Saturday 21st May 2016

Again, Militants Blow Up another Escravos Gas Pipeline in Warri Attack disrupts gas supply to Egbin, Geregu, Omotosho Power stations, others Our correspondents The war against oil installations in the Niger Delta by emergent militants in the region appears to be relentless as they have

again blown up a gas pipeline to Escravos in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.

Apparently reacting to earlier bombings, President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Chief of Naval Staff

to reorganise and strengthen the military Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta to deal effectively with the resurgence of militancy and the sabotage of oil installations.

THISDAY gathered that the facility, which belongs to the

Buhari orders naval chief to reorganise JTF to stop vandals

Nigerian Gas Company (NGC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), was attacked with explosives early yesterday.

Although, no official statement confirming the incident could be obtained

from either the NGC or the security task force (JTF) in the region, a dependable security source said the gas trunk-line was blown up at a portion near Warri metropolis near Ogbe-Ijoh, the administrative headquarters of Warri South-

West Local Government Area.

It is feared that the latest attack could worsen the very bad gas production and supply situation in Nigeria with heavy toll on the energy generation Continued on page 6

EgyptAir Crash: Body Parts, Seats, Luggage Found at Wreckage Site ...Page 60 Saturday 21 May, 2016 Vol 21. No 7689 Price: N250

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CBN Disburses N55bn to 24 Power Firms as FG Seeks Improved Supply Obinna Chima As part of efforts to address the worsening power situation in the country, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday disbursed a total of N55,456,161,481 from its Nigerian Electricity Market Stabilisation Facility (NEMSF)

to firms in the power.

A breakdown of the amount showed that while all the distribution companies got N8,670,234,863.76; the generating companies - N35,834,536,939; gas suppliers N10,491,710,788.66; all the service providers in the power value chain were given

a total of N459,678,889.55.

The amount was the fourth batch from the N213 billion stabilisation that was designed by the central bank as part of development finance intervention in the economy.

Speaking during the signing of the agreement for the disbursement of the fund

and presentation of cheques to the power sector investors in Lagos, CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, said the fourth batch disbursement marked a major milestone in the effort of the Bank in collaboration with the federal government to achieve a contract based electricity market.

This, according to him would activate Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) by the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Traders (NBET) and signal activation of industry contracts for power generation.

Emefiele added: "By the end of today, total disbursements to the Discos will be N49.73

billion (91.7%); gencos N54.29 billion (62.5%), gas companies N15.73 billion (36.9%) and service providers N0.46 billion (1.7%). With today’s event, the total disbursements under the initiative will be N120.2 billion, Continued on page 6

Nigeria’s GDP Falls to Historic Low, Heads Towards Recession Declines to -0.36%

Unemployment rate rises to 12.1%

James Emejo in Abuja

OLABINTAN FAMUTIMI

Nigeria’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate declined to -0.36 per cent in the first quarter of this year (Q1 2016) compared to 2.11 per cent in Q4 of 2015, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) stated yesterday.

This negative GDP growth apparently confirms an earlier statement by the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed that the federal government was broke and taking painful decisions/tough adjustments.

He said the decision to increase the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N86.50 to N145 per litre was one of those decisions to free funds for government's other financial obligations.

By this negative growth rate, the country appears to be on a recessionary mode as it requires one more negative growth rate in the next quarter to enter into recession.

It also emerged yesterday Continued on page 6

No Law Says My Children Must Succeed Me in Business

SuperSaturday pg. 8-9

PAUL PA P AUL O AUL ORAJIAKA RAJIAKA I Used $100 to Build a Multi-Million Dollar Toy Enterprise

Plus pg. 17

OIL ON THEIR MINDS

R-L: Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, President Muhammadu Buhari, Shell Global Upstream Director, Mr. Andrew Brown and MD/Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor during an audience with the President at the State House, Abuja ...yesterday STATE HOUSE

PDP National Convention Holds Today, Says Wike...Page 61

Continued on page 6

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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 21, 2016

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PAGE SIX AGAIN, MILITANTS BLOW UP ANOTHER ESCRAVOS GAS PIPELINE IN WARRI capacity of the country.

It is also likely to adversely affect the country's general oil export capability, which has fallen from 2.2mbpd to about 1.4mbpd due to the resurgence of militancy in the Niger Delta.

However, no one has yet claimed responsibility for the attack on the facility, which is part of NGC's Phase II of the Escravos-Lagos gas pipeline though the Niger Delta Avengers militia group has said it carried out most of the recent devastating attacks on offshore oil facilities in Delta State.

The Escravos-Lagos pipeline was seriously damaged in February by militants, leading to a drop of 3,132 megawatts (MW) of electricity with operational difficulties for electricity distribution companies (discos) in the country.

Militants blew up a Valve Platform, an offshore oil facility belonging to Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL, located near Escravos in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, earlier this month.

The NDA later claimed responsibility for the attack, while congratulating its ‘strike forces’ for a job well done.

In January, the same gas pipeline belonging to the NGC in Warri Southwest, conveying gas from Escravos-Warri-LagosAbuja was blown up by one of the violent gangs.

The boys reportedly blew up the gas pipeline at three different points along Opudebubor, Okpelama and Kpokpo area, Chanomi creek and Sahara.

Details of yesterday’s attack were still sketchy at the time of going to press, but an official of the Delta State government described the attack as a major blow to gas production in the country.

Spokesman of the Joint Task Force in the region, Col. Isa Ado, did not respond to enquiries, but a military source around the area confirmed the incident.

Attack Disrupts Gas Supply to Egbin, Geregu,

Omotosho Power Stations, Others Friday’s reported attacks on the Escravos–Warri-Lagos Pipeline will lead to further drop in power generation as a result of the disruption of gas supply to power stations in Olorunsogo in Ogun State, Geregu in Kogi State, Omotosho in Ondo State and Egbin Power Station in Lagos State.

Before the attack, generation as at 6.00am on Friday was 3,147.3 megawatts, according to data obtained from the Nigerian Electricity System Operator, an arm of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

The data also showed that generation had slumped to 174.7MW on Thursday before it peaked at 3,147.3MW. The 1,320 megawatt-capacity Egbin Power Station, which is the biggest power plant in Nigeria, receives all its feedstock through the Escravos-Lagos pipeline system, which has a capacity of about 800 million standard cubic feet per day of gas (MMscfd).

Also the 434megwatt capacity Geregu 1 Power Station in Kogi State, and the Geregu NIPP Plant, which has the same installed capacity rely on Escravos pipeline for gas supply.

Others include Olorunsogo Power Plants 1 and 2 in Ogun State; and Omotosho Power Plants 1 and 2 in Ondo State.

Geregu, Omotosho and Olorunsogo - each has two power stations – one built by the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) and the second one built under the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP).

The old PHCN plants have since been privatised while the process of the privatisation of the NIPP plants was stalled by litigations and gas supply constraints.

The pipeline is owned and operated by the Nigerian Gas Company (NGC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

NNPC’s spokesman, Mr. Grauba Deen Muhammadu could not be reached on Friday for comments.

Qua Iboe Export Terminal Not Shutdown, Says ExxonMobil…

In a related development, United States oil giant, ExxonMobil has clarified that the declaration of force majeure on exports of Qua Iboe grade of crude oil did not lead to the closure of the Qua Iboe Export Terminal.

The company’s spokesman said the declaration of force majeure was to inform the company’s customers that exports would be reduced as a result of the rig accident.

The company had declared a force majeure on the country’s largest export grade Qua Iboe, saying that it had reduced output after a drilling rig damaged a pipeline.

The Manager in charge of Media and Communications at Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, Mr. Oge Udeagha has also clarified that the export terminal was not shutdown on account of any threat by militants.

He confirmed that some unknown persons obstructed access to the bridge leading to the terminal on Thursday but added that the removal of the obstructions was ongoing peacefully, following the intervention of Akwa Ibom State government and other stakeholders.

“Mobil Producing Nigeria, MPN, operator of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation NNPC/MPN Joint Venture, confirms that in the early hours of Thursday May 19, 2016, some unknown persons obstructed access to the bridge leading to our Qua Iboe terminal complex in Ibeno, Akwa Ibom state, thereby preventing our personnel and the public from conducting their legitimate businesses.

“We can also confirm that a peaceful removal of the obstructions is on-going,

following the intervention of the officials of the state government, security agencies and community leaders. MPN condemns this criminality and restates its high regard for the rule of law,” he explained.

A drilling rig, which was experiencing mechanical difficulties, had damaged the pipeline the company jointly owns with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Though traders claimed that the export terminal which was scheduled to ship 317,000 barrels per day in June was shut down, the company said exports would only be reduced.

Qua Iboe outage worsened the production problems at two of the other largest crude streams, Bonny Light and Forcados, which have already taken Nigeria’s output to a 22-year low.

Shell had declared force majeure on Bonny Light crude exports as a result of a leak that led to the closure of Nembe Creek Trunk-line for repairs by the operator, Aiteo Eastern E & P Company Ltd. Buhari Orders Naval Chief to Reorganise JTF to stop vandals...

President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Chief of Naval Staff to reorganise and strengthen the military Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta to deal effectively with the resurgence of militancy and the sabotage of oil installations.

A statement issued in Abuja yesterday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu said Buhari gave the assurance at a meeting with the Global Director (Upstream) of the Royal Dutch Shell Group, Mr. Andrew Brown.

The president assured oil companies operating in the Niger Delta that the Federal Government was taking all necessary actions to protect strategic assets in the region from vandals and criminals.

NIGERIA’S GDP FALLS TO HISTORIC LOW, HEADS TOWARDS RECESSION that the unemployment rate in the Nigerian economy climbed to 12.1 per cent in the first quarter of this year (Q1 of 2016) compared to 10.4 per cent in Q4 of 2015 and 9.9 per cent in the Q3 of 2015.

The economy had contracted to 3.86 per cent and 2.35 per cent respectively in Q1 of 2015 and Q2 of 2015 before rebounding to 2.84 in Q3 and further shrunk to 2.11 per cent Q4 of 2015.

The current decline represents the first contraction since June, 2004, a 12-year-low.

According to the first quarter 2016 GDP estimates which was released by the NBS yesterday, Q1 growth rate was lower by 2.47 per cent from the growth recorded in the preceding quarter and further lower by 4.32 per cent from the rate recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2015.

Quarter on quarter, real GDP slowed by 13.71 per cent, the NBS added.

Meanwhile, daily oil production reduced to 2.11 million barrels per day (mbpd) or 0.5mbpd lower from production of 2.11mbpd in Q4 of 2015.

Oil production was also lower relative to the corresponding quarter in 2015 by 0.07mbpd when output was recorded at 2.18mbpd, it stated.

The oil sector contributed 10.29 per cent to total GDP, higher than the share in Q4 of 2015 by 2.24 per cent but marginally lower than the contribution in the corresponding period of 2015.

According to the statistical agency, real growth of the oil sector slowed by 1.89 per cent (year-on-year) in Q1 of 2016.

This represented an improvement relative to growth recorded in Q1 of 2015 when growth slowed by 8.15 per cent. Growth also increased by 6.39 per cent relative to growth in Q4 of 2015.

Quarter-on- Quarter growth also improved by 10.27 per cent, NBS said.

During the quarter in review, aggregate GDP stood at N22.26 trillion (in nominal terms) at basic prices or 14.15 per cent lower than the N24.31 trillion in Q4 2015.

However, when compared to Q1 of 2015 value of N21.04 trillion nominal GDP was 5.80 per cent higher, the NBS further stated.

Nevertheless, the non-oil sector slowed 0.18 per cent in real terms in Q1, representing 5.77 per cent lower from the corresponding quarter in 2014 and 3.32 per cent lower than the previous quarter.

In real terms, the non-oil sector contributed 89.71 per cent to GDP, marginally higher from the 89.55 percent recorded in Q1 2015 89.55 per cent but lower than the 91.94 per cent in Q4 2015.

The nominal GDP growth of the Manufacturing sector in Q1 slowed by 2.98 per cent (year-on-year) or 4.23 per cent lower from growth recorded in Q1 2015 and 9.91 per cent points lower from growth in Q4 2015 as a result of slower

growth in 10 of 13 subsections of the Manufacturing sector.

On a Quarter-on-Quarter basis, the sector slowed by 11.92 per cent.

The contribution of Manufacturing to Nominal GDP was 9.93 percent in Q1, higher than 9.09 per cent in the previous quarter and lower than the 10.17 per cent recorded in the corresponding period of 2015.

Unemployment Rate Rises to 12.1% in Fourth Quarter…

Meanwhile, the unemployment rate in the Nigerian economy climbed to 12.1 per cent in the first quarter of this year (Q1 2016) compared to 10.4 per cent in Q4 of 2015 and 9.9 per cent in Q3 of 2015.

According to a report released yesterday by National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the number of unemployed in the labour force increased by about 1.449 million persons between Q4 of 2015 and Q1 of 2016 resulting in an increase in the unemployment rate.

The NBS report stated that the country was unable to create the 1.5 million jobs required between Q4 of 2015 and Q1 of 2016 to keep the unemployment rate constant at 10.4 per cent in Q4 of 2015.

Also, the NBS stated that the active labour population-those within the working age population willing, able and actively looking for work- increased 1.99 percent to 78.9 million in Q1 compared to 76.96 million in Q4 of 2015 and 75.94million in Q3.

It noted that an additional 1,528,647 economically active persons within ages 15-64 entered the labour force between January 1 and March 31 2016.

According to the Unemployment/Underemployment Report for Q1 of 2016, which was released by the statistical agency yesterday, the underemployment rate increased 19.1 per cent from 18.7 per cent in Q4.

According to the NBS: "The number of those not willing or able, or not actively looking to work in the economically active population however declined to 27.5 million in Q1 of 2016 from 28.06 million in Q4 of 2015 meaning about 0.55 million people in the working age population that chose not to work in Q4 of 2015 decided to work in Q1 of 2016 thereby adding to the labour force."

It stated further: "This increase in underemployment is in line with an increasing trend of informal sector job creation outpacing formal sector job creation forcing people to settle for less preferred underemployment, but it also included those that choose to work fewer hours or not be engaged in work full time for various reasons.”

The NBS added that there were a total of 24.50 million persons between the ages of 15-64 that were willing and able to work and actively seeking work within in the labour force but were either unemployed or underemployed compared to 22.45 million in Q4 of 2015, and 20.73 million in Q3 of 2015.

The president told Brown that the operations of the JTF were also being enhanced with increased support and cooperation from the United States and Europe in the areas of training, intelligence, equipment and logistics.

"We have to be very serious with the situation in the Niger Delta because it threatens the national economy. I assure you that everything possible will be done to protect personnel and oil assets in the region," Buhari said.

The president urged aggrieved persons, militants and communities in the Niger Delta to drop their confrontational stance and work with those who had been charged by the federal government to review the Amnesty Programme initiated by the Yar'Adua Administration for the benefit of all parties.

The president praised the resilience and staying power of Shell in Nigeria despite the operational challenges of the environment.

He urged the company to do its best to end gas-flaring in the Niger Delta quickly and produce more gas for electricity generation to support manufacturing and job creation in the country.

Brown had appealed for an urgent solution to rising crime and militancy in the Niger Delta.

The Shell Executive also dispelled speculations that the company was pulling out of Nigeria.

He said that contrary to such speculations, Shell was currently in discussions with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on new

joint oil and gas projects.

Last Thursday, the National Economic Council's Ad-Hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft Prevention and Control revealed that government lacks adequate operational vessels to patrol the entire pipeline network in the Niger Delta.

Briefing journalists at the end of 67th NEC meeting held yesterday at the Presidential Villa, the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Admiral John Jonah Atuama rtd said the committee also found that massive unemployment among youths in the Niger Delta region contributed to increasing incidence of theft and vandalism.

Atuama said that he reported to the council that the committee set-up sometimes in 2013 consulted widely with relevant stakeholders including the Armed Forces Joint Task Force (JTF), Oil Companies, Oil Producing States, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) among others.

According to him, the non-availability of petroleum products in the Niger Delta Area was also responsible for re occurrence illegal bunkering.

He said the committee recommended that appropriate technology be procured and deployed in surveillance of the area.

The deputy governor said the committee also suggested that combat vehicles/boats be procured and deployed in difficult terrain to drastically reduce incidents of oil thefts and illegal bunkering.

This, the committee said, would ensure full benefits of uninterrupted supply.

CBN DISBURSES N55BN TO 24 POWER FIRMS AS FG SEEKS IMPROVED SUPPLY representing (57%) of the total amount earmarked."

He explained that the CBNNEMSF was initiated as part of the commitment it reached with stakeholders to address debts owed by generating companies to gas suppliers.

The first disbursement was effected on February 12, 2015 to industry participants. One year into the programme, the sum of N64billion or 30 per cent of the facility was disbursed to 18 participants.

The companies committed to using the funds to upgrade/ refurbish their equipment and acquire new ones so as to improve service delivery.

The facility was given at 10 per cent interest rate and repayment has commenced.

"Our review of the fund utilization and reports of impact by beneficiaries revealed that the intervention resulted in the restoration of a total of 905MW of power into the grid as a result of facility turn around maintenance, contribution of over 25 of the annual capital expenditure budget for the sector.

"Specific reports from Generating Companies revealed that there was execution of capacity recovery programmes in three hydro power stations as follows: Intake under water repair project, overhaul of Unit four and compliant metering/ supplementary protection at shiroro dam; overhaul of 2G6 at Jebba Hydro and rehabilitation of 3units at kainji Dam under permitted utilizations of the facility. A total of 300MW capacity increase was reported as a result of fund utilization towards rehabilitation of both plants.

"The Intervention has also

enabled the Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) to provide bank guarantees to Nigerian Electricity Bulk Trader, purchase of over 171,071 units of meters comprising both maximum demand and single phase meters; for instance Kano, Electricity Distribution Company (KEDC) alone acquired 62,021energy meters with the facility within the period. Rehabilitation of over 332kms of 11KV lines and 130km of 0.45KV lines; 70,310 No 500 KVA transformers procurement and construction of 34 new distribution substations and acquisition of one mobile injection substation under confirmed permitted utilization by the initiative," Emefiele said.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, said there was need for all stakeholders in the power sector to continue to work as a team to end perennial supply in the country.

Fashola expressed optimism that the challenge faced in the power sector would be resolved.

"One of the problems we are having is gas. Some people have developed a mindset to continue to vandalise gas pipelines. Let me say it very clearly that it doesn't help this country, it does not help their communities and it doesn't help their people.

"Breaking oil pipelines increases pollution. So, let us be very clear about it. This is a time that the federal government had embarked on a clear clean -up programme. This is perhaps the most inclusive programme and we must all support it."

T H I S D AY SATURDAY MAY 21, 2016

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 21, 2016

SUPER SATURDAY Olabintan Famutimi

No Law Says My Children Must Succeed Me in Business Tenacity of purpose, survival, and a resolute spirit to break parity best tells the story of the Chairman of Tricontinental Group, Chief Olabintan Famutimi’s life’s odyssey. From the backwoods of his father’s cocoa farm, he’s grown from a mischievous,rascallyandhyperactivechildtoarestlessadultwithrenewedstrength,evenat71,workingroundtheclock.

Although untrained in all jobs he’s undertaken, his penchant for knowledge has seen him grow exponentially from a small one-man business to a conglomerate with well established presence in key strategic spheres of business: energy, power generation, industrial technology, properties, and investments. He’s not without fault, he often admits. And he has fallen, got up again, learnt the ropes and risen to such an enviable pedestal worthy of emulation and celebration.The intelligent businessmanwhofeignsbeingdogmaticandinflexible,believesinlegacies,successionandimpactingmankindpositively.

Unknown to many, he is a prayer warrior who believes God answers his prayers. The voracious reader and prolific writer always finds time to read everything despite his unbelievable schedule. He tells Adedayo Adejobi why he never thinks withinthebox,howhesurvivedhisfirstyearattheUniversityofIbadansquattingaround,hiscommitmenttogoodcauses, his appointment as national President of the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, why his first wife left him and howhemarriedanewandyoungerwifewhocallshim‘handicap’becausehecan’tboilwater…

H

Background, First Pay of the First Child… is first pay of 960 pounds and this put him on the king’s spot.

He was confident that with a roof over his head, and married with three children, life had just begun at 40. And that is why till today, people still marvel that he is in the oil and gas business and that he has developed a company that is so highly respected in the industry yet, he is not an engineer. And yet again, here is a man who, at a stage, his father was borrowing money to pay his school fees. But he has a shocker for his children: “I tell my children you can go to anywhere in the world for your education, it will be paid, for but once it’s done, don’t wait thinking when I am dead my properties will be inherited.

Everything will be sold and put into the Foundation for children who want education and do not have the money.”

Memories from the Good School Days…..

He was at the University of Ibadan. Then, the country had about six universities namely: University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, University of Ife, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Benin and the University of Nigeria at Nsukka.

“I have a very good background in secondary school because I have always been extremely brilliant. As a young man, I was hyperactive. I had no inkling of what I wanted to do. I just wanted to have a university degree.

More so, because by then, University of Ibadan was regarded as a big university, so everybody wanted to attend. I didn’t think of any career path, as I just wanted education because the University was established to produce manpower to run the Nigerian government. Then we only had two professional courses in our days: Geology and Agriculture. Others were either Sciences or Arts. I had a fantastic result in my HSC which was GCE Advanced Level when our result came out in 1967. I had the best result in the whole of Ijebu Province.”

He then forged ahead to study geography.

Even though he didn’t know what he was going to do, but he was sure of one thing: he was not going to work for the government and was never going to teach. At that time, different companies were always coming to campus to interview bright students for job offers. By the time he was graduating in 1971, he had three job offers.

Famutimi

My Firstjob,FirstPay andExperiences…

“My first job was with UAC. I was absorbed through a programme called Graduate Management Development Programme. The

company engaged in this programme to recruit the brightest kids and train them. I was chosen and I was earning 960 pounds per annum which was my starting salary in 19971. My first pay on my fist job put me on the king’s spot.

After the job training at Marina Lagos, I was given my first posting to be a branch manager at Ikeja which I ran for some years. I left in 1973.

I went to the Nigerian Institute of Management as an admin office in charge arranging courses.

There I met quite a lot of interesting people during my career and after doing that for some time; the idea to do marketing came. I looked out for marketing jobs and I got appointed Product Manager with RT Briscoe. From there, I started my marketing and branding career. I was so successful as I was meeting people in no time. Not too long, Beecham came calling and I went there as a product manager. I worked under a much trained master, Dr. Soyoye, who was then the marketing director. He took me through the works. And from Beecham, I then joined Procter and there I became marketing manager. I had brand managers under me.

My then boss, late Dr. Adesika, left to go and become the managing director of the Briggs Company. He dragged me to come along with him. I joined as the marketing development manager and I ended up as marketing director.

Until 1985 when I left and by then I was a well known marketing specialist. But because I was working in pharmaceutical company, people never knew I was not a pharmacist, a doctor, a veterinary doctor or agronomist because I developed an agro division in RT Briscoe.”

CuttingMyTeethinBusiness…

Olabintan Famutimi is very tenacious person. When he made up made his mind that it was time to go to business, he did not look back.

“When in paid employment, I made up my mind to leave paid employment and go into business and that has been what I have been doing. And I have tried my hands on a series of business until I eventually, in 1997, started Tricontinental Oil Services Limited and focused on that. It has become our number one business.”

Famutimi believes that a fool 40 is fool forever. Besides, he came from a polygamous background where he was the first child in a family of four wives and 23 children. And so there was never a time that he could start early because of his background.

“In those days when you have education, you looked forward to getting a good job and trying to build your career. Then, I was the career type because I got a job as a marketing director, but I had made up my mind early that I was going into business. What equally

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 21, 2016

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SUPER SATURDAY No Law Says My Children Must Succeed Me in Business...

I tell my children you can go to anywhere in the world for your education, it will be paid, for but once it’s done, don’t wait thinking when I am dead my properties will be inherited. Everything will be sold and put into the Foundation for children who want education and do not have the money also quickened my resolve was that I was well travelled and had built and moved into my own personal house at 36 . So I had my legs on ground and felt I could venture into business.

I was confident that with a roof over my head, married with three children, I thought life had just begun at 40.”

TheFamilwyDemi-god…

As a first child, he was treated like a semigod; which to some extent contributed to his being useless when it comes to house chores.

His wife calls him handicap because he can’t even boil water. He has never learned how to live on his own. But even at that, life was not that easy because of the sheer number of children and the struggle for survival.

“It was tough in a big house like ours, because there was never enough. It was a big competition for everything. We struggled to survive and having a father like mine who saw all his children through basic education, I would have been considered selfish should I have approached him on my determination to get a university degree. At a stage my father was borrowing money to pay school fees. He was a cocoa farmer and he would take advance payment for cocoa that had not even germinated because cocoa is a yearly seasonal produce.

So I saw what it was always a struggle and that’s why in my time, I determined to get university education with the little money I earned from my teaching job then as a young school leaver,” he enthused.

LifeattheUniversityofIbadan…

“I spent my first year more like a fugitive at the University of Ibadan. They didn’t drive us out of classrooms but they expected us to vacate the hostel, and they wouldn’t give us meal tickets. I managed to arrange with my friends and ate food from those who had meal tickets. That was how I was able to survive for a year and by the end of the year I managed to get an academic scholarship and that was how I managed to see myself through school.”

RascalityLikenoOther…

Famutimi admits he was almost incurably rascal when he was young.

“My children are lucky and brilliant, but none of them match up to my rascality. I never had any child that became as troublesome as I was, but they are brilliant. There was a time I sneaked out of hostel and went to town.

But instead of taking the bush path, I was bold enough to walk on the main road. The principal approached me, carried me back to school and then he gave me field to cut the grass around his house. Once I got to where he had his chicken which had laid eggs. Instead of cutting the grass, I deliberately slashed the eggs. I was that mischievous. The man got to

Famutimi and wife

the place and was furious. As a child, I was restless, with so much energy.”

The businessman has six children from two marriages. He admits his first marriage collapsed. There are four children from the first marriage and two children from the present marriage and they are quite young.

“These children don’t have the time to face all the challenges I had because they were born into money. All they know is comfort virtually all their lives and they have not struggled to survive. I am a survivor.”

He, however, has a shocker for his children: they won’t have any stake in his estate when he dies.

“I tell my children: don’t sit down thinking you have a rich father because their legacy, which is education, has been given to them. I’m setting up a Foundation, Olabintan Famutini Educational Foundation. My will is written, once people who have school fees to pay are taking care of, everything left is going to my educational foundation which is structured to provide education for less privilege children.

I will start from my local government, Ondo East and West Local Government. I thought they should do it after I’m dead but I thought about it. I’m already 71 now. Who says I can’t set up my foundation and manage it in my lifetime? I tell my children you can go to anywhere in the world for your education, it will be paid for. But once it’s done, don’t wait thinking when I am dead my properties will be inherited. Everything will be sold and put into the Foundation for children who want education but do not have the money.”

Succession Does notMean ChildrenTaking Over…

Succession plans has already been put in place, Famutimi says. And that does not mean it has to be any of his children. That is the strange way the man does his things.

“I brought Professor Ashiru to take over from me to run this company. By the end of next month, it will mark six years he has been working with me. We have operations here in Nigeria, Ghana, Chile and we have offices in the United States of America. So that’s the succession. It doesn’t necessary mean it will be my children that will take over. I don’t subscribe to

Photos: AKINWUNMI IBRAHIM

the idea that it is only your children that can run your business. If they want to work inside, they will get employed, we will develop them, we will put them at the level they ought to be. If they are able to survive and grow, so be it. My first son initially said he will be coming to Nigeria to work here, but later he changed his mind. I think he is quite happy consulting all over the world. My two daughters are married and doing their things.

My second son did law and he said he wanted to write and he is writing and I left him to do. So it is not compulsory.”

He says he has set up a situation whereby employees will have access to buy the company’s share. He is currently working on that with the stock exchange and it will be quoted so that people will be able to benefit from it. “I am interested in just creating legacies,” he declares.

I’ll like tobe rememberedfortouchinglives….

I want to be remembered for touching lives mentoring, helping, developing people and I will continue to do it till I die. God didn’t bless me for myself alone, He blessed me so that I can use it to touch other people’s life and that’s what I have been doing.

Faith,God and Relaxation…

“I’m a big believer in God and a Christian. I am a member of the Anglican Church I hold a key position (Baba Ijo) in my church in Ondo. I believe everything that has happened in my life is for a purpose by God. So I take my religion seriously. I am a strong worshiper and believe that as long as I continue to do good, God will also answer my prayers so I don’t have to struggle.”

Famutimi says he is a workaholic and says he works round the clock.

I am here Saturdays and Sundays till night. All my time is occupied and I still have a viral social life. I belong to clubs. I unwind even when I’m working. I go to the gym every morning and I swim, at least once in a week. I am an extreme extrovert. I relate to people. I have a good jolly life, never had high blood pressure in my life. The first time I was placed on drug is after I turned 70 and they say it was not permanent and I am very healthy.”

The Ondo chief is the current National President of Nigerian Chamber of Commerce and has been on the board for 10 years.

The First Time I was Placed on Drug was after I turned 70

“It is an opportunity for me to do what I know how to do best which is providing linkages, helping businesses, promoting healthy relationship between Nigeria and America and I am doing my best. The sitting consular of the American Consulate is a board member of the Chamber. We are consulted about programmes and we advocate for businesses to go to the Nigerian government and American government where we think things should be going.

Our biggest programme we want to pursue right now is African Growth and Opportunities Act, AGOA, and we are working on it heavily to compel all that is the single product and commodity that form the basic business relationship with America.”

ABrokenMarriageandaNew One… He says his wife is his friend and they are permanently laughing because “she pokes fun at me and I poke fun at her too. We are permanently laughing and joking in the house and that’s how we live our lives.”

But it has not been a smooth route. His first wife left him in1984 and for 10 years he didn’t re-marry and did not have children outside. However, a new wife came in a fortuitous manner.

“A friend was marrying a girl from Oron and invited me to be the chairman of the wedding and I flew back from the UK to attend the wedding in Oron. When I got there, the girl that was marrying, Comfort, introduced her friend to me that she came from Lagos and she was a University of Lagos undergraduate. I watched her I didn’t tell her I had a broken marriage. She was in Unilag and they were always closing down the school. So I’d invite her to come to Ondo and she will come, but I never took her to my house. I was watching her; the way she cared and so on. At a point, I thought that she was a woman I could marry. So I made her know the truth and we started dating and that was how we ended up becoming husband and wife.”

Famutimi says relationship between her and his children from the first marriage has been wonderful.

“She has been a wonderful person. She relates with them closely and manages the relationship very well.”

And it goes beyond that. She is also his barber today. He has some tailors who sew for him but he does not regard himself as fashionable and he is a native dresser.

“I rarely wear suits. You can only see me in a native dress and when I am going nowhere I wear shirts occasionally so I wouldn’t regard myself as fashionable.”

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 21, 2016

NEWS

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

BringBackOurGirls: Second Chibok Returnee Not Among Abducted Girls Iyobosa Uwugiaren in Abuja

The BringBackOurGirls group yesterday confirmed the doubt raised by THISDAY on Thursday about the second Chibok girl returnee, Miss Serah Luka, saying she was not among the 276 girls that Boko Haram abducted over two years ago.

The advocacy movement also advised the federal government and the military to adopt a structured process of verifying rescued persons as outlined in its designed Verification, Authentication and Reintegration System (VARS), adding that the tool would help to accurately identify, rehabilitate, resettle and reintegrate recovered citizens.

The Nigerian Army had claimed on Thursday night that a second Chibok girl, Miss Serah Luka, was rescued.

Serah’s rescue came as Miss Amina Ali, who was rescued on Wednesday by members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) on the fringes of Sambisa, was flown in a presidential jet with her family to Abuja, where she met with President Muhammadu Buhari at Presidential Villa in Abuja.

A statement by the Nigerian Army spokesman, Col. Sani Kukasheka Usman had said Serah, who was Number 157 on the list of the abducted schoolgirls, was a Junior Secondary School One (JSS1) student of Government Secondary School, Chibok, at the time of her abduction, and was believed to be the daughter of Pastor Luka.

THISDAY had reported that the claim by the army that Miss Luka

was a JSS1 student at the time of her abduction ran contrary to what had been reported consistently for two years that the 276 girls who were abducted by Boko Haram were Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) students who were in school taking their West African School Certificate examination.

A review of the full list of the abducted girls published

by THISDAY also showed that there was no Serah Luka on the list. The names with some semblance to Sarah Luka on the list included “Serah Samuel”, “Serah Nkeki”, “Kauna Luka” and “Naomi Luka”.

However, making clarification in a statement issued in Abuja, the spokesperson of the BringBackOurGirls group, Mr. Sesugh Akume said background checks had revealed that the second returnee, Miss Serah Luka, was an SSS 1 (Senior Secondary School) learner at GSS Chibok, who was abducted by the insurgents in her home in Madagali, area of Adamawa State.

The group however said they were excited with the news of yet another rescued Chibok girl.

According to the group, “Every citizen returned is victory for us all and we take delight in welcoming back Serah Luka. We rejoice in her reunion with her family and demand that she be given all the support necessary to fully restore her and return her to school within a safe neighborhood.

“Rehabilitating victims of abduction requires a systematic and systemic process and programs.

The federal government and the military should adopt the

PEACEFUL INTERVENTION...

L-R: Osun State Governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; NLC President, Ayuba Wabba; and APC Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, during a meeting with Labour leader to call off the strike in Abuja yesterday

structured process of verifying rescued persons as outlined in the Verification, Authentication and Reintegration System (VARS).

“The tool would help to accurately identify, rehabilitate, resettle and reintegrate recovered citizens, as was designed by the group and handed to the federal government more than one year ago.”

The advocacy group however commended the “gallant” Nigerian army, the Civilian JTF, and

the other security forces saying its members are strongly with them.

They said through great sacrifice, they annihilated the insurgents, returned the compatriots, reclaimed the nation’s territories, and restored peace and normality, especially in Northeast Nigeria.

The full statement issued by the Nigeria Army had stated: “At about 11 am today, Thursday, 19th May 2016, troops of 231 Battalion, 331 Artillery Regiment

(AR), Detachment of Armed Forces Special Forces (AFSF) 2, Explosive Ordinance (EOD) Team and civilian vigilante group of Buratai, conducted clearance operations at Shettima Aboh, Hong and Biladdili general area in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.

“During the operations, the troops killed 35 Boko Haram terrorists and recovered several arms and ammunitions and other items.

“In addition, they rescued 97 women and children held captives by the Boko Haram terrorists. We are glad to state that among those rescued is a girl believed to be one of the Chibok Government Secondary School girls that were abducted on 14th April 2014 by the Boko Haram terrorists.

“Her name is Miss Serah Luka, who is number 157 on the list of the abducted school girls. She is believed to be the daughter of Pastor Luka", the statement said.

Ex-NIMASA DG, Omatseye Jailed Buhari’s Response to Cameron Five Years for N1.5bn Contract Scam Statesmanlike, Says UK MP Akinwale Akintunde Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos yesterday sentenced a former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration Safety Agency, Mr. Raymond Temisan Omatseye, to five years in prison over a N1.5bn contract scam.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned Omatseye in 2010 on the 27-count charge bordering on alleged contract variation, bid rigging and awarding contract above his approval limit.

The anti-graft commission said offence committed by the ex-NIMASA boss violated the country’s public procurement law.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge and had been granted bail on self-recognition.

Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia had on March 24, reserved judgment in the trial after lawyers to the prosecution, Chief Godwin Obla (SAN) and the defence, Mr. Edoka Onyeke adopted their final addresses.

The judge said that the date for judgment would be communicated to parties.

Delivering the judgment yesterday, Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia found Omatseye guilty of 24 out of the

27 counts preferred against him.

Omatseye was found guilty of the offence of awarding contracts above stipulated threshold and accordingly convicted on counts 1 to 20,24,25,26 and 27 and was discharged and acquitted of three counts.

Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia held,”In the instant charge, the defendant testified in his evidence in chief that he was released on administrative bail and asked to come back the following day and in his statement, he responded that his threshold for supply was N2.5 million.

"Furthermore, his statement was corroborated by Pw2 and Pw3; Pw2 stated in his testimony that in line with the Public Procurement Act, the Chief Executive officer had a threshold of N2.5 million for goods and N5 million for works.

"From the foregoing, I find that the exhibits PD 16 A-Y are all above the threshold and approved limit of the DG; that means they are all above N2.5 million.

"The testimony of Pw2 and Pw3 that the approved threshold of the defendant on goods and services was N2.5million does not only corroborate the statement of the defendant, but totally lends credence to the threshold limit applicable on the defendant as

DG of NIMASA. "I find that the threshold as contained in exhibit PD 16 Z is applicable to the defendant, setting his limit as N2.5 million for procurement of goods, and N5 million for procurement of services.

"A calm perusal of exhibit PD 16 series reveals that they are repetitive awards of contract for the supply of goods approved by the defendant in his position as DG of NIMASA. "It is clear that all the contract sum are above the threshold as set out in exhibit PD 16 Z, thereby violating the provisions of section 161 (a) of the Public Procurement Act 2007.

"Accordingly, based on the foregoing before this court, I am satisfied that the prosecution has proved its case against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt, in the face of the offence contained in counts 1-20,24,25,26,and 27.

"I accordingly find him guilty as charged on these counts.

"The second issue is whether the prosecution has proved the offence of bid rigging. It is trite law that the prosecution must prove all the essential ingredients of the offence before it can be said to have been proved beyond reasonable doubt".

OlawaleOlaleye President Muhammadu Buhari’s response to British Prime Minister, David Cameron’s description of Nigeria as “fantastically corrupt” was statesmanlike and a proof of the growing bilateral ties between the two countries, a member of the British Parliament, Chi Onwurah has said.

Cameron had recently described Nigeria and Afghanistan as two countries that were “fantastically corrupt” during a private chat with the Queen of England, ahead of a summit on corruption, in which the leaders of the two countries participated.

Reactions that followed, especially by Nigerians were not particularly pleasant but President Buhari took the statement with equanimity and said rather than ask for apology from anybody, he wanted the money and assets stolen abroad to be returned to the country.

Onwurah, who spoke Thursday at the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Nigeria, held in the Richmond Room of the Portcullis House, by the House of Parliament, said although she had resolved not to comment on the issue, she would briefly address

it since it was raised during the interaction on economic diversification of Nigeria.

“I think the President’s response was statesmanlike,” she said, noting that President Buhari refused to bow to pressure to react otherwise and that his disposition further confirmed the fact that the relationship between both countries was not in any way affected. She said Buhari was not only mature about it; he was also focused on why he was in the United Kingdom.

However, on his part, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who had met with some British parliamentarians and investors on the order of the president, who was believed to have scheduled the meeting during his visit to London some days back, said the comment by Cameron was part of the challenge of brand Nigeria because of the hugely inherent perception about the country.

Fayemi, who was also joined at the meeting by the Chief of Staff to the Katsina State Governor, Alhaji Bello Mandiyah, who was also in London for investment drive said, “It is the challenge of perception about Nigeria and more often than not, you would be confronted by

such distracting challenge in the rebranding of Nigeria.”

The former Ekiti State governor, who described the present state of the country “as a difficult period” for the government and the people said government was still trying to put its feet down and that it was an enormous responsibility for the present crop of people serving in the Buhari government.

While discussing the imperatives of diversifying the Nigerian economy to contain the prevailing challenges as well as plan for the future, Fayemi said the commitment of the Buhari administration was not ephemeral, even though successive administrations too spoke about diversification and did nothing about it.

The minister therefore delved into what the Buhari government had been doing differently about diversification, especially to make mining attractive. He said to understand the turf, it was important to classify mining as science and one driven essentially by information.

Government, he noted, had begun to reassess and revalidate mining licences, for instance, which he claimed now had a regime of six categories with strict enforcement.

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MAY 21, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

RingTrue

Yemi

Adebowale The Anguish in Our land is Becoming Unbearable 07013940521 yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

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verybody seems to have forgotten about kerosene, poor man’s main source of energy for cooking. This fuel is currently selling for between N170 and N200 per litre, depending on the part of the country you are. This is the same kerosene government said should not sell above N87 per litre. This is just one of several items whose prices have been skyrocketing in the last 12 months. The working class is mainly being thumped by this unprecedented inflation in our nation.

This has been compounded by the hike in the price of petrol. Now, getting a meal a day is fast becoming herculean for the masses of this nation. Statistics from even government agencies confirm this raging inflation. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the Consumer Price Index (CPI) which measures inflation rose further to 13.7 per cent in April compared to 12.8 per cent in March and 11.4 per cent in February. The NBS blamed the 0.9 per cent rise in the headline index on the lingering structural constraints which had continued to manifest in electricity rates, petrol and kerosene prices.

So many homes have been destabilised by this raging inflation and sliding economy.

Let’s look at the prices of those basic foods the masses consume in practical terms. A bag of rice is now N15,000. This was selling for about N10,000 as at last December.

Tomatoes are fast disappearing from the markets. If you are lucky to get them, you will pay N100 per fruit. A paint-bucket measure of garri is now N500. A Derica measure of beans is selling for N250. Only few people can now go near fish and meat in the market. Creative housewives now cook their soup and stew without fish and meat. The price of a loaf of bread has risen by about 30%. There is hardly any household item whose price is not rising steeply.

The hike in the price of petrol has also

Buhari

led to the rise in the cost of transportation.

Commuting to and from work now cost about 50% more without a corresponding increase in salaries. As a result, many junior workers have resorted to trudging to work.

There is also the problem of epileptic electricity supply that has seen many households spending more on petrol for their generators. A family that uses just 10-litre of fuel daily, will need about N45, 000 monthly to sustain this. The next battle ground for the stressed masses will be in the area of house rent and school fees. Some landlords have given notices of increase in rents. Fees will definitely go up when schools resume for a new session in September.

While the prices of these basic food items

Kachikwu, It’s Time to Step Aside Ibe Kachikwu, the junior minister for petroleum is one man that has brought maximum opprobrium to the Buhari administration. His management of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation has brought unprecedented misery to Nigerians. All the “gigantic” strides of this tetchy minister in the petroleum sector have all collapsed before our eyes. For example, he is the only one seeing progress being made by his warped restructuring of the NNPC. This cosmetic action has failed to solve a single problem at the corporation. The fundamental problems of this firm are still very much around. This state oil corporation remains inefficient and corrupt. NNPC has been losing billions of Naira monthly, despite the restructuring. According to the latest financial report released by the NNPC, it lost over N18 billion during its operation in March this year. If NNPC were to be Kachikwu’s private company, will he be celebrating this fabulous losses?

This minister is consistently economical with the truth. His incongruous pronouncements and propaganda are legendary. At one point, he told us that fuel subsidy had been removed through his inventiveness and that Nigeria was saving billions of USD monthly in subsidy removal on fuel importation. The next moment, he was talking about government paying N12 subsidy per litre of imported fuel. The next thing, he was talking about full deregulation, yet fixing price. Kachikwu is consistently regaling us with stories of refineries, deports and pipelines that have roared back to life, yet, we still import virtually all the fuel consumed in this country. Suddenly, he told us that he would need $500 million to turn around the refineries. We were still digesting this, when he increased the figure to $700 million. Haba! Which turnaround? We can build brand new refineries with these figures being bandied by Kachikwu.

It is a shame that nobody is ready to tell Kachikwu that everything he is doing in the oil industry is not working. His actions and inactions, coupled with his superciliousness

Kachikwu

have made things worse. Anything built on deceit will always fail. Under his watch, we experienced four months of unparalleled excruciating fuel scarcity. The next round of scarcity is imminent with the newly introduced regulated-deregulation. When the N145 per litre price was announced, Naira was exchanging at N321/$. Now, it is almost N370/$. The already deregulated diesel and kerosene importers will also be sourcing their forex from the secondary market. So, Naira will go down further. With this further depreciation of the Naira, will any importer still be able to sell at the regulated price? What will happen if crude prices go up? This was also not considered before announcing this regulated-deregulation. With the way things are going, we may end up buying petrol at N400 per litre. Our haughty Kachikwu is clearly not on top of this game. His mentors at Mobil Oil must be disappointed. He should be courageous enough to step aside and allow somebody else to carry this cross. We need a breath of fresh air in this crucial sector.

are rising, thousands of Nigerians are being thrown out of jobs daily. First Bank is the latest to announce that it would sack 1000 workers. Other banks have been quietly sacking workers. According to the NBS, the unemployment rate climbed to 12.1 per cent in the first quarter of last year (Q1 2016) compared to 10.4 per cent in Q4 215 and 9.9 per cent in the Q3 2015. The number of unemployed in the labour force increased by about 1.449 million persons between Q4 of 2015 and Q1 of 2016. The situation in the manufacturing sector is most precarious. Industries are being shut down on a daily basis and workers sacked.

This is why our GDP growth rate declined to an unprecedented -0.36 per cent in the first quarter of this year. Our economy requires one more negative growth rate in the next quarter to enter into recession.

Just as the founder and President of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) and National Chairman of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), Dr. Frederick Fasehun noted, “Since the coming of the new administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria has degenerated. He added: “The change the APC government promised is having a negative effect. If truth be told, the last one year of the regime of Buhari and the APC has witnessed unprecedented change, in line with the Change mantra of the current ruling party that used to be the opposition party. Unfortunately, the change so far has headed downhill.”

This is the whole truth about the 12 months of the APC government in Nigeria. Unfortunately, there are no signs that the problems Nigerians are facing will abate very soon.

There is so much confusion in the government. There is no clear policy on how to tackle the forex crisis, rising unemployment, epileptic power supply, sliding economy, poverty and hunger ravaging the nation. Just as some critics put it, this administration has no economic direction. I have consistently challenged the government to make public any blueprint it has for turning around any sector of our economy. There is nothing. Even the so-called diversification programme is just by word of mouth.

Those who have been defending this administration and blaming the suffering across the nation on dwindling crude oil price/external reserves should note that when Olusegun Obasanjo assumed office in 1999, he inherited $3.7 billion in reserve, while Buhari met $30 billion, almost 10 times of what Obasanjo met then. They should also be reminded that the price of crude oil was $9 per barrel when Obasanjo assumed duties.

Instead of complaining, Baba Iyabo simply went to work.

Under Buhari, crude oil never went below $20 per barrel. As at yesterday, crude oil was selling for $46 per barrel. Those blaming crude oil prices for our woes should look for another story to tell us. Our dear president should get down to work and remove these chains on our hands. This suffering is rising daily.

Philip Hammond’s Take on Niger Delta Avengers I have spent the last few days reflecting on President Muhammadu Buhari’s directives to the military to crack down on members of the Niger Delta Avengers, a new militant group that some have described as “gang of criminals.” The group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, which has reduced Nigeria’s oil production and exports to a record 22-year low (1.6 million barrels daily from 2.2 million). Already, the military has been ransacking Gbaramatu Kingdom and other parts of the Niger Delta, supposedly in search of these militants. As usual, innocent people in these communities will no doubt be brutalised during this mission. The truth is that only the old, sick and children will be left in these villages by the time soldiers arrive. The military knows very well that the culprits would have relocated to the high sea. Those advising our president to adopt this military option are just deceiving him.

Buhari must learn from the late president Yar’Adua’s carrot and stick approach to militancy in the Niger Delta. He must be jok-

ing to think that he can suppress militancy by force. We have oil and gas pipelines running across thousands of kilometres in Niger Delta communities. These cannot be protected by force. Just as British Foreign Minister, Philip Hammond noted recently, our president needs to address issues raised by militants instead of this military option.

Hammond remarked: “A military confrontation with the militants could end in a disaster. It won’t deal with the underlying issues. The idea that your answer is by moving big chunks of the Nigerian army to the Delta simply doesn’t work. The army does not have the capacity while still fighting Boko Haram jihadists in the north. Buhari has got to show as a president from the north that he is not ignoring the Delta; that he is engaging with the challenges in the Delta.” So, Buhari, please reflect on this. You should also spend quality time studying the Yar’Adua model for tackling militancy in the Niger Delta. I will suggest you swiftly bring in Timi Alaibe to manage this crisis.

A Word for Colonel Sani Usman Acting spokesman of the Nigerian Army, Colonel Sani Usman rushed to the press on Wednesday to announce that the army had rescued the first of the 219 missing Chibok Schoolgirls kidnapped in April 2014 and gave her name as Falmata Mbalala.

Usman was in a hurry to claim credit for what the army did not do; in the process, he got the name of the rescued girl wrong.

Amina Ali Nkeki is the real name of the girl rescued and this was done by local vigi-

lante groups on Tuesday. The Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) and local hunters should take the credit for the rescue of Amina. They handed over the girl to the military after securing her. The military has been doing a fantastic job in this war against Boko Haram.

The local hunters and vigilante groups have also helped a great deal. They should be given credit for what they are doing. This is the true story. Colonel Usman should set the record straight.

Hadiza Bala-Usman Resurfaces Remember Hadiza Bala-Usman? She was the co-founder of BringBackOurGirls group, who jumped ship about a year ago to work for Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-rufai as Chief of Staff. This lady, who has not been actively involved in the struggle in the last one year, suddenly resurfaced at the reception for the rescued Chiubok girl,

Amina Ali Nkeki at Aso Rock on Thursday.

She was so happy reaping from where she did not sow. Obi Ezekwesili, who has devoted the last two years of her life to the struggle for the return of the Chibok girls, was muzzled out of the reception. This is bad belle politics. May Allah save Nigeria from deceitful people.

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MAy21, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

YOU’RE OUT OF ORDER, DAVID Albert Esiri argues David Cameron’s comment on Nigeria is unfortunate

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have used the first name of the British Prime Minister simply because he has not conducted himself as a prime minister and more so as a British gentleman. The educated Englishman is known for his extreme politeness and command of his language in the diplomatic world.

To say that Nigeria and Afghanistan are the “most fantastically corrupt countries in the world”, to Her Majesty The Queen and the world, was totally unbefitting of the office of the prime minister of Britain and indeed a member of the Commonwealth.

There is no doubt that this last month has been politically challenging to the prime minister. His party lost the London mayoral elections to the Labour Party candidate and pressure is mounting on the Brexit campaign. The prime minister and his advisers unleashed ‘fear tactics’ on the electorate, this back fired in the elections for the Mayor of London and it’s likely to affect the Brexit campaign.

Mr Khan was portrayed as a Moslem extremist sympathiser and only a few days ago, Boris Johnson was called a Putin apologist. Just in case you missed part of the ‘fear tactic’ campaign, ‘Prophet David’, remember he visited the Nigerian Pentecostal Church during his prime ministerial campaign for votes of Nigerians in Britain, has predicted World War 111 should Britain exit the EU, and a likely genocide. Against whom I wonder? Corrupt Nigerians in Europe?

This is not the first time that Mr Cameron has been outright rude in his choice of words on Nigeria. He passed some derogatory remarks on Nigeria in reference to ‘female genital mutilation in his speech during a conservative fund raising dinner last year, certainly lacking the understanding of the vast differences in its practice across the African continent.

Let us discuss corruption as it is referred to in the last few centuries. I will like Mr Cameron to read Nigerian Kaleidoscope, the memoirs of a colonial servant, called Sir Rex Niven.

The word ‘loot’ according to the Oxford English dictionary was almost unheard of in England until the 18th Century. It entered the English Language from the Indian Hindustani slang for plunder. Here in my Lord, enters Clive of India. The activities of the East India Company and her agents make good reading to the understanding of corruption by corporations that are sponsored by governments.

Robert Clive who became the Governor of Bengal remains one of the World’s greatest plunders to date. Well Sir, I suggest we exhume his remains and test his DNA, we might just find that his ancestors originated from Nigeria a century before he was born? It is documented that a good portion of the plunder of Bengal went into his pocket when

THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THAT MR CAMERON HAS BEEN OUTRIGHT RUDE IN HIS CHOICE OF WORDS ON NIGERIA. HE PASSED SOME DEROGATORY REMARKS ON NIGERIA IN REFERENCE TO ‘FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION’ IN HIS SPEECH DURING A CONSERVATIVE FUND RAISING DINNER LAST YEAR, CERTAINLY LACKING THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE VAST DIFFERENCES IN ITS PRACTICE ACROSS THE AFRICAN CONTINENT

he returned to Britain, or was it Nigeria? The loot made him the richest ‘self-made’ man in Europe. The Treaty of Allahabad will also make good reading. Although Clive was reviled for his corruption, the hounding he got from parliament was more out of envy. It should be noted that in 1772 when the British parliament opened an inquiry into the East India company’s activities, Clive defended his ‘loot’ and corruption by saying “I stand astonished by my own moderation.” He became a peer and was later appointed Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire. What is new? Have we not recently read about the scandals linked to ‘Cash for Peerage’?

As early as the 1970’s a British architect/businessman, John Pulson whose activities were also in Nigeria, was jailed for corruption. Although he denied that he tried to bribe anyone, a new phrase was added to the business vocabulary...”advanced public relations” (P.R?). Today, about two-three ex-British ambassadors have business links in Nigeria either as ‘consultants’ or directors of active companies...so do many other British citizens. No doubt helping Nigeria to be ‘less corrupt’. There is certainly a lot that needs to be done in corporate and government governance in the world.

I therefore task Mr Cameron who has such a great moral disposition, a man of great concern for humanity and one of profound historical knowledge, to pass into law, legislation requiring the immediate return of any corruption funds identified in British Financial institutions to the countries of where the funds came from without any deductions plus accrued interest. Publish a list of property owned in the United Kingdom by Nigerian government officials in the last 50 years and call on them to defend their source of income. Where they fail to give a satisfactory account, the property should be sold and the proceeds should be sent to the Nigerian government. This action will be better than all the supposed ‘aids’ given to Nigeria and I’m sure will be a welcome relief to the British tax payer. Those that receive and knowingly keep funds of corruption are guilty of the offence.

Let our sensitivities and efforts not be limited to what we call the ‘First World’. There are certain responsibilities that we assume once one gets to a position of leadership.

Why does the world seem worried of the likelihood of Mr Donald Trump becoming the next president of the United States? At least we have an idea of his position on various issues.

Mr Cameron you are out of order and not what we have always admired in British diplomacy. It is my strong wish that the Nigerian government will see the need to redefine her position in her foreign affairs. albertesiri@gmail.com

DEFUSEYOUR DYNAMITES

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The resort to violence will not help the cause of the Niger Delta Avengers, writes Bob MajiriOghene Etemiku

visited the website of the new agitators in town, the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA). I had to try to understand something of the body, mind and soul of the group, and why they are blowing up pipelines. Old school militants and terrorists have no time to engage you on that level. Rather they express their resentment by a deliberate shedding of human blood, kidnapping and rape as instruments of coercion and propaganda. I recall the earliest instances when Boko Haram began to fight the rest of Nigeria. All their demands were usually from the rumour mill - first they were alleged to have asked President Goodluck Jonathan to surrender and hand over power to them. Second they said they did not believe in the Nigerian constitution and third, they said they wanted their own state. They were also reported to be against all forms of Western education, Boko Haram, and to prove that they were serious, they went to an all-boys school and murdered the lads in their sleep. Next, they went to Chibok Girls School and took over 200 of the girls, and have either murdered some, married or sold a lot of them into slavery. By then, if it was not clear what the motives of these terrorists are, it remains clearer today. For those who thought that this was a motley Muslim group sponsored by politicians to make political statements to try to maintain the post-colonial dictum of ba-Hausa ba-Nigeria, they were mistaken. A Fulani herdsman is there now as president of Nigeria, and it is taking more than religion and geography to dislodge Boko Haram. With a Fulani President, an escalation of killings of Niger Deltans and Middle Beltans has been the order of the day. Matters are even

taking a turn for the worse – with one mouth Mr. President tells his security chiefs to crush the killer-Fulani herdsmen, and with the other he tells us that since the desert is encroaching and with Boko Haram driving the herdsmen away, the killer-herdsmen have no choice but mess up farms and the means of livelihood of Niger Deltans and Middle Beltans.

Therefore, it is against this background that I visited the Niger Delta Avengers website. I found it pretty well organised, and something of the mindset, the disposition of the characters began to emerge. These are young men and maybe women in their early 30s who are passionate about their land and what it contributes to the Nigerian wealth-being. I can confidently say that the members are semieducated mostly because of key grammatical errors and structural deficiencies that I found on the website. So, what is their grouse, and why are they blowing up pipelines? Among other claims, the Niger Delta Avengers have said that Niger Deltans are getting killed by security operatives escorting oil tankers from the south. To back up their point, they blew up the Chevron Valve Platform in Delta State.

The following day after I visited this website, there was a front-page report in The Guardian newspaper detailing the demands of the group to include the following: implementation of the 2014 Confab report, Release of Daniel Kanu, the radio-secessionist; allocation of 60% of oil blocks to Niger Deltans, clean-up of Ogoni land polluted by years of oil exploration and exploitation and etcetera, the takeoff of maritime varsity, funding of the amnesty

scheme, trial of APC members for corruption and an apology from Buhari, DSS, Sylva over the death of DSP Alamieyeisegha.

Apart from demanding an apology from Buhari and asking for the release of Daniel Kanu, I found all the other demands of the group legitimate and in line with what we in the Niger Delta stand for. No other region has contributed what this region contributes yet 60% of the oil blocks are in the hands of people whose homes have not been flooded. Instead of fiscal federalism, we pursue a Pareto Principle which excludes us and benefits others.

But I must confess that I do not agree with the mode of the agitation of the Niger Delta Avengers. The attack comes at a time when the recent wounds inflicted on Nigeria by Boko Haram and suspected herdsmen are yet to heal.

Nigerians are already in the throes of power outages, harsh economic conditions occasioned from the fall of oil prices worldwide and a very weak naira. Fuel price has just witnessed an astronomical rise in contrast with the change which was promised. Therefore blowing up pipelines which carry crude to the Warri and Kaduna refineries may not be the best option for us all at this time. Carrying on with that mode of agitation ordinarily exposes us that we have some sort of vendetta with Mr. President, and if that is the case, we are no different from the Fulani herdsmen.

Our problems in the Niger Delta and indeed Nigeria cannot always be solved with a resort to arms and a resolve to cripple the Nigerian economy. If there are infractions being perpetrated by one section of the country on the

other, I believe that the reasonable thing to do would be to interrogate the system via superior arguments and policy suggestions against such infractions.

With an amnesty programme and Niger Delta institutions in place to assuage frayed nerves over the injustices perpetrated on the Niger Delta by multinationals in collusion with government officials, together with the precarious condition of the Nigerian economy, what Nigeria needs is that all hands, heads and minds must be on deck to haul Nigeria from the precipice rather than a return to fisticuffs and the creeks to blow up pipelines.

I appeal to the federal government to develop a comprehensive civic engagement with the Niger Delta people and also provide a transparent road map on how to deal with the environmental problems caused by several decades of oil exploitation by multinational oil companies. The lack of jobs among the youth in the region also requires urgent attention through a creative policy that will provide opportunities for both public and private sectors to work together. We also ask that there should be rapid implementation of the 2016 fiscal budget to enable NDDC and the Ministry of Niger Delta to carry out quick development intervention that will address some of the problems: poor road network, pollution of farm lands and unemployment among the Niger Delta youths. We do not support the option of using violence as a tool of attracting government attention. Violence would not help the very poor the NDA claims to fight for.

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MAy 21, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

What next?

Significance of the PDP National Convention

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competence at every level; ensuring seamless synergy between the grassroot head of the scheduled national convention of our great party, cadre and Wadata Plaza; abiding strictly to the party’s constitution and the Peoples Democratic Party, we must not fail to recognise the establishing research engines that will imbibe adaptable and 21st century significance of its timing in our sovereign cycle and the huge models in all policy statements critical for this country’s redemption. It must responsibility on us to show strength and hope to Nigerians and come out with enduring strategies that will be winning recipes in addressing indeed, the rest of the world at such an auspicious period where anxiety, the internal politics and conflicts within the party for greater stability, as despair and apprehension cloud our national space, and with no visible sign we match forward to certain victory, come 2019. There must always exist a of any panacea from the party at the centre. As Nigerians grapple with the concerted drive towards membership, not only in swelling the ranks, but realities of rising inflation, constant attacks on our internal security, inadcreating an ideology that will drive the revolution towards good governance, equate electricity supply, job losses, flagrant abuse on the rule of law, etc., public accountability, citizens’ participation in every and all things Nigeria. we must seize this opportunity that this convention offers in demonstrating We must take this great party back to the people, for therein lies the power unity like never before, in declaring our patriotic resolve and commitment to true nationhood. The PDP must be an instrument of expression for the towards saving and restoring the ship of state from its imminent collapse in masses to demand their rights -to speak and be heard for a better living; the hands of incompetent and political jokers. Every day, with this country’s it must be the vehicle to criticise constructively and offers tried and tested challenge worsening and no sign of abating, as the ruling party flip-flops on solutions for leadership; it must be seen as the true beacon of light to every policy statement, the onus lies on us to emphasise the need for strong shine over the horizon for transparency, accountability and probity. PDP institutions with our bold statement of successfully executing a one- of- amust be the bastion of hope in promoting the adherence to the rule of law, kind convention devoid of any rancour. This convention must bear the true eschewing impunity wherever it exists; PDP must first be an example in colours of a party on a mission, prepared and ready to carry every Nigerian practicing true democracy in all our controlled states as we continue the war along, irrespective of age, occupation, religion or tribe in pushing for a better on corruption, nepotism and impunity. We must send the message that the opportunity and the fundamental right of all citizens. There is no better PDP is here to make Nigeria great again with Nigerians in the forefront of chance to highlight the philosophy of what this party stands for in regards this revolution. to recognising and upholding the doctrine of power resting with the people Chukwuemeka Ogbonnaya Nnochiri, eminnochiri@yahoo.com than the transparency in deciding who occupies every elective position, with the pledge to serve and be law abiding always. Delegates must determine to exercise the confidence reposed in them by other members in putting the country first before any selfish or sectional interest, thereby setting a precedent for a free and fair process. It is only T H E S AT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R with this display of selflessness, comradeship EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE and a common front in uniting all parts of this MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO country under this great umbrella can Nigerians DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE begin to seek this option of a true and virile CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI alternative they now yearn under these present EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN circumstances. Our party must not fail to reach out to the trade unions, public servants, pensioners, health workers, businesses of all cadre at this critical time, with the assurance that the errors of the past, with its omen have been eradicated T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D from our consciousness and the desire to bring a EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA purposeful, determined and decisive leadership is GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU duty bound on us like never before. We should GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR OLUFEMI ABOROWA be willing to first bear the responsibility of true DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS PETER IWEGBU, FIDELIS ELEMA, followership as the opposition party by proffering MBAYILAN ANDOAKA, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE mature and realistic solutions in any matter of DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI national discourse that seems to elude the party SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH at the centre through regional symposia, town ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS HENRY NWACHOKOR, SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI hall gatherings, youth conferences and summits GENERAL MANAGER PATRICK EIMIUHI aimed at driving home our transition into an GROUP HEAD FEMI TOLUFASHE evolved and better option to the mismatched ART DIRECTOR OCHI OGBUAKU II and deeply convoluted system the APC seems DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO to be operating. The new leadership must be TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com quick in exhibiting fresh dynamism by presenting a concrete road map that will guarantee

The Future of the Police Force

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time would come in this nation when no one would allow his children to join the police force.

Sometimes when people accuse policemen of misconduct and corruption I feel bad. If only the public could understand the agony the families of deceased policemen face especially those of them that lost their life in active service.

I am made to understand that Pencom is in charge of pension and gratuity. Please can you tell us why it is taking so much time to pay the families the benefits?

I am a victim of this. My husband was a CSP. He died in 2012. Until his death he was a DPO in Bauchi Division. Aside the group insurance N400,000 we received in December 2013 in Bauchi, we have not received any money, not even his burial benefit. All documents have been submitted since 2013.

Each time we contacted Premium, they say the issue is with the Pencom.

Imagine a man that served his nation for 27 years and died in active service. Now the children are begging to eat.

One of my children loves the police force so much that he aspired to become one of them one day, but now his dream has been shattered. I can’t even give them good education anymore.

Nigerian police force, WHY? It is unfair, it is painful.

Oluwasegun Fayokemi, lovelyfayus@yahoo.com

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MAY 21, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

POLSCOPE

with Eddy Odivwri eddy.odivwri@thisdaylive.com 08053069356

Niger Delta: Back to Square One?

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In the Beginning...

etween 1997 and 1999, the tempo of offensives in the Niger Delta was high. Groups and ethnic formations were springing up sporadically across the region. They all had a common agenda: make enough noise, cause enough trouble that will change the sorry narrative of the region. The groups had a large assemblage in the Port Harcourt/ Bayelsa/Warri axis.

At the time, the region was literally sinking. The facilities and infrastructure were all in decrepit state.

Regional angst and anger was rising steadily. The battle cry for change was loud. While the elder statesmen like Chief E. K Clarke were issuing statements and merely talking into the national air, the boys were acquiring and massing up war armaments.

They then began to hit oil installations and platforms.

The attacks on oil facilities and workers were fierce.

They vowed to crumble the Nigerian economy if government at the centre was going to continually abandon the region in squalor whilst harvesting the wealth of the nation from the same region.

The Nigerian state, controlled by the military at the time, could not quite contend with the rave of attacks especially as the terrain was difficult for the regular army/navy to understand and master.

At one point, 13 soldiers were killed at Okerenkoko in Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri south local Government area of Delta State. That was the zone controlled by the Government Ekpemupolo (better known as Tompolo) militia.

The argument was logical. The demands were justified: a region couldn’t be funding the entire nation from the resources therein and that same region will be left in offensive neglect, rot and decay. The amount of poverty, environmental degradation in the region was monumental. Even the traditional means by which the people catered for themselves (fishing and farming) had been destroyed as a result of the activities of oil exploration.

And Government Responded...

The flame of attacks and disquiet in the region continued to rise. Indeed, Nigeria’s earnings from oil export continued to drop and the government seemed helpless as the militants seemed unappeasable.

Thus by May 1999 when former President Olusegun Obasanjo came to power, the Bill for the establishment of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was among the first three he sent to the National Assembly for passage. By the dawn of 2000, the NDDC had been created as an interventionist agency that should respond to the needs of the region. This had to be done since previous interventionist efforts like Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC) was too ill-equipped to tackle the needs of the region.

The coming of the NDDC provided a lot of reprieve. The amount of rot in the region had become endemic so much that much as the commission would try, it seemed not much had been done. Yet, the commission had revamped the region within its ability.

Till date, the NDDC is still struggling to attend to the many challenges of the region.

Amnesty was Introduced…

When it became clear that the NDDC was not enough to rapidly attend to the needs of the region,

Tompolo hostility which had abated before broke out again in the region. The militants began to talk tough. They began to attack the oil facilities again along with kidnapping of oil workers—expatriates and local. The problem, once again got to a height. Casualties were being recorded frequently, including, as said earlier, the killing of 13 soldiers in Okerenkoko, Delta State.

Again, the government seemed to have been at a cross-road. It did not seem that even the application of maximum military force would achieve anything.

The militants were sophisticated and daring.

Then late President Umaru Yar’Adua, in 2007 considered the idea of granting the militants amnesty.

Ahuge committee was set up and the modalities of the amnesty programme were worked out. Rounds of dialogue were held and reviewed over and over until the militants, trusting the middlemen like Timi Alaibe sent by the federal government, signed up to the amnesty offer.

The Amnesty programme was to be in three phases. The first being the disarmament and reorientation of the militants. Two other stages included infrastructural revamp of the region and then the human capital optimization of the region.

The Amnesty office was set up after the militants handed over many (NOT ALL) of their arms. They held government in suspicion. They were not quite sure government would not pounce on them after they may have surrendered all their weapons, and then there will be nothing to defend themselves or repel the attacks. So, just some were handed over, so as to test if government had ulterior motives.

The Amnesty office soon started training ex militants in different skills and academy, sending them to overseas while paying them allowances that are almost thrice the minimum wage. Yar’Adua then died. And President Jonathan continued the programme. Too soon, the Amnesty office became an industry, a big workyard where ethnic overlords were “settled”. Under Kingsley Kuku, who was managing the programme after Alaibe pulled out, the scheme became a whirlwind of arbitrary operations.

Little-by-little, the scheme began to lose direction. The long queue of militants awaiting training experiences continued to grow and the attraction, it seemed, was the great opportunity to travel outside the country . About 30,000 ex militants signed up for the programme.

Many of the “senior militants” like Asari Dokubo, Tompolo, Boyloaf, etc became major training

contractors in the Amnesty Office. The proof of the parvenu status they suddenly stumbled into is best illustrated with the number of private jets they began to own.

The volume of money made available to the scheme was enormous. Kuku did not appear to have the requisite capacity to manage such huge funds. Abuses set in. He began to be overtly active in partisan politics. Most of his opinions on the polity were elevated from mere press statements to full page advertorials. Money was being wasted. He began to aim at the Ondo State government House. He seemed poised at his target until Jonathan lost the election a year ago. The EFCC revelations that have trailed his record of service are indicative of how clean or dirty his books were. For over a year, he has fled the country, even as the EFCC has declared him wanted.

Having been suffused with the unleavened feast of the phase one of the Amnesty programme, the other two phases were comfortably ignored. The result, in a way, is what we are seeing today.

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over accusations of stealing and money laundering. It is not surprising that in no time, Tompolo had landed prized contracts like the waterways contract given to Global West Vessel Specialist Agency, GWVSA, a company belonging to Tompolo It was a curious contract. It was clearly the surrender of the territorial integrity of the nation’s waterways to an “untrained“ individual whereas the nation’s Naval command was left in the lurch. It was amazing how an individual could be awarded such sensitive contract worth billions of dollars.

It was not surprising therefore, how soon after, Tompolo became a mega billionaire in any currency of the world.

Believed to yet have sophisticated armoury, the recent declaration of Tompolo wanted by the EFCC may have triggered the new offensives in the region under the new name: Niger Delta Avengers.

The question is asked: what are they avenging? Is it the haunt of Tompolo or the neglect of the region?

The Uncomfortable New Order

Those skilled in the art of war can confirm that the pattern of attacks by the defunct(?) MEND is the same with the pattern of attacks being launched by the NDA. There is no doubt that those behind the new wave of attacks are those who clearly understand the architecture of the oil exploration platforms.

They know and hit targets that will hurt the nation’s economy most.

During the week, the Minister of state for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu had said the attacks on oil installations have affected 350,000 jobs in the oil industry. That is aside the fact that the nation is losing about 500,000 bpd in oil exportation.

That is huge revenue loss. Sad as this may be, the usual question is when this amount of loss was not recorded, how did it impact on the lives of the ordinary Nigerian?

That was how bad the nation’s economy sank in 1999. Sadly, we are back to that point.

No doubt, the Amnesty programme was virtually turned to an Ijaw empowerment scheme. As with many Nigerian entities, the Amnesty programme became philistinic. When Jonathan lost the election, it was clear that something had to give. The Amnesty scheme came under intense scrutiny. Kuku had fled. Anew helmsman with a new brief had been appointed. The amount of money that used to flow from that office to the militants ceased. Many of the ex militants whose training programmes were yet running had to quickly complete their trainings. A new order had come. There was no more free funds flowing out to ex militants who periodically had devised a tactic of laying siege at the Amnesty office in Abuja, making one outlandish demand or the other.

With the cash draught, coupled with the declaration of Tompolo as a wanted man, the trigger for another uprising was inadvertently pulled. And that was the birth process of the Niger Delta Avengers which have resumed wild hostilities in the creeks.

They have hit oil installations on several occasions and the nation’s economy is already bleeding. That there is even national drop in electricity supply is traceable to the attack on gas pipelines by the new militia group.

Tompolo...the wanted Capon

It is the second time he has been declared wanted.

After the killing of 13 soldiers in 2007 by members of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), a platoon of soldiers had raided his home in Okerenkoko destroying everything in sight including even the palace of the monarch of the Gbaramatu kingdom. Tompolo had had a smart escape. For so long, the entire security apparatchik was searching for him. Then the Amnesty programme was launched. Tompolo, after much persuasion and re-assurance, eventually turned up himself and was taken to meet late President Yar’Adua at night, wherein he was re-assured of no harm.

When Yar’Adua died, the opportunity to dig deeper into the seat of government came with President Jonathan on the throne. Tompolo became extremely powerful and influential in the affairs of government. He was said to have influenced the appointment of Patrick Akpobolokemi as the former director-general of NIMASA. Akpobolokemi is currently being tried by the

Back to Point Origin

Way Forward

We must get out of the woods. It is significant that Buhari is not ramming down the militia with military might. It is instructive that he realizes the importance of dialogue. But above all, the government must strengthen the institutions, not individuals, that can drive change to the people. It is clear that the last effort was built around individuals and when such individuals go down, their entire structures goes down with them. That is why today, the Niger remains largely underdeveloped, while certain individuals have become multi billionaires at the people’s expense.

One way of strengthening the institutions is to go back to the entire master plan crafted for the resuscitation of the Niger Delta. The implementation of the ignored phases of the regional revamp should commence immediately.

Yes, there is paucity of fund, but the people will need to see a demonstration of sincerity by government as they have been taken for a c ride for too long and repeatedly so.

Effort must be made to also absorb many of the trained former militants, otherwise the allure to return to the creeks will be strong, when they are idle, whether they have been trained by government or not. That is the only way the essence of the amnesty programme can be redeemed.

The Strike was Struck

T

he strike action called by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) last Wednesday can be described as a failure. It is instructive that Nigerians, despite the needling experience caused by the hike in petrol price have chosen to let it be. Unlike in the past, Nigerians, it appears have grown weary of strikes.

That is why they refuse to support and endorse the NLC’s call to action.

It also raises the concern of whether the NLC, factionalised or not, still commands the respect of the Nigerian workers. Too often, the labour leaders betray the overall interest of the workers soon as they have been “settled”.

By refusing to join the strike, the workers, in a way, are saying they can no longer be used as the bargaining chips.

What is more, Nigerians are sick and tired of mindless looting of the nation’s resources in the name of fuel subsidy.

By refusing to join the strike, they seem to be saying, remove this silly subsidy for once and let’s face the reality. Since 1979, no government has not increased the cost of petrol. Not even the 93 days of Ernest Shonekan as Head of interim National Government, spared Nigerians of the bug of fuel price increase. So let it go and hopefully, let the stealing in the name of fuel subsidy stop.

That is why Nigerians struck the strike action.

Ayuba (NLC president)

15

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •MAY 21, 2016

newsXTRA NLC Strike Over Fuel Price Hike... NLC Strike Over Fuel Price Hike...

Tinubu, APC Stalwarts Storm Labour House, Catholic, Anglican Churches Urge FG to Seek Permanent Solution Beg NLC to Return to Negotiation Table Paul Obi in Abujai The federal government yesterday began moves towards wooing the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) back to the negotiating table with the hope of a making labour end the on-going strike.

This came as the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other political stalwarts of the party Friday stormed the national headquarters of NLC, Labour House, located at the Central Business District of Abuja.

With the visit, government intends to woo labour to rethink joining the negotiation it walked out of early this week owing to several discrepancies between it and government.

Addressing the National Executive Committee (NEC) members led by NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, Tinubu appealed for understanding, stating that deregulation had become very germane if the country was desirous of checking irregularities in the downstream oil sector of the country.

According to Tinubu, APC as a party started supporting deregulation policy when it became obvious that subsidy payments to few oil marketers was actually of no benefit to majority of Nigerians.

He reminded NLC leaders of their contributions which ensured the victory of the APC in the 2015 general elections, adding that it would be foolhardy for the labour movement to now oppose the policy of a government they worked tirelessly to put in place.

"I am here to appeal to you to

understand that whatever you are doing, whatever this government is doing, whatever the President is doing which involved myself and yourself is for the good of all.

"You brought this government on board, without you, without your support, without your participation, we could not have won the election. Now that we have won the election, we can now look at ourselves and ask ourselves how best we can manage the victory, how can we use the success to make a change?{", Tinubu pleaded.

Paul Obi in Abuja

The Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion yesterday urged the federal government to seek permanent solution to the lingering crisis associated with the petroleum sector, in order to avoid worsening the economic condition of citizens.

Primate of the Anglican Church, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh stated this at the third session of the ninth synod of the church in Abuja.

According to him, “Nigerians have, for sometimes now, been subjected to untold hardship due to the scarcity of fuel. This situation is affecting, not just car users but businesses, hospitals, transportation and the general life of the populace. If steps are already being taken to resolve this problem, it should be hastened.

“It is obvious they are working out permanent solution. We wish to call on the government to seek a permanent solution to this problem, especially by monitoring the distribution of the product,” Okoh also condemned in strong terms pipeline vandalism

in the Niger Delta, adding that, “such wicked activity should be condemned by all well-meaning Nigerians. We wish to call on all those involved in this atrocity against the state and people of Nigeria, to desist, no matter what may have been their reason.

“We further wish to call on government to seek collaboration with host communities in their efforts to secure pipelines. We call on the Niger Delta militants to cease hostility against the government and, in in the interest of all, to embrace dialogue. Nigeria is having too many battles to fight at the same time, and no nation can grow in such situation,” the primate said.

Speaking on the perennial killings linked to Fulani herdsmen; Okoh stated that “these notorious activities of the herdsmen are capable of dragging the nation into another civil war. What constitutional right do herdsmen have to bear arms that other Nigerians do not? What if these communities besieged by herdsmen go ahead to acquire arms to fight back? The primate asked.

Marketers Lament Impact of Forex Scarcity, Seek FG’s Assistance Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

ALUTA CONTINUA...

L-R: Deputy President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Isa Aremu; General Secretary, NLC; Comrade Peter Eso-oson; NLC president, Comrade, Ayuba Wabba; Chairman, Labour/Civil Society Coalition (LASCO) Dr. Oladipo Fashina and Chairman, Partners for Electoral Reform, Mr. Ezenwa Nwagwu fielding the press during the protest in Abuja yesterday (20-05-2016)…. ENOCK REUBEN

… Buhari, Tinubu, El-Rufai, Bakare Owe Nigerians Apology Alex EnumahinAbuja As criticism and anger continues to rage across the country over the recent increase in price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), a human right and good governance advocacy Initiative – Make A Difference [MAD] has demanded unreserved apology from the sponsors and active participants in the 2012 “Occupy Nigeria” following the increment of PMS by then President Goodluck Jonathan.

MAD specifically insisted that President Muhammadu Buhari, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nasiru El-Rufai and Pastor Tunde Bakare must tender the apology particularly as a result of the current economic hardship, the

current administration had foisted on the Nigerian People by the recent removal of fuel subsidy.

MAD said whereas it was demanding for unreserved apology from Buhari over his breach of the peoples’ trust by dramatically removing the fuel subsidy which he had earlier said he saw no need to remove, Tinubu and El-Rufai on the other hand, ought to apologise to Nigerians for canvassing support for the removal of the same subsidy which they vehemently opposed and sponsored the grinding to a halt of the nation through a mass protest in 2012.

A statement signed by the Executive Director of MAD, Lemmy Ughegbe said, “President Buhari initially saw no need to remove fuel subsidy. When

he later saw that need, knowing he rode on the trust of the people to power, he ought to have carried the people along by patiently engaging the people directly and through his publicists. He did so when he wanted the votes of Nigerians. He acted like he was the peoples’ person.

Should he not do that now that he is in power? Instead Buhari acted in brazen disregard of the people.

He owes Nigerians apology for that shock treatment.

“Tinubu, El-Rufai and Bakare played pivotal role in bringing the Goodluck Jonathan led government to its knees during the ‘Occupy Nigeria’ mass protest against the removal of fuel subsidy. They saw no sense in the

removal of fuel subsidy by Jonathan administration. However, today, the removal of the said subsidy by the – Buhari led administration makes absolute sense to them and they have been drumming support for it. This shift in position is self-serving and hypocritical.

“Whereas MAD concedes that everyone has a right to shift his position if he comes to fresh facts and findings on a matter, the ignoble role Tinubu and El-Rufai played in the Occupy Nigeria saga makes it mandatory for them to first apologise and then explain why the same drug they rejected from one doctor, they have accepted and swallowed with pleasure", he said.

Ajaero: N145 Price Ceiling for Fuel Illegal Eromosele Abiodun Although the tension raised by the fuel price hike seems to have died down, there still remains the question of legality of the price fixed by government.

Does the constitution recognise petroleum products price fixed by any organ of government other than the Petroleum Products Price Regulatory Agency (PPPRA)?

The Joe Ajaero-led wing of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday offered insight into this aspect of the fuel price hike while briefing journalists on outcome

of the dialogue with government and why his faction shunned the nationwide strike ordered by the other NLC group.

According to the labour leader, for petrol price ceiling of N145 per litre to be legally accepted, it must be generated and fixed by PPPRA in line with a high court judgment delivered in the matter in 2012 in the suit by Lagos lawyer, Bamidele Aturu.

Ajaero therefore said that his faction along with others had told government to reconstitute the board of PPPRA so that it could work out a legally acceptable price

of fuel, adding that government agreed to do so without delay.

As to why the organised labour group shunned the nationwide strike to protest the hike in the petrol price and settled for dialogue for palliatives instead, he his group considered it futile after they realised that government did not make any provision for subsidy in the 2016 fiscal framework, but in its place earmarked N500billion for social welfare.

He further explained that their colleagues in the Ayuba Waba-led NLC told government that they would not sit together to engage

in any dialogue with government even when there was need to form a common front in the interest of Nigerian masses and workers.

“So the only reasonable option is for us to dialogue on how best to utilise government's social welfare provision in the 2016 budget and the gains of price modification.

For us, there is the need to ensure that the mismanagement of SURE-P instituted by former President Goodluck Jonathan's administration after subsidy protest in January 2012 does not repeat itself this time around," Ajaero stated.

Fuel marketers under the aegis of Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association, (DAPPMA) have lamented the serious challenges posed by the scarcity of foreign exchange *forex) to their existence, and solicited the assistance of the federal government to remain afloat.

DAPPMA said that sourcing the needed forex was central to their continued existence as it would enable them settle their foreign bankers as failure would be detrimental to them.

The Chairman of DAPPMA, Mr. Dapo Abiodun, who led a team of over 46 independent marketers for an emergency meeting with the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun in Abuja yesterday to explore urgent solutions to the scarcity of forex once and for all, pleaded on behalf of his members for government’s intervention.

“It is our duty now to discus and dialogue with you on the possible ways we can source foreign exchange to enable us liquidate debts owed our foreign banks to remain in business, our bankers are very worried that we have to source for foreign exchange by ourselves to be able to import petroleum products into the country, we are at a very difficult situation’’ Abiodun added that it was the acute shortage of foreign exchange to its members that actually triggered a protracted unavailability of fuel, which almost brought the entire nation on its knees.

The DAPPMA Chairman, who expressed gratitude to the government for the recent payment of about N48.2 billion, being part payment of money owed them, noted that that till now, his members were yet to source for foreign exchange that could make them settle their foreign bankers.

Banks Operate Behind Closed Doors in Cross River Bassey Inyang in Calabar

As the strike embarked on by the NLC entered the third day on Friday, some banks in Calabar metropolis shut their gates against labour leaders who threatened to picket them.

However, having refused to join the strike, the banks carefully provided access to their customers into the banking hall where they were attended to them.

THISDAY observed that the NLC had posted their bulletins on the walls of some of the banks explaining why they should join the strike.

Though their attempts to get the banks to join the strike failed, the NLC leaders and a handful of its members continued their

protest march through some streets in Calabar in their attempted to mobilise members of the public to join the strike.

Among the protesters who were sighted by THISDAY at the Mary Slessor / Eta Agbor Roundabout, the state NLC Chairman, Mr. John Ushie , preached against the increase in fuel price to members of the public who cared to listen.

As the situation with the first two days of the strike, public schools remained closed, forcing teachers, pupils and students to stay at home.

Also local government secretariats remained closed due to the participation of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in the strike.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 21, 2016

INSIGHT The Good, The Bad and The APC

T

Jon West

he 16 “wasted years” of the Government of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) heralded several developments for the sustainability of the Nigerian project,many of which are intangible but so profound that they must be celebrated. The first is the enthronement of real democracy, where votes cast by the electorate actually counted and elections were quite conclusive, even if the incumbent party lost in blatantly rigged elections, but was charitable and patriotic enough to leave well enough alone for reasons of national unity and peace.

On the economic side, the PDP “years of the locust” (apologies to Lai Mohammed) witnessed the greatest advancements in real economic progress , witnessed since the advent of the Nigerian nation in 1960.

For the first time since the end of the Biafran War, the country was in tandem with the commanding dogmas of international finance and business, under the safe hands of the chief pilot, the intellectually equipped and experienced economist, Dr Ngozi Okonjo- Iweala, former Managing Director of the World Bank and major player in international finance circles.

Between 1999 and 2011, the country was able to participate , even if belatedly, in the reenactment of the Big Bang process undertaken in the 1980s United Kingdom, Europe, Asia and the United States, when the nations weaned themselves off government control of the commanding heights of business and the economy, allowing private enterprise and competition in the market place of ideas and business, to drive innovation and a new world order that revolutionized telecommunications,providing the world wi†h the incredible spectacle of the Internet, mobile telecommunications and modern banking, ideas that totally revolutionized business and led to a quantum leap, from underdevelopment to developed world status, for the developing countries that were prepared to exploit the opportunities that were presented by these overwhelming developments.

Unfortunately, prior to 1999, while the rest of the world was playing in the new age

The unraveling of the APC agenda, if ever there was one, is one the greatest tragedies of modern Nigerian politics. A Government predicated on change, took six months to constitute a cabinet of intellectual and political lightweights and then proceeded to govern by innuendo and propaganda as the new normal in Nigerian politics.

Obviously out of ideas on the way forward for the country it fought so hard to capture, the APC has resorted to name calling, political doublespeak, economic apostasy and sheer lies to conceal its apparent dilemma. From the botched loan deal turned currency swap with China to stories of humongous corrupt funds recoveries, including $200 billion from the United Arab Emirates,

Sheriff

Oyegun

sports of the new technologies and business processes, Nigeria was firmly under the control of jackboots in military fatigues, who banned the teaching of their country’s history to its youth, in order to hide their crimes against humanity and their own peoples from the inquisitive youth.

While the Asian former peers of Nigeria in the sphere of underdevelopment were able to exploit the new world order to lift hundreds of millions of their people out of poverty, the military adventurers that ruled Nigeria succeeded in reversing decades of continuous intellectual and economic progress, plunging over 70 million former members of the middle class into debilitating poverty.

Fast forward to May 2015 and by a combination of ethno/religious terrorism, fake and spurious promises and political, moral and intellectual revisionism, Nigeria was taken back to a forgettable past through the election of a former military dictator as President, displacing a perceived weak civilian leader , unable to handle the myriad of security, social and economic problems most of which were contrived to achieve a regime change objective. However truth be said, no one can begrudge the Nigerian voting public of their desire for a political and economic change, considering the advent of a debilitating economic environment that foretold greater suffering in the absence of change.

Change came in the name of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and their ascetic and supposedly morally upright Presidential candidate, a perennial Presidential election marathon runner with a great following among the poor and wretched, especially in his blighted region of Northern Nigeria.

The APC came to power, with a promise of change in all its ramifications, including a bouquet of egalitarian actions , including an unrelenting war against corruption and the poverty that it induces; fuel scarcity, power outage and shortage, fiscal problems, especially the exchange rate mechanisms that drive international trade. The loquacious Information Minister , Alhaji Lai Mohamed, in typical Nigerian political double speak and overarching hypocrisy, promised that the party would deliver an economic and social El Dorado within months of coming to power. The incredible promises

included a 50% reduction in petrol prices and the payment of a 5000 Naira grant to all unemployed citizens. However promises could be ten a kobo, when politics becomes the underlying reason for the promise of national economic and political Renaissance.

In a seminal scene from Clint Eastwood’s cult western movie, “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly”, the Eli Wallach character was cornered by a gangster while having a bath.

The gangster taunted him to no end about his coming demise, but the wily Wallach character, had a gun under the bath water, and shot the gangster through the eyes. Looking at the dead gangster with utter contempt, the Wallach character admonished the deceased thus: “If you want to shoot, shoot”.

Since its advent in May 2015, the APC government has engaged in a constant vilification of the previous Government in attempt to cover its own shortcomings and inability to deliver on its promises to the Nigerian people, leading to comparisons with Eli Wallach’s gangster nemesis who spent all his time taunting his enemy instead of delivering the coup de grace, thereby suffering the unintended consequences of inaction and verbal diarrhea.

The APC had promised to hit the ground running, but is instead caught in a web of prevarication and excruciating incompetence, showing to all and sundry, that it was not prepared for power at the center.

This unpreparedness is quite astonishing, considering that it’s Presidential candidate Muhammadu Buhari, had been running for the Presidency for 16 years. The question is what then was his real agenda for the Nigerian people , apart from a parochial power grab, in the service of ethnic/religious tendencies?

The unraveling of the APC agenda, if ever there was one, is one the greatest tragedies of modern Nigerian politics. A Government predicated on change, took six months to constitute a cabinet of intellectual and political lightweights and then proceeded to govern by innuendo and propaganda as the new normal in Nigerian politics.

Obviously out of ideas on the way forward for the country it fought so hard to capture, the APC has resorted to name calling, political doublespeak, economic apostasy and sheer lies to conceal its apparent dilemma.

From the botched loan deal turned currency swap with China to stories of humongous

corrupt funds recoveries, including $200 billion from the United Arab Emirates, which is a considerable portion of the GDP of that country, to misappropriation of arms purchase funds initially put at $2.1 billion but now revised to a humongous $15 billion; the perception goalpost keeps shifting as the party becomes embroiled in a never ending saga of lies , innuendo and debilitating economic incompetence.

As the one year anniversary of this government beckons, the ugly side of the party that spawned it is glaringly obvious to a befuddled and famished populace.

With food,petrol and other fuels, forex for trade and just about anything that is needed to drive a modern society, out of reach of even the well-off in society, due primarily to the incompetence of an unprepared and intellectually challenged Government,the people have their backs against an economic and social wall that threatens their very existence.

And what does the President and presumed father of the nation do while the people reel in avoidable pains? He is perpetually airborne to all corners of the world, de-marketing his country and bad mouthing his people as the most corrupt on this God’s earth, an assertion that flies in the face of evidence from international anti-corruption monitoring organizations such as Transparency International.

The nadir of this self-immolation mindset of the supposed leader of Nigeria was reached in London, United Kingdom on Wednesday 11th May 2016, during an anticorruption conference, hosted by the British Prime Minister David Cameron.

Cameron, himself under scrutiny , for involvement in an offshore tax-avoidance shell company exposed by the Panama Papers/Mossack&Fonseca saga, described Nigeria as a fantastically corrupt country , in the same league as war weary Afghanistan; this while briefing the Queen on her 90th birthday celebrations. After the unmitigated insult, the travelbug inflicted President nonchalantly stated that he would accept the return of stolen Nigerian assets in the UK in lieu of an apology for the insult on Nigeria. However, the reality is that the billions of dollars stolen by Buhari’s hero, Sanni Abacha, are still cooling off in UK and tax haven bank vaults, while Cameron and his ilk stonewall the funds recovery and transfer process, to the benefit of the recipient economies.

The ugliness of the APC government was further exacerbated by the wicked 65% increase in the price of petrol while the President was in the UK with Cameron, and the Nigerian people were already reeling from the breakdown of the economy and infrastructure, the consequence of a totally visionless political and economic project.

This apparent deregulation of the petroleum products business in Nigeria, was the major plank of the opposition of the APC to the previous PDP Government in 2012.

The APC had then stated that there were no subsidies on petroleum products, even while the crude oil price was over $100 per barrel. Now, with oil prices crashing to less than $40 per barrel, the APC asserts that there is a 12 Naira subsidy on products imports. Really?

To add salt to the already festering economic sores of the totally devastated citizenry, the loquacious Information Minister,promised that the increase in the price of petrol, with its attendant inflationary consequences, would actually achieve the creation of over 200,000 new jobs in the economy, without stating how this realitydefying economic wonder will be realized.

It is the defining nonchalance and contempt that the APC Government holds the Nigerian people, that Lai Mohammed could figuratively spit in the faces of the Nigerian people with these constant and tactless actions that has defined its first year, a nightmarish year that the vast majority of Nigerians would prefer to forget.

––Jon West, Daura, Katsina State.

Plus

LOUD WHISPERS pg. 20 AUTO pg. 26 GLOBAL SOCCER pg. 29 WRITERS’ WORLD pg. 37 FITNESS pg. 40 FASHION FILE pg. 41

Paul Orajiaka

I Used $100 to Build a Multi-Million Dollar Toy Enterprise

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MAY 21, 2016

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From Being an Idumota Trader, I Have Become a PhD Student Dexterous, diligent and devoted, he sits in the corner of his father’s workshop doing some carvings. His father steals a glance at him with pride; he does same at the other children as they all engage in various wood carvings. For many years, as a child, that is his routine. As a young man, he is determined to promote the works of his father. Upon completion of his secondary education, he headed for the US Embassy in Lagos State to get a visa. It is a dream that did not come true –he was denied a visa. From seeking to travel to America he ends up in Idumota. The Chief Executive Officer of Auldon Limited, Paul Orajiaka, in this interview with Eromosele Abiodun talks about how he became an entrepreneur at the age of 19, how from $100, he began a business organisation now running into billions of naira and how he strikes a balance in business, education and family The Orajiakas

Y

came to buy crafts when they wanted to go back to Europe and America. As kids, we also had a small showroom where we displayed our carvings for sale. My dad always gave us 40 per cent of the money when our carvings were sold. We had bank accounts but we couldn’t withdraw from it without our dad’s consent. That was how my dad raised us until we completed secondary school and then it was time to go further away from home.

What business was that and how will you describe your childhood?

My father was an artist; he had a workshop where he made craft. I am actually good at carvings. All my dad’s children used to do carvings in his workshop. My father was so strict; we were not allowed to play around even on weekends. From Monday to Friday, we were in school and on Saturdays we were in the workshop.

We produced crafts. He had a way of instilling discipline and hard work in us; also we learnt how to be disciplined in terms of money. Often, he told us, ‘The activation of trinity of the three H, your head, your heart and your hands; where your head conceive things, your heart must have passion and your hands must be skilled to actually bring these things to fusion.’ To him, everything is not about academics, he believed in getting your hands dirty. That was why he made us to work in the workshop. Even when we went to boarding school, during holidays, we didn’t have time to play. He had a big showroom where he had all these expatriates back then in Warri who

You started business with less $100, how did you get your seed capital?

I was working with my in-law and had a monthly pay. It was quite small but I was very happy because I loved the knowledge I was gaining from him.

I had friends who were bringing things from the UK and because of the nature of my in-law’s business I had to think. It took time to produce paints in China and freight it down to Nigeria back then. He always had downtime in his business; we tended to have more activities when the goods arrived. During the downtime, I would go to my friends, to buy goods they brought in from the UK and sell them to supermarkets. I was supplying Park ‘n’ Shop sewing machines and that’s where my very first business actually started. I was however using my in-law’s company name because I didn’t have an invoice. I used his invoice to do the supply. My friends were also importing frying pans from the UK and the Park ‘n’ Shop guys loved the products because they were unique. After a while, I started introducing my in-law’s products, such as rechargeable lanterns. The toy business was more of an accident. Park ‘n’ Shop had a long process of processing payment. You had to spend a long time in their shopping mall waiting. At one of those times, I noticed a particular shelf where toys were displayed, because I didn’t grow up with toys, I loved them.

I was the son of a wood carver, my dad didn’t spoil us. It wasn’t that we didn’t have the money. Dad wasn’t the type that would buy toys for his children. As a result, my waiting at Park ‘n’ Shop was no longer boring; I would spend time admiring the toys. At a point, the toy shelves started drying up; it appeared the supplier was no longer bringing in the products. One day I went to the

ou started business with less than $100 but today you have annual revenues of more than $10 million. Can you tell us who you are and how you made this remarkable achievement?

I graduated from Igbinedion Secondary School. Afterwards, I came to Lagos with the hope of going overseas. I and a couple of my schoolmates went to the American Embassy; they all got visas to travel out but I was denied a visa. I had to stay back in Lagos with my elder sister and her husband, an importer in Idumota. While I was waiting for the next opportunity to get American visa, I started keeping myself busy by working with my brother in-law. He had a company called Arigold Limited. Coming to Idumota opened my eyes; I saw a lot of young men doing relatively well materially. So, I said if I stayed back, work hard enough, someday I would make it. I started off in Idumota working with my in-law. Gradually, I was making it. So, I started my own business importing my own line of products; had my own store and here I am today.

management of Park ‘n’ Shop and asked if I could supply the toys not knowing where they sold toys in Idumota. Park ‘n’ Shop obliged me and asked me to bring samples. I went back to my in-law’s office to ask colleagues where they sold toys in Idumota. I combed the streets looking for the kind of toys I saw at Park ‘n’ Shop.

Then I ran into one shop and they had the replica of what I was looking for. I approached the woman who owned the shop and bought some samples. But I told her that I would return the toys if the supermarket didn’t like the toys and that she would refund me. She agreed. I ran to my in-law’s office and started fixing the price because I already had an idea of what the price range was. It looked very promising, the profit was good so I went to the Indian man at Park ‘n’ Shop and he was ordering them in dozens. I was like I didn’t even know how to fund these things; I had just some money but it wasn’t enough for the toy business.

I went to beg my in-law to stand as a surety and promised to pay the owner of the toys after 30 days and he obliged me.

The toy venture became very profitable, so I went into it full-time.

At what point did you decide to register your company?

When I started making profit – I had N500, 000 and I said why buy things from these people in Idumota? They bought from Dubai; So, I travelled to Dubai to the products; I was about 19 years old.

While we were flying 37, 000 feet above the sea level I asked my uncle that I was travelling with, ‘Don’t you think I am too young for this trip?’ I bought the toys and brought them to Nigeria. Because toys were very bulky, I had to pay freight charge and customs fees. I supplied everything to Park ‘n’ Shop and it was awesome because now I had a direct import.

I was making more profit than before. In fact, after I sold the first shipment, I had about N1.2 million. The next time I went to Dubai, I bought a 20ft container of toys.

Thereafter, I bought a 40ft container of toys and in the subsequent one, I had two containers and then we started building funds. We increased our supply to Park ‘n’ Shop; we added Mega Plaza and other shops in Ikeja, Value Mart, and new supermarkets by visiting them with toy

samples. One year, my in-law’s partners from China visited Nigeria. They saw what I was doing and said they could get me those toys from China.

I began to travel to Hong Kong with more streams of profit coming in. As to how I registered my company, when I came into the market to sell the products myself I loved the easy life. My in-law’s office was like a first generation bank, where we went to work in tie. We had air-conditioners and there was coffee; just as real office setting. I didn’t like the hard life. However, when I started dealing with the guys in Idumota, things changed. With departmental stores I had luck, I just disposed my goods and nobody owed me. But our goods were priced at very ridiculous rates. I didn’t care because the margin in supply was good. But with the guys in Idumota, that was not the case. I had to look for a shop in Idumota to sell the toys myself. I got a very small counter because the street was cramped. I did not like the place, I kept looking for shops until one man gave me a space and from the small shop we started off selling our toys by ourselves.

We started making money because we were now on both ends in the market.

That was what gave birth to Auldon Limited; we changed our invoice and informed our customers that our name had been changed.

You started the business after your secondary school education. Did you go back to school to further your education?

When I left secondary school I was good scholar; I had a fantastic WAEC result. But my passion was to be in America to see how I could export my dad’s crafts and make money. I knew African crafts were in demand from the way foreigners were patronising my dad.

From junior secondary, my father had introduced me to finance. So I lost interest in school when I came to Lagos. I felt if I worked hard enough the end result would be success. I wasn’t looking at the other side. Everything changed; one day, my uncle called me: ‘Paul, I know you are doing very well now. I can see you are importing things. You are young, but there are two things you need to find out for yourself. You need to choose one: do

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MAY 21, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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From Selling Toys in Idumota, I Now Export Toys to UK, US and African Countries you want to be a quality man or do you want to be a wealthy man? Any fool can make wealth but not every fool can live a quality life. You need to go back to school, improve yourself and create a window to be able to channel your thoughts because the greatest thing a man can suffer is complex, you need confidence.’ I replied: ‘Sir, I will not just go back to school, you will beg me to stop reading.’ He challenged me not just to stop at first degree but to go for a doctorate degree in business administration. I went to University of Lagos to study Accounting and did masters in Management. I went to Lagos Business School; did an MBA, and went to London Business School to earn a higher diploma.

Today, I am doing a doctorate degree in Business Administration at a top business school in the UK with focus on SMEs. During those times, how did you cope with family responsibilities and academic rigours?

I wasn’t married when I started business. My family only came on board like five years ago. Because I had been used to the circle of business, going back to school and balancing it with the family will always be difficult. But my wife understands that I have to work. When I was single I didn’t go home early, I stayed in the office till 10pm because I wasn’t running to meet anybody at home. Some Sundays I went to work. I had the routine for a long time. Then I met my wife; we fell in love and we decided to have a family and then we have two beautiful daughters.

Why in your opinion do SMEs fail in Nigeria and what advice will you give?

SMEs fail because they don’t pay proper attention. SMEs are not well structured; they give all forms of excuses, just to gamble on little funds, forgetting that not every egg is a bad one. The biggest challenge is not necessarily access to funds; you need to have the moral discipline, integrity capital and desire for success. One doesn’t just wake up and say he wants to start a business because

he has failed in a paid employment or has been given the sacked. Business starts from the desire to be successful, like I started off gradually. Most SMEs fail because on their own, they have not done the requisites. Another reason is lack of support from the government; infrastructure is the key – access to funds, low interest rates, policies targeted strictly at SMEs are missing in the scheme of things.

Those who make policies in Nigeria hardly sit down with SMEs to know their problems and know how to channel policies that will favour them. These are things that kill SMEs; even the successful ones are bound to struggle when they rely on borrowing from banks that was what almost happened to me. When you are struggling they don’t look at you but when you are making headway they start throwing money at you left, right and centre. Suddenly, the banks are willing to give you global facility, huge money to trade, because all they want to see is their interest. So these are some of the things that make SMEs fail. There are a lot of benefits when you mentor, groom and ensure they grow from one stage to another.

From your experience, what effect does access to foreign exchange have on businesses including SMEs? It has been terrible. The sad thing is that the cost is passed on to end users. I just check my cost and increase prices of my products because I am never going to buy a dollar at N340 in the parallel market and sell my goods at giveaway prices. In fact, there is a whole lot that the government need to worry about because even if the exchange rate goes to N500 to $1 people must still trade. Every business must find one way or the other just to get them stay in business. The competitive drive is too much and at the end it is injurious and does no one good.

Sometimes and for a whole year you find nothing to show for the hard work, and for those who are less fortunate to be in a setup that is not highly competitive, you can actually put your mark up and expect that at worst you might not have the level

of turnover you are having. You can’t project; you can’t plan, where the exchange rate is almost fluctuating at very minimal fraction. You plan and in the next one week it changes and all of a sudden there is a law that says forex restriction, no more dollar deposit. Those are some of the things that choke businesses in Nigeria. It’s like shifting the goalposts in the middle of a football game. This why I said policy somersault is something that kills SMEs because the young man sits and plans from the beginning of the year and every quarter there is a new thing, and in every of these new change there is a new circle and you start afresh and it never stops.

Keep somersaulting and at the end of the year, you see yourself just having to adjust to policy change, the time you would have used productively, to engage yourself and plan for the future, you are there trying to adjust to policy. You want to travel out of the country, you can’t withdraw more than $300 dollar daily; some banks can’t even assure you of $1, 000 dollars in one month. These are some of the challenges SMEs face and nobody seems to be talking about them.

How did you come about the Unity Dolls concept?

We sell dolls like, the Barbie, Sofia among others. But as a company we are beginning to understand that we need to start driving value because when you create value money will come, recognition will come because your focus is far beyond what others can see. I have got two daughters; what do they actually pick from these dolls? Toys like Barbie actually manipulate the African girl child and make her look inferior. Every girl wants to be like the doll; everything is artificial. We suddenly forget the royal African beautiful girl. So we were not happy doing Barbie in black skin, in black colour; our physique is more robust – we should show a true representation of the Nigerian child and that is how we started with the Unity Doll. We started with the three major tribes in Nigeria: Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba. The idea was that if we make the dolls and sell them to the Nigerian child, the Hausa girl buys; the Igbo girl learns something about Igbo. We have a booklet inside the dolls that tells the girl everything peculiar with this tribe and that is why we named it Unity Girl. We want to see how these kids right from their young age, start knowing one another’s culture and these are some of the social message the doll is trying to create among young girls.

They will learn and pass such knowledge to their own children. It’s like the way the government came up with the idea of unity schools; unity dolls will unite Nigeria, using the three major tribes. We will bring other tribes with time. We are just one year into the project. We felt that the Nigerian child

needs to start kitting herself with some basic craft. That is why the dolls have things like beads, so they can learn to make beads. Some of the dolls come with long beautiful hair; through this the girls can learn how to braid. They also have books that teach them moral values – how to be respectful, how to be a good girl and how to live a good life.

So they grow up picking these virtues from their first interaction with our dolls.

More important, we told ourselves as a company that we needed to start making an impact within the community we operate. Today, our kids learn in shabby environments, to change that, part of the proceeds from Unity Dolls will be set aside for social work – that’s why we are building schools. We have adopted a school in Ikorodu: Salvation Army Primary School. The Lagos State government gave us an award in support of that initiative. We also adopted a school in the North; after that, we’ll go to the East.

It is imperative to note that I am an Igbo man but I started the project in the West.

Because this is my home; everywhere is home. We are one Nigeria and then my next point of call with Unity Dolls project is the North. Every part of the country must be represented. Every young child wants to identify our dolls, go to supermarkets, drop Barbie and pick Unity Doll. My daughter says, ‘My Aisha, my Ronke, and my Amaka. It’s no longer, ‘My Sophia, my Barbie’, and you see them cuddling these dolls in their black skin – awesome!

Our dolls caught the attention of a South African. He invited us to launch the Malaica Doll in South Africa. We now export the dolls to Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Malaica is made in Nigeria. Recently, we went into partnership with Lagos State Technical Vocation Education Board (LASTVEB); they are beginning to sew Malaica in their tailoring department and shortly, they will start bringing in clothes for our dolls because we are getting many orders for Malaica. We are preparing for other African countries. We have several thousands of these dolls to cloth. Our vision and mission is to promote Africa all across the globe. We have shops in the UK and the US coming on board; people who hear about our dolls are calling us and want to identify with us. This is the time for Africa to start exporting its richness to the world, not bringing those things with influences that have no bearing on our culture, our identity, our beauty and who we truly are.

Where do you see your enterprise in the next 10 years?

I see Auldon as a global company making African theme toys. We want to start making toys that have African relevance; because there is so much we can show to the world. There is so much we should be proud of and that is why I see Auldon becoming a toy brand that is reputable, notable for African theme products. I want to have a development department that is consistently looking at local relevance that can be infused in any form of toys that we can export. Above all, we want to be a company that uses part of its proceeds to better the community we operate in.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 21, 2016

LOUD WHISPERS

The Tomato crises and our Yoruba brethren Kai, all the Yoruba people around me are complaining bitterly about the price of pepper and tomatoes in the market. Seun my hard-working partner comes into the office screaming that three tomatoes is now N500 that he followed his wife to the market to see it for himself. He wanted to take permission to go to Mile 12 to see if he can get it cheaper. As I tried to contain my laughter, Lami’s wife called to ask him if he could buy tin tomatoes on his way back from work since she could not get to buy. This is really a sad episode and a very serious matter especially if you consider the fact that your south-western brothers do not joke with their stew. Everything they eat must go with stew. Eba, rice, Amala, semovita, porridge, everything is stew. So this present situation is really a declaration of war against the Yoruba nation. If this situation continues, the fight will soon ... NLC will have a better fight on their hands instead of this ridiculous strike they have called to protest the fuel hike.

This is a more pressing and meaningful battle for them. We must look for the root cause of this situation. What is the cause of the tomatoes scarcity or is someone trying to destabilise the Yoruba nation by depriving them of their well-loved stew so that they will not be able to concentrate on nation-building? The whole thing is beginning to smell of sabotage and it is not fair. Give us back our pepper and stew, otherwise we may be having a secession on our hands.

Open letter to that Armed Robber Sir, if you were the one that robbed at gun point the car on Ikorodu road on Saturday, I send my greetings. It is with a very high level of respect that I write you this letter thanking you for sparing me and concentrating on the job at hand which in this case was

with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

Fuel Price Hike: My Stand

As I write , we are not sure if the strike called out by the NLC to protest the recent deregulation of the Oil sector will go along or not. You see the hierarchy of the NLC live for this movement. This is their time in the sun and nothing not even a puny court order will stop them from hugging this their periodical time under the klieg lights. Oshiomhole who is now the Governor of Edo State glamourised this action. He loved the attention, he savoured it and it made his mojo really stand for him to be seen to hold the country for the duration of the period of the strike. Those days I used to suspect that they were not interested in the issues but we’re continually bemused by the fact that they could stand in front of the cameras in their starched and well worn khaki shorts, with their bowlegs and scraggy beards singing in very hoarse voices solidarity songs which led us to no where. Today my deep suspicions have been confirmed. These funny people really are not interested in the issues behind this current decisions but the tradition of calling a strike must be followed no matter what. Look to NLC I say, GO AND SIT DOWN. Your gross lack of understanding

of the issues is really annoying.

For you its all about your wages and transport fares. The fact that revenues have dropped by over 50% as a result of the sharp fall in oil prices, leading to pressure on government expenditure, loss of jobs and its inability to continue to fund the hopelessly corrupt subsidy regime is too much for these dinosaurs to comprehend. They must jump into their ugly brown khakis, march down Yaba market and make all the unnecessary noises claiming to be fighting for the masses which in reality is just an exercise in Tom foolery especially in the face of imminent collapse of the economy. The fact that the vast majority of Nigerians have been buying the product at these prices forever is really not their business and that only in Lagos, Abuja and maybe Port Harcourt do people get fuel at official prices is really so difficult for them to comprehend. Please me I am in support of these one policy and even though I feel the pain I still believe that it remains the only option for us at this point so NLC and their whole cabal of noisemakers should all just buy one way tickets to ISIS controlled Syria.

the unfortunate fellow driver. I hope he only lost his car as I could not wait to find out if he survived the ordeal.

You see when I got home after my escape, I knelt down and thanked God for giving you the presence of mind to ignore me as I was already dead as you walked majestically past me. Please sir, next time kindly give advance notice so I avoid that particular road or better still so that I don’t even go out that day. Sir, since that day, I have cancelled all activities that will take me to Ilupeju. What that means is that no church for me again, no visits to Cecelia in Anthony and I have asked my children to do homeschooling for sometime until I get over the experience. Sir, the sight of a gun is enough to petrify the strongest of men and you did not have to shoot to achieve your goal. A simple verbal request would have done the same thing. You made me wet my Gucci pants, but don’t worry I will wash it; it’s no problem and you made me shake so much that I could not even stand straight after I escaped. Bruh, you will never be able to imagine

my gratitude and I must confess that your attack that night may just have saved my marriage for I had to confess to my wife where I was coming from that night. My thinking is that it was her prayers that may have blinded you from seeing me so as a reward, I have confessed and swore never to go anywhere near ilupeju in search of ‘apple’ when I could have just stayed at home to help my children with their homework. Well sha lessons have been learnt and I now know better than to stay out late especially at these perilous times when we are experiencing the harshest of economic times. Thank you sir and God bless.

Saudi Arabia and that wonderful law I just read that going forward any woman who goes through her husband’s phone without his express permission in Saudi Arabia would be flogged. Kai, this law na real law and our lawmakers should go for crash course in elementary lawmaking in this country. How do I wish that this law becomes applicable here! I swear

it would save a lot of marriages and breed tremendous respect amongst our womenfolk for us the men. This law would also save me money as I have to walk around with three phones. I never ever take one of the phones into the house as I leave it with the maiguard every night so as to not expose myself to any attack following the deft infiltration of its unholy content. Instead of that miserable law against same sex marriage, this is the kind of law that would make all the lawmakers win a wonderful second term and spare them from facing the CCT. Na wa.

Calling Donald Duke Hello sir, I just saw pictures of your daughters online and must tell you that they are extremely beautiful.

If I had seen this picture on time, I would have personally asked Her Excellency, Chief Mrs Duke for their hand in marriage on my last trip to Abuja. We were on the same flight.

But be that as it may, it is never too late. I am seizing this opportunity to kindly seek to meet with you to discuss the possibility of having at least one of them become my favourite latest wife. I am 46 years old and a confessed polygamist. Like you, I was a card carrying member of the PDP and was stupendously involved in the last presidential elections where I advised Orubebe against his ill-fated attempt to truncate the elections result. I will respect them and consider the fact that they must have been well brought up and as such I will treat them like eggs . Sir, and am good looking and very charming you will like me, just ask madam about me and she will confirm that I have a very sweet smile. So your daughters will really be very happy in my house. I have already discussed with my first wife who does not have any issues with her joining us in our big family. Thank you as you consider my offer and may Gob bless you.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 21, 2016

21

EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES

‘New Innovation’?

D

AILY SUN of May 16 welcomes us today with a few solecisms: “Our business no longer boom” One of these: business no longer booms or businesses no longer boom “FG urged to boost agriculture with new innovation” Is there old innovation?

“We are however, (sic) comforted by the fact that the reign of our great Oba on the ancient throne of his forefathers was characterized with (by) peace, unity….” (Full-page condolence, DAILY SUN, May 9) The next blunder is from a full-page advertorial by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) published in the above edition of DAILY SUN: “The Hon. Minister of Information & Culture, Alh. Lai Mohammed and the management of the National Broadcasting Commission invites (invite) all stakeholders in the broadcasting industry including station owners, media practitioners (professionals), content providers and the general (sic) public to participate in the DIGITAL BROADCASTING Africa Forum 2016.” Hackneyed expression: general public— instead of just the public!

National Mirror Politics of May 12 takes over from DAILY SUN: “…Osaro said the state cannot (could not) afford to slide back to the dark days.”

“One year after, Dankwambo swears-in (swears in) 12 Commissioners (commissioners)” From National Mirror Editorial comes this: “Few (A few) years ago….”

“Bursary: NANS gives Niger governor 7 days (days’) ultimatum” “UCJ UNILORIN inducts new members”

Would it have been old members? Let us think before collocation.

The back page of NATIONAL MIRROR under review contained two improprieties: “For the past 10 years, even long before the exigencies of the suffering of the North East drew her closer home, she has (had) been immersed in charity work.”

“For making a great difference in spite of the odds, you cannot but doff your hat for….” Get it right: take off your hat to (not for) “Corps member donate (why?) equipment to FUPRE health centre” “The presiding judge…while fixing the date also warned counsels (counsel) to both parties that he would not entertain any form of delay.”

“The Senegal summit was an important landmark enroute (sic) the fourth world women conference in Beijing, China.” Two things are wrong in the preceding sentence: do we have an unimportant landmark? Standard register: ‘en route to or for’ and ‘en route from’, as context demands. ‘En route’ is a French phrase, which means ‘on the way’.

“Picturesque Tinubu Square, the business hub of the city will be revived back to its glory.” Why do we like being severe on words?

‘Revive’ cannot accommodate ‘back’.

“We therefore advice smokers to exercise caution when they dispose of cigarette stubs. “ This does not require any reproach as Americans have bastardised it. Noun: advice; verb: advise (preferred British variant).

“The perspective is neither alarmist or fantastic.” It seems some writers do not care about grammatical inappropriateness. This way: ‘neither…nor’ (‘either…or’).

“The individual common man has little

BY

EBERE WABARA

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

access to the press, so the injustices the common man suffers atimes do not merit media attention.” (SUNDAY VANGUARD, May 15) ‘Atimes’ is Nigerian English. Standard expression: ‘at times’ “He had defiled all odds at the end of the Nigerian Civil War….” I only hope that this newspaper would not be sued one of these days because of lexical laziness on the part of a few of my colleagues. How can a man defile (obviously defy) odds?

“These kind of write-ups drive journalism into irrelevance.” Correct form: This kind of…or these kinds of “Since such may not come into reality.” Right expression: Since such may not come to reality.

“The budget planned originally to be a surplus usually result into a huge deficit.”

Approved form: result in.

“Formulation of past budgets have (has) more often been hailed but their implementation….” “…with a view to meeting (meting) out appropriate sanctions on all those found to have been involved in any way.” The (formal) phrasal verb is ‘mete out to’ (not ‘on’) and its gerund takes single ‘t’.

“Israel moves to diffuse tension with Egypt” Who is the sub-editor diffusing illiteracy? Let us always distinguish between ‘diffuse’ and ‘defuse’, which applies here.

“At a stage, the total of 23 presidential aspirants that sought for power under the platform of the two parties....” I seek grammatical power on the platform of quintessential scholarship.

“All through our long years under colonialism, the cost of books and other materials were never beyond the reach.…” ‘Cost’ is what

should inform the verb used here; not ‘books and other materials’.

“Among items destroyed were textile materials, jewelleries, television and radio sets….”

‘Jewellery’: plural unchanged.

“Nigerians pay last respect to…” ‘Last respects’, please “This truth no doubt was expressed in recognition of the role of the press in any society, especially one striving towards the attainment of democracy.” ‘Strive’ take ‘for’, ‘after’, ‘against’ and ‘with’; not ‘towards’.

“And as the UN is packing its bags and baggage out of….” Standard entry: ‘bag and baggage’ “….the whole nation hailed and applauded both parties in the protracted crisis for reaching an agreeable truce.” Gentlemen of the press, what is the meaning of ‘agreeable truce?’ Pupils used to make newspapers reference materials for English language studies. I doubt if that happens these days, with bovine oddities like ‘agreeable truce’.

“Cake is fattening thereby loosing its attraction to….” Correct spelling cannot lose attraction.

“I and the other Nigerians who had come to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia…” Grammatical discipline demands that you put self last: ‘The other Nigerians and I….’

“Kogi workers asked to sign attendant register” What a Babel! ‘Attendance register’, please “…and the partitioning of the country by the clan chiefs and warlords continue.” The partitioning (not the chiefs and warlords) continues.’

PEOPLE2PEOPLE...with Oke Epia

WatchingtheWatchers(2):TheStrikethatUnraveledtheNLC The only effective answer to organized greed is organized labour - Thomas Donahue

T

he above quote aptly captures the ideological essence of the universal labour movement: the embodiment of Marxist-socialist preachments in contradistinction to the neo-liberal posturing of Capitalist systems. Knowing that Donahue is regarded as one of the most influential leaders of the post-World War II American trade union movement, according to Wikipedia, gives further validation to the statement.

The kind the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) appears to have thrown to the winds by several acts of omission and commission. Buffeted by a stifled protest and a stillborn mass action, the labour union is obviously having one of its worst seasons in history. The issue of petrol price hike that should have ordinarily earned it mass appeal and automatic leadership in national socio-political activism has ironically become its albatross.

Things have fallen apart and the underbelly of the once vibrant labour force has been exposed leaving entrails drooling out in a shameful mess of hara-kiri.

While the disemboweling act of the Japanese signals strength and honour, there is nothing close to that in this suicide mission of the labour Congress, the formerly famous Leftist bulwark of the common man. Neither is there much accolade for the NLC’s cowardly gallantry in proceeding with what not a few have regarded as a needless strike action. A combination of forces marshalled by the All Progressives Congress (APC) government of the day had conspired together to take the wind out of the sail of Labour. And like a falcon that had become deafened to the customized call of the falconer, the NLC jumped into the ring with a bloodied nose even before the fight started. Whatever gains that may be credited to the controversial strike action eventually, a more enduring verdict would be that there was no way the union could sustain a win in a battle with government on deregulation. This is because Congress had long lost the war and either did not know that or chose like the ostrich, to bury its head in the sands of pretense. A public commentator, Steve Aborisade, captures the public mood succinctly in a post on his Facebook wall thus: “Labour cleanse thyself! And see what much can be achieved for the Nigerian masses in the company of integrity.”

But when and how did the NLC lose the war for the hearts and minds of the people; the very mass of workers it claims to represent? This question is not difficult to answer especially for an objective observer of events in the polity. Let us begin the search for answers with certain circumstances surrounding the strike action called to protest the ‘deregulation’ of the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) which went up from N86.50 to a

PEOPLE2PEOPLE

OKE EPIA WITH

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

Twitter: @resourceme

cap of N145 per litre. Like millions of Nigerians, the NLC was jolted by the government’s sudden announcement that it had raised the petrol price because the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the nation’s oil behemoth, could no longer continue as sole importer of fuel. That the policy (which have been described in various terms like subsidy removal, partial deregulation or as cynically put by some, the capitulation of government to the cabal of oil traders) and its justifications as espoused by administration officials have remained opaque and unconvincing to a broad spectrum of Nigerians should have been enough ground to submit to Labour’s lead in mass disquiet. That did not happen. Not even the excruciating escalation of hardship the petrol price hike has unleashed on already impoverished citizens has proved a valid ground for the union to launch from. In short, there was substantial, if not overwhelming public opinion against the strike. If Nigerians whose interests Labour claim to represent and for which it called a mass action are not favourably disposed then there can be no greater sign that the union had disconnected with the masses. And if that is the case then what is really the motivation for union leaders to call out workers unto the streets in a protest they are indifferent about if not totally opposed to?

Even within the Labour Union itself, the centre could no longer hold as some affiliates had openly opposed the strike and instructed their members not to participate. Prominent in this dissenting group are the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN); two key umbrella bodies of workers in the oil and gas industry without which any strike action by labour would be impotent.

The fact that both affiliate unions which are the operators in the sector deregulated by government, pulled out of the NLC strike was indication enough that the action was devoid of consensus within the ranks of the Congress.

But something worse was coming for the NLC. On the eve of commencement of the strike, an otherwise latent faction of the NLC, led by Joe Ajaero of the Electricity Workers group, gained sudden recognition from government and announced that Labour had suspended the proposed action following a meeting brokered by Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole.

Comments by Mr. Ajaero suggesting deep underhand practices by the mainstream Congress led by Mr. Ayuba Wabba, could very well provide some insight into the fate that has befallen organized labour in contemporary times. And expectedly, the statements border on tales of corruption and sell-out over a N2billion loan Congress had procured from government in the past.

Hear him: “When you are coming to say that the loan that was given to you in 2012, which you have not paid back, should be written off, we see it as if the action has already been sold out before it takes off.

“So, we will wait for our group to meet. But, definitely, it appears that by ideology and every other thing, we can no longer meet. We thought we should have managed this in the interest of Nigerians but from the look of things, it appears we have to go our different ways.

“We have condemned the increase and called for negotiation and reversal and it was on the basis of our calls that this meeting was summoned for us to meet and find the way forward.”

Ajaero was not done as he picked issues with Congress’ methodology of the strike. Hear him again: “If we wanted to be serious about an action, you can’t call for an action on Wednesday. It is only an action that is sold out that is called for Wednesday so that by Friday, you say you have strike lethargy and you call it off. Popular Trade union actions commence on Mondays and by the time you drag it for five days, it would have had an impact. In fact, you would have taken one week to mobilize and sensitize. As of today, apart from holding a NEC meeting and calling an action for two or three days, remember that the people you are mobilizing have not been paid for about six months.

Will it take a newspaper mobilization for them to come out? We need to do a serious work if the action is to work. The action is called at the wrong time and with the wrong motive.”

Incidentally, Mr. Ajaero had an additional burden to discharge: he had to clarify the nomenclature of his cluster in apparent response to suggestions from those in the meeting with them that they were breakaway groups of the NLC. He said: “I want to correct an impression. We are not here as individual unions, but as a faction of the NLC. Unions make up the NLC. The NLC is not a union in itself. By our own historical accident, we found ourselves operating in two groups.” Of course, that clarification whatever it was worth told another part of the contradictions that have consumed the Congress.

Having played the role of the spoiler, Joe Ajaero could very well be the proverbial kettle calling the pot black. Indeed before the start of the strike on Wednesday, it was obvious that organized labour had been emasculated as far as the petrol price issue hike was concerned. Ambushed by government; distrusted by the populace; and distracted by internal divisions, Labour found itself in the lurch of lost credibility.

––Follow writer onTwitter @resourceme

22

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • May 21 , 2016

PEOPLE Ambassador Edward Aina

My Illiterate Mother Helped Me to Solve Arithmetic He easily qualifies to be addressed as a super diplomat having successfully served the country for 35 years in that capacity. From Cotonou, the capital of Benin Republic, where he started, to duty tour of five Nigerian diplomatic missions, to opening Nigeria’s High Commission in Namibia, serving as ambassador to Japan and France, Ambassador Edward Abiodun Aina has seen it all. He was formerly the Special Representative of the President of ECOWAS in Conakry, Guinea. A former Assistant Executive Secretary to the African Liberation Committee, a position which helped him to build a rich network of contacts like the African icon, Nelson Mandela, three weeks after he walked to freedom, tells Stanley Nkwazema, how he started out and how has a ‘village boy’, who later became a Fellow of the War College, undertook several discreet overseas assignments for Nigeria and helped to restore peace, democracy and good governance in Guinea

H

Journey Through the Early Days… e is a village boy from Odo Ere in Yagba West Local Council Area of Kogi State. He is a thoroughly localised lad who outgrew his boundary of birth and rose to the top of his career. He tells his own story: “I was born 2nd of January, 1947. I can only talk about myself, having lived in the village. I went to primary school in the village called Sudan Interior Mission primary School but I completed my primary education in Odugba, a nearby town. I was trekking to school every day, four miles in the morning and four miles in the afternoon. My aunt’s husband gave us bicycle which I and my cousin used, occasionally. We were about 18 to 20 from our village.”

He had gone to Provincial Secondary School, in Okene, after his primary education and he sat for his West African School Certificate in 1965.

An incident nearly derailed his quest for secondary education. Since he was not on scholarship, he was asked to pay 25 Pounds Sterling as tuition, which was a challenge to his mother.

“I was not told that my father died when I was a child so I did not know my father nor had the privilege to see his picture. The assessment was at the Native Authority level. So my own Yagba Native Authority assessed me and asked me to pay 25 Pounds Sterling. On the main day, January 4, 1961, we were lucky to be picked up by an open van from the Native Authority to take us from Egbe to Okene but we stopped at Isolo to sort out our fees and I was asked how much I had. I told them one pound. They asked for my assessment and I said 25pounds but my mother only had a pound. An Uncle I did not know who was in London got to know and intervened. I had seen him before when he visited Nigeria in 1958. In February 1961, he sent 25 pounds which gave me a credit of one pound. My mother was in Lagos so I wrote to her to break the news and to let her know that I had a credit of one pound because of what she paid and also told her the things that I wanted to buy and the prices. She wrote to say I should go ahead. For that, I remain grateful.”

Her mother, Madam Comfort Aina, is still alive aged 95.

Aina speaks of one Engineer James Eyitayo Ogungbemi. He worked with the NNPC and, according to the diplomat, he is presently working with Sahara Petroleum.

“We were classmates in primary school and we became students together at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria from 1968-1971 when we finished. He was the closest to me. I happened to be one of the indigent students in ABU without scholarship, either federal or state. We

Aina as a young man

again but I have already resolved that I would not teach again. I graduated as a French Honours.”

Aina

had to rent a house in Samaru Hostel and slept on the same bed. After a year, I got a scholarship with the French Government which gave me a relief for one year.”

“I have two brothers from the same mother. One is Reverend Julius Bamidele Odofin and the other one a banker, Philip Ajibola Odofin. Jimoh Odofin became my stepfather but he passed on in 1992 when I was Nigeria’s Ambassador to Namibia. My mother is still very sharp and answers telephone calls. She is a disciplinarian but not that she was beating me; she is focused and tender.

She would tell you what she wanted you to do for her. I learnt to do what was right.

She was an illiterate in the sense of what we call the Western education today. She would ask me to sit down when I was in primary school after the school hour and opened my books and asked what I was taught in school. So being an illiterate, yet she was helping me to review my school work. She knew what a cross was, so she will take my book and count how many crosses and tales I had on the book. So there was no deception. My mother’s integrity was uncompromising. She impacted that to me.”

Path to a Glistering Career…

Aina’s first job was teaching with a missionary school called the Sudan Interior Mission School in Egbe, just close to his village after his Higher School Certificate, HSC. He tells the story of the job.

“I did not apply for the job. I had my boyhood friend, Williams Adeyemi, in the school. We went together and while he was looking at the notice board, the

then principal, Paul Henley, was passing by and he introduced me to the principal and he asked if I did not want to teach?

I said not yet. I have been studying for seven years and needed to relax. He said if I wanted, I could have a teaching job in the school. I went back home and had a second thought, knowing well that the university would not resume till September. I went back the next day and took the job offer. I was there until October.

I almost did not go to the university because the first scholarship that Kwara State offered was for only 90 students. I was interviewed but not offered. It was devastating and because of that I resolved to continue teaching. My younger brother, Julius Odofin, was with me and he had been successful in his final exams.

So I thought I should work to sponsor him. One day, I received three letters from my secondary school mates and the contents were similar. The letters said I was not the only one without scholarship as there were many others in the school. It was on a Saturday. I reflected and called my brother to tell him. I told him so that when I finished I can sponsor him to any level. I did not want my students to know that I was leaving because we were so close. When I got to the motor park, the bus going to Kaduna was just about to leave, so if I had gone to the classroom, I wouldn’t have met the vehicle. In the same bus, were many of my classmates who paid for my transport fare. I was being paid 24 Pounds Sterling which was something. They were taking some small percentage as tax. By the time I finished from Zaria, the school offered me a job

How Providence Paved the Way Ambassador Aina believes the generosity of people cannot be over-emphasised.

He had 36 Pounds Sterling the day he arrived at the university but he believed God was with him. According to him, from Tudun Wada to Samaru, he paid but there was a passenger who asked if he was going to the university and he said yes. When they got to the gate, he showed Aina the place and helped him to carry his big box to the Hostel Superintendent’s office.

“The Superintendent gave me a meal ticket for three months. That was a miracle. My close friend, James Ogungbemi, was ejected from the room in the afternoon which was then allocated to me.

When we met that same day, he asked for my room. He smiled and told me that it was the same room he was ejected from that morning. Anyway, we still had the room and slept on the same bed. History was to be my major but French accidentally became my major. Along the line, the Federal Government came up with the idea of bursary award and Chief Obafemi Awolowo was the Finance Minister then, but I was lucky and got the scholarship. I had already gone to Senegal for one year.

I was happy that it was Senegal I was sent to not Europe because of indigent status. Incidentally, for the year abroad I had already been listed to have gone with General Babatunde Akinola, a former Director of Military Intelligence to France for the year. But when we got to the French Cultural Centre I saw that my name had been crossed with a pencil and the name of the late Tor Tiv was inserted.

I was happy to go to Senegal because it was Africa. By the time I came back, the bursary award had materialised which covered hotel and feeding. One of my lecturers took interest in me and gave me money to cover transport.”

The Twists and Turns He was offered an appointment in the Federal Civil Service. Interestingly, he had applied to the Federal Civil Service and passed his application through the Head of Department, one Prof. Walton.

But another drama was to play out. Some of his course mates he gave forms and filled them got acknowledgments but he did not get any acknowledgment. He was worried.

“So I went back to Prof. Walton who asked me to fill another form. I was still waiting for reply when we got information that the Federal Civil Service was coming to conduct the interview in the school. We were asked to fill fresh forms.

Fortunately, the emphasis was that the area I wanted was Ministry of Information and the second Foreign Affairs. The interesting background was that my

23

MAY 21 , 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

PEOPLE My Postings Were Always On the Go…No Prior Notice senior then, Ambasador Jones Ajayi, was from the same village with me and he was my senior in secondary school. I was in Form 1 and he was in Form 5. We met at the university and he was a year ahead of me and he studied French. When he graduated, he got into the Ministry of Information and three months after, he was posted to France. So I was inspired to make information my first choice; not because I wanted to be posted to France, but that I would be posted abroad. I got to the departmental library and was just settling down when a classmate of mine said we should go to the place where the interview was going on. We were just close to the place when my name was called. It was one Mr. A.O. Fadaka who conducted the interviews. At the end of the interview, the students before me were told the places they would report to, but I was not told anything. I asked him about my placement and he asked if I had been to any country outside Nigeria and I said yes. I am the one being interviewed, but I did not know the implication of me interviewing my interviewer and I did not know who he was at that moment. He said from the documents he had including my assessment in the university, and with the establishment of Federal Government Colleges, there was prospect for me taking on teaching subjects I rejected his offer of a teady job. I resolved to relocate from the departmental library to the main library where no one would disturb me. I was in the main library when someone came and said congratulations. He said I had been taken to External Affairs. It took me 30 minutes to overcome the shock.”

First Posting Ambassador Aina assumed duties June 22, 1971. He had finished from Zaria and had his oral interview on Friday 18th of June 1971. From there, he went to Lagos.

Contrary to some expectations, Aina’s first salary was not that massive. But it was enough for him to get by. It was 60 Pounds Sterling and when they deducted the tax, he would be left with 54 Pounds Sterling.

“My first posting was Cotonou, Benin Republic. I did not want to fly. When I was going to Senegal, I told my mates in the airplane that I thought we were in the wrong plane because our luggage was still on the ground. We landed in Cotonou without our luggage and we had to get in touch with the Nigeria Embassy.

Next day we were back in Lagos and went to the Cultural Centre and they took us back to the airport. I did not want to fly so I went to Cotonou in a diplomatic car.”

Marriage, Cultural ‘Suicide’ and Mother’s Reaction Aina married a woman from the eastern part of the country in the present day Anambra State. They met while he was in diplomatic service. From Cotonou, Benin Republic he had gone to Congo and they were in the same office there. One thing led to the other and they agreed to marry. “My mother was at the wedding in Kinshasa and never opposed it. She is a lovely woman, tender and caring. I have four children: three beautiful ladies and a man. I served five countries: Benin

Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Namibia as the first High Commissioner of Nigeria in 1990. Then later I was in Japan when General Abubakar was Head of State and then France which was my last posting.”

Serving Africa in Tanzania Ambassador Aina was Assistant Executive Secretary African Liberation Committee. It was an African Union Organisation, OAU, outfit established immediately OAU was created in 1963, as a strategic step for Africa’s liberation. The full name was Coordinating Committee for the Liberation of Africa. He takes up the story: “Nigeria as the founding member of the OAU, because of her policy, determination, commitment, was a founding member of the African liberation and was also allowed to produce an executive member. I was not the first to be there but the fourth person and did eight years there. It was the outfit that coordinated and worked out strategies and rendered assistance to the liberation movement in Africa. Any liberation movement had to be recognised by the OAU before being offered any assistance.”

On Your Mark, Go! “Professionally, I do not think I will say I have faced any challenge because we have rules and regulations and modality,” Ambassador Aina stated.

“One of the challenges I had during the service which perhaps influenced my attitude to life was my posting cycle.

From the first posting out, on time track you have on your mark, get set and go.

My postings missed the second step.

My own was on your mark, go. I was to go to Cotonou and my supervisor called me and said ‘Do you know you have been posted to Cotonou? The head of admin will give you the details.’ I went there and they said they had sent telex to them in Cotonou and I could go anytime I wanted. That was partly why I went by road. Again, a letter came and said I was cross-posted to Kinshasa to arrive there not later than the 30th. And I said the Permanent Secretary just left here and he did not say anything. I had to go immediately. My daughter’s first birthday was advanced by 24 hours to enable me travel. We had rules and regulations which said we should take Nigeria Airways and I was not used to things of that nature. I had to cancel my holiday in the United Kingdom with the family in order to respond to the call when I was appointed ambassador for the first time. We had what we called the Observer Mission but when it became high commission of Nigeria. I also had a tough assignment in Guinea when I was appointed Special Representative of the President of the Commission in Conakry between 2007 and 2010. Indeed , I played strategic roles towards restoration of peace, security , democracy and good governance in Guinea and observed the election in Zimbabwe in 1980; Benin in 2006 and 2016; Democratic Republic of Congo in 2007 and 2011; Guinea in 2010; Sierra Leone in 2012; Ghana in 2013 as well as Mali and Sao Tome and Principe in 2014.”

Mr. A.O. Fadaka who conducted the interviews. At the end of the interview, the students before me were told the places they would report to, but I was not told anything. I asked him about my placement and he asked if I had been to any country outside Nigeria and I said yes. I am the one being interviewed, but I did not know the implication of me interviewing my interviewer and I did not know who he was at that moment. He said from the documents he had including my assessment in the university, and with the establishment of Federal Government Colleges, there was prospect for me taking on teaching subjects I rejected his offer of a teady job. I resolved to relocate from the departmental library to the main library where no one would disturb me. I was in the main library when someone came and said congratulations. He said I had been taken to External Affairs. It took me 30 minutes to overcome the shock

Aina & wife

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 21, 2016

VINTAGE When FIRS Moved Against Corporate Tax Defaulters Olaoluwakitan Babatunde

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hey knew what was coming, but chose to ignore it in the belief that it was another impotent ultimatum. The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) had served corporate organisations owing a variety of taxes a sixweek notice to pay up or have their operations disrupted through the shutting down of their offices. When the notice elapsed, the FIRS decided to give teeth to the warning it had issued.

Its enforcement teams in Lagos, Abuja, Aba, Owerri and Kaduna moved into the field to seal the premises of defaulting companies. On 11 May, the FIRS enforcement team, led by Mr. Emeka Obiagwu, closed down three offices of a major telecommunications firm for failure to remit N24.3billion in Value Added Tax (VAT).

The same day, it also closed the official premises of Erin Petroleum (formerly Camac Petroleum Limited) which, at the time of the closure, owed N107.3million and $10.6million respectively.

The exercise continued the next day in Lagos, Abuja, Owerri and Kaduna. In Abuja, two companies owned by controversial investor, Jimoh Ibrahim, were sealed. They are NICON Luxury Hotel and NICON Insurance.

FIRS Warrant of Distraint revealed that Ibrahim’s NICON Luxury Hotel in Abuja was sealed off for owing about N392, 623,765.00 in unpaid tax liabilities.

The service said the amount was made up of unpaid/unremitted liabilities of the hotel in Company Income Tax, Education Tax, Withholding Tax and Value Added Tax between 2009 and 2013.

The management team of the hotel, led by Mrs. Ogunlusi Abimbola, initially insisted that the company was not owing such a huge sum, putting the tax arrears of the company at N24

Babatunde Fowler’s million. She added that of the sum she quoted, the company had paid N6 million.

Mrs. Abimbola, however, admitted that the hotel was aware of the tax liability, but claimed that a tax consultant to company had written the FIRS to complain about the it and that the hotel was already discussing with the FIRS ways of resolving the matter.

She, however, failed to produce copies of the correspondence between the hotel and FIRS, leaving the enforcement team with no option than to seal the hotel.

The sealing off of the hotel led to the closure of the other offices and three bank branches located within its premises.

Also the team evacuated the premises, forcing some members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, holding a stakeholders’ meeting

in the hotel to park their vehicles outside the premises as the team locked the gates.

From NICON Luxury Hotel, the team moved to NICON Insurance, where the enforcement team sealed the third, fourth and ninth floors of the building occupied by the company.

FIRS’ Distraint Warrant showed that NICON insurance was owing N182,685, 036 million in unremitted Withholding Tax and VAT from 2008 to 2012. In Lagos, the FIRS sealed the premises of Swift Networks, an internet service provider, and Pan Ocean Oil Corporation Nigeria Limited.

Swift Networks, which has its office on 31, Saka Tinubu Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, failed to remit N702 million to the government.

Chief Operating Officer of Swift Networks, Chuma Okoye, pleaded for an extension of the period of grace but was told by Obiagwu that his company should have complied with the laws governing business in the country.

Obiagwu added that FIRS has huge obligations to fulfill.

“Several notices have been served on the companies and I believe several moves were also made to compel the companies to remit their taxes. But most of these companies turn deaf ears; that is why we usually give them long rope,” he disclosed. Okoye explained that his organisation has started working on how to fulfill its obligations to government.

At the office of Pan Ocean Oil Corporation, the enforcement recorded some drama, with the company’s security men attempting to prevent FIRS officials from carrying out their duty.

It took the intervention of some staff to restrain the security men for the enforcement to take place. The management of the firm was told to send representatives to the FIRS office to discuss how to remit the $29.2million owed in VAT. At Century Energy Services Limited in Lagos, the staff were told to vacate their offices and the

building was sealed.

In Kaduna, FIRS officials sealed the office of System Properties Development Company Limited located at Shehu Crescent in Kaduna North Local Government Area for the company’s failure to remit over N20 million. The same fate befell Mutunci Company Nigeria Limited located at Plot 5, Kudenda Industrial Layout, Kaduna.

The company failed to remit over N42 million.

The owner of the company, an Indian whose, name was given as Mr. Vora, insisted that he was up to date in the payment of taxes and went ahead to show his 2016 VAT clearance certificate due to expire in December.

His explanation, however, was deemed unsatisfactory, as he was told by the enforcement team that there are discrepancies between the expected payment and the actual payment of over N42 million.

Mr. Suleiman Abubakar, leader of the enforcement team in Kaduna, said the exercise was to get defaulting companies to remit taxes.

“Today, we have invoked our statutory provisions and sealed off System Properties Development Company Limited and Mutunci Nigeria Limited, who have outstanding tax liabilities which run into millions.

“The companies will remain under lock and key unless and until the affected companies clear and liquidate their liabilities,” he said.

Abubakar disclosed that the tax enforcement exercise was going on across the federation.

In Owerri, Imo State, the offices of Imo Transport Limited and Holidays and Tours Limited were sealed. The companies owe N36,407, 775.42 and N2, 411, 523.72 respectively.

In Aba, Abia State, the office of Dan Dollars Motors Limited was shut over its tax liability of N3,557, 361.16, while that of De Okafor and Sons Limited was shut over tax indebtedness of N2,270, 722.00.

Manhour Loss at Nation’s Airports is Avoidable Eriye Onagoruwa

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got to the Nnamdi Azikiwe Abuja International Airport at 12:10pm for an Air Peace flight scheduled to take off at 1:30pm.

Travelling out of this airport has become a nightmare and a tragi-comedy all rolled into one. Only that this is no drama laced with different scenes but real life absurdity at its best.

Before getting to the airport gate, you encounter fierce-looking armed men that cause a lot of traffic trying to fish out the Boko Haram terrorists that want to bomb the airport by asking you to wind down your vehicle’s windows for inspection. There must be something these trained officials spot by this technique that ordinary unarmed citizens cannot discover.

Once you scale this first hurdle, you snake through the traffic inside the airport environs which can take upwards of forty to forty-five minutes. The real tragi-comedy is yet to unfold.

Now I had to collect my boarding pass from Air Peace which is in the first building on the right inside the airport. Recently, in a bid to forestall terrorists attack and prevent unscrupulous elements from causing mayhem at the airport, the airport authorities in their “wisdom” have provided only one entry and one corresponding exit door for the hundreds if not thousands of passengers travelling and the numerous ‘protocol’ personnel who also need to access the building. What is befuddling is the fact that there are at least five or more doors that are just permanently closed. So passengers line up under the scorching sun with the queue sometimes stretching farther and farther away from the building. Suitcases are screened through the entry door with only one screening machine that is designed for carry-on luggage and light-weight travel stuff. I am sweating profusely and lamenting to my friend about the sheer absurdity of this exercise. He turned to me and said jocularly, “If it is not difficult, it is not Nigeria”.

I reflected on the statement and realised how apt it was. Things in Nigeria are just designed to take you one step forward and ten steps backward.

To amuse us even further, there is a poster of suspected and wanted persons hanging on one of the shut doors. Oh, did I mention that the screening machine is on top of a table that is supported by a stone as legs?

The screening machine itself is obsolete and worthy of a museum relic. Does it occur to these inane officials that a suicide bomber can actually detonate a bomb either by just coming casually to the front of the building or opening a suitcase laden with dynamites? Does it occur to these officials if there is a fire outbreak or any form of emergency resulting in a stampede the sheer number of fatalities as a result of only one exit door can be mind boggling?

My turn, then I passed my suitcase through the screening machine and finally queued up at the Air Peace counter for my boarding pass. Feat achieved, I come out of the door and walked past the building designated for international departures to the last building on the right which is used for local departures.

Yet another queue and more absurdity. At this stage, one look at the line and the hot sun, I knew that I could not survive another queue. I walked up to one of the airport officials and explained to him that I had been screened at the first building and already had my boarding pass. He explained to me that as this was the only place for boarding passengers, I had to also go join the queue and be screened again. I told him I was not going to do that as I did not understand the rationale. I explained again that I had gone through a rigorous round of screening at the other building and could not contemplate joining the queue. He responded again as if I was hard of hearing “Madam, as this is the only entrance for boarding passengers you have to queue up again because all the other people on the queue have also been screened. I told him flatly that I would not join the queue, coupled with the fact that at this time I was now running late and it simply did not make any sense to me. I asked why even the simplest of things had to look so complex and difficult simply because we are in Nigeria. For goodness sake, our airport is not even ranked among one of the world’s busiest airports and all these out-dated and unintelligent security processes will not tackle the real challenges. I am certain even Brussels in the wake of its recent terrorist attack on its airport would employ less insensible methods. Okay I digress. Back to the long queue and my conversation with the airport official. When he saw how resolute I was on my refusal to join the queue, he escorted me to the door in order to speak with his colleague to allow me to get inside. I still asked him why they could not buy more screening machines or at least open up more doors to ease the process. He replied

almost sadly, “Please bear with us madam. In fact, help us talk to government. We are just doing our jobs.”

At this point, I asked myself who is the government? Who should I report to? Is the government, the Minister of Transportation?

Is the government the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who would probably be too busy attending to external affairs out of the country or the Vice-President who has also asked that we be patient and bear with this government. Is the government FAAN? Is the government the army officials who dressed in Scottish ensemble to welcome our President some time back? Who do I need to complain to in order to provide a less stressful means of carrying out this screening process?

You have to laugh at the fact that we are forever jostling for foreign investors and if our airports are the first indications of what to expect in the country, you ask yourself if any serious and reasonable investor wants to go through so much discomfort, witness such mediocrity and inefficiency and still want to invest in the country. Doing business in Nigeria is a like being in a war zone on its own. Nigeria with its policies demonstrates a country that is permanently at war with its citizens.

“Please bear with me”. A nauseating phrase that has steadily crept into our national lexicon.

It is a phrase that is used for multidimensional types of inefficiencies you can think about that goes on in Nigeria.

We are asked to bear with the airline when you board the aircraft and cooling units are not working due to operational reasons and be patient as once the aircraft takes off, the cooling units will start working (sadly this was my experience with Air peace on Friday).

We are asked to bear with the petroleum scarcity being experienced in the country as it is the handiwork of unscrupulous elements diverting the “barely enough” products to other neighbouring countries. What we cannot fathom or explain is how easy it is for the idle young boys on the road to get fuel in jerry cans to sell to people.

However the average Nigerian and not-soaverage Nigerian is terribly frustrated. Recently, while speaking with a reporter, a visibly irate driver said in Yoruba “Gbogbo woôn y ki o kan kú. Ani ara mi, plus aw n Aare, gbogbo

eniyan ni Nigeria y ki o kan ku “(All Nigerians should just die. Even myself, plus the president, everyone in Nigeria should just die”.)

He had been at the NNPC filling station for two days to get fuel but was unsuccessful. He tried another filling station and was still unlucky.

Perhaps nothing quite captures the present state of the average Nigerian citizen like the image posted on social media of a skeleton relaxed on a couch and waiting for “change and things to get better”.

“If it is not difficult, it is not Nigeria”. Said light-heartedly but so trite and perfectly encapsulates the daily struggles of living in Nigeria.

The social media has become a place to vent anger, to infuse humour into our pain as a nation bereft of visionary and purposeful leaders.

Please bear with us, as we have to first plunge the entire nation into darkness while we try to figure out how to power Nigeria. The Nigerian coat of arms has been humorously redesigned to include the “I-better-pass-my-neighbour” generator perched on the eagle. As we continue to bear with the government for the black-out being experienced, someone posted on social media that he is waiting to see the bill PHCN will bring at the end of the month, so he knows if he is now paying for sunlight.

Please bear with us, as we struggle to put together a blue print that provides some tangible policy direction as to where we are going as a Nation and how we intend to get there.

Please bear with us, as the international airlines hike their airfares because of the difficulty in repatriating their monies.

It is this strange “resilience culture” that has gotten us to where we are as a Nation and as a people. We “pity” our leaders, proffering excuses that Nigeria is a tough place to rule; we sympathize with failure and mediocrity stating that our hands are tied.

We celebrate what ordinarily should be standard governance when a Governor completes a block of classrooms (read sub-standard here) for public use.

In any event, please bear with me. I need to figure out who will improve the basic travelling experience at the Abuja airport. Hopefully, this simple request should not be tied to the budget (which thankfully has now been passed with the promise to immediately inject N 350 billion Naira into the economy, whatever that means) but just be seen as the need to be more creative in providing solutions that lessens the stress we have to go through in an already over-stressed environment.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 21, 2016

TRIBUTE Sir Richard Nwachukwu Okeke: A Legacy of Integrity

S Nkem Okeke

ir Richard Nwachukwu Okeke (born Richard Chukwukodinaka Okeke) Ezuo, meaning ‘complete’ of Enugwu-UkwunaUmunri - a man whose footprints in the sands of time were marked by him inspiring many with his integrity, dedication to God, family and service to humanity. He was born on December 10, 1927 to late Simon Okonkwo Okeke and late Lucy NwairuakuOkeke in EnugwuUkwu, Njikoka Local Government Area, Anambra State.

Okeke ‘RN’, as he was fondly called, grew up a

by Okeke whilst in the employ of NEPA as Area precocious lad. He completed his primary Manager for then Eastern Nigeria, including education in December 1943, in Kano. He attended Makurdi and Otukpo. This included the design, secondary school at Africa College, Onitsha, and construction and maintenance of 66KVtransmission was the first student in the Eastern Region to sit lines and the installation and commissioning of for the Secondary School Certificate Examination 7.5MVA 66KV/11KV transformer substation with in Class Five after three years of secondary school.

11KV switch panel at both Onitsha and Enugu. As He passed with Grade 1 and London Matriculation director in 1976, Okeke planned the construction Exemption. After secondary school he worked and electrification of Shagamu, Iperu, Ago-Iwoye briefly with the Nigeria Railway Corporation in and Ijebu Igbo.

Zaria. He was later posted to Jos as a Telegraph Perhaps, what can be described as the most Clerk in 1948. enduring legacy of service to his people in EnugwuHe married Miss Dorothy Nwakego Okeke Ukwu and neighboring communities of Abagana, in 1951, after which he left for England to attend Nimo and Nawfia, was Okeke’s sanctioning of Borough Polytechnic, London from 1952-1956 and the capital intensive construction and supply of graduated as an Electrical Engineer. He came back electricity, thereby providing a major catalyst in the to Nigeria in 1957 and joined Electricity Corporation emergence of these towns as pioneers in developof Nigeria (ECN) later known as National Electric ment and enlightenment in the area.

Power Authority, as an Engineer Grade 1. He was Okeke held memberships of many revered one of the indigenous pioneer engineers that blazed professional associations, including the British the trail of excellence and was popularly called Institute of Electrical Engineers (MIEE) since1962. He ‘Okeke ECN’ by his peers. With hard work and dedication, he rose through the ranks from Engineer became one of the indigenous pioneer members of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (MNSE) in 1969 Grade 1 (1957-1959),to Engineer and Manager (NSE No. 93) and became a fellow (FNSE) in 1982.

(1959-1960), Manager (1960-1961), Manager and District Manager (1961-1962), District Manager (1962- He was elected a member of the British Institute of Management in 1971 and in 1977, became a 1964), Area Manager (1964-1967 and 1970-1972), member of the Council of Registered Engineers of Chief Engineer Purchasing (1972-1976), Director of Nigeria (COREN).

Distribution West (1976-1977).

After meritorious service and his voluntary retireSome major transformational management and ment in 1977 at the prime age of 49, Engr. Okeke engineering feats were initiated and supervised

established RENACS Engineering Nigeria Limited; growing it into a leading electrical engineering construction company as its Chairman/Managing Director. He was also the Chairman/Managing Director of A.B. Engineering Nigeria Limited which he founded in 1985. Okeke superintended over the affairs and made a success of the two companies until he finally handed over the reins to his second son, Engr. Chief EmekaOkeke. Thereafter, he retired to his beloved home town in 1992 at the age of 65, still maintaining the position of Chairman of these companies.

Chief Okeke’s legacy of integrity is the hallmark of his life. Integrity was the bedrock of his life as demonstrated in the exemplary standards he consistently maintained in all that he did; the beautiful family he nurtured and his unblemished career. It equally reflected in his numerous affiliations with his kindred, associates and the community in general. The lives and attainments of his seven children, among several other beneficiaries, are veritable testimonies to this great legacy of integrity.

His devotion to God was evident in his daily life, fellowship at home and with other Christians and members of the Anglican communion. He was a member of his church choir and his love for music spurred him to teach himself how to play the organ at 65. He readily deployed this skill in service to God, playing regularly at church services to the delight of Anglican faithfuls in Immanuel Church, Enugwu-Ukwu, where he also served as PresidentGeneral from 1987 to 2005. In 1996, he was one of the pioneer Knights conferred with Knighthood of the Order of St Paul at St Faith’s Cathedral, Awka.

Ezuo played a vital role in nurturing The parish church of St Monica, Enugwu-Ukwu (an off shoot of Immanuel Church) into being and frequently worshipped there.

As a strong advocate of education, Engr. Okeke strongly believed that a man’s legacy was in his children and their educational attainment. He spared no effort in imparting the values of education to his entire family. He was a father to many others when it came to academics. He sponsored several bright but less privileged children and took delight in the

achievements of all children, both biological and otherwise.

Ezuo believed in his family, was a very peaceful man and insisted on peace amongst his children.

He demonstrated this exceptionally by distributing all his assets between his wife and children in his lifetime; a commendable gesture that was appreciated by them all.

A winner of many laurels and awards for exemplary leadership and quiet philanthropy; One ofsuch was the recognition of his contributions to the progress of his town Enugwu-Ukwu for which he was conferred with a chieftaincy title of Ezuo of Enugwu-UkwunaUmunri in January 1973 by His Royal Highness, Igwe Osita Agwuna, the late Igwe Umunri and Eze Enugwu-Ukwu. In 1987, he was admitted to the prestigious Ozo Nkpu; the highest Ozo title in Enugwu-Ukwu. Until his passing, he was the longest living serving cabinet member in Enugwu-Ukwu cabinet of chiefs; having served for 43 years and second only to the late Igwe Agwuna.

Ezuo’s marriage to Chief Lady Dorothy NwakegoOkeke ended 18 days shy of their 65th wedding anniversary. The union is blessed with seven illustrious children, Uchenna, Nkemakonam, Chukwuemeka, Ngozi, Ifeatu, Anyanna and Chinedu.Engr. R.N. Okeke and his wife have had every reason to be grateful to God who has not only given them a total of twenty grandchildren and one great grandchild, but also Ezuo lived to see his first daughter; Dr. (Mrs) Uchenna Joy Ikokwu retire meritoriously as the Chief Medical Director, Ministry of Defence, Abuja, and his first son Engr.

Dr.NkemOkeke become the Deputy Governor of Anambra State.

A handsome man with a unique personality! It is remarkable that Engr. Chief Sir Richard Nwachukwu Okeke, Ezuo of Enugwu-UkwunaUmunri who was born 88 years ago on10thDecember, 1927 died at10 am on 10th April, 2016, will be buried on 10th June, 2016 after his funeral service that will start at 10 am. Rest in peace. Ezuo Rest in peace, Okeke ECN. May your noble and very progressive soul find eternal rest in our Lord. Amen.

Okeke is Deputy Governor of Anambra State.

Nkechi Ali-Balogun: Tribute to a PR Matriarch at 60 NkechiAli-Balogun,oneofthenation’sforemostfemalePRpractitionersclocks60today.Asfamilyandfriendscelebrateher, RaheemAkingbolulooksathercareerandhowherwarmthandfriendlydispositionhaswonhermanyadmirersandfriends

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peaking during an interview she granted a brand magazine in 2011, Nkechi Ali-Balogun, former chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, was very blunt. She told the magazine that she was not used to giving brown envelopes to journalists who helped her project any of her numerous clients.

“What I build are relationships,” Ali-Balogun declared. “And these relationships are much more important to me and my friends in the media who I must be proud to say, are so many. They see me as their friend while I see them as my friends and partners. And there are so many ways friends help themselves.”

She was not done. She said perhaps that was why she did not last long in a paid job environment because she was not ready to compromise or dent her own integrity.

“Without sounding immodest and without sounding like a perfectionist, I will say no. and I’m proud to say that. And maybe that is why my career in the office didn’t last that long. I’m not saying people that stay longer are compromising, no. I was faced with a situation where I needed to compromise. Rather than compromise, I resigned.”

Perhaps she was right. A journalist told THISDAY during the week that she is like a mother to them because of the way she engages them. He attested to her warmth and matriarchal disposition to all those who come across her. A journalist told THISDAY how virtually every journalist Nkechi comes across always wants to assist her one way or the other.

“She is like a mother to all of us,” the reporter who did not want his name in print said. “She is like a mother the way she engages you. And

when I discovered she was close to 60, I was not surprised. That is why most of us are always ready to assist her in whatever she is doing. It is not for any pecuniary gains but for the kind of person she is.”

Beyond that, however, she might look chummy, young and vibrant but today; Nkechi Ali-Balogun is marking her 60th birthday. As friends, colleagues and the media as well as public relations industry celebrates her today, may be it might be pertinent to look at Nkechi the Nigerian rather than Nkechi, the PR practitioner.

As the name suggests, she is from the east of the Niger. She is an Igbo woman. But she is married to a Yoruba man. And from the name of the husband, Ali-Balogun, perhaps he might even be a Muslim.

These relationships make her probably a complete Nigerian.

Nkechi, as she is fondly called, set up her own PR consultancy firm 21 years ago when she was 39.

It was a plunge in the dark where she was not sure what lay ahead or what the future had in stock. She was the head of corporate affairs of the Nigerian Export/Import Bank with all the perks that went with such office.

“What actually led me into private practice was because paid employment was no longer convenient. That was when my office was moved to Abuja and I had to fly every weekend from Abuja to Lagos to join my family and by 7am every Monday I was always at the airport, rushing back to Abuja to resume work. Then I was head of Corporate Affairs at the Nigerian Export/Import Bank. I eventually decided to return to Lagos and channel my energy into setting up my own business and that gave birth to NECCI.” Nkechi admitted that it was not always easy when someone leaves paid employment; it is always like fish out of water. To her, all the things

Nkechi taken for granted will be gone. Apart from that, all those who one sees as friends will all abandon you since that office is no longer occupying that position.

“I tell you, when you leave paid employment to start your own business, that first year, you’re like a fish popped out of water. All the pecks of office varnish and you also realise the friends you thought you made at work are actually not your friends.

As soon as you leave, they disconnect. When you call them, they want to quickly do away with you because they think you need something from them. They just believe you’re no longer relevant.

People you thought will also help you stand turn their back on you. I remember I almost gave up on private practice in the first three years. I, however, got used to those shocks with time and I must say God has been faithful and my husband too.”

Even when she is operating as a PR practitioner, Nkechi is one industry expert who believes an average PR person must always hone his or her skills to be able to cope with demands of the profession.

And that is why her agency conceived periodic training sessions for players in the industry and she said this has always been her area of strength.

“My area of strength is rendering trainings in public relations and I actually identified that area a long time ago when I saw there was a need gap.

That gap is still there, though. The best I can do now is offer consultancy in online PR but to tell you I’m managing your blog, I do not have that energy even though I have the expertise. I believe older people must understand younger professionals are coming up and must also know when to bow out in certain areas. There are younger ones coming up with better ideas and also looking for ‘space’.”

A gifted strategist with intuitively creative abilities, Nkechi is always an in-demand industry facilitator, motivational speaker, and mentor in her career. A graduate of the University of Lagos she also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and an MBA in Management from the same University. In addition, she has attended Public Relations Management courses in Frank Jefkins School of Public Relations, London and the prestigious Lagos Business School.

Nkechi has won many awards and the first female to win the Most Outstanding Public Relations Practitioner (Female) from the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Lagos. She has also just concluded a Master class in Mass Communication at the University of Lagos.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • May 21, 2016

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Buhari Inaugurates 283 Operational Vehicles for FRSC Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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or the first time, the Federal Government has injected 183 vehicles into the fleet of the Federal Road Safety Corps for use in its operations.

At the launch of the vehicles by President Muhamadu Buhari, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Engr. Babachir David Lawal, the Corps Marshal, FRSC, Boboye Oyeyemi, said it was another milestone in the history of the FRSC that symbolised “the sustained intent of the Federal Government to raise the bar on road safety management and collective dedication to the task of exploring innovative and resourceful ways of funding the road safety intervention in the road sector.”

The commissioning inauguration of 283 operations vehicles, he said should remind everyone of the capital intensive nature of road safety business.

“It is a thing of great joy that FRSC has by the injection of this state of the art operations vehicles been retooled for improved performance.

“It is on record that road safety has been at the heart of this administration. This passion was visibly exhibited when Mr. President, upon assumption of office as President and Commander - in - Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, approved the introduction of the use of speed limiting devices in the country.

Mr. President, while giving the approval, considering stakeholder’s interest, had in his magnanimity extended the period for the commencement of enforcement, of motorist’s compliance from the initial date proposed by the FRSC and the Transport Unions.”

He said the president’s approval of the installation of the speed limiting device policy was borne out of genuine passion to reduce speed induced road traffic crashes across the country, adding that the president “has also

A cross section of the 283 vehicles of the FRSC launched by President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja… recently

been unequivocal in his concern about some of the recent preventable crashes and the need for collective actions,” the FRSC boss said.

The Corps Marshal said the recent Presidential directive that all convoy drivers be trained and certified by the FRSC was one sure way the president expressed his commitment in this regard. “This is in addition to another presidential directive that all federal government drivers be retrained by the Corps.

Presently the Corps has commenced directing the training programme aimed at preventing

road traffic crashes involving convoys and government drivers.”

He stated that the modest achievements of FRSC over the years were the result of “dedication and personal sacrifice of its personnel, consolidated by the affirmative support from successive Nigerian governments.

“The current administration of President Muhammad Buhari has however been exceptionally supportive of the Corps,” Oyeyemi added.

The 283 newly acquired operations vehicles,

he said signified “just one of the several ways the administration has demonstrated its avowed commitment to the welfare of its citizens, especially in the areas of Road Safety and general security across the country.

“This commendable action of government will no doubt, increase Corps’ presence and renew our effectiveness throughout the entire country. I wish to recall that the last time the Corps’ fleet was renewed by the federal government was in 2010 when 100 patrol vehicles were injected into the Corps’ fleet,” he said.

Winners Emerge in Nissan/UEFA Champions Bonanza

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ootball enthusiast, Valentine Ojijie has won an all-expense paid trip to watch Nissan partly sponsored UEFA Champions League Final in Milan-Italy on 28 May 2016.

Ojijie had posted his selfie with passionate UEFA Champions League shots on #NissanNigeria Face book page, using #NissanChampion and #NissanNigeria in a keen competition that attracted thousands of entries.

Ojijie, who is also a Real Madrid fan will be joining thousands of football fans around the world to experience the excitement of walking the pitch as a Centre Circle Carrier during the UEFA final.

Receiving the dummy ticket at the Stallion NMN showroom Lagos, the Photo Security Company Limited Operations Manager said: “I participated in this competition upon visiting my cousin’s Face book page and discovered the glowing passion of several other football fans around Africa.

“I least imagined I could win among millions of entries that partook in the competition and surprisingly, here I am a winner. This is my first major win though, but I had in the past, won in some competitions when I was working at MTN.

“Nissan has placed me on the spotlight and personified my image as envisaged in her tagline – Innovation that excites, and I’m innovation personified.”

Ojijie, who will be travelling to Milan with his wife Linda, added: “I will celebrate this milestone all my life and continue to give kudos to Nissan for doing me proud.”

Nissan is the official partner of the UEFA Champions League through 2017/2018 season and the UEFA Super Cups 2016 and 2017.

Nissan brings a whole load of innovation and creativity to the UEFA Champions League partnership, bringing her forward-thinking approach that’s employed in everything they do.

The coming together of Nissan and the UEFA Champions League also comes with innovative excitement, genius football and a pitch full of fun.

Nissan is continuing her partnership with official Nissan UEFA Champions League ambassadors: Andrés Iniesta, Thiago Silva, Yaya Touré and Max Meyer for the 2015/16 season. This will cover various activities from appearing in Nissan TV and print commercials, personal appearances and other activations throughout the year.

L-R: Sales Manager, Stallion NMN, Lawal Moroof; Director, Nigeria Project, Nissan SSA, Sorin Profir; winners of UCL campaign, Linda & Valentine Onyeka Ojije; and Head-Sales & Marketing, Stallion NMN, Amitkumar Sharma, at the presentation of tickets to winners of the Nissan/UEFA Championship bonanza at Stallion NMN showroom in Victoria Island, Lagos… recently

Luxury Bus Owners Hail FG on Subsidy Removal, Deregulation

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he Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria (ALBON) has lauded the Federal Government for its decision to stop the subsidy on petrol and for instituting a new pump price for the product.

According to the association, the government’s decision will have positive impact on the availability of the products to end users.

Reacting the efforts by government to address the unending problem of scarcity, the

President of ALBON, Sir Dan Okemuo, said the removal of fuel subsidy would also result in massive private sector investment in the downstream sector of the oil and gas industry.

Okemuo stated.“ It is self-evident that no private investor would invest huge sum of money in a sector that is heavily and rigidly regulated by the Government.”

The association, however, appealed to government to plough the savings from the subsidy removal into the maintenance and

rehabilitation of major highways across the country.

Okemuo stated further: “The association notes with satisfaction that the de-regulation would ensure that petroleum products are readily available in the country as it is envisaged that private investors would embark upon both the importation of petroleum products and the establishment of private refineries.”

Last week, while announcing government’s

latest move to address the problem of availability of fuel in the country, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, had disclosed that any Nigerian entity could now import petrol, subject to existing quality specifications and other guidelines issued by regulatory agencies.

Kachikwu said all oil marketers would be allowed to import petroleum on the basis of foreign exchange procured from secondary sources.

27

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • May 21, 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

Still On Know Your Tyre

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

Toyota Hilux Sells Over 18m Units Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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o date, Toyota Hilux has recorded cumulative global sales of over 18 million units, the automaker has said.

First released in 1968, and one year later throughout Europe, the legendary Toyota Hilux has been a dominant presence in the global pick-up market for nearly 50 years.

The company said, “In Europe, some 34,000 Hilux vehicles were sold in 2015, representing a 23.1% share of the segment and making Hilux Europe’s best-selling pick-up.”

Renowned for its Quality, Durability and Reliability

(QDR), the unstoppable Hilux continues to amaze as it conquers the North Pole, Icelandic volcanos and the Antarctic continent, and also achieves podium finishes in the Dakar Rally Raid.

Available in Single Cab, fourseat Extra Cab and five-seat Double Cab body styles, the new, 8th generation Hilux builds on this legendary reputation and invincible QDR, redefining toughness for business users with a new and stronger ladder chassis, a reinforced deck structure, enhanced 4x4 capabilities, and an improved towing capacity.

At the same time, the new Hilux responds to a growth in

pick-up leisure usage in recent years with a new, contemporary design, greater comfort, advanced equipment and improved safety, making it more stylish and stress-free to drive than ever.

Fulfilling user requirements for both a durable business workhorse and a stylish, comfortable leisure 4x4, the new Hilux has been designed to offer all its customers significant improvements in 6 key areas: Design - Workhorse toughness and rugged durability combined with new-found levels of refinement and the looks even business users can be proud of.

Comfort -Amore spacious and

comfortable interior combining SUV practicality and functionality with passenger car-like cabin NVH levels.

Safety - A high strength, impact-absorbing body structure, Toyota Safety Sense featuring PCS with Pedestrian Detection function, LDA and RSA, and comprehensive brake control systems including ABS, EBD, VSC and Trailer Sway Control (TSC).

QDR - A new, tougher ladder chassis, a reinforced deck structure and Active Traction Control (A-TRC), Downhill Assist Control (DAC) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) systems raise 4x4 capabilities to match Land Cruiser levels.

2017 BMW 2 Series Updated with Latest Engines

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he 2017 BMW 2 Series models are now equipped with the latest generation of BMW TwinPower Turbo engines.

Starting with the 2017 BMW 230i Coupe and 230i Convertible, both models now come powered by the latest-generation 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, providing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

According to BMW, the engine offers even smoother power delivery and efficiency, along with the increased horsepower and torque. The M Performance model has become the BMW M240i and now features a new inline-six cylinder engine with 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

That’s 15 hp and 39 lb-ft more torque than before. As a result, the new engine produces the same performance levels as the sought after BMW 1 Series M Coupe, with a zero-to-60 time of 4.2 seconds, 0.2 seconds quicker than its predecessor.

Ashok Leyland truck

In addition, the M240i Coupe and Convertible models are equipped with the latest eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission, which is standard. Rear-wheel-drive models can also be had with a

six-speed manual as a no-cost option.

Standard on the M240i model are M Sport suspension that lowers the sports coupe by 10mm, 18-inch M wheels with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires,

an M Sport braking system with fixed multi-piston calipers, Variable Sports Steering with Servotronic function, a modelspecific M aerodynamic package and exterior mirror caps finished in Ferric Grey Metallic.

Rolls-Royce Phantom Bids Farewell with Zenith Collection

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he Rolls-Royce Phantom is getting a final goodbye withthePhantomZenith Collection.

As promised, the British automaker has released details on thefinalspecialeditionoftheRollsRoyce Phantom, as the open-top luxury car is being replaced with the new Rolls-Royce Dawn. The Zenith Collection will celebrate its

history and is limited to 50 units, all of which will become collectors’ pieces considering every car is spoken for.

TocreatetheRolls-RoycePhantom Zenith Collection, the company’s Bespokedesignteamstudiedhow the car augments the lifestyles of the brand’s discerning customers.

Starting with the split-tailgate, Rolls-Royce has added a glass

shelf, housed within the rear sectionofthetailgate.Asacompanion to a perfect touring day’s picnic, the shelf is effortlessly deployed, serving as the perfect place for champagne. There is also a champagne fridge that is large enough to hold two standard bottles and eight Rolls-Royce glasses.

Customers were also invited to complete their collection with a

special Bespoke version of the Rolls-Royce Picnic Hamper.

Entering the cabin, the Phantom is treatedwithacentralfasciadrawer that houses a priceless memento signifying each car’s status as one of the last ever. Inside there’s a removable polished aluminum case that has been laser engraved withthecar’suniqueidentification number.

L

ast week, I forgot to informyouthatbetween February toApril 2016, seventy road traffic crashes were recorded, attributable to tyre burst. I also forgot to inform you that tyre related crashes were responsible for 5288 vehicles involved in road traffic crashesfrom2011to2015.However, Ididnotforgettoinform youabout myexcitementonthestakeholders’ forum on tyre put together by the FederalRoadSafetyCorps,whichI described as a refresher classroom experience for me. The DirectorGeneral, Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) Dr PaulAngya, likeLeicester’shitmanandUnited Kingdom Premiership new sensation, jimmy vardy caught my attention with his exhaustive presentationtitled,promotingtyre safety in nigeria through quality identification and classification.

He shared the worry of frsc and otherstakeholdersontheprevalent tyre ignorance and narrated his experiencewhensomeyearsback, he stumbled on a motorist who had studded tyres with steel studs sticking above the tread meant for iceandsnow.Whenheconfronted him on the dangers of such act, the motorist laughed it off, saying that he loves the noise of the steel studs when driving, oblivious of the fact that these steel damage the road quickly.

This is just one of many odd things people do that shows the high level of ignorance on the use of tyre. In a survey conducted by theCorpson theuseof tyresonNigerian roads, these ignorance was demonstrated; in the survey,2,486 vehicles and 10,024 tyres were considered and the result showed that,non expired tyres accounted for39%whileexpiredtyresstoodat 61%.Thesurveyonthepercentage ofvehiclesusingtokunboh,re-bore and new tyres also showed that the percentage of vehicles using new tyres was 50%,tokunbo 35% while re-bore was 15%.In the case of the percentage of vehicles with all tyres worn-out,it showed that vehicles with complete worn-out tyres was 9%,not complete worn outtyres91%-someofthetyresthat were not worn-out, were expired.

In the case of vehicles with same front tyre brand,it showed that vehicles with mixed brand was 22% while those with same brand was 78%.Alternatively,vehicles with same front and back tyre brand,showed that those with mixed brand was 39%,same brand ;61%.In the case of vehicles with same back tyre brand,mixed brand accounted for 22%, while same brand was78%.The survey equally looked at the critical issue of correct tyre pressure and found out that pounds per square inch (psi) rating,showedthatcorrecttyre pressure (psi)was 60%,incorrect tyre pressure (psi) 40%.Unfortunately,26% of the tyres were over inflated and 14% under inflated.

On the number of drivers with knowledgeoftyreexpiration,those with poor or no knowledge stood

at 42% as against those with good awareness- 58% The survey revealed these as some of the reasons for non compliance with instructions on tyre-many of the local vulcanizers use non-properly calibrated measuring tools while some lack basic knowledgeofmeasurementoftyre pressure.There is arbitrary gauging of tyres without recourse to manufacturer’sspecificationwhich is common,ignorance,inability to interpret basic tyre manufacturer information, manufactured /expirydate-loadindex-speedrating, control challenge, control of tyres coming into the country is made difficult as there are no longer tyre manufacturing companies in the country,re-boring/patching of worn out tyres instead of purchasing new ones and costs.

If there is anything consolation, I must tell you that these findings are not peculiar to our clime only as the DG SON,in his presentation informed us that a survey supported by michelin in the UnitedKingdomhasrevealedthat six percent (6%) of drivers never check their tyre treads. Arguably themostworryingstatisticisfound in the 35,700 tyre study referred to spare tyres; 13 percent (13%) were below the minimum tread, 34percentweredamagedand66% werewronglyinflated.Theresults ofastudyduringatyresafetyweek inscotlandfoundfivemillionillegal ornearbaldtyres,showingariseof 50 percent in the past three years.

15% of drivers checked during the week had at least one tyre below the legal tread depth on 1.6mm.

Similar survey done by the frsc reveals that- tyre technology international, 2001.

I have today chosen to continue with information from the Dr Angya lead paper which tried to explaintouswhatatyreisandmost importantly that it is only through thetyresthatvehiclesmakecontact with the road. I don’t know if you are like the friend the DG told us about? if you are not, then you should know that not all tyres are meant for your vehicles as there are classifications for tyre which shouldalwaysguideyou;the road conditions the tyre is suitable for, is markedonthetyre-thetyrescould be for the tropics such as ours or for mud and snow;it could also be for animal driven vehicles, commercial/passenger etc as described below: ADV: tyres for animal driven vehicles ,A/S: allseasontyre,A/T:all-terraintyre,C: commercial; tyres for light trucks whichisSimilartoLTwhichisalso for light truck, ,H/T: highway/ terrain tyre for suvs and 4x4s ,lt: ,M+S or M&S: mud and snow tyre ,P: commercial/passenger car tyres ,RF: reinforced tyres ,TL: tubeless ,TT: tube type, tyre must be used with an inner tube.

Other tyre classifications: snow tyres with large rubber cleats to cut through snow ,studded tyres with steel studs sticking above the treads for improved traction on ice and snow.

28

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 21, 2016

FAMILY HEALTH

The Importance of Alkalinity And Acidity In Your Body

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with

BOBO BODE -KAYODE

lifeissuesfromwithin@yahoo.com, .Cel, 08053372356

he human body is the most complex thing ever created by God. The human body is an indivisible, integrated organism, not a collection of various unrelated parts. In this vein, there are various mechanisms in your body that work together to maintain a proper pH balance throughout your body.

The human body is made up of blood , mainly water, the muscles, kidneys, connective tissues, muscles, skin and brain , all consisting to a large extent mainly water.

Composition of body fluids: Water is the most plentiful component of the • human body.

Total body water TBW, constituites 50-75% • of total body mass, depending on age, sex, and the fat content of the body.

The human body contain about four-five litres of blood.

Water we drink What then is the importance of alkalininty and acidity of the water we drink ?

The alkalinity of water is a measure of how much acid it can neutralise. If any changes are made to the water that could raise or lower the pH value, alkalinity acts as a buffer. Alkaline supplied from outside the body, like drinking alkaline water, results in a net gain of alkalinity in our body. Alkalinity is the water’s capacity to resist changes in pH that would make the water more acidic.

A level of the acidity and alkalinity of your body, is a measure of how far you can fight diseases and maintain a healthy body system. The PH is measured on a scale between zero to 14, a lower pH signifies greater acidity and higher pH signifies greater alkalinity. A number of medical studies reveal that an imbalanced pH can be correlated to health issues, such as, heart ailments and cancer too. In fact pH in your blood is the first line of defense against ailments. And, if you don’t feel energetic or as good as you used to, its time to check your pH levels.

Foods we eat Maintaining this slightly alkaline state is a constant challenge, primarily because of the acid-forming functions that take place within the body, and the overabundance of acid-producing foods we consume.

Acidic body?

Normally, the human body prefers a slightly alkaline pH. Chronic stress, lack of fresh fruits and vegetables in diet, lack of rest and exercise create increased acid waste in our body. This leads to progression of a number of degenerative diseases too. The only means to reduce the effects of acid in your body is to reduce consumption of excess red meat, processed products, which contain white flour, and refined foods.

If the pH in your cells turns too acidic, it won’t be long before your cellular system gets affected due to toxic wastes, and this will result in death of cells. If your body contains more acid, you are likely to display symptoms of anxiety, fatigue during early hours, rapid heartbeat, high BP, insomnia, nervousness, problems of digestive tract, etc.

Balance your body Generally, alkalinity measures the ability of any solution to neutralise acids to equivalent carbonates.

However, in reference to the human body, a pH of 7.4 needs to be maintained and this is alkaline in nature.

In fact, the alkalinity of any solution is measured by its ability to fight acids.

In the awareness of nutrition and dieting, alkaline diets high in fruits and vegetables is gaining importance.

Alkaline water is believed to benefit hydration and help flush out of toxins from your body. It is believed to restore the right amount of pH in your body too.

Fruits, vegetables, alkaline water, and anti aging supplements can balance your pH, leaving you looking and feeling younger and healthier.

There are two ways to determine whether your body is too acidic. You can go by co-occurring symptoms, or you can do a simple at-home test.

Symptoms of high acidity Constant fatigue • Easily running out of breath • Frequent sighing • Muscle pain or cramping after walking short • distances Often feeling like you can’t get enough air • I’ve also found that when people are very acidic, their tissue levels of oxygen are so low that they have difficulty holding their breath for more than 20 seconds.

The length of time you can hold your breath is one technique you can use to document the difference that occurs after adapting a more alkaline-producing diet.

Simple test strip If you can’t tell if you’re too acidic using these criteria, there’s a simple and fairly accurate way to test yourself.

Just check the pH of your saliva using pH paper. Saliva closely parallels the blood when it comes to pH.

If the pH in your cells turns too acidic, it won’t be long before your cellular system gets affected due to toxic wastes, and this will result in death of cells.

If your body contains more acid, you are likely to display symptoms of anxiety, fatigue during early hours, rapid heartbeat, high BP, insomnia, nervousness, problems of digestive tract, etc

Normal blood pH = 7.4 • Normal saliva pH = 6.5 to 7.0 • If your saliva pH consistently falls below 6.5, you are acidic. If it consistently reads above 7.0, you could be too alkaline.

Correct your body balance Eating a diet of 75–80 percent alkaline-forming foods— and minimal in acid-forming foods—is the best way to maintain a slightly alkaline pH in your body. Making these changes can quickly improve your health. For even faster results, however, try juicing. Making and consuming fresh vegetable juices on a daily basis will jumpstart the process of alkalising your body. This is why many people feel so good after they begin a juicing program. It is best using vegetable juices and not fruit juices. Eating whole fruit affects blood sugar less because the fiber in fruit slows the body’s processing of fructose.

A certain number of the population have bodies which are actually too alkaline. The few individuals who have this condition usually suffer from calcium deposits.

Calcium forms when the surrounding environment is alkaline. This results in symptoms of migrating nerve and joint pain. Insomnia can also be a problem, and it is often associated with early morning stiffness. These individuals wake up stiff, but the stiffness quickly improves as muscle activity produces lactic acid. Lactic acid helps neutralise the buildup of alkaline compounds and bring the body’s pH back into balance.

The good news is that you can regulate alkalinity levels in your body from your diet by cutting down on acid producing foods such as caffeine, alcohol, soda, meat, dairy, salt, and sugar. It is better to replace these foods with vegetables, and natural unprocessed foods.

It’s not just diet that affects your pH levels, lack of exercise, drugs, anger, and stress all make you acidic.

Cut out the negative habits and feelings out of your life and stand by positive people and decisions. Slip out of the office during the day and take a short walk on your lunch break. Living a healthy and stress free life is the key to living a long and happy life!

In order to digest food and kill the kinds of bacteria and viruses that come with the food, the inside of our stomach is acidic. The stomach pH value is maintained at around 4. When we eat food and drink water, especially alkaline water, the pH value inside the stomach goes up.

When this happens, there is a feedback mechanism in our stomach to detect this and commands the stomach wall to secrete more hydrochloric acid into the stomach

to bring the pH value back to 4.

So the stomach becomes acidic again. When we drink more alkaline water, more hydrochloric acid is secreted to maintain the stomach pH value.”

In response to ingestion of sodium bicarbonate or high pH alkaline water the production of hydrochloric acid is actually increased because the stomach responds to lower the pH back down to normal acidic conditions.

So as we take more alkalinity from drinking high pH and alkaline water, it forces our stomach to produce more acid (and a balancing amount of bicarbonate).

The bottom line is that a net gain of alkalinity is achieved in the body and this is extremely helpful in a body struggling to maintain equilibrium.

Eating alkalising foods like carrots, cucumbers, and tomatoes have benefits ranging from clear skin to cancer prevention.

When your body is in an alkaline state, you are less likely to suffer from chronic diseases. The foods and beverages you consume each day have a direct impact on the acid and alkaline balance in your body. This balance is measured by determining your pH value, which tells you if your body’s fluids and tissues are more acidic or alkaline. On a pH scale of negative 4.5, which is very acidic, to positive 9.5, which is highly alkaline, your body is considered healthy and alkaline if you have a pH level of 7.0 or above.

If you have a slight pH fluctuation, and your body becomes more acidic than it should be, your body immediately begins to exhibit symptoms of an imbalance.

These symptoms may be considered little things, like a runny nose, fatigue, a skin breakout, or a slight case of irritable bowel syndrome. However, these minor health issues are actually the first sign that your body might be too acidic and needs to reach a more alkaline state. Although exposure to germs and contaminants, stress and other external life factors can cause all of these symptoms too, you are more likely to have clearer skin, better digestion, more energy, and a nose that runs less often when your body is alkaline.

Benefits of an alkaline body include Reduced Bouts of Cold: An acidic environment promotes the growth of bad bacteria, yeast and fungi.

The imbalance of your body’s good bacteria makes you more prone to getting infections. You will be less likely to suffer from the common cold when your body is alkaline.

Cancer prevention: A major benefit of having an alkaline body state is that you might reduce your risk for developing cancer. When your body is too acidic, oxygen levels are lowered and cellular metabolism stops.

This can lead to the growth of cancer cells. Maintaining an alkaline state helps encourage healthy cell turnover, which is key in the prevention of cancer. ENABLES Healthy weight: Fruits and vegetables make your body more alkaline, while processed foods, sugar, refined carbohydrates and alcohol make you more acidic. By eating alkalising foods, you are more likely to maintain a healthy weight. The frequent consumption of acid-producing foods is more likely to contribute to a weight problem.

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

Eyes on Roland Garros PAGE. 29

21.05.2016

Victor Anichebe

Bringing the Curtain Down at West Brom

30

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 21, 2016

GLOBAL SOCCER

Bringing the Curtain Down at West Brom When Victor Anichebe was excluded from the 23-man list for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa by, Lars Lagerback many cried foul over the exclusion of the one-time Everton striker on the pretext that he was nursing an injury, which his club coach denied. And by the next Mundial in Rio four years later, his wish to don the colours of the national team did not attract sympathy from fans; even as spate of injuries denied him of regular shirt in his club. It therefore came as little surprise when Anichebe on Mondayannounced his departure from West Bromwich Albion.

In this report Kunle Adewale writes on next move for the former Nigerian internationals.

V

ictor Anichebe on Monday announced he would be leaving West Bromwich Albion when his contract expires next month. He wrote on Twitter. "Thank you to all the WBAFC official fans for the support during my time at the club! I wish you all the best for the future."

The 28-year-old signed from Everton in September 2013, played 63 times for West Brom, scoring nine goals. He started just three Premier League games this season and failed to score a single goal after appearing in 14 matches in all competitions.

A former Nigerian international, Paul Okoku, said he was not surprised by the decision of Anichebe to exit West Brom.

“Anichebe had all the potentials to be a great player but injury never allowed him. If you look at the way he started, if not for persistent injury, he would have been one of the top players in world football today. Any other player would have bowed out long ago, but not Anichebe. He is a fighter and really gave it a real fight. But what one can one do when a nagging injury would not allow you to play?

“Anybody that has been following his career would not be really surprised by his decision to go as a free agent. He hadn’t had time to play this season. It is a shame that injury did not allow him to do what he knows how to do best.

Maybe the Super Eagles would have

Anichebe...injury did not allow him to reach full potential

Anichebe had all the potential to be a great player but injury never allowed him. If you look at the way he started, if not for persistent injury, he would have been one of the top players in world football today.

Any other player would have bowed out long ago, but not Anichebe.

He is a fighter and really gave it a real fight. But what one can one do when a nagging injury would not allow you play

fared better in their last two World Cup with a fully fit Anichebe in their fold,” the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations silver winner told Global Soccer.

The striker, who departs as a free agent, has struggled to hold down a place under Tony Pulis and started only three Premier League games this season. His uninterested demeanour and despondent body language has often been more telling than his contributions to the team.

He was the star of the show in the 1-0 win over Newcastle in December, on what was his first Premier League start of the season. But he was a pale imitation of that player and virtually anonymous in the 1-0 defeat at St James' Park less than two months later. Anichebe was equally as lethargic during cameos from the bench at Southampton and more recently at Sunderland. His last appearance in Albion stripes was in the 1-0 defeat at home to Watford on April 16.

Much was expected when Steve Clarke signed him for a fee reportedly rising to £6 million in September 2013.

But the former Everton trainee endured a slow start to his career at the Hawthorns and did not score in his first eight games.

The powerful forward hit a purple patch midway through the campaign, scoring three goals in seven games. He never kicked on and ended the season without a goal in his last nine matches.

In the summer of 2014, Anichebe underwent surgery for a persistent groin injury that would hamper him during the 2014/15 campaign. The injury flared up in December 2014, but he shrugged it off and appeared to enjoy a new lease of life when Pulis was appointed as Alan Irvine's successor and scored in the 7-0 FA Cup hammering of Gateshead in January 2015, in what was Pulis' first game in full control of the team.

Anichebe bagged a brace later that month in the 2-1 cup win at local rivals Birmingham City in what was arguably the pinnacle of his Albion career.

Pulis picked him on a regular basis and used him as a substitute in the first game of the 2015/16 season. But the Welshman was not enamoured with Anichebe's overall fitness as evidenced in his exile from the team.

Big Vic was not seen again until late September when he started the 3-0 Capital One Cup defeat at Norwich as a holding midfielder. Another three months elapsed before Anichebe, capped 11 times by his country, returned to the pitch against Newcastle.

A flurry of substitute appearances materialised early in 2016, but Anichebe did little to rescue his career or earn a new contract.

Popular with his teammates if not the fans, Anichebe leaves having scored nine goals in 63 games.

Before the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, former national team coach, Stephen Keshi, was toying with the idea of persuading Anichebe to end his interna-

31

MAY 21, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER Nigeria Professional Football League…

Tornadoes Hail Performance against Pillars Niger Tornadoes defender, Adebayo Abiodun has said he is a happy man with his equaliser in the 2-1 win against Kano Pillars in top flight matchday 18 tie in Lokoja.

The strongman’s poor touch on the ball helped Mountain of Fire Miracles Ministries (MFM) FC to beat his side 2-0 in Thursday’s NPFL matchday 17 clash at the Agege Township Stadium in Lagos.

Abiodun said Kano Pillars were predictable difficult on matchday but praised his teammates for living up to expectation.

“Unarguably, I’m the happiest person in the 2-1 win against Kano Pillars

log as well as confidence to finish the first term on high.

“Our focus has now shifted to Nnewi where we will confront FC IfeanyiUbah.

“We are heading into the clash with the same mentality as shown in the game against Kano Pillars.

“We will even raise our game higher aimed at earning a decent result on the last day of the first term,” said Abiodun to supersport.com.

The newcomers are 14th on the 20-team top flight on 23 points from possible 54 in the 18-week old league.

in matchday 18 clash in Lokoja on Thursday.

“The own goal I gifted MFM FC in the 0-2 loss to the Lagos side in NPFL matchday 17 clash has continued to hurt me but the equaliser against Kano Pillars has come in time to amend the sore mistake and a huge relief to my soul.

“We knew the game against former champions, Kano Pillars will be difficult and it turned out exactly as predicted.

“I give kudos to my teammates to come back from one goal down to earn a deswwerved 2-1 victory.

“The victory is a great relief to the team as it has boosted our position on the

Heartland Bemoan Lack of Luck Heartland captain and centre back Chinedu Efugh believes mother luck has deserted his side after they played to a goalless draw against newcomers Plateau United.

The Naze Millionaires were held to a barren draw by the Tin City landlords in a Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) matchday 18 clash at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.

Efugh said fatigue too cheated his side from what would have been a well-deserved victory in Wednesday’s duel against Plateau United.

“Hard luck and fatigue were responsible for the goalless draw against the Plateau United.

“Two trips to Lokoja and Kano and a just a day to prepare for the clash against Plateau United did not help our fitness level one bit.

“We have not rested well so physically and psychologically we were not prepared for the demands and rigousr of the match.

“We could have won but we luck was not our side..

“Plateau United gave a good account of themselves but were lucky to go home with a point,” said the former

Enugu Rangers strongman to supersport.com.

The shared spoils with Plateau United takes Heartland's total earnings to 23 from a possible 54 in the 18-week-old Nigerian top flight.

Week 19 Fixtures Plateau Utd Warri Wolves Wikki Tourists Abia Warriors Akwa Utd Lobi Stars Enyimba MFM FC Ifeanyiubah

v v v v v v v v v

Kano Pillars El-Kanemi Ikorodu Utd Sunshine 3SC Rivers Utd Nasarawa Utd Giwa Tornadoes

Anichebe Cont'd from page 30

Bringing the Curtain Down at West Brom tional exile and the former Everton man was then not ruling out a comeback for the finals in Brazil.

“Right now I’m playing well, feeling fit, strong and helping my team in the situation we are currently in at the moment. If I continue to play well from now to the end of the season then we can take it from there. I’m grateful the coach says he is willing to give me a chance, but I think everybody in Nigeria and around the world knows what I can do. Yes, the World Cup only comes once every four years and it could be my last opportunity – this is something I’m aware of but I haven’t spoken to anybody,” Anichebe has said.

In his last appearance for the Super Eagles, a 2-0 win over Madagascar in 2011, he suffered a groin problem. Since then he opted to concentrate on securing regular first-team football at club level. That decision led to criticisms from some Nigerian supporters but Anichebe rejected suggestions that he did not care about his country.

"I believe I have some good fans in Nigeria that understood and respected my decision to concentrate on getting fit. Some players would have just joined the team, not in great condition but for personal gains. I see the bigger picture in things and it's worked for me. Nigeria also won the Nations Cup in 2013 and we got to discover other talents that we may not have got the chance to see.

"So any 'fan' that sees me as unpatriotic is just being unfair because if you

check the meaning of patriotism it's the love and devotion you show for your country and I love Nigeria. I grew up in England but only see myself as a Nigerian and my long-term objective is a lot bigger than this because I hope to give back to my country.

"Football has given me a great platform but my aim is to help young people in Nigeria, so to say I'm not patriotic is ludicrous," he said.

Anichebe is also keen to make it clear he did not withdraw from international duty because he failed to make the World Cup squad four years earlier.

"I must commend the players that got Nigeria to this year's World Cup because I did the same thing a few years ago.

But then I played a friendly game and got man of the match in nearly every newspaper in Nigeria yet I still didn't go to South Africa, which was a shame and a great disappointment. But I held no grudges and still returned to play for Nigeria before I suffered an injury.

What happened in 2010 showed that some decisions obviously have no logic but that's life at times.

"The break has helped me to stay fit and enabled Nigeria the chance to discover other players," the player cited.

Born in Lagos, Anichebe was raised in Liverpool. He made his Nigeria debut in 2008 after switching allegiance from England but missed out on selection for the 2010 World Cup.

Nigeria Premier League teams are yet to attract fans to the stadium as witnessed during encounter between Rivers United and Akwa United in Port Harcourt

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

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

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 21, 2016

GLOBAL SOCCER

Can Novak Djokovic Finally Get the French Open Monkey Off His Back?

The year’s second Grand Slam tournament is just around the corner, and all eyes will be on world number one Novak Djokovic as he attempts for the fifth time to complete his career Grand Slam

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jokovic will start as the favourite to finally win the French Open for the first time, having been denied by Rafael Nadal in the 2012 and 2014 finals, as well as in the 2013 semi-finals, and by Stan Wawrinka in last year’s final.

But as always, Nadal, Wawrinka and world number two Andy Murray, who defeated the Serb to win in Rome last week, will headline the contenders keen to stop Djokovic from finally completing his Grand Slam set.

Let’s now take a look at some of the contenders for the 2016 French Open men’s crown.

Novak Djokovic Current world ranking: 1 Titles won this season to date: Doha, Australian Open, Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid French Open history Best result: Runner-up three times (2012, 2014 and 2015) Perhaps losing to Andy Murray in the Rome final last week might be what Novak Djokovic needs.

It means the Serb will enter the French Open with little pressure, though he will be desperate to finally break his duck at Roland Garros, having blown his best chance yet last year when he lost to Stan Wawrinka in the final in four sets.

That came after he defeated Rafael Nadal in the quarter-finals, and required two days to defeat Murray in the semifinals. Having to play across three days eventually contributed to his four-set defeat to Wawrinka.

This year the top seed will again start favourite ahead of the likes of defending champion Wawrinka, nine-times champion Rafael Nadal, world number two Andy Murray and 2009 champion Roger Federer.

Djokovic has continued to dominate in 2016, first winning a record sixth Australian Open crown, completing the Indian Wells and Miami double for the sixth consecutive year and winning the Madrid Masters for the second time after 2011.

However, he has also had the occasional slip-up; his quarter-final retirementenforced loss to Feliciano Lopez in Dubai marked the first tournament since Doha in 2015 in which he failed to reach a final, while he was upset by rising Czech Jiri Vesely in his opening match at Monte Carlo last month.

All the clay court preparation the Serb has put into his pursuit for a maiden French Open title will count for nothing

if he does not end up being mentioned in the same sentence as “champion” for the very first time on June 5.

Prediction: Champion Andy Murray Current world ranking: 2 Titles won this season to date: Rome French Open history Best result: Semi-finals three times (2011, 2014 and 2015) 2016 has been an eventful year to date for Andy Murray, in more ways than one.

The Scot kicked off his season with a fifth runner-up showing at the Australian Open, after which he became a father for the very first time when his wife Kim Sears gave birth to a baby daughter.

That was then followed by poor performances at Indian Wells and Miami, whereby he lost in the third round at both events.

Again the clay court season has brought out the best in Murray, first reaching the semi-finals in Monte Carlo where he lost to Rafael Nadal in three sets, and then reaching back-to-back finals in Madrid and Rome, winning the latter tournament.

His victory over Novak Djokovic in the Italian capital on his 29th birthday came after he ended a two-year coaching partnership with Amelie Mauresmo, and now it appears the Scot will play at Roland Garros without a coach.

The French Open remains the only Grand Slam tournament which Murray has yet to reach the final, but if he can continue on his recent good form, then anything could happen. Being seeded second means he won’t face to face Djokovic until the final, but he may have to face nine-times champion Nadal in the quarter-finals.

Prediction: Semi-finals Stan Wawrinka Current world ranking: 4 Titles won this season to date: Chennai, Dubai French Open history Best result: Won (2015) Apart from titles in Chennai and Dubai, season 2016 hasn’t exactly quite gone to plan for reigning French Open champion Stan Wawrinka.

The 31-year-old first failed to reach the quarter-finals at the Australian Open for the first time since 2013, and also failed to reach the quarter-finals at four of the five Masters events this year to date.

But at the one event in which he did well, he lost to clay court king Rafael Nadal in the quarter-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters; he also reached the quarter-finals at a smaller event in

No guarantees for Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams at the French Open

Marseille where he lost to Benoit Paire, the same man he beat in his Rome opener last week before he lost to Juan Monaco in the third round.

It will now remain to be seen how Wawrinka fares in his French Open title defence.

As is the case this year, Wawrinka entered last year’s tournament with little expectation but defeated Roger Federer, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Novak Djokovic in succession to win his second Grand Slam title and deny the latter his chance to complete the Career Grand Slam.

His fourth seeding will mean that he cannot face any of Djokovic or Andy Murray until the semi-finals, while he cannot face third-seeded Federer until the final. He may, however, have to face nine-times champion Nadal in the quarterfinals.

So, can Wawrinka successfully defend his French Open title or will last year’s victory be exposed as a fluke?

Prediction: Semi-finals Rafael Nadal Current world ranking: 5 Titles won this season to date: Monte Carlo, Barcelona French Open history Australian Open result: First round 2016 has so far been one of mixed fortunes for nine-times French Open champion Rafael Nadal.

After starting the season by reaching the final and losing to Novak Djokovic in Doha, the Spaniard suffered his first ever first-round exit at the Australian Open, and suffered the ignominy of winning the tournament’s “wooden spoon” in doing so.

The 14-times Grand Slam champion then suffered from further disappointing results, losing a pair of clay court semi-finals in Buenos Aires and Rio before losing to Djokovic in the semi-finals at Indian Wells.

He was then forced to retire in his opening match at Miami, but by the time the European clay court swing came around, his form returned. The 29-year-old won titles in Monte Carlo and Barcelona, before losing to Murray and Djokovic in Madrid and Rome respectively.

Not for the first time, Nadal will not start as the favourite to win the French Open, which he has done nine times between 2005 and 2014 inclusive, with the only blot being in 2009 where he was upset by Robin Soderling in the fourth round.

That, and his straight-sets quarter-final defeat

by Novak Djokovic last year stand as the only two defeats the Spaniard has suffered at Roland Garros since debuting eleven years ago.

While his form this year has been rather indifferent, Nadal will again be expected to make a deep run on the Parisian red clay, but his seeding of fifth could thrust him into a quarter-final showdown against either Djokovic or Wawrinka later on.

Prediction: Runner-up Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Local favourite Jo-Wilfried Tsonga will again carry the hopes of the home nation, who have not had a homegrown male champion since Yannick Noah in 1983. The 2008 Australian Open finalist was recently forced to withdraw from the Rome Masters due to injury, and it could impact on how he fares at RolandGarros.

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MAY 21, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER

Will Serena Williams Reign Again at Roland Garros?

All eyes will be on SerenaWilliams as theWTA descend on the red clay of Roland Garros.The defending champion has won the event for two of the last three years, during a period of several seasons in which her domination of the tennis tour has swelled beyond belief

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Will Nadal prove everyone wrong and win a record tenth title?

er no. 1 status unchallenged and her game showing no signs of deterioration, Serena – with her passion, will, drive and hunger – is the most lethal opponent anyone could face in Paris. At one stage – before 2013, when the younger Williams sister possessed a lone French Open title - the opposition held out the hope that her clay-court inconsistency harboured an area of weakness. But right now, there are no areas of weakness in the Williams game.

Multiple times she has suggested that clay is now her favourite surface. And if her lethal, overpowering game was not enough, Serena proved last year that she has more that one way in which to win a Grand Slam title.

Weighed down by illness and struggling for form, the 34-year-old dragged herself to the 2015 title by sheer willpower – pulling herself from the brink of defeat time after time, with a competitive spirit that verged on scary.

A couple of weeks ago, you would be able to find more than a few willing to back another woman to raise the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen, named for the French legend who won six Roland Garros crowns. After all, Williams had not won a title since last August and had only played three events due to spells of illness in the 2016 season so far. Moreover, she had actually suffered defeats at all three - to Angelique Kerber in the Australian Open final, Victoria Azarenka at the final of Indian Wells and Svetlana Kuznetsova in the fourth round of her 'home' event in Miami. Were age and nerves finally beginning to catch up to Serena? And could she really find her form on clay in time for the French Open with just one tournament, the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, left to do so?

The answers, naturally, were no and yes respectively. Although she was not immune from lapses in her first two matches at the Foro Italico, by the time Williams faced Kuznetsova in the quarterfinals she was in good enough nick to inflict a crushing defeat on her fellow former French Open champion and the American went on to claim the 70th title of her glittering career when she defeated Madison Keys in the final, effectively silencing those who doubted that she could and would be the woman to beat once more in Paris.

The world no. 1 still has to overcome the rest of the field and her biggest opponent, herself, at Roland Garros, however - and if she slips up, any woman could take advantage. In the absence of two-time French Open champion Maria Sharapova, who can usually be relied upon to make hay when Williams loses, the women's field in Paris could be more excitingly unpredictable than ever.

That's especially the case when two of the top three seeds do not have a good record at the French Open. World no. 2 Agnieszka Radwanska and Australian Open champion Angelique Kerber both struggle on outdoors

red clay (both performed well in Stuttgart, Radwanska reaching the semifinals and Kerber successfully defending her title, but the conditions at the indoor event are very different from those in Paris). Radwanska lost her only match this season played on outdoor red clay while Kerber went 0-2 in Rome and Madrid, and both women have only made one quarterfinal at the French Open in nine attempts each.

Kerber's confidence and level of play this season does not mean we should rule her out, but there are other women in the field whose chances of a good run look better. Unfortunately we cannot necessarily include Victoria Azarenka, probably the best player of the first quarter of the season after winning Brisbane, Indian Wells and Miami, in that list. The world no. 5, a semifinalist at Roland Garros in 2013, sustained a back injury in Madrid, forced to withdraw from that event and her attempt to play in Rome did not go well. Even if she is well enough to play at the French Open, the injury casts a serious cloud over her chances. World no. 8 Belinda Bencic is also on the injured list.

Who is looking good? World no. 4 Garbine Muguruza has made the quarterfinals of the French Open for the past two years and her powerful game works beautifully on clay; she has also proved she's capable of deep Grand Slam runs with her runner-up finish at Wimbledon in 2015 and although it's not been a great season for her so far, Muguruza suggested she might be rounding into form with a run to the semifinals of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, boosting her confidence heading into the French Open. Runner-up at Roland Garros in 2014, Simona Halep might also be peaking at the right time, shaking off an injury-hit off-season and first quarter of 2016 to claim the Mutua Madrid Open title for the loss of just one set.

Italian veterans and Grand Slam runnersup Roberta Vinci and Sara Errani can never be disregarded, and 2015 French Open semifinalist Timea Bacsinszky - back in the top 10 - is in good form as well, with a red-clay title in Rabat and a quarterfinal finish in Rome to her name. Doha champion Carla Suarez Navarro was sidelined by illness in Madrid but is not a player anyone will want to face in Paris, and 2015 runner-up Lucie Safarova claimed a clay title in Prague in the run-up to end a miserable stretch after a severe bacterial infection at the end of last year. Katowice Open champion Dominika Cibulkova has been racking up the big wins so far this season, finished runner-up in Madrid and has Roland Garros pedigree, making the semifinals there in the past; she is a player no one will want to face. And a pair of young Americans, Sloane Stephens and Madison Keys, are also worth keeping an eye on: Stephens has won a trio of titles already in 2016 and playing on clay, while the powerful Keys has suddenly found her feet on the surface with a quality run to the Internazionali BNL d'Italia final.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 21, 2016

34

GLOBAL SOCCER\\OTHER SPORTS

L-R: President, Nigeria Basketball Federation; Tijani Umar, General Managerr, Marketing, MultiChoice Nigeria Martin Mabutho, presenting 3 point shooter trophy to Akpara Akita during the DStv Basketball All Star Game 2016, held at the Indoor Sport Hall, National Stadium, Abuja...recently

Let the game begins... from left: Games Captain, Tennis Section, Akeem Mustafa, Chairman Tennis Section, Esan Ogunleye, GM, Zenith Bank, Bukky Latunji and Assistant Games Captain, Dr. Abiola Oyeleye

McIlroy Chasing Home Glory in Dubai Duty Ikoyi Club Tennis Championship Climaxes Today Free Irish Open World No 3 Rory McIlroy admits it would be "huge" if he could improve on his poor record on home soil and win this week's Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.

The tournament host has recorded just two top-10 finishes in nine tournament appearances and has missed the cut in his home event three years running.

McIlroy heads to the K Club off the back of a tied-fourth finish at the Wells Fargo Championship and a tied-12th showing at last week's Players Championship, where the Northern Irishman missed a chance to break the TPC Sawgrass course record.

The 27-year-old is the only player in the world's top five yet to register a worldwide win in 2016, but McIlroy feels his game is in good shape to challenge for victory this week.

"My performances in this event, obviously over the past three years, but going beyond that, haven't been what I would want," McIlroy said.

"I want to really change that this week with a good performance and I feel like my game is in good enough shape to do that.

"I'm coming off a couple of decent weeks in the States where

I felt like I played better than what the results suggested, so I'm looking forward to the week.

"The K Club here is a golf course where I feel like I can do well on. It sets up well for me. It would be huge (to win). I think anyone that plays professional golf, they dream of winning their home open.

"You don't get very many opportunities to do it, so it would be very special. It's definitely one tournament that is missing from my CV that I would love to add."

McIlroy tees off alongside Andy Sullivan and defending

champion Soren Kjeldsen for the opening two rounds in Kildare, while Masters winner Danny Willett has been grouped with Lee Westwood and Rafa Cabrera Bello.

The four-time major champion posted an opening round 80 and missed the cut at Royal County Down 12 months ago, but feels he has learnt from last year's first stint at tournament host.

"I think there was times where I spread myself a little bit too thin last year with a lot of commitments and we've tried to scale that back a little bit this year," he added.

Quarter Finalists Battle Today at 2016 NNPC/Shell Cup Four centers would be agog today as the quarter final matches of the 2016 NNPC/ Shell Cup kicks off.

No fewer than 10 schools emerged from the zonal preliminaries recently concluded in nine cities across the country to battle for the semifinals ticket The zonal preliminary matches which took place at the Township Stadium Katsina produced two schools for the quarter finals.

They are Government Secondary School, Kwankwaso, Kano and Government Day Secondary School, Samaru Ibrahim, Gusau while Fosla Academy Secondary School, Abuja emerged from the Minna zone of the preliminaries.

Government Secondary School, Goniri, booked a quarter final ticket from Jalingo zone at the expense of schools from Gombe, Borno and Adamawa states. At Ilorin, Bauchi State

represented by Government Senior Secondary School, Darazo emerged as qualifiers for the quarter finals just as Excel Education Centre, Port Harcourt also defeated all her opponents at the Uyo zone to clinch the quarter finals ticket.

Owerri zone produced National Grammar School, Nike, Enugu State as the champions of the zone and booked a ticket to play at the quarter finals.

Other quarter finalists are St. Marys High School, Ifitedunu, Enugu State, Pakoto High School, Ifo, Ogun State and Asegun Comprehensive High School, Ibadan, Oyo State that qualified from Ughelli, Osogbo and Akure zones respectively.

Meanwhile, the quarter finals have been scheduled to take place in four centers, namely, Katsina, Ilorin, Benin and Osogbo from May 21 – May 24.

Savannah Conference Wins Third DStv All Star Game The Savannah Conference won their third straight DStv Premier Basketball league All Star game at the weekend inside the indoor hall of the National Stadium, Abuja in a tightly contested match to beat the Atlantic Conference 81 -77 points.

In an ebullient display of skills, the Savannah Conference tutored by Sani Ahmed led 31-22 after the first quarter and won the second 26-22 to lead 57-44 at half-time. However, the tide turned in the third quarter, as the Atlantic Conference led by Coach Adewumi Aderemi, fought back with a 23-12 point lead, and almost closed out the game after leading 10-7 in the fourth quarter by a 77-76 scoreline with 25 seconds to end the game. Two-time MVP, Abubakar Usman of Kano Pillars had other ideas as he scored three

points from the free throw line, taking his game tally to 13 points and helped Savannah Conference win the game.

Speaking after the enthralling match, General Manager, Marketing, MultiChoice Nigeria, Martin Mabutho, expressed pleasure over the evolution of the All Star game in the country.

“Our commitment towards the game has been consistent. You will recall that the first All Star game was hosted in Kaduna in 2010. Since then, we have held the All Star games, introducing innovation and excitement at every turn.

Today was no exception with Supersports beaming the match live to Nigerians. We are here for the long haul and we intend to take the game round the country,” Mabutho said.

Speaking on the development of basketball in Nigeria, Mabutho said that “the future of the game of basketball looks very bright and promising which explains our rationale for bringing the All Star Game to Abuja for the first time. The attendance was good with the calibre of high profile guests that attended the Game including the wonderful fans that turned up. It has been a wonderful experience, one that deserves applause, considering the standard of play on the court, and the passion exhibited by the fans.

They all lived up to the billing."

Starters for the Savannah Conference included the trio of Abubakar Usman, Mathew Onmonya, and AbdulWahab Yahaya from Kano Pillars, Timothy Kwaor of Gombe Bulls and Stanley Gumut of Mark

Mentors, while the Atlantic Conference paraded Wilfred Romeo from Kwara Falcons, Romaric Quenum from Nigeria Customs, Victor James from Royal Hoopers, Emuhowa Oghenetano from Delta Force and Owolabi Suleiman from Oluyole Warriors on its starting rooster.

The lively occasion also featured the Skills challenge, Slam dunk contest and 3-point shootout competition amongst the players.

At the end of the All Star Game, Romeo Wilfred emerged as the Most Outstanding Player while Kano Pillars, Dele Ademola won the MVP prize. Lucky Subel also from Kano Pillars won the Slam Dunk Contest with 48 points while Suleiman Owolabi won the Skills Challenge and Akpara Akita of Bauchi Nets won the 3 point contest with 23 points.

After a week of competitive tennis and fun, the Zenith Bank sponsored Ikoyi Club Tennis Championship will Climaxes today. All the participants in both the individual and team tennis events, who are members of Ikoyi Club 1938 Tennis Section are expected go home with valuable prizes.

According to the Games Captain, Tennis Section of Ikoyi Club 1938, Akeem Mustafa, “Every participant in the competition had been assured of valuable prizes. For taking part in the tournament at all, you are sure of going home with something.”

In the team tournament, the players are divided into the Red and Grey groups, with each group comprising of four teams of seven players. The team names represent Zenith Bank product brands, and there are also the individual events which include the men’s singles A and B, ladies singles, men’s doubles and veteran’s doubles competitions for players aged 60 years and above and super veteran’s singles for players aged 70 years and above.

Mustafa said the championship which lasted for one week, had promoted inclusiveness as about 75 per cent of the participants would be rewarded with exciting prizes and trophies; and despite the competitive nature of the championship, fitness and bonding amongst members was the ultimate aim, in a fun and friendly environment.

Amaju, Green to Grace Final of South-south Tourney President, Nigeria Football Federation, Pinnick Amaju, and the Head, Technical Committee of the NFF, Chris Green, will grace the final of the inaugural South-South Champion of Champions football tournament at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, Edo State, today.

According to the Edo FA chairman, Frank Ilaboya, he said the duo had assured of him their presence at the closing ceremony of the competition, which has eight teams from the South-south region of the country vying for honours.

“I spoke with the NFF president, Amaju, and Green and they are both excited about the standard of play displayed in the competition and have promised to be present on the final day,” Ilaboya said.The participating teams are Edo FA Cup kings, Inneh Stars, Dynamite FC, Insurance (Edo); J.Atete, Delta Force (Delta); Yenagoa Academy (Bayelsa), Akwa Starlets and Go Round FC (Rivers). The winners of the tournament, organised by the Edo FA and sponsored by FROT Group, will go home with N1m while runners-up will receive N500,000.

Ilaboya said there would also be a ceremonial match between ex-internationals, which would include Augustine Eguavoen, Kingsley Obiekwu, Joe Okoh, Edema Fuludu, Emmanuel Okonebho, Karimu Shuaibu, Wilson Oboh amongst others against a Benin All Stars team.

“The ex-internationals versus All Stars game will serve as the curtain-raiser of the tournament; the game will give people the opportunity to watch the ex-internationals in action again.

I am happy with the standard of play displayed by the teams; all the teams are happy because the tournament will help them prepare properly for the Federation Cup, which is just around the corner,” Ilaboya stated.

Speaking further, Ilaboya added, “Insurance and Delta Force are the invited teams for the tournament. Edo has three teams because we want to use the competition to maximum benefit. It will be of great help to Insurance, who are gunning for promotion to the top division, and Inneh Stars and Dynamite FC, who will represent us in the Federation Cup.”

18th Nestle Milo Basketball Championship Kogi, Adamawa Boys, Girls Clash in Confluence Final Government Secondary School, Numan, Adamawa and Harmony Secondary School, Lokoja, Kogi State, have qualified for the Confluence Conference final of the 18th Nestle Milo Secondary School Basketball championships in Lokoja.

Bastektball lovers and fans had something to cheer as the future stars of the game entertained them at the Indoor sports hall of the Confluence Stadium.

Harmony Secondary School fought back from a four-point deficit to account for the scalp of Government Girls Secondary School, Jogona, Kano 22-17.

Supporters of the two teams were kept at the edge of their seats throughout the match.

In the second semifinal, there was no surprise as defending champions of the Conference, Adamawa, showed their superiority over Bauchi's Government College Narbodo with 33-11 victory.

Though the girls' semifinals made the fans salivate, the boys category offered a special touch.

Crowther Memorial College Lokoja was pushed harder by Darusalam Science and Academy Maiduguri but they eventually prevailed with 43-30 points win.

Abu Uma-Ojo and Kazeem Usman were the outstanding players for the Kogi boys.

The game that lived up to its billing was between General Muritala Muhammad College Yola, Adamawa and Ahmadiyah

College Kano.

There was no dull moment as the Kano boys succumbed to the firepower of Adamawa losing 31-24.

Head coach of Adamawa boys, Tinism Dickson, lauded the sponsor, Nestle Plc, for their continued support of the game at grassroots level, saying, “the sponsor should be commended for ensuring the continuation of the annual event. We need more of this, so that we can discover more players from the schools.”

Officials of PZ Cossons led by brand manager (Premier), Deedi Modey pose with one of the winners of all-expense paid trip to the Etihad Stadium at Park and Shop, Ilupeju, Lagos

MAY 21, 20 16 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

35

THIS WOMAN’S WORK

with ADE RONKE ; @aderonstar; ronkaf@aol.com

The Grey Velvet Story Fashion used to be a dirty word; to some it was centred on events, reduced to solely a form of entertainment. Since the annual ARISE fashion show in 2009, fashion has certainly grown in publicity. ARISE shone a light on the African fashion industry. It showed us there are many designers on the continent trying to communicate the vast and heterogeneous African aesthetic. Through the ARISE platform, the world learned that there is such a thing as A ‘ frican fashion’; it exists and in terms of creativity, it can stand equally amongst its Western counterparts. There is interest and demand for the African aesthetics, so much so that high profile fashion houses such as Burberry and Viktor and Rolf have used popular African inspired fabrics in their past collections

U

ndeniably, there is a lot of talents in Nigeria and on the continent of Africa. The infrastructure to support and monetise these talents is the main challenge.

Designers are forced to double up as entrepreneurs and manage their finances, distribution and manufacturing. This is not an ideal structure, but it is hard to attract people with business development skills due to the size of the fashion industry. Fashion does not generate the same revenue as banking or agriculture; therefore, it cannot afford to pay potential staff at competitive rates. A major challenge for designers is distribution; designers struggle to cover rent, because opening a store in an appropriate area to reach their target customer is expensive. Rent coupled with paying for electricity, diesel and staff run many fashion businesses into the ground.

Furthermore, competition with cheap international imports is also prohibitive.

Clothing options in Nigeria are dominated by international imports that are cheaper than local designs. These imports are available in popular local markets across the country as well as retail shops in urban cities such as Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt.

Luckily in the past five years, there have been a myriad of retail solutions such as pop-up events and weekly markets where consumers can access these designs.

More concrete solutions such as retail chains and e-commerce have emerged.

E-commerce channels such as Konga and Jumia have assisted in creating additional distribution channels for Nigerian fashion. The only downside to e-commerce is that they also provide resellers of international imports a channel to sell their products. According to the Nigerian Communications Commission, in 2015, over 90 million Nigerians have access to the Internet through their mobile phones.

Although Internet penetration is high, most of the 90 million do not access the Internet through smart phones, they use CDMA and GSM phones, which make access to e-commerce platforms problematic. E-commerce is far from obsolete, it has enabled success stories but more work is needed to optimise the selling of Nigerian fashion.

The last avenue is retail, the experience of feeling the clothes and trying it on is still in many ways superior to all other distribution channels. In the last five to seven years, concession shops have emerged; one of the leading stores in Nigeria is Grey Velvet, which was founded by Isioma Aihie. Grey Velvet started with one store in Ikeja’s City mall in May 2012 and four years later it has expanded to four physical stores in Lagos and Abuja as well as owing its own e-commerce store. This steady growth is encouraging and suggests a well thoughtout business model. Grey Velvet stocks affordable to premium womenswear. The unique selling point is its understanding of the Nigerian customer. The clothes in Grey Velvet are not yet at a price point to compete with cheap international imports but store’s strength lies in its ability to select designers that will resonate well with customers. In Grey Velvet you can expect to see clothes from a range of well-known

designers such as Ituen Basi, as well as emerging talents. The founder, Aihie, was the head of Information Technology for a well-known multinational and brings a wealth of business and technological experience to Grey Velvet. She is not treating fashion as entertainment but a business; she also not waiting for favourable government policies to execute and expand her business. The economy is difficult but with all the conversations regarding diversifying the economy, Grey Velvet might be a model for growing the Nigerian fashion Industry.

What led you to create a department store?

I was the owner and publisher of a teen magazine, Juice, and met a number of budding designers (Lanre Da Silva, Beampeh, Jewel by Lisa, Alter Ego, Exclamations and more). I fell in love with what they were doing and who they were and was quite upset that even though they were in magazines and the media. People did not really have access to them. I decided then that I would own a concession store, where customers would have that access to designer pieces in a store and not have to travel all over the place to find them. I also wanted as many people as possible to see, experience and appreciate the talents we have in this country.

The business started in 2012; what have been the highlights of the enterprise?

There are four physical stores and an online one. There have been so many highlights! Each time a delivery is made

to the store and I’m surrounded by all the ‘goodness’. Each time we discover a new designer; actually acquiring and opening each store; the birth and success of our own in-store brands (Isi Brown and Frankie & Co); the lovely people I have met. It is an endless list.

What have been the challenges?

Several; we are all living in a nation where resources are nearly non-existent or unstable – human resources, financial, energy, raw materials. The list goes on and it affects us in almost every area – production, store operations, material sourcing and high operational expenses, etc. I’m facing the same challenges that every business owner is facing here. The good thing is we are tackling them and there is hope that things will get better.

Grey Velvet started on the mainland why did you expand to the Island?

I did not get into this business to have a little boutique I could play with. The margins are way too tiny for the amount of effort that goes into it. I wanted a chain, which would not only be more profitable but would allow the growth of fashion retail in the country, on the continent and beyond that. If foreign high street brands could do it, why couldn’t we?

You had a successful career in IT at a multinational company what motivated your transition to fashion retail?

I would never have guessed this myself!

I love beautiful things and always adored fashion and style. I taught myself how to

The last avenue is retail, the experience of feeling the clothes and trying it on is still in many ways superior to all other distribution channels. In the last five to seven years, concession shops have emerged; one of the leading stores in Nigeria is Grey Velvet, which was founded by Isioma Aihie.

Grey Velvet started with one store in Ikeja’s City mall in May 2012 and four years later it has expanded to four physical stores in Lagos and Abuja as well as their own e-commerce store make clothes but never had any desire to be a fashions designer and still don’t. It has all just happened because I wanted more for myself, other people and this country of ours. I am the nation’s biggest critic but in doing that, I must also be doing my bit to make it better, right? So this is my contribution, I guess. I wanted an amusement park for our children which led me to want a magazine for our young adults and teens and now here I am, going down this path.

Has the economy affected business?

In what way?

It has affected our overall operational costs because everything has gone up in price. However, sales have risen considerably too. Nigerians are buying more at home and that is certainly good news for our sector.

What does the future hold for Grey Velvet?

There is so much we want to accomplish. We will be increasing our product range to include lifestyle brands as well as rolling out more stores in other African countries and abroad over the next few years. We would like to establish an avenue through which designers can get access to funding, that is so desperately needed as well as providing the means through which a thorough understanding of the actual “business” is gained.

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SATURDAY MAY 21, 2016 T H I S D AY

ADVERTORIAL

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 21, 2016

WRITERS’ WORLD

Writing as Ghosts!

BISI DANIELS bisi.daniels@thisdaylive.com Blog: www.bisidaniels.com, 08093618000

Why in this world would someone want to be a ghost writer? The name is even creepy! Ghost; that shadowy thing creeping around and haunting people at the night!. A ghostwriter is a writer who authors books, manuscripts, screenplays, scripts, articles, blog posts, stories, reports, whitepapers, or other texts that are officially credited to another person. The ghost writer gets no credit for it. He only gets the money or the thank-you handshake

T

he other reason I found it strange was my love for byline – the love to have my name in print as a writer of an article or a book. But now, I do it, without the pain that can be likened to selling something dear to you; your own creation.

Call it diversification, many people do it for the money from politicians, celebrities who have no skills or time to write their autobiographies.

Ghost writing is also done for corporate organizations. I have done a few recently. My experience will be shared later but below are the experiences of two writers, Giny Carter and Kelly James-Enger.

Giny Carter

Why would someone hire a ghostwriter? For one thing, it might be the difference between an idea floating around an author’s head and an actual book being published.

When I first started my ghostwriting and book coaching business, I wondered if anyone would be willing to have a professional write in his or her voice. It turns out many writers recognize the serious advantages to this particular way of creating a book.

As an aside, many of our most wellknown and revered business books contain acknowledgements for ghostwriter assistance.

Examples include Stephen Covey (The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People), Donald Trump (The Art of The Deal), and Richard Branson (Losing My Virginity).

Why would someone use a ghostwriter to write a book?: For a start, it saves authors time – time they can spend more productively on the business tasks only they can do. They don’t have to get up at 5 a.m. to crank out 1,000 words before breakfast every day, they can simply hand the heavy lifting to someone else.

This means they can focus on preparing the marketing for their book launch and how they’ll build their expert reputation once it’s published.

In other words, hiring a ghostwriter might be the difference between an idea floating around an author’s head and an actual book being published.

In addition, for many business people, writing simply isn’t a core strength. I’m a big believer in outsourcing whatever you can.

For instance, I’m terrible with numbers, so I’ve always had an accountant. She saves me hours of time and makes sure my figures add up correctly so I can sleep at night knowing they’re being taken care of. Conversely, writing articulate and persuasive content might not be an accountant’s strong suit, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t have a great idea and the expertise to fill the pages of a powerful business book.

But, isn’t using a ghostwriter a bit like cheating?

As a ghostwriter, I can (and will) only write the author’s own thoughts, ideas, and opinions.

I’ll also write them in the way he or she would most like them expressed. I make sure the author’s train of thought is expressed in the best possible way – adding my own creativity and writing skills into the mix – and I speak up when I see things going off track. But the book comes from the author, not from me.

In fact, the very process of working with a ghostwriter means my clients have to get crystal clear on their core message and why it matters.

This is something I help them with as we plan the book.

How does using a ghostwriter work?: I can’t speak for all of ghostwriters, but this is

my process. I sit down and work out the book’s strategy with my client: what the book’s big idea is, who it is for, how these two factors fit together, whether there’s a market for the book, and most importantly, how it is going to help their business.

We work out an outline, using their content as a starting point.

I interview them via Skype. In these interviews, I draw out the story from my client that’s bigger and better than the one they would have found on their own. Having a warm and trusting relationship is key for this, and it can be an enjoyable part of the process for the author.

The calls are recorded and transcribed. These transcriptions, together with any written or audio material my client already has, form the raw material for the book. The recordings and transcriptions also help me to capture the tone and language used, so I can write in their voice.

I write each chapter, sending them for feedback as we go along.

We both review, typically creating three drafts in total.

The manuscript is proofread and handed to my client. If he/she wants, I help them publish and market it as well.

James-Enger I can still remember the first time I saw my byline in print. After years of writing articles, essays and short stories, I’d finally sold one— and had the magazine to prove it.

When I started writing books, the thrill was even bigger. I dreamt of the day when I’d fill an entire bookshelf with books with my name on them. I never considered ghostwriting. Why would I spend months of my life toiling away on someone else’s book? No thanks. I only wanted to write my own books, and that’s what I did.

I soon found, however, that the life of a book author wasn’t quite what I’d envisioned. I was working long hours, yet making less money than I had before, when I was writing only articles. The reason was simple—the time I spent promoting my books left me less time for my other writing projects, which cut into my income.

Then, I had the good fortune of being approached by a nutrition expert about co-authoring her book. I found I enjoyed collaborating with her, but the real payoff came when we finished the manuscript. As the lead author, she now had to start promoting it—but I was all done!

That was enough for me. I decided to pursue co-authoring and ghostwriting, and “my” next book was ghostwritten for a client. (Typically

a “co-author” is identified on the cover, while a “ghostwriter” is never named or identified.)

Today, most of my books are published under my clients’ names—and I’m making as much money working part-time hours as I did as a full-time freelancer.

You probably know that many celebrities and politicians use ghostwriters to pen their books. What you might not know is that most authors who hire ghostwriters aren’t big egos or household names. Instead, they’re professionals (think physicians, attorneys, financial advisers) who want to publish books to attract clients and establish themselves as experts in their field— but who lack the time and/or ability to actually write the manuscripts. They’re willing to pay, and often pay well, to get “their” books in print.

And despite the perception of the writer toiling away in his lonely garret, many ghosts enjoy working as a team. “Writing tends to be such a solitary endeavor that ghostwriting allows me to collaborate with someone else and help them to bring their book dreams to fruition,” Melanie Votaw says. “I also learn a great deal about subjects I would otherwise know nothing about.”

As I hinted at earlier, another plus to ghosting, especially today, is that you needn’t worry about the size of your platform, or your ability to sell a book once it’s published. If your client is pitching a traditional publisher, only his platform matters—because as the author, he’ll be the one

Many of our most wellknown and revered business books contain acknowledgements for ghostwriter assistance.

Examples include Stephen Covey (The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People), Donald Trump (The Art of The Deal), and Richard Branson (Losing My Virginity)

selling the title.

Want to know more about this lucrative field?

Read on for a closer look at the skills you need to succeed as a ghostwriter—and at how to break in. You’ll also learn how to market those skills, what to ask potential clients, how to set fees and how to develop an efficient process for completing each project successfully.

UnderstandingYour Role: The first key to success as a ghostwriter is a clear understanding of your role in the process. Whether you get cover credit or not, you’re writing someone else’s book. That means being able to collaborate, and to set aside your own ideas about how to approach the book if your client disagrees with them. That’s why successful ghostwriters keep their egos in check. You may be writing the words, but the book itself is your client’s. And that means your client has the final say.

In addition to a collaborative spirit, you’ll need management skills. Depending on the project, you may be responsible for conducting interviews and research and keeping your client on schedule, in addition to writing the book itself. And when it comes to writing, you must be able to structure and organize material and capture your client’s voice.

As a writer, you likely already know something about the publishing industry.

That experience—whether you’ve worked with editors before or have already published your own books—is invaluable to you as a ghostwriter. The more you know about publishing, the more you can assist your clients, whether they’re submitting their work or deciding whether to opt for self-publishing or pursue a traditional publishing contract.

Establishing Parameters How you work with a particular client depends on the project, budget and time frame.

For example, you may interview your client and write the book from scratch, relying on your notes; your client may write some of the book while you write the rest; or your client may provide you with background material that you use as a starting point. It depends on how much work your client has already done (and is willing to do) and how he prefers to work with you.

That’s why before you take on a project, you should know what the client’s expectations are—and exactly what you’ll be responsible for.

“It’s important to know how the information will be given to me—i.e., written notes, interviews or a mixture of the two,” Votaw says.

“Interviews take more time, so the cost to the client will be higher in that case. I also like to be given a title or two that are similar to the tone and style the client wants.”

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • May 21, 2016

May 21, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • May 21, 2016

FITNESS FILE

When You Are No Longer Seeing Progress From Your Workouts

S

ometimes we hit a plateau with training. No matter how many times you perform an exercise you just aren’t getting any stronger or any more results.

Don’t panic, this is very common. Just by making a few changes to your workout you can burst through plateaus and continue making improvements. Making subtle changes on an ongoing basis will keep your results from plateauing.

HERE ARE SOME TIPS: Take Time Off It is very common for people to do too much. Taking an extra days rest or even a week totally off training could be all you need.

Speed Up Increasing the speed of your exercise repetitions will make the workout feel totally different. If you are used to exercising at a steady pace start injecting a little speed so rather than squatting at a pace of 2 seconds down and 2 seconds up, try 1 second down and 1 second up. Be careful though, if you are a beginner speeding up an exercise is a quick way to lose form and build up bad habits.

Slow Down If you are looking to build muscle or are new to exercise slowing down your ‘time under tension’ will make all the difference. Most people perform their exercise repetitions far too quickly. Why? Because slower reps are far more challenging. If you are performing a push up with a tempo of 1 second down and 1 second up try 3 seconds down and 3 seconds up.

Although you will struggle to perform the same amount of reps the rewards will be greater if you are looking to gain muscle.

Rearrange Exercises Sometimes all you need to spark a fresh change in your body is a switch in the exercise order. As a general rule the most challenging exercises should always be first on the list. So a kettlebell snatch would always be before a push up or squat. Also the most important exercise should always take priority first too. So if you are weak at Lunging but strong at Push Ups you should always perform the Lunges first. Take a look at your workout order and see if you can switch things around a bit.

Negatives Negatives involve concentrating on the eccentric phase of the exercise. The Eccentric phase is when the muscle is lengthening. So if you think about a Pull Up, the lowering phase is the eccentric part or the negative phase.

Sticking with the Pull Up example, to work on the negative phase you would use a chair to help you get into the top position with the bar at chest height and then lower slowly under control for 5 seconds. Be warned negatives will leave you feeling very sore but they are a great way to increase

strength during a certain movement.

Partials Performing just half or a quarter of the exercise can stimulate growth in areas than have not be focused upon before. To perform a partial simply perform only a part of the complete movement. So if you think about a squat you may do 1 full squat followed by 1 half squat. Another example may be one full Chin up followed by half a Chin Up, followed by half a lowering Chin Up.

plyometric. Jumping onto boxes, off boxes, performing jump squats, slamming a medicine ball, clap push ups or jumping lunges are all plyometric exercises. These are definitely not for the beginner and the chance of injury certainly increases with these types of exercises. However, if you have hit a rut then a few weeks of Plyometric based exercises with some good recovery in between workouts can really help.

Drop Sets This type of training comes straight from the body building guide book.

Drop sets are highly effective but should not be over used because they do cause a lot of muscle tissue damage and so require a lot of recovery. The process is simple, perform say 10 reps with a weight then reduce the weight and perform another 10, then reduce and perform another 10. Continue for 4-8 sets until you cannot take any more and have little weight left to move.

Get Functional How 3 dimensional are your workouts? Have you tried side lunges? or Rotational Squats or Push Ups? Most people get stuck in a workout routine that is primarily Sagittal or forwards and backwards. In life we don’t just move this way. We bend, twist, turn, step, rotate all over the place.

If you have hit a plateau then addressing the direction of your movements can work muscle never trained before. If you usually do forward lunges, try a side lunge instead. Spice up your squats by adding a twist at the top.

Plyometrics Explosive training like jumping and throwing movements are classed as

Recovery Methods What do you do once you have finished your workout? Do you eat

The Edenlifestyle corner with

MAJE AYIDA

majeayida@edenlifenigeria.com www.edenlifenigeria.com, 07062614551

Sometimes all you need to spark a fresh change in your body is a switch in the exercise order. As a general rule the most challenging exercises should always be first on the list. So a kettlebell snatch would always be before a push up or squat. Also the most important exercise should always take priority first too. So if you are weak at Lunging but strong at Push Ups you should always perform the Lunges first. Take a look at your workout order and see if you can switch things around a bit

a meal high in protein and complex carbs? Do you take a cold shower or ice bath? One great way to increase your recovery time is to take a cold shower after your workout. Turn the shower to cold and dive in.

If you have just completed a run then try a cold bath. No need for ice just fill the bath with cold water and sit in their for 5-10 minutes. Changing temperature from cold to warm will help flush toxins from your body and stimulate fresh blood and nutrients.

Nutrition If you are eating badly then your body will not be getting the fuel it requires to grow and improve. If you have hit a plateau then take a look at your nutrition. Do you eat fresh organic food that is full of life or do you poison your body with dead food made in a science lab.

•Look out for part 2 next week.

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MAY 21, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

FASHION FILE

Rebirth Collection SS16 by

ORE APPARELS

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FASHION FILE Rebirth Collection

R

ebirth collection showcases the recreation of some of its iconic designs and styles, creating more contemporary looks that connect with fashion enthusiasts who dare to be unique and classy.

The comeback is to create an alternative from its exclusive custom-made clientele, to designs you’ll find off-the-rack at high-end departmental stores and boutiques.

With its cultural signature, the rebirth col col-lection is introduced with the use of Yoruba names (some of which suggest rebirth), and contains touches of adire, prints, and embroideries.

Sobayo Abolore Azeez is the creative di director of Ore Apparels, he studied Painting from Yaba College Of Technology in 2006.

He started his Ore Apparels label in 2002. He was the first runner up at the Nigerian fashion show 2006.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 21, 2016

By Azuka Ogujiuba azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •MAY 21, 2016

WITH

MARKET PLACE

OMOLABAKE FASHOGBON 08033621009

L-R: Chairman, Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Ahmed Sani Yerima; Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR; Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi and Director -General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside at the opening ceremony of a two-day stakeholders conference on the maritime industry in Lagos recently

L-R: Mr. Obinna Nkemneme, Mr. Mario Okonya, Chief Executive Officer , Fudgies Cafe ,Mr Mario Okonyaand Mr. Paul Okeugo of Chocolate City at the opening of Fudgies Cafe in Lekki, Lagos recently.

MTN Introduces Livestock Tracking Solution, Mobile Electricity and help with separating grazing areas from farmlands.

“It can perform location tracking for cattle and geo-fencing for grazing areas.

It makes use of GPS technology and it is solar-powered to ensure that you can always stay in touch with your cattle, everywhere they go,” she said.

On the mobile electricity solution, Oyagbola said, “Our customers in rural areas can now replace kerosene lanterns, candles and flashlight with electricity that

It is good news for herdsmen and rural dwellers with the latest solutions from telecommunications giant, MTN Nigeria.

The solutions, Livestock Tracking Solutions (LTS) and mobile electricity will help mitigate challenges associated with cattle grazing, enhance use of land across the country as well as provide electricity to entrepreneurs and rural dwellers.

At the Katsina State Economic and Investment Summit 2016 where the innovations were announced, MTN

executive, Amina Oyagbola, explained that the tracking device would reduce the incidence of wandering cattle while the mobile electricity solution in partnership with Nova-Lumos would bring clean, modern and affordable electricity to MTN customers in the rural areas.

Continuing, Oyagbola stated that the Information Communication Technology solution was designed to track location of cattle, send panic or emergency alerts to relevant authorities in times of trouble

NIMASA Unveils 3-Year Development Plan

Fast Food Market Gets New Entrant

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has put in place, a three -year development plan from 2016 to 2019, termed ‘Medium Term Maritime Growth Strategy’ to guide its efforts in reshaping the sector.

The Director-General of the agency, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, at a stakeholders forum to chart a new roadmap for the development of the maritime industry , stated that the agency was undergoing a structural, cultural and performance reforms to ensure that the maritime industry contributed positively to the economy.

According to him, the planned reformation of the sector would however not manifest without the input and support of stakeholders.

“The agency is on a mission of self -recovery towards the actualisation of its core mandate for the benefit of the nation’s maritime sector and the country as a whole, this however, will only be made possible with the backup and contributions from stakeholders” Peterside pointed out.

“He added that the agency’s performance would no longer be measured by how much revenue it generated, but how well it could stimulate the necessary growth of the sector for the benefit of indigenous operators and other Nigerians.

“Our performance will be service and not metric based, the focal point of which will be to create the enabling environment to gainfully engage as many stakeholders as possible, with a view to creating wealth and generating employment for the overall good of the maritime industry and the national economy,” the NIMASA boss stated.

An upscale fast food and confectionery has berthed in Lekki, Lagos.

Branded Fudgies Cafe at Russand Emporium Mall, Off Chevron Drive in Lekki, the new business is set to make its mark in the confectionary market, especially in the pastries and cakes segment, where it intends to gain ground.

At the official opening of the firm’s first outlet graced by the crème de la crème of the society, its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Emeka Okonya said: “With very few local cafés around, we want to have a friendly and comfortable environment where friends, family and business associates can hang out and be treated to exquisite gourmet. The location has been designed to give customers a relaxing and refreshing break from the hustles of the city. We hope to

build a unique Nigerian brand to compete with international players coming into the country. We offer more than just tasty food. We offer a unique experience which we’ll constantly strive to improve on to meet our customers’ needs.

“We are putting together a number of periodic activities aimed at ensuring that customers not only enjoy good food but also have fun and excitement. These include a Children’s day special and a cake tasting event amongst others. We would like people to be able to dine here daily and feel good about themselves and our offerings.”

The Café is open for business daily from 9am till 8pm on Mondays to Saturdays and will soon start its Sunday brunch offering from 12noon to 7pm.

Firm Invents Software for Business Growth

Prognostore, a software firm has unveiled a three-in-one solution, designed to help small businesses track their trading activities.

The solution, which is cloud based, combines Point of Sales; Inventory and Analytics.

Created by a team of young Nigerians led by Adegbola Olabode, the latest would enable business owners’ track and monitor their businesses from their mobile devices even without Internet connectivity.

Describing the innovation, Olabode said “Prognostor Application is all about providing cost –effective and simple business tool, which gives users limitless opportunity to grow their business through detailed insights.

“It is a beautiful software that is simple to use but powerful enough N75, 000 and N50, 000 respectively, to be all you need to run your store. including other consolation prizes.

This will make running your business Meanwhile, automatic gift await all easy and stress-free,” he stated.

IFC Participants.

He explained that the application Explaining the rationale for the also provided employee insights, initiative, Public Relations/Events connection to third party application Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr. and round the clock support for Tope Ashiwaju, said: “Children are customer. the future of any society. As a brand, According to him, some of the key we see it as part of our responsibilities advantages the solution offered over to ensure that they are engaged in other existing solutions were that it activities that will aid their mental and was web and cloud based, which physical development. The aim of the means no special installation was ‘Team Yourself Up Competition’ is to required.

There is also offline support also provide a platform for these kids and a number of other features to express their creativeness”.

Participants are privileged to send in including multi-user support with access control and notifications for multiple entries before 30th of May remote monitoring.

2016 when the contest will elapse.

Indomie Begins Kids Competition Another value has been added to consumers of Indomie Noodles with the commencement of the brand’s ‘Team Yourself Up Competition’.

Designed for members of Indomie Fan Club (IFC) between ages 5-12, the engagement is one of the ways the firm intends to deepen relationship with the children segment of its audience and in addition, enables them to explore their creative talents and abilities.

To participate in the competition, children are required to team up with any person of their choice and create something unique with Indomie wrappers or cartons or both.

The best three winners would be awarded a cash prize of N100, 000,

can power phones, fans, radios and TVs all at once and this service is already running in Katsina State” The first Katsina State Economic and Investment Summit was a three-day event aimed at attracting investments in the state from local and foreign investors, particularly in the areas of livestock production and meat processing, power generation and medium to large scale agricultural production among other areas.

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JUNE 16,THE 2011SATURDAY • THISDAY,NEWSPAPER THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER THISDAY, • May 21, 2016

FAIRGROUND

Blessing Agboli’s Women of Influence Conference

with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

B

lessing Agboli is described as Nigeria’s most style-conscious pastor. She has the same dress sense as Shekha Mozah Bint Nasser Missned of Quatar. As much as she has tried to conceal herself from public glare, every now and then her forceful personality never ceases to impress women of like minds.

Her intimidating personality blossoms with love and care which she is ever willing to share.

She is a selfless soul, and a woman that has become a mother to street children. She is does not hesitate to tell anybody who cares to listen that “a street child can become the president of this country tomorrow; a street girl can become so influential tomorrow that the world can listen to her when she talks. She can be a subject for the world to learn from.” She cited Olajumoke Orisaguna as a good example of when God picks up your case and says it is time that your story must change. “Being an influential woman has nothing to do with your background but God’s great miracle for you.”

Her ministry is The Victorious Army Ministries International presents her Jesus Women of Influence Conference 2016, which started on 19th and ends today the 21st of May, 2016.

This power packed programme is tagged, “Women the Elect -(2 John 1:1)”. Ministering is Dr. Helen Ayo Orisejefor, Dr. Jasmin Sculark, Dr. Medina Pullings, Dr. Dolapo Adelakun, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibukun Awosika and Mama Blessings Joseph Agboli (Host).

The venue is Plot 22, Acme Road, Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria and the time is 5pm.

Mo Abudu the CEO Ebony Live TV, Nkiru Olumide-Ojo of Stanbic bank, Mary Akpobome of Heritage bank, Gospel singers Sinach and Chioma Jesus are not left out. The other women of influence include, Dr Ibukun Awosika, Dr. Helen Orishejafor, Dr. Dolapo Adelakun, Dr. Medina Pullings, Dr. Jasin Sculark and one of Nigeria’s most respected actresses, Omotola JaladeEkeinde will also be speaking.

Omotola-Jalade-Ekeinde

Agboli Blessing

Mo Abudu

Sinachi

Nkiru Olumide-Ojo

SA’s Bonag Matheba Hosts Press Brunch at La Brioche

S

A’s IT girl and media maven Bonang Matheba hosted a few members of the press to an intimate brunch at La Brioche, on Musa Yar’adua, Victoria Island, Lagos. Warmly welcomed by the La Brioche team and the press, the event kicked-off with an informal introduction of media representatives followed by a brief insight into her journey, outstanding work and accomplishments.

Thoroughly excited to receive her, during the interactive Q&A session,

they delved into conversations about her passion, her status as an African fashion icon and her career as TV & Radio Presenter, Producer and Entrepreneur.

She shared the story about her rise from stints in youth and educational programmes at the age of 15, to becoming an internationally recognised brand with associations with E! Africa, Ciroc, Revlon and Woolworths.

Humbled by the kind reception, Bonnag shared her appreciation for the press and implored them to enjoy the delicious brunch.

Bonang

Mary Akpobome

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • May 21, 2016

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FAIRGROUND

AMAA 2016 Jury Announces Nomination List in Lagos AMAA 2016 Nomination List

President, African Movies Academy Awards 2016 Board of Jurors, Mr. Shaibu Husseini, Publisher E247 Magazine, Mr. Biodun Kupoluyi and Director of Administration, AMAA, Mr. Tony Anih at the media event to announce the nominations for the 2016 edition of the continental awards

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he nominees in the 28 categories of the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), the annual pan-African reward system for motion picture practitioners, were announced recently by Mr. Shaibu Husseini, the President of the Jury.

At a media event which took place at the Protea Hotel, GRA Ikeja, Lagos, Mr. Husseini, who also doubles as the Chairman of the College of Screeners, reiterated in his address that AMAA was a jury-based award and not voting-awards where nominees embark on voting campaigns to win any of the categories.

The Jury, however, announced nominees into 26 categories as the Board of Jurors is yet to conclude on the remaining two categories.

According to Mr. Husseini, “The remaining categories are special Jury awards and before the awards ceremony we would have decided on the nominees and eventual winners and by that time we would have the full Jury members on ground.”

The Jury President also revealed that quality of movies that came into the competition have improved greatly, adding that more young

people across the continent were coming into the industry as film makers with over 150 short film entries.

“Our film makers only need to pay attention to details, especially in the technical areas. We have the stories already, particularly of those producing films in African languages. Truth is, we can only compete at the Oscars with our indigenous language films and to do this we must improve on our photography, sound, editing and other technical areas.

“We are very happy about the quality of works that came into the competition this year and it gladdens our heart that every year the objectives of the awards are being achieved with film makers in Africa and beyond, upping their game,” added Husseini.

The Board of Jurors of AMAA, which has members that include academics, film makers, critics and Film Festival curators from Nigeria, Germany, United States, Zimbabwe, Jamaica and Burkina Faso will decide on which film and individual talents that will emerge eventual winners at a glamorous Awards Night, which will take place on Saturday June 11, 2016 in the Garden City, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Otumine Moore Unveils New Pieces

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ashion brand, Otumine, owned by the highly stylish Otumine Nelson Moore, and known for its high-end designs, will formally open its Ikeja flagship store on Sunday, May 22, 2016 in Ikeja GRA, Lagos. The fashion outlet is the third one for the fashion house, with its first outlet in Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi. The other two are located on Oduduwa way, Isaac John, GRA, Ikeja. The new store, located in the same building as Rumours, will carry couture evening pieces, exclusively designed by Otumine.

Otumine Nelson Moore

Ifeanyi Onyeabo Completes ‘Tribe’

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s preparations gradually peak towards the official release of Ifeanyi Onyeabo’s latest work, Tribe, Nollywood seems to be quaking in anticipation. This is clearly borne out of Onyeabo’s quintessential approach to filmmaking, which, in his over two decades in the industry, has produced some of the greatest works in the industry.

Tribe, which commenced recording in 2010 in Ghana, employed the services of actors and crewmembers from eightAfrican countries and Jamaica after a 3-nation tour for auditions.

The classic African story was set in Africa about five centuries ago, employing the basic tenets of African culture, attitude, and temperaments to achieve what the African film industry has been yearning for. According to the latest statement by the producers, the film highlighted values and vices that make theAfrican continent an effervescent hub of activities, especially in the past years.

“From greed, to betrayal, to bravery, to love, Tribe is a film that has a good dosage of such emotions in a manner that cinema lovers would be glued to their seats. We went out of our way to get the characters

Ifeanyi Onyeabor

that will interpret the roles, the way we wanted.

That took us to three African countries of Ghana, Nigeria and Sierra Leone.” The action-packed film has on parade actors like, Peter Bunor (Nigeria), FredAmugi (Ghana), PeachmanAkputa (Nigeria), Amanda Ebeye (Nigeria), Kofi Djabi (Jamaica), Ekow Blankson (Ghana), Kafui Danku-CharlesDean (Liberia) and Williemena Pinky Appleton (Liberia). They are joined by over two hundred actors who traversed the luscious locations where the film was shot. Tribe is coming on the stable of IGOSTEVE Pictures.

A.Efere Ozako AMAA 2016 Award for Best Short Film 1. Encounter – Nigeria 2. Le Chemin – Cote De Voire 3. Blood Taxi - Nigeria 4. Meet The Parents – Nigeria/Canada 5. Nourah The Holy Light – Burkina Faso 6. Ireti – Nigeria 7. Life of a Nigerian Couple – Nigeria B. AMAA 2016 Award For Best Animation 1. The Pencil – Burkina Faso 2. The Peculiar Life of a Spider – Ghana 3. Funsie Fast Fingers – Nigeria 4. Lazare Sie Pale – Burkina Faso C. AMAA 2016 Award for Best Documentary 1, My Father’s Funeral – Cameroon 2. Nollywood – Nigeria/Jordan 3. Tchindas- Cape Verde 4. The Fruitless Tree – Niger 5. Runs ‘I too Seek The Horizon’ – Nija/UK 6. Camera/Woman – Morocco D. Ousmane Sembene AMAA 2016 Award for Best Film in an African Language 1. Brotherhood Eye – Mali 2. Bala Bala Sese – Uganda 3. Missing God – Nigeria 4. Cursed Treasure – Ghana 5. Wako – Uganda 6. Daggers of Life (Agbe Fe Akumehewo) Ghana E. Michael Anyiam Osigwe AMAA 2016 Award for Best Film by an African Living Abroad 1. Lambadina – Ethiopia/USA 2. Skinned – Liberia/USA 3. LAPD African Cop – USA/Nigeria 4. Boxing Day – USA/Nigeria 5. MONA – Nigeria/UK F. AMAA 2016 Award for Best Diaspora Short 1. Lines - USA 2. Raptors - USA 3. Across The Track - USA 4. Reset -USA G. AMAA 2016 Award for Best Diaspora Documentary 1. Agents of Change- USA 2.Can You Dig This- USA 3. America’s Blues - USA 4. Spirits of Rebellion - USA H. AMAA 2016 Award for Best Diaspora Feature 1. America Is Still the Place - USA 2. Ben & Ara - USA 3. Luv Don’t Live Here - USA I. AMAA 2016 Award for Achievement In Production Design 1. The Cursed One - Ghana 2. Soldiers Story - Nigeria 3. Ayanda- South Africa 4. Missing God - Nigeria 5. Out of Luck- Nigeria J. AMAA 2016 Achievement in Costume Design 1. Eye of the storm 2. Oshimiri 3. The Cursed One 4. Ayanda 5. Soldiers Story K. AMAA 2016 Award For Achievement in Make-Up 1. Oshimiri 2. The Cursed One 3. Missing God 4. Soldiers Story L. AMAA 2016 Award for Achievement in Soundtrack 1. O-Town - Nigeria 2. Tell Me Sweet Something – South Africa 3. The Cursed One - Ghana 4. Hear me Move – South Africa 5. Le Pagne- Niger M. AMAA 2016 Award for Achievement in Visual Effect 1. Hear me Move - South Africa 2. Oshimiri - Nigeria 3. Stupid Movie – Nigeria 4. House Arrest – Uganda 5. Soldiers Story – Nigeria N. AMAA 2016 Award for Achievement in Sound 1. Eye of the Storm- Burkina Faso 2. Fifty - Nigeria 3. The Cursed One - Ghana 4. Behind Closed Doors - Morocco

5. Falling - Nigeria 6. Rebecca- Ghana O. AMAA 2016 Award for Achievement in Cinematography 1. The Cursed one 2. Eye of the Storm 3. Ayanda 4. Tell me Sweet Something 5. Fifty P. AMAA 2016 Award for Achievement in Editing 1. Behind Closed Doors 2. Rebecca 3. The Cursed One 4. Eye of the Storm 5. Hear me Move Q. AMAA 2016 Award for Achievement in Screen Play 1. The Cursed One 2. Tell me Sweet Something 3. The Visit 4. Eye of the Storm 5. Beyond Blood R. AMAA 2016- Rivers State Government Endowed Award for Best Nigerian Film 1. Beyond Blood 2. Dry 3. Fifty 4. Missing God 5. Falling 6. O’Town S. AMAA 2016 Award for Best Young/Promising Actor 1. Nyanso Dzedze – Hear Me Move 2. Ophelia Klenam Dzidzornu – The Cursed One 3. Zubaidat Ibrahim Fagge – Dry 4. Ifu Ennada – O’Town 5. Eve Esin – Oshimiri T. AMAA 2016 Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role 1. Joseph Otsiman – The Cursed One 2. Uti Nwachukwu – Breathless 3. Abidine Dioari – Eye of the Storm 4. Odunlade Adekola – Taxi Driver 5. Kenneth Nkosi – Ayanda 6. Thomas Gumede- Tell Me Sweet Something U. AMAA 2016 Award For Best Actress in a Supporting Role 1. Thishiwe Ziqubu – Tell me Sweet Something 2. Maureen Okpoko – Missing God 3. Ijeoma Grace Agu – Jimi Bendel/ Taxi Driver 4. Bontte Modiselle – Hear Me Move 5. Nthati Moshesh – Ayanda 6. Linda Ejiofor– Out of Luck V. AMAA 2016 Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role 1. Oris Erhuero – The Cursed One 2. OC Ukeje – Ayanda 3. Fragass Assande – Eye of the Storm 4. Masego ‘Maps’ Maponyane – Tell me Sweet Something 5. Daniel k. Daniel – Soldiers Story 6. Biuferi Yakoubi – La Pagne W. AMAA 2016 Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role 1. Zineb Odeib – Behind Closed Doors 2. Adesua Etomi- Falling 3. Fulu Mugovhani – Ayanda 4. Maimouna N’Daiye – Eye of the Storm 5. Iretiola Doyle, Dakore Egbuson, Nse Ikpe Etim, Omoni Oboli – Fifty 6. Nomzamo Mbatha – Tell me Sweet Something X. AMAA 2016 Award for Best First Feature Film By A Director 1. MONA - Anthony Abuah 2. Beyond Blood – Greg Odutayo 3. 8 Bars and A Clef- Chioma Onyenwe Y. AMAA 2016 Award for Best Director 1. Nana Obiri-Yeboah- The Cursed One 2. Biyi Bandele- Fifty 3. Sekou Toure- Eye of the Storm 4. Sara Blecher- Ayanda 5. Moussa Hamadou Djingarey- La Pagne 6. Stephanie Linus - Dry 7. Akin Omotoso - Tell me Sweet Something 8. Mohammed Ahed Bensouda – Behind Closed Doors Z. AMAA 2016 Award for Best Film 1. The Cursed One - Ghana 2. Fifty – Nigeria 3. Eye of the Storm - Burkina Faso 4. Ayanda – South Africa 5. La Pagne- Niger 6. Dry – Nigeria 7. Tell me Sweet Something- South Africa 8. Behind Closed Doors- Morocco

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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 • MAY 21, 2016

EVENT

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he presentation of the book From Machine Boy to Managing Director, the biography of Mr. Felix Ogbeyewebor Osifo, former Executive Director of UAC Plc and Chairman of Osiquip Nigeria Limited took place recently at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos.

Authored by Prof. Hope Eghagha, literary scholar and former commissioner in Delta State, the book was reviewed at the occasion by Mr. Sam Omatseye, Chairman of the Nation newspaper editorial board. It was also a day of encomiums and accolades for Osifo as his children pulled all stops to celebrate the life of the man they referred to as “an extra-ordinary father and grandfather.” Chief Philip Asiodu, the Izoma of Asaba and one-time economic adviser to former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo chaired by the occasion which attracted dignitaries from far and near including Chief Arthur Mbanefo, the Odu of Onitsha, Chief Michael Omolayole, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, former Foreign Affairs Minister of Nigeria, Dr John Abebe, HRM, Dr Ezeawu Ezenwali, the Obi of Umunede and Hon. Anthony Elekeokwuri, who represented the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Photographs by Kolawole Alli.

Ifeanyi Okowa.

L-R: Dr. Ezeawu Ezenwali; Celebrant and former Executive Director, UACN, Pa Felix Matthew Ogboyewebor Osifo; and his wife, Beatrice

L-R: Chief Arthur Mbanefo; former Permanent Secretary and Chairman of the occasion, Chie f Phillip Asiodu

Mr. Michael Omolayole (left) and Mr. Felix Ohiwerei

Mr. Chike Nwanze (left) and Chief John Edozien

Chief Gabriel O. Egbule (left) and Chief Augustine Aghauher

Ambassador Oladapo Fafowora (left) and Prof. Frank Okoisor

Mr. Emmanuel Efeni (left) and Prof. Hope Eghagha

Ms. Benita Osifo (left) and Ms. Elizabeth Osifo

L-R: Cordelia Ukwuoma; Nkechi Ali-Balogun; and Elizabeth Iwuchukwu

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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 • MAY 21, 2016

EVENT

L-R: Prof. Bolaji Akiyemi; and Chief and Mrs. Joe Idudu

Barr. Andrew Emefune (left) and Dr. John Abebe

L-R: Col. Jinmi and Mrs. Folake Osisanya; and Ms Benedikter Molokwu

Mr. Pat Okpuzor (left) and Mr. Emmanuel Ijewere

Mr. Andrew O. Emeri (left) and Chief Francis Ozomah

Mr. Victor Banjo (left) and Sam Omatseye

Mr. Bolaji O. Banjo (left) and Chief Law Anyafulu

Mr. Onwa Chuma Idika (left) and Mr. Emma Osifo

Mr. Ebenezer Osifo (left) and Mr. Joel Omonze.

Engr. Sola Erinle (left) and Chief Ezekiel Ainabe

L-R: Hon. and Mrs. Anthony Elekeokwuri and Mr.Kenneth Nkenchor

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THISDAY, THe SATurDAY NewSpAper • MAY 21, 2016

PERSPECTIVE Rivers State on the March Again Bruno Emenike

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n a matter of days, precisely May 27, Rivers state will be celebrating 49 years of its creation. It is a long walk full of the experiences of the valley and the exultations of the mountaintop.

In its journey to this age, it earned the sobriquet of the Garden City. It became a metaphor for the beauty of the city; its cleanliness, hospitality and appreciation for the inherent spirit of nobility of its people.

It was difficult for cities of worth to be mentioned in Nigeria and not to mention Rivers state, its capital, Port Harcourt, in particular.

While administrators and governors came and went, it was apparent that the city was witnessing a mixed bag of fortunes.

However, the most telling decline of the state could be situated in the last eight years, where unfortunately so, the city became synonymous with scavenging, traffic snarls, decay of social infrastructure and an embittered populace. In short, Rivers state was like a patient waiting for its final rites of passage.

It was this comatose state that Nyesom Wike took over as governor on May 29, 2015. It is a trite fact that the state in which Wike found was diseased – crime was on high, cult activities rife, paralysed judicial system, abandoned infrastructure of which the Rivers monorail represents the classic archetype as well as a demoralized and non-performing civil service.

For the ill-prepared, the state of anomie could have been reason enough to baulk, pass the buck and make excuses. It is also instructive to state that given the tenuous propaganda waged by the government that was just swept away by the tidal wave of the Peoples Democratic Party, there were more than enough distractions for the new government.

For all its worth, it is a testimony to ike and his team’s commitment that they remained focused with their eyes on “the sparrows”

and one year on could point to concrete strides of development.

For one, the absence of structure for social justice is recipe for anarchy and places huge burden on the true intent of such an administration. With the people denied the opportunity of prompt and impartial justice and arbitration by the Rotimi Amaechi government for more than a year, it was a priceless burden lifted off the shoulders of the Rivers people and all those who reside in the state when in less than three months of his assumption that Governor Wike reopened the courts, appointed a Chief Judge of the state within the stipulated regulations of the National Judicial Council and followed that with the hosting of a conference of the Nigeria Bar Association.

The governor did not just reopen the courts but is aware that for proper administration of justice, befitting court rooms are an integral part of the whole mix. To this end, it is to his credit that the Federal High Court annex has been expanded, the demolition of the old Obio Customary Court and in its place a more ennobling structure housing the state Customary Court of Appeal with accommodation for more customary courts.

Notwithstanding the gross shortfall in federal allocation, Wike has continued to earn the trust and commendation of the people of Rivers state as he continues to complete ongoing projects of which two are federal road projects.

His continuation of projects inherited from his predecessor places him above the pettiness of those who had vacated the office as they have continually tried to obfuscate his efforts though malicious press statements and surreptitiously create an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.

To his credit, the governor has ‘brought to life’ the critical NPA-Industry road as well as the Eleme Junction axis of the East West Road which are beside the 50 other roads completed by his administration in four urban local government areas.

It is worth mentioning that the federal roads are undertaken by the administration are the Igwurita-Chokocho- Etche federal

ing only N5 billion monthly, but we have the political will and dedication to reconstruct the roads.

“This is because we are committed to our social contract with the people of Etche and Igwurita. This marks the end of suffering for Etche people. We are replicating this reality across Rivers State.”

Aware of the fact that there is a nexus between roads and accommodation, it was much of a relief to workers when he commissioned 50 units of higher low income flats at the Iriebe Housing Estate in Obio/ Akpor local government area of the state.

The houses, which are the first in the comprehensive housing programme of the Wike-led administration, are to be sold to the people at affordable prices without any profit to government. Beside these, the government has demonstrated that it is not a unidirectional one as it has settled the issue of salaries and pension arrears while making a commitment to labour in the state to work closely with it to get the best of the workforce.

Already, the flowers are budding again in the Garden City, refuse heaps have disappeared while there is greater collaboration with the various security apparatus despite some attempts at the federal level by some yesterday’s power brokers from the state.

For Wike, serving the people is a binding social contract, one not only guaranteed by the constitution but a covenant of God to serve well and diligently. Without doubt, his training as a lawyer may have prepared him to abide by the time honoured principle of mutual fidelity and one can only say that the Rivers people will be better for it.

True to his words on his inauguration, “Rivers State has been rescued and reclaimed. It is a new day in our history, a new dawn to repair and restore our dear State to the path of sanity. I invite you all to the table of brotherhood for the new beginning.

I reiterate my declaration that in the election there were no losers and winners. Rather, Rivers State was the winner and so we are all winners.”

––Emenike wrote in through bruno-

Wike

highway which shaves off a princely N400 million monthly from the state’s allocation to cover the N2.4 billion cost.

Residents and road users are agreed that the Igwurita- Chokocho- Etche Federal Highway is arguably one of the worst roads in the state. The deplorable nature of this road has crippled business activities along the axis.

Speaking at the flag-off of the reconstruction, the governor said, “We believe that politics is about the welfare of the people.

This road is critical to the people of Etche and their Igwurita neighbours. It is vital to their economies; hence we have resolved to complete it in a record time of six months.

“I agree that this is a federal road, but we cannot sit and allow our people suffer. We will construct this road to the satisfaction of our people. We will pay Setraco N400 million monthly through IGR to ensure work goes on regularly till the completion of this project.”

The curious nature of Wike’s intervention is in the fact that former governor Rotimi Amaechi hails from Ikwerre local government area which the road serves.

It is therefore understandable when Wike said: “When they were in power, they were receiving over N20 billion monthly, but they refused to do the road. Today, we are receiv-

Ekweremadu Reiterates Call for Decentralised Policing Olaoluwakitan Babatunde

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he Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has reiterated the call of decentralised policing and reinforcement of the federal police to help combat the nation’s security challenges.

He made the call in Abuja yesterday while decorating one of his newly

promoted security aides, Mr. Uchenna Igwebuike, with the rank of Deputy Supretendent of Police.

Ekweremadu, who commended the Police for rewarding hardwork through the promotion, however observed that Nigeria could no longer afford to do the same thing continually and expect a different result. He said unitary police, which the country currently operates, was out of sinc with a federal arrangement.

He said: “First of all, let me say that

I am happy with this promotion. It shows that hard work pays and this is the reward for hard work. The officer has showed exemplary dedication to his work; he has been a true professional. So, he deserves this promotion and I also believe that the sky is his limit in his chosen profession.

“All the same, I still hold my view that in addition to the central police, which we have today, we need other levels of policing.

States, local governments, and possibly other major institutions should be able

to have their own police that is well coordinated.

“But, in the interim, we need to ensure efficiency in the central policing we have. We need to ensure that they are equipped, trained, and motivated to do the work they have been constitutionally empowered to do, while we explore modalities to work out the decentralised policing system for our country in tandem with all federal institutions all over the world”.

Ezem Cautions against Hijacking of Parties By Officials s the opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, holds two parallel conventions in Port-Harcourt and Abuja today, a chieftain of the party has cautioned against the continued hijacking of political parties by elected officials, to the detriment of party discipline and internal democracy.

This he noted, is responsible for the fissions which led to a breakaway from the party by a splinter group which subsequently culminated in the ouster of the party during the 2015 presidential election.

Former Chairman of the PDP in Abia State, Architect Benson Ezem who was speaking to newsmen in Abuja yesterday, noted that the scant regard of elected officials at various levels was

responsible for the travails of the party today. He noted that even the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has also slides into the same manner of impunity and injustice, which was the Achilles heel of the PDP. Ezem, an industrialist and former senatorial aspirant in Abia North Senatorial zone, who said that he recently conceded the party’s chairmanship position in Abia State for the sake of peace and party unity, noted that disregard for the principle of party supremacy harbours dire negative implications for Nigeria’s democracy. ”There is a wrong approach in the running of political parties in this country; a governor comes in and becomes the leader of the party in his state.

“The leadership of political parties is supposed to be separate from those who are contesting elections because they provide the platform for contestants to ride on for elections; it should not mean that the platform must become your property once you win

an election.

“Having the President and governors as leader of the party is a wrong seed planted in this republic; it was not like that during the UPN/NPN days, the party was strong, there was party supremacy and they can call anybody in the party to order.

According to the party chieftain, whose business interests traverse real estate, hospitality and manufacturing businesses, he would rather concentrate on his businesses, while also making his experience and goodwill available in the pursuit of reconciliation of factions in his party, rather than fighting those who manipulated to deprive his local government area of the Abia state PDP chairmanship position that was earlier zoned to it.

Emphasizing that lack of party discipline fosters various forms of impunity by those elected into executive positions in government, Architect Ezem urged Nigeria’s political elites to strengthen

Nigeria’s democracy by evolving processes for effective intra-party discipline and a sense of sacrifice among leaders. “However, impunity is wrong, especially when it has been allowed to go on for so long because now, you will be fighting an arrangement that most of these people benefited from.

“The implications are not for PDP alone but for politics and democracy in this country; party leadership must be different from those elected into political offices.

“There must be party discipline by party leaders who must be firm men who have the fear of God, not contractors or people who go cap in hand to beg those in government for contracts.

“Now, nobody disciplines anybody and it is not right; it has implications for our democracy and it is part of reasons why you are seeing allegations of impunity, including billions of naira changing hands from the presidency to some chosen people in the party,” he added.

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THISDAY, THe SATurDAY NewSpAper • MAY 21, 2016

PERSPECTIVE

Obaseki Declares for Edo Guber Race, Says Oshiomhole’s Developmental Projects Must be Sustained Simeon Uzo, Benin City

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t was like a carnival in Benin City the ancient city, last Friday when the governorship aspirant of the All progressives Congress (APC) in Edo state and chairman of the Economic Team of the state government, Mr Godwn Obaseki declared his ambition to run for the governorship of Edo state. The traditional Urhokpota hall, at Ring Road was filled with thousands of APC supporters as they sing ‘Obaseki u na we want’, ‘Oshiomhole u do well’. The number of APC leaders across the three senatorial districts of the state was unprecedented.

It will be recalled that Obaseki who was supposed to declare his ambition on the 29th of April, 2016, decided to shelve it in honour of the demise of the revered Benin monarch, Oba Erediauwa and his respect for the traditional institution eventually paid off when he finally declared last Friday. His flag off coincided with day the members of the peace committee led by Prince Olagusoye Oyinlola was in the city to reconcile Governor Adams Oshiomhole and his deputy, Dr Pius Odubu.

After attending the meeting where the governor was said to have tongue lashed his deputy over what he described as the media war against his person, allegedly perpetrated by the deputy and his supporters, leaders of the party headed straight to the Urhopoka hall to unleash their support for Obaseki.

To tell his opponents that he was fully ready for the race, Obaseki announced the state Commissioner for Works, Osarodion Ogie, a lawyer, to head his campaign. The announcement received a thunderous applause due to the fact that Ogie, one of Oshiomhole’s political war lords, decided to abandon his governorship ambition to support Obaseki as directed by his political god father Oshiomhole. The Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mrs Elizabeth Ativie, led other members of the state House of Assembly to endorse Obaseki.

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 endorsed Obaseki 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 my 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 endorse Obaseki on behalf of members of the Governor Adams Oshiomhole Political family, said they will not embark on any hate campaign because “we have a good produce. 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 endorsed Obaseki and the game has just began”. Oshiomhole had told his party leaders of his preference for Obaseki whom he believed has the capacity to continue his developmental projects despite the economic hardship being faced by Nigerians.

Though his preference for Obaseki did not go down well with some leaders initially but as it seems, most of them have not keyed into the project. However an over joyed Obaseki who expressed his appreciation for the support he received from the people said he decided to join the governorship race to consolidate on the positive achievements of the Oshiomhole led administration.

According to him, “The government of Comrade Oshiomhole undertook one of the greatest revolutions in Education in Nigeria by reconstructing and rebuilding over 50% of primary school infrastructure and over 30% of our secondary school infrastructure within a space of 7 years. We can all bear witness to this Red Roof Revolution. Almost 1,000Km of roads have been constructed statewide, including those roads past governments claimed were plagued by marine spirits (mami water) at Teachers House, Uwelu, Asoro, Queen Ede just to name a few. The ongoing Storm water drainage project was the answer to flooding challenges created by decades of poor urban planning by past governments. In a couple of months, the new 200 bed wing of the central hospital would make Edo State home to one of the most advanced accident and emergency units in Nigeria. As a result of the reforms in governance and improvement in infrastructure undertaken by the current administration, Edo State is 5 now poised to be a hub for investment in Nigeria.

“This is obvious from the almost $2 billion investments which have come in from the Azura Power Plant in Ihovbor/ Orhior/ Idunmowina Communities in Uhunwode LGA; Over $1 Billion is being invested in a 6 Million MT cement factory in Estako East LGA by the Dangote Group; Fresh investments

by Rubber Estate of Nigeria Ltd (RENL) and Presco Plc in massive Rubber plantations and processing factories in Orhionmwon LGA As you know, electricity and cement are some of the key building blocks for industrialization and job creation. These investment portend a lot hope for jobs and social stability of Edo State. However all these strides are still

Obaseki declaration for governorship in Edo State

Obaseki being declared by Edo Speaker House of Assembly, Ativie

fragile and they need to be consciously strengthened and entrenched. The good news is that what has been achieved by the present administration are the result of painstaking planning done by my Team. We have a design and template for Edo State beyond the life of the current administration. As the life of this administration comes to an end, we are faced with new challenges. Today, low price of crude oil has reduced the amount of foreign exchange Nigeria earns and our economy is in bad shape. Edo state now gets a lot less from the Federation Account . Consequently, our reality today is Nigeria has to take severe measures in order to fix its economic and social challenges. And Edo State is not an exception. 6 In the face of this challenge, we need leadership with fresh and original ideas to take on these new challenges, so that we can build on and deepen the successes of the current administration.

“There is only one course of action- we must be courageous and determined, we must build on and extrend the successes of the current administration to achieve the aspirations of Edo State. I stand before you today on the shoulder of the success of the Comrade Governor. Over the last 7.5 years we have transformed Edo State and achieved what was said to be impossible, however the Edo Project is still a work in progress and we are at the most delicate part of this journey. We cannot afford any reversals or slowdown in the pace of the achievements we have made to date.

There is a lot more that still has to be done- we still have to construct thousands of kilometers of road into rural communities and farms; scores of schools still need to be renovated; we need to further strengthen our service delivery to our people by training and equipping our civil service; we need to address the issue of massive unemployment especially amongst our youths by providing sustainable jobs; we need to give our people more and better access to healthcare if fact there is still so much more to be done. It will be a huge risk for all of us if we revert political power to those who lack deep understanding of how to link the achievements of the last 7 years with the current situation in Nigeria. “ What Edo State needs today is someone who has the capacity to raise and access the investments required to build on the past in order to realize the vision. I am very proud and happy that I have been an integral part of the success and challenges of the last 7 years. The knowledge I have garnered in the last 7.5yrs puts me in a unique position to understand what is required to take Edo State to the next level. After 7.5years in the policy cockpit of Edo State, I believe I can fly Edo State higher What Edo needs today is a leader who in

addition to political sagacity, has the managerial and intellectual experience to manage the State of Affairs in the difficult and precarious situation we find ourselves. It would be a sin against God and my people to walk away from Edo State with all the knowledge and understanding I have gathered over the last 7.5yrs. It would be unpatriotic not to stand up to be counted because as the saying goes, “When the going gets tough, only the tough get going”. . After over 30 years of successful experience in the Private Sector, over 7 years working in the most successful administration Edo State in recent time; with a childhood forged in the warmth, rich and enduring culture of Edo, with education obtained at home and abroad and with the blessings of God; I would like to put all of these attributes and resources at the disposal to serve my people in Edo State. 8 I have consulted extensively with elder statesmen, professional colleagues, my colleagues in Government across board, family and friends, political acquaintances in our great party and delegates in our 192 wards.

I stand before you committed to ensuring that the great work that has commenced and successes recorded in our efforts to build an economically viable and formidable Edo state is not only achieved but sustained so that we can provide a guaranteed future for our children, empowerment for our women, happy retirement days for Pensioners, access to capital for our farmers, improved conditions of service for the Civil Service, modern markets for our traders, skills development for our artisans, finance for small and medium scale businesses and deeper involvement of the Traditional Institutions in our collective development agenda.

“I therefore formally announce that I will be seeking the ticket of the All People’s Congress (APC) during the Party Nomination Congress to fly the flag of APC come September 10, 2016 with a pledge to build an Edo State that has a strong and resilient economy; to provide jobs for our teeming youth and fulfill our social aspirations as a people. I will continue the infrastructure revolution and expand the urban renewal and housing efforts.

I will develop world class human resources by improving our educational institutions and make Edo a hub for healthcare in Nigeria. Power, Housing, agriculture and agro processing; mining and extractive industries including petrochemicals; and information technology will form the bedrock on which Edo State would grow its economy and generate jobs and industries.

I have set up a formidable organization to help me realize my ambition to be governor of Edo State” he stated.

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MAY 21, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

Project 114 Roads: Ambode Goes on Project Commissioning ‘Spree’

POLITY

The Project 114 Roads was conceived by the Akinwunmi Ambode administration in Lagos State as part of efforts to improve infrastructure in the state. A week to his first year in office, Ambode spent five days commissioning projects scattered across the state. Adejobi Adebayo reports.

W

hen Akinwunmi Ambode took over the mantle of leadership ofLagos State, he knew failure was not an option. And one thing that has worked for him and saved him from hawks of critics is that he chose to pick his priorities. He never deluded himself that he could do everything. The two areas he has picked up were infrastructure and security. Though his handlers say it does not mean that other sectors will suffer.

But it seems deeper than that. Ambode seemed to have also realised that for any impact of his efforts at repositioning the state could be felt, he had to involve the local governments as well as the local council development areas. That was why each local government and LCDA was told to construct at least two roads per each local government in the first phase of the road construction scheme.

And as the local council bosses settled down, it has been project commissioning galore for Ambode. And that is why in the last 11 months, every local government in the state has felt the impact of the present administration through one project or the other.

“From upgrade of road infrastructure to schools’ upgrade as well as street light projects, the wind of change blowing through the state is fast sweeping across all the 20 local governments and 37 LCDAs,” and aide of the governor told THISDAY during the week.

Speaking on the 114 LG roads, Ambode said “the feat is unprecedented in the history of Lagos and this has provided employment to over 9,000 citizens directly and indirectly within the year. Counterpart funding of more than 60% has been committed by the state to ensure speedy completion of the exercise before the end of June, 2016.”

As part of plans to mark his one year in office, series of projects, including those executed by the local and state government, were commissioned across the 57 councils and LCDAs. For five days, the governor, represented by some of his aides, was on the road commissioning projects.

On Monday May16, the train moved to Apapa, Ajeromi, Kosofe, Ikorodu and Badagry local governments. At Apapa Local Government, the projects commissioned by the governor included nine roads within the Apapa Business District, an ultra-modern Liverpool Jetty, 12 blocks of classrooms at Methodist Nursery and Primary School and four blocks of classrooms at Arakan Barracks Nursery and Primary School with standard facilities such as modern toilets, sick bay, furniture, ceiling fans, ramps to accommodate the physically challenged, among others. Roads commissioned were Marine Road, Bombay Crescent, Randle Road, Ibikunle Akintoye Street, Commercial Road, Burma Road, Plateau Road, Zeek Avenue, Marine Road Extension and Connector Road; otherwise known as Bombay Crescent to Calcutta Road Phase III. The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, said the projects were in sync with his promise of running an all-inclusive government where no area would be left behind.

The next stop was Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government where an ultra-modern court complex and a 360-meter interlocking road with drainage situated in Aduke Street were commissioned. In Ikorodu, Ambode was represented by the Commissioner for the Environment, Hon. Babatunde Adejare, and projects commissioned included Ota-Ona Dual Carriage Road as well as block of classrooms in Agbede.

At Badagry, Ambode was represented by the Special Adviser on Education, Obafela BankOlemo, who dedicated a block of 16 classrooms and another block of eight classrooms, as well as six classrooms in Badagry West Local Council Development Area.

At Kosofe, Oluseye Oladejo, Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental

L-R: Representative of the Lagos State Governor, Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Prince Anofi Elegushi (middle), with Principal, Lagos Progressive Senior High School, Surulere, Mrs. Otuyele Adenike; Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development. Engr. Adebowale Akinasanya; Executive Secretary, Surulere Local Government, Mrs. Bamidele Hussain and Principal, Lagos Progressive Junior Secondary School, Surulere, Mrs. Santos Anjorin during the commissioning of Block of 18 Classrooms with modern facilities at Lagos Lagos Progressive Senior High School, Surulere Local Government...yesterday

Relations, represented the governor and road projects commissioned included Oladele, Shoyebi and Ademola Taiwo/Alamu Taiwo/ Ogunsola Streets.

At Ifako- Ijaye Local Government, Ambode was represented by the Commissioner for Tourism and Culture, Folorunsho Folarin Coker, and he commissioned Oluwasijibomi, Folorunsho Streets and Iju Primary Health Care Centre. He said the era of spending tax payers’ money on white elephant projects not needed by the people was gone in the state. He added that the state has experienced improved physical and urban development, proper land administration and illumination of its highways and streets.

Of special importance was the Mosan Okunola Mini Water Works which has been abandoned for over two decades. The project was completed and commissioned by the governor. Mrs. Aramide Giwanson, Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, said the state now has 33 Mini Waterworks and five Major Waterworks.

Giwanson said the administration of Ambode was on a steady journey to achieve the daily production of 540 million gallons of water to meet the demand of about 22 million people of the State, adding that presently, the state is producing 210 million gallons of water per day.

A community leader and pioneer chairman of Mosan Okunola LCDA, Elder Abel Gbadejo, said that just in less than a year in office, Governor Ambode has performed creditably well, adding that the water project would improve the life style of people in the area because water is very important.

In Oshodi Isolo Local Government Area, the governor commissioned the popular Brown Street, Okota Road in Isolo and a police post in Ejigbo Local Council Development Area of the State. It must be noted that Brown Street had been in dilapidated form for years until the state government awarded the contract to Messrs Lubrik Construction Company Limited in October last year to rehabilitate and upgrade the road.

In continuation of his commitment to security of lives and property in the state, the governor also commissioned the rehabilitated

Ashamu Police Post in Ailegun, Ejigbo and handed it over to the police. Area Commander of the police post, Salisu Gyadigyadi, who represented the state police commissioner, Fatai Owoseni, while commending the governor, said the importance of citing the police post at Ailegun could not be over-emphasised as it would checkmate criminal activities around the area and to checkmate the influx of undesirable element in Ejigbo and Ijegun areas.

In Amuwo Odofin Local Government, Ambode was represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Lola Akande, and she handed over 10 passengers capacity fibre boats to Riverine Communities in local government as well as Oriade Local Council Development Area in Ijegun Jetty to aid in conveying school teachers working in riverine area.

In Oshodi Isolo Local Government Area, the Governor commissioned the popular Brown Street, Okota Road in Isolo and a Police Post in Ejigbo Local Council Development Area of the State.

Brown Street had been in dilapidated form for years until the Lagos State Government awarded the contract to Messrs Lubrik Construction Company Limited in October, 2015 to rehabilitate and upgrade the road. The road, with a length of 690metres has the economic importance of improving the standard of living in the area, enhance property values, abate flooding in the area, improve traffic flow and shorter travel time for road users. Speaking at the commissioning of the road, Ambode, who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Muslim Folami, said he had promised during his inauguration to run a government of inclusion that would not leave anyone behind and where everyone would have a voice.

Also at the commissioning of Usman Mogaji Road in Ajangbadi, the governor advised the residents to make good use of the road and ensure they pay their taxes as at when due. A chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Ayo Ogunlana, commended Ambode for the laudable strides he has recorded in just 11 months in office.

In Amuwo Odofin Local Government, the Governor who was represented by the

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Lola Akande formally handed over 10 passengers’ capacity fibre boats to Riverine Communities in Amuwo Odofin Local Government and Oriade Local Council Development Area in Ijegun Jetty to aid in conveying school teachers based in riverine areas.

In Epe, the governor, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Community and Communications, Kehinde Bamigbetan, commissioned projects which include blocks of classroom at St. Theresa’s College, Oke-Oyingbo, a Town Hall at Ita-Opo, Epe and Regional Water Scheme, Otta-Ikosi, while in Eti-Osa, the 1.9km Unity/1st Avenue Osapa London Road in Eti-Osa Local Government and block of 16 classrooms with modern facilities at Kuramo Primary School in Iru-Victoria Island LCDA. The governor also inaugurated the Job Registration and Labour Exchange Centre for the Lagos Division in Eti-Osa Local Government as part of the employment creation and wealth generation initiative of his administration. In Shomolu Local Government, Ambode commissioned a Primary Health Centre and Diagnosis Centre named after him and a 400-metre road in Bariga Local Council Development Area.

Speaking while inaugurating the Primary Health Care Centre (PHC), Governor Ambode, who was represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Art and Culture, Mrs Adebimpe Akinsola, said that the Centre would cater for the health needs of residents and reduce the incidences of maternal mortality.

He said the 400metres of Baptist Church Street would link several communities in the area, even as he warned against destruction of the roads by plumbers and other artisans.

While it is commendable what the governor has been able to do in one year, especially in the area of road construction, a resident of Ifako Ijaye Local Government, Adefemi David, said focus should also be on roads that have not been constructed before at all. He said he noticed that what has been happening was rehabilitation instead of outright tarring of roads that have not been tarred before. He said this is what the people will feel most as there are areas where people feel their roads might never be tarred.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 21, 2016

POLITY

As Lamido Declares for Presidency Ugo Ben-Nwauzor

F

or the first time in Nigeria’s history, it appears democracy has come to stay after 17 years of uninterrupted civil rule. With the defeat of an incumbent president by an opposition candidate, it is also safe to say that it can only get better, as the country gradually deepens its democracy. Therefore, Nigerians who for years shied away from active participation in politics are beginning to have a rethink and many are considering giving shots at elective positions in the next election cycle of 2019.

For these aspiring politicians, they must realize that subtle campaigns in this modern age of electioneering and technology have to start early due to the expense and logistics in running. Politics requires time, money, people and dedication. Candidates who wait too long to enter a race can often jeopardize valuable early support, especially from the ‘political establishment ‘stakeholders’, ‘founding fathers’, ‘elder statesmen’, ‘traditional rulers’, ‘civil societies’, ‘religious rulers’, and the prophet Mbakas. In addition, the earlier you start, the more likely you are going to be able to raise the funds for ‘stomach infrastructure’, ‘empowerment programs’ and ‘mobilization activities’ necessary to win.

The career and experienced politicians understand these facts. Most recently, former governor Sule Lamido became the first to declare his intent to run for the presidency in 2019 under the platform of PDP. While the uninitiated or the naïve may think he is jumping the gun even as President Buhari is yet to settle down in his first four year term, others are already scrambling their “fighter jets”. Whether some of these jets will include the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), we can only but speculate at this time. But the fact remains that Lamido knows his onions, especially with the national convention of his party coming up soon in Port Harcourt. His early declaration is quite strategic and a warning to his potential contenders, both in his party and, for the ruling party, APC. However, making the final decision to run for an office does not mean you have to announce immediately as the former governor of Jigawa has done. It only means you need to get organized. The first steps you take are crucial as potential voters, the media, party establishment, volunteers, and donors will closely watch and judge your initial candidacy.

Therefore, the following is an initial list of steps for any candidate, to take before INEC blows the whistle and they kick-off their campaigns with momentum.

Step 1 Discuss your ambition with your family The first step is to discuss your potential candidacy with your family. You will need their support to go the long haul as the impact of a political campaign can be financially and emotionally devastating to family life. Once you step your feet into the murky and muddy waters of politics, they are likely to get splashed with some of those muddy waters. Therefore, you must have them prepared and get your skins toughened.

Step 2: You sure can afford to run?

Do you have the time to devote for meetings even at odd hours of the night? While men may appear to have an advantage, as a woman do you?

That said, I strongly advocate that more women should get involved in our politics in order to make it more humane, less aggressive, less threatening and less intimidating.

A friend recently asked “Ben, are you suggesting a good husband should unleash his wife to attend those deadly

opponents, your potential negatives, and estimate of number and demographics of registered voters. These, will help you plan your campaign strategy.

Lamido

mid-night, early morning meetings with drunken Nigerian politicians without morals?” Now, if a good wife can unleash the husband, I think a good husband should be able to, as well. However, my question to the woman is, can you stand and be able to call out such drunken male politicians without morals or lack respect for womanhood? Yes you can.

I would also assume that a woman of over 45 years, a single woman, a woman with grown up children may have more time at her disposal for active politics.

Secondly, if you are in business, you must be able to afford the time away from your business financially. If you are an employee will you be granted a leave of absence or not? Will your salary continue or not? If you are a civil servant you may have to determine the most strategic time to resign your appointment and go head on into the political ring.

Step 3: Make a good decision to run & Get a Party’s Membership Card Here are a few questions to consider: Can you win? Do you have a name recognition? Can you raise enough money? Is this the year? “The vision is for an appointed time”, says the Holy Book. So, is this the appointed time? Is the incumbent vulnerable? Does your constituency or State vote APC or PDP? Is there a large swing vote in the area? Any leadership crisis within the political platforms? What are the political values of those constantly decamping in and out of the party you are eyeing?

Finally, get a party’s membership card, if you do not have one already.

Step 4: Host an Exploratory “inner circle” Committee Meeting You will need to involve the right people who will be working closely with you in making the decision to run. People who will share commitment to the goals of the campaign. So, host a small gathering of friends in your home to pitch the idea of running and what kind of support might be available. You must keep in mind that good attendance does not equate to support.

If they want you to run, they should ask you tough questions, be impressed with your answers and be excited about your possible campaign. Some may not want to hurt your feelings especially if you are a really ‘big man’, therefore assess their body language, look at the shift in their eyes, listen for hesitation and doubt in their voices. Maybe they are struggling to say you should not run. And finally before they leave, ask for a “yes” or “no” answer if you should run and don’t forget to ask if they are willing to make significant commitment to the campaign.

Step 5: Do an evidence-based Survey Recruit an independent researcher or consultant to do a poll within the constituency you intend to run. The results will give you significant insights on what issues are topical in the minds of the potential voters, the biggest liability for your

Step 6: Please, update your CV Much of a campaign’s written material includes personal and professional data from the candidate’s background.

Therefore, you should update your resume. This will make it easier when it gets to designing commercials, campaign literature materials for the media and other stakeholders. This must be accurate because both traditional and social media and your opponents will certainly comb every detail for inaccuracies and exaggeration. Scrutinize your Wikipedia entries.

Don’t just leave the job to your aides else you end up paying dearly. You may want to ask a former Aviation Minister, Stella Oduah about her Wikipedia entry. In addition, don’t forget to do an online audit of any negative stories about you and immediately activate corrective measure well ahead of time. Do not bank on the “fire brigade” approach.

Step 7: Master why you are running You must define your rationale for seeking the particular office. Does it make sense? Can you make a difference? You must articulate why you want to run and know your reasons for running both on paper and at the back of your mind at all times. Nigerians are angry and tired of promises never fulfilled by politicians. So, you must go beyond the bogus “promised land” if you cannot define its meaning.

Step 8: Find the key team members The first persons you need to join you on the campaign trail are a visionary strategist, an accountant and a lawyer. They must know or quickly learn the electoral laws and other statutory requirements.

They must also be conversant with the constitution, ideologies and manifestoes of your political party platform.

Step 9: Raise seed money No campaign gets off the ground without the seed money to rent office space, buy office supplies, make posters, travels, entertainments etc. If you are running for a governorship or senatorial ticket you certainly need more money than for a House of Representative or House of Assembly.

Raising funds is actually one best way to “test the waters” on your candidacy.

So, do not throw in your personal funds this early otherwise they will “chop” you bankrupt, even before you start. For the first millions of naira, you have to make direct solicitation to friends, former school mates, and business associates. You need them to invest before strangers will. If you cannot create a list of at least 100 people to call for money you should probably bury the idea. You may need to organize an exclusive dinner for these 100 people to intimate them on your intent and seek for their financial support. It will be a disaster to count on money from your political party in the early stages because of the fierce special interests in the primary.

Party funds may come when you secure the party’s flag. However, with the ongoing searchlight on how PDP funded its last presidential campaign, you may want to put your eyes beyond free government funds. A big “Sherriff” is watching!

Step 10: Visit successful and failed Candidates and the ‘Stakeholders’ in your Constituency As a fist timer, learn from winners on how to run a successful campaign and how to be a good candidate. Also get insights from unsuccessful candidates to learn how not to run a failed campaign. This will save you valuable time, money and avoid costly mistakes. Remember to visit other “stakeholders” in your constituency and hopefully they won’t be too demanding.

Step 11: Organize your Kitchen Cabinet You need to form a sounding board for your ideas and to troubleshoot potential problems. They will make up your brain thrust or ‘soul’ of the campaign. Each must be smart, loyal and can take a “bullet” on your behalf. This group will help keep you grounded, be your ears to the whispers and allow you to discuss options frankly.

Schedule regular meetings to update them on your progress.

Step 12: Hire the right Campaign Manager Every campaign needs a manager. Your duties as a candidate are meeting voters and asking for money. You must remember that potential voters are drawn to candidates that are charismatic and accessible.

So devote your time to voters and let the manager handle almost everything else.

Your potential manager should be a man or a woman who has lots of energy, able to organize, determined, competent and has experience. Never allow nepotism, tribalism or religion to determine your pick.

Step 13: Write a Campaign Plan like a Business Entrepreneur A written campaign plan is one of the most neglected aspect of most of our campaigns. With the help of a political consultant develop a plan. This has to include key components of a budget, fund raising plan, organizational chart, media strategy, and implementation timeline. Set goals that are realistic and please do not plan to snatch electoral boxes.

Step 14: Publish and launch an Autobiography Write an autobiography or get someone paid to do it on your behalf. You must remember that most voters may not know who you really are, so begin with background information that defines who you are as a person. This will establish a lasting and impactful image that helps to convey your qualifications, values and passion.

In simple and concise words tell your story of personal and professional experiences including your birth, family, education, NYSC, previous and present occupation, extracurricular likes, community service activities, civic engagement, charity works, philanthropy, awards and any public service offices you have held.

Incorporate old photographs as supporting documentation for your skills and experiences and to fortify the words used to describe you.

Step 15: Make it official and hold a “Declaration of Intent” Party As the election cycle approaches, it is important to hold a small party to declare your intent. Do something different. Don’t go to the party’s secretariat to declare.

Everyone does that. Do something novel.

Maybe on a university campus, a great place to recruit young, energetic and nonviolent volunteers or at your city’s freedom square or at the gates of your State House of Assembly.

Plus 1: Finally, go for it and don’t forget to prepare both a Victory and a Concession Speech Once all is done, be determined to stay the course. Your opponents will come out swinging against you, throwing muds, friends and family will be dismayed at some things that will be said about you, the EFFCC may suddenly wake up and start inviting you for a chat, the DSS may come breaking your gate, and the road to victory or failure will be filled with many unforeseen potholes. Victory at the end is sweet, but if you lose, make the best use of your concession speech and shine!

––Ugo Ben-Nwauzor (PhD) is an analyst at AsoGates Strategies, a US & Nigerian Public Affairs Consulting Firm.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 21, 2016

POLITY

Amendment of NLNG Act: Right Step in Right Direction Chike Okeke

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he current debate following the Public Hearing on the proposed Amendment of the NLNG Act, to enable it begin to pay 3% of its total annual revenue to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), makes interesting reading.

In a full page advertorial by Prof.

Jasper F Jumbo, Chairman and Traditional Head of the Jumbo Major House of Bonny, one of the Landlords of the NLNG, published in a national newspaper on Tuesday May 10th 2016, it was exhaustively argued that “the Niger Delta Communities which the NLNG project should develop substantially are brazenly disinherited, underdeveloped and marginalized and have remained at the negative receiving end of NLNG’s growth over the years” Prof. Jumbo observed that the gestation period (pre and post operational holiday tenure) should have been fixed in that Act to read between 7 to 10 years and therefore supported the amendment of the NLNG Act, to incorporate fixed tenure of the tax holiday. It was his observation that gas gathering into the NLNG plant passes several Niger Delta communities, dislodging their traditional occupational skills of fishing and farming as well as neighborhood ecological sanctity and general well-being. It was therefore his contention that, in the light of contemporary development and ecological problems in Bonny, Soku, Obioafu, Obrikom and other gas supporting communities in Rivers and Niger Delta, the unspecified gestation period tax waver should no longer be allowed by the National Assembly to remain perpetual.

On the other hand, the Managing

Director of NLNG, Babs Omolowa, in his presentation at the Public Hearing, stated that it is vital for the Federal Government to respect the sanctity of agreements with investors, so Nigeria would not be seen as a Nation that breaks agreements. He stated that the “NLNG needs to be in position to support the region through being a successful Nigerian company bringing value to the Delta and the Nation in general, but that this would only be possible if the promises made to investors are not broken by amending the NLNG Act which will certainly portray the country as one that does not honor agreements”.

On analysis of the face value of the two sides of the argument, one sees some merit for each side. But on a scale of balancing, in good conscience and facing reality of the moment, it is clear that the argument of Prof. Jumbo for and on behalf of the host communities of NLNG is infallible. There is no place in the world where Agreements, Conventions or even Laws and Constitutions are static and not subject to amendments. The American and even our Nigerian Constitution have been amended many times and the present one, 1989 Constitution (as amended) is still undergoing further amendment.

There is therefore no reason why the NLNG Act should not be amended to reflect present realities. If, as its being complained of, that the level of application of resources for the development of the host communities of the NLNG is grossly inadequate, why shouldn’t the Act be amended, to make the goose that lays the golden eggs happy and be in a position to continue to lay the egg in a more convenient and comfortable environment?

Yes, the country may have reaped well over $33billion from its initial

investment of $2.5billion in the NLNG project, as disclosed by the MD of the NLNG at the Public Hearing. But the question still remains how much of these have gone into the development of the host communities? You cannot be paying taxes, royalties and other levies to the Federal Government for the development of all parts of Nigeria while the particular areas which bear the burden of the operations of the project are neglected, abandoned and deprived. If this was not so Prof. Jumbo would not have recommended that NLNG should assist in the equipping of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, the Niger Delta University in Bayelsa, the Federal Polytechnic Bonny, which at present have outmoded machines and facilities, and the Petroleum Training Institute (University) Warri, with modern state of the act machines and equipment. This

is in addition to provision of sound industry-level technological support for the otherwise displaced local youth, fisher folks and women subsistent farmers in the local communities.

An amendment to the NLNG Act will provide impetus to give more attention to these areas which may not have been factored in, at inception of the project.

Otherwise, youth restiveness in the area will continue. When this happens, will it be said that the main aim and objectives of setting up the NLNG has been achieved.

Definitely not. Our national policy thrust should indeed, be guided more by our local needs and realities than by pleasing external interest which care little or nothing about our survival and fortunes.

•Okeke, a political analysis writes from Abuja.

L-R: Synergy and Business Performance Analyst, Lafarge Africa Plc. Sharafa Onaolapo; Internal Communication Manager, Ginika Frank Durugbor and Production Coordinator, RMX, Kamoru Adediran, receiving his award for participating in the NSE corporate challenge held in Lagos... recently

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, Total Nigeria Plc, Mr. Alexis Vovk; winner of StartUpper of the year, Opeyemi Owosho; Chairman, First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika; and deputy managing director, Seep Water District, Total Exploration and Production, Ahmadu Musa Kida, at the presentation of Cheque to the winners of 2016 edition of the “StartUpper of the year by Total Plc in Lagos... recently

L-R: Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Olanrewaju Adigun Fagbohun; Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Education, Mr. Obafela Bank-Olemoh; and the Registral, Mr. Akinwunmi Lowies, during interactive on entrepreneurship and employability by the state ministry of Education, at the LASU campus, Ojo Lagos...yesterday Photo: Kola Olasupo

L-R: Charter President, Rotary Club of Ogudu GRA, Onikepo Oshodi; District Governor, Otunba Bola Onabadejo; World Class President, Rotary Club of Ogudu GRA, Rotn Fidel Ogwuazor; and past President Rotary Club of Ogudu/Assistant Governor, Bala Yesufu, at the 10th-year anniversary of Rotary Club of Ogudu GRA, held in Lagos at Protea Hotel Maryland Lagos

L-R: Founder/former CEO, Computer Warehouse Group Plc., Mr. Austin Okere; and the President of Rwanda, Mr. Paul Kagame, at the just-concluded 2016 ‘World Economic Forum Africa

T H I S D AY SATURDAY MAY 21, 2016

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • May 21, 2016

Media & Marketing

2016 ADVAN Conference: Innovation as Panacea for Crises Management

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he maiden marketers’ conference organised recently in Lagos by Advertiser Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) recorded a large turnout of marketers, their suppliers and other brand owners.

The event which was graced by the Information Minister, Alhaji Lai Mohammed also had Mr. Lampe Omoyele delivering the key note paper titled ‘Consumer Confidence Trends and Engagement’. Lampe who expressed concern about the current economic situation advised brands not to cut their advertising budget, but deploy innovative marketing strategies that would keep their brands top of the mind.

Lampe who is also the Managing Director of The Nielsen West Africa, a brands and marketing research company, strongly urged brands not to succumb to the temptation of cutting down on their marketing budgets despite internal and external pressures because they will ultimately make more gains.

Presenting a paper on ‘Consumer Confidence Trends and Engagement’, Lampe noted that since the third quarter of 2015, consumer confidence in the economy had dropped significantly, and it had dropped even further in the first quarter of 2016 due to nagging issues like devaluation, foreign exchange crisis, high inflation, budget delay and many others.

He also noted that his company’s research revealed that there was a general decline in job prospects and a reduced willingness to spend by most consumers.

Because of these challenges, he explains further, most households now prioritise their expenditures and are consistently cutting down on what they spend on.

Lampe also noted that, as expected, the sector that has had the worst hit is the FMCG, which is usually a major indicator for consumer confidence in any country. Most of the companies in the FMCG, he stressed, had reported losses. On the other hand, Alcoholic beverage brands, Telco brands and non-alcoholic beverage brands have all recorded some growth despite the drop in consumer confidence.

According to Omoyele, the growth in the alcoholic sector resulted from the natural tendency for alcoholic consumption during “down or low moments”. Telco companies, from his research, recorded growth because of the general attitude of Nigerians to talk and connect with family and friends regardless of the economic situation.

However, from his study, the growth in the soft drink segment was primarily driven by Coca-Cola’s ‘Share a Coke’ campaign which was a highly successful and inspiring marketing drive. Likewise, growth in the alcoholic segment has been largely driven by Nigerian Breweries. Diageo Nigeria was in a form of decline despite the acclaimed success of Orijin,

K

KASIE ABONE 08057511558 (sms only)

L-R: Alhaji Garba Bello Kankarofi, APCON Registrar; Mr David Okeme, President Advertisers Association of Nigerian (ADVAN) Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Hon Minister of Information and Culture and Mrs Johan Ihekwaba,General Manager Marketing UAC Foods Nigeria.At the 2016 Advertisers Association of Nigeria[ADVAN]Marketers Conference with the THEME; Connecting Brand Builders held at Sheraton hotel Ikeja

the rave of the moment alcoholic brand.

Lampe explained further that the key factor responsible for the growth of NB Plc was their acquisition of Consolidated Breweries which had a host of value brands. “So the growth was driven by the value brands,” he said.

This study’s INDEX- an acronym for Information through Disguised Experimentation- was gathered each quarter via survey of households and consumers opinion on current conditions and future expectations of the economy. And the current reverses in the economy according to the research and marketing expert, have been triggered by inflation and other macro-economic issues like fall in oil prices, delay in the passage of budget, static wages, loss of jobs etc.

Ultimately, Lampe warned that the FMCGs must begin to engage consumers in a positive way if they want to retain or even expand market share. “They must ensure they remain in touch with people consuming their brands, and they should do so through quality engagement” he admonished.

Also presenting a second lead paper on ‘key digital trends and opportunities for Advertisers’, Juliet Chiazor, Country Manager of Google Nigeria stressed that It was time brands start considering using digital platforms and tools for marketing if they

don’t want to go into extinction. Reinforcing this belief, she stated that whether brand owners like it or not, digital communication has come to stay so brands must learn how to utilise it properly. As part of her organisation’s contribution to this vital need for awareness, she announced that Google would be offering free digital training to five people from each member organisation of ADVAN. All through her lecture, Juliet spiced the presentation with different digital ads to project the level of growth and development of digital advertising in the last few years. She also pointed out the advantages of producing an ad basically for an online audience as against just transferring TV ad to the online medium.

There were two panels of discussants anchored by Chidi Okoro, MD of UAC Foods Plc; and Ugo Geri-Roberts, MD of Milward Brown Nigeria, to dissect various issues thrown up by the two main speakers. The panel included, Joan Ihekwaba, GM- Marketing, UAC Foods Nigeria; Kachi Onubogu, Commercial Director, Promasidor Ltd; Ken Onyeali Ikpe, MD/ CEO of Mediacom Nigeria; Fatai Odesile, Managing Director of Grand Oak Ltd, Bunmi Oke of 141 Communications and Obinna Anyalebechi, Consumer Marketing, Guinness Nigeria Plc. In their submission, they advised that

Kingdom Lottery Names Mr. Ibu Brand Ambassador ingdom Lottery has named Nollywood actor and comedian, Mr. John Okafor as its brand ambassador.

Okafor also known as Mr. Ibu was recently unveiled at an event held in Lagos. Mr. Ibu is expected to drive the Scratch and Win lottery which is already in play.

Speaking about the endorsement, Okafor’s Manager, Mr. Don Singles said the latest endorsement which is the forth in Mr. Ibu’s kitty underscores Okafor’s rising profile in Nigeria movie industry. According

with

to him, those who participate in the ongoing Kingdom Lottery ‘Scratch and Win’ draw stand a chance of winning one million Naira every month.

The prize money he said will be personally presented to the winners

by Mr. Okafor.

The company recently extended its offering to Enugu at an impressive outing attended by the state governor, Ugwuanyi.

It will be reacalled that John Okafor is one of the leading Nigerian actors that is on the bill of Glo as its brand ambassador. Besides he has endorsed about two other brands before this latest offer.

Mr. John Okafor and his Manager

marketers should be mindful of what consumers want and work towards achieving them. On the relevance of the digital space in Marketing, they stressed the importance of flexibility, creativity and openness but they also advised that brands should not just focus on what is “shinning and new” but what can really deliver in the marketplace.

In his keynote address at the conference, Alhaji Mohammed stressed the need for ADVAN and government to work as a team so that government can learn from the professional marketers on how best to build consumer/citizens’ confidence in a difficult situation and galvanise them to rally behind government and support its policies.

Earlier in his welcome address, the President of ADVAN, Mr. David Okeme, said the association, an umbrella body of brand owners and advertisers, was formed 22 years ago. He revealed that the conference was in line with the association’s tradition of keeping strategic marketing issues on the front burner of businesses in Nigeria, Okeme promised that more programmes were in the offing this year for the purpose of aggregating all shades of thoughts, ideas and suggestions that will place the relevance of marketing at the heart of strategic business discussions in Nigeria.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • May 21, 2016

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TRAVEL&LEISURE

by OMOLOLA ITAYEMI omolola.itayemi@thisdaylive.com 08054699602

Can NTDC’s MoU with Cote D’ivoire Boost Nigeria Beyond Oil? The need to embrace tourism as an alternate means of generating revenue for the country has never been more needed than now and who is better to guide us through this terrain than our neighbours who have cultivated the habit of turning their cities into ‘Destinations’. Seems we are on the right track with the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding inTrade andTourism between NigeriaTourism Development Corporation (NTDC) and Cote d’Ivoire. Be assured, language is definitely not a barrier here. Omolola Itayemi writes about what this synergy portends for the industry

T

he non-stop showers that characterised that Tuesday morning was of little or no deterrent to eminent personalities Nigeria Côte d’ivoire Economic Forum held recently in Lagos State.

From members of the diplomatic corps to industrialists, top government functionaries to stakeholders of the travel and tourism industry, all gathered for this ceremony aimed at boosting and developing tourism.

A large contingent from the country included MD CEPICI - the agency known as the onestop shop for investment and assisting in materialising one’s investment opportunities in the country, Essis Esmel Emmanuel; Plenipotentiary Minister/General Director, Cote D’Ivoire Tourisme, Santiero Jean-Maria Somet; H.E. Mrs Toure nee Kone Maman, the Ivorien ambassador to Nigeria and other important members of its business and diplomatic circles had come to grace the three-day event. One of Nigeria’s foremost business tycoon and top investor in Côte d’Ivoire, Olatunde Ayeni was present.

Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, CEO Motherland Beckons and La Campaigne Tropicana also gave a speech on the benefits of tourism and what this partnership portends. Also present was Fidelis Anosike, Publisher, Daily Times.

Much more than being fellow West Africans, we share a lot with Ivoriens. Business tourism is the main type of inbound tourism in Abidjan city, the economic capital of the country, same as Lagos in Nigeria. But the government tries to attract more leisure tourists and develops five-star hotels for dynamic high-class leisure tourists along with expansion of travel accommodation to remote areas and ecotourism. A project to construct 30 bungalows called “relais Paillotes” located near natural parks and making use of ecologically pure sources of energy, is one example, I believe, we need to emulate.

L - R: H.E. Mrs Toure nee Kone Maman, the Ivorien ambassador to Nigeria; Plenipotentiary Minister/General Director, Cote D’Ivoire Tourisme, Santiero Jean-Maria Somet; DG NTDC, Dr Sally Uwechue-Mbanefo; Chairman Skye Bank, Olatunde Ayeni and Head Legal/Board Secretary, NTDC, Mrs Funebi Otu-Umondak during the signing of MOU

And just like Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire is a true geographical and cultural blend of Africa, with its forests and its savanna and a diversity of ethnic groups, guardian of a variety of folklores, craft industry and religions. It also has nine national parks (Azagny, Comoé, Banco, Taï, Marahoué, Peko, Mont Sangbé, Ehotilé islands, Abokouamékro) which cover nearly six per cent of the total surface of the country.

These parks are rich in rare species as well as species in the process of extinction. They are also strong in Religious Tourism and tourists are regulars at Basilica “Notre-Dame de la paix”, the first African Basilica, one of the largest and certainly most sumptuous in the world.

The secular mosques of north (Kong, Kawara, Samatiguila) are not only symbols of the faith, but also constitute places of interest of quality.

These historic buildings and religious point out important stages of the history of Cote d’Ivoire.

What is Côte D’Ivoire bringing to the table?

To fully understand what this portends for us, one has to take more than a cursory look at history of Côte D’Ivoire and where it is today and what it has made out of its business and tourism sector. After a civil war spanning 20102011 that halted the economy, Côte d’Ivoire is once again back in business with a large stream of FDI targeted at a wide variety of markets.

The government is pushing Côte d’Ivoire, and especially its economic capital Abidjan, to become a hub for the wider French-speaking region. As more airlines and international hotels enter the country, a wider range of business infrastructure will become available and boost Abidjan’s attractiveness as tourist destination.

In 2012-2013, new highways were introduced to satisfy the demands of commerce and industrial needs, but also to boost domestic, inbound and outbound tourism. Abidjan is now connected to Yamoussoukro and further, to Signrobo, in the north of the country. Connec-

tions to neighbouring countries are also priority projects for the government. Railways are to be improved within the country.

Speaking at the event, Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Dr. Mbanefo said: “Our country needs to improve its production capacity and must invest in labour-intensive sectors like tourism, agriculture and manufacturing. It is the only way to create jobs for the small and medium scale entrepreneurs, youth and women.

“We have also been holding talks with Ghana tourism board as well as the South African tourism board. Two years ago, we signed an MOU with the Gambia Tourism board soon as we signed the MOU, the first batch of my staff were approved for training and best practice exchange. We will not stop until we achieve a West African Tourism Brand, so that when a tourist begins his trip in one African country, they can conclude it in Nigeria to get a holistic approach to tourism in West African.

“NTDC has been collaborating with Cote D’Ivoire Tourism Board for the past three years.

They have been coming to the Corporation for collaboration. The MOU signed today will unite us and help to achieve the ECOWAS Tourism Brand Regional Alliance which NTDC has been working on with other African countries.”

In her remark, the Ambassador of the republic of Cote D’Ivoire to Nigeria, Mrs Toures expressed appreciation to all the participants for honouring her invitation. She said: “We will co-operate and partner with Nigeria in many areas such as Tourism, textiles, telecommunication, power, health and education.”

She couldn’t have concluded with a better sentence: “The Forum is a platform for Cote D’Ivoire to form an alliance with Nigeria to enable the two countries strengthen the existing areas and explore new fields of co-operation on a win-win situation and also reduce poverty in Africa”.

Kunle Afolayan’s ‘The CEO’ to Premiere Aboard Air France

The much raved about blockbuster movie, The CEO which is yet to be released to the public, is set to premiere on the 1st of June, in what seems to be the first of its kind, special premiere edition. It is from the stable of Gold Effects Pictures, in partnership with air France. The movie was produced and directed by award-winning movie maker Kunle afolayan and written by Tunde Babalola The announcement was made at a Press conference at Silverbird Cinema Ikeja City Mall where selected members of the press, his sponsors and lead actors were treated to a short clip of the film.

An elatedAfolayan whilst recalling his experience including challenges in the making of the film, reiterated the fact that this premiere is the first of its kind. He said: “Red carpet at check in counter; cocktail party at the boarding gate into the plane.

Movie screen onboard the plane Lagos-Paris, after party happens 40,000ft above the sea level. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss.”

The CEO is a movie full of intrigues and suspense which all began after five top executives embarked on a week-long business trip. The trip was intended to elect the new CEO for the company but things go out of hand along the line. It was filmed in an outskirt of Lagos, as well as otherAfrican locations.

The entire drama started when the executives arrived their destination for the business meeting and suddenly began to die one after the other through mysterious circumstances, leaving only two behind, a situation which led to suspicions.

It stars Nigerian and international entertainment

personalities like, Angelique Kidjo, Nico Panagio, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Wale Ojo, Hilda Dokubo, Fatym Layache, Peter King, Kemi LalaAkindoju,Aurelie Eliam, and special appearance from Nigerian music artiste Adekunle Gold, amongst others.

Recall that on July 29, 2015,Afolayan was signed as brand ambassador of Air France, with the deal covering The CEO movie and several projects of mutual benefits.

“I didn’t need to speak too much about the creative ingenuity inAfrica.As part of my presentation at the meeting, I showed a preview of The CEO and they were quite impressed. In all, we had a two-hour talk about the many untapped potentials in the African market,” he further disclosed.

Speaking at the event, Arthur Dieffenthaler, Commercial Director Air France, said: “We are familiar with the stellar work that Kunle Afolayan does with his Golden Effects company and were therefore more than excited to jump on board The CEO project right from its inception. This partnership is in furtherance of our continued drive to support Nigerian and African cinema by investing in people, ideas and talent, and we

L - R: Arthur Dieffenthaler, Commercial Director Air France; Wale Ojo, Actor; Kunle Afolayan, Producer, Director and Brand Ambassador for Air France; Jean-Raoul Tauzin, General Manager Air France

can’t wait for fans and lovers of good cinema to watch this movie.”

Other sponsors present were Jean-Raoul Tauzin,

General Manager, Air France, the Director, M-Net WestAfrica,WangiMba-Uzoukwuandtopmanagement executives from Peugeot.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •MAY 21, 2016

NEWS

In Brief

Atiku to Curb Farmers, Herdsmen Feud

The formerVice President, Atiku Abubakar is set to launch an agricultural enterprisethatmaylikelycontributetothesearchforsolutionstotheviolent clashes between the Fulani herdsmen and farmers in the country. He is on the verge of launching a factory that would be manufacturing varieties of animalfeedforthenation’slivestocksector.Thecompanyspearheadingthe agro-initiative, Rico Gado Nutrition Nigeria, when operational will produce animalfeedsofvarioustypesincludingforcattle,smallruminants,horseand poultry.AstatementbytheAtikuMediaofficeonFridaysaidthefoundation layingceremonyofananimalfeedfactorywilltakeplaceinAbujatoday.Itsaid the factory was an effort to boost the plan by the Buhari administration to revivethenation’seconomythroughagricultureandagro-alliedindustries.

World Culture Day

GOOD TO SEE YOU...

L–R: Publisher of Order Paper online, Mr. Okey Epiah and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara when the publisher presented him with details of his effort in Dogara's office... recently

Body Parts, Seats, Luggage Found at Crashed Egyptian Jet Wreckage Site Tobi Soniyi in Abuja and Chinedu Eze with agency report Egyptian military on Friday confirmed that the wreckage of the ill-fated flight MS804 had been found.

This is as President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday phoned President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi of Egypt to commiserate with him and the people of Egypt on yesterday's EgyptAir crash which claimed many lives AP reported that search crews found floating human remains, luggage and seats from the doomed EgyptAir jetliner but face a potentially more complex task in locating bigger pieces of wreckage and the black boxes vital to determining why the plane plunged into the Mediterranean.

Looking for clues to whether terrorists brought down EgyptAir Flight 804 and its 66 people aboard,

investigators pored over the passenger list and questioned ground crew members at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, where the plane took off.

Reports indicated the Airbus A320 had been cruising normally in clear skies on a nighttime flight to Cairo early Thursday when it suddenly lurched left, then right, spun all the way around and plummeted 38,000 feet into the sea, never issuing a distress signal.

In Egypt, home to 30 of the victims, grieving families and friends wondered if their loved ones would ever be recovered. Many gathered in mosques for Salat al-Ghaib, or "prayers for the absent," held for the dead whose bodies have not been found.

"This is what is ripping our hearts apart, when we think about it. When

someone you love so much dies, at least you have a body to bury. But we have no body until now," said Sherif al-Metanawi, a childhood friend of the pilot, Mohammed Shoukair.

Egyptian authorities said they believed terrorism was a more likely explanation than equipment failure, and some aviation experts have said the erratic flight suggests a bomb blast or a struggle in the cockpit. But so far no hard evidence has emerged.

No militant group has claimed to have brought down the aircraft.

That is a contrast to the downing of a Russian jet in October over Egypt's Sinai Peninsula that killed 224 people. In that case, the Islamic State group's branch in Sinai issued a claim of responsibility within hours.

On Friday, IS issued a statement on clashes with the Egyptian military in Sinai, but nothing about the plane.

Three European security officials said the passenger manifest for Flight 804 contained no names on terrorism watch lists. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the investigation. The manifest was leaked online and has not been verified by the airline.

Further checks are being conducted on relatives of the passengers.

AP also reported that French aviation investigators have begun to check and question all baggage handlers, maintenance workers, gate agents and other ground crew members at De Gaulle Airport who had a direct or indirect link to the plane before it took off, according to a French judicial official. The official was not authorised to discuss the investigation and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Kwara APC Chairman, Secretary Three Soldiers Feared Dead in Kidnapped along Lokoja-Okene Road Yenagoa, Warri Boat Mishaps The Chairman and the Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, Hon. Ishola Balogun Fulani and Chief Bode Adekanye have been kidnapped at gun point along Lokoja Okene road in Kogi State.

The Publicity Secretary of the party in the state, Alhaji Sulyman Buhari confirmed the incident last night. The incident according to Buhari, occurred at about 10am on Friday while Balogun- Fulani and Adekanye were returning to Ilorin from Abuja.

According to him, "We received a call from the line of the chairman around this time, (10am) telling us of the kidnapping issue. No ransom was mentioned and all attempts to make further enquiries from them proved abortive as the line was no longer available. We are on it to see if we can still establish a link with them.

We have taken all the necessary steps and linked up with relevant security operatives to ensure their safety and eventual release".

The APC in Kwara State has appealed to the Inspector General

of Police, Mr Solomon Arase to free its state party chairman and the party secretary from the den of kidnappers.

The party urged the Nigeria Police and other security agencies in the country to deploy all within their powers to ensure the duo were freed unhurt and reunited with their families and loved ones as swift as possible.

Last month, the Permanent Secretary of Osun State Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Adebimpe Ogunlumade was abducted by gunme n while returning to Osogbo from Abuja.

Ogunlumade was kidnapped along with her driver, Mr. Oladapo Arogundade Ajani and a Director from the ministry, Mr. Tajudeen Badejoko who accompanied her to Abuja for the official assignment.

The Permanent Secretary and other officials were abducted at gunpoint on Friday at Obajana along Lokoja-Okene road in Kogi State.

The state Auditor General who also travelled with the officials was said to have narrowly escaped the abduction.

OmomJulius-OnabuinAsaba and Emmanuel AddehinYenagoa

Three soldiers attached to the Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta were feared dead in two separate boat incidents around Taylor Creeks, Bayelsa State and Egwa 1, Warri South West Local Government Area, Delta State on Friday.

Several others, who are now undergoing treatment in a military hospital in the state, were said to have been injured in the Warri mishap during a routine military patrol around the creeks of Egwa 1, near an SPDC flow station.

The Warri incident which occurred on Friday morning, it was learnt, threw the operatives of JTF, 3 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, Effurun, into mourning.

Spokesman of the Joint Military Force in the Niger Delta, Col. Isa Ado, neither picked his calls nor replied a text requesting his comments, but a senior military officer, who confirmed the incident, said the military boat was carrying about 10 soldiers when it capsized.

The military officer said that the

victims were on a normal routine patrol of oil installations around the Egwa community when the incident occurred.

“We lost two of our soldiers to a boat mishap early this morning around Egwa 1in Warri South West of Delta State. They were patrolling the creeks when the incident happened. Reports reaching us say many were injured”, the officer, who spoke in confidence said.

In the Bayelsa incident, the soldier was reportedly escorting oil workers from an oil spill site around Taylor Creeks, near an oilfield operated by Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) in Okordia, Yenagoa local council.

Sources in the community disclosed that the soldier on escort duty drowned when the boat capsized.

“The boat conveying the crew from Agip’s field capsized on their way back from the site at the oilfield across. Before help could come, the soldier had drowned.

"They were using a hand paddled canoe to cross the workers, one at a time", the source said.

TheFederalMinistryofInformationandCulturewilltodayjoinothermember of the United Nations to Celebrate this year’s World Culture Day at the Federal Capital territory exhibition Pavilion Opposite the Radio House in Abuja.This year’sWorld Culture Day has its theme “World Day for Cultural Diversity, Dialogue and Development but Nigeria will be focusing on a sub theme “promoting Peace and Unity through Creativity” The Minister of InformationandCultureAlhajiLaiMohammedisthehost whiletheCountry Director of UNESCO, Chief Executives of Culture Parastatals, Agencies, cultureWorkers and stakeholders in the Culture sector and the public are expected to attend the event.The United Nations General Assembly had, in its resolution 57/249, declared every 21st day of May 2002 for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. The World body also same year adopted the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity.The day provides uswithanopportunitytodeepenourunderstandingofthevaluesofcultural diversity and to learn to live together better.

Army Trains 65 Customs Personnel

TheNigerianArmy(NA)hasstartedtraining65officersandmenoftheNigeria Customs Service (NCS) on enforcement and physical fitness.The training programme which will ensure that the NCS personnel are better handlers ofarmsandammunitionandphysicallyfitwouldalsoplacetheminabetter positiontodealwithsmugglersofprohibiteditemsinthecountry.Meantto last one month, it was designed to keep the selected officers alert to their roles and responsibilities as enforcement officers in NCS. The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Kirikiri Lighter Command, Comptroller Benjamin Aber who disclosed this at the kick-off of the of the training programme at the 9th Brigade Headquarters, Ikeja, Lagos said the NCS, Kirikiri Lighter Command, was partnering with other stakeholders like NA to attain set goalsandobjectives.AberwhospokeonbehalfoftheComptrollerGeneral of Customs, Colonel Hammed Ibrahim Ali (retired) enjoined the personnel to make the best use of the opportunity. “You should count yourself lucky to start the CGC’s reform-pilot scheme", he told them.

KPMG Presents Books

Global auditing firm, KPMG has presented over 100 copies of a book “In Search of the Perfect Health System” written by its Global Chairman & Senior Partner for Health, Mark Britnell to the federal government. The presentation, which is part of the company’s contribution to help in the efforts to transform Nigeria’s health sector was made to the Minister of Health,Prof.IsaacAdewolebyKPMG’sPartner&Head,AdvisoryServices,, Mr. Kunle Elebute, Presenting the book, Elebute, said the organisation was desirousofsupportingthefederalgovernment’sdriveatthereinventingthe healthsector,notingthatthechallengeswereenormous,butsurmountable.

He noted that of particular concern was how to reverse the growing trend of medical tourism abroad, pointing out that the book depicts countries in various continents of the world that have embarked on putting in place excellent health systems for their people.

Glo Sponsors ICC Arbitration Conference

AsthefirsteverAfricaRegionalarbitrationConferenceoftheInternational ChamberofCommerce,ICC,takesplaceinLagos.Nigeria'spreferreddata network,Globacom,hasbeenannouncedastheofficialsponsoroftheconference. The Conference, slated for June 19 through 20 at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos and organised by the International Court of Arbitration,anarmoftheICC,inconjunctionwiththeInternationalChamber ofCommerce,Nigeriaisexpectedtodrawdelegatesfromallovertheworld.

Thethemeofthethree-dayconferenceis"ArbitrationandAfrica:Prospects andChallenges."Accordingtotheorganisersoftheevent,theconferencewill focus on the relationship between inward foreign investment in emerging markets in Africa, the types of disputes which may arise, and the African experience in arbitration proceedings.

Sujimoto Receives LCCI Award

Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry has bestowed on Sujimoto an award for the Most Innovative Luxury Real Estate Firm in Nigeria. A statement by the company said they received the award at the 2016 Commerce and Industry Awards held recently. Sujimoto is a young company in Nigeria that is taking a bold step to do something that has never been done before by developing the tallest residential building in Lagos, and the first fully automated building in Africa.The Chief Executive Officer of the company, Sujibomi Ogundele has continually emphasised that the firm’s intention was not to do things 10% better, but to do things 10 times better. He said, “It is indeed commendable that the LCCI has deemed it fit to reward our innovation. We promise you that the era of monkey dey work, baboon dey chop is over".

Sunny Ade, Onwenu, Obey Perform Live

Come May 21st, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel Space Legend series concert will see the likes of King Sunny Ade, Onyeka Onwenu and Ebenezer Obey performing live on stage for the first time.Timi Dakolo will open act on the day. King Sunny Ade and Onyeka Onwenu are not new producing albums together but not live of stage, but the time around Ebenezer Obey who is knownfortheirrivalryintheearly80sinJujumusicwillalsobe included.Tickets will be sold at the venue or Terraculture, Jazzholelagos, Sweetsensation, Naijaticketshop and several other online shops. THISDAY Style will also have tickets to give away on social media.

61

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •MAY 21, 2016

NEWSXTRA

Wike: PDP National Convention Will Go On as Scheduled Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt

Rivers State Governor and Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention Committee, Nyesom Wike, has said the party’s national convention would go on in Port Harcourt as scheduled despite court orders restraining the party from holding elections into some offices.

This is as the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ali Modu Sheriff said the party would embark on an aggressive reconciliation process after the convention to ensure that every interest group was carried along.

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos had barred the party from conducting elections into the offices of the chairman, secretary and auditor at the convention while

another Abuja Court said the party should conduct elections into the offices of the chairman and one other position only.

Wike spoke in Port Harcourt yesterday evening while addressing journalists on the fate of the convention. He was joined in the briefing

by Governors Dave Umahi, Okezie Ikpeazu and Udom Emmanuel of Ebonyi, Abia and Akwa Ibom states respectively as well as the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

Wike said, “Just to let you know that the PDP convention, as scheduled by NEC, which is the highest decision-making organ of PDP, will be taking place in Port Harcourt tomorrow (Saturday) which is 21st day of May, 2016. I want to assure you that by the grace of

God, the convention will be taking place tomorrow.”

He explained: “You may have heard that there is some court judgment or order; it is important to clarify it here. First of all, you heard that the part of the order that was said to be purportedly given that the chairman of the party, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, was going to court to say that there should not be a convention in respect of the chairman position.

“I want to let you know that the Chairman has clarified himself that it is not correct; that he never went to court. That how will he go to court; that some people had impersonated that he instructed them to go to court. And we believe him.

He had written a letter to that effect to say that it was not correct.

“However, a court order is a court order. In consultation with our legal team, we have filed a motion for stay and appeal. Of course, it is clear that when you are challenging the decision of the court, it is clear that when it is a declarative judgment and the party takes steps instantly, by filing a motion for stay of execution and an appeal, that party cannot be held to have disobeyed the court order. Therefore, assuming that there is a court order, we are challenging it, even the court order was fraudulent because the judge may not have known that it was not the PDP chairman that came to court. So, we are not committing a contempt of court.

“Again, you are also aware that there was also another judgment from an Abuja High Court. If we are

ALL FOR EMPOWERMENT...

R-L: Graduant, Joel Adegboyega; Acting Managing Director, Bank of Industry (BOI), Waheed Olagunju; Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El –Rufai and Minister of State, Trade and Investment, Hajia Aisha Abubakar; and a during the Kaduna start up entrepreneurship graduation and inauguration ceremony, in Kaduna... yesterday

Fashola: We Must Rethink Use of Traders Sue Ambode, Arase, Resources Taken for Granted Others Over Market Closure Bennett Oghifo

Nigerians have been urged to change the way they live and adapt to the reality of dwindling resources in the choices that they make daily.

Minister of Power Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola stated this in a keynote address, ‘Urban Design in the Age of Climate Change’; he delivered recently at the first Nigeria Urban Design Forum 2016.

According to Fashola, “The way we use land, the way we use electricity, the way we use petrol, the way we use water, the way we use transport facilities and the way we do many other things that we took for granted now demand a rethink and adaptation.”

He said the heart and soul of adaptation therefore was planning and conservation; “Waste not, want not; because what is wasted, whether water, whether fuel, whether land, will never be enough.”

The minister said his advice stemmed from the fact that “our planet has changed; and for it to serve us, we must adapt. The planet is our shield, our roof, our home and our floor. It will remain, but we will go. What we get out of it, while we are here, depends on what we are ready to give back to it.”

He said regardless of doubts

expressed in the past, “the abundance of evidence has clearly demonstrated that not only is the threat of climate change real, its impact is already being felt and human beings are perhaps the most vulnerable.

“From diminishing fresh water sources to desertification and loss of arable land to high water levels and flooding, survival induced conflict in the search for land, food, and water, higher cost-of-living arising from volatile rises and crashes in the cost of oil and hydrocarbons as sources of energy for fuel, heating, lighting and production of goods and services, the human civilisation faces a turbulent survival.”

He said the examples at home are many; “the erosion of Nigeria's coastal waterfronts, loss of property and lives as a results of flooding, loss of grazing land as a result of desert encroachment, diminution of Lake Chad, silting of many rivers, requiring humongous capital outlay to re-dredge and maintain them to serve their sustenance purpose of transport and agriculture, clashes between herdsman and communities, power outages, high cost of fuel, electricity and drinking water, etc.”

He listed the global remedies for the survival of the human civilisation as mitigation and adaptation, adding “In essence, the damage has been done.

Bennett Oghifo Traders of the Hajiya Ibrahim Commsie Shopping Complex, Police Barracks, Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos, operating under the umbrella of POWA Market, have dragged the Lagos State Governor Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase and others before the Federal High Court, Lagos over the closure of the market.

The plaintiffs, Messrs Iyoha Wilson, Osborn Atrogo, Sunday Usulor, among others, claimed that by virtue of Section 36(1) of the 1999 constitution the defendants, who alleged that the traders were “causing obstruction for road users” along Bourdillon Road, Falomo had not been heard, tried by a court of law, convicted or held liable before the defendants closed down the shops. They are therefore urging the court to declare the action as “unlawful, illegal, ultra vires, unconstitutional, null and void and of no legal consequence.”

They also prayed the court to declare the actions of the defendants as intimidation, threats, harassments’, deprivation of the plaintiff’s right to engage or carry out their lawful business of selling their goods, products, articles or rendering other services to their customers at the shops as unlawful.

The traders are seeking for an order directing the opening of their shops, and that the defendants, their counsels, officers of the court, officers of the Nigeria Police Force, the plaintiffs their counsel to open, enter and take inventory of all goods and property of the plaintiffs in the shops at the POWA Market.

The also seek an order directing them to go return to their shops inside the POWA Market.

The traders prayed the court for an injunction restraining the defendants by themselves, their servants, police, agents, privies whosoever from continue or further stay for the purpose of prevention, hindering, threat, intimidating or stopping the plaintiffs to open their shops and or have free access into their shops, inclusive of arresting the plaintiffs or their members.

An order of injunction, restraining the defendants, or their servants, officers, staff KAI, agents from further altering, amending, constructing or rebuilding the walls at the front of the market, which is aimed at blocking the free flow of air into the shops. The traders are also claiming as damages N7,252,810,000.00 i.e.

Seven billion, two hundred and fifty two million, Eight hundred and ten thousand naira only, made up and representing the loss of daily, weekly and monthly income from the non-sale of their goods, products and various articles of trade.

not law-abiding, the court said there should be election for the position of the chairman and one other position, but the 16 NWC, there should not be election. These are courts of competent and coordinate jurisdiction.

“But again, as law-abiding party, we have taken all necessary steps to making sure that the right thing

is done. We have also filed a stay of execution against that judgment and we have also filed an appeal.

We did that so that they will not say we are trying to disobey order.”

Wike also dismissed the parallel convention scheduled in Abuja, stating that all the party functionaries were already in Port Harcourt and wondered who would be in Abuja.

LMC Expels Giwa FC from NPFL, Cancels All Results, Goals Involving Club Giwa FC of Jos has been expelled from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) for multiple infractions of the Framework and Rules of the NPFL, particularly for violation of B13.28 which prescribes expulsion from the league for any club that fails to honour three matches cumulatively within a season with no acceptable reason to the League Management Company (LMC).

The LMC in addition to ordering a forfeiture of all funds due Giwa FC from the LMC, also invoked Rule B13.66 to make pronouncements protecting the players of the club by granting them waiver to terminate their contracts with the club for ‘just cause’ or ‘sporting just cause’ and releasing them for contracts with other clubs during the on-going season.

“Pursuant to Rule B13.66 of the League Rules and without prejudice to the agreed written terms of their respective player contracts, nothing shall preclude Players hitherto registered by Giwa FC from the unilateral termination of contracts for ‘just

cause’ or ‘sporting just cause’ as the case may be, and from being contracted to and registered by other Clubs”, the Summary Jurisdiction notice stated.

The LMC said it would further review with a view to setting up a social safety net to mitigate any consequential hardship, “the matter of registered players and officials currently contracted to Giwa FC - particularly those who may have played at least 50% of its league matches in the current season and whose player contracts and potential earnings may have been brought to jeopardy on account of this decision”.

The LMC also ruled that Clubs that had already played Giwa FC before Match Day 19 would have their match day expenses refunded from the funds seized from accruals of Giwa FC that was with the LMC. Giwa FC was charged for breach of Rules B13.25 and B13.28 by the LMC which in a Summary Jurisdiction notice imposed two sanctions on the club for breach of Rule B13.25 and expulsion for breach of Rule B13.28.

Ondo Gives Buses, Motorcycles To MDAs The Ondo state government has presented 22 buses and motorcycles to Activity Executing Agencies in its Ministries, Departments, and Agencies through its Public Sector Governance Reform and Development Project (OSPSGR&DP).

Some of the beneficiaries of the facility include the Board of Internal Revenue, Public Service Training Institute (PSTI), Civil Service Commission, Office of the Accountant-General, Office of the Auditor-General and Procurement Price Monitoring Unit.

Briefing newsmen on the development, the state's Commissioner for Information, Mr Kayode Akinmade in company with his Budget and Planning counterpart, Mr Akin Adaramola said the assignments of the OSPSGR&DP of building the capacity of the workforce and

provision of equipment to MDAs will enhance effective and efficient service. ”This programme was originally coined capacity building but was changed by the National Assembly. It was meant to train and equip the staff towards improved performance. “Adequate training enhances the productivity of workers.

The government felt it needed to change the way public service was discharging its responsibilities, hence the numerous training programmes, workshops, seminars etc being conducted for its personnel. The vehicles are also being provided to enable government work go smooth”, he stated.

Also commenting on the development, Adaramola cautioned against using the vehicles for other things apart from the purpose for which they were bought.

Navy Hands Over Pipeline Vandals, 218 Stolen Kegs Bennett Oghifo

The Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT of the Nigerian Navy (NN), yesterday handed over four suspected pipeline vandals to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation and possible prosecution.

This is just as the navy handed over 25 litres of 218 kegs stolen petroleum products, which was recovered after the raid of the vandals hideout (by Nigeria Army soldiers), to the civil defence.

The suspected vandals were

identified as 20-year-old Francis Agbaje, 24-year-old Erum Jack, 23-year-old Mathew Apaton and 24-year-old John Honfo.

The Commander (NNS) BEECROFT, Commodore Abraham Adaji, who handed over the suspects said they were arrested at the Suntan Beach in Igbologun Community in Badagry, Lagos State.

He said, "The suspects were arrested with 218 jerry cans of 25litres each of petrol by the soldiers of the 9th Brigade of the Nigerian Army attached to the Operation MESA (OP MESA) following a tip-off.

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Air Force to Continue Reconnaissance, Bombardment in North-east, Niger Delta Chiemelie Ezeobi

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar, has said the Nigerian Air Force would continue its air reconnaissance missions and aerial bombardments in troubled areas like the North-east and the Niger Delta.

He said the renewed activities of some criminals in the Niger Delta region on gas pipelines and skeletal activities of suicide bombing of soft bombings influenced the need for air reconnaissance.

Abubakar who was represented by the Air Officer Commanding, Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Muhammadu Muhammed, made this disclosure yesterday at the inauguration of the block of six three-bedroom flats officers' residential accommodation at 105 Communications Depot, Shasha, Lagos.

"The combat operations against insurgents and terrorists in the North-eastern part of the country are still in progress.

"Expectedly, the NAF has remained a major player in carrying out aerial bombardment leading to the destruction of Boko Haram fighters' camps and dislodging them from their strongholds within the Sambisa forest and adjoining enclaves.

"The sustained air operations provided greater latitude to the

ground troops to rescue more people, mostly women and children erstwhile abducted by the insurgents.

"It is therefore gratifying to note that Boko Haram's will to fight has been seriously degraded thus limiting their skeletal activities to merely suicide bombings of soft target.

"While remarkable success was recorded in Operation Lafiya Dole, the renewed activities of some criminals in the Niger Delta, which include attacks on gas pipelines has increased the security challenges in region.

"Nevertheless, the NAF is continually carrying out air reconnaissance missions of the troubled areas and also actively participating in joint operations with the sister services in order to put the situation under control.

"Another disturbing security challenge is the recurring clash between farmers and herdsmen in some parts of the country which often leads to wanton destruction of lives and properties", he said.

On the accommodation he said, "Provision of decent accommodation for officers, airmen and airwomen is a top priority of our policy thrust towards ensuring that the NAF personnel and their families live in a befitting environment.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known as MISS PATIENCE OHIDOANI ALEGBE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS PATIENCE OHIDOANI EL-PEREZ JOSEPH. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please, take note.

I, formerly known as AKINWUNI EMMANUEL OLUWASEYE, now wish to be known and addressed as AKINWUNI ABIODUN EMMANUEL. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please, take note.

I, formerly known as SULAIMAN AYOKUNLE LUKMAN, now wish to be known and addressed as SULAIMAN AYO LUKMAN. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please, take note.

I, formerly known as MISS WENIGHA PREDIA BLESSING, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS SOETAN PREDIA BLESSING. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please, take note.

I, formerly known as AYODELE MOSUNMOLA OLAJUMOKE, now wish to be known and addressed as SALAMI MOSUNMOLA OLAJUMOKE BRIDGET. All former documents remavalid. The general public should please, take note.

T H I S D AY SATURDAY MAY 21, 2016

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Saturday, May 21, 2016

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Price: N250

MISSILE Fasehun to Buhari

“There is famine in the land. How can tomato sell at N100 per fruit, 1,000 percent rise above its price last year? How can rice jump from N10,000 last year to N14,000 currently?

N200 paint-bucket measure of garri is now N600? Yet our leaders pretend that all is well.

Mr. President, don’t let your advisers deceive you; Nigeria has degenerated since you took over; the lives of Nigerians are harder; living standards have fallen.”–The founder and President of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) and National Chairman of the Unity Party Of Nigeria (UPN), Dr Frederick Fasehun, chastising President Muhammadu Buhari.

PENDULUM Dele Momodu

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

The Second Coming of President Buhari

F

ellow Nigerians, let me start today’s epistle by saying time flies indeed.

Over a year ago, the dream of Major General Muhammadu Buhari to return to power, after being toppled in a military coup by Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and company, was eventually realised after a record fourth attempt. History would record this monumental feat as one of the biggest miracles of our time. It was a testimony to the power of resilience and tenacity.

Not many people would ever have a second chance in life. In fact, a second chance is usually a rare and divine opportunity to correct past mistakes, make amends, atone for sins of omission and commission; and move forward to greater glory. In recent time, only two former Generals have been so favoured. The first Nigerian to return to power in 1999 was General Olusegun Matthew Aremu Okikiolakan Obasanjo. Obasanjo had left power in 1979, in a most controversial manner, after handing over power hurriedly to the newly elected President Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari. That election would remain one of the most controversial in Africa’s most populous nation but Obasanjo was determined to quit power and he got a standing ovation from the global community.

Obasanjo remained vocal and relevant in retirement. He attained the enviable status of a statesman for his dexterous understanding of foreign affairs as well as his uncommon courage at fighting for Africa wherever his avuncular intervention was required. He was voluble in his acerbic criticism of his successors, especially President Babangida who had metamorphosed from military to civilian President and instantly acquired the sobriquet of “evil genius.” There were rumours that Babangida did not want to quit power as attested to by his endless transition deadlines which eventually culminated in the ill-fated June 12, 1993 election debacle and its resultant conundrum. The refusal to hand over to the presumptuous winner of that election, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, the Yoruba generalissimo, would cost Nigeria some expensive and extensive repercussions.

President Babangida was left with no choice than to step aside after all his talismanic experiments failed. He handed over to a lame duck Interim National Government, headed

by Chief Ernest Adegunle Shonekan, which crumbled in a jiffy when General Sani Abacha struck and sentenced Nigeria to years of servitude and excruciating dictatorship. Buhari was assigned a pivotal role under that dreaded government when he was asked to manage the Petroleum Trust Fund. Despite criticisms about his performance, many would attest to the fact that he applied the funds frugally and judiciously.

Abacha was a different kind of military ruler. Despite his well-known taciturnity, his actions were reverberatingly loud. Many of us dispersed and scattered in different directions.

No one needed to tell us before we scampered into safety. It was during this eerie period that Olusegun Obasanjo and his former deputy, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, both retired army Generals simultaneously got into trouble when

Buhari they were charged for treason. Abiola himself had been picked up from his home and kept in solitary confinement at God-knows-where.

Abiola was a civilian warrior who fought ferociously for his inalienable right to be the President of Nigeria. Out of the three of them, only Obasanjo lived to tell the story. The other two died under mysterious circumstances yet to be unravelled till this day.

Obasanjo came out of prison looking gaunt and almost gone but God is awesome. The Bible-wielding leader effortlessly migrated from prison to the presidential villa in Abuja. It was a matter of destiny which no tribulation could stop or annihilate. The resurgence of Obasanjo was a done deal by the Nigerian Mafia. Chief Oluyemisi Falae, banker and economist, fought a spirited battle but failed to stop Obasanjo’s second coming.

Obasanjo, without doubt, knew Nigeria inside out and he had his game plan ready.

He was able to hit the ground running from Day One. His style was blistering. He managed the economy well and was able to pay off Nigeria’s debts. He was fortunate that oil, Nigeria’s cash cow, sold at a premium. He reversed Nigeria’s pariah status in the comity of nations. He was personable and accommodating in his first term. But trouble came as he began to seek the second time. He wasted enough energy, time and resources fighting his Vice President and ancillary and imaginary enemies.

His war against corruption became vengeful and ruthless. The crave for an unconstitutional third term was the height of it all. Whether he personally wanted it or was lured into it, this audacious move deemed and diminished the Obasanjo presidency. Despite the hoopla generated by the controversial plot, Obasanjo would be remembered as a leader who did so much for his country during his second coming.

It was during Obasanjo’s re-election contest in 2003 that Buhari threw his hat in the ring.

No one knew how long he had nursed the ambition of returning to power. Buhari failed and cried foul. He headed to the courts but got no joy in return. In the twilight days of the Obasanjo government, Buhari tried his luck again but lost to Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, his fellow citizen from Katsina State. Again, Buhari cried wolf. In 2011, Buhari joined the presidential race again and was taunted as a serial candidate. He was soundly beaten by the incumbent President Dr Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan, who had been catapulted to power after the death of his ailing boss, President Yar’Adua. Out of acute frustration, or something else, Buhari sang a nunc dimittis and literally said goodbye to presidential contests. It didn’t come as a surprise to many. At nearly 70 years old, the perennial campaigns must have taken its toll on the body if not the soul. Buhari had crisscrossed several political parties. He had been called unprintable names including religious bigot, ruthless dictator, certificate dodger and forger, terrorist, and so on. But man proposes and God disposes.

Somehow, Buhari suddenly announced he would run again. When God is ready for you, you will find succour in your enemies. Those who would ordinarily not support Buhari all lined up for him. Buhari was repackaged and rebranded as a born again democrat. The recklessness of the PDP government and the war of attrition which ravaged the ruling party made Buhari’s journey a lot sleeker this time. What was thought impossible in the past ignited and exploded at home and abroad.

Buhari was funky-fied and he became a brand we all identified with proudly.

Thus the expectations were raised for a Buhari presidency and this would later put so much pressure on the fledgling government.

Buhari won the election convincingly this time and President Goodluck Jonathan was magnificent in defeat. For the first time we saw an incumbent Nigerian President concede defeat and even calling his opponent to offer congratulations. What if Jonathan had refused to give up power and chose to set up the nation in flames? Innocent people would have been killed for the sake of political gladiators. The joy in the land was unlimited. It reverberated across the seas.

Buhari was sworn in one year less eight days today.

And it has been quite a tough and rough journey.

The first challenge was how to assemble a good, competent and efficacious team to run the nation with the President we all knew to be incorruptible.

Buhari was sworn in one year less eight days today. And it has been quite a tough and rough journey. The first challenge was how to assemble a good, competent and efficacious team to run the nation with the President we all knew to be incorruptible. That exercise alone took several months. There is no question, that sluggishness dampened the fire of change that had engulfed everywhere. The rumbling started from that moment when it seemed the momentum had waned substantially. The screening exercise also turned into another melodrama. It dragged on a bit before the cabinet was eventually constituted.

The ruling party APC had started on a precarious note when it could not gently elect its national assembly leaders. Like a house divided against itself, APC leaders have been tearing at each other’s throats. The battle has taken a full year in germinating and no one knows when the harvest time would come and the yield it would bring to all parties concerned in the imbroglio.

The economy has suffered miserably. Oil revenue has gone down drastically. Exchange rates have hit the rooftops beyond the ceiling.

Imports have decreased. Government is not able to meet its commitments to the people.

There have been flip-flops in terms of dashed or miscommunicated campaign promises. The social media is now agog with all manner of caricatures dissing the Buhari government. A battle is raging between the Buhari supporters and those who feel Buhari’s government is failing and falling apart. Some have already written off the second coming of Buhari as an anti-climax. Are they right or wrong? The answer is neither here nor there.

President Buhari did not come back at the right time. The comatose economy caused by atrocious corruption and reckless years of profligacy has hit the country by the jugular.

One area the government has shown total passion without compassion is in the area of fighting corruption. The battle has been fierce and relentless. There have been allegations that Buhari is on a witch-hunt to take his pound of flesh on his critics and perceived enemies. PDP has been under siege. The banks are not having it easy over campaign funds that were warehoused in their vaults. There is panic in the financial sector. The tension is red hot. Buhari and his team must have their strategy and many are praying and hoping everything is on course and we shall arrive our destination safe and sound.

President Buhari has travelled far and wide within this first year in office. He’s been accorded the status of a Rock star globally. He is well respected. How this would translate to concrete achievements remain to be seen. On a personal note, I believe despite the humongous challenges, it is too early to write off Buhari.

This government has three years to show Nigerians its capabilities. In my next piece, I plan to elaborate on what I think President Buhari can and should do to redeem his government from the spiralling attacks. He should ignore the paranoia of those who are likely to find enemies where there are none.

It shall be well with our country…

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