaborate fanfare and opted for a low key celebration, as a mark of respect for her beloved husband who joined his ancestors last July, at the age of 85. Ladun was not so happy because her husband had planned to celebrate her 60th anniversary in a very grand manner.

But for her two children – Aderenle Fayose and Aderemi Sijuwade, who executed a well-planned “birthday coup” by hosting a modest dinner in her honour, Olori Ladun would have allowed the day to just pass by.

The duo of Adenrele and Aderemi, allegedly suspected that their mother would be opposed to a lavish celebration, so, they planned a surprise dinner in her honour. The birthday dinner, a black tie affair, was held at Angelika’s, the upscale restaurant on Akin Adesola, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The restaurant was the perfect backdrop for the intimate dinner with its glass chandeliers and pristine white walls. Besides being the most prominent wife of the late Oba Sijuwade, Olori Ladun remains the most glamorous and formidable queen of all time.

She flaunts an enviable pedigree as the only daughter of the late billionaire, lawyer, politician and businessman, Chief Adedamola Harold-

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • MARCH 27, 2016

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HIGHLIFE

B

A Chip off the Old Block! Halima Dangote Builds Diagnostics Centre

eing the daughter of a billionaire is enough fame already.

When you are now the daughter of the richest black man in the world, the entire black race should literally worship the ground that you tread. Men should bow and women should genuflect when you as much as look in their direction.

If you were ostentatious, unruly and wild a la Paris Hilton, the world would wave it off as a non-issue; it comes with the terrain, they would say just to cover up for your excesses. But Dangote’s daughters are not moulded like that. They are unobtrusive and laid-back, almost Spartan and deeply religious.

We know Fatima who currently runs Cupcake Factory, Lagos, which is into special cake designs. There are also Zainab, Salma, Aisha and Sadia.

But it is Halima, the billionaire

Sodipo, and late society icon, Chief (Mrs.) Flora Olamide Harold-Sodipo (née Adefope).

Bosun Oredola

LOVE LIKE A FAIRY TALE...BOSUN AND YINKA OREDOLA ‘KILLED’ IT… Love is never limited, and it is never complete; it is an immense sensibility, a kind of huge spider-web of the finest silken threads suspended in the chamber of consciousness, and catching every air-borne particle in its tissue. It catches on with both the old and young, male and female.

It confounds the wise and it teaches even fools; thus when a sensible man like Bosun gets caught in its silken thread, the end result becomes truly fascinating. Suddenly, as rare things will, even true love vanishes. But not the type professed by Bosun Oredola, the oil magnate behind Petrobridge for his wife, Yinka Oredola. Besides showering unparalleled love on his wife, Bosun does practically everything and also shares joint bank accounts with his

industrialist’s second daughter that is gradually emerging from the overpowering shadows of her father.

Married since 2008 to Suleiman Sani-Bello whom she met while schooling at the American Intercontinental University, London, Halima is becoming more prominent on the business and social scenes.

Though it was her wedding ceremony that actually brought her into the limelight, the simple, yet classy mother of two has been seen with her dad at several high profile gatherings.

Halima oversees some of her father’s businesses and also serves as Group Executive Director at her husband’s company, Sublime Group.

She is currently putting up a world class diagnostics and laboratory complex valued at N7 billion at the Muritala Muhammed Specialist Centre, Kano. wife as a mark of unwavering love and loyalty to her. Bosun does not joke with his wife at all. The couples’ love story is indeed a lovers’ delight devoid of the vanities and foibles of the much hackneyed postmodern romance that have always been such an integral part of every couples’ story.

Their union is about something simple yet profound, something cosmic yet common. What cannot be denied is that in their union, there was majesty, that fascinating natural resource of the romantic enterprise, a gift celebrated by Jane Austen, one of the greatest bards as “a truth universally acknowledged.” Still, majesty is a concept that requires reenchantment every generation or so - and in this time the spell was the couple.

Bolu Akin-Olugbade

FAMILY HOSTS PRINCE BOLU AKIN-OLUGBADE TO 60TH BIRTHDAY DINNER IN US If Oladunni had her way, she would raise her husband, Bolu Akin-Olugbade, a dais

Halima and Aliko Dangote

of silk and fluffy feathers. She would ornament it with vair and craft it in gold and silver doves. She would spare no expense in hosting the love of her life to the grandest of treats as he attains yet another milestone.

Come April 2, Prince Akin-Olugbade, the Aare Onakakanfo of Owu Kingdom and the universe, as he is popularly known, will clock 60. The businessman and lawyer with PhD in Company Law from Cambridge University will be hosted to a dinner party at a Brazilian Restaurant called FOGO DE CHAO in Beverly Hills in Los Angeles at 8pm by his wife, Oladunni and their three sons.

Invitation cards with a dress code for guests have been sent out to a select few.

The Akin-Olugbades are known to never do things in half measures thus the celebration promises to be a high-octane event that would be a talk of the town in Beverly Hills, the second home of the Owu born Prince.

Prince Bolu gets what he wants - not by flaunting airs, throwing tantrums or haughtiness, but with captivating shyness, an unfaltering courtesy and a conviction that convinces.

However, his ascendance to the top was hardly borne on the wings of his privileged background; if it had anything to do with his pedigree, the details are probably too negligible to be noted.

ROBERT MBONU IS BACK WITH A BANG! MAVERICK BANKER RETURNS FROM HIBERNATION AND STUDY TOUR ABROAD

Robert Mbonu has a saint’s heart and the demeanour of a monk. That was why he

Robert Mbonu

forgave his foes and major opposition when he was a top dude at Heritage Bank.

After years of observation and enough courage to admit what he has suffered and observed, Robert has decided to sow seeds of loyalty and peace across the fallowing lands of his adversaries.

Mbonu has moved on. Years after he was cleverly eased out of Heritage Bank, he holds no grudges against anybody; as you read, he is planning to move into the arts business.

Mbonu, a brilliant banker and Executive Director in charge of Enterprise Management Group was allegedly eased out in a power tussle at the bank. The embers of discord were reportedly stoked when Heritage Bank acquired Enterprise Bank.

Mbonu reportedly believed that being a tested and trusted turn-around expert, he would be given the responsibility of integrating the moribund bank into the Heritage Banking Company

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R •MARCH 27, 2016

103

HIGHLIFE

Pastor Anita Oyakhilome Breaks out with Fresh Scent

A

nita Oyakhilome is a woman to love.

As you read, the estranged wife of Christ Embassy founder, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, has overcome the grief of her broken marriage to rejuvenate, heal and give scent, like a fresh petal of flower, breaking out in full bloom.

Anita, like multi-coloured petals broke out of her misery, sporting revitalised aspects and prettiness to attend an event in London recently. Anita elicited catcalls and admiration from both married and unmarried men as they continually drooled over her at the

event. Not too long ago, the traditional and new media portals ran amok with news of the celebrity couple and pastors marital crisis.

Anita filed for divorce at Central Family Court, High Holborn, London, UK, citing her husband’s “unreasonable behaviour” and inappropriate relationships with members of staff, an intonation of “adultery.” Anita has finally moved on after their messy divorce. The beautiful mother of two stepped out in an adorable dress looking every inch sensational for the event. Now that she’s single again, Pastor or Ms. Anita if you like, will never be short of male attention.

Limited. Alas, that was not to be. Yet, his competence was not in doubt - a fact attested to by the bank on its website. Mbonu was allegedly paid off by the bank and he subsequently relocated abroad to study. He is back in the country now and planning to open an arts gallery.

A former MD of the Societe Generale Bank of Nigeria, owned by the illustrious Saraki family, Robert was arrested in 2013 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for his alleged involvement in the pillaging of the bank’s vault. The SGBN later metamorphosed into Heritage Bank where Mbonu was placed below Sekibo. The centre never held between them as Sekibo allegedly felt threatened by Mbonu’s brilliance and competence.

Saturday, at Chocolate Royal, Victoria Island, Lagos, was star-studded. The celebrant took charge of the party herself, and endeavoured to treat every guest to a good time. The ecstasy of the event and innumerable treats made available to every guest at the celebrant’s behest tinged the atmosphere with a euphoric hue of sort; it all felt surreal.

And not a few guests could attest to that. The ambience of the party signified class, privileged circumstances and the enviable good taste of the celebrant.

Interestingly, she worked hard to attain her current status and she is far removed from the contemporary alpha female stereotype that glorifies flamboyance, self-aggrandisement and narcissism above substance.

The self-driven entrepreneur and construction magnate comes across as an enviable Amazon and achiever in an area and era where everyone seems to understate the worth of a driven woman.

Oyin Adeyemi

ON OYIN ADEYEMI’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AT CHOCOLATE ROYALE Every day in the life of Oyin Adeyemi, the MD of StillEarth portends a fresh adventure; it’s enchanting, melodic, like the coming together of lovelorn soul mates caught in an interminable whirlpool of passion. With Oyin, beauty subsists like eternal grace from above.

Therefore, her birthday last

Fifi Ejindu

CELEBRITY SLUG-FEST! WHY FIFI EJINDU, BIOLA OKOYA AND RONKE ADEMILUYI MAY NEVER BE FRIENDS AGAIN Unlike the petty fools of strife, that shriek and sweat in pygmy wars, Fifi Ejindu seemed to court neither hatred

Anita Oyakhilome

nor discord with anyone. The ravishing socialite seemed to live for the sweet affection and warmth of comradeship with her friends, until she fell out of love with every one of them.

Consequently, Fifi Ejindu is without friends. There is currently no love lost between Ejindu and her friends, Biola Okoya, Ronke Ademiluyi and Nkiru Anumudu.

Since they got mired in the jungle of angst and vicious recrimination, Ejindu has not been on talking terms with Okoya and Ronke.

You couldn’t have forgotten so soon the well-celebrated fight between Fifi and Nkiru Anumudu. The bitter feud raging between her and Okoya has evoked series of questionable rhetoric. Could their quarrel be attributed to petty rivalry or high-priced ego? No tangible answers have been found to these salient questions even by the closest friends and confidants of the former bosom friends.

Hardly anyone would forget in a hurry, Ejindu’s promising friendship with Ronke Ademiluyi, the founder of Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) and Africa Fashion Week Nigeria (AFWN). She started the Africa Fashion Week London in 2011, and at the 2014 edition of the show, she invited Ejindu to come serve as matron of the event. Things seemed to work perfectly between Ademiluyi and Ejindu; Ejindu attended her show and functioned in full measure as the event’s matron.

When Ejindu allegedly became too overbearing for Ademiluyi to handle, the latter ditched her and approached Biola Okoya to serve as matron to her annual fashion event. This infuriated Ejindu - she felt slighted for being passed over for Okoya. Her relationship with Ademiluyi has deteriorated since; yet hardly anyone knows what axe Ejindu has to grind with Ronke.

INTRIGUES AS PATIENCE JONATHAN’S HOTEL AND SPA

Patience Jonathan

LOSES PATRONAGE Like a haunted necropolis, former First Lady, Patience Jonathan’s hotel and spa, is discomfortingly quiet.

The relaxation spot, Aridolf Resort Wellness and Spa, owned by the former First Lady of Nigeria is virtually deserted; thus substantiating the popular maxim that power and influence attracts fair-weather friends and associates.

The spa was initially established as a humanitarian venture, but soon it morphed into the personal business of the former first lady. Further findings revealed that the relaxation spot was originally a pet project called Aruera Reachout Foundation, an NGO owned by the former First Lady. Predictably, when the Jonathans were in power, the hotel and spa became the haven of the country’s high society.

Not a few political and business titans patronised the spot in frantic bid to earn the favour of the former First Lady and her husband, former President Goodluck Jonathan. But no sooner did the Jonathans lose power than their hotel and spa suffered reduction in patronage.

Friends and associates that patronised the spa stopped going there.

Sunday March 27, 2016

TR

UT H

& RE A S O

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Price: N300

MISSILE

INEC to Security Agencies

“While the commission is committed to conducting free, fair and credible election, it hereby restates its resolve not to return to Rivers State or elsewhere where there was breakdown of law and order during elections, until there is a conducive atmosphere for conduct of free and credible election.”

– Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Director, Voter Education and Publicity, Oluwole Osaze Uzzi to security agencies in reaction to mounting pressure on the commission to conclude the March 12 rerun election in Rivers State.

SIMONKOLAWOLE SIMONKOLAWOLELIVE!

simon.kolawole@thisdaylive.com, sms: 0805 500 1961

Made in Nigeria and the Complications

M

r. Godwin Emefiele, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), started a “war” last year by placing a ban on the allocation of forex for the importation of 41 items. Opinion is still sharply divided on the policy. The consensus among free market economists is that he should have liberalised the currency market instead, but I guess Emefiele was trying to apply an emergency brake to stop the foreign reserves from hitting rock bottom in the face of dwindling oil revenue and mounting import bills. With no cabinet or economic team in place then, the CBN was carrying all the policy burden, and it just had to do something instantly and desperately.

The restriction has, inevitably, revved up the “Made in Nigeria” campaign. Emefiele had said there would be no more forex allocation for the importation of products we are already producing or can produce domestically — as well as items that are luxuries. At the time, toothpicks, rice, private jets and Indian incense dominated our attention. It soon emerged that tomatoes and vegetables — and many other items we produce here — are also on the list.

I always knew that Nigeria was pathetically import-dependent, but the CBN list opened my eyes to the details as I had never seen them before. And to think this has been going on forever!

Emefiele’s gospel of “Made in Nigeria” was a child of circumstances, born by the oil revenue crunch and the need to protect our forex reserves.

His “vision statement” — if he were to develop one — would be: “crush imports”. In branding, this is called competition-focused vision. It would necessitate an aggressive strategy to make the local industry grow and snuff life out of imports. If it works out well, imports would reduce drastically and domestic industry would grow phenomenally. It could lead to an export boom. But with a population of 182 million, Nigeria actually has a big consumer market such that exports may even be a bonus at the end.

Don’t be surprised by “aggression”: in the 1960s, the vision statement of athletic wear makers, Nike, was: “Crush Adidas”. Their aim was to displace Adidas, then the dominant player, by providing a better substitute. Today, Nike, with a brand value of $15 billion, is the most valuable company in that sector, compared to Adidas’ $5 billion. Another example of a “hostile”, competition-focused vision statement is that of Honda, the Japanese makers of motor engines and cars. In the 1970s, Honda’s vision statement was: “We will destroy Yamaha.” The visions of Nike and Honda had an aggressive tone. We too can promote “crush imports” with aggression.

“Crushing” imports and promoting “Made in Nigeria” are conceptually excellent, but I will show you a more excellent way. In the 1950s, Sony, the Japanese electronics makers, had a very instructive vision statement: “Become the company most known for changing the worldwide poor-quality image of Japanese products.” At the time, “Made in Japan” was the butt of jokes — as we now say of “Made in China” and “Made in Taiwan”. Japanese electronics were poor imitations of American

Emefiele innovations. Sony envisioned changing the narrative. Today, nobody talks about American electronics again. “Made in Japan” now means “excellent”.

What am I driving at this early morning? It is one thing for Emefiele to think about “crushing” imports and promoting “Made in Nigeria”, but it is a different matter altogether for Nigerian producers to rise up to the challenge. How many Nigerian products are export quality?

How many of them are properly packaged and presented in a very appealing way to the consumer? I try to separate the issue of “quality” from “colonial mentality” — that thinking that anything foreign is better than anything local — because I have come across many Nigerians who would like to buy local goods but are simply put off by what they see.

How much attention is paid to the detail in the production process? What is the quality assurance for the consumer? My generation and the generations born after me are obsessed with quality and beauty. The packaging is as important as the content. If you want me to stop eating Kellog’s cornflakes and settle for Nasco’s, let it not be on the basis of nationalistic sentiments alone. Make Nasco of the same quality such that it can be sold in any market in the world. That way, asking me to buy Nasco will not take too much marketing. The moment I can feel the difference with my teeth and tongue and throat, I will choose Nasco above Kellog’s any day of the week.

I will now go on to prove my argument that if Nigerians find quality in a product, they will not resist it. As kids and teenagers, we were obsessed with American pop music. Our

We can actually ‘crush imports’ as Emefiele wishes, but the CBN is just one of the agencies needed to make it happen.

We need to implement, not just conceive, pro-Made in Nigeria policies that will fertilise the growth of industry

favourite artistes were the Michael Jacksons, the Shalamars, the Lionel Richies, and so on.

Even when Nigerian artistes such as Kris Okotie, Felix Liberty and Jide Obi came on the scene with amazing creativity, we still believed something was missing. But as we can see today, Nigerian youth would choose PSquare and WizKid above Kanye West and R. Kelly — and Asa above Tracy Chapman.

Our artistes have upped their game. They are connecting very well with the Nigerian taste in quality and in presentation.

I have been hearing about “Fly Nigeria”.

But a traveller who has enjoyed quality service from British Airways and Virgin Atlantic would find it very difficult to fly Nigerian airlines on international routes. To start with, our airlines don’t keep to time. The service is from poor to average, even if the planes are in good condition. After all, you will get both safety and service from BA and VA, so why compromise your comfort just for the emotion of “Fly Nigeria”? Our airlines must, therefore, step up in order to compete and enjoy the needed patronage. Travellers who want to opt for Nigerian airlines on international routes need to be persuaded it is worth their shekels.

I do not by any means suggest that all Nigerian products and services are poor.

That would be a reckless exaggeration. Many products have matured and are now of export quality. Five Alive, an imported juice, used to dominate the market until President Olusegun Obasanjo restricted the importation of juice in 2003. WTO would not like it, but our own Chivita, which used to be of lower quality, took advantage and moved up the ladder in content and in packaging. It is now export quality. I can’t remember the last time I tasted Five Alive, even though it is now produced here. Clearly, Nigerians are ready to consume Nigerian products if they can feel the quality.

And I do not also suggest that it is easy for Nigerian products to attain export standards.

I can list a thousand and one obstacles that have kept our local industry retarded and struggling for decades, reasons including the very hostile business environment lacking in infrastructural backbone, financial power and political support. We know all these things.

But my focus today is on the quality of what we produce. Even if the age-old problems are resolved, how many of our products can begin to compete globally? That is my point. As we pay attention to monetary and fiscal policies, we must also pay attention to the capacity and capability of the Nigerian manufacturer.

We can actually “crush imports” as Emefiele wishes, but the CBN is just one of the agencies needed to make it happen. We need to implement, not just conceive, pro-Made in Nigeria policies that will fertilise the growth of industry. We must make policies on trade, tariffs and taxes to our own advantage. We need infrastructure and cheap capital. We need border security to curb smuggling so that we don’t gain on the right and lose on the left. Above all, Nigerian companies must dream like Sony to change the poor-quality image of “Made in Nigeria”. It is one thing to market a product with sentiments — it is another thing for the consumer to be satisfied and keep asking for more.

And Four Other Things...

BUHARI’S AGENDA The economic direction of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is gradually unfolding, going by what was made public after the National Economic Council (NEC) retreat. I took many things away — especially national targets for self-sufficiency for identified crops: tomato paste by 2016, rice by 2018, wheat by 2019. I also love the phrase “import competition” rather than “import substitution”. There is a lot of emphasis on agriculture: states are encouraged to promote two crops in which they have comparative advantage. We should take this as a skeletal framework and await a more comprehensive, strategic and reassuring document in a few months.

Encouraging.

CLOWN’S COLLEGE? Ladies and gentlemen, what is going on at Queen’s College, Lagos? I understand a student complained that she was sexually harassed by a teacher. The school authorities refused to investigate, forcing the girl’s mother to consider withdrawing her ward from the school. As people mobilised to force the school to do the right thing, the authorities organised a counter protest, forcing the other students to carry placards declaring the teacher innocent. That is the height of nonsense. Guilty or not, the teacher needed to be properly investigated first. That is the fair thing to do. The authorities were simply irresponsible. Sickening.

CALLING AMAECHI This is an urgent call to Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, the minister of transportation.

I cannot wait for the Rivers elections to be over so that our airports can begin to engage his attention. The Murtala Muhammed International Airport is falling apart. It is becoming a joke for a country that keeps talking about becoming a major tourist destination. I know Rivers elections are very, very, very, very important to his political future, but Amaechi has a national assignment that should equally engage his passion. The tales of woe at the nation’s flagship airport are getting out of hand.

Worrisome.

JONATHAN SPIRIT There is a way good behaviour encourages good behaviour — just as bad behaviour also replicates itself. Say whatever you like about former President Goodluck Jonathan, but his singular action of accepting defeat and congratulating President Muhammadu Buhari after the presidential election last year was novel and remains commendable, no matter the subtext. He was not the first African leader to do so, but he bucked a trend. In nearby Benin, Lionel Zinsou, the prime minister, accepted defeat in the election last week and called up the winner to congratulate him. There is hope for democracy in Africa, after all.

Sportsmanship.

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