Saturday 14th May 2016

Udoma: Why FG Opted for Offshore Borrowing to Finance 2016 Budget Deficit Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The federal government has given a hint on why it is opting for offshore borrowing to finance a major part of the N2.2 trillion deficit in the 2016 budget, saying its preference was dictated by a desire not to crowd out the nation’s private

sector.

The deficit in the N6.06 trillion budget characterised by an expansive fiscal spending directed at reflating the economy, is about 2.41 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and is within the 3 per cent threshold prescribed by the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007.

Speaking during the highlights of the budget in Abuja Thursday, the minister stated that the borrowing was to be raised roughly equally from domestic and foreign sources The deficit is to be financed mainly by borrowings projected at N1.84 trillion, with the local component standing at N984

billion and N900 billion from international sources, “We have decided to source from international sources so as not to rely exclusively on domestic borrowing, which may have the effect of crowding out the private sector Furthermore, we are optimistic that we may be able to access some of the

foreign loans on a concessionary basis. The Ministry of Finance is currently negotiating with multiple sources to secure the external financing,” Udoma said.

The minister noted that the 2016 budget was the first full-year budget of the current administration, adding that it

was prepared against a background of general slowdown in global economic growth, and more significantly, a massive decline in crude oil prices.

“It will be recalled that crude oil exports had hitherto accounted for over 70 per cent Continued on page 6

Our National Convention Will Hold as Scheduled, Says PDP...Page 6 Saturday 14 May, 2016 Vol 21. No 7682 Price: N250

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Boko Haram: FG Looks to China for More Weapons Senator Iroegbu in Abuja The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffery Onyeama yesterday disclosed that the federal government was discussing with China and other friendly countries for the supply of

required arms and equipment needed to finish the ongoing war against Boko Haram.

Onyema disclosed this yesterday during a media chat in Abuja at the ongoing 2nd Regional Security Summit with the Theme: “Consolidating

Collective efforts for Regional Peace and Development.”

He stated this in response to the request by the MultiNational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) for a number of platforms, weapons, and logistics required for sustaining

the ongoing operations in the North-east and Lake Chad Basin area that has contiguous borders with Niger, Chad and Cameroun.

“The MNJTF has made tremendous progress in the last one year. Like Mr. President

alluded there was a time about 14 local government areas were under the Boko Haram control but today, they are no longer in control. We are also working together with the frontline states in the areas of intelligence sharing. So, in the

military dimension we are going to look at the mechanism of cooperation and coordination.

“On the need for more weapons and other, we are engaging with various partners Continued on page 6

Fuel Hike: NLC, TUC Make U-Turn, Resolve to Shut Down Nigeria PENGASSAN , NUPENG back FG, demand N90,000 minimum wage Osinbajo: we can no longer provide forex for fuel importation Oyegun begs Nigerians for understanding Naira closes at N350

Tobi Soniyi, Onyebuchi Ezigbo and Paul Obi in Abuja; Ejiofor Alike, Obinna Chima in Lagos and Bassey Inyang in Calabar

COLLINS ENEBELI (DON JAZZY’S DAD)

After being consulted prior to the deregulation of the downstream sector of the oil industry, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday resolved to join forces with the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to mobilise Nigerian workers to shut down the whole country starting from next week Wednesday should the federal government fail to reverse the recent hike in the price of petrol from N86.50 to N145 per litre.

However, in a sign of a major crack in the labour family, The National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) yesterday applauded government's decision to deregulate and scrap fuel subsidy, describing the decision as courageous and long overdue.

They made their positions

SuperSaturday pg. 8-9

Continued on page 6

I Want Nigerian Artistes to Stop ‘Beefing’ One Another

LOLU AKINWUNMI I Married at 30 but Waited for Eight Years to Have a Child

Plus pg. 17

FACTS BEHIND THE FIGURES

L-R: Legal Director, West Africa/Company Secretary, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Mrs. Abidemi Ademola; Chairman, Board of Directors, His Majesty, Obi of Onitsha, Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe and the Managing Director, Mr. Yaw Nsarkoh, during the company's 91st Annual General Meeting (AGM), at Muson Center Onikan, Lagos ...recently KOLA OLASUPO

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T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R •SATURDAY, mAY 14, 2016

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PAGE SIX

Our National Convention Will Hold as Scheduled, Says PDP S’West zonal congress on hold

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that it would go ahead with its national convention scheduled for next Satuday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, despite calls for its postponement by a group of party elders.

Regardless, the party has suspended its zonal congress in the South-West, scheduled to hold tomorrow, in deference to an injunction issued by a Lagos High Court.

The PDP elders under the aegis of Concerned PDP Stakeholders, who met in Abuja on Thursday, had faulted the extension of tenure granted the

national chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff by National Executive Committee (NEC), saying that only the national convention had such powers.

They described as nullity and of no effect, all actions taken by the NEC and National Working Committee (NWC), including the ongoing congresses and the May 21 National Convention.

However, the party's National Secretary, Professor Adewale Oladipo and Ekiti State governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, yesterday, dismissed the aggrieved group's position, saying that nothing could stop the convention.

Professor Oladipo said the delegates to the national convention had been duly

Fayose slams elders' group elected right from the ward congress and that they, along with other statutory delegates, were expected to participate in the Port Harcourt convention.

"There are also statutory delegates like former governors, former chairmen, Senators, House of Representatives members. The court injunction is not going to affect the National Convention," Oladipo said.

Meanwhile, on the suspended zonal congresses in the South-West,Oladipo said the party had been duly served with court order and that it would abide by the decision.

"We are in receipt of an order from the Federal High Court in Lagos which had ordered

us to put a stop to the exercise pending when the case filed is heard and resolved. As a law abiding political party, we have been served this order.

"I, as the National Secretary of the party, and Alhaji Adewole Adeyanju, the National Auditor, who are the two representatives of the zone, want to tell you that the party has decided to abide by the order," Oladipo added.

Chief Gbenga Otemolu, South West zonal Secretary, on behalf of the zonal executive, had approached the court demanding the suspension of the congress on the ground that their tenure had not expired.

But the National Chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, who

is already in Taraba State for the North East zonal congress, said he was yet to be communicated on the court order.

"I have not received any court order. I am in Taraba preparing for my congress.

I have not seen the National Secretary. He was meant to be in Osun.

"I have given directives before I left that there should be a congress. I will only stop when court gives me order to stop. The National Secretary, I have not seen him, I have not spoken to him. I am in Taraba right now trying to do my congress," Sheriff said on telephone.

On his part, the Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, who

was at PDP National Secretariat on Thursday night, insisted that the congress would still hold.

Fayose also slammed the party elders for trying to always impose their will on the party.

"You can wish anything but God's plan for the PDP is that the 21st May convention cannot be stopped," he said.

According to him, most of the people running to court to get injunction against the party do not have followers.

The governor, who described the PDP founding fathers as "wonderful people", however, advised that they should give room to the younger generation to excel.

He described President Muhammadu Buhari as probably one of the most convinced pro-subsidy advocates.

“What happened is as follows: our local consumption of fuel is almost entirely imported.

The NNPC exchanges crude from its joint venture share to provide about 50 per cent of local fuel consumption.

The remaining 50 per cent is imported by major and independent marketers,” he said.

According to him, the NNPC tried to cover the 50 per cent shortfall by dedicating more export crude for domestic consumption.

He said besides the short term depletion of the Federation Account, which is where the federal government and States are paid from, and further cash-call debts pilling up, the corporation also lacked the capacity to distribute 100 per cent of local consumption around the country.

Osinbajo added that previously, NNPC was responsible for only about 50 per cent.

“We realised that we were left with only one option. This was to allow independent marketers and any Nigerian entity to source their own foreign exchange and import fuel. We expect that foreign exchange will be sourced at an average of about N285 to the dollar, (current interbank rate).

They would then be restricted to selling at a price between N135 and N145 per litre.

“We expect that with competition, more private refineries, and NNPC refineries working at full capacity, prices will drop considerably. Our target is

that by Q4 2018 we should be producing 70% of our fuel needs locally. At the moment even if all the refineries are working optimally they will produce just about 40% of our domestic fuel needs,” Osinbajo explained.

The vice president said he did not mention other details of the PPPRA cost template because he wanted to focus on the cost component largely responsible for the substantial rise, namely foreign exchange.

“This is therefore not a subsidy removal issue but a foreign exchange problem, in the face of dwindling earnings,” he added.

PENGASSAN, NUPENG back FG, demand N90,000 minimum wage...

National President of NUPENG, Comrade Igwe Achese, who addressed journalists on behalf of both bodies, described government’s decision to deregulate the downstream sector as a courageous policy that was long overdue.

“The deregulation of the sector is what we have been agitating for, for the past eight years or more. But each time we want to react, Nigerians want to live on the bedrock of lies. And that has been our problem. We have been living on the bedrock of lies.

Successive governments come in, what we hear are full of lies.

The oil and gas sector must have transparency and it is only when it is transparent that the nation’s economy will begin to grow and job opportunities would be created.

NUPENG and PENGASSAN however said that they would push for a new minimum

support to MNJTF and in support of humanitarian activities in the liberated areas within MNJTF area of responsibility; and the heads of states should approve the upgrade of Sub Sector 3 to Sector 4 with a strength of 2000 troops as proposed”.

Speaking further, the Commander said that MNJTF in its present state and with the provision of adequate support would effectively deliver its mandate.

He added that the body has high potentials not only to remain a permanent solution to insecurity within the Lake Chad Basin, “it will eventually remain as a positive symbol of unity and understanding, thereby breaking the barriers of artificial boundaries without compromising the territorial integrity of member states.”

Adeosun assured that the MNJTF and national operations has largely curbed the activities and threats of Boko Haram terrorists in the area

by degrading their capability to carry out organised and coordinated offensive.

He listed major areas of achievement for the body to include: building confidence on the populace; continuous handling of IDPs and refugees by the various sectors and sub-sector within the MNJTF areas of operation; liberation of at least 4,690 hostages from January 2016 to date; excellent cooperation between the sectors/sub-sectors and national troops of the LCBC countries; and neutralisation of 675 terrorists and arrest of a total of 566 others with their logistics from January 2016 to date across all the sectors.

Adeosun listed other achievements for the last four months to include destruction of 32 terrorists’ camps and IEDs making factories as well as capturing/destruction of the terrorist equipment, which include 318 motorcycles, 84 vehicles, 137 assorted weapons, 18 boats and other logistics.

wage of N90,000, given the new development. “With the new pump price of N145 per litre, government must speed up the negotiation process for a new minimum wage of N90,000 to cushion the effect of the envisaged inflation. As the price of fuel increases, there should also be an increment in workers’ salary as the old minimum wage of N18,000 has no effect again,’’ they stated.

Oyegun Begs Nigerians for Understanding…

Following negative reactions to the sudden increase in the price of premium motor spirit, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has appealed to Nigerians, labour unions and other civil society groups to show understanding on the situation that has led to removal of subsidy.

Oyegun who spoke to journalists in Abuja yesterday said Nigerians have a right to subsidy on oil but that over time, the subsidy regime had become so abused that it was no longer operating in the interest of the Nigerian public.

Meanwhile, an industry expert who declined to be named speaks further on the fuel subsidy controversy: “A lot of people have been asking the question about the difference between the attempt by Jonathan to deregulate in 2012 and what Buhari has done in 2016. Some people are trying to be partisan with this issue but the truth of the matter is that we are talking about two very different situations and I will break them down to economic and political.

“On the economic standpoint, let’s first start from the beginning. Nigeria’s petroleum consumption is about 40 million liters per day. Our four refineries working at hundred per cent capacity only provide 18 million liters per day therefore we must import the balance of 22 million liters per day more than our local

production capacity. So anybody that says we are only importing because the refineries are not working is not correct factually.

We are importing because our refineries cannot provide the consumption capacity.”

Naira Depreciates Further on Fuel Subsidy Removal…

The Naira continued its downswing on the parallel market yesterday as it fell to N350 to a dollar yesterday, lower than the N341 to a dollar it closed the previous day as oil marketers scramble for foreign exchange following the new template for petrol importation that was fixed by the PPPRA. The sharp decline was once more blamed on the government’s announcement of the removal of fuel subsidies and the green light given to oil marketers to source their forex requirements from parallel or autonomous market sources.

Some currency traders predicted that the currency would continue to depreciate on the parallel market in the coming days as pressure of forex demand mounts.

The CEO, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Mr. Bismark Rewane had said the parallel market does not have the depth to fund the importation of petroleum products, arguing that the central bank needs to find a way to continue to fund petrol importation.

“If they say they can’t fund the importation of petrol from the official market, then why do we have that market?

“But the government cannot push the funding of petrol to the parallel market because the market does not have the depth to fund the importation of petrol. “What we will see is a situation where the NNPC will be selling petrol at a different price while other marketers would be selling at a different rate, thereby creating a dual exchange rate regime,” he added.

FUEL HIKE: NLC, TUC MAKE U-TURN, RESOLVE TO SHUT DOWN NIGERIA known at a press conference staged at the end of their joint National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the Transcorp Hotel in Calabar.

In a related development, Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo yesterday stated the rationale behind the federal government removal of fuel subsidy, saying it could no longer provide the foreign exchange for the importation of the product.

The NLC threat to shut down the nation was made after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the Labour House, Abuja.

The NLC NEC gave the federal government till midnight of Tuesday within which to revert to the old prices of petrol products and electricity, or face a total nationwide strike.

The congress said there would be formal communication today in Abuja about the strike option, and that labour will address all the issues at stake and plans to ground the whole country.

“The NLC has deliberately delayed their press conference till today (Saturday) in order to liaise with their TUC counterpart, harmonise their positions and jointly address the media,” said a source.

Labour also directed all its affiliate unions across the states to put in place a monitoring team to ensure the success of the planned strike.

Osinbajo: we can no longer provide forex for fuel importation Meanwhile, the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has clarified that the federal government removed petrol

subsidy because it could no longer provide the foreign exchange for the importation of the product.

Osinbajo said the issue was not subsidy removal but foreign exchange problem, and described President Muhammadu Buhari as one of the pro-subsidy advocates.

In a statement made available yesterday by his spokesman, Mr. Laolu Akande, the vice president revealed that since last year, the private marketers had imported little or no product because they had been unable to get enough foreign exchange from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

He noted that until three months ago, the marketers had sourced their foreign exchange from the apex bank at the official rate.

“However, since late last year, independent marketers have brought in little or no fuel because they have been unable to get foreign exchange from the CBN. The CBN simply did not have enough. (In April, oil earnings dipped to $550 million.

The amount required for fuel importation alone is about $225million!),” Osinbajo said.

“I have read the various observations about the fuel pricing regime and the attendant issues generated. All certainly have strong points.

The most important issue of course is how to shield the poor from the worst effects of the policy,” he added.

Providing further explanation to justify the measure, Osinbajo said the real issue was not a removal of subsidy, adding that a $40 a barrel there was not much of a subsidy to remove.

BOKO HARAM: FG LOOKS TO CHINA FOR MORE WEAPONS like China, which has asked us to indicate where we will need military assistance and as well as other Western countries. The goodwill is there for assistance from our friends and partners.

So, it’s just the resources and process to get the equipment,” he said.

The Commander of MNJTF, Maj-Gen. Lamidi Adeosun, had earlier at the summit, disclosed that tremendous progress had been made by the security forces in the ongoing Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency operations (CT COIN) in parts of the North-east, with only minor challenge of Boko Haram remnants, landmine and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

Adeosun also noted that despite the tremendous success at defeating the Boko Haram terrorists in the past one year, there was need for more financial resources to sustain security around the strategic region.

He listed some of challenges confronting them to include; “inadequate lift capability, limitation on IEDs/mine capability, inadequate amphibious equipment and lack of flat bottom boat, lack of air capability and difficulty in sustaining troops”.

He went further to recommend that “the MNJTF lift capability should be enhanced by the troop contributing countries; mine/IEDs detection and destruction equipment and capability should be enhanced across the sectors.

He also requested for adequate troops sustenance in terms of operational allowances, ration and fast-moving medical supplies.

He said flat bottom boats with outboard engines should be provided for MNJTF effective operations within the Lake Chad Islands.

“International organisations and other relevant partners should be encouraged to redeem their pledges for assistance in the provision of

Continued on page 62

UDOMA: WHY FG OPTED FOR OFFSHORE BORROWING TO FINANCE 2016 BUDGET DEFICIT of government revenues and over 90 per cent of foreign exchange earnings. Consequently the 67 per cent fall in oil prices from mid-2014 to end-2015 has had wide ranging adverse ramifications for the Nigerian economy, especially on the external sector.

“The budget was guided by the 2016-2018 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) and the 2016 Agenda outlined in the previous section. It is also the first time the Zero Based Budgeting (ZBB) approach is being adopted in preparing the FGN’s budget.

“The ZBB requires Ministries, Departments and Agencies

(MDAs) to justify every item of revenue and expenditure, as well as projects and programmes included in the budget. It is a departure from the traditional Incremental Budgeting approach that simply adjusts (usually upwards) amounts included in the prior period’s budget.

“Coming from 2015 that was characterised by significant decline in revenue and GDP growth, rising inflation, weakening balance of payment, declining foreign reserves, rising public debt, weak capital market and rising unemployment, the federal government made a deliberate choice to pursue an expansionary fiscal policy in 2016,” the minister said.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 14, 2016

SUPER SATURDAY Collins Enebeli (Don Jazzy’s dad)

I Want Nigerian Artistes to Stop ‘Beefing’ One Another

Why I’m Studying for a Degree I Love Discovering Young Talents Early Enough Enebeli

He is in his sixties, but dresses to the nines, with a well-trimmed and groomed moustache. He gives an expanding smile that illuminates his face. A man of many parts and silent ingenuity that has been deeply involved in Nigeria’s ever-expanding entertainment industry; a quiet but profound big player in the industry. He was part of the NTA and PMAN golden days; a member of AMMP and NARI; JCMA and AMAN.Tireless and ageless, he seems unstoppable in his quest for excellence and artistry. He’s a celebrity in his own rights and a father to one of Nigeria’s biggest and finest music producer, Don Jazzy. He is Collins Enebeli – the Grandpa of Mavin Records. As the record label gets set for its fourth anniversary, Enebeli speaks with Akpor Gbemre about his breathtaking experiences, exposure and drive for talents and creativity. He also talks about the camaraderie that exists in the Mavin family, how he named the first album of the label and why he cannot take credit for the name of the label

Y

ou are famous as ‘Mavin Grandpa’.Who exactly are you?

My name is Collins Ifeanyi Onwuneme Ajereh Enebeli, a.k.a Mavin Grandpa. I am a veteran showbiz entrepreneur with stakes in corporate artistes’ management, international promotions, media relations, hospitality, venue management and general entertainment business consultancy services. My involvement in showbiz dates back to over three decades when I registered my first showbiz company and started freelance services with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). I was engaged in several NTA national programmes and as an actor in some soaps and public enlightenment drama series such as Glimpses, Encounter, Images, Reflections and the CharlyBoy Show, among others. Also, at some point I hosted Young World and Youth Scene as a freelance

presenter when a vacuum existed. My passion for music business led me into establishing a record label Sagittarius International Productions Ltd., which undeniably was one of the forerunners of indigenous music labels in Nigeria at the time. I joined PMAN and was one of the ex- officio members of the Lagos State chapter. I was also a member of Artiste Managers and Music Promoters (AMMP) where I was the national financial secretary. I was also a member of Nigerian Association of Recording Industries (NARI).

You’re a man of many parts and associations; can you tell us more about you?

I was a member of a group, Concerned Copyright Owners that backed CharlyBoy to prosecute his legal battle against NTA over the infringement of his copyrights on the CharlyBoy Show which I was part of the production cast. I was a member of the League of Voluntary Entertainers for Africa (LOVE)

with the objective of using entertainment to raise much desired relief materials for famineravished Ethiopia at the time when Bob Geldof and some American artistes were doing same thing with their song ‘We Are The World’ by USA For Africa group of American superstars among whom were the king of pop, Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Tina Turner, Diana Ross and others which was produced by Quincy Jones. I was a member of the board of governors for the late John Chukwu Foundation and was the general secretary of the board. We put in place the John Chukwu Memorial Awards (JCMA) which played pioneering roles in the organisation of awards for excellence in the Nigerian entertainment sector and provided resource personnel for the organisation of the PMAN Nigerian Music awards of 1991 which was probably the best entertainment award ever held in Nigeria to date. I am a patron for the Vanguard of Musicians Rights in Nigeria and also a trustee

and president of Artistes Managers Association in Nigeria (AMAN). I mentor several artistes and showbiz stakeholders. I was the chief campaigner and promoter of the Yakurr new yam ‘Leboku Festival’ of Ugep people in Cross River State of Nigeria which I found unique to be included in the Nigerian tourism calendar and made strong representations to the government to do so despite not being an indigene of the area; I am from Delta State. Today, the Leboku festival is a spectacle to behold and have been given pride of place in Cross River’s tourism calendar and is being supported by both the government and MTN while I have been issued with a commendation testament in official letter from the paramount ruler of Ugep for the efforts.

You also play a big role in Mavin Records and as the father of one of Nigeria’s finest music producers – Don Jazzy – tell us how you helped your son to attain a

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 14, 2016

9

SUPER SATURDAY I Love All Mavin Records Artistes as My Children.. superstar status in the industry?

Naturally, I am happy and thankful to God for answered prayers and I am also not relenting in our continued hard work towards our targeted unfinished business which deserves focus and constant prayers. To whom much is given, much is expected. So we are still work in progress.

Don Jazzy mentioned in the media sometime ago that you named the record label“Mavin”.Why? It will not be fair on my part to claim credit for the name ‘Mavin’ because it was a product of a collective intellectual search which Don jazzy himself led as we gathered in the situation room brainstorming on the way forward following the fall of the curtain marking the end of the former era and our optimism in looking forward to a new one. We were all involved in the search for a name that will be a true reflection of who we are and how we see ourselves in the emerging scenario considering where we are coming from and the intended mission statement of our new quest. Looking back now with hindsight, I will say we were like a family expecting the birth of a baby which for some circumstantial reasons and my considered opinion, I choose to name that baby ‘Solar Plexus’ which after my explanation to the family, Don Jazzy approved the name because it made sense in shutting down the unnecessary trauma of the transition. That was the first album of the record label for which I consider myself honoured to have the privilege of naming with my fatherly prayers and blessing. As for the name of the record company ‘Mavin’, I will say that we all us who worked untiringly for the search deserve the credit for agreeing that it is an embodiment of what we want to be known as. Those in the Mavin situation room when the name was midwifed were Don Jazzy, Dr. Sid, D’prince, Andrew Esiri (Dr. Sid’s brother), General Jay and I. I, as Mavin Grandpa, will only like to claim credit for naming the first album and thank God for such grace.

Mavin Records will celebrate its fourth anniversary this month; will it be right to say the label has achieved all it set out to achieve within a short time?

Mavin Records at its fourth anniversary has done very well and is still doing well. I will not say that it has achieved all it set out to achieve since coming into existence but it is certainly waxing strong enough to position itself in accomplishing its mission statement as being one of Africa’s leading music production powerhouses.

What is your relationship with artistes under the label?

My relationship with artistes under Mavin Records is cordial and I justify my father figure role as Mavin Grandpa and love them all as my children and I believe that the feeling is mutual.

Looking at the industry today booming with endorsements and international collaborations, compared to the industry of the past which you were an active player, will you say there’s been marked improvement and rewards?

I do not think that there has been a vacuum as such with regards to growth and boom in the entertainment industry. The issue is that the growth has not really been commensurate with the creative efforts of the stakeholders. The players in the industry, whether they are veterans or newcomers know that there has always been enormous potentials not tapped due to poor structures. Only those who painstakingly chase their dreams with knowledge-driven consistency manage to remain relevant. What is called a boom ought to be better than what we are seeing if we are getting it right. Though progress is being made but it is not enough. We have come a long way to get out of the woods and command a reasonable market share in the global music equation. I do not want to believe that despite government knowing that entertainment is the second highest contributor to our national GDP that we cannot still think beyond an oil-powered economy and related strange bedfellows politics that have virtually rendered our youths impotent. There are obviously a lot of experienced people who can turn things around and take us to a better level

Jazzy Enebeli (right) and Don but most unfortunately due to the wrong kind of patronage, we end up with compromised policies that make our efforts barren. We are like those whose journey of 40 days has become a journey of 40 years with many dying in the wilderness and unable to reach the proverbial Promised Land. This is another clear case of youths living in a wasted generation. With the right support and government encouragement, there is no reason why Nigerian music and indeed entertainment should not have an enviable market profile internationally almost 40 years after Festac ’77. It clearly should be better than this.

What is your view on issues such as piracy and ‘beef’ (clash among artistes) plaguing the music industry?

There is no way anyone can completely wipe out piracy. It could be reduced to a minimum that may be bearable while ongoing efforts to ensure that owners of intellectual property get some protection should be encouraged genuinely. With the rule of law and order respected and corruption genuinely reduced, the days of the pirates and their ungodly activities are surely numbered. As for ‘beef’ among industry stakeholders, I pray peace returns and advise that we all should not encourage such as a house divided against itself cannot stand.

We should all come together in an atmosphere of peace and mutual respect so that we can all make progress. There is no need for quarrels as this will stall progress for those who do not enjoy peace and work in harmony for clear focus and positive creativity.

Do you see the entertainment industry as the last hope for Nigeria’s economy that is begging for diversification?

I do not think that the entertainment industry is the last hope for the Nigerian economy but I believe that it holds lots of positive advantages that will help put a lot of creative youths in employment and add to the economic growth of the country. The entertainment industry is really helping the image of the country and is one of the areas the Nigerian youths have been playing positive ambassadorial roles for the country. They deserve to be supported.

What is Mavin Grandpa working on at the moment?

I am working on a couple of projects with some associates to keep bringing positive

values to the entertainment industry by using my vast experience in the sector to identify some areas where my input will be useful. I believe in identifying young talents early enough and grooming them to understand how the business works and not for them to expect overnight miracles as Rome was not built in a day. In that regard, I have an ongoing partnership with some entertainment business entrepreneurs for the purpose of providing mentorship to some upcoming artistes and showbiz intermediary services providers by offering them the right business connections and relevant consultancy services both within and outside Nigeria to be able to achieve the status of commercial relevance that can attract the right investment into their talent. I consult for key showbiz stakeholders in Europe, America and other regions to develop an agenda for taking Nigerian music to a wider global space. I am a partner with Dr. Dayo Olomu Foundation’s Project 1000 Mentoring Programme to help empower youths whose profiles have been evaluated and assigned to mentors serving on the programme for the support of the identified youths.

I also have an ongoing partnership and working relationship with La Grande Club Badagry with a view to elevating the social and tourism needs of the area to play a role as a gateway into our country from the Franco-phone neighbours and make it socially inclusive and a potential entertainment destination hub for commercial shows servicing that area. I am also partnering with EMPREUS Hospitality Venue, Sports Bar and Grill for the same purpose in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State. I am a partner with 2 Flame Entertainment and Don Lulu Films working on various indigenous artistes’ contents and music video production. I am also into talks which have reached advanced stages for initiating film co-production treaties between Nigerian film producers and European partners and hope to facilitate production collaborations at various levels with the right government support and enabling environment.

You said you were back to school in Dublin.What are you studying?

That is not a strange thing for one to keep upgrading his knowledge especially when you have passion for it. Despite my education in creative media arts which has seen me study various aspects of multimedia, entertainment law, etc., I am

I Can’t Take Credit for Don Jazzy’s Record Label Name

Enebeli

presently studying for a degree in Film and Television Production which I have always had passion for and had been toying with the idea at an amateur level before deciding to take it on at this time to fulfill my passion.

I love to bring about quality engagement in the things I am involved with and to tell my own story the way it pleases me which will complement our audio production capabilities and fly on our own respective visual content producing platforms.

Finally, what is your advice to parents whose kids have music talents and for young artistes looking forward to making it big in the industry?

My advice to parents whose kids are talented and may wish to pursue it as a career is for them to ensure that their kids do not drop out of school because of music. They need to finish their studies and be educated to be able to make the right decisions and well informed choices – in terms of business and creativity. They must never be carried away by the hype and fantasy associated with showbiz. They need to be close to their children and guide them morally, always pray for them and advise them to stay away from drugs. Success in music is not dependent on talent and passion alone, it must be backed by good education and the right attitude that can bring about a likeable personality and win them acceptance in the market space and real world of financial backers and sponsors. And for the young ones who are already in the music business and looking forward to making it big, my advice to them is to ensure that they get a good management team behind them to guide their career. A good artiste manager contributes greatly to the success story of a successful artiste.

10

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 14, 2016

NEWS

News Editor Ahamefula Ogbu 08116759810 (sms only) Email ahamefula.ogbu@thisdaylive.com

FG to Establish DNA Databank to Track Terrorists, Match Displaced Children to Parents Set to conduct DNA tests on 6, 000 IDP children Senator Iroegbu in Abuja The Federal Government has expressed its desire to establish a Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) national data-bank, starting from the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camps, with a view to deploying it in tracking Boko Haram terrorists, and other criminal elements in the country.

This was disclosed yesterday by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, during a briefing on the sidelines of the ongoing 2nd Regional Security Summit in Abuja.

Onyema further disclosed that out the nearly two million internally displaced persons in Nigeria, about 6, 000 children who were aged below five had been separated from their parents, adding that such a databank would also help to track their parents.

He said; "We have within the country nearly two million internally displaced persons, a real tragedy which we have to address.

"We also have about 6, 000 children under the age of five who are separated from their parents and homes. We have to look at how to address that

human catastrophe.

"What we are looking at is the use of DNA to try and match those children with parents. The DNA data-bank is really what we are looking at. And we could ultimately extend the databank to the whole country because we know that for a lot of countries, it is through their comprehensive DNA data-bank that they use in tracking terrorists and that is also going to help us in intelligence gathering".

Speaking further, Onyema said that the summit would also institute a post-conflict development programme as well put in place mechanisms that would ensure what the military gained in the North East were consolidated through civil programmes by winning the hearts of the people through reconstruction, rehabilitation and resettlement of the IDPs. The minister said that efforts were being made with the Government of Cameroun to bring back over 65,000 officially recognised refugees in the country.

He said that the move was one of the major issues the President of Cameroun, Paul

Working to repatriate 65000 refugees from Cameroun

A TIME TO HONOUR...

L-R: Registrar/CEO, Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), Althaji Garba Bello Kankarofi; President, Advertising Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), Mr. David Okeme; presenting a plaque to the Minister of Information, Culture and Art, Althaji Lai Mohammed and the General Manager, Marketing , UACN, Mrs. Johan Ihekwaba, during the 2016 ADVAN Marketers Conference, at Sheraton Hotel, in Lagos...... yesterday 13-05-16 KOLA OLASUPOpert Pipeline at Forcados Export Terminal, Delta State

Biya discussed with President Muhammadu Buhari during his visit to Abuja last week.

"On the human angle, we have about 65,000 refugees

in Cameroun and about two million IDPs in Nigeria, which is a huge human catastrophe and about 6000 children who don't know their parents or

where they came from. We also have the issue of environment and economic activities.

"The summit will also help us towards achieving a road

map on how we want to address the issue of rebuilding, indoctrination, of how these children can to embrace the ideology," he noted.

N1.9b Subsidy Scam: Oil Marketers Say EFCC Counsel has No Fiat to Prosecute Them

Amaechi: FG to Create 250, 000 Jobs in the Rail Sector

Akinwale Akintunde

John Iwori

Some embattled oil marketers, Walter Wagbatsama, Adaoha UgoNgadi, Fakuade Babafemi Ebenezer and their company, Ontario Oil and Gas Nigeria Limited have once again challenged the power of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) lawyer, Rotimi Jacob (SAN) to prosecute the matter.

The oil marketers, who were re-arraigned in February 2013, on a nine-count charge of forgery, conspiracy and obtaining by false pretences are facing a N1.9 billion oil subsidy fraud charge.

The EFCC alleged that the oil marketers fraudulently obtained the sum of N1,959,377, 542,63 (One Billion, Nine Hundred and Fifty Nine Million, Three Hundred and Seventy Seven Thousand,

Five Hundred and Forty Two Naira, Sixty Three Kobo) from the Petroleum Support Fund for a purported importation of 39.2million litres of Premium Motor Spirit.

The fuel subsidy trial had almost reached conclusion until last month when Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) filed a motion challenging the legality of the EFCC prosecuting counsel, Jacob SAN to represent the Federal Government.

The trial judge, Justice Lateefa Okunnu had fixed May 12 for the final written address of counsel in the trial but there was a twist with the new motion filed by the defendants.

Moving the application yesterday, Mr. Edoka Onyeke insisted that Rotimi Jacob did not have a valid fiat to represent the Federal Government in the matter.

Onyeke prayed the court to dismiss the charges filed against his clients on the ground that Rotimi Jacob being a private legal practitioner failed to produce before the court a fiat by the Attorney General of the Federation authorising him to prosecute the defendants.

He argued that any private prosecutor prosecuting a charge for and on behalf of the Attorney General of the Federation or of Lagos State must obtain the fiat of the Attorney General of the Federation duly issued and sign by the Attorney General.

According to him, since no fiat was attached to the charges as at May 8, 2013 when trial commenced, the entire proceeding before the court constituted a gross abuse of the court process.

In his response, Rotimi Jacobs noted that the motion was based

on the false premise that the EFCC cannot initiate criminal proceeding without the fiat of the AGF. He noted that the constitution also empowered other security agencies such as the EFCC and the police to initiate a trial.

Jacob said the instant case was initiated by the EFCC which subsequently authorised him to prosecute the matter.

He prayed the court to dismiss the motion filed by the applicant.

Attempt by Rotimi to tender from the bar, a copy of his authorisation letter was objected to by the defendant's lawyer.

Justice Okunnu however asked the EFCC lawyer to bring in the document through an affidavit which should be served on other parties.

The matter was adjourned till May 24 for mention.

CBN Rolls out N220b Empowerment Fund to Strengthen MSME OlakiitanVictor in Ado Ekiti As part of the efforts to tackle unemployment among Nigerians, the Central Bank of Nigeria has rolled out a N220b loan scheme to strengthen Micro - Small and Medium Scale Enterprises(MSME) in the country.

A CBN official, Mr. Babatunde Ogunlaja , said this in Ado Ekiti on Friday while interacting with prospective beneficiaries of the scheme comprising farmers, business men and women artisans

and unemployed youths.

Ogunlaja said 60 per cent of women would benefit from the scheme because available data lent credence to the fact that they were better loan repayers than men.

The CBN official said N63 billion had been disbursed since March, 2016 out of which N5 billion was given to 80,000 farmers in Kebbi State to shore up rice production in the country so that Nigeria could stop relying on importation of food.

He said the interest rate had been

pegged at nine per cent for easy repayment of the loan that was intended to develop the economy.

“Over one trillion naira has been expended by CBN for various intervention programmes in the areas of MSME, infrastructure, and agriculture, but it pains us that most of our agriculture products have not reached the processing unit let alone storage.

“Having found that our people don’t want to pay back loans, the loans shall be disbursed through registered cooperative societies and

commercial banks, who have been given the mandate to pay into individual accounts within five days”, he said.

Ogunlaja said the CBN had also earmarked a sum of N4.4 billion for physically challenged to make them economically relevant and reduce destitution in the system.

Under the youth Entrepreneurship scheme, he said a special programme had been designed for graduate under the NYSC Scheme to boost agro-business, manufacturing and craft.

No fewer than 250, 000 jobs would be created by the Federal Government in the rail sector, the Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has said.

He maintained that AbujaKaduna rail line project alone was expected to generate about 1000 jobs to secure the rail line.

According to the milestones already attained by the contractor handling the project, the rail line is expected to be operational and commence commercial operation

by July this year.

He also reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment and determination to complete all ongoing projects and commence construction work on the new ones in the rail sector.

Amaechi who disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja also revealed that N13 billion had been earmarked in the 2016 budget to complete the Abuja-Kaduna rail line project and to settle all other expenditure that may be incurred in the course of concluding work on the rail line project.

The Minister explained that the changes in the inauguration date of the rail line project which was initially slated for this month was due to the delay in the compensation payment to the Daughter of Charity Hospital along the rail line near Kubwa, FCT, Abuja.

“I thought that by March, we would have concluded discus-

sions with the officials of the Daughter of Charity Hospital but unfortunately that did not happen, and now that we have paid them their compensation, we will expedite work on the rail line and conclude for it to be operational”, he explained.

Amaechi revealed that N222 billion was budgeted for the transportation sector in the 2016 budget out of which Lagos-Kaduna and Lagos-Calabar rail lines would gulp N60 billion each.

He explained that President Muhammadu Buhari’s priority was to see the earnest commencement of these two projects because of the volume of jobs it would generate for Nigerians.

According to him, the Federal Government was currently discussing with the China-Exim Bank on the modality of fast tracking the commencement of the two projects which were very dear to Mr. President.

On the intermodal system in the rail sub-sector, Amaechi reiterated that the rail lines would be linked to the nation’s seaports where cargoes could be transmitted into the railway and carried to the next station where trucks would be available for onward transmission to their destinations.

He stated that by so doing, the associated pressure on the roads by trucks and other heavy duty vehicles would be reduced drastically since they constituted the major means of evacuating goods from the nation’s seaports.

11

MAY 14, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

RingTrue

Yemi

Adebowale Is Buhari Really Feeling Our Pains?

07013940521 yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

I

have spent the last eight days reflecting on a section of President Muhammadu Buhari’s speech while signing the 2016 budget last week. Here, our globetrotting president talked about hearing our cries and sharing our pains. Buhari said: “living in the State House does not in any way alienate me from your daily struggles. I read the newspapers and listen to the TV and radio news. I hear your cries. I share your pains. We are experiencing probably the toughest economic times in the history of our nation. I want to commend the sacrifice, resilience and toughness of all Nigerians-young and old who have, despite the hardship, continued to have hope and confidence of a great future for Nigerians.”

Is our president really feeling our pains as stated in this speech? That was the big question I struggled with for most of this week. My conclusion yesterday was that there was nothing on ground pointing to the fact that Buhari is feeling our pains. Most of his actions and inactions portray a man cut off from the masses of this country. I have a long list of issues to justify this position.

The muttering of gloominess is growing louder in our homes and markets. The price of a bag of rice has surged by 30% in the past months. Daily, the poor complain about the price of garri and pepper. Inflation was 11.4% in February while GDP growth has fallen to 2.1%. Factories are closing down and sacking workers for lack of supplies and the managers of those still existing spend much of their time battling epileptic power supply, fuel and forex crisis. Amid all these, our president is still maintaining 10 aircraft in the Presidential fleet with billions of Naira. Malam Garba Shehu, the president’s media aide recently confirmed that N2.3 billion was released to the Presidential Air Fleet by the office of the Accountant General of the Federation between May and November 2015. In this year’s budget, about N6 billion will be spent on maintaining the 10 aircraft. So, what is our president saying about feeling our pains and spending this much on Presidential fleet?

His government needs to cut avoidable expenditures with huge foreign exchange components like this. Buhari’s globetrotting is costing this country a lot of forex amid limited inflow of USD. He has visited 30 countries in 12 months.

There is also this funny story about savings in the Treasury Single Account (TSA) hitting N2.7 trillion. Our president has been celebrating this while the country bleeds.

Kachikwu

This is good money that should be used to reflate the economy. Yet, it is locked up in the vault of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Right now, most of the MDAs are gasping for breath because their funds are locked up in the TSA. What kind of archaic economic policy is this amidst the cries across the land? This money should be released to the MDAs to complete abandoned capital projects and execute new ones. The multiplier effect of this investment will reduce our tears. I hope those around our president will be courageous enough to tell him this.

While the country bleeds, Buhari hands out subsidised greenbacks to all manner of importers at official rate of N197/$, which naturally invites corruption. The bulk of the USD bought at official rate finds its way to the parallel market where it is sold at about N340/$. Genuine manufacturers are struggling to get the greenbacks. All efforts to convince our president to allow the Naira to float have been unsuccessful. Suggestions in this direction by key actors in the real sector have been ignored. As a result, the manufacturing sector that would have helped to ease the pressure on Nigerians is gasping for breath. All sorts of stifling policies rolled out in the last 12 months have combined to incapacitate this sector. Now, the increase in electricity tariffs and policy somersaults

Ezekwesili’s Party with Buhari’s Now over

The fragile relationship went bad when Oby Ezekwesili, coordinator of the #BringBackOurGirls, (BBOG) movement and her members were prevented from accessing the Presidential Villa during the second year anniversary of the abduction of the Chibok girls last month. The action was a reminder of the military era, declared Ezekwesili.

Suddenly, the BBOG members have become a pest to be grilled. An obviously depressed Ezekwesili still can’t fathom why President Buhari failed to make any progress in his pledge to rescue the girls. The fact that Buhari said the administration lacked any information about the whereabouts of the girls, after almost a year, was most dreadful.

As reality dawns, it became obvious that the BBOG was used to achieve a political goal and dumped at the end of the day. The hypocrisy of this administration became evident.

On the economic front, for almost a year, Ezekwesili bottled up her feelings about the mismanagement of the nation’s economy.

It eventually got to a crescendo; she could no longer endure again and exploded with a loud bang. “What did not work in 1984 can¬not possibly be a solution in a global economy that’s much more integrated.

are creating more problems for Nigerian manufacturers. Some of them have closed shop or relocated to other West African countries where production environment is conducive. Many can now understand why the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture faulted all the policies designed by the Buhari administration to stimulate the economy and salvage the Naira.

Official statistics confirmed the mass sack across our nation. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the unemployment rate in the country climbed to 10.4 per cent in the fourth quarter of last year, compared to 9.9 per cent in the previous quarter. The NBS noted that a total of 22.45 million of the total labour force of 76.96 million were either unemployed or underemployed in Q4 of 2015 compared to 20.7 million in Q3 and 19.6 million in Q2 of the same year. The number of unemployed persons increased by 518,102 during the period under review. Still, no tangible action from Buhari to ameliorate this unemployment crisis.

How can a president who claims to be sharing in our pains budget more for capital projects at the State House Medical Centre this year than it would provide for the 16 teaching hospitals belonging to it.

The State House Medical Centre is a facility that provides healthcare for President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, their families and other employees of the Presidency, all possibly less than a thousand. Federal teaching hospitals cater for the health needs of millions of Nigerians, train medical doctors and other health professionals for the nation while also serving as top medical research centres. So, why should more money be allocated for capital projects at the State House Clinic? If Buhari is truly hearing our cries, then those living in the State House should start patronising public hospitals while funds allocated to the State House Clinic should be redistributed to our public hospitals.

What about the unending queues at fuel stations and persistent epileptic electricity supply in the 12 months of the Buhari administration? These have all combined to make our lives miserable.

Yet, no concrete action to suggest that the problems will abate in the coming months.

Ibe Kachikwu, the crabby junior minister for petroleum resources keeps shifting the goal post, whenever he is asked to tell the nation when fuel supply will stabilise. Is this a sign of a government that genuinely shares our pains?

Judgment Day for Randy Lecturers I am earnestly expecting the swift passage of the bill for a law which prescribes five-year jail term for lecturers who engage in sexual relationship with students. The bill, sponsored by Senator Ovie Omo-Agege seeks to completely prohibit any form of sexual relationship between lecturers and their students. The extent of sexual exploitation on our campuses is frightening. Sex for marks is now seen as normal. Heads of these institutions have done very little to stem this ugly trend. Some of them are even actively involved in this repugnant act. The nation’s institutions of higher learning must be sanitised. Lecturers who see female students as mere articles must be kicked out and severely punished. When the bill is passed and signed

ezekwesili

His (Buhari) archaic and opaque economic principles are not only encouraging massive cor¬ruption and abuse of power, but also damaging poor Ni¬gerians they were intended to help.” Clearly, the party is over.

I hope madam due process will now spend more time on the side of the people.

Ignoring suggestions from key actors in the real sector is the biggest bane of the Buhari administration. A government interested in alleviating the suffering of the people should be prepared to accept suggestions from outside; more so, when its own policies and actions are not yielding the desired result.

This morning, I urge our president to deeply reflect on these three remarks and swiftly take steps to respond to the points made, if he truly cares about Nigerians. The first one is from the IMF and states: “As part of a credible package of policies, the exchange rate should be allowed to reflect market forces more and restrictions on access to foreign exchange removed, while improving the functioning of the interbank foreign exchange market (IFEM). It will be important for the regulatory and supervisory frameworks to ensure a strong and resilient financial sector that can support private sector investment across production segments (including SMEs) at reasonable financing costs.”

The second remark is from the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

It stated: “Significant disruptions, distortions and dislocations have been created in the business environment by the CBN as a consequence of the restrictions on the use of export proceeds, denial of access to foreign exchange market for many products, including critical inputs needed in manufacturing and service sectors, tight exchange controls and administrative allocation of foreign exchange which are typically characterised by lack of transparency, corruption and considerable abuse.

“The economy is now faced with a scenario where there is much pressure to move funds out of the economy than moving funds into the economy. This can be likened to a run on a system. This is a typical scenario which a confidence crisis would create. Future international trade transactions, financial and investment relations are now at risk. Roundtripping of forex has continued to flourish because of the disparity in the exchange rate between the official and parallel market.

Inflow of forex into the two autonomous sources has been adversely affected.”

The last one is from Professor Pat Utomi who said: “Your (Buhari’s) ideas go back 30 years and they are irrelevant to this world.

Open up your mind and listen to people and you can make progress. To lead is to serve.

To lead, you must be knowledgeable. People don’t follow somebody who doesn’t know where he is going. Otherwise, you fall into a ditch.”

Buhari, please don’t take these personal.

Read more of what your opponents and neutral people are saying. Your aides, friends, ministers and cronies will only tell you what you want to hear. God bless Nigeria.

into law, any lecturer found guilty will be liable to a jail term of up to five years but not less than two years with no option of fine. It makes it a criminal offence for any educator in a university, polytechnic or any other tertiary educational institution to violate or exploit the student-lecturer fiduciary relationship for sexual pleasures. The bill imposes stiff penalties on offenders in its overall objective of providing tighter statutory protection for students against sexual hostility and all forms of sexual harassment in tertiary schools. When passed into law, heads of institutions of higher learning will go to jail for two years if they fail to act within a week on complaints of sexual harassment made by students. Thank you Omo-Agege for standing by our daughters.

Troops Retake 7 More Villages Troops of 28 Task Force Brigade have successfully cleared Boko Haram terrorists along Galtha Baba, Galtha Musa, Bulakurma, Shatimari, Chukruk, Bulangaje, and Disa villages, all in Borno State. Thumbs up for our gallant soldiers. I hope those telling the world

that no Nigerian territory is under the control of the terrorists will now keep quiet. Just on Thursday, Boko Haram attacked Maiduguri, killing six people. This is not the right time for propaganda. Let us face reality and battle the enemy with all our might. victory is certain.

12

MAY 14 , 2016• THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

DAVID CAMERON’S UNHOLY COMMENT

I

It is a wake-up call to fight corruption in Nigeria, argues Alifia Sunday

f you shut up truth and bury it underground, it will but grow and gather to itself such explosive power that the day it burst through it will blow up everything in its way- Emile Zola Nigeria scenario is like a city on a heel that can never be hidden. Nigeria as a country is known for the good, the bad and the ugly. This we live with on a daily basis. Hence, the stack reality and the mocking coming from David Cameron, the British Prime minister, at the anti-corruption summit in London, a summit where President Muhamadu Buhari gave a keynote address.

Cameron described Nigeria and Afghanistan as “fantastically corrupt” in a conversation with the Queen of England, Elizabeth 11. He said:” We have got some leaders of some fantastically corrupt countries coming to Britain...Nigeria and Afghanistan, possibly the two most corrupt countries in the world”. But it did not occur to Cameron that British started it all, from the colonial era where both human and material resources were siphoned and then acting as a “safe haven” for the criminally minded Nigerians. Buhari as I write Buhari is already participating in the anti-corruption talk along with world leaders including David Cameron and of course Mr President has responded to Cameron’s unholy comment by saying he was not going to demand for apology but rather that the looted funds in Britain be returned to Nigeria. You can insult us, but give us our cash. Good response.

Just few months ago, Nigeria got her image battered by the US Republican Party’s Presidential candidate, Donald Trump when he said: “When I am elected as US President, we need to get the Africans out, especially Nigerians. They are everywhere, they are so corrupt, they rob the people blind and bring it all here to spend.” What is the difference between a thief and the one that harbours or buys the stolen goods?

President Buhari rode smoothly through his perceived no nonsense, principled, rigid integrity into power in 2015 after he ran unsuccessfully for the presidency thrice - 2003, 2007 and 2011.

His vision came to fulfillment at a time stealing was defined as not corruption in Nigeria, even though corruption was sending the country packing. He came at a time of mind-boggling and heart-quaking revelations of the looting of trillions of naira from civil servants pension funds, NNPC and funds allocated for ammunition to fight Boko Haram in the country.

President Buhari during his campaign in the 2015 general election hardly uttered a statement without his stand on the war against corruption. He is actually waging the war against the menace on the perceived corrupt politicians during the era of

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A THIEF AND THE ONE THAT HARBOURS OR BUYS THE STOLEN GOODS?

former President Goodluck Jonathan. The anti-corruption crusade of Mr President has since then landed former National Security Adviser, Col Sambo (rtd) to EFCC cell for his alleged role in converting security funds into personal ATM; other public officials who were corrupt and accused are still running from pillar to post.

Although, the anti-corruption crusade under Buhari has come under heavy criticism by Nigerians because a good number of arrested politicians were those of the opposition, leaving those in the ruling All Progressives Congress who were also alleged to have been corrupt unchecked. Others are also saying he should stop prosecuting the immediate past government over campaign funds since he too spent heavily for the campaign that brought him on board. It is like the pot calling kettle black.

Nigeria is fantastically corrupt, what is new about that? Are Nigerian leaders not truly and fantastically corrupt? Is corruption still not going on in the oil sector? Where are the Panama men and women and the budget padding gang? We heard of diversion of fuel to Chad and Cameroun, leading to petrol scarcity in the land among other factors and the untold hardship in the land. Are they not corrupt? Marketers now celebrate the new fuel pump price while the poor masses weep for additional burden.

Of course, marketers have to celebrate because it is another moment to make easy money. Nigerians are asking whether there is any difference between Jonathan government and Buhari. So, there’s nothing like “looking at an old snapshot of Nigeria” as Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to Buhari on media put it trying to defend his master.

Truth must be told else, it will burst. Nigeria under President Buhari must build institutional capacity to fight corruption matters. A mere arrest and jail or plea bargain as it is at the moment is like digging a shallow grave, it will not stand the test of time.

Again, I don’t see any reason why we should criticise Cameron.

Has Buhari’s political sycophants and economic jobbers forgotten so soon Mr President’s incessant stories of corruption in Nigeria perpetuated under previous administrations? The copious and over flogging of unsubstantiated corruption cases gave Nigeria a bad image in the eyes of the world. The president is duty-bound to protect and market the image of the country while he preaches the gospel of change at home and abroad. So the mocking from Cameron and others should not be a thing of concern.

Sunday wrote from Ilorin, Kwara State

IGALA’S CHARTER OF DEMANDS

I

wish to call the immediate attention of President Muhammad Buhari to the current spate of crime, killings and mayhem in Igala land. The hit squad has a tripod of Fulani herdsmen, kidnappers and murderous thugs as anchors.

Until very recently, the Igala people and Fulani herdsmen lived peaceably but gone seems to be those days following the multiple acts of war and mayhem being unleashed daily on innocent farmers and law-abiding citizens in their villages, homes and farm lands.

For instance within the space of Mid-2015 to now, Igala land has witnessed several incidences of killings as a result of herdsmen violence in several areas including Ebeje where eight people were killed and farms set ablaze; Agbada/Agojeju where 19 people were slaughtered; Edede – two persons were killed and in Oganenigu; three people killed in Ojapata and five others murdered in Ojuwo Anawo. All these happened in Dekina Local Government Area.

The story is not different in Ofu local government area at Ojuwo Omachi and Akpagidigbo where the incessant attacks of herdsmen have claimed the lives of over 20 persons.

In Abejukolo and Bagana in Omala Local Government Area, the reign of terror resonates loudly, so much that our people no longer move freely to and from their farm lands because of the fear of killings, maiming and rape, with some villages like Ebakume wholly sacked and entire farm produce granaries/silos completely burnt.

These heavily armed cattle rearers keep flaunting their prowess in the handling of AK 47 rifles and double barrel guns.

Our fathers lived peacefully and harmoniously with the Fulani herdsmen for several generations when all they carried was just their wooden-rod.

Their current behaviour and disposition are thus very strange to the people of the land. There is therefore need to curtail their new penchant for impunity which is obviously being fuelled by

Abdul Audu calls for protection against the reign of terror in Igalaland

horrible killer machines they now brandish in the likes of AK 47 and other types of dangerous rifles/ weapons.

Incidences of kidnapping in Igala land have become also nightmarish, the height of which is the new trend in the kidnap of foreigners.

A Chinese woman - Lilly Yunpin was kidnapped at Etutekpe in Dekina local Government Area, until a ransom was paid recently. This is a clear negation of the stance of the government on security and free business environment for foreigners.

Kogi is known to be the largest producer of cashew nuts in Nigeria today and thus attracts an influx of export merchants. This development obviously has effect on the non-oil forex earnings of the country as long as the business environment fails to guarantee the security of exporters seeking to purchase from farm-gates that are considered unsafe.

Again, just last week, Dr. Barnabas, a medical doctor at the Kogi State University, Anyigba in Dekina Local Government Area was kidnapped and ransom had to be paid for his release.

The serial kidnap of locals working in the local government offices and others in their respective businesses have become too numerous to list.

In addition, cold-blooded murder and assassination of innocent citizens have become the order of the day in Igala land. The land is yet to recover from the gruesome murder of Chief Isa Edime, the producer of the popular second republic radio programme “Democracy in action” and retired director of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) who was brazenly murdered in broad day light in his residence at Egume in Dekina LGA by yet to be identified gunmen.

Very recently, Idah, the traditional seat of the Igala kingdom, was visited by an orgy of unprecedented exchange of gunfire which happened for two straight days (April 24 – 25, 2016) and left 13 people dead.

Chief Simon Shaibu, the district head of Ejule, in Ofu LGA was killed in similar manner on April 30, 2016. In an open display of firearms, the district head was directly shot at in his residence in a brigandage that left everybody in terror, despair and wondering who would be the next victim.

Ufedo Foundation on behalf of Igala sons and daughters condemns the impunity, surge in violence and brazen display of military weapons that is now reigning in Igala land. The phenomenal level of blindness being feigned in what seems like a conspiracy of silence by government at all levels is also condemnable.

Governments at all levels have remained quiet, while fears of continuing killing is causing despair, terror and paralysis in commerce, economic and social activities. Igala sons and daughters in this escalated level of insecurity can’t even risk home travels anymore, the farmers cannot continue farming activities because of the fear of either killer-herdsmen brandishing AK 47 rifles or violent cult groups parading dangerous weapons.

Exportation of cash crops from Igala land is now at a great mercantile risk including cashew nuts, sesame seeds, etc.

The people cannot continue to live under this terror any further and hence demand that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria act immediately. We demand a halt to this reign of terror in Igala land.

We observe further that law enforcement agencies as presently located in the land are obviously too sparse to provide the required security cover for the entire land. We wish you could for a moment imagine that the entire geography of the then Igala Native Authority is still having only one Area Police Command covering nine local governments.

The Igala Native Authority was second only to Kano N.A in the old Northern Nigeria in terms of economy and commerce. The Igala ethno-nationality which is reputed to be the nineth largest tribe in Nigeria is yet to have any form of

military or functional mobile police formation.

This gaping absence of security formations and units in Igala land has continued to fuel impunity and security breaches.

Igala land did not bargain for this bloodletting in the change regime we all contributed in entrenching. We therefore demand reinforced security presence in Igala land to deal with the terror being perpetrated by criminals, murderous thugs and kidnappers in the land.

The desire of Igala land has always been peace and an environment devoid of rancour. Strong police presence and other security apparatus which are currently non-existent if provided, will create adequate institutional framework for dealing with all these crimes as well as deployment of preventive strategies.

Additionally we demand a full scale investigation of all these killings with a view to finding lasting solutions as no one seems to be attending to them under any serious order, while the families keep asking for justice.

The time to commence full scale investigation into these killings and curtail the resultant criminal activities from these dastardly acts of kidnapping and blood shedding and herdsmen violence is now.

We believe that it is within the power of President Muhammadu Buhari as President and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, to do and/or direct all these prayers to be answered.

We also ask for a replacement for late James Ocholi (SAN) at the Federal Executive Council even as the Kogi-East Senatorial election remains inconclusive. The Kogi State caucus in the House of Representatives is seemingly overwhelmed by these happenings just as the Kogi House of Assembly remains shut.

Igala land should be saved from further descent into a state of anarchy.

Audu is the National President of Ufedo Foundation

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MAY 14, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

The suffering continues...

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Discos and Electricity Debtors

he publication in THISDAY of last May 9 detailing the amount some Nigerian public institutions were owing the electricity distribution companies (Discos) was quite disturbing. The amount ran into about N98 billion. The report noted that the debtors, called “historic debtors”, cut across the three tiers of government namely local, state and even the federal government as well as the security and military apparatus of government. That certainly is a very worrying development which does not augur well for the sector as it certainly clouds any hope of having constant power supply as well as any meaningful economic development, when institutions which should set the pace for others are the leading defaulters on payment of electricity bills.

Worse still is the obvious situation of these public institutions being the very ones expected to prevail on ordinary and corporate debtors to pay their electricity bills in case of default on payment of such bills. What moral authority would such public institutions and security outfits have to prevail on electricity debtors to pay their bills when they too are owing hefty bills? Certainly a huge moral deficit has been created for such local and state governments that have not paid their electricity bills. Obviously such defaulters in high places and in the corridors of power have contributed immensely to the parlous state of electricity supply in the nation.

Given the huge investments of the Discos to come on stream in electricity delivery as a result of privatisation, it is certainly unrealistic, if not downright wickedness, to expect them to carry a debt burden that preceded privatisation without some financial help from government in recognition of the existence of such debt burden. But now that government itself is involved at all tiers, it is as if it was a government policy not to pay electricity bills at all levels which definitely cannot be the case. Or are we mistaken on this matter in assuming that government has decreed not to pay electricity bills when it privatised the power industry in the nation thus contributing immensely to the huge debt burden inflicted on the Discos? Certainly an answer needs to be provided at the highest echelons of government to solve this riddle finely but mischievously hidden in an enigma of unbelievable default in payment of electricity bills.

The obvious comparison is for government at all levels to consider how it will feel if citizens in each local government, state and the nation at large fail to pay taxes. Of course they would be taken to court and if found guilty, jailed. Now how can the Discos which are partners with the government perform successfully their task of delivering electricity when consumers including government do not pay the equivalent of taxes which are electricity

tariffs and which in this case are cost reflective and putting that weight of delivery on the shoulders of the Discos?

Certainly something is wrong in the state of public institutions perception of their electricity bills and government at all tiers must do their duty in this regard to prove that like all of us who pay our taxes and electricity bills , they too are worthy to be called patriotic individuals or good corporate citizens.

This is a clear - cut case of civic irresponsibility that should be nipped in the bud before it becomes the norm in our society and nation generally. Public institutions have always had priority over individuals or even busy corporate companies and the private sector at large in the allocation of electricity even before the coming of the discos and till now. So why can’t they justify their importance by simply footing the bill of their electricity consumption?

This none payment of electricity bills by agents of government at all tiers cast deep aspersion on the integrity and sense of accountability of such institutions in the governance of this nation . This is another act of blatant corruption and misuse of public funds since such public institutions must have budgeted for electricity usage and delivery.

Okechukwu Nwankwo, Benin City

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Aisha and the North-East Development Commission

isha Muhammadu Buhari, the Wife of the President, has shown passionate support for the bill for creation of the North-East Development Commission (NEDC).

Aisha’s unique interest in the NEDC bill has aroused few questions: is her exceptional interest in the creation of the commission because she is from the region? Is it politics or mere show off that she cares? Is it because she is the wife of a president who is loved and cherished in the North- east and has to show commitment to the cause of the people ravaged by the Boko Haram war?

People who know Aisha can certainly attest to her passion for the welfare of women and children- especially those that have been ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgency. So, she will fully support the creation of a commission that will provide comprehensive and feasible post-war programmes and projects to restore communities to their pre-war, peaceful and productive status. Most people believe that Aisha is supporting the creation T H E S AT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R of the commission EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU because peace is graduDEPUTY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO ally returning to most DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE of these areas and the CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI government of Nigeria EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN is planning how to smoothly return internally displaced persons (IDPs) to liberated areas.

The role of such T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D commission will be EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA critical in sustaining GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU the fragile peace and GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR OLUFEMI ABOROWA long-term stability, as well DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS PETER IWEGBU, FIDELIS ELEMA, as provide a well-planned MBAYILAN ANDOAKA, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE guide and procedure in DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI the design of projects and SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH programmes for comASSOCIATE DIRECTORS HENRY NWACHOKOR, SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA munities’ protection and MOSERI avoiding future conflicts GENERAL MANAGER PATRICK EIMIUHI in these communities.

GROUP HEAD FEMI TOLUFASHE Mrs. Buhari, a ART DIRECTOR OCHI OGBUAKU II Master’s degree holder DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO in International Affairs TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com and Strategic Studies and grand daughter of

Alhaji Mohammed Ribadu, Nigeria’s first Minister of Defence, definitely knows that restoring communities in the North-east to their pre-war peaceful and productive status cannot be successful without putting in place a structured commission to coordinate programmes and projects.

Furthermore, programmes and projects for the North-east need to be carefully designed in such a way that there is a strong synergy between affected states of Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Taraba and the federal government of Nigeria, while also involving donor agencies and NGOs in the areas of funding, monitoring and evaluation.

At the first public hearing of the bill, Aisha said, “I believe that for rapid development to come to the region, a concerted and organised effort must be made”. Most people in the North-east agree with Mrs Buhari, because the military is winning the war; the ideal step to take next is the application of soft approach to winning wars- programmes and projects to tackle the original factors that facilitated the growth of Boko Haram and helped the group in its recruitments and indoctrinations i.e. abject poverty, illiteracy and the absence of employment opportunities in these states.

The North-East Development Commission Bill seeks to empower the commission to “receive and manage funds from the allocation from the federation account and international donors for the settlement, rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads, houses, and business premises of victims of insurgency; and for other matters connected there with”.

Mothers will definitely support the creation of such commissions, not only for the North-east, but anywhere in Nigeria when the need arises. With such unalloyed support shown for the creation of the commission by Aisha, the people of the North-east will be happy and hopeful that the bill will sail through and the commission will be made up of not only the right people but people with a passion for the rehabilitation of the war-ravaged areas.

Zayyad I. Muhammad, Jimeta, Adamawa State

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •MAY 14, 2016

NEWS

In Brief

Customs Intercepts Bags of Cannabis

Theanti-smugglingcampaignoftheNigeriaCustomsService(NCS)paidoff asnofewerthan26bagsofcannabiswereinterceptedbyofficersandmen of the service. Cannabis is high on the Import Prohibition List (IPL) and the Export Prohibition List (EPL) prepared by the Federal Ministry of Finance based on the Federal Government fiscal policies and enforced by NCS. Though the exact present market value of the prohibited items could not beimmediatelyascertained,thosefamiliarwiththeharddrugbusinesstold THISDAYthatitrunsintomillionsofnairaintheopenmarket.Packedneatly into jumbo bags and left unattended to atTanfi Island near the Republic of Benin,thecannabiswereinterceptedbymenandofficersfromtheBadagry stationofNCSwhilepatrollingthecreeksattheBadagry-RepublicofBenin axis. Customs Area Controller (CAC), Western Marine Command (WMC), Comptroller Yusuf Umar who confirmed this in a chat with THISDAY said theprohibiteditemswerebeingkeptinreadinessforsmugglingintoNigeria from the Republic of Benin. Giving an insight into how the operation was carriedoutbymenandofficersofhiscommand,Umarsaid:“Afterwaitingfor severalhoursinambushfortheownersofthecannabistosurface,theteam soughtre-enforcementfromtheNigerianNavy,whorespondedimmediately andassistedinconveyingthebagsofcannabistoourbaseatIbafon,Apapa, Lagos in one of our patrol boats. No suspect was apprehended.

570,000 of TB Alarms UN

YOU'RE WELCOME...

L–R: Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs , Linda Thomas – Greenfield; visiting U.S. Deputy Secretary of State , Mr. Antony Binken and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo during the courtesy visit of U.S Deputy secretary of State to the Vice President Office at the Presidential Villa , Abuja …yesterday PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI

Lagos to Increase FDIs by 50 Per Cent, Says Ambode

Ugo Aliogo

The Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, has expressed the desire of his administration to increase Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to the state by 50 percent in 2017.

This is as the state said it prosecuted 1, 536 criminal cases in all courts in the last one year through the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).

Ambode disclosed this yesterday at the grand opening of Yamaha showroom and Assembly plant in Lagos, stressing that one of the key objectives of the administration is to make the sate the hub for foreign direct investment.

The governor noted that the collaboration between CFAO, France and Yamaha, Japan to establish the assembly plant was a welcome development for the

state economic growth, adding that it was a clear demonstration of the fact that the state attracted investment opportunities.

Ambode explained that the location of the assembly plant was very strategic, noting that Lagos remained the most attractive destination for doing business in Africa, while assuring them that “the state is open for business and investment and we are convinced that Lagos has what every society has which will drive investment and business opportunities.

“I want to assure you that you have made the best decision in locating your business here.

With a population of 21 million, of which the significant proportion comprises of the middle class with a strong purchasing power, the state is open for business and attracting investors. Over 60 per cent of Nigeria’s industrial capacity

is located in Lagos.

“CFAO assembly plant joins over 10 assembly plants located in the state and we still have the capacity for more. Nigeria receives about $6 billion of FDI annually, and from that figure, the state attracts 70-80 per cent of that investment; we expect this figure to increase by 50 per cent in 2017. The policy thrust of the administration is built on the tripod of security, job opportunities and infrastructure.

“We therefore continue to invest in the critical infrastructure and security to guarantee safety and return on investment. As a government we will continue to explore ways to make your business strive.

We are committed to introducing new incentives to make businesses grow, support the society and take more of our youths off the street.

“The ease of doing of business is of concern to us, as a result we are

working to improve the indices in the state, while we continue in our commitment to carryout judicial and security reforms. The significance of today’s event is to showcase partnership across three continent; CFAO from Europe, Yamaha from Asia and Nigeria in Africa.”

In his address, the President of the Yamaha Motor Corporation, Japan, Mr. Hiroyuki Yanagi, stated that Yamaha and CFAO motors were brands which had built a track record in the market because of their shared passion for quality, innovations and exceeding customer expectations in terms of products and experiences.

He added that since 60s Yamaha motors has been developing businesses in Africa, stressing the company now operates in 52 out of 54 countries across the continent, “we are pleased to have this new assembly plant in Lagos state.”

Police Lose 6 as Herdsmen Queens College Sex Scandal: Behead Woman, Kill 30 in 3 Years FG's Investigative Panel Omon-Julius Onabu inAsaba and Monday Osayande inWarri

Tragedy again struck in Illah community in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State as assailants suspected to be Fulani nomads beheaded a woman and left two others with sever machete wounds.

In a related development, Delta State Police Command said it lost more than six police officers to armed bandits within three months, just as the Fulani herdsmen had reportedly killed 30 persons in the past three years in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the State.

The dead and the wounded were said to have gone on fishing in in a stream in area when the suspected nomads allegedly pounced on them and attempted to rape the women.

The women had gone to the Otu Ngegu River (Gulugulu) in Ajaji area of the community to fish but they were attacked on the way by the suspected nomads who allegedly tried to rape them, inflicting matchet cuts on them as

they put up resistance, community sources said.

The incident has caused a big stir in the usually peaceful agrarian community as fear has gripped the people such that some residents had not been unable to go to their farms out of fear of attack.

One community source said, "The women were fishing when some person dressed like herdsmen and wearing masks emerged from the bush nearby and attacked them in an attempt to rape them.

"However, the women resisted which infuriated the assailants as one of them brought out a sharp cutlass to cut off the neck of one of the women, killing her instantly.

The attacker also inflicted injuries on the two other women."

A team of policemen reportedly stormed the scene of the attack but the attacker had fled before their arrival.

The source further told THISDAY that the policemen eventually evacuated the remains of the dead woman to a morgue while they also rushed the two injured ones to the hospital for medical attention.

Exonerates Osifala

Paul Obi in Abuja Following the disciplinary panel set up by the Federal Ministry of Education to probe alleged sexual molestation on one Miss Okoye of Queens College, Lagos, the panel has exonerated the teacher, Mr. Olaseni Osifala of any culpability in the matter.

The 7-Man Committee which completed its works some weeks ago, made its findings public, but could not establish any credible evidence against the accused teacher, given that Mrs. Chinenye Okoye, mother of Miss Okoye who raised the allegation failed to physically present herself before the panel to back up the allegations.

Director Internal Audit, Federal Ministry of Education, Paul Boyo, who chaired the committee explained that despite various calls and appeal to protect the identity of the Okoyes, the mother failed to show-up to present her case.

The committee in its recommendation, argued that the absence of the mother and daughter left the committee handicapped in recommending

appropriate disciplinary action against the accused teacher.

The Federal Government in a move to arrest the alleged ugly incident in the sexual scandal involving the college, had on the 22nd of March 2016, set up a 7-man investigation panel to look into allegation of sexual molestation of a junior secondary school II student of Queen’s College, Yaba, Lagos.

The move was initiated after several pressure on government and reports from the conventional and social media networks, accusing a teacher of the college, Mr. Osifala of allegedly molesting one Miss Okoye, a student of the college.

The allegation was supposedly made by the girl’s mother, one Mrs. Chinenye Okoye.

The panel had shortly after inauguration stormed the institution with the aim of ascertaining the veracity of the allegation.

Minister of State for Education, Prof. Anthony Anwukah who read out government's position on the matter, on Friday, clearly exonerated the teacher.

Following the increasing rate ofTuberculosis in Nigeria, where the country nowhasabout570,000casesofthedisease,theUnitedNations(UN)Special Envoy on Tuberculosis, Dr. Eric Goosby is to visit Nigeria to work out new modalities on prevention, dictation and treatment of TB. This was made known by the Challenge TB/KNCV Foundation, Country Representative, Dr. Gidado Mustapha ahead of the international summit on Tuberculosis holding in Abuja next week. He listed other global figures visiting Nigeria to includeExecutiveDirector,GlobalStopTBPartnership,Dr.LuciaDitiu, Global DirectorforChallengeTB/KNCV,Dr.MaartenVanCleeffamongothers.He explained that Nigeria'sTB indexes were now a source for concern across the world, given the country's status in global public health. Mustapha said: "Current National strategic plan which is for 2016 to 2020 is going to cost above$2billion,thiswillhelpNigeriatodiagnosenotlessthan600toabouta millioncasesoftuberculosis.Butifthesecasesarefoundontimethiswillhelp ustopreventover35millionpeoplefrombeinginfectedwithtuberculosis, sothecostwilllookveryhighbutifwelookatitoveraperiodof5years,ifyou lookattheamountoflivesthatNigeriaisgoingtosaveandalsotheamount ofindividualsthataregoingtobeinfectedfromtuberculosis,Ithinkitisnot as expensive as we think. It's going to cost over 2million US Dollars. At the moment Nigeria need over 2 billion”.

Widow Recount Ordeal with Robbers

Awidow,Mrs.OmolabakeClementineAbayomiwhowasallegedlyattacked in her residence in Ile-Ife, Osun State by unknown gun men suspected to be assassins has cried out for protection. Narrating her ordeal in the hands of the gun men, Mrs. Abayomi who spoke to newsmen in an undisclosed hospital where she is still receiving treatment said they dragged her from herbedroomtothelivingroomandaskedhertositonthefloor. "Thearmed men said I need to co-operate with them otherwise they will kill me. They said they are aware that my son - Barrister Adekanmi Abayomi is back in the country because he granted an interview to THISDAY newspaper few months ago and that they are reliably informed that my son is hiding in my house.Theysearchedeverywhereinthehouselookingformyson.Whenthey couldn'tseeanytraceofhim,theystartedbeatingmeandIdidnotknowwhen I fainted.They left me hoping that I had died. But the timely intervention of the vigilante saved my life”, she narrated. According to her, the armed men did not steal anything but they went away with her son's clients' files and some other documents kept in the house. As at press time, the Police was yettomakeanypublicstatementontheincidentwhichhadalreadycreated fear in the hearts of residents in the ancient city

IPC Condemns Assault on Journalist

The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, has condemned the assault on The Nation reporter, Sampson Unamka who was alleged to have been slapped severally by police officers, and threatened to be charged for attemptingtotakepicturesofapoliceofficerwhowasbeatingupamotorist and a passenger in Mushin area of Lagos yesterday. The Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade in a statement described the act as unacceptable, as the journalist in question was assaulted in the line of duty. “The duty of the police is to protect citizens and not batter them in the course of their legitimate duty” Arogundade said.The IPC Director urged the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to immediately investigate the incident and take appropriate disciplinary action against the concerned officers.

Madam Towobola Passes on

PThe transition of the last matriarch of the Towobola family has been announcedinIle-Ife,OsunState.Astatementbythefamilysaidthe87yearold ReverendMotherEstherFlorenceMojirolaTowobola(aliasIyaPupa)passed ontogloryintheearlyhoursofWednesdayMay11andwastilldeath,adevout Christian,very hardworkingandastrongbelieverintakingcareofextended familyandpeople.Sheissurvivedbyeightchildren,manygrandchildrenand great grandchildren. Among her children is Senior Apostle DepoTowobola theManagingDirectorofAsdarCommunicationsLimitedandaFellowofthe AdvertisingPractitionersCouncilofNigeria(APCON).Burialarrangements will be announced later by the family. May her soul rest in peace.

Okugbe Social Club Mourns Efenure

The Okugbe Social Club has mourns the departure to eternal glory of Mrs. AgnesAvwoghokomaEfenure.AstatementfromtheclubsaidthelateEfenure was aged 75 years (1940-2015) and was laid to rest on Saturday, May 7th 2016inherhometown OkparaWatersideinEthiope EastLocalGovt.Area, of Delta State. “Members of Okugbe Social Club, Nigeria were among the dignitariespresenttopaytheirlastespect.Untilherdeath,shewasafervent and devoted member of First Baptist Church, Okpara Water-Side. She is survivedbyChildren,GrandChildrenandGreatGrandChildren,amongwhom areMrs.OgheneioborwenHelenOkehandLuckyEjovokogheneEfenure,a Staff of Adeniran Ogunsayan College of Education, Ijanikin.

15

MAY 14, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

NEWS REVIEWS

Benefits of Fuel Subsidy Removal The federal government’s partial deregulation of the downstream sector will, no doubt, be an incentive to private refiners, and boost capacity utilisation, as well as employment generation in the sector. Many believe the move is long overdue and will go a long way to freeing enormous resources into infrastructure development, Ejiofor Alike reports

T

he federal government recently removed petrol subsidy and ushered in a regime of partial deregulation in the downstream sector of the Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

Though the sector would have preferred full deregulation, the action is a right step, which will eventually lead to the ultimate goal, if the government could muster the political will to move a step further in the future.

This belated action is however coming when the crude oil price has hit the bottom level, with corresponding drop in the price of refined products.

But for the high cost of foreign exchange, which has led to high cost of product, the drop in the crude oil would have made mockery of the subsidy removal as there would have been nothing to subsidise.

Subsidy removal would have made more economic sense when crude oil price was high to save the trillions of naira wasted on payment of subsidy.

But when former President Goodluck Jonathan attempted to remove subsidy on January 1, 2012, the then opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) used the organised labour and other civil society groups to ambush and frustrate him, forcing the former administration to reverse it.

However, even though the price of refined products has dropped but with the high cost of forex, the government has freed itself of sourcing for forex at the official exchange rate of N197, which is far below the N318 black market rate.

Apart from the trillions of naira spent over the years in the payment of subsidy and its attendant corruption, perennial crisis in the downstream sector occasioned by government’s interference in the market through the management of subsidy regime has also fueled the need for deregulation, be it full or partial.

The new pricing regime will no doubt resolve the recurrent fuel scarcity crisis by ensuring availability of products as marketers will now import product to their full capacity without government’s restriction in the form of import approval.

It will also reduce hoarding, smuggling and diversion substantially and stabilise price at the actual product price.

The new regime will also ensure market stability and improves fuel supply situation through private sector participation Most importantly, it will create labour market stability, potentially creating new jobs through new investments in private refineries and retails and at the same time prevent potential loss of jobs in existing investments, which were threatened in recent years.

Imperatives for new regime This new regime been brought about by the non-availability of foreign exchange to import petroleum products.

Marketers have drastically reduced their importation since third quarter 2015 due to a scarcity of forex.

Also the rise in crude oil price and prevailing high cost of importation has brought back subsidy regime at the price of N86.50 since April 2016.

Due to decline in government

Buhari

income related to crude oil price and limited crude oil output caused by the spate of renewed vandalism and sabotage of oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta, there is neither funding nor appropriation to cover this in the 2016 Budget.

The government through this new price regime will ensure that the price of products are monitored and modulated to ensure that citizens get a fair value for products they purchase.

The failure of investors to invest in private refineries was attributed to the inefficient and ineffective subsidy regime which did not allow free market forces to determine price of product.

Unavailability of foreign exchange and Inability to open letter of credit has forced marketers to stop product importation and this imposed over 90 per cent supply on NNPC since October 2015 in contrast to the past where NNPC supplies 8 per cent of the national requirement.

NNPC lacks the resources for and is not designed to meet this increase in supply, this has resulted in the current fuel situation across the country.

With the new price regime, marketers will source their foreign exchange independently of CBN and ensure adequate product supply in all locations of the country whilst catering for full cost recovery and averaging of prices across the nation With the trillions of naira subsidy claims becoming unsustainable, the continuation of subsidies in any form limits the ability of government to deliver its statutory functions such as power generation, security, education, health, among others.

The new price regime will enable government focus on these critical sectors and free up our scarce foreign exchange via CBN to be used in other sectors The national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC),

Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu echoed this sentiment, when he said that the action would President Buhari to reallocate funds once earmarked for the fuel subsidy and commit those funds to other more socially productive services and undertakings was a difficult decision.

Tinubu acknowledged that politically, it would have been easy for the President to sit back and let the subsidy remain in place.

He alleged that the subsidy regime had been distorted to where it no longer functioned for the benefit of the masses but for the undue enrichment of a small club of businessmen - some legitimate in their work, some not.

“Instead of remaining a positive aspect of the social contract, the subsidy was transformed into an opaque haven of intrigue and malfeasance. It was turned into a shadowy process from which the unscrupulous extracted large sums of money without providing the services and products duly paid for. Fake businessmen became true billionaires over night as if by supernatural force,” he added Illegality of action However, a constitutional lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Femi Falana said the removal of subsidy was illegal, immoral, insensitive and a disobedient of court order.

He noted that during the campaign last year, the candidate of the APC, General Mohammadu Buhari pledged that if elected as President by the Nigerian people his administration would not remove fuel subsidy.

“Since he won the election last year President Buhari has consistently resisted pressures from the neo-liberal characters in the government to remove fuel subsidy and increase the price of petrol,” he said.

He lamented that without any public debate or consultation with

relevant stakeholders whatsoever the federal government took the Nigerian people by surprise when it decided to increase the pump price of petrol from N86.50k to N145 per litre.

Falana recalled that not too long ago, the federal government had supported the imposition of higher tariffs paid on epileptic supply of electricity by consumers.

He said in sentencing the Nigerian people to excruciating economic agony the Ministry of Power defied a court order which had restrained the government from giving effect to the proposed electricity tariff.

Falana argued that the decision to increase the price of petrol is also illegal and contemptuous, citing the case of Bamidele Aturu versus AttorneyGeneral of the Federation (unreported suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/591/2009), where the Federal High Court declared illegal and unconstitutional the policy decision of the federal government to deregulate the downstream sector of the petroleum industry contrary to the combined effect of the provisions of the Price Control Act and the Petroleum Act. “In total defiance of the said order of the federal high court the federal government has deregulated the downstream sector of the petroleum industry,” he added.

Falana also argued that since the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) which is statutorily empowered to recommend the price of petroleum products has not been reconstituted, the unilateral decision of the Executive Secretary of the body to fix the pump price at N145 per litre is ultra vires and illegal in every material particular.

“In view of the illegality, insensitivity and immorality of the price increase the federal government should cancel it, revert to the status quo and consult widely with all relevant stakeholders in the society,” Falana added.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 14, 2016

SPY GLASS Biola Okoya’s Lamentation Song

Without a doubt, Biola Okoya, daughter of billionaire businessman, Alhaji Razak Okoya, had rocked the social scenes to the envy of many some years back. Indeed, for the mother of two, life must be enjoyed to the hilt. Given her privileged background, Okoya, a party freak, has everything at her beck and call. Those who know her claim that no man can tolerate her excesses. But things got to a head, following an anti-climatic twist to the tale of this beautiful daughter of the Aare of Lagos. She had fizzled out of the social radar, thus setting many tongues wagging. While many claimed she was laid up with a strange illness, some said that she had relocated abroad.

Spyglass, however, gathered that she was forced out of the social scene when her billionaire father allegedly threatened to disown her due to her weird lifestyle. As part of effort to put her in check, her father reportedly rendered her literally ‘incapacitated’, as he deprived her of funds. This forced her to slow down, until recently when she was introduced to the London-based fashion entrepreneur and society lady, Ronke Ademiluyi, who relaunched’ her to high-octane social world again. In spite of this new lease of life offered by Ademiluyi, Biola is said to be seriously broke and gradually aging. Her condition is pathetic, as many of her new friends can’t cope with her.

Henry Semenitari’s Burden

Until recently, Henry Semenitari, a former Managing Director, Unity Bank Plc, occupied a pride of place in the nation’s banking sector. That he is a brilliant banker, is putting it mildly.

Perhaps, as proof of his ingenuity and wizardry, he was adjudged the ‘Banker of the year 2014’. Besides, he was applauded for turning around the fortune of the bank barely a year after taking up the position. But sadly, the respected banker now cuts a different picture in the minds of his compatriots, after he was suspended and asked to go on a compulsory leave by the management of the bank. At the time of filing in this report, he

with Bayo Adeoye ....08054680651 had yet to return to his table. His offence? Some staff of the bank were said to have reported Semenitari to a former Nigerian President, who has a large stake in the bank. It was gathered that the former leader had directed the Chairman of the bank, Mr. Thomas Etuh, to engage forensic auditors to investigate the allegations.

The forensic audit, it was reported, revealed ‘some cases of discrepancies” in the running of the bank, thus prompting the Board of the bank to force him to embark on a compulsory leave to allow for more detailed investigation of the allegations, which include: spending of about N100 million on bullet proof vehicles, payment of productivity bonus allowances to select staff and indiscriminate sacking of workers without recourse to the board of directors. However, whatever led to the man’s exit from the bank has definitely sent him out of circulation. He has disappeared from the scene, as nothing has been heard of him since he was replaced by Mrs. Oluwatomi Ayodele Somefun.

Is Igho Sanomi Really Broke?

Igho Sanomi, founder, Taleveras Group, has been in the news for so many reasons, recently. First, soon after the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan wound up, the dreaded EFCC went on his trail to explain the source of his alleged stupendous wealth.

And then, life became hellish for the young billionaire. His bank accounts were allegedly frozen, thus forcing him to resort to such extreme measures like selling his private jet and other expensive acquisitions to survive. However, Spyglass gathered that the man is not as broke as many described after all. As proof that he is not suffering any reversal of fortune, Igho is planning to host a lavish party in Dubai to celebrate his 41st birthday on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 Spy Glass was reliably informed that he will be staging a pre- birthday bash in Miami this weekend, as a prelude to the main party scheduled for Dubai on May 17, 2016.

Igho ventured into business shortly after completing his Bachelor’s degree in Geology and Mining at the University of Jos, Plateau State. He co-founded and held a position of Executive Director in Sarian Oil, an oil trading company with its core activities in West Africa. While he held that position, he singlehandedly developed the company’s trading operations by negotiating the export and delivery of fuel oils from West Africa to the United States Gulf Coast.

He also developed a strategic alliance with a major international oil trading group based in Zug, Switzerland. This partnership oversaw the import and export of millions of tonnes of refined petro-

leum products to and from the West African coast.

Sanomi, who is also the chairman, Dickens Sanomi Foundation Board of Trustees, a non-profit charitable organisation, sits as chairman and co-chairman of various companies’ Board of Directors, which he founded or co-founded.

These companies’ activities span telecoms, shipping, aviation and real estate investments worldwide.

Bolajoko Aguda’s Marital Status

More than a decade after he passed on, many still remember the late Justice Timothy Akinola Aguda as a brilliant legal practitioner of repute.

He towered above many of his contemporaries and was a study in diligence. In recognition of his astounding qualities, he was appointed acting Solicitor-General of the old Western region, prior to his appointment as the first African Chief Justice of Botswana-he had served concurrently as a judge of the Court of Appeal of Swaziland, Botswana and Lesotho.

However, not many people know that he left behind highly cerebral and beautiful daughters whom he literally passed on the baton of law practice to. They include Folashade Oluwatoyin- Aguda Taiwo, who is currently a serving judge in the Ondo State Judiciary; Titi Aguda, Modupe and Bolajoko. Among these brainy children, tongues are, however, wagging about Bolajoko, an intelligent, courteous and friendly lawyer who runs an international logistics company known as Logistique Xpeditors. It will be recalled that she was once married to Otunba Abdulrahman Abiola Odunowo, owner of a telecoms infrastructure company, whom she had three beautiful daughters for.

Spyglass gathered that since their marriage broke up about six years ago due to what an insider described as irreconcilable differences, she has refused to remarry. At close to 50, she still possesses a stunning figure that leaves a lot of men drooling. So, while you keep wondering when she will be hit by the Cupid arrow again, a source disclosed that her major concern is how to raise her teenage daughters and grow her thriving business.

Tonye Princewill’s Political Misadventure

Prince Tonye Princewill’s emergence as the Labour Party candidate in the build-up to the last governorship election in Rivers State, no doubt, changed the political calculation in the state, as he became the toast of all.

However, prior to that time, the Prince of Kalabari had flagged the Action Congress’s umbrella in 2007 election, a situation that made many think that he had successfully

built his political base. As a result, many had thought that the billionaire would surely get the job at the Brick House.

But surprisingly, the dream met a kiss of death. Again, he was given another baptism of fire while he was shown that politics is not a child play. Spyglass gathered through a source that he is yet to get over the shock, and he is still leaking his wound particularly because he expended a lot of money on the campaign.

The light-skinned businessman with interest in both upstream and downstream oil and gas, Information Technology, environmental waste management and aviation services, was born in the United Kingdom to the family of King T. J. T. Princewill, the Amanyanabo of Kalabari Kingdom of the Amachree Dynasty of Rivers-State. His father was a Professor of Medical Microbiology before he became a monarch.

Princewill, who also holds a PRINCE 2 Project Management Practitioner Certificate from the United Kingdom, started off his career with Shell as a Reservoir and Well-site Petroleum Engineer. He also worked with the UK’s Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency, the Department of Trade and Industry (United Kingdom) as Risk Analyst.

Trouble over Stella Oduah’s Abandoned Land

Former aviation minister, Princess Stella Oduah-Ogiemwonyi is likely fall into another trouble as her neighbours in her abandoned land in Ikota Villa Estate are clamouring for her head. Spyglass gathered that the Anambra State born senator’s five plots of land situated at Road 27 of the estate is becoming a thorn in the flesh and dangerous to the neighbourhood as it has turn a haven for different species of snakes that sometimes crawl out of the land to other houses around. We were also informed that that the neighbours have written several letters to her while she was at the Ministry of Aviation about this but all to no avail. But now the issue has been taken up by the Community Development Association while appropriate measure would be taken, the source added.

Another source disclosed that though she came sometimes ago to clear the weed the land is still a threat to many around.

In another development, we were informed that this beautiful lady is completing a gigantic mansion in Victoria Garden City, Lagos. A source disclosed that the building is an architectural masterpiece that is built on hectares of land that was brought by the woman five years ago.

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LOUD WHISPERS AUTO GLOBAL SOCCER WRITERS’ WORLD FITNESS FASHION FILE

pg. 20 pg. 26 pg. 29 pg. 37 pg. 40 pg. 41

Lolu Akinwunmi I Married at 30 but Waited for Eight Years to Have a Child

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MAY 14, 2016

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I Wanted to be a Journalist Because My Father Was One As he looks in the mirror – almost dressed up – a beautiful woman hugs him from behind. His face beams with pride and prospect. It is his first day to start a new job. His heart beats with excitement as the beautiful woman – his wife – gives him a reassuring kiss. He responds with a knowing smile as he puts on his shiny shoes, looking sharp decked in a checked shirt and denim trousers. It is his first day at work at his own newly established company. With eager, brilliant face munched by anxiety, he arrives the nondescript building that will be his office complex. It is 1992. But a decade ago, he had started out well with Lintas and Promoserve. With his new enterprise, he went to town begging for briefs from one company to the other with no positive outcome. In a twist of events, after running from pillar to post to get accounts, he ran an awareness ad campaign for his firm – an unforgettable one: “We’ll take your briefs to town”, displaying a set of underwear, punning on the word, “briefs”. The ad campaign got him the Crystal Bank account and many others. Like a business fairytale, by January 1993, with his brilliance and ingenuity of his team, his firm became the first ad agency to run a six-month campaign on CNN with Crystal Bank TVC – even Ted Turner found it irresistible, giving his firm free spots for about two months. Shrewd, sincere and systematic, Lolu Akinwunmi, Chairman of Prima Garnet Advertising Group, is one of the most creative and pragmatic professionals alive. A man of many parts: exPresident, Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria, former Chairman of Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria, APCON, Chief Executive of the Rebranding Project and a delegate at the last National Conference. In this interview with Samuel Ajayi, Lolu as he is fondly called talks about his struggle to survive in a highly competitive industry, his long wait for a child and why he thinks the All Progressives Congress and the Federal Government are failing in their ‘change’ message

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stablished in 1992, Prima Garnet belongs to third generation of indigenously owned advertising agencies. How will you describe advertising at that time and now?

As you know, we look at our own history. We have two periods.

The period between 1992 when we started and when the advertising industry began to experience some transformation. When we started, it was a monolithic agency as everything was done under one roof. But there had been developments outside Nigeria that indicated that the media was leaving, PR was leaving, and event planning was leaving. All these were driven by business consideration and not professionalism. I sat on the board of Ogilvy for Africa. I was aware that the decisions we took were driven 95 per cent by financial considerations.

te

Akinwunmi

There were those who thought it could never happen. I remember the first major meeting we had in Sheraton then. That was AAPN. How long ago was this?

It was shortly after we joined AAAN; this was in the ’90s. People did not understand the whole concept of media independence. They saw media independence as competitors but forgetting that you still have the whole thing under one roof. It was a rowdy meeting. But a few people did (understand); like George Thorpe and Biodun Shobanjo. It was a long and noisy meeting. It was after this that many people began to understand that you can run a media independent agency under the mother agency. If you follow the period of interregnum things have not been too bad. We grew from one agency to five or six operations.

And I want you to know that the global

depression is cyclical. It usually happens between eight and 10 years. Unfortunately, when the global depression was ending, ours was deepening: drop in oil revenue, large-scale corruption, impunity and so on. These have effect on business.

Therefore, when those we were competing with were recovering, we were not.

But we will recover though at a huge cost.

I envisage a situation sometime next year, certainly not this year, when the Nigerian economy would pick again and show signs of growth once more. Advertising runs on the back of commerce and right now, commercial activities are slow but happy days will be here.

Prima Garnet was one of the agencies that set up second-line agencies and yours was very successful. In fact, there was a point when people felt 141 Worldwide was doing better than the

parent agency, Prima Garnet. What’s the key to its success?

Let me talk about what we did. We may not be privy to what others did but in our case, we tried to make 141 totally independent from day one. There were some connections and I was one of those plus one other director. We did not operate as a group. We did not operate a central account. In our blueprint, we positioned it to compete with Prima Garnet. We were handling BAT here and I wrote a memo by 2am to Ogilvy Worldwide and by 7am, I got a response from head of Europe, Africa and Middle East that I could go ahead. So that was why we set it up and separated it from Prima Garnet with separate office, staff and separate board.

Some would agree with you that okay, you did well with the structure of the way you set it up. But they will

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MAY 14, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

Plus If I Will Go into Another Profession, It’ll be Law also argue that you had a very juicy account to take off with. Isn’t that correct?

Yes. But many agencies also took off with very juicy accounts as well. I won’t want to mention a particular agency’s name, for obvious reasons, but they had Coca-cola account to take off with. Taking off with a good account is one thing, but sustaining such account is another thing entirely. The BAT account, not only have we succeeded with it, we have been given additional markets in West Africa to manage it. These things and the grace of God have helped us and if we are to start a third agency today, it would probably do better than 141.

Promoserve used to be very good and a reference point in agency business. Kehinde Adeosun, the owner, was more or less a patriarch of the industry. There was a belief that those the man trusted actually betrayed him.

Let me say this: I had left Promoserve before the decline; maybe a year or two before the decline could be seen and felt.

Promoserve was a big agency with very good accounts. Some of the people who left talked about management issues.

But I think at some time, there must have been system failure and collapse and they did not do what they were supposed to do. I had my issues with the agency when I was there. In actual fact, Prima Garnet started because I did not want to remain in Promoserve while complaining about what was happening there. I had no intention of starting an agency. I was an advertising technocrat trained by Lintas. Someone, one day, would say if you knew so much, why didn’t you start your own? After I had left and the agency had practically gone under, Uncle Kenny Adeosun came to meet me at Prima Garnet and offered Promoserve to us and for about nine months, I used a financial services firm to audit Promoserve and the firm gave us a report. I showed Uncle Kenny the report and Promoserve’s account was in the red. If we were to buy Promoserve over, the amount of money being owed would help us to set up two new agencies. Though Promoserve had the heritage and the name, its liability was massive to inherit from a company you wanted to buy. He asked if we weren’t going to buy and I told him the board would never approve of buying it – and that was it.

Let’s come back to your management style at Prima Garnet. There was a time you were paying salaries twice a month.

Yes; we noticed that between the regular 30-day cycle, staff always got broke and started asking for IOUs. So, we sat back and asked how we could stop that; we introduced giving them something at the middle of the month. We did that and the request for loans stopped.

Did you divide their salaries into two?

We went a step further. Business was good so we did not touch their salaries.

We just worked out something extra for them.

Like I mean someone earning N100, 000 you give him N60, 000 by month end and by middle of following month give him the balance – N40, 000?

No. We did not do that. You can ask them. We simply worked something extra for them and the demand for loans and IOUs stopped.

What is the strength of the Prima Garnet Group?

Under the Prima Garnet Group, we have about five or six outfits. There is 141 Worldwide, which is a full-fledged agency but quite good in experiential. We also have MediaShare, which is a media buying agency. We have Lampost, which is an event and experiential marketing agency and we have Cutler Comms, a PR and media relations agency. We just started our foray into project management. We never set up an outdoor firm that would require us joining OAAN. But there are opportunities that are coming that have to do with outdoor without necessarily joining OAAN; like wanting to build a new mall and they want a

project marketing management company that will manage the mall in terms of advertising opportunities and pay the revenue to government. We have about five of that on our hands now. So we are diversifying. It is still under the larger marketing communications business.

We can’t do an interview like this without mentioning your issue with Barat over the Ogilvy Africa affiliation in Nigeria. We know the issue is in court but some felt you were using your influence in APCON. Our problem had never been with Barat as a person. Our issue was with WPP and especially with Ogilvy and Scanad because Ogilvy own majority shares in Scanad and we have been in court since 2011 and 2012 and that is why I cannot say much. It was mere coincidence. When I became APCON, I just finished my tenure as AAAN president and towards the end of that, I became the chief executive of the Rebranding Project. I also became APCON chairman. AAA always had reforms we could not push because we were just an association without any bite of the law.

One of the things we had always wanted to do was to review the Advertising Code.

May Nzeribe (now late) did so much to review the code; he worked on it and sent it to the Ministry of Information which in turn sent it to the Ministry of Justice and it did not come out. We took what Nzeribe had done and with Willie Nnorom (now late), who was appointed as the chairman of the review committee and we got a good lawyer, a senior advocate of Nigeria, and with the whole industry. It was just a coincidence. We did not do it because of Barat or anyone.

What exactly was the issue?

There was a very weak control of who could be an advertising practitioner to the extent that a teacher could finish teaching and put on signboard and become an adman. What we did was to work with Nigeria Advertising Association and others and we said this would be a yardstick to become a practitioner. We looked at other countries and markets. It does not matter if you have PhD in advertising, you cannot practise in India. Even in some African countries. While we will not shut out any practitioners, let us look at best global practices. Today, managing directors of companies are now sitting for APCON exams. So it is not against practitioners.

Some said it was also about issue of account with Ogilvy and so on.

Our issue with Ogilvy was this: Technically, we are the affiliate agency of Ogilvy and the law says that as long as Prima Garnet is the agency of Ogilvy in Nigeria, you cannot affiliate with any agency or start another agency in Nigeria.

They breached that and we wrote them and they ignored us. We went to court and we got an injunction. After we got to court, they now wrote us saying they had sacked us and the court said no; you cannot do that.

Are you still affiliated to Ogilvy?

If you say so, you are talking correctly under the law because that is what the injunction was emphasising. We always tell everyone that we had a life before Ogilvy. It was because they liked what they saw in us that was why they came to us. Without them, we had been surviving and we will continue to.

Let’s look at the present government. There seems to be problem with communication. What is the cause?

Lai Mohammed is not my friend but he has a reputation. He has been a communication person for years and he is a lawyer. He is intelligent. You just have to hear him speak. Those that governments usually appoint to manage its communications are mostly journalists.

They are not communications people.

They report government and return fire on behalf of government. Do they ever sit down to plot communication strategy?

No. So what are you running on? Meeting with journalists? Sending out press releases? It will work for some time but you are not seeing your assignment as a brand custodian. Buhari is a brand and Osinbajo is one. How do you manage

Akinwunmi

these brands? Is it to go and meet Nollywood people? With due respect to Lai, we are not close and we have never talked, but I don’t know any holding strategy being planned. Maybe there is one and is not being projected. One of the things I think they could do, which on my own I prepared a document, they had a strong platform called ‘change’ though not developed locally. But change as a brand slogan was strong. I saw the way they managed ‘change’ because as APCON chairman, I saw these things. The way they managed the ‘change’ campaign was quite strong. But the moment they became the party in power, I expected them to make change the property of the administration and develop a strategy and let it dovetail to all of government activities.

People waited for months and nothing of such. Someone has to be in charge of the ‘change’ message. You promised so much on platform of ‘change’ and you need to put someone in charge of communicating that ‘change’. I had written in some of my articles on Facebook that change is a double-edged sword. If you promised and communicated change and don’t take ownership of it, it becomes an albatross. They are making the task of PDP easy for 2019. They don’t have to work too hard. All they need to ask is this: where is the change? Bring all the campaign materials of 2015 and lay them bare. APC’s rationalisations make sense and they are genuine: economy is in bad shape, drop in oil revenue, monumental corruption and so on. They are genuine excuses. But other areas about social mobilisation to make people understand these excuses have been ignored. And they might have lost that opportunity.

This is my thinking as a marketing communication person. But I think they have been working on a platform of arrogance and combativeness. Demonising critics and creating the impression that the last regime caused all problems of the country and arrogantly creating the impression that everyone, except them, is bad and corrupt.

What are APC and the government trying to communicate to people?

I cannot see it. That is where the blame game comes in, rationalisation, excuses and accusations of corruption and so on.

But if you have your message, you treat opposition as competition and not enemy.

That is the point.

Have you always wanted to be in advertising and communications?

I have always wanted to be a lawyer but that did not work out. Another best thing I thought I would want to do was to be a journalist because my late father was one. But by the time I got to 300 level in the university, I came across some successful advertising guys who were working in Lintas and I made enquiries.

Even though it took about a year between the time I applied and when the interview was concluded, I waited. I am not sure I can do any other thing again. Maybe I can still do law because I am still passionate about law.

Like how many years have you spent in the industry now?

I got in on September 1, 1982.

So, by next year you would have spent 35 years?

Wow! You are making me afraid. So I have spent that long?

Do you have role models in the industry?

People like Sly Moemeke, Segun Ogunbunmi, Mark Obviageli, Chris Doghudje and Dele Adetiba. These were giants of the industry then and in various ways impacted on the business. We have also people like Biodun Shobanjo, Jimi Awosika, Akin Odunsi, and the late May Nzeribe. Collectively, they have impacted on me and inspired me by interacting and working with them; not to forget Uncle Kehinde Adeosun.

You hardly talk about your family.

(Cuts in) Because people hardly ask me.

I have a small family. I have a wife who is a lawyer and I have two boys.

If they were still in school, it means you married late?

I married at 30. But the first child did not come until about eight years after.

That is why the first is just about 19 and the second is 17. By now, my friends are now grandparents. One wants to be a lawyer and the other wants to go into entertainment and communication.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • May 14, 2016

Loud Whispers

with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

‘.........and he killed his wife’

Nigeria’s riskiest jobs With the advent of the present administration headed by my Lord and Master Alhaji(General) Muhammadu Buhari some jobs have simply become very risky to hold. I have gone out of my way in carrying out an in depth research with a view to highlighting these career path so that people can help their children avoid them as they fill their JAMB forms. Here goes: Bank CEO’s As I write three have gone in to eat beans. my handsome and suave brother Herbert Wigwe of Access, Cool gentleman Yemi Adeola of Sterling and the very cosmopolitan Nnamdi Okonkwo of Fidelity. Infact I even have just heard that an Executive Director at First Bank has also been invited to dinner. My people Bank CEO’s are endangered species today and Infact my candid advise to all bankers is that as they progress in their careers when they find themselves approaching Executive Management Cadre, they should just retire and go into Nollywood it’s safer.

Farmers With the way the Fulani Herdsmen are going, I don’t think it’s a wise idea to be a farmer at this time. Just ask elder statesman Olu Falae and the Enugu Farmers and you will agree that not all the ranches in Mexico will keep these herdsmen from their murderous rampage. However if you insist on continuing with farming, try my friend Usmans style use mobile Apps and Faceboôk you will live a long life.

Ex Petroluem Ministers This is another precarious one. From Even Buhari through Tam David West and now Deziani that career path is rigged with explosives. Most of the occupants of these office have always come out diminished filled with regrets. I think Minister of women affairs remains the safest and most peaceful at least na madam Joe Odumakin (is that the true spelling of her name) go be your constant

The mob is awakened. Baying for blood, he has killed his wife, he must be lynched, the bastard must be hanged by his balls and roasted on the pillar of self righteousness.

He said he only slapped her and he even bought her Pap and moin, moin to eat just before she died.

Who will listen to him, who will hear his own side, who will understand the pain of a man who just found out his wife was adulterous and rubbing it all over his face, how will he even attempt to seek for his constitutional right to fair hearing and in a panic he runs. He runs as far as his tired legs can take him, the mob riding on the self righteous platform provided by media both social and otherwise, chase after him, thirsting for his blood and when he can no longer run he turns himself in and in victory the self appointed protectors of the female dignity are claiming victory when the autopsy report has not even come out. My brother Shode has been accused, tried and pronounced guilty. Na wa.

I know, I will be pilloried for swimming against the tide, but I feel very strongly that in this issue of domestic violence we always always forget about the other side and in most cases the man’s side.

Once he has raised his hands, he is a monster, the degradation, the humiliation he goes through, the extreme provocation that pushes an otherwise gentle giant into acts of such depravity is never looked at and as long as we continue to do this, we will continue to witness such acts of violence against women who we

companion.

Senate Presidency The worst of them all. OBJ talked about the Banana Peel.

Impeachment and disgrace have always been their lot. Okadigbo lost his life although not during his tenor. Today Saraki is battling all the battles in this country, I even wonder how he still manages to sleep at night. Senate Presidency is not for the weak hearted.

Opposition party spokesman Run away from that advert announcing this vacancy. Spokesman for opposition party in a third world country like Nigeria is a magnet for ‘bullet’. It’s you pouring blood all over your body and running into a Lions den hoping and praying that you will be ignored by the hungry Lions. I laugh.

Super Eagles Coach The worst of them all. You will be owed salaries and still expected to perform. You will be abused by all and sundry and your players will also be rude to you. Even when you win the Cup of Nations, you will still be sacked and when you don’t win

erroneously label the weaker sex.

In this case, there is a corpse on the ground and there cannot be any justification for it not a justification for raising a hand against any woman talk less of a woman who has gone through the pains of childbirth for a man. A man must always find that inner strength to turn and walk away even in the face of massive verbal violence despite the urge to break a neck.

That defines a true man, but in so doing our women folk must help the man by showing respect, continuous obedience and a willingness to just say ‘sorry’ even if it is just for momentary peace instead of the usual abuse and assault. When they are screaming and cursing their husbands mothers and his ancestors, the female activists are no where to be found and when the man after years of endurance breaks, madam ‘Joe’ will appear with a throng of cameras and in her dreadlocked gait scream to high heavens, ‘he has killed his wife’. All I am saying here is that can a little effort be placed on the causative reasons for these violence instead of waiting for the effects and screaming blue murder. Citizen Shode remains innocent until tried and found guilty in a competent court of Law and till then all his rights and dignity should be preserved. I know say this one wey I write so, I don look for trouble, but someone must be the voice of reason in this season of cacophonous confusion. Kai, my wife didn’t cook for me o can you imagine, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!.

anything like my brother Oliseh only your God will be there to console you.

NFF Chairman Make I just keep quiet here.

‘Nigeria is fantastically corrupt’ - David Cameron I don’t blame him. They are the ones who are corrupt. We are not corrupt anything Jo and how did he even come to that conclusion. It’s not his fault, when our leaders all go there and be screaming that we are corrupt as if we are the only ones in the world that is corrupt. Look there is corruption in Bukingham Palace after all the money I paid during my last visit to the place to see the Queens guards take care of her horses was not receipted. If that is not corruption, I don’t know what else is. We are not corrupt we just have a different way of distributing wealth that is not known to the western world.

FCMB - legacy well kept I am a proud Alumni of FCMB that institution built by the legendary Otunba Michael Subomi Balogun. As a young Investment Banker on one of my many trips to Tinubu Square to buy fairly used Shirts for work, I stumbled on the Otunba arriving at his Primrose Towers for work and immediately got struck with his aura

and strong presence. I swore then and there to work in this institution with a strong legacy for service and excellence. So you can imagine my dismay when during the week, I saw some things on social media casting aspersions to the integrity of FCMB. I quickly made my calls enquiring about the true situation of things and found out that nothing could be further from the truth. Infact the Bank is today one of the largest lenders to the Retail market and with a diversified revenue base and increasing customer base, the bank is poised to whether the strong currents of negative economic headwinds with class.

Adieu Adeniji Adele I was a very young school leaver when this popular politician ruled the Lagos Island as the Chairman of the Local Government. I still remember his mass transit system which itself was pioneering. His daughter Wura is my friend although I had not seen her in years. Upon hearing of his demise, I reached out to my friend ‘princess’ a family friend who told me she was at one of his houses in Yaba. I went to pay my condolences and in the process was offered a hot plate of Eba and a chilled bottle of coke. As I hadn’t eaten all day, I sat down and ate the food well. I met Wura again and she was still eternal in her beauty despite her loss. This is a national loss even though his legacy and strong love for his people will continue to keep his memory fresh in our minds. Sleep well baba.

April in Abuja Kai, I have not seen a more beautiful woman than this April. Hips like the hills of Gilead, eyes as bewitching as the almonds of Jericho. She walked into my life at the aje nick restaurant in Port Har out and in that second shattered all what I thought defined a beautiful woman. I saw her again in Abuja this week. An apparition, her beauty still gleaming in the warm sunshine of the the Abuja day and with shaky voice I reached out at her and could only mutter out a shrill ‘hi’. She smiled and remembered me and asked how I was, I could only go down in one knee in obeisance to her beauty. She should be a tourist attraction with which the government can use to diversify the economy. She should be worshiped, I worship her.

Kai, April . I had die.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 14, 2016

21

EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES BY

Off-hand, Not Off-head

D

AILY SUN of May 9 welcomes us today with some slips: “As a law abiding (law-abiding) citizen and a significant participant in Nigeria’s....” (Full-page advertorial byAITEO Group signed by Sola Omole, Group Director, Media & GovernmentAffairs) “Utomi proffers solutions to Nigeria’s economic crisis (crises)” “Ambode, Enelamah to flag off (inaugurate) new CFAO Yamaha assembly plant” “Lets (Let’s) occupy Nigeria if subsidy is removed” “It attracted women of notes such as….” Whether one or 20 women, it is still ‘note’; not notes. The same thing applies to ‘men’ of substance, “Led by a warrant officer, the soldiers stationed at strategic positions in and around the premises.…”

(DAILY TIMES, May 9) ‘… on (and around) the premises’; never in the premises “The roots of the dialogue reach back to the 19th and early 20th centuries when leaders of theAfrican diaspora began to advocate for….” ‘Advocate’ cannot accommodate ‘for’.

“It was the most sensible reaction I have read from any Nigerian media on the matter so far.” Singular: medium; plural: media—‘any’ takes either singular or plural, but not in this case.

“To prove that he had not quite forgotten all the stuff that he crammed from such columns in those days, he went on to recite off-head some scientific definitions….” (DAILY TIMES, May 6) We recite off-hand. To do otherwise will be fatal!

“Pupils and their parents will continue to cut corners, in spite of such measures, for as long as the dearth of facilities in our educational institutions remain a permanent feature of our schools.”

(SATURDAY CHAMPION, May 7) Simple concord: the dearth…remains a permanent feature of our schools.

“Watching these kids sing and play together, (sic) evoke the thought that most adults, if not all, should hold their heads in shame.” (DAILY TIMES, May 5) Watching these kids…evokes. ”The latest decision has triggered a lot of suspicious (sic).” (VANGUARD, May 9) I hope my Kirikiri Canal colleagues will not trigger off any intellectual suspicion.

“Prophet Nathan’s famous warning came after the deed has been done.” (Source: as above) Perfect past….After the deed had been done “As the fall-outs of our economic direction accumulate….” (DAILY TIMES, May 3) ‘Fallout’ (no hyphen) is uncountable.

“However, the cost of damages to telcos’ (informal word) installations could not be ascertained.”

‘Damage’ is non-count except in legal reparation.

‘As president, Buhari will have to combat the unemployment problem by coming down hard on immediate-past governors.” I doubt if there is any context where ‘unemployment’ will not be a problem. Therefore, Buhari will…combat unemployment by.… Conversely, we can have employment problem. Grammar is not always logical!

“But there are some sticking points.” Sticky points, please.

“This, he said, will encourage other companies to do same.“ I encourage the inclusion of ‘the’ before ‘same’. It shows scholarship.

“Home-based players poise for action” I am sure they poised for action.

“Change in the form of development programs tend to disturb the existing system of social stratification in any given society or locality.” The verb phrase determinant in this extract is ‘change’—not

‘programs’—which calls for ‘tends’.

“This fledging establishment.…” Get it right: fledgling; never ‘fledging’.

“The depletion of the ozone layer otherwise known as the greenhouse effect has further added to the spate of natural disaster worldwide.” Get it right: spate of natural disasters.

“While the exchange of banters went on between him and his friend….” ‘Banter’ is non-count.

The next three errors are from SUNDAY TRIBUNE of May 8: “The fear, it was learnt (learned), is that demonstrators may break into these amoury and utilize the weapons.” Of course, a mob that accesses an armoury will use the arms. Therefore, the subordinate conjunction (utilise the weapons) is irrelevant. The plural of ‘armoury’ is armouries.

“The main plank of the unanimity which came from grassroot Nigerians….” Linguistic agreement: grassroots (always) Nigerians “Demanding that equity and justice be done in the matter, Oba Bajowa added that the people had been showing restrain because….” Noun: restraint; verb: restrain. What applies here is noun.

“Most of the questions put to the governor bordered around…” (NTANetwork News, May 5) Without any question: border on or upon (not around).

“But this particular money bag (sic) was not impressed and decided to remind us that we were poor.” (Source: as above)Awealthy or an avaricious person is known as a moneybags.Amoneybag refers to a bag of money.

“Chief Ige was conspicuously absent….” (Source: as above) This is quite an old line. If you belong to the transformative school, delete ‘conspicuously’.

“By 8.30 p.m. the venues had been filled with invited guests and pressmen….” This sounds preposterous.Avenue is filled by guests, but filled

EBERE WABARA

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

with inanimate objects “And, of course a maximum of 60 per cent which implies that either of the two parties….” (BUSINESSDAY, May 9) ‘Either’ indicates two elements.

Therefore, ‘two’ is redundant here.

‘It is not enough for superiors to defend their subordinates set out on the field or believe everything or allegations levied against other citizens….”

We level—not levy – allegations against.…

“Source close to the presidency also said that many delegates lobbied for Board appointments.”

Either way: ‘a source close’ or ‘sources close…’ If singular there must be a determinant (‘a’ or ‘the’) depending on context.

“InAkwa Ibom, they recommended the creation ofAtlantic State comprising of Oron…” I recommend the deletion of the second ‘of in the extract.

“Crude oil prices soar higher” Would it have been lower? ‘Soar higher’ is obtuse!

“Financial allocation for waterways and airways far exceed that of the railways.” The verb determinant in this instance is ‘allocation’; not ‘waterways’ and ‘airways’.

Realignment of curves to improve train speeds have not been undertaken as….” Realignment… has’; not have.

“Two top coaches…were the first casualities,” Even the pronunciation is indicative of the correct word: casualties.

“This pledge, like Zik’s, wreaks of capitalist woolliness and self- aggrandizement.” I pledge that the right word here is ‘reeks’; not ‘wreaks’.

“The capacity of women to raise funds for recognition have been further….” The capacity… has. “The human greed has now reached its highest peak.” This amounts to tormenting functional items.

‘Peak’ abhors any intensification.

PEOPLE2PEOPLE...with Oke Epia

2016 Budget and the Implementation Window

T

he media has been buzzing with analysis, discussions and commentaries on the 2016 budget since it was signed by President Muhammadu Buhari penultimate Friday. The event of a presidential assent to annual budget should not have normally taken such life of its own beyond the memorabilia of photo-ops for the President and the small cluster of top government functionaries that usually surround him for the moment. But because expectations had been long-drawn over an anxious period of buck-passing between the Executive and the National Assembly, Buhari’s pen on paper had become a golden fillip needed to kick-start a stifled economy as it were.

The delay in passing and assenting to the budget had put tremendous pressure on both the presidency and legislature which had at various times traded in blame games to pass off the gale of negative public opinion to the opposing camp.

Apparently what was the most disturbing aspect of the dingdong affair was the fear that the delay would leave a huge constraint on the implementation of the budget with respect especially to time left for execution of capital projects. This fear rested on the premise (sustained by past precedents) that the budget circle began in January and ended in December of the year. But that is what it was: a mere premise built on a rather half-baked understanding of the Constitution of the country.

But the 2016 budget as passed by the legislature and signed by the President has changed the budget circle of the country.

The life span of this budget began May 6, 2016 and ends May 5, 2017. That is the new reality.

And this happened because of a masterstroke input by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, who had begun to interrogate, much before the 2016 budget was submitted to the National Assembly, the validity of the January-to-December budget circle in the light of delayed conclusion of work on the fiscal document year-in year-out.

At a Roundtable on the Economy last November, Dogara had urged participants to “consider whether it is appropriate to continue to maintain January to December as the financial year,” hinting that the “National Assembly may prescribe the financial year to be 12months from the date of the signing of the Appropriation Bill. This is because the only way a Budget would have any realistic chance of full implementation is if it is operated for 12 calendar months as the spirit of Section 318 of the Constitution seems to suggest.”

It is not in contention whatsoever that the power of appropriation of public funds in Nigeria lies with the legislature as Section 81 of the Constitution clearly stipulates. However, there has been over the years, a contrived ambiguity with respect to the term ‘financial year’ as to suggest that the Appropriation Act is a definitive period of January to December.

But Section 318 cited by the Speaker exposes the fault of that

PEOPLE2PEOPLE

OKE EPIA WITH

Telephone (sms only): 07059850016 Email: resourceman.oke@live.com.

Twitter: @resourceme

President Muhammadu Buhari signing 2016 budget...recently Photo:GodwinOmoigui

suggestion (or assumption) as it gives yet some power to the National Assembly to define the fiscal year within any twelve months of the year. Section 318 (Interpretation, Citation and Commencement) defined ‘financial year’ as “any period of twelve months beginning on the first day of January in any year or such other date as the National Assembly may prescribe.” (Emphasis mine).

It is this section of the grundnorm that Mr. Speaker sought to bring to life when in his remarks during the 2016 budget presentation ceremony by Mr. President on December 22, 2015 at the Chamber of the House of Representatives, he had said: “The National Assembly, going forward, may need therefore, to prescribe another date as the financial year in line with provisions of Section 318 of the Constitution, whenever the budget is not passed before January 1 in any given year. The letter and spirit of the Constitution requires that the financial year shall not be less than 12 months. The date of commencement of the financial year may change but not the 12 months period, it seems.”

Dogara had apparently made that intervention in view of

the fact that the budget had come late to the legislature and the possibility (which eventually became an inevitability) of a prolonged passage and eventual assent by Buhari. But the Speaker was more than anything else concerned about the implementation of the budget as he had stated thus: “I wish to reiterate that a well-crafted budget is not an end in itself, the real meat of a budget is in it’s implementation. While the National Assembly will endeavor to diligently scrutinize and pass the budget in good time to facilitate early commencement of it’s implementation. In this regard, and in order to aid Mr. President to execute and implement the budget, it may be necessary to take a second look at the constitutional definition of financial year. Section 318 of the Constitution defines a ‘Financial Year’ to mean ‘any period of twelve months beginning on the first day of January in any year or such other date as the National Assembly may prescribe’.

“Consequently, if this proposal is accepted, it may become imperative that the 2016 budget may commence 12 months from the date it is signed into Law by Mr. President. A budget may have a realistic chance of implementation when the Executive has 12 uninterrupted months to execute it. Mr. President’s Change Agenda can only be realized for the benefit of the Nigerian people when his policies and programmes are faithfully executed. This proposal would need to be effected in full consultation with the Executive branch.”

In following through with the proposal therefore, the House adopted the recommendation of its Appropriation Committee which stated that “in line with the provisions of Section 318 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, this Bill will run for a course of 12 months starting from the date it is assented into law.” As it has turned out, this resolution eventually got reflected in the document signed by the President on May 6, thereby laying to rest fears that the budget would not be fully implemented in a space of six months or so.

What this means is that the APC-led Buhari administration has no excuse not to fulfill its promises embedded in the 2016 budget: at least not on any excuse of time constraint as there is now adequate window for implementation by Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government. The year-long excuse that the government has not been able to meet some of its campaign promises because it was yet to have a budget of its own is now consigned to the past. There is now valid ground to fully assess the administration and in about a year from now, a verdict would be out. Dogara and the legislature generally, have played their part in building a firm foundation for a fair verdict. The onus is now on Mr. President and his horde of officials across board to deliver on their part of the bargain. Nigerians demand nothing more but the dividends of the ‘change mantra’ chanted by the APC. Follow writer on Twitter @resourceme

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SATURDAY MAY 14, 2016 T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY SATURDAY MAY 14, 2016

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • May 14, 2016

SHOWBIZFLaIR

Tosin Clegg

07062816737 e-mail: tosinclegg@hotmail.com

ONOME IKHIMIOYA

My Style Inspired

By Beauty of African Woman Onome Ikhimioya is a socialite, fashion designer and an entrepreneur who started her fashion brand, Mistics Couture, about eight years ago.

From inception, she has landed great jobs, big names like Yemi Alade, Kim Burrell, Oge Okoye, Funke Akinoku, Ngozi Ezeonu and many others.

In this interview with Tosin Clegg, she talks, fashion, showbiz, motherhood, career plans and much more

I

How I got my ‘Mistics’ name got the name Mistics back in the university. Then, I was designing outfits and helping friends pick out fabrics for their various occasions.

They gave me nicknames like Nomzki, Onomistics, Onomzkoko etc.

These nicknames inspired the name of my company - Mistics Couture How it all began When I started designing, I must confess, it was strictly my passion and drive that trained me. I always knew deep within me that I was meant to design. I fought back strong urges to sketch spontaneously, even though at that time I was involved in some other business. As time went by, I had no option than to settle for it and started experimenting and I discovered that even what I’ll consider a mistake was appreciated by someone. It flattered me when people said it and I just couldn’t help feeling a sense of pride when I saw my designs on runways and fashion shows; it boosted my confidence, and so I enrolled for a couple of trainings around the globe.

I have always been a fashionista What I never thought or ever imagined was planting my sense of fashion on international stages. So, first, God inspired me to take up such responsibilities. I wake up every morning and I could be inspired while having a cup of coffee or just lazying around. I appreciate my quiet times a lot and, in such moments, designs just flash before me and I get it sketched immediately.

My selling concept is crafting Ankara I work on Ankara and turn the African fabric into something unique and beautiful by bedazzling my pieces with stones, pearls, beads and studs.

Also, my style is inspired by the beauty of the African woman; her gaits, wits and brilliance make me take her up passionately and interpret her perfectly to the eyes around her.

The kind of pieces I make Mistics Couture is mysteriously and uniquely simple. I create simple, trendy affordable clothing for women, both in my couture and ready to wear collections for high-end clients.

My relationship with Yemi Alade Yemi is a friend. I style her most of the times for her events and performances.

Notable celebrity or personality I have clothed so far I have had the pleasure of clothing both local and international celebrities like Yemi Alade, Kim Burrell, Oge Okoye, Funke Akinoku, Ngozi Ezeonu to name a few.

Vision for my brand In the next couple of years, Mistics Couture should be everywhere in Africa and the World at large, by God’s Grace.

I see showbiz as a tool for fashion Over the years, there has been a fusion of music and fashion. You can see it at fashion events like Music Meets Runway, RipTheRunway and Co. Even top celebrities at home and abroad expressively turn up at red carpets dazzling in exotic designer wears. Most Artistes today also put on classy pieces in music videos, show performances and more.

Juggling motherhood, business, family and all It’s been hectic and challenging but I’m having the time of my life. I do what I love to do, which is fashion designing, and also taking care of my family.

Who I would love to clothe at home and abroad I do not have anyone in particular but if I must choose I will say Michelle Obama and the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Fashion shows I plan to participate in The Lagos fashion and design week (LFWD 2016) is one event I would love to be a part of; Music meets Runway and New York fashion week, by God’s Grace.

If not fashion Well, I have a flair for cooking. I would have attended culinary school and started my own catering company.

What I love most about designing clothes

Ikhimioya

I love the part where I’m able to gist freely with all my tailors. We laugh a whole lot in my factory and listen to music and sometimes do some Shoki, Azonto and even Makosa, depending on how we feel.

More seriously, when a particular design is uniquely tailored for an individual, I tend to achieve much joy because the essence of my brand is to

make you stand-out in the crowd. So, when I successfully achieve this for any particular individual, it gives me joy and also justifies the money she paid for it.

My down Sides Do I ever feel down? Well, my down times will be not being able to design something new on a particular day.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • May 14, 2016

SHOWBIZFLaIR

MY STORY WALE OJO, BIMBO AKINTOLA, LINDA EJIOFOR STAR IN NEW MOVIE

MIKILLZ

I Put a Lot of Energy into My Music

If you love Nigerian music, you are in for a brand new treat as a new movie, ‘8 Bars and A Clef’ chronicles the rise to grace of a talented act, Victor E. Starring Nollywood favourites like Bimbo Akintola, Wale Ojo, Linda Ejiofor and Kehinde Bankole. The movie has as its lead character, the multi-talented alternative music act, Ibukun (IBK) SpaceshipBoi with the iconic Ade Bantu, who makes a stellar Nollywood debut.

Expect a lot of love, drama, tears and great music as the movie follows the struggles of a young talented rapper (IBK), who battles a learning disability, a dysfunctional home and betrayal to make it in the Nigerian music industry.

The movie was produced and directed by Chioma Onyenwe for Raconteur Productions and was first screened at AFRIFF in November 2015. It will hit the cinemas in June.

Mikillz, whose real name is Irabor Michael Oziegbe is an afro-pop artiste who started out in Surulere, Lagos.

Within a short span of his career, he has been able to produce great sounds.

In this chat with Tosin Clegg, he talks about his career, mentors and more

FASHION ENTREPRENEUR, JANE MICHAEL, GIVES BACK TO ALMA MATER

To celebrate her birthday, fashion entrepreneur Jane Michael visited her alma mater; Girls Academy in Lagos Island. From a modest background, the celebrated stylist has grown to carve a niche for herself as one of Nigeria’s most respected stylists.

“I owe a debt of gratitude to these amazing, selfless people that helped shape parts of my life. I would not be who I am without the discipline, hardwork and encouragement the staff provided. I am here to say Thank You and to encourage the girls that they can achieve their dreams with hardwork,” Jane Micheal said.

During her visit, she was welcomed by the principal, teachers and students of the school and presented with a cake to celebrate her birthday. The highlight of the event was when she shared a touching speech ‘Becoming Greater Women for the Next Generation’; a short story of her time in the school and how it shaped her to become who she is today.

The stylist also adopted an indigent student from her alma mater, an SS2 student, experiencing severe financial hardship. She will be paying the student’s tuition and higher education examination fees. The school officials thanked her for attending the event and for supporting the students of the school.

SHAFER RECORDS DEBUTS WITH THREE ARTISTES South Africa-based record label, Shafer Records, has stormed the Nigerian music landscape launch held recently in Lagos on unveiling three artistes signed on to Shafer Records.

According to Shafer Records CEO, Isaiah Oyibo, the label intends to produce top artistes with good music across Africa and Nigeria is a major focal point in the plan.

The three artistes signed are: Theory, Eluku and Lugi.

Theory, a budding R&B hip hop act, whose single titled “Changes” is presently enjoying massive promotion on South African and Nigerian airwares.

The video is also on video streaming platform, YouTube.

Also in the Shafer’s books, is the upcoming hip hop/rap phenomenon, the dreadlocked “Eluku Young Snookie T.” Lastly, is the double dose Lugi who is a singer/ producer. He is an Afropop and reggae singer with distinct vocals.

The team is set to release their official anthem titled “Team Shafer” in this month. With the landmark launch, Shafer Records will become a big player

W

hat kind of music do you do?

Basically, my genre of music is Afro pop and I have been doing music for the past two years; this year makes it the third year.

What’s different about your music?

What makes my music exceptional, to be honest, is working on my sound but what I can say about my music is that I put energy into it and I make it classic.

Who inspires your music?

My role model ever since has always been Burna Boy. His music inspires me and one of my other mentors is Runtown, who is a great artiste. And they are acts that came from nothing to something. But, I hold more to Meek Mill, internationally, I give major credits to his grass to grace story.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

in the music business industry sooner than later.

Expect nothing but good music only.

I see myself in the next five years as an important person and I will be a mentor to different people. I believe people will definitely learn from me.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • May 14, 2016

auto

Coscharis Motors Rolls-out 2016 Ford Ranger, Explorer, Figo, into Nigeria’s Market Stories by Bennett Oghifo

C

oscharis Motors, a leading dealer in automobile and representative of Ford Motor Corporation in Nigeria, has rolled out the 2016 Ford new models into the Nigerian market.

The company’s General Manager, Marketing & Corporate Services, Abiona Babarinde made a formal introduction of the 2016 edition of three of its Ford variants; the Ford Explorer, Ford Figo together with the Ford Ranger respectively into the Nigerian market at a parley with the media in Lagos.

Babarinde said, “To make our Ford brand affordable by our customers, Coscharis is equally extending the Ford Protect package (in replacement to the ESP - Extended Service Plan) on all Ford variants purchased in any of Coscharis Motors offices within the country.”

The package offers free service for four years or 120,000 kilometres whichever comes first, to its existing and prospective customers on all variants of the Ford brand purchased from any Coscharis Motors showrooms nation-wide.

The Ford Protect is a package which allows the buyers of any Ford variant to own the vehicle for four years or 120,000 kilometres, whichever comes first, without worry as they need not spend a kobo to service the vehicle within the time frame. Babarinde said, “What this means is that for four years or 120,000 kilometres, Coscharis Motors will service the vehicle for the buyer free of charge. All the customer need do is to drive the vehicle to any Coscharis Motors service centre nationwide to get the vehicle serviced and drive away thereafter without paying a kobo.”

Among the freebies to be enjoyed by customers for the four years/120,000 Ford Protect package period are: free oil change; free tyre rotation; free brake pads; free wiper blades; free belts and hoses; and free shocks.

L-R: General Manager, Marketing & Corporate Services, Abiona Babarinde; and Sales Manager, Ford Coscharis Motors, Mr. Fabian Anuforo, at the unveiling of the 2016 Ford Figo… recently

The Ford Protect promo, he said was expanded due to persistent requests being received from customers for the inclusion of more Ford variants in the list of qualified vehicles for the free package. Initially, the programme started with the offering of free services on about six variants but has since grown to about 10 variants including Ford Ranger (pickup) which Coscharis Motors has extended to all Ford variants.

The Ford Protect only seeks the continued realisation of the vision Henry Ford had

over 100 years ago, which seeks to make automobile available and affordable to all mankind. We are sure of the quality of our products and of the fact that maintenance cost of the products is quite low – this is part of the messages we are communicating through the Ford Protect offer – maintenance cost is so low that we can even take it off you.

Another reason for the offer is our desire to take over our customers’ worries about vehicle maintenance and free their minds so that they can focus more on the accomplish-

ment of their primary objectives in business and leisure. Since the commencement of the Ford Protect promo, hundreds of customers, including corporate organizations and private individuals have benefitted from the free service and many more will benefit owing to this new extension.

He also presented the company’s new refurbished Ford showroom, equipped with state of the art aftersales facilities to take care of sales and aftersales of customers respectively.

Toyota No. 1 Retail Brand in April 2016

T

oyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., has reported April 2016 sales of 211,125 units, an increase of 3.8 per cent from April 2015 on a volume basis.

Astatement by the company said, “With one more selling day in April 2016 compared to April 2015, sales were flat (zero percent) on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis.”

Toyota division postedApril 2016 sales of 186,243 units, up 5.0 per cent on a volume basis and 1.1 percent on a DSR basis.

“The industry had its strongest April in more than 10 years, possibly a best-ever month,” said Bill Fay, Toyota division group vice president and general manager. “Toyota division enjoyed its sixth consecutive month of best-ever light truck sales, helped by record Highlander, RAV4 and 4Runner sales.” Lexus posted sales of 24,882 units, down 3.8 percent on a volume basis and 7.4 percent on a DSR basis.

“Not surprisingly, the industry’s strong sales results inApril are powered by consumer demand for luxury utility vehicles, said Jeff Bracken Lexus group vice president and general manager.

“On the heels of four consecutive best-ever sales months for Lexus’ LUV and crossover models, we feel confident that our range of models, especially the RX and NX, are very well positioned to meet the shifting consumer demand in the luxury market.”

April 2016 Highlights: Camry posts sales

of more than 34,000 units; Corolla posts sales of 32,111 units; Toyota division posts record April for light truck sales; up almost 13 per cent for the month; RAV4 sales rose 31.6 per cent; a best-ever April; Highlander up 9.3 per cent; a best-ever April; 4Runner up more than 36 per cent; a best-everApril; Sequoia and Land Cruiser up 18 per cent and 78 per cent respectively; Tacoma up almost 16 per cent for the month; Lexus luxury utility vehicles up more than per cent for the month; NX up 11.5 per cent for the month; RX posts sales of 8,767 units, up nearly 29 per cent for the month; and LX up nearly 64 per cent for the month. *Note: Unless otherwise stated, all figures reflect unadjusted raw sales volume.

Toyota (NYSE:TM), the world’s top automaker and creator of the Prius and the Mirai fuel cell vehicle, is committed to building vehicles for the way people live through our Toyota, Lexus and Scion brands. Over the past 50 years, we’ve built more than 30 million cars and trucks in North America, where we operate 14 manufacturing plants (10 in the U.S.) and directly employ more than 44,000 people (more than 34,000 in the U.S.). Our 1,800 North American dealerships (1,500 in the U.S.) sold more than 2.8 million cars and trucks (nearly 2.5 million in the U.S.) in 2015 – and about 80 percent of all Toyota vehicles sold over the past 20 years are still on the road today.

Toyota 2018 RAV4

Toyota partners with philanthropic organisations across the country, with a focus on education, safety and the environment. As part of this commitment, we share the company’s extensive

know-how garnered from building great cars and trucks to help community organisations and other nonprofits expand their ability to do good.

Jaguar XE Celebrates its First Year with Major Recycling Milestone

A

s the Jaguar XE celebrates its first fullyear of sales, ‘REALCAR’, the pioneering recycled aluminium project that contributes to the awarding winning sedan’s aluminium-intensive body has reached a significant milestone. REALCAR stands for REcycled ALuminium CAR. A statement by the company said Jaguar Land Rover has reclaimed over 50 000 tonnes of aluminium scrap, the weight of 200 000 XE

body shells, back into the production process during 2015/16 – the equivalent of saving more than 500 000 tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere by not using primary aluminium material.

The figures are a result of project ‘REALCAR’ which involves 11 UK press shops implementing a closed loop, segregating waste aluminium scrap so that it can be sent back into production to be re-melted into recycled aluminium sheet metal

for use in Jaguar Land Rover vehicles.

The Jaguar Land Rover-led research project, part funded by Innovate UK, also saw the development of a recycled aluminium-based alloy which can accept a higher percentage of the recovered scrap. In 2014, the Jaguar XE became the first car in the world to use this innovative high-strength aluminium alloy, developed by project partner Novelis.

More than £7m has been invested across Jaguar

Land Rover’s own Halewood, Castle Bromwich and Solihull press shops to install intricate segregation systems to capture and distribute the aluminium scrap for re-melting, reducing waste, retaining higher quality and value in the material.

Recovering aluminium in this way offers huge sustainability benefits, with aluminium recycling requiring up to 95% less energy than primary aluminium production.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • May 14, 2016

auto SAFE DRIVING

JONAS AGWU

with

(Asst Corps Marshal) Zonal Commanding Officer Zone RS7 Abua phone 08077690700 FRSC TOLL FREE NO 122 Email:j.agwu@frsc.gov.ng

Know Your Tyre Director General National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Aminu Jalal addressing stakeholders in Lagos… recently

Jalal: Utilising Standard Auto Products will Minimise Road Crashes Stories by Bennett Oghifo

T

here is great need of educating consumers generally on the adverse consequences of purchasing and utilising substandardautoproductswitha view to minimising road crashes that result in human fatalities and financial losses.

The Director General National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Aminu Jalal gave the advice as a way forward in his presentation, ‘Counterfeit Automotive Com-

ponents: How to Mitigate their PrevalenceandEffectsbyVarious Techniques and Technologies’ at a stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos, recently.

According to Jalal, “There is need for the general public and government to improve their knowledge of what constitutes fake products and parts with a view to ensuring that only those that conform to the required standard are allowed into the country. If the fake goods or parts are produced in the country, they should be detected, confiscated and destroyed.

“Standards are measurable parameters which define various aspects of materials and performance necessary to achieve a desired goal. Vehicles are tested to ensure they meet the compulsory vehicle standards.

These standards aim at improving active and passive car safety, environmental protection as well as the quality of products and production processes.

Therefore, automotive systems and their components are tested and type approved according to these compulsory standards.”

He said the Council in collabora-

tionwithStandardsOrganisation of Nigeria (SON) adopted and adapted more than 110 automotive safety standards. For the Council to realize its twin statutory responsibility of ensuring the incorporation of local content in locally assembled vehicles and compliance of automotive products with environmental and technical safety regulations, Council is collaborating with Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) and has almost completed establishing automotive test laboratories to carry out varioustestsonautocomponents.

Stallion Motors Wins Ashok-Leyland ‘Business Performance Award’

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he Commercial Vehicle Division of Stallion Motors Nigeria has received the Overall Business Performance Award – West Africa Region for 2015 at the just concludedAshok Leyland conference held in Hyderabad, India from 18 – 20 April 2016.

Stallion Commercial Vehicle Division has consequently enlisted Nigeria among Ashok Leyland prominent markets and fledging commercial vehicle manufacturing concerns worldwide.

The award also standardizes uniform experience for customers and alleviates dealership apprehensions while enhancing the identical feel of every dealer outlet and processes across all touch points, Ashok Leyland remarked.

Apromising manufacturing concern, Stallion Motors Commercial Vehicle Division is reputable for quality commercial vehicles such as transport solutions, haulage trucks, garbage compactors and military hardware.

Ashok Leyland truck

Stallion Motors has lately focused onstrategicallypositioningAshok Leyland models on the front burner with the introduction of multiple units of Ashok Leyland Falcon commuter buses in the Lagos State Bus Rapid Transit

(BRT),AbujaMunicipalTransport and a host of other independent waste disposal companies and construction firms nationwide.

Stallion Motors Head of Commercial Vehicle DivisionAnurag Alagh who received the award on

behalf of the company said: “Our way forward is total transport solution to customer and endto-end support to improve the operating economics of Ashok Leyland vehicles during its life cycle.”

Hyundai Motors, Diamond Bank Launch Accessible Vehicle Finance

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yundaiMotorsNigeria Limited (HMNL) in collaboration with primefinancialinstitution - Diamond Bank Plc has launched an imaginative vehicle finance scheme to inspire perceptive customers and fleet buyers to buy precision engineered and affordably priced made-in-Nigeria Hyundai

vehicles.

The scheme which is ongoing is designed to encourage local patrons to own and drive Hyundai vehicles, using convenient bank credit with low interest rates from 14% without commitment and management fees.

Announcing the scheme in Lagos, the duo of Hyundai Motors Nigeria, manufacturers and dis-

tributors of Hyundai vehicles and Diamond Bank PLC explained that the scheme has convenient monthly repayment tenor of 12 months to 36 months, depending on the customer’s payment option.

While also adding that a comprehensive insurance of 3.5% of the vehicle cost will be borne by the customer, the facilitators of the

scheme said customers would in addition be offered free registration, free service for six months or 10,000kms and five years or 100,000kms (whichever is first).

Both establishments brokered this agreement in Lagos at the launch of the scheme aimed at easing challenges associated with accessing low interest bank credit to procure choice cars.

B

etween February to April, 2016, there has been incessant fatal road traffic crashes caused by tyre blowout. They include the crash which claimed the lives of the Minister and his family, the seven Doctors from Ekiti and then, the more tragic death of students from kano and their driver. I know that tyre knowledge is average based on findings by the Federal Road safety. I however know that the need for appropriate tyre care has remained top priority on this page. At a point I thought I had said all that I needed to say until the rich doses of tyre information I received during the recent stakeholder’s forum by the Federal Road Safety Corps on the theme, Promoting Safe tyre use in Nigeria.

But while I was still hoping to digest this vital information, I stumbled on two very important information which I hope to share with you today; the first was an online media report on the testimony of one of the surviving Ekiti doctor which painted the picture of challenges that complicated rescue efforts. The second was from a contact who shared his experience with a man he said had lived abroad. It was titled, important information to vehicle owners. I have chosen to share both with you as I commence another series on,’’ know your tyre’’ borrowed from the Corps ongoing campaign on tyre and as a fallout on the depth of information provided during the stakeholders forum. I do hope that as this series run, that we will all take a second look at what we know about tyres and how we treat tyres.

Let me start with the first information on the doctors crash; according to the report,a survivor from Sunday’s accident in which six medical doctors, and a driver from Ekiti State were killed 60 kilometers from Kaduna State, on his sick bed in Kaduna said the doctors would not have died had basic medical care been administered on them after the accident.By the time the members of the Road Safety Corps came, some doctors that were severely injured had died. Five of them! But, we have two who could still survive. So we rushed them to the nearby hospital (Doka General Hospital, about 70 km to Kaduna).

“At the hospital, I was surprised when they said that there was no doctor there. I was even telling the nurses, ‘ok give me a pain reliever and let me put you through on how to resuscitate that man that was lying near me.

But none of them attended to us.

They were just running around, saying there was no this, no that.

They were running around looking for this and that.

Then I pleaded with the Road Safety to take us to the nearest hospital away from the one we

were. I said they should take us to Suleja, Kaduna, wherever, but the Road Safety said that they didn’t even have fuel. I told them that it was ok, that I would pay for fuel. So we left the place in search for fuel and bought the fuel on the road. But, before we got to the hospital (St. Gerard, Kaduna) the other person had died. That made the number of deaths six.

The other very injured person, who was in the other bus also died making the casualty seven.

It is obvious from his testimony that the absence of prompt medical care, the challenges of fuel compounded the death ratio. But did you know that investigations shows that both the vehicles involved in the Ekiti Doctor crash and kano students were among vehicles recalled by Toyota; that the rear right tyre which bursted was manufactured in 2008-a 7years and 4monthsold,meaning the vehicle had a tyre that had expired? The same was the case with the kano crash where the burst tyre was over five years old while out of the studs of the wheel/tyre assemblage, two studs had no nuts- these are all clear cases of negligence on the part of the drivers. I do not know if there was a case of over inflation or under inflation which has caused avoidable deaths. This is why the second information is key for me because it addresses this issue. It reads thus; many people have been wondering what could be the cause of the incessant tyre burst accidents on Nigerian roads. The major cause is that we put too much pressure in our tyres. How did I know? I was preparing for a journey, I changed some of my tyres and I asked the vulcanizer that ‘ what is the recommended tyre pressure? ‘ He said 50. I said alright, he should inflate it to 50 all round.

When I got to where I was going, I was discussing with some people on the issue of the minister that died on the road due to a burst tyre and wonder what could have happened because nobody could imagine a minister would be travelling with expired tyres as many would think is the major cause of tyre burst.Aman ( lived in US for many years ) said that the major cause of tyre burst in Nigeria is that we put to much pressure in our tyres and that each car has recommended tyre size and pressure clearly written on it by the manufacturer. I was surprised and begged him to come and show me where it’s written on my car. To my greatest surprise, it’s by the drivers door which I enter everyday without noticing it. By the time we checked, the recommended pressure for my tyres is 32! and I just traveled with tyres on a pressure of 50! He took me round his compound and showed me that of the cars (which includes a jeep and a sienna) there, the highest was 32. some were even 29!

28

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 14, 2016

FAMILY HEALTH with

Why Those Headaches ?

H

eadache, also known as cephalalgia, is the symptom of pain anywhere in the region of the head or neck. It is a continuous pain in the head and it is almost a universal experience. Most of us have some kind of headache at some time in our lives.

Headaches are extremely common – most people have a headache at some time in their life. Most headaches disappear on their own (with a little time) or with the help of mild pain relievers.

Although most headaches are mild and temporary annoyances, some people have headaches that are so severe they need to consult a doctor for pain relief.

Children can also have headaches, some well before they reach the age of 10. that before puberty, headaches are more common in boys, but that trend is reversed after puberty. Adult women experience more headaches than adult men, and they’re often linked to a woman’s menstrual cycle. With advancing age, both women and men tend to have fewer, less severe headaches.

Although headaches can be painful and debilitating, they are usually not due to dangerous conditions. However, headaches can occasionally be a sign of something more serious. Very severe high blood pressure (above 180/110 mm Hg), stroke, brain tumour, or an aneurysm (a dilated weakened blood vessel) in the brain may cause headaches.

Meningitis (an infection of the brain’s lining) may also cause a headache. Warning signs are a sudden onset of headache accompanied by fever, stiff neck, and visual problems (double vision).

See a doctor immediately if you experience any of these • gets worse over days or weeks • is accompanied by impaired neurological function (e.g., loss of balance, weakness, numbness, or speech disturbance) and double vision (could signal a stroke) • is accompanied by persistent nausea and vomiting • is accompanied by seizures, mental disturbances, and loss of consciousness • is associated with a fever or stiff neck (could signal meningitis) • is different than the usual pattern of headaches you have experienced • strikes suddenly with great intensity • wakes you from sleep or is worse when you lie down.

Headaches come in various forms , tension, migraine, sinus, and cluster headaches. In a small number of cases, headaches may signal a more serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

It occurs in migraines, tension-type headaches and cluster headaches . Frequent headaches can affect relationships and employment .There is also an increased risk of depression in those with severe headaches.

Headaches can occur as a result of many conditions whether serious or not. There are a number of different classification systems for headaches.

Causes of headaches may include • fatigue, • sleep deprivation, • stress, • the effects of medications, • the effects of recreational drugs, • viral infections, • common colds, • head injury, • rapid ingestion of a very cold food or beverage, • and dental or sinus issues.

Treatment of a headache depends on the underlying cause, but commonly involves pain medication.

Some form of headache is one of the most commonly experienced of all physical discomforts.

There are two main types of headaches :. Headaches are broadly classified as “primary” or “secondary “.

• Primary headaches are benign, recurrent headaches not caused by underlying disease or structural problems. For example, migraine , is a type of primary headache. While primary headaches may cause significant daily pain and disability, they are not dangerous.

• Secondary headaches are caused by an underlying disease, like an infection and head injury , vascular disorders , tumors. Secondary headaches can be harmless or dangerous. Certain “red flags” or warning signs indicate a secondary headache may be dangerous.

BOBO BODE -KAYODE

lifeissuesfromwithin@yahoo.com, .Cel, 08053372356

miss meals may help reduce headaches associated with your menstrual cycle.

Secondary headaches A secondary headache is a symptom of a disease that can activate the pain-sensitive nerves of the head. Any number of conditions , varying greatly in severity , may cause secondary headaches.

Possible causes of secondary headaches include: 1. Acute sinusitis 2. Arterial tears 3. Blood clot 4. Brain aneurysm (a bulge in an artery in your brain) 5. An abnormal formation of brain blood vessels 6. Brain tumor 7. Carbon monoxide poisoning 8. Malformation(structural problem at the base of your skull) 9. Concussion 10. Dehydration 11. Dental problems 12. Ear infection (middle ear) 13. Brain inflammation) 14. Inflammation of the lining of the arteries 15. Glaucoma Hangovers 16. High blood pressure 17. Influenza (flu) and other febrile (fever) illnesses 18. Blood vessel ruptures with bleeding in or around the brain 19. Medications to treat other disorders 20. Meningitis - inflammation of the membranes and fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord) 21. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) 22. Overuse of pain medication 23. Panic attacks and panic disorder 24. Pressure from tight headgear, such as a helmet or goggles 25. Stroke 26. Toxoplasmosis

Headaches are extremely common – most people have a headache at some time in their life. Most headaches disappear on their own (with a little time) or with the help of mild pain relievers.

Although most headaches are mild and temporary annoyances, some people have headaches that are so severe they need to consult a doctor for pain relief

Headaches are generally classified by cause Primary headaches A primary headache is caused by over activity of or problems with pain-sensitive structures in your head. A primary headache isn’t a symptom of an underlying disease.

Chemical activity in your brain, the nerves or blood vessels surrounding your skull, or the muscles of your head and neck (or some combination of these factors) can play a role in primary headaches. Some people may also carry genes that make them more likely to develop such headaches.

The most common primary headaches are 1. Cluster headache 2. Migraine (with and without aura) 3. Tension headache (also known as tension-type headache) A few headache patterns also are generally considered types of primary headache, but are less common. These headaches have distinct features, such as an unusual duration or pain associated with a certain activity.

Although generally considered primary, each could be a symptom of an underlying disease.

They include: 1. Chronic daily headaches (for example, chronic migraine, chronic tension-type headache, or hemicranias continua) 2. Cough headaches 3. Exercise headaches 4. Sex headaches Some primary headaches can be triggered by lifestyle factors, including: 1. Alcohol, particularly red wine 2. Certain foods, such as processed meats that contain nitrates 3. Changes in sleep or lack of sleep 4. Poor posture 5. Skipped meals 6. Stress Hormone headaches Headaches in women are often caused by hormones, and many women notice a link with their periods. The combined contraceptive pill, the menopause and pregnancy are also potential triggers. Reducing your stress levels, having a regular sleeping pattern, and ensuring you don’t

Some types of secondary headaches include 1. External compression headaches (a result of pressure-causing headgear) 2. Ice cream headaches commonly called brain freeze) 3. Rebound headaches (caused by overuse of pain medication) 4. Sinus headaches (caused by inflammation and congestion in sinus cavities) 5. Spinal headaches (caused by low pressure or volume of cerebrospinal fluid, possibly the result of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leak, spinal tap or spinal anesthesia) Thunderclap headaches (a group of disor6. ders that involves sudden, severe headaches with multiple causes).

Finding the cause If you tend to have headaches that are frequent and severe, your doctor will examine you for any serious, life-threatening conditions (e.g., stroke, meningitis) and start emergency care if needed. As well, if you regularly have headaches and experience a change in the pattern of your usual headaches, you should see your doctor.

Typically, a thorough medical history and physical examination is enough for a good diagnosis. Since tension headaches are very common, your doctor will ask questions about your current stress level and other personal factors (e.g., work) that may be triggering your headaches. Depending on the location, duration, and any accompanying symptoms, the type of headache can be determined. In some cases, a brain scan called a CAT (computer assisted tomography) scan or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) may be used to check for serious causes of headache.

Treatment and Prevention Since tension headaches are caused by factors such as neck strain, stress, and anxiety, treatment involves eliminating the stressful situation, if possible. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever , and finding ways to relax, rest, correct poor posture, and exercise can all help to relieve and prevent headache pain..

Other types of headaches can be dealt with using over the counter medications, oxygen therapy, chiropractic manipulation. With other secondary headaches, your doctor will seek to find the underlying ailment, and appropriate treatment given. It is normal that as soon as the cause is removed, these headaches would cease.

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

Champions League Spot in Mind PAGE. 29

14.05.2016

Victor Moses

?

Where Next, Next Season

30

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 14, 2016

GLOBAL SOCCER

Where Next, Next Season?

Victor Moses was outstanding for Wigan Athletic during the 2011/12 English Premiership season.

That was why the coaching crew of Chelsea lured him to Stamford Bridge but eventually loaned him to Liverpool a season after. Since then, the club he will play for has always been an issue at the beginning of every new season. Next season won’t be any different as West Ham United are ready to invest hugely on new strikers which would mean the Nigerian international would be shipped out of Upton Park. Or will the new Chelsea coach, Antonio Conte see something in him that previous Blues coaches did not see? Kunle Adewale reports

V

ictor Moses’ celebrated move to Stamford Bridge was not as fruitful as expected.

He did not get enough playing time. He was eventually loaned to rivals, Liverpool, in September 2013. In spite of scoring on his debut at Anfield, then Reds' boss, Brendan Rogers would prefer in-form former Reds winger, Raheem Sterling to the Nigerian and he had to endure another loan spell at Stoke City during the 2014/15 season.

It was another loan spell at West Ham this current season in spite of high speculation that he would stay at his parent club–Chelsea, especially having been given a squad number, the jersey number 20, last won by former Portuguese star, Deco. Moses impressed in all the Blues pre-season friendlies, scoring

Ham this current season in spite of high speculation that he would stay at his parent club-Chelsea, especially having been given a squad number, the jersey number 20, last won by former Portuguese star, Deco. Moses impressed in all the Blues pre-season friendlies, scoring in the equalizer in the penalty shootout win against PSG in the United State

in the equalizer in the penalty shootout win against PSG in the United States.

With West Ham United cochairman, David Sullivan revealing on Monday that the Hammers have made a big-money transfer bid for an unnamed striker, Moses’ future in the club now looks uncertain.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the businessman not only confirmed that the Champions League hopefuls had made a move for an attacker, but also that they are planning another high-profile move later this week.

"We've put a bid in today for €30m for a player and other bids will be going in. We're going to make a £20-25m for a player in England, maybe later this week. So, whatever happens, we intend to bring a top striker in."

While Sullivan sought to play down the revenue boost the club will receive from a switch to the Olympic Stadium, it is understood that the Irons will be looking to reinvest some of the windfall they received from over 52,000 confirmed season ticket holders.

Moves for new strikers at Upton Park may mean the services of Moses are not needed.

Moreover, the Nigerian suffered a long injury spell, which denied West Ham of his services for much of the season and this could be a big minus for Moses in the club’s preparation for next season.

Indeed, Moses revealed that it was injury that forced him out of the national team after playing a key role in Super Eagles victory at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa with Coach Stephen Keshi in charge. But under coach SundayOliseh, Moses did not lace his boots for Nigeria. His last Super Eagles appearance was in the 2-0 loss to France at the 2014 World Cup but he has reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria.

“I’m proud of being a Nigerian international and am always committed to playing for my country,” Moses told BBC Sport. “It’s the best feeling representing your country and I always want to perform and give 100 percent for the team. Unfortunately, I have not been able to play due to injuries but I have an unwavering commitment to Nigeria. There

Moses

Cont'd on page 31

31

MAY 14, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER Nigeria Professional Football League…

Shooting Stars Shift Focus on Wikki Clash Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) midfielder, Tope Orelope has said his side have shifted attention to weekend’s top flight Week 17 clash at Wikki Tourists in Bauchi.

The Oluyole Warriors were stunned 1-2 by Warri Wolves in Wednesday’s clash at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan.

Orelope said his side cannot continue to dwell on the painful loss to the Seasiders but move swiftly on how to reclaim the points at the Bauchi outfit.

“Well, the defeat to Warri Wolves is history as no amount of ruing can undo the result. I think we experienced our bad day once again on Wednesday against Warri Wolves.

“We had penalty in the encounter still went ahead to miss the spot kick to add up the miserable day.

We have taken the loss in good faith to forge ahead on the other matches on the season’s calendar.

“We have shifted our focus on the weekend’s clash at Wikki Tourists. We

have equally resolved to make amend and strive to reclaim the points we lost to Wolves at Wikki Tourists.

“It looks a daunting task to achieve but we have no choice than to go ahead to challenge favourably for the whole three points at stake,” said the Ibadan warlords goal king to supersport.com.

3SC are 17th on the 20team Nigerian top flight on 17 points 11 behind league leaders, Enugu Rangers.

Tornadoes Striker, Gata Set 25-goal Target Niger Tornadoes striker, Ismaila Gata Adeshina has set 25-goal target for himself in the ongoing 2015/16 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.

The former Kwara United goal king has already netted nine goals in the 16-week old Nigerian top flight.

Gata said 25 goals will be good enough to crown him the highest goal scorer by the curtain falls on the ongoing league season.

“Yes, I have a target of 25 goals for myself in the ongoing league season, the two goals against Heartland on Wednesday increased my goal tally to nine in the 16-week old top flight.

“Of course, the main target is to emerge the top scorer at the end of the season and I believe 25 goals will be good

points and once we are able to break the jinx our position on the log will appreciate greatly.

“We are coming to Lagos to break the home invincibility of newcomers, MFM FC in the ongoing top flight,” said the Niger Tornadoes goal poacher.

The NPFL newcomers are 15th on the 20-team top flight on 20 points from possible 48 in the 16-week old league.

Week 17 Fixtures Pillars Plateau Utd Rangers Warri Wolves Wikki Tourist Abia Warriors Akwa United Lobi Stars Enyimba MFM

v v v v v v v v v v

Heartland El Kanemi Ikorodu Utd Sunshine Shooting Rivers Utd Nasarawa Utd Giwa Ifeanyi Uba Tornadoes

Beat Warriors and Get 50k, Meadia Officer Charges Rivers United

Moses Cont'd from page 30

Where Next, Next Season? is a new manager and the team has been doing well but without me.

I’m prepared to give it my all and fight for a place on a regular basis, that’s my aim. This is football, a competitive stage and I have to fight hard to get in but I don’t mind doing that,” said Moses after he was invited for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Egypt.

And if he has to return to his parent club next season, he would face stiff competition for a place in the starting. Chelsea may have little choice but to send him on another season loan spell or sell him to another club as Moses is no longer getting younger.

As the 2015/16 ends this weekend, the next destination of Moses is being watched with keen interest as he could be anywhere. But it would always be in his interest to play in a team where he would have enough playing time rather than a team where he would just make the numbers. Now 25, the time has come for Moses to settle down at one club and attempt to build a legacy, rather than persistent movement that has characterised his career.

Moses was born in Lagos to a pastor. When he was 11, his parents were among thousands killed by rioters in northern Nigeria. A week later, with his travel paid for by

enough to hand me the goal king gong.

“Nothing says the target could not be exceeded once the opportunity is there and I experience injury-free season,” said the former Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) marksman to supersport.com.

Gata said his goal prowess has not reflected on his side’s position on the log because they are yet to win match on the road.

“Well I can say that my personal effort at goal has or not reflected on our current position on the league table.

“The reason is not farfetched simply because we have not been able to win match on the road so far in the season.

“However, we are not giving up on the search for

relatives, he came to Britain as an asylum seeker. He attended Stanley Technical High School, now known as the Harris Academy, in South Norwood. Scouted playing football in the local Tandridge League for Cosmos 90 FC, Crystal Palace approached him, with the club's Selhurst Park stadium just streets away from his school.

Moses first came to prominence at 14 after scoring 50 goals for Palace's under-14s side. Playing for three years at Whitgift and Palace, Moses scored over 100 goals as well as helping Whitgift win many school cups, including a National Cup where he scored all five goals in the final against Healing School of Grimsby at the Walkers Stadium, Leicester.

Moses joined Chelsea from Wigan for £9m in 2012 and scored 10 goals in his first 12 months with Chelsea's first team, five of which helped the club claim the Europa League.

He was an exciting prospect at Wigan, but he has failed to fulfill his potential at Chelsea, as he was used sparingly. He featured 23 times during last season's loan spell at Stoke and remains on the radar for as long as other wing targets slip through the net.

It however remains to be seen if Chelsea’s new gaffer, Antonio Conte, would see in Moses what previous coaches had failed to notice in him.

Players of Rivers United will get fifty thousand Naira from the teams media officer Sammy Wejinya, if they defeat Abia Warriors in Umuahia on Sunday in Match Day 17 fixture of the NPFL. Wejinya made this promise while speaking with the players as the team continues preparation for the big match this weekend.

He went further to state that this is his little way to motivate the players and show appreciation for the effort the coaches and players have put in so far

G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR KUNLE ADEWALE LAYOUT DESIGNER WAHAB AKINTUNDE THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE

this season.

Rivers United is currently second on the league table

tied on points with first place Rangers International of Enugu.

Fans enjoying one of the games in the Nigeria Premier League

Nigeria Premier League Table Rangers Rivers United Kano Pillars Abia Warriors Ifeanyi Uba Wikki Tourist Lobi Stars Akwa United MFM Tornadoes Warri Wolves Sunshine Stars Enyimba Heartland Nasarawa Utd Plateau Utd Shooting Stars El Kanemi Giwa Ikorodu Utd

16 16 15 15 16 15 16 16 16 16 15 16 13 16 16 16 16 15 16 16

8 9 8 7 8 7 7 7 6 7 6 5 6 6 7 5 5 5 4 2

4 1 3 6 2 4 4 3 5 1 4 6 3 3 0 5 2 1 1 4

4 6 4 2 6 4 5 6 5 8 5 5 4 7 9 6 9 9 11 10

23 19 24 18 16 20 17 22 17 19 9 17 14 14 18 18 17 15 10 12

18 15 15 11 15 8 13 16 15 19 11 13 12 16 22 23 26 21 24 26

+5 +4 +9 +7 +1 +12 +4 +6 +2 +0 -2 +4 +2 -2 -4 -5 -9 -6 -14 -14

28 28 27 27 26 25 25 24 23 22 22 21 21 21 21 20 17 16 13 10

32

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 14, 2016

GLOBAL SOCCER

Manchester Teams Battle for Last Champions League Spot

Leicester City celebrating their first Premier League title win in the history of the club

With Leicester confirmed this year’s Premier League winner andTottenham Hot Spurs and Arsenal placed second and third respectively, the two Manchester teams-City and United will be all out against their opponent in an attempt to grab the last Champions League spot. However, with contention for the top scorer still in the offing, Leicester’s trip to Stamford Bridge against former champion, Chelsea, would be more than a formality since Verdy would want to go for the top scorer award as an icing on the cake to the EPL title

N

ot many would have thought that Manchester City would wait till the last day in their quest for a Champions League ticket considering the quality of the team and the way the Citizens kick start league-carting away the first 15 points, but inconsistency and poor results on the roads robbed off the shine from the side.

Therefore, the Manuel Pellegrini side are now condemned to win their last Premiership game to be sure of place in next the 2016/17 European elite competition.

Although the game is actually a no-bearing for Swansea City as they are at the 11th spot of the league table, 12 points safe off the relegation zone and 16 points below any berths of continental tournaments, they will still try to extend their two-game winning run to three as they face the mercurial Citizens in the season finale.

In their penultimate match, the Swans routed contending squad West Ham United, 4-1, at the Upton Park last Saturday.

Meanwhile, Manchester City settled to a 2-2 draw with fellow contender Arsenal FC at the Etihad Stadium last Sunday.

The tie was City's third winless performance in their last four assignments as they dropped to fourth place in the league table, three points behind the Gunners.

They lead cross-city rivals Manchester United by only two points in the overall standings, which means this finale match against Swansea is a crucial one for Pellegrini's side.

Manchester United knew victory at Upton Park and at home to Bournemouth this weekend would secure a top-four place - but this loss means Manchester City are two points clear of them going into their final game at Swansea City. But West Ham, were not to be denied and two towering headers in the space of four minutes from Michail Antonio and Winston Reid gave them the victory they richly deserved.

Manchester United had their fate in their own hands knowing two victories - here and at home to Bournemouth on Sunday - would assure Champions League football next season.

It was typical of their misfiring season that they squandered this chance with a performance that was for the most part lifeless, only lifted above mediocrity by the brilliance of Martial.

United may have been affected by that late arrival and the delayed kick-off, but their first 45 minutes fell well short of what was needed given how high the stakes were. It was only down to West Ham's generosity in front of goal that Louis Van Gaal's side were only 1-0 down at the interval.

And when, against the run of play and thanks to Martial's excellence, they found themselves ahead with 18 minutes left they were still not good enough to make it count. The hosts finally took their chances and scored twice in four minutes to once again reveal the flaws in this fragile Manchester United side.

While Arsenal could still find themselves dragged down to their customary fourth-place finish, it seems far more likely to be a battle between the red and blue halves of Manchester for the final Champions League qualification spot.

Arsenal are third in the league and12 points behind champions Leicester and need a draw from their last game to seal automatic qualification for the Champions League next season, and Jack Wilshere said the players were disappointed that their title challenge crumbled but were confident of an improved display next term.

"I think of the games that didn't go our way like Swansea at home. There are a lot of chances we create with the likes of Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck, we just have to be a bit more clinical," Wilshere told the club's website.

"I think we are moving in the right direction.

We put up a big challenge this year, and OK it didn't work out... we put up more of a fight than previous years."

Arsene Wenger's men finish their league campaign against relegated Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

However, that "final" spot in fourth may yet

give way to a fifth team entering the Champions League next season, however, as Liverpool will claim a spot in Europe's top competition should they manage a victory over Sevilla in the Europa League final next week. Jurgen Klopp has a difficult decision ahead of the final match of the Premier League season, as the Reds could still earn a spot in next season's Europa League campaign if results go their way in the final match, but following the 1-1 draw against Chelsea it seems more likely that West Ham United and Southampton will battle it out on Super Sunday while the Reds rest their big names in preparation for Wednesday's final.

Meanwhile, relegated squad Newcastle United FC is scheduled to host second-running team Tottenham Hotspur FC in their season finale at the St. James' Park on Sunday.

Newcastle is officially relegated to the Football League Championship next season as they are at the 18th spot of the league table and four points below the 17th-placed Sunderland with only one game left in their current campaign.

While a win over the Spurs in their finale will not make the Magpies stay in the English top flight next season, it will have some repercussions for Tottenham as the London squad could lose their runner-up position to Arsenal if that will happen.

Rafa Benitez's side is coming off a disappointing 0-0 draw with cellar dwellers Aston Villa last Saturday at the Villa Park.

It was the third drawn match by the Magpies in their last four games which made them unable to escape the bottom three relegation zone. The

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MAY 14, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER Premiership Table Leicester Tottenham Arsenal Man City Man Utd West Ham Southampton Liverpool Chelsea Stoke Swansea Everton Watford Crystal Palace West Brom Bournemouth Sunderland Newcastle Norwich Aston Villa

37 37 37 37 37 37 37 36 36 37 37 36 36 37 37 37 36 37 36 37

32 38 25 30 12 15 15 13 6 -15 -10 4 -8 -9 -14 -20 -17 25 -27 -45

80 70 68 65 63 62 60 58 48 48 46 44 44 42 42 42 35 34 31 17

37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37

50 44 40 14 16 7 8 2 -2 -2 -2 -10 -7 -12 -8 -24 -28 -21 -37 -28

88 79 77 67 61 58 57 54 49 46 45 43 42 41 40 39 36 35 31 28

Seria A Juventus Napoli Roma Inter Fiorentina Sassuolo Milan Lazio Chievo Genoa Torino Empoli Atalanta Bologna Sampdoria Udinese Palermo Carpi Frosinone Verona

Barcelona, Madrid TakeTitle Fight to the Wire Like in 2013/14 season when the La Liga was decided on the last day, this year’s season has also gone to the wire as the two Spanish giants- Barcelona and Real Madrid, quest for the title would be decided today

B

arcelona closed in on the La Liga title by thrashing local rivals Espanyol 5-0 last Sunday as Atletico Madrid dropped out of the race after losing 2-1 at Levante and Real Madrid beat Valencia 3-2.

Barcelona routed city rival Espanyol 5-0 on Sunday to increase their lead in the Spanish league going into next weekend's final round of matches, when another victory will secure the Catalan club their second consecutive title.

In the final round, Barcelona will play at Granada, who were fighting against relegation but on Sunday mathematically secured their place in the top flight with a 4-1 win at Sevilla, while Real Madrid will play at Deportivo La Coruna, who are in the middle of the table and also won't have anything to play for in the last round.

Barcelona have the advantage on the head-to-head tiebreaker against Real Madrid, so Madrid will need to win their game in La Coruna and hope Barcelona at least draw in Granada. Barcelona will be trying to win their sixth league title in eight seasons, while Madrid will be looking to lift the trophy for the first time since 2012, and second time in eight seasons.

Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid were

coming off difficult games in the semifinals of the Champions League, when both advanced to the May 28 final in Milan. Barcelona will play in the Copa del Rey final against Sevilla on May 22. The Catalan club relinquished a nine-point lead after going winless in four straight games, but Luis Enrique's team picked up the pace just in time, winning four consecutive games by outscoring opponents 21-0 to stay ahead going into the decisive round.

Meanwhile, Granada’s Ivan Kelava has refuted claims that the club’s players have considered accepting incentives from Real Madrid to defeat Barcelona. Madrid must return from their trip to Deportivo La Coruna with maximum points and hope that Granada, who ensured top-flight survival last weekend, take points off the leaders.

The practice of offering bonuses, known as maletines (briefcases), is prohibited in Spanish football, which nonetheless has a history of incentivising at the end of the season.

Kelava was accused of telling Goal that Real Madrid would be able to offer a ‘bonus’ to his side despite them having nothing to play for and that the practice was ‘normal’ in Spain.The 28-year-old Croatian international goalkeeper, however, adamantly denied such claims on Twitter a few hours after the quotes began to circulate.

37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37

80 74 43 11 -6 11 3 0 -4 -5 -1 -10 -14 -19 -36 -20 -29 -24 -23 -31

88 87 85 64 60 59 52 45 45 44 44 43 42 42 40 39 36 36 35 32

Bundesliga Bayern Dortmund Leverkusen M'gladbach Mainz Hertha Schalke Wolfsburg Köln Ingolstadt Augsburg Hamburger Darmstadt Hoffenheim Frankfurt Bremen Stuttgart Hannover

Arsenal

v

Villa

15:00

Chelsea

v

Leicester

15:00

Everton

v

Norwich

15:00

Man Utd

v

Bournemouth 15:00

TODAY Deportivo Granada Bilbao Atletico SUNDAY

TODAY

Hart Lane last Sunday to allow the Gunners to move within two points of their position.

Spurs need to win this match against the Magpies if they want to finish the season as runners-up to Leicester City as their loss and an Arsenal win will deny them that distinction.

Barcelona Madrid Atletico Villarreal Celta Vigo Ath Bilbao Sevilla Málaga Sociedad Las Palmas Valencia Eibar Deportivo Real Betis Espanyol Granada Getafe Sporting Vallecano Levante

33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33

61 48 15 15 4 0 -1 -4 -4 -8 -8 -8 -13 -12 -17 -16 -23 -29

85 77 57 52 49 49 49 42 42 40 38 38 38 37 36 35 33 25

Spanish La Liga Fixtures

Premiership

tie with the Villans dropped them to the relegation area for good as the Black Cats defeated dethroned champions Chelsea FC in their own penultimate match to create a four-point gap in between them.

Meanwhile, the Spurs were defeated by surging team Southampton FC, 1-2, at White

La Liga

v v v v

Madrid Barcelona Sevilla Celta Vigo

16:00 16:00 18:30 18:30

Southampton

v

Crystal Palace 15:00

Málaga

v

Las Palmas

11:00

Stoke

v

West Ham

15:00

Espanyol

v

Eibar

18:00

v

Levante

18:30

Swansea

v

Man City

15:00

Vallecano

Watford

v

Sunderland

15:00

Real Betis

v

Getafe

18:30

Sporting

v

Villarreal

18:30

West Brom

v

Liverpool

15:00

Hot Shots

Bundesliga Fixtures TODAY

Harry Kane

Tottenham

25

Jamie Vardy

Leicester

24

14:30

Sergio Aguero

Man City

24

14:30

Romelu Lukaku

Everton

18

Riyad Mahrez

Leicester

17

Jermain Defoe

Sunderland

15

14:30

Odion Ighalo

Watford

14

14:30

Olivier Giroud

Azrsenal

13

Alexis Sanchez

Arsenal

13

Diego Costa

Chelsea

12

Gyifi Sigurdsson

Swansea

11

Mainz

v

Hertha

14:30

Levakusen

v

Ingolstadt

14:30

Dortmund

v

Köln

Augsburg

v

Hamburger

Bayern

v

Hannover

14:30

Darmstadt

v

M'gladbach

14:30

Bremen

v

Frankfurt

14:30

Hoffenheim

v

Schalke

Wolfsburg

v

Stuttgart

Serie A Fixtures TODAY

Juventus

v

Sampdoria

16:00

Milan

v

Roma

19:45

Troy Deeney

Watfor d

11

Napoli

v

Frosinone

19:45

Andre Ayew

Swansea

11

Sassuolo

v

Inter

19:45

Anthony Martial

Man Utd

11

Marko Amoutovic

Stoke

11

SUNDAY v

Bologna

17:00

Graziano Pelle

Southamton

10

Empoli

v

Torino

17:00

Dele Alli

Tottenham

10

Genoa

v

Atalanta

17:00

Lazio

v

Fiorentina

19:45

Sadio Mane

Southamton

10

Palermo

v

Verona

19:45

Roberto

Fimino

10

Udinese

v

Carpi

19:45

Shane Long

Southamton

10

Chievo

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 14, 2016

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GLOBAL SOCCER\\OTHER SPORTS

Two-time world cross-country world champion Emily Chebet is among the Kenyan athletes to have been banned for doping offences

Tiger Woods and Jason Day

White Set to Tempt Mayweather Out from Retirement Floyd Mayweather has been invited to open discussions over fighting Conor McGregor by UFC president Dana White.

'Money' officially retired from the sport of boxing back in September but rumours continue the American will end his period of inactivity by taking on Ireland's controversial mixed martial artist McGregor.

Mayweather, who boasts a flawless 49-0 record as a boxer,

previously stated clashing with McGregor was 'possible', while McGregor posted a mock-up promotional photo via his social media.

Joseph Parker v Carlos Takam JWhite told The Dan Patrick Show of the situation: "[McGregor] is under contract with the UFC. Listen, if Floyd wants to fight Conor, call me Floyd."

McGregor previously said: "I'm open to discussions; come at

me. But I hold the key, and it's me who holds the key to the fight game.

"I am open-minded. I am open to discussion. I love competition.

I love fighting. It would be nice to make that fight if the fans were interested and wanted to see it."

Should McGregor step in against Mayweather, legendary boxing coach Freddie Roach has been tipped to coach the

Crumlin man, and Roach told boxingscene.com: "They did ask me if I'll train him. I said 'Sure, bring him down'.

"I'd like to see [him], meet the guy and see what he has. He seems like a nice guy."

McGregor, who has operated primarily as a featherweight (145lbs) in the UFC, recently stepped up to welterweight (170lbs) only to suffer a submission defeat to Nate Diaz.

Ekundayo Set For African Boxing Union Title Defense The pride of Nigeria, Larry 'The Natural' Ekundayo is gearing up to defend his African Boxing Union title belt against Tanzanian boxing star Saidi Mundi on June 4 in London.

Nigerian born Ekundayo, who is the undefeated African Boxing Union champion, International Masters welterweight title holder and the 2012 Prizefighter

champion, will once again carry the hopes of Nigeria on his shoulders in a title defence that is set to be an explosive African showdown.

Tanzanian Champion, Mundi brings an impressive ring record of 14 wins will only two losses, meaning both athletes will be looking to get the best of one another on the night. This night

of sporting excellence will be attended by Nigerian celebrities from the worlds of music and film who are great supporters of Ekundayo.

The bout promises to be an exciting and thrilling display of African pugilistic talent. This will also be a night of historic magnitude, as it will the first time an African title defence

has headlined at the home of British boxing, the York Hall, London.

This night is of significant importance to the boxing phenomenon Ekundayo as victory will propel him up the world rankings ahead of a potential title defence in his Homeland of Nigeria on Independence Day, October 1.

Ikoyi Host Nigeria Cup Sponsors on Wednesday As a mark of their appreciation for their support for Nigeria Cup; a tournament put in place to celebrate the nation’s Independent anniversary, the 2016 Nigeria Cup committee will be hosting the tournament’s sponsors on Wednesday, May 18, Chairman, Nigeria Cup organising committee, Bayo Ali, who is also the Vice Captain of the club has

said.

Christened ‘Appreciation Kitty’, the Vice Captain says the event will offer the Ikoyi Golf Community Nigeria Association, (IGCNA) the opportunity to say ‘Thank You’ to every Nigerian, corporate organisations, Ikoyi club members and other individuals that have supported the event over the years.

“We felt it is important to commend them for their support over the years. The Nigeria Cup has come this far because of their support. They have been wonderful and so there is the need to celebrate them as a mark of appreciation for what they have done for this great competition”, Ali said.

While saying it’s going to be

a fulfilled Wednesday for all, the Vice Captain added that sponsors who play golf will join the team on the course while those who don’t will remain at Hole-19 to enjoy the day.

The 2016 edition of the weeklong competition is the 20th in the series and will run from the last week of September to the first week of October.

Lopez Pulls Out of the Olympic Games Spanish tennis player Feliciano Lopez has announced he will not take part in the 2016 Rio Olympics due to scheduling challenges.

The world No 23, who would have been a likely choice for the Spanish Olympic Committee, has previously reached two Olympic Games in 2004 and 2012, but failed to win a medal on either occasion.

Lopez said he was concerned

about the demands of the calendar, with the Olympics coming in the middle of the North American hard-court season leading up to the US Open. The 34-year-old wrote on his Facebook page: "I want to communicate my resignation to participate in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games based on the calendar, and with the aim of having the best possible tournaments this summer and especially in the

US."I have always felt a special pride in representing Spain in all competitions and this has therefore been a very difficult decision.

Lopez came close to podium success during the London Olympics with partner David Ferrer that saw the duo placed fourth in the doubles.

"Both Games gave me the opportunity to live an unforgettable experience as an athlete.

I now hope other colleagues who perhaps have not had the opportunity to represent Spain in Olympic Games can enjoy the same. I wish them all luck in Rio." Deciding to concentrate on other tournaments, Lopez will not be joining 2008 Olympic champion Rafael Nadal, who has been selected to carry the Spanish flag at the Opening Ceremony on August 5.

SuperSport Clinches UN 2016 International Day of Sports for Development SuperSport has been awarded the United Nations 2016 International Day of Sports for Development and Peace Award in recognition for its immense input, sacrifice and donations to the development of sports and promotion of peace in the region through its corporate social responsibility platform, Let’s Play.

The award was presented by the United Nations through its office on Sport for Development of Peace (UNOSDP) and the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development in line with

the UN’s objectives for peace, security and development in achieving its Sustainable Development Goals.

This year’s campaign themed, “Let’s Play for the Sustainable Development Goals” recognises that sports has been increasingly recognized globally as a lowcost and high-impact tool in humanitarian, development and peace building efforts by both the UN and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

“We are honored to receive this very prestigious award that

recognizes our contribution to the physical and mental development of African children through various sporting activities”, said Felix Awogu, General Manager, SuperSport, West Africa when receiving the notification of award on behalf of the company.

“We believe that sports has the ability to bridge racial and social gaps in our society and more importantly, ensure that our children have a safe and secure tomorrow.

Through our Let’s Play developmental programme, we

have been able toencourage participation in sporting activities in schools that promote physical and mental wellbeing among children”, he said.

Let’s Play aims to elevate awareness of our social situation and to introduce and encourage play, activity and sport in schools and at home. This is done through advanced media campaigns and close associations with organisations that target children and introduce activities to schools, homes and communities.

Kenya Faces Fresh Anti-doping Crisis Kenya is set to be declared in breach of global anti-doping rules, the BBC has learned.

The surprise move will mean some of the world's top athletes are at risk of missing August's Olympic Games in Rio. Kenya, one of the major forces in world athletics, has already missed two World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) deadlines to show it is tackling cheating in sport.

Now Wada is expected to rule the country 'non-compliant' when its board meets in Montreal on Thursday.

After a series of drugs and corruption scandals, Kenya had been warned to comply with Wada's rules or face sanctions.

Last month, it finallypassed legislation that created a new national anti-doping agency, with President Uhuru Kenyatta personally driving the new law through.

It was widely assumed that the measure would satisfy Wada.

However, it can now be revealed that Wada's compliance committee has recommended that Kenya should be declared in breach of its code.

The Wada board is expected to accept that recommendation.

It will now be up to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) or sport's international federations to decide whether to ban Kenyan athletes from the Rio Games or any other competitions.

They could come under pressure to do so, amid an unprecedented doping crisis and mounting concern over the country's lack of action against cheating.

The Olympic participation of another powerhouse athletics nation - Russia - is already in doubt.

In November, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) banned the country's track and field athletes from international competition following allegations of systemic state-sponsored cheating.

The IAAF, which governs world athletics, will decide on Russia's possible reinstatement in Vienna on17 June.

Kenya is dominant at distance running, winning 11 medals at London 2012 and topping the table at the World Championships in Beijing last year with seven golds.

But the country has become mired in doping and bribery allegations, with more than 40 of its athletes failing drugs tests since 2011.

In November, former Wada president Dick Pound said it was "pretty clear that there are a lot of performance-enhancing drugs being used" in Kenya.

How did it come to this?

In February, the BBC revealed Kenya hadmissed a deadline to pass a law establishing a new national anti-doping agency so that more testing could take place.

Wada placed it on a 'watch-list' of nations at risk of breaching its code and gave it until 5 April to comply, with IAAF president Lord Coe threatening Kenya with a ban if it did not pass the bill into law.

Kenya missed that second deadline, too, but was then given until 12 May to make its national agency operational.

Last month, Kenya finally passed the crucial legislation.

In fact, it went further than Wada had requested by criminalising doping and threatening cheats with prison sentences.

At the time, President Kenyatta said he was confident Wada would "look upon the passage of our anti-doping law favourably". That view was echoed by some of Kenya's top athletes, who feared they might be thrown out of the Rio Olympics if the law was not passed.

"That's what Wada was waiting for in Kenya, so we are safe," London Marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge said.

However, it is understood Wada officials are not happy they were not informed of certain key amendments to the legislation.

What will the decision mean?

Declaring Kenya non-compliant will be seen as a sign that the organisation is finally getting tough with countries that flout their rules.

In the last few weeks, it has suspended national anti-doping laboratories in Moscow, Beijing, Lisbon and Bloemfontein, raising serious concerns about the effectiveness of drugs-testing in the build-up to Rio. This week, Wada also opened an investigation into allegations of Russian doping at the Sochi 2014 Olympics.

Any other problems for Kenya?

The IAAF has suspended Isaac Mwangi, chief executive of Athletics Kenya following allegations he requested a bribe to reduce the doping suspensions of two athletes.

Three other senior officials at Athletics Kenya have also been suspended following accusations they were involved in corruption linked to Doha's successful bid for the 2019 World Championships.

All four officials and the Qatar campaign team deny any wrongdoing.

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MAY 14, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

AFRICA PLAYS

with KENNETH EZAGA 0807 0530 677, zigi199@yahoo.com

And Why Shouldn’t the NNPC and other Rich Parastatals Put Money Behind the NPFL? These are precarious times in Nigeria and now more than ever we must pool resources to fight our way out of the gigantic hole we have dug ourselves into. There is a clear desire today to diversify our economy and create jobs and wealth for as many as we can locally. As I have always advocated on this page, sports offers a great platform to especially engage and continuously develop our large youth population and the government must view this as a great opportunity at this time. Recently I saw on the Facebook page of the chairman of the League Management Company, Shehu Dikko, that he and other football leaders visited the minister of state for petroleum and group managing director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Dr. Ibe Kachukwu to solicit support for the local game in line with international best practices, and it just made sense. The NNPC is the leading national corporation in Nigeria and it must have a corporate social responsibility budget in multibillions of naira, so why shouldn’t they adopt sports as a platform to help society grow enterprise and a more competitive generation of leaders? Why shouldn’t they adopt sports as a means to inspire the young and raise aspirations country-wide? Why shouldn’t they put a few billions into the country’s most popular sport and become a catalyst for a story of success that would lead to hundreds of thousands of new direct and ancillary jobs?

I

am especially concerned about the Nigerian Professional Football League which we all know is far from the heights it can attain, but which in recent years has seen increasing success from a committed and dynamic leadership. The LMC, which Dikko currently heads alongside Honourable Nduka Irabor, has taken great pains to tackle a variety of the challenges that have dogged the sport, and seem at last to be winning. Only last month Dikko and his crew pulled off a sensational deal to partner the Spanish La Liga leadership. It was a deal that brought the leaders of the La Liga, including its president Javier Tebas, and involved the Spanish ambassador to Nigeria Alfonso Barnuevo as well as the Nigerian minister of sport Solomon Dalung to the table. Those who follow the local game will agree that the actions of the LMC have led to a steady rise in the popularity of the NPFL. In fact, it does appear that all that may be required at this time for the league to hit on a steep upward trajectory is a little nudge, and that is where the likes of the NNPC and other rich government parastatals could play a role.

You may want to ask why the NNPC should be interested in the local league given the myriad of problems facing our country, but I see several that I will outline in this piece. Given what the organization spends on CSR every year, a few billions to football will not leave an obvious dent, but on the flip side it can help establish a mammoth industry that would create wealth locally and keep our restive youths positively engaged pan Nigeria.

Football affects all corners of Nigeria and it is the one sport that unites us all. Regardless of our usual politically-motivated tribal, religious and sectional differences that threaten the peaceful coexistence of all Nigerians, football has continuously shown us that among ordinary Nigerians we remain one people. Teams from the north have several players from the south in their squads and vice versa.

Weekly these teams crisscross this country to entertain fans, and it is a rare day that you hear anything about our differences. Our national teams also capture this even more so. There are those - and I am one of them - who believe that if we Nigerians saw our country the way we see the Super

Eagles, we will no longer have any problems living happily together.

When the Eagles play hardly anyone cares about the tribal, religious or sectional composition of the team. All we want to see, and celebrate, is our victory together as one people.

The NNPC should know a thing or two about the problems we face, that they spend billions of naira yearly trying to suppress. These problems will not go away easily unless we encourage and support initiatives that bring us together like football. A successful domestic football industry would engender the kinds of investments that would offer many of our restive youths the option of decent and respectful living without having to resort to violence and other atrocities, many of which affect NNPC’s operations.

Over 1000 league, cup and international matches are played annually and many are beamed live to the

world. Showcasing the NNPC as a good corporate citizen through this platform would connect it to ordinary Nigerians who basically just see the organisation as one that only enriches the wealthy among us. With the NNPC on pitch panels and on TV beamed to an increasing legion of viewers, this would send a powerful message about strengthening our ecosystem such that we support each other to boost Nigerian enterprise.

It is indeed a shame that the pillar of support that the league currently enjoys comes in form of a South African company. We need to ask ourselves why a company like Supersport can believe in the NPFL enough to spend billions of its own money to develop it while Nigerian organisations watch with disinterest from far away. It is time for the likes of the NNPC - like Eskom does in South Africa - to support our game. If they chip in, then our clubs can earn a lot more money and

players and officials can be paid much more. The more they earn the more they can positively affect those around them. However, even more important is that the NNPC does not have to be in this for the long term, but just long enough for the league to take off. By that time there will be enough foreign investments coming into the country to ensure sustainable success.

Success in football would open up massive business opportunities across different sectors. When fans celebrate they boost business for beverage companies, agriculture, local transportation, the hospitality industry, small food businesses and merchandising. Football would also boost medical services, architecture and building, the media, security, etc.

Helping domestic football translates to the NNPC helping itself and society in the end. It is something, not just the NNPC, but all big Nigerian businesses, should keep in mind.

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SATURDAY MAY 14, 2016 T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY SATURDAY MAY 14, 2016

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • May 14, 2016

May 14, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • May 14, 2016

FITNESS FILE The Edenlifestyle corner with

MAJE AYIDA

majeayida@edenlifenigeria.com www.edenlifenigeria.com, 07062614551

Lost Your Abs? Here’s How To Find

O

ne of the top body things that men covet is a chiseled set of abs.

You can’t deny the fact that any man with a firm, ripped stomach gains instant respect from others, which is not an easy goal to achieve. Far too often I have clients pointing out that they aren’t seeing results, without realizing that you need to make changes beyond the gym.

Fortunately, if you have the right strategies in place it’s definitely a goal that you can take head-on. Let me walk you through the top things that you should be doing in order to maximise your abs’ potential.

Serve Up Some Lean Protein PostWorkout The first thing to focus on is taking in a good dose of lean protein after your workout session, it’s a must in order to repair broken down muscle tissues. With greater repair levels, you’ll experience greater overall muscle growth, which means a faster metabolic rate. And the faster your metabolic rate is moving along, the more total body fat you will burn up daily, helping uncover your abs in the process.

Do Core Moves On The Decline When going about your core workouts to develop stronger abs, don’t underestimate the power of doing them on a decline. Simply shifting the body into this position gives them greater total resistance to work against since you’ll have to fight the forces of gravity.

Try the decline weighted twisting sit-up for the ultimate move that hits the obliques as well.

Destabilize Your Body On the workout side of things, the

more you can destabilise yourself, the more you’ll target muscle fibers deep within the core. Doing more of your basic strength and core exercises on an exercise ball, you’ll achieve this effect perfectly.

Eliminate Refined Foods Next, one of the most important steps to take if you want to get chiseled abs is to eliminate all the refined foods that you’re consuming in your diet plan. Refined foods will break down rapidly in the body, which causes your blood glucose to increase and this spikes insulin right along with it.

With high levels of insulin constantly in your system, you’re in primary fat storage mode, so expect to see fat being packed on around your middle.

Once the glucose is cleared from the blood, you’ll then suffer a blood glucose crash, which causes intense food cravings to set in. It’s an ongoing cycle that will lead to excessive, quick fat gain.

Crank Up The Speed On The Treadmill To burn fat at an accelerated rate for hours after your workout, start adding interval training to the mix. You’ll stroke your fat burning engine for 48 hours post-workout, making this an excellent way to increase your fat loss.

Remember that total fat loss comes down to total calories expended versus consumed, so adding intervals will greatly help the expended side of the equation.

Reduce Your Stress Combating stress will do more than just help you feel better on a day-today basis. When you’re highly stressed out, you’re going to be releasing far more cortisol than normal, which is a hormone that will only encourage fat accumulation in the midsection. Figure out what technique works best for you

to bust through stress and then make sure that you use it daily.

Perform Full-Body Workouts Rather than doing a split body workout like many men do, make the switch over to a full-body workout.

Full-body workouts stimulate far more muscle fibers in total, which means a greater calorie burn during both the workout and well after it’s finished.

For overall fat loss, full-body workouts can’t be beat. Plus, they allow more time off from your training to get in your interval cardio workouts.

Get More Sleep Getting sufficient sleep is the next vital element to have in place if you want to get abs in a hurry. If you aren’t sleeping enough at night, you’ll experience a slower metabolic rate, a higher cortisol release and less energy to complete your workout the very next day. When you’re well rested, you’ll also experience fewer food cravings, making it easier to choose wise nutrition options.

Cut Back On Beer If beer is your beverage of choice, you may want to consider changing that. Beer is higher in carbs than other options, which will get converted to body fat in a hurry. Combine this with the alcohol content, which already slows down fat loss, and you have yourself a prime fat-gain situation.

Opt for liquor-based drinks with calorie-free mixers like water or slimline tonic instead.

Eat More Omega Fats Finally, make sure you are getting enough omega fats in your daily diet.

One study published in the International Journal of Obesity noted that when subjects were given one of two diets, the first with the inclusion of

Next, one of the most important steps to take if you want to get chiseled abs is to eliminate all the refined foods that you’re consuming in your diet plan.

Refined foods will break down rapidly in the body, which causes your blood glucose to increase and this spikes insulin right along with it.

With high levels of insulin constantly in your system, you’re in primary fat storage mode, so expect to see fat being packed on around your middle. Once the glucose is cleared from the blood, you’ll then suffer a blood glucose crash, which causes intense food cravings to set in. It’s an ongoing cycle that will lead to excessive, quick fat gain fish oil in food or a supplemental form and the second without, that those eating the fish oil experienced a weight loss of about two pounds more over a four-week period than those who didn’t. Salmon, mackerel and walnuts all contain omega fats, but if you don’t eat these foods on a regular basis, be sure to look into fish oil supplements instead.

So when you’re looking in the mirror and thinking that it’s time you put some effort in focusing on your core development, get these points in place to help take your progress up a notch.

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MAY 14, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

FASHION FILE OUCH ‘My Way’ Collection

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FASHION FILE

OUCH ‘My Way’ Collection

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he Voice Nigeria coach and brand new OUCH ambassador, Timi Dakolo and Actor Bryan Okwara are the stars of the brand new 2016 ‘My Way Collection’ by OUCH. The ‘My Way’ Collection was sourced from three continents and several cities across theworld, with the very finest of materials.

The lookbook which was shot in Lagos and Johannesburg was photographed by Timi’s wife Busola Dakolo and Paul Ukonu amongst others.

Uche Nnaji isrhe creative director of OUCH

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 14, 2016

By Azuka Ogujiuba azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •MAY 14, 2016

WITH

MARKET PLACE

OMOLABAKE FASHOGBON 08033621009

L-R: Marketing Director, RB, West Africa, Mr. Oguzhan Silivrili; Manager National Stadium Surulere, Alanamu Abolore and General Manager,RB West Africa, Mr. Rahul Murgai,during the grand finale of Dettol Clean Naija Campaign in Lagos recently.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya; Commissioner for Science and Technology, Lagos State, Mr. Olufemi Odubiyi and Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Ahmad Mokhles’ during the commissioning of Airtel Expo Centre at Victoria Island, Lagos recently.

Dettol Takes ‘Clean Naija Campaign’ to Lagos Reckitt Benckiser RB, makers of Dettol and other household brands have finally taken the “Dettol Clean Naija Campaign” to Lagos State ,after a successful run of the programme in some other parts of the country.

The clean Naija initiative was part of the company’s strategy to launch its latest, Dettol Multi-Surface Cleaner, into the market and more importantly, to enlighten Nigerians on best hygiene

practices.

So far, the firm has visited notable places in the country including Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital in Port Harcourt, Mapo Hall in Ibadan, National Library in Abuja, Rumfa College in Kano and National Stadium, Lagos.

At the final cleaning exercise in Lagos, General Manager, RB West Africa, Mr. Rahul Murgai reiterated the company’s commitment to building and maintaining

Fraudulent Thrift Collectors on the Prowl

Airtel unveils Expo Centre in Lagos

Like never before, fraudulent thrift collectors, popularly called ‘Alajo’ has flooded the informal sector of the economy with many innocent business men and women falling victims already.

Although there have been reported cases of crooked operators who run away with clients’ deposits, in recent times, such cases have been on the high side.A phone repairer who simply identified himself as Alfa, told Market Place how a thrift collector, defrauded him of N150,000.

According to him, “I had just rented a shop in Oshodi when a young man, Micheal, introduced himself as a thrift collector. I agreed to bank with him, so I started saving N1000 on daily basis, with the agreement to withdraw it after six months. Micheal stopped coming after five months, a month before the agreed time to withdraw all my savings which I intend to plough back into business. All efforts to reach him till date proved abortive.”

His plight is similar to that of many others. Mrs. Adebimpe, a fashion designer in Kantagoa market, Abule Egba, Lagos, recalled how an operator, Demola Oseni, defrauded almost all the traders in and around Kantagoa market.

“He used to have a shop inside the market, with some ladies who assisted him to collect deposit from contributors.

All of a sudden, we stopped seeing the ladies and when some of us decided to visit his shop, we were told he has been evicted from the shop. Up till date, Demola has not been heard of since June 2015.

As much as this traditional savings system has proved helpful to the uneducated segment of the society and even the lettered, disapproving reports from different corners call for extreme caution when dealing with known and unknown operators particularly now that the nation’s economy is experiencing some hiccups, forcing more people to devise dubious means to make ends meet.

Telecommunications services provider, Airtel Nigeria recently inaugurated its Expo Centre, a fully automated service hub in Lagos.

The one-stop touch-point, which was declared open in style and class is the flagship service centre of the telecommunications firm in Nigeria.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, said that the new centre was in furtherance to the company’s resolve to provide exceptional customer service delivery and to offer exciting service experience to its subscribers .

He added, “As we increase our footprints in Lagos, we bring with it our rich history and culture of great service experience to the delight of our customers, especially those within this community and the environs.

healthy lifestyle among Nigerians.

He said, “80 per cent of hygiene related illnesses are acquired at home, however, while cleaning the surfaces, Nigerians have been using suboptimal solutions like detergents which is ineffective in killing germs and bleach which does not properly remove stains. Dettol Multi Surface Cleaner is here to serve these purposes.

In his goodwill message, Health Com-

“Indeed, as we open the doors of this world class showroom to the public today, customers will experience world class touch that will help optimise our rich range of unique offerings and services in data, voice, bill payment, query resolution and general enquiries” .

In his remark, Lagos State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. Olufemi Odubiyi, who declared open the facility, commended the company for its innovative, quality standard and excellence in delivering top quality services to Nigerians and urged them to maintain the momentum.

The new expo centre offers free Wi-Fi to customers; it has a specially designed play area for kids as well as a VIP corner for high value customers on the network.

BlackBerry Reinforces Partner Programme

In a bid to strengthen its security and mobility services, global leader in secure mobile communications, BlackBerry, has readjusted its Enterprise Partner Program for solutions providers.

By this development, partners are provided with best practices that enhance their skills to offer and support BlackBerry cross platform security and productivity solutions. Enhancements to the program are aimed at increasing the value of partners, stimulate growth and drive profit for the firm.

According to BlackBerry’s Vice President, Global Channels, “we aim to help partners grow their businesses by empowering them to increase their value and improve competitive differentiation, through building and developing intellectual property and personalised value-added services around our comprehensive platform.

“The renewed BlackBerry Enterprise Partner Program for solutions providers will enable our partners to capture the rich consulting, professional services, individual goals and objectives. software lifecycle management op“We create a financial pool that helps and portunities created in their move to mobile members to fulfil their dreams, what business”, he said. individuals cannot achieve on their This development also provides a own and with their resources, they platform for the communication firm to will be able to achieve, leveraging on work closely with its partners to collect feedback and input on various topics the strength of the group. such as in-market products, BlackBerry’s “Being a venture capital, we don’t emerging technology roadmap and gogive subscribers funds as a loan, rather, we partake in their businesses to-market approach to create more sales opportunities. for a particular number of years The enterprise partner program for depending on the type of business. solution providers is split into three distinct We will help form, groom, and tiers (Authorised, Gold and Platinum) develop the business”, he explained. which reflect the evolution happening The firm caters for all categories of within today’s mobile environment. Each tier provides different benefits based on a people ranging from unemployed partner’s level of commitment. The more graduates, indigent entrepreneurs, market woman in need of steady sup- committed partners are, the more access to specialisation, competencies and tools ply of goods with minimal advance available from the firm . This gives financial commitment, to the students made partners the right competitive advantage in with the right ideas. the market.

Firm Empowers Indigent Entrepreneurs More entrepreneurs have launched out in the country as a result of the loan doled out by a business development firm, Hesges Synergy,recently.

Managing Director of the firm, Mr. Gboyega Adetunji at a free workshop organised for budding and inspiring entrepreneurs noted that a country’s economy tend to blossom to an enviable state, if small and medium businesses were given needed back up and resources.

“This is why our scheme is committed to lifting worthwhile business ideas and provide sufficient support to indigent entrepreneurs”, he said.

Speaking further on the workshop, Adetunji said the aim was to bring people of like minds together to create an unbreakable network that would help them to achieve their

mittee Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly, Honourable Segun Olulade commended the company on the laudable initiative and urged Nigerians to take surface cleaning more seriously to ensure a germ-free environment.

RB has been in existence in Nigeria for more than 50 years with popular household brands such as Dettol, Harpic, Jik, Mortein, Durex, Strepsils, Gaviscon and Airwick.

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JUNE 16,THE 2011SATURDAY • THISDAY,NEWSPAPER THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER THISDAY, • May 14, 2016

FAIRGROUND

Tiwa Savage, TeeBillz and I Before the Tales of Woe

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The Cecil Hammond Role A few months after I met her, I got a call from Cecil Hammond who said he wanted me to meet and interview a new female act.

I avoided Cecil for as long as I could, but he kept harassing me with phone calls and text messages because I always gave him an appointment I never honoured. I underestimated her in my thought; “which yeye hot female act be that? Which female act will be bigger than my girl, Omawumi?” What will she be singing differently? And besides, when they become big, they stop taking your calls or even say ‘hello’ when they see you” It might interest you to know that despite my nonchalance towards Cecil, he never gave up on me. It got to a point I had to ask him to call someone else to do the interview, but he insisted he wanted me to do it.

Cecil believed so much in Tiwa, he praised her talents to high heavens. He shared with me a brief story about her life and career until I eventually succumbed. When I got to him, behold, it was the same lady who had said some of the nicest things about my daughter the other day in London. Then I remembered humans are like a river; we flow and meet again in a chain of events. Tiwa and I recognised each other, hugged and exchanged pleasantries.

I felt so bad when I realised it was her. We all got chatting immediately and that was when Tiwa realised I was a journalist. We exchanged telephone numbers and BBM pins. Of course, I was excited to do her first ever interview then, if I’m not mistaken.

Later on, Cecil called me again and said, “I really need you to assist this lady, we have to push her out there; you just watch and see, she is going to be the biggest female act in this country.”

So, Cecil kept sending promotional materials on Tiwa to me to publish in Thisday Newspaper. If memory serves me well, she released ‘Kele Kele’, ‘Love me Love me ’, ‘Ife Wa Gbona’, ‘Do as I do with P Square’. She started with Cecil Hammond’s Flytime Entertainment in 2010. She attended the BET awards in 2011 while she was still with Flytime and also shot ‘Love Me Love Me’ video.

Her first shows with Cecil Hammond was the Silverbird 30th anniversary, then the Rhythm Unplugged show, AY live, Star Mega jam, among others. Tiwa was rising fast and gradually becoming a household name in the music industry.

I remember one day at an event where she performed, she introduced Tunji Balogun, known as TeeBillz as her manager, to me. TeeBillz and I struck it off immediately, and he too was so interested in Tiwa’s success. He told me categorically to watch how Tiwa would become the biggest female act in Africa, and I had no reason to doubt his conviction; I was already a big fan. Then Efemena Tommy, former TV personality and creative director of www.uberstyle.org now based in Johannesburg, fell in love with Tiwa’s music and automatically became a big fan with his close friend, Dayo Dane, who was the face of HIP TV then; he is now based in New York. They both joined the train and were excited to interview her on any red carpet and event she attended. I know these young men adored Tiwa like a goddess. TeeBillz was cool and very friendly; he was full of humour, and I used to tease him about marrying Tiwa. I told him they looked so lovely as a couple, “TJ you no go rush marry Tiwa, na your very eyes another man go propose to her; dey drag leg for there, you hear?.” And we would

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

kissed Tiwa on the red carpet to put paid to the romance tale peddled around for months.

The traditional engagement came, the traditional wedding and then the destination wedding in Dubai planned by Elohor Aisen. TeeBillz and Tiwa got nearly all their guests crying with their marital vows and exchange, it was a beautiful wedding, so inspiring and romantic. The surprise Prado SUV Tiwa got from Don Jazzy was another high point of the night. We all dance almost till dawn.

The Baloguns led a marital journey so enchanting until they started facing hitches in their home. Apart from when Tiwa fired him as her manager, a lot of people didn’t know what was going on, not even close friends to Tiwa like Elohor Aisen knew every detail until some recent revelations. Tiwa didn’t want her business out there I guess. Sometime, when I inquired about Teeblizz, she said he was fine with a calm smile.

o much has been rumoured, insinuated and judged by all who were touched by the noholds-barred interview I had with one of Africa’s brightest singers, Tiwatope Savage-Balogun. If not all, some of the accounts here and there deserve to be answered. And this is my story.

How Our Paths Crossed I met Tiwa on August 14, 2010 at Elohor and Owen Aisen’s wedding at the Landmark Hotel in London. She was one of the bridesmaids at the wedding. I remember her walking up to me and throwing sweet compliments at my daughter. That was enough to endear me to someone who was before then a total stranger. She thought my daughter was beautiful in her baby pink dress, shoes and stockings. People who are close to me enough know I have a strong presence of mind. Let me shock you and maybe Tiwa too. I recall quite vividly her exact words; “She is so gorgeous, her hair is beautiful, l can’t wait to have a girl and dress her up nicely like this.” And l replied her that she was definitely have one someday by the grace of God. Every mother knows how happy she gets when a stranger approaches her saying nice things about her child that simply means you are taking good care of your child.

Tiwa was so beautiful and attractive; we couldn’t but stare at this fine creature as she walked pass our tables. She glowed and oozed confidence in the fuchsia pink mini bridesmaid dress she wore with Lara Rawa, the CEO of Eventi Cocktails, who was part of the bridal train. Though impressively unassuming, Tiwa was still a spectacle at the wedding. She was a good dancer and a dyed-in-the-wool kind of songstress. Almost effortlessly, her dance and voice were more than entertaining. ‘Girl’ was a stunner! I had to tell her to try entertainment, ‘come back home to Nigeria, Tiwa, you’ve got an appeal that Nigerians will love.’

Down-to-earth, Tiwa’s British accent was huge and the ‘ajebutter’ behaviour was unmistakable. She laughed and joked a lot.

She was friendly to everybody at the wedding and I could tell she was so happy her friend was getting married.

with

Tiwa Savage and Teeblizz on thier wedding day in Dubai

Teeblizz, Azuka Ogujiuba and Tiwa Savage on thier wedding day in Dubai

TeeBillz’s Instagram Rants Prior to his rants, I was talking with Tiwa earlier for an interview on Thisday Saturday Plus page, which I was supposed to conduct with Lucy Ezeliora. She kept telling me to hang on because TeeBillz and the ‘Pampers’ management had to approve the pictures I wanted to use for the interview publication.

Now, two days after, I called Tiwa to remind her about the interview, and it was Konye Nwabogor of Thisday Style who called my attention to what instablog9ja reposted from TeeBillz’s page, because she knows Tiwa is a friend. Immediately, I went to his Instagram page, and was shocked to confirm that it was true after all. I put a call across to Tiwa whose phone was busy for only God knows how long, when I finally reached her, we had not even said ‘hello’ before the bad network snatched our calls. I knew Elohor was with Tiwa, but her phone was equally busy. I got her by 11pm after trying all day. I made it clear to her that I needed to speak with Tiwa. She promised to pass my message across but I didn’t hear from anyone till I went to bed.

Too Real to Be PR By 2 am, my phone suddenly rang and disrupted my sleep. I was livid with anger, cursing before I stretched my hand to pick the call. I was going to yell at the caller when l saw Tiwa’s name, then I was a bit scared and I looked at the time again, of course, it was not a dream. I picked the call; it was Thompson, her PA. And I was like, “Hope there is no problem.” He said everything was okay, but that Tiwa wanted to do the interview with me immediately. “I can’t drive alone on that Third Mainland Bridge; let’s it do it in the morning,” I retorted. But he offered to come and get me and I said, “that’s cool.”

Luckily for me, my younger brother was around. So I woke him up and pleaded with him to come with me to Lekki. He thought I was mad, but I explained to him what happened. In no time, Thompson was on my street and we were headed to Lekki. I recited my darling Psalm 23 and took some prayer points too. It was on the Third Mainland Bridge that I remembered to call my niece to go look after my daughter, who was in my room. The road was so free and before I could say Jack, we were in Tiwa’s house. I went straight to her bedroom, she had a scarf on, wore a black T-shirt and black trousers, she was broken and wept like a mourner. Thank God, Teeblizz was alive. She cried that morning like someone who has just lost something precious. I tried to console her, she looked dazed and confused, but she handed me her phone to read her chat with her husband. As I sat on her bed to read, I noticed Elohor’s eyes were swollen too; she was lying down on Tiwa’s bed but jerked up when I came in. It took us a while to console Tiwa, but hard as she tried to stop the tears, they continued streaming down her face. It was when I realized that our chat would be recorded that I had to remind her that she has to change her all-black outfit, because people read meanings to things. A friend suggested she changed to a wig because she is a star and she replied again with another round of wailing; “I don’t care about this star thing, I am not wearing any wig, I am doing my interview like this.” In the long run, we succeeded in making her change her black T-shirt.

For sure, I know Tiwa didn’t want the drama; she wanted a peaceful separation and was willing to assist TeeBillz with whatever he wanted to do from the tone of their text chats. Beloved, I marveled at Tiwa’s kind of heart! And my opinion about her speaking up? I don’t see anything wrong with that because we live in a society where people get disgusted about you when such accusations come up without even allowing you to tell your side of the story. It is worst when the accusation is from your partner.

This is the second fight between two entertainment couples that I remember now. The first was with the late singer, Kefee Don Momoh and her ex-husband, Godwin Alec, who accused each other of unfaithfulness and transfer of sexually transmitted infections. The lovers gave damaging interviews about each other, but then not many were on the social media, so it didn’t spread like wildfire. But it was quite messy; they remarried, but with no drama this time around from their new spouses until our Keffe passed on. Bless her soul.

laugh it off. TeeBillz would reply, “We can’t get into that now, her career is very important, she needs to make a mark.” What I remember now is a man who wanted Tiwa to succeed, protective of her, knew Tiwa was fragile and was not going to allow anybody cheat or talk down at her. He was Tiwa’s ‘Voltron’. Like Tiwa, even TeeBillz behaved so much like a rich kid who was feigning a street boy. He was emotional and very harmless, but I honestly don’t know what to believe from the recent drama. Everything’s now confounding. And a question that creeps to me, after that debacle, is ‘at what point did things get this bad for this beautiful pair?’No matter how pissed he was with her, why would he go to social media to rant about his wife? Now what is this trend of going to social media to air your private life? I still dont understand it. Now every Tom, Dick and Harry even ants and cockroaches feel they have an opinion over your life.

All l remember are two young sweet lovers that were so much in love with each other. I heard Tiwa’s ‘Kele Kele love’ video was sponsored by TeeBillz. Why didn’t Flytime shoot the video? I later heard there was an internal crisis. Honestly, I don’t know what it was about. Later, I also discovered that there was a deal between Cecil, Don Jazzy and Tiwa to move her to Mavin when it was to launch out. It sounded so good because we needed Tiwa to be churning out more hit songs and we were not in doubt of Don Jazzy’s competence. Tiwa was like a loan to Don Jazzy, who had a clandestine plot to storm the industry again with what would silence his friend-turned -rival, D’banj, who was busy narrating to the press how MoHits crumbled. We were super-excited when Don Jazzy introduced the Mavin Crew and Tiwa as its first lady.

I can also inform you authoritatively that Tiwa’s first Pepsi deal started with Cecil Hammond when he took her to meet Mr. Mazen, before they fell out and Paul Okoye took over and concluded the deal. We don’t see often again as we all get busy on different stuff, but TeeBillz kept in touch, we were even close and The Pulse connection spoke more often than Tiwa and I. I heard so many crappy stories of how Don Jazzy and his Marvin The first time Tiwa and TeeBillz made their romance public was at Elohor Aisen’s Elite Model Search 2012 when and where TeeBillz Company paid me N2million to do the interview. I also heard

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • May 14, 2016

45

FAIRGROUND Tiwa Savage, TeeBillz and I Before the Tales of Woe Pulse bought the rights of the interview from me and I kept on laughing in my Owerri dialect.

How people idly sit down and fabricate stories should be a case study in schools soon.

I have not seen or spoken to Don Jazzy in ages neither have I spoken to Dr. Sid too. The last time I saw Don Jazzy was at Sen. Ben Bruce’s 60th birthday party but he was so far from me and the last time I saw Dr. Sid was at the UBA CEO Awards where he performed with Tiwa Savage.

And I remember that at Tiwa’s house, I saw some unknown faces, some relations and Elohor.

And in Pulse, the only people I know are Osagie Alonge and Gbenga Bada, who worked with me on Thisday Saturday desk. The last time we exchanged pleasantries was on my birthday.

I am not a staff of Pulse TV, that interview was meant for Thisday newspapers. Before we started, the guys made it clear to me that they would also like to record the interview with their camera and I innocently agreed. They said they didn’t want Tiwa misquoted. I didn’t even think the interview would be televised. The next day I got a call asking me when I would publish the interview, so I said on Saturday which should be a week after.

That Friday evening, I was at the Jazz festival at the Freedom Park, Lagos to watch Orliam perform when my phone started ringing ceaselessly, “we just saw your interview with Tiwa Savage,” someone said. I didn’t understand it; I was angry and shocked and I wanted to hear from Tiwa first.

I was able to get across to her the next day, she explained to me that since I was not publishing soon the management decided to also share with a TV. I took my time to explain to her how it works in the media- that since she has addressed the allegations leveled against her by TeeBillz, any medium that reports it first has broken a hell of a story. I told her that I could get into big trouble in my office because of that. She apologised sincerely and pleaded with me not to be angry.

Dealing with Torrential Insults Now, when the barrage of insults, cyber bullying and attacks erupted after my interview with Tiwa Savage, the teachings by Dr. Daniel Olukoya kept me going. Some of the attacks were very objective, but from some, you can sip jealousy in the taste of the wine, others were just losers with a deep hole of frustration in their souls. You also have those you could tell the Lagos heat had fried their brains and they needed just anything to cool off. Different tongues wagged… but what do tongues do really? They wag of course. These people turned themselves to social media jurists, English teachers, journalists, PR experts and jobless critics with heavy logs in their eyes but willing to remove the speck in yours first.

I’d long realised that everyone in life has a shortcoming. No matter how gifted or intelligent you are, there may be a particular area where you are not exceptional. Your hands might be skillful; you might even be a genius in science but your capacity for the arts might be nowhere near impressive. You might be a great thinker, but your power for analysis might be poor. The truth is that there are a lot of things you cannot do.

Those who claim that they are able to do virtually everything will soon discover that they are at best jacks of all trades and masters of none.

If you focus your attention on what you cannot do, it might be difficult to detect and maximize your talents and areas of competence. A lot of people have remained under achievers because they have allowed themselves to be intimidated by obvious shortcomings and inadequacies.

Concentrating on the talents or the skills which you lack may blind you to the explosive resources that are locked up within you. One of the greatest secrets of achieving greatness lies in discovering areas in which you have the best advantage, exploring those areas and maximizing the latent energy within them, according to Dr. Daniel Olukoya, “Nobody is asking you to live a carbon copy of another person. No matter who you are, there is something you can do that others cannot do. Remove your focus from what you cannot do. Put your energy on what you can do.” Therefore, I’m putting my energy on writing (print journalism) which is what I can do and not TV for which I was never trained. You see why it‘s unfair to compare me with your TV idols?

Can a Bully Be Bullied?

For all those cyber bullies hauling jibes at me, I saw all the messages and, guess what?

Cont’d from Pg. 44

Tiwa Savage, Brandy and Cecil Hammond of Flytime at the Brandy concert in Lagos in 2011

They made me even stronger because the good criticism, I took to heart, the hate comments and insults out of jealousy, I have packaged and sent back to the senders. Like Julius Agwu said on his previous interviews, I feel like mentioning names. Maybe not yet. My friends told me to delete the hateful comments on my Instagram and Facebook pages. I was advised to block the jobless cyber bullies, I didn’t bother doing it because I honestly don’t care about jobless social media trolls, faceless and anonymous characters can’t cow me. I was even advised to go on private, I refused because I didn’t think these critics had a say in how I live my life or practise my profession. Cyber bullying has no space in my territory, so they should stop wasting their data.

These ‘yeye dey smell for jankara’ market mobile bullies are busy hating while I’m busy snooping for my next scoop. I’m not a celebrity, not a singer or an actress but a fun loving journalist. Yes, I’m on the social media because I enjoy social media, I love taking pictures of myself and capturing the moments of my fun-filled journalistic activities.

I’m from the traditional media where we don’t see ourselves or portray ourselves as celebrities.

We are only interested in breaking news or getting scoops unlike the OAPs and some TV hosts who have used social media to turn themselves to overnight celebrities. Life is all about choice and they’ve made theirs.

Even after explaining in the Genevieve online interview that I was not a TV journalist, the next point of attack was that I’m an irresponsible mother for leaving my daughter at that time of the day to go and interview Tiwa. And I was like ‘why do I have to bother myself over some people who don’t understand journalism’ One person compared me Christiane Amanpour who is one of the biggest risk takers in journalism, breaking news and covering war zones before she started the interview programme in the CNN studios. I love her of course, she is a role model, but comparing me to her is far-fetched. And Oprah Winfrey’s name was mentioned; I’m not a fan and l don’t want to be like her or anybody, I’m not a copy-cat.The genuine and objective criticism will make me work on myself next time before those intimidating cameras.

And for my attitude during Tiwa Savage’s interview, even the way they complained I stared at her and my emotional detachment are matters I have no regrets about. It was a face I deliberately put up to hide and deal with anxiety and my emotions. I wonder what they would have said if they’d televised when tears trickled down my face, so the world will come down on me or what? What if I had grilled her emotionlessly like I would do on a good day? Will they protest against me on the streets of Lagos? The fact that I know Tiwa and Teeblizz personally made it a tough one for me to conduct that interview, but I had to do my job. And I did it to the best of my ability at that time. Tiwa even had to console me at a point, “Sis, don’t let all the comments bother you a bit, you have done your best and I think you need to address this and let people know we are friends.”

Vilifying Tiwa...by Bolaji Okusaga, the MD of Quadrant For those who are quick to vilify Tiwa Savage and praise TeeBillz, my prayers for you are as follows: 1. May your sister become a budding music star.

2. May she meet a guy who already has kids by other women and may she be impressionable enough to toss her dice with that man, all in the

Tiwa Savage, Azuka Ogujiuba and Lara Rawa at the Landmark hotel in August, 2010

name of music management and move it to marriage.

3. May your sister’s husband abandon other things and start to leech on your sister financially as she climbs the ladder of stardom, while he continually reminds her that he made her.

4. May your sister become the breadwinner, while her husband does nothing but enjoy his life, pile up debt and seek after edible catering.

5. May your sister be saddled with a music career, caring for her child and the family financially and her husband be more concerned about home cooking and attention.

6. May your sister’s husband blow the lid on their troubled marriage using Instagram and attempting suicide just to get back at your sister accusing her of all misdemeanours even though he is no saint himself-having fathered children by different women.

I do hope you’ll say amen to my prayers. No puns intended.

Okusaga added, “It’s obvious that both of them are no saints, just as we are no saints too in our different lives. But trying to vilify only the woman in this matter is lopsided justice. I think she gave the marriage her best shot” I couldn’t help but add his facebook intervention to my story.

Ayeni Adekunle and His OAPs Some colleagues and mutual friends of ours drew my attention to that article published in the driest entertainment portal of yours, TheNet.ng listing a number of females who could have done a better interview with Tiwa Savage than me.

First it’s absolutely wrong to even compare me with TV presenters who I watched grow their careers and with the help of social media (Instagram and Twitter) gained public notice. I even expected you to mention yourself because we are both experienced in this field. But being sexist, ethnocentric, and ‘fantastically slyly’, you wanted to spite me. Where did that take you? How many billions have you made from attempting to use my name to drag traffic to your site? In Mama Peace’ tone, continue!

For that interview to happen, I risked my life and left my child at 2.15am to go and do a job, one that you wouldn’t dare. Have you forgotten Tiwa has a known friendship with quite a number on the list of your OAPs in radio and TV living in the same Lekki maybe 5-10 minutes from her, but she called me? It means I’m either good at my job or I’m respected enough by her and her team.

For your dead portal to have published that list of OAPs, comparing them to me is a shade I will not ignore, especially for the fact that you once worked in Thisday, as freelance journalist. I didn’t bother going to your dry website.

Dayo Sowemimo, my very good ‘aburo’ and

colleague, whom you tricked me with lies and poached from Thisday right under my eyes, is on my BBM. Whenever he sends his broadcast, I take a look, if the news is worth it, I read and even put a call across to him, but if not I ignore it. So, I never saw any broadcast from him about that list and I wonder why. But, when our colleagues started calling me to know why Ayeni published that ‘shopping list’ on his ‘dunghill’, I told them he’s hurrying himself to infamy. I made it clear to them that we are not on talking terms after the last Headies award.

And this is an account of why I kept him at bay.

Ayo Animashaun had issued extra invitations to me for his annual event. I started calling this lord of the manor, Ayeni, two days before the event, but true to type, he wouldn’t pick my call or return them. I called him throughout the day of the event, sent him text messages, but he would not respond. Then last minute when I had changed my mind about attending the event, one of his boys called me. I got to the venue and his boy was not picking his calls anymore, I stood out for almost 30 minutes, my heels were not smiling at my feet anymore. Then I saw Yaw of Wazobia FM- we were both at Ali Baba’s 1st of January concert- he worked my access into the show. At this point, I was so disgusted and angry inside the Landmark Centre. I saw the lanky thing in his old-fashioned white robe, forming CEO. Can you believe what he asked me? “Are you having fun?” I didn’t need anyone to tell me what stunt he was pulling. He’d done one slyly poaching Sowemimo from my desk. And it’s no longer news that he does not pick calls anymore from his former colleagues, especially if he feels you’ve not risen to his level yet. Quite frankly, I defended him so much until he meted the same treatment to me.

And I said to him, “Ayeni, go to hell, you are not bigger than my publisher, MD, Dele Momodu, Kunle Bakare, Mayor Akinpelu, even the MD of Guardian newspapers. As busy as these men are, they still pick calls and return calls so who do you think you are?” And I stormed out of the venue, sped home. That moment, I muttered, Father Lord please don’t ever let me find myself in a position where I have to turn to colleagues like this guy for any assistance.

According to Ayeni and his acerbic assessment of my conduct of the interview, it was so bad to many, but did you all get the facts that you needed to get? Yes! What’s the essence of an intelligent interview?

I am Nigerian and fully so. I speak very well without any form of accent, apart from the fact that I stutter and I talk so fast like a typewriter.

I believe that my originality is part of what has brought me this far.

That I’m a print journalist and you are comparing me with your OAPs is a hog wash. Ayeni, can you tell these your so-called better interviewers to write a prose, features or a news story too?

They practice on the medium of journalism and I do mine.

By the grace of God, I have been to almost all the continents in the world practicing my so called “unprofessional journalism” and I have interviewed some of Nigeria’s greatest men and women. And you, Ayeni, mentioned one exclusive or a scoop attributed to you as a journalist, nobody is asking you about the interview you had with D’banj when Mo’hit broke o. Which important dignitary have you interviewed in your life as a journalist before you started your mushroom PR practice with a firm that can barely put a flawless press release together?

Oh, I hope you’ve also got a frank review of the balderdash you wrote as the biography of Innocent Idibia a.k.a. 2baba.

Ayeni, I had just finished writing my story in prose form as a print journalist, it is over five thousand microsoft words, can any of your AOP’s do same?

If you were such an authority in the entertainment scene with your entertainment conferences that only a select few know about in the industry, you could have been called to moderate that interview. Are you so pained I was called to do the exclusive with Tiwa? I used to have respect for you but it slowly fizzled out. And last time I checked, I have never restored my respect for anyone who lost it. All I see here is jealousy and envy. But you need to understand that I am a mover and nothing can stop me.

NB: Lest I forget, cyberbullies on my social media pages are still welcome, let the part two of the cyber bullying continue. No shaking. C’est finis, for now!

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • May 14, 2016

Media & Marketing

GTBank Food & Drinks Festival: Platform for Growing SMEs

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or the participants at the recently concluded GTBank Food and Festival in Lagos, there couldn’t have been a better platform to showcase their products and services to potential customers and suppliers. Besides the publicity given to the fair at no cost to the exhibitors, unlike other fairs, it was a very profitable outing as they didn’t have to pay for anything. “I am so proud of the fair. It showcases Nigeria. It shows people are thinking; they are thinking made in Nigeria content. If somebody has brought us together like this it means Nigeria is going to change and we are going to change it.” This was the reaction of Ms. Tele Ogundipe, founder and senior partner, Food Convee and one of the exhibitors at the fair held in Lagos.

Ogundipe whose company packages egusi and ogbono with local spices in easy to cook packs further described the one of a kind event as “high standard.” “I can see the vision they (GTBank) have for entrepreneurs. That is what we need.

This is what my bank has done for me. We sell our goods and all the money come to us because we didn’t pay for anything.” Excited Ogundipe who wished the event became annual said such opportunity would help grow SMEs like hers as well enable economic growth and development given the exposure and prospects the event provided her at no cost whatsoever.

Another exhibitor, Mrs. Elejo Peters, the Managing Director and CEO of Elejo Foods said the fair gave his company opportunity to showcase what they can do “with our own hands in this country - honey, processed bitter leaf, unpolished rice. The fair has given our customers opportunity to meet producers of our products.” Elejo who is full of gratitude to GTBank explained that Elejo Foods aims to bring back natural food to the table to address wellness, youth unemployment and women empowerment.

For Ndidi Nwuneli of Sango Ota, Ogun State based AACE Foods whose proudly Nigerian firm working with 2500 farmers pan-Nigeria

Participants at the recently concluded GTBank Food and Festival in Lagos

with 12 NAFDAC registered products also attended the fair and expressed gratitude to GTBank for the exposure and interaction.

“Instead of fashion show and concerts, this is what companies should be doing. It’s not that they are not good but events like this creates jobs, grows our economy.

The GTBank Food &Drinks fair provided a veritable platform for small and medium businesses take up stand to exhibit their products, interact with prospective custom and suppliers.

Unlike other exhibitions the bank provided all the facilities including media publicity free of all charges such that all money made by the participants went into their pockets. Electricity, tables, chairs stalls, security, air-condition; fans, tags and even POS were all provided free.

The event exposed the creative ingenuity of Nigeria small businesses. Food, drinks and deserts etc delivered in assortment of innovative ways were on display by over 50 companies.

Sumptuous local foods were prepared in a manner that was simply ingenious. The even was headlined by two acclaimed international chefs, Marcus Samuelsson and Raphael Duntoye.

Ethiopian-born and Swedish-raised Samuelsson is a James Beard Award-winning chef, New York Times bestselling author, and a judge for the highly rated TV show, “Chopped.” He is chef and owner of Red Rooster Harlem and Streetbird Rotisserie in New York. Nigerian born Duntoye is the chef patron and owner of Le Petite Maison with outlets in London, Dubai and Miami.

The Food and Drink fair, which was free to attend, provided a platform for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Nigerian food industry to promote their businesses by showcasing a wide variety of their products ranging from fresh organic groceries to dry foods, confectionary and pastries, ready to eat consumables , top quality crockery and wine and champagnes.

The fair also featured series of cooking Master

with

KASIE ABONE 08057511558 (sms only) Classes covering the latest culinary trends, and a diverse range of restaurants offering mouthwatering dishes, outdoor grills and thrilling entertainment.

The cooking Master Classes was headlined by Nigerian born Tiyan Alile, an internationallyacclaimed chef and President of Culinary Arts Practitioners Association of Nigeria/founder of the Culinary Academy. Several other top rated chefs who hosted master classes include: Gbubemi Fregene, Ozozo Sukoh, Alex Oke, Atim Ukoh, Iquo Ukoh, Michael Elegbede and Uzo Orimalade.

The chefs demonstrated before a live audience how to apply modern twist to classic Nigerian Cuisine as well as prepare some of the most amazing international cuisines. Attendees of the cooking classes were also treated to savoury food and wine tastings as well as enthralling celebrity chef face-offs including one by popular mother and daughter chefs, Iquo and Atim Ukoh.

There was a dedicated play area for children and Chef Uzo Orimolade hosted the “I can bake” Master Class series for the children.

Commenting on the event, Mr. Segun Agbaje, the Managing Director of the bank, said: “We are incredibly excited to showcase the diverse culinary mosaic that Nigeria uniquely offers to the world as a prime destination for food enthusiasts from around the world.

“In addition to showcasing the wide array of Nigeria’s culinary community as well as the richness of Africa’s cuisine, this fair reinforces our commitment to supporting small business and promoting our rich heritage.

GTBank has consistently played a leading role in Africa’s banking industry. The GTBank brand is regarded by industry watchers as one of the best run financial institutions across its subsidiary countries and serves as a role model within the financial service industry due to its bias for world class corporate governance standards, excellent service quality and innovation.”

PersPective

Buhari Should Fund, Wind Up Amnesty Programme Caleb Fubara

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public affairs commentator once postulated that Nigeria can truly begin to address her problems the day the Niger Delta question is given a dispassionate answer.

I make haste to add that it is a dispassionate answer that is predicated on the principles of fairness, equity and social justice. While some will argue with vehemence to the contrary, the fact remains that the Niger Delta has become a tumour on Nigeria’s conscience. For instance, it is the only region of the country that has become a selling point in manifestoes of the various political parties angling to rule the country. The Obasanjo presidency could hardly take off without addressing the Niger Delta question. As for the late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua, addressing the Niger Delta question was a major in the delivery of his seven point agenda. Many have had cause to refer to the region as Nigeria’s lifeline, while others simply shy away from such assuming admittance.

Whatever it is, the strategic importance of the Niger Delta region to Nigeria’s economic survival since the last 46 years can hardly be overstated.

Notwithstanding the ill-fated existence of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Yar’Adua, in keeping with his promise, created a separate ministry for Niger Delta Affairs. He even went a step further to proclaim a presidential amnesty programme for the militant youths of the region within his brief reign as Nigeria’s president.

Aministry to appease a people whose resources have over four decades been so ungodly exploited.

As a matter of fact, creating a Ministry for Niger Delta Affairs was a particularly bold attempt at responding to one of the cardinal recommenda-

tions of the 1957 Willinks commission of enquiry.

By Nigeria’s political structure, only a ministry headed by a minister who sits in the federal cabinet will accord the region that semblance of a special area singled out for the purposes of development.

But long before Yar’Adua’s emergence, years of criminal neglect had created an imbalance in the socio-economic wellbeing of the region, which eventually triggered the violent militant agitation at the time. The presidential amnesty was therefore a stop gap measure aimed at addressing and most importantly, forestalling any future occurrence of violent agitation from the youths of the region.

The youths have been up in arms protesting the inequitable exploration, exploitation and distribution of their God-given wealth to the detriment of the region. In other words, while the ministry is saddled with the long term planning and sustainable development of the region, resolving the alarming state of insecurity, which at the time had engulfed the region and its unsavoury impact on the multinational economic activities was a task President Yar’Adua had to tackle head on; hence the proclamation of a presidential amnesty programme in June 2009.

Because Yar’Adua as a leader approached the Niger Delta issue with a degree of sincerity and the right political will, the youths were naturally bound in patriotism and the spirit of nation building to lay down their arms and embrace the offer of amnesty from their president. The declaration of the presidential amnesty instantly brought restored the requisite peace necessary for oil business to once again thrive in the region. Thus, re-igniting the fact that political and social justice is a sine qua non to an egalitarian society. Unfortunately, Yar’dua didn’t live long enough to drive this vision to its logical conclusion. Then came President Jonathan who inherited the hitherto

five-year programme. That the Jonathan administration injected a certain boost into the programme has since become a subject of debate in a country where ethnic allegiance still holds sway. In his inaugural speech, referring to the presidential amnesty, President Muhammadu Buhari pledged that his government “intends to invest heavily in the projects and programmes currently in place...”

He even shocked mischief makers when upon assumption of office he extended the lifespan of the programme by two years to ensure that no beneficiary is short-changed or left out. He was well applauded. But the drastic cut in the budgetary allocation of the agency-the worst since its creation hardly reflects the president’s assurances. It can be argued that Nigeria’s present economic realities do not speak in favour of an upward review of the agency’s allocation as against last year. But a shortfall of more than 70% for an interventionist agency with a deadline is just unacceptable.

Extending the life’s span of the programme is not an end in itself, but ensuring that its set target is met is incumbent on the Buhari administration.

Reducing the budgetary allocation of the amnesty programme from N63 billion as obtained in 2015 to N20 billion in 2016 is to say the least absurd. Only a reasonable allocation of funds will avert an undue elongation of the programme as well as guarantee a date with the 2018 deadline.

Of particular concern is the temperament of those for whom the presidential amnesty is granted. These aren’t aristocrats, clergies, MPs, technocrats and what have you; who understand the politics of political economy. They are a people as volatile and unpredictable as they could get at the slightest stimulus. The presidential amnesty team shouldn’t be left at the mercy of those we truly believe deserve rehabilitation and reintegration. I foresee rowdy demonstrations to say the

least, within and without as they try to explain the 70% shortfall in allocation to the beneficiaries.

Latest reports from the region are by no means encouraging. The federal government must not be seen as unwittingly creating the atmosphere for agitation by subtly reneging on what should be done right.

The extreme reduction in the amnesty allocation in the 2016 budget somewhat points to an opaque move to tactically frustrate the programme. It smacks of unleashing psychological warfare on a people. The crude oil price may slump, even the black gold itself may dry up, still, it behoves the federal government under Buhari’s watch to drive the amnesty programme to a logical conclusion.

All that is required is the right political will, dispatch and commitment. Viewed side by side, the unprecedented slash in the allocation for a running programme as the amnesty and the contrasting speed with which the federal government is set to import grasses for herdsmen, as remedy to their wanton invasion of peoples farmlands and communities, and the consequent maiming and killings is suspect. It makes one wonder if the recent attacks weren’t a well thought out plan by the herdsmen to ‘arm twist’ the federal government to grant them that special concession which was initially advocated for the Boko Haram?

With the mind-blowing recoveries so far made, accompanied by the federal government’s boast to implement the 2016 budget to the letter, Buhari could still live up to the true meaning of his creed, “I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody”.

Transmitting a supplementary bill to the National Assembly for an additional budgetary allocation for the amnesty programme to facilitate a timely execution of its mandate is but a necessity and a test of his creed.

– Caleb Fubara lives in Port Harcourt.

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MAY 14, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INTERVIEW Obaro

Attacks on SystemSpecs Were Aimed at Destroying TSA Project

Looking gracious in a simple shirt and jacket, he calmly settles down in a chair with a humble mien that belies the respect he commands in the software industry home and aboard. Just back from Glasgow, where the African Scotland Forum honoured him with the Leadership in Technology Award, conferred him with a fellowship of the Centre for African Policy, Development and Research, Scotland and named a research centre after him, his success story, selfless efforts, pragmatic and patriotic activities need no introduction. After a stint in the banking sector, John Obaro left to pursue his passion – writing computer codes. For 24 years, his company, SystemSpecs Limited, has continued to perform wonders thus emerging as a leading provider of e-payment, financial, and human capital software solutions for the Nigerian and African environment. In recent time, the company even became more famous when its innovative product, Remita, software used for the transfer of government’s funds from commercial banks to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under the Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy of the Federal Government came under a slew of allegations – seen by some as efforts to destroy the TSA project. To set the records straight, the soft-spoken software guru sat with Eromosele Abiodun and Obinna Chima to tell his side of the story

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lthough Systemspecs has been around for 24 years, the TSA issue and Remita appear to have made the company popular, we like you to tell us how the journey has been in the past 24 years?

I was in the banking industry for about 10 years where I cut my teeth under EbitimiBanigo at the then IMB. After about seven years in which I was heading IT, I felt I needed to do something different. So I started SystemSpecs with a clear vision of being a strictly software house focused on the delivery of extremely innovative and globally competitive solutions from out of Nigeria. We started off by representing a UK firm called System Union in those days, to support a product called SunSystem - they have been bought over by an American firm now called Infor Global Solutions.

We started out supporting them in Nigeria, mainly with multinational organisations. Then I felt it was time we did something from Nigeria. So we started what we eventually named HumanManager, which is a robust payroll & HR software in Nigeria. It was not until about 10 years ago that we started looking at the payment space, working with our customers to deliver their pay instructions to the banks, in an electronic form. We started out working with Interswitch, whom we transmit our data to first, they help move them to the banks, who then credit customers’ accounts. Understandably, these were fraught with challenges because of the sort of volumes we were trying to push to the platform. So, we started thinking of what we could do by ourselves and we came up with what we called the Remita-RTGS model.

That worked very well in that it allowed us to do a lot of bulk processing payments to the banks, thus we started out gradually. In 2011, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) came in for a routine inspection as part of their response to our application for an e-payment licence. In the process, they discovered that we may indeed have the capability to resolve some of the challenges they were going through. And that was how the discussions and the several trips to Abuja on the Treasury Single Account (TSA) started. They were looking at a couple of options then, including other providers like the Nigerian Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS), the new RTG system they were implementing at the time and us. At the end, everyone- CBN, the Office of Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) and their foreign consultants – all

but the banks recommended five per cent on the reasoning that if the TSA is dutifully implemented, it would result in a loss of deposit floats. So the banks wanted five per cent and CBN recommended 1.5 per cent. A committee was subsequently set up and after extensive deliberations recommended 2.5 per cent to be shared by all the parties. It took a while for any response from Abuja, but eventually, CBN wrote a letter to us and the 24 banks then, that government would only pay one per cent to be shared by all the parties.

Unfortunately, the project still did not take off immediately. It was not until the second half of 2014, that a pilot was conducted, when they sent people round different MDAs, tested that everything was fine and the fixed a commencement date of January 2015.

Again, that never really happened until the closing moment of the last administration in March 2015. The new administration came in and said there were going to push for TSA and gave a deadline of September 15, 2015 for all accounts in commercial banks to be closed and migrated into the TSA. Now that spurred some serious activities.

Obaro

felt Remita was better for what they wanted to achieve. It was a rigorous process; they had a good number of foreign consultants that worked on the evaluation. I can vividly recall at least three solid presentations that we had to make and on each occasion we provided clear responses to all the questions; they were all very excited that Remita would help in the TSA project.

So when did the project start?

We started in earnest in January 2012 with the outward payments as the project was planned in two broad phases: outward and inward payments. In terms of the commercials, what we agreed was N100 per million for outflows, for the collections

however, there was a clause in the contract that catered for the multiplicity of parties actively involved in the field collections. It was therefore stated clearly that the price would determined by all the stakeholders which are: commercial banks, OAGF, CBN and SystemSpecs. So that agreement was signed in 2012, and then we continued with the outward payments as unfortunately, the inward did not take off early as we expected. Fast forward to May, 2013, when the CBN organised a workshop that brought all the parties together as a prelude to starting the inward part of the contract.

And as would be expected, one of the topical issues was what to charge.

Our recommended price was 1.5 per cent to be shared by all the parties,

How did the issue of one per cent become controversial?

Part of the benefits of Remita is that reports are very comprehensive, showing all transactions openly. Looking at the report, the OAGF was able to determine that a lot of money was coming in and what the corresponding charges were. So on the 14th of September, they proposed that we renegotiate the figures on the basis that the charges were high. Two days later, specifically on the 16th, we wrote back that we are not averse to renegotiation, but recommended that they should invite all the stakeholders that agreed on the fees ab-initio, for inclusiveness.

Thereafter, the noise continued that the money was too much but no concrete steps were taken to address the issue.

On the 7th of October, we wrote a reminder that we are still waiting for the renegotiation to determine what the final figure would be. On the 23rd of October, I got a call from the Governor of the Central Bank that we should return the fees that had been earned. And I told him I was planning to see him so that the matter could be resolved, but he said we should return the money urgently because the ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) were asking for the money.

I don’t want to call it a subtle threat, but nobody will like to raise a legal issue with his regulator. Incidentally, before that call, the OAGF had set up

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MAY 14, 2016

48

INTERVIEW My Efforts on the TSA Software Are to Support the Nigerian Project a committee to examine the pricing options open to government and what they would recommend. One of the options was to retain the one per cent charge, but place a cap on the absolute figure that it would be applied on. Different figures were bandied – N5,000, N10,000, N100,000 as the maximum charge per transaction. So, eventually the OAGF actually wrote to the Vice President recommending one per cent, with a maximum charge of N10,000 per transaction. So, it was while all these were going on that we got the instruction from the CBN to return the money, which we did as fortunately, we hadn’t blown the money.

What was the total amount that you returned?

We returned N3.8 billion, which was the portion that went to SystemSpecs.

We attached a schedule of what the banks including the CBN had earned, to make up a total of about N7.6 billion.

We also attached a fairly worded letter to the CBN Governor explaining why they should return the money to us. To be candid, it was a business decision for us to return the money to create a conducive environment for negotiations. In addition, we have worked on this project for about four years and we see a very bright future that was beyond the pecuniary benefit, and that was a much stronger driving force for us. Secondly, we respect the office of the Governor of the CBN enough to bid his wishes.

Thirdly and more importantly, we see the future of TSA for Nigeria and we believe that this project is something that this country needs and we don’t want anything to jeopardise it.

So, we returned the money honestly expecting that a few days afterwards, the matter would be resolved amicably.

Interestingly, just around that period, we were invited to another meeting by the OAGF where they announced to us that they now have approval from the Office of the Vice President that the fees will be one per cent of a maximum of N5,000, which again was not discussed with us. At that point, honestly, we just wanted a closure to enable us focus on our business of software development.

So what caused the whole uproar?

It was a few days after that, that we got wind that the next day a motion would be moved on the floor of the Senate on Remita. So, we were all glued to the television when we saw all the drama going on. With all sense of responsibility, a number of Senators initially supported that motion, but happily there were some Senators that cautioned them and requested that they do proper investigation. N25 billion a day would come to about N9 trillion a year, the budget of the entire Nigeria was about N4 trillion for that particular year. The question was,how could a country be paying twice of its budget to one company? The numbers just didn’t add up. But unfortunately, because of the numbers that were bandied, a lot of emotions were whipped up. Again, when you consider where Nigeria was coming from, with a lot of corruption stories all over the place, you tend not think deep when you hear this kind of wild figures. So, we found ourselves caught in that wave.

It was that same time that a newspaper reported that the CBN had recovered N7.6 billion from SystemSpecs. That surprised me because the issue of returning any money was weeks before the Senate hearing and secondly it was not from SystemSpecs, but all the parties collectively. And when all the lynching were going on, nobody was referring to the other parties including CBN itself. The focus was just on Remita and SystemSpecs. It was then it started to dawn on us that there was probably more to it than was obvious.

It started to become apparent that the

Obaro

objective was more about destroying the technological base of the TSA, rather than take on the TSA frontally.

Fighting TSA frontally would appear to be fighting the president who had shown passion and commitment to the project. So, the strategy was to hit the technology that made the TSA possible. Let’s not forget, this is not the first time Nigeria is attempting TSA, it was first attempted several years ago and was immediately aborted because it couldn’t work. In fact when we started, a number of industry people told me categorically that the project wouldn’t work because the CBN does not have the capacity to do retail. But we approached it from a technology point of view confident that it would work, and it did. Yes, there could be some hiccups, but the system today is up and running.

How did you cope doing this period?

It was a very difficult time I must admit. Our first reaction was to put our papers together since the Senate announced that there was going to be a public hearing. We tried as much as possible not to talk to the press out of respect for the Senate, which created another round of problem because some people felt we should be talking.

But even then we knew that the odds were against us, because from the title of the hearing, “Abuse and Mismanagement of TSA”, we were already adjudged guilty before any investigation. So, by the time the facts started coming out that nothing unusual had happened, I believe the Senate Committee found themselves in a difficult position of some sort because they had raised a lot of emotion in the public.

And many people started coming to our defence that there was nothing untoward in we did.

The press statement we issued at the time also helped a great deal to clarify the issues to truth seekers, who now were armed with the facts to dispel the baseless argument. One of the areas that I think we probably did not

communicate well enough was the fee itself. This one per cent which was announced and imposed under a one sided negotiation by government, was not strictly to SystemSpecs. It was 50 per cent to our company, 40 per cent to the deposit money banks and 10 per cent to the introducer which in this case is the CBN. As at outset of this project, the focus was just on collecting cash from the commercial banks, but technology then progressed rapidly in the last few years. There are now a lot on transactions using payment cards, mobile phones, the web etcetera, we included all these technologies and channels at no extra charge to government. Recall, that we also never received any upfront payment to design this software, all these from our sweat. We just wanted to make it easy for any Nigerian to be able to make payment from any channel that is convenient for him.

How did this one per cent compare to other fees in the market locally and internationally?

As at that time you needed to know the number of prices available in the market, we had prices ranging from 1 to 45 per cent. Yes, there was a transaction of up to 45 per cent in this market.

The best transactions we had at the time were between 2 and 10 per cent.

The truth is that the government had a good deal at 1 per cent. If you go to a good restaurant today and you use your card, chances are that the restaurant owner will get the price you are paying less 1.5 per cent, which is what the CBN approved for card payments.

We do not feel that the 1 per cent was out of this world and in spite of that we said we were open for negotiation.

I just came back from the United Kingdom and I saw an inscription on the cab saying a convenience charge of 5 per cent will be added to your fees. It is all over the place and here we were out in the cold struggling to defend that 1 per cent is not too high despite that fact that we have asked them to get all the parties together and let us

negotiate. As a matter of fact, we were more interested that we were the ones able to provide the technology that made this thing possible and not some foreign software which the country already has way too many of. We believe that if you get it right money will come, therefore money was never our motivation! What was driving us was to put the solution on the table, which we have done.

One of the arguments at that time was that SystemSpecs was not registered or statutorily empowered to collected revenue on behalf of government. When you were signing the contract with the government did this issue came up?

In this country, people just take authoritative positions on matters they know next to nothing about.

We are not a bank, banks have their roles! We are a technology firm. As an e-payment service provider, we are licensed by the CBN to provide payment solution services, not as a bank.

Banks on their own cannot do TSA; you need some form of technology to back them up. We provided the technology that empowers bank to be able to transport the monies collected to a single account in the CBN. Beyond that, we are able to make all collections transparent and visible to all the over 900 MDAs. Remita is not just a collection platform; it is also payment platform so that these organisations are able to initiate payments of salaries, contractors and all that. They are also able to initiate outward solutions from the same platform. So, I need not be a bank to be able to provide that service.

We are licensed as a payment technology provider, a service that could have been provided by any other company.

One of the biggest today is Mastercard and Visa, and they are not banks.

Given the clarification that you have provided, where did the N25 billion daily collection allegations came from was it that you did not communicate the matter properly? What do you think was responsible for the contro-

49

MAY 14, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INTERVIEW A Research Centre in UK Was Named After Me for Developing the TSA software versy?

Along the line I think the whole thing became more of a political issue and people just needed to throw figures to grab attention. That figure which I don’t even want to mention was conjured from nowhere. You would therefore see that in the senate report, they admitted that only N7 billion had come in, but in order to justify their initial position, they now did a projection that if they had waited long enough it would have amounted to the initial figure they bandied. That was why I said the matter was politicised.

We are not into politics, we just wants to be left alone to provide technology.

Let politicians do their trade and allow professionalism to thrive.

The TSA basically put an end to the impunity witnessed in the past, how happy are you that your company was able to achieve this?

I feel excited that we were able to provide the technology that made this happen in the first place irrespective of the issues. We have proven that it possible to use technology to decipher where the country stands financially at any point in time. About 17,000 bank accounts were closed when TSA was enforced. Now at a press of a button, relevant government officials know the cash position of the country up to the minute. Been able to provide such technology is in itself is very fulfilling.

We all know that one of the biggest problems we have in this country is corruption and part of what makes it to thrive is lack of information. A lot of money is spent that nobody can account for, monies are paid into accounts that nobody knows even exist. This technology has put an end to all these. Now for every transaction flowing out of government coffers you are able to track; from who initiated the transaction to who was paid and where the money went to no matter how small or big amount is. Now not everybody will be happy with this development but we believe that if we take a good look at it, it is for the good of our country. We need systems like this to create some level of sanity in our society.That’s what we believe and stand for at SystemSpecs.

We understand that you have returned the N3.8 billion you collected as commission to the CBN. Between when you returned the money last year and now what has changed? Do the government still use your platform? Do the government still pay you commission for the use of your platform and where are we now on the TSA? Interesting question! Like I said, its been six months now since we returned the money. We originally thought the matter will be resolved quickly. Unfortunately that has not happened. But we left the platform open, it has remained in use and no remuneration has been paid to the service providers. We have had conversations with the office of the Accountant General of the Federation and the CBN but nothing has been done. The downside is that a number of branches of some of the participating banks are beginning to decline processing these transactions. Some still do believing that the matter will be resolved soon. However, it has been challenging, not just for those bank branches, but even for us. You are kind of hanging in limbo not knowing if the government really want to continue with this project. As a business, we have a lot of exciting things we want to do that we cannot as a result of this matter. We want this resolved as soon as possible so that everybody can move on. We wrote to the Office of the accountant general, the CBN and the Minister of Finance seeking for their

Obaro

intervention to close this matter, and it was a positive experience when the Honorable Minister of Finance convened a frontal meeting recently aimed at addressing the issue and resolving the impasse once and for all. Our hope is that resolution will be timely and we can concentrate on scaling up and providing more helpful technology solutions to the nation.

When you say banks are refusing to process these transactions are you saying that they will reject cash from any government agency?

Banks have their own resources and they need to make profit from transactions. If you are providing services to a people and no money is coming in from processing those transactions what do you do? Initially you may not look at the numbers but after a while you begin to take a second look and decline transactions that are not bringing money. Not just because of the freeze on commission but not knowing where you are going. Yes, some banks have remained faithful but we are concerned that this trend should not continue because if it does, then it becomes a threat to not just our business but principally to the TSA itself.

You signed a valid contract with the government to provide your technology for TSA. What is the problem with the contract? Is it that the contract is no longer valid?

Why do you think the government has not abided by the terms of the contracts?

It is interesting because at the senate hearing, there was a desperate attempt to show that there was no contract. But we showed them the contract and at a point everybody applauded with excitement on how we were able to address all the issues raised regarding the contract. There is indeed a contract. The senate even recommended an amount to be paid in their report; if they were not satisfied with our defence they would not have recommended that we be paid at all.

However, if there is a commercial disagreement, speak to that disagreement and not look for a way to muddle things up. A lot of people have urged us to go to court because this is a straight forward matter, but we do not think that should be the first line of action. We know a lot of people who mean well for this country, and when these issues are well understood;there will be an amicable resolution. There is

even a clause in the contract that says we can renegotiate if parties are not satisfied with the contract.

If for some reasons the banks come together and pull out of the deal as been threatened, what will be the implication of this action on the country?

Today with all sense of modesty, we have provided a platform that makes it easy for people to walk into any bank and make payments, relevant MDAs are able to monitor what has been paid.

We are integrated into the banks and the MDAs systems; the network is so vast and intricate that that if the banks stop collecting funds, it will cause quite some significant disruption to the economic life of these agencies. But I do hope that we do not get to that.

Despite all of these you have received accolades both in Nigeria and overseas. Does this not mean that there are people who still recognise the contributions of SystemSpecs to national development? And how does this make you feel?

I must say as it is written in the scriptures that in everything we must always thank God. Despite the fact that we have had these attacks, it has also opened us up to some significant recognition from people who appreciate what we have done. This include young people who have come together to recognise us. I honestly cannot count the number of awards that have come in since November last year. People are just celebrating the fact that a Nigerian company was able to do this. We have had people from student movements to professional groups giving us awards. In particular, the two most exciting ones in recent times come from the Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON) and the African Forum Scotland. The ISPON are colleagues who understand what software development really mean, these are people who will never call software development “doing nothing”. For them to have given us the Software of the Year” award was very encouraging. Secondly, I just came back last week from Glasgow, where the African Scotland Forum honoured us with the “Leadership in Technology Awardl and conferred me with a Fellowship of the Centre for African Policy, Development and Research, Scotland naming a research centre after my humble self.

As an expert and a player in the IT industry, can you tell us how

I feel excited that we were able to provide the technology that made this happen in the first place irrespective of the issues.

We have proven that it possible to use technology to decipher where the country stands financially at any point in time. About 17,000 bank accounts were closed when TSA was enforced. Now at a press of a button, relevant government officials know the cash position of the country up to the minute.

Been able to provide such technology is in itself is very fulfilling. We all know that one of the biggest problems we have in this country is corruption and part of what makes it to thrive is lack of information. A lot of money is spent that nobody can account for, monies are paid into accounts that nobody knows even exist much Nigerians spends on software acquisition and what it would have cost the federal government if for example it was Master Card that developed this software for Nigeria?

My friend Leo Stan-Eke was on CNBC recently and one of the comments he made was this is something that would have cost Nigeria billions of dollars if we had brought in a foreign firm. These are people in the industry who know how these things work. Other countries develop their own and ship out. That is why Nigeria is a dumping ground for all manner of software. The software they use in the office of the Accountant General was developed by a foreign company, BVN was developed by a foreign company, the ITGS they use at the Central Bank was developed by a foreign company, so is the ITAS at Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), all the deposit money banks in Nigeria use software developed abroad. These run into billions of dollars put together that go out of the country. Remita is 100 per cent home grown, it was conceived and developed in this country. Even if we are not exporting it, the mere fact that we are using it in Nigeria is a plus.

We have started saving what would have gone out. Why can’t we do like other countries and begin to support our own and prepare it for export. If you know the amount of enquiries we are now beginning to get from other countries, life would have been easier if we have the support of our own government to push this. It will be a net income earner for Nigeria at this time of scare dollars. Rather than kill our own, we should help Nigerian companies to grow.

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THISDAY, THe SATurDAY NewSpAper • MAY 14, 2016

PERSPECTIVE

Discos and Historic Electricity Debtors Okechukwu Nwankwo

T

he news in the Thisday newspaper of May 9 on how much some Nigerian public institutions are owing Nigerian electricity distributor companies called discos was quite disturbing . The amount ran into about 98bn naira . The report noted that the debtors ,called historic debtors , cut across the three tiers of government namely local , state and even the Federal government and also included the security and military apparatus of government. That certainly is a very bothersome development which simply does not augur well for any hope of having constant power supply in Nigeria or for any meaningful economic development to occur , when institutions which should set the pace for others to follow are the leading defaulters on payment of electricity bills .

Worse still is the obvious situation of these public institutions being the very ones expected to act to prevail on ordinary and corporate debtors to pay their electricity bills in case of default on payment of such bills . What sort of moral authority would such public institutions and security outfits have to prevail or induce electricity debtors to pay their bills when they too are owing similar bills they have not paid? .Certainly a huge moral deficit has been created for such local , state or local governments that have not paid their electricity bills . Obviously such defaulters in high places both in power and the corridors of power have contributed immensely to the parlous state of electricity supply in thenation and the odium of poor performance that attended the image of both NEPA and PHCN both predecessors of the discos in the delivery of electricity in Nigeria Given the huge investments of the discos to come on stream in electricity delivery as a result of privatisation , it is certainly unrealistic , if not downright wicked to expect the discos to carry a debt burden that preceded privatisation without some financial help from government in recogni-

Fashola

tion of the existence of such debt burden on the discos . But now that government itself is involved at all tiers it is as if it was a government policy not to pay electricity bills at all levels which definitely cannot be the case . Or are we mistaken on this matter in assuming that government has decreed not to pay electricity bills when it privatised the power industry in this nation thus contributing immensely to the huge historic debt burden inflicted on the discos? Certainly an answer needs to be provided at the highest echelons of

government to solve this riddle finely but mischievously hidden in an enigma of unbelievable government default of electricity bills The obvious comparison is for government at all levels to consider how it will feel if citizens in each local government , state and the nation at large , fail to pay taxes .Of course they are taken to court and if found guilty are jailed .Now how can the discos who are partners with government perform successfully their task of delivering electricity when consumers including government don’t pay the equivalent of taxes which are electricity tariffs and which in this case are cost reflective and putting that weight of delivery on the shoulders of the discos ? Certainly something is rotten in the state of public institutions perception of their electricity bills and government at all tiers must do their duty in this regard to prove that like all of us who pay our taxes and electricity bills , they too are worthy to be called solid individual or corporate citizens .

This is a clear cut case of civil irresponsibility that should be nipped in the bud before it becomes the norm in our society and nation generally .Public institutions have always had priority over individuals or even busy corporate companies and the private sector at large in the allocation of electricity even before the coming of the discos and right till now. So why cant they justify their importance by simply footing the bill of their electricity consumption ?

This none payment of electricity bills by agents of government at all tiers cast deep aspersion on the integrity and sense of accountability of such institutions in the governance of this nation . This is another act of blatant corruption and misuse of public funds since such public institutions must have budgeted for electricity usage and delivery . This certainly is another pandoras box in the Buhari government ’s fight against corruption . Government should simply ask its institutions of all shapes and sizes, and at all levels to pay what they owe the discos or be ready to face another Dasukigate , this time in the power sector .

––Nwankwo, an analyst, writes from Benin

Of Politics, Politicking and Compromise: The Dithering of a Party Chairman Vincent Obioha The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil but by those who watch them without doing anything - Albert Einstein

I

start my address with this quote to refer to the leader and Chairman of our great party, the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun. I personally feel a great disappointment and I am at loss at his inability to resolve the huge divisions being created by the ongoing trial at the Code of Conduct (CCT) of the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki. I do not know what he has done to date on this issue as party chairman but it seems to me that he has done nothing. He might be one of the earliest casualties. Also, we as a party might have serious difficulties or crumble and divide, if the case is not halted.

Yes, Chief Oyegun is only one man and yes, he is not above the law, but herein lies our problem. It is no longer about him but what we allow to happen if our will is not done. Pulling the strings from a distance to upset a very positive situation out of spite and vindictiveness should not be allowed to happen to such a powerful institution as the senate, especially if we have identified the force as a singular person.

To allow this is to expose our nation’s vulnerability. What if it was the president that crossed the line in like manner? Saraki is a force to be reckoned with or else he would never have emerged as senate president against the wish of the party big wigs. Politics is the study of human behaviour and this clearly rears its head in the power tussle, lobbying and jostling for position after any election. Deploying strategy to get what you want in politics is one sophistication required but throwing the weight of constitutional authority around in order to settle internal wars can have short to medium term destructive effects within and outside the

party even onto the nation in general.

The APC seems to have struck a selfdestruct button in the bid to bring Saraki down and they are so drunk on arrogance, fat on ambition, blind to reason and vision, just to teach Saraki a lesson. To get to the present position the APC is today, must have cost a certain individual billions of naira.

It cost many other party chieftains billions of naira to establish control in wards, local government and state constituencies. To be in control of most of the country including the Presidency is a great feat and achievement after 16 years of misrule by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This is a chance in a lifetime that no reasonable party leadership will want to forfeit. Not even the hunger to bring down Saraki will be worth that prize.

There are bound to be reprisals. Already, the degree of damage is inherent in press and social media. It is unfortunate that the party chairman is spineless and unable to take decisive steps to neutralise the war of attrition waged against other party members by the likes of Nasir El Rufai and Bola Tinubu. Oyegun has failed to point out to the Executive the dangers of the partisan hate campaign.

The senate President has recently spoken out on why he thinks he is being persecuted and we all can see the reasoning behind his argument. Tinubu is one of the wealthiest Nigerians and he is a prime suspect in the persecution game. The source of his wealth is still unknown but the fact is that he was not wealthy before assuming public office.

Today, he walks free with no threat to his freedom or wealth. The same argument goes for majority of the members of this present government and past governments. Babatunde Fashola the present minister for Power, Works and Housing is stupendously wealthy.

Ambode the present governor of Lagos State is wealthy. Rotimi Ameachi the same. Our holier than though Vice President declared almost assets worth about a billion naira while our messiah-president is said to have omitted some financial strengths to the CCB.

Oyegun Senator Godswill Akpabio is in the senate; we all know the extent of his wealth. So, he who is without sin let him cast the first stone.

I do not abhor corruption or support it in any form but the motives here are wrong and the real accuser is full of stains of corruption with a very shady background and disgraceful antecedents. His sacrifices and efforts have however vindicated him of any witch hunt in the affairs of putting the nation back on track and so should Bukola Saraki.

Nigeria is at cross roads and some of our leaders despite their antecedents are necessary ingredients in moving Nigeria forward from this Augean stable. Saraki is one such person.

President Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osibajo and Speaker Yakubu Dogora also rank among the best leaders Nigeria has ever put on the saddle. The cohesive nature of the 8th National Assembly and the Executive is unprecedented in our democratic history and speaks great things ahead. However, the clog in the wheel is the on-going persecution of

the senate President. Why is it that when Nigeria wants to move forward, someone or something always is in the way? The sacrifice is huge and the potential is phenomenal. This Senate president has great potential from his educational background to his outstanding career in politics with ground breaking achievements that are well known to all and sundry.

The purpose of this thesis is to appeal to Chief John Odigie Oyegun to stop making unwarranted pronouncement and live up to the responsibility of his office as party chairman. He must immediately call a truce and put our great party back on track. He must not accept fatalistic notions of APC losing the senate president position as a noble sacrifice. We all fought a battle to get to power and we cannot be throwing away our gains because we do not like a party member’s face or gut.

Compromise is inimical to the survival of the Buhari Presidency so that it can rally the 8th National Assembly for the impending judicial reform and revival of the economy.

The people must come first. What do the people benefit from the ongoing crisis? It’s a waste of public funds and a diversion of government business just to appease one man who has no locus standi to demand the removal of the senate president either by acts of omission or commission. The truth is that the greatest happiness of the greatest number is the measure of right and wrong.

Therefore, Tinubu and Saraki should please mend fences for the sake of Nigeria. The people do not deserve any further delay to their enjoyment of dividends of democracy due to this self-imposed imbroglio. As for Oyegun, blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God. You should be neutral and make peace. It is only peace that can save APC and make it deliver its promise of positive change to the people.

–– Obioha is a research fellow in political science and strategic studies in Houston Texas.

51

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 14, 2016

POLITY

Deconstructing Umahi’s Position on Fulani Herdsmen Emma Anya

O

n May 3, 2016, I got an early morning WhatsApp message from a friend and professional colleague based in Chicago, United States.

The message from Ben read, “Emma is the story crediting your boss as having said that Fulani herdsmen would not leave your state true? If he did, tell him it is not in the best interest of the Igbo.”

Immediately, I went online to read the reports before responding. “Ben, I think you didn’t take your time to read through the report. I believe you were carried away by the headlines.”

Ben was not the only one that fell for the headlines crafted by my colleagues in the newsrooms. Some readers did and were riled by my oga’s reported position on herdsmen.

One of such headlines that drew the most caustic reaction from some readers read: “We don’t want Fulani herdsmen to leave our land”, Says Umahi.

Going by the tension over the massacre of over 40 people by cattle rustlers in UkpabiNimbo, Enugu State penultimate week, one could not but align with the angst expressed by such readers via social media platforms.

But the question really is did Governor David Umahi say “We don’t want Fulani herdsmen to leave our land?” The answer is No. As a statesman, imbued with a lot of wisdom, Gov. David Nweze Umahi informed members of the Hausa and Fulani communities in the state, during a meeting at the ICC, Abakaliki that grazing routes would be created for their cattle.

Read him verbatim: “We shall come up with community-based committee on how to handle herdsmen in the state. Where such committee cannot handle the matter or even if they have handled the matter, they will report it to the LG chairman, then the LG chairman will report to the state committee and then the state committee will report to the CP and the CP will report to the governor and the State Security Council.

“We believe that with this level of interaction, chains of command and responsibilities, that tension will not arise and we will live in peace with one another. “We hear that some herdsmen move into states with arms and we have directed that all herdsmen entering our

state must be disarmed. Those who are not armed can pass through the grazing routes that we will create to their destinations.

“I also want people to realise that we have Hausa and Fulani people that have lived for over 20 to 50 years in our state, rearing cattle and living in peace with our people. We will not chase such law-abiding people away from our land.” In talking about grazing routes, he was aware that Ebonyi, like many other states in Southern Nigeria, was also witnessing the influx of new Fulani pastoralists who are looking for alternative areas of tending to their cattle owing to the challenges in Nigeria’s Savannah Belt.

Such pastoralists, he believes must be carefully monitored because majority of them, as they move from state to state, wreak havoc on farmlands and rape innocent girls and women. For these reasons, Gov. Umahi directed security agencies to ensure that on the spot checks were conducted on herdsmen passing through our state. There is also a caveat to the passage: While the armed among the herdsmen must be pushed back, those found not to be a threat must ensure that their cows do not destroy farmlands while passing through.

His Excellency also believes that the onus is on the state to protect the herdsmen while transiting through Ebonyi. He therefore warned traditional rulers that they would be held liable if any cow belonging to herdsmen was killed or injured in their domain.

Those who went gaga on social media, especially Facebook, to ignorantly attack a very proactive governor like Engr. Umahi, did not know that at the end of the meeting, the Fulani leaders in the state, Ardo Ibrahim and Ardo Bello, described him as a wise father.

Ebonyi State, being highly accommodating, has had a relationship dating back to decades with the Hausa/Fulani.

Many Hausa/Fulani have lived in the state doing many businesses, including cattle rearing, without rancour with their host communities. Such “clean Hausa/Fulani” have every right to continue to co-habit with Ebonyians. They therefore cannot be asked to exit the state. Nigerians should learn to sift the chaff from grain. We must not always allow anger to overwhelm our thinking faculty, especially at a time of crisis like the one created by the Nimbo killings. Our people,

especially the Igbo, need to tread cautiously on the issues of herdsmen since we are also nomadic in nature, especially when it comes to commerce. Those calling for retaliation against herdsmen and their eviction from Igboland need to moderate their outbursts. We must be careful not to do any silly thing that could further endanger the lives and business of our people in the North.

A columnist, Churchill Okonkwo, in a piece after the Nimbo massacre, warned that “the different reactions to the herdsmen attack from an ethnic point of view were the biggest problem which will not bring solution.”

Last week, another reputable columnist, Omotayo Yusuf, after x-raying the hullabaloo trailing the activities of herdsmen across the country, concluded that Umahi was one of the few Nigerian leaders that had come up with a practical solution by suggesting grazing route.

He wrote, “That’s what governance and citizenship calls for. As I conclude this, I just heard that the Ebonyi State Government (in consultation with communities) has offered to provide grazing routes (where there is no farm) and make same known to herdsmen.

Way to go Ebonyi.”

There are good tidings from both the SouthEast governors and other Igbo leaders on the issue of herdsmen. There are also positive signs from President Muhammadu Buhari on

handling of the rampaging herdsmen.

Rising from a meeting in Enugu on May 2, the South-East leaders and governors, including Umahi said they had resolved to take stock of the loses in Nimbo with the hope to determine the immediate and remote causes of the massacre. “This will bring an end to what herdsmen are doing in Nigeria; we shall do our best to ensure that it doesn’t happen again, whether here or elsewhere,” Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, who spoke for them, said.

On May 7, they rose from another meeting at the Enugu State Government House with a resolution to introduce an enduring and sustainable strategy to protect lives and properties of the Igbo. Much more soothing is the April 27 assurance by President Buhari that he had taken decisive step to end the excesses of the herdsmen.

“I have directed the Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector-General of Police to secure all communities under attacks by herdsmen, and to go after all the groups terrorizing innocent people all over the country. This government will not allow these attacks to continue. These attacks will not continue,” he had warned.

•Anya is Chief Press Secretary to Ebonyi State Governor

L-R: Chief Operating Officer, Continental Broadcasting Service, Lemi Olalemi; Chief Executive Officer, Nigel Parsons; and Chief Commercial Officer, Lindsey Oliver, at the press briefing to announce the launch of TVC channels on DSTV and GOTV, held at Continental Broadcasting Service head office, Lagos... recently

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Winners of Diamond Bank Bulding Entrepreneurs Today, Okedesan Emmanuel; Bello Haowa; Managing Director/CEO, Diamond Bank Plc., Mr. Uzoma Dozie, with other winners, Agboola Ayodeji; Arinze Nkechi Ukamaka; and Folawiyo Abiodun, during the presentation of cheque to the winners in Lagos, yesterday… Sunday Adigun

L-R: President, Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN), Mr. Greg Ogbeifun, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CEIC), Mr. Oliver and the Chairman, Ship Owners Forum, Mrs. Margret Orakwusi, shortly after members of SOAN hosted Oliver in Lagos… recently

L-R: Managing Director, Standard Chartered Bank Plc., Mrs. Bola Adesola; chief launcher, Senator Bode Olajumoke; chairman of the occasion, Prof. Akin Mabogunje; Author, Prof. Ladipo Adamolekun; and his wife, Mrs. Jumoke Adamolekun, at the public presentation of the book entitled ‘i remember’, an autobiography by Prof. Ladipo Adamolekun in Lagos... yesterday PHOTO: Etop Ukutt

R-L: Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari; acting Managing Director, Bank of Industry (BOI), Waheed Olagunju; and the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Mr. Tobin Jonathan, after the signing of memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the State government, and Bank of Industry, on N2 billon matching fund for MSME development, in Katsina State...... yesterday

52

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 14, 2016

CONTROVERSY Rule of Law on Trial as Lagos Agency Flexes Muscle The illegal demolition of an event centre/green house along the Lekki Phase 1 road setback belonging to an APC chieftain, Kayode Otitoju, is set to put to test Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s avowed commitment to rule of law. Samuel Ajayi reports

W

hen Julius Kayode Otitoju conceived the idea of an event centre and green house at the road setback adjacent Cable Point Estate at Lekki Peninsula Phase 1, a highbrow part of Lagos, little did he know the business idea would not mature for him to reap benefits from his investment. Reason being that on Monday May 9, this year, officials of the Lagos State Physical Planning Department led by one Oyeniyi Adebambo, came down and descended on the edifice which was almost completed. They did not come alone. They came with caterpillars and other earth moving equipment. Complementing the team was a detachment of men of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force. By the time they were done, they had reduced the edifice, which has cost over N22m to rubbles.

Otitoju’s grouse was not the demolition per se, but flagrant disregard for rule of law as the land has been subject of litigation at a Lagos High Court with Suit Number LD/2625LMW/16.

Ironically, the case was to be heard on May 19th. But those who, according to sources, have unfettered access to Lagos State seat of power, deployed such powers and Otitoju event centre and green house was reduced to rubbles.

The land in question is a road set back of 55 metres. Otitoju had approached the New Town Development Authority, NTDA, for leasing of the land via a letter with reference number NTD/PPD/002/Vol.II/88 dated 16th February, 2000. While the lease was granted for 15 years, he was, however, told that there should not be physical structure on the land.

“That was why we did not build any permanent structure on it,” Otitoju told THISDAY during the week during an interview. “Even the event centre was not a permanent structure as you can see. It was a kind of structure that we used iron pillars and rafters and corrugated aluminum roofing sheets and of course, aluminum and glass windows.”

Little had the project started that Murhi International Nigeria Limited, owners of the land after the road-set back kicked against the construction of the event centre/green house.

Their claim was that since they owned the land immediately after their own, which was the set-back, should automatically belong to them. This was despite the fact that there was an existing lease for Otitoju’s company, Jukot Nigeria Limited, on the setback.

Apparently relying on his influence within government agencies in charge of building and construction in Lagos State, Murhi International Nigeria Limited owner, Kunle Gbadeyanka, was said to have brought Lagos State government officials to serve stop work order papers on Otitoju.

The first to come was NTDA, which originally gave the lease of the

Ambode

Otitoju

Setback to Otitoju in the first place, and Physical Planning Department.

To come last was the Building Control Department. While the NTDA said the Setback belonged to Murhi International Group, Physical Planning Department said it was a buffer zone between the main road and the land overseeing Cable Point Estate. The three government agencies had same message: Otitoju must stop work even if the three agencies described the land under discussion differently.

On January 18th this year, the Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA, wrote a letter with reference number LASBCA/IK-VI/PET/ CN054 and addressed to Otitoju’s company, Jukot, inviting him to a meeting on Friday 5th February. The letter also requested him to come with relevant programmes that showed that he was the true owner of the land.

Otitoju went to the meeting with the letter of NTDA allocating the land to him in 2000. He also attached the letter of allocation from Lands Bureau with reference number LB/314/5.17/37 dated 9th August, 2001. There was also the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning development permit with reference number OPP/LUM/539/28 dated 24th July, 2003.

However, Otitoju smelt rat when the minutes of the meeting, which was chaired by the head of department of Inspectorate and Quality Control, was sent to him. In the letter, Otitoju was said to have agreed to the demolition of the structure. He was shocked and he knew there was obvious connivance between Murhi International Nigerian Limited and officials of the Building Control Agency. Apart from that, his name was even mispelt as ‘Otitoloju’ instead of ‘Otitoju’.

“I had to write a strongly-worded letter to the Building Control Agency and I highlighted everything that was discussed at the meeting and I let them know that there was no time he agreed that the structure be demolished. I also copied the state

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, the commissioner for physical planning as well as executive secretary of Lands Bureau.”

Not relying on the letter alone, Otitoju had also approached prominent citizens including a former president who was said to have got in touch with Ambode and the governor was said to have promised to look into the matter. It remains to be seen, however, if the governor remembered to do that. Otitoju now decided to approach the courts to stop the demolition plan since it had been his words against theirs as the minutes of the meeting, obviously doctored, had ‘agreed’ that the structure be demolished.

“What shocked me was that they discountenanced all the documents, which they themselves asked for, proving that the setback in question was actually leased to me by the government. Rather, they said I agreed that the structure be demolished.

How could I have done that.” Otitoju explained.

In suit No LD/2625LMW/16 filed and pending in the High court of Lagos state, in the Lagos Judicial Division filed on March 11th, 2016, Otitoju had, through his company, Jukot Ventures Nigeria Limited, joined Murhi International Nigeria Limited as well as the Lagos State government as respondents. While the suit was still pending and hearing fixed for May 19th, officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning came to the structure on Monday May 9th and effected the demolition.

Otitoju, through his lawyers, had filed another motion against Murhi International Nigeria Limited as well as the Lagos State government under Justice (Mrs) Obadina. The motion read inter alia: “notice brought pursuant Orders 38, Rule and 39, Rule 1 of the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure Rules 2012) Section 6(6) of the 1999 Constitution and under the inherent jurisdiction of the honourable court Suit Number LD2625LMW/16.”

What shocked me was that they discountenanced all the documents, which they themselves asked for, proving that the setback in question was actually leased to me by the government. Rather, they said I agreed that the structure be demolished.

How could I have done that.” Otitoju explained

The motion also seeks an order of “mandatory injunction compelling the defendant to re-erect and/or rebuild the claimant/applicant green house/events centre hitherto standing on the claimant’s portion/parcel of land situate, lying and being at Plot 2 and 2A of the green area air-marked for horticultural purposes in Lekki Peninsula Scheme 1 demolished by the defendants on 9th May, 2016 during the pendency of the claimant’s suit and motion for injunction.”

Otitoju, himself a chieftain of the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC, told THISDAY that he was shocked that a government agency could still act the way the Physical Planning ministry acted when a valid court order was served it and it acknowledged same. When asked if he was sure those who came for the demolition were actually from the ministry, Otitoju, who was one time governorship aspirant in his native Ekiti State, was sure.

“The policemen that came with them were from Alausa and they did not just commence the demolition straightaway. They went to the Lekki police station and incidented the action with the divisional police officer in charge. While it was an illegal exercise going by the pending court case, they were actually from the ministry.”

It remains to be seen how Governor Ambode will handle the case; especially going by the governor’s determination to ensure that all agencies under his government play by the rule book. But for now, Otitoju is counting his loss while return on investment has been put on hold. At least, for now.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 14, 2016

TRIBUTE

Ekweremadu@54: Tribute to an Exceptional Hero of Democratic Values

A

Chiedozie Ogbonnia

lmost all the countries in Africa have remained in a suspended animation This is partly because most of the African leaders lack the necessary vision, passion, intellectual prowess, insight and charisma, thus often relying on ethnic and religious sentiments to sustain support and followership. Perhaps, the most devastating in the African incumbents is the exhibition of arrogance in power. Once elected, they display a nauseating hubris, megalomania and false consciousness that tend to disconnect them from the electorate.

Sustainable democracy anywhere in the world is a function of the presence or the lack of noble men of conscience, selflessness, patriotism and transcendence; and their will power to pursue the ideals of common good in spite of the base impulses to the contrary. Some argue in favour of strong political institutions over the role of men in society-building; but institutions of all categories are created by men, either of good or ill will. Emphatically, institutionbuilding requires heroes of strong ethical persuasion and impeccable moral stamina.

The commonest definition of a hero is “a person who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities”. A deeper meaning of hero lies more in vision, courage, frontier spirit, selflessness, tenacity, passion and sacrifice. The hero is like the Titan of Rhodes, a trail blazer that does not tread the beaten paths. While it lies in the domain of the exceptional hero to develop a formidable will power to ignore the base elements and vices, and embody the godly virtues, it is not all heroes that can resist the devouring impulse of vices. Therefore, whereas the godly can be heroes, all heroes cannot, in every definition of it, be godly.

It is therefore very heartwarming to find in our clime an exceptional hero; a rare quintessence of humility in power; a reflective intellectual giant; humane and selfless courageous leader, moral edifice, great political thinker and navigator, philosopher and visionary who in spite of his length of time in government remains accessible. That exceptional hero persona is Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, PhD, CFR, Ikeoha Ndigbo. He is the author of Who Will Love My Country: Ideas for Building the Nigeria of Our Dreams and the lead author of

Constitutional Review in an Emerging Democracy: The Nigerian Experience Who Will Love My Country excavates all the pathologies in Nigeria, and robustly proffered lasting solutions. In that seminal book, Ikeoha bemoans the level of corruption in Nigeria and the need for special Anti-Corruption Courts; the unfair distribution of resources; re-federalization of Nigeria on a six geopolitical structure; alternative revenue sources against the feeding bottle federalism; decentralized policing system; proportional representation in government , etc In the book lies the key that will unlock Nigeria and create a society premised on rationality, integrity and accountability.

The Ikeoha Leadership Paradigm resonates with the observation made by the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo that only the deep can call to the deep. Awolowo adds that “while his contemporaries engage in full liaison with strong alcohol and women of easy virtues, he is busy reflecting on the problems and solutions surrounding Nigeria”.

Our heroes past were thoughtful and cerebral as can be found in the Path to Nigerian Greatness and the Thoughts on the Nigerian Constitution- by Awolowo or Ideology for Nigeria: Capitalism, Socialism or Welfarism?-by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.

Such personages are what Plato would qualify as Philosopher Kings. It strikes the psyche that the foresight, passion, depth and ingenuity with which our heroes past tried to solve the Nigerian problems are in sharp contrast with the present day provenance of shoddiness and primitive acquisition of wealth.

According to an observer, Nigeria has selected/ elected its leaderships based on the sentiments of tribe, religion and zonalicity but none has worked.

He contends that only detribalized men of ideas; the Philosopher King archetype that can salvage Nigeria from her chains of catastrophe.

One common denominator among heroes is the set of virtues such with which the heroes confront their challenges, especially in extreme adverse conditions. Ikeoha met his Mpu community, Aninri LGA, and several parts of Enugu West, including my community Ugbo, in an inconceivable labyrinth of darkness and backwardness. He used legislative power and social skills to lift them far above the standards among the average Igbo communities.

When such sterling performance as a senator was to be truncated in 2015 using Enugu government machinery, the masses wept but like all heroes,

he was undaunted. Indeed, the Ikeoha Mystique abhors hate and violence but uses soul force and love to overwhelm hatred and animosity. And like Phabius Maximus Verucossus, alias Cunctator (the Delayer) a General of the Roman Army during the epic war between Rome and Carthage, his subalterns would at extreme provocations expect him to fight but he would tactically stay put.

But when the Ikeoha chose to fight, as a political colossus, he deployed all his arsenals and decisively defeated his opponents such that those who had misrepresented misunderstood and underrated him “turned round to shower him with praise: Unos homo nobis, Cunctator restituit rem” When again his political party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lost to the opposition party, the All Peoples Congress (APC), the South South and the South East of Nigeria appeared to be the worst hit. The remarks by President Muhammadu Buhari with respect to patronage according to the voting pattern during the 2015 general election and the caustic triumphalism displayed by the APC aggravated matters. The old Eastern Region extraction agonized in pains. In the face of such despondency, Ikeoha remained courageous, unflappable and focused. The Ikeoha, rising from the ashes, like the phoenix of the Greek mythology and

with an unprecedented political geometry clinched the position of the Deputy President of the Senate from a minority party. The incredulity, amazement, tears of joy and jubilation galore that greeted his emergence across the globe reinforced the belief that the exceptional heroes are God-sent.

Ike Ekweremadu was born of a very humble background on May 12,1962 at Mpu, Aninri LGA of Enugu State;, attended the University of Nigeria, Nsukka(UNN) Enugu campus for both the LLB and LLM degrees; and a BL. He holds the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law from the University of Abuja. He also acquired leadership trainings both at the Harvard University and the Oxford University.

He served in the UNN as a lecturer in the Faculty of Law; was elected the Mpu Town Union President; Chairman Aninri Local Government; Chief of Staff, Government House, Enugu; Secretary to the Enugu State Government; elected senator four consecutive times; three times Deputy President of the Senate; Speaker, ECOWAS Parliament; etc.

Ekweremadu is happily married to Nwanneka Ekweremadu, PhD, whose inner feminine qualities play an archetypal role in the Ikeoha sub-conscious.

The marriage is blessed with four lovely children.

––Ogbonnia is the Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Deputy President of the Senate

Nigerian Elected Councillor in the United Kingdom

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Nigerian, Adebayo Murisiku Fasinro was last week elected councilor in the United Kingdom.

Fasinro, a Muslim from Isale Eko, Lagos Island, joined the growing numbers of other wave-making Nigerians that have been elected into the British political system.

He was elected councillor for Stacey Bushes ward unopposed to Wolverton and Greenleys Town Council on Thursday 5 May, 2016 under the British Labour Party.

The induction (Swearing-in) ceremony for the newly elected British lawmaker has been scheduled for Thursday 12th May, 2016 along with other newly elected Councillors.

After his election, the journalist by training who had a brief practice in Nigeria before moving over to the United Kingdom about three decades ago promised to provide strong leadership to advance the development of his ward and positively impact British politics.

Fasinro disclosed that he developed love for politics when he used to drive his uncle, Alhaji HAB Fasinro to UPN campaigns and as an observer to ward meetings at his uncle’s residence in Victoria Island, Lagos during the

Fasinro with the Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn second republic in the early eighties.

Labour Party is the main opposition party in Britain and also elected the first Muslim Mayor of London last week in Sadiq Khan. He is married with 3 children.

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, supported by his wife, Dr. Nwanneka, cuts his 54th birthday anniversary cake in Abuja

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • May 14, 2016

TRAVEL&LEISURE

by OMOLOLA ITAYEMI omolola.itayemi@thisdaylive.com 08054699602

Can Lai Mohammed Actualise Culture and Tourism Promises?

The Ministry of Information, Culture andTourism hasn’t achieved much in the past and some stakeholders are of the opinion that the premier Nigerian Culture and Tourism Summit that took place in abuja is just anotherofmanywhiteelephantprogrammestheindustryisknownfor.Remember,the‘FascinatingNigeria’ project of the Edem Duke administration which was nothing but a jamboree. a lot is in the works according to the current Minister of Tourism, Lai Mohammed. Let’s hope he won’t go the way of his predecessors.

Tourism offers an opportunity for a non-industrialised country like ours to diversify its economic base.The onus falls on the minister and his team to deliver on what was promised at the 3-day summit. Omolola Itayemi writes on tips from the stakeholders/experts and promises from the minister and his team

C

ulture and tourism experts at the 2016 National Summit on Culture and Tourism have recommended ways to reposition the sector to achieve the needed benefits.They made the recommendations during a plenary session in the summit on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr Bertram Azuwike, the Director of Macroeconomy and Statistics Department of National Bureau of Statistic (NBS) said there was need to develop a data bank for the culture and tourism industry. He added that “culture and tourism data bank will help to show the significance of tourism’s economic contribution to national income. This will give the industry greater respect from both government officials and the public. It will enable policy makers to measure the impact of past policies and projects, thus helping them to know the extent to which the set objectives were attained. Culture and tourism will not go far without a data bank.’’

Similarly, Chief Tomi Akingbogun, the President of Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN), said it was through the private sector that government could make money.

He noted that if the proper things were not put in place to make business excel, culture and tourism business would not attain its intended position and benefits. “Tourism has impact on employment and the economy; we have many tourism potential and if we cannot tap them, we will go nowhere. If 20 states in the country are doing well in tourism, it will have multiplier effects on the economy; the Calabar Carnival had effects on hotels, farmers and street cleaners. If the carnival is done three times in a month and in 20 states of the federation in a year; imagine the number of people it will empower.”

He said that the private sector was interested in driving the economy. However, he added that it was regrettable that it took a long time for tourism investors to get approval from government, stressing “that is why we keep talking yearly without progress.’’

Akingbogun recommended the establishment of Tourism Bank to facilitate access to funds by investors instead of waiting for budgeted monies from the ministry to carry out projects.’

He said that taxation on hospitality industry, including the recent tariff increase by power sector investors was killing the industry.

“Hotels are shutting down in Abuja. Transcorp Hilton recently complained that its electricity tariff increased by N25 million monthly. With such increment and other exorbitant levies, how do you expect them and other hotels to expand,’’ he queried.

Akingbogun said there was need to develop tourism clusters, reactivate the Presidential Committee on Tourism and implement the Nigerian Tourism Map. He also recommended effective leadership at the tourism parastatals, tourism vouchers and the inclusion of domestic tourism in education curriculum of schools across the country.

Another expert, Prof. Sule Bello, said: “Culture is about what we learn and how we put it into practice.’’

Bello said museums in the country were being taken for granted, adding that “museums are the source of our history and ways of life.’’

He said that the Ministry of Information and

NTDC exhibition Stand during the National Summit on Culture & Tourism with the theme: Repositioning Culture and Tourism in a Diversified Economy recently held at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja

Culture should extend hands of cooperation to countries like Ghana, Kenya, The Gambia and others.

“Nigerian arts and painting should be placed at strategic areas at the National Assembly, the presidential villa and entry points of the Federal Capital Territory. Government should have its museums in other countries of the world; this will go a long way to portray the country’s history to others.

“Cultural history of the country should be taught from primary school to university level across the country,’’ he said.

Speaking in same vein, another expert, Mr Wale Akinboboye, observed that “when the Europens came to Africa, they were fascinated by our rich cultural heritage and they referred to us as `Cultural People. Therefore, if we want to drive culture and tourism, we must do it through the way we live.’’

Malam Sherif Abdulhamid, another tourism expert, said that the function of tourism was to attract people and gain benefits.

He stressed the need for government to identify potential linkages in the tourism sector and to harness them toward earning for the development of the nation. To this end, the Minister of Information and Culture challenged the rural dwellers, who were blessed with rich c cultural heritages and tourist sites to live up to the responsibility of managing and protecting the sites for economic purposes.

President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr Okechuwku Enelama, declared the summit open, and described tourism as rejected stone that would be rejuvenated to address the dwindling economy of the country. The President said though Culture and Tourism sec-

tor is driven by private sector all over the world, it would provide conducive environment to encourage investment in the sector.”

In his remarks, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said: “As a result of the combination of various factors such as the sharp drop in the price of oil, combined breakdown of protectionist policies and changes in social relations, countries are compelled to look for alternative sources of revenue and employment. Consequently, the road for us as a nation to achieve our set objectives of diversifying our economic base will depend partly upon the quality of design and implementation of tourism policies; we must develop appropriate policies and the right attitudes towards achieving the desired goals.

“We are aware that the development of the tourism sector all over the world is largely Private-Sector-driven. However as evident in the 2016 Budget, this administration will continue to provide the required enabling environment for arts, culture and tourism to thrive and develop, through the massive upgrading of infrastructure and the provision of security.

“We will continue to encourage public and private sector participation and partnership in all the desired areas including Transportation, Beach and Resort development as well as Tour operations, Hotel and Hospitality development.

“As you are aware, culture generally represents the totality of the history and way of life of a people. Over the years, Nigeria is recognised to have a rich cultural heritage – not just in our arts and crafts but also in our ways of life. However, over time, as a result of so many experiences we seem to have lost the tenets of our cultural values; which are of integrity, honesty, sincerity and God-consciousness.”

Delta Tourism Expo 2016 Holds July 12 Delta State Tourism Board (DSTB), which is charged with the development, promotion and marketing of the state tourism industry, has stepped up preparation for its tourism expo for this year, which is tagged Delta Tourism Exposition 2016 with the theme, fascinating Delta, rich tourism, great people. It is billed to hold at Asaba Convention Centre, Asaba between July 12 and 14.

Speaking on the event, the General Manager of DSTB, Ms Josephine Anyameluhor, said that the expo was meant to promote and market the different tourism offerings of the state to the world as it is opened to all travel and tourism trade operators, buyers and suppliers across the tourism value chain and others in allied businesses and operations across the nation’s economy.

According to her, the board, is set again to reclaim it number one spot in the country and that the rejuvenated tourism expo is part of the effort at rebranding the board and the state tourism.

The three days expo will among others feature unique and special events, one of such, according to her, is the Delta Food Court. It will parade massive display of local cuisine, ranging from appetizers, spices, main course, and desserts to beverages and cooking competition.

Other line - up includes road show /cultural carnival, fashion show and musical concert, arts, craft and souvenir, tourism seminar and workshop, tours and award/gala night.

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THISDAY, THe SATURDAY NewSpApeR • MAY 14, 2016

POLITY

Project Management Experts Advocate Executive Management Support to Function Efficiently Olaoluwakitan Babatunde

P

roject Management experts have urged corporate bodies who seek to set up a Project Management Office to have organisational intelligence, deep relationship management competencies and top management support in order to successfully navigate projects within the organisation. They stressed that the effectiveness of the PMO must not be assumed, but Project Managers must be ready to provide data and deliver value for efficiency and effectiveness.

This was the position of the panellists at the 64th Information Value Chain Breakfast Forum of Digital Jewels Limited, a foremost Governance, Risk and Compliance Consulting and Capacity Building firm in Nigeria.

The forum, with the theme “Delivering Projects within the Constraints: The Role of the Project Management Office,” had on the panel Yusuf Yila, Head, Information Technology Project Management Office, Central Bank of Nigeria; Tosin Agbetusin, Director, Consulting and System Integration Programs, Ericsson; and Adeoye Abodunrin, Pioneer Director, Enterprise Project Management Office, Insight Communications. It was moderated by Mrs. Adedoyin Odunfa, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Digital Jewels Limited.

Agbetusin dismissed the widely held perception that Project Management was a commodity that could be bought off the shelf and stressed the importance of having a competent Project Manager. In his words: “Not having a Project Manager leads to many projects not being completed. Project managers improve both the time of delivery and the quality.” He also pointed out that “the key thing for PMO is relationship management skills – there must be someone to look for issues that may arise to tackle them efficiently. When dealing with specific projects, you will require professionals in such fields.”

Abodunrin discussed the challenges faced in setting up a PMO. Adeoye posited the “you don’t start a PMO because you think you think you have become big. There are financial audit challenges. You should

L-R: Tosin Agbetusin, Director, Consulting and System Integration Programs, Ericsson; Yusuf Yila, Head, Information Technology Project Management Office, Central Bank of Nigeria; Mrs. Adedoyin Odunfa, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Digital Jewels Limited; and Adeoye Abodunrin, Pioneer Director, Enterprise Project Management Office, Insight Communications, at the 64th Information Value Chain Breakfast Forum organised by Digital Jewels Limited in Lagos

check your financial skills before setting up a PMO.” He went further to say PMO required adequate funding and the full support of senior executive management.

He admonished: “There must be a culture change. People must see the need for PMO. There must be a continuous engagement and continuous education of all stakeholders in the organisations concerning the PMO. Resistance to PMO will always be there because people usually don’t want to change their approach.”

However, Abodurin said that PMO should not be a financial burden to an organisation, explaining that only corporate bodies with multiple projects required it. “There is

nothing wrong in shutting down a PMO if it’s not justifiable to an organisation,” he added.

Yila was of the opinion that unclear thinking would kill a PMO before it was even created within an organisation. His words: “Language can kill the PMO, when you handle a project in a place you do not understand the language. Another peg back is wrong installation, every PMO will perform at installed capacity.” He advised that there should be a central coordination for a PMO to perform maximally, urging that a PMO mind-set and culture was required in governance.

Abodunrin emphasised four key points

of value management as non-negotiable in setting up a PMO. In having a common definition of value, he said “value must be clearly identified, value must be created and must be seen to be created. Furthermore, value must be calibrated and integrated across the functions of performance and most importantly, value must be remunerated.”

Digital Jewels’ IVC forum is a quarterly platform where thought leaders assemble to exchange information, network and share knowledge. Participants at the recently held forum expressed delight at the quality of the platform and admitted that the knowledge gained would assist them to position their organisations better.

Why Power Supply is not Stable, By Benin Disco MD

W

ith a drop in the daily allocation to about 129 megawatts of electricity out of the 1,175 national power generation, there is little the Benin Electricity Distribution Plc. (BEDC) could do to ensure stable power supply to its customers in Edo, Delta, Ondo and Ekiti states, the distribution companies Managing Director, Mrs Funke Osibodu, has said.

She disclosed this during an interactive session with journalists at the Benin headquarters of BEDC yesterday.

According to a statement from the Disco, Osibodu, attributed the drop in the

M

Japhet Bassey

y dear Excellency, I want to use this medium to particularly thank you for the many wonderful things you have been doing since your assumption of office as governor of Cross River State.

There is no denying the fact you came to office at a very challenging time of our national life, a time when the economy of the country is not only struggling, but sadly characterized by non-payment of salaries in most of the states of the federation, owed largely to a drop in crude oil prices.

But in the face of these seeming economic uncertainties, you have remained resilient, keeping faith and discharging your statutory obligations to your subjects by ensuring that salaries are not only paid but surprisingly paid between the first and

nation’s national output from the previous 3,000 megawatts to 1,175 megawatts to the vandalism of power facilities, especially through the puncturing of the gas pipeline in the Niger Delta.

She explained that the Nigeria needed to generate over 8,500 megawatts of electricity to have a relatively stable power supply.

The BEDC boss said for her company to satisfy its consumers, it would need not less than 1,400 megawatts of electricity.

She said that against the backdrop of complaints arising from billing, BEDC has developed a bill calculator that would give a rough estimate of what a customer consumed in a particular household unit within a particular period with a view to

addressing the controversy generated by either underestimation or overestimation of customers’ bill.

Also, Osibodu added that the company had devised a uniform to be worn by all field staff with their names and location code inscribed during repairs or fault clearance on the network in a bid to address the complaints of illegal staff ripping off customers. She said that with such uniformed customers would be able to detect fraudulent or impersonators on the field.

She advised customers to report to the police anyone seen climbing electricity poles without adequate identification, adding that every field staff of BEDC was expected to wear the uniform, helmet and

Thank You Gov Ayade

second week of the month to the amazement of even your serial critics.

While I am almost tempted to describe you as a magician, I will not do so because of your humanity and well known act of philanthropy. You have brought this to bear on your governance process.

It is common knowledge that in virtually all the states, salaries are being owed for upward of five to six months, yet you have displayed a canny ability in the management of statecraft.

Not long after you were sworn in, you demonstrated your compassion for the weak and the poor in the state by passing into law a bill abolishing taxes for the low income earners of the state workforce.

This was followed immediately with the lifting of the 23-year-old freeze on employment in the civil service.

In the state, you been christened “Digital Governor”, “Labour Friendly Governor”, “Investment

Ayade

unique identifying numbers.

To ensure equitable distribution of available power, Osibodu said the BEDC had concluded plans to remove not 600 consumers from the 33MVA cables coming directly from the transmission lines to 11KVA lines.

The BEDC boss lamented that not less than 3000 consumers were connected directly to the 33 MVA in the four states it is operating, a factor she said is adversely affecting their operations.

Osibodu said: “BEDC is the only distribution company that is involved in power sharing even though it is not involved in power generation, so, it is whatever that is allocated to us that we share among the four states.”

Friendly Governor”, these are labels testifying to the noble deeds you have performed barely a year in office.

Let me add to this titles by naming you “Ekwueme I of Cross River”. Ekwueme in Igbo means “Talk and do”.

Indeed, you are a man who not only talk the talk but also walk your talks and so, you are deserving of this new title of “Ekwueme”.

When you said you were expanding the government, I am sure a lot of people scoffed at the proposition, wondering how you were going to manage the attendant cost implications, but today, you have silenced your doubters. Not many realized that your action was not borne out of surplus but more of letting the little that there is go round. This gesture finds space in the shared African heritage of commonality.

In fact, several of us are already overwhelmed with optimism that with the ongoing industrialization, Governor Ayade is aggressively positioning Cross River among the first world within Nigeria.

Kudos Ekwueme I of Cross River –Bassey, Calabar, Cross River State.

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SATURDAY MAY 14, 2016 T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY SATURDAY MAY 14, 2016

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SATURDAY MAY 14, 2016 T H I S D AY

INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAIHIR RAJIOUN!!!

As the 8th day Fidau prayer holds today, we the colleagues of Lanre Ishola commiserate with him and the entire Ishola Family on the loss of their father and patriarch, Pa Mandiu Amusa Ishola.

We pray that Allah (SWT) grant Pa Mandiu Amusa Ishola an abode in ALJANNAH FIRDAUS, and that He gives the family the fortitude to bear this loss.

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihir Rajioun!!!

Pa Mandiu Amusa

ISHOLA 18th January 1941 to 6th May 2016

Signed: Ezomo Emi Florence Nnegha Kasimu Osumah Isaac Gado Michael Ilo Bright Okunzuwa Sulaiman Tom Garba Ogbaje Safiya Busola Falade Musa Moore Debbie Igonmu Josephine Obazee Olutola Akinosi Samuel Busuyi Daramola Tunde Bello

Justina Onwuamaeze Henry Uzo Francis Okoroafor Victoria Tarfa Sunday Egwu Busola Alex-Hamah Tomoloju Eliphus Okunomo Virginia Animeka Abdulsalam Hassan Ugochi Chuks-Onwubiko Mike Ogwuma Tony Oyewole Nosa Orumwense Frances Enebeli Aminu L. Kankara Aburime Ehimare

-

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T H I S D AY SATURDAY MAY 14, 2016

INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAIHIR RAJIOUN!!!

Pa Mandiu Amusa Ishola 18th January 1941 to 6th May 2016 As the 8th day Fidau prayer holds today, we the colleagues of Lanre Ishola commiserate with him and the entire Ishola Family on the loss of their father and patriarch, Pa Mandiu Amusa Ishola.

We pray that Allah (SWT) grant Pa Mandiu Amusa Ishola an abode in ALJANNAH FIRDAUS, and that He gives the family the fortitude to bear this loss.

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihir Rajioun!!!

Signed: Jacquelyne Yawa Kennedy Okwudili Victoria N. Enweronu Modupe Adekunle Chinwe Anorue Joy Isen

Benjamin Ganaka Oby Nwagwu Ada Moore KomKom Jemitola Oke Edutie Waheed Lafenwa-Balogun

Bitrus Duwong Uchenna Igwe Chris Opene Chuks Ekpunobi Momoh Kadiri Musa Ibrahim

Chinelo Akunne Tessy Olumolu-Tonio Aisha Aliyu Doma Shedlis Gana Toyin Yusuf Ngozi Udensi

Didacus Amu Muhammad S. Bawa Musa Ibrahim Ifeyinwa Obiefuna Ijeoma Ekwem Lecky Razaq

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •MAY 14, 2016

newsXTRA

Egbin’s Human Capital Profile Among Africa's Best, Says Adesina Nigeria’s largest Power Generation firm, Egbin Power Plc says it’s

staff ranked among the best in the power sector in Africa whilst restating its commitment to continuous expansion and investments in alternative energy sources to boost power supply in Nigeria.

Speaking in an interview with Energy Editors in Lagos, Kola Adesina, Chairman, Egbin Power Plc said the company in conjunction with its technical partners, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) was currently mobilis-

ing the financial, technical and regulatory processes required to double its total capacity over the next five years.

“Since we acquired the asset, our passion has been to embark on constant upgrades in technology and investments in human capital to ensure we light up Nigeria. I make bold to state that our staff in Egbin rank among the best in Africa when it comes to power generation. In fact, they remain the drivers of our relentless quest for excellence and desire to redefine power

generation on the continent,” Adesina stated.

Egbin’s six 220 MW gas-fired power plants were barely generating 400mw until its privatisation in November 2013 produced a marked improvement which has since restored the plant to full capacity at 1,320mw. Egbin accounts for one quarter of power generated in Nigeria.

Adesina attributed the progress being recorded in Egbin to a “resurgent employee empowerment strategy” which propels each staff to seek creative ways of providing

solutions to the challenges of power solution. “Our people are vital to the transformation story that is unfolding in Egbin.

There’s this desire and passion to see Egbin as front players in Nigeria’s quest for uninterrupted, affordable and sustainable power supply,” he added.

Adesina said Egbin ran a Graduate Engineering Programme which sought to enhance capacity and seamless employee succession within the company.

“We are focused on building a sustainable franchise and robust

capacity in the technical and theoretical aspect of electricity generation The GEP is one of our platforms for tackling unemployment in Nigeria and creating platforms for sustainable development and improvement in the Power sector,” Adesina explained.

According to him, the company’s management had also upgraded its schools located in its estate to provide ultimate learning experience for the wards of the power firm’s staff. In addition, the Estate’s recreational facilities had been overhauled and remodeled to

ensure staff had access to post work activities that would further enhance their productivity.

The transformation at the nation’s largest generation plant commenced following its acquisition by Sahara Power, working through a number of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV) in collaboration with its technical partners, KEPCO. The Sahara Power/KEPCO partnership has brought to Egbin, an unprecedented level of innovativeness, professionalism, human capital development and continuing investment in new technology.

Edo 2016: Obaseki Declares Intention to Run as Edo Speaker, Others Endorses Him Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

REVVING UP PRODUCTION...

R-L: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd right); President, YAMAHA Motor Corporation, Mr. Masaya Otsuka; Chairman, Management Board, CFAO Group, Paris, France, Mr. Richard Bielle and Chairman, CFAO YAMAHA Motor Nigeria Limited, Mr. Gbenga Oyebode during the grand opening ceremony of CFAO YAMAHA Motor Nigeria Limited Showroom and Assembly Line at Amuwo Odofin Industrial Scheme, Apapa- Oshodi Expressway, Lagos, on Friday, May 13, 2016.

Imo PDP Elders Want Congresses Freedom for Aluko as Court Cancelled, Accuse Sheriff of Quashes Arrest Warrant Manipulation The application was seeking an order of the Court granting Victor Olakiitan in Ado Ekiti

Amby Uneze in Owerri

Elders of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State have called for a total cancellation of the congresses currently being held in the state as a result of alleged flawed processes. They also accused the interim national chairman of the party, Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff of showing personal interest and manipulation of the process.

In the same vein, the High Court sitting in Owerri has directed the Plaintiffs to serve the defendants before the commencement of the argument on the motion on notice for interim injunction slated to resume on May 19, 2016.

In a suit No. HOW/320/2016 before Justice K.A. Ojiako between Vitus Nwajioha, Ingram Odimegwu and six others as claimants and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Samuel B. Gwamman, Secretary, Congress Electoral Committee of PDP, Imo State for and on behalf of the said Congress Electoral Committee as defendants, the court ordered that the applicants should serve and put the respondents on notice.

The court also ordered that by the prayers sought in the motion exparte for interim injunction, it was of the view that the matter was not ripe to be heard exparte until the parties were served, urging the parties not to do anything that would have the effect of rendering nugatory any decision in the matter.

“That parties ought to and should respect the court proceedings. That

the case be and is hereby adjourned to |May 19, 2016 for argument on the motion on notice”, the court orders.

Leading the protest against the Interim National Chairman of the party, the leader of the Coalition of True PDP Democrats, Dr. Alex Obi, who was the longest serving state chairman of the party that produced two elected governors, accused him (Modu Sheriff) of compromise with a serving senator to bring down the party in the state.

“We in Imo accuse him (Modu Sheriff) of having compromised. We accuse him of flawing the process to better his own interest. We accuse him that he is using his cronies to manipulate the process because he wants to be the national chairman.

We want total cancellation of the entire process so that life can be brought back to the party. Imo hungers for a credible process so that the party can stand firm in the state.

“Ali Modu Sheriff must reverse the process and he must come clean and must not use individuals, no matter how close he has with those people from party affairs. If this is the type of leadership he is made of, then he is unfit to lead the party.

He is inexperienced to manage the party nationally. One good way to encourage people to participate in the party is to allow them be part of the process, they should be allowed to freely choose their leaders and not handpick or cronies to represent the interest of the party”, he said.

Reprieve yesterday came the way of the embattled Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ekiti State, Dr. Tope Aluko, as an High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti quashed a warrant of arrest issued against him in a perjury case against him by the state government.

Following allegation that he recanted on the earlier testimony given in court in support of the election of Governor Ayodele Fayose during the June 21 governorship poll, state government through the Office of the Attorney General on February 3 secured the bench warrant seeking Aluko's arrest .

An Ado Ekiti Chief Magistrate's Court presided over by Mr. Adesoji Adegboye, granted the order.

Having got the arrest warrant, the government approached the Magistrate's Court, seeking an order compelling the Police to arrest Aluko for allegedly lying on oath that Fayose’s election was rigged.

But the High Court presided over by Justice John Adeyeye set aside the bench warrant issued by the Magistrate's Court following the hearing of a motion ex-parte filed and sworn to by Fayose's aide, Lere Olayinka.

The case with Suit Number HAD/191M/2016 has Attorney General of Ekiti State as Applicant while the Commissioner of Police is the Respondent.

leave for the applicant to apply for the issuance of prerogative writ of mandamus to compel the respondent to discharge its statutory duty to arrest and investigate Aluko for alleged perjury and be made to face trial as a result of the investigation.

But Justice Adeyeye, according to an Enrolment of Order received in Ado Ekiti on Friday nullified the bench warrant issued by the Chief Magistrate's Court on ground that motion was not filed within three amounts allowed by law after Aluko had given evidence before the Tribunal.

Justice Adeyeye ruled: "This application was brought pursuant to Order 40 of the High Court of Ekiti State Civil Procedure Rules.

"Order 40 Rules (4) provides as follows: An application for judicial review shall be brought within three months of the date of occurrence of the subject of application.

"Since Dr. Temitope Aluko was alleged to have committed the offence of perjury when he testified before the Election Petition Tribunal on 12/11/2014, the subject matter of the application is clearly a period of more than three months stipulated by Order 40 Rule (4).

"The application having been brought outside the period stipulated by the Rules of this Court, in my humble view, is incompetent.

It should be dismissed. I hereby dismiss it."

Benin City, capital of Edo State yesterday stood still when the Chairman, Edo State Economic Team, Mr. Godwin Obaseki officially declared his intention to run for the 2016 governorship election under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

It was also an endorsement galore as Obaseki announced the state Commissioner for Works in Oshiomhole’s cabinet, Mr. Osarodion Ogie as his Campaign Director.

The new Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mrs. Elizabeth Ativie, led other members of the state House of Assembly to endorse him, while Majority Leader of the House, Folly Ogedengbe endorsed Obaseki on behalf of the Edo North people, former Deputy Governor of the state, Mr. Lucky Imasuen did same on behalf of Edo South while the Deputy Speaker of the House Justin Okonobo endorsed him on behalf of the people of Edo Central.

Others who endorsed him include the youth wing of APC led by Mr. Tony Kabaka, ALGON led by Morrison, market women and several leaders of the party.

The traditional Urhokpota hall was filled to the brim while members of the state Executive Council were

also present.

Ogie who endorsed Obaseki on behalf of members of the Governor Adams Oshiomhole Political family, said they would not embark on any hate campaign because “we have a good product. You cannot build your house and abandon it for a tenant to take over. People are shouting continuity, continuity, what are you going to continue, it is Oshiomhole’s work.

“Who is the best person to do the work, Obaseki. The game just started, we will not abuse anybody but anybody that abuses us, we will reply. I speak for Oshiomhole political family we have endorse Obaseki and the game has just began”.

Obaseki in his address said “as this administration comes to an end, we are faced with new challenges, as you all know the price of crude oil has reduced significantly therefore Nigeria is not able to earn enough foreign exchange to import its goods and services. This has brought economic hardship to many of us.

These challenges pose new threats to us. In the face of these challenges, we need a leadership with fresh and original ideas to help us face these challenges, so that we can build on the success of the Oshiomhole led administration.

Bitumen: Ondo Set to Release Calendar of Exploration The Ondo state Government said it would soon release the calendar of Operation of the execution of its bitumen exploration project, even as it mentioned that the geophysical survey of the deposit grounds will soon commence.

According to the Commissioner for Information, Kayode Akinmade, the exploration of the commodity would begin immediately.

He said the company partnering with the state government in executing the project, Liquefied Resources was expected to make available the drilling plan, while government would step up its Community relations role, being part of its obligation in the bitumen exploration contractual agreement aside securing the license for the exploration.

Explaining that the license given by the Federal government to explore bitumen in the state had a life-span of about three years, Akinmade said government was prepared to take the risk

to explore bitumen in the state to the advantage of the people.

He said efforts of government at diversifying the state's economy, especially as it affected the bitumen production, would begin to pay off in few months, submitting that results of government efforts would soon begin to show.

According to him, the bitumen project was real, adding that with the taking off of its exploration, the revenue base of the state would be enhanced, while the state would become an industrial hub even as it was mentioned that the exploration of Bitumen in the state would kick off immediately with 10,000 barrel per day.

Recall that Ondo state government recently announced a major breakthrough in its quest for economic stability as it revealed that arrangements had begun for the exploitation of its Bitumen, being one of the Mineral resources the state had in commercial quantity.

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Tambuwal Orders Closure of Murtala Specialist Hospital Mohammed Aminu in Sokoto

FOR SAFER WATERWAYS...

L-R: Executive Gvovernor of Anambra State, Chief Willie M. Obiano ; Commanding Ofiicer, Naval Outpost, Naval Base, Onitsha, Navy Capt.

DA Kwabe; the Commissioner of Police , Aambra State Command, H. H. Karma and the State Commander, Nigeria Drug Law Eenforcement Agency (NDLEA) , Anambra State Command, Mr Momodu Sule during the launching of Gun boat for NIgeria Navy, Onitsha Naval Base

Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, Friday ordered the closure of the state owned Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital located at Unguwan Rogo area of Sokoto metropolis.

The order was sequel to an unscheduled visit by the Governor to assess the state of facilities in the hospital.

Health professionals had voiced concern over the substandard facilities at the hospital, and urged the government to intervene for the benefit of the populace.

A visit to the hospital showed that apart from lack of basic health facilities, the integrity of the buildings could not be guaranteed due to cracks on

Biafra : Nnamdi Kanu Accuses Buhari of Making Statements Prejudicial to His Trial Tobi Soniyi in Abuja

The embattled Director of Radio Biafra and leader of the Indegenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu has accused President Muhammadu Buhari of making statements capable of prejudicing his trial for treasonable felony.

Kanu who spoke through his lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor at a media briefing in Abuja said that, the recent comments made by the president during his visit to Katsina was influencing the court to convict him for treasonable felony, even when his appeal for bail was before the Abuja Court of Appeal.

"The moment the president pronounced to the whole world

that Nnamdi Kanu cannot be granted bail by any court, that moment he made Nnamdi Kanu a political prisoner, and as such, most of part of the media chat inadvertently posited the judge when Kanu was refused bail by the presiding judge.

"Only few days ago, he also went into the issue of if he can be granted bail or not, these are issues we consider prejudicial to the matter before the court because the mindset of the judicial officers will be apparently affected in one way or the other, as the pronouncement of the president could also be said to be an order.

"It is pertinent for members of the public to know that his pronouncement in recent days

is inadvertently affecting the matter before the court and that impression should be corrected because we do not expect such pronouncement, especially when the matter is before the court, having taken him to court, we believe they should allow the courts to determine the matter", he said.

He further said that both parties should remain calm and the federal government should refrain from comments that were prejudicial and amounted to giving out orders that would affect the mind of judges.

On the issue of him not accepting food from any member of the public except his brother, the lawyer explained that the legal team investigated the issue,

and aligned with him because there were some steps that were taken by some personnel under directive from certain quarters that they should be monitoring and harassing him and make the environment uncomfortable to him.

"All these were investigated and we believe he has a cause of action to that regard and so we asked him not to eat food from other people so that he will be comfortable with what he eats because his health and life is of concern to us.

"Not that he is being harassed exactly by the prison authorities, but because of the politics involved in it, some persons have interest in the matter. There was a time his cell was invaded and he

Rehabilitate Victims of Cattle Herders’Violent Attacks, Say KSJI The Knights of St. John International (KSJI), Enugu Grand Commandery, spanning five Dioceses: Abakaliki, Awgu, Enugu, Idah and Nsukka, has condemned the recent violent attack of Ukpabi Nimbo by persons believed to be Fulani cattle herders, which left many lives and properties destroyed.

In a Press Statement signed

by the Chairman of the Publicity Committee of the Grand Commandery, Sir Abuchi Anueyiagu, the President of Enugu Grand Commandery, Sir Peter U. Adimora, said whatever that may have been the covert reason, the attack and the degree of destruction was barbaric, unwarranted and condemnable.

Knights of St. John International (KSJI), a lay apostolate Order of the Roman Catholic Church with its Headquarters in New York, United States of America, was not happy about the persistent or incessant nefarious activities of cattle herders in various parts of the country, warning that if such barbaric actions were not checked by

government it may escalate to an uncontrollable level that could trigger off inter-ethnic uprising that may be difficult to contend.

The people that carried out the heinous crime obviously should not belong to this world because what they did was against humanity and God and should not be treated with soft hand if eventually apprehended.

Our National Convention Will Hold as Scheduled, Says PDP He reminded them that “anything you are doing and your children do not have insight into, will perish.

"We won't say they should go, (but) they should take a back seat.

"If you are leading as elders and we lost election; most of the people who were (former President) Jonathan's advisers were elders and we lost the election. In most of the advanced democracies, if you lose election, it is just decent for you to allow other people to try, especially young people.

"I was governor at 42. You need a lot of energy to be a leader, not when they are giving you panadol to be strong. Age is a disease on its own," he said.

"And I am saying it again that if I am struggling for a position with my father, it is ridiculous. New generation should take over this party and build it.

"Since this party started, we have always deferred to them. But are they saying that we should continue to say the younger generation should go to blazes.

The question to ask our elders with all due respect to them is that, at sometime, if you are the one eating the food, you will pack the plates yourself. We will have differences. It is normal in politics but washing your dirty linen in public is bad. Let the young men take over in Nigeria," he added. eriff said on telephone.

On his part, the Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, who was at PDP National Secretariat on Thursday night, insisted that the congress would still hold.

Fayose also slammed the party elders for trying to always impose their will on the party. "You can wish anything but God's plan for the PDP is that the 21st May

convention cannot be stopped," he said.

According to him, most of the people running to court to get injunction against the party do not have followers.

The governor, who described the PDP founding fathers as "wonderful people", however, advised that they should give room to the younger generation to excel.

He reminded them that “anything you are doing and your children do not have insight into, will perish.

"We won't say they should go, (but) they should take a back seat.

"If you are leading as elders and we lost election; most of the people who were (former President) Jonathan's advisers were elders and we lost the election. In most of the advanced democracies, if you lose election, it is just decent for you to allow other people to try,

Cont’d from Pg. 6

especially young people.

"I was governor at 42. You need a lot of energy to be a leader, not when they are giving you panadol to be strong. Age is a disease on its own," he said.

"And I am saying it again that if I am struggling for a position with my father, it is ridiculous. New generation should take over this party and build it.

"Since this party started, we have always deferred to them. But are they saying that we should continue to say the younger generation should go to blazes.

The question to ask our elders with all due respect to them is that, at sometime, if you are the one eating the food, you will pack the plates yourself. We will have differences. It is normal in politics but washing your dirty linen in public is bad. Let the young men take over in Nigeria," he added.

was harassed, they acted against their will but on the directives of some higher authority, that concern has however been addressed", he added.

Natural Resources: NEITI Applauds Buhari’s Pledge to More Disclosures Chineme Okafor in Abuja

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) on Friday said it was pleased with President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent statement that federal government will push for full disclosure of beneficial owners of companies doing business in Nigeria’s extractive industry.

NEITI stated in a statement from its Director of Communications, Orji Ogbonanya Orji that its appreciation of such commitment from the government was with high expectations.

The statement was released in Abuja. It said the pronouncement

by Buhari on Thursday at an anticorruption summit in London was in line with its position as contained in its maiden policy brief on ‘Beneficial Ownership Disclosure’.

Buhari had said: “We welcome the new 2016 EITI standard, in particular, the requirements on beneficial ownership and the sale of the government’s share of production.”

He further declared: “Nigeria will establish a transparent central register of foreign companies bidding on public contracts and buying property. We welcome the proposal by developed countries to work together to improve the access of developing countries to beneficial ownership information for use in public contracting.”

NEITI explained that such commitment would strengthen the government’s on-going reforms in the oil, gas and solid minerals industry.

the walls and roofs blown off by wind.

THISDAY checks revealed that all patients had been moved to other public hospitals in the state capital, while feasibility study had commenced on how to upgrade the facilities and reopen as soon as possible.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam, confirmed to journalists in Sokoto, that once the upgrade was completed, it would be converted into a renal and cardiac centre whose establishment was earlier announced by the state government.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known as OBIORAH CHINEDU CHUKWUMA, now wish to be known and addressed as ILOH CHINEDU CHUKWUMA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please, take note.

I, formerly known as CHIBUIKE CHUKWUJEKWU EZENWUGO, now wish to be known and addressed as CHIBUIKE JASON EZENWUGO. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please, take note.

I, formerly known as LATEEF MUYIDEEN KAYODE, now wish to be known and addressed as LATEEF MUYIDEEN IDOWU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please, take note.

I, formerly known as AJARE OLUCHI GOODNESS AND OLUCHI SIMON UCHE, now wish to be known and addressed as AJARE OLUCHI GOODNESS. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please, take note.

I, formerly known as POPOOLA YETUNDE JOLAADE, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEBIYI YETUNDE JOLAADE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please, take note.

I, formerly known as ESSIENANWAN EYO OKU, now wish to be known and addressed as GRACE EYO OKU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please, take note.

I, formerly known as SAVALTION DADI, now wish to be known and addressed as AYUBA GAMBO. Also my birth certificate was wrongly written in my Bank Account as April 22, 1988 instead of January 22, 1992. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known as OGUNOJEMITE PIUS KAYODE, now wish to be known and addressed as OLOWOYEYE PIUS OLUWAKAYODE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please, take note.

I, formerly known as CHINENYE EKANEM, now wish to be known and addressed as CHINENYE CHINWE NWIGWE. All documents remained valid.

The general public please take note.

I, formerly known as VICTOR ATAMAH, now wish to be known and addressed as BOBO ATAMAH-PEPPLE. All documents remained valid. The general public please take note.

T H I S D AY SATURDAY MAY 14, 2016

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Price: N250

MISSILE Prof. Utomi on Buhari

“The problem with Buhari’s administration is his medieval mindset. He excludes rather than includes. So, he does not get the best idea. He is insular. Because of their medieval mindset, they have created a country that is more divided than they met it.

And that is a problem for leadership that is marching towards progress.”

– Prof. Pat Utomi, economist and renowned management expert, chastising the Buhari administration.

PENDULUM Dele Momodu

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

The Frequently Asked Questions by Youths

F

ellow Nigerians, let me posit on this page today that Nigeria is in dire new of learned teachers who can imbibe in our youths the spirit of entrepreneurship.

The reason is simple. The biggest problem confronting our beloved country today is that of mass unemployment. And something very drastic has to be thought of and activated to avert a cataclysmic collapse of the entire system.

The anger in the land is palpable and it does not discriminate.

I started the Ovation 20th anniversary series as a way of reaching out to our young friends and demonstrate how tough it is to build and grow any business or brand. I have had the privilege and opportunity of speaking to African youths globally and I have had to take many questions about starting and sustaining the Ovation brand.

The first question is about funding a new business. More often than not it is usually difficult to raise all the required money required to take off. We opted for a slow start since the supersonic version was not available to us. We were lucky to have dependable families and friends who chipped in their widow’s mites from time to time. We reached dead-ends a couple of times but God sent Angels down to us. Chief Oyekunle Alex-Duduyemi would always call out of the blues on such occasions not just to offer his support but to also sermonise on the profitability of hard work. He was fond of saying “ohun ti ko to si maa po to maa seku…” (what is not enough today will become too plenty in the fullness of time if you persist…). It was as if he was clairvoyant as he called several times at critical moments.

We had our young friend, Toye Ariyo, who was introduced to me by Nduka Obaigbena and our case was a matter of love at first time. He would call and tell me to go somewhere and pick up some support. Toye made it possible for us to cover our first major event in Ghana, the 40th birthday party of Mrs Edwina Baaba Banda, the gorgeous wife of shipping magnate and airline owner, Alhaji Asoma Banda. It was at that celebration that I first met President John Agyekum Kufuor, who had just been sworn in days earlier. That would open up many opportunities and our decision to expand our operations to Ghana and other West African countries.

There was a finance company headed by Ayo Kuteyi and we were offered helplines on many occasions that we ran into great difficulties. We had Tunji Fadairo who became our effective credit control manager and ensured that we stayed alive. What many do not know about media business is that it is too capital intensive.

This is why most publications die as soon as they are born. The situation is much worse in Africa where most companies hate to spend on patronising local brands but rush to foreign media organisations. We were fortunate to come up with the idea of targeting more of events. The unmatchable quality of our magazine attracted readership as well as invitation to people, places and events of highest calibre.

Moving the magazine to different destinations was another big challenge. London became the centre of our printing and it is located right in the middle of Nigeria and New York. The bulk of our cargo was to Nigeria and the freight cost

Dele Momodu in a chat with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in Abuja in 2003 was astronomical as we were not ready to risk and compromise print quality. We were lucky to have a good friend in Kayode Odukoya the Managing Director of Bellview Airline who entered into a barter deal with us and flew in our magazine and staff between Lagos and Amsterdam. This meant that we had to truck the magazine from London to Amsterdam and this often caused major headache for us and the airline. Kayode Odukoya is a genius who was just ahead of his time. If he enjoyed great support from his home government he would have had the more lucrative direct flight to London very early and many Nigerians would have benefited immensely. We had two experienced agents, Tony Osibodu and Lekan Owodunni who helped to calm down the principalities at our airports. That is a story for another day.

Our international distributors including Julie Ugbowankwo, W. H. Smith, John Menzies, Fola Tinubu, Nike Faleti, Veronica Mills Lamptey and Rachel Obilor helped to spread our wings massively.

Many have asked how we gained access to the high and mighty and my answer is brand integrity. We decided to be as objective as possible and allow the readers to draw their own lessons or conclusions. We were never going to practise censorship by behaving holier than the Pope. Everyone would be allowed his say or appearance. We shall tell our stories through pictures. There would never be an editorial abusing anyone but we shall let everyone express their views without intimidation. We had strict codes for our Bureau Chiefs everywhere, including Yinka Agboola, Remi Aboderin, Tosan Aduayi, Jean Frances Maduakor, Anne Sekyi, Laolu Akande, King Nee, on how to be fair and reasonable at all times.

Ovation metamorphosed several times before it settled mainly for events like weddings, birthdays, funerals, outdooring, housewarming, concerts, beauty pageants, fashion parades, lifestyles of the rich and famous, travels and tourisms, etcetera. We made people feel comfortable and it became aspirational. People dreamt of the day they would eventually appear in Ovation. Many brides said they were anxious to get a good husband so as to experience the feeling of gracing the pages of Ovation. Parents

were proud and used Ovation as albums and souvenirs. No one ever throws the magazine away. We made and nurtured contacts. That’s our biggest assets.

How did we feel when people started copying us? We felt very flattered. I read somewhere that imitation is the best form of flattery. So many magazines came after us but there was no time we felt intimidated. We understood the fact that a marathoner would make a fatal mistake by trying to see if others were catching up with him. We tried to maintain our own speed and pace. Many came and threatened to give us a run for our money but we had no money. God and passion kept us going. We promised to publish a world class magazine and we did. Even our biggest critics could not quarrel with that fact.

Was there a time we felt like quitting? That was never an option but we were faced with monumental challenges that almost knocked our existence but for the benevolence of God. One of the strategies that helped was the diversification exercise. Being international ensured we were never bored or totally encumbered by the whims and caprices of powerful people who may wish to oppress us for the fun of it. We learnt great lessons from the days we fled Nigeria and decided never to keep our eggs in one basket.

We spread our wings across the continents and covered events in over 60 countries.

How did we coordinate our international affairs? Chief Alexander Opeyemi Akinyele was one of the first people to invite us to cover a wedding beyond Africa and Europe when we travelled to Mumbai (Bombay) where the Ondo Chief married his Indian wife, Maria Bernadine Calvaho, on July 4, 1999.

John Fashanu was also very instrumental at the beginning. He used his wide contacts to introduce us to people and places. He invited us on a visit to the United Nations where we met the then Secretary General Dr Kofi Annan and the famous British politician Mo Mowlam.

John introduced me to Ms Isha Tejan-Cole who became our greatest facilitator in West Africa.

Isha introduced us to The Gambia in 2000 where we met President Yahya Jammeh and his Moroccan wife and the richest Gambian at the time Ahmadu Samba. We promoted tourism

and John Fashanu attended the launch of Ovation in Banjul. We took Nigerian fashion designers Funmi Ajila and Graces Hats to showcase their talents before a powerful audience including the Vice President Madam Isatou Njie-Saidy.

We were invited to Sierra Leone in 2001 just as the fratricidal war was ending but there were remnants of the rebel forces. I invited my friends Mayor Akinpelu, Kunle Bakare, Folabi Odeyemi, Tunde Adewale (Tee A) along on those trips. We were received warmly by President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah and hosted by the most popular Nigerian businessman in the country Chief Tony Izubundu Chinyere. We met former military ruler Johnny Paul Koroma. We visited Nigerian peacekeepers and travelled through the danger zones of Port Loko District. Our gallant soldiers were very happy.

Our exploits took us to so many places. We were invited in 2002 to Dubai on a special tour to market the place to Africa. Dubai wasn’t this popular then and it was mainly patronised by traders. Dayo Adedayo the Nigerian-born London photographer invaded Dubai with his Mamiya cameras and came back with crispy pictures. We dared to change the famous slogan “see Paris and die” to See Dubai and die!”

We were invited on sight-seeing and tourist exploration to the Eastern Caribbean island of Commonwealth of Dominica by Valery John (of blessed memory). There we met the then oldest woman in the world, Elizabeth Israel (aka Ma Pampo, born in 1875) and the Prime Minister of Dominica, Mr Pierre Charles. We had a team of seven, Segun Fatoye, Tosan Aduayi (our North American Bureau Chief), Mike Effiong (who was Editor of Encomium magazine), Gbenga Olunloyo, Tunde Adewale (the comedian known as Tee A) and Photo Editor, Ajayi Oyebo…

Which were the stories that made us extraordinary? We had so many, beginning with Mohammed Al-Fayed. We wrote stories on Moshood Abiola, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Wahab Iyanda Folawiyo, James Onobiono of Cameroon, the Olympio Brothers of Gabon, Samuel Adedoyin, Rasaq Okoya, Anthonio Oladeinde Fernandez (one of our most ambitious stories in New York, Paris and Scotland), The Ooni Oba Okunade Sijuwade, The Awujale of Ijebuland Oba Sikiru Adetona, The Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki, The Alaafin Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, The Emir Ado Bayero, Wole Soyinka, The Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II, The Esama Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion and Lady Cherry, The Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, The Ibru Brothers led by Olorogun Michael Ibru, Parakoyi Bode Akindele, Baba Ijebu Kessington Adebutu, Gani Fawehinimi, Agbaakin Harry Akande, Pastor E. A Adeboye, , Sonny Odogwu, Subomi Balogun, Alex Duduyemi, Bola Kuforiji-Olubi, Bode Olajumoke, Michael Adenuga Jnr., Bola Tinubu, Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola, Fola Adeola, Tayo Aderinokun, Tayo Amusan, Keem Belo-Osagie, Tony Elumelu, President Nelson Mandela, President Olusegun Obasanjo and Stella, President Ibrahim Babangida, Head of State, The Abachas, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, The Abachas, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

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