Friday 6th May 2016

Again, Militants Bomb Chevron Facility in Escravos Crude output, gas supply shut in Ejiofor Alike in Lagos and Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba Militants in the Niger Delta on Wednesday night attacked

Chevron’s valve platform, an offshore oil facility located near Escravos in Abiteye, Warri South West Local Government of Delta State,

the country.

A Chevron source, who confirmed that the attack occurred at about 10.30 pm, informed THISDAY

forcing the company to shut in crude oil output from some fields in the western Niger Delta and critical gas supply to thermal power stations in

that the incident occurred in Benikurukuru community near Escravos in the Ijaw axis of Gbaramatu Kingdom, hometown of ex-militant

leader who is in hiding, Government Ekpemupolo (better known as Tompolo).

Continued on page 9

Amaechi Clarifies Involvement in Leaked Sanusi Letter on ‘Missing’ $49.8bn… Page 9 Friday 6 May, 2016 Vol 21. No 7680. Price: N250

www.thisdaylive.com TR

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L-R: General Secretary, Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Ms. Comfort Obi; Minister of Environment, Ms. Amina Mohammed; her counterparts in the Finance and Information Ministries, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun and Alhaji Lai Mohammed; President, NPAN and Chairman/Editor-in-Chief, THISDAY Newspaper Group, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena; former President, NPAN, Alhaji Issa Funtua; Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Audu Ogbeh; and the Life Patron of NPAN and Publisher of Vanguard Newspaper, Mr. Sam Amuka, during the ministers’ meeting with members of NPAN, in Lagos… yesterday kola olasupo

Adeosun: N165bn Monthly Civil Service Wage Bill Not Sustainable Says FG like states, did not save, to introduce ministerial debit cards Calabar-Lagos rail project included in revised budget details transmitted to president Obinna Chima and Nume Ekeghe in Lagos and Damlola Oyedele in Abuja The Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun has said

that the N165 billion civil service monthly wage bill is over-bloated and can no longer be sustained by the federal government.

The minister spoke

yesterday in Lagos at a meeting with the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN) attended by her counterparts in the Ministry of Information,

Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Ministry of Environment, Ms. Amina Mohammed, and Ministry of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh.

Adeosun, who provided

details on the economic reform agenda of the federal government, said the N165 billion being paid to federal civil servants monthly represented 40 per cent

of the total spending of government, reported the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Continued on page 9

Ukraine Expresses Readiness to Invest $1bn in Ajaokuta Steel Plant… Page 11

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Amaechi Clarifies Involvement in Leaked Sanusi Letter on‘Missing’$49.8bn Admits he discussed contents of letter with US govt officials, governors, Saraki Davidson Iriekpen The Minister of Transportation, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, has clarified his involvement in the leaked letter written by the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II, to former President Goodluck Jonathan on the non-remittance of $49.8 billion by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to the Federation Account.

In a statement by his media office yesterday, Amaechi said it was unfair, disrespectful and uncharitable to his person for anyone to suggest, infer or even extrapolate that he surreptitiously, clandestinely or underhandedly “leaked” Sanusi’s letter.

Sanusi, who was the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) at the time he wrote the letter, in a recent interview with Forbes Africa magazine said Amaechi, who was at the time the Rivers State governor, was responsible for leaking former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s letter to Jonathan, which referenced Sanusi’s letter on the missing billions. Amaechi has also long been suspected of equally leaking

Sanusi’s letter to Jonathan on the same issue to other politicians.

Sanusi, as the CBN governor, had written to Jonathan to raise the alarm over the disappearance of billions of dollars from oil sales between January 2013 and July 2013 that had not been remitted to the Federation Account by NNPC. In the said letter, he alleged that an estimated $49.8 billion had not been remitted to the treasury, an allegation that was strenuously denied by NNPC and the then Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, when it became public.

Obasanjo then followed up with his own letter titled “Before It is Too Late”, which was published in full by online newspaper, Premium Times, before it was republished by other outlets.

As the outrage over Sanusi’s revelation grew, he was later to revise the figure to $12 billion and $10 billion, before settling for $20 billion at a public hearing held by the Senate to investigate his allegation.

Sanusi was later suspended as the CBN governor, but a few months later was enthroned as

the Emir of Kano while he was in court seeking that his suspension be declared illegal.

However, reacting to Sanusi’s allegation in the Forbes interview, Amaechi, through the statement released by his media office, provided more clarity on how Sanusi’s letter was leaked.

The statement said: “Our attention has been drawn to reports in the media that tend to infer and/or suggest that immediate past governor of Rivers State and now Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi surreptitiously and clandestinely ‘leaked’ a letter written by former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor and now Emir of Kano, Sanusi Muhammad II to then President Goodluck Jonathan on the non-remittance of $49.8 billion from oil sales to the Federation Account.

“This is further from the truth and what exactly transpired as regards Amaechi’s involvement in that Sanusi letter.”

In order to set the records straight, the statement revealed a “concerned and patriotic Nigerian who felt sufficiently troubled

by what was happening then, gave a copy of the Sanusi letter to Amaechi in his capacity as the chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF)”.

It added that when Amaechi got the letter, he spoke with Sanusi who was still the CBN governor to confirm the authenticity of the letter.

“Sanusi confirmed to Amaechi that he wrote the letter. During their conversation, Amaechi made it abundantly clear to the then CBN governor that the bleeding of the nation had to be stopped, all non-remitted funds must be remitted and that he (Amaechi) was going to use the letter to do whatever was in the best interest of the nation and Nigerians, which was the stoppage of the non-remittance and the recovery of all the non-remitted funds from oil sale. The CBN Governor didn’t agree with Amaechi on the way forward.

“Considering that the letter was given to Amaechi as Chairman of the Governors’ Forum, he shared the letter with his colleague governors first, and later with Senator Bukola Saraki (now Senate

President), who before and around that period was carrying out some work or/and investigation around the oil sector in the Senate,” the statement said.

It further revealed that around that period, a delegation from the United States government, from the offices of the Secretaries of State and Defence visited Amaechi in Port Harcourt to discuss the issue of oil theft in Nigeria.

“From their records, they gave Amaechi figures amounting to billions of dollars (about $7 billion annually) that was being lost to oil theft in Nigeria.

“They were discussing the issue and figures of oil theft, and that was how the CBN governor’s letter to President Jonathan came up.

“In the presence of journalists covering the visit, Amaechi brought out the Sanusi letter and showed it to the visiting American delegation to buttress the point that Nigeria was losing far more money to non-remittance of proceeds from oil sale into the Federation Account, which everyone seemed to concur, was in itself, another form and

another dimension to the issue of oil theft.”

Amaechi’s media office described as unfair, disrespectful and uncharitable to his person for anyone to suggest, infer or even extrapolate that the former Rivers governor surreptitiously, clandestinely or underhandedly ‘leaked’ the CBN governor’s (Sanusi’s) letter.

It said: “Amaechi did what he did because he believed that the theft and corruption was just too much. He was propelled by his patriotic zeal to put Nigeria first, do what was in the best interest of the nation and Nigerians, and stop the bleeding and sucking of our collective resources by a tiny few.

“The mind boggling corruption revelations in the recent past, that is still ongoing clearly justifies and vindicates Amaechi’s stance on the issue and the actions he took.

“Faced with the same situation, under similar circumstances, Amaechi will not act differently.

The good of Nigeria, putting the nation and Nigerians first, will always be his guiding principle.”

President Goodluck Jonathan had the will to save, it would have saved its own portion of its allocation.

Adeosun, said this while speaking on Channels Television’s current affairs programme, Sunrise Daily, yesterday.

She pointed out that it was unfair for the immediate past administration to always blame the states.

Adeosun, who at the time was the Commissioner for Finance in Ogun State, said: “Let me explain the structure of states and the federal government. Fifty-two per cent of the money actually comes to the federal government. So even if the state governments said they wanted to spend theirs, the federal government too didn’t save its portion… the federal government was not saving.

“In fact, the federal government was borrowing even to pay salaries.

And that is where the disconnect comes in. So I think it is largely unfair for the federal government to say you (the states) were the ones that made me to spend – I can spend mine, but I can’t force you to spend yours.

“But the federal government didn’t save its share either. So, collectively, I don’t think we should be trading blame. I think what we should be doing now is to look at the lessons we have learnt.

“The federal, state and local governments must have savings.

Even if we don’t have savings, we can have investments.

“Look at Saudi Arabia, it has about $700 billion of reserves unspent, and we have about $28 billion. Oil goes, oil comes but they still have something to show for it.”

She however said the drop in crude oil prices presented a good opportunity to reset the economy, adding that the opportunity for diversification of the economy created by the crisis should not be wasted.

She also spoke on the measures adopted by the federal government to assist state governments that are unable to meet their various statutory obligations.

“Everybody is now extremely sober. Every Nigerian is sober. All the governors have realised that oil prices can plummet from $110 per barrel to $28 per barrel over such a short period of time and we could be so exposed that we cannot even pay salaries.

“So there is a sobriety that has set in and I don’t think we should waste. We are working very hard with the states and we said to them, first of all we are not bailing them out.

“We have said we would have a fiscal restructuring plan. Whatever we are doing is conditional, they must go and drive efficiency, which means the states must do biometric capture of their staff, know those that are paid, put in efficiency units just as we have done at the federal government level where we are seeing a level of savings that it can generate.

We told them they must sign up to a restructuring plan and if they don’t want a restructuring plan, then we would not help them in any way,” Adeosun explained.

Responding to a question on the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), she said the fund was doing well and making the necessary investments.

ADEOSUN: N165BN MONTHLY CIVIL SERVICE WAGE BILL NOT SUSTAINABLE She said the figure was too high and the government was pursuing aggressive measures to detect and prosecute ghost workers and other saboteurs in the system.

“We spend N165 billion every month on salaries and when I came in there was no checking.

“Now, we have created a unit assigned with the sole responsibility of checking the salaries and catching those behind the overbloated salaries,” she said.

Adeosun said the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) introduced by the previous administration was defective and sabotaged by the elements benefitting from the salary fraud.

She said many federal government establishments including the police were yet to be captured in the system.

According to her, it was shocking that the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), which is not fully functional, still had 10,000 workers in its payroll serviced by government.

The minister assured her audience that government would correct the anomalies in the payroll system and weed out all ghost workers in the civil service.

Adeosun said that the fiscal focus of the administration was to ensure economic growth that would be measured on job creation and productive sectors growth.

“The economy is not measured by how many private jets we have but how many jobs we create.

People must be productive for the economy to grow.

“We have been a consumer economy, but we want to be productive and stop buying everything from abroad.

“We have been borrowing to pay salaries for years and that has to stop because it is not sustainable.

“Last year, we spent N64 billion on travelling and only N19 billion on roads. Travelling does not grow the economy and this must also stop,’’ she said.

The minister said the compound Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country had been negative in the last 10 years and the

administration was working to correct this.

She added that the administration would be the most disciplined government the country has ever had in terms of fiscal accountability and responsibility.

Also speaking at the meeting, Ogbeh said government would reposition the agricultural sector to become the mainstay of the economy.

“The ministry will give policy direction and coordination to make farming attractive and for people to practice it as a business.

“Government will put a policy in place to recover the $22 billion which is floating out of the country’s resources to sustain farms in other countries back to our villages.

“Government will also ensure that banks review the double-digit interest rate on loans to farmers and other productive sectors.

“The change promised may appear to be slow, but it is actually taking place. In this year, we have harvested millions of tonnes of rice,” he said.

The Minister of Environment, in her contribution, said government would complete the clean up of Ogoniland in the next one year and ensure the degraded land is revived for productive purposes.

She said the Great Green Wall project targeted at planting trees to control desert encroachment would also be given priority by the administration.

In another forum, Adeosun also faulted the position of her predecessor, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, who had blamed the inability of the immediate past administration to save for a rainy day on the state governors.

The governors, the former finance minister said, had insisted that all revenues accruing to the federation must be shared, effectively eroding the fiscal buffer that would have shielded the economy from external shocks.

But countering this position, Adeosun pointed out that 52 per cent of the Federation Account allocation goes to the federal government, so if the federal government under former

AGAIN, MILITANTS BOMB CHEVRON FACILITY IN ESCRAVOS According to the Chevron source, the incident would affect gas supply through the gas pipeline from Olero Creek to Escravos, Chevron’s tank farm, Chevron’s Abiteye flow station, the Sagara and Otuana flow stations, as well as the Sagara and Odidi pipelines.

He could not disclose the volume of crude oil that was shut in, but THISDAY gathered that the incident might have also affected crude oil supply to the Warri refinery operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

When contacted via the phone, Chevron’s General Manager in charge of Policy, Government and Public Affairs (PGPA), Mr. Deji Haastrup, did not respond to calls and text messages on the latest development.

However, the Niger Delta Avengers, a new militant group in the region, has reportedly claimed

responsibility for the attack, and gave its Strike Team 6 credit for the successful attack.

The group was also responsible for the February attack on the 48-inch Forcados export pipeline owned by the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), a subsidiary of the NNPC. The subsea pipeline which is undergoing repair, is operated

by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).

“We want to pass this message to all the international oil companies operating in the Niger Delta that the Nigerian military can’t protect their facilities.

“They should talk to the federal government to meet our demands else more mishaps will befall their installations.

“Until our demands are met, no repair works should be done at the blast site,” a statement credited to the spokesman of the group,

Colonel Madoch Agbinibo, said.

“The high command of the Niger Delta Avengers wants to use this medium to thank Strike Team 6 for successfully blowing up the Chevron Valve Platform. And we are ready to protect the Niger Delta people.

This is what we promised the Nigeria government. Since they refused to listen to us we are going to zero the economy of the country.

“As for zeroing the Nigerian economy, the Niger Delta Avengers is done with Delta State major oil installations. Now, we are taking the fight out of the creeks to the Niger Delta. We are taking it to Abuja and Lagos now,” the group added.

The group earlier on Wednesday warned Tompolo over his letter to President Muhammadu Buhari in which he disowned them.

Tompolo had in the letter assured the federal government of safety on the repair works on the damaged Forcados pipeline.

The former warlord alleged that the oil pipeline repair service companies were responsible for the sabotage of oil pipelines in order to secure surveillance and repair contracts from the NNPC. The latest attack came at a time the federal government is beefing up security surveillance around oil and gas installations in the Niger Delta against the backdrop of a resurgence of attacks on oil facilities in the region.

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, during a recent visit to the vandalised pipeline at the Forcados export terminal, spoke of plans by the federal government to increase military presence and the possible creation of a special security outfit to oversee pipeline surveillance in the oil-rich region.

Continued on page 10

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% 5.0 4.9 4.9 4.9 4.8 % 8.8 6.1 5.4 5.0 5.0

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FRIDAY, may 6, 2016 • T H I S D AY

PAGE TEN

Zimbabwe to Start Printing US Dollar Equivalent Zimbabwe is set to print its own version of the US dollar in order to ease a cash shortage in the country.

Zimbabwe's Central Bank Governor John Mangudya said the cash, known as bond notes, will be backed by $200 million (£140 million) support from the Africa Export-Import (Afrexim) Bank.

The specially-designed two, five, 10 and 20 dollar notes will have the same value as their US dollar equivalence.

Zimbabwe introduced the US dollar after ditching its own currency in 2009 following sustained hyper-inflation.

Since then Zimbabweans have been using the dollar as well as a number of other foreign currencies

including the South African rand and the Chinese yuan.

But the BBC reported that bank customers are not always able to withdraw the amount of US dollars they want because of a shortage of dollar notes in Zimbabwe.

The governor stressed that the issuing of bond notes was not the first step on the way to reintroducing the defunct currency, the Zimbabwe Herald newspaper reported.

Mangudya also introduced a number of other measures to steer people away from using US dollar cash.

This includes setting a $1,000 limit on how much cash can be taken out of the country.

He wants to encourage people to make greater use of the rand since a large portion of Zimbabwe’s trade is with South Africa.

However, people are reluctant to hold rands as they are not confident that the currency will maintain its value against the dollar.

He added that not all shops and traders accept the full range of currencies officially in use.

The central bank had brought in so-called bond coins of one, five, 10 and 25 cents, pegged to the US dollar, in 2014.

Mangudya said the bank was still working on a design for the new notes, but they should be in circulation “within the next two months”, the Herald reported.

Zimbabwe abandoned its currency in 2009 after hyperinflation made it worthless

AFP

ADEOSUN: N165BN MONTHLY CIVIL SERVICE WAGE BILL NOT SUSTAINABLE However, the finance minister said the federal government wants to “reposition it and have it focused in line with government’s objectives which is investments in infrastructure”, observing that the government realised that even with 30 per cent of the budget allotted to capital spending, the country’s infrastructure gap is so wide that government alone could not bridge it.

“So what we are hoping is that the sovereign wealth fund now becomes a channel to attract further private money particularly from investment funds abroad.

So we really want to focus on infrastructure - toll roads, bridges, power plants, things that would help the economy grow,” she said.

On efforts to eradicate ghost workers in the ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), Adeosun commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the job done so far in this regard.

Adeosun disclosed that the EFCC had set up a unit that deals with payroll fraud, saying it would soon start taking those involved in the scam to court.

Furthermore, she revealed that the government had discovered a syndicate involved in the fraud.

“There is actually an organised network and I don't want to speak too much about how they were doing it so some people might now think that it is a good business to go into. But it is a worrying trend and we spent N165 billion on salaries and pensions.

“When I came into office, there was no audit, there were no controls.

Once you get on that payroll, they pay you forever. Even dead people were still being paid.

“So we have now put in what we call a continuous audit team and they do nothing else, but audit that payroll. And that is how we are still uncovering and there are still more,” she said.

The finance minister also disagreed with a recent comment by a former Minister of Education, Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili, that President Muhammadu Buhari had introduced “archaic and opaque” economic policies which are hurting the poor.

Ezekwesili, while speaking at The Platform, a public policy forum in Abuja last Saturday, had said that the president was using the same methods of a command and control economy he had used when he was a military head of state.

But Adeosun said: “I don’t agree that we have a command and control economy. What we are trying to have is a planned economy. There must be some planning. When we were growing,

they used to say Nigeria has the highest number of private jets and we would all clap for that.

“But we also have the most terrible unemployment rate. So what we are trying to do is to plan for the future and have an economy that meets the needs of Nigerians.

“We are a huge economy, so we shouldn’t have an economy where growth is not inclusive and allows few people to prosper at the expense of others. So I don't think we have a command and control economy.”

Continuing, the finance minister pointed out that there is a big misunderstanding about the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and how it operates.

“What is the TSA? It is a huge bank account. So what happened was that all the agencies of government closed their accounts in various banks and moved them into a single account at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

“Now, at every point in time, the balance on that account is quoted, it can be N3 trillion today, maybe tomorrow it is something else. But that money is everybody’s money.

“The Nigerian National Petroluem Corporation (NNPC), Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) money is in there, and so not all of that money is available for spending.

“You can’t just go and take NNPC’s money to build a bridge.

Some of that money had already been earmarked for certain things and some already have liabilities penciled against them.

“What we are doing is sitting down with the agencies because each individual agency has a subaccount, and saying out of their balance in the TSA, how much of it is part of the surplus that should have gone to the federal government.

“That is, how much of it is a free cash float that can go into the budget. So it is not like everything in the TSA can be spent,” she explained.

Adeosun, nonetheless, stressed that the TSA has given the federal government better control and better visibility of government's revenue.

She also reiterated that the recently introduced Efficiency Unit by her ministry would help stop wastage and ensure efficiency in government spending.

According to her, ministerial debit cards would also be introduced by her ministry in the next few days in order to rein in and track what MDAs spend and also support the cashless policy.

She said three banks had been given the government mandate on the cards, which would be

introduced very soon.

On other measures to block leakages, Adeosun said: “We have been borrowing to pay salaries for years and the reason is that revenue is leaking and that is one of the things I am very passionate about sorting out.

“Let me explain this: at the moment, there are only three lines of federal government revenue that we account for. That is money that comes in from oil, taxes from the Federal Inland Revenue Service and the Customs and Excise Service.

“All the other revenues of government sit in boards of corporations. And most of them have not been remitting any money into the Federation Account.

“We can't afford to waste money the way we wasted money in the past. Let me give you a shocking statistic. Last year, we spent N19 billion on roads in the entire federation, but we spent N64 billion on travels.

“So we set up the Efficiency Unit to look at those expenses.

So, for example, we now have industry guidelines through a circular we sent out that public officers cannot fly first class on government money.

“You also cannot even travel on business class unless you are a minister or permanent secretary. If you are traveling for government business, why should you travel business class?”

She said there has been strong collaboration between the fiscal and monetary authorities, restating that the federal government would borrow from external sources so as not to crowd-out the private sector.

“We have said from the beginning that we will only borrow 50 per cent of what we need from the domestic market because we don’t want to crowd-out the private sector. We want the banks to go out and lend to the real sector, we don't want to be competing with the private sector,” Adeosun said.

When her interviewers reminded her that a lot of Nigerians were unaware of the existence of an economic management team in the present government, Adeosun said: “Are you saying they don’t know the ministers that are in charge of the economy? You don’t know the vice-president? You don’t know me, the two Ministers for Budget and National Planning, the Minister of Trade and Investment?

“There is an economic team. It is chaired and managed by the vice-president. I am a member, the ministers of budget are members, the minister of trade and investment is a member, and the minister of information is a member, the head of the Debt

Management Office (DMO) is a member, the Director General of Budget is a member.

“So there is an economic team.

It is just a different structure from having a Coordinating Minister for the Economy (CME). Remember that under the CME system, the budget office was under the Ministry of Finance. But the budget office has now moved to National Planning.”

According to her, the federal government’s economic team was very competent, hardworking and would turn the economy around.

“Criticism is good. You just have to listen to people, but we have to do better in telling people what we are doing. The economic blueprint is very clear.

“We are going to invest in capital projects to ensure that we diversify this economy. We have been talking about diversification since I was a child and we have diversified nothing.

“If we just feed ourselves rather than importing food, we would create jobs and wealth. We have a huge population, huge land mass and what is missing perhaps is unfortunately infrastructure.

“Let’s take something as simple as tomato paste as an example. We import tomato paste from China, but we have tomatoes getting rotten in Kano. But if we have rail and power, we can process and move these products and we can compete,” she said.

She assured Nigerians that "as soon as the budget is signed, we are going to pump N350 billion into the economy in this quarter and we are going to do so every quarter until we stimulate growth”.

“And we would see growth if we spend money on those things that would create jobs.

What I will tell you is that there are no quick solutions to fixing the economy.

“If you have cancer, you cannot take Panadol, you have to take proper medication. I don’t want to come here and give people false hopes. I don't want to use the word magic because ministers get into trouble when they use the word magic. It has to be done painstakingly,” she said.

Meanwhile, the N60 billion Calabar-Lagos rail project, which first set off the impasse between the presidency and the National Assembly over the 2016 Appropriation Bill has been included in the budget details transmitted to President Buhari yesterday afternoon, sources in the presidency have revealed.

The Kano-Lagos rail project, which was initially allocated N106 billion was slashed to N60 billion in the revised details submitted

to the president.

Presidency officials, who were privy to the revision of the budget details, said the extra funds for both rail projects were sourced from a trade-off from the Baro inland seaport project in Niger State, which now has no allocation, and funds reallocated from the airport security and navigational equipment projects.

Had the budget been passed without the current revision, the Baro inland seaport would have been the first of its kind in northern Nigeria.

In the revised budget details, the Ministry of Health also got an extra N5 billion for polio and other vaccines, and for the ministry to meet its counterpart funding obligations.

All sub-heads under the health ministry were however slashed by 30 per cent to provide the N5 billion for polio and other vaccines.

The Ministry of Communications got a N1.7 billion extra, which was removed from the N3 billion allocated to the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) by the Senate and House Committees on Communications.

The sources further revealed that 80 per cent of the grey areas highlighted by the Ministries of Power, Works and Housing, Water Resources, Education and Solid Minerals were all granted. Major roads which had monies reduced were all augmented.

In spite of the alterations, the size of the budget envelop of N6.06 trillion was retained because one of the agreements before the composition of the harmonisation committee comprising officials from the executive and National Assembly was that the key budget parameters would remain intact.

The leadership of the National Assembly had mandated the harmonised committee headed by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Yussuff Sulaimon Lasun, to grant 80 per cent of all the grey areas highlighted by the executive.

The implication however was that 80 per cent of the input of the National Assembly and its standing committees were removed, a development that is causing some dissatisfaction among the lawmakers, who were not consulted before the decision was made.

For instance, 80 per cent of the roads that were approved by the Senate and House Committees on Works were removed.

THISDAY had exclusively reported on Wednesday that the presidency and National Assembly had reached compromise to retain

the main underlining figures and parameters of the budget, but the executive gave some room to the National Assembly to alter, where necessary, up to 20-30 per cent of the budgets of the MDAs. This was agreed in recognition of the independence of the legislature with respect to appropriation, and so that it does not end up being a rubber stamp for the executive, a Senate source had explained.

Based on this principle, the source added, the joint committee of the National Assembly and the executive reviewed the subheads of the MDAs to ensure that where budget cuts or additions exceeded the 20-30 per cent threshold, they were amended in line with the agreement reached on the budget.

With work finally concluded on the revised budget details, the document was handed over to the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, at about 1 pm yesterday by the deputy speaker.

Several lawmakers, who spoke off record, confirmed that it had been given to the president’s aides.

A lawmaker, who served on the harmonisation committee, also confirmed that the controversial Calabar-Lagos rail project was “included” in the budget, not “restored”.

Another lawmaker explained that the revision took longer than expected because of attempts to introduce new projects.

“Yes, several additions made by the lawmakers were removed, but the executive kept trying to introduce new things that were not contained in either the first or second documents presented by the president.

“But we stood our grounds and made it clear that since we were working within certain parameters, both chambers would have to consider it if we could expand the envelop,” the lawmaker said.

The Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Media, Hon. Jonathan Gaza, speaking at a press briefing, expressed hope that with the revision, the budget would be signed very soon.

“The resolutions have been transmitted or rather have been submitted to the president,” he said.

He added that revising the budget was borne out of the need to move the country forward.

Following the conclusion of work on the budget, the Senate and House adjourned plenary till May 12, 2016 to allow members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) participate in their party's congresses nationwide.

FRIDAY MAY 6, 2016 • T H I S D AY

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NEWS

News Editor Davidson Iriekpen Email davidson.iriekpen@thisdaylive.com, 08111813081

Power: FG to Decentralise, Concession Transmission Grid Approves release of 907 seized power equipment containers

Chineme Okafor in Abuja Nigeria is seriously considering the decentralisation of its power transmission network into segments which could be concessioned to private operators to invest in, manage and charge transmission fees, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has said.

Fashola said yesterday in Lagos that due to the current challenges of the country’s transmission network, a proposal on the ‘technical possibilities’ of decentralising the huge transmission grid was already on the table of the government.

He said the proposal, if it sails through, would enable the government invite private operators to invest and manage segments of the grid on an agreed commercial framework.

The minister spoke at a public

lecture, a text of his speech was however made available to THISDAY by his media aide, Mr. Hakeem Bello.

He said the adopted roadmap of the President Muhammadu Buhari government for the power sector was first to ensure that power generation in the country remained incremental, its transmission stable and distribution uninterrupted.

Fashola also disclosed that a total of 907 containers loaded with transmission equipment at the country’s sea port have been ordered to be released to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and its contractors

by Buhari.

This, he noted, would allow the TCN complete extant transmission projects which would see it grow its wheeling capacity to 20,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity within five years.

“We are also looking at technical

possibilities that support the decentralisation of the grid while keeping them interconnected.

“This will help us take up offers of private investment that ensures investors can ring fence and collect revenues wheeling charges for the power they help to transmit or transport,” Fashola said.

He further explained that: “Today, they (TCN) can only transport 5000MW. That is all we have done since 1950. We must do more and we are on the way.

“There are currently about 126 projects awarded for this purpose

but with all sorts of problems.”

On the released containers, he stated: “About 907 containers of various equipment imported at the ports and paid for, have been abandoned with demurage, port charges and all sorts of costs by contractors who have deserted their contracts.

“Approvals have been given by the president for their release, we have met with Customs, the shippers, the warehouse owners and operators all of whom have shown an inspiring sense of patriotism to release their containers. These meetings are being chaired by the

vice-president.

“The containers expectedly contain all sorts of equipment which hopefully, when recovered, will help solve some of our transmission problems.

“TCN has expressed a desire to increase transmission capacity from 5,000MW to 7,000MW, 10,000MW to 13,000MW to 16,000MW and 20,000MW over five years from this year.

“We have demanded and there are now working to provide us with an implementation plan for each stage; including the detail quantities, design, way leave, cost

and everything that will facilitate efficient project implementation.”

He said the government was working to diversify Nigeria’s electricity sources to meet its plan for the sector.

“So, in answer to the big question, ‘what is the roadmap?’ I say it is getting “incremental power, in a way that every megawatt of power must be harnessed and made available to our people.

“From ‘incremental power’ we may then seek to deliver ‘steady power’ and from then go on to ‘uninterrupted power,” he added.

Ukraine Expresses Readiness to Invest $1bn in Ajaokuta Steel Plant James Emejo in Abuja The Ukrainian Ambassador to Nigeria, Valeriy Aleksandruk, has revealed his country’s readiness to invest $1 billion towards the resuscitation of the moribund Ajaokuta Steel Company.

Speaking in Abuja during a courtesy call on the acting Director General of Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Dr. Vincent Akporaire, the envoy added that the Ukrainian company that built the plant, Tiajpromexport (TPE), had already made a proposal to the federal government on its willingness to revive the plant.

He said the steel complex has a lot of potential which Ukraine wanted to take advantage of, adding that meetings had already been held with relevant stakeholders in Nigeria for the realisation of the planned takeover of the plant.

Aleksandruk said Ukraine has a good relationship with Nigeria, especially in economic and trade investments, noting that there is a big Nigerian community in Ukraine.

The ambassador further noted

that Ukraine was ready to “open a new page in its relationship with Nigeria,” and pledged to assist the BPE in its training needs to become a foremost privatisation agency in Africa.

Nevertheless, the acting BPE boss said he would review the proposal by the Ukrainian Government and that of Morgan Stanley, the multinational financial services firm that would provide the $1billion investment before taking the next steps.

He added that the federal government was desirous to get the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited and the Nigerian Iron Ore Mill Company (NIOMCO), Itakpe, back on their feet.

In a statement by BPE spokesman, Alex Okoh, Akpotaire, however, urged the Ukrainian government to invest in other sectors of the Nigerian economy, especially in developing the downstream of the steel sector that would service several sectors including the automobile sector.

Jonathan RemembersYar’Adua, Says He’ll Never Be Forgotten Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday recounted his fond memories with his former boss, late former President, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who passed away exactly six years ago.

Both men were elected in 2007, but Yar’Adua’s illness paved the way for Jonathan’s elevation to the status of acting president two years later, and succeeded Yar’Adua, who eventually died in the third year of their government.

According to The Cable, in a tribute on Facebook, Jonathan wrote: “Six years ago, I lost a dear friend and partner in democracy, peace and progress. President Yar’Adua

was a servant leader and a stickler for the rule of law.

“He may be gone but he is never to be forgotten. I pray for his soul and for him to rest in al Jannah firdaus.”

Yar’Adua, who served as the 13th president of Nigeria, was governor of Katsina State between 1999 and 2007, when Jonathan served as deputy governor and governor of Bayelsa State.

Both men had a smooth relationship until the president experienced ill-health and travelled abroad without properly handing over to his Vice, Jonathan.

WE APPRECIATE YOUR GOOD WORK

President Muhammadu Buhari (right), with the Executive Director of United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Mr. Yury Fedotov, during the courtesyvisitoftheUNODCteamtothePresidentialVilla,Abuja...yesterday GODWINOMOIGUI.

Buhari Wants UNODC to Expedite Action on Recovery of Stolen Wealth President describes recovery process as tedious Tobi Soniyi in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja asked the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to facilitate recovery of Nigeria’s stolen wealth stashed abroad.

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Garba Shehu, said Buhari made the call while receiving the Executive Secretary of UNODC, Mr. Yury Fedotov, at the State House in Abuja.

Buhari said the process of recovering the stolen assets had “become tedious’’ to the consternation of many Nigerians.

“We are looking for more cooperation from the European Union United States, other countries and international institutions to recover the nation’s stolen assets, particularly proceeds from the stolen crude oil.

“It is taking very long

and Nigerians are becoming impatient.”

Buhari told Fedotov that his government had worked very hard in the past 11 months to reverse the very negative global perception of Nigeria on corruption.

The president said: “Our genuine efforts to deal with corruption and drugs have earned us international respect and this has encouraged us to do more.

“We know that by fighting the scourge of drugs and corruption as well as rebuilding trustworthiness, integrity, good business practices, and imposing discipline on youths to avoid drugs, we are not doing a favour to the international community, we are doing a favour to ourselves.”

Buhari also promised that his administration would work with the UN agency to rehabilitate young Nigerians who had been misled into consumption of illicit drugs and drug trafficking.

Fedotov told Buhari that UNODC had chosen Nigeria as a pilot country for support and strategic cooperation in the fight against drugs and corruption.

Last week Buhari appealed to the World Bank to do all within its powers to facilitate the speedy repatriation to Nigeria of stolen funds still being held by Swiss authorities. The president specifically enlisted the World Bank’s help in recovering $320 million in Switzerland, which was illegally taken from Nigeria during the Abacha administration.

Buhari sought the World Bank’s help in repatriating stolen wealth at a meeting with the visiting Managing Director of the World Bank, Ms. Sri Mulyani Indrawati.

The president said the repatriation of the additional $320 million would help ease the current economic hardship facing the country.

He assured Indrawati that

his administration was taking appropriate steps to ensure that public funds were no longer stolen or misappropriated by government officials.

Buhari said: ‘‘We need the support of the World Bank for the repatriation of the funds.

“We are as concerned as the World Bank about accountability. If such repatriated funds have been misapplied in the past, I assure you that the same will not happen with us.

“Three hundred and twenty million dollars is a lot of money and we will not allow it to be misappropriated or diverted.”

One of the conditions given by the Swiss authorities for the repatriation of the funds is that it should be expended on the implementation of social programmes for the benefit of the Nigerian people in an efficient and accountable way, guaranteed by the monitoring team of the World Bank.

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

HINTS OF A NEW CHAPTER

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Akinwunmi Ambode, Lagos State Governor, is off to a good start in infrastructural development, writes Wande Akinyemi

n furtherance of his infrastructural development of Lagos State, Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode recently launched the “light up” campaign on the stretch of Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, from Ile Zik to the former toll gate in Sango Ota. Many more roads across the state are currently benefiting from the initiative of the Ambode administration. Now bright and beautiful at night are also M.K.O Abiola Garden inwards Oworoshoki, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Independent Tunnel, Ikorodu Road, Maryland inwards Ojota, Ikorodu Road, and many others across the state.

During one of the inauguration ceremonies, Ambode said that the initiative was part of the promise of building a 24/7 economy that would create employment and wealth for the people. He said the launching would provide adequate illumination on strategic highways in keeping with his vision to light up all major roads and border towns in the state.

In his words: “It is very important to note that the Light Up Lagos Project goes beyond lighting up roads. As a state, we have keyed into the change mantra of President Muhammadu Buhari and have taken the project to federal roads. We have got the support of federal government agencies to take over federal roads, put new installations and retrofit existing installations that are not working.”

He pledged that his administration would ensure that no part of the state would be left untouched in the Light Up Lagos initiative. He revealed that the light up project was built on a tripod consisting the Light Up Lagos Power Advisory Committee, community electrification and the street lighting initiative. The governor said that the initiative is part of the security strategy to make Lagos competitive, safe and secure. He assured that Seme in Badagry and other border towns would have their streets lit by September. According to him, the project is an integral part of his programmes geared toward putting Lagos on the same pedestal and status as similar megalopolis in the world. He urged residents to take ownership of the project and report any suspicious activity around the facilities to security agencies.

He also urged communities, organisations and individuals to key into the initiative through the ‘Adopt A Street Light’ programme. He said the government would reciprocate with concessions in the payment of Land Use Charge as well as presentation of letters of commendation.

Another recent significant effort of Lagos State government is the approval of the construction of flyover bridges for two of the state’s high-density traffic zones – Ajah Roundabout on the Island and Abule Egba Junction on the outskirts of the mainland. The two major projects were approved by the State’s Executive Council and have been duly awarded to contractors for a speedy completion.

The projects are expected to be completed within 16 months as part of Governor Ambode’s ongoing road infrastructure projects across the state. The construction of the reinforced concrete flyover and signalised

ONE INTERESTING TREND VISIBLE IN AMBODE’S LAGOS IS THE SYNERGY AND NEXUS BETWEEN THE DIFFERENT PROJECTS BEING UNDERTAKEN. IN A WELL THOUGHT OUT, BOTTOM- TOP APPROACH TO DEVELOPMENT, EACH PROJECT COMPLEMENTS ANOTHER AND LIKE A MASTER BUILDER, AMBODE RESTS ONE STONE ON ANOTHER FOR THE MAKING OF A BEAUTIFUL EDIFICE

intersection at Ajah roundabout would be undertaken simultaneously with the rehabilitation of Freedom Road in Lekki, with a view to reducing the heavy traffic being recorded at the Ajah round-about and the Lekki-Ikoyi axis.

While the Ajah project is aimed at easing movement of residents and commuters on the Lagos Island – Ibeju Lekki areas, the construction of the reinforced concrete dual-carriage flyover bridge at Abule Egba junction will bring relief to millions of commuters who use the Lagos – Abeokuta Expressway in Ifako-Ijaye Local Government Area of the state.

Governor Ambode has been receiving a spate of commendations for his efforts so far, especially in the area of infrastructural development.

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has lauded the high momentum the Ambode administration is bringing to the governance of the state. In a recent statement, the party noted: “We are happy that eight months in power, the present administration is giving Lagosians good worth for their confidence and support.

We note the fast rate at which state roads are being constructed in all nooks and crannies of the state especially in the rural parts of Lagos, just as Governor Ambode promised. We note the frenetic lighting of all parts of Lagos in efforts to realise Governor Ambode’s plan to restore the hitherto enviable Lagos nightlife and drive hoodlums and criminals out of Lagos.”

Ambode has also been commended for his unique approach to governance. A commentator, Bukola Ogunyemi, a digital marketing executive, noted in a recent write-up: “Another interesting trend visible in Ambode’s Lagos is the synergy and nexus between the different projects being undertaken. In a well thought out, bottom top approach to development, each project complements another and like a master builder, Ambode rests one stone on another for the making of a beautiful edifice. Take for example the provision of security equipment to the RRS and the Light Up Lagos Project that has seen crime reduce drastically. Crime thrives in darkness, and the wisdom behind ensuring every street is lit at night gels perfectly with more efficient policing.

Also the introduction of the 112 Toll-Free Emergency Number (the only one of its kind in Nigeria) was backed with the provision of 20-mobile intensive care unit ambulances and 26 transport ambulances.” A good number of observers are of the opinion that the vision of Lagos a megacity laid 16 years ago is fast becoming a reality with the pace at which Ambode is going about the business of delivering excellence in leadership. Ogunyemi noted in his write-up: “Tinubu was good, Fashola was better, and if what we’ve seen from Ambode’s 10-month reign is anything to go by, the best is well and truly on the way.

Akinyemi wrote from Lagos

THE MEMO OF AKENZUA ON ABURI

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Eric Teniola pays tribute to Omo N’oba N’edo Uku Akpolokpolo Erediauwa, the 38th Oba of Benin

hen on March 15 last year, the Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council, Mr. Frank Irabor announced that “the leopard is ill in the Savannah bush”, we knew exactly what has happened to the Omo N’oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Erediauwa, the 38th Oba of Benin who was born on June 22, 1923 and ascended the throne on March 23, 1979. To an average Benin man or woman, such an announcement is well understood.

The Benin people value tradition and culture. The Oba of Benin is the traditional ruler of the Edo people and head of the historic Eweka dynasty of the Benin Empire.

The services of Oba Erediuawa are well valued and will not be forgotten. Before becoming an Oba, as Prince Samuel Aiseokhuoba Igbinoghodua Akenzua, he was an outstanding civil servant.

He rose to become permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Health before he retired in 1973.

Along with others, he attended the Aburi meeting held at the Peduase Lodge where the conflict of Nigeria was discussed January 4 - 5 1967. Aburi is a town in Ghana. It is 45 minutes’ drive from Accra, the capital of Ghana.

Those who attended the meeting were Lt. Col. Yakubu Gowon, Col. Robert Adebayo, Lt-Col. Odumegwu Ojukwu, Lt-Col. David Ejoor, Lt-Col. David Hassan Katsina, Commodore J.E.A. Wey, Major Mobolaji Johnson, Alhaji Kam Selem and Mr. J. Omo-Bare. Others were Prince S.I.A. Akenzua (permanent under-secretary, Federal Cabinet Office); Mr. P.T. Odumosu (Secretary to the Military Government, West), Mr. N.U. Akpan (Secretary to the Military Government, East), Mr. D.P. Lawani (Under-Secretary, Military Governor’s Office, Mid-West) and Alhaji Ali Akilu (Secretary to the Military Government, North). The Chairman of the Ghana National Liberation Council, Lt-General J.A. Ankrah, declared the meeting open in his capacity as then head of state of Ghana. The following was agreed upon—That the army to be governed by the Supreme Military Council under a chairman to be

known as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Head of the Federal Military Government; Establishment of a Military Headquarters comprising equal representation from the Regions and headed by a Chief of Staff; creation of Area commands corresponding to existing regions and under the charge of area commanders, matters of policy, including appointments and promotion to top executive posts in the Armed Forces and the Police to be dealt with by the Supreme Military Council. During the period of the Military Government, Military Governors will have control over Area Commands for internal security, creation of a Lagos Garrison including Ikeja Barracks. In connection with the re-organisation of the army, the council discussed the distribution of military personnel with particular reference to the present recruitment drive. The view was held that general recruitment throughout the country in the present situation would cause great imbalance in the distribution of soldiers. After a lengthy discussion of the subjects, the council agreed to set up a military committee on which each region will be represented, to prepare statistics which will show: present strength of Nigeria Army; deficiency in each sector of each unit; the size appropriate for the country and each area command; additional requirement for the country and each area command.

The committee is to meet and report to council within two weeks from the date of receipt of instructions. The council agreed that pending completion of the exercise in connection with re-organisation of the army, further recruitment of soldiers should cease. It was agreed, after a lengthy discussion, that it was necessary for the agreement reached on August 9,1966, by the delegates of the Regional Governments to be fully implemented. In particular, it was accepted in principle that army personnel of Northern origin should return to the North from the West. It was therefore felt that a crash programme of recruitment and training, the details of which would be further examined after the committee to look into the strength and distribution of army personnel had reported, would be necessary to constitute indigenous army personnel in the West to a majority

there quickly.

As far as the regions were concerned, it was decided that all the powers vested by the Nigerian Constitution in the regions and which they exercised prior to January 15, 1966, should be restored to the regions. To this end, the Supreme Military Council decided that all decrees passed since the Military take-over, and which tended to detract from the previous powers of the regions, should be repealed

by January 21, after the Law Officers should have met on January 14 to list all such decrees.

The decisions at Aburi more or less amounted to the fact that the country should be governed as a confederation. Prince Akenzua along with top permanent secretaries including Alhaji Yusuf Gobir, Phillip Asiodu, Eme Ebong, B.N. Okagbue and Allison Ayida deconstructed in Lagos, all that was agreed in Aburi.

On arrival in Lagos, Prince Akenzua discussed with General Yakubu Gowon and raised objections to what was agreed in Aburi. Gowon asked him to raise a memo which he did. The memo dated January 8, 1967 began with, “Your Excellency, in view of my discussion with you last night, I am raising this memo in the interest our fatherland-Nigeria”. Prince Akenzua traced the long hard road that Nigeria has travelled and stressed on the need to keep a united Nigeria. He said in the memo that Gowon gave too much away in Aburi and that it would lead to the destruction of the country. He further added that Gowon had “legalised” total regionalism which “will make the centre very weak.” It was the memo that prompted Gowon to summon a meeting of the secretaries to the military governments and other officials which was held in Benin City February 16 -18, 1967. The minutes of the Benin meeting presided over by Mr. H. A. Ejueyitchie, Secretary to the Federal Military Government, totally rejected what was agreed upon in Aburi. After the Benin meeting, Lt-Col. Ojukwu started the “On Aburi I Stand” slogan. Thereafter the federal government promulgated Decree No. 8 of 1967 which gave total powers to the centre. It has been so since. We shall continue to argue and debate the full implications of

Decree 8 which was promulgated on March 10 1967.

The ghost of that decree still haunts us today.

On February 16, 1967, Colonel Ojukwu wrote a letter to Gowon. In the letter he said “At Aburi, certain decisions were taken by the Supreme Military Council--- the highest authority of the land under the present regime. For my part, I became dedicated to those decisions, only to discover soon that you and your civil service advisers, along with selfish and disgruntled politicians in Lagos, and perhaps elsewhere as well, did not feel the same. As a result you have seen to it that the decision taken at Aburi are systematically vitiated or stalled.”

In his own broadcast, the then military Governor of Western region, Colonel Robert Adeyinka Adebayo on May 3, 1967 said “we tried at Aburi to find the basis for a solution but there was not enough confidence to build upon that basis. As a result, follow- up action was slow and argument developed which further impaired confidence.

When at last decree No. 8 was passed by the Supreme Military Council, we could not carry the Eastern Region with us.”

In his broadcast to the joint meeting of the advisory committee of the Chiefs and Elders and the Consultative Assembly of Eastern Nigeria on May 27, 1967, Colonel Ojukwu said, “In Lagos, the permanent secretaries there studied the recommendations and, to their credit, brought out clearly and unmistakenly their meanings and implications.

Having seen these, however, they unfortunately went beyond their rights and duty as civil servants to advise against the implementation of the Aburi agreements. From there our difficulties started and have taken us to our present stalemate”.

Till today both sides (Gowon and Ojukwu till he died) interpreted what was agreed upon in Aburi in their own way. Even till today judging by the decisions reached at the last National Conference, we are still arguing on confederation or federalism.

As long as Nigeria remains one under federalism, the memo of Prince Akenzua was a wake-up call.

Teniola, a former director at the presidency, wrote from Lagos

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EDITORIAL THE MENACE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE There is need to implement the violence against persons’ prohibition act

F

our days to the end of his administration on May 25 last year, the then president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, signed the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Bill into law. The act not only addresses emerging forms of violence, it provides commensurate penalties for offences as well as compensation for victims of violence which had never before constituted a part of our laws. Yet as commendable as the law is, available reports indicate that incidences of violence against these vulnerable groups have increased, rather than reduce.

The challenge of implementing the law is at the heart of what is necessary to tackle the menace.

As poverty and socio-economic challenges in the country increase, many families are going through pressure and some men, who find it difficult to cope with such frustration and emotional stress, take it out on their spouses, and even children. Indeed, incidences of domestic violence manifest in many forms in Nigeria today - from physical and verbal abuse, to rape and even murder.

While spousal IGNORING THE SUBTLE abuse cuts across SIGNALS OF VIOLENCE both sexes, women INFLICTED ON OUR are predominantly FEMALES CAN ONLY LEAD the victims in our TO DISRUPTION IN OUR country. Yet abused FAMILIES AND IN OUR women rarely report SOCIETY the violence for fear of being stigmatised by the society. Where incidents are reported or noticed by third parties, the advice is usually reconciliation, while our policemen and women are known to actively discourage reports of assault between spouses, trivialising such occurrences as ‘domestic’.

The patriarchal interpretations within our various faiths preach endurance as a sure pathway to heaven, so our religious leaders also advise forgiveness, even in the most bizarre of instances. Inevitably, the victim and the abuser (where summoned) are usually advised to go home and find a way to settle their differences, rather than make public the injury or the violence

Letters to the Editor

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within.

Again, most abused women who opt to remain in the most challenging of marriages claim stability for their children as the excuse for their ‘fortitude’. Unfortunately, they fail to understand that children who witness abuse as a common occurrence in their lives are more likely to grow up believing violence is normal within marriage, and are more likely to replicate similar behaviour as adults.

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he fear of being ostracised, the lack of material and financial resources and the general lack of sympathy and support from the public have also contributed immensely to the growth of domestic violence in many Nigerian homes. Curbing these tragic incidents is therefore a collective responsibility. It is also the duty of governments, at all levels, to protect the most vulnerable by supporting the establishment of the necessary infrastructure and wherewithal, including safe houses, wherein abused women can be securely accommodated, counselled and enabled to regain some confidence and self-respect.

While it is possible to institute criminal action against the abuser in our country, the investigative and prosecutorial capacities of our law enforcement agencies are a huge disincentive for taking such action. Civil suits for damages can be filed where a conviction is obtained, but again, the system takes too long, giving sufficient time for interventions by ‘well-meaning’ relations as well as religious and community leaders to dissuade the abused from seeking solace from the law courts. The police need to seek for specialisation in handling cases reported by these unfortunate women, and alerted to the fact that battery and assault remain felonies in our law books, even where inflicted between spouses.

It is also important we cast away the complacency that has hitherto been the bane of the victims of abuse in our midst. Ignoring the subtle signals of violence inflicted on our females can only lead to disruption in our families and in our society. It can also lead to violence and untimely death. If we fail to act or report, we are all complicit.

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 (9501000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive.com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer.

DAKUKU PETERSIDE: A WELL DESERVED APPOINTMENT

he federal government, on March 10, 2016, appointed Dr Dakuku Peterside, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the April 11, 2015, governorship election in Rivers State, the 5th Director General/Chief Executive of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). This appointment, according to discerning minds, is a worthy amidst the myriad of appointments made so far by President Muhammadu Buhari. Many Nigerians were excited because for once government has spotted a reformer for an agency that urgently needs reforms.

The Amaopusenibo of Opobo kingdom, a cool-headed, easy-going, charismatic and disciplined leader; an administrator and a gentleman per excellence, brings to his new job an array of experience; political sagacity, integrity, solid academic and administrative background . Having gone through the rigours of education with a two master’s degrees including an MBA in Business Administration, a doctorate degree in Management Science and certificates in Leadership and Project Management from top institutions around the world, Peterside, no doubt, prepared himself immensely for this onerous task and would lift NIMASA from where the years of locust left it.

Administratively, Peterside is bringing to bear in his new position integrity, exposure and purposeful leadership, a disciplined and friendly environment to both local and

international players in the maritime sector. Not only would Peterside steer the ship of NIMASA away from the corruption which has plagued the foremost maritime agency, he would as well, steer it away from controversy, ineffectiveness, embezzlement of funds, unwarranted political intrusion, ethnic rivalry, amongst other mind-boggling issues.

Those who do business with NIMASA are already saying positive change is obvious even this early.

Having been in the House of Representatives for four years where he served as the Chairman of the all important Petroleum Resources (Downstream) Committee and other important committees such as Anti-Corruption, National Ethics and Values; Drugs, Narcotics and Financial crimes; Co-operation and Integration in Africa; Electoral Matters; Industry; Communications and Works, Peterside, is surely the right man for the highly challenging office.

It is also instructive to note that the appointment of Dakuku was hailed by players in the maritime sector. Unlike other appointments that would easily elicit myriads of reactions, from my media observation, I have not read anywhere either in the dailies, weekly or monthly publications, nor in the online and social media, where his main opponent in the Rivers gubernatorial tussle, Nyesom Wike, objected to this noble appointment. This goes to show the calibre of person Nigerians have in Dakuku Peterside.

It is also worthy of note that an ex-militant and a

prominent member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Chief Ateke Tom, could not hide his emotions when he commended President Buhari for this noble appointment. Ateke who has been involved in the Niger Delta struggle, am sure, knew the importance of having a Dakuku Peterside at the helm of affairs in NIMASA. A man of good conduct, Dakuku would not vilify anyone, nor engage in anti-human conducts in the discharge of his duties. He does not discriminate. He takes everybody as his own and he is a man of peace. A good example is the outcome of the Rivers governorship election which did not go in his favour even though he had won at both the tribunal and the appeal court. Upon the Supreme Court ruling in favour of his major rival, all Dakuku said he was going to do was to appeal to his supporters to remain peaceful. He never said because the judgment was overturned, heaven would fall. No! That is vintage Dakuku. He believes solely in the will of his creator, even though the judgment was controversial.

So, As Dakuku steps ahead to reinvigorate NIMASA, he needs the cooperation of all – the citizenry, the industry players, the international community and most importantly, the government in order to achieve his lofty dreams for NIMASA.

Osamudiamen Uduozeme, Beijing

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POLITICS

Group Politics Editor Olawale Olaleye Email wale.olaleye@thisdaylive.com 08116759819 SMS ONLY

PERSONALITY FOCUS

George is Back in the Trenches South-west leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Olabode Ibiyinka George is of the strong view that his people and the zone have been short-changed in the scheme of things and would not standby to watch the North-east zone hold on to the leadership of the party. Segun James writes

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f his intent was to draw attention to the plight of the South-west and its people within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he is certainly making headway. For Chief Olabode Ibiyinka George, the South-west of which he is the leader in PDP has been short-changed within the system, and unless something is done to reverse the trend, something will ultimately certainly give way.

On April 17, arriving directly from London, where he had been for a six-week holiday, George addressed a gathering of his party’s faithful and the press at his Ikoyi residence, Lagos, to lament the alleged betrayal of some persons from the region, whom he claimed had gone to the party’s headquarters to proclaim that the region was not interested in the party’s leadership.

Five days later, the leaders of the region met again to deliberate on the issue that has polarised the party and is threatening the very survival of the party in the region.

The crisis rocking the party is happening barely a few days to its national convention scheduled to hold in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. Without doubt, a few days can make a great difference in politics, hence, the month of May might as well determine if the PDP will continue to be a party to be reckon with or the beginning of the end for the former ruling party.

George lamented that the party is at a moral crossroad and struggling for survival. “We are at a pivotal junction wrestling with what the future holds for us all.” His lamentation followed alleged betrayal of the party in South-west by a group led by Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State and Senator Buruji Kashamu from Ogun State.

While appraising the situation of the party since it lost the national election last year to the All Progressives Congress (APC), George said “Indeed, we are now confronted with a troubled destiny as a party. We are equally confronted with our relevance as opposition party in the great march to deepen the democratic processes of our country.

“The Peoples Democratic Party must now re-evaluate itself. We must reassess our values.

We must re-appraise our mission. We must look through our party vision and invariably rebuild our party in the crucial journey towards 2019.”

He noted that those responsible for the decision that the South-west was not interested in the national chairmanship of the party were neophytes in the party and not conversant with the principles upon which the party was set up. He said the one of the pillars on which the party’s acceptance stands was that each of the six geopolitical zones must occupy one of the positions of President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Secretary to the Federal Government and the party Chairman.

“Our party was founded on the principles of fairness, justice and equity. We represent all the diverse colourations of our great nation.

From the vast stretches of the Savannah in the North to the huge coastal waters of the South, we define the richness, the cultural beauty and the limitless aspirations of our people.

“Our party represents the hope, the inclinations and the endless possibilities of all our people regardless of tribe and tongue. That was our foundation. That was the vision of our founding fathers. That was the principle that gave our party the winning ways and the tremendous acceptability of the past.”

George...we must do away with the ugly past

He, however, regretted that the party derailed when strange bedfellows, whose greed led to the destructive path took over the leadership of the party.

“We have derailed from the classical beginning.

We have detoured foolishly from the redemptive path. We have lost our bearings. We have left the safety of our anchor for the perilous and the unknown shores. We are now adrift, circling in turbulent waters. My brothers and sisters, fellow party men and women, we must discard this new attitude of ruinous greed and desperate avarice. We must abandon the creed of irreverent conspiracy and the recourse to petty malice.

“This disturbing madness will not and cannot prevail again. We must confront new realities.

We must jettison the crude, inordinate greed of the recent past. We must eschew the unhealthy and the baseless character assassination in the crazy struggle for power. The eyes of our people are upon us all. We must be strong and resolute. We must rededicate ourselves to the new horizon.”

We have derailed from the classical beginning. We have detoured foolishly from the redemptive path. We have lost our bearings. We have left the safety of our anchor for the perilous and the unknown shores. We are now adrift, circling in turbulent waters. My brothers and sisters, fellow party men and women, we must discard this new attitude of ruinous greed and desperate avarice. We must abandon the creed of irreverent conspiracy and the recourse to petty malice

George, who hinted that there has been a campaign of calumny in some quarters against him over the quest for the national chairmanship of the party, made it clear that at 71 years of age, he has nothing to prove except the good of the party, adding that now that the presidency is no longer in the hand of the party, it needed a new approach to winning the hearts of Nigerians back to the party.

“We must discountenance the desperate campaign of calumny to pull others down because of personal advantages. We must put the interest of our party far above any parochial position. We lost the last general election not because the opposition party at that time was better than us. We lost the election because there was no unity. We lost the election because we harbored some agent provocateurs, whose goals and visions were not about our collective victory but about what they can get for themselves.

“If we want to prevail in future, if we are really serious about the complete overhaul of our great party, we must never again allow such fifth columnists to gain any position of influence and relevance in our party. We must be very critical and prudent in choosing those who should lead us. To rebuild our party, to re-establish ourselves in fresh and determined vigor, we must weed out the decaying roots that can bear no good fruits. We must eliminate through the process of sifting and sorting and discard the poisonous seeds that can endanger the healthy growth of our party. We can never again harbor insidious elements, who would plant one foot in PDP in day time and another foot in APC at night.

“What is now at stake is not about party in-fighting and the desperate tussle for position.

What is important now is genuine service and commitment. We must all rededicate ourselves to work as a solid, formidable team. We must first devote ourselves to the path of hard work and absolute selflessness. We must be resolute about sacrifice and the sincerity of purpose. We must be determined about quality leadership and the pursuit of excellence. Our resolve now is not about personal pursuit. Our focus should be predicated on the summative good and the glory of our party.

“We must now move away from the dubi-

ous recourse to personal agenda. This party is greater than all of us. The unity of this nation is more treasurable than the narrow self-seeking individual advantages. The goal and the vision of our party should be about the greater glory of our nation. We must work and speak as a united body. We must deliberately seek out the best and the brightest among us to occupy positions of leadership.

“We must immediately discard personal biases and narrow prejudices in our search for credible leadership. We must never again mortgage the collective destiny of our party because of immediate material gains or because of petty animosity against individuals. We are entering a very crucial and critical phase in the remolding and the restructuring process of our great party. There cannot be any mistakes or missteps. We must be truthful, sincere and genuine with ourselves and with our conscience. We must be honorable and fair in our deliberations as we move forward.

“We cannot build a new leadership on the platform of discord and disunity. We cannot erect a firm and formidable structure on the rickety planks of jealousy and envy. This is why we must restore discipline and restore a strong adherence to constitutional purity. Indeed, indiscipline has contributed a great deal to our recent defeat. When some people become too over-bloated with inordinate ambition, when some people think that every position should come to them, they will have no respect for the rules and regulations.

“They will invariably trample upon orderliness and the due process. Specifically, we must never again tolerate and over-indulge those who insist on bringing down the roof because they lost fair and square in party primaries. Civilised men and women must acknowledge defeat and move on with their lives.

“The very few disgruntled characters, who will threaten hell and brimstone because things don’t go their way are the greatest enemies of our democratic process. It is remarkable to note that those who were beating their chests and making the greatest noise about their relevance and viability are now keeping a safe distance from the shores of our land! What an irony!

“Our National Chairman Senator Ali Modu Sheriff has a very significant role to play in this crucial transitional process as we move towards our Congresses and the National Convention.

His task is very daunting and challenging. I wish him God’s guidance as he maneuvers carefully in re-establishing a solid foundation for our party.

“I implore him to be faithful to his words and his promise in the processes of giving our party a new strong and firm foundation. I want to believe the chairman is an honorable man.

He must honour his word to handover to an elected chairman at the National Convention on May 21st this year. This is the only way that he will be on the positive side of history.

“Under the able and wise chairmanship of Senator Walid Jibrin, the BoT has risen to its constitutional role of the conscience of our party with exemplary grace and nobility of character. It is true that the BoT is indeed the last vanguard of our defence line. The BoT is the sacred anchor of our constitution. It is the custodian of our values and ideals. It is our reliable and responsible bulwark in the moment of crisis and trials.

NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

POLITICS

PERSPECTIVE

Who’s Sabotaging the Sheriff?

Abiodun Komolafe thinks President Muhammadu Buhari is so far doing his very best for the country, but fears his efforts are being sabotaged from unknown quarters

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onnie Honig, political theorist and author of ‘Emergency Politics: Paradox, Law, Democracy’ wrote: “Democracies must resist emergency’s pull to focus on life’s necessities (food, security, and bare essentials)” as they “tend to privatize and isolate citizens rather than bring us together on behalf of hopeful futures.”

Emphasizing the connections between contemporary food politics and the infrastructure of consumption, among others, Honig argued that though “good citizens with aspirational ideals” are needed to make good politics, infusion of citizens with idealism is also a product of good politics.

Nigeria’s 2016 budget impasse, which has not only left the political actors in mirthful mistrust of one another but has also reduced the electorate to mere spectators, watching in utter bewilderment, refers!

All things considered, our major priority beyond the billions of naira approved for various portions of the budget is how the contents of this working document will in the end be utilized in a way as to mitigate the sufferings of a vast majority of Nigerians, who had, with the commencement of this administration, expected programme redirection and policy implementation that would vigorously improve their standard of living.

As things stand, Nigerians are no longer interested in moonlight tales on the impunity that took the better part of our immediate past or the flourish of trumpets that heralded Muhammadu Buhari into office as president. After all, Nigerians were not unconscious of what the future under the now-expired Goodluck Jonathan administration possibly portended before they decided to speak with their thumbs a year ago.

Archbishop Adewale Martins beautifully summed up the mood of the moment when he noted: “There is too much despondency, poverty and suffering in the land, and if care is not taken to remedy the situation, the people will one day stand up and revolt because their expectations from the government have not been met.”

Buhari...a new Sheriff comes to town

Needless to repeat that Nigeria currently suffers from dwindling resources in the face of unshrinking responsibilities, a huge corruption scandal and an opportunistically overstretched texture of Nigeria’s politics.

Gold diggers and fortune seekers are at work and a resource-rich nation like Nigeria is now an island of violence in a sea of poverty and squalor.

Civil servants are frustratingly panting under the pangs of unpaid salaries and power has become so epileptic that, at a point in our recent history, generation reportedly accessed Ground Zero. No thanks to a national crisis orchestrated by Jonathan’s inability to picture into the future!

In a country that has become gradually concerned with power to the exclusion of human welfare, long queues at petrol stations are unwilling to abate even as Nigeria has fallen to 67th position in FIFA’s ranking in football, a game in which she used to dominate the space and dictate the tune.

In the midst of these, some witches, wizards and professional worriers, whose surprising view of history is wrapped in a dubious fig leaf of reality have been waxing so lyrically in their call for naira devaluation without rethinking more forcefully that ours is a consumer

economy. That’s how bad the situation has become and only God can save us!

So, call it ‘Quick fix democracy’ and you may not be far from it! From the look of things, Nigerians want Buhari to act Moses on the rock at Horeb, not minding what became the fate of the creature for taking the credit, instead of ascribing glory to the Creator? Even without understanding the circumstances that have dragged us to this pass, it is their belief that former President Jonathan has been shown the way out and all his imperfections are long gone with him.

‘It could have been worse’! Yes! But, in their festive estimation, a victorious All Progressives Congress (APC) ought to have known that it was not beyond the capacity of a defeated Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government to emplace thorns and thistles on the path of the incoming administration and that a government worth its mission would have taken preemptive measures to nullify the counsels of the wicked.

Anyway, Buhari’s globally acknowledged resolve to achieve a moral and an ideological victory over the debris of the dreams of the now-imploded PDP remains unshaken.

For a fact, this straightforwardly great and startlingly special sheriff has started well and it is only a matter of time before his combination of confidence, political savvy and strategic analytic reasoning starts yielding fruits.

But despite the president’s efforts at putting Nigeria back on the world map, there are still some nagging questions that have refused to go away and it is quite interesting that efforts to search for suitable answers have ended up in more questions.

For instance, who is sabotaging the president in his efforts to unleash his rod of change on Nigeria’s socio-economic sentiments with a view to bringing forth their increase and who will stop powers that stopped Jonathan from stopping Buhari in his quest to actualize a Greater Nigerian dream?

Who’s the Haman hindering Nigeria’s Mordecai from accessing his King Ahasuerus and who is acting Balak in Buhari’s desire to

serve as balms for woes to the hungry and the depressed? If the most crucial and the most important time for a leader to show his true worth is in the face of adversity, who’s the Judas on Buhari’s path to redirecting the country along the line of equality, liberty and solidarity?

Expanding the argument, why has the town refused to compensate its dwellers and why are those who wear the gown messing up their present even as they make no preparation for the future? Why has our democracy been grumbling in conflictual cleavages of dishonesty, incompetence and contrived promises and why has Nigeria become a stratified capitalist society comprising the “small flies” whose “socioeconomic conditions reveal little or no inter-generational mobility relative to their parents” and the “great flies” who “abuse their positions for private gains”?

Wait a minute, have we ever attempted to interrogate the circumstances that threw up Ayo Fayose and Nyesom Wike as candidates of their party and how they eventually ‘won the race’ as governors in their respective states? What of the duo’s vexatious roles in Alli Modu Sheriff’s emergence as the substantive chairman of Nigeria’s major opposition party and the trio’s common denominator as political heavyweights?

As a matter of fact, where lie the place, space and roles of a violent extremist Public Liability Company erroneously referred to as Boko Haram in all of this?

On the whole, Nigeria remains a worthy light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel project, in spite of the crisis of value, compounded by crisis of structures, that currently threatens her existence. All the same, as Nigerians are expecting the president to experiment the miracle of the Marriage at Cana, another critical area that has of late become Nigeria’s defining identity is the activity of Fulani herdsmen.

-Komolafe wrote from Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

C l eaning the A u gean S tab l es The process of change is painful, but ultimately must produce noteworthy gains, reckons Mike Rapu

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ugeas, the mythical king of Elis, kept great stables that held 3,000 oxen and had not been cleaned for thirty years until Hercules was assigned the job.

Hercules accomplished this task by causing two rivers to run through the stables. This story depicts two things: the misfortune of inheriting a messed up estate, and the level of creativity and innovation required to clean up the mess.

To be clear, here, I refer to the mess President Muhammadu Buhari inherited from 16 wasted years of the Peoples Democratic Party’s hold on the reins of leadership in our dear country.

I write as an independent Nigerian, suffering what every other person is suffering, plying the bad roads every other Nigerian plies and like many other graduates, I spent years searching for a job. I also wish to say here that I am not a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) neither am I a member of Buhari’s administration.

One thing is sure, the process of getting to the Promised Land, I have to admit, is a tough and long one. Maybe, that is why St. Paul spoke to early Christians about enduring “long suffering”. I have since accepted

Jonathan...the many sins of his administration

this as part of the sacrifices I have to make for my unborn children to enjoy what I hope will someday be the prestige attached to being Nigerian.

Anytime I hear Americans talk about the “Unborn American”, I ask myself when Nigerians or its leaders will think, let alone talk, of the “Unborn Nigerian” like I am presently doing! I must admit here as someone, who voted for Buhari, that like

many others who did, our expectation was that things would change immediately he was sworn in on May 29, 2015 at the Eagles Square. Now, I face what is our national reality; the damage done was grave indeed.

President Buhari has always maintained that things will change, and I want us all to believe him. At least he has no record of telling public or private lies. He has never told us that STEALING is not the same as CORRUPTION. Our challenge, though, as a nation has always been that of the dearth of quality and visionary leadership. I believe that the quality of followership is always determined by the quality of leadership, be it at the family, village, community or national level.

On the task currently at hand, I believe that the spate of sacks of many corrupt officials and the dismantling of decay(ing) structures as they now stand in the country are perfectly in order. Some insane and retarded posturing from the usual culprits suggest that the exercise by the Buhari administration in Abuja is lopsided and parochial.

And the ethnic card is already shamelessly being flashed by those who know too well that in the last few years, Nigeria has been hemorrhaging from all sides of her anatomy while some still have the audacity to whine

about one being Igbo or Yoruba, Ijaw, Efik or Hausa. Who cares?

I believe that the season to re-write our laws to make corruption a treasonable offence has come upon us, as once prescribed

by Tanzania’s founding father and one of Africa’s most iconic leaders, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere to his countrymen.

I have always told anyone who cares to listen that Nigeria’s problem as a nation has attained crisis proportion and anything – I mean anything – to resuscitate her should be administered as a panacea for her malaise.

I am in no way advocating the breaking of the law to accomplish this goal on the part of the executive.

All I am saying is that all the realms of governance – legislative, judiciary and the executive, and of course the fourth estate, the media, must join forces, work in tandem, and with unreserved nationalistic fervour to rescue the tottering ship of state from going down. These are unusual times, and we have to address the issues using unusual solutions. Fighting corruption is never easy; fighting institutionalised corruption which the PDP administration represented is not only more difficult but dangerous.

-Rapu wrote from Lagos

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

POLITICS

OFF-THE-TURF

F or L ad o, H orse- rid ing is I t!

AHouse of Representatives member from Suleja, Tafa and Gurara Federal Constituency area of Niger State, Hon. Abubakar Lado, says horse-riding is all that catches his fancy in his spare time, writes Jemeelah Sanda

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herever he went, Abubakar Lado, House of Representatives member Representing Suleja, Tafa and Gurara Federal Constituency in Niger State, always had a reason to look for the race course in the town. Yes, Lado is a keen horseman, who would do anything for a ride.

But if you take the horse away from the man, don’t you ever think you have taken the man from his horse.

Lado loves to travel. It is one of his many forms of relaxation, however, the man even on many of his trips always makes out time to go to the races anywhere he might be in the world to watch the horses race or if the opportunity occurs, to take to the saddle for a ride around. To him, the elegant stallion is the ultimate beast; it is not only beautiful but very loyal. The horse to him is the best friend a man can have.

However, horse-riding is not all there is to this man; he is probably the most popular politician to have emerged from the emirate given what he has done for the people, especially the youth.

His leadership style has proved beyond doubts that indeed he is a true democrat.

Lado loves to travel. It is one of his many forms of relaxation, however, the man even on many of his trips always makes out time to go to the races anywhere he might be in the world to watch the horses race or if the opportunity occurs, to take to the saddle for a ride around. To him, the elegant stallion is the ultimate beast; it is not only beautiful but very loyal.

The horse to him is the best friend a man can have

For this former All Progressives Congress (APC) Interim National Youth Leader, his other passion is youth development.

Lado, whose nickname “Mai Allah” suggests God sent, gives priority to Youth, whom he sees as the engine room for development in any human society. But if there is something he is unhappy about, it is the absence of any tertiary institution in Suleja Emirate, a Local Government Area which generates substantial revenue for the government of Niger State, yet the most neglected.

Lado’s priority projects under the constituency intervention scheme for the year 2015/2016 economic year is designed to focus on three specific areas: Education, Health and Poverty reduction, through skill acquisition training and empowerment. In this regard, the following projects have been carefully executed to ameliorate the challenges faced by his constituents.

Twelve Students were sponsored under full academic scholarship scheme to undertake study in Medicine and Engineering at Noida International University, New Delhi India.

One student is on full academic scholarship to study Shari’a related courses at Sudan

University.

Full scholarship has also been granted to about 45 Students within the constituency, to study at the New-Gate College of Health Technology, Minna Niger State, while another four students are on full scholarship to undertake specialised study in optical technology at the College of Optical technology, Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi.

Born 43 years ago, Abubakar Lado has worked as a clerical officer, Judicial Service Committee, Abuja and System Operator, NEPA, before setting up his own company, TA’ANNABI NIGERIA LTD. He attended Government Technical College, Kantagora, where he obtained his West African School Certificate in 1992. From there, he proceeded to the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and graduated with a Diploma in Power Engineering (Electrical) in 1997.

In the 2000s, Lado joined politics and was soon elected member of the Niger State House of Assembly from 2011 to 2015.

The people soon found him worthy again last year as he was elected into the House of Representatives to represent the good people of Suleija.

T H I S D AY •

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BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S NIBOR OVERNIGHT 1-MONTH

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Group Business Editor Chika Amanze-Nwachuku

Email chika.amanzenwachukwu@thisdaylive.com 08033294157

A P R I L

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Quick Takes Aeronautical Engineers Urged to Brace Up

BRAINSTORMING ON INFRASTRUCTURE DEFICIT

L-R: President, South-East South-South Professionals of Nigeria, Emeka Ugwu-Oju; President, African Development Bank Group, Dr Akinwumi Adesina and Treasurer and VP, World Bank Group, Arunma Oteh, at the inaugural ‘Global Infrastructure Forum 2016’, which held in Washington D. C. United States … recently

Insurance Industry Asset to Hit N16trillion by 2020 Ebere Nwoji The insurance industry, will achieve a market asset base of N16 trillion and premium income of N6 trillion by the year 2020, the Director General of Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), Mr. Sunday Thomas has said.

NIA is the Umbrella body of insurance underwriters in the country.

Thomas, who made the disclosure at the Access Bank’s Insurance Forum, Wednesday, however said for this to be achieved, the industry operators, must shun the current trend of unhealthy competition among them. He said the unhealthy competition has seen many of the underwriters charging

INSURANCE premium rate that is as low as one percent while others charge at 0.85 percent rate instead of the standard rate.

He said if the industry operators were playing according to rules, in terms of premium charges, the industry would have in the past three years (2013) hit the above margin.

Currently, insurance industry ‘s premium income hovers around N312 billion while industry total asset base stands at about N715billion, according to industry estimates.

The NIA DG, said to meet the set target, the industry operators, must show vested interest in promoting retail insurance market segment,

place interest of their customers at the centre of their business plan and strategy, as well as review and tailor their products to suit the present day customers.

He condemned the current trend whereby industry operators, focus much attention on corporate business while neglecting retail business, adding, cost of purchasing the corporate businesses impoverishes the industry.

He argued that among the operators that chase the corporate businesses, none of them retains the corporate accounts for good five years without losing such account to competitors despite how jealously he guides it.

He said on the contrary, the retail businesses are

less expensive and could be retained for many years at little or no cost.

Thomas, also enjoined the insuring public to see insurance from the positive perspective, a shift from their already held opinion that insurers do not pay claims .

He said this negative perception of the industry by the public, inhibits the growth of the industry in addition to the activities of fake insurance operators.

The need to grow the industry’s premium income through the deepening of insurance penetration among Nigerians compelled the immediate past commissioner for Insurance Mr. Fola Daniel to Continued on page 20

Paucity of Funds Hit Aviation Agencies Chinedu Eze Aviation agencies are currently going through difficult times due to lack of funds to effectively carry out their services, training and staff emoluments.

Sources within the agencies pointed accusing finger at the airlines, saying they owed the agencies billions of Naira and that has significantly affected their revenues.

The Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria is said to be operating on a grim budget because the percentage of funds it should earn from the 5 per cent tax paid to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)

AVIATION is not coming.

Other agencies like the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) may not also be getting monies from the 5 per cent charge paid to NCAA by airlines, the regulatory body gives percentage to these other agencies.

Inside NCAA source told THISDAY that airlines owe the agency about N10 billion and due to lack of funds, it has not been carrying out some of its obligations, which includes training. The source however said that it has not affected

the salary and allowances of the workers, which are paid promptly, adding that the regulatory body’s main job is training and this has been put on hold.

“The capital expenditure of NCAA is training. The agency ought to and have highly skilled manpower as a regulatory body, but we have not been doing scheduled training programme. The training is no more planned. What we have is ad hoc situation when an international organisation, for example, decides to partner with NCAA for training and one or two persons will be shortlisted and invited to attend the training.

“That is not the way NCAA

or any other civil aviation authority in the world operate.

Training is the fundamental job a CAA does because of the sensitive nature of the work we do but this has been abandoned to a large extent and it is not good for the industry,” the source said.

The source said that in the past, under the former Director General of NCAA, Dr. Harold Demuren, every personnel knew when to go for training because it was programmed and scheduled, but since he left and other Director Generals in acting capacity took over and until now there was a substantive Continued on page 20

Aeronautical engineers have been told to brace up for greater challenges ahead because the profession is expected to bring out its best during economic downturn by sustaining the critical aviation infrastructure with minimal resources.

The President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Aeronautical Division, Bola Bido, who made the call said it became necessary as a result of the present dwindling economic activities in the country.

Bido challenged engineers in the aviation sector not to rest on their oars as there was a great task of transforming the sector through ingenuity, adding that the era of analogue was over as every sector has been digitilised.

Bido, who decried the high rate of ageing workforce in the aviation sector, said it remained a source of worry to the association and stakeholders and appealed to various state government across the country to embark on the training of aeronautical engineers in aviation colleges to replace the old ones.He reiterated his call on the need to imbibe maintenance culture as a norm, adding that lack of maintenance culture has been fingered as responsible for the fold-up of some companies in the country.

Bido urged engineers to continue to play leading roles in all agencies in the aviation sector as the industry was being driven by technology manned by engineers.

He cautioned that no technical issues should be allowed to affect safety in any form notwithstanding the challenges in the system.

Dunoma Applauds Aviation Workers

The Managing Director of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Saleh Dunoma has said the agency is working towards getting the best terminals for airport users across the country. Speaking with aviation correspondents shortly after inaugurating the aviation white house constructed by the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association (ATSSSAN) as part of activities marking the May Day celebration, Dunoma said a lot has been done to improve on safety of both airlines and passengers at airports.

According to the FAAN boss, work on the air side of some airports have been completed which can be attested by the pilots that use the facilities.Dunoma explained that passengers would soon start experiencing better facilities as soon as the new terminals were put into use, noting that work has reached advanced stage.On the construction of cargo airports in some designated states, he said that some equipment for the airports have arrived, saying ,however, that paucity of funds it has slow down the pace of work.

He assured that the agency would commence work by prioritising six of those cargo airports by completing them as soon as fund was available, stressing that the revenue generated from the airports will be channeled to complete others.

Google, Fiat Chrysler on Self-driving Minivans

Alphabet Inc’s Google and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV have agreed to work together to build a fleet of 100 self-driving minivans, marking the first time that a Silicon Valley firm has teamed up with a traditional carmaker to develop an autonomous vehicle. Google and Fiat said the deal was the first time Google has worked directly with an automaker “to integrate its self-driving system, including its sensors and software, into a passenger vehicle.”

The growing use of computing power in vehicles is paving the way for intelligent, self-driving cars, creating new rivalries and business opportunities for both technology companies and automakers.Unlike its rival premium carmakers Daimler, BMW and Volkswagen unit Audi, cash-strapped Fiat Chrysler has decided to turn to an industry outsider to develop intelligent, self-driving cars, not having the resources to do the work alone.

Airlines should be allowed to transfer their money because Nigerians are travelling and paying for these tickets. If Nigerians said the money being repatriated by foreign airlines is too much, let them stop travelling CEO of Financial Derivatives

Bismarck Rewane

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T H I S D AY •

BUSINESSWORLD INSURANCE INDUSTRY ASSET TO HIT N16TRILLION BY 2020 launch the industry’s Market Development and Restructuring Initiative (MDRI) in 2009.

This is a medium term plan with the objective of transforming the industry from the premium income margin of below N300billion then to a trillion market in its first phase which lasted between 2009 to 2012.

This, the industry failed to achieve, though a lot of windows of opportunities have been created by the ex commissioner who set 2017 as ripe time to achieve the goal.

But Thomas is said that given the existing huge untapped opportunities in the country especially with the huge population and renovation and reconstruction projects going on in the north eastern part of the country occasioned by wanton destruction of lives and properties in the region by the dreaded Boko Haram insurgents, insurance would by 2020 generate premium in excess of N6 trillion if the operators will be awake to tap these opportunities in the next four years.

PAUCITY OF FUNDS HIT AVIATION AGENCIES Director General, training has suffered a huge set back.

THISDAY however learnt from NCAA’s top official that government had directed that majority of the trainings should be done in Nigeria; only highly technical trainings should be done overseas.

Also a source from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) told THISDAY that the salary of the workers is now being delayed due to paucity of funds; the same with allowances, which are not even paid at all, adding that for a long time training has lost the usual frequency and is done once in a while.

“All the airlines are collecting passenger service charge (PSC) on our behalf but they are not remitting the money to us; they are using it for their business and this is the money that belongs to us,” the source said.

Group Business Editor

Chika Amanze-Nwachuku Maritime Editor

John Iwori

AgriBusiness/Industry Editor

Crusoe Osagie

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

Senior Correspondent

Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents

Chinedu Eze (Aviation) Linda Eroke (Labour) Eromosele Abiodun (Cap Mkt) Ejiofor Alike (Energy) James Emejo (Nation’s Capital) Obinna Chima (Money Mkt) Reporters

Nume Ekeghe (Money Market) Nosa Alekhuogie (Maritime)

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NEWS

LASWA: Two Million People Shuttle Lagos Waterways Monthly Nosa Alekhuogie The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has confirmed that about two million people shuttle the Lagos waterways on a monthly basis.

The Managing Director, LASWA, Abisola Kamson made this disclosure at a media briefing in Lagos.

According to her, the number of people that ply the state’s waterways has grown rapidly over the years and measures are being put in place to strengthen the authority’s water guards to enforce safety rules.

Kamson also revealed that new safety rules for the growth of water transportation sector in the state is underway as various challenges are being encountered by LASWA on the waterways She said that they are in partnership with the National Inland Waterways Agency (NIWA), in order to regulate various activities on the state’s waterways and ensure that it is safe.

She stated that the new guidelines would focus on the quality of boats, size of the boat, size of the engine, and general safety for commuters.

The LASWA boss said operators would be given a period to comply with the new guidelines after which government would begin strict enforcement of the guidelines, adding that LASWA would employ more water guards to enhance patrol on waterways.

She said the water guards of the authority provided statistics on daily basis on the number of passengers plying the jetties in the state, saying that many people are now used to commuting on the waterways and that the number still kept on growing.Kamson said: “The core function of LASWA is to act as a regulatory agency for

all movements on waterways.

We are to provide enabling infrastructure that will promote water transport.”

She said the authority is working closely with the Marine Police in order to beef up the security and also, curb illegal access on the waterways adding that plans were underway to ensure that jetties and boat

operators not licensed by the state government were not allowed to operate on the waterways.

Kamson said that there would be proper channelling of boat routes to prevent boat users from interference.

This, she said, would enable the authority monitor the number of approved vessels

plying certain route, which would make for safety of the waterways.

The MD appealed to Lagos residents to desist from dumping refuse and open defecation on water as such practice could impede movement on waterways adding that efforts were underway for mechanised clearing.

MERITORIOUS AWARD

L-R: Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Sesan Sobowale; Managing Director, Nigerian Bottling Company, Mr. Ben Langat; and Human Resources Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Monica Peach; receiving the award for Guinness Nigeria as the company won the 3rd best place to work in Nigeria during the Great Place to Work awards in Lagos...recently

NPA Moves to Ensure Trucks Comply with New Standards Nosa Alekhuogie with Agency report The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has stated that it is preparing to complete its exercise on trucks operating at the Western Ports, to ensure they conform with the approved standards being set.

The General Manager (GM), Western Ports, Michael Ajayi, disclosed that the mop-up exercise would ensure that no truck is left out of the compliance drive for standard trucks operation at the ports.

He explained that the NPA’s

objective is to ensure public safety, and not to drive the truck operators out of business, adding that NPA would not compromise its policy on minimum standard, so, it plans to gradually ease out non-compliant trucks over time, while those that require little things done to attain the minimum standard are encouraged to do so.

The Nigerian Maritime News quoted Ajayi as saying that: “Having executed the first phase, we are in the second phase of mopping up, to ensure that those that

slipped through our system by error of omission or commission, are gotten back to go and do the right thing. Right now at the port, we have an enforcement committee comprising the Police, the State VIO, members of the safety department, and the enforcement is chaired by the Area Commander.

Trucks that do not meet the minimum standard would be turned back. Even if you had met it at one point or the other, and at subsequent visit to the port you have not met it, you are consequently

turned back. The truck driver will have to go and fix the problem before coming back, so the enforcement unit is live and working.”

The GM, however, said that the compliance level was quite encouraging, even as the enforcement team had turned back several non-compliant trucks from entering the ports.

“I can assure you that they are fully in compliance with our policy. We are talking about 8,000 trucks that have already complied and operating in the system, while we have rejected many trucks

that have fallen below the required standard,” he said.

He added that the exercise was being reviewed regularly, and assured that there were no fears of congestion at the gate as trucks were only checked for compliance as they come in at different times.

On the issue of operational weigh bridges in the ports, Ajayi explained that the weigh bridges are in the care of the concessionaires, noting that the NPA had also written to them to ensure they are put in use.

CITN Restates Commitment to Providing Strong Manpower Base Chinazor Megbolu The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) has restated its commitment towards providing a strong manpower base for the tax system in the country.

The President, CITN, Mrs. Olateju Somorin said at the 34th induction ceremony held recently in Lagos.

“The institute, on its part, recognises the need for continuous provision of a strong manpower base for tax system and shall contribute

its fair share in this regard,” she said.

Somorin further explained the place of taxation in national development, saying it has taken a front burner at both federal and state governments levels as a result of increased activities geared towards increasing internally generated revenue with the application of diverse strategies.

She pointed out that while some states have started working on the institute call for autonomy in terms of revenue administration in

their respective states, others decided to self-help on what tax payers should pay.

Somorin explained that the imposition of taxes is based on assessments due to the convention of the tax laws in Nigeria.

“These assessments provide the basis for arriving at the taxes being demanded. This makes for a better understanding and position of trust between the tax payers and tax administrators, “she said.

CITN boss stated that only tax professionals are the

ones to head and administer agencies saddled with the responsibility of revenue generation.

According to her, “Only those possessing the skill set and vision in taxation to take same to greater heights need to be tapped for all jobs and positions relating to taxation across board.”

Somorin said this was necessary if government was to be taken seriously towards addressing the low tax compliance and high revenue generation. “ We recognise that as an

institute, we do not possess compulsive powers to make government toe this line.

However, we will continue to male our voice heard at every opportunity to drive home the message of professionalism, “she said.

The taxation expert, however, enjoined the 675 newly inducted members to continue conducting their services with great dedication and integrity.

According to her, “this would rub off on your personal development, that of the institute and the society in general.”

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AVIATION

New Security at Brussels Airport Causes Delays Additional security checks at Brussels Airport are causing delays and missed flights, a situation the airport operator described as “bizarre”.

Belgium’s main airport reopened part of its main departure hall on Monday, bringing capacity up to about 80 percent from 20 percent when operations initially restarted a month ago, after the suicide attack on March 22.

But passengers complain that police checks at the entrance to the building are not only causing delays of several hours but have created a new security risk by making a huge crowd of people congregate outside.

Among the stranded passengers was former Belgian Prime Minister, Yves Leterme who missed his flight to Budapest after waiting for two hours and 40 minutes.

“In the coming weeks I’ll think twice about choosing Brussels Airport,” Leterme told Belgian daily Het Laatste Nieuws. “I think Paris is the better option.”

Reuters reported that with major airports in Paris, Amsterdam and Dusseldorf easily accessible by train from Brussels, the chaos in the Belgian hub could have a major economic impact. The airport’s manager blamed the police unions, which took the decision to screen all passengers and their luggage at the entrance.

“Damn! We worked day and night for 40 days to reopen the airport and some police union representatives hold on to that bizarre system of pre-check-ins”, president of the board of Brussels Airport Marc Descheemaecker wrote on Facebook.

“Abandon it… abandon it…

We are shooting ourselves in the foot and making fools of ourselves abroad.”

Police union VSOA blamed a lack of staff among private security firms, which carry out the initial checks.

“We are open to suggestions about how to improve the checks but one thing is clear, security at the airport has to be better than before March 22,” a spokesman for police union VSOA said.

Belgium’s interior ministry, ultimately responsible for security, said it would hold talks to address the situation and come up with an improved procedure.

Brussels Airlines saw passenger numbers decrease 20 percent in April due to reduced capacity at the airport where it is the main operator.

Canada to Help Bombardier The senior Canadian official looking at a request

by Bombardier for aid to support its CSeries aircraft has indicated for the first time that Ottawa actively wanted to help the company, Reuters reported.

Innovation Minister Navdeep Bains until now has said merely that the Liberal government would closely examine Bombardier’s request for $1 billion in aid and outlined some of the concessions he wants in return.

But on Monday he went further, detailing how much help Ottawa had given the company over the last 40 years and stressing the number of aerospace jobs across Canada that depended on Bombardier continuing to operate.

“We’ve been there with the company in the past,

we’ve continued to remain engaged with the company and we want to be part of a solution,” he told reporters.

The CSeries is years late and billions of dollars over budget.

The government has previously said it wants assurances on jobs, investment in research and the location of Bombardier ’s headquarters, which are in the predominantly French-speaking province of Quebec.

Noting that Bombardier has 950 suppliers across Canada, Bains added: “This is not simply a Quebec issue. This is a Canadian issue. This is a strong Canadian brand.

We believe in it.”

Bains later told the CBC that Ottawa had provided CAD$1.3 billion (USD$1.0 billion) in loans and con-

tributions to the firm over the past four decades.

This sum angers critics who complain Ottawa is engaging in corporate welfare to support a badly run company.

Sources say Ottawa is pressing Bombardier over its dual-class share structure, which is disliked by investors on the grounds it gives the company’s founding families too much control.

Executives said last week they had no intention of changing the structure.

Asked about those comments, Bains told the CBC that the share structure was just one of many issues that needed to be addressed, but gave no further details.

Last week the CSeries received a major boost when Delta Air Lines ordered 75 of the jets with an option for another 50.

Delta Orders 37 A321s Aircraft US-based Delta Air Lines has placed an order for 37 A321ceo aircraft.

This order follows previous Delta orders for the Current Engine Option version of the largest Airbus A320 Family member in 2013 and 2014. Delta took delivery of its first A321 in March 2016. Including that aircraft and today’s announcement, Delta has ordered a total of 82 A321s.

Each aircraft would be powered by CFM56 engines from CFM International.

“The Airbus A320 family of aircraft continues to be a cost-efficient, reliable and customer-pleasing mainstay of our narrow-body fleet,” said Ed Bastian, Delta’s incoming chief executive.

“The order for the A321s is an opportunistic fleet move that enables us to produce strong returns and cost-effectively accelerate the retirement of Delta’s 116 MD-88s in a capital

efficient manner.”

“Delta is an industry leader in many ways, not the least of which is contributing to the trend toward larger, more fuelefficient aircraft for their single-aisle fleet,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer – Customers.

“The A320 Family continues to be the backbone of every airline in the world that is paying attention to what their passengers want and their investors need. In 2015, nearly 40 percent of our A320 Family deliveries were A321s, up some 10 percent from the previous year. Our customers, like Delta, know where to find the best comfort, economy and reliability.”

All of Delta’s A321s will feature fuel-saving Sharklets – lightweight composite wingtip devices that offer up to 4 percent fuel-burn savings.

This environmental

benefit gives airlines the option of extending their range up to 100 nautical miles/185 kilometres or increasing payload capacity by some 1000 pounds/450 kilograms.

Many of Delta’s A321s will be delivered from the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility in Mobile, Alabama. Aircraft assembly there began in July 2015, with the first aircraft, an A321ceo, being delivered April 25, 2016. By the end of 2017, the Mobile facility is expected to produce four aircraft per month, most going to Airbus’ U.S. customers.

As of the end of March 2016, Delta was flying a fleet of 165 Airbus aircraft, including 127 A320 Family members and 38 A330 widebodies. In addition to its A320 Family aircraft orders, the airline has a backlog of 5 A330-300, 25 A330-900 and 25 A350 XWB aircraft.

AIR WATCH Foreign Airlines’ Exorbitant Fares

T

he decision of foreign airlines to hike airfares at a time the Nigerian economy is undergoing major difficulties is a source of concern to many intending passengers and travel agencies.

Industry observers argue that the fare hikes are , at this time of economic crunch. , ay , a , , m 10 1 2,1 0, 6 , 0 cent increase. a , Nigerians are still travelling and are still paying the highest fares from West and Central Africa to international destinations. , ay decided to hike fares at these hard times but

a , a cheaper than from Lagos to the same destinations , 1 a Ghanaian economy. These travel agencies are making huge sales from the Nigerian travellers , NANTA said before the current monetary policy in , , , , m

ay

to last year. but the fact is that I have noticed that the fares they offer the Nigerian public and travel agents y y , fares have gone quite high. The airlines are in a better position to tell us their reasons. a ay , , pays for a return ticket if he books early. They noted , class seats.

A source attributed the increase to airlines’ huge

Investigations revealed that although there , the Nigerian market is underserved and that a , Nigerians still travel despite the tough economic , have been operating for long in the country understand the market and its dynamics and travel.

m m , a , a , Nigerian international travel market is resilient Bryan noted that Nigerians have resilient spirit

, not lose the value of their fares. a give passengers in Nigeria full value tickets. It airports to buy ticket. So they have moved that full value tickets to online in Nigeria. a 600 and they cannot repatriate the money. When they 10 y

,

,

,

, means they are getting their money directly. So these monies they are getting in piecemeal and , , the source said. , asociation of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) has condemned the attitude of international airlines to other countries in Africa and queried the rationale

, , travel a lot.

“Africa is the future and Nigeria is the future of a , , , , , , they are travelling for fun and to see their family ,

y , m

,

, , a carriers out of the Nigerian market.

,

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AVIATION

Addressing the Airport Infrastructure Deficit

Chinedu Eze writes that facilities at the nation’s airports must be upgraded to international standards to make the aviation sector more competitive

New international terminal at Lagos airport under construction

Industry experts say a major setback in the Nigerian aviation industry today is the infrastructure gap.

Over the years, the infrastructure at the nation’s airports, were not maintained. In fact, the facilities were left without regular maintenance and as such as most of them are now in dilapidated state. The airports lack hitech equipment, good air conditioning system. In some airports, the runways either lacked lighting or they were poorly marked.

Airport operators are obliged to ensure safety and security of flight operations; they are obliged to ensure efficient but fast passenger facilitation and comfort. For instance, there should be comprehensive flight information display system, easy communication (wifi, media etc), comfortable and secure seats, transit hotels and possible transit visas. These days every good airport should have meeters and greaters and other necessary facilities to improve comfort of passengers.

Outdated Facilities Chief Executive Officer of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL) Christophe Penninck in a very acerbic tone had in a recent presentation excoriated airport facilities in the country and concluded that they were out of tune with modern idea of airport infrastructure. Expectedly, he lauded the domestic terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos (MMA2), which was built and managed by BASL. He said the condition of airports in Nigeria are still below acceptable standard, noting that runways are still ill equipped, terminal buildings don’t have the minimum in terms of passenger facilitation.

Penninck said compared to MMA2, which is an exception, there has been heavy investment in automation, there is automated car park,

self check-in with full Baggage Reconciliation Solution (BRS), automated gates for security and passenger tracking, adding that MMA 2 is run like a business and all the airport stakeholders benefit.

He said modern and well-equipped airports prevent accidents with smart light, building management system and in terms of security checks, they are done through CCTV, BRS, Dual Vision system, X-ray machines, passenger tracking and manifest printer. In the area of facilitation, there are usually self-check-in, Common User Passenger Processing system (CUPPS), automation of various areas (car park), mobile apps etc.

“Nigeria has to rebrand its airports. The current image of the airports is low.

London Heathrow and many other airports are fully private and an example of investments and implementation of new technologies to the benefit of all stakeholders,” Penninck said.

He stated that for an improvement in passenger facilitation, security and safety, the only realistic way forward for Nigeria is privatisation of her airports. He noted that various models are available, but majority shareholding should be private, adding that all successful airports in Africa are run like private companies.

“The airport is a gateway to the country and the first impression a foreigner has of an nation. There must be amassive investments in technology,” he said.

Effective Management Privatisation of airport is not a sin qua non to its effective management. While many industry experts say airport privatisation is the way to go, it has been realised that privatisation does not succeed all the time, especially in some countries. Recognising that every country has its peculiarities and with

increasing terror threat, many industry observers say that it would be better for airports to be under the management of the state. This will enable government to ensure security and safety of the airports and minimise insider threat and a situation private investor could compromise security for money, which in Nigeria is not impossible.

In fact, Airport Council International (ACI) Director-General, Angela Gittens had warned about airport privatisation and advised that it should be followed cautiously and looking at the only successful privatisation of airport facility that had taken place in Nigeria, which is the BASL built and operating MMA2, it has been dogged by controversy. While BASL accused the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) of not acquiescing to the agreements it reached with BASL, witnesses to the agreement point at grey areas that were overlooked when the agreement was signed.

Again, effective management of a terminal of an airport does not indicate that when the company is given up to 22 airports, it could efficiently manage them because a terminal is a mere fragment of an airport.

Also, without pricing control by government, privately owned airport facilities could charge exorbitantly, taxes that would eventually be paid by passengers through the airlines. This happened when MMA2 started. The charges introduced were outrageous, which forced airlines to shun the terminal until there was a compromise by the then Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demuren.

FAAN’s Infrastructure Renewal FAAN’s greatest achievement in the last few years was the successful audit of airport facilities carried out by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in 2016. This

has enabled the planned certification of four of its major airports located in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano. Although before this certification would be carried out, there are some gaps identified that would be closed.

FAAN in the last two years has concentrated on the provision of airside facilities like the rehabilitation and marking of the runways, provision of airfield lighting and reinforcing security at the airside areas.

When certified, the airports would be recognised worldwide as meeting all safety and security standards and it would receive international recognition and approval for any kind of aircraft to fly and land at the airports. This would further boost the image of Nigeria in the comity of nations as a country with very high safety standard with secure airports; only very few countries in Africa have been so recognised.

Also the federal government is building five new airport terminals which would be completed later this year or early next year.

In addition to that, FAAN said it has been striving to modernise its airport facilities.

On Monday, the Managing Director of FAAN, Saleh Dunoma said that construction of the 14 perishable cargo terminals would be hastened up as soon as there was enough funds for the works, disclosing that the federal government had two years ago, designated 14 airports as perishable cargo terminals with plans to construct and upgrade them to international standards.

He explained that some equipment for the cargo airports have arrived but works would progress as soon as there were enough funds, adding that the Authority is working towards getting the best terminals for airport users across the country.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

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INTERVIEW

Uko: Nigerian Airlines Need Govt Support Travel expert and organiser of Akwaaba Africa Travel Market, Ikechi Uko said government should support Nigerian airlines to be able to compete favourably with their foreign counterparts. He spoke to Chinedu Eze. Excerpts: Most of the airlines in Ghana are targeting Nigerian market, what is the enormity of what we are losing?

The normal thing is that every country should get the benefit of its own resources.

The best resource Nigeria has is its population.

And that is why population counts in the size of GDP; the biggest GDPs are usually the countries with large number of people because that is the market. When everybody invites Mr. President to sign an agreement, what they are actually looking at is your market. But we as Nigerians don’t see these markets, even when we know it, we create obstacle to prevent people from using the market in Nigeria.

Some people in this country have the fear of Nigerians getting rich on Nigerians and they try to prevent it. They will rather allow foreigners to enjoy such benefits that to allow their own citizens to gain from that.

Without (President Goodluck) Jonathan and (President Olusegun) Obasanjo, we couldn’t have produced a Dangote. We go out of our way to prevent our own people from growing, or rather give that advantage to a foreign organization because we don’t know them.

So we don’t want Nigerians to benefit from our own population. If not why would we prefer that Nigerians fly foreign airlines when we can create more billionaires from aviation industry?

If one airline becomes very successful in Nigeria and airlifts majority of Nigerian travellers, whoever owns that airline or people involved in that airline will become billionaires.

So why are we afraid of growing wealth among Nigerians? Why do we prefer others to gain from us? That is what I don’t understand.

We prefer to create an environment where a Nigerian car importer will not sell as much as a car importer in Cotonou. We have built systems like that; we will create tariff structure that will benefit people in Cotonou. And for the past 20 years or 30 years it has been the same and we have never changed it. We have done nothing to change it and we keep building more obstacles and creating more billionaire and millionaires outside Nigeria.

And this also applies to aviation, with a huge travel market. Our official budget is how much, $4.2 million according to the Minister, that is the travel budget. The whole of that amount will go into the pocket of foreign airlines. So why do we do that? No matter what Arik, Air Peace, Aero has done to Nigerian, it does not justify the fact that we carry our national wealth and give to foreign airlines. So Arik has more staff than any foreign airline in Nigeria. Aero has more staff than any foreign organisation in Nigeria, so it necessary that we drive most on growing the skills of these people.

The normal vehicle would have been a national carrier but the government says they are not interested in national carrier, so what next do you do? Then create skills for the Nigerian carriers; they can play at that level. Rather we are antagonising them, yes they owe money but how much did EU allow Italy to give Alitalia before eventually its stakes were given to Etihad and if you check almost all the European carriers that Etihad bought, they were all on government subsidy. There is no airline in the world that is not getting a form of support, no successful airline that is not getting a form of support from its government.

So I think that it is not in our own interest, as at now I personally prefer a national carrier but in the absence of a national carrier then let’s make Arik, Aero, Medview and Air Peace successful. Whatever it takes to make Med-view and others assume the role of global players we should do that, not antagonizing them. And if you look at it now, Ghana has opened up their economy, they are liberalising everything according to the agenda 2053 of AU. So they are giving 5th freedom rights to a lot of airlines out of Accra. They have started the visa-on

Uko

arrival for all Africans and already most of those international organisations, which have NGO in West Africa are choosing Ghana for their headquarters. But the strength of that economy is still very small compared to even Lagos State.

So we can create the environment that benefits our own people. Now, South African Airways has fifth freedom right from Ghana and they fly from Accra to Washington and most of the passengers you will see there are from Nigeria. Ethiopian Airlines is starting a flight from Lome to New York and most of those passengers are from Nigeria. Ghana has given fifth freedom right to Air Maroc to fly from Accra to everywhere; they have also given to Egypt Air, Kenya Airways to do some of those West Coast routes. The passengers in West Africa are out of Nigeria. But we are not saying we should stop other airlines, the negative argument of stopping other airlines from flying and don’t give rights to other airline is a negative argument. Instead of doing that you encourage competition then support Nigerian carriers to win the fight. There is no need stopping multi-designation and the rest of them; that deprives the passenger benefits because that is monopoly. But what

you could do is you open up for competition; then you help your own airlines and give them an advantage.

And that advantage could be in form of waivers; subsidies, could be lower fees or charges as Nigerian carriers. So the government has to bring a basket of benefits to now transform these small carriers into real flag carriers. You don’t call people flag carriers just by mouth; there has to be a basket of benefits that we will give to them that would enhance their capacity.

When you look at Ghana, just like Ethiopians, they don’t travel, the Bole Airport is just a transit facility, do you think Ghana can play such role in West Africa?

It is already playing such role because most of the business class passengers in Ghana are from Nigeria. And in the last one week I can tell you how many Nigerian travel agencies have asked me for contacts in Ghana, they want to start selling tickets of airlines that operate from Ghana. I can tell you this; that I have made such connections for people that are one. They are building a massive new airport and already it is a functional airport,

it is a small but functional airport. How about Lome? Lome is already becoming a hub because Asky is growing bigger and Asky will be flying to Europe in the next one and half years.

They are taking new aircraft now and they are acquiring wide bodies aircraft before the end of next year. They are serving the whole of West Africa, but when you say West Africa the biggest traveling public in West Africa is Nigeria. You know you cannot create a hub without a strong airline. For you to have a hub you need the airline. It is always better if you own the airline, if you check all the major hubs in the world they are driven by particular airlines, even in Africa.

I have the impression that most businessmen and women that travel from one country to another in West and Central Africa are largely Nigerians?

Yes, the fact is already there in that the International Air Transport Association (IATA) report. They said Nigeria is one of the most connected countries in Africa. They checked the number of points that are linked to any particular country, so Nigeria is one of the CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

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MARITIME

Harnessing Maritime’s Huge Potential The maritime industry offers huge potential for the federal government’s quest to diversify the economy, writes John Iwori The federal government is looking at several other sectors outside the oil and gas industry in a bid to ensure that its ambition of diversifying the economy was achieved. These sectors include agriculture, solid minerals and tourism. However, analysts have said one sector the government must not ignore is maritime. According to them, the maritime industry remains a goldmine and if properly harnessed, has enormous potential. This explains why not a few stakeholders have averred that the maritime industry has what it takes to generate the needed revenue to finance the 2016 budget, among other needs of the citizenry.

For instance, a maritime lawyer and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, said the maritime industry has the capacity to generate N7 trillion annually. The lawyer also posited that besides boosting the economy, the maritime industry could also provide avenues for job creation, especially for the youths, who are roaming the streets for non-existent jobs in the urban centres.

It is an indubitable fact that the nation’s seaports situated in Lagos, Koko, Calabar, Onne, Port Harcourt, Sapele and Warri have a strategic role to play in the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration economic diversification agenda.

The diversification of the economy has become imperative and urgent given the dwindling price of crude oil in the international market. Unlike before when it used to be mere talks, the dwindling fortune of the economy has made it imperative for the federal government to take its desire to diversify the economy with all seriousness.

Many have opined that Nigeria’s development and revenue generation agenda as promised by the Buhari’s administration would be a mirage if the federal government under his watch did not match words with action.

Industry players have used every avenue to make push for the nation’s seaports to serve as a veritable alternative source of income to the central till. According to them, the maritime industry is key to the nation’s survival in view of the present challenges.

The calls have become strident in the face of low income accruing into the federation account from the oil and gas industry.

Desire for foreign goods That Nigerians love foreign goods is an understatement. They import so many goods into the country to the detriment of the economy. In many cases, they prefer goods of inferior quality as long it is produced overseas. A typical example in this regard is the locally produced rice popularly called ‘ofada’ or ‘Abakiliki’. It has been scientifically proven that the locally produced ones are not only sweeter but also are more nutritious. Yet, millions of Nigerians prefer the foreign polish ones imported from Thailand or Indonesia. There are many instances these foreign produced rice have been found to have expired before they are brought to Nigeria.

The high desire for foreign products and huge population, among other factors, have made Nigeria to remain a large market for foreign goods.

It is against this backdrop that many few stakeholders have stated that the maritime industry holds the key to the nation’s growth and development in the years ahead. Presently, Nigeria has what it takes to be a hub in the shipping sector of the economy, given its strategic location on the Africa continent.

Drawbacks In spite of her enormous potential, Nigeria is presently not in a position to reap the numerous benefits in the shipping sector.

Some factors are responsible for this unfortunate position. These include poor policy implementation, high capital flight, sharp practices, negative policies and lack of adequate manpower and infrastructural facilities. Other challenges include: incon-

Buhari

sistencies in decisions; lack of political will to implement the right policies; domination of the shipping sector of the economy by foreign ship owners; and the inability of the government agencies such as the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to live up to expectations.

Already, these ills have started taking toll on the fortunes of the nation’s seaports, especially those ones situated in Nigeria’s busiest ports, Lagos Ports Complex (LPC), and Tin Can Island Port (TCIP), Apapa. These ports used to be a beehive of activities with vessels taking days, if not weeks to get berthing space. The waiting is not only for vessels. Trucks also wait for days to get their cargo out of the ports. This often lead to long queues, making the port city one of the most difficult places for motorists to get access or exit, especially on a working day. This is no longer the case.

Activities at the Lagos ports have reduced considerably as the foreign exchange restrictions announced last year by the federal government takes a heavy toll on the nation’s economy.

This situation has left many, who depend on Africa’s hitherto busiest ports for living, to remain idle.

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) recently released a report of its performance, with the Managing Director, Alhaji Habib Abdullahi, saying the number of ocean-going vessels that called at the ports had declined by 8.1 per cent.

His words: “A total of 5,090 vessels called at the ports in 2015, which is a decrease of 8.1 per cent when compared to the 5,541 recorded in 2014.”

This drop has also affected the NPA’s revenue as it generated N11.9 billion in 2015, indicating a drop of 1.7 per cent from the N12.1billion generated in the previous year.

Similarly, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), in its latest report, said that Nigeria’s imports decreased by 24.7 per cent in December 2015. The report- ‘Nigeria Imports from 1981 to 2016’- noted that in the last quarter of 2015, purchases declined by 22.4 per cent.

Imports in Nigeria averaged N164.26 billion from 1981 until 2015, reaching an all-time high of N1.5 trillion in March of 2011.

While introducing the forex restrictions, the federal government had said the policy was aimed at boosting local manufacturing industries and agriculture, besides providing employment opportunities. Nevertheless, the restrictions have forced local manufacturers to cut operations and lay off workers due to

Amaechi

their inability to import raw materials.

Several port users, especially licensed customs agents, have decried the lull in port activities occasioned by the continued decline in imports since the beginning of the year.

The President, National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), Mr. Lucky Amiwero, said many of his colleagues had remained idle since last quarter.

He told THISDAY that many of them had lost their jobs and were trying their hands on other things, some have relocated to their communities to reduce their expenses.

“Many offices have closed down. Those who have not relocated cannot even afford the transport fares to come down to the ports anymore. This is an import-dependent country.

So, the restriction on forex for the importation of 41 items by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has really affected port activities. We hope the government eventually reviews the restriction. This quarter has not been impressive,” he said.

The Chairman, Shipping Association of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Val Usifo, was quoted in a report saying that members of the group were feeling the pressure of low imports.

“All aspects of the economy are interrelated and these heavy restrictions are causing more uncertainty,” he said.

SAN represents the international companies handling container trade in Nigeria. These include the Danish shipping giant, Maersk and France’s CMA CGM. NPA sources told THISDAY that arrival of vessels importing steel was down by about 60 per cent. According to the source, who preferred anonymity, the ports are nearly empty and Customs revenue is nowhere close to where it should be. Only last month, the Tin Can Island Command of NCS reported a shortfall in revenue of N2.7 billion for the first quarter of 2016.

The Public Relations Officer (PRO), TCIP Command, Mr. Christopher Osunkwo, said about N58.9 billion was generated in the first quarter of 2016, compared to N61.6 billion that was generated for the same period last year.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) had in January this year set for itself N1trillion revenue target. With the end of the first quarter, however, it is clear that this may be a mere wishful thinking.

Already, the Comptroller General of NCS, Colonel Hameed Ali (rtd) had expressed dismay over the significant drop in the service revenue projections as shown by its first quarter revenue

generation vis-a-vis what the service recorded in the same period in 2015. Among other reasons, Ali cited the negative impact of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) forex policy on 41 imported items.

Way out To improve on revenue generation, they called on the federal government to review some of the policies considered as having negative impact on the economy. Particularly, the policy on forex restriction. Stakeholders have also said that the government should also stop the fraudulent sharp practices in the nation’s seaports such as concealment and under-declarations; reduce cargo dwell time (CDT); build infrastructural facilities; and restructure NPA and NIMASA for optimum performance.

Those who spoke to THISDAY made it clear that until the MDAs in the maritime industry are made to deliver on the primary purpose for which they were established, it may be difficult for them to perform well. For instance, the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi had at a stakeholders’ forum in Lagos, said all the maritime agencies can generate as much as N500 billion monthly. To ensure that this is achieved, Amaechi has directed the MDAs under his watch to put measures in place to generate more revenue this year.

However, not a few must have wondered how they can achieve that when they lack the requisite manpower and tools to work with.

On his part, Agbakoba argued that in order to tap revenue from the maritime industry, there is the need to overhaul existing policies, institutions, regulatory and legal framework.

He maintained that it is when this is done that Nigeria would begin to derive the numerous benefits in the maritime industry. In spite of the recent rationalisation of MDAs which led to the merging of several ministries, Agbakoba is of the view that a separate ministry should be created specifically to cater for the needs of the maritime industry. While maintaining that the maritime industry is too vital to be merged with others, he pointed out that in the present arrangement and organisational structure, set goals and objectives would be difficult to attain.

With the result of the performance audit report on the MDAs presently awaiting Amaechi’s action, stakeholders are expecting the Buhari’s administration to use it to achieve the desired results in the maritime industry.

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MARITIME

Hecken: Piracy Remains a Big Challenge for Maritime Activities

Outgoing Chief Executive Officer of the Bonny Channel Company, Mr. Joost Van Hecken, spoke with Kunle Aderinokun on the activities of the maritime company, highlighting its achievements and challenges in its 12 years of existence

Hecken

What brought about the Bonny Channel Company?

Bonny Channel Company was established in 2004. Before then, the access channel of the eastern ports of Onne and Bonny up to the terminal of the Nigeria Natural Liquefied Gas company and the rivers in the area were maintained through different contracts which always took some time before the actual work is done; it used to be time consuming due to bureaucracy. What you have is whenever there is need for work on the access channel, may be removing a wreckage which is blocking smooth and ease of navigation, installing navigational aids or any other work, it always take a long time to the bid and tender process for the job and this affects business of operators in the area. Due to this people came to the conclusion that a public private partnership spearheaded by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) will

solve the problems and quicken pace of work if there was any need for intervention in any of the areas that I have mentioned above so that the channel is navigable for users. Basically this was how and why the Bonny Channel Company (BCC) came to be established in 2004.

What is the pedigree of the technical partner in the arrangement that brought about Bonny Channels Company (BCC)?

The technical partner in the partnership is Dredging International (DI). DI is one of the biggest dredging companies in the world, the company has the expertise and it boasts of many decades of experience is dredging activities all around the world. Dredging International is known globally and acclaimed as a sector leader.

What does BCC basically do?

BCC is the channel manager of the bonny

channel. At the moment we are maintaining about 100 kilometres of navigable seaway. This includes 20 kilometres offshore channels from the fore roadways up to the Nigeria Natural Liquefied Natural Gas terminal in Bonny Island.

There is another 60 kilometres up to the limits of Port Harcourt ports and an additional 10 kilometres in Onne ports that we are maintaining.

What this implies is that we’re maintaining the depths and width of the river and if it is required we also remove all kinds of wrecks anywhere along the channel so that we can guarantee that it is safe and available for the users who may need to use the channel. Of course we designed it and dredged it. We also maintain all the navigation aids, keeping all the beacons along the navigable channels working at all times is part of our job.

How will you assess your operational

success in view of the initial objective for setting up BCC? Our maintenance work has always ensured that the waterways are navigable at all times.

In turn this has ensured continuous traffic of ships at all times since we came on board. Since we came on board, there has never been any traffic congestion may be due to delay in fixing any problems that could obstruct ships from sailing into and out of any of the ports. One of the ways that we have been able to ensure this and which is also one of the advantages of having a technical partner is the availability of equipment on ground and we can intervene immediately whenever there was need for an intervention instead of having to wait for the process of asking for tenders, sending in quotes and bidding and all that which always takes time CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

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MARITIME

HECKEN: PIRACY REMAINS A BIG CHALLENGE FOR MARITIME ACTIVITIES and obstruct smooth running of the businesses of operators in the area.

For instance if a buoy is missing we quickly move in and replace it and if a ship is coming in and requires deeper depth, we immediately move in and remove the sands or icebergs before it gets to the place where and avert any delay or jeopardise marine movements on the part of the users. This wasn’t the case before we came on board. We have actually made the eastern ports more navigation friendly than we met it.

We have improved its depth so that bigger ships can use it which wasn’t the case before now.

This has also helped to increase traffic of ships in the area as well as economic activities in the area. I mentioned earlier, we have also been ensuring that the users have no cause to incur extra costs, may be because they have to wait for repair works to be completed before they can access the NNLG terminal or Onne Port. We make sure the traffic continue to flow without any incidence.

Does your operation require that you interface with the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety and Agency (NIMASA)?

As a joint venture business with the NPA, we handle only the technical part of the partnership, liaising with the NIMASA falls within the purview of NPA. How long has the technical partner been in Nigeria?

As I mentioned earlier on, the partnership was established in 2004 but the technical partner has been in Nigeria for about 25 years.

What is your impression of the country’s maritime sector?

I can only talk in terms of the eastern ports.

BCC has done a lot of improvements on the maritime waterways of the eastern ports since its inception. For example we have widen the entrance to the NNLG terminal from 215 to 230 metres, wehave also deepened it from 12.5 to 14.3 metres. We constantly interact with the needs of the users and what wehave noticed is that since we’ve done the improvement works traffic of ships has increased a lot.

For example, since the coming of Bonny Channels Companytraffic of ships to NNLG terminal has increased from 192 to480 per year; because we have widen and deepen it biggerships are now coming in; and this has caused drastic increase in economic activities at the NNLG. Onne Port isalso very important to the area and we’ve deepened thechannel between NNLG terminal and Onne Port from 8.5 to 10metres.

As I said, we’ve always interacted with the needsof maritime operators in the area; it’s a cycle; the more improvements that we are able to carry out the more economic activities in the area improves and when it improves further they come back to us for further upgrade to accommodate more vessels; so it goes back and forth, on and on.

So far what are the challenges to your operations?

Bonny area is known to be volatile. Piracy has been a big challenge in that area especially on the offshore channelsto the NNLG terminal so for this reasons our vessels arealmost a floating fortresses; whatever work we have to do whether dredging or salvage works, we always have security vessels accompany us and our equipment; we also ensure to have adequate security on-board.

Have you ever experienced any untoward occurrence?

Well it happens to other companies who are engage in thekind of works that we do, kidnappings have happened but at BCC we’ve always been lucky; may be because we’ve alwaystaken the necessary precautionary measures including takensecurity very serious.

From the picture that you painted, that must beadditional cost for BCC, in what ways do you think government can help to take away such additional costs to doing your legitimate work?

Well, one way that government can help is to furtherincrease security in the area by having more Navy presence in the area at all times and not only when we want to go out to work. Really, that is a difficult question to answer because if you probe further; what is the cause of piracy?

If you ask me, I think it is poverty, frustration and economic hardship. I cannot answer on

Hecken

how that can be resolved but the last step of providing security for us isto increase security personnel Navy-wise in that area. That’s as best as I can say on that.

What per cent of your technical workforce are Nigerians?

Majority of our technical staff are Nigerians.

Ourtechnical partner, that is Dredging International also employ Nigerians. As a matter of fact, the operational baseof our workforce is about 200, 95 per cent that number are Nigerians. Among them are Engineers, Human Resources personnel, Supervisors, Engineering Superintendents, nameit, even pay roll staff. What we do in terms of employment are in two categories.There is the administrative staff that we employ and they get to work even though they still go for trainings alongthe line. Then there are the technical staff that we employ and train them on the job and this is because dredging workis not something you go to the university to learn; rather you learn on the job. Even at that we still send some ofthem to our offices in Europe and our head office in Belgiumfor more on the job training so that they can scale up andwith time are on the same competency level with other foreigners in the employ of Dredging International; be theyBelgians or from any country in Europe where we have offices. We take transfer of knowledge very serious at BCC. How are you impacting your host communities in terms of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)?

We engage the local communities wherever we are working and depending on where we are working from. Besides, ifthere is any loss in economic activities of any of the host communities due to our work we compensate them. Forinstance, in Bonny Island which is a fishing community and they said dredging affects fishing, we always compensated them for any economic loss arising

from our dredging activities. When we were widening and deepening the bonnychannel, it affected fishing activities in the community we compensated them. One of the ways by which we have impacted their lives building Cold rooms for them. Between BCC and NPA we built cold rooms for them so that they can store and preserve their catch and that has really helped them. What you find afterwe constructed the cold rooms is that they no longer have wastages; this way they have been able to maximise income from their fishing activities.

Are you restricted to working strictly for NPA In your operations or you do other third party jobs?

We are always looking for third party jobs since we have our equipment on ground and we offer very competitive rates. Again, since we have the experience and know-how, sincewe’ve been working in the area for many years it makes business sense to seek out third party jobs and we do that.And we’ve been doing jobs. For instance, under BCC we’ve done some third party jobs at Onne Port.

When is the contract ending?

We started in 2004 and it’s a 15-year contract.

Besides, the building of cold rooms forthe community, does BCC has any CSR initiative targeted specifically at women and children?

I think the bigger picture is what we see and look out for and that is that by engaging the whole community in whatever we do helps to increase their economic wellbeing and when they earn income it has a way of affecting the whole community and not just women and children.

When we areworking in a community, we engage people from that community and the environs and pay them very well, so for the three orsix months that we are working in the area we engage them and impact their lives economically.

What is your impression of Nigerians, particularly the people from the area that you have worked in, in respect ofthe work ethics, culture and all?

I have been working in Africa for the last six years, thelast two and the half has been in Nigeria. I have worked inGhana and Angola; I was also born in Africa, Mozambique to be precise so I see myself more as an African.

Compared to Ghana and Angola, Nigeria is really different. It can bevery challenging working with Nigerians; I like that attitude.

Nigerians always challenge you to give your best.

More than I have experienced with Ghanaians and Angolans, Nigerians always want to get the very best out ofyou.

In what other African country is Dredging International currently working?

We are currently working in Ghana, Congo, Angola andIvory Coast. There are so many projects going on in Africaso much that sometimes you lose track.

Maritimeindustry is a big revenue earning sector, do you think thepotential of Onne Port is being maximise in terms of revenue generation?

Let’s just say Onne Port is still a growing port. Butfrom what we have noticed and due to the intervention work that BCC has done in the area the port is picking up interms of vessel traffic and economic activities.

The latest we have noticed is that Maersk vessels - very huge vessel that can carry between 4000 and 5000 containers have been using the port. This started about two years ago and it is because BCC has smoothen some bends so that big vessels cansail into Onne. So, I think the port is in the process of maximising its potential but on the other hand oil prices in the international market as you know is affecting almost every sector, imports and maritime business inclusive.

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Acting Features Editor: Charles Ajunwa Email: charles.ajunwa@thisdaylive.com

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'WHY I'M SPEARHEADING OUR LAGOS YOUR LAGOS PROJECT’ ACTING EDITOR CHARLES AJUNWA / charles.ajunwa@thisdaylive.com

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06.05.2016

'Why I'm Spearheading Our Lagos Your Lagos Project’ The Chief Executive Officer, Heritage Solutions, Aregbe Idris, is a man of many parts.

The young industrialist has been in business for over two decades doing various things.

He spoke to Mary Ekah on his latest concept, ‘Our Lagos Your Lagos Project’, through which he aims to improve the lives of Lagosians the present government?

Definitely, this is a project that will be appreciated by both the government and the people.

We will have a Lagos that will be a place of pride for generations to come.

What is ‘Our Lagos Your Lagos Project’ all about?

This is an initiative put forward to ensure Lagosians embrace the new outlook of Lagos State driven by the state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode. The objective of this project is to improve the everyday life of residents at the grassroots level. It will serve as a platform for information on various advantages created by this government. We plan to be at the top of every Lagosian’s mind, when you hear ‘Our Lagos Your Lagos’, the first thing that resonates in your mind should be Lagos belongs to everybody who lives in it. In as much as you live and conduct your business legally and respect the traditions, laws and terms of the state, Lagos State is for you. A government governs the state but the people being governed have vital roles to play in making Lagos a more conducive place for survival. Together we can build a Lagos of our dream and that’s the main purpose of this project, to act as springboard to fostering understanding between the government and the people.

What strategy would you employ to engage the grassroots?

Given the name of the initiative, it is naturally engaging. We believe every vision of the Ambodeled government is geared towards moving Lagos State forward to accomplishing prosperity for all. We have decided to communicate our messages to the people in the most simple and easiest methods. Volunteers are being deployed to drive this initiative. While the governor is working hard to attain its megacity status, what is required of the residents is to support him?

This is the essence of this initiative - to galvanise the people to support the government. If we must all prosper together, each and every resident must support the good initiative of the government. Loyalty to the state is always while loyalty to the government is when they deserve it.

Do you also have plans to relay people’s complaints to the government?

Very soon we are launching our mobile application. This would enable Lagos residents to send their complaints directly to the government. We believe there is still a wide gap of communication between the government and the people. The mobile application will provide a platform for residents to communicate their complaints or praises to ministries and the agencies. This will facilitate instant responses and give people a sense of belonging. The application will also contain contacts of essential emergency response agencies available. The mobile platform will make people to be actively involved in making Lagos safe for investment. There would also be an opportunity for direct messages through our different ministries in Lagos State and toll free numbers for emergency needs. It is also imperative to know that we are open to different ideas to move Lagos forward.

Idris

receiving student volunteers from various campuses. When we kick off, information on that will be shared.

Are you recommending punishment for people who go against the laws?

Punishment is a method of correcting offenders and government has authority and responsibility to punish offenders in accordance with our laws and constitution. However, people must know that for every offence committed by violating the laws, it affects other people living within the state. For instance, if anyone vandalises electrical gadgets meant to provide power on the highway, this action will deprive millions of road users the opportunity to drive at night.

This is why every Lagos resident must join this campaign and support the government to better our everyday living. Looking at the tempo of the current administration, it shows that Governor Ambode is focused, Let us extend our support by orientating the populace and ensuring that government does not spend extra cost to repair facilities intentionally damaged by a few bad eggs among the people.

Do you seek to force the campaign on the people?

Definitely, Not! Nobody will force anybody to accept our message. However, I can tell you that majority of Lagos residents would embrace this initiative without being forced.

We believe if people are engaged diplomatically and persuasively, they will be able to drop the behaviours that do not represent the values being preached by the government. Messages will be sent out often, which will consistently remind people about this campaign. Like I mentioned earlier, we intend to be at the top of everybody’s mind. It is a re-orientation campaign against impunity, with the aim to make people better and supportive of the government’s programmes.

How do you want to drive the campaign?

There are two key areas, which we can explore to get desired responses and results.

One is education and the other is entertainment.

Evidently Lagos is the home of impeccable act. And we know Lagosians love to listen to music and watch good movies and events etc.

I mean Lagos State has successfully organised the New Year countdown event, which I’m sure you know, has gained acceptability from the people. Education is also very important and the idea is to organise symposiums and campus activities, educative concepts, campaign awareness programmes on different platforms, including movies to drive home our message.

Very soon we are launching a household message/campaign tagged ‘Operation Correct and Protect Your Neighbour’. If we look at what is happening today, people have lost interest in correcting people doing wrong things. This is why impunity is deeply entrenched in our

society. If your neighbour gets a N10 million contract for a project and he uses sub-standard materials to carry out the project, you don’t keep quiet because he is your neighbour. You must correct him to do what is right. People need to stand up, demand accountability and be part of this message. We are open to also

Don’t you think people may read your effort as politics?

A bad road does not know the political party to which the user belongs. If there is a mishap, people will die, regardless of their political leaning. With our effort to change the mindsets of people towards governance and protecting public facilities, it is our intention to also reduce the chances of any inconveniences.

People that may want to read politics in this initiative should know that the number of politicians living in Lagos is not more than the number of people that want to feel the impact of governance.

Do you think this initiative would outlive

How would you fund the campaign in all the 57 local council in Lagos?

For me it's not totally about finance but personal involvement by the people. I’m not saying we will not need money to run the campaign. It is basically about engaging volunteers in each community. If my community is safe, I will sleep with my two eyes closed. If there is no life-threatening disease in Lagos, every resident will be happy to live here. You can see that ‘Our Lagos Your Lagos’ project focuses more on people living in Lagos collectively and not just about the government alone. We need support from well-meaning Lagosians, however all our efforts and resources will be directed towards making the state better. I believe this project will make a good impact on the people, because we have researched deep to find out our challenges and we want to use our ingenuity to solve the challenge in a way that we will all be happy together.

How connected are you to the grassroots?

I have been a grassroots person all my life.

I move around various communities to meet people and I am able to feel their pulse. I have colleagues who share the same vision. We have collaborated to draw our plan on how best we can approach the people. We are not doing this for any financial or personal gains; we are out to encourage people to do what is right as the government is making efforts to improve our lives through laudable programmes and projects. It is only expected of us to give back to the government by supporting it.

Are you a politician or businessman?

Politics is my background; a grassroots and a long serving political leader in the state who happens to be my mum, raised me. I majored in political science at the University of Lagos.

However, politics is not a profession for me, it is a passion. It is what naturally plays out in our daily life. I believe that anyone who calls himself a politician must have other things he is doing. I am an entrepreneur and I have more than four companies and businesses. I used my business skills to grow the companies and I have quite a number of employees. This in itself is politics, because I manage these people working in my firms. If you do not possess the ability to manage a company to success, then you don’t have business in politics, because that’s the basic aptitude to managing public office and resources.

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06.05.2016

The Unveiling of World's Tallest Drum Godbless Eduviere writes on the recent unveiling of the world’s tallest drums in Ogun State

Performers at the Drum Festival

Ogun State, a very beautiful state by all standards, recently organised a four-day drums festival, which kicked off from April 19 to 22 at the Ogun State Cultural Centre, Kuto. The festival which also involved the unveiling of the world’s tallest drums which is measured 17 and 16 feet, is a very unique festival that had been abandoned for too long, hence the good people of Ogun State decided to unveil the two world’s tallest traditional drums collectively known as Isokan in Yoruba language.

The Isokan Drums, which was conceptualised by Femi Art Warehouse means unity and its festival marks a special memory of the entire Yoruba race, as it is very symbolic in the aspect of history and heritage of its people. The occasion which was tagged ‘The Nigeria Drum Festival’ is the first drum festival held in Abeokuta, Nigeria and in Africa as a whole and was attended by the State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, ambassadors from all over Africa, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Olu of Ilaro, Alake Of Egboland, and Osinle Okeona, Oba Tejuoso and other notable figures all over the continent of Africa.

The historic event was indeed an enormous one as several entertainment groups from all over Nigeria trooped to stage and performed beautifully their various majestic steps and cultural display with the use of drums. Some of the groups include the Anu troop led by a young beautiful female who incredibly gave the audience a jaw-dropping performance; The Unique fingers that took over the stage with not only drums and cultural steps, but also with traditional flute as well.

The Director-General of the National Council

for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Mrs. Dayo Keshi, congratulated the Governor and the people of Ogun State for putting together the special drum festival.

“The drums represent the heart of the people of this great nation, Nigeria as it resonates in the whole of the nation and indeed the whole of Africa. There’s an increasing recognition of the enormous potentials of festivals as the Nigerian drum festival to be one of the best race to integrate and generate economical growth from the grassroots which has the custody of our heritage right into the state's national and international levels,” Keshi said.

On its vitality, she suggested to the governor that the drum festival will continue for many years adding “for indeed it will give a right answer to the economic diversification we are all been through in this great nation, Nigeria.

Urging Nigerians to continue developing on its cultural festival in order to supplement the diversification, she suggested to all dignitaries and decision makers to think of other ways to generate income to the state.

The Director General, Nigerian Tourism Development Commission (NTDC), Mrs. Sally Mbanefo, who was excited specially congratulated the Governor of Ogun State, the Ooni of Ife, Alake of Egboland, Olu of Ilaro, and Osinle Oke-ona, Oba Tejuoso for putting together the event. "Do you know that the whole of Africa has come to stand still because of the event", she said, adding, “Ogun State is the centre of action for the year.”

“The Ooni of Ife was accompanied by nothing less than six ambassadors to grace the festival as it is a very unique one to the people of Yoruba,

Nigeria and Africa as a whole. Some of the ambassadors came from South Africa, Tanzania, Ghana, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and acting council of Ghana based in Lagos.

"Civilisation has made us forget our history and heritage and a country without a history has no legacy", she said. Adding that, “a country that abandons its heritage and culture has no reason to be in existence, especially in Africa”, she said.

The Executive Secretary/CEO National Institute for Cultural Orientation, Dr. Barclays Ayokoroma, also appreciate and congratulated the efforts of Ogun State Governor and the traditional rulers over the idea of the festival. He said he doesn't only see it as a Nigeria or Africa festival but as the world's drums festival as by this time next year, the whole world will all gather to witness the celebration again.

Amidst their speech, some other great entertainment group such as the Gilbert Ugunde group, Ara troupe, Kanu troupe and Alogbata troupe stormed the stage and passionately performed in their various cultural steps.

Governor Amosun was ushered in as the people sang and danced in traditional steps to welcome him on stage. He humbly recognised the traditional rulers and appreciated their presence, as well as the ambassadors, honourable ministers and everyone that contributed in making the festival a success.

Amosun, said, "We will from today not just call it the Nigeria drums festival, but the Africa drum festival." “Drums are the sensual parts of the African race and our day to day experiences as Africans are measured on improvement of ourselves and drums. In fact, drums have been in existence since time immemorial as they all

performed different purposes.”

The governor said that apart from the entertainment value, “drums can are also be part of our spiritual health and it is therefore not wrong to say that drums are drawing a similar part in our culture. Beating the drum is a matter of awakening to us and particularly our rich cultural heritage that is all what the festival is all about.”

He said to all invited guests, that if there’s anything to take away from the festival, it is the need for cultural re-awakening in various states, “genuine socioeconomic and political developments connecting with our cultural root and values.”

The festival was indeed the first of its kind and the government used it as an opportunity to announce that Ogun State is a cultural and tourism ground. Amosun urged the “tourists not just to pass through the state, but to allow the state pass through them and they will not regret doing that.”

The Special Assistant on Information to the Ogun State governor, Mr. Yemisi Fadaebo, said, “The aim of the drums festival was to reform the fast dying cultural heritage which the state needed to preserve and promote.”

“The event is a pride to the people of Ogun State, especially for facts that it has to do with tourism and culture. The people, royal fathers including the state government seems to be very excited about the idea as it makes Ogun State the pace-setter in Nigeria because of bringing together different people from all over Nigeria, all the states of the federation and showcasing even the world’s tallest drums is something that will not only be a source of pride but also but also a source of revenue.

Angélique Kidjo to Dazzle at Nollywood Week Festival 4th Edition in Paris The Nollywood Week festival will from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 June 2016, dazzle residents at the Arlequin cinema in Saint Germain des Prés (75006). Supported by the internationally renowned Beninese musician, Angélique Kidjo, the 4th edition of Nollywood Week (2016) is set to be a celebration of diversity.

The festival will be a unique opportunity for those in Paris to enjoy the singer’s most recent cinematic work, with an advance screening of Kunle Afolayan’s film “The CEO”.

Angélique Kidjo, who a few months ago received a Grammy Award for her latest album, now publicly showcases a masterly interpretation of Dr. Zimmerman, a starring role tailor-made for this global icon who never ceases to surprise us.

“The CEO” offers viewers an eclectic and Pan-African cast with actors from Nigeria, Morocco, South Africa, Kenya and the Ivory Coast allowing this film to paint an unusually authentic portrait of the continent today.

Scheduled to open the festival, “The CEO” is an eagerly awaited production. The entire team behind the film will be there to enjoy, a privileged moment of interaction with

Angelique Kidjo

the audience following the screening. ‘The CEO’, a film by Kunle Afolayan opening screening will hold on Thursday 2 June 2016 at 8:30pm Five African executives from a multinational telecommunications firm find themselves at a seaside resort near Lagos in Nigeria for a seminar intended to result in the appointment of a new CEO. Things

take an unexpected turn when they begin to mysteriously disappear one by one. Soon the remaining two executives become prime suspects, with the threat of a death sentence for multiple homicides hanging over them. The cast include: Lala Akindoju, Hilda Dokubo, Aurélie Eliam, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Angélique Kidjo, Wale Ojo, Peter King Nzioki, Fatym

Layachi, Nico Panagiotopoulos.

Kunle Afolayan is one of the most respected directors in Nollywood. He was the winner of the Public Choice award in the very first edition of Nollywood Week with his comedy Phone Swap. Now he is back with his 5th feature film, the first with wholly pan-African ambitions.

The CEO was produced in partnership with Air France, itself an official partner of the Nollywood Week festival.

Nollywood Week the only event in Paris enabling the public to discover the full richness of Nigerian cinema.

A real window on Africa and its cinematic creativity, Nollywood Week is a 4-day experience allowing festival-goers to enjoy a curated film selection, musical performances as well as talks and workshops all devoted to the world of African cinema.

The Nollywood Week festival concludes with the customary presentation of the Nollywood Public Choice Award, which goes to the greatest talents in West African cinema. The Nollywood Week festival is a project run by the Okada Media association and supported by Total, Air France and Paris City Council.

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Singer Charges Government on Implementation of Private Copy Levy One of the memorable moments of the first plenary session of the National Summit on Culture and Tourism held in Abuja was the passionate intervention by frontline composer and singer, Azeezat Allen who pleaded with the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, to quickly ensure that the Federal Government implements the copyright private copy levy scheme without further delay.

Allen, who was at the summit as a member of the Board of Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) was reacting to the earlier presentations by retired Federal Director of Culture, Mr. Frank Aig Imokhuede and former Governor of Cross River State, Mr. Donald Duke.

According to Allen, the activation of the levy scheme will help reduce the effect of the unauthorised and debilitating acquisition of a large amount of music and movies without any payment, a situation threatening the survival of the Nigerian music and movie industries in the digital era. She said that since the central objective of the summit was to look for alternative means in the cultural sector of boosting the national economy, the government must protect and enhance such undertakings like music and movies, which have already proved their huge capacity to add to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product. She argued that to continue to allow the unabated copyright infringement engendered by digital technology would simply wipe

Azeezat

Lai-Mohammed

out these industries.

The summit declared open by President Muhammadu Buhari had in attendance Alhaji Lai Mohammed who sat through the proceedings with his Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Ayotunde Adesugba, the Chief Executive Officers of practically every key cultural agency in the country, past ministers of culture and important officers of the National Assembly. Among the many private sector personalities present was COSON Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji and General Manager, Mr. Chinedu Chukwuji.

Asking for the direct intervention of the Minister of Information and Culture, Allen insisted that if the government was serious about the development of the

creative industries and the hundreds of thousands of jobs tied to the industries, the government needs to act without delay to save the industries from imminent annihilation. According to her, there is no way that the industries will survive with the free-for-all copying of music, movies and books going on in the country.

In recent times, there have been growing agitations across the creative industry for the activation of the private copy levy scheme. With the advent of new technology, millions of people in the country no longer buy music cassettes, CDs or DVDs. They obtain their music by freely downloading, file sharing or using blue tooth technology and deny owners of the works and the investors in music significant revenue.

Cross River to Partner TL First on Rural Transformation In an effort to achieve Governor Ben Ayade’s vision to create a state that adopts private sector values in delivering highquality public services, the Cross River State Government is to partner with TL First Group in building capacity and transforming its rural communities.

The Deputy Governor of the state, Professor Evara Esu, during a meeting with the Commissioner of Rural Transformation, Mr. Sunday Ikwen Archunekang, and the GMD of TL First Group, Dr. Olu Olasode, in Calabar, reaffirmed the Governor’s commitment to build a greater Cross River State.

Professor Esu welcomed the idea for Cross River to partner TL First in developing human capacity across its public and civil services. With regards to rural transformation, he confirmed that needs assessment visit will now begin across the different rural communities to identify intervention programmes that will be required to stimulate rural economic development.

Feasibility reports on required areas of possible intervention will be provided and made available to potential donors and partners with the view to obtaining donor support into the programmes. In this regards, the Deputy Governor noted the

Award-winning filmmaker and New York Film School alumni, Kemi Adetiba, directed the romantic comedy, ‘The Wedding Party’ which will be in cinemas nationwide in December 2016.

Set in Lagos, Nigeria, The Wedding Party is a riveting tale of the complexity of love. It is the story of Dunni Coker, a 24-year-old Ebony Life Boss, Mo Abudu art gallery owner and only daughter of her parents about to marry the love of her life, IT entrepreneur Dozie. The couple took a vow of chastity and is looking forward to a groundbreaking first night together as a married couple.

The date has been set and the bride’s parents, who have recently enjoyed a surge in their fortunes, are going all out to make this the wedding of the century. Dunni’s about to be mother-in-law, Obianuju is having second thoughts about allowing her son marry into a family she considers as beneath them.

Between matchmaking attempts on the bridal train, a wedding planner on a mission to succeed, the unruly behaviour of some ‘village’ guests and the groom’s exgirlfriends looking to make their mark, it is clear the Wedding Party will be the talk of the town. Will it all be too much to bear for the bride or will true love stand even the most chaotic of wedding celebrations? This romantic comedy is set to tickle, challenge and resonate with moviegoers nationwide. Written by playwright, Tosin Otudeko, ‘The Wedding Party’ is collaboration by some of Africa’s leading film powerhouses - EbonyLife Films, FilmOne Distribution, Inkblot Productions and Koga Studios, respectively. ‘The Wedding Party’ is the second offering from EbonyLife Films after last year’s ‘Fifty’. Fifty was the undisputed cinema experience of 2015 as the biggest premiere in the history of the Nigerian movie industry and the top grossing Nigerian film of 2015.

9ice, ID Cabasa, Others to Thrill Fans at Lagos City Mall R-L: GMD, TL First UK, Dr. Olu Olasode, Deputy Governor, Cross River State, Professor Ivara Esu; Hon. Commissioner, Rural Transformation, Mr. Sunday Ikwen Archunekang; Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Helen Brown Ubom; Director of Training, Mr. Patrick Ofem at the event

mandate of Cross River State department of international donor in engaging with potential donors that will provide support to the interventions and rural transformation programmes.

In addition, the state is currently carrying out training needs analysis across its ministries, departments and parastatals with the support of TL First. It is also prioritising key capacity building activities and programmes for the current year. These

will provide modern tools for effective governance of public services, budgetary control, programme management, records management, and embedding a performance culture across the public service.

The Deputy Governor, further, suggested other programme areas in Cross River State such as commercial agriculture, job creation, alternative energy, education and social housing, could be considered as part of the partnership.

Lions Club Inducts New Members Godbless Eduviere To improve its efficiency as well as effectiveness of its mission, the Lions Club international district 404 B2 Nigeria held her second worldwide induction in Lagos recently. The event, which had the theme, “The Fundamentals Of Lionisms”, had members from all over Lagos in attendance.

It was quite a colourful moment for the Lions as the event featured induction, quiz competition, welcome party for inductees, recognition of sponsors of inductees as well as swearing in of new officials in the various clubs.

The event was flagged open by the chief host, Lion (Dr.) Christine Funke Adebajo, the district 404 B2 Governor, Nigeria, who recognised the presence of everyone and also specially commended the efforts of worldwide Chairman of Induction day of district 404 B2 international, Lion (Mrs.) Kemi Eribake for her leadership skill in organising and making the event a success.

EbonyLife Films Releases ‘The Wedding Party’

Lions Club induction

“Lionism is a service organisation that is well established and we prepare ourselves for leadership”, she added.

The guest speaker of the occasion, Lion (Dr.) Kola Oyekan lectured inductees on Lionism. He encouraged young Lions with secrets of being successful in club. Oyekan, who talked brilliantly also cited perfect examples of himself and other great Lions

to emulate, “I find fulfillment in the service of the organisation and I have benefited from it a lot”, he added.

Oyekan urged inductees to learn and practice all what they been thought in order to become great and successful Lions in the race of Lionism. He said, “What makes me a success today is because I worked hard and put into practice all that I learnt”.

It promises to be an explosive evening at the Lagos City Mall this weekend as one of Nigeria’s finest afro hip-hop artistes, 9ice leads other stars for a ground breaking musical concert as Gaise, an afrofusion musician set to unveil his new record label on Sunday May 8. The concert, which starts with a red carpet at 5pm will be held at Ace-Olivia Event Hall. Akinade Ibuoye, Gaise, also known, as Gaise Baba is a graduate of Economics from Obafemi Awolowo University who came into the music scene with his self-titled Album “GAISEBABA” in August 2011. The Afrofusion gospel artiste is a unique and gifted musician whose style is different from others.

Also on the performance list are ID Cabasa, Isaac Geralds, multi-talented musician, comedian, compere and song writer Emmaohma God, Ranti, and Ayodele Okundalaiye, the self-acclaimed Senior Advocate of Comedy (SACO) among other artistes. Tagged “Korinsodi, An Evening With Gaise” the event promises the best in music, comedy and other forms of entertainment for fun seekers looking for where to catch fun this weekend. Ace-Olivia Hall, Channels TV, Television Continental, and the Lagos State Signage and Advertising Agency (LASAA) support the event among others. According to the management of Ace-Olivia, one of the sponsors of the concert, it will afford fun seekers the opportunity to get quality entertainment in a relaxed atmosphere. Chief Executive Officer of Ace-Olivia, Mrs. Shola Akintoye said the event would bring together the best in the music and entertainment industry.

Mall manager, Lagos City Mall, Kayode Ogundele, said fun seekers at the event who have smart phones could enjoy free Wi-Fi for the first 15 minutes at the venue. The Wi-Fi service powered by Airtel Nigeria is one of the value added services offered by the management of the mall for its tenants and visitors. The Airtel Wi-Fi service was rolled out last year and is meant to serve public places like malls, airports, universities, hotels and event places.

This service is for users with Wi-Fi enabled devices like mobile phones, laptops and tablets.

Besides, the Wi-Fi, the event, which is holding inside the mall, will afford fun seekers to shop. The mall boasts of retail brands in body & beauty, fashion, lifestyle, banking, telecoms, food and restaurants, health, grocery and supermarket, accessories and gift store, game arcade, multipurpose event hall and entertainment aimed at creating a renewed and memorable shopping experience.

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A Gradual Distortion of the National Flag The House of Representatives recently raised alarm at the gradual distortion, deconstruction of the National Flag. Damilola Oyedele writes that it is a matter worthy of attention of relevant agencies The Nigerian flag was designed by Mr. Michael Akinkunmi in 1959, then a 23-year-old studying at Norwich Technical College in England. It was his submission into a competition seeking a new flag design, and after the removal of a red radiating sun in the centre by the judges, his green white green design was chosen. It was first hoisted on Nigeria’s independence day, October 1, 1960. The green stripes represent the country’s natural wealth, vast forests, lush and arable vegetation, while the white stripe represents peace.

However in recent years, there has been a gradual distortion of the Nigerian flag. The Presidential standard, the flag with coat of arms in its centre on the white stripe is gradually replacing the National Flag, even in public places, even though the President should use it alone. The most erroneous distortion however is the gold hem now adorning the flag, probably to accessorise the national symbol.

Sadly the deconstructed flag is more visible these days. The development has been brought to the attention of lawmakers. Hon. Sam Onuigbo (Abia PDP) in a motion sponsored recently noted that a national symbol as an important instrument should be taken seriously. “The

Onuigbo

National flag and the Nigeria Coat of Arms are two entirely different National Heritage symbols with separate essence, identities and representations which are distinct from each other,” he noted. The lawmaker-expressed concern that already, young children are getting

confused as to which of the flags is really the Nigerian flag. “A person’s identification with his/her nation begins to take root during childhood and the childhood experience is commonly taken to be the bedrock upon which self-identity and national consciousness is

Umu-Oganiru Carnival: A Celebration of Life

Shoprite Opens in Onitsha

Health officials at work duirng the Shoprite, Onitsha opening

Shoprite demonstrated its commitment to growing in Nigeria with the successful opening of its Onitsha Mall recently. Located in the state’s first modern shopping mall, the store is set to bring consumers the same everyday low prices and convenience that Shoprite is known for. As the flagship brand in the mall, the store will cater for all customers’ daily, weekly and monthly food and household requirements.

Over and above a wide range of food and non-food lines, it features various service departments including a Meat Market, Bakery, Deli, and a Fresh Fruit and Vegetable department. 15-till points have been set up to deal with high volumes of shoppers. All of this in a world-class shopping experience.

Executive Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano who was accompanied by his wife and other government dignitaries officiated at the opening of the mall, remarking that the occasion was a milestone in his administration’s

efforts to make the state the centrepiece for commercial activities.

Through the store opening, Shoprite, in partnership with the management of Onitsha Mall, is doing its part by creating over 1,000 job opportunities for locals. The Onitsha store marks Shoprite’s 18th store opening in the country since it first began operations in 2005. Shoprite employs over 2500 people in Nigeria and is committed to supporting local enterprises. The group has built relationships with over 400 leading Nigerian suppliers, small businesses and farmers, securing a wide assortment of local brands.

Additionally, as part of the brand’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, the Shoprite Community Network hosted a two-day free breast cancer screening for women in Onitsha, in conjunction with Run For A Cure Africa (RFCA), a national NGO specialising in breast cancer awareness work.

Speaking during the event where over 250

built,” Onuigbo added.

Interestingly, the flag behind the seat of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, is the distorted version adorned with the gold hem. It is the same deconstructed flag that adorns the offices of several lawmakers.

Speaking further with THISDAY, Onuigbo who is also Chairman of the House Committee on Climate Change, said the idea of the distortion is bizarre and unacceptable.

“For instance, some television stations now broadcast the adulterated flag. The stations during the President's visit to Kenya showed the Nigerian flag with the coat of arms not the white section. I also recall that on the 8th, 12th and 23rd of November, Channels, AIT and NTA, showed the distorted flag.” “Then the day CNN came up with the proof of live video of the Chibok girls, what our Minister of Information displayed by his side when he was talking to CNN, was the distorted version of the flag.” Onuigbo emphasised that the development should be highlighted so that this confusion would stop. It is now over to the National Orientation Agency and the Ministry of Information to urgently embark on a campaign to correct this anomaly.

women were screened, Founder of RFCA, Ebele Mbanugo said, "It has been a rewarding experience partnering with Shoprite to offer free breast cancer screening to the women of Onitsha because a lot of people go about their daily routine without taking the time out to examine their body. This contributes to the increasing rate of breast cancer deaths.

I wish more organisations would take a leaf from Shoprite and their continuous push to create awareness about the dangers of breast cancer".

Speaking on behalf of Shoprite Nigeria, Executive Director AdeolaKagho said that she was excited about the warm reception that the store was receiving from the people of the state. “We look forward to opening more stores and playing our part to impact more communities. The free breast cancer screening is just one of the many CSR projects we intend to embark upon in the state and I am happy to witness the high turnout of

The meaning of life has baffled philosophers and religious experts for centuries with very few people proffering something close to a satisfactory answer. What makes life meaningful or what is the purpose of life? To many, the meaning of life is development, progress and happiness.

The people of South-east Nigeria take family, business and religion very seriously.

Any achievement of milestones in these areas call for celebration and nothing links them together more than the drink brewed for the indigenous Igbo man - Life Continental Beer.

Life Continental Beer which for years, has been the beer brand of the Igbo man, joined the Nigerian Breweries family in 2011 and has since then carried on with its commitment to celebrate, promote, and support the culture and lifestyle aspiration of the Igbo people.

This was reflected when the brand’s pioneered the Umu-Oganiru Carnival.

The maiden Umu-Oganiru Carnival fully kicked off in the ancient city of Onitsha in November 2015 with the Carnival train berthing at the Godwin Achebe Mini- Stadium, Fegge, Onitsha South Local Government Area. It was two days of fun-fare, which brought together Igbo citizens in a celebration of life, enterprise and development. Residents of Onitsha and its environs trooped into the stadium to partake in the celebration that brought The Ogenne Dance Group, masquerades, Young Stars Life Band from Awka, and Sunny Bobo to town.

This is the beer brand’s way of reconnecting and rejuvenating the enterprising spirit the average Igbo is renowned for. It is a celebration of the essential Igbo spirit of industry, enterprise and passion in the world of business for the show that has done exceptionally well in its first year, where it doled out N12.5 million in business grants to 52 individuals. The brand has a commitment to impact 200 entrepreneurs with N50 million this year. Little wonder it’s a well-known fact the LIFE Continental Beer stands for Oganiru (Progress).

Just as the name implies, Umu – Oganiru Carnival is a celebration of the progressive spirit of the Igbo people, culminating from a successful season of the 2015 Progress Booster Radio show where 52 Igbo sons and daughters won N250, 000 each last year. Here, the winners of weekly Life Progress Booster radio show are pitched against each other to become the “Most Progressive” and clinch additional N250, 000 business grant from Life Continental beer.

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eraveonline@gmail.com

@eraveng

www.eraveng.com

Marriage Troubles: Toyin Aimakhu Says All She Needs Now is God Popular Nigerian actress, Toyin Aimakhu has revealed in this interview with Fashion Buzz TV that she is not considering getting married again following all the controversies in her past relationships, especially that of her estranged husband, Adeniyi Johnson and ex-lover, Seun Egbegbe.

In a recent interview conducted by Fashion Buzz TV, the actress said she is still in trauma and also ruled out the possibility of falling in love again. “I am even scared right now. All I need now is God and the Holy Spirit to help me because the truth is I’m still in trauma. I am scared. I don’t think I can even love again. I am scared to love. I am over it but I can’t be healed. There is no point lying about it. There are some things you can’t lie about. I hope I would be healed”.

However, the actress said if she finds a good white man, she might consider getting married again. “But if I see a good white man, I don’t know. I know whatever God wants. He always wanted me to be his servant and I rejected. But now, I’m with Him and will do whatever He wants.’

Toyin’s marriage ended controversially over infidelity allegations against her husband, Adeniyi Johnson.

TIWA SAVAGE Pepsi Nigeria has debunked the rumour making the rounds that Tiwa Savage's endorsement with the company has been cancelled following the crises in her marriage. Pepsi Nigeria and the CEO of the company, Sunil Sawhney took to Twitter to debunk the rumours. “I will like to clarify that our relationship with @tiwasavage remains as strong as ever”.

Toyin

Aremu Afolayan Explains Why He Loves Dating Older Women Insists he is not a gigolo

Nollywood actor, Aremu Afolayan has revealed his reasons for dating older women. The son of the late renowned actor, Adeyemi Afolayan (Ade Love) who married an Abuja-based older lady a few years ago was recently interviewed

by Yes Magazine.

The actor said he gets satisfaction from older women. “I love ladies that are older than me. It’s my business because I don’t find the good thing, the real love and happiness from the young chaps”.

He also debunked tales of him being a gigolo. “They said I’m a gigolo right?

I owe no one any explanation for the way I live my life. They can criticise my film, but not my life. They said I do rich women for money, how I wish I can do that because a gigolo don’t get broke like this. If I’m a gigolo I will never sell my properties to do a film of N16 million. I sold three of my cars to raise the money.

I am not what people think I am.

“Can you imagine a situation where I sleep with my girl now and she will go and sleep with one yahoo boy or my daddy’s friend again because she needs money? So, I have to follow someone who is not a girl as they say, but a lady that is at least older than me. This is what I like; my life, not their life. So, that’s no one’s business. You see, I owe

YBNL Nigerian rapper, Olamide has unveiled the first female artiste to be signed on his label, YBNL. The new addition to the YBNL family is Temmie Ovwasa and she already has her debut single out called “Jabole”. According to Temmie, via her official website, “My music is a blend of Afro-pop, soft-rock and Soul”.

IK OGBONNA Aremu-Afolayan no one any explanation concerning this.

I can only explain to God and until He comes, I can continue.’

Aremu is the younger brother of popular actor and film maker, Kunle Afolayan.

Tupac Shakur's Mother Afeni Dies at 69

Afeni

The mother of late renowned rapper, Tupac Amaru Shakur, Afeni Shakur is dead. She breathed her last at the age of 69.

The Marin County Sheriff's Department says it responded to Afeni's Sausalito, CA home on Monday around 9:43 pm for a report of a cardiac arrest. She was transported to a hospital where she was pronounced dead at 10:28pm.

Afeni was a philanthropist, founding and running the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation after her son's death.

She was also a Black Panther and defended herself in court when she was accused of multiple bombings.

As keeper of all things Tupac, Afeni greenlit the biopic, "All Eyez on Me" which just recently wrapped filming.

The Marin County Sheriff says the coroner will investigate to determine the exact cause of Afeni's death.

Nollywood actor, IK Ogbonna shared on Instagram how much he is enjoying his marriage with his wife and mother of his son, Sonia. “Whoever said you can’t make it when you marry lied to y’all. The reason I smile so hard … When you find a good wife, you obtain Favour in the sight of God with some flavor.

My life took an amazing turn when I met my wife.

Seemed like everything before her was just a fading experience. When you find a good wife nothing can ever go wrong with your life … You can only get better @sonialareinaa. Shoutout to every good woman praying for their men , supporting them and always there to hold them when d falling . #ManUp”

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‘Our Services are Key to our Success’ Leading telecommunications company, Etisalat Nigeria recently hosted its channel sales partners from across the country to a one-day conference and gala night. In this interview with Joan Madubugwu, the Director Channel Sales, Etisalat Nigeria, Victor Nwaobia, speaks on the importance of sales partners to the telecom sector and Nigeria’s economy. Excerpts So, value-added services will be the heart of the market, going into the years, and will be the engine that drives profitability eventually in the industry. The margin for voice is thinning, with data becoming the main stay. With this several questions arise: How do you price data, how do you differentiate your data offerings, what can people do with the data offering you are giving them? How do you empower them with value added services, e-commerce, etc?

As we evolve into an internet of things, how are the networks poised to deliver service on this platform? These are the trends that will change how we do business and how profitable we can be, going into the future.

What do you see to be the drivers of the Nigeria’s telecommunication growth?

The Nigerian Telecom landscape is basically driven by technology, customer care, quality of service, and pricing and value added services. In Nigeria today, we have a middle income class that is becoming very consumerist, and they are seriously indicated as one of the key drivers of change in the telecoms industry. The middle income class Nigerians actually make up a major part of the high value telecom segment. So, there is the need to continually develop a unique engagement model for this class of Nigerians, hinged on their enhanced requirement of the mobile product and services, as well as content-based marketing to suit their unique needs. These people have become very enlightened, very sophisticated and very demanding. The telco business in Nigeria is no more a supplier’s market.

Recent heightened market activities characterised by price cuts, product offers and innovative services have broadened options before the consumers, and consequently raised the expectation bar. So, that’s basically what drives the telecom industry in Nigeria today.

You lead the channel sale team at Etisalat Nigeria. So, how does your team tackle the enormous diversity in the Nigerian telecom market?

Well, Etisalat is an equal opportunities employer and we have ensured that we have a team as diverse as the social fabric of Nigeria; this team also comes with diverse wealth of experience coming from the post-Nitel era; after the industry was deregulated, most people who had skill set for telecommunication operations, engineering qualifications, sales and marketing etc., were presented with an enormous opportunity to apply themselves and actualise their potentials.

Coming in as a fourth entrant, we looked at the wealth of experience of Nigerians and were able to pick well experienced and skilled members of staff across the country.

So, we have proven women and men from across the country in our team. So, when it comes to the enormous diversity in Nigeria, Etisalat’s Channel Sales department, and the company as a whole does a very good mix pf representations.

How big is the retail sales segment in the Nigerian telecom industry?

I believe there is a retail evolution happening in Nigeria, being the most populous African nation. Today, new engines are helping to power Africa’s most populous nation, and what is causing that is consumer-facing industries that have quietly grown into a significant economic force and are poised to continue growing. Over the last decade, the Nigeria telecommunication industry has experienced rapid expansion, serving pent-up demands of the fast growing middle class. So, this channel across all operators generally contributes about 95 per cent of the annual revenue; that gives you the size of the segment in context. The retail footprint in telco must have delivered about N1.4 trillion in 2015. So, that will give you an idea of the size of the retail market in this country.

People say that the retail segment seems to be a quiet aspect of the telecom industry, as there is not much said about it.

On the contrary, it’s not quiet, and the players know that it is not quiet, because retail is the engine that drives usage and activations across all networks. What the people know are just the distribution partners, the frontline partners. If you go deep into the distribution ecosystem, you will see that we have hundreds of thousands of

Nwaobia

retailers across networks. These people are the engine driving usage, penetration and revenue for operators. A good analogy here is your engine oil. It is very essential to the function of your car, but no one sees it because it is not part of the aesthetics of the car. When you take out the engine oil, the car breaks down. It is at that point that you realise the function of the engine oil. In the same vein, the people in the retail segment are the ones who deliver amazing support to distribution activities in the telecom industry in Nigeria. The retailers create and sustain the required capillarity for effective product distribution.

At Etisalat, we try as much as possible to create visibility for what happens in this retail level of the business and engage them to ensure they are adequately recognised for their efforts in making our products and services available to millions of Nigerians.

It is a given that trends affect the way things turn out across all industries and sectors.

What technological trends do you think have the potentials to affect operations in the telecom industry?

The speed at which technology evolves has a huge impact on how we do our business, as well as speed in delivery of service. Telco is the innovative sector in the country right now, where today’s cutting edge technology literally becomes a relict in a second. We live in a fast paced environment, and as the world becomes smaller through integrated connectivity, our services will become the key to our success. The question is ‘how fast you are able to innovate and change with the times?’ So, technology is a huge factor in what is happening in our industry.

We continue to help our subscribers to be more efficient, better informed and always connected, not just locally but globally.

However, there is no denying the fact that the industry is fast approaching saturation point in terms of subscriber growth, given the fact that the poverty ratio in the country hovers around 68-70 per cent. Clearly, those who can afford to have a phone line, almost already have one, so to say. Therefore, any operator who negates or ignores innovation, stands a very good chance of a struggle.

In fact, once you say that it can’t be done, you will be pushed down by those who are rushing to do it.

With the introduction of digital solutions in the retail segment, whereby, for instance, people can easily buy their credit or make payments for all kinds of things through the banks, without even getting to an experience centre or a dealer store, how is this kind of trend affecting the industry?

Digital penetration is growing rapidly in Nigeria. I believe that the stage is set right now for a contest between converged VAS (Value Added Services) and low cost voice focused operations. Companies can compete effectively by being innovative in the market, and this innovation can be a radical one or an incremental one by enhancing on existing value addition.

At the heart of these value additions for the Nigerian market will be the internet services. Push emails have become almost history, e-commerce and the file transfer services targeted at the small and medium scale enterprises and young professionals is becoming the mainstay.

At the countryside, I believe the operators should begin to focus on innovations that will increase internet penetration and in some way, encourage e-commerce services, which may also include e-banking for the unbanked in Nigeria. There should also be a seamless synergy between the primary/ traditional financial institutions and the telco operators who have the enabling platform to bring financial services to life without the need for people to walk into the brick and mortar outlet of the banks. There are still some regulations needed in those spheres, but I am sure that as a forward-looking organisation, and as NCC keeps doing their bit to regulate the industry appropriately, there will come a time when there will be a convergence of both financial and data services on your handsets that empowers you to truly live a very digitalised life. I personally believe that the services are still at its infancy stage in Nigeria and there is so much that we can do.

The telecom sector is regulated. Do you think there is any need for regulations for the channel sales segment?

That’s a very good question, and the simple answer to that is yes. I think there is need for regulation. I believe there is the need to regulate Channel Partners to ensure trading is done in a responsible manner that ensures transparency and reasonable profitability.

There is the need to regulate proper onboarding of subscribers and users. I think there is also a bigger need for the regulators to look into what players in the industry are doing, how we are doing business, and regulate people’s or organisation’s excesses.

The customer is key and is the core focus for us at Etisalat, and the customer has no other person to help him or ensure that he or she gets value for their hard earned money. So, I think that it is very critical that the regulator gets involved in what we do in telecommunications service because every day we wake up, telco becomes a part

and parcel of our daily existence. You can imagine what will happen to you when you leave your house without your handset.

We all lived in this country 10, 12, 13 years ago, and we could run our life a whole day or a week, without talking to anybody on the phone. But this has changed. For instance, today, the level of anxiety right now will be so high for a parent who doesn’t know if the child has reached the boarding house or not. In my own time, we would leave for school and our parents can only get a letter, if they do, a week or two weeks later informing them that we have reached our destination. Right now, you follow through from bus station to bus station, until the child is safe in the institution.

So, I believe that there is a lot of regulation needed to ensure that we don’t use the platform for wrong reasons; rather to use it for ethical and right reasons to ensure that we don’t just provide communication, but that we create a safe environment where businesses and families will thrive.

What does Etisalat look out for in its channel partners?

We try as much as possible to get our partners to become a mirror of what we are, to live our core values of customer-centricity, integrity and passion for excellence, and we expect them to be committed and loyal to us. In return, our promise to our partners is to ensure, in all our dealings that they are profitable, so they can find a reason to come back the next day to patronise us.

Etisalat Nigeria is known for innovation.

Now tell us, how do you create this culture of innovation, and also sustain it while working with your channel partners?

Innovation is part of our DNA. At Etisalat, we innovate, and why are we innovative?

We simply listen to our channel partners and our customers; and even our channel partners’ partners; we listen to them. This helps us to identify their challenges and needs during our engagements. These feedback arms us with invaluable intel on how to serve them better and make their businesses more lucrative and profitable, and in turn help us to achieve our corporate objectives.

Channel data mining is critical. So, we work with a lot of data, and when you gather all these data, from partners, the customers they serve, where they serve them, you end up with a lot of insight to work with. As a company – we pride ourselves on our ability to analyse data in pre-empting customers or channel behaviour. If you are good at doing that, you will keep innovating. It becomes part of the culture, and in this business, you either innovate or you die.

So for us, in the channel, and across the business, the watchword is – “find a better and more efficient way of delivering that solution”.

What value does the channel sales team bring to the company’s overall business goal?

You know, I always tell people that for a business to aspire to grow, everyone in that company must be a salesman. Now, to answer your question simply, our colleagues in the finance department will say that we deliver cash flow; some people will say that we bring in pipeline revenue, and so on. For us, it’s simple – we are just money makers. We put money in the bank for Etisalat. That’s what we do in channel sales.

Now don’t get me wrong. I am not trying to infer that my other colleagues in other units are not doing the same. Remember, I told you that everybody must be a salesman if the company aspires to grow, and everybody in Etisalat is tuned like a salesman.

34/ETIQUETTE

06.05.2016

THE ETIQUETTE FORUM ADEKANMI OTEDOLA-OLUSANYA

email mretiquetteonline@yahoo.com

tel. 08112661635, 0809285 4855

How to Manage Hatred, Bitterness and Rejection (3) This week, I conclude on this four part series on how to manage hatred, bitterness and rejection. The main import of this series is that hatred, bitterness and rejection can be stepping stones to good opportunities and a better life. However, only those who see it from this ingenious perspective and imbibe the proper etiquette to those who hate, reject or offend them can gain the inherent advantages that accrue therein.

WHY SHOULD YOU MANAGE REJECTION CAREFULLY? Whenever you are rejected by a person, institution or nation, you must make sure that you are not bitter over it. If you feel bitter over it, you must deal with the bitterness and get rid of it because until you get rid of the bitterness of rejection, you will not enjoy the blessedness of rejection. This is simply because bitterness and blessedness do not go well together! I know many

people who were jilted by men, rejected in marriage, kicked out of organisations, forced to retire, and who never enjoyed the benefits of rejection because they held on to bitterness and never got rid of it. A good example is that of Russian billionaire Boris Berezovski. He lost a legal dispute against fellow Russian tycoon Roamn Abramovic.

After the loss he said life was becoming increasingly meaningless and soon after, he allegedly committed suicide. On the other hand, I know people who have managed rejection properly and have come out the better for it.

HOW TO MANAGE BITTERNESS Like I said in previous parts of this series on managing bitterness, the bitterness from rejection is a negative emotion and you can deal with negative emotions by speaking positive words. Positive words when spoken consistently especially during moments of

acute pain and bitterness will lead to emotional healing. Secondly, never disparage those who rejected you just because they rejected you.

Instead say something nice about them. If you cannot say anything nice about them do not say anything at all. Making negative comments about those that have rejected you in the past is an indication that you are still bitter and as long as you are in bitterness you can’t enjoy blessedness. Also, in certain cases you may need to substantiate your positive words with positive actions. For instance, if you were rejected as a contractor from a company, you could put a call through to them just to send a greeting. You could put a call to an ex lover who turned you down if you are still hurting. Such actions may aid your healing.

THE BENEFITS OF MANAGING REJECTION PROPERLY Finally, remain positive about everything that

life has to offer. Also, you must understand that if you manage rejection properly, what you would later enjoy in acceptance would be far greater than what you suffer in rejection. I know many people who were turned down by certain partners who eventually got married to people who they appreciated and admired better. In all the cases, I spoke about people who were rejected and managed it well none of them would regret about the loss they suffered in rejection because the gains that have followed have far outweighed the losses.

You could purchase a copy of my book on etiquette titled PROPER MANNERS AND ETIQUETTE IN ANYTHING AT ANYTIME AND ANYWHERE at the price of N3,500 at our corporate head office at 340 - 344 Ikorodu Road, by Idi-Iroko Bus Stop, Maryland, Lagos.

Or call 0802 312 6010 or 0811 266 1635 to have a copy sent to you.

Alibaba founder Jack Ma was rejected thrice at Harvard and today Jack Ma has built Alibaba into one of the world’s largest online retailers and is China’s richest man

Sam Eto Fils was rejected at Premiership club Arsenal and later went on to achiever enviable success at Barcelona and Inter Milan

Reed Hastings offered to sell Netflix - a video streaming company he founded was rejected. Netflix has since gone on to become one of the most profitable Wall Street firms making Reed a billionaire

Curtis Jackson also known as “50 cent” was rejected at Columbia records and later went on to become one of the most successful rappers selling over 20 million records

35/ENTREPRENEUR

06.05.2016

‘We are Investing in Ideas’ Ben Bocquelett, a British-American-Irish is the creator of the popular children’s animated television series, The Amazing World of Gumball, on Cartoon Network. The Cartoon Network Imagination Studios ambassador, who presently has come up with a competition for his Africans audience, which aims to give kids a unique insight into the making of their favourite cartoons and encouraging them to let their imaginations run wild, spoke with Mary Ekah about his pilot creation, its success so far and the essence of the ongoing competition What was the inspiration behind the Cartoon Network Imagination Studios initiative?

Imagination Studios is actually inspired by an African campaign called Animation Generation, which ran for 10 years in South Africa and ended in 2015. The exciting, nationwide initiative aimed to harness the passion for creativity of all Cartoon Network enthusiasts in schools across South Africa and was the company’s way of giving something back to the local communities in which Cartoon Network operates.

What exactly do you intend to achieve with the campaign, especially for the African market?

What’s new and exciting about Imaginations Studios is that it’s dedicated website and competition is for all of English speaking Africa, not just South Africa. Imagination Studios comes in the form of a speciallycreated online destination which provide a sneak-peek behind the scenes of the “real” Cartoon Network Studios, giving kids a unique insight into the making of their favourite cartoons and encouraging them to let their imaginations run wild. Just like Animation Generation Imagination Studios promotes kids exploring their artistic talents while also having lots of fun. The local touch will come not from the website but from the kids’ submissions. This year, the theme for the competition is “Invent the Next CN Prankster and Make Your Favourite Heroes Laugh!” This theme is specific to the African territory and we are very curious to see how this will turn out when processed through a kid’s mind. Last year for instance with Animation Generation, one of the winner created “Captain Africa”, a super hero with laser eyes and the ability to control thunder.

The winners’ artwork will be animated and broadcast on Cartoon Network for the whole continent to see!

Your Imagination Studios online platform, what are the benefits to the audience?

Cartoon Network’s own artists and creators, myself included as well as Rebecca Sugar (Creator of Steven Universe) and many more, will accompany kids on their journey through the site, with tips and guidance on how to create their own characters, animate and tell stories. Kids will then be able to enjoy a wide range of activities featured on the site, including drawing, colouring, storyboarding, music, special effects, voiceover, movement and animation – leaving them best-equipped to begin working on their very own creations. The content is refreshed and there are always new surprises to discover.

And of course through this website, they can enter the competition.

Imagination Studios is a project that hopes to inspire young kids and ignite the “animators” in them. Is there any advice you would like to give those that would like to take part in this initiative especially in the life and times of technology that we live in?

A lot of people ask me how they can get a show made and really the answer is you just have to do it. What’s most important is to have something finished, so you just have to get on and do it. Do as many things as possible, finish them and take the time to look at what you’ve achieved – and then grow from there. Also have fun. The process is hard so you have to invest in ideas that you really believe in.

Ben Bocquelet

Kids entering Imagination Studios should remember there are three categories in which to participate: drawing, stories and films.

So there is wide range of possibilities for kids to express themselves!

in my drawer. My family also inspired it.

My dad is called Richard, my mum Nicole, my sister Anais, so I definitely used my experiences of my family to develop the Wattersons too.

Why is it important for children to learn to tell their own stories and get a feel for 'design' from an early age?

I’m sure kids are being exposed to lots of different mediums, as I was when I was a kid. It’s not just about looking at cartoons but all sorts of stuff, listening to music you have never heard and so on. You should find inspiration in places you wouldn’t normally find it. It’s important because that’s the soil that will nurture your inspiration. It’s all the food that your brain needs.

What has been your audience’s perception / reaction generally about the creation of Gumball?

I find it quite beautiful that it’s connected with people in such a way that I’m now able to talk to African journalists about it.

It went way further than my expectations and I’m very happy about that.

What inspired the creation of The Amazing World of Gumball?

It was a mish-mash of influences. I have basically been stealing everything I like – it’s important to steal not copy because then you digest it and do it in your own style. The idea for the characters came from the time when I was working in advertising - very unsuccessfully - and I ended up with a whole bunch of characters from pitches that had been rejected by clients. They all ended up

Do you see any opportunities for new animated content in Africa? How do you think this can be easily tapped into?

It’s through the Internet for sure. The first thing you want is to get noticed – find a place to exist on the Internet. That’s where people should put their content. If I were starting out I’d be putting everything on YouTube. As a creator driven channel, Cartoon Network also attends a lot of the animation festivals, such as Annecy, Kid Screen, Cartoon Forum and so on, to find new talent.

Since Cartoon Network is in many homes in Africa, is there the chance of you or the

network developing African characters and stories that reflect this audience?

That’s interesting – I’ll think about it!

What can fans of Ben Bocquelet expect soon? Hint? Any timelines?

We have more Gumball coming – we’re currently working on season five. In Africa, new episodes will be launching in June, Monday to Friday at 14:35 CET. I’ve also often said I’d like to work on a video game. Videogames is such an interesting medium in terms of storytelling and visuals. I think everyone should be thinking about this too.

What have you done to ensure the show is unique and different from other cartoons and what is the secret of the huge success you have attained so far?

I’m not entirely sure why it’s successful to be frank! All I can say is, in every episode, every story we – and it’s a collective effort not just me – put a little bit of heart into and this is what rings true and connects with people. We use things that most people would be ashamed of or wouldn’t want to admit. The fact that it’s tarnished that way rings true and is part of the reason people like it. It’s not a lie, you know.

36/COLLAGE

06.05.2016

L-R, Deputy Governor, Lagos State, Oluranti Adebule; Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi; Former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; APC, National Vice Chairman, South West, Chief Pius Akinyelure; Former Governor Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba; Recipient of Silver Bird Lifetime Achievement Award / Chairman, Honeywell Group, Oba Otudeko; and Former Chairman, EFCC , Nuhu Rebadu, at the award ceremonyin Lagos... recently

L-R; Otunba Abimbola Ashiru;Mrs Joyce Shobanjo and Mrs Kemi Ashiru.at the wedding reception of Abimbola Opeyemi Kalejaiye and Babatunde Olushola Shobanjo in Lagos...recently

L-R: Celebrant and Executive Director, Bridge House College, Ikoyi, Mrs. Kafayat Foluke Abdulrazaq; Wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi; and the Iyalode of Lagos, Alhaja Bintu Tinubu , during a special prayer session to mark the 60th birthday anniversary of Mrs. Abdulrazaq, in Lagos‌..recently

Chairman, Senate Committee on Niger Delta, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi (right), with the Acting. Managinig Director/CEO, NDDC, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, during the burial ceremony of late Obi Francis Aqetue Nwaoboshi, the Senator's father, in Isieku, Ibusa, Delta State.....recently

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, Mahogany Productions, Sola Oyebade; HSE/Products Certification, Altitude Energy Limited, Rolake Odusi; Head, Corporate Affairs, Communication and External Affairs, GTBank Plc, Oyinade Ogunade; and the Managing Director/CEO, Altitude Energy, Babajide Sotande Peters, during the first edition of the GTBank food and drink fair in Lagos...recently

L-R: Member Representing Mushin Constituency, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Afis Lawan and his counterpart, Hon. Oluwaseun Ogunfowokan; at the 70th birthday bash of Chief Samsudeen Ope in Lagos Club..recently

L-R: Widow of Late former deputy governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Mosunmola Jafojo; Deputy Governor, Dr. Oluranti Adebule; former governor, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande; and his wife, Abimbola, during the burial ceremony of former Lagos state deputy governor, Late Alhaji Rafiu Jafojo, at his residence in Ikeja, Lagos ...recently.

37/THISLIFE

06.05.2016

Ogunba

Ogunba: Portrait of a Humble Lawyer Penultimate week, friends, colleagues, associates, business partners and well-wishers gathered in Lagos to celebrate the 50th birthday of Adekunle Babatunde Ogunba, Davidson Iriekpen, who was there, reports The exquisitely decorated Muson Centre in Lagos was filled to capacity. From far and near, family, friends, associates, colleagues, and well-wishers came to celebrate the 50th birthday of a great and quintessential lawyer of his generation, Adekunle Babatunde Ogunba (SAN).

The roll call of his colleagues in the legal profession, Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), clients and business partners was endless, as they all took time out to honour one of their most humble colleagues.

For those who graced the event, they had many reasons to do so. At one point or the other, they have had a good reason to enjoy the celebrant’s company.

Ogunba, to those who know him, is an epitome of decorum and humility. At all times, one thing that endears him to everybody is his humility, calmness, decorum and calculated disposition. He respects virtually everybody that comes his way, even those he is far older than. Of course, if you are older, be sure that the respect you would get from him is simply unimaginable.

In a country where most people are always fond of boasting with “do you know who I am,” Ogunba maintains his cool. He does not allow his being a lawyer or his attainment of the prestigious SAN title affect his relationship with anyone. He is not arrogant and listens even when he has a superior argument.

For those who are meeting him for the first time, hardly do they know that he is a lawyer, talk less of being a SAN. Even

those who have had cause to annoy him are always surprised by his reactions – “Lord forgive them for they know what they do.”

One thing anybody cannot take away from Ogunba is that he is exceptionally good in his legal practice. He knows the law, especially commercial/business law. He is an authority in insolvency practice. Besides, he is a man who stands for justice and what is right, who follows the path of truth and ensures that every individual who comes to him receives fair justice.

It is in this manner that Ogunba is known among his colleagues, clients and all those who know him. He is a lawyer who has managed to successfully establish his career as one of the most successful lawyers in insolvency practice in Nigeria.

His wide knowledge, experience, dedication and passion towards his work have made him one of the most sought after lawyers today. Little wonder he is frequently being sought after by companies to recover their debts. Today, as a result of resourcefulness and hard work, Ogunba boasts of many clients.

Ogunba is a committed and dedicated litigation lawyer. To many of his friends and colleagues, it is not a surprise that he is successful today. Upon graduation from school, while many of his colleagues settled for already-made jobs and others veered into politics, he took the risk and settled for the unknown - legal practice - with courage and determination. Today, not only has he

risen to the pinnacle in his legal practice as a SAN, he is also the Principal Partner in Kunle Ogunba & Associates, one of the most successful insolvency law firms in the country.

The way Ogunba conducts himself outside, is the way he does in the courtrooms. While I have seen many lawyers conduct themselves in despicable and rancorous manner within the court premises and during proceedings, Ogunba is not in that mould. At all times, he is calm and decorous. During proceedings, his arguments are very effective and convincing to the judges and the juries. His ability to critically think and analyse the various aspects of a case is also praiseworthy. He logically analyses and arranges his arguments. He looks into his own arguments and also finds out the weaknesses in the arguments of the opposition. He has the ability to decide on the most appropriate course of action.

Ogunba’s brilliance enables him to persuade his clients to follow his advice.

He also possesses the skills to convince his opponents to come to a resolution. He also has the ability to understand the psyche of the witnesses and figure out whether they are completely honest with their statements.

His perseverance, persistence, dedication and sincerity are the qualities which have made him one of the most successful lawyers of our time.

The most important quality which Ogunba possesses is his passion for work. He loves his work and that is reflected in his dealings.

Even if he faces obstacles while working, he is persistent and perseveres until he finds the best possible solution. It is this quality his staff has come to imbibe. He does not bully anyone of them. They all know what to do at the right time. He equally maintains a good relationship with them. Ogunba has appeared in several landmark cases. Despite the fact that he has many and capable lawyers in his firm, he hardly delegates duties. At all time, he is in court himself.

Ogunba was born in 1966. He was called to the Nigerian Bar on December 14, 1990.

An alumnus of Ogun State University, now Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State. He has an LL.M degree in Law from the University of Lagos in 2000. He is an astute and versatile insolvency practitioner of repute. He has garnered overwhelming experience in this “genre” (if you will!) of legal practice and he is more often than not actively involved in major receivership actions in Nigeria.

He is one of the first few legal practitioners to blaze the trail in insolvency actions in Nigeria’s legal firmament. In tacit recognition of his landmark achievements and indeed, his trail blazing antecedents in “inter alia” insolvency practice.

He was on February 1, 2010 announced as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). He was formally conferred with the title and sworn in as a SAN on Monday, April 12, 2010. He belongs to a number of professional and social associations where he has held sensitive positions.

38/OPINION

06.05.2016

ADEOLAAKINREMI HOME TRUTHS

Email: adeola.akinremi@thisdaylive.com

Tel 08116759785(sms only)

Breaking Banks’ Bad Behaviours

I

n another bad sign, one of the Nigerian banks is struggling to explain how its misconduct has given it a new name and make its own slogan a useless phrase.

Infidelity is not a word anyone can stand, but it’s now what the customers and admirers of Fidelity Bank will have to deal with. Inconceivable!

The arrest of the bank’s Managing Director, Nnamdi Okonkwo and the revelation of his dishonest deal in handling dirty money for the former Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke makes it necessary for me to repeat myself on this page. Below is an edited article I wrote on December 18, 2015, under a different title.

Does the revelation of the $115million bribery scam rocking Fidelity Bank makes your blood boil? It’s Just an example of how greed and self-interest of a clique can bring an entire nation to its knees.

But how did we get here? The problem started on Broad Street, the symbol of our banking institution, where the battle inside banking hall has been about good versus evil and greed versus greatness.

The clear truth is that our banks are sick!

The banks are like patients that now require diagnosis. Today, the reputation of the banks continue to sag in the face of revelation that some of the arms money passed through them in a suspicious way without any leakers taking the courage to alert the tax payers on the scale of money laundering in our banking system.

Despite banking laws designed to flag the movement of large sums of money by private

Former Fidelity Bank CEO, Nnamdi Okonkwo

individuals and government figures, their families and close associates, the Nigerian banks ignored several atrocities of the clique to become accomplice in undermining our country’s economic growth. Should the bank heads, where the suspicious funds have been traced to be spared? I will simply say no, no, no!

Of course that will make mess of the war against corruption, because such banks will continue to aid and abet the corrupt politicians.

But one of many reasons why the bankers will continue to collude with those stealing us dry is that a lot of these dirty monies have kept the banks alive.

So the heads of the banking institutions will prefer that money laundering goes on in the country, while they shy away from reporting it as part of their duties. Indeed, to make known

the dirty act will be against their selfish interest.

The Nigerian banking system is still filled with unethical conduct practices that include insider abuse, fraudulent dealings, irregularity/ inaccuracy in the rendition of statutory returns, window dressing of accounts, poor corporate governance and many more that have now made the banking reform of 2009 a useless adventure.

The Global Integrity report released in 2015 shows that Nigeria is culpable in illicit financial flows as the 10th country on the list.

Of course the CBN responded by issuing a press statement to build citizens’ confidence. But cleverly, the apex bank first whittled down the effect of the report that was an indictment on its supervisory role by creating an impression that the report may be fictitious since it couldn’t undertake “independent confirmation of this assertion,” and then went on to confirm that “the report estimates that about US$15.7 billion of illicit funds go through our system annually.”

To be sure, the CBN’s had said in the statement that “In the light of this avoidably negative commentary, we wish to draw the public’s attention to several protocols on illicit fund flows, money laundering, and terrorism financing both in Nigeria and around the world, and warn that the CBN will increase its vigilance to ensure that Nigerian banks are not used as conduits for illicit fund flows, especially in foreign currencies.”

Regrettably, it turned out that CBN has been involved in the cash-and-carry business. The CBN shirked its own responsibility as a regulator to become a participant in illegal activity of allowing hard currency to be freighted from

its doorpost into homes of politicians and their contractors. What a shame!

Already, Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), had said in June 2015 that unethical deals has been one reason Nigerian banks are sick. Poignantly, he made that statement after a special examination conducted on the 24 banks in Nigeria by the CBN and NDIC revealed that 10 of the 24 banks were critically distressed as a result of many factors amongst which was poor corporate governance.

“The special examination revealed that boards and executive managements in some banks were not equipped to run their institutions as their ineffectiveness manifested in the form overbearing influence of some board members, ineffectiveness of board committees; non-adherence to the CBN code of corporate governance and weak ethical standards amongst others,” he said.

And I agree with him that some bank directors should rethink their suitability and competence to remain as bank directors in the face of the ongoing revelations. The supervision and management of banks should be on personal responsibilities of directors and chief executive officers.

Yes, one may draw many conclusions from the ongoing anti-corruption campaign of President Muhammadu Buhari’s government, but we cannot deny that Buhari has paid careful attention to facts, conducted excellent investigation and steel himself for his action. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission needs to do more by going after other corrupt bankers that are still pretending to be doing good business. We are all eyewitnesses to history.

LEKANFATODU HEADS-UP

I

Email lekantodun@yahoo.com

Tel 07058069255 (sms only)

Monguno’s Goals for the Virtual World

suppose most people around the world are familiar with the following lines: “The world is now a global village”, “The advent of the internet has broken the barrier of space and time” amongst other enthralling descriptions of this information age.

Indeed, the foregoing has given credence to the existence of “another” world with trappings of human interactions that are similar to what obtains in our physical, everyday life.

Naturally, this reality presents greater challenges to governments across the world particularly in their responsibilities of ensuring the protection of lives and property of citizens.

Undoubtedly, the virtual world of the internet, just as the real world, demands some safety measures to enhance better appreciation of the cyber environment, improve the openness of the space as well as balance security without violating the fundamental rights of any citizen.

Remarkably, the increasing threats to lives and disruption of economic activities by cyber criminals have well positioned cyber security as a national priority. That’s why some advanced societies are not resting in their efforts to tackle cyber crimes within their societies.

Actually, the unrelenting abuse of this otherwise fantastic domain, especially in developing countries like Nigeria, continues to discourage quite a number of people from truly seeing and engaging the world through the latest innovations in information and communications technologies.

Apart from the usual suspects – the hackers, financial criminals and blackmailers to mention a few - terrorists have also been exploiting the vulnerabilities of the digital space to promote their heinous acts of terrorism.

Expectedly, efforts at curbing cyber crimes

Monguno

in our increasingly interconnected world are engendering pragmatic approaches towards solutions from governments globally.

The UK government, for instance, recently made a pledge of £1.9bn to the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), which is directly responsible for cyber security to deepen the agency’s activities.

In addition, the government has launched a new National Cyber Security Centre to “form the backbone of the UK government’s new national cyber security plan”.

It’s really no surprise that the UK is promptly adjusting to the growing threats of digital crimes. Asides the US, the UK is perhaps one country that stands greater risk of cyber offensive from local and foreign attackers alike.

Also, Britain remains a leading global financial hub conducting high volume transactions and

managing classified data of governments and big corporations from across the world.

With similar attributes as Britain, Nigeria occupies a significant place in the economy of Africa. She’s been described as the next “big thing” on the continent considering her massive economy, which is rated as the largest on the continent, and the sheer size of her population - over 170 million people.

But along with the burgeoning economy and population size comes the failure in cyber security, the consequences of which are said to have partially contributed to the lack of inclusive growth in the country despite its economic expansion.

It is therefore not out of the ordinary that Nigeria’s new National Security Adviser, Major-General Babagana Monguno (rtd) is targeting the virtual world particularly in respect to national security and the protection of Nigeria’s public and private sector digital assets.

“The protection of activities in our cyberspace has become increasingly important to the security of our great nation “A report published in 2014 by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, UK, estimated the annual cost of cybercrime to Nigeria at about 0.08 per cent of our GDP, representing about N127 billion,” Monguno said.

As an indication of his readiness to confront cyber threats and strengthen national security, Monguno has constituted a 31-man Cybercrime Advisory Council in line with the provisions of the Cybercrime Act 2015.

It’s indeed worth reiterating that Nigeria needs to urgently address the issue of the appalling vulnerabilities of some of its national infrastructure.

A report showing that over 2,000 websites

of both the public and private institutions containing sensitive data were hijacked between 2000 and 2013 portends grave danger to a country with renewed economic drive.

Similarly, it is hoped that the council would give more attention to patterns of pernicious digital operators that can potentially threaten national security.

A situation whereby the private phone numbers of security chiefs of the country including that of the police chief, Solomon Arase, which presumably contains highly sensitive information can be made public by some reckless cyber-user requires close scrutiny.

Even before the private number of Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, was published publicly, the DSS had arrested two suspected cybercriminals who allegedly cloned the number of the governor and almost stole N50 million from the state treasury using the cloned governor’s number. It is evident that the number, just as the numbers of other governors that were made public without caution, would be susceptible to a series of unimaginable digital assaults which might compromise national security.

Till now the deadly Boko Haram sect still uses YouTube, the video-sharing platform provided by Google, which has a strong presence in Nigeria, yet there hasn’t been a major close-up on the terrorist group through the digital footprints left on that channel. Ordinarily, that should have been a critical assignment for Nigeria’s dedicated cyber security unit, if such exists.

Therefore, for Monguno and the new council to achieve the desired goal of deepening national security by securing the country’s cyberspace, efforts should be made on aforementioned areas and wider multi-stakeholders’ inputs should be well considered, amongst other strategies.

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AVIATION

ADDRESSING THE AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE DEFICIT Updating Facilities In order not to be left behind and in the face of competition in the West Africa air transport market, FAAN has been striving to renew facilities at the airports. Recently it engaged a bank to upgrade and brand its departures at the international wing of the Lagos airport and it installed wifi at the Lagos and Abuja airports, improved air conditioning at the terminals and also provided more security equipment and personnel to check passengers and their luggage.

Dunoma said a lot has been done to improve on safety of both the airlines and passengers at the airports.

According to the FAAN boss, work on the airside in some airports has been completed, adding that these can be attested by the pilots that use the facilities.

Dunoma explained that passengers would soon start experiencing better facilities as soon as the new terminals were put into use, noting that work has reached advanced stage.

He assured that the agency would commence work by prioritising six of those cargo airports by completing them as soon as fund was available and remarked that the revenue generated from the airports would be channeled to complete others.

Passenger Comfort About three years ago, when passengers arrive at the Lagos airport from different overseas destination, they would not be sure whether they would collect their checked in luggage or they would come the following morning. Then the carousels were old and creaky and stopped when stressed with heavy bags from traders who most often returned from Dubai and China, and these happened often. Then the carousels were changed and that problem has been solved.

THISDAY has also observed that FAAN, unlike in the past, has become conscious of satisfying its customers, the airport users.

The toilets at the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos have started wearing better looks; the FAAN staff has become friendlier. The toilets at the General Aviation Terminal (GAT), which is the domestic terminal under the management of

New Terminal at Kano Airport under construction

FAAN, are now very neat and the personnel are becoming passenger friendly.

There are still areas that require attention.

For instance, a situation where passengers climb to two floors before boarding their flights at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, is one issue that should be addressed.

The Abuja airport managers did not consider the plight of the physically challenged. Also, passengers wish to see better and improved avio-bridges; but they appreciate the new buses acquired by the agency to move passengers to the foot of the aircraft at the airside. They also appreciate the cleanliness of the airport facilities, which have been improving and the reduction of touts at the Lagos and Abuja airports. It is

believed that the new airport terminals at the four major international airports and Enugu would meet passengers’ expectations.

Spokesman of FAAN, Yakubu Dati agreed that in today’s world, airports are no longer mere departure and arrival points for aviation. They have become big businesses globally, actively driving the development of the air transport industry alongside other key stakeholders. Apart from providing critical capacity for current demand and future air transport growth, airports are major engines of socio-economic impetus to the regions and countries they serve. They are also symbols of national pride and prestige when properly managed. That’s why they are usually a source of significant public interest

to both users and non-users alike.

FAAN should automate its system, especially the check in system. When it took CUPPS system being operated by Maevis and handed it over to SITA, the international company has not shown better efficiency. The Flight Information Display System has become less visible and there are a lot of delays at the Immigration counters and central search areas, where at peak time passengers spend too much time waiting to go through the X-ray machines.

Compared to the last four years, there have been tremendous achievement by FAAN, but airport users are of the view that a lot more needs to be done to make the aviation more competitive.

UKO: NIGERIAN AIRLINES NEED GOVT SUPPORT most connected points in Africa. The biggest businessmen across Africa, Nigeria is one of them, but for intra-Africa business I think now South Africans are the dominant players across Africa. They also have the support structure; they also have strong airline. If you check people who move around it is always backed by airlines. Kenyans by Kenya Airways, if you take away Nigerian and Jamaicans, the third largest Africans in America is Ethiopians and it is courtesy of Ethiopian Airline flying there for the past 40, 50 years. Nigerians do business all over Africa but most of these businesses will depend on other carriers. In investment, South Africa earned about $200, 000 some years ago out of Nigeria, but last year they made $11billion, that tells you the skill of growth they have had. The linkages are necessary; you put all of those together, because aviation drives business. There is no way Nigeria would have grown without movements. So everybody is building hub around you, and we are just talking. If Emirates starts up what they are trying to do in Angola; that is the West Coast of Africa, which is the nearest to Latin America, nearest to America, just like Ethiopian airlines have opened a West Coast hub in Lome and South African Airways is trying to open a hub in Ghana.

So the normal thing is to encourage airlines like Arik, Aero and Medview; give them whatever it takes to make them to expand and explode.

There is no reason why we cannot create a billionaire out of aviation in Nigeria. So people should stop that attitude of, let all of us stay here, you see it everywhere. We will back foreign owned things but we will never back any Nigeria owned business. You see such happening in our football, they even want to hire a foreign coach and the Minister asked them who is going to pay the foreign coach, they said it is sponsors. He said why couldn’t the sponsors pay Nigerian coaches? Why do they owe them? But you have money to pay foreign coaches. It is the same mentality; it is because if you pay the Nigerian coach, they will say why should we give N10 million to

it goes out but here within two seconds it is out because the contractor you will give job is an expatriate, an expatriate personnel will do the job; you will import everything you need from overseas. I look at things this way because I deal more with foreigners; that is the more reason why I am fighting for Nigerian airlines; there is no other reason.

Uko

Stephen Keshi as coach? But you are willing to give that money to a foreign coach, which may not even give you the result a Stephen

Keshi may give you.

The Jews said that their money stays with them and circulates among them 10 times before

But Nigerians say that airlines are privately owned and like private business they should not expect any help from government?

When Nigerians say the airlines are owned by individuals and that intervention fund was given to airlines, they should realise that it was used to pay the banks the monies owed them by the airlines so that the banks would not collapse. Why did we set up Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), which took away all the debts of the bank so that the banks will not collapse? Are the banks not owned by individuals? So why is it necessary to make sure banks don’t collapse? It is because the banks are very critical to the economy, but so are the airlines.

Two, why is it necessary that even the intervention fund that was given to the airlines was to pay bank debts. They were not given the money for running costs; they were given the funds to pay debts they owed banks so that the banks would not collapse.

The reality is that we are being ruined. I told people recently that Delta Air Lines pulled out of Dubai and their reason was that Emirates was being subsidised by the government. And Emirates responded by saying that Delta and United were also being subsidised by American government. So despite 4000 Nigerians that fly to Dubai regularly, Arik could not survive their operations to that destination. Arik has to pull out despite the fact that such number of passengers goes to Dubai from Nigeria.

The Nigerian carrier did not survive. Doesn’t that tell you something? And now Med-view management says the airline is going to go to Dubai, has he not learnt a lesson?

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P&G Targets 15bn Litres of Clean Water by 2020 Dele Ogbodo in Abuja The Assistant Director, Global Government Relations, Sub Sahara Africa, Procter and Gamble (P&G), Ms. Temitope Iluyemi, on Wednesday said the company was committed to delivering 15 billion liters of clean water around the world by 2020.

Iluyemi, made the disclosure at the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

ceremony in Abuja to mark its 10 billion liters of safe water supply for children within the last 12 years. According to her, the Society for Family Health, Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in Niger Delta and Action against Hunger, the firm’s partners distributed over 175 million liters of clean drinking water since inception, adding that the outfit delivers its water purifier to people who lack clean water on regular basis.

“In 2004, after much research, the company created the Children Safe Drinking Water (CSDW) programme, a not for profit effort aimed at providing clean drinking water to disadvantage communities around the world.” she said.

As part of its CSR initiative, she, said P&G has found its greatest inspiration in transformation of lives with its products empowering people and communities all

over the world. According to her, access to clean water is one of the greatest challenges confronting humanity, adding that more than a thousand children die every day from disease caused by unclean water, which is more than the deaths from HIV/AIDS and malaria.

“Nearly 1,000 children die every day from diseases caused by drinking unsafe water.” she added.

In a remark, the former Head

of Service of (HoS) and the Country WASH Ambassador, Mrs. Ebele Okeke, commended P&G for its efforts in providing safe water for children in 75 countries.While acknowledging that schools in Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states have benefited from the initiative, she added that most children, especially those in the rural areas die young because of consumption of untreated water.

She however urged govern-

ment to introduce the study of Hygiene and Sanitation into the school curriculum, adding that the introduction of hand washing initiative at schools, homes, churches and mosques hands at intervals will reduce deaths from communicable diseases by 50 percent.

Okeke called on government to increase its budgetary allocation to relevant agencies involved in water project and supply.

Deloitte Nigeria Advises Organisations on New Trends Peter Uzoho Deloitte Nigeria has identified key changes taking place globally, in both the public and private sectors, which organisations can leverage on and perform better.

Presenting a report of a survey conducted by Deloitte Nigeria, on the Nigeria Human Capital Trends 2016, entitled, “The New Organisation: Different by Design,” the Human Capital Consulting Partner, Deloitte Nigeria, Mr. Joseph Olofinsola, highlighted the fundamental elements of shift from the old ways of organisational structure, practice and operation as relates to human capital.

The report has over 7000 respondents spread across 140 countries of the world, including Nigeria.

Olofinsola said based on the report, there is need to have strong sense of mission, purpose and culture, as executive bring people together by building trust, sharing information and monitoring employee commitment through an “always on” engagement process.

It also urged organisation to create a new work place devoid of unproductive official rules, so that young and vibrant employees would be able to contribute directly to the organisation.

The report identified global top five trends in organisations and their percentages, which ought to be adopted both by the private and public sectors. These

include: organisational design (71 per cent), leadership (60 per cent), engagement (59 per cent) learning (52 per cent) and human resources (51 per cent).

However, discussing some of the findings of in the report the Country Organiser and Human Resources Director, Lafarge, Mrs. Fidelia Osime, who spoke on the importance of learning and improvement in the context of Nigeria’s economic setting, said: “Learning has become much more important. It is evolving and has become more practical.

Learning is about coaching, mentoring and it is also about global relevance. So, here in Nigeria, the young ones want to become much more relevant globally. And they even want to be mobile, be self-employed and have their own personal career.”

On his part, the Executive Director and Country Human Resources Manager, Mobil Producing Nigeria, Mr. Udom Udoyo said that every organisation leader should always endeavour to maintain good employee relation, while providing a platform for them to have interactions concerning important matters of the organisation without fear.

He also urged leaders to, while on seat, ensure that they nurture those that would take after them when they leave the scene as that is the only way there can be sustainability in generating good leaders.

FirstBank Raises the Bar for SMEs Nume Ekeghe Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) have been considered pivotal to national development.

However, to what extent do they play this role in ensuring the sustainable economic growth of the nation, especially at a time when the Nigerian government is looking to diversify its income stream, leaves much to be desired.

Presently, there are many SME entrepreneurs with a myriad of unaccomplished aspirations and deflated business goals First Bank of Nigeria Limited, made these observations in a statement, noted that it has over the years demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the business success of SMEs in Nigeria. ’’The Bank has a cocktail of products and bespoke solutions, specifi-

cally designed to help grow and sustain SMEs; enable them play out their business scripts as well as fulfill their goals and aspirations. In addition, the Bank offers advisory services that are tailored to meet the needs and aspirations of their SME customers.

FirstBank is enthusiastic about the SME segment as one of the strategic platforms to stimulate economic development. Some of the Bank’s SME products include: Contract and Invoice Discounting Finance – This enables the SME seamlessly fund bigger contracts. The product is designed to finance contractors who need immediate funding for working capital requirements while awaiting payment for goods/services supplied or contracts executed for reputable companies.’’

ENDORSEMENT

L-R: Director General, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Professor Innocent Ujah; Executive Director, Nigerian Heart Foundation, Lagos, Dr. Kingsley Akinroye; Marketing Director, Food & Nutrition, PZ Wilmar, Mr. Kalyan Bandyopadhyay and Head, Department of Human Nutrition, University of Ibadan, Professor Tola Atinmo, presenting the new bottle of Mamador cooking oil after being approved endorsed by Nigerian Heart Foundation in Lagos… recently

Flour Mill Boss Appointed Kaduna Investment AgencyVice Chair Following the successes recorded at the Kaduna Economic and Investment Summit (KADInvest), the Kaduna State Government has appointed Flour Mills boss, John Coumantaros as vice-chairman of its investment promotion agency, KADIPA. The corporate titan leads a team of private sector players that will, under the chairmanship of Deputy Governor Barnabas Yusuf Bala, work to realise the investment goals of the Kaduna State Government. Other members of the KADIPA board are Hajiya Farida Dankaka, Mrs. Adama Jibrin, Alhaji Abdulkadir Idris Mayana, and Samaila Barau Maigoro.

As part of the further institutionalisation of KADIPA, the Government announced the

appointment of an executive team for the agency. Leading the team as Executive Secretary is Gambo Hamza, with Hafiz Bayeroheading investor relations and Hadiza Hamza public-private partnerships and privatisation. The finance and administration function will be led by Shizzer Bada.

The Kaduna State Government has also announced the constitution of the boards of four other agencies. These are the Kaduna Facility Management Agency (KADFAMA), the Kaduna Geographic Information Service (KADGIS), the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) and the Kaduna State Bureau of Pensions.

Alhaji Ahmed Tijjani Ramalan, businessman and senior politician, will chair the board of KADFAMA, the new

agency that is charged with the maintenance of all government assets. Other members of the KADFAMA board are: Abdulrahman Garba, Yahaya Baba Pate and Mrs. Rebecca Barde.

The management of the agency is led by the Director-General, Ibrahim Hamza, while Aishatu Mohammed Abubakar has been named Executive Director.

The board of KADGIS is chaired by Engineer Aminu Aliyu, Mrs. Deborah Iliya, Aminu Mahmood and Mrs Aisha Indo Rimi as members.

The members of the board of the Kaduna State Bureau of Pensions are Mrs. Halima Lenti Hyet, Mrs Hadiza TukurAhmed, and Mrs Habiba Kolo, with Mr. Dan Ndackson as Executive Secretary.

Alhaji Mukhtar Ahmed has been nominated as Chairman

of the Kaduna Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), pending confirmation by the Kaduna State House of Assembly.

He is the acting chairman of the agency. His executive management team consists of Ahmed Salihu, Mrs. Esther Jimen, Thomas Ishaku and Ango Liman as Executive Directors. Mr. Francis Kozah is appointed Secretary/ Legal Adviser. Other members of the Board of KADIRS are: Abubakar Rilwan, Salisu Tanko Wusono and Mrs. Joyce Tagwai representing the three senatorial districts; Dr.Alimi Bello, former chairman of the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, and Aisha Mujaddadi of GEMS-3, are the private sector representatives while Yahaya Shinko, Ben Kure and Engineer Mohammed Usman are representing the chairmen of the 23 local government councils.

10 Companies Emerge Winners of ‘Great Place to Work Ten companies, at the weekend emerged winners of the Great Place To Work, (GPTW) Nigeria awards.

These awards include: The Bright Spots award, a new category of awards which was introduced to recognise those organisations that are engaging with their employees, customers and communities in deep and authentic ways. Three organisations were recognised for this award; Courteville Business Solutions, SANOFI Healthcare

and iSON BPO. Eight organisations made it to the list of Best Companies to Work for in Nigeria 2016.

The organisations include: EMC Information System Nigeria Limited, which came tops, Courteville Business Solutions, which also won in the Bright Spots Award category, came second in the Best Companies to Work for in Nigeria. Other companies thst made the list include: Guinness Nigeria which emerged in the third

place position, SC Johnson took the fourth position; Microsoft Nigeria, Poise Nigeria; Konga. com, and Chemical and Allied Products, in that order.

This year’s edition, the fourth in the series, also had the “Best Practices Awards”. These are companies that delivered excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), People Leadership, Employee Wellness, and introducing a new category under this, the organisation that caters to the needs of

Millennials. iSON Group, one of the winners in the Bright Sport Awards category, also won the award for excellence in CSR, Konga.com, which came seventh in the Best Companies to Work for in Nigeria, smiled home with the Best Company to work for Millennials. Again, Courteville Business Solutions got the award for excellence in People Leadership while Guinness Nigeria Plc won the award for delivering excellence in Employees’ Wellness.

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Stakeholders to Discuss Fertilizer Usage at W’African Forum The second annual West Africa Fertilizer Stakeholder’s Forum (WAFSF) will hold in Abuja from May 18 to 20, 2016 under the theme “Scaling up Quality and Adapted Fertilizer Supply in West Africa.

The forum to be hosted by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) of Nigeria, follows the successful organisation of the inaugural one in Accra, Ghana, in 2013.

It is facilitated by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the West Africa Fertilizer Programme (USAID WAFP), and implemented by the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) and the Africa Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnerships (AFAP).

About 30 per cent of the recent global increases in cereal production in West Africa are due to increased use of quality fertilizers, and the need to

enhance fertilizer use has been highlighted since the Abuja summit in 2006. Increased fertilizer use has become a cornerstone of Africa’s agricultural productivity agenda. Fertilizer consumption levels in West Africa are generally below 10 kg/ha compared with a world average of 107 kg/ha.

This is also far below the target of 50 kg/ha set by African governments to be achieved by 2015.

Obstacles to achieving the target of 50 kg/ha include limited access to credit and finance, inefficient and high-cost port operations, sub-optimal lot sizes and weak distributor and agro-dealer networks.

Other barriers are inadequate fertilizer recommendations, output markets and packaging for smallholder farmers.

Policy-side barriers include non-supportive fertilizer policies (such as subsidies and taxes) and a lack of harmonization of trade and quality control procedures, resulting in low levels of intrastate trade.

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Caverton to Diversify Operations as Oil Sector Faces Challenges Goddy Egene Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc is diversifying its services into other sectors and new markets following the challenges in the oil and gas sector of the Nigerian economy.

Caverton is one of Nigeria’s leading oil services companies providing solutions for a range of multinational companies across aviation and marine services.

However, the company’s fortunes is being affected by the challenges facing its clients in the oil and gas sector due to the decline price of crude oil at the international market.

Speaking against background of the foregoing, Group Chief Executive Officer of Caverton, Mr. Bode Makanjuola, said: “We are working tirelessly to broaden our service offerings through diversification into other sectors, as well as geographically into newer markets in a bid to boost our non-oil and gas revenues.”

He disclosed that in the first quarter, the company successfully signed a new five-year contract in its helicopter operations to manage and operate a fleet of aircraft for the Lagos State Government.

Makanjuola said the company is also making steady progress

with the construction of their new Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul facility (MRO) at their Ikeja base, adding that the timeline for delivery of the MRO is still on track for end of 2017.

“We are also in the process of concluding terms of a new contract in our helicopter operations which we expect to have a significant impact on the scale of our business. Overall, our strategy is to remain diligent in our operations by offering cost effective offshore support logistics services to a broad range of clients without compromising on our safety standards,” he said.

The company’s revenue went down by 26 per cent to N4.4 billion for Q1 of 2016. Total operating costs also went down by 25 per cent, while operating profit fell by 14 per cent to N538 million.

Commenting on the results, the CEO said: “Whilst 2015 was a tough year in the O&G space, we are cautiously optimistic that the persisting oversupply in the industry is not sustainable, our view is that oil prices will stabilise by the second half of the year based on recent trends which will be positive for our operations within that space.”

Engage Kalu, Others to Fix Economy, Aba Businessmen Tell Buhari A cross-section of prominent Aba-based businessmen have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to seek the intervention of accomplished industrialists from the South East in revamping the Nigerian economy, pointing out that Ndigbo are known for their entrepreneurial acumen and courage to excel in business regardless of the terrain.

The remark was made on Sunday when the business people hosted former Governor of Abia State and celebrated business mogul, Dr. Orji Kalu, who was in Aba to attend mass in commemoration of Fathers’ Day at CKC Cathedral, Aba, to a reception in honour of his outstanding contributions to the business world.

According to Chief Kelechi Iko, Chairman, Ikonson Group of Companies, who spoke to

journalists on behalf of others after the reception, the economic fortune of Nigeria will change if realistic policies are implemented, adding that small and medium scale enterprises hold the key to revival of the Nigerian economy.

He said:“The commercial city of Aba has been neglected by previous federal and state governments since Dr. Orji Kalu handed over to his L-R: Governor of Kastina State, Aminu Bello Masari; Commissioner of Commerce and Industry, Alhaji Abubakar Yusuf, and Executive successor.

Secretary/CEO, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) Mr. Hassan Bello, when the management of the NSC visited the governor in Kastina...

“It is unfortunate that Aba recently of those days is now in a state of mess. Nevertheless, because of the business skills and courage of an average Igbo man, the people are still striving to earn a living through various professions and trade. with partners-foreign and sequencing is quite in order in would train you on how to James Emejo in Abuja “We believe and support the domestic as well as public and that we need to build the capac- manage your businesses, you efforts of the present federal The acting Managing Director private sector-and incidentally, ity of those to be reintegrated; repay our loans and the business administration in overhauling of the Bank of Industry (BoI), Mr. we both belong to the public they need to be reorientated, becomes yours forever.”

He said the bank would the economy.

Rasheed Olagunju, has said it sector. Your confidence in us is they need to be sensitized to would design a special capacity not misplaced when you talk the business opportunities in also seek to change orientation and mindset of the proposed building and skills acquisition of capacity building and skills their environment.”

He said: “We have a number beneficiaries as this is the “only programme for ex-agitators of acquisition. We’ve stepped up the Niger Delta who are cur- these areas particularly in terms of entrepreneurship development sustainable attribute-free money centers that are partnering with is not sustainable.” rently under the presidential of empowering our youths.”

This opportunity should not The programme is being the bank of industry-they know amnesty programme.

He said under the proposed planned as an exit strategy for our templates and they’ve been be wasted. We would develop initiative, which would be done the now repentant ex-agitators working with us. They have a messages which would be in collaboration with the amnesty so they could have a sustainable way of accessing our credit in targeted at these youths in Fertilizer Development Center office, beneficiaries would be source of livelihood as well as a way that the credit will be these area, he added.

(IFDC) and the Africa Fertilizer exposed to entrepreneurship create employment opportunities properly utilised because one Earlier, Boroh had sought and Agribusiness Partnerships development courses and for themselves as government thing is to access money and the bank’s intervention, noting (AFAP). mentorship scheme after which hands-off further assistance the other is to use it properly. that “We feel that it’s proper About 30 per cent of the they could access funding in within the next two years of “One of the barometers of we come to you as part of our recent global increases in cereal form of loans to continue and the amnesty lifespan. measuring a successful organisa- development partners in the production in West Africa are own their businesses.

The BoI acting MD said: tion is the extent to which it can areas of critical and specific due to increased use of qualSpeaking while receiving the “There’s always being the is- honour its obligations which training and capacity buildity fertilizers, and the need to Coordinator of the Presidential sue of funding being the major include debt service, because ing programmes and skills enhance fertilizer use has been Amnesty Programme, Gen. Paul problem when it comes to micro when you are not able to acquisition.” highlighted since the Abuja sum- Boroh (rtd), who paid him a small and medium enterprises; honour your obligations, it’s He said: “The amnesty mit in 2006. Increased fertilizer courtesy visit to request the over the years, we’ve not paid a red flag-it’s a signal that all programme as it were has use has become a cornerstone of bank’s assistance in the reintegra- attention to capacity building. is not well with the enterprise. to do with reintegration...

Africa’s agricultural productivity tion phase for the ex-militants, So the debate is which should So we want to ensure that the we’ve done the disarmament, agenda. Fertilizer consumption Olagunju added that the request come first-is it capacity or capital. business is well managed, when demobilisation-we are in the levels in West Africa are gener- was quite in order as it fell in “So it’s now clear to every- it’s well managed, then you last and most critical phase of ally below 10 kg/ha compared line with the bank’s standard body that even if you make honour your obligation to debt the programme which is the with a world average of 107 operating procedure. the money available, without service. And then, when you reintegration phase, where the kg/ha. This is also far below He said: “We know that we building capacity, the money finished paying off your debt, ex agitators of Niger Delta need the target of 50 kg/ha set by cannot achieve the transforma- would be lost. So, the first thing the business becomes yours.” to be reintegrated back into the African governments to be tion of Nigeria’s industrial to do is to build capacity for According to him: “It’s going mainstream of the economy and achieved by 2015. sector without collaborating potential beneficiaries. So your to be a win-win situation; we the society.”

Stakeholders to Discuss Fertilizer Usage at W’African Forum The second annual West Africa Fertilizer Stakeholder’s Forum (WAFSF) will hold in Abuja from May 18 to 20, 2016 under the theme “Scaling up Quality and Adapted Fertilizer Supply in West Africa.

The forum to be hosted by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) of Nigeria, follows the successful organisation of the inaugural one in Accra, Ghana, in 2013.

It is facilitated by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the West Africa Fertilizer Programme (USAID WAFP), and implemented by the International

COURTESY VISIT

BoI, Amnesty Office Partner on Entrepreneurial Devt, Funding for Ex-Militants

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CITYSTRINGS

Acting Features Editor Charles Ajunwa Email charles.ajunwa@thisdaylive.com

Ongoing road and drainage projects in Michael Ogun and Durojaiye Streets, Surulere

The Angst over New Roads

Recently, the Lagos State Government unveiled the construction of 114 inner-city roads, two in each of the 57 local councils in the state. But the road projects have stoked communal resistance in Surulere due to what has been ascribed to the demolition of illegal structures built on the drainage network, Gboyega Akinsanmi writes

R

esidents of Michael Ogun and Durojaiye Streets, Surulere have been at loggerheads with Surulere Local Government in the recent time. The reason for the difference is perhaps what other communities and residents in different parts of the state have been praying for unceasingly.

At the root of their resistance is the drainage and road reconstruction already ongoing in the two communities. Obviously, the projects were designed to end the nightmares of deplorable roads and flooding in the two communities in line with the state’s vision of urban renewal.

The fences and other structures of almost all buildings on the streets were affected.

As a result, their residents had resisted the project execution, which the construction firm, Olag Nigeria Limited said, was supposed to be completed under one year. But the firm’s Site Engineer, Mr. Samuel Tomori, said residents’ resistance to the projects has been a real challenge.

Surmounting this challenge is now an issue, especially for the local government. But former Chairman of Obele Oniwala Community Development Association (CDA), Mr. Folahan Onikori, said breaking the impasse should not be an issue at all. For him, there is a cost that goes with project development or urban renewal, especially in a metropolis like Lagos.

Contrary to the position of some residents, the community leader provided reasons residents’ resistance should not constitute an impediment to the road reconstruction.

Onikoyi’s reason is rooted in the history of the two communities, which he said, was as old as the era of colonial masters.

Onikori first observed that the quarters were constructed on the two streets more than 50

Before the quarters were sold to the present owners, we were all briefed that no resident could build beyond where alignments had already been established.

There is no basis for resisting development projects brought to our communities even though their execution might have caused some pains

years. He added that it was the colonial authorities that constructed the quarters. However, the state government took over the ownership of the quarters after the colonial authorities transited in 1960.

Onikoyi, also an engineer, observed that the quarters were similar “to the council apartments in the United Kingdom. The quarters were built close to the roads. So, the way the quarters were constructed did not give their owners chance to build additional structures in their front.”

Onikoyi said the apartments “have been under the management of Lagos State Property Development Corporation (LSPDC). When the quarters were sold to the present owners, it was made clear that the state government only sold the houses and not the land. It was in the agreement we all entered, and the reason was to give room for future project development.”

He said all the residents were aware of this clause in the agreement “before the quarters were sold to the present owners, we were all briefed that no resident could build beyond where alignments had already been established.

There is no basis for resisting development projects brought to our communities even though their execution might have caused some pains.”

He explained that the quarters were built close “to the roads. But the state government promised not to touch any of the quarters in the

communities. Likewise, the state government strongly advised home owners not to build on or beyond alignments that had been established.

Contrary to the agreement, some home owners built on the drainage alignments.”

Onikoyi therefore observed that it was improper for people “to erect structures on drainage alignment and road setback. With the way things are now, illegal structures have to give way for road development. Rather than resisting, we should all appreciate what the state government and Surulere Local Government are doing in our communities.”

Onikoyi explained what the residents have been facing on the roads in the past. He said the roads were “built during the colonial era.

The roads had become deplorable and almost impassable.” At some points, he added that some portions of the roads became so bad that the residents had “to provide some intervention to make them motorable to some extent.”

Aside, the account of the construction firm depicted series of challenges the execution of the projects had posed. Tomori, the firm’s site engineer, acknowledged that some residents only raised false alarm over the project execution.

He said there was no time the idea of relocating power installations to the rooves of the government quarters in the two communities.

The site engineer said the projects were delayed because it took about 10 weeks “to get the Eko Disco to give approval for the

43

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

CITYSTRINGS

Road and drainage works going on in Michael Ogun and Durojaiye Streets, Surulere

To work on the drainage, we had to break some walls erected on the road setback. About 80 per cent of the residents were happy with the ongoing construction of the roads in the two communities.

Also, the residents wanted the state government and local council to speed up work on the roads

relocation of the power installations. Some residents in the communities also alleged that we were trying to relocate the poles on top of their rooves. We are not relocating the poles and high-tension wires on their rooves.”

Much later, Tomori explained how some residents “came up with the issue of some structures erected on drainage alignments and road setbacks. Some home owners encroached on the setback. Some even relocated their soakaway and septic tanks from its original location to the front of the quarters. Despite this violation, they did not want to remove illegal structures.”

However, the site engineer said some intervention “have been made,” which he said, had brought some level of respite. He explained diverse roles the traditional rulers, CDA leaders and some residents had played to end the impasse. He thus said the work “is ongoing already and progressing fast. We are about completing the drainage, and the relocation of the power installations is about to start. Before middle of May, we may complete the projects.”

However, the Executive Secretary of Surulere Local Government, Mrs. Bamidele Hussain, said there was no reason for resistance to the road project. Before the project execution started, Hussain said a stakeholder’s meeting was

Ambode

held with the CDAs and residents in the two communities on the need “to reconstruct the road and reclaim the setback and alignment.”

She said all the stakeholders agreed that the road “must be constructed and illegal structures on the right of way removed. It was the CDA leaders who chose that the Michael Ogun and Durojaiye roads should be constructed due to its economic and social importance to the area.

We had delay with the approval to relocate the electric poles by the Eko Disco.

“To work on the drainage, we had to break some walls erected on the road setback. About 80 per cent of the residents were happy with the ongoing construction of the roads in the two communities. Also, the residents wanted the state government and local council to speed up work on the roads. Aside, the residents are grateful,” the executive secretary said.

Before the project execution started, Hussain

said the CDA leaders were invited “to the Lagos House, Alausa in December 2015 as part of orientation programmes on the projects. The CDA submitted Micheal Ogun and Durojaiye roads as part of the proposed roads to be constructed by the Surulere LGA in 2015/2016.

Micheal Ogun, Durojaiye and Aralile roads.”

After the contract award, Hussain said the council engineers visited the site to mark illegal structures erected on road setbacks and equally pasted necessary notices informing the affected property owners to remove such illegal structures. She also cited her personal visits to the communities to meet with the residents on the need for the project to go on smoothly.

She said before works began on the Michael Ogun and Durojaiye roads, the area was a slum with deep potholes littering the road, making it deplorable. “The roads were replete

with potholes and craters. We decided to do the roads because they are link road to LUTH instead of using the Itire Road. The road has lots of economic importance as well as social value.”

Despite some resistance the project execution had generated, some residents have endorsed the projects, citing relief and succour the roads will bring them when completed. One of the residents, Mr. Ezekiel Emela described the road reconstruction as a welcome project. Emela said the dusty nature of the roads made him to think of relocating from the area.

He explained that the roads “have been so dusty and bad for a very long time.During the rainy season, the roads are always muddy and impassable. Most car owners often find it difficult to drive home due to the deplorable state of the roads. During the dry season, residents often battle with dusts day and night. There is indeed no time for respite or relief.

But now that the reconstruction had started, Emela said residents “are having some sense of relief. Even though the work cause some pains, residents are already feeling some respite already. It is a good development. We must learn to bear some cost when projects of this nature are being executed,” which he said, should be supported by all residents in the communities The roads are among 114 inner-city roads, which the state governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode initiated about four months after he took over the reign of power. As designed, the state government is executing the projects in collaboration with Conference 57, costing N19 billion.

Both Michael Ogun and Durojaiye Streets are already undergoing reconstruction under the scheme. In Surulere, the other road is Aralile road. The initiative took roots in Ambode’s campaign promises. Ambode promised to construct two roads in each of the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the first year of his administration.

While the local councils are in charge of project development in their domains, the state government is playing the role of monitoring the implementation to ensure that the roads meet international standard. The councils would provide part funding for the project execution.

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T H I S D AY FRIDAY MAY 6, 2016

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FRIDAY MAY 6, 2016 T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

WORLD OF ISLAM Islam Beyond the Five Pillars – 1

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

Charles Le Gai Eaton/IslamiCity

Those who enquire about the basics of Islam are usually told about the “Five Pillars” of the religion.

These relate to faith and to practice, but at a deeper level it might be said that there are two great pillars which support the whole edifice. These are Peace and Justice. They are clearly connected since there can be no enduring peace without justice. The very word Islam comes from the same verbal root as salam meaning “peace” and, since the religion is based upon total submission to the will of God, Muslims believe that real peace is out of reach unless it is based upon this submission within the universal order. They believe equally that there can be no real justice except as an aspect of submission to the source of all that is just and well ordered. Although God in Himself is beyond comprehension or analysis, the Qur’an gives us hints as to His true nature through what are sometimes called “the 99 names” and one of these is al-Adl, “the Just”. Another of these names is al-Muqsio, “the Dispenser of Justice” or “He who gives to each thing its due”.

The Quran praises those who always act “in the light of truth” and tells us: “Perfected are the words of your Lord in truth and justice”. It tells us also: “Behold, God enjoins justice and good actions and generosity to our fellows…”, and it commands us never to let hatred lead us into deviating from justice: “Be just! That is closest to God consciousness”.

This, of course, applies to all believers who must fear divine justice if subjective factors or personal emotions lead them to deviate from the path of justice which is also the path of Islam, but it weighs heavily upon those who are required to adjudicate in disputes or to give judgment in criminal cases.

There were cases in the early history of the religion when men whom the Ruler intended to appoint as judges fled from Court rather than assume this terrifying responsibility and we read of one who did accept the burden that his whole body trembled when he was called upon to give judgment, believing that a single mistake might carry with it the threat of damnation. The divine Judge stands over the

human judge, observing all that he does, and human justice, even at its best, can never be more than a poor imitation of divine Justice. The Prophet Muhammad himself when he was called upon to adjudicate in civil actions warned the litigants that one of them might be more eloquent in putting his case than the other and thereby achieve an unjust settlement. “In such a case,” said Muhammad, “I will have given him a portion of hellfire”. This is clearly a grave matter indicating that those who seek justice must themselves practice it without deviation even to their own hurt. Under all and any circumstances a victory which is contrary to justice is a poisoned chalice.

Of special significance too is the relationship between justice and wisdom in the Arabic language. The words Aukm, “judgment”, and Aikmah, “wisdom” come from the same root, and al-Aakim (the “All-Wise”) is another of the names of God in the Quran.

In the Christian tradition St. Thomas Aquinas wrote that, among all human pursuits, “the pursuit of wisdom is more perfect, more noble, more full of joy” than any other human enterprise. The Muslim might amend this slightly by emphasizing that one cannot “pursue” wisdom as one might a rare butterfly since it is a divine quality and out of reach of the human seeker as such. It is for us to lay ourselves open to this gracious gift by making ourselves fit and ready to receive it.

It is commonly said that Justice is or should be “blind”, in other words rigidly objective, but a Judge is required to possess the quality of insight in the most profound sense and can deserve no higher praise than to be described as “wise”, participating, as it were, in “the wisdom of Solomon”. Wisdom is as much a quality of character as an attribute of the mind. It has nothing to do with erudition which, however extensive, is necessarily limited in scope. A learned man can still be a fool when he steps outside the area of his expertise. The wise man is protected by his insight from folly – although not always from minor errors in the worldly context – because he possesses an inner yardstick by which to assess the situations he encounters. For the Muslim this

yardstick is the Quran together with the example of the Prophet and their reflection in the human heart.

There is no higher aim for the Muslim than the cultivation of what is described as a “sound heart”.

From the sound heart comes sound judgment. The same is true of sound governance and, in Islam, this implies “ruling between” in accordance with wisdom rather than “ruling over”.

The Quran always emphasizes that Muhammad, though endowed with the fullness of wisdom, was only “flesh and blood”, capable like other men of error except when inspired from above, but it was his mission not only to convey with meticulous accuracy the revelation which descended upon him but also to offer the supreme example of what it meant to follow in his personal and his public life the full implications of the revelation no less meticulously. When he was dying and came for the last time to the mosque in Medina he said to the assembled people: “If there is anyone among you whom I have caused to be flogged unjustly, here is my back. Strike in your turn. If I have damaged the reputation of any among you, let him do the same to mine. To any I may have injured, here is my purse… It is better to blush in this world than in the hereafter”. A man claimed a small debt and was promptly paid.

Why is justice so important in Islam? The core article of faith is the oneness of God, reflected in the unity of His creation in its totality. This unity is reflected in harmony and balance. Injustice destroys harmony and upsets balance thereby provoking disorder. The Muslim is commanded to give primacy to prayer throughout his life and, in all that he does, to remember God. It is true that people can maintain prayer and remembrance under all conditions, even in the midst of chaos, but the fact remains that spiritual life prospers and flourishes when it has a stable base, a firm platform from which the ascent to the knowledge of God and the love of God can, as it were, take off. A disordered society compounded of danger and distractions, unjust and troubled, provides no such security. The man who has to watch his back all the time is diverted from the

remembrance of God as is the one who has suffered injustice and must struggle to eliminate feelings of anger and resentment. Moreover injustice fractures the brotherhood and sisterhood of the believers which is an essential element in an Islamic society.

Above and beyond this is the simple fact that He who is called “the Just” commands justice both in society and in every aspect of human relations.

Since, in Islam, all things are inter-connected – this is an aspect of unity – it might even be said that every act of injustice jars on the cosmos as a whole like a discordant note in a piece of music.

Islam is a very realistic religion and the Quran itself recognizes the reality of human weakness.

Those who are injured are permitted to take retaliation but they are reminded at every turn that it is better to forgive and to seek reconciliation.

Muslims are commanded to return good for evil, thus breaking the vicious circle of animosity; “to do good to those who have injured us” in the words of one of the classical commentators on the Quran, but this requires human qualities which are by no means universal although they were characteristic of Muhammad. In his dealings with the pagans who tried by every means to destroy him and his community he exemplified the rule of forgiveness and reconciliation, forgiving even the most vicious of his enemies when he finally re-entered Mecca in triumph, providing them with gifts so that their hard hearts might be softened and peace prevail after the years of conflict. Justice might have required their punishment, but there is no contradiction here since there is more than one way to achieve balance which, after all, is the ultimate objective of justice. Islam describes itself as “the middle way”, a religion of moderation in everything except the love and worship of God. Muhammad condemned extremism with the greatest severity and today’s Muslims have a greater need to be reminded of this than ever before as they do of his saying that “anger burns up good deeds just as fire burns up dry wood”.

To Be Continued

52

T H I S D AY • MONDAY, MAY 6, 2016

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

BoI, Sokoto Govt Sign N2bn Financing Pact for MSMEs Disburse N1.6bn to entrepreneurs James Emejo in Abuja The Bank of Industry (BoI) and the Sokoto State Government have signed an agreement to float a N2 billion-matching fund for onward lending to small enterprises in the state.

The acting Managing Director, BoI, Mr. Waheed Olagunju, said under the partnership, both parties would be required to provide N1 billion each for lending to entrepreneurs.

The financing deal, which was sealed on Wednesday night came as the bank earlier commissioned its Sokoto office.

Speaking during the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between both parties, Olagunju said the financing model of fundmatching had become necessary against the backdrop that the bank could not solely finance industries in the country without collaboration with the states which are the custodians of lands.

Already, the bank currently had a subsisting matching funds deal with 18 state governments across the country.

He, further revealed that the bank had so far disbursed N1.6 billion to 25 industrialists in the state.

He added that as part of the strategies to deepen it credit delivery process in the state, the bank had commenced product programmes that were targeted

towards funding projects in the 40 identified products.

He said: “We look at our mandate of transforming Nigeria’s industrial landscape and we realise that we cannot do it alone. Finance is just one of the factors of production. There are other things that needed to come into the fore before we can support entrepreneurs across the country.

“Entrepreneurs are located in the states. They must have a piece of land before they can do business. And under the Land Use Act, land is vested in the governors. That makes partnership with the state governments an indisputable part of our business.”

Olagunju said the bank had identified seven clusters which would be accorded priority financial support in the state.

These, according to him are groundnut oil, animal feeds, leather products, rice processing, food processing, quarries and meat processing.

He added that the bank would give funding priority to the state’s leather industry where it has competitive advantage.

On the need to establish an office in the state, he said: “With BoI’s presence in the historic city of Sokoto, we believe the developmental impact of the bank will be greatly enhanced in support of the real sector and also complement the state government ‘s socio-economic

development objectives.”

However, reacting to the bank’s interventions in the state, the Executive Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal expressed delight at the establishment of the bank’s office in his state, noting that the proximity to customers would boost business activities in the state.

He renewed the state’s commitment to abide by the terms of the matching fund deal and promised to provide the state’s counterpart funding of N1 billion on time to enable entrepreneurs in the state enjoy the facility.

He, further allayed fears over non-payment of loans, stressing that only trusted, committed and visionary entrepreneurs in the state would be recommended to the bank for business.

According to him, “This is the time we have been longing for. It is good for our people, especially the entrepreneurs.

Our entrepreneurs here are very enthusiastic and committed.

They only lack two things: organisation and funding.

“However, the government is ready to organise them and we are happy you are here to give us support to fund them.

Rest assured in the next two years, this effort will have yielded positive result. As a government we are ready to give our people all the required supports. “

AMCON Revs up Recovery Effort, Appoints Debt Resolution Firms As part of its strategy to resolve over six thousand accounts with loan balances of N100 million and below, the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has commenced its induction programme for successful firms that qualified as its Asset Management Partners (AMPs).

The AMPs are consortiums with specialist skills required to ensure recovery and debt resolution; banking, legal, valuation and accounting.

A statement quoted AMCON’s Executive Director, Mr. Kola Ayeye, who represented the Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Ahmed Kuru, at a forum in Lagos recently, to have said collaborating with AMPs became necessary because the corporation has a total loan portfolio of over 12,000 loans

of various sizes and sectors that were still lingering six years after AMCON was established.

According to him, when this is compared to AMCON’s staff strength of approximately three hundred, it was obvious AMCON surely needs a strategic approach to improve coverage and results.

“That is the reason we are all here today to work together in resolving the over six thousand accounts with loan balances of N100million and below. We are convinced that the AMP programme is the key to the success of AMCON, and we will give you all the necessary support to make you succeed in this exercise,” he said.

While reminding the participants that the job of debt recovery was never an easy

task, he promised that AMCON would during the course of the event share a set of rules, practices and processes, which would help each AMP deliver optimally, adding, “We will provide you with a feedback channel that will attend to all your professional needs and also provide necessary guidance.”

Assuring that AMCON will not let them walk alone in this assignment, the Executive Director urged the AMPs to take this novel initiative seriously because AMCON intends to nurture its transformation into the preferred model for recovery and resolution of non-performing loans in the banking sector and financial services industry. A new sub-sector should emerge with desirable job creation and multiplier impact.

Moody’s Reaffirms Sterling Bank’s Ratings Moody’s Investors Service, one of the global rating agencies, has re-affirmed the resilience of the Sterling Bank franchise by maintaining the Bank’s standalone Baseline Credit Assessment (BCA) ratings of B3.

BCAs are inputs to Moody’s joint-default analysis for ratings on issuers subject to extraordinary government support.

It measures the financial strength of issuers subject to extraordinary government support, which can include banks, sub-sovereigns and government-related corporate issuers (GRIs). It explicitly

excludes the likelihood of extraordinary government support in the event that a bailout is required, but does incorporate support as may be necessary for ordinary operations.

The rating agency in a statement expressed confidence that with its current profile, Sterling Bank will remain resilient in the face of more challenging operating conditions given its adequate capital and liquidity buffers.

The agency explained further: “Sterling Bank’s B2 deposit ratings continue to incorporate one notch of rating uplift on

account of government support as the Bank’s ratings remain lower than the sovereign rating and it’s foreign currency deposit rating is now in line with the lowered foreign currency deposit ceiling of B2”.

Specifically, Moody’s rated Sterling Bank b3 in Adjusted Baseline Credit Assessment; B1 (cr) in Long-Term Counterparty Risk Assessment; B2 in LongTerm Issuer Rating (Local and Foreign Currency) and B2 in Long-Term Deposit Rating (Local and Foreign Currency) while the outlook changed to stable.

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

FEBRUARY 2016 Broad Money (M2)

20,489,166.72

-- Narrow Money (M1)

9,095,578.34

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,377,483.11

---- Demand Deposits

7,682,095.23

-- Quasi Money

11,429,588.38

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

5,471,351.78

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

15,017,814.94

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

22,414,322.75

---- Credit to Government (Net)

3,424,029.62

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

4,807,604.55

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

-1,383,574.93

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

18,990,293.13

--Other Assets Net

-7,396,507.81

Reserve Money (Base Money)

5,095,380.23

--Currency in Circulation

1,711,623.51

--Banks Reserves

3,383,756.72 • Source - CBN

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Price (N) Stanbic Balanced Fund

Buying Price(N)

Selling Price

1,660.29

1,685.29

Stanbic IBTC NEF

1,000.00

11,002.32

11,326.67.11

Stanbic SIBond

20

120.47

120.47

Stanbic IBTC Ethical

1

1.10

1.13

Stanbic IBTC GIF

142.90

143.38

UBA Balanced Fund

1.2563

1.2493

UBA Bond Fund

1.3443

1.3443

UBA Equity Fund

0.8205

0.8074

UBA Money Market Fund

1.1510

1.1510

ARM Aggressive Growth Fund

N13.1141

N13.5095

ARM Discovery Fund

N288.9978

N297.7112

ARM Ethical Fund

N22.6462

N23.3290

ARM Money Market Fund

13.1161 (Yield % ) • Monetary Policy Rate - 13%

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 3 MAY 2016 The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $41.02 a barrel on Tuesday, compared with $42.47 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The new OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Murban (UAE), Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia) and Merey (Venezuela).

SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

53

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

Nigeria’s top 50 stocks based on market fundamentals

5-May-16

4-May-16

% Change

Capitalisation

EPS

P/E

P/S

Div. Yld

Price/ Book Value

01 Dangote Cement Plc

168.00

169.00

-0.59%

2,862,805,244,040.00

10.64

15.88

5.86

4.73%

4.47

02 Nigerian Brew. Plc.

115.32

122.00

-5.48%

914,383,914,404.16

5.37

22.73

3.50

2.95%

5.68

03 Nestle Nigeria Plc.

690.00

680.00

1.47%

546,932,813,880.00

29.95

22.71

3.56

4.26%

14.18

04 Guaranty Trust Bank Plc.

17.11

17.00

0.65%

503,567,476,522.64

3.38

5.03

2.18

10.41%

1.21

05 Zenith Bank Plc

13.00

12.99

0.08%

408,154,419,218.00

3.37

3.86

0.94

13.86%

0.69

06 Lafarge Africa Plc.

71.50

73.00

-2.05%

325,675,479,415.00

5.93

12.32

1.24

4.11%

1.89

07 Ecobank Transnational Incorporated

14.70

14.70

0.00%

269,738,402,860.50

1.39

10.56

0.52

4.22%

0.72

08 Forte Oil Plc.

199.48

190.00

4.99%

259,818,930,426.44

4.45

42.71

1.99

1.82%

5.35

09 Seplat Petroleum Dev. Co. Ltd.

340.00

340.00

0.00%

188,125,506,420.00

23.48

14.48

1.67

4.68%

0.67

10 Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc

14.50

14.50

0.00%

145,000,000,000.00

2.04

7.12

1.23

0.69%

1.29

11 Guinness Nig Plc

94.00

93.46

0.58%

141,553,489,672.00

0.78

120.09

2.82

0.00%

3.15

12 FBN Holdings Plc

3.54

3.50

1.14%

127,069,336,483.68

0.42

8.29

0.25

4.29%

0.22

13 United Bank for Africa Plc

3.47

3.49

-0.57%

125,889,956,337.34

1.64

2.12

0.40

17.19%

0.38

32.24

32.24

0.00%

121,973,471,100.00

0.32

102.30

2.06

0.16%

15.24

4.18

4.30

-2.79%

120,918,921,417.58

2.28

1.89

0.37

12.79%

0.34

16 7-Up Bottling Comp. Plc.

145.00

145.00

0.00%

92,885,602,635.00

11.12

13.04

1.19

1.52%

3.87

17 P Z Cussons Nigeria Plc.

21.30

21.30

0.00%

84,571,161,058.50

1.10

19.41

1.17

6.10%

2.01

18 Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc

5.90

5.85

0.85%

70,800,000,000.00

0.96

6.09

0.69

8.55%

1.21

19 International Breweries Plc.

20.00

20.00

0.00%

65,884,985,600.00

0.64

31.29

3.56

1.25%

5.47

20 Julius Berger Nig. Plc.

43.00

43.00

0.00%

56,760,000,000.00

1.85

23.26

0.42

3.49%

2.34

4.50

4.65

-3.23%

54,155,785,023.00

0.50

9.30

0.10

16.13%

0.35

20.51

20.30

1.03%

53,823,104,705.37

1.84

11.03

0.16

9.85%

0.52

23 Total Nigeria Plc.

157.00

156.03

0.62%

53,304,928,409.00

11.92

13.09

0.25

8.97%

3.26

24 Mobil Oil Nig Plc.

147.80

147.80

0.00%

53,295,979,723.60

13.51

10.94

0.83

4.87%

3.47

25 Sterling Bank Plc.

1.59

1.54

3.25%

45,776,764,820.34

0.36

4.31

0.40

5.84%

0.46

26 Transnational Corporation Of Nigeria Plc

1.00

1.00

0.00%

38,720,997,425.00

0.05

19.06

0.95

0.00%

0.44

27 Presco Plc

35.70

35.76

-0.17%

35,700,000,000.00

3.28

10.91

3.15

0.28%

1.60

28 U A C N Plc.

18.01

18.10

-0.50%

34,594,767,609.87

2.70

6.71

0.48

5.52%

0.47

29 Fidelity Bank Plc

1.12

1.05

6.67%

32,438,095,975.04

0.48

2.19

0.21

15.24%

0.17

30 Diamond Bank Plc

1.34

1.35

-0.74%

31,034,921,217.12

0.24

5.53

0.14

0.00%

0.15

15.68

16.50

-4.97%

29,450,207,987.20

3.21

5.15

0.92

7.88%

2.99

0.74

0.74

0.00%

28,545,104,899.94

0.06

12.27

0.62

0.00%

0.62

33 Okomu Oil Palm Plc.

29.11

29.11

0.00%

27,768,320,100.00

2.76

10.55

2.85

0.34%

2.30

34 Cap Plc

38.50

38.50

0.00%

26,950,000,000.00

2.49

15.49

3.82

2.99%

17.73

35 Glaxo Smithkline Consumer Nig. Plc.

21.43

21.43

0.00%

25,627,633,137.84

0.81

26.56

0.84

1.40%

1.94

36 Mansard Insurance Plc

2.24

2.24

0.00%

23,520,000,000.00

0.16

14.15

1.42

2.23%

1.35

37 Custodian And Allied Insurance Plc

3.80

3.67

3.54%

22,351,083,941.00

0.71

5.14

0.72

3.81%

0.83

38 National Salt Co. Nig. Plc

8.00

8.40

-4.76%

21,195,507,024.00

0.79

10.57

1.38

6.55%

3.14

39 FCMB Group Plc.

0.98

0.96

2.08%

19,406,656,565.38

0.24

3.99

0.12

10.42%

0.12

40 Skye Bank Plc

0.98

0.98

0.00%

13,602,695,381.80

0.85

1.15

0.10

30.61%

0.10

41 Honeywell Flour Mill Plc

1.50

1.56

-3.85%

11,895,296,487.00

0.14

11.04

0.25

10.26%

0.58

42 Continental Reinsurance Plc

1.03

1.03

0.00%

10,683,926,641.36

0.21

4.99

0.54

11.65%

0.69

43 Cement Co. Of North.Nig. Plc

6.99

7.45

-6.17%

8,784,177,584.34

0.96

7.79

0.72

1.34%

0.92

44 Unity Bank Plc

0.65

0.65

0.00%

7,598,069,662.30

0.54

1.20

0.12

0.00%

0.09

45 UACN Property Development Co. Limited

4.04

3.85

4.94%

6,943,749,979.80

1.81

2.13

0.59

18.18%

0.20

46 Wapic Insurance Plc

0.50

0.50

0.00%

6,691,369,126.00

0.10

5.16

0.94

6.00%

0.45

47 Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc

3.80

3.80

0.00%

6,172,031,250.00

0.33

11.48

0.73

5.26%

1.01

48 Resort Savings & Loans Plc

0.50

0.50

0.00%

5,664,866,202.00

4.68

0.11

0.02

0.00%

1.89

49 AIICO Insurance Plc.

0.78

0.75

4.00%

5,405,559,494.40

0.28

2.71

0.16

6.67%

0.54

50 Fidson Healthcare Plc

2.03

2.13

-4.69%

3,045,000,000.00

0.50

4.29

0.39

2.35%

0.51

14 Unilever Nigeria Plc. 15 Access Bank Plc.

21 Oando Plc 22 Flour Mills Nig. Plc.

31 Cadbury Nigeria Plc. 32 Wema Bank Plc.

TOTAL

8,176,655,711,863.54

TOTAL MARKET CAP

8,793,467,152,330.56

% OF MARKET CAP Annotation - MA* = Simple Moving Average

92.99%

Table 1 Market Statistics Mkt Indicators

Open 4-May-16

Close 5-May-16

Change %

NSE All Share Index NSE Market Cap (N'Trillion)

25,715.42 8.85

25,563.78 8.79

-0.59% -0.59%

Thisday BGL 50 Index Thisday BGL 50 Market Cap (N'Trillion) Diamond Bank Plc

105.71 8.23

105.01 8.18

-0.66% -0.66%

3.96

4.08

3.03%

Table 3 Top 5 Gainers Stock

Open 4-May-16

Fidelity Bank Plc Forte Oil Plc. UACN Property Development Co. Limited AIICO Insurance Plc. Custodian And Allied Insurance Plc

Close Change % 5-May-16

1.05 190.00 3.85

1.12 199.48 4.04

6.67% 4.99% 4.94%

0.75 3.67

0.78 3.80

4.00% 3.54%

Table 4 Top 5 Losers Stock

Open 4-May-16

Cement Co. Of North.Nig. Plc Nigerian Brew. Plc. Cadbury Nigeria Plc. National Salt Co. Nig. Plc Fidson Healthcare Plc

7.45 122.00 16.50 8.40 2.13

Close Change % 5-May-16 6.99 115.32 15.68 8.00 2.03

-6.17% -5.48% -4.97% -4.76% -4.69%

Market closes bearish as ASI drops 0.59% Market pulse on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) today – Thursday, May 05, 2016 was bearish as the market closed red due to intense sell pressure. This was further highlighted by negative performances from the NSE Sub sectors; Consumer Goods (Save Banking, Insurance, Oil & Gas). Trading activities increased in volume as 176.87 million shares worth N1.48 billion in 3,786 deals exchanged hands today. This is an increase from the 330.56 million shares worth N1.99 billion in 4,053 deals carried out on Wednesday. Topping in volume terms was Access Bank Plc, FBN Holdings Plc and United Bank for Africa Plc, while Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and FBN Holdings Plc ended trading as the most active stocks in value terms.

The All Share Index (NSEASI) closed negative with 0.59% (-151.64) decrease to 25,563.78 from 25,715.42 the previous trading day. Market Capitalization depreciated in tandem to N8.79 trillion from N8.85 trillion of prior trading day. The Thisday BGL 50 Index also followed suit with an increase of 0.66% to close at 105.01 from 105.71 the previous trading day, while its market capitalization stood at N8.18 trillion from N8.23 trillion of the previous trading day.

A total number of 25 stocks gained on the bourse today while 24 stocks declined, leaving 140 stocks unchanged. Fidelity Bank Plc emerged the toast of investors as it topped the Thisday BGL 50 Index gainers’ list with a gain of 6.67% to close at N1.12 per share. It was followed by Forte Oil Plc with a gain of 4.99% to close at N199.48 per share. Others on the gainers list include; UACN Property Development Co. Limited, AIICO Insurance Plc and Custodian And Allied Insurance Plc, while on the decliners’ list; CCNN Plc led with a loss of 6.17% to close at N6.99 per share. It was followed by Nigerian Breweries Plc with a loss of 5.48% to close at N115.32 per share. Others on the losers list include Cadbury Nigeria Plc, National Salt Co. Nig. Plc and Fidson Healthcare Plc

REQUIRED DISCLOSURE This report has been prepared by BGL Plc. BGL Plc does and seeks to do business with companies covered in its research reports. As a result, the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this report. Investors should use this report as one of many other factors in making their investment decisions.

For more details go to www.thisdaylive.com

54

T H I S D AY • MONDAY, MAY 6, 2016

MARKET NEWS

Nigerian Breweries Explains Robust Divided Payout Policy Goddy Egene and Eromosele Abiodun The Managing Director/ CEO of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Nicolaas Vervelde, yesterday said the company’s robust dividend payment policy was informed by the need to always satisfy shareholders of the company. The company is paying a total dividend of

N38 billion for the year ended December 31, 2015, which translates to N4.80 per share.

The dividend is almost 99 per cent of the earning per share (EPS) of N4.82.

Explaining the company’s dividend policy at the preannual general meeting media briefing in Lagos, Vervelde said before the board decides on the amount of dividend to

pay for a year, it looks at the strength of balance sheet and cash requirement.

According to him, the company has a strong balance and has little need for cash now, hence the dividend recommended for the shareholders in 2015.

“We only hope that the dividend we recommended will be appreciated by our

shareholders because we believe it is good for them considering the current economic situation,” he said.

Vervelde said 2015 was challenging with reduced consumer purchasing power and increased cost of doing business mainly due to inflation and devaluation.

“Notwithstanding, our twin agenda of cost leadership and

market leadership supported by innovation helped us to maintain strong results and deliver good returns on investment to our shareholders,” he said.

He said the company’s products remain leaders in their individual markets, assuring that going forward, that positive trend would be sustained.

Already, Nigerian Breweries has begun 2016 on positive note, recording growth in revenue and bottomline.

The company recorded a profit after tax (PAT) of N10.45 billion for the first quarter ended March 31, showing an increase of four per cent above the N10.10 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2015.

DAILY STOCK MARKET REPORT T H E

N I G E R I A N

STO C K

E XC H A N G E

FRIDAY MAY 6, 2016 • T H I S D AY

INTERNATIONAL World Leaders Discuss Defeating Global Terrorism

55

email:foreigndesk@thisdaylive.com

CHANGE OF NAME

Zacheaus Somorin World leaders who converged at the Milken Institute’s global conference have again taken position on how to defeat global terrorism. Among them were a former British prime minister, a U.S. senator, a former CIA analyst and a State Department envoy.

The team navigated through a course that took the audience through Syria, Iraq, Iran, Egypt, Tunisia, Libya, Israel, Jordan, Paris, Brussels and Geneva to explore solutions to one of the world’s thorniest problems.

Brett McGurk, special presidential envoy for the State Department’s Global Coalition to Counter ISIL, outlined a three-pronged attack to go after the terrorists’ fighters, finances and propaganda. The strategy requires a global approach, McGurk said, especially given the diversity of ISIL’s militants: 6,000 Tunisians, 3,000 Saudis, others from the Philippines, and still others from Europe, for example. Further, he said,

Belgium has the highest number of ISIS fighters per capita.

“We have make it harder for fighters to get into Iraq and Syria and even harder to get out,” McGurk said.

The financial front has been a tougher assignment. Despite the recent crash in oil prices, ISIS coffers are fairly healthy, thanks to taxation, money laundering, profit-making ventures such as car dealerships in Iraq and what Weiss called mafia-style tactics in major population centers that add up to $1 million a day.

“Their sources of revenue aren’t just oil fields,” said Nada Bakos, the former CIA analyst.

“There are also donations.”

That’s what makes the propaganda front so important. “Until you defeat the ideology, you will never defeat the violence,” said Tony Blair, the former British Prime Minister. “The ideology behind these acts of violence has been incubating over a long period of time. The number of people prepared to act on those views is small. But the

number of people who share those values is unfortunately large.

“In Northern Nigeria, there are millions of young kids educated to a view of the world that is poisonous,” Blair said. “Around the Middle East, you see young people being taught a way of the world that is contrary to ours.”

Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, said messaging was just as important at home. Political leaders need to do a better job of persuading Americans that global terrorism is a problem that can’t be ignored.

During the Cold War, he said, nobody asked, “Why are we doing this?”

“We knew why. Because it was a threat,” Graham said.

Bakos cited the Syrian refugee crisis as another reason for American action in the region.

“We have a humanitarian crisis here and in Europe. There’s no way to disconnect from that.”

Graham said defeating the terrorists would require a U.S.-led force of 8,000 to 10,000 troops,

supplemented by a regional force of about 90,000 troops from the Arab world. He emphasized that the only way to destroy radical Islam was with a combination of military and diplomatic efforts to build up local institutions that can survive subsequent attacks. “You may be tired of fighting them, but they’re not tired of fighting us,” said Graham. “They’re only going to be defeated by force.

And they’ll only be destroyed by better ideas.”

of those crimes are carried out by relatives who say the victims have brought shame on the family.

Few cases go to court, but among those that do, attackers

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Pakistani Girl ‘Burnt Alive’ for Helping Couple to Elope Pakistani police yesterday arrested 15 members of a tribal council accused of ordering the burning alive of a young girl for helping a couple to elope in a so-called “honor killing”, police said. The 16-year-old girl was set on fire last week in the town of Donga Gali, about 50 km (30 miles) northeast of the capital, Islamabad, on the orders of the council, said district police chief Saeed Wazir.

Police said the honor killing was ordered as punishment for what the council deemed irreparable damage to the village’s reputation. The couple appeared to have escaped.

The girl’s mother and brother were also arrested, Wazir said, as they were present during the meeting and allegedly agreed to the sentence.

Jirgas, or tribal councils, are often called in Pakistan’s northwestern regions as a means of local conflict resolution, but their edicts have no legal standing under Pakistani law. The girl’s mother told police her daughter had helped a couple from the nearby village of Makol elope, in defiance of cultural norms.

“The jirga then took her to an abandoned place outside the village and made her unconscious by injecting her with some drugs,” said Wazir.

“Then they seated the girl in a van in which the couple had escaped. They tied her hands to the seats and then poured petrol on her and the vehicle.”

The vehicle was set ablaze.

“I hadn’t seen such a barbaric attack in my whole life,” he said. More than 500 men and women were killed in honor killings in Pakistan last year, according to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan. Many

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are often forgiven under a clause of law rooted in Islamic law.

Legislation is currently pending at Pakistan’s parliament to close the loophole, which many say encourages such attacks.

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56

FRIDAY MAY 6, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Adenuga, Niger Governor, Sijuwade, Andy Uba, 106 Others Named in #PanamaPapers At least 110 Nigerian individuals and companies have so far been identified in the leaked internal data of Panamanian law firm, Mossack Fonsecca, as operators of offshore shell companies in tax havens.

Prominent among the new names revealed yesterday, in addition to the several that were published in the past one month, are the founder of telecommunication company, Globacom, Mike

Adenuga; Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sadiq Sani Bello and the late Ooni of Ife, Okunade Sijuwade, among others.

The list according to Premium Times, also contained names of Arik Chairman, Joseph ArumemiJohnson and his wife, Mary, as well as two serving senators – Andy Uba (Anambra) and Ibrahim Gobir (Sokoto).

Other top business persons,

Contact/Client Name

Mike Adenuga (Chairman, Globacom) Yetunde and Oyin Adenuga

Company

World Span Consultants (WSC)

Eastcoast Investments Inc; The Volta Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd) Company and Cross Group Holdings International.

Stanhope Investments Limited; Julex James Ibori (former Governor, Delta Foundation; Hunglevest Corporation; State).

The Hopes Trust; and Financial Advisory Group Limited Governor Abubakar Sadiq Sani Bello Devpharm Limited of Niger State Alhaji Ibrahim Damcida (late) multibillion business and northern Devpharm Limited power broker who died in 2012 Dana crash.

Adeyinka Adekunle Ojora (Director, Stronghold Support Services Limited Royal Exchange) Alhaji Aliko Dangote (Africa’s Petrowest S.A. richest man) Ayokunnu Tajudeen (owner, Capital Capital Development Solutions Limited Development Solutions Limited) Betty O. Worgu (Group Executive Overseas Limited and OIS Director, Oil and Industrial Services, Kenqip International Limited.

Nigeria) Babajide Balogun (Vice Chairman/ CEO, Primrose Development Company Limited British Virgin Islands Capt. Adekunle Harrison (Executive President, Hak Air Limited) Chief Alex Duduyemi (Chairman, Bolex Holdings) Chief Tunde Oshunrinde (member, PDP Board of Trustees) Senator Ibrahim Gobhir of Sokoto East Dr. Yemi Oke Edward Keniwenimo Etete (son of Dan Etete, former Minister of Petroleum).

Dr. UJ Itsueli (Chairman, Dubri Oil Company) Keyinde Durosinmi-Etti (former, Managing Director, Skye Bank Plc) Emmanuel Ojei (Chairman, Nuel Ojei Limited) Evelyn Onyishi Joshua (wife of TB Joshua of The Synagogue Church of All Nations) Funsho Moses Kupolokun (former Group Managing Director, NNPC).

Joseph Ikhide Akinola ArumemiIkhide (Chairman, Arik Air)

Country

Panama Bahamas and Panama Niue and Geneva British Virgin Island British Virgin Island British Virgin Island Seychelles Samoa Bahamas

Primrose Overseas Investments Limited

Primrose Overseas Investments Limited

British Virgin Islands

Sunningdale Assets S.A.

Panama

Torham Petroleum Corporation

Bahamas

Damnaz Holdings (BVI) Limited Olaniwun Ajayi

British Virgin Islands Panama

Century Energy Portfolio International Limited

British Virgin Islands

The Dubri International Petroleum Company Limited

Panama

V and E Properties Limited

British Virgin Islands British Virgin Islands

Chillon Consultancy Limited

British Virgin Islands

Gold Coast Resorts International Limited

British Virgin Islands

Vornel Limited

St. Joseph Properties Limited; Ojemaie British Virgin Properties Limited; St. Gregory Holding Limited and St. Gregory Properties Limited. Islands

Kenneth Chukwuemeka (Group OIS International Limited and Kenquip Chairman, Oil and Industrial Overseas Limited.

Services) Kolawole Aluko (oil magnate believe to be close to Mrs. Diezani Alison- Earnshaw Associates Limited Madueke) Kephren Business Limited and Oxenford Adetunji Adegboyega Adebayo Resources Limited.

Mr. Afolabi Caxton-Martins (Managing Partner, Adepetun Adepetun Caxton-Martins Agbor and Caxton- Martins Agbor and Segun Segun (ACAS-Law), Lagos Mr. Laolu Saraki (brother of Senate Sutton Energy Limited President, Bukola) Mallam Bello Gwandu (former Managing Shannon Limited Director, Nigerian Ports Authority) Mallam Ibrahim Aliu (Chairman, Fairford Investment Group Limited and Urban Shelter Limited) Urban Shelter Limited Time Trading Limited; Urien Trading Mr. Nero N. Asibelua (founder, Nero Quick S.A.; Nascan Consultants Inc.; and Marine Asibelua) Support International Limited

Bahamas British Virgin Islands British Virgin Islands Panama British Virgin Islands British Virgin Islands British Virgin Islands British Virgin Island

Obi Asika (former Senior Special British Virgin Assistant to former President Sutton Energy Limited Island Goodluck Jonathan on Social Media) Mr. Ola Rosiji (Group Managing Excalibur Holdings Services Inc. Panama Director, Lexcel Group) Shipping Inc; Sid Holdings Corp; Sayyu Dantata, founder/CEO, MRS Koggi Paseo Trading Limited; Petrowest S.A.; and Group) Arkinton International Limited.

Panama and Seychelles Mr. Victor Akpenyi (CEO, Zeroids Engineering)

Zeroids Engineering Kunsult Limited

Panama

politicians, and their family members were also found in the infamous database, including those currently holding public offices.

The publication detailed names of companies, their owners and the particular tax havens the offshore firms are domiciled.

Some of them, who are public officer holders, held the assets in violation of Nigerian law, failing to declare them to the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

The investigation revealed the assets of some of Nigeria’s most Mr. Mumuni Dagazau, CEO, Triquest Energy Mrs. Mariya Dantata (mother of Aliko Dangote) Mrs. Zainab Abdurrahman (former General Manager, NNPC Retail Limited) Nimuola Folorunsho Coker (former Special Assistant to Governor Babatunde Fashola on The Centra Business Districts of Lagos) Olarenwaju Olamuyiwa (Staff, Legal and Regulatory Unit, Ecobank) Oluwatoyin Saraki (wife of Senate President, Bukola Saraki)

powerful individuals, including Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote; President of the Nigerian Senate, Bukola Saraki; convicted former governor of Delta State, James Ibori; the boss of Oando, Nigeria’s biggest indigenous oil firm, Wale Tinubu, in tax havens such as the British Virgin Islands, Panama, and Seychelles.

The unprecedented year-long investigation involving 11.5 million secret documents – which stretch from 1977 to December 2015 – exposed the hidden underground British Virgin Islands

Esam Fayez Samara

Ics Financial Systems Limited

Koggi Shipping Inc.

Panama

Farouk Rawas

Fenwick Overseas Holdings Limited

Flaxton International Limited

Bahamas

Folashade Adeoluwa

Dalelands Limited

Ike, Frederick

Leymond Investments Limited

M.R.S. Holdings Limited M.R.S. Investments Company Limited Maddelina Magrietha Anaderson Mary Ehiomome Arumemi-Ikhide (Wife of the Chairman of Arik Air, Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide)

Corlay Global S.A.

Satori Holdings Limited

British Virgin Islands

Ecobank Nigeria Limited

Panama

Mr Tarek Abdul – AL

Galway Capital Assets Limited

Mr. F. O. B. Agbeseyi

Lonestar International Company Lonestar International Company

Panama

Mr. Frederick Ike

Haklag Incorporated

Mr. Kiran Virat

Devpharm Limited

Mr. Mbanefo B. Mofunanya

Mofunanya, Mbanefo B.

Mr. Mohammed Awwal Abubakar

Magma Petroleum Development Inc.

British Virgin Islands

Mr. Oladele Oyekunle

Oladele Oyekunle

Panama British Virgin Islands Panama British Virgin Islands Panama

Mr. Orlando Modesti

Jardin International Ltd.

Niue

Mr. Yusuf Babazuko Idris

Fortrade International Trading Ltd.

Renocon Property Development Limited

British Virgin Islands

Mrs. Holdings Limited

Corlay Global S.A

Niue British Virgin Island Panama

Jardin International Limited

British Virgin Islands

Mrs. Aisha Dantata

Koggi Shipping Inc

Panama

Mrs. Oyebimpe Oyetunde

Anina, Blankson &Co.

Ciclones Corporation Inc. and Cosmopolitan Corporation

Panama

Mrs. Oyeyinka Taiga

Turill Limited

Multinational Tecnology Limited

Multinational Energy Services Limited

Panama British Virgin Islands Seychelles

Oladele Oyekunle

Lexys Limited

Seychelles

Oladele Toluwani

Oladele Toluwani Obatoni

Panama

Olawale Olalere

Olawale Olalere

Uchenna and Ann Ekwueme

British Virgin Islands

Pure Expression Limited

George Igboegwu (Managing Limon Interbational Inc. Director at Westron Oil and Gas Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, (former Solomon and Peters Limited Governor of Bayelsa State) Anne Kadiya (wife of former Nigerian Minister, John Kadiya, who Jardin International Limited died in1997).

Wale Tinubu (Group CEO, Oando Group)

Sandon Development Limited; Girol Properties Limited; and Renocon Property Development Sigma Technology Inc; Techventure Limited; Anglesey Management SA; Trinton Trading Limited; Caine Trading Corporation; Keigh Engineering Limited; Hud Trading Equinox Shipping Limited; Meridian Procurement International Services Limited; Lynx Shipping Limited; Everglade Oil Inc; and Framlingham Limited

HRH Okunade Adele (late Ooni of Ife) Devpharm Limited Abdallah Muhammad Usman

Amani Investments Inc.

Bello Ibrahim Gwandu

Warams Services Limited

Bello, Muftau B. Muk – B Limited Charlotte A.T. Durosinmi-Etti (Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Vornel Limited Traveltron Limited Wife of Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti, former Skye Bank MD) Chief Saifudeen A. Edu

Devpharm Limited

Christopher John Lloyd

Westbury Pacific Ltd.

Colin Anderson

Colmad International Limited

Creamkas Logistics Solutions Limited Emmanuel Chukwuma Edozien (Former Economic Adviser to the President of Nigeria)

British Virgin Islands

Chaimers Shipping Inc.

British Virgin Islands British Virgin Islands British Virgin Islands British Virgin Islands Panama Panama British Virgin Islands British Virgin Islands British Virgin Islands British Virgin Islands British Virgin Islands Bahamas British Virgin Islands British Virgin Islands British Virgin Islands Panama

British Virgin Islands

Prof. E.A. Elebute (consultant cardiothoracic surgeon; co-founder and pioneer chairman) Rashid Gbadamosi (former Minister of National Planning and exChairman of PPPRA) Senator Bukola Saraki (former Governor of Kwara State and President of Senate)

law firm that specializes in creating offshore companies, some of which have been used by con men and women to hide Ponzi schemes, predatory lending scams, and other financial frauds from their victims and from the authorities.

The use of shell companies is not illegal and there are individuals and firms who incorporate them for purely legitimate purposes.

Below is a comprehensive list of the other Nigerians named in the leak, although this may not be final:

Rodsun Trading Incorporated

Landfield International Developments Limited Fairshores Offshores Limited; Rhodax Rotimi O. Dosekun, (Chairman Overseas Trading and Investments Fairshores Limited) Limited; and Rockview Oil Sales and Services Limited Fairshores Offshores Limited; Rhodax Solomon Dada Thomas (business Overseas Trading and Investments partner of Rotimi Dosekun in Limited; and Rockview Oil Sales and Fairshores Limited) Services Limited Senator Andy Uba (Anambra South) Wentworth Properties Limited Hakeem Bello-Osagie (Chairman, Clerkenwell Management Limited Etisalat Nigeria) Colsan Enterprises Limited; Goldwin Senator David Mark (former Senate Transworld Limited; Medley Holdings President) Limited; Centenary Holdings Limited; and four other companies Temitope Balogun Joshua (founder and pastor, The Synagogue Church Chillon Consultancy Limited of All Nations) Timi Austen Peters (lawyer, Managing Partner, Austen Peters) Hampstead Venture Capital Limited British Virgin Islands

Babatunde Morakinyo

of the world economy, a network of banks, law firms and other middlemen that utilise shell companies, sometimes using them to hide illegal wealth.

The 2.6 TB files, involving 214,488 entities, also revealed hundreds of details about how former gun-runners, contractors and other members of the spy world use offshore companies for personal and private gain.

The investigation unveiled the cloak of secrecy provided by Mossack Fonseca, a Panamanian

Colmad International Limited St. Joseph Properties Ltd. Ojemade Properties Limited St. Gregory Holding Ltd.

British Virgin Islands Seychelles Channels Island, Jersey British Virgin Islands

Miro Amina Usman

Solon Marketing Limited

Mr. Labaran Tanko

Mindora Corporation Firestorm Limited Sigma Es Limited

British Virgin Islands

Panama

Seychelles and British Virgin Islands

Seychelles and British Virgin Islands

Oluwaseun Adeoluwa Sani Salihu Anka Udeme Udon

British Virgin Islands Panama British Virgin Islands Bahamas

Viviao, Mrs Ojel Bestaf Trading Co. Ltd. Mr. Mallam Ibrahim Aliyu Rhodax Holdings Investments Limited

British Virgin Islands British Virgin Islands British Virgin Islands British Virgin Islands

Gremon Energy Inc.

Seychelles

Setana Petroleum Limited

British Virgin Islands

Taifo Intergrated Investment Limited Transcoastal Fabricators Nigeria Limited Akeem Ayinde Gbadamosi Debrah Oluremi Olowu; Michael Omotunde Olowu; Marvel Olusegun Olowu; Michael Oladtunde Olowu Merch Oludolapo Olowu; Margaret Ohusholabumi Olowu

Panama British Virgine Dalelands Limted Islands British Virgine Warams Services Limited Island Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc Panama British Virgine V and E Properties Limited Islands Gremon Enery Inc. Seychelles Urban Shelter (BVI) Ltd. (Ex:Urban Shelter British Virgin Ltd. Islands British Virgin Fairshores Offshore Islands Rhodax Overseas Trading and Investments British Virgin Limited Islands Rochview Oil Sales & Services (BVI) British Virgin Limited Islands British Virgin Damnaz Holdings (B.V.I) Limited Islands British Virgine Marine Support International Ltd. Islands British Virgin Verix Mutual Incorporated Islands Graytech Limited

British Virgin Island

FRIDAY MAY 6, 2016 • T H I S D AY

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NEWSEXTRA

EFCC Invites Chris Anyanwu, Mike Ahamba over N700m Traced to $115m Lodgement in Fidelity Bank Commission quizzes ex-northern ministers, others Senator Iroegbu in Abuja The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has invited the duo of Senator Chris Anyanwu and Chief Mike Ahamba (SAN) over allegations of laundering N700million traced to the $115 million alleged to have been lodged by the former Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke, in Fidelity Bank in the run up to the 2015 general election.

The N700 million was purported to have been given to Anyanwu and Ahamba to bribe the staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the 2015 general election in order to manipulate the poll results in favour of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

A reliable source from the commission told THISDAY that the duo were invited by the

EFCC Enugu office yesterday for questioning over the matter.

The duo, in addition to another PDP chieftain, Mr. Achike Udenwa, was reported to have collected the money from the Fidelity Bank, Ikenegbu Layout branch, Owerri, the Imo State capital.

The source said: “The Enugu office of the commission invited two persons for questioning with regard to the $115 million Alison-Madueke’s lodgment laundered through Fidelity Bank.

One Senator Chris Anyanwu and prominent lawyer, Michael Ahamba (SAN) allegedly collected part of the cash.

“They were invited over a N700 million money laundering case linked to the Fidelity Bank issue. The duo and Udenwa allegedly collected the money from the Ikenegbu layout branch of the bank just before

NCC to Licence New Spectrums to Boost Broadband Services Emma Okonji Determined to reduce congestion on existing microwave frequencies and increase broadband access across the country, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) yesterday announced fresh plans to licence new spectrums on the 38GHz and 42GHz bands.

The commission also made known its intention to re-plan the existing 23GHz spectrum band by increasing its capacity availability from 7MHz to 28MHz. NCC made the disclosure in Lagos at a stakeholders’ consultative forum, where the stakeholders were allowed to make their inputs on the proposed plans.

The proposed switchover date from the 7MHz to 28MHz in the existing 23GHz frequency band is set for May 30, 2017, while the timeline for the utilisation of the new 38GHz and 42GHz spectrums, will take effect from between three to six months time, depending on when NCC comes out with the final framework on the new spectrums, which will be awarded on a ‘first come-first served basis.

The additional spectrum licences, according to NCC, would provide the much needed spectrum that operators would need to address the increasing demand for broadband services in the country.

Speaking on the importance of licensing additional spectrums in the country, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, who was represented by the Director, of Public Affairs at NCC, Mr. Tony Ojobo, said: “The emerging trend in the telecoms sector in Nigeria today, is broadband, which will certainly require massive deployments in terms of critical infrastructure, if the country is to achieve the set target of government of 30 per cent broadband penetration by 2018.

The growth of broadband traffic is on the increase and therefore, additional spectrum resources would be required to avoid network challenges.”

It is for this reason that the NCC decided to take proactive measures in opening up of the 38GHz and 42GHz bands for use in Nigeria as well as the re-planning of the 23GHz microwave spectrum band, Danbatta said.

He said the radio spectrum in the 38 GHz and 42GHz spectrum bands were yet to be opened in Nigeria, and that the channelling plan for the 23GHz needs to be reviewed in line with international best practices to meet requirement for higher output, since it would also enable operators of the telecoms industry to effectively meet their spectrum needs for rollout of broadband services.

He said the licensing would further assist the commission’s drive for national broadband wireless access initiative, and address the growing demands by operators for spectrum availability for high speed and high capacity links for data-centric services.

Presenting a demo for the proposed plans for fresh licensing, the Deputy Director of Spectrum Administration at NCC, Mr. Oluwatoyin Asaju, said NCC benchmarked the pricing model for the 38GHz, 42GHz and 23GHz spectrums with countries that have already licensed the spectrums, and decided to take the average pricing.

Countries benchmarked included South Africa, United States, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Australia, Canada and Uganda.

Some of the stakeholders who made inputs, expressed satisfaction over the fresh plans to licence additional spectrum bands, but frowned at the situation where the NCC had to benchmark pricing with countries whose performance index and level of infrastructure capacities are far higher than that of Nigeria. They however suggested that the NCC should consider benchmarking pricing with countries that are at par with Nigeria in terms of infrastructural development, in order to further reduce pricing.

the 2015 presidential election.

The money was meant to bribe INEC officials.”

In furtherance of its investigations into the $115million lodgment, the EFCC has also arrested the Cross Rivers State Chairman of the PDP, Mr. Ntufam John Okon.

Okon was said to have been arrested yesterday in Calabar, Cross Rivers State, for allegedly collecting a sum of N500 million as his share of the booty.

Sources said investigations by the EFCC showed that Okon collected the money on March 26, 2015, at a branch of Fidelity Bank in Calabar.

“The money was placed in the transit account at the corporate headquarters of Fidelity Bank but cash was made available to Okon in the Calabar branch of the bank. Okon is in the custody of the EFCC and would be charged to court soon,” the source said.

The commission, two weeks ago, apprehended the former Fidelity Bank Managing Director, Nnamdi Okonkwo, for questioning over the lodgment and sharing of the funds lodged in his bank in the build up to the 2015 general election.

The lodgment was said to have been uncovered when the EFCC began investigations into how officials of INEC in Cross Rivers, Delta and Akwa Ibom States, among others, received N675.1 million.

It was gathered that during the build up to the 2015 elections, Alison-Madueke invited Okonkwo to help her handle some cash, which would be disbursed to electoral officials and groups.

The embattled bank CEO was alleged to have met AlisonMadueke at her Abuja residence where he was instructed on how the money would be lodged in the bank and would be shared among key political actors ahead of the elections.

Meanwhile, the EFCC has also unravelled how a total of N5,097,064,000, was disbursed and received by representatives from seven states in the Northwest zone of the country.

Sources with the commission revealed yesterday that preliminary investigations into the matter had shown that a total of N 1,356,620,000 was received by two beneficiaries from Kano State of which a total of N950,000,000 was received by the former Minister of Foreign Affairs in the last dispensation, Ambassador Aminu Bashir Wali, while the balance of N406,206,000 was received on behalf of the late Kano State Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Alhaji Mukaila Abdullahi, by one Sani Isa who is a retiree of INEC, Kano State.

The Kano REC, his wife and four children mysteriously died in an inferno in his residence in

Kano exactly one week after the presidential election.

According to findings, the accused persons collected these monies from Fidelity Bank after due certification of various means of identification as requested by the bank.

Also, the sources revealed that one of the representatives from Jigawa State who was the former Minister of State, for Foreign Affairs Dr. Nurudeen Muhammad, received N500,000,000 out of N750,000,000 disbursed to the state.

Sources said the representatives from Kano and Jigawa States, including the former staff of INEC, have been taken into custody and investigations were on going as to who the balance of N250,000,000 was given to.

Other states in the Northwest zone were believed to have benefited through their representatives from the funds lodged with Fidelity Bank.

EMPOWERMENT SCHEME

Acting Managing Director of Bank of Industry (BoI), Mr. Wahid Olagunju (left); with Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, after the signing of agreement to provide N2billion to SMEs in Sokoto....yesterday. With them is the state Deputy Governor, Ahmed Aliyu.

FG Outlines Conditions for Partnership on National Carrier Dele Ogbodo in Abuja The Minister of State for Aviation, Mr. Hadi Sirika, yesterday outlined conditions under which it would go into a partnership with any interested party in its desire to re-establish a national carrier.

In a statement signed on behalf of the minister by the Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Mr. James Odaudu, which was made available to journalists Abuja, he said interested parties must come to the negotiation table with plans for direct transfer of technology.

According to him, the companies must have comprehensive training for Nigerians, adding that they must also put in place plans for the local manufacture of basic maintenance equipment

and spare parts in the country.

Sirika gave the terms while receiving representatives of Airbus in his office in Abuja, saying setting the conditions was the only way to ensure that the proposed national airline comes on stream on a sound footing.

He expressed optimism at Airbus’ interest in partnering Nigeria on the project, but challenged the aircraft manufacturer to be prepared for competition with other interested organisations in view of similar interests having been expressed due to Nigeria’s growing aviation profile.

The minister assured them that President Muhammadu Buhari was personally committed and unwaveringly determined to establish a national airline, saying the whole process of its

establishment, including the choice of partners, would be transparent.

According to him, the vision of the government was to establish a national carrier that would not only be internationally competitive and profitable, but also efficiently and professionally managed while also being affordable and customer-centred.

Leader of the team and Sales Director of Airbus S.A.S, Marino Modena, had informed the minister that they were in the country to seek ways of assisting in the launch and development of the proposed Nigerian national airline.

Modena listed areas of possible partnership to include profitability studies, marketing strategies for local, regional and international operations as well as training, maintenance and hangar development.

According to him, Airbus had become a market leader in the manufacture of passenger / commercial aircrafts, helicopters and defence aircrafts over the past ten years, producing about 650 aircrafts annually.

With over one 1,000 engineers engaged in creation and innovation constantly, he said the firm has succeeded in developing a complete range of fuel efficient aircraft that could be of great benefits to the proposed national carrier.

Modena commended the government for taking up the challenge of establishing a national airline which he hopes will be a huge success, given the massive air traffic available in Nigeria, and the great prospects of the country becoming a regional aviation hub.

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Troops Discover, Destroy Boko Haram Administrative Base Repel terrorists’ attacks against Sambisa operation Rescue over 400 captives Senator Iroegbu in Maiduguri The troops from the 156 Task Force Battalion and 29 Task Force Brigade, assisted by Civilian JTF, early yesterday engaged some Boko Haram terrorists in a gun battle at Ngula and Kukuruk villages in Alagarno general area, where it discovered and destroyed the terrorist’s administrative base.

The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, in a statement yesterday, said the troops during the operation, encountered and engaged the elements in a gun battle, some of which escaped leaving trails of blood from gunshot injuries they sustained.

Usman said the patrol team later made startling discovery in the area; they found out that it served as the Boko Haram terrorists’ administration and harbour area, field hospital and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) making factory.

He listed the items recovered by the troops at the base including; six motorcycles, two bicycles, four

machine gun mounts, power generating set, three Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) tyres, 10 bags of assorted foodstuff, four different vehicles radiators, a wheel chair, two clutches, stretcher and 11 different car batteries.

Other items recovered included three gas cylinders, two stabiliser, a welding machine, three motorcycle batteries and four gallons stuffed with grains.

He said the troops also recovered a Toyota buffalo engine, Toyota Hilux engine, blanket, megaphone, Escola’s Box, four motorcycle wheels, a grinding machine, a vehicle gear box, damaged part of a canter truck, military uniforms, an unserviceable laptop, two Wheel barrows and three vehicle Jacks.

Similarly, he said, the patrol team recovered three rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 31 IEDs primers, two flash drives containing vital information, surgical gloves and urine bags. Other items recovered include bandages, two tyre pumps, .50 inch browning machine gun parts, as well as a 60mm mortar bomb, sphygmomanometer,

anti-Tetanus injection, penicillin injections and other medications and medical equipment. They also recovered a trailer truck, damaged vehicle, two slates, Holy Qur’an, handcuffs and solar panels among other items.

“The team has followed the blood trail left by the insurgents and exploiting further to dominate the general area with patrols to further secure it,” he stated.

In a related development, Usman said that the troops involved in the clearance and rescue operations in Sambisa forest nicknamed “Operation Crackdown”, were able to halt attacks by the terrorists, while on harbour.

According to him, the terrorists who came in five Toyota Hilux vehicles mounted with anti-aircraft guns which they fired along with 81mm mortar.

He said: “The battle ready troops rose to the occasion and

repelled the attack and pursued the terrorists that withdrew in disarray towards the river line of Izza-Mainyakare axis.

“The attack lasted for about 40 minutes without any casualty on our troops while an unconfirmed number of Boko Haram terrorists were killed. The troops recovered an 81mm mortar tube from the terrorists.”

“The troops maintain highest level alertness and vigilance at the harbour area. They will further exploit and continue with the clearance operation,” he stated.

Usman also stated that the troops of 7 Division, based on information received, conducted a special operation at Chingurimi, Walasa and Masa villages which were believed to have large concentration of abducted women and children held hostages by the Boko Haram terrorists “The troops killed quite a

number of Boko Haram terrorists and rescued 17 women, an old man and 24 children at the area. They also recovered an AK-47 rifle, six rounds of 7.62mm, 295 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO), 12 Dane Guns, 21 unserviceable mobile telephone handsets and one serviceable as well as150 different SIM cards,” he said.

In all, he said, the troops rescued over 400 persons held hostage by Boko Haram terrorists.

In the same vein, Usman said that troops of 120 Task Force Battalion, 27 Task Force Brigade, yesterday, in conjunction with vigilantes while on patrol, intercepted five Boko Haram terrorists logistics team at Gotumba area trying to move logistics items to suspected Boko Haram hideouts at Aluwa, using 5 donkeys.

He said that the terrorists, on sighting the patrol team, ran and abandoned the items. However, he stated that the team pursued and

killed three of the terrorists, while two escaped with gun shot wounds. items recovered from the encounter to include three packets of Tramol, two packets of Lamumol, seven packets of Really Extra, two packets of Viagra, two packets of Ulgra and 14 of washing soap.

“Other items include four rolls of Klin Detergent, two packets razor blade and 14 packets of Maggi.

Half-bag of table salt, five bicycle tyres and tubes, as well as two quick patch for tubes, a roll of matches and 10 pairs of rubber shoes. The troops also recovered large quantity of potash, onions, locust beans, some quantity of rice, mats and tarpaulin,” he disclosed.

In addition, Usman said that the troops of 7 Division Garrison today in conjunction Civilian JTF, acting on a tip off, arrested one Alhaji Bulama Budu at Old Maiduguri general area.

Appeal Court Reserves Judgment in Metuh, Kanu’s Suits Tobi Soniyi in Abuja The Court of Appeal has reserved judgment in the appeal filed by the former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh.

Justice Abdul Aboki who presided over a three-man panel that heard the appeal said judgment would be delivered in a day to be communicated to the parties.

The court reserved the judgment after taking argument from counsel.

Metuh had approached the court of appeal, asking it to set aside the ruling of a Federal High Court Abuja which had last month held that Metuh had a case to answer in the money laundering charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFFC).

Justice Okon Abang, after refusing Methu’s no case submission, asked him to open his defence to the case

in the criminal matter but Metuh in the appeal filled by his counsel, Chief Onyehi Ikpeazu, (SAN), urged the appellate court to hold that the EFCC which prosecuted Methu failed to establish a nexus linking him to the said offence.

He said from the totality of the evidence led by the prosecution to the point of closing his case, Metuh was not linked with the alleged fraud and therefore asked the court of appeal to set him free.

Metuhalso argued the ingredients that constituted the offence were not proved by the prosecution.

But the prosecutor, Mr. Sylvanus Tahir, opposed the appeal and asked the appellate court to dismiss it.

According to him, the appeal not only lacked merit but was frivolous.

The court has also reserved judgment in the appeal filed

by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).

Three Feared Dead as Clashes Erupt in Aba Between Igbo, Hausa Traders At least three people have been killed in Aba, Abia State, in clashes that started at the popular Ariaria Market, several witnesses have told Premium Times.

The clashes began in the afternoon mostly between Igbo traders and their Hausa counterparts, they said.

One witness said the crisis started after a member of the Hausa community stabbed and killed an Igbo trader who reprimanded him for urinating near his store.

Other Igbo traders rounded the assailant and lynched him, the witness said.

His account could not be independently verified by journalists.

But other witnesses and residents said news of the incident spread to other parts of the town and a mob gathered and attacked the Hausa community around the abattoir located at Ogbor Hill area of Aba. “From that point matters degenerated. Soldiers in nearby barrack are shooting and at least one Igbo trader was hit and killed by a bullet,” the witness recounted.

Reacting to the crisis, the spokesperson for the Abia State Police, Onyeka Ezekiel, said he had received reports of “pockets of demonstrations.”

He however declined to give further details.

SUPPORT FOR CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

L-R: Regional Business Manager, Lagos South, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Kola Oluborode; Music Artiste, Darey Art Alade; Ace Comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka; Actor, Segun Arinze; and Brand Manager Heineken, Nigerian Breweries,Stanley Obi, during a match in the UEFA Champions League(UCL) at Heineken House in Lagos...recently.

House Directs Kogi Governor to Forward Budget for Consideration Indicts AGF, orders state assembly resealed Damilola Oyedele in Abuja The House of Representatives has directed the Kogi State Governor, Mr. Yahya Bello, to transmit the state’s 2016 budget and other executive bills for consideration.

This is as the green chamber reiterated its take over of the state House of Assembly. It also directed the Inspector General of Police (IG), Mr. Solomon Arase, to seal the premises of the assembly.

Where the National Assembly takes over a state assembly, it carries out the duties of the assembly including passing budgets, motions and laws, save for impeachment proceedings.

The House, backed by the Senate, had taken over the assembly on March 9, 2016 following the crises

caused by the impeachment of the Speaker, Hon. Jimoh Lawal, by five out of 25 members.

The House cited section 11 (4) of the 1999 Constitution as amended which allows it to take over in the event a state assembly can no longer sit for whatever reasons.

Arase complied with the directives to seal the state assembly premises in readiness for the takeover, but however unseal it following a counter directive by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Mr. Abubakar Malami.

Malami in a letter to Arase, who had sought his advice, said the resolution of the House was of no effect, as the resolutions are only persuasive.

The AGF also argued that Section 11 (4) can only be effected by law

and is applicable when there is a situation of insecurity in the state.

The ad hoc committee on the crises headed by the Majority Leader, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, in its report considered yesterday, said the AGF erred in seeking to interpret the constitution.

The actions of the AGF and the IG, who sought advice on the resolution of the House, were an affront to the legislature and democracy, the report noted.

The recommendations were adopted by the House. It directed the AGF to immediately withdraw his letter to the IG and proceed to court if he has any issue with the resolutions of the National Assembly.

“That the attorney general be reprimanded for undermining

the authority of the legislature... that the IG be reprimanded for undermining the authority of the legislature,” it read.

The House also declared as null and void all resolution, laws and actions taken by the state assembly from March 9, 2015.

The faction that impeached Lawal and elected Hon. Imam as speaker has continued to sit in defiance of the House resolution.

Presiding, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Yussuff Sulaimon Lasun, said the IG had been told that any resolution of the National Assembly has the potency of the law.

The lawmakers therefore directed that the state assembly be resealed immediately, pending the resolution of the crises.

T H I S D AY FRIDAY MAY 6, 2016

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CRIME&PUNISHMENT

Prosecution Witness Contradicts Ohakim, Says He Didn’t Pay Him in Dollars Tobi Soniyi in Abuja A witness in the trial of former Imo State Governor, Ikedi Ohakim, has told a Federal High Court in Abuja that the ex-governor lied when he told investigators that he earned dollars from a transaction between them.

The witness, Scott Tommey, a Porth-Hacourt-based businessman, admitted buying Ohakim’s land in Maitama, Abuja in 2012, but insisted that he made payment for the purchase neither in naira or United States dollars cash, but through bank transfer.

Ohakim, who served as Imo State governor between 2007 and 2011, is being prosecuted on a three-count charge of money laundering and false asset declaration.

He is accused of purchasing a property at 60, Kwame Nkrumah Street, Plot No 1098, Cadastral Zone

A04, Asokoro District, Abuja with cash payment of $2.29 which was said to be dollar equivalent of N270million in November 2008.

Ohakim was also accused of failing to declare the property as part of his assets when asked by the EFCC to do so.

The ex-governor had, in one of his statements to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), marked “Exhibit EFCC 3,” claimed to have bought the No. 60 Kwame Nkwumah Street property with the dollars equivalent of N250million allegedly paid him

by Tommey for the Maitama land.

Testifying as the 6th prosecution witness yesterday Tommey said: “It is totally false that he (the defendant) claimed that I paid him in US dollars. I paid through fund transfer. I never paid in cash.

It was through funds transfer.”

The witness, who was led in

evidence by prosecution lawyer, Festus Keyamo, gave details of how he was introduced to Ohakim and how the transaction was executed.

Tommey said he met the defendant just once, but knew him as the former governor of Imo State. “He had a property in Maitama, which was up for sale.

And I was in search of a property to develope. I had an agent, who got the property, which was the former governor’s land.

“The agent introduced me to him

sometime in 2012. We negotiated and there was need to meet with the owner of the property.

“I met him and we agreed to a total cost of N250million, which was paid to him through my bank. I paid for the property through bank transfer from Sterling to Fidelity Bank. I paid in naira.”

The witness confirmed a document from his company’s banker, Sterling Bank, for the transfer instruction from his company, Marypinch Ltd to Sir

Ikedi Ohakim for the sum of N250million only.

When asked by Keyamo how he would react to Ohakim’s claim in one of his statements to the EFCC that the witness paid in dollars, Tommey said: “It is totally false that he (the defendant) claimed that I paid him in US dollars. I paid through fund transfer. I never paid in cash. It was through funds transfer.”

On cross-examination by Ohakim’s lawyer, Awa Kalu

(SAN), the witness said he met Ohakim only once.

He said: “We never mentioned dollars in our transaction. It was agreed that it was going to be a bank transaction.”

The witness said he did not meet Ohakim in EFCC custody, as they were never made to confront each others. Tommey said he was never confronted in the presence of the defendant in connection with the alleged transaction in US dollars.

Troops Kill 18 Cattle Rustlers, Recover Weapons in Zamfara Senator Iroegbu in Abuja The troops of 223 Battalion, 1 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have averted another attack on Dansadau town of Zamfara State by suspected cattle rustlers and armed bandits, killing 18 of them in the process.

The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, said the troops who were on patrol were alerted by well meaning individuals on seeing the bandits.

Usman said the patrol team on Wednesday, laid an ambush for the suspected cattle rustlers and armed bandits who came in large numbers on motorcycles fully armed.

It was gathered that they were enroute Ruwan Tofa and Babban Doka Villages in Dansadau District of Maru Local Government Area,

Zamfara State to wreak havoc on the hapless people of the communities.

“The troops killed 18 and wounded several armed bandits.

They also recovered 11 AK-47 rifles, a G3 rifles, locally made pistol, 11 magazines of AK-47 rifle, a magazine of G3 rifle and 161 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunitions. The troops went further and destroyed the bandits’ camp at Babban Doka general area,” he stated.

The army spokesman said the troops are also combing the area for the remnants of the bandits and all those that escaped with gunshot wounds in the general area.

He however appealed to the members of the public to continue to assist with information on cattle rustlers, armed bandits and other criminal elements in their areas.

The police in Minna, Niger State, have arrested a 50-year-old mechanic for allegedly raping a three-year-old girl.

The mechanic, Adebayo Attaihiru, was said to have had carnal knowledge of the girl who was sleeping in a room in the Mobil roundabout area of Minna.

THISDAY gathered that the mother of the girl who was on a visit to one of her relations from Kaduna, left the girl asleep to go and make some purchases at the Gwari market not too far from the scene of the incident but before her arrival, a neighbour had raped her daughter.

Attaihiru, according to reports, immediately sensing that the woman had left the area went into the room where the little girl was sleeping and had sex with her.

The cry from the girl was said to have attracted other neighbours to the room where they met the girl in pains with blood stains all over the

Minister of Defence, Brig-Gen. Mansur Muhammad Dan-Ali (rtd), with some military officers during their inspection visit to the vandalised 48-inch expert pipeline at the Forcados Export Terminal, Delta State...recently

Special Court Martial Adjourns Trial of Two Generals to May 9

Judge’s Absence Stalls EFCC Arraignment of Community Leader

Senator Iroegbu and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Charles Onyekamuo in Awka

The Special Court-Martial (SCM) sitting at the Army Headquarters, Garrison, Abuja has adjourned the case between the Nigerian Army and the two accused senior officers, Maj-Gen. Sani Ibrahim and MajGen. Patrick Falola to May 9, 2016. bed.

Ibrahim was a former army Adebayo who took to transformation and Innovation his heels after committing Centre, while Falola was the the offence, ,was however former Commander, 68 Hospital, apprehended by neighbours Yaba Lagos. who handed him to the police.

The president of the court, Air At the Paiko road police Vice Marshal (AVM) James Gbum, station, it was gathered that had druing the inauguration of Adebayo was handed over to the SCM yesterday, made the the Women and Child Protection pronouncement in consideration Unit, which commenced of the request of the prosecution investigation into the matter counsel, Lt. Col. Ukpe Ukpe. before transferring the case to The inauguration saw the police headquarters.

Col. Said Musa as the Judge Police Public Relations Officer, Advocate, AVM. Iya Abdulahi, Bala Elikana, when contacted and Rear Admiral Peter Agba confirmed the story and said as members, and Rear Admiral investigation into the crime had Edwin Enechukwu as waiting commenced. member.

Elikana who described the Prosecution team prayed the whole episode as ‘wicked and court that the judge advocate callous’, promised that the law should put himself out and would take his due course as far give the accused officers the as the matter is concerned. opportunity to object the sitting The police spokesman said of the judge advocate, Musa, the victim had been admitted who was said to be involved in at the Minna General hospital the investigation of the accused for treatment, while the suspect officers. would be taken to court as soon But the defence counsel to Majas investigation into the mater has Gen. Ibrahim said the observation been completed. made by the prosecution counsel

Police Arrest Mechanic for Raping Three-year-old Girl Laleye Dipo in Minna

VANDALISM

was a mere academic exercise, saying that the defence counsel should be the one objecting and not the prosecution counsel.

He argued that the prosecution counsel has no right to object as the court has not been fully formed, adding that until the court is fully formed that is when court can entertain application.

In the same vein, the defence counsel to Maj-Gen. Patrick Falola, Wing Commander Enekola Onyilo (rtd), said it was unnecessary for the judge advocate to put himself out to be objected because the accused have not complained.

Countering the defence, the prosecution counsel argued that the procedure should be followed in order not to create room for the defence counsel to capitalise on by way of delay tactics in the course of the court proceedings.

In his ruling, the judge advocate refused to rule himself out, citing the rules of procedure in the Armed Forces Act. The prosecution team informed the court that it intended to kick start with the case of Falola on May 9, which was not objected to by the defence counsel.

But the counsel to Sani prayed the court to order the prosecution counsel to serve it with every necessary documents needed to prepare fully for the defence of the accused officer.

The absence of Justice D.A Onyefulu, the trial judge presiding over High Court 5, in Awka, Anambra State Judicial Division, yesterday stalled the arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of one Chief Emma Emelife, the former chairman of Iruoji Development Assembly in Nri, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra state for allegedly embezzling the association’s N64 million.

Emelife who allegedly committed the crime while chairing the association, was arrested by the EFCC about three years ago upon a petition to the anti-graft agency by the succeeding executive of the association which discovered the alleged graft prompting an investigation by the EFCC. Yesterday, the EFCC brought Emelife to court to be arraigned before Justice Onyefulu but for this absence.No reason was however given for the judge’s absence.

But an altercation ensued thereafter between the counsel to the Iruoji Development Association, (IDA), Anthony C. Nwokoye, the chairman, Dr. Gabriel Onyejemuo and the EFCC counsel over accusation of alleged collaboration of EFCC with the accused.

The duo had accused the EFCC lawyer and investigator

of working against their interest, adding that even as they petitioned the EFCC about the alleged graft, the commission went behind to collaborate with the accused without carrying them along.

The IDA lawyer and secretary of the association, Anthony C. Nwokoye, alleged that the EFCC had in the past tried unsuccessfully to arraign the suspect twice without letting them, the complainants, know.

He added that even in the instant case, the EFCC investigator, Mr. Asuguo had told them that the matter would come up at the Federal High Court in Awka only for them to go there without seeing him and he had to trace the EFCC to High Court 5, Awka.

Even at that, he said while the accused is still in the EFCC custody and not yet arraigned, the commission had filed an application for his bail in the case cited as No 4 in the court list yesterday; adding that the commission liaised with the accused to choose May 19 adjournment date without consulting with them.

“They are supposed to be working with us as complainants.

But they went working with the accused and shutting us out. The EFCC is trying to collaborate with the accused and frustrate the Iruoji village and the association.

FRIDAY MAY 6, 2016 • T H I S D AY

61

PDP CONGRESSES

Jerry Gana’s Group Urges Shift in National Convention Date Adamawa congress committee narrates ordeal

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Opposition against the May 21 national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gained more grounds yesterday with a group under the aegis of PDP Northern Elders’ Forum joining in the call for the postponement of the event.

Another group known as Concerned Leaders of the PDP including former Niger State

Governor, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu and former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Bala Mohammed, had asked the party leadership to postpone the convention to avert crisis.

But toeing a similar line, the northern elders’ group led by former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, which met in Abuja late Wednesday night, said the postponement would allow for reconciliation of aggrieved members.

Senate Adjourns Till Next Week for Congresses Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja The Senate yesterday suspended its plenary for one week as a result of the ongoing congresses of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of its forthcoming May 21 national convention.

The Senate was forced to adjourn plenary following its inability to secure the required quorum of one-third of membership of the chambers as PDP senators stayed away. Only four PDP senators were present at the session.

The suspension of the plenary was in adherence to the provision in Senate Standing Orders which prohibits sitting in the chamber unless one-third (37) of the 109 senators are in attendance.

But yesterday, only 25 senators

In their position read out after the meeting in Abuja, Gana’s group insisted that the present members of the National Working Committee (NWC) should vacate their officers on May 21.

It decried the level of impunity and imposition in PDP, noting that for the party to return to the vision of its original founders, it must purge itself of these vices.

The Northern Elders Forum also picked holes with the proposed constitutional amendment, noting that it violates the PDP constitution.

The PDP National Executive

Committee (NEC) is to meet again next Wednesday to debate the proposed constitutional amendment.

Some members of the forum who attended the meeting were former Deputy President of the Senate, Senate Ibrahim Mantu, former Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Waziri Maina, Babangida Aliyu, former presidential aide, Ahmed Gulak, among others.

Meanwhile, the members of the PDP congress and appeal committees that organised last weekend’s botched ward congress election in Adamawa

State have given account of their ugly experience in the hands of party officials and thugs who prevented them from carrying out their assignment.

Addressing journalists at the national secretariat of the PDP, a member of the Appeal Committee, Mr. Moses Ibiyemi, alleged that key officers of the state executive of the party ordered thugs to surround their hotel and literarily force them to sign a ready-made report.

“We were harassed, kidnapped and beaten by thugs organised by the chairman and his team.

Because all the members of the

state executive wanted to retain their seats, the forced our secretary to sign documents already prepared by them.

Ibiyemi said it took the intervention a team of riot policemen brought by one of the concerned stakeholder to rescue them from the hotel and take them to the office of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Yola, the state capital.

According to him, no genuine congress took place in Adamawa State and as such the national leadership of the party should do the needful and cancel the exercise.

most of whom were members of All Progressives Congress (APC) were present. Besides four PDP senators, the only member of Labour Party, Ovie Omo-Agege, was also in attendance.

Hence, after considering the votes and proceedings of Wednesday, Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, moved the motion for adjournment of the plenary to Thursday, May 12 to enable PDP senators fully participate in their party’s congress.

The one-week adjournment followed the consideration of a letter addressed to the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, by the Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio.

The letter sought the leave of the Senate for PDP senators to participate fully in their state congresses by suspending plenary.

Niger PDP Elders, Others Endorse LECTURE FOR DEVELOPMENT L-R: Senior Partner, Punuka Attorney & Solicitors, Chief Anthony Idigbe SAN; former Head of State and Special Guest of Honour, Gen. Yakubu Tanko Beji as Chairman Gowon (rtd); Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Sonny Kuku; and Guest Lecturer from Harvard University, Prof. Robert Z. Lawrence, at the 2016 Laleye Dipo in Minna Elders, women and youth groups in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Niger State have endorsed the incumbent Vice Chairman of the party, Tanko Beji, as its new chairman.

The endorsement came ahead of the congress of the party slated for next week even as the leadership of the party also readopted the 1998 zoning arrangement for the sharing of party offices.

THISDAY learnt from sources close to the party headquarters in Minna that the decision of the groups was reached at an emergency closed door meeting held in the state capital recently.

It was gathered that before the endorsement of Beji, six others from the Niger East senatorial district where the position zoned, signified their intentions for the high office but the leadership was able to persuade five of the aspirants to step down for Beji.

It was gathered that the sixth aspirant and former member of the state House of Assembly,

Abdullahi Baizegi, who refused to step down for Beji was still being persuaded to bury his interest in the overall interest of the party.

The elders and other groups felt in arriving at the choice of Beji it would be bringing ‘experience, humility and acceptability’ to the office of the state chairman.

THISDAY learnt that a former political office holder Alhaji Mohammed Santali could get the position of state secretary following the decision of the Niger south party members to rezone the slot to Lavun local government area of the state.

The position of Vice chairman according to the source has not been amicably resolved in favour of Aminu Mohammed, the incumbent Secretary of the party in the state and a former member of the House of Assembly Hajia Saadatu Kolo.

The leadership of Niger North where the position was zoned was told to resolve the impasse before next Saturday according to the source.

Osifo’s Biography for Launch The public presentation of the book ‘From Machine Boy to Managing Director,’ the biography of Mr Felix Ogbeyewebor Osifo, former Executive Director of UAC Plc and Chairman of Osiquip Nigeria Limited will take place tomorrow at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Amuwo-

Odofin, Lagos. The book written by Professor Hope Eghagha, literary scholar at the University of Lagos and immediate past Commissioner of Higher Education of Delta State will be reviewed by Mr, Sam Omatseye, the Chairman of The Nation Newspaper editorial board.

Punuka Annual Lecture in Lagos ....yesterday

Kolawole Alli

Sheriff Writes INEC over LG Congresses Stakeholders in Anambra hail outcome

Charles Onyekamuo in Awka

For instance, former Minister for Aviation and a leading PDP The National Chairman of the stakeholder in the state, Chief Osita Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chidoka, told THISDAY at Obosi Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff, has urged in Idemili North Local Government the Independent National Electoral Area that the party was putting Commission (INEC) to abide by its acts together and working the party guidelines, rules and towards getting things right.

Other stakeholders like constitution as the party conducts its congresses in the states preparatory Chief Chris Uba, Hon. to its national convention billed to Tim Egboka, Hon. Rebecca hold in Port Harcourt, the Rivers Udorji, Chief Emma Nweke hailed the e congresses as State capital on May 21.

Sheriff’s letter to the INEC which re-assuring.

Hon. Rebecca Udorji, told was made available to THISDAY in Awka yesterday was signed THISDAY at Igwebuike

by Sheriff as the party’s national Age-Grade Hall, Umunagu village, chairman and Prof Wale Oladipo Achalla, venue for Awka North Council Area that the exercise was as secretary.

But it was all praises by the the best the party could hold over PDP stakeholders in Anambra the years and described the Ejike State yesterday as the party held Oguebego-led executive committee its congresses in the 21 local of the party in the state of having worked hard to achieve a hitch-free government areas of the state.

Some of the stakeholders in the congress quite unlike before.

According to her, the state chapter 21 local government areas in the state hailed the national office of of the party would not have been PDP of getting it right this time plunged into crises if the previous around, describing the congresses as congress of the party had been as hitch-free, grassroots-oriented and peaceful as the one held yesterday.

In Idemili North in Anambra lacking in undue rancour.

Party people who spoke with central zone, the Chairman of THISDAY while monitoring the the party, Chief Uzor Epundu congresses said the hitch-free nature said enough measures were put of the congresses was commendable, in place logistically and security describing it as a sign of good things wise to ensure a hitch-free congress.

At Ihiala in the state’s southern to come.

zone, the chairman, Mr. Sam Anyakora, said it was long time since the party worked together in harmony to achieve peace and concord during congresses, adding that it was a sign that the crisis in the state chapter had finally been laid to rest.

The state chairman of the party, Oguebego, who spoke to THISDAY, also praised the exercise describing

the level of concord exhibited by both the stakeholders and party supporters in the state as satisfactory.

“We did not receive any form of trouble anywhere in the course of this exercise across the 21 local government areas of the state.

“We are happy that peace has returned to Anambra PDP especially after the Supreme Court verdict of January 15 this year,” he said.

Former RECTAS Boss, Ogunlami Dies at 72 A former Chief Executive of the Regional Centre for Training in Aerospace Surveys (RECTAS), Mr. Julius Adeoye Ogunlami, has died.

A highly regarded and decorated surveyor, Ogunlami, who died on the 27th April, 2016 at the age of 72, had a greatly distinguished career in the various capacities, particularly in the field of aerial surveys.

He had his early education at the St Patrick’s School, Lagos and St. George’s School, Bukuru near Jos, between 1950 and 1958, and his secondary education at the prestigious CMS Grammar School, Lagos where he passed

his West African Schools Certificate in Grade One. The late Ogunlami obtained a Bachelor in Engineering, First Class Honours degree in Surveying from University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, Cananda between 1965 and 1970 under a Canadian Government Scholarship.

He also later got a Master in Engineering degree in Photogrammetry/Remote Sensing and G.I.S, at the International Institute for Training in Aerospace Surveys, at Enschede, Holland in 1979, under a scholarship from the Netherlands Fellowship, passing with Distinction.

62

FRIDAY MAY 6, 2016 T H I S D AY

63

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

FRIDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

VACA N T E AG L E S J O B

Bewarang Scolds Referees’ Boss over Foreign Coach

Bewarang

Azeez

Duro Ikhazuagbe

in the world. The same goes for the Falconets and the Flamingoes. The national Under-15 team and the national beach football teams are all handled by indigenous coaches.

“Let me ask some questions: Who trained our past and present players like Stephen Keshi, Samson Siasia, Sunday Oliseh, Garba Lawal, Austn JJ Okocha, Tijani Babangida, Kanu Nwankwo, Joseph Yobo, John Mikel Obi, Ahmed Musa, Vincent Enyeama and many more too numerous to mention, to stardom?” Bewarang asked.

He added that the Nigerian coaches will continue to give their best in any capacity they find themselves and also strive to improve with every opportunity they have.

The coaches’ boss counseled the referees’ chief to be focused and work on the improvement of his members who have been ridiculously excluded from virtually all the World Cups over the years.

“The referees’ president should be thinking on how to improve the performance of his members in officiating in the domestic league so that the various leagues will get better rather than dabbling into who handles the senior national team,” stressed Bewarang.

While asking for Tade to retract his unwarranted comments, Bewarang also asked the NRA president to tender an unreserved apology to the Nigerian coaches or else he may have sown the seed of discord that will aggravate the already charged football atmosphere.

President of Nigeria Football Coaches Association (NFCA), Bitrus Bewarang, has expressed disappointment at recent comments credited to the President of the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA), Tade Azeez, describing indigenous coaches as businessmen who favoured only their players.

Bewarang also expressed his surprise that the referees’ president called for the engagement of a foreign coach for the Super Eagles at a time when Nigerians are advocating patronage of goods and services made in the country.

“The call for engagement of a foreign coach is coming at a time when top coaches in Nigeria are undergoing the Confederation of African Football ‘A’ License Coaching course.”

Bewarang who worked as assistant to Clemens Westerhof and Bonfrere Jo at the Super Eagles revealed why they succeeded at the senior national team.

“The secret of their success, especially Westerhof, was that they had the luxury of time to prepare for the achievement they made. It is clear that foreign coaches are usually over prized and given the required tools and environment to operate while on the contrary is usually the case with the indigenous coaches who are treated with ignominy,” observed Bewarang from his experience at the Super Eagles He added that the indigenous coaches despite the poor working conditions they experience have exhibited high sense of patriotism and it is on record that they ranked among the most successful coaches globally.

He pointed at how the indigenous coaches who are the current handlers of the Golden Eaglets hold the five-time record wins of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup. The NCFA president reminded critics that the Dream Team (Under-23) is preparing for the Rio Olympics under the tutelage of an indigenous coach.

Bewarang also mentioned the Flying Eagles who are rated among the best in the world.

“The senior women team, the Super Falcons, is the best in Africa and among the best

Toroitich… aiming to stop dominance of Kenyans and Ethiopians

Okpekpe Race: Toroitich Dares Kenyans, Ethiopians for Top Prize Timothy Toroitich of Uganda will be looking forward to end the dominance of Kenyans and Ethiopians at the fourth edition of the IAAF bronze label Okpekpe 10km International Road Race scheduled to hold in Edo State tomorrow.

Just like his compatriot Stephen Kiprotich did four years ago at the London Olympics where he scaled Kenyan and Ethiopian hurdles to make history as the first Ugandan man to win an Olympic marathon gold, Toroitich will also be aiming to make a little piece of history.

Kenyans have won two of the last three titles on offer courtsey Moses Masai’s win (29 mins 39 seconds) in 2013 at the inaugural edition of the race and Korio Alex Olotptip win last year while Ethiopia’s Teshome Mekonnen

won in 2014, setting a new 28 minutes, 35 seconds All-Nigeria and Course record.

Toroitich, whose first attempt at the Okpekpe title was thwarted by Masai at the inaugural edition of the race and had to settle for the silver medal is one of the six gold level elite male runners confirmed for tomorrow’s race and will have to contend with the Kenyan duo of Simon Cheprot and Edwin Kiprop Kiptoo who placed sixth and ninth respectively and won a team gold at the IAAF/Cardiff University World Half Marathon Championships in Cardiff, Wales last March and Morris Munene Gachaga who is the only man in the elite race cast to have broken 28 minutes this year.

Also ready to gatecrash the Kenyan and Ethiopian party is

South Africa’s Gladwin Mzazi who, like the Kenyans is also a gold level elite runner. Mzazi will draw inspiration from his countryman, Josia Thugwane who defied the Kenyan, Ethiopian and Asian odds to win the Olympic marathon gold in 1996.

Ethiopia will have the duo of Alemu Hungegnaw, a former winner at the Obudu Mountain Race and a gold level elite runner as well as Abayneh Degu Tsehay, a silver level runner to help protect the course record set by their countryman Mekonnen in 2014 and reclaim the title he lost last year to Alex Olotptip.

Morocco’s Zakaria Boudad and Tanzania’s Ismael Juma Gallet, both silver level elite runners will be waiting for any slip from the top-ranked Kenyans, Ethiopians and Toroitich to make an unlikely

dash for the title.

In the women’s category, it will still be a duel between the Kenyans and Ethiopians who have dominated the last three editions.

The Kenya gold level running quartet of Pascalia Chepkorir Kipkoech, Maryanne Wangari Wanjiru, Esther Chemtai Ndiema, Polline Wanjiku Njeru will feel they hold all the aces to ensure Kenya retains the title compatriot Tanui Anfele won last year but the reality is that it will be a personal duel between Kipkoech and Ethiopia’s Buzunesh Getachew Gudeta who is also a gold level elite runner.

Both Kipkoech and Gudeta have met over the distance this year at the unlabelled 10km race in Casablanca last February and the Kenya triumphed.

NFF: No Financial Gain from Luxembourg, Mali Friendlies Olawale Ajimotokan inAbuja Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has said it would not make any financial benefits from the two friendly matches it has arranged for the Super Eagles against Luxembourg and Mali in Europe during the international window later this month and in June.

Nigeria will meet fellow West Africans, Mali at the Stade Robert Diochon in Rouen, in France on May 27. They will then face Luxembourg in Luxembourg City on June 1 at a venue yet to be finalised.

The friendly games are organised to prepare the Eagles when the African qualifying matches for the 2018 World Cup resume in October. Nigeria’s poor

form of late is manifest in the failure of the Eagles to reach the Africa Cup of Nations to be staged in Gabon next year.

NFF Secretary General, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, was cool on the financial package negotiated by the federation through its match

ZENITH BANK WBL

Venue Wears New Look for Final Eight The Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere Lagos, venue of the all important Zenith Bank Women Basketball Final Eight is wearing a new look ahead of the tomorrow’s dunk-off date.

Yesterday, officials of the Nigeria Basketball Federation

(NBBF) were on ground to supervise repair works on the floor as well as cleaning of the entire hall. The meeting where all technical matters concerning the Final Eight are going to be trashed out is scheduled to hold in NBBF Lagos office today.

agent.

Rather, he said that apart from enabling the coaches to thoroughly assess the team for the World Cup

challenge, the team stood to benefit from the opportunity to display the its rich culture to the rest of the world.

Prince Adeniji-Adele is Dead A former Lagos State Commissioner for Sports, Prince Ademola AdenijiAdele is dead.

Adeniji-Adele a former chairman of Island Local Government was reported to have died in the early hours of yesterday in India.

Meanwhile, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, has expressed deep shock and sadness at the sudden death of Adeniji-Adele.

Chairman of Lagos SWAN, Fred Edoreh, while reacting to the unfortunate news described the passing of Adeniji-Adele as a great loss to the state and the nation at large.

Also, a former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, yesterday described the death of Adeniji-Adele as painful, adding that the state and the nation have indeed lost a fearless politician.

Friday, May 6, 2016

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Price: N250

MISSILE Military to Herdsmen

“I want to promise you that whoever is involved in this killing will be brought to book and tried in line with the law of the land... We are working hard to apprehend those who have committed heinous crime in the past. I also wish to state that the military will not tolerate any excuse of armed groups to unleash violence on innocent Nigerians for whatever reasons or guise. Innocent people should not be attacked.” – The Nigerian military warning the Fulani herdsmen that it would not tolerate any excuse for killing innocent Nigerians.

SHAKAMOMODU THIS REPUBLIC

shaka.momodu@thisdaylive.com

0811 266 1654

‘The Man Dies in Him Who Keeps Silent…’

T

here is a new code of conduct many Nigerians now live by: it’s the conspiracy of silence that has enveloped the land. Nigeria’s vocal human rights activists, lawyers and other advocacy groups have suddenly grown silent in the face of serious dereliction of duty by government at all levels to protect lives and secure properties. Where are the social critics-cum-activists? Where are the human rights lawyers - the defenders of public good and the conscience of our country?

They used to hold press conferences on the state of the nation to vent their anger on the establishment but have all lost their voices; they are now blind to the impunity and all the ills they once vigorously condemned in the past. A friend joked recently that they are on leave of absence from activism.

From the lawless Department of State Services (DSS or is it Daura Security Service), which now regularly invades state government houses, state Houses of Assembly of the opposition party, and even directly incites ethno-religious tension to the anti-graft busting agency which regularly flouts court orders, the human rights community, made up of lawyers and social critics appears to have now embraced what looks like a code of silence to the growing impunities in a supposed era of change. Even as Fulani herdsmen have now become a major national security issue – engaging in all sorts of criminal activities, viz, kidnapping, armed robbery, murder and maiming hundreds of people in a lawless orgy of violence. The herdsmen have simply stepped up their nefarious activities in what looks like an insidious desire to compete with Boko Haram in blood thirstiness in recent times.

In the face of all these unprovoked acts of violence, President Muhammadu Buhari, who had largely remained aloof, did not utter a word of condemnation about the activities of the herdsmen, or offer assurances of protection to the people, especially to those who voted 95 per cent for him, until just last week when he spoke through Lai Mohammed. That singular act is the height of utmost insensitivity, contempt and disdain for the victims of the herdsmen. Except for Femi Falana and Wole Soyinka who just recently spoke out against the activities of the herdsmen, no other activist has found his voice.

Imagine for a moment, if it were some elements of Ijaw people that perpetrated these dastardly acts under the immediatepast government, all hell would have broken loose with fake and insincere activists competing for media space to outdo each other, issuing threats and condemnation of the government’s inaction. Where are they now that the herdsmen have opened another front in terrorism? Where is our president - the man rebranded as the face of change?

This is the very same man Soyinka told Nigerians had changed; that he had been “chastened by intervening experience and a vastly transformed environment”. In all honesty, I was aghast by this particular claim,

Buhari

because the evidence all around us did not support the assertion. Yes, the environment around Buhari has greatly transformed, but the man himself has neither changed nor shown any inclination or desire to evolve with time and the environment - both the localised and the global. Except for the willfully blind, Buhari has remained impenetrable to change.

In this condensed redux statement endorsing Buhari in the run-up to the presidential election, the literary legend lamented that Nigeria under former President Goodluck Jonathan had been subjected to “acts of outright fascism in a dispensation that is supposedly democratic”.

He had argued then with persuasive vigour, that it was “pointlessly, and dangerously provocative to present General Buhari as something that he provably was not. It is however just as purblind to insist that he has not demonstrably striven to become what he most glaringly was not, to insist that he has not been chastened by intervening experience and – most critically – by a vastly transformed environment – both the localised and the global...I have studied him from a distance, questioned those who have closely interacted with him, including his former running mate, Pastor Bakare, and dissected his key utterances past and current.

“And my findings?

A plausible transformation that comes close to that of another ex-military dictator, Mathew Kerekou of the Benin Republic. Despite such encouraging precedents however, I continue to insist that the bridge into any future expectation remains a sheer leap of faith.

Such a leap I find impossible to concede to his close rival, since we are living in President Jonathan’s present, in an environment that his six years in office have created and now seek to consolidate. That is the frightening prospect. It requires more than a superhuman effort to concede to the present incumbent a springboard for a people’s critical leap.

“I address only those who require no further persuasion that the present is untenable and intolerable – and from virtually every aspect of national life. All men and women of discerning can separate actualities from their exaggerated rendition, can peel off the distracting gloss that is smeared all over our social condition by those who seek to blind us to an unjust and avoidable social

predicament. We have tasted the condiments of an incipient police state. We recognise acts of outright fascism in a dispensation that is supposedly democratic. We have endured a season of stagnation in development and a drastic deterioration in the quality of existence.

We are force-fed the burgeoning culture of impunity, blatantly manifested in massive corruption. We feel insulted by the courtship and indulgence of common criminals by the machinery of power. The list is endless but above it all, we understand when there is a failure of leadership, resulting in a near total collapse of society. We are now brought to a confrontation with choice, when we must make a leap of faith, to open up avenues of restoration. “...Has the campaign in itself thrown up any portents for the future? Let all beware.

The predator walks stealthily on padded feet, but we all know now with what lightning speed the claws flash into action. We have learnt to expect, deplore and confront certain acts in military dictatorship, but to find them manifested under supposedly democratic governance? Of course the tendency did not begin with this regime, but how eagerly the seeming meek have aspired to surpass their mentors!”

The more I read this statement to grasp the meaning of every word and sentence this fiery legend of our time penned before the election, the more I am tempted to believe it was written ahead of its time. The entire content, except for the aspect he mentioned corruption

seems to be describing the present leadership and not the immediate-past administration which was essentially the focus of Soyinka’s awesome descriptive power of words.

Now, which key utterance of Buhari was Soyinka talking about that he listened and dissected? Was it Buhari’s statement to Lam Adesina, “Why are your people killing my people?” Was it the threat that “if what happened in 2011 should again happen in 2015, by the grace of God the dog and the baboon will be soaked in blood”? Or was it Buhari’s statement in 2013 when a state of emergency was declared in parts of the North-east in an attempt to contain Boko Haram that the “declaration of a state of emergency was an attack on the North and that while Boko Haram members were being killed and their houses demolished, Niger Delta militants were being given special treatment?” It is imperative that he makes public the key utterances of Buhari that convinced him he had changed, to earn his endorsement for the 2015 election. I am sure our revered professor missed those key statements because if they were part of his deep voyage of reflection, maybe, just maybe his findings would have been different. It could also be that Soyinka was deliberately misled by those he interacted with about Buhari which ultimately led him to an embarrassingly flawed conclusion.

NOTE: The rest of this article continues in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

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