Thursday 9th June 2016

Due Process Delays Release of N350bn Capital Vote FG pledges turnaround for economy

Tobi Soniyi in Abuja The federal government said yesterday that its knack for due process was responsible

for the delay in releasing the N350 billion vote for infrastructure it intended to reflate the economy and get contractors back to site.

The federal government, which had promised to release the money immediately the 2016 budget was passed, however, assured

Nigerians that better days were ahead as it said it had the magic wand to turn the ailing economy around.

Briefing State House

correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by the acting President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday, the

Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udo Udoma, said government Continued on page 6

Saraki Speaks One Year After His Coup Against Tinubu, Others… See Pages 16 & 17 Thursday 9 June, 2016 Vol 21. No 7714. Price: N250

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N’Delta Militants Strike Chevron Again as Nigeria Risks Losing Oil Market to Iran Ejiofor Alike in Lagos, Sylvester Idowu in Warri and Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa with agency report Following the incessant production outages and force majeure declared on exports of some grades of Nigerian crude oil, which have created supply uncertainty to the major buyers of Nigeria's crude oil, mostly foreign refineries, the refineries from India to the United States are backing away from buying

Nigerian oil and turning to Iran and other Middle East countries for sustainable crude oil supply.

The uncertainty about deliveries of Nigerian crude to the foreign buyers due to supply disruptions has heightened in recent months as the country squares up to the new militant group in the Niger Delta, the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), which yesterday claimed it had struck Continued on page 6

Keshi, Former Super Eagles’ Player, Coach, Dies At 54

Buhari, Jonathan, Saraki, others mourn Femi Solaja The soccer world was yesterday jolted by the shocking news of the death of Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, former captain and chief coach of Nigeria’s national team, the Super Eagles. He was 54.

“Nigeria today lost a great sportsman, football player, Continued on page 8

REFLATING THE ECONOMY Late Keshi

L-R: Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami, at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja… yesterday godwin omoigui

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PAGE SIX DUE PROCESS DELAYS RELEASE OF N350BN CAPITAL VOTE had mandated the ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to fast-track the processes for the capital budgets deployment so that the economy could be quickly reflated.

Udoma, while commenting on the delay in the release of the N350 billion, said: "The money is available but there is a process and this is part of the reasons we briefed council that there is need to fast-track those processes so that very soon most of those monies will be released. We expect in the Ministry of Works, they should have quite substantial release in the next week or so.

"It's easier for us for existing projects but new projects are a bit more difficult because of the public procurement process. You have to advertise and you have

to wait for six weeks and so on. So new projects will take a bit longer. But existing projects that have already gone through the public procurement process will be faster and I believe that you will soon start seeing the impact of those releases," he said.

When asked to disclose the volume of release so far, the minister said: "That wasn't part of what the council discussed.

So what we will do, we will be giving numbers from time to time. So, I'm sure within the week, we should be able to give you numbers."

When asked to respond to insinuations making the rounds that the government lacked concrete blueprints to tackle the economic downturn, Udoma said: "We launched a strategic

document. We set out 34 things we want to achieve this year; we set out all our objectives.

We have a plan and the plan is to reflate the economy. What has happened to Nigeria is not a surprise to the government.

It is something that we came in to meet. It has been caused by the fall of crude oil prices from over $100 to less than $30 and so we came in to meet that problem.

"The decision that we took to address that problem is to reflate the economy and the budget was aimed to achieve that and that is why you have in the budget a plan to spend a large amount of money on infrastructure. But, as you know, the budget was only recently passed. It takes time for the spending to be released to hit

the economy and to begin to see the impact. So, we have a plan. We know the situation we are in right now and we have a plan to get out of the situation.

"It is just that at this particular point in time, we expected this trajectory because the releases will only start kicking in so that by the third quarter, we will start seeing the impact of what we are doing to reflate the economy."

On the speculated impending sack of workers, the minister said government had made it clear that it would not sack anyone.

He said: "I am not aware of any instruction to anybody to sack anybody. In fact, the policy of this government, we said so at the beginning that we are not

going to retrench. There is a natural wastage which happens in government. There are people who retire; people who may be disciplined but there is no policy in this government to retrench. So, I want to disabuse your mind that there is no such policy.

"With regards to the plea to the private sector, it is because we know that by the time the economy picks up, they will need those people again. We know the economy is going to pick up; we are confident about that. That is because of our plan. The plan was conceived because we knew that this was the trajectory we will move into.

"I will give you an indication of some of those things in the plan. For agriculture

for instance, we plan to be self-sufficient in rice within a certain number of years; in wheat within a certain number of years. Indeed the actingpresident has just set up a task force headed by the governor of Kebbi State to realise that.

So we are implementing the plan one by one.

"We have a plan to move this country up 20 places in the ease of doing business. We are working on that. We want to stimulate the private sector because we know that even the spending by government alone will not be sufficient. We also need to have policies that will encourage the private sector. We do have a plan, it was launched, it was taken to cabinet, approved by cabinet and the minister of state had announced."

residents in the area took precautions, including staying indoors.

According to Christopher Abarowei, a resident of Yenagoa, "There was serious apprehension in the region concerning the threats. In fact, some teachers asked some students not to come to school yesterday.

"In my area, Harbour Road, Yenagoa, many children did not go to school. You needed to check the Free Readers Association, the people that read free news, saying that the equipment the boys possessed, Nigeria didn’t have them.

"But it was basically out of ignorance. Do you know what a missile is? Do you know what it takes to launch a missile?’’

He added: "Even among civil servants in the state, many believed that the militants had serious weapons. They also believed that the boys are invincible and nobody can stop them. It created palpable fear and tension in the region, especially in Yenagoa.’’

Nadi Mogbeyi, a resident of Oporoza, Gbaramatu, Warri South West, where wanted ex-militant, Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, hails from, said that the community was obviously relieved that members of the group did not make good their threats.

He said that the coastal communities would have borne the brunt of the missile haul in the region if the JNDLF had fulfilled their pledge to attack.

"Many people were really afraid, though we also doubted the capacity of the group to carry out the level of attack they promised. But many people believed them and took precaution by asking their children to stay at home.

"Even when soldiers came this morning around 4am and left at about 7pm, and were carrying out their usual operation, people thought they came to stop the boys from setting off the said missiles,’’ he said.

The National President of the LPCDI, Reuben Clifford Wilson, said in Yenagoa that directing the military to retreat from the coastal communities would further ease the tension in the area.

According to the ex-agitators, who once took up arms against the federal government over alleged ill-treatment of the region, asking the troops to end the siege on innocent citizens would help foster confidence in the process of peace-building in the Niger Delta.

While calling on the NDA to desist forthwith from acts of economic sabotage, the group expressed worry over the continuous drop in the federal allocations to the Niger Delta states.

"The effect of the military presence in our local communities as in the case of Oporoza should be avoided in the future while we have this opportunity for dialogue as the federal government has further shown its commitment by withdrawing the military from our communities,’’ the group said.

The group whose membership cuts across the nine states of the oil-producing areas, appealed to the NDA and other groups involved in the recent destruction of oil facilities to key into the peace process.

The ex-militants, who warned against the consequences of acts capable of drawing the wrath of the military authorities, also urged all aggrieved groups to embrace dialogue.

N'DELTA MILITANTS STRIKE CHEVRON AGAIN AS NIGERIA RISKS LOSING OIL MARKET TO IRAN Chevron-operated RMP 20 Well at Didi community in Egbema, Warri North Local Government area of Delta State.

Force majeure is a legal clause that allows crude oil producers to stop exports and cancel deliveries to customers without breaching contracts by citing unforeseen circumstances.

Shell, ExxonMobil and Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) have invoked this clause in recent weeks to avoid contractual obligations to customers who were denied supplies.

The lack of guarantee of steady supply of Nigerian crude by the IOCs has fuelled the reluctance of foreign buyers to buy Nigerian crude.

It is feared that with this development, the country may risk losing some of its customers to other rival producers, particularly Iran.

So far, crude oil supply shortfalls like those experienced in Nigeria and Libya, have been met by rising output in the Middle East, especially Iran, which has ramped up output since the end of international sanctions against the country in January.

Nigeria, which ranked as Africa’s top producer, recently lost its position to Angola after the country’s production dropped from 2.2 million barrels per day to less than 1.5 million barrels per day following production disruptions caused by the recent upsurge in militant attacks on oil and gas facilities.

The NDA has staged a number of attacks on oil installations belonging to Shell, ENI and Chevron, pushing output in Nigeria down past 20-year lows last month.

Though some oil facilities have clawed back output, the Avenger's attacks have continued and the group has vowed to bring Nigerian production to "zero".

While Shell declared force majeure on its exports of Bonny Light and Forcados streams, Agip declared force majeure on exports of Brass River, ExxonMobil had also declared force majeure on exports of Qua Iboe due to rig accident, which damaged a pipeline.

Reuters reported that India's HPCL was forced last month to cancel a vessel it chartered to carry 2 million barrels of West African crude due to the Qua Iboe force majeure.

India's state-run Indian Oil Corp. Ltd – a major buyer of Nigerian grades over the past year – has stated in its recent tenders that it would not take grades under force majeure.

Indonesia's Pertamina, another frequent buyer, also chose not to buy Nigerian grades in its recent tenders, favouring Congolese Coco, Angolan Girassol and Saharan Blend from Algeria instead.

Traders said Pertamina had shifted its preferences since the violence and uncertainty escalated, although Daniel Purba, Senior Vice-President of ISC Pertamina, told Reuters by text message that Pertamina is "monitoring" Nigeria, but "currently it's still not affecting crude purchasing".

ExxonMobil, which declared force majeure on Qua Iboe in May due to an accident, lifted the declaration last week, but the unpredictability is too much for some buyers.

The reduced demand means Nigeria is not benefiting as much as others from a rebound in Brent crude prices, which is partly driven by its own oil outages.

Even refineries on the US East Coast, which have been on a buying spree for Nigerian crude in recent months that averaged 240,000 barrels per day (bpd) in April and May, according to Reuters shipping data, are beginning to turn away.

As a result, differentials to dated Brent for Qua Iboe, Bonny Light and other grades are under downward pressure.

There are several unsold cargoes for June loading, even with more than half a million barrels of production missing.

Militants Blast Chevron’s Well in Warri Meanwhile, Chevronoperated RMP 20 Well at Didi community in Egbema, Warri North Local Government area of Delta State was the latest target of the Niger Delta militants' attack yesterday as it was blasted, causing further disruptions to the nation’s oil production which had dipped from 2.2m bpd to 1.6m bpd in the last few weeks.

Although there was no official confirmation yesterday, the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) in a series of tweets claimed responsibility for the blast.

The well, according to the tweets, is 20 metres away from Dibi Flow Station in Warri North Local Government Area of the state.

"At 1:00am today, the @ NDAvengers blew up Well RMP 20 belonging to Chevron located 20 meters away from Dibi flow Stattion in Warri North LGA," it said.

The blast obviously signifies the group’s rejection of the federal government’s olive branch by its setting up of a negotiation committee headed by the National Security Adviser (NSA) Babagana Munguno, as well as the standing down order to the military in the Niger Delta region yesterday.

"This is to the general public: We're not negotiating with any committee. If the federal government is discussing with any group, they're doing that on their own," the group warned.

The last economic sabotage embarked upon by the group was last Friday's destruction of Shell's 48-inch Forcados underbelly export terminal pipeline located at Ogulagha and Odimodi communities in Burutu Local Government area of the state.

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS Delta) Warri had on Tuesday said it arrested a suspected top Commander of the NDA. The suspect, whose name was not released, was alleged to be behind the recent series of attacks on oil and gas installations in the Niger Delta, particularly in Delta State.

THISDAY learnt the suspect was arrested last Thursday morning in a town, less than 20 minutes’ drive from Warri.

The suspect is, however, said to be non-Ijaw. Parading the prime suspect along with four members of his group, Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS Delta), Warri, Commodore Raimi Mohammed, told journalists that the suspect was behind the recent bombings of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Chevron pipelines.

New Group Meanwhile, a new militant group, Ultimate Warriors of Niger Delta, has emerged demanding the award of 60 per cent of oil blocks to indigenous

people of Niger Delta as one of the conditions to cease attacks on oil installations in the region.

The group, in a statement signed by its spokesman, Sibiri Taiowoh, yesterday also threatened to continue the attacks on oil facilities until the $16 billion Export Processing Zone (EPZ) project as well as the Federal Maritime University established by former President Goodluck Jonathan are completed and start operations.

It gave the federal government two weeks' ultimatum to meet its demand or risk the shutdown of strategic oil and gas facilities in the area, including Chevron BOP, Okan Platform, MEREN Gas Gathering Compression Platform as well as blow up Chevron Tank Farm.

"We are also behind the recent pipeline bombing in the Niger Delta region and I can assure you we will not stop until the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) project and the Maritime University are totally completed and start operations,” it said.

The group said it would want to be engaged to protect oil pipelines in the region to enable it create jobs for Niger Delta youths.

There was, however, relief in the region following the failure of a new group, Niger Delta Liberation Force (NDLF), to launch the six missiles it had threatened to unleash on the country’s critical assets, including military hardware in the region.

The NDLF had threatened to fire missiles at the State House, Abuja and other strategic public assets in Lagos, Kaduna and Benue States.

Many respondents told THISDAY that though the group was little known, the threats could not be dismissed with a wave of the hand since several other groups like that had kept their vows in the past.

Aside threatening to bomb the Presidential Villa, the Department of State Services (DSS), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Police Headquarters and the Defence Headquarters, the group had also vowed to attack all the assets of the Joint Task Force in the region.

But THISDAY learnt that while there was no serious public security response to the vow to bomb the facilities,

Ex-militants praise FG Ex-militants under the auspices of the Leadership, Peace and Cultural Development Initiative (LPCDI) yesterday applauded the federal government’s decision to withdraw troops from Niger Delta communities.

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Muslim Youths Attack 41-year-old Carpenter for Not Fasting John Shiklam in Kaduna Barely a week after 70-year-old Bridget Agbahime was murdered by a mob in Kano for alleged blasphemy, another incident has manifested in Kaduna where a carpenter, Mr. Francis Emmanuel, was attacked in Kakuri area of the metropolis by some Muslim youths allegedly for failing to observe the current Ramadan fast.

The incident, which almost claimed the life of Emmanuel, reportedly happened around 2.30pm last Tuesday on Sokoto Road, prompting neighbours and good samaritans to rush him to the St. Gerald Catholic Hospital, Kakuri for medical treatment.

Emmanuel, who almost lost his sight, was severely injured and had deep machete cuts on various parts of his body.

The 41-year-old man, who spoke with journalists on his sick bed writhing in pains from the attack, said he was taking his lunch when the boys numbering about six descended on him querying why he was

not fasting?

"I went to buy wood to do some work, when I came back, I bought food to eat. As I was eating, about six Hausa boys came and asked me whether I was a Muslim or a Christian. I did not answer them. They asked me why was I not fasting with them? I told them that I am not a Muslim.

"Before I knew it, one of them slapped me.

As I stood up, the rest came and surrounded me and started attacking me with knives. I don't know them. Nobody could come to my aid because of the type of dangerous knives they were carrying.

"They used cutlasses, scissors and knives on me until I became unconscious, I don't even know who brought me to the hospital," he said.

Also speaking, his elder brother, Mr. Paul Uloko, who described the incident as barbaric, appealed to security agents to fish out the culprits and bring them to justice.

"We are calling on the authorities to fish out these barbarians and bring them to justice. This wickedness must not be

by government and stakeholders.

The secretary general of the association, Mr. Danladi Yerima, a lawyer, told journalists in an interview when he visited the victim at the hospital that Kaduna had witnessed relative peace for sometime now and urged the authorities to bring the culprits to justice before things get out of hand.

Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, has asked the state's police commissioner to fish out those responsible for the dastardly act.

El-Rufai, his deputy and other top government officials, who visited Emmanuel and a police officer who was shot by armed robbers, said he was deeply concerned about the incident.

"This is of very serious concern to the state government. We have warned before the beginning of Ramadan that everyone should observe the tenets of his or her religion, but without forcing it on anyone or taking the law into their own hands.

"This is a case of which people have taken the law into their own hands and I have directed the commissioner of police to make sure that the boys that did this are arrested and prosecuted for what they have done" he said in an interview with journalists in the hospital.

In a statement issued after the visit to the hospital, the state government vowed that it

would not allow anyone to get away with any crime using his or her faith as an excuse.

According to the statement signed by spokesman to the governor, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, "There is no compulsion in religion. It is a free country, and that means no imposition of faith or religious practices on anyone.

“We sympathise with our fellow citizen, Francis Emmanuel. We have assured him that we will not allow anybody to violate his right, or that of any other citizen.

Kaduna State Government is resolute in its stand that all criminals, including those who try to hide under Christianity or Islam, will be tackled and prosecuted.

“We implore everyone to carry out their duties and to uphold peace and security in Kaduna State.

We should not allow differences in faith to be a barrier to harmony or a cause for conflict. Nobody can impose the tenet of his faith on another person. The decision to observe any religious activity is the prerogative of the individual."

football. His departure is more touching when one recalls that Keshi also lost his loving wife of 33 years, Kate, to cancer late last year thus rendering their young children hapless orphans,” he said.

Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu, said Keshi's sudden passage was painful and unfortunate at this time.

Saraki recalled the phenomenal contributions of Keshi to the development of football in Nigeria, saying his doggedness and exemplary contributions helped the nation to clinch international trophies both as a player and a coach.

"Keshi was an excellent star. His soccer artistry and leadership skills remain unparalleled. His days, while donning the national colours and his stint as a National Coach of the Super Eagles could rightly be regarded as "Nigeria's golden moments" in both national, continental and world soccer,” the president of the Senate said.

Former Senate President Mark also mourned Keshi, saying he received the news of his death with shock and disbelief.

Keshi was one of the greatest and most successful footballers Nigeria ever produced, Mark said, adding: "Till date, no one

has beaten his record. As a captain of the Super Eagles in 1994, he won the Africa nations cup in Tunisia. As the Chief Coach of the Super Eagles in 2013, he led Nigeria to win the Nations' cup in South Africa.”

The Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, called on stakeholders in the Nigerian football industry to use the period of mourning to embark on sober and deep reflections on the regressive trend in the nation’s football fortunes.

Ekweremadu prayed God to grant Keshi’s immediate family and the entire nation the equanimity to bear the irreparable loss.

Governor Okowa in his tribute described Keshi's demise as a great loss not only to Delta State but to Nigeria, Africa and the world at large.

He spoke through his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr Charles Aniagwu, stating that the former national coach’s contributions to the development of football in Nigeria and Africa are legendary, commendable and worthy of emulation.

"On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I commiserate with the family of the late Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, and the entire football loving fans in Nigeria over the demise of the late Super Eagles former Captain and

Coach,” Okowa said.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State described Keshi’s death as a great loss to the nation and to Edo State where he was resident.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Peter Okhiria, the governor said Keshi was a thoroughbred professional, complete gentleman and a good citizen who impacted positively on his immediate environment where he lived a quiet life.

Oshiomhole said: “On behalf of the Government and People of Edo State, I join millions of Nigerians and other sports lovers worldwide to condole with my brother, the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, on the sudden death of this illustrious son of the state.”

The Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, said he was shocked and sad over the sudden passage of the former football star. "It is with a heavy heart but with gratitude to the Almighty God, that I, on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria sympathise with the family of Coach Stephen Okechukwu Keshi (MON) and the entire Nigerian football family over the untimely death of our amiable, dedicated and outstanding hero,” he said.

el-Rufai

condoned. The culprits must be brought to justice in the interest of peace and stability in Kaduna State," he said.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states, while reacting to the incident, expressed deep concern over religious extremism, saying that the situation needs serious consideration

KESHI, FORMER SUPER EAGLES' PLAYER, COACH, DIES AT 54 coach and citizen who gave this country his all,” were the mournful words of President Muhammadu Buhari, who took few minutes off his medical vacation in London to pay tribute to the late football icon.

President Buhari was immediately joined in the tribute trail by other prominent Nigerians, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, former President of the Senate, David Mark, and Governor Okowa of Delta State.

Keshi, who lost his wife, Kate, last December after a protracted cancer-related illness, was said to have suffered a heart attack in Benin, Edo State and was confirmed dead at the hospital early yesterday morning.

One of his brothers, Emmanuel Ado, said Keshi died of cardiac arrest.

“With thanksgiving to God, the Ogbuenyi Fredrick Keshi family of Illah in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, announces the death of Mr. Stephen Okechukwu Chinedu Keshi,” Ado said in a statement.

He said his brother had been unhappy since his wife died last year and planned to end mourning her yesterday and return to

his foreign base same day when he suddenly suffered heart attack and died.

“He has found rest,” Ado said in utter submission to the mortality of his brother.

Keshi, popularly called the Big Boss, is the only Nigerian coach to have won the Africa Cup of Nations.

He also became the second person in history to win the competition as a player and as a coach, after Mahmoud El-Gohary of Egypt, when he led the Super Eagles to win the tournament in 2013 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Keshi rose to national prominence when he debuted for the Super Eagles in 1981 at the age of 20.

The late central defender withdrew from the national team in 1994. He had 64 caps and scored nine goals.

As coach, he qualified a little known and largely inexperienced Togolese national team for the 2006 World Cup in Germany but was sacked and replaced with German Otto Pfister, just before the tournament.

He, however, achieved his dream to manage a team at the World Cup when he took the Super Eagles' side to the tournament in 2014.

He is the fifth member of the glorious 1994 Super Eagles team to die, after Uche Okafor, Thompson Oliha, Rashidi Yekini and Wilfred Agbonavbare.

He is survived by four children and his aged mother.

Former President Jonathan and former Vice President Abubakar Atiku led in the tributes to the man who gave his all to the nation as the longest serving national team captain for 11 years.

In his tribute, the former president under whom ex- Super Eagles skipper and manager won the 2013 Nations Cup for Nigeria, described the late football star as an inspirational figure, great patriot and worthy ambassador for Nigeria.

He stated that the football icon was a dedicated and inspirational sportsman who led his nation to win the prestigious continental football trophy at great moments, both as captain and coach.

“Keshi was driven by a high sense of patriotism and dedication which motivated him to always ply his craft from the front, leading his nation to win the prestigious continental football trophy at pivotal moments, both as captain and coach,” Jonathan said in a statement by his media aide, Okechukwu Eze. Atiku described keshi’s death as an untimely loss of a golden sports gem and a pacesetter. "It saddens my heart to learn of the stunning news of the death of the golden boy of Nigeria

THURSDAY JUNE 9, 2016 • T H I S D AY

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NEWS

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

FG Commences Recruitment of 500,000 Teachers Osinbajo launches school feeding programme today

Tobi Soniyi in Abuja The federal government has created an internet portal named npower. gov.ng. through which job seekers can apply for jobs.

A statement issued in Abuja yesterday by the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande, said the presidency would start taking applications online for positions in the 500,000 direct teacher jobs scheme.

Akande said while the portal would be live on Saturday, June 11, applications are expected to start coming in on June 12, the beginning of next week.

He said: “Young unemployed Nigerians are advised to visit the website and apply.

President Muhammadu Buhari in his May 29 Democracy Day broadcast to the nation, had formally launched the unprecedented social investment programmes already provided for under the 2016 Appropriation by the administration.

The 500,000 Teacher Corps, nicknamed N-Power Teach on the portal, is one of the three direct job creation and training schemes Nigerians can start applying for from Sunday, June 12.

Others are N-Power Knowledge which will train 25,000 Nigerians in

the area of technology, and N-Power Build, which trains another 75,000 in the areas of building services, construction, utilities, hospitality and catering, automotive vocations, aluminnium and gas services.

The statement said all trainees would be paid for the duration of their training.

Akande said the N-Power Teacher Corps initiative through which 500,000 young unemployed graduates would be trained would be a paid volunteer programme of a two-year duration.

He said: “Unemployed Nigerians selected and trained will play teaching, instructional, and advisory roles in primary, and secondary schools, agricultural extension systems across the country, public health and community educationcovering civic and adult education.

“Besides their monthly take home pay estimated at about N23,000, the selected 500,000 graduates will also get computer devices that will contain information necessary for their specific engagement, as well as information for their continuous training and development. They get to keep the devices even after exiting from the programme.

“According to the plan of the Buhari administration, the N-Power Teacher Corps programme is an invaluable opportunity for young

Nigerians to make immense economic and social contributions to the nation while developing their skills. It will also help to address the problems of inadequate teachers in public schools.

“Also, persons enlisted under the scheme will gain work experience and acquire key competencies through academic and non-academic capacity building programmes intended to improve their competitiveness in the workplace. Their devices will come loaded with knowledge-oriented applications and software that will enable them acquire the skills and capacity.

“Under the N-Power Knowledge scheme, there are three aspects: Creative, Technology Software

and Hardware. These three subdivisions will will train 25,000 young Nigerians in all.

“5000 of them will be trained in Animation, Graphic Design, Post-Production, Script-Writing.

All of those under the sub-division of N-Power Knowledge-creative category.

“The N-Power Knowledge scheme also has a technology category in two aspects: hardware and software. 10,000 Nigerians will be trained, and equipped in the area of software development, including web designers, and another 10,000 in hardware expertise including to repair, maintain and assemble mobile phones, tablets, computers and other devices.

“Also the N-Power Build

category was designed realizing that the presence of a well-trained and highly skilled youth population in any economy has direct impact on entrepreneurship/wealth creation, which in turn leads to a decline in unemployment.

“N-Power Build is therefore an accelerated training and certification (Skills to Job/Enterprise) programme that will engage and train 75,000 young unemployed Nigerians in order to build a new crop of skilled and highly competent workforce of technicians, artisans and service professionals.

“The other schemes in the Buhari presidency Social Investment Programmes which would soon be rolled out in the coming weeks.

These include the Conditional Cash

Transfer that pays N5000 monthly to one million Nigerians, the MicroCredit Scheme for more than 1.5 million Nigerians, the Home Grown School Feeding programme that will serve 5.5 million Nigerian pupils in primary school a free hot meal per day this year and the Education support grant programme for 100,000 tertiary students in Science Technology Engineering & Mathematics, STEM and education.”

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo will today launch Nigeria’s first national Home Grown School Feeding programme.

Under the programme, over 24 million primary school children will be given one meal per day in the first year of its operation.

Sambisa Forest is Now Locked down, Says Military Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri The Nigerian military yesterday said the feared enclave of the Boko Haram terrorists, Sambisa Forest, had been demystified and the insurgent group still trapped in the hideouts cannot come out to launch attack on the rest of the nation.

Addressing a press conference to highlights the successes of the Nigerian troops against the Boko Haram insurgents in recent weeks, the Commander of the counter-insurgency operation in the North-east, Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj. Gen. Lucky Irabor, said the forest is completely surrounded by the Nigerian troops and there is no escape for any insurgents still holed inside.

Irabor said it had become impossible for the insurgents still

holed inside the Sambisa Forest to get out or for them to have access to civilization to get any supply.

He said the soldiers are only waiting for the insurgents holed up in the forest to surrender as life has become unbearable for them.

He said if they do not come out soon enough, the troops would move further into the forest to level it.

He, however, promised that there was no escape or any insurgent still trapped within the forest as the troops have taken position at all access route leading into and out of the forest.

Irabor said there was no truth in the story that the insurgents were fleeing from the forest to wreak havoc elsewhere, insisting that the only option for the insurgents is either to fight their way out or surrender.

UK Govt Refutes Report on Buhari’s Meeting with Jonathan in London Jaiyeola Andrews in Abuja The government of the United Kingdom yesterday refuted reports in some national dailies alleging that President Muhammadu Buhari was in London at its instance to meet with former president Goodluck Jonathan with a view to adressing the current crisis in the Niger Delta region.

The refutal was contained in a terse statement issued by the Press Officer of the British High Commission in Abuja, Joe Abuku.

Buhari is currently in London

to take care of minor health issue.

The statement read: “Media reports suggesting that the British government has set up a meeting with President Buhari, former President Jonathan and representatives of Niger Delta groups to discuss a solution to recent violence in the Niger Delta region are incorrect.

“We are aware that President Buhari is currently in London seeking medical attention. We are not aware of any meetings on the Niger Delta while he is there.”

DIPLOMATIC VISIT

R-L: United Kingdom High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Paul Arkwright; Rivers State Governor, Nyesom EzenwoWike; Deputy Governor, Ipalibo Banigo; and Second Secretary (Political) British Hig Commission, Mr. Edward Dunn, during to Government House, Port Harcourt....yesterday

Again,Yahaya Bello Wins as Tribunal Dismisses Labour Party’s Petition I dedicate my victory to Audu, says gov Yekini Jimoh in Lokoja with agency report It was yet another victory for Governor Yahaya Bello yesterday, the third in a roll, as the Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja dismissed the petition filed by the governorship candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Philip Salau, for failing to substantiate its claims.

The tribunal chairperson, Justice Halima Muhammad, in a two-hour judgment, dismissed the petition, saying it lacked merit.

According to her, there were no sufficient evidences to prove the allegations made by Salau and his party in the petition.

Justice Muhammad said the evidence given by a witness of the petitioner that he did not write a report after monitoring the election, closed the case of the petitioner.

She also said the allegation of corrupt practices by the petitioner during the conduct of the election

could not be substantiated.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the party had alleged that there were issues of irregularities during the conduct of 2015 Kogi governorship election.

Labour Party also alleged in its petition that Governor Yahaya Bello, the first respondent, was not validly elected and that his election was not conducted in compliance with the Electoral Act. It said Bello did not participate in all the stages of the election and did not have a running mate before the conduct of the election.

The party also alleged that Bello had no valid nomination from his party.

Reacting to the judgment, counsel to Labour Party, Mr. Reuben Egwuaba, told journalists that the party would study the judgment and file a notice of appeal.

“Constitutional qualification of Bello is not grounded in law; we will study the judgment and file a notice of appeal,’’ Egwuaba said.

Bello had on Monday and Tuesday respectively defeated James Faleke and former Governor Idris Wada of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the same tribunal.

Meanwhile, Governor Bello has said he dedicated his victory at the tribunal to the late leader of the party, Prince Abubakar Audu who died in the course of the election that changed the political history of the state.

He also described the late political icon as a political martyr whose spirit will help enliven the state.

Addressing journalists yesterday after his third victory at the tribunal, the governor said the victory at the tribunal was further call to give good governance to the people of the state.

Bello said it was obvious that the All Progressives Congress (APC) recorded victory at both the November 21, 2015 general election and December 5, 2015 supplementary election and that the change the people voted for will

spur his government to transform the state and empower the people.

The governor called on all Kogi people to rally round his administration in its bid to create a state where opportunities abound for the people to aspire to their aspirations.

He promised to ensure the protection of the rights of the people of the state and to open up new economic frontiers for inclusive empowerment.

According to the governor, the state government was building a reliable data base for payment of wages and improved workforce for effective service delivery to the people of the state.

He said government would generate more revenue for infrastructural development and social security, calling on all his opponents to join his New Direction government to move the state forward, saying it was time to strengthen the ropes of unity across the state.

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NEWS

Ibori: Court Requests Defence Team to Produce Evidence of Manipulation Ex-governor urges court to halt confiscation suit pending appeal

Agha Ibiam in London Judge David Tomlinson yesterday at the Southwark Crown Court in London queried the lead counsel to the former Governor of Delta State, James Ibori, to produce evidence that his client’s case was manipulated by the court.

Judge Tomlinson, who ‘exploded’ during the afternoon session at court 14, politely but vehemently told the lead counsel, Ivan Krolick, to produce a clear evidence that the court manipulated both Ibori’s conviction and confiscation hearing during the time the court was presided by Judge Anthony Pitts.

“I don’t understand what you are saying. You are describing a series of events that has happened.

Was Judge Pitt misled? Where is the evidence because I can’t see what you are saying and I am in no way thinking that the prosecuting counsel misled the court,” his said.

That was not all, the judge said Pitt must have realised that there was misapprehension, insisting that he was still looking to see whether there would be any tenable reason that the court misinformed him (Pitt).

He however remarked that in the interest of proper case management, that he would form a view in the matter and will welcome more suggestions

from both the prosecuting and defence teams.

The issue of manipulation reverberated yesterday when Krolick was making his submission before the court went on break in the afternoon.

Krolick had then made reference to the prosecuting team’s use of Section 72 AA on assumption when lead and ousted prosecutor, Sasha Wass (QC) was involved in the case.

Krolick who did not find today’s proceeding palatable wobbled to convince his honour that Ibori’s jail sentence did not follow due process. “If Ibori accepted some benefits according to the prosecuting team, no one explained as to why they want to rely on assumptions,” Krolick said.

But Judge Tomlinson simply asked Krolick if he accepts Judge Pitt’s words. To this Krolick aptly said no. “Judge Pitt listened to the proceeding argument and decided to adjourn the case and not that he was confused according your claims,” Tomlinson told Krolick.

“He was not misled by the crown court. It was on his own appraisal and not that he was misled. Ibori’s conviction still remains as it is and we should proceed on this application. I can’t consider evidence from previous counsel.

However, Ibori who is

incarcerated for corrupt practices concerning Delta State funds also yesterday asked the Southwark Crown to adjourn his case on confiscation hearing pending when a review is concluded in August.

The adjournment it was gathered, is to enable him appeal his conviction before entertaining the confiscation hearing.

This line of action according to his lawyer could easily end up his case therefore quashing any action that could have been taken

The Gombe Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said it has detained the Accountant of Gombe State Government House, Mr. Mohammed Balbaya, over N338 million 2015 election campaign funds for the state which was intended to compromise the results in favour of the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to the Head of Public Affairs Department of the commission’s zonal office in Gombe, Gbenga Aroyewun, ‘‘Mr. Mohammed Balbaya, was interrogated yesterday over his role in the N338million campaign fund

sent to the state.”

He said Balbaya told the investigators that he collected the sum in cash from an official of Fidelity Bank in the state based on the directive of Senator Saidu Umar Kumo, the Director-General of Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo’s re-election campaign organisation during the 2015 election.

According to the investigation, Balbaya said he contacted the Permanent Secretary and Principal Private Secretary to the governor of the state, Dr. Sani Jauro, who directed him to share the money to the beneficiaries. He however denied deriving personal benefit

Alex Enumah in Abuja Former President Goodluck Jonathan’s cousin, Mr. Azibaola Roberts and his wife, Stella, were yesterday granted bail to the tune of N500million each by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

The duo are facing corruption and money laundering charges levelled against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged payment of $40million into their company, One Plus Holdings Nigeria Limited, by the Office

from the funds.

He said though Balbaya did not disclose who the beneficiaries of the money were and the amount each individual or group collected from him, he however gave the EFCC useful information.

Meanwhile, Senator Saidu Umar Kumo and the state’s former PDP Chairman, Mr. Nuhu Paloma, through bank drafts, refunded N2 million each which they claimed to be their personal benefits from the fund.

The said amount came from the sum of N111 million both of them signed and collected from Fidelity Bank for the state, but Kumo could not account for the balance of N106million.

Nigerians Can Now Obtain Five-year Visa to South Africa The South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Lulu Mnguni, has announced his government’s decision to commence the issuance of five-year visas to Nigerian professionals, business people and other frequent fliers.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos yesterday, Munguni said his government was now prepared to eliminate the difficulties usually faced by Nigerians when seeking South African visas.

The diplomat also said his government was moving away from having political diplomacy to more of economic diplomacy with Nigeria.

“There has been growing concerns from both Nigeria and

South Africa on the issue of visas.

There have been complaints by Nigerians on how they are treated when seeking visas,” he said.

“Our president has indicated that Nigeria and South Africa need to intervene by making it easier for our nationals to have visas to our two countries.

“We came to an agreement that business people and frequent fliers between South Africa and Nigeria will qualify for long-term visas of two, three, and five years. We have totally moved from political diplomacy to economic diplomacy.And to promote this new economic diplomacy, there needs to be a smooth movement of people between our two countries.”

Mnguni said he had made a proposal to his government for the

hinged his argument on, noted that both the prosecuting and defence teams had agreed that the case be adjourned, an agreement Jonathan said was welcomed with a resounding yes.

Surprisingly, Judge Tomlinson said he has not seen any germane reason why the confiscation hearing should be adjourned.

Though Jonathan insisted that the case be adjourned until the completion of their review on disclosure and jurisdiction.

“For the interest of justice, review must be completed because of some issues, such as the defence team claimed abuse of process. Ibori has also agreed that the case should be adjourned. And they may be errors which your honour would like to consider,” he said.

Sticking to his guns, the judge submitted that if an officer who was part of an investigation was said to be corrupt, how could confiscation of assets be an abuse of the process?

Alleged $40m Fraud: Jonathan’s Cousin, Wife Get N500m Bail Each

N339m 2015 Election Campaign Funds: EFCC Detains Gombe Govt House Accountant Segun Awofadeji in Gombe

at the Crown court. However this decision is still dicey as his team could not predict what the judge will decide on.

However, Ibori’s plea was confirmed when the prosecuting team led by Jonathan Kinnear (QC) said Ibori, who initially was interested that the confiscation hearing should go on, said he had certainly changed his mind and called for adjournment.

He maintained that for the interest of justice which he

recruitment of more staff, so as to be able to promptly attend to the demand of Nigerians for visas to South Africa.

According to him, Nigeria and South Africa’s inability to promote people-to-people relationships is responsible for the uninformed tension between them.

He said it was imperative for both countries to unplug some of the “irritants” that have undermined their cohesion.

“We need a friendship that resides with our people. Nigeria and South Africa need to criticise each other in a constructive way,” he said.

According to him, “We need to look at how we can unplug some of the irritants that have undermined our cohesion.”

of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

They pleaded not guilty to the seven-count charge read before them. But in a brief ruling, the trial judge, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba, remanded Roberts who is the 1st defendant in the suit in Kuje Prison till yesterday, pending the determination of their bail applications.

At the resumption of the case yesterday, Justice Dimgba delivering his ruling on the bail applications filed by the defendants’ lawyers, Chief Chris Uche (SAN) and Gordy Uche (SAN), held that there was no material evidence before the court that the Roberts and his Wife would jump bail or frustrate their trial.

Dimgba further held that the “Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, provides that the bail conditions shall not be excessive.

“All things considered, I grant

the defendants bail on the following terms: the defendants are admitted to bail in the sum of N500 million each, two sureties in like sum which shall in turn enter a bail bond of the sum of N500 million, the sureties must each be an owner of property in Asokoro or Maitama District of Abuja,” the judge held.

The judge however added that the defendants are to remain in prison custody till their bail conditions are met.

The matter was adjourned till June 28, July 4 and 5 for hearing.

Roberts spent 80 days in the custody of the EFCC, before he was formally arraigned before a court of law. In canvassing for Roberts bail application, his lawyer, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), had urged the court to admit his client to bail on liberal terms.

Uche argued that offences which Roberts was charged with were

bailable.

“Plea having been fully taken by the defendants, we will like to prepare for trial, and I want to apply for bail for the 1st defendant to enable us defend him,” he said.

He stated that they had already filed a motion on notice dated May 24, 2016, and filed on May 27.

The bail application which was brought pursuant to Section 36 (5) of the 1999 Constitution and Administration of the Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), prayed the court to admit Roberts to bail in view of the “pains” Roberts had suffered in the custody of the EFCC despite a valid court order admitting him to bail. Briefing journalists at the end of the session, counsel to the defendants commended the court for granting bail to their clients and expressed confidence that the defendants would meet the bail conditions.

T H I S D AY THURSDAY JUNE 9, 2016

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T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2016

COMMENT

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

RISING TO THE CHALLENGE

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Yakubu Dogara, speaker of the House of Representatives, has done remarkably well, writes Turaki Adamu Hassan

oday, June 9, 2016, marks exactly one year since Mr. Yakubu Dogara emerged as Speaker of the House of Representatives. In his acceptance speech, the Bauchi-born Dogara made a solemn declaration asserting that the House under his leadership “shall wage an unrelenting legislative war on Nigeria’s problems”.

He told his colleagues that it was now their responsibility to fashion out the legislative instruments that would lead to Nigeria’s renaissance, adding, “Let the word go forth from here that it shall not be legislative business as usual again in Nigeria.”

Since then, the speaker has kept his words and moved on with the consolidation agenda by embarking on a series of innovations in the conduct of legislative activities of the Green Chamber. Today, the House of the Nigerian people is not only busy discharging its constitutional responsibilities to the people, but is doing so with the utmost zeal and patriotism.

By law, the parliament discharges its duties and responsibilities through bills and resolutions which are the major yardsticks of assessing the performance of the legislature. Since bills, motions and resolutions are the basis of grading how well a parliament has performed or not; then one can say, without sounding immodest, that the House under Dogara has scored 100 per cent.

The 8th House set many firsts, with an unprecedented record of passage of legislations that have begun to change the pace of things in the country.

Instructively, Dogara unveiled his legislative agenda even before he was elected and tabled same to his colleagues immediately after their inauguration; subjected it to debate before adoption by the whole House.

Thereafter, the speaker, with a speed of light embarked on a review of obsolete and outdated laws by setting up a committee of experts which is still working but nevertheless has turned in about 200 bills, while hundreds more are in the offing.

The panel which comprises of legal luminaries who are working for months and have recommended scores of bills for consideration with the aim of cleaning Nigeria’s statute books adopted from Britain under the Statutes of General Application in force in England as at January 1, 1900.

In December, the House set record by passing for first reading, 130 bills and on May 26 2016, 19 bills were considered and passed under the watchful eyes of the speaker who sat from 11am to 5pm on floor. The same thing happened on June 1. On June 2, 25 more legislations were passed and in all, the speaker sat while the bills were considered and passed. It should be noted that in the 7th Assembly, which was rated high in terms of bills passage, 700 bills were presented in four years, while in just one session, about 600 bills of high quality were presented in this assembly for consideration, most of which were from the recommendation of the statutes reform committee constituted by the speaker.

Now, almost 80 of those bills, representing about 18 per cent of the 600, have been effectively passed by the House as at the time of penning this article thereby setting another record.

On motions and resolutions, as at the last sitting in May, the House had considered almost 600 motions. Indeed, there can be no better way to perform than this. This is even so when the intent of the bills and motion are in tandem with the yearnings of the Nigerian people for a better life.

Dogara also became the first speaker, since return to democracy in 1999, to have stepped down from his exalted seat to sponsor a motion on the urgent need for rehabilitation, resettlement and recovery of the violence ravaged north-east region. He didn’t stop at that, in December, the speaker

THE 8TH HOUSE SET MANY FIRSTS, WITH AN UNPRECEDENTED RECORD OF PASSAGE OF LEGISLATIONS THAT HAVE BEGUN TO CHANGE THE PACE OF THINGS IN THE COUNTRY

again, stepped down to the floor to lead debate on a bill he personally sponsored, entitled, “The North East Development Commission Establishment Bill”, that will soon be passed into law.

Dogara didn’t restrict or limit his intervention on North East to the hallowed Green Chambers, but has been championing the cause of the region and its people by embarking on visits to internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps across the country and has also been advocating for the convocation of international donor conference to rebuild the region.

In keeping with his agenda, in May, Dogara’s House embarked on sectoral debates on different aspects of the Nigerian economy with the aim of assessing how far Nigeria has gone with diversifying the economy and to know if the legislature needs to make any law or laws that would support and enhance the project for the overall benefit of Nigerians.

Every appearance made by the ministers in the epoch-making session was beamed live on national television with ministers taking questions from lawmakers and putting Nigerians in the know of what they have been doing to diversify the economy in the face of dwindling oil revenue.

In addition, a special session on the deregulation of the downstream sector and other changes in the petroleum industry was also held by the House where the lawmakers sought to know the nitty- gritty of the removal and how it would benefit the Nigerian people.

As a follow up to the sectoral debates, a date will be set for members to debate the submission of the ministers before passing their recommendations to the executive.

In yet another unprecedented move and in compliance with the 8th Assembly legislative agenda, Dogara introduced electronic voting system and e-parliament in the House. It is worthy of note that since 1999, legislation and resolutions were passed using “voice vote” and efforts made by previous assemblies to change that couldn’t come to fruition.

With the new system in place, records of members’ punctuality and voting patterns can easily be accessed by constituents and members of the public which is in tandem with Dogara’s commitment to openness.

Other initiatives that will be introduced include the establishment and equipping of a Parliamentary Information Centre where information and documents of the National Assembly will be made available in a deliberate effort to further increase citizens’ access to the legislature and solve the problem of public access to authentic documents of parliament.

As he rightly reminded his colleagues exactly one year ago that members of the House are heirs to a long tradition where debates are robustly undertaken, where radicalism flows as an institutional prerogative; the House under Dogara has truly demonstrated that it is the bulwark for the defence of the rights and privileges of the common man, the champion of the rights of the weak and poor and anchor for the wellbeing of the Nigerian people.

The responsibility now lies with the executive to compliment the giant stride by the 8th House by implementing resolutions and interventions but more especially the president to sign the bills into law so as not to repeat the mistakes of the last administration when former President Goodluck Jonathan refused to assent to scores of bills forwarded him while his ministers went public describing parliamentary resolutions as “mere expression of opinion”.

Hassan is Special Adviser (Media & Public Affairs) to the Speaker

AN AGENT OF CHANGE

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Missang Oyama pays tribute to John Enoh, one of the longest legislative hands, at age 50

n human existence, what is key to realising a successful outing in the journey of life is vision.

History is replete with stories of great achievers whose backgrounds never gave them a chance and the circumstances that underplayed their early lives were not plausible enough to hold any promise of greatness. Apparently, propelled by undying passion and envisioned future, they rose to stardom against the odds of negativism that were thrust on their paths.

It would therefore amount to an indictment on an individual’s amnesia not to take a deep reflection on the journey of his life after hitting the threshold. In a clime where many people are given to the habit of venerating mediocrity and brushing off the accomplishment of achievers, we owe society a huge debt in making a glaring reflection on the feats of real men of substance and consequence - true servants of the people in every respect and men of extraordinary impact in our society.

The foregoing signposts the nub of this piece, distinguished Senator John Owan Enoh, a man whose life is an eloquent testimony of God’s boundless grace, hard work, focus, quality public service and unmatchable humility. It is fitting to celebrate this fascinating Nigerian, an insightful personality of Cross River State origin, an enigma of sorts and a treasure trove of the Ejagham nation as he marks the completion of half of his life’s odyssey and the beginning of the other half. Senator John Owan is a rare library of legislative knowledge with prodigious intellect; having spent 17 unbroken years and still counting in the legislative arm of government.

Owan Enoh rose through the ranks; learning the ropes with a modest beginning and appreciable progression from the State House of Assembly, House of Representatives and now the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This is no mean feat! Senator John Owan Enoh was born 50 years ago, precisely on June 4, 1966 under the cascading ambience in the ancient village of Agbokim Waterfalls in Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State; glowing like effervescent diamond in St. Augustine Seminary, Ezzamgbo, Abakaliki (1978-1983); transcending records and expectations at the Department of Sociology, University of Calabar where he graduated in 1988 with a Second Class (Upper Division) and was awarded the best graduating student of that year in the department. He also obtained M.Sc degree in Demography and MBA respectively from the University of Calabar with regal ease. With a patent desire to foster his capacity, Senator Enoh studied and obtained certificate in Public Financial Management, Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard University (Executive Education, 2004); Certificate in Telecom Regulatory Master Class-Bath, UK(2004); Certificate in Law Making in Communication Sector-BMT, Johannesburg, South Africa (2004); Certificate in Influence and Negotiation, Stanford Graduate School of Business, USA,(2012) and Certificate in Achieving Leadership Excellence, London School of Economics, UK(2014).

With numerous laurels and awards including the prestigious Fellow, Center for Peace and Conflict Studies (CEPACS) University of Ibadan adorning his treasure chest, Senator Owan Enoh has emerged

as one of the most fecund political icons in this generation. Senator Enoh started his public service career in 1991 as a lecturer in the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Calabar where he spent seven straight years in the academia impacting knowledge. His calling is research, his profession is to teach, his deep affection is to enlighten society with the piercing beam of his tongue and his avowed vocation is advocacy laced with a manifest philanthropic gestures.

Senator John Owan Enoh’s foray into the Nigerian political turf began in 1997 during the late Gen. Sani Abacha political transition programme when he contested and won a seat in the Cross River State House of Assembly as member-elect under the most unpopular political platform (Grassroots Democratic Movement-GDM) in the state to represent his state constituency. This was a true test of his public acceptability and popularity among his people which he scaled through with a landslide victory. The demise of Gen. Abacha only halted his quest for a people-centered representation in the state legislature.

At the advent of the current democratic dispensation in 1999, Owan Enoh took another shot at electoral contest on the platform of the defunct All Peoples Party (APP). He emerged victorious and represented his state constituency as a member, Cross River State House of Assembly where he was elected the minority leader in the House and chairman, Committee on Information. With obvious wrangling in APP at that time, he advisedly severed his relationship with the party and joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) where he has maintained

utmost loyalty to the party since 2002. Senator Enoh is loyalty personified and he deserves to be paid in the same coin by all and sundry.

Like the biblical adage, “He that is faithful in little, shall be faithful in much”. In 2003, Senator Enoh was entrusted with a higher political responsibility by his people. The people impressed it on him to represent them at the federal level as a member of the House of Representatives. As a servant-leader that he is, Senator John Enoh hearkened to the voice of his people by contesting the elections in 2003 and won; he became a member representing Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. In view of his effectual representation, the people revalidated his mandate in 2007 and 2011 respectively as a member of the House. Thus making him one of the longest serving and highest ranking member of the House of Representatives in the nation’s legislative history.

In 2015, destiny beckoned on Senator Owan Enoh to step up to the zenith of his legislative career-to represent the people of Cross River Central Senatorial District in the hallowed chambers of the Nigerian Senate. This self-effacing son of Cross River nay Nigeria took a shot at the 2015 general elections; he was overwhelmingly mandated by his people and today he sits atop as Chairman, Finance Committee of the 8th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Distinguished Senator John Owan Enoh is a gentle giant of sorts. He is quite daring and plays for the high stakes all the time.

Oyama, an Economist and a Social Commentator, wrote from Lagos

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T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2016

EDITORIAL MESSAGE IN THE OGONILAND CLEAN-UP

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As the clean-up gets under way, the oil companies should learn to operate more responsibly

otwithstanding the disappointing absence of President Muhammadu Buhari, it was still a momentous occasion last Thursday in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, when the federal government launched the implementation of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) report on the clean-up of Ogoniland. In his speech at the occasion delivered by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, the president said the clean-up of Ogoniland has sustainable development components that will greatly benefit the people.

“The methodology for the clean-up will ensure job creation for young people. The agro-allied industries required for processing of agricultural produce will also be put in place,” said President Buhari who added that approval had been given to establish the necessary institutional framework to drive the process.

The UNEP report which was submitted to former President Goodluck Jonathan on August 4, 2011, had recommended a scientific rectification of the environment in Ogoniland which is THE ENDEMIC expected to take about ENVIRONMENTAL 30 years to accomplish CRISIS IN OGONILAND with an estimated IS AS A RESULT OF THE take-off cost of $1 FAILURE BY SHELL AND billion. The three-year OTHERS OIL FIRMS TO investigation leading MEET THE MINIMUM to the report had come REQUIREMENTS OF THEIR up with the following OWN ENVIRONMENTAL revelations: One, there STANDARDS is heavy contamination of land and underground water courses, sometimes more than 40 years after oil was spilled. Two, that community drinking water contains dangerous concentrations of benzene and other pollutants.

Three, that there is massive evidence of soil contamination more than five metres deep in many areas studied.

Four, most of the spill sites where oil firms claimed to have cleaned up are still highly contaminated. Five, there is clear evidence of oil firms dumping contaminated soil in unlined pits. Six, the water is coated with hydrocarbons

Letters to the Editor

more than 1,000 times the level allowed by drinking water standards. And lastly, that the endemic environmental crisis in Ogoniland is as a result of the failure by Shell and others oil firms to meet the minimum requirements of their own environmental standards.

While submitting the report of what happened in Ogoniland five years ago, Mr. Achim Steiner, Executive Director of UNEP, who was also present at the commencement of the clean-up last Thursday, said the study “offers a blueprint for how the oil industry and public authorities might operate more responsibly in Africa and beyond at a time of increasing production and exploration across many parts of the continent”.

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MUHAMMAD ALI VS MIKE TYSON: WHO’S GREATER?

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don’t think anyone needs a soothsayer to aver that Nigeria is going apart. Boko Haram insurgency is still raging on with the Chibok girls — save Amina Ali — still missing; Niger Delta is today in conflagration with new militant groups springing up.

Fulani herdsmen have acquired the emblem of the killer squads and the agitation for Biafra has been renewed with great aplomb.

With all these development, the question every well-meaning Nigerian should be asking is: Is Nigeria falling apart?

Just as Yeats observed, in our today’s Nigeria “the Falcon cannot hear the falconer.” Angst and discontent is what you see when you look Nigeria in the mirror. One of the people that have emptied their bowels of anger on the one-year old administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is the new militant group that berthed in the creeks. They called themselves “Niger Delta Avengers.” What they are avenging, we will soon know.

Information littered in the group website — http://www.nigerdeltaavengers.com— suggested that they are “on vengeance “ against the pervading injustice in the country. This injustice they said was being propelled by the Buhari-led administration.

Introducing themselves, The Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) said, “We are a group of young Niger Deltans who have support from other parts of Nigeria, namely Northern, Western and Eastern parts of the country. We have watched with keen interest the way and manner in which the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC government runs the affairs of this country, and we not pleased with the way things are going. For instance, the so-called anti-corruption fight is directed towards perceived enemies of the government, and those that are sympathetic to former President Goodluck Jonathan. We wonder why

hat that means in effect is that for such tragedies not to happen again, the federal government must begin to enforce the laws of the land in its dealings with oil companies. For instance, the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) Act of 1988 stipulates that “the licensee or lessee of an oil exploitation license or a mining lease must adhere to all standard global practices to prevent pollution of inland waters, rivers, water courses, the territorial waters of Nigeria or the high sea by oil and other harmful fluids or substances, and where any such pollution occurs or has occurred, take prompt steps to control and, if possible end it and restore the environment”.

However, because the relevant authorities don’t enforce such laws, oil companies operate in Nigeria not only with impunity but also with scant regard for our people or the environment. President Buhari alluded to this in his speech at the clean-up launch when he said: “There are acts, enactments, laws, guidelines and regulations to govern the operators of the oil industry. However, either because of lack of will or willful non-compliance with environmental laws, the environment has been put in jeopardy.”

While this is a serious indictment on our nation, with the commencement of the remediation process in Ogoniland, the Buhari administration is also sending a clear signal that it is a new day in Nigeria. It is important for the oil companies and other critical stakeholders in the sector to get the message.

this persecution despite the peaceful manner Jonathan handed over government to the All Progressives Congress (APC)….”

Differentiating themselves from the bloodthirsty Boko Haram, the group spokesperson, Col. Madoch Agbinibo, observed:”The struggle of the Niger Delta Avengers is a genuine affront to ensure that the Niger Delta is developed in proportions that are only measurable with the immense wealth from our region and our environment remediated to its original state. Unlike the blood tasty kinsmen of Mr. President; we take no pleasure in claiming innocent lives hence our struggle is geared toward attacking the oil installations in our region and not the people. And we shall stop at nothing until our goal is achieved.”

The group since its inception has carried out series of attacks on oil installations belonging to Shell, Chevron, ENI and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and even threatening to do more. The Nigerian military which claimed to have lost many of their comrades have with the imprimatur of Mr President declared war on the Avengers. But is that the best way to transcend the problem?

What this means is that President Buhari has refused to learn the lessons of history. The events of Odi and Zaki Biam are still there for all to see. Till date, innocent Nigerians of two the aforementioned communities are still suffering the effects of former President Obasanjo’s crime against humanity in their lands.

What the Niger Delta Avengers are doing is a radical form of civil disobedience. They find Nigeria’s feeding bottle federalism so disgusting that they have demanded that the federal government should, among other things, implement the report of the 2014 National Conference.

Asikason Jonathan, Enugwu-Ukwu, Anambra State

HALIMA MOHAMMED’S JUDGMENT ON KOGI

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he surface-scratching or better put, shadow-chasing judgment handed down by the Kogi 2015 Governorship Election Petition Tribunal headed by Justice Halima Mohammed, on Monday June 6, 2016 in Abuja will go down in the history of the Nigerian judiciary as one that has not only failed to address but has also glaringly remained silent over the main issue at stake in an election petition before any tribunal since the return of Nigeria to full-blown democracy in 1999. The million dollar question remains: Can this kind of judgment stand the test of time at both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court?

It would be recalled that the main challenge and bone of contention before

Justice Halima Mohammed’s tribunal was the unjust and the circumstances under which the November 21, 2015 Kogi Governorship election was declared an ‘inconclusive’ one by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

This is in addition to the glaring flagrant non-addressing of almost, if not all the prayers sought by the plaintiff, which in this case is Hon. James Abiodun Faleke. A close appraisal of ridiculous and laughable judgments given in the past by some election tribunals under suspicious circumstances have been upturned either at the Appeal Court level or Supreme Court. Will this judgment not go the way of other upturned judgments given by election petition tribunals in the past?

Time will tell.

Odunayo Joseph, Mopa, Kogi State

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T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2016

POLITICS

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

PERSONALITY INTERVIEW

Saraki: The Senate I Lead is Patriotic To mark the first anniversary of his inauguration today, the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki spoke with senior editors, including THISDAY’s Bolaji Adebiyi on the high points of the last one year. Excerpts: How would you describe your experience in the last one year?

I give a lot of thanks to our creator, mighty God for giving one the opportunity. Whatever you say, it is an honour, an opportunity. It is not bestowed on many. To have been able to achieve that, one is honoured. Based on that, everyday one is grateful for that opportunity.

It reminds me of when I was governor in Kwara State; I used to say that every day. What was driving me was that I was counting the days when the job would end. The day it ends I want to be able to say that I did this and that. I don’t want to end the job and say hey, I wished I had done this and that.

I am one that is focused on what needs to be done. I believe this is a new challenge. This is so because one played a very key role in bringing about this government. At the beginning a lot of people used to tell me, why are you wasting your time? Have you ever heard of anybody defeating a sitting government? They would advise me not to waste my time. They would say, ‘you can’t win, you are just going to endanger yourself, you are going nowhere.’ Even a lot of our friends in the media, out of respect they would listen to me. But they would say ‘this Oga, you are so optimistic; you will defeat a sitting government, with what?

But we achieved that with the commitment of Nigerians. I feel one is carrying on his shoulder a lot of responsibility. I know what people sacrificed in making this happen. I believe that motivates one to see that we make a difference and everyday, that is what drives me.

I wouldn’t say I underestimated what is happening, I expected the challenges when you are trying to make a change. This is more on the legislative angle. That is where the change is because Nigerians have been used to the executive and the judiciary. The youngest of the three arms is the legislature. The one that people don’t understand the most is the legislature. The one people cannot see how it connects to their daily life is the legislature. An average man or woman in Nigeria knows how the executive affects his or her life. When a minister makes an announcement that we have now raised the duty on car importation or the exchange rate has gone up to this and that , they know what that means. It is so for the judiciary. They know that this judge can rule for or against if they have a case. They do not understand what the lawmakers are doing. That makes our work more challenging.

I am very hopeful that by the time we are done, we will be able to change this perception.

Is this the Senate you had in mind when you vied for the presidency? Can it propel Nigeria to the destination the people are aspiring?

I very much believe so. I was in the 7th Senate for four years; I followed the activities of the National Assembly. I believe that where we are now, the groups of senators we have are focused, patriotic and they are committed to solving Nigeria’s problems. They are patriotic because this is the first time we have a Senate that is much divided, the majority is very slim.

You can’t really compare it to the previous Senate. You have a Senate with this slim majority, everyday should be chaotic, and the senators should be up in arms.

But in the last one year, anytime we discussed national issues, issues that have to do with the economy, senators have jettisoned their political leanings and have presented themselves as senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Right from the time we screened ministers, looked at budget, they acted like senators of Federal Republic of Nigeria and not that of

Saraki...this Senate is committed to addressing the nation’s challenges

APC or PDP. Legislative arm is belief in processes. Sometimes the substance might be good but once you miss it, you derail. Just like the judiciary, if you miss the process it is out. The senators have shown a lot of maturity, patriotism and support. Nobody would even know that there is a slim majority.

Without that support, that unity, majority of the issues we want to discuss especially those that border on reforms of this country cannot take place. They think of Nigeria first. I am happy and honoured by the support they have given me. I am confident that as we move ahead we would build on our achievements. We would ensure that major issues that ordinarily should be discussed on party lines because of their controversial nature are looked at from nationalistic point of view.

We have been doing that. Look at the supplementary budget, under a normal circumstance,

The senators have shown a lot of maturity, patriotism and support. Nobody would even know that there is a slim majority. Without that support, that unity, majority of the issues we want to discuss especially those that border on reforms of this country cannot take place. They think of Nigeria first. I am happy and honoured by the support they have given me

would not have passed if the senators wanted to go along party lines. But they rose beyond that, they saw themselves first as senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

If you see the work we have done in the last one year despite a lot of distraction, it shows that it is a Senate that has the roadmap. We are not just coming to the Senate to jump from one issue to another. We are focusing largely on the economy, how we can address things that would make Nigeria a better place, create jobs for our people, improve the economy and make the country investment friendly.

Looking at things we have tackled you can see a clear path that we have created. This is different from what was in place before. Some of the issues that people were not ready to touch in the past, we have touched them. We are opening up the Senate to public participation.

We are not afraid that anybody would come with criticism of our activities. Of course people should express their own mind.

We told ourselves, look, let’s open it up. We are ready to take whatever that comes with it if it will help make the country better. I don’t think the Senate has ever had this kind of openness that is in place now. To achieve this, you cannot do it alone as Senate president; it is because the senators wanted it and believe in that agenda.

If I don’t have the type of senators we have now to work with some of the things we are doing would not have been possible.

Nigerians face hard times. How is the Senate helping to navigate the nation out of the economic doldrums?

The economy has always been on our agenda.

You have to understand that 90 percent of our revenues come from oil. We are all aware of the price of oil has plummeted since the last one year. It came from $100 down to even $28, $30. We are operating a mono product economy.

And there is high level of unemployment. So it is clear for us that, in order to address some of these issues we must do the following. First,

we cannot continue to depend on oil. We must diversify. We must diversify to agriculture and solid mineral. But we all have to understand that these sectors are not such that you can go there on a Monday and by Tuesday, Wednesday you begin to see results. They need five to ten years to give you what you want. What we must bring about in these sectors are reforms. It is not even policies. People who want to invest in these sectors are skeptical of somersault in polices. What people are looking out for is the kind of laws the country has that support the sectors.

For instance, in agriculture, if you talk about agriculture diversification and you don’t have any law that is clear or shows that there is a move to promote either commercial agriculture or credit to farmers, nobody is going to do any business. People would not want to invest in those sectors.

So you begin to see that we are addressing some of these areas. In the agricultural sector we are doing it.

On the economy, one of the bills before us which I am hopeful that the two chambers will soon pass is our public procurement law. It is a pity that it is not well reported. We saw earlier on that we must do something to stimulate the economy. One of the things we must know is that when you are going through this kind of downturn or recession, you must think outside the box.

We told ourselves that the country spends in its budget a lot of money, close to N2trn in capital purchases, outside salary etc. Most of the money is used to purchase goods outside the country. So that two trillion is help other countries’ economy. What stops government from saying, look I have my two trillion naira, if I don’t find those goods in Nigeria I can buy it any other place. But I must first make a concerted effort to see whether I can find those within Nigeria.

If there is no law that supports that, it will not happen. It cannot be left to one government today, another one in four years comes with different plans. If there is a law well backed up, it will encourage entrepreneurs to say, well there is a law in Nigeria that says that this ministry must buy this item first in Nigeria. I as an entrepreneur, if I can produce that goods locally, I have a market. The America we talk about free trade etc, as early as 1920s had such a law. It was called ‘Buy America’. China still has it. Few countries in South America have it. I told somebody that even if this is the only law that we passed it will have huge impact on our economy. There would be money going into stimulating the manufacturing sector and providing jobs to Nigerians.

Today in the health sector, there are some drugs that governments agencies buy that are produced locally. But because there is no law that stops them from buying them abroad, they would go and buy the same drug that is made in the UK instead of buying the one produced here.

We have a lot of our Para agencies that do not support those that locally procure shirts, shoes and canvasses etc. We looked around when we went to the Aba Trade Fair Made in Nigeria. Some of these items can be bought here. Ministries buy pencils, chalk from abroad. Initially you might talk about standard but it is like that all over the world. When we start we will improve the standard. When we banned importation of furniture in Nigeria, we didn’t have enough people who were producing furniture. But now we have them in abundance. The furniture I CONT’D ON NEXT PAGE

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2016

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INTERVIEW S A R A K I : T H E S E N AT E I L E A D I S PAT R I OT I C use is made from a factory in Kwara.

Like I said, passing a law like that will stimulate the economy. We will challenge the executive to make sure that they respect the law when we pass it.

Secondly, in the public procurement law that we are passing, we are reducing the number of huddles for the bidding process. Sometimes, even after passing the budget, before they award contracts they advertise, screen, this and that. It will take sometimes four to five months to do all those things. Before everything is finished it will take up to a year. We have looked at it; we have cut down some of the days and hurdles. We have shortened the time so that money will come into the system. After a budget is passed money is not in the system.

If a system encourages that money will still sit at the central bank for another three, four months, the economy will not move.

What we have done also in advanced payment is to give flexibility to it. It used to be 15 percent. In some cases like in works you may need to give more money in the dry season to get a lot of work done. These are the laws that make a difference.

Also, we are facing infrastructure deficit -we talk about power, road, and railway - there is no government that can fund these gigantic projects. It is not possible. If you are waiting for government to fund railway, roads, it will not happen. It does not have the money to do that. I don’t think it is pretending about it. And we all agree that without this infrastructure, our economy cannot move forward. The answer remains to have an enabling environment by law that allows private sector participation in the funding of these projects.

Look at the issue of Lagos-Calabar rail that raised a lot of dust. How much is the money?

N60bn. If that amount is what we are struggling to find from everywhere, how will government tackle other pressing needs. If we have an enabling environment, a big Chinese or a UAE company can say look, can I participate?

I will provide all the trains, carriages for this route. Give me the route, Lagos to Calabar or Calabar to Port Harcourt, I will fund it and I will make my money from the goods tariffs.

If there is a law that allows that you will see everybody bringing his money.

The law that we are trying to pass currently, for the first time, will allow the private sector to even build rail tracks. If we want to concession part of it, the law allows it. These are the things that the existing law did not allow.

On roads, we are ensuring that some of the laws will enable better maintenance of highways and better participation of private sectors in road construction. Look at the Lagos -Ibadan road or the one from Ibadan to Ilorin? Since 1999 when Obasanjo was in power the road has been under construction. That is 16 years ago. They broke it into three segments in a bid to make it easier.

They broke into Ibadan to Oyo, one contractor; Oyo to Ogbomosho, another contractor; and Ogbomosho to Ilorin, another contractor. Till now we are just about to start the last phase.

That is Oyo to Ogbomoso. Lagos -Ibadan that is so important to us is yet to be completed.

The money is not there.

So it is the law that will enable the private sector to participate in such construction that we require.

If you talk about reforms in any society, they can only be done if there are stable laws that will support that. And that is what we are trying to do in ensuring that all these sectors are provided with an enabling environment that will bring about change in the economy and create jobs for a lot of our unemployed youths.

How much of distraction has your trial by the Code of Conduct Tribunal had on your Senate presidency? Secondly, with the controversies that surrounded the 2016 budget and the dwindling oil revenues, do you sincerely think the budget will be faithfully implemented?

Let me start with the last question. What we have done, despite the power that is given to the legislature by the constitution, is to stand with the people. As part of the cooperation with the executive we ensured that the executive got what they want so that they will not give the excuse that they are not familiar with the budget or that it is not theirs. We bent backwards and even relinquished some powers we have as part of the support. This is a government that

what I am saying. I think that is ok.

He is taking 10 days off, he has done the right thing so that there will be stability. He has followed the process, nothing has been hidden. We wish him all the best. When we had the dinner he was fit and well. We sat together; there was no evidence that he had any problem. I think this is just to ensure that all righteousness and correctness are followed.

There is no problem.

We are making significant changes

has come to change things, we told ourselves that we should as much as possible support it and work with what it wants. There is no excuse on the executive part.

On our part, we are to ensure that the enabling laws are passed. I give you example again with the procurement law that we are amending. It is an effort to fast tract the process by which budget would be implemented. And then, of course our own oversight, we have resolved that we will monitor every naira, every kobo to ensure that they are spent in line with the budget.

I can assure you that we will do that. We will make sure that all the agencies and ministries implement the budget fully. In saying that we have to be realistic and see what the executive does with the challenges it has. Nobody anticipated the disruption we are having in the Niger Delta area. The budget was based on 2.2 million barrels a day. But now it has gone that to as low as 1.6 million barrels. That is temporary setback. Government must show its capacity and ability to get peace restored in the Niger Delta. Everything must be done to ensure that production goes back to the original projection which 2.2 million barrels.

Remember oil price was down to $28 per barrel. Some people were worried and even asked how we are going to implement the budget.

Luckily it has gone up to $50. There is some buffer there that should help to cushion some of the shortfalls here and there.

Our own part is to make sure that the amount that has been appropriated, all the releases are made to the agencies in line with the law. There cannot be selective releases. The budget has been approved, the money is there, there is need to release it to the agencies and ministries each quarter. When the monies are not there, there is need for the executive to come back to us to explain why. We will hold them accountable. That is the only thing that will make the difference between this year and any other year in terms of budget implementation.

On the CCT, I agree that anytime the history of this period is written the aspect of CCT will be there. From what we are seeing in the court, not my words, even the words of the witnesses support what I said earlier that my trial is political. Remember the day the chief witness said the first time they wrote to the committee on federal government implementation of property sale was in August 2016, which was like two months after I emerged. To me, that was further confirmation to what I said. It means that prior to then there was no investigation done.

Be it as it may it is a distraction. There is more we could have done. There are a lot of hours that we are losing when we do go to court. We have to do that; I want to clear my name as soon as possible so that we can move forward.

It is an unfortunate distraction. I think it was ill-conceived by those that started it.

However, it has not deterred us. We still have been able to address and push along our own agenda. It is something that after the case is over, as an institution, we must look at how to strengthen our judiciary and how to ensure that political battles that are lost in the political arena do not find themselves into the judicial arena. It is not good for the system. Sometimes you hear people use the word corruption trial but when you actually look the issue, at best you call it administration misdemeanor. There is nowhere at anytime we are talking about government funds missing somewhere. When we start to paint the fight against corruption and people begin not to be sure whether it is corruption

fight or politics we do more harm to the war on corruption. The fight against corruption should be very transparent so that when you find somebody guilty Nigerians will know. But you see, sometimes people are found guilty even on the so called corruption; the society will still embrace them. And this is because people do not have belief in the system. When we do things like these we taint the system.

I think it is something we must address. Back to the issue, it has not deterred us. Yes it may have weighed us a little down, stopped us from moving at the pace we wanted to move but I still believe that we are doing much better than previously. I am confident that at the end of our term we would have made a lot of great strides, that we will set the Senate and National Assembly at a level much higher than we met it.

The Senate attempted amending the CCB act but it was visited with public outcry. And that forced the chamber to drop the idea. The House is going ahead with the amendment. Is the Senate going to concur when the House passes it? Secondly what step do you recommend the Federal Government take to restore peace in the Niger Delta?

On whether the Senate will concur or not, I have not seen details of what they have passed.

There is a process, when they pass it. They will send it to us for concurrence. When we get it, we will look at it and see what they have done.

On the issue of Niger Delta, we have had this kind of problem before. That was during the period of President Yar’Adua. We were able to find a solution that restored peace to the region. Clearly, there is need for all of us to put all hands on the deck and bring peace to the Niger Delta.

I was chairman of NGF when we did it in the past. I know the role we played at that time to ensure that Yar’Adua government works out the amnesty programme that restored peace at that time. The National Assembly is there and available to play our own role in bringing about peace in the region. It is a priority and I don’t believe any price is too high in restoring peace.

Are you recommending that the Yar’Adua model should be employed by the incumbent administration?

I didn’t say that. I said that we have done it before. Every situation has its own solution.

There is an amnesty programme already in place, so it might not be the issue of amnesty.

Whatever the issues are what I am saying is that we must be able to bend backward and find solution. At the time of the Yar’Adua time nobody had heard of such programme.

It was fashioned out at that time to meet the situation. Now, we must fashion out whatever is required. What I am saying is that no price is too high to pay for peace to reign in this country.

How true is the claim that the President transmitted a letter to the senate regarding his medical trip to London?

The letter clearly stated that the President will be away for 10 working days to attend to his health. I am a doctor, you can be attended to by a doctor, if he is not sure, he might say look I better refer you to another doctor. That happens to an ordinary person not to talk of the President of a country. I don’t blame the doctor that attended to him. He needs to be careful. He wants to share responsibility, he is just being over cautious. I think you are ok, I don’t want tomorrow you will say I am the one that said so, let’s someone else confirm

What is the state of the constitution amendment in the Senate?

We have set up a committee headed by the Deputy Senate President. They have started meeting. We gave them a clear mandate. As you are aware, in the 7th Assembly a lot of work was done, it was passed by the National Assembly but it did not get the assent of the former President. We have told them to break the work into two phases. Let us first agree quickly things that most people agree that should be amended. In two weeks’ time they are going to have a retreat in Lagos to review all the areas where people have common position. Secondly, they will get new areas.

We are going for areas that have little or no controversy. They will consult with speakers in all the 36 states so that we get their buy in as well. We will come back and try as much as possible to ensure that before the year ends we can pass the constitution amendment. It is likely that after that we will continue to work because there are some new areas that will come in that may need more consultations and engagement with the public.

But these ones that we have already had engagements before, I think with limited resources, it is better that we try and fast tract it and get it out. We are targeting that before the end of the year we should try and see we amend the constitution in areas that there is agreement by all. It might not be comprehensive but our attitude is, lets what we can do that everybody will agree than spending two three years on the same process.

Senate in the last one year has passed quite a number of resolutions but we don’t get to see many of the resolutions being implemented by the executive. Is that not a sign that National Assembly is turning into a toothless bulldog?

Secondly, the issue of restructuring of the country is coming up now, will the constitution amendment work towards that?

Constitution amendment is based on the feedback you get from the people, general consensus by the people and stakeholders. It is not in my place as a presiding officer or chairman of the National Assembly to say this is what is going to happen. Restructuring I think will involve arguments to and fro, pros and cons. These are the kind of thing I think at this first stage will pretty much distract us.

On resolutions, we have made it clear that we are not going to be a National Assembly that will not be effective. We have already set up something like a compliance committee to oversee some of these things we have made and see that the executive arm complies.

This National Assembly is not afraid of anybody.

This Senate is not afraid to say the truth when it is necessary. We are not afraid of taking on anybody once we believe that the person is not following the law. There is no sacred cow in this business. We know by doing that the system will come back to fight us. Unless we do things right nothing will happen.

Look at the last investigation we did on TSA everything was made open. I was in the 7th Assembly; those kinds of reports don’t see the light of the day. I did a motion on oil subsidy, till the time the 7th assembly ended it never saw the light of the day.

But the TSA report did not only see the light of the day, its recommendations did. We will make sure that our resolutions have substance, transparent and that the right thing is done.

You earlier promised to make the breakdown of the budget of the National Assembly. Should the silence on that from you be taken that you have changed your mind?

No, I have not changed my mind. There is a process of putting it on our website. I have already released the figures, what is remaining is creating greater awareness on that. You cannot be shouting for transparency and you do not ensure openness in your own house.

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T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2016

INTERVIEW

Madumere: We are Rescuing Imo State In this interview commemorating the 40th anniversary of the creation of Imo State, its deputy governor, Eze Madumere, said his decision to venture into the politics has begun to pay off on the back of Governor Rochas Okorocha’s rescue mission for the state. Shola Oyeyipo brings the excerpts:

W

hen Governor Rochas Okorocha contested for the presidency, you stuck out your neck and stood by him all through. What was the conviction about?

Owelle Anayo Rochas Okorocha is a presidential material. He is ably qualified to lead this nation. He is detribalised. He has built bridges across the ethnic groups and is overwhelmingly acceptable to all. Beyond this, his impacts are holistic and not regional.

It is his nature. He is passionate about the Nigerian project. He has also demonstrated his mettle even as the Governor of Imo State.

Then, of course, Owelle Rochas Okorocha could have got it were it not for the reasons I believe is being fought today in the system by progressive minds.

Do you honestly believe Governor Okorocha has what it takes to rule a country as vast and heterogeneous as Nigeria?

The heterogeneity of Nigeria is where its strength lies. It takes patriotic and progressive minds to appreciate the beauty of this country and that its diversity remains its greatest strength. Like I said, Owelle Rochas Okorocha is appreciated by Nigerians because he is a Nigerian, who sees Nigeria from the perspective of a Nigerian. Like I said, he is detribalised and can pay any sacrifice for the unity and progress of this country.

Owelle Rochas Okorocha as you know has lived the better part of his life in Jos, where he acquired his education. It was his relationship with a Yoruba man that gave him the first financial breakthrough. So, the heterogeneous nature of our country is one factor Owelle cherishes so much. It was also because of his refusal to buy into the agenda with those with separatist agenda that led to the attack on him at the Chatham House, when he was delivering his lecture on human capital development from the Imo example.

If you know little about Rochanomics, you will appreciate his stance that exploring and exploiting our culture remains the easy way out of under-development. Where would you find your comparative advantage if not in the people’s culture? What we consume as food

Governor Okorocha has been consistent in our belief in freedom and enthronement of the ethos of democracy. Today, people have forgotten so quick that before, once it was 5:30 pm, you would not see anybody on the street of Owerri in the rural areas. You know the first charge of any government is security of life and property. We dealt with that in collaboration with the security agencies.

It was a hard nut to crack but it was a challenge too important to the survival of the state

Madumere...we have invented a new Imo

today constitutes the people’s culture while we have lost our staple food even some of them had gone extinct.

There is need to showcase them and sell their superior nutrients, and you will marvel at the foreign exchange this will bring into the coffers of this great nation. The sincere question is: where are those things that distinguish us from others? That is one question we cannot answer here. Owelle Rochas is making that effort through the Community Government Council (GCG).

How did your relationship with Governor Okorocha begin?

This is one relationship I have come to appreciate and value so much. You know, I have always used the relationship that existed between Dimgba Igwe of blessed memory and his brother, who has kept their dreams alive, the father of creative journalism, Mike Awoyinfa. I celebrate them because going into their history one can readily appreciate their friendship. My relationship with my principal, like I said earlier dates back to over two decades. You know what that means. It was fate or better still God that brought us together. It is not about politics. It is nothing other than God’s plan. This is an aspect of us that I will reserve for my book. By the special grace of God, you will read about it pretty soon.

You have been deputy governor for almost three years, how would you describe the journey so far?

Being a deputy governor for the past three years has been a worthwhile experience. I have been operating based on the constitutional provisions and descriptions as to how the deputy governor of a state should conduct himself and abide by the responsibilities therein. I believe that what is more important is the partnership that exists between my principal and I. It is that partnership and understanding that have given us so much harmony and peace to achieve. I enjoy the confidence of my leader and I understand him to the extent that he does not need to utter a word for me to take a decision. Again, you just be proactive to be appreciated by your boss or principal.

The Okorocha administration came into government with the ‘rescue mission’ mantra.

Was the state in some kind of bondage? What kind of Imo State did your administration inherit?

When we came on board, Imo was a model state of nature, where life was at the mercy of empowered miscreants. Imo was one hell of a kingdom, where kidnappers and hooligans reigned while the people trembled. Imo people lost their freedom as no one could speak for fear of being molested, intimidated or attacked.

In terms of infrastructure, it was a tale of dilapidation as Owerri city had no escape the moment there was traffic. The rural dwellers knew nothing about governance other than radio adverts. Today, Imo is the freest state in Nigeria where its people and residents are free to criticise the government without fear of intimidation. It was in a bid to create that atmosphere of freedom that led to the construction of “Freedom Square” with a giant sculpture of a man with a broken chain symbolising emancipation.

Governor Okorocha has been consistent in our belief in freedom and enthronement of the ethos of democracy. Today, people have forgotten so quick that before, once it was 5:30 pm, you would not see anybody on the street of Owerri in the rural areas. You know the first charge of any government is security of life and property. We dealt with that in collaboration with the security agencies. It was a hard nut to crack but it was a challenge too important to the survival of the state.

We wore our armour and armed ourselves with good conscience and fought that just war and came out victoriously to the glory of God. Our people have forgotten and we have to find a way to remind them. In the area of infrastructure, we embarked on total rehabilitation of the state. We have built more roads in Imo than any administration. We have touched the lives of the people at the rural areas like no other. We have elevated the status of the three major urban areas of Imo State – Orlu, Owerri and Okigwe.

Can you highlight some of these achievements?

In our bid to create a near egalitarian society, where everyone will have equal opportunity, His Excellency, Owelle Rochas Okorocha declared free education from primary to secondary and to tertiary level in state-owned

schools. Our Governor embarked on massive structural renovation and building of over 305 one-storey of 12 classroom pre-cast buildings.

We have created a free Imo State where peoples’ voices are not only heard but are considered a civic responsibility. We have transformed the city of Owerri with state-of-the-art facilities to encourage our hospitality and tourism sector.

In the recent time, we have had harvests of best entertainment front-liners come to Imo State and these events have economic relevance because we have most of our attendees coming from the neighbouring states.

Still in the hospitality industry, Concorde Hotel that was left to rot is back beaming with people and full of activities. We have renovated Imo Blue Lake of Leisure Motel and built an International Conference Centre there. We have a world class International Convention Centre with Heroes Square that has the capacity of about 10, 000 persons.

This is just to mention few of them. In the area of roads, we constructed an average of 20 kilometers of road in every local government.

Still in the area of infrastructure, the government is building two flyover motorways with a tunnel to reduce traffic and accident. I am sure that Owerri has got its alluring effect with aesthetics and fountains. You know what? People have only appreciated well re-modelled Owerri city with less interest to their economic relevance.

Last Christmas, villages were decorated with world class artistic fountains especially the huge one, which was in the Freedom Square with fountains and others artifacts. In a fortnight, I can authoritatively tell you that the hardworking youth of Imo State made nothing less than N7million in photography alone. And the most important thing is that most families in Imo State visited these sites and the children were satisfactorily entertained.

This is why we feel betrayed, when people sound funny and try to deride the government.

I am also surprised that newsmen do not take notice of these developments or even do little investigation on the activities that took place in those areas. Again, we have laid a solid foundation waiting for harvest in the nearby future with the “Plant a Palm” agricultural programme. Issue of skill acquisition remains paramount in our agenda so as to drive the SMEs. This is the hindsight for setting up Imo College of Advanced Professional Studies, which also houses Film Academy. The truth is that these are just few of the visible inputs in our effort to develop Imo. Most recently, the First Lady of Imo State, Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha has commissioned Skill Acquisition Centres, which are built in the senatorial zones of Imo State. It is a citadel of vocational studies with Computer and other technical studies. Bearing in mind that the plan of our policy for this dispensation are industrialisation and employment creation, we are making every effort to ensure that we achieve this so as to make white collar jobs less attractive and as the only choice.

Looking back, what would you wish this administration had achieved but for insufficient funds?

What we have in mind is to have a productive Imo State that would be able to cater for its populace and create a progressive state, where people meet their dreams. Of course, if we have the required funds, I am sure the whole of Nigerians would have moved here because in terms of vision and human resources, we are never in lack.

I still believe we will get there. In the area of capacity building and human resources development, Imo State would have been exporting experts to the world. In summary, we envision an Imo State that has productive base with diversified economic base, where its populace is well-equipped as entrepreneurs, who have what it takes to see opportunities and tap into the abundant resources in the state.

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T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2016

INTERVIEW

Banire: Current Economic Hardship Not Unexpected The National Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Muiz Adeyemi Banire, spoke to Femi Ogbonnikan on his party and President Muhammadu Buhari’s first year in office. Excerpts:

T

doing something. That is the message we are sending out now.

In our group, we meet at 3:00 pm every Sunday, and nobody is expecting rice from anybody. Nobody will distribute money there.

We all contribute. People volunteer their skills.

This is what we do there. We want to show that we don’t need to expect anything from anybody for you to be able to help the system.

You know, ultimately, to help the system work, it would benefit all of us. It is true. That is our destination.

he government of your party was a year in office a week ago.

How has it been?

The government has been doing very well, so far. Everything is well. We have been doing very well. So, as we are concerned, we are moving steadily.

In fairness, would you say your party has delivered on its electoral promises?

In the first instance, we must recognise the fact, that what we inherited was so bad. So, we need, in the first instance, to rebuild the foundation, and that is what people seem to be forgetting. It is important, that you build a solid foundation, before you start developing on it. And to a large extent, we have been able to put the necessary foundation in place now.

And beyond that, also, within the period, in some critical areas of the economy, we have been able to do meaningful things. For example, in terms of security, we have done very well.

At least, we are pleased to ourselves, even if the challenges are coming, but they are being tamed. In terms of the anti-corruption, of course, it is obvious to everybody that now, the culture of impunity, in that regard is fast vanishing from our system. Law and order is returning. Corruption is being tamed largely.

And again, there is relative progress in terms of industrialisation, equally. In fact, diversification is taking place at larger scales now. People are diversifying into agriculture, into the solid minerals, rather than everybody concentrating on oil and its products.

To be candid, it is not expected, but that is what we call birth pains.

You know, when a woman wants to give birth to a child, the woman would have first and foremost gone through severe pains. Thereafter, what comes out of it? Joy! Any moment thereafter, they would be enjoying. And if we did not do such sacrifices, it means we don’t mean well for the system. The government that means well for the people should be able to take courageous decisions. And this is what we have done so far, but we are extremely optimistic

Banire...APC is the only party

But a majority of Nigerians have continued to groan under the excruciating economic downturn. Is that also progress?

To be candid, it is not expected, but that is what we call birth pains. You know, when a woman wants to give birth to a child, the woman would have, first and foremost, gone through severe pains. Thereafter, what comes out of it? Joy! Any moment thereafter, they would be enjoying. And if we did not do such sacrifices, it means we don’t mean well for the system. The government that means well for the people should be able to take courageous decisions. And this is what we have done so far, but we are extremely optimistic that at the end of the day, there will be light at the end of the tunnel. People are going to be praising us for this, but we just must sacrifice this period that we are going through. The outcome of it would be to the pleasure and delight of everybody in the country.

constitution, it is a serious matter and we take it seriously.

It seems all is not well within the leadership of APC, of which you are its National Legal Adviser. You often criticise the leadership.

Why is that?

I can tell you for free that all is well within the party, but what people seem not to realise is that there are structures within the party. We have structures and we have organs within the party and these are the things that you must benchmark within the party. There is peace at the national level, and I am a member of the National Executive Committee and at the same time, I am a member of the National Working Committee. And I know there is no crisis at the national level. But in some few states, we have some skirmishes here and there, which are inevitable anyway. But we must still manage them; they are not something that is that alarming at all. There is nothing to be worried about.

Wouldn’t it be misinterpreted to mean you are gradually leaving the APC? It is untrue that they said I am leaving APC. We are not leaving the APC for any other political party. We have spheres of operation, areas of operation. We are not going to another party. I believe in the leadership of the President and the Vice-President totally and committed to those, who worked tirelessly for our victory at the presidential election last year.

I am not interested in any political or elective office, but in terms of their characters, integrity and capacity, I can tell you, I believe in them.

Even if I am not doing any party again, I will do well within my capacity to ensure, that these people take us as far as our dream land, if not totally to our dream land. But it is not about graduating to another party at all, it is far from that. Anyway, there is no other opposition party in existence again, and there is only one party in Nigeria now, which is APC.

If your criticism has been against god-fatherism and imposition of candidates, which is seen as the stock-in-trade of your party from the days of AD to AC to ACN and to APC, why is this practice suddenly strange to you?

I can tell you to a large extent, if we go by our last experiment, we have substantially been able to eliminate that now. We went through primaries and beyond the Constitution the Electoral Act mandates it too. It is also part of the objectives that each party member must subscribe to it. If you look at our party, in fact, it is an offence under APC constitution for you to torpedo the internal democracy of the party. It is a serious offence, which can earn you expulsion. If you look at our

Is it true that you and some people within the APC have formed a reformist group and that you have decided to form another platform?

Well, we do not have any group within the APC. I have a movement outside APC, which is not a political group. It is completely not political. It is a neutral platform for people, who for example, largely do not believe in party at all. Some within the party, some are not in APC, they are in other parties. So, it is a new platform for people, who believe, they have something to give back to the society.

That is what the platform is all about. It is called United Action for Change. It is not a political party. It is not a political grouping.

It is a group, meant for the advancement of practical changes in Nigeria. That is what it is for.

You can’t be in active politics and not seek an elective office or an appointment. Why are you in politics then?

Let me tell you, part of the message we are trying to pass across is that it is time for Nigeria to realise we all need to support any government in power towards realising its objectives. Government alone can’t deliver the goods, except we are wasting our time. They need the support of the followers, and all of us can contribute in one form or the other. It is not when you are given appointment that you can add value to the system. You can do it individually. You can group yourself by

Don’t you stand the risk of being sanctioned for anti-party?

I don’t know who will want to sanction me in the first instance because in the first instance, the party has a disciplinary procedure. We have offences that you can and you cannot commit.

And all I have been telling you and I have been saying are inside our party’s constitution.

There is nothing I have said anywhere that is outside our party’s constitution. We must be apostles of our party’s constitution. So, as far, as I am concerned, if anything, it should be commendation for saying, that our party is unique. It is a democratic set-up. It is not a place, where you have one thing on paper and another thing in practice.

We go by the letters of our constitution.

That is what we are continuing to do. You see, inevitably you will expect that there are some political charlatans here and there, and these scavengers, that will misinterpret any step or act, that you take or your omission.

But for those that are focused, I believe I am one. I don’t get distracted by anybody.

And again, the most important thing is that in your life as a human being, you must be known as standing for something. If you fall for everything, then you are not honourable.

You are nobody. If for anything, they bring in and you say, yes, and if they say that, and you will say, yes.

No, let people know you particularly for something that is right; for what is not personal.

I don’t bear personal grudge against anybody but honestly, I believe that our subscription as a people is that we must do a proper thing.

But all of us must strive towards doing the proper thing. One thing I will tell you, which I always tell people us: how do we get to where we are in Nigeria today? It is the refusal to follow the rule of law. I want to tell you for free that if we do not follow the rule of law, the alternative to it is the rule of man. And the rule of man is not settled.

And do you know the consequences of the rule of man? It is tyranny. So, if you don’t want tyranny; that is why I said to somebody, “Look, if you don’t want the rule of law, let us see if we will exist then”. In the word of Thomas Hobbes, life becomes brutish and nasty.

That is the era that we will return to. But in order not for that to happen, all to of us must promote the rule of law and the rule of law expects that institutions should be allowed to function independently.

Apart from you in the new group, who are the other like-minds?

We have so many people there. We have, for example, Yinka Farounmbi. We have Niyi Akinsiju. We have about 600 members. We have Popoola. We are already in Oyo and Ogun States.

We are in Osun State. As we are talking now, some people have started theirs in Cross River and I think Akwa Ibom too. Somebody just sent a text to me now that they want to start in Kogi State. We are multiplying daily because the only thing you can possess to qualify to be our member is to say you are ready to do a proper thing and you are ready to sacrifice for the people and that you are ready to add value to the system. That is what we are doing.

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

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THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2016 • T H I S D AY

FEATURES

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

Breaking New Technological Boundaries Innoson Group recently signed an MoU with the Nigeria Air Force to manufacture some of the spare parts for the air force's Alpha jets to sustain the war against the insurgency in the North-east. Kasie Abone, who went on a tour of the production facility run by Innonson, reports that the technological revolution taking place at its facility in Enugu is impressive

Chukwuma (lefft) presents a sample of the Alfa Jet spare parts manufactured by his company to NAF officers

L

ooking at the building housing Innoson Technical and Industrial Company Limited, a subsidiary of Innoson Group, located at Plot W/L Industrial Layout Emene, Enugu, from the outside one cannot imagine the level of industrial and technological activities that take place within the expansive premises.

But right within the bowel of this factory located along Abakaliki Road massive innovative engineering works happen every day.

Thanks to our hugely experienced Nigerian engineers whose combined efforts have written the name of Innoson Group on the enviable history books by putting the company on the forefront of innovation and technological breakthroughs.

Chaired by unassuming highly imaginative Dr. Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma, the company stunned not a few Nigerians when what was considered in some places almost impossible happened. Said Engr.

Philips Ohanedu, the Chief Engineer of Innoson Group under whose supervision such tremendous achievement was recorded.

“Except people with specialty in what we do you may not understand the type

of spare parts we manufacture here and all of them are manufactured by Nigerian engineers. We have talented Nigerians who are capable of driving manufacturing sector of the Nigerian economy. What we lack is funding not expertise,” he told THISDAY recently.

While speaking to THISDAY in an exclusive interview at his office in Enugu, Chukwuma explained the journey through history. According to him, his company was recommended to Nigeria Air Force (NAF) by someone who knows the capacity of his company to deliver in the area of the manufacture of different types of spare parts.

“When they (Nigeria Air Force) were in difficulties as to how to source the spare parts for their Alpha Fighter Jets to sustain their fight against insurgency which they couldn’t source from abroad due to high exchange rate, somebody suggested to them that if they come to me that I have some equipment to produce it and I did it and they are happy with it. It works perfectly well.”

With this recommendation, NAF met with Innoson Management, provided them with sample and commissioned Innoson to manufacture sample of the required parts.

It was done within record time, delivered to NAF and it was put to test for three months.

Ohanedu provided more insights “when the NAF brought the sample of the spare part, we dismantled it, took the diagram of the sample and we started production.”

Interestingly, the expertise deployed to achieve this feat was sourced locally.

Ohanedu said the engineers who worked on the parts are local people with the right experience and expertise including mechanical, electrical and pneumatic systems engineers all of whom are Nigerians.

He further explained that “when the first sample was produced it was taken to NAF for trial for a period of three months.

The part was put to test by NAF for three months. Satisfied that it worked perfectly well, they were convinced of Innoson ability to locally provide alternative spare part and save the force some needed scarce foreign exchange, NAF entered into an agreement with Innoson Group to manufacture the part as the need arises.

It was at this time that the Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the two parties. Due to the nature of use, the spare is produced on request.”

Ohanedu took THISDAY correspondent on tour of the production processes while watching the engineers at work doing what they know how to do best, manufacture of different types of spare parts.

The materials when fed into the machines pass through different stages (Machines) Universal Milling Machines which have the capacity to produce any type of spare, lathe machine that performs different functions including milling, shaping, boring and trading, Pressing Machine, Rivate, Power Press and so many others.

Besides the spares for NAF aircraft, Innoson Technical Company also manufacturers different types of spare parts for use in other vehicles and machines.

Its spare parts store houses huge stock of different types of parts made in house for other types of machines.

Assorted types of spares used in injection machine, spindles, nozzles, routers, bar huzzlers, assorted types of screws, shafts among many others are produced at that Enugu factory. THISDAY watched engineers and other staff as they go about their business.

Continued on next page

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• T H I S D AY THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2016

FEATURES The federal government has promised that they will support our company to diversify into so many other areas. We are looking forward to the fulfillment of that promise because I am confident that if we receive the expected support from government there is so much that Innoson can do towards economic development of the country

Chukwuma (right) signing a Memorandum Of Understanding (MoU) with Nigeria Airforce to manufacture Spare parts for its Alpha Fighter Jets

Ohanedu further explained, “Most moulds used in the manufacture of components for our machines are manufactured by our engineers here in our factory.

We have the expertise to do most of what we want to do here. Our problem in this country is not expertise. Nigeria is blessed with expertise to drive our economy the only problem is fund.

It is availability of fund not expertise that is our problem.”

He has worked at the company long enough to say authoritatively what the company can produce.

Having worked at Innoson Group for about 24 years, Ohanedu who has spent the greater part of his working life at the company says he was happy with where he works and would continue to oversee the engineering work till he retires.

How does the company source its raw materials? Chukwuma said the raw materials are sourced locally.

Some of the raw materials are sourced from Onitsha, Aba and Port Harcourt.

“We can get any type of iron and use milling machine to turn it into any form.

That is the work of milling machine,” he explained.

With the way Innoson is breaking new grounds, THISDAY wanted to know if Innoson would be so adventurous to venture into the manufacture of airplane in the future. Chukwuma was optimistic that nothing is impossible for him to do when the time is ripe.

“We cannot manufacture airplane now but one day we will reach there,” he said.

Given the display of numerous awards won by the company in recognition of its industrial revolution, Chukwuma cannot be dismissed with a wave of the hand.

Given Innoson contribution to the overall economic development and job creation in Nigeria one would have expected that the federal government would naturally support its huge efforts. But that is yet to happen in the real sense of it.

In his words, “The federal government has promised that they will support our company to diversify into so many other areas. We are looking forward to the fulfillment of that promise because I am confident that if we receive the expected support from government there is so much that Innoson can do towards economic development of the country especially in the areas of job creation because if you manufacture locally and Nigerians are encouraged to buy locally produced goods, our economy will become self reliant and more jobs will be created for the teeming Nigerian youths who leave school in large numbers every year.”

Chief Engineer. Engr. Philips Ohanedu (left) at work

One of the engineers on duty

22

IMAGES

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2016

Photo Editor Abiodun Ajala Email abiodun.ajala@thisdaylive.com

L-R: Wife of ex-president, Mrs Bola Obasanjo; Iyalode of Yorubaland, Chief (Mrs) Alaba Oluwaseun Lawson; and the celebrant/wife of Ogun State Governor, Mrs Olufunso Amosun, during a musical concert in honour of Mrs Amosun to commemorate her 50th birthday at Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State...recently

National Chairman of Labour Party (LP), Mr Abdulsalam Abdulkadir, and the National Chairman, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Dr. Victor Ikechukwu, during Abdulkadir’s visit to APGA National Secretariat, in Abuja...recently ENOCK REUBEN

L-R: Commodore Joseph Adeleke, Olufunsho Alabi, Chairman of PRESCOMM/President of CSP2, Ambassador Emmanuel Imohe, and President of the West African Action Network on Small Arms and Light Weapons (WAANSA), Nigeria, Mr. Dickson Orji, at an inter-ministerial roundtable on the Implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty in Nigeria, in Abuja...recently

L-R: Producer, Gidi Blues, Femi Odugbemi; Regional Director, M-net West Africa, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu; actress Hauwa Allahbura; Gideon Okeke and Nigerian musical artiste, Bankole Wellington (BankyW), during the premier of Gidi Blues sponsored by Africa Magic at Victoria Island, Lagos...recently

L-R: Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, during a meeting on Education Stakeholders Forum, in Ibadan...recently FELIX ADEMOLA

L-R: Head, Sales, Oando Marketing Plc, Mr. Babafemi Olabiyi; Chief Ajilleja; Dealers, Oando Ibafo Service Station, Mr. and Mrs Adekunle Babatunde, during the commissioning of Oando’s new-to-industry franchise model station at Ibafo, Ogun State...recently

L-R: Secretary to Kwara State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold; Chief of Staff, Government House Ilorin, Alhaji Yusuf Abdulwahab; and Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, during the 2016 First Ramadan Lecture at Government House Mosque, Ilorin...recently

L-R: Manager, Events & CSR, Stanbic IBTC, Ame Okwudi; Principal, Lagos Progressive Junior Secondary School, Surulere, Mrs Santos-Anjorin Adetola; Head Boy and Head Girl, Lagos Progressive Junior Secondary School, Wilson Boluwatife and Oyewunmi Iswai, at the mentorship training organised by Stanbic IBTC for students as part of activities marking the 2016 Childrenís Day celebrations, in Lagos...recently

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2016

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BUSINESSWORLD NIBOR OVERNIGHT 1-MONTH

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Quick Takes ALCATEL Launches PIXI 4 Family

ENHANCING BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP

L-R: Director-General, National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion, (NOTAP), Dr. Danazumi Ibrahim; Board member, Etisalat Nigeria, Alhaji Garba Bello and Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Matthew Willsher, during a courtesy visit NOTAP in Abuja...recently

Investor Apathy, High Exchange Rate Stalled Auction of 2.6GHz Spectrum Licence Stories by Emma Okonji It has emerged that the licensing of the 2.6GHz spectrum scheduled for last month did not hold because operators in the telecommunications sector shunned the exercise citing high exchange rate.

THISDAY gathered that only one operator indicated interest to bid for the licence contrary to expectations that many operators who are in need of the licence to drive broadband access would participate in the exercise.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had planned to licence the 2.6GHz spectrum to any telecom operator that would

TELECOM emerge winner in a bid auction scheduled for April (last month).

However, investor apathy, due majorly to the current high exchange rate of the naira to the US dollar, had prompted the NCC to change the initial bid plan.

The President of the Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), whose members were supposed to be the major beneficiaries of the 2.6GHz licence, Mr. Olushola Teniola, attributed the development to the “high exchange rate of the dollar to the naira”.

According to him, the

NCC called for the auction of the licence at a time the business terrain was unfriendly to investors because of the high foreign exchange rate.

“The 2.6GHz spectrum auctioned was fixed at a time when the foreign exchange is not giving investors the certainty to invest because they will not want to see their investments decline. So the regulator should not be blamed for wrong timing,” Teniola said.

NCC had offered to auction 14 lots in the 2.6GHz spectrum licence and pegged the cost of each lot at $16 million. The only operator that showed up, expressed an interest to bid for six lots out of the 14 on offer

and was expected to pay $96 million for the licence. This is aside the initial fixed deposit of 10 per cent of the total cost of the number of lots the bidder indicated interest in, as part of the pre-qualification process.

ATCON members were also of the view that the cost of the licence was on the high side, considering the forex situation in the country.

According to Teniola, the same thing happened with 3G in United Kingdom (UK) in the year 2000, where the UK government set a benchmark of about £27 billion for the 3G auction and the operators Continued on page 24

Report: VoLTE Subscription Will Hit 2.3bn Mark by 2021 The Ericsson Mobility Report, which revealed last week that Internet of Things (IoT) will overtake mobile phones as the largest category of connected device by 2018, has also projected that Voice over Long Term Evolution Technology (VoLTE) subscription will reach 2.3 billion by 2021, up from its current subscription figure of over 150 million.

VoLTE is the latest voice service offerings by telecoms operators, which is driven by 4G technology, and characterised by high speed voice communica-

ICT tion. It is an improvement on voice service offering that is drive by 2G and 3G technologies.

According to the recent report, the VoLTE uptake is expected to accelerate in the coming years, with 2.3 billion subscriptions projected by 2021, which is more than 50 per cent of all LTE subscriptions globally.

The first commercial launch of VoLTE took place in 2012 and the technology has now

been launched commercially in more than 60 networks in over 35 countries. At the end of 2015 there were more than 100 million VoLTE subscriptions globally, the report said.

Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at Ericsson, Rima Qureshi, who announced the report on VoLTE, said: “In the US, Canada, Japan and South Korea, uptake is projected to be even faster, with around 80 per cent of LTE subscriptions using VoLTE by 2021. Measurements indicate that there are already networks

where around 70 per cent of all LTE voice calls are provisioned using VoLTE, instead of utilising 2G/3G circuit switched voice.”

The report however identified several barriers to global VoLTE adoption, such as adapting charging and Information Technology (IT) systems, among others. It also explained that having adequate LTE coverage and interoperability between vendors’ implementations, are now being resolved. In Continued on page 24

Alcatel Nigeria has announced a brand-new PIXI experience: the PIXI 4 family offers premium entry-level smartphones and tablets with a comprehensive user experience in design, audio, camera and battery life.

“At Alcatel, we are committed to giving consumers more for less.

This is evident in the rich features of our devices. Compared with other smart devices in the same segment, the PIXI 4 family offers an unprecedented user experience thanks to features like Arkamys optimized speakers and Polaroid filters,” said Nick Imudia, Regional Director, Nigeria and Central Africa at ALCATEL. With its compact form, the PIXI 4 family is among the slimmest models in the entry-level segment. It comes in a rainbow of colors, from cool, metallic silver to eye-popping, candy-colored brights.

Fun, creative Polaroid software let users design their own photo collages, add effects, borders, texts and makes sharing easy.

The front flash on the 4-inch smartphone and 6-inch phablet guarantees great selfies — even in the dark.

Sound is louder and clearer on all apps, music and video players, and streamed content thanks to Arkamys optimized speakers. And when it comes to the hardware, the quad-core CPU (available on the 4-inch smartphone, 6-inch phablet and 7-inch tablet) allows users to open multiple apps instantly and makes browsing a breeze.

The large displays of the phablet and tablet are perfect for viewing multiple windows. The spacious display of the PIXI 4 6-inch phablet is nonetheless easy to manage with one hand thanks to its dedicated software. In addition, commands are activated with just a touch of a finger, such as double-tapping to switch the phablet on.

Glo Introduces New Data Plan

Globacom has introduced a new regime tagged Data Overload, which will enable its subscribers receive up to double the data volume previously enjoyed on every plan.

With the new data plan, subscribers to the N1,000 data plan, who hitherto enjoyed 1.5GB, will now have 2GB, while 10GB of data goes with the N2,500 plan instead of 5GB. Also, 12GB goes for N3,000 instead of the previous arrangement where N3000 could only get 6GB. For the N4,000 data plan, the subscriber will now get 18GB instead of the old 9GB, while the N5,000 subscription will give the customer 24GB. The bundle for N5,000 was previously 12GB. The biggest offer available is the N8,000 subscription which, instead of the old 24GB, now gives the customer a sumptuous 48GB of data.

The new Data Overload is widely adjudged the most attractive in the market by observers, as no operator offers anything near it.

Globacom said in a statement released in Lagos that the new plan was designed to promote upward migration from lower plans and excite Nigerians.

The company added that customers could buy the data plans by dialing *777#, adding that they can also share and gift any part of the plan to their loved ones.

‘The Voice Nigeria’ By Airtel Hots Up

Sunday, the 5th of June marked yet another gritty and emotional series of battles as contestants dueled against one another on episode nine of The Voice Nigeria. #TeamPatoranking’s Prime and Ralph performed ‘Rude’ by Magic, with Prime chosen as the winner by his coach, while #TeamTubaba’s duo of Precious and Chichi performed ‘Kedike’

by Chidinma, with Precious going through to the next round.

Waje, however, stole Chichi, thus saving her from elimination. #TeamWaje’sJoxy and Khemmy dueled with the performance of Adele’s ‘Set fire to the rain’, with Khemmy emerging as the victor. #TeamTimi’s Armstrong Martins and Viveeyan performed ‘Counting Stars’ with Armstrong winning the battle whilst Viveeyan was stolen by Tubaba. #TeamPatoranking had Linda Inneka and the highlife crooner Ikechukwu performing Kiss Daniel’s ‘Laye,’ a performance that saw Linda getting picked by her coach.

Advertisers should be more concerned about falling standard of creativity by the agencies, who have been resorting to copy cat to impress their clients.

CEO, APCON, Alhaji Garba Bello Kankarofi

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BUSINESSWORLD INVESTOR APATHY, HIGH EXCHANGE RATE STALLED AUCTION OF 2.6GHZ SPECTRUM could not afford to pay it.

He said: “At the end of the day, they entered negotiations with government to pay over a period of time, and for this reason, 3G technology in UK is a flop and this was so because government used the sale of the 3G to heavily task operators.”

He said foreign exchange (forex) had always been an issue in Nigeria, but stressed that the situation had worsened recently. He therefore, called on the federal government to place telecoms operators on its priority list of those that will have access to forex.

REPORT: VOLTE SUBSCRIPTION WILL HIT 2.3BN MARK BY 2021 addition, the penetration of VoLTE-capable smartphones is increasing rapidly, the report said.

According to the report, in April 2016, there were more than 340 VoLTE-enabled smartphone models, supporting different regions and frequencies, which the report explained, would be part of the drivers of VoLTE subscriptions.

The report further identified other enablers of VoLTE platform that would drive VoLTE subscription, to include services such as high definition (HD) voice, video communication and Internet Protocol (IP) messaging, as well as new service innovations.

The report said operators that deploy the VoLTE technology, would be able to offer high-quality IP-based communications services across LTE, Wi-Fi, and fixed access technologies, as well as 5G when it becomes available.

Total mobile data traffic is expected to rise at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 45 per cent. The expected growth in mobile data traffic is due to both the rising number of smartphone subscriptions, in particular for LTE smartphones, and the increasing data consumption per subscriber, the report said.

Group Business Editor

Chika Amanze-Nwachuku Maritime Editor

John Iwori

AgriBusiness/Industry Editor

Crusoe Osagie

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

Senior Correspondent

Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents

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

Nume Ekeghe (Money Market) Nosa Alekhuogie (AgricBusiness)

NEWS

Economic Recession: Turkey Puts Africa on Priority Bail-out List Raheem Akingbolu President Recef Erdoghan of Turkey, through the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, H.E. Mevlüt Çavu o lu has announced that the country is committed to ensuring that the Turkish development assistance to African countries is in line with the priorities of African countries and African Union.

During the Turkey-Africa Day, which was held recently, Minister Çavu o lu explained that Turkey’s humanitarian engagements in Africa and other parts of the world were aimed at introducing permanent solutions rather than makeshift remedies for structural problems.

This humanitarian policy, according to him, comprises social responsibility projects conducted with the active involvement of Turkish civil society and business sector.

“In formulating and implementing development projects, the wellbeing of societies is always a priority of Turkey’s official development effort. In this regard, Turkey establishes infrastructure and takes necessary measures for the sustainability of these undertakings to the benefit of local societies and put emphasis on capacity building at every step of the way,” he said.

For instance, two Turkish hospitals were commissioned in conflict ridden regions: Darfur and Mogadishu. These training and research hospitals were officially inaugurated in 2014 and 2015 respectively.

“Turkish government could have taken the easy way by

handing over the keys of the hospitals to the Sudanese and Somali authorities after completing the construction and refurbishment. Instead, Turkey, together with the local authorities, has established joint management teams for the hospitals for the next five-year-period. By doing so, we are ensuring both the high quality health services, provided by over 100 Turkish doctors and health professionals, and training the future local managers and staff of

the hospitals.”

We continue encouraging the Turkish NGOs and entrepreneurs to be socially aware of the current and future needs and requirements of the people, wherever they operate.

This approach will remain as one of our ultimate operating principles in providing humanitarian and development assistance.”

Like what the country is doing in over 140 countries, he explained that Turkish development agencies

would provide educational infrastructure, vocational training, proper health services and aid mechanised farming across the country.

“Our target is not for specific people but the entire citizens of the country that have been deprived access to quality education and acquisition of vocational skills among other challenges. We know that the country has great population and great opportunities and we are set to assist it to explore its potentials. As

long as the Memorandum of Understanding is signed, we will start building our branches across Nigeria. We have done that in Ethiopia, Cameroon, Uganda and the President has instructed us to replicate same in Nigeria,” he added.

Meanwhile, Turkish businessmen and investors, while creating employment for local youth, are also developing corporate responsibility projects to alleviate the suffering of the people affected by the natural and man-made disasters.

ACCOUNTING TO SHARHEOLDERS

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, Portland Paints and Products Plc, Mr. Muktar Yakasai; Chairman, Mr. Larry Ettah and Company Secretary, Mr. Adeleke Yusuf during the company’s annual general meeting in Lagos... recently YOMI AKINYELE

Extreme Weather May Threaten Food Security, Says NIMET Chinedu Eze The Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Dr. Anthony Anuforom has warned that extreme weather events such as drought, flood and heat waves constitute a serious threat to food security at both the household, community, regional, national and global levels.

Anuforom, who disclosed this on Tuesday as Guest Lecturer at the 10th Annual Lecture Series of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Nnamdi Azikilwe University, Awka, said the threat is as a result of the high vulnerability of agricultural production to weather variabilities.

Speaking on the theme: ‘The Impact of Extreme Weather Events on Food Security in Nigeria’, Anuforom said that throughout history, the search for food has been the most fundamental human activity, and has influenced human behavior and activities. He however expressed the regret that man’s quest for food security has continued to be hampered by extreme weather events.

He said in Nigeria, agriculture is predominantly rain-fed system and therefore highly vulnerable to rainfall extremes, adding that recurrent droughts since the 1960s, “particularly those of the 1970s and 1980s,

have been a great challenge to agricultural production and food security in the country”.

Flooding, which he noted is at the opposite extreme end of the spectrum of rainfall, is as devastating and detrimental to the quest for food security as drought. He said: “In 2012 Nigeria experienced one of the most devastating flooding on record. The floods destroyed farmlands and other means of livelihood of many households and killed very large numbers of livestock in the affected areas.

“The floods also destroyed roads, bridges and other infrastructure. The cumulative effect was a decrease in the availability as well as economic and physical access to food in the affected areas”. The good news however, according to the DG is that the impact of extreme weather events on food security in Nigeria can be managed through “climate change adaptation policies and appropriate economic framework by government.”

He further stated that weather forecast and climate predictions, such as NiMet’s Seasonal Rainfall Prediction (SRP), as well as other meteorological Early Warning Products “are useful tools for reducing vulnerability of agriculture and food security to extreme weather events” in the country.

In a statement signed by Evan Azinge, General Manager,

Public Affairs, NIMET, Anuforom said in view of the fact that food insecurity could create the atmosphere for, and even fuel Socio-political instability, policies and programmes for ensuring adequate food for citizens are usually priorities

of governments all over the world, and commended the present administration’s effort in this direction.

“With regard to economic policy framework, the present federal government, through the Ministry of Agriculture

and Rural Development, has stated that agriculture extension service will be strengthened as part of the strategies to improve agricultural yield and food security in the country. This is obviously a laudable policy direction”, the DG declared.

MinCommerce Launches Made-in -Nigeria E-commerce Platform MinCommerce Solutions Limited (MIN) has launched Nigeria’s foremost online marketplace www.min.ng, which is primarily focused on indigenous products and businesses.

The platform, which was launched in Lagos recently, would enable small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operators of made in Nigeria products market and sell their goods and services to a wider audience both locally and internationally.

Registered merchants would have access to their own personalised web store, have logistic support for the delivery of goods purchased online, inventory management system and a secure payment platforms for goods.

Speaking at the launch, the founder MIN.ng Mr. Kelechi Ogbonaya said: “In every crisis, there is an opportunity and with the current economic downturn, it

is important to look inwards and looking inwards means we patronise and support our local industries thereby reducing the demand of forex.”

He added: “This is a good time to patronise made in Nigeria.

In our researches, we discovered that Nigeria spends billions of dollars importing food items we can produce here.

Also, more people are patronising indigenous fashion designers, more entrepreneurs are involving mind blowing products.

With this, we saw the need to create a one stop shop of everything made in Nigeria and hopefully in the nearest future we would be an exporting country because we have the ability and resources to do so.”

Furthermore, he said that merchants can enjoy all the benefits that come with having an online store by being

able to sell their products to customers all over the world.

“Businesses that sign up to MIN’s Marketplace will have a free microsite provided for them, and MIN will provide additional value-added services including but not limited to marketing, customer service and logistics partnerships to cater for customers in all 36 states in Nigeria as well as Abuja and any other country from when sales request come.”

“MIN will also provide dedicated account managers to all merchants; Merchants can greatly increase sales and revenue by partnering with us, while Min.ng worries about getting their products to customers all over the world.

We also provide convenient payment terms for the proceeds of merchants’ sales.

MIN offers its customers both prepaid and pay-on-delivery payment options for goods purchased”, he stressed.

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E-BUSINESS

Of Broadband and Internet Governance Governments across globe are interested in formulating policies for the management of domain names and internet protocol addresses around the technical resources necessary for the use of the internet, but achieving this feat without broadband penetration remains a mirage, writes Emma Okonji

Broadband cable

Internet governance has been described as the development and application set by governments, the private sector and civil society in their respective roles of shared principles, norms, rules, decision-making procedures, and programmes that shape the evolution and use of the internet.

Another school of thought describes it as a limited set of policy issues associated with the global synchronisation and management of domain names and internet protocol (IP) addresses to combine ideas around the management of the technical resources necessary for its stability and discussion around behaviours emerging from the use of the internet.

But no matter how governments look at the management of the use of internet, also known as internet governance, governments must first of all create an enabling environment for investors in various countries of the world to invest in broadband and make broadband available to all. When this is achieved, governments can then begin to look at the direction of internet governance.

These have been the views of experts at various fora where internet governance is discussed globally.

Last week in Lagos, experts, who gathered for the Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum on Internet Governance for Development (IG4D) and Nigeria IPv6 Roundtable, held the same views with their counterparts outside the county. They insisted that the Nigerian government must create the enabling environment that will drive sufficient broadband penetration across the country, before coming up with ideas of internet governance.

Stimulating broadband growth The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the telecoms industry regulator, is mindful of the need for broadband penetration as prerequisite for internet governance, hence it has been making efforts to deepen broadband penetration in the country. NCC has gone as far as Dubai, Spain, and other foreign countries to woo foreign investors to come to Nigeria to invest in the country’s broadband policy initiative, which seeks to grow broadband penetration by 30 per cent from its current 10 per cent level, by 2018.

Speaking on the need to grow broadband in

Nigeria to drive internet governance, the Deputy Director, Spectrum Administration at NCC, Mr. Yusuf Asaju, said although the commission’s strategies had proved successful in stimulating private sector investment and involvement in broadband development, the commission would welcome the views of the private sector on how to improve broadband services and create more ways to attract additional private sector investment in the area of broadband.

“The Commission continues to promote transparent regulation as an affirmation of the Nigerian telecommunications sector as a safe haven for investors. The Nigerian market has moved to a fully liberalised market where the law of jungle has been replaced by the law of competition. NCC has removed the barriers to market entry and now rely upon natural market forces and technology to ensure market sustainability,” Asaju said.

Stressing the need for available broadband for internet access, Asaju said two third of the world’s internet users were from the developing world. In developing countries, the number of internet users doubled in five years, from 974 million in 2009 to 1.9 billion in 2014. Mobile broadband remains the fastest growing telecommunications market segment, with continuous double-digit growth rates in 2014.

Mobile broadband is growing fastest in developing countries, where 2013/2014 growth rates were expected to be twice as high as in developed countries at 26 per cent compared with 11.5 per cent according to International Telecoms Union (ITU), the global telecoms regulator.

ITU said all regions continued to show double-digit growth rates but Africa stood out with a growth rate of over 40 per cent, which is twice as high as the global average.

By the end of 2015, mobile-broadband subscription in Nigeria tripled from 2012, showing a growth rate of 97,034,843 subscribers as at December 2015 compared to 30,939,112 subscribers as at December 2012.

ITU broadband target In order to increase broadband penetration globally, the ITU set up targets for broadband penetration at the global level. According

to ITU by 2015, all countries should have a national broadband plan or strategy or include broadband in their universal access plan, and this was achieved in 2015 across all countries, including Nigeria, which had its five year national broadband plan from 2013 to 2018.

A second target by ITU is making broadband affordable. The body said by 2015, entry-level broadband services should be made affordable in developing countries through adequate regulation and market forces, amounting to less than five per cent of average monthly income, and the achievement by countries is ongoing.

The third target by ITU was connecting homes to broadband. It said by 2015, 40 per cent of households in developing countries should have internet access. The third target has been achieved, even though majority of the access is on mobile.

The fourth target by ITU was getting people online, saying by 2015, internet user penetration should reach 60 per cent worldwide, 50 per cent in developing countries and 15 per cent in local communities, but this target is yet to be achieved by most countries, including Nigeria.

Nigeria’s broadband target According to Asaju, Nigeria’s major broadband target is to achieve 30 per cent broadband penetration by 2018, explaining that it will lead to increase in gross domestic product (GDP), as more small businesses will contribute to GDP because since a 10 per cent increase in broadband equals 1.3 per cent increase in GDP. The 30 per cent penetration broadband target by 2018, however, appears a herculean task for Nigeria because of the poor state of broadband infrastructure in the country. Nigerians have accused the drivers of the country’s broadband policy that they lack the right policy framework to achieve that target.

But Asaju quoted the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta as saying that with over 107 per cent teledensity attained for the voice segment of telecommunications services in Nigeria, the country remains a sure haven for ICT investments, especially in the area of broadband investment.

Issues with internet governance Director, Operations, DigitalSENSE Africa (DSA), Mrs. Nkemdilim Nweke, in her opening remarks at the Internet Governance Forum organised by DigitalSENSE in Lagos, said the forum sought to address relevant issues concerning the information and communication technology (ICT) sector with particular reference to computing, internet governance-related issues towards helping to further advance Nigeria in the ever-rapidly advancing trend of the global ICT. She said the crash in the global price of crude oil has brought about challenging times to the country and businesses alike, hence the need to expose our teeming unemployed populace to the huge internet job opportunities.

She condemned the motion before the National Assembly for a nine per cent tax on all electronic services, insisting it will further impoverish the teeming unemployed Nigerian youths, thereby, making it more difficult for people to access and share knowledge. She called on government to create an enabling environment for broadband penetration that will enhance internet governance, instead of deliberating on policies that will not enhance internet growth in the country.

Director General, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Aliyu Aziz, is of the view that the principal issues with internet governance have to do with the introduction and deployment of IPv6; the management of the national country code Top Level Domain name (ccTLD); the development of broadband infrastructure; cybersecurity; human rights online and freedom of expression; and issues of access and availability.

He called on stakeholders in national internet governance, such as government and official agencies, the private sector, the internet technical and professional community, civil society, and users, consumers and the wider community of citizens, to come together and proffer ways of addressing issues with internet governance.

“NIMC’s contribution to internet governance is to provide assured identities for national security, social and economic development via the establishment of a single database for Nigeria,” Aziz said.

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E-BUSINESS

Jemdahl:GovtMustFocusonSmarterInitiativestoBoost Connectivity Country Manager, Ericsson Nigeria, Johan Jemdahl, spoke on the company’s passion for a network society, and the need for governments at all levels to focus on the smart city initiative to enhance full connectivity. Emma Okonji presents the excerpts: Tell us about Ericsson’s business in Nigeria and Africa?

Ericsson as a company is 140 years old and we have been in Africa for over 120 years and in Nigeria for 56 years, since Nigeria’s independence. We have since become a legal entity in Nigeria, paying out taxes and contributing to Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth.

Ericsson has so much passion for its network society initiative, which seeks to provide opportunities for global connectivity of society, people and devices. How has this initiative helped in job creation and better standard of living in Nigeria?

Today the world is shifting to digitalised economies and knowledge-based economies.

It is estimated that about 70 per cent of the world’s population will want to be in cities in the future, and this will lead to dramatic rise in cities and we need information and communications technology (ICT) solutions to address the estimated high demand for networked cities. This of course, gives room for better planning and opportunity to move the resource-based economies to knowledge-based economies. The challenge then will be about wealth distribution and management. The envisaged situation will, no doubt, generate new opportunities, new jobs, financial inclusion, which is key, because without financial inclusion, there will be no empowerment, and if there is no empowerment, then there will be loss and deprivation of several things. So Ericsson is focusing a lot on financial inclusion that will enable access to mobile money.

Global cybercrimes and hacking are on the increase. What are the national security implications of all these?

National security is critical to any nation and technology solution providers are making efforts to develop solutions that will address all of that. Countries have a lot of focus on national security and this is key to economic development of a nation. People hack because they want to have unauthorised access to information and some people hack because they want to deliberately distort organisation’s information. Some are malicious while some are ethical but in whatever capacity it is, organisations must learn to secure their data and ensure that people do not have unauthorised access to company’s information.

The desire of state governments in Nigeria is to build smart cities in order to address future demands. How can Ericsson help in assisting governments achieve the smart city initiative?

Ericsson is ever willing to assist state governments at all levels to achieve their smart cities initiative. We are already connected with the Smart Cities Initiative for Africa and we have commenced work on that initiative in Kigali, Rwanda. We are also looking at building a strong foundation for broadband coverage and access. In Lagos, Nigeria, we are helping in building the smart city initiative to boost connectivity in the areas of power, transportation, security, utilities, among other things. But we have to lay the foundation when it comes to connectivity, which we have already started.

Ericsson has been driving the network society initiative for some time now. What are the new areas of development that Ericsson will want to explore?

We have since moved from global connectivity to the networked society, which I think is the key to national development. The shift was occasioned by new technology trends, where emphasis is on machine-to-machine

Jemdahl

connectivity and not necessarily connectivity of subscribers to mobile networks, through SIM cards. Today the world is looking at technologies in security companies, transportation companies, utility companies, financial companies and getting relevant information and data within the companies.

So the new trend in technology is about making life comfortable for all.

The use of cloud technology to drive businesses is another form of global technology trend. How big is Ericsson playing in the area of cloud technology?

The benefits of cloud technology to people are huge and Ericsson is playing big in the area of cloud computing. We have cloud solutions for big data services around the globe and we are collaborating with Cisco to drive our cloud solutions and to service our customers better. In the enterprise business, we can help organisations manage their data effectively

In Nigeria, we are helping in building the smart city initiative to boost connectivity in the areas of power, transportation, security, utilities, among others. But we have to lay the foundation when it comes to connectivity, which we have already started

in the cloud. So many other companies are into cloud solution and it is a sure way of securing organisation’s critical data.

Ericsson is good at releasing statistics on various researches it carried out from the era of connectivity to the era of networked society. To what extent has these statistics helped in building businesses in Nigeria?

Yes, we are good at researching into the 3G and 4G space in the areas of connectivity and networked society and the results, which we often make public, help organisations to reposition their businesses. What we do with the research results is to use them to bring new insights for our customers and help them to find new business modules that will grow their organisations. One thing people should know is that technology is evolving and businesses need to have information about new changes and development, hence we are involved in constant researches. So the statistics we release from time to time, is helping organisations to understand new market trends and competitions.

Some African governments are planning to regulate Over-The-Top (OTT) technology because they felt it is causing some form of negative disruptions in the telecoms industry.

What is your take on this?

Over the years new technologies have been evolving and it will be detrimental to regulate those technologies. You cannot stop technology evolution. I strongly believe that OTT services should not be regulated in any form. What the operators who feel threatened about the OTT services should do is to look for alternative means to generate money, instead of fighting OTT operators. The regulator on the other hand, must not do anything that could stifle technology growth in the country.

Technologies have been evolving globally and any attempt to regulate these technologies in some countries of the world, would mean stifling the growth of technology in such countries. Operators should be thinking about innovative ways to serve their customers better without running out of business.

We have over 180 countries in the world and it is therefore wrong for any country to regulate a particular technology like the

OTT technology, when the same technology is operated freely in other countries of the world. If OTT services could be offered in US and other parts of Europe, then I do not see any reason why it should not work in other countries like Nigeria. So regulating OTT services will definitely hinder development and it must not be stopped.

Spectrum availability plays an important role in technology evolution. But telecoms operators in Nigeria appear not to see the need for spectrum, given the recent auction of the 2.6GHz spectrum licence by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) where only one operator indicated interest. What could be the reason for this?

Spectrum is the key to technology development no doubt, and the operators should be willing to buy spectrum to drive broadband deployment. But the issue with the 2.6GHz spectrum seems otherwise and I sincerely think the reason could be centred around the cost of the spectrum being auctioned by NCC. The question to be asked should be what exactly does NCC wants to achieve in selling spectrum. Is it to make more money for government or to make the spectrum available for easy broadband roll-out. For me, I think the priority of NCC should be to make those spectrums available to operators, and not the other way round. Operators spend a lot of money building their own networks and should not pay so much for spectrum that would be used to deploy services on their networks. NCC should be looking at measures to drive down cost of telecoms operations in the country and not contributing to increase it. This is my view about spectrum auction in Nigeria.

Having spent one year as the Country Manager of Ericsson Nigeria, would you say you have achieved most of your company’s mandate?

It is a herculean task to achieve company’s mandates but I would say that through hard work, I have been able to achieve my mandate of driving the Nigerian market further. My task is also to bring people together and to share the Ericsson’s views and we are achieving that. It does not mean we have arrived on our mandate, but we are getting there.

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Simeon: Innovative Solutions Will Enhance Cashless Policy The Chief Executive Officer of VoguePay, Mr. Michael Olufemi Simeon, spoke with Emma Okonji on the need for Nigerians to explore innovative solutions that support the cashless policy. Excerpts: In 2012, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) came up with the cashless policy initiative.

As a major player in the financial sector, what is your impression about the development of the cashless policy?

The cashless policy of CBN was a welcomed initiative at the time it was introduced because at that time, Nigerians needed to transact without carrying physical cash. Then there was also a need to make a paradigm shift from paper-based economy to cashless economy because of the cost of printing and handling cash across financial institutions. The risk of carrying cash was also there, and all these put together, prompted the CBN to come up with that policy. Now the implementation of that policy has been on since its inception, and it has helped to reduce risk of carrying cash, among other things.

So VoguePay, which was launched almost at the same time that the CBN cashless policy was introduced, is also helping to drive cashless financial transactions, thus promoting the CBN cashless initiative.

So what would you say motivated the launch of VoguePay in Nigeria?

We were motivated by the spirit of change because we wanted to bring a change to the financial sector. We were concerned about the manner in which Nigerians were treated by foreign financial institutions, who came to Nigeria to offer services at a higher cost, while the same services were offered free of charge abroad, and Nigerians were ignorant to it. So we introduced VoguePay to address some of the anomalies in the Nigerian financial market.

We saw it as a challenge to Nigeria and five of us from different backgrounds in database administration, legal, technology, politics, and business administration, came together and pulled resources together to address Nigeria’s financial challenges, through the VouguePay platform.

Four years down the line since the introduction of VoguePay, what impact has the organisation created on the Nigerian financial sector?

VoguePay has supported tens of thousands of businesses since its inception in 2012, enabling them to properly manage their business in a more profitable way, without spending so much money. We have impacted on more than 17,000 newly created businesses since 2012, because we made it possible for banks to reduce their lending rates. As at 2012, when entrepreneurs go to banks to get loans, the financial institutions make it extremely impossible for them to get the loan and most of them were denied loans and their dreams and ideas were lost in the process. When we came to the market in 2012, we made it clear to people that getting loans from banks should not be as difficult as the banks made them to believe. Because of our peculiar mode of operations, banks were forced to reduce their charges on loans, even though some of them still charge high. So we were able to cause a positive change in the financial sector and today, that change is still driven by competition. I use to tell people that it is only in Nigeria that people tend to take abnormality to be the norm because there are no alternatives. But this has to change.

There has been some policy somersaults by the apex bank for some time now about allocation of forex to parents who have need to pay school fees for their children studying abroad. Are there solutions from VoguePay to address parents’ concerns?

We are aware of such policies that sometimes make it difficult for parents to transfer money to their children and wards studying abroad.

We have developed some smart pay solutions to that effect. We have discovered that government should not be in the business of subsidising

that shows the telemetric behaviour pattern of customers. We currently work with Veridu as our international security partner, which is an internet security system that works across several platforms. We also operate with local partners and we invest heavily in security. So we use both human intelligence and security to enhance our security on a weekly basis.

Financial institutions and their customers have continued to lose huge amount of money to fraudsters. Could that be said of VoguePay? Not at all, even though no technology is 100 per cent perfect. There are different stages of frauds but our system has been proved to be highly secured, thus giving customers peace of mind for any transaction carried out on our platform.

We partner with top security companies globally.

But again, most theft in financial institutions are arranged by insider staff and most time they succeed because they have studied the system for so long and understand the loopholes, which may not necessarily be the technology.

So we have various levels of society checks that prevent theft, but I still maintained that there is no system that is 100 per cent security proof, hence we have insurance backup.

Simeon

funds for parents who want to send money to their children studying abroad and even for those seeking medical care and tourism abroad.

We believe that market forces should be able to resolve the challenge posed on parents. So our solution that runs on our platform, makes it easier for people to send money abroad without paying high bank rates as charges. Our solution makes it a lot easier for parents to pay charges below what is obtained in the parallel markets.

So what is the focus of VoguePay business?

Our operations can be categorised in two areas: collection and processing of payments, both locally and internationally on one hand and our platform also allows people to send and receive money on the other hand.

So customers can convert their naira to dollar within the system and vice-versa. If, for instance, a customer has N100,000 in his/her VoguePay Wallet, the customer is at liberty to convert the money from naira to dollar at the existing rate, without additional charges.

So with this solution, people do not need to bother government for foreign currency because they want to send money abroad in hard currency. With the VoguePay platform, what the customer needs do is to ask for the conversion of the naira to dollar equivalent or to any other preferred hard currency and it is done with ease and the customer places an order on how much should be transferred in the hard currency, and that is the beauty of our platform.

Are you saying that those that cannot access the official rate of N199 to one dollar could use the VoguePay platform for easy transfer of hard currency for educational, medical and tourism purposes?

Absolutely yes, because this is exactly what we do for our customers using the VoguePay platform for money transfers.

Does your system accept any hard currency or there are limitations?

At the moment, we are operating with five major currencies, like Dollar, Pound, Euro Yen, and Naira. What we actually do is to provide plug

So how can theft be addressed in a situation where organisations and financial institutions lose money to hackers?

I think the way forward is for organisations to have a reporting system between the processors, security and legal system. This is important to enable banks fully expose those that hack into their system to steal huge amount of money.

So there is need for collaboration. Training and and play solution for our customers that run re-training of staff on vulnerabilities are also small and medium enterprise business (SMEs). Be key to addressing the issue. it on bulk payment, salary payment, scheduled payment, or invoicing, we allow our flexible Some Nigerians are of view that the adoption platform to transact such business, and we level of cashless is slow in Nigeria, what is provide intelligence and security parameters your take on this? for every financial transaction carried out I quite agree with the school of thought who on our platform. We also operate as middle feel the adoption level is rather slow, and the men for the collection of payments on behalf reason for this is that government is engaging of our customers that are into different forms more of the big players in the financial sector of business transactions. We do training for and neglecting the small players like the market corporate organisatons and for governments, women and men that are petty traders. This about online business, and we offer analytical set if people need to be carried along in the report of different financial transactions. implementation exercise because SMEs are the bedrock of industrialisation of any nation. The What differentiate VoguePay from other pay- big organisations are not as flexible as SMEs ment platforms like Interswitch, E-Transact, and there is need to carry along SMEs in the Remita among others? whole exercise of cashless economy.

VoguePay is different from other payment and switching platforms because we process VoguePay recently won a pan African award. certain channels that others do not process. What is your vision and roadmap to explore The ability of customers to convert their naira the African market? denomination to foreign currencies, while using We see ourselves as digital payment company the VoguePay platform, is peculiar to VoguePay that is connecting people and businesses within alone and this makes us unique, offering unique Africa, and the rest of the world. We believe that services that drive down cost of business. Again, if we have traders from Ghana and Nigeria, we the kind of security we offer to SMEs is the should be able to connect the traders in both type that multinationals can invest in. I am countries and other African countries and the looking at a situation where our solution will rest of the world. support small businesses like the orange and VoguePay.com is a leading e-payment platform groundnut sellers, just the way we support big that serves hundreds of thousands of small and multinational businesses like the Jumia, businesses in four continents, and recently, Konga, Yudala, among others. What makes this we won the best emerging online payment possible is technology and we are leveraging platform in Africa at the African Information technology to provide services for both small Technology and Telecom Awards (AITTA) 2016 and big organisations. held in Accra, Ghana.

Launched in 2012, VoguePay offers both users In terms of security, how secured is the and merchants an opportunity to transact without VoguePay platform? directly using their card or bank details.

Our platform is highly secured and I see the With tens of thousands of clients, VoguePay’s platform as one of the most secured payment integrated solutions and services are helping SMEs platforms ever. We tell banks about vulnerable to power their online payment infrastructure transactions, which they were not even aware by offering free online payment integration of. So our system easily detects fraudulent to serve an estimated market audience of 20 transactions and stop them immediately. We million SMEs in Nigeria. invested so much in security because we The award is a reflection of VoguePay’s continuunderstood the gravity of losses that could ous improvement, as it earlier won ‘The Best occur in any financial institution when security Internet Payment Platform in Nigeria” in 2014 is treated with levity. So we create a system at the maiden edition of the DotCom awards.

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T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD Addax Partners Rack Centre on Data Centre Colocation Addax Petroleum, a leading oil and gas exploration and production company with focus on Africa, the Middle East and the North Sea, has successfully completed the migration of its business data to Rack Centre’s data centre.

Addax Petroleum has grown significantly since it began operations in Nigeria in 1998.

With its current growth and expansion, it needed to expand its IT footprint to support its mission-critical operations.

Rack Centre, with its data centre colocation offering, Tier lll facilities, its scalability, flexibility, full redundancy and connectivity capabilities, has provided Addax Petroleum the platform to house its business data.

Managing Director, Rack Centre, Mr. Ayotunde Coker, who gave details of the partnership, said: “Rack Centre offers 100 per cent uptime for Addax business data platform, and its scalable modular technology gives Addax the flexibility and room for further growth. Rack Centre’s carrier neutral data centre provides Addax Petroleum

the widest choice of robust effective telecommunication, local connectivity and access to all undersea cables for international connectivity.”

According to him, Addax Petroleum wanted a reliable partner that can mitigate the pain that comes with major data centre migrations.

“Rack Centre’s Migration Assessment and Assistance Program provided Addax the efficient, risk managed migration of Addax business data to Rack Centre data centre facility ahead of schedule, giving Addax the peace of mind it needed pre and post migration,” Coker said.

Rack Centre, which is owned

by Jagal group, provides over 6,000sqm of energy efficient and secure data centre space.

The technology invested provides clients guaranteed levels of uptime, power and service availability. Co- locating within Rack Centre allows companies to avoid fixed infrastructure investments and to leave the growing complexity of managing power and environmental issues to specialists.

E-BUSINESS

Yudala Deepens Connectivity with Mobile Monday Stories by Emma Okonji Yudala, a composite ecommerce platform said that it has helped in deepening the pace of mobile connectivity in Nigeria within a space of four months by offering millions of youths, techsavvy individuals, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and corporate organisations a chance to enjoy best prices and huge discounts on a wide range of genuine devices from the biggest brands.

Launched in February, Yudala Mobile Monday has witnessed huge acceptance and is now widely recognised as the biggest single day sales of mobile devices, which include mobile phones, laptops, tablets, smart TVs and accessories, among others.

The huge success recorded with the weekly promotion has seen similar campaigns being adopted by other players in the field as a variation on the theme, with a view to cashing in on the impact Yudala has made with Mobile Monday.

Founder and Vice President, Yudala, Mr. Nnamdi Eke said a number of major brands and other Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have also taken advantage of the increasing popularity of the weekly promotion to partner Yudala in positioning strategically for the thousands of shoppers who throng the Yudala website to enjoy the best price and freebie on offer.

This week’s edition of Mobile Monday witnessed even greater demand and excitement, with Yudala of-

fering free shopping vouchers to customers. There was also a surprise in stock for shoppers as they enjoyed 40 per cent discount on Panasonic TV sets and the Samsung Galaxy J1, which went on sale at a discounted price of N19, 999.

“Apart from a variety of devices from InnJoo including the Max 2 smartphone which led the best seller list, a number of devices from other brands also witnessed huge patronage from shoppers on the Yudala website and chain of Experience Stores nationwide,” Ekeh said.

Among these, according to him, were Samsung Galaxy S7, which went on sale with free power bank and flashlight, Apple iPhone 5S, Tecno Boom J8, Huawei G Power, super bundle of HP

250 G4 laptop accompanied with a free bag, Office 365 and wireless mouse; Samsung Galaxy J1 Mini and a number of accessories such as portable Bluetooth devices.

Another highlight of this week’s edition of Mobile Monday was the flash sale by 9.00 a.m, 12.00noon, 3.00p.m and 6.00p.m which witnessed huge scramble for a number of heavily discounted devices from InnJoo Mobile as well as Samsung TVs and Lenovo 300.

Ekeh said he was confident that with the combination of Mobile Monday and same day delivery, which the company pioneered during the last Easter celebrations, more Nigerians are now joining the millions of individuals connected to the internet through their mobile devices.

CSEAN, DigitalSENSE Africa Unveil New Business Campaign The Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN) has partnered DigitalSENSE Africa Media on the national cybersecurity awareness campaign tagged Stop, Think, Connect (STC).

The business campaign model was unveiled at the 2016 Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum (NDSF) series, held in Lagos recently.

The unveiling, which was part of the two-day NDSF 2016, was attended by the National President of CSEAN, Mr. Remi Afon, who led other dignitaries to the event.

Afon told participants that CSEAN remained a non-profit organisation made up of information security professionals championing awareness on best practices, and acting as an agent of change to address cybercrime phenomena through engaging intellectual minds, business and political leaders.

He said with the kind of fast internet expected with Internet Protocol version Six (IPv6) evolution, the unveiling of STC, was very apt.

He explained that the STC campaign’s overarching goal is to help internet users understand not only the risks that come with using the internet, but also the importance of practicing safe online behaviour.

Pointing out that CSEAN is a global partner of STC and aims to roll out the campaign in other cities of Nigeria, Afon stressed that his team had started the campaign in tertiary institutions and secondary schools in Lagos.

While commending the management of DigitalSENSE

Africa, the organisers of the Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum on Internet Governance for Development (IG4D) and Nigeria IPv6 Roundtable, Afon outlined some of the key concerns about the internet to include issues affecting every internet users, the cyber bullying.

According to him, cyber bullying happens online and can emanate from exchange of emails, text messages, online game, or on a social networking site.

“It might involve rumors or images posted on someone’s profile or passed around for other people to see,” he said.

Afon advised participants to be weary of bullying and urged the participants who were mainly youths and students to always speak up, mostly when they see something inappropriate on a social networking site or in a game or chat room.

He advised them to use the ‘Report Abuse’ links which could help keep sites fun for everyone, and also protect them from cyber bullying The Lead Strategist, DigitalSENSE Africa, Mr. Remmy Nweke, said the partnership would further stimulate the vision of DigitalSENSE group to stimulate consciousness on the public, especially in Nigeria and among the youths and students on positive use of the internet rather than the notorious yahoo, yahoo syndrome.

This, he said, would in addition help in discovering future ethical information security professionals by catching them young for a better internet eco-system from this part of the world.

REWARDING PROMO WINNER

R-L: Lekki Experience Centre Manager, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Richard Ifediora, congratulating the winner of Etisalat ‘Top Up Blast’ promo, Mr. Patrick Ejiofor, while the Retail Advisor, Etisalat Nigeria, Mrs. Jennifer Onuoha watches, during the presentation of free 10,000 monthly airtime for one year to the winner in Lagos...recently

MotorolatoIntroduceTechnology WimBiz Harps on Creativity, Tools for Public Safety Innovation for Business “While individual agencies Sustainability Motorola Solutions has announced its intention to introduce industry leading radios, software solutions, enhanced infrastructure and a virtual reality-enabled command centre concept at the Critical Communications World (CCW 2016).

“We have a powerful set of tools to help make cities safer by increasing public safety’s situational awareness and capabilities through mobile intelligence,” Corporate Vice President and General Manager for Europe, Middle East and Africa at Motorola Solutions, Mark Schmidl, said.

He added: “We offer endto-end interoperable solutions for broadband voice, data, multimedia and applications that enable public safety agencies can work faster, safer and more effectively.”

According to him, around the world, public safety has begun a transition to an era of mission-critical mobile intelligence that requires smart solutions to capture, analyse and act on an exponentially expanding amount of data.

are taking their first steps towards mobile broadband, countries and governments are building their own broadband networks that bring together the right scale and resources to deploy mission-critical mobile intelligence,” Schmidl said.

“Projects such as the UK Home Office´s new Emergency Services Network (ESN), where Motorola Solutions oversees the Lot 2 portion, reflect the enormous potential for broadband networks to gather data and transform it into actionable intelligence.

Building a seamless collaborative system that connects people with the right information at the right time is the new paradigm for public safety that Motorola Solutions is bringing to life, including a vision of the command centre of tomorrow that leverages virtual reality technologies,” he said.

He noted that this vision of mission-critical communications would be the highlight of CCW 2016 where Motorola Solutions will be showcased.

Women in Business (WimBiz) has stressed the need for chief executives officers (CEOs) at work places and businesses to be more creative and innovative in business and workplace administration, in order to address key issues in business survival and sustainability.

The group, which gave the advice at its 2016 business forum in Lagos, recently, tagged ‘CEO Blind Spots: From Survival to Sustainability’ frowned on the manner in which organisations, especially banks, currently ease off their staff, in an attempt to cut down on overhead cost.

The group rather called on CEOs to look deeper into better ways of cutting down on running cost of businesses by being proactive in the areas of creativity and innovation at workplace. The issue of outsourcing for proper business management was also discussed.

The group lined up speakers as panelists from various walks of life, to discuss the

blind spots of CEOs, in the course of running a profitable business.

Member of Executive Council of WimBiz, Mrs. Taba Peterside, described blind spots as those areas of business that a CEO may ignore as unimportant, yet they are important for business growth.

“Blind spots are those critical things which CEOs may not take note of in the cause of business administration,” Peterside said.

The panelists also raised issues on communication skills, stressing the need for CEOs to communicate and make the vision and focus of the business, very clear to members of staff.

“Leveraging on the power of communication at work place, will drive work efficiency and sustainability in business, while the absence of proper communication process will create difficulties in business and at work place,” the panelists said.

9 T H I S D AY •THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2016

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BUSINESSWORLD

PERSPECTIVE

ISPs: Unlikely Heroes in Preventing Cyber Attacks

Cybercrime

Tope Aladenusi and Vincent Omobolaji Cybercrime has emerged as the default frontpage article in various publications around the world. As a new enemy battling an unprepared army, a fire brigade approach is mostly employed by both public and private organizations worldwide to tackle its vices.

Regulators in their attempt to manage cyber risk encourage and enforce compliance with various information security standards. Though their goals may be noble, this has pushed in the compliance-check-box mentality. What we now witness is that organizations are racing to get compliant as opposed to having a culture that promotes continuous improvement of their security processes.

In any crime, there has to be a perpetrator, a victim and an avenue that brings both the perpetrator and victim together. For example, a bank customer that gets robbed at an Automated Teller Machine (ATM), the victim is obviously the customer, the perpetrator is the person that steals from the bank customer while the avenue that brought them together is the ATM. For such a scenario one might blame the bank customer for not being security conscious especially if this happened at night. However, the flip side is, what if this is a recurring issue at this ATM point? I’m sure the bank responsible for providing the ATM needs to be questioned as well. One would expect the bank to put certain measures in place such as have security guards, security cameras, proper lightning when it is dark and if possible have Police protecting the area in other to satisfy its customers going forward. The same should apply to cybercrime.

There has to be a perpetrator, a victim and an avenue. For cybercrime, the avenue is usually the Internet. The anonymous and faceless nature of the Internet does not help in this regard as normal face-to-face interaction or physical

evidence during regular crimes is often lost.

The good news is that the Internet does not just appear; it is provided by an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

As internet penetration increases and more businesses and social activities come online, Internet users would clamor for increased speed at reduced cost. A lot has been done is this regard; we have moved from the era of dial up modems to broadband connections. In some parts of Lagos, there are options to have fiber optics cables directly to people’s home from their ISPs. There is still a long way to go while we also try not to forget the several challenges of doing such a business in Nigeria.

This won’t be discussed in this article rather what I hope to bring to bear is the role of ISPs in the cyber security landscape. ISPs have ample opportunities to contribute to cyber security improvements based on the advantage of their positioning in the Internet’s ecosystem.

Regulation is important as we need to have an agile approach to cybersecurity, constantly updating our laws to both reflect and anticipate realistic threats.

However, regulation may not be as fluid enough to tackle the onslaught of cyber security attacks and threats. This is where ISPs nationwide need to approach cybersecurity from a responsibility perspective. Regulation is usually too slow to create and implement in such a rapidly evolving world. As at 2012, ISPs in the U.S. voluntarily committed to taking steps to combat three major cyber security threats, based on recommendations from their Federal Communications Commission (FCC) advisory committee. This included implementing measures to fight botnets, domain name fraud and Internet route hijacking. Also, Internet customers in the UK are prohibited from accessing a range of web sites by default, because they have their Internet access filtered by their ISPs. Categories

of content blocked across the major ISPs range from Drugs, File sharing, Gambling, Pornography, Weapons, Criminal Skills to Hacking tools and techniques. It is worthy to note and stress that the mentioned examples were voluntary actions even though there have been a number of attempts to introduce legislation to move it onto a mandatory footing.

Organizations with the exception of non-profit ones are in business to make profit and ISPs should not be left out. There are incentives for ISPs to secure the traffic of its customer by offering this as an added value service for additional fees. This security protection could be expanded for which new revenues will be generated. Once ISPs begin touting security as a value added service, this changes the market dynamics as consumers will be faced with the option of being protected versus not being protected. I’m optimistic that customers will be willing to pay a premium for services that deliver more value, ensure the integrity of data, and help protect them.

With the popularity of the Information Security Standard and other IT Governance processes being promoted by the Central Bank of Nigeria, most Financial Services Institutions such as Banks and Merchant Banks are demanding their third party suppliers or vendors to pay particular attention to information security in their organizations. The Banks will require their vendors to demonstrate or show proof of a level of measures taken to ensure information security processes within their organization. If such measures are lacking or not up to par, the banks will either accept the risk or search for an alternative vendor with better measures so as not to violate the standard’s requirements.

These vendors include various third parties of which ISPs are inclusive. Hence once banks start switching vendors or ISPs based on their security measures, this will be a tipping point

for ISPs to take security issues and consumer protection seriously.

There is currently no legal obligation for ISPs in Nigeria to take further steps in securing internet traffic that passes through its network, hence no liability on their part but when security becomes a focus of market and economic forces, strategic moves from ISPs in actively improving security measures and protecting their customers will become paramount. There are however many opportunities for service offering differentiation and for ISPs to differentiate themselves in the market and raise the bar in consumer protection.

An example would be if ISPs could provide early security notification to its customers once a threat is identified. Protecting consumers, governments and businesses is a priority and there is a responsibility for ISPs at the ‘center’ of the Internet ecosystem to ensure the networks are secured. According to the Cybercrime Act 2015, the Nigeria national Computer Emergency Response Team (ngCERT) coordination center has a mandate to manage cyber incidences in Nigeria and all companies under a cyber-attack must send reports to the center. It will be in the best interest for the ngCERT to share classified information and raw lessons from incidences with companies involved. This way, all ISPs become part of a collective responsibility.

Once upon a time, speed, data capacity and coverage were the forces customers used to decide which ISP they were going to patronize for Internet service; now security is fast becoming the next factor for success. ISPs can increase the lifetime value of her customers by providing security protection thereby increasing revenue and impacting customer loyalty.

Aladenusi and Omobolaji, are respectively the Head of Cyber Security, Deloitte Nigeria and Manager, Risk Advisory, Deloitte Nigeria

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BUSINESSWORLD

ADVERTISING

Premier Milk Brands in a Creatives War Dairy brands –Peak and Hollandia - have kicked off a debate over what some analysts have described as copycat creativities, reports Raheem Akingbolu The Nigerian dairy market is not new to rivalry.

Over the years, players in the market have made various positioning statements through campaigns and innovations to have competitive edge. However, some have survived and become stronger while a few brands, especially the reigning ones in the 70s have since kissed the dust. What appears to be a recurrent decimal in the story is that the Peak brand, from the stable of FrieslandCampina WAMCO, has always been in the center of all the wars.

At the beginning, Peak wrestled with Coast and Canada Best and won. Enter later was Carnation, a brand that began well with its popularity among the low income earners. It struggled hard to survive but Peak still had its way, especially with the introduction of Three Crowns milk, which was used to crush other co-players in the mass market.

Then Promasidor came from the blue with Cowbell Milk. The story of cowbell is still fresh in the memory; it was launched with aggressiveness through the ingenious sachet offering that was then new in the market. It helped the brand and made it a toast in the market. But Peak quickly reinvented when everybody thought the game was up. The brand leader didn’t only come up with sachet powder; it also launched its evaporated version in sachet. Since then, it has maintained its distance position while others follow. Now inside the boxing ring with the Peak brand is Hollandia Evaporated Milk.

Like the case of two German brands, Audi and BMW, the subtle war between Peak and Hollandia, which started a few weeks ago, is becoming dirty every passing second. Both seem to have thrown decorum and strategy to the dustbin as the bloodless war has suddenly created opportunity for them to throw jabs uncontrollably. May be because there hasn’t been any regulatory framework for digital media, they have taken liberty for license to lampoon and undermine each other on the social media.

Bone of contention The controversy broke a few weeks ago over the currently running advertising campaign by Hollandia Milk. According to the promoters of the brand, the ad Material; Na correct Wazo, was conceptualised to push their smaller sachets products in the market. But few days after the television commercial started running, handlers of Peak Milk kicked and condemned it as nothing but a direct response to Peak’s Wazobia or Sikini moneyTVC. By extension, they also reasoned that it was meant to lunch a direct attack on the Peak brand.

In what looked like a response to competition, Peak had quickly gone back to drawing board recently to create another material to buttress that the brand indeed owns the Wazobia title. In a short video ad, which is currently trending on the social media, Friesland Campina Wamco’s creative agency -Insight Communications, used two comedians; Ayo Makun (AY) and Oluwaseyitan Lawrence (Seyi Law) to send the message across. If there is anything the comedians and their colleagues in the motor mechanic shop want to emphasise, it is the difference in quality between the Peak brand and the Hollandia Milk.

Through the ad, the creative agency clearly projected Hollandia as a brand that is seriously envious of the meteoric growth of Peak Milk in the market place. This is demonstrated in the way other mechanics protested the overbearing posture of AY, who appeared to have spent longer years in the shop. The matter gets out of hands when AY, who claims to be WAZOBIA challenges his accuser, who manages to introduce himself as WAZO. At this point, Seyi Law, also mechanic comes in and separates the two men but not until he has passed a message across over the need for the youngsters in the shop to respect the 60-year experience of AY. The climax is when the two engages in wrestling match that is won by AY. The creative approach notwithstanding, not a few analysts have condemned the video ad as an anticlimax to the status of the Peak brand in the market. Those who share this belief are of

the opinion that even if Hollandia had copied Peak’s campaign, retaliation shouldn’t have been the solution, rather they should have taken their complaint to the appropriate quarters. It is also believed that since Hollandia campaign actually went through the scrutiny eyes of regulators, whatever fallout from the TVC should be dropped at the doorstep of the regulators and not Chi Limited. Meanwhile, the management of Chi and its creative agency –Lowe Lintas, have insisted that those making issues out of the TVC are doing so out of envy. Addressing a press briefing on Monday in Lagos, the company maintained that the controversial ad has stated nothing to warrant negative attack.

An analyst, Mr. Ikem Okuhu in a report published in Brandish, an online marketing publication, stated that as a premium milk brand, Peak Milk should have been comfortable playing in the premium segment rather than going confrontational.

“Even when market exigencies require a recalibration of target market, I believe there are better ways of doing it without coming down to their level. What of placing the pricepoint where these guys can afford and still packaging the brand as one they aspire to?

Creating message such as this will not give the consumers the chance to make their own comparisons. In trying to send the message that while Hollandia represented quantity, Peak was for quality, Peak inadvertently has directly pitched competition against their brand and offering the market options.”

And for their attempt to mimic and copy Peak’s creative idea, the management of Chi Limited, owner of Hollandia Milk, have also been criticised by analysts, who see the development as an aberration in marketing. One of such analysts was the newly elected President of Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), Mr. Kayode Oluwasona, who was reported by an online portal, Brand Crunch, to have condemned the TVC. The AAAN boss was said to have condemned the development and reassured his association’s readiness to combat copy-cat in the advertising business in Nigeria.

He was quoted as saying that; “there may be one or two instances of pass off or copy-cat, the issue has not gotten to a frightening stage, but there is obvious need to nip it in the bud,” The dairy market Over the years the dairy market has witnessed upsurge in the influx of brands and products jostling for prime of place in the hearts of the consumers. These newer entrants have naturally

in the course of their struggle for consumers’ attention been pitched against the legendary market leader, Peak Milk. The recent of such move to challenge the market leader was Promasidor’s Cowbell Milk which was a few years ago launched in sachet. That initiative democratised milk consumption culture in the country. This marketing effort paid off significantly for a while as Cowbell, adopted “Our Milk” as a pay off. However, Peak Milk had quickly innovated the milk in sachet and also in smaller pack sizes both in powdered form and evaporated. The response in no due time ensured Peak made inroads into the homes of the lower middle class consumers as well.

As expected, other brands have continued to challenge Peak Milk market leadership. One of such ambitious brands is the Hollandia milk, from the stable of Chi Nigeria. Aside using price as a tool to win in the market, quality can be said to be the staying power of Hollandia milk in the market.

In the last few months, the battle for market share in the milk segment has assumed a feverish dimension with major milk brands in Nigeria making multi-billion naira investments to aggressively shore up their production capacity and also radically energise their marketing communications strategies in preparation for improved market share.

The recent frenzy of activities in the segment have essentially been triggered by increasing demand for safe and affordable milk and dairy products in Nigeria, occasioned by improving living standards and growing enlightenment about the nutritional benefits of milk and dairy products to human physical and mental wellbeing and growth in youth market.

Competing brands and strategies Several months ago, Arla Foods, A DennishSwedish dairy food brand unveiled N4billion state-of-art factory in Lagos to boost production of Dano milk brand in Nigeria and significantly increase its market share. The company thereafter overhauled its marketing strategies, and sacked Phd as its media agency in favour of Carat Media.

At about the same time, Promasidor, another major player in the milk and dairy market also re-engineered its marketing strategy with a view to give it more energy and better focus. This led to the employment of a new expatriate Marketing Director and the subsequent review of its media business. At the end of the competitive multi-billion naira pitch, the company, which produces Cowbell and Loya milk, two popular milk brands, retained Mediareach, despite

whispers in some quarters that the frontline agency was about to lose the lucrative account.

And in its determination not to be left behind, PZ Cusson’s Nunu milk in November last year, strengthened its marketing plan by relaunching Nunu milk in a new campaign tagged “Grow Everyday”. It also snapped up one of Nigeria’s biggest actress Omoni Oboli as brand ambassador to give power and glamour to its campaign.

From any angle one chooses to look at it, Hollandia Milk has also forth a good war in the Nigeria market. For a brand that was barely unknown some 20 years ago to have suddenly won consumers loyalty and gained a substantial share of the market within a short time, its promoters must be doing something unusual.

Today, Hollandia has not only become consumers’ favorite, it has become a household name.

Despite their success in the market place, handlers of the brand have never allowed complacency to set in for a day –they have consistently been inventing and adding more values. In order to make customers get more value for their money, the company recently added 25 percent extra milk to the brand. Asides, Hollandia is the first milk brand in Nigeria to be packaged in Tetra pak, the product is designed to provide consumers with creamy, great tasting, highly nutritious and affordable evaporated milk in handy 215g packs. Hollandia Evaporated Milk’s 215g unique packaging ensures supreme convenience as the innovative pour, cap & keep pack eliminates the hassles of milk storage and the design ensures longer safety from spoilage and contamination.

According to a source close to the management of Chi Limited, the promoters of the brand didn’t just came into the market, they invested heavily into research and market survey to know where the shoe pinches consumers. The first thing they identified, according to the source was the fact that milk was for the rich in Nigeria. Another thing was that the existing dairy companies were only keen about their bottom line with little or no consideration for the feelings of the masses. With this, they saw a vacuum and they moved in heavily to fill it.

These series of activities in the milk segment have not been lost on Friesland Campina WAMCO. In an audacious move to scare away competition and reinforce its market leadership the company which produces Peak milk, recently unveiled a multi-billion naira ultra-modern finished goods warehouse. The warehouse which was commissioned by Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode represented by Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Continued on page 31

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BUSINESSWORLD

ADVERTISING

Outdoor Advertisers up in Arms over Foreign Encroachment Three years after the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria fought tooth and nail to send Scanad, a Kenyan advertising firm, packing from the Nigerian advertising space, the problem is rearing its head again with the decision by Lagos State Government to bring an outdoor company, Jean Claude Decaux, into the market, Samuel Ajayi reports The current president of the Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN), Babatunde Adedoyin didn’t have the likely incursion into the outdoor sub-sector of the advertising industry in mind recently when he declared that the out-of-home advertising is facing difficult times in the country. During an interactive session with journalists in Lagos, Adedoyin had taken the reporters through the various challenges facing the industry. Specifically, he mentioned among other things; the issue of one billion naira owed his members by Lagos State government, multiple taxation and the outrageous payment on vacant boards in a some states, especially Lagos.

“Outdoor sector has become endangered species in the country as practitioners contend with regulatory bottlenecks and harsh economy.

From left, right and front, we are being bashed.

The government cares less about our challenges and keeps putting pressure on us, not minding the challenges we are facing as businessmen.

Outdoor practitioners are not operating in isolation but within the same harsh economic environment and government appears not to be concerned about our plight,” Adedoyin had declared during the interactive session.

Now, if the rumour making rounds is anything to go by, then Adedoyin and his team have gotten a bigger challenge to contend with. A reliable source close to Lagos State government recently confirmed that the state has concluded on its intention to bring in a foreign agency, Jean Claude Decaux, to take over outdoor activities in Lagos. On further findings, it has been revealed that the agency will not come in just as a practitioner like Scan Group, an advertising agency owned by Bharat Thakrar, a Kenya-born Indian, three years ago. Jean Claude Decaux, the source revealed, would be a major player in the outdoor advertising business in Nigeria. What this implies is that the agency will serve as both a regulator and practitioner as it will be in charge of site allocation to other practitioners.

The question many observers are asking are these: what has become of the industry reforms, which were rolled out three years ago to spell out the percentage of ownership that can be accrued to any foreigner who intends to invest in the industry? What is the fate of local practitioners and thousands of Nigerians who are employed by the industry? Is APCON concerned only about creative agencies or has the regulatory body gone into slumber?

Aside the fact that bringing in JC Decaux will lead to job loss, many have raised the question around local content and capital flight. At a time Nigeria is undergoing serious economic recession, pundits believe that bringing a foreign agency into an active industry where Nigerians are performing greatly is like killing the business of local practitioners, thereby creating another phase of poverty in the land.

With the agency, it is believed that local practitioners would find it tough to compete

because of the exchange rate, which will be to the advantage of the foreign firm. Reacting to this, Adedoyin said the association had heard about it but he considers it a mere rumour. He pointed out that both LASAA and the registrar of the APCON, Alhaji Bello Kankarofi, has allayed their fears that it was a mere hearsay.

Meanwhile, LASAA chief executive, Mobolaji Sanusi, was quoted recently to have said that the agency would not frustrate local practitioners.

And for Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, who is always eager to state how keen he is about job provision, the invitation of this agency could make many view the governor as a double standard character.

As things are, both Sanusi and OAAN leadership are on the defensive.

Looking back at the 2013 reform, JC Decaux cannot be said to have met or prepare to meet the guideline spelt out by APCON. As stated in December 2010, when the Committee on Advertising Practice Reforms (CARP), was inaugurated that the condition for entry into the profession must be reviewed and that local and foreign practitioners must be properly registered before being allowed to practice, the report spelt out hitherto the condition of entrance and practice.

Meanwhile, the 2013 reform, which emphasised the need for all corporate firms to be licensed, also touched on the need for local

content to be encouraged. Again, based on Decree 55 of 1988, that established APCON, the new arrangement is like a total disregard for the law of the land. According to the decree, all practitioners, whether individual or corporate, shall consider Nigerian content as an important element of their overall business management, project development and execution. With a foreign agency dictating the pace, one may be tempted to ask of what the situation will now be in the market.

With Nigeria’s market being adjudged as one of the fastest growing economies in this part of the world, it has, in recent time been attracting foreign practitioners more than ever before. Aside the fact that the situation is beginning to tell on the business of local practitioners, the belief that the foreign agencies are not following due process has since been generating controversies.

This must have informed why the reform states equivocally that qualified Nigerian practitioners shall be given first consideration in any advertising project. It also indicates that APCON shall be responsible for verifying compliance, among others.

Giving the highlights of the reform, the then APCON chairman, Mr. ‘Lolu Akinwunmi, had stated that going forward, foreign agencies and practitioners must be properly certified and regulated the same way Nigerians are.

“This would present a level playing ground and would also ensure that Nigeria was not turned into a dumping ground for all manner of unqualified practitioners,” he said.

The senior advertising practitioner said the council decided to control the operations of foreign agencies because of the danger it was capable of causing for the local industry.

According to him, “APCON, in pursuance of its statutory obligations, and within the laws establishing it, and working with its various professional components, has taken a decision to review various parts of the advertising professional practice laws with a view to ensuring that they conform to global standards and compensate local interests. In addition, APCON will exercise its mandate in ensuring that the advertising profession was allowed to grow and mature within an equitable environment.

Speaking further, the Prima Garnet Group chairman said: “As part of the need to ensure strict professionalism within the advertising industry and the practice of it, it has become necessary to consider the current operating rules and environment with a view to ensuring that advertising, like other recognised professions, was regulated in such a way as to protect the integrity of the local interests and global standards” And such will not include the coming in of an outfit like Jean Claude Decaux.

PREMIER MILK BRANDS IN A CREATIVES WAR Adeniji Kazeem has capacity for 14 000 pallet positions and executed with LED light which avail brighter surroundings in alignment with environmental Green Goals. The construction of the ultra-modern warehouse is part of the company’s effort to boost production.

These series of investments, especially in the area of boosting production capacity for milk and enrichment of marketing communications methods, have apparently set the stage for fireworks of marketing activities in a bid to boost market penetration in 2016 and subsequent years. However, analysts have predicted that it will take more than brand extensions and

inauguration of factories for competing brands to displace the Peak brand. “Peak Milk didn’t become market leader by chance. Its leadership in the category is believed to be as a result of many years of carefully laid out marketing plan and social connection with consumers. These combined with its uncompromising commitment to quality control, which has made it the milk of choice for many generations of Nigerians,” one analyst said. But despite the exploits of Peal Milk and other top brands of milk in Nigeria, the potential for the milk business is huge and remains largely untapped. For a food product as basic and vital to human diet, its consump-

tion and demand potential remains largely underexploited. And these yet-to-be-engaged consumers are the real frontier for battle in the Nigerian milk market. But whichever way the battle goes, the ultimate winners shall be the consumers and the Nigerian economy.

Rather than resulting to war, it is believed in many quarters that players in the market can effectively embark on marketing strategies to win consumers’ loyalty. The Deputy Provost at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Mr. Jide Johnson has called on the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) and other regulatory agencies like the National

Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and ControlNAFDAC to buckle up and provide quality regulation in the area of advertising to save consumers.

“APCON, NAFDAC and others, sure have a lot to do to bring sanity into the industry.

There are rules and criteria to be met before exposing ad material and this is where the work of the regulatory body is required.

Having watched the commercials of the two dairy brands, I think the two of them have simply threw caution into the wind and resort to needless creative fight over nothing,” he said.

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BUSINESSWORLD

CONSUMER

Ajayi: Credible Rewarding Platforms Help Market Growth

A media entrepreneur and publisher of a marketing communications journal, Marketing Edge, Mr. JohnAjayi in this interview with Raheem Akingbolu, spoke about the forthcoming national marketing summit and the challenges in government communications

Over the years, Nigerians have seen government looking the other way when it comes to engaging communication experts in communication of their policies, a reason that has been adduced for the poor communication between government and the people. What do you think has been responsible for this neglect and how best could the gap noticed be addressed?

The truth of the matter is that it is a twoway challenge because the government and the practitioners are at fault. Talking about the failure of government in this regard, I think successive governments have not taken governance as a serious business. All over the world, government business is seen and treated as serious business. I think if successive governments through their parastatals and agencies had taken governance and government business as serious business, they would have known that in any government communication effort, task or project, they ought to engage qualified marketing communication professionals. Over the years, the Nigerian Ministry of Information has been making some sing song on rebranding Nigeria playingding dong with the rebranding concept. And when they talk about this laudable initiative, the question you would want to ask is that who are those behind the management of this process? Are they hiring professionals who understand everything about branding or rebranding? Are they the people who understand marketing or national objectives of the nation?

What does it take to rebrand a nation state?

Instead of government hiring professionals, they give the job to the boys for the purpose of political patronage. At the end of the day, what comes out is a mumbo jumboprogram that can never stand the test of time. But if the Federal Government had engaged seasoned professionals, they would have been able to give them a clearer creative direction to go in achieving the national rebranding objective.

On the part of the practitioners, I think the question to ask is how much liasing have they done with government. Rather they are busy chasing the few multinational accounts. Perhaps you can call it laziness, lack of competitive spirit or requisite entrepreneurial skill. But the truth of the matter is that there has been a gap between government and the industry.

Unlike in the legal profession, where government appoints seasoned lawyers as Attorney general of the Federation, medical doctors as Health Minister or Economist as Finance Minister, we have not witnessed such happening in the communication industry until recently when Alhaji Lai Mohammed, a seasoned Public relations practitioner was appointed.

You can see that there is a new development since he came on board. We have seen him fraternising with every stakeholder within the constituent, in the integrated marketing communication. He has taken it upon himself to visit all the Ministries and the parastatals, assess their challenges, promise renovation and renewal. He has also extended it to APCON. Recently, at a marketers’ forum which was organised by Advertisers Association of Nigeria, the minister was available, listened through some presentations, took away some messages.

ADVAN and other stakeholders should close the gap. It is when this happens that the industry can move forward.

The theme of this year’s marketing summit, which centered on the digital age, must have been informed by the dynamics around the industry. Can you please tell us the reason and who are your target audience?

The theme for this year’s marketing summit is ‘Positioning brands in a Digital age; Challenges In the developing Market’.

Our concern is how to encourage brand owners to find their compass in brand build-

Ajayi

ing especially in the digital age. The world is becoming digitalised. We are moving up to new level of interactions with the consumers using the social media. The conventional media has given way to a new social order through the revolution of the new media. In those days, ten newspapers would reach a population that would look important to the average brand owners then, but today a single social media platform would reach more than 200% audience that 15 newspapers can reach. In other words, the consumer is at advantage to access messages almost at regular intervals. Based on this reason, it calls for real action on the part of brand owners to see the significance of digital age to optimize the visibility of their brands and also to boost profitability for the business.

By so doing, brand owners cannot afford to be lethargic or to depend on the old ways of interacting with the consumers. In fact, the new thinking about the consumer is that there has been a paradigm shift in the communication of marketing business. This paradigm shift now comes in form of interaction. The digital age has thrown up a lot of dynamics which brand owners need to be aware of so that it can help them in a number of ways to achieve profitability both in the short and the long term.

With respect to the issue of target audience for the summit, we are looking at those who are involved in the brand management business and management of brand business which include advertisers, agency owners, and the entire gamut of the integrated marketing communications and even students. Of course, these people appreciate what we have done in the past.

What has been feedback since the summit began?

The feedback we got from the industry has been wonderful so far. Because at the end of every summit, we ensure a communiqué is issued which then serves as a reference point to brand owners and other relevant stakeholders.

And when they see it, it guides them in their projection and their planning. We are happy because the industry has shown acceptance of our initiative. It is more or less a CSR initiative but overall, the acceptance has been shown through active and robust participation by players in the industry. Of course, we are aware that both the micro and macro-economic situation in the country is very challenging, but we cannot shy away from thought leadership project. As a leader in the industry, we are looked upon to provide the right compass by initiating exciting

that these agencies may go into extinction, what do you think can be done by the latter to arrest the tide in order to stay relevant?

The trend in the Nigerian advertising as regards old and new agencies is like the fall of empires.

Great empires sometimes get to their peak and later eclipsed. Of course, there may arise newer cities, and fiefdoms that will become kingdoms.

That is exactly what we are witnessing in the Nigerian advertising business today. We are witnessing a situation where older practitioners or agencies have been unable to regenerate or reinvent themselves. Therefore, those who refuse to reinvent will definitely go into abyss or eclipse. From the collapse, perhaps there may still be some rubbles after rain. But the fact is that younger ones are not resting on their oars.

They have the entrepreneurial zeal, some of them are creative ‘rebels’ and entrepreneural wizkids, they want to make a statement, they want to beat the older ones .That is why the statement that the child is the father of the man becomes apt. This means that when you have a child today, he tries to learn to grow old.

And when they begin to strive, they can even surpass what the generation before them have done. However, I think the older agencies can become relevant as long as they can regenerate, re-innovate, re-strategise and retool. conversation that will take the industry to the Back to the summit, don’t you think the time is odd for award this time around? desired height and next level.

This is about the fifth edition of the national As a close watcher of events in the marketing marketing summit and brand and advertising communications field, how will you assess excellence awards. We introduced this award into the Nigerian marketing and advertising the industry?

As an industry watchdog, I have been very sector five years ago as a way of promoting passionate in the coverage of marketing, industry conversation on contemporary industry advertising in Nigeria. I want to say, without issues with the aim of serving the interest of any equivocation, that it is not yet uhuru. The brands and brand owners. industry, like every other sectors of the national Marketing Edge, being a leading marketing economy, is facing a very challenging moment. magazine, has an onerous task of promoting It is a challenging moment for the manufactur- the brand idea. This, we have consistently done ers i.e the brand owners as well as service through the publication of the magazine, in providers such as the creative agencies and all the last 13 years. The whole idea behind this other players in the entire gamut of integrated summit is to expand the frontiers of marketing marketing communications. A situation where knowledge. the downturn in the economic system, which After publishing this magazine for some years had been brought about by the crash in the price now, we have now taken a step further by of crude oil, has adversely affected the fortunes generating discourse to ensure that we provide of the country, you would expect the industry robust knowledge for the people involved in to share in the pain because most of their busi- the management of brand business and the nesses come through the manufacturing sector. business of brand management. Let me add Besides, you are also aware that the situation that credible award platforms have a way of had been further worsened by scarcity of forex contributing to market growth.

We have different award categories. The most which by and large had created big problem for industries generally. Of course, the federal interesting this year is that we have come up government did impose some stringent rules with new innovations by rewarding different that had not really favored the manufacturing generations of practitioners in marketing and sector. But I think some of these stringent rules, advertising business. We are recognising the icons on the long run, will pay off for the country. i.e the First and second generation practitioners.

One of them is Mr. Ayo Awoborode, one of the You have witnessed so many epochs in the brains behind the formation of APCON and a very marketing communications industry, how renowned advertising practitioner in Nigeria. We would you evaluate the impact of creativity are also rewarding the former creative director of Lowe Lintas, Mr. Ted Mukoro. He is quite an on brand building?

Creativity is at the heart of brand building. It old man now and was known to have created is the bed rock of brand building. There is a the most creative concepts in the industry that popular saying that creativity is the crucible had helped to push some alcoholic brands to of marketing and marketing is the crucible of stardom in the Nigerian market. We are also creativity. In other words, both marketing and celebrating the former Managing director of creativity go hand in hand. A creative product Lowe Lintas and founder of ZUUS Bureau, will definitely make a successful marketing Mr. Chris Awusa Doghuje, Publisher of Ad outing and by extension support brand build- news and Former Chairman of APCON. He ing. Creativity helps a long way to determine has contributed immensely to the industry by the lacuna that exists in a particular market producing different generations of advertising category. With creativity, you are able to also practitioners. All these personalities are to be offer insight on what consumers needs at every awarded the Lifetime achievement award. We given point in time, by meeting up with their are also recognising Chief Akin Odunsi, former demands and their needs, coping with their President of AAAN and former Managing Direclifestyles and tastes. So, they work together. tor of Rosabel and a doyen of advertising. Of You cannot have good marketing efforts or course, we have the brand personality award which goes to Mr. Udeme Ufot. We are also brand building without creativity. rewarding marketing personalities, outstanding In recent times, we have seen smaller agencies brand managers and marketing managers. All overtake older agencies fueling speculation these personalities will be rewarded at the event.

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BUSINESSWORLD

ADVERTISING

Old Mutual Rallies Support for NCRIB to Deepen Professionalism Stories by Raheem Akingbolu In a renewed effort to strengthen professionalism and deepen awareness among stakeholders in the insurance sector, the Old Mutual Group recently sponsored the 2016 CEOs’ Retreat of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB). The theme of the retreat, which was held in Ilesa Osun State, was ‘Growing Insurance Amidst Regulation’.

Old Mutual Group is the parent

body of Old Mutual Life Nigeria Assurance Company and Old Mutual General Insurance Company.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Insurance, Alhaji Muhammed Kari, emphasised the need for practitioners to adhere strictly to the ethics of the insurance profession. He pointed out that rules and regulations are important to drive professionalism, adding that the regulatory body was prepared to be more flexible in its approach

to the industry. The commissioner also called for the rebranding of the industry to appeal to the consuming in public.

“As stakeholders, both the regulator and the operators should be able to work together to enhance industry growth. On our part, we have accepted to be more flexible in our approach to the industry. But we must all admit that rules and regulations are important to drive professionalism. We must do the right thing to appeal to our

patrons. If manufacturers and service providers provide what consumers want, they will buy, but if they fail, consumers too will ignore them and whatever they bring to the table.

Having said this, I must confess, I need the operators to survive and they need me to operate.”

Speaking on why Old Mutual Nigeria threw its weight behind the retreat, at a time many organisations are cutting corner, the Chief Executive Officer of Old Mutual General

Insurance Company, Rachel Emenike said the 171 year old brand has consistently supported platforms that can promote professionalism.

She described brokers as major stakeholders in the insurance industry that cannot be dismissed, especially for the role they are playing in the economy.

“As an association of brokers, NCRIB is a major stakeholder not only to the insurance industry but also to the economy.

Umeofia to Clinch Zik Prize in Leadership Award President cum Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Erisco Foods Limited, Chief Eric Umeofia has been nominated for the prestigious Year 2015 Zik Prize in Business Leadership.

According to organisers of the Awards, Chief Umeofia has been chosen for the award in recognition of his outstanding achievements as a foremost business leader and his immense contributions to the development of Nigeria’s economy.”

The bestowal of the prestigious award was conveyed to the business guru in a letter signed by Senator (Prof.)

Jubril Aminu CON, who is the Chairman of the Advisory of the Public Policy Research and Analysis Centre (PPRAC). According to the letter, the Prize will be formally presented to Umeofia at a special award ceremony at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos on June 19, 2016.

Umeofia recently received a special award from Her Excellency, the Wife of the President of the Federal Republic, Hajiya Aisha Muhammadu Buhari for Special Humanitarian Services rendered by Umeofia and his company, Erisco Foods Limited.

Also, earlier in the year, he bagged the award of ‘2015 Sun Manufacturer of the Year’. City People magazine also recently presented him with the award of ‘2015 Business Man of the Year’. Umeofia has received a lot of awards and laurels from many organisations across the country in recognition of his highly patriotic and outstanding contributions to food security and food safety in Nigeria.

Erisco Foods Limited, produces food products of global-best standards with the flagship being its range of tomato products whose brand names include: Erisco Tomato Paste; Ric-Giko Tomato Paste and Nagiko Tomato Paste. He has for over a year singlehandedly canvassed for the sanitisation of the Nigerian Food products industry, especially the tomato paste sector where NAFDAC has discovered that 91.1% of imported products are substandard and fake.

Besides, Umeofia had, at the risk of his business and life played a major activist role to ensure that relevant regulatory agencies enforce standards to ensure food safety and value for Nigerian consumers.

CELEBRATING MOTHERHOOD

L-R: Sales Director, FrieslandCampinaWAMCO, Mr. Wale Arikawe; grand prize winner, Three Crowns Milk Mum of the Year Competition, Mrs. Nkechi Brayila; Senior Brand Manager, Mrs. Maureen Ifada and member, panel of judges, Mercy Aigbe-Gentry at the grand finale of the competition in Lagos…recently

African Women Advance Etisalat Reassures Customers CSR: MeadowHall Graduate Leadership Course in Dubai its Commitment to Quality Trainees 2016

In its bid to advance women’s leadership in Africa, SHEROES Foundation and the Elect Her in Africa (EHIA) initiative supported by the Joyce Banda Foundation and AU/Diaspora Africa Forum organised a threeday international meeting from May 8 to 11, 2016, in DubaiUAE, with the theme: “African Women’s Leadership, Vision and Economic Empowerment”.

According to one of Nigerian participants and a marketing communication practitioner, Mrs. Maureen Umanah, it was a gathering of policy makers, chief executive officers, entrepreneurs, gender activists and women in politics. She further stated that the women who were all from Africa discussed how they were redefining pathways to power in business, politics and in communities. According to the organisers, the aim of the meeting was to develop strategies to accelerate the strides being made and to stimulate dialogue between women and development partners on the opportunities and resolutions.

“This is in order that we may enhance women’s economic growth and ensure we are at

the centre of development, peace and economic sustainability in Africa”, Maxine Menson said.

There were three panel sessions at which topics such as: The journey of female visionaries and pioneers in the political landscape; Gender equality is the mechanism that will lead to a well-balanced society and Barriers are not permanent were discussed Other topics discussed were Mutual linkages: Infrastructure development in Africa and the link to Gender Equality and Engaging philanthropy to promote African women’s empowerment. Dignitaries in attendance were H. E. Dr. Joyce Banda, former President of Malawi, Dr. Joice Teurai Ropa Muturu, former Vice President of Zimbabwe, Mrs. Mawuene Trebarh, CEO, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, and Hon. Amina J. Mohammed, Minister of Environment, Nigeria. others are; Erelu Bisi Fayemi, wife of the minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Ms. Nolitha Fakude, Chairman, Sasol Mining, South Africa and Ibim Semenatari, Ag. Managing Director, NDDC.

Etisalat Nigeria, has reiterated its commitment to quality customer experience and the continuous development of products and services in its efforts to offer customers on its network more value for money.

The Director, Brands and Experience of the telco company, Elvis Ogiemwanye, gave the assurance recently during the Abuja edition of its regional customer forum; an interactive gathering that enables the brand has direct engagement with customers.

Speaking on the significance of customer feedback, Ogiemwanye said the forum is a feedback platform that enables the company to continuously improve its operations and develop more innovative products and services. He added that the forum demonstrates the value the brand places on its customers and commitment to excellent customer experience.

“At Etisalat, we place a lot of value on our customers, because our customers remain at the heart of our business.

That is why we hold this forum in different regions to engage with our customers, get their feedback on our products and services and improve on them based on the feedback we have gathered.

Through this customer forum we are able to identify things we are doing right and the areas we should improve on”, he said.

Also speaking at the event, the Director, Customer Service, Plato Syrimis, said the revamped easy-to-use self-help mobile application, EasyMobile App is one of the most recent innovative solutions that the company introduced as a result of feedback from customers.

One of the customers present at the event, Dotun Oyebanji, commended the company for providing subscribers across Nigeria with good network coverage and excellent customer service. He said: “I have used other networks, now I’m on Etisalat network and I must say the level of service and network quality I get from it is far better.”

In an effort geared towards supporting the government’s determination towards quality teaching and development of the Nigerian Child, Meadow Hall Foundation has graduated its fourth set of trainees from her Graduate Teacher Trainee Programme (GTTP).

The programme is a three month teacher training and development initiative aimed at young graduates who are passionate about the teaching profession regardless of their first academic discipline and at no cost to them.

Some dignitaries at this year’s programme included: the Director-General of the Office of Education Quality Assurance, OEQA- Mrs. Ronke Soyombo, the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education (SUBEB) Lagos State ably represented by Mrs. Daramosu Habibat, Director of Special Duties, Mr. Ibikunle Daramola, Ministry of Education among others. Speaking during the recent graduation ceremony, Soyombo commended the organisers for successfully training teachers to meet up

with the standard required of them to mould our children, our future.

She said she is highly impressed with what the CEO, Meadow hall Group, Mrs. Kehinde Nwani is doing with this laudable programme as it has demonstrated her passion and commitment to the development of Quality Education which is the goal of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

She further admonished the new teachers to strive to be the best as the influence of a teacher in the life of a student cannot be overemphasised.

In her closing remark, Mrs. Kehinde Nwani urged the graduands to carve out a personal identity for themselves carefully understanding their strengths and weaknesses so they can continue to develop themselves and become great teachers.

Recently, the foundation indicated its decision to raise N1.8 million to build a modern library for her adopted public school, Ilasan Primary School, Jakande.

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DEVELOPMENT

UNEA: Pushing Resolutions for Environmental Sustainability At the United Nations Environment Assembly which convened in Nairobi, Kenya recently, governments and member-countries, including delegates from 174 countries, 120 at the ministerial level, agreed to 25 landmark resolutions to drive the sustainability agenda and the Paris Climate Agreement. Abimbola Akosile reports

T

he world’s environment ministers, who gathered at the second session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-2) in Nairobi, Kenya between May 23 and 28, passed some far-reaching global decisions. These include decisions on issues such as marine litter, the illegal trade in wildlife, air pollution, chemicals and waste, and sustainable consumption and production - which are an integral part of the global action needed to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Climate Agreement.

At the global event, governments of UN member-countries agreed to 25 landmark Resolutions to drive the Sustainability Agenda.

Thousands of delegates from 174 countries, 120 at the ministerial level, took part in the UNEA-2 and associated side events on issues of global importance, including the Sustainable Innovation Expo and the Science-Policy Forum.

UNEA-2 sessions were attended by UN Deputy Secretary General Jan Eliasson; the President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta; UN Habitat Executive Director Joan Clos; and Vice-President of Iran and Minister of Environment Masoumeh Ebtekar.

The UNEA is the world’s most authoritative decision-making body on the environment, tasked with tackling some of the most critical issues of our time. The Assembly means that the environment is now considered amongst the world’s key concerns alongside other major global issues such as peace, security, finance and health.

Crux of Prosperity UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner said, “The environment has always been, and will always be, at the heart of humanity’s prosperity.

World nations recognised this in 2015 with global accords, such as the 2030 Agenda, the Paris Agreement, the Sendai Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda.

“What we have seen in the last five days is the same political will and passion for change that brought about the groundbreaking international agreements of 2015. With global consensus affirmed, we are taking steps to bring about a real transformation of our development models.

The United Nations Environment Assembly is providing leadership and guidance the world needs to take these unprecedented steps.

“In the decisions made here at this assembly for the environment, we see a significant directional shift that will inform Ministers’ decisions in their home countries. We will now need to see the bold and decisive commitment observed at UNEA transmitted at the national level to drive forward the 2030 Agenda and ensure a brighter future for people and planet.”

Dominant Themes Among the 25 resolutions and actions decided at UNEA-2, the theme of which was ‘Delivering on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’, the following themes dominated: 2030 Agenda and Paris Agreement Implementation The main theme of UNEA-2, ‘Delivering on the 2030 Agenda’, was a particular focus.

The implementation of the work to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will be a primary undertaking of the UN system, and the Assembly showed their full understanding of this. UNEA asked UNEP to initiate new partnerships and strengthen existing ones, including with the private sector and civil society.

Building on its work in sustainable finance with the UNEP Inquiry into the Design of a

Delegates at the UNEA-2 forum in Nairobi

Sustainable Financial System and the UNEP Finance Initiative, member states also asked UNEP to continue to build on its work at the intersection of finance and the environment.

With the Paris Agreement one the most significant environmental agreements in recent decades, UNEA also agreed that UNEP should accelerate support to countries, especially developing countries, to build national readiness capacity to implement the Agreement, build implementation capacity and capacity to access finance and technology.

Illegal Trade in Wildlife A key issue at UNEA-2 was the illegal trade in wildlife, which is pushing species to the brink of extinction, robbing countries of their natural heritage and profiting international criminal networks. UNEA-2 passed a resolution building upon previous commitments made at the first UNEA and General Assembly resolution 69/134, urging Member States to take further steps at the national level and through regional and international cooperation to prevent, combat and eradicate the supply, transit and demand related to the illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife products. This includes implementing strategies and action plans, strengthening governance systems on issues such as anti-corruption and anti-money-laundering, supporting the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime and the African Elephant Fund, and developing sustainable and alternative livelihoods for communities affected by the illegal trade in wildlife and its adverse impacts.

UNEP and partners - with the backing of celebrities such as Gisele Bündchen, Neymar Jr. and many others - also launched a new campaign, Wild for Life, to engage millions of members of the public to end the illegal trade in wildlife. Angola, which hosted World Environment Day on 5 June, will make new commitments to combat the trade, particularly in ivory.

Marine Litter and Debris It is estimated that there are 5.2 trillion pieces of plastic floating in in the world’s oceans, harming both the marine environment and biodiversity. To address this problem, member states resolved to encourage product manufacturers and others to consider the lifecycle environmental impacts of products containing microbeads and compostable polymers, including possible downstream impacts.

Delegates also sought the assistance of UNEP to

assess the effectiveness of governance strategies and approaches to combat marine plastic litter and microplastics, and identify how to address gaps. They asked UNEP to help develop and implement national and regional action plans to target marine litter, with emphasis on those regions that are the largest sources.

Healthy Environment, Healthy People The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates show that an estimated 12.6 million deaths are attributable to environmental factors each year, highlighting the importance of a healthy environment to healthy people.

Several resolutions related to human health and the environment were passed. The resolution on sound management of chemicals and waste targeted actions on chemicals such as lead - exposure to which claimed an estimated 654,000 lives in 2010 and causes developmental damage to young children.

Delegates called on UNEP to develop research on actions that could be adopted to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) relevant to the issue; asked the private sector to play a bigger role in an integrated approach to the sound management of chemicals and waste; and requested nations to ensure better recycling of lead-acid batteries at national or regional facilities. Another resolution called on UNEP to establish a global research network on the threat posed by sand and dust storms and integrate the issue into its work. Sand and dust storms contribute to lowered air quality - a worldwide problem that claims seven million lives each year.

Other Resolutions Armed conflict and its relation to the environment was also a significant source of discussion at UNEA-2. A symposium focused on environment and displacement: root causes and implications.

RANDOM THOTS

Pending Promises

It took a lot for the president to admit recently in media reports that his campaign team and political party made some unrealistic promises during the 2015 election campaign in a bid to unseat the ruling party, which ended in a historic victory. But that does not mean those promises of a better life for Nigeria’s long-suffering masses, were not heard loud and clear all over the country.

However any fulfillment of promises – sincere or insincere - require plenty of leadership commitment, swift mobilisation of resources, equitable distribution, and social safety nets to ameliorate the unending pains currently being endured by the masses in the areas of poor, epileptic and expensive power supply, unaffordable fuel products, and exorbitant costs of basic foodstuffs.

Fortunately, there appears to be a solution to this dilemma. Even though the federal government has been running from pillar to post to raise funds to implement the N6 trillion 2016 budget, the latest N3.14 trillion windfall from the loot and forfeited assets recovered by the government in the last one year presents a unique way to fulfill those pending promises, before the electorate lose all patience with the ruling administration because of the current hardship in the land. A stitch in time….

Abimbola Akosile

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BUSINESSWORLD

DEvELOpmENT/ISSUESINBOx

President Buhari at work

Can PMB Truly Deliver the Gains of Democracy?

To some, true democracy was displayed by the immediate past president (GEJ) by conceding defeat at the end of the 2015 presidential elections to the current president (PMB), who swept into power on the platform of change and a pledge to make Nigeria a better place for over 170 million citizens. However, a year after, with rising inflation, poor power supply and increase in price of petrol, questions are being asked if the current administration can deliver on its promises. To you, can PMB truly deliver the gains of democracy?

Abimbola Akosile

THE FEEDBACK

* PMB met a very unstable Nigeria and he is trying his best to move the country forward. I have very high hopes that if given the chance and with cooperation of all of us that he will deliver the gains of democracy. He should however go back to the drawing board with genuine members of the Niger Delta in order to engender peace. Let him also try to guard against ethnicity in appointments.

- Prof. Kate Nwufo, mni, Abuja

Yes, he can:

12

No, he can’t:

4

Others:

7

* Ordinarily President Buhari should deliver democratic dividends, but the way and manner he is handling Nigeria, I am afraid we may dismember in his time.

- Mr. Okechukwu Ikonne, Igbor Oke-Ovoro Mbaise, Imo State * One thing is for the current administration to be prepared to deliver the gains of democracy to Nigerians; another thing is to have conducive circumstances for providing such. For now, the necessary favourable situation is not there.

Dwindling revenue has dealt a great blow to any effort by the Federal Government to deliver the gains of democracy to the people.

- Mr. Neville Kikpoye-Jonathan, President, Abua National Associates. Amalem-Abua, Rivers State * PMB’s government is for four years; not one year to judge him. Let us exercise patience with his government; we must get to our promised land.

- Mrs. Ijeoma Nnorom, Lagos State * With the overwhelming support of Nigerians, PMB knows he cannot afford to fail Nigerians.

Most of our problems are inherent. Let the President with his team get cracking, and we should all support and not distract him.

- Miss Mary Adeola Ayeni, Lagos * Bros Hari (Buhari) has no clear-cut plan on how to move Nigeria forward therefore he cannot deliver anything but pain. He has just wasted a whole 25 per cent of his tenure doing nothing.

- Mr. Utibe Uko, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State * Once PMB succeeds in correcting the past ills, he will definitely deliver the true dividends of democracy. Nigerians are impatient even as they know the challenges of the last administration are being addressed vigorously. Time is a

Radical tip:

Avoid ethnic bias!

Total no of respondents:

23

Male:

15

Female:

8

Highest location:

Lagos (12)

- Mr. Taiwo Franklin Akinpelumi, Apapa, Lagos * With his pace, one will agree, but the need to bring back Marketing Boards cannot be over-emphasised, to restore arbitrary prices on commodities without control. Nigerians are suffering and in need of succour.

- Mr. Dogo Stephen, Kaduna State * We elected a leader we expected to hit the ground and start running.

- Miss Nkeiruka Abanna, Lagos

great healer; liberation will be achieved in due course. God bless Nigeria.

- Miss Apeji Patience Eneyeme, Badagry, Lagos

* Nigerians should know that one year is not enough to rebuild a new Nigeria that was built on corruption. Let us give PMB time to bring out a new Nigeria which everyone will enjoy; he is on the right track.

- Mr. Gordon Chika Nnorom, Public Commentator, Umukabia, Abia State

* Yes, PMB can deliver the gains of democracy; he is there for that purpose, surely. I strongly believe the Almighty has allowed him to take the mantle of leadership to redress all his past wrongs.

- Mr. Ekwenjo Iheanyi Chukwudi, B.A.R. Trademore Estate, Apo, Abuja

* If Buhari had not spent N64 billion on travels in just one year, and if the ministry of information had not spent over $20 billion in four months without a tangible result then you would have made a huge point. Buhari is far from delivering Nigeria.

- Mr. Victor Raymond, Lagos

* No, because insecurity and poor labour coordination is stampeding the system and government honestly seems to be at a crossroads.

Labour and security reforms must be accorded priority attention urgently. Poverty is spreading virulently. We must act fast and now.

- Ms. Saiki Ometere Tina, Gboko, Benue State

* The current situation brewing in the Niger Delta has a greater capacity through starvation and anarchy to take the lives of more Nigerians than election violence ever could. Former President Jonathan and other Ijaw leaders ought to go into the creeks and restrain the militants like they did during the Yar’Adua era, and bring them to the negotiation table. - Mr. Buga Dunj, Jos, Plateau State

* I am not sure he can.

- Mrs. Oluwakemi Jegede, Lagos * I personally never imagined things were this bad, yet corruption and the people that were benefitting from bad governance are fighting hard to frustrate this present government. We can’t afford to see Buhari fail. He shall succeed.

- Mr. Samuel Edema, Lagos * PMB is already delivering the gains of democracy. Nigeria has been battered over the years, and we should not expect miracle or change overnight - the TSA, fight against corruption, weeding out over 54,000 ghost workers, the N500 billion welfare package, and the planned restructuring of MDAs are all steps in the right direction. I enjoin all well-meaning Nigerians to give full support to him. God bless Nigeria!

* PMB can certainly deliver the gains of democracy to Nigerians, if he is allowed the time to actualise the plans and policies of his administration. For now he is on the right track in tackling corruption, which is the biggest impediment to Nigeria’s development.

- Mr. Olumuyiwa Olorunsomo, Lagos * I’m hopeful that he will. We’ve no time to waste on experimental policies anymore. He has a clear picture of the country’s needs and should deliver.

- Mr. Chineme Okafor, Abuja * Please nobody including leaders has a clear picture of the Nigerian or global economy. It is a matter of acting on impulses the best way one can and adjusting to changes foisted on

one by the actions of other actors too.

- Mr. Duru Nnamdi Collins, Lagos * I know he can, and he will. Things might not be working the way we all crave for, but President Buhari’s heart is in the right place and that’s what counts for me. Rome wasn’t really built in a day. We will surely get there - Miss Casa Ezeobi, Journalist, Lagos * PMB can truly deliver the gains of democracy and he needs to succeed through our support in prayer and positive talks concerning his administration. God placed him there and for him, there shouldn’t be any bias. He should also carry all of us along.

- Hon. Babale Maiungwa, U/Romi, Kaduna * Yes, of course, PMB can effectively deliver genuine gains of true democracy. The major problem of Nigeria is corruption by dishonest privileged few elite. If power is made available to keep all citizens employed especially in agriculture, every other thing will key in. God bless Nigeria.

- Mr. Apeji Onesi, Lagos

Next Week: Is Restructuring the Solution to Nigeria’s Devt Problems?

Recently, there were renewed calls by eminent Nigerians, including a former vice-president, for the restructuring of the country, with more power and resource control devolving to the six regions to make them generate more revenue for development, while the centre remains constant albeit less powerful than before. To you, is this restructuring formula the panacea to revive and boost Nigeria’s development process? please make your response direct, short and simple, and state your full name, title, organisation, and location. Responses should be sent between today (June 9 & monday, June 13) to abimbolayi@yahoo.com, greatbimbo@ gmail.com, AND abimbola.akosile@ thisdaylive.com. Respondents can also send a short text message to 08023117639 and/ or 08188361766 and/or 08114495306.

Collated responses will be published on Thursday, June 16

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BUSINESSWORLD

DEVELOPMENT

HOUSING FOR ALL; A TALL DREAM IN NIGERIA

AKINWUNMI IBRAHIM

‘Lagos, Kebbi Agric Partnership Key to Food Security, Job Creation’ Abimbola Akosile and Blessing Abah Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has said the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) recently signed with Kebbi State on agricultural commodity value chain was in line with the Federal Government agenda to diversify the economy.

Governor Ambode, who spoke at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State during his recent official visit to the State as part of further steps to cement the agricultural partnership, also said the pact would go a long way in ensuring food security and job opportunities for the people.

The governor, in a release issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, said he was totally committed to the success of the relationship as it would not only boost the economy of the two states but would increase Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

He said the two states, with the agreement, which is the first state-to-state relations in the country, have shown leadership, and expressed optimism that other states would soon take a cue from the relationship.

Ambode, who was given a heroic reception from Birnin Kebbi International Airport down to the Government

House, said the partnership was in continuation of the relationship which had always existed between the two states in term of politics, population and strength.

He said: “This relationship is visionary and it is also a pointer to the fact that the two states have decided to openly support the vision of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“The change mantra which President Buhari has been preaching is what this whole relationship is all about that we must look inward. We must start to reintegrate our economy in such a manner that we must not continue to import what we can produce and we must create a value chain where we have comparative advantage to do so.

“Kebbi is one of the major producers of most agricultural products in Nigeria, whereas Lagos State is the major consumer of most of these products and we have the market and the population to take on everything that is being produced and that is why the value chain which we have tried to embellish is very important to the two states.

And so we are committed to doing this for Mr. President.

“This visitation is a continuation of where we started from.

We want to take the next steps and we know that the next steps are steps in the right direction,” the Governor said.

He added that beyond collaboration on rice production, Lagos State Government has also decided to create value chain on every other agricultural product from Kebbi State first to the people, which would in turn create jobs for the people and make the economy of Nigeria to become more vibrant thereby increasing the nation’s GDP. On his part, Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu described the MoU as an innovative partnership that would lead the way positively for Nigeria.

He said years of policy distortion had demoralised local producers of rice and other agricultural products from competing with their foreign counterparts, which had in turn affected the economy of Nigeria negatively, but expressed optimism that the partnership between Lagos and Kebbi States would right the wrongs of the past.

He said: “I am glad that we are on track to address such issues and empower our producers to compete globally.

Apart from the fact that the collaboration will bring about significant economic growth and create opportunities, it will also bring our people much closer.

“We are particularly happy that the partnership enjoys massive public support. The President, at different occasions, has publicly commended what

we are doing and that is enough motivation for us to push forward with the agreement”, Governor Bagudu said.

The MoU principally centres on boosting the production of rice, wheat, groundnut, maize, millet, sorghum, sugar cane, cows, among others.

There is also arrangement

with a Mexican firm, San Carlos Group to expand the Rice Mill at Imota in Lagos from production capacity of 2.5 metric tonnes per hour to 22.5 metric tonnes per hour with the active participation of the private sector.

Governor Ambode, as part of the official visit, also paid

courtesy visits to the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Mohammed Iliya Bashar and the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Meira. He also inspected the Labana Rice Mill in Kebbi which has the production capacity of 16 metric tonnes per hour and the FADAMA Project Site I Argungu.

Don’tDepend on Govt Alone for Employment, Youths Urged Clement Danhutor An entrepreneur, Abdul-Kabiri Shittu, has assured youths in Nigeria that there is nothing wrong in being self-dependent, without depending on government for employment.

Shittu, in a recent chat with THISDAY at Oyingbo, EbuteMetta, Lagos where he plies his trade of frying and selling pastries and snacks, said there are many businesses youths can engage in nowadays to earn income.

The entrepreneur, in his twenties, who attended Government Senior College on Eric Moore Road, Surulere, said after his Senior Secondary School, there wasn’t any money for him to go further to a higher institution, and he subsequently decided to learn catering.

Presently engaged in the busi-

ness of frying yam, doughnut, sausage roll, bean cake and plantain, Shittu said, within a short time youths can start managing their own businesses by themselves without being under anyone, in a trade he believed is also good for men.

According to him, “what women can do, men can also do it successfully”. He also expressed happiness at being currently self-employed in the frying business at Kano Street, Oyingbo area of Lagos.

Shittu disclosed that the frying business is very easy to start with small amount of money, and that the process of producing all the snacks mentioned above is very easy.

To him, “nothing is difficult, when you have the materials needed to do the business such as flour, sugar, water, salt, groundnut oil and others

materials based on what you want to fry or bake, But as a man if you don’t have the idea of doing the business, you can engage in catering training for a short period of time and you will obtain the idea of doing the business.”

Shittu, who said he tries his best to save at least N500 from the business every day despite the cost of materials, added that he feeds himself from it without depending on anyone for help.

He urged youths to try their best to become self-employed and contented with what they have, and the work they are doing, while using the proceeds to take care of themselves and to invest in other businesses as time goes on. He added that he has a passion for frying snacks and is happier for it.

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BUSINESSWORLD

DEVELOPMENT QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“We recall that in our national rally against corruption, we had made the point that we must look at the bigger picture of national recovery by ensuring that recovered funds be deployed to critical infrastructure such as roads, power, key industries and other sectors capable of stimulating the economy. We again urge the government to deploy these recovered funds to the aforementioned key infrastructure or sectors” - NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS (NLC) PRESIDENT, AYUBA WABBA, SPEAKING IN ABUJA

500 Corps Members Benefit from Skill Acquisition Programme in Sokoto Mohammed Aminu in Sokoto

Make Unity a Priority for Global Peace, Security, UN Security Council Told Abimbola Akosile Working together in a spirit of cooperation and multilateralism must be a priority for both the United Nations and the European Union (EU) – and indeed, all countries worldwide, the UN Security Council has been told.

Making unity a priority would enable the global and regional bodies to face and overcome the various political and humanitarian crises occurring around the world, the council was advised. These tips were given by the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, at a recent Security Council briefing on cooperation between the UN and regional and sub-regional organisations in maintaining international peace and security, which took place in New York, US. “In times like these, we need each other.

We need all nations to come together, united.

We need the United Nations. Because only together can we draw the way forward, and make sure that tomorrow will be better than today,” she added.

Addressing the 15-member body at UN Headquarters in New York, Ms. Mogherini, who is also Vice-President of the European Commission, highlighted that she had participated in numerous meetings and events with UN agencies around the world since taking office as the EU’s High Representative.

“I believe this is the only way we have – as Europeans, as responsible members of the international community – to face these difficult times in the history of the world,” she stressed.

Indeed, she recalled that a year ago she had told the Council that the EU believes in multilateralism and in the UN. “Today I can add that multilateralism will be one of the core principles and priorities in our new Global Strategy for foreign and security policy, which I will present in the coming weeks,”

Mogherini at the UN Security Council meeting in New York

Mogherini said.

“This is not time for global policemen. This is no time for lonely warriors. If we want to finally put an end to the many crises we face – and prevent new ones before they explode – our only hope is to work as truly United Nations,” she added. Ms. Mogherini’s briefing also touched on international cooperation and the EU’s efforts in relation to Afghanistan, Burundi, the Central African Republic, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ukraine and Yemen. She noted that the EU and the UN share the “very same approach” to security and development.

That same approach has now become an integral part of the EU’s response to migration and the current refugee crises, she said.

“Migration and displacement are one of the great challenges of our era. Our response is the measure of our very humanity,” she said, adding that she looked forward to the UN

UN Photo/Loey Felipe

Summit on Refugees and Migrants in September.

Mogherini also noted that stronger partnerships are the building blocks of foreign policy.

“Despite all setbacks, despite all the stops and goes, multilateralism has shown its strength,” she said.

“Formats can change, and institutions must be reformed. But in our conflictual world, where power is scattered and diffuse, global peace and security only stands a chance if our nations and our regions are united,” she added, concluding that the EU “will always come back to the United Nations, to the core of the international multilateral system, to the stubborn idea of a cooperative world order.”

The High Representative also met with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, discussing the Israeli-Palestinian question, Syria, Libya, Yemen, migration, Afghanistan, and the situation in various parts of Africa.

At least 500 corps members have benefited from the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Programme of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Sokoto state since the inception of the programme.

Speaking with THISDAY in Sokoto recently, the state NYSC Coordinator, Mr. Thomas Yamma, said most of the beneficiaries of the programme had become self-employed while some are now employers of labour.

According to him, the objective of the programme was to reduce unemployment so that after the service year, corps members could be self-employed and by implication even be employers of labour. He explained that during the three weeks orientation programme at the NYSC camp, the corps members were usually trained on different vocational skills such as tailoring, hairdressing and tile making. “During the three weeks orientation programme at the camp in Sokoto, we bring in trainers who will train these corps members on different skills. We have different types which include tailoring, carpentry, tile making, cosmetology, and hair-dressing, among others.

“It may interest you to know that the cloth I am wearing now was made by a corps member and this cost only N5,000 and it was done at the orientation camp. So, if one can sustain this, the better for him.

“In fact, the Bank of Industry (BoI), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the NYSC Foundation have variously come in to give them loans because the corps members have been taught how to write feasibility studies. The loan ranges from N250,000 to N1 million and we use their NYSC certificate as collateral,” Yamma said.

He appealed to state governments to build training centres to support the programme, saying it would go a long way in creating more entrepreneurs in the country. The NYSC Coordinator commended the Sokoto state government for building a new permanent orientation camp and also donating two buses to the scheme.

He also applauded the Sultan of Sokoto for his continuous support to the scheme in the state.

“I want to thank the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar 111 for the high interest he has shown in the NYSC scheme.

He advises corps members that religion is a thing of choice and that they should hold on to their religion. “He even directed all the District Heads in the state to ensure adequate security for corps members posted to their domain and that whatever happens to them, he will hold them responsible. So, this has helped in reducing by 50 per cent the number of corps members seeking for redeployment,” Yamma added.

Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH UN MILLENNIUM CAMPAIGN / UN SDG ACTION CAMPAIGN

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T H I S D AY THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2016

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

Email: charles.ajunwa@thisdaylive.com

Meniere’s Disease and Buhari’s Health As President Muhammadu Buhari, earlier in the week embarked on the treatment for Meniere’s disease in London, Martins Ifijeh got expert views on its causes, symptoms, complications and treatment

W

go for years without having an attack and sometimes may never experience another attack, but warned that sometimes, the hearing in the affected ear may decline gradually over time.

“A major issue associated with the disease is that of unannounced dizziness, which causes experts to warn sufferers from driving, or operate machines.”

Of particular note, according to him was the sudden fall which happens as a result of imbalance and mechanical deformation of the otolith organs of the ear. “These falls are called ‘otolithic crisis of Tumarkin’. Patients suddenly feel that they are tilted or falling even though they may be at a balanced position. This is a very disabling symptom as it occurs without warning and can result in severe injury or great embarrassment for the person involved,” he said.

He explained that episodes of the disease may occur in clusters; that is, several attacks may occur within a short period of time.

Adding however that years may pass between episodes, with such persons likely to be free of symptoms in between episodes.

hen President Muhammadu Buhari, cancelled his much publicised official visit to Lagos to commission a number of projects, many political analysts and observers assumed he shelved the plan because he had read the mood of most Lagosians who were not happy with the state of the nation, especially with the recent increase in pump price and the resultant inflation in the price of goods and services.

And then there was the cancellation of the Cross River trip where he was billed to commission the Monorail and Garment factory projects in Calabar.

As usual, there was no concrete official reason for the cancellation, even though words were beginning to trickle in that the President might be going through some health challenges that had prevented him from going to the two official trips. But like an iced water in a covered glass bottle, the secret could no longer hold when the all important trip to Ogoni land was cancelled.

News however broke that he was suffering from an ear infection, otherwise known as Meniere’s disease, but like the usual denial syndrome by government officials, the President’s Special Adviser, Media, Femi Adesina, flatly denied the information, arguing that Mr. President was hail and hearty. Until Sunday when he swallowed the humble pie and finally opened up on the health of the President, who, since Monday has been receiving treatment for Meniere’s disease in the United Kingdom.

Expectedly, since the news broke that thePresident was being treated for ear infection, concerned Nigerians have been seeking informations on the nature of Meniere’s disease; whether it’s a chronic or acute disease, and whether it has an incapacitating feature on its victims. Point blank, they want to know if President Buhari would be cured from the disease and able to discharge the responsibility of the country’s Commander-in-Chief effectively.

This, therefore led THISDAY to inquire from medical experts, especially Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists, on the nature of the disease, its cause, symptoms, complications, treatment,

President Buhari

There is no cure for Meniere’s disease, but there exist various treatment plans, including surgeries targeted at relieving symptoms associated with the health issue

management and prevention, as well as the resultant consequence of its complication for a public office holder.

According to the Medicare Online Portal, Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that causes episodes in which one feels as if he or she is spinning (vertigo), fluctuating hearing loss with a progressive, ultimately permanent loss of hearing, ringing in the ear (tinnitus), and sometimes a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear. In most cases, the disease affects only one ear, but could affect the two, causing more damaging effect to the victim.

Speaking with an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist, Dr. Rufus Ogbejiele, who is also the Medical Director, Graceville Medical Centre, Lagos, he explained that Meniere’s disease, which is an ear infection often affects one in every 1,000 persons, adding that it starts between the early 20s and 50s, but may start at a later age.

He said that of President Buhari may have started long ago, but as the symptoms of the disease is known to occur it was probably not being managed effectively before now.

Ogbejiele explained that despite the condition of the disease varying from person to person, the level of impact on President Buhari may be that which could be treated without any serious hassle, therefore downplaying concerns of the citizens whether the disease could negatively affect his leadership role as the President of the country or not.

What are the causes and symptoms of Meniere’s disease?

According to him, there was no known cause of the disease, but that it was sometimes suspected that too much fluid in the inner ear may be a direct cause, adding that the leakage of fluid from the inner ear to the outer ear has often times been suspected to be the cause of the health issue. “This leakage may cause a chemical reaction that paralyses the balance system in the inner ear until the fluid balance becomes normal again.

“This is why people suffering from the scourge most times complain of inability to have a good balance, dizziness that comes in form of episodes, ringing in the ear, nausea, vomiting, hearing loss, headache, slow pulse development, pale colour, among others.

“A person with this condition usually has one or more attacks a year, which may come alone or in groups. The attacks last from approximately 20 minutes to 24 hours and go away gradually. The attacks may come more often, causing embarrassment for the victim, especially if he or she is a public figure who must be scrutinised by his people at every point in time.

“During a dizzy spell, the person feels like the world is whirling around them. They stagger from side to side and sometimes even fall down. These falling spells are called drop attacks or Tumarkin spells,” the ENT specialist explained.

He said a person with the condition can

Treatment and prevention of the disease What is the best result that can come out of the treatment of Meniere’s disease? A medical expert, Dr. Olawale Olarenwaju provides a guide: “There is no cure for Meniere’s disease, but there exist various treatment plans, including surgeries targeted at relieving the symptoms associated with the health issue.

“Treatments include acupuncture, herbal remedies, and various medications. Diuretics, vasodilator medications, and a low-salt diet could help in relieving symptoms by taking fluidaway from the head and ear and maintaining the fluid balance in the body.

As part of treatment plans, the patient will be advised to avoid alcohol, cigarette and caffeine use,” he explained.

According to him, one treatment plan involves the process of diuretics, such that the kidney is forced to pass more fluid, salt, and potassium than normal from the body, as this has been proven to reduce the frequency of attacks.

He explained that there exist other types of treatments aimed at tackling symptoms like nausea, vertigo, among others, adding that, listening to music can temporarily aid in reducing the noises felt in the ear due to the disease.

“Even with the various treatments, it may not be unlikely that further treatment plans, like surgery may be needed to tackle the health issue.” He however warned that surgeries may have its own down sides, which includes ear damage. “A type of surgery called labyrinthectomy usually relieves the dizziness but it results in total hearing and balance loss in the affected ear.

“Another surgical procedure involves cutting the nerve leading to the organ of balance in the middle ear. Like alabyrinthectomy, this procedure relieves the dizziness. However, unlike a labyrinthectomy, it often preserves the hearing in the ear that was operated on.

It is a more complex operation and requires a longer hospital stay, and there is a risk of damage to other parts of the ear.

“Endolymphatic sac surgery is another type of surgery that is often used for people who have dizziness but good hearing, as it can relieve the dizziness and usually preserves hearing in the ear that is operated on,” adding, he also noted that in about four per cent of cases, hearing may get worse.

Also as part of treatment, he noted that certain chemicals may as well be used to destroy either all or part of the balancing functions of the ear, making the vertigo attacks less severe.

He wished President Buhari success as he embarked on treatment for the disease.

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T H I S D AY THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2016

NEWS

THISDAY, 1258 Others Nominated for Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Awards 2016 THISDAY Newspapers and 1,258 other organisations, including healthcare organisations, individuals, nongovernmental organisations and Foundations nationwide have been nominated for the Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Awards (NHEA). Nominations for various award categories are still ongoing.

According to the organisers, the jury is expected to shortlist the nominees for the various award categories on June 17th, 2016, while its online and offline nomination is still ongoing.

Winners will be announced at a grand ballroom ceremony on Friday, June 24th, 2016 at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Among the organisations and individuals nominated so far are: THISDAY Newspapers, Swiss Biostadt, JNCI, Pathcare, Clinix, MeCure, St Nicholas, Lagoon, Healthplus, May and Baker, Greenlife, Hygeia, Redcare HMO, Smile 360 Dental, Renal Dialysis , Sproxil, Bridge Clinic, Nordica Fertility, Cathem Eye, Kidney Solutions, Eye Foundation, DCL Laboratory, Omni Vision, Grafil, Coscharis, Mogbonju, Business Day, Vanguard, Channels TV, TVC, Fidelity, Diamond, UBA, GT Bank, Lily Hospital, Reddington, Zankli, Medicaid Radio, Crestview Radiology, , Total

Health Trust, Avon HMO, Realms Healthcare, St Ives Hospital and fertility, Nisa Premier Hospital, Dangote Foundation, Zenith Medical & Kidney Centre , UBA Foundation, River State, Ondo State, Ibom Specialist , Ancilla Catholic Eye, Aqua Gem, Ideal Dental, Schubbs Dental, Nene Dental, MTN Foundation, Beacon Hill, Smile, Ageless Physiotherapy, Havana Specialist, Wellpath Physiotherapy, LASUTH, UCH, Interswitch Ltd, Medenhanz, Taint Medical Engineering Ltd, Pacific Diagnostic Ltd, Finlab Nig, Partec Healthcare, Maniventures, Darlez, Mopheth, Medplus Pharmacy, Fidson, Emzor, Mopson Pharmaceuticals, Swipha, Pfizer,etc.

NHEA, the Oscar of Nigerian Healthcare is organised

by Global Health Project and Resources (GHPR) in collaboration with Anadach Group, USA. The award is aimed at recognising and celebrating the achievements of personalities and organisations who have contributed immensely to the growth and development of the Nigerian health sector.

The award focuses on the following; outstanding performances, the creation of new business models, recognising and embracing new trends in the health sector.

Malnutrition in Pregnancy May Cause Hearing Loss Stories by Martins Ifijeh The Chairman, organising committee of the annual international conference of the Speech Pathologists and Audiologists Association in Nigeria (SPAAN), Mrs. Grace Ademila Sokoya, has revealed that aside hereditary or genetic factors responsible for hearing loss, other factors including malnutrition in pregnancy may play a major role in hearing disorder among children.

Mrs. Grace, who spoke at a press briefing to announce the annual conference billed to hold 22nd and 23rd June at the NECA building, Alausa, Ikeja in Lagos, said other likely factors that may cause hearing disabilities for children include drug and alcohol abuse in pregnancy and living in noise

polluted environment.

Speaking on the purpose of the conference, President of the Association, Professor Abiola Ademokoya noted that its time members of the public become aware of the severity of speech and hearing disorders among the populace and to learn about ways to prevent and manage them.

According to Ademokoya, “the conference is focussing attention on children specifically identifying speech and hearing problems in children and providing necessary timely intervention because we believe that if speech and hearing problems are not quickly identified with young children and the necessary interventions provided, the possibilities are there that the children will grow with that

untreated hearing problem, the untreated speech problem into adolescents and adults when the problems would have become so much intractable een f efforts are made at that level”.

Ademokoya pointed out that the emphasis is on identifying the problems as early as possible and to provide the necessary interventions so that the children can overcome or come out of whatever speech or hearing problem they may have. The Professor of Pathology and Audiology University of Ibadan identified some of the speech and hearing problems to include, stuttering, pronunciation problems, voice problems (where some women speak like men), infections in the ear, hereditary or genetic disorders among others.

He therefore advised

Nigerians concerned about communication hearing loss, stuttering, and other forms of communication problem by their children or children around them to avail themselves the opportunity to attend the conference. The conference with the Theme: Communication Disorders In Children: Assessment and Interventions is expected to draw experts from across the fields of Audiology, Speech Pathology and Therapy as well as ENT Surgeons, Nurses, Administrators, people living with language and hearing difficulties among several others for the purpose of sharing experiences on latest methods of preventing the disorders, care and management options as well as coping and living skills for those with hearing and speech disorders.

NHF Warns against Smoking

by Pregnant Women The Nigerian Heart Foundation (NHF) Tobacco Programme Director, Mr. Dapo Rotifa, has warned that smoking during pregnancy is dangerous to the health of the unborn child as well as the pregnant mother.

Rofifa who stated this at a press briefing in Lagos recently to mark the ‘World No Tobacco Day’, explained that the health of a pregnant woman and the unborn child was very important, hence passive smoking should also be avoided, as this could also have a negative effect on them.

According to him, as a strategic plan to reduce smoking among Nigerians, plain packaging should be introduced as a measure that restricts or prohibits use of logos, colours, brands and images or promotional information on tobacco packaging, other than brand product and names displayed in a standard colour and front styles.

He said information from the World Health Organisation (WHO), has stressed on the need for effective health warnings on the cigarette pack, reduction in the attractiveness of tobacco products, and the restriction of the use of tobacco packaging and labeling.

“The WHO framework convention on tobacco recommends that parties consider adoption of plain packaging. Through the

World No Tobacco Day 2016, WHO aims to highlight the role of plain packaging as part of a comprehensive, multispectral approach to tobacco control and facilitate policy development by member states. Moreover WHO encourages member states to work towards plain packaging in a step-wise approach by strengthening packing and labeling measures and restrictions on advertising, promotion and sponsorship,” he said.

He also drew attention to how Nigeria became a signatory to WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in June 2004 and took a giant stride on March 15, 2011 when the Nigerian Senate passed a bill to regulate and control production, manufacture, sale, advertising, promotion and sponsorship to tobacco products.

“The signing of the bill into law represented a positive step towards addressing the problem of tobacco in Nigeria in reducing all forms of tobacco related disease.

It also provides a unique opportunity to domesticate the WHO Frame Work on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

The implementation of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in Nigeria is a great challenge to Nigeria,” he added.

L- R: Consultant Urologist, Dr. Funmilade Omisanjo; Managing Director, Victory Drugs, Pharm Folasade Lawal; Chairman of the Occasion, Lere Baale; Consultant Family Physician, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Dr. Nebe Nwamaka; Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr. Alimi Mustapha; Marketing Director, Pfizer Nigeria and East Africa Region, Winston Ailemoh and Consultant Cardiologist, Dr. Adanijo Monisola, at the Pfizer Pharmacy Academy in Lagos ...recently

NACCRAN Blames Increase in School Children Should be Child Abuse on Refusal of States Protected against Psychological Torture, Says Rotary President to Integrate Child Rights Act Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja National Council of Child Rights Advocate Nigeria (NACCRAN) has blamed the increased rate of child abuse in the country on the refusal of most states to integrate Child Rights Act. The Federal Capital Territory Coordinator of the group, Mrs. Magret Udoh, made this known at a press conference in Abuja, where she said it was disheartening that the Child Rights Act that was passed in 2003 had only been ratified and adopted, in 24 states out of 36.

She said: “There are basic things that must happen in states that have ratified this law.

When they have ratified it, you need to domesticate the law, you need to bring the law to the system, you need to integrate it into the system, but we don’t have more than two states, out of the 24 states that have done that.

Udoh stressed that, “if one of the major law talks

about free education at the basic level, not only free, free and compulsory; but if you walk around the streets of the Federal Capital Territory, you will see children hawking on the streets, selling pure water, wiping screen shield, children are doing all sort of things that they should not do during school hours, and we are talking about free and compulsory education.

“There is child rights law ratified and adopted in FCT, but as far as there is no free and compulsory education, the children are still hawking on the streets, because there is no system in place for these kind of children, there is no social service for education in this country,” Udoh said.

She cited culture as the major reason for the refusal of most states in the North to ratify or adopt the law.

“Culture is what is really holding it, because most states in the East, South and West have adopted and ratified the law, except Enugu State and those in the North.

The President of Rotary Club of Ikoyi Metro, Mr. Micheal Smith Atoe has stated that most children in primary schools undergo psychological torture due to dearth of basic social amenities in their various schools. Speaking during the commissioning of educational projects by Rotary Club District 9110. He emphasized that when primary schools lack the enabling materials and environment for learning, the children will most likely be degraded both psychologically and educationally.

According to him, children need not go through such harrowing experience because that represents the foundation on which they will live their lives upon. He berated corporate bodies, well-to-do organisations and churches who do not give back to the society. “Churches have a larger role to play but only few are performing that role in the society,” adding that, “ if the church in its own capacity have been able to pull people and funds together, then they

should as well help in lifting the society.

“Rotary is doing its own part which we have seen, but what about the corporate bodies? there are corporate bodies around and basically there are churches around. The church is pulling While handing over construction of desks and the restructuring of Dordan Barracks Primary School classrooms to the management of the school, he said making a thousand desk was not up to two million naira, adding that, a business class ticket cost 1.5 million naira just to do a six hours trip whether to the UK or Europe, “yet fails to give back to the society after all profit made,” he explained.

Mr. Atoe, explained that as a rotary member, part of its objectives is to be one’s brother’s keeper. He further urged parents, government and corporate citizens to once in a while go on community facility tour, to see to these problem and in their own capacity render helps to develop the society.

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HEALTH

‘UMT Removes Guesswork in Malaria Diagnosis’ Urine Malaria Test is a precise and fast way to test whether a fever is due to malaria or not. A molecular biotechnologist and Chairman, Fyodor Biotechnologies, Dr. Eddy Agbo in this interview with Crusoe Osagie, harped on the new innovation and how it is changing the face of malaria diagnosis in Nigeria Tell us about the UMT and Fyodor Biotechnologies?

The Urine Malaria Test (UMT) is the world’s first non-blood test that tells in 25 minutes or less if a fever is due to malaria or not, using only a few drops of urine. The UMT is so simple that anyone anywhere can do it. It requires no blood, no reagent nor equipment.

It removes the guesswork that drives malaria case management in many healthcare settings in Africa. With the UMT, it is now possible to test if a fever is due to malaria in the comfort of the home or in any healthcare facility, by anyone anywhere. It is a novel tool that can safely and rapidly facilitate universal testing for malaria in all cases of fever.

It has been a long standing practice in many African countries to assume that all fevers, headache/body ache, and general malaise are due to malaria. While these signs are associated with malaria, there are dozens of other diseases that cause similar symptoms.

Therefore, we see widespread practice of self medication whereby individuals with fever just take anti-malaria medicines without a test to confirm the cause of their symptoms. In the past where the cases of mosquito bite and malaria were overwhelmingly high, that practice was reasonably permitted. Over the past decade, there has been progressive decline in the cases of malaria in Africa to the extent that only about 30 per cent of all fevers are now due to malaria. This means that it has become even more critical today to test for malaria in all cases of fever or suspected signs of malaria as it is less likely today that a fever is due to malaria than was the case in the past.

So, a critical challenge for most African countries had been: how to make universal malaria testing possible in all cases of fever, and in all private and public healthcare settings.

The use of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and use of microscopes are limited by the fact that they require blood, relatively complex to perform, and therefore, unsuitable for home use or in rural community healthcare settings where blood handling with a multi-step test poses major health risks. As a result, private healthcare providers and most public healthcare centres especially in rural communities have been unable to comply with the national and WHO policy of “Test Before You Treat” for managing cases of fever and malaria. As a result, many cases of fever are considered to be malaria and treated presumptively without any firm diagnosis.

Fyodor Biotechnologies Ltd is a Nigerian company that has introduced the novel UMT in the Nigerian market. With its parent company – Fyodor Biotechnologies Corp USA and commercialisation partner – Geneith Pharmaceuticals Nigeria Ltd, Fyodor is driving best practices for healthcare providers, government policy makers, NGO’s and individual citizens to quickly and safely test in all cases of fever, to confirm if due malaria before antimalarial medicine is administered. So, today, if you feel the fever, check it out with the UMT! How difficult was it to develop UMT? We worked tenaciously for seven years to develop and clinically validate the UMT. If you think about it, you will say that is almost a life time.

Were you the first person to think about it or attempt to do it?

If I am the first person to think about it, no!

The first to attempt it, no!! These underscore the difficulty and demonstrate compelling story of the UMT. Healthcare providers, public health officials, researchers, and policy makers have long desired a noninvasive test for malaria testing as a way to expand diagnosis in all public and private healthcare settings. So, the blood-based rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) were tried severally with patient urine samples with poor test accuracy.

These outcomes can be explained by two key facts.

How did you hear about Africa Innovation Foundation and what is your impression about what they are doing?

We learnt about the African Innovation Foundation and the Innovation Prize Africa through an acquaintance who pointed us to the Facebook page. Africa sorely needs institutions like AIF that promotes African innovations, and we definitely commend this great initiative. In this regard, the AIF has clearly taken a leadership role on the continent as a driver of innovation, and I believe many other institutions could complement their effort. For example, the Private Healthcare Alliance of Nigeria (PHN) which held an innovation award in Nigeria late last year is another trailblazer focusing on innovations in Nigeria. I’m glad that Fyodor was honoured as the Star Winner of the PHN inaugural award for the Urine Malaria Test. Innovation is key to Africa’s sustained renaissance, and in this case, more is better.

Dr. Agbo

First, urine is acidic and proteins are denatured in the acidic environment. Second, proteins excreted in urine are intimately exposed to enzymes that break them down into fragments so that malaria rapid blood tests that were developed to target proteins in their natural are not able to efficiently detect them when fragmented. We used recombinant DNA technology to generate recombinant antibody molecules that effectively detect specific malaria parasite proteins or their fragments that are excreted in the patient urine.

How much do you think UMT will affect lives in Nigeria in particular and Africa in general?

I believe that UMT will positively impact the way malaria is diagnosed and treated in Nigeria and other African countries in many ways: Doctors and other healthcare providers in all settings now have the tool to confirm if their febrile patient has malaria or not, and removes presumptive diagnosis. Patients can be appropriately treated for malaria, if positive; again, no more guesswork in malaria diagnosis and treatment. All medicines have some negative side effect on the body. So, because malaria positive patients will be accurately tested and specifically treated, people will not need to expend resources on, nor take medicines they do not need; such practices are a major cost to the overall national health systems in many countries in Africa. Because the UMT is so simple, it can be performed by anyone, anywhere to accurately determine if their fever is due to malaria or not; again, no more guesswork!

Appropriate malaria treatment as a result of specific diagnosis will ensure that the anti-malarial ACT medicines are not misused, which could result resistance by the parasite, as was seen with Chloroquine and other quinine-derived anti-malarial medicines that are no longer effective. A major concern today is that ACT is the only medicine currently effective against malaria, and resistance to this drug will pose a global disaster. Resistance to ACT is already

developing in some Southeast Asian countries, and that is a major concern. As a result of this risk, health authorities in Africa, WHO and other multi-lateral malaria control partners have since 2010 mandated a policy of “Test Before You Treat” for malaria in all cases of fever. Before the introduction of the UMT, this was not possible with the blood-based tests.

There is even a broader impact beyond routine malaria diagnosis. In Ebola outbreak situations (which also has fever as an early clinical sign), the UMT could be invaluable for initial safe testing for fever in home or community health settings so that febrile malaria patients would not need to go to a clinic/hospital where many could pick up the Ebola virus in a nosocomial manner.

This would be helpful because Ebola virus is not present in urine, so unlike blood, urine is not a biohazardous sample to test.

Let me also add this: there is a major global historical position of the UMT in malaria diagnosis timeline: In 1880, the French Army Surgeon Dr Alphonse Laveran was the first to introduce appropriate diagnosis by demonstrating malaria parasites in the blood of febrile malaria patients. For nearly 100 years, malaria diagnosis was performed solely by microscopy until 1976 when a company called Becton Dickinson first introduced the blood Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT). The third major global milestone in malaria diagnosis timeline is now the UMT, commercialised about 40 years after the introduction of the RDT. What were the first responses you got when you tried to develop UMT? For many people, it was not possible! For other people, they thought I lost my mind because the idea was really revolutionary. But I had a team that also cherished the challenge to think outside the box. So, we chose to see the obstacle as a stepping stone, the challenge as an opportunity. Seven years later, here we are!

What is your background?

I was born in Mbu, Isi-Uzo LGA of Enugu State, to Mr. Ephraim Agbo (of blessed memory) and Mrs Anthonia Agbo, and the first of seven children. I attended Central School Mbu Amon, Government College Maiduguri (on old Anambra State scholarship) and trained in Veterinary Medicine at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

After a career as the first Veterinary Officer for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), I proceeded to the Netherlands for graduate studies and completed a Masters degree in Biotechnology at Wageningen University and a PhD in Molecular Genetics from Utrecht University.

After working for several years with ID-Lelystad in Holland, I proceeded to John Hopkins University School of Medicine as Research Fellow.

In 2008, I founded Fyodor Biotechnologies to begin to identify and translate to product novel biotechnologies that have compelling relevance to healthcare delivery in Africa.

With my outstanding team of professionals and partners, we successfully clinically validated the flagship Urine Malaria Test (UMT) in Nigeria, and launched in November 2015, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health/National Malaria Elimination Program, ANDI Centre of Excellence for Malaria Diagnosis at the College of Medicine University of Lagos, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Lagos State Ministry of health, NAFDAC, and others. I warmly acknowledge the support and partnership with these institutions. Very importantly, I acknowledge our Sales and Marketing Partner – Geneith Pharmaceuticals Ltd whose network of sales reps and excellent logistics are driving the delivery of the UMT to Nigerians.

All these were only possible with the strong solid of my soul mate and wife Ebere, and our four lovely children – Chidera, Ezinwa, Lotti and Zuby, whose support have been immense and unwavering.

Above all, none of these could have been possible without the grace, favour and presence of our God Almighty along the way. Fyodor means “Given by God”. I appreciate being part of this story of God’s gift.

Why did you go abroad and what was your experience, especially educational experience?

I went abroad to further my education and to seek better opportunities to improve myself in life. I have been blessed along this path, and appreciate it.

Why do you want to return to Nigeria, considering that it is more comfortable out there in the US or Europe?

I believe that my desired purpose for traveling abroad had been fulfilled. My intent now is to drive the development of Nigeria’s bio-economy – a tall order that I have given myself, but just like the UMT story, one that I believe we can and should do it. Why not? Especially since the time is now.

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HEALTH

Tackling Vaginal Yeast Infection Despite recent successes recorded in the fight against diseases in the country and the numerous interventions by foreign donors, in terms of provisions of funds and drugs, Nigerians continue to battlewithSexuallyTransmitted Diseases(STDs). The recent being VaginalYeast Infections otherwise known as Candidiasis. Kasim Sumaina writes Vaginal Yeast infection, also known as candidiasis, is a common female health condition caused by the fungus Candida associated with intense itching, swelling and irritation. If not well treated may affect the reproductive organs of women and usually, is of sexual origin referred to as pelvic inflammatory diseases, bacteria Infections, viral infections.

According to the Mayo Clinic, USA, three out of four women will experience a yeast infection at one point in their lives and once one gets a yeast infection, the clinic emphasised that the person is more likely to get another one.

Candida yeast infections are not just a female issue, even though many commonly think of it this way, reveal medical experts. The vaginal is such an easy place for Candida to grow.

However, it’s development starts elsewhere in the body.

In the 1950s, studies pegged the amount of Candida overgrowth as being about 15 per cent of the population. Now, it’s over 70 per cent of the population and still rising.

A Consultant Gynaecologist, Dr. Anuman Ogbonnaya who explained the need for personal hygiene when the symptom is first noticed, said vaginal infections are common female conditions which causes an intense itching, swelling, and irritation and can be spread by sexual contact, but in general they are not considered sexually transmitted infection. “This disease weakens the immune system of those suffering from HIV/AIDS, pregnant women and those with diabetes. The immune systems of these categories of people is often on the low side.

According to him, candidiasis is a whitish discharge, like ‘maclean’ with serious itchiness, which can simply be prevented through personal hygiene like frequent change of underwear, adding that treatment plans may include use of anti-fugal likedyflocan. “They can be swallowed and also inserted like the canesten.”

He observed that the infection can be transmitted sexually, hence the need for treatment to include both partners. “Some women can actually have candidiasis in their reproductive track. Some can have immediate or delayed symptoms and some may have it as soon as an infected partner comes in contact with their organisms.

“Treatment for yeast infections is relatively simple, depending on how severe they are. The Candida genus of yeast is a naturally occurring microorganisms in the vaginal area.

It’s growth is kept in check by the lactobacillus bacteria.

However, these bacteria can’t work effectively if there is an imbalance in your system. This leads to an overgrowth of yeast, which causes the symptoms of

vaginal yeast infections to be present. If there is a recurrent yeast infections, or problems getting rid of a yeast infection with a conventional treatment, then a different version of Candida might be the culprit.

A lab test can let your doctor know which type of Candida you have,” he added.

He also noted that the imbalance that allows the overgrowth of yeast to happen can be due to some antibiotics which can lower the amount of lactobacillus, or good bacteria in the vaginal.

Adding that, pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetes, weak immune system, poor eating habits, including a lots of sugar, hormonal imbalance near your menstrual cycle, stress and lack of sleep are parts of the symptoms.

He continued: “Vaginal yeast infections have a common set of symptoms. Usually the length of time the yeast infections are left untreated can have a direct impact on how severe the symptoms are. These includes, itching, burning, large or small amount of vaginal discharge, often whitish gray and thick, (although there are also times the discharge can be watery), pain during sex, soreness and rash.

On diagnosis, he stated that examination is usually done on the vaginal and the surrounding area to see if there were external signs of infections. ‘’Test is usually ordered only for women with yeast infections on a regular basis or for infections that won’t go away. But, certain types of Candida will not respond to normal treatment and will require an aggressive course of treatment. If you meet one of the following criteria, your doctor will more than likely treat your yeast infection as if it were a severe or complicated case, you have severe redness, swelling, and itching that leads to sores or tears in your vaginal tissue, had more than four yeast infections in a year, uncontrolled diabetes or weak immune system from medication or from being HIV-positive, among others.

“Treatment for cases like these include, 14-day cream, ointment, tablet, or suppository vaginal treatment, two or three doses of Diflucan (not for pregnant women), long-term prescription of Diflucan that is taken once a week for six weeks, or long-term use of a topical anti-fungal medication, treatment of your sexual partner or use of condoms when having sex.

He noted that other treatments include natural remedies like tea tree oil cream. You can also treat vaginal yeast infections with natural remedies if you would like tea-tree oil cream, garlic or boric acid vaginal supposi-

tories or yogurt taken orally or inserted into the vaginal.

He advised that when strange things are noticed in the vagina, medical help should be sort. “People should avoid self medication because, you might not be able to identify certain issues. The major problem we have in Nigeria is poor health

seeking behaviour amongst the populace. We have the issue of poverty and these two factors are responsible for people not getting the best out of the available medical facilities in the country.

“In many cases, you may know exactly what led to your yeast infection. For instance,

some many women experience these infections every time they take antibiotics. By recognising such risk factors, one can prevent future infections.” He listed some common methods of prevention to include, avoid sitting in hot tubs or taking frequent hot tub baths, avoid wearing tight pants, pantyhose,

tights, or leggings, avoid using feminine deodorant or deodorant tampons/pads, wearing natural fibers such as cotton, linen, or silk, change feminine products frequently, wash under wear in hot water, eat a well-balanced diet, eat yogurt or take supplement with lactobacillus.

FOR IMPROVED RESEARCH CULTURE

L-R: Executive Director, Personal Banking, Access Bank Plc, Victor Etuokwu; Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), Dr Patrick Dakum; CEO, Dangote Foundation, Zouera Youssoufou; Chairman, IHVN, Professor Emeritus Umaru Shehu and GMD/CEO, Access Bank Plc, Herbert Wigwe, at the press conference on the proposed N5bn fund raising for the International Research Center of Excellence

by IHVN in Lagos….recently

Agbami Co-ventures, Lagos State Klat Pharmaceutical Initiates Partner on Road Safety Drug to Reduce High Stress Rate Martins Ifijeh The Agbami Co-ventures, the Lagos State Capital Territory Development Agency (LSCTDA) and the Federal Road Safety Commission has embarked on partnership aimed at strengthening safety measures on Lagos roads.

Speaking during the launch of the programme in Lagos, tagged: Arrive Alive Road Safety Programme’ the Director, Star Deepwater Petroleum limited, Mr. Jeffrey Ewing said he initiative, which was pioneered

by Chevron, aimed to deploy regular training programs for drivers, provide helmets for motorcycle riders and organized enlightenment programs for truck drivers and members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers.

He noted that the programme, which has been running in several States, included ‘child road safety campaigns’ in some States of the federation with a view to helping the children imbibe road safety culture early in life.

According to him, “safety is a core value among the Agbami Co-venturers. Last week in Asaba, the we made a similar donation to the FRSC in Delta

State. In continuation of this N40million road safety campaign, today, we are donating three Police Motor Bikes to the FRSC, Lagos State Command in support of the road safety initiative in the State.

He explained that in the area of health, the Agbami Co-venturers have been committed to supporting the development of the health sector in the country. We have built and equipped 25 chest clinics with state-of-the art equipment in different States of the federation; funded HIV/ AIDS campaigns, Roll Back Malaria and Mass Deworming programs; built and donated a fully equipped diagnostic laboratory and a fully equipped Mother and Childcare Center.

He thanked the Arrive Alive Road Safety Initiative, the FRSC and LSCTDA for the successful implementation of this program, adding that this would greatly reduce the incidence of raod accidents in the State.

Agbami Co-ventrues includes Star Deep Water Petroleum Limited (A Chevron Company); Famfa Oil Limited, Statoil Nigeria Limited; Petroleo Brasileiro Nigeria Limited and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Martins Ifijeh One of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical companies, Klat Pharmaceuticals, has initiated Ginklat; a drug for elimination of physical and mental stress, and also boost erection for men. That’s why it is tagged as the Super Magic Vitamin.

The launch was carried out in Abuja recently.

Given that the increasing high rate of stress in Nigeria has been described as alarming, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Klat, Emmanuel Olouha said the company has introduced a strategic solution for the teeming population who often undergo stress from the daily life routine.

According to him, the decision to introduce the capsule into the Nigerian market stems from the need to solve teeming stress related issues that affects both male and female, young and old.

“The aim of introducing the drug into the Nigerian market stems from the need to solve teeming stress related issues that affects both male and female, young and old. The super combo effect of this

drug makes it a premium capsule,” he stated.

“The secret combination of Ginseng, Vitamin E and Zinc Sulphate makes the capsule to work like magic. It restores energy, reinvigorate erection for a satisfactory sexual performance in men, renews stamina, serves as anti-oxidant and relieves your whole body.

“The components of the drug are Ginseng, Zinc, and Vitamin E. Ginseng helps to stimulate physical and mental activities among people who are weak and tired,” adding that, “it improves thinking ability and cognition, and has anti-inflammatory effects,” he said.

According to him, the zinc present in the drug, supports male and female reproductive health and fertility, improves athletic performance and strength, boost human immune system and prevent cancer, improves cardiovascular health, sleep, cognition and energy level, prevents diabetics and more sensitive to insulin.

“Zinc is a super antioxidant, it promotes brain health, and elevate mood while avoiding depression.

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INTERNATIONAL

email:foreigndesk@thisdaylive.com

Chad Sends 2,000 Soldiers to Niger for Counterattack against Boko Haram Zacheaus Somorin with agency report

Chad has sent 2,000 soldiers to Niger to prepare a counterattack against Boko Haram after the militant group seized a Nigerien town, two senior military sources said yesterday.

The sources, one at Chadian military command in N’Djamena and another in the Lake Chad region where Boko Haram operates, told Reuters that the troops arrived on Tuesday and were advancing on Bosso, a town near Lake Chad that has been the scene of clashes in recent days.

Boko Haram killed 30 soldiers and forced 50,000

people to flee when it took Bosso on Friday, its deadliest raid in Niger in over a year.

“About 2,000 soldiers with tanks went into Niger yesterday. They should link up with the Nigerien forces in Diffa and advance on Bosso,” said one of the Chadian military sources.

A security source in Niger confirmed that about 2,000 troops were heading to Bosso yesterday. Clashes have continued in Bosso in recent days.

Niger troops briefly regained control of Bosso on Saturday, according to the defense ministry, but the militants retook it on Sunday, Bosso Mayor Mamadou Bako said.

Boko Haram has been trying to establish an

Islamic state adhering to strict Sharia, Islamic law, in northeast Nigeria since 2009. About 2.1 million people have been displaced and thousands killed during the insurgency.

Chad’s intervention comes after Niger President Mahamadou Issoufou flew to Chad for talks with President Idriss Deby on Tuesday.Chad and Niger started joint army operations against

the militants early last year.

Chad’s involvement in combating the insurgency, which affects the whole Lake Chad region where Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad meet, was decisive

in taking back control of territory controlled by Boko Haram. The Chadian military was also instrumental in defeating al-Qaeda’s West African wing in Mali two years ago.

Clinton, Trump Draw Battle Lines for Ill-tempered Campaign The United States presidential candidates, Hillary Clinton, and Donald Trump, kicked off a fierce general election battle yesterday, with Democrats accusing Trump of erratic behaviour and the Republican threatening to bring up old Clinton scandals.

Clinton, the former secretary of state, made history when she became the first woman to lead a major political party in its quest to capture the U.S. presidency. Big primary election wins on Tuesday in California and elsewhere catapulted her to victory over Democratic opponent Bernie Sanders.

If elected on Nov. 8, the 68-year-old would return the Clinton family to the White House 16 years after her husband, Bill Clinton, completed two terms as president. All signs point toward a negative campaign for five months as Clinton accuses Trump of being temperamentally unfit to serve and the New York billionaire charges Clinton has a dark past with shades of corruption and a weak record as President Barack Obama’s first-term secretary of state.

The Clinton campaign drew on critical comments from Republicans themselves to portray the 69-year-old Trump as not fit for the Oval Office after the real estate developer repeatedly accused a Mexican-American judge of showing bias against him because of his ethnic heritage.“The most effective thing to do with Donald Trump is just to get his words out there and let him speak for himself,” Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook told CNN on Wednesday.

Mook charged Trump with a history of“erratic behaviour,”the same language levelled by the Obama campaign in its defeat of Republican nominee John McCain in 2008.

Trump, smarting from criticism from fellow Republicans about his attacks on U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel, gave a carefully crafted primary race victory speech on Tuesday night laying out his plan of attack.

To keep him from straying off message, he used a Teleprompter

and avoided his typical streamof-consciousness delivery. Trump said money given to the Clinton Foundation charity from foreign donors has earned the Clintons millions of dollars and had a corrupting influence when Hillary Clinton was secretary of state and used a private email server to conduct official business.

“Hillary Clinton turned the State Department into her private hedge fund - the Russians, the Saudis, the Chinese - all gave money to Bill and Hillary and got favourable treatment in return.

It’s a sad day in America when foreign governments with deep pockets have more influence in our own country than our great citizens,”Trump said. He said he would give a speech next week “discussing all of the things that have taken place with the Clintons.”

A Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Tuesday showed Clinton leading Trump by 10 percentage points nationally, little changed from a week earlier.

Both Clinton and Trump have work to do to unite their parties behind them but the Democrat appeared to face the easier path with Sanders, a leftist U.S. senator from Vermont, nearly out of options to challenge her.Trump has an uphill battle, with many party leaders still opposed to him. U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan described Trump’s remarks about the judge as a“textbook definition of a racist comment” but said he would still support him.

Ryan met behind closed-doors on Wednesday with House Republicans.

An aide said Ryan“discussed with his members the thinking behind his endorsement (of Trump) and how to move forward”and reiterated he had confidence Trump would support the House Republican agenda.

Republicans complain that Trump still engages in petty battles with former rivals and is way behind in building a fund-raising organisation.

Trump is to meet on Thursday in New York with top fund-raisers of the Republican National Committee, a party official said.

EMERGENCY SITUATION

Forensic experts and firefighters stand beside a Turkish police bus which was targeted in a bomb attack in a central Istanbul district, Turkey…yesterday

Suspected Human Trafficking Kingpin Extradited from Sudan to Italy An Eritrean man suspected of running a huge human trafficking network that sent thousands of migrants to Europe, leaving many to die on the way, was extradited from Sudan to Italy overnight, officials said.

MedhaneYehdego Mered, nicknamed“the General”, had been heard on intercepted telephone calls boasting about cramming more people onto rickety boats to make the dangerous crossing of the Mediterranean than other traffickers, prosecutors said.

“This shows an absolute indifference about the lives of immigrants,” Italian magistrate Maurizio Scalia told reporters.

The 35-year-old was arrested in Sudan on May 24 on charges of human trafficking and abetting illegal immigration and faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted.

Magistrates may eventually also accuse him of homicide

as their investigation continues, judicial sources said. There was no immediate comment from any lawyer representing him. It is the first time a suspected trafficking kingpin has been tracked down in Africa, where many of the smuggling networks are based, and brought to face justice in Italy since Europe’s immigration crisis started almost three years ago.

The extradition “shows we are capable of bringing to justice even the bosses,” Palermo chief prosecutor Francesco Lo Voi said.

“It’s an important result, but it will not stop the migrant boats or the smugglers.”

Mered is suspected of working with an Ethiopian, Ghermay Ermias, who is still at large, prosecutors said. Between them, they are accused of raking in huge sums by bringing migrants from Libya to Italy by sea. Italy has jurisdiction over the case because

it was the first point of arrival of most of the migrants. It is also leading the investigation into the sinking of a vessel off the southern Italian island of Lampedusa in 2013 that killed 359.

Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA) said it had helped track Mered to Sudan and held him responsible for the Lampedusa tragedy. An NCA statement said he was known as“The General” because he had styled himself on the late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

Renato Cortese, head of the elite SCO police force, called Mered “the head of the situation room of a vast operation”of traffickers and was often heard in tapped phone conversations arranging money transfers between various European countries. Sicilian prosecutor Calogero Ferrara told Reuters last year and Mered and Ermias were opportunistic,

purchasing kidnapped migrants from other criminals in Africa. By his calculations, each boat trip of 600 people made the smugglers between $800,000 and $1 million before costs. [nL3N1614BV].

The smuggling networks have mostly eluded international law enforcement agencies because they are based on anonymous cells spread across many countries.

Italy has been on the frontline of the immigration crisis. About 170,000 migrants reached Italy by sea in 2014 and 153,800 in 2015, the International Organization for Migration says. So far this year, more than 40,000 migrants have arrived. More than 8,000 people are also believed to have died in the Mediterranean since the start of 2014, some off the Italian coast and others seeking to reach Greece. Medecins san Frontieres estimated that 900 died last week alone

Poll Shows Majority of Brazilians Want New Elections More than a quarter of Brazilians view interim President Michel Temer’s government negatively and a majority want new elections this year, according to a poll that suggested scandals and policy reversals.

Temer’s government, which began on May 12 when Brazil’s Senate suspended leftist President Dilma Rousseff for breaking budget laws, received a negative rating from 28 percent of Brazilians, according to the CNT/MDA poll. Only 11.3 percent of those questioned gave it a positive rating, while 30.2 percent found it “regular”.

The poll, the first major sampling of public opinion since Rousseff’s suspension, also showed increased support for her impeachment.Almost two-thirds of those surveyed - 62.4 percent - said the decision to send her to an impeachment trial was the right one, compared to an MDA poll in February that showed 55.6 percent in favor of impeachment.

The poll’s findings could be a vital indicator as some senators waver in their commitment to convict Rousseff in her impeachment trial.

A majority of those polled - 54.8 percent - said they saw no difference

betweenTemer’s government and that of Rousseff, which was roiled by a sweeping corruption investigation into political kick-backs from state-run oil company Petrobras.

Some 46.6 percent of those polled believe corruption in the Temer government will be the same. The survey showed that 50.3 percent of Brazilians favor holding new elections this year to resolve the political crisis. A string of recent scandals has weakened Temer as he seeks to build support in the Senate to definitively remove Rousseff, who has described her

impeachment as a coup.

Brazil’s chief prosecutor is seeking the arrest of senior members of Temer’s PMDB party for allegedly trying to obstruct the Petrobras investigation, O Globo reported on Tuesday. Their arrests would be a severe blow to the interim president’s efforts to establish his government’s legitimacy. In the poll commissioned by the transport industry lobby CNT, MDA surveyed 2,002 people between June 2-5. The poll has a margin of error of 2.2 percentage points.

50

THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2016 • T H I S D AY

INTERNATIONAL

Islamic State Loses Ground on Fronts in Syria, Iraq Islamic State’s far-flung enemies in Syria and Iraq pressed ahead yesterday with major advances on multiple fronts that have put some of the greatest pressure on the ultra-hardline Islamists since they declared their caliphate two years ago.

A spokesman for a U.S.backed alliance in northern Syria said it was poised to enter the city of Manbij, a week after launching an assault with the aim of cutting off the last stretch of Turkish frontier still under Islamic State control. A short distance further west, rebels fighting against both Islamic State and the government of President Bashar al-Assad said Islamic State fighters had pulled out of an area near the border.

Assad’s forces, backed

by Russian airpower, also launched an offensive against Islamic State last week and have advanced in territory further south. And at the opposite end of the selfproclaimed caliphate, 750 km down the Euphrates River, Iraqi government forces said they had fought their way into built-up areas of Falluja, the second-biggest city in Iraq under Islamic State control and the militants’ closest bastion to Baghdad.

The Iraqi government is backed both by U.S. air power and by Shi’ite militia allied to Washington’s regional foe Iran. A five-year civil war in Syria and the weakness of the Iraqi government have made it difficult for world powers and their disparate allies on the ground to coordinate a campaign against the militants.

But the simultaneous attacks on a variety of fronts have created unprecedented pressure on the militants, who have imposed harsh rule over territory with millions of inhabitants while making enemies of all global and regional powers.

The campaign by a U.S.backed alliance called the Syria Democratic Forces is the most ambitious so far waged with support of the United States in Syria, where Washington previously lacked effective allies on the ground.

A small contingent of U.S. special forces troops are assisting the SDF, which was formed last year to combine militarily successful Kurdish militia with Arab allies more acceptable to Washington’s regional NATO ally Turkey.

The goal of the offensive,

launched last week, is to capture the area around the town of Manbij west of the Euphrates, and seal off the last 80 km (50 mile) stretch of the Syrian-Turkish border in Islamic State hands.

The frontier has been used for years by Islamic State as their main supply route for arms and manpower, and more recently to send followers back to Europe for attacks like those carried out in Brussels and Paris since last year.

The SDF had advanced to the outskirts of Manbij but had held back from entering to limit harm to civilians, a spokesman for the SDF-allied Manbij Military Council said. “Any moment that we want to enter it, we can, but because of the presence of civilians ... we are being cautious about entering the city,” Shafan Darwish told Reuters. “I can say that the matter of liberating Manbij is settled.”

Darwish said Islamic State fighters had fled the city and had rigged homes there with explosives. Further west, also in the border area, Islamic State fighters suddenly withdrew from villages near the town of Marea in the face of a counter-attack from antiAssad rebels, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring group.

Islamic State had managed to besiege the rebel-held town of Marea in a significant advance late last month, stranding thousands of civilians there and prompting a U.S.-led coalition to air drop weapons to rebels, rebel sources said. Rebel fighters in Marea broke the siege on Wednesday when they captured the village of Kafr Kalbin on the road linking Marea with Azaz, 20 km (12 miles) to the northwest at the border with Turkey.

“It seems they (Islamic State) can’t keep several fronts open at the same time. It is a strategic area, they were on the verge of entering Azaz,” Observatory Director Rami Abdulrahman said.

Assad’s army, with Russian air support, has also launched its own offensive against Islamic State, in what a pro-Damascus newspaper in Lebanon characterised last week as a “race to Raqqa” -- to capture territory around Islamic State’s de facto Syrian capital before the area falls to U.S. allies.

Assad has been fighting a civil war against a range of enemies for five years.

He vowed on Tuesday to recapture “every inch” of Syria, in a defiant speech seen as a setback to diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.

He is supported by Moscow and Tehran, and opposed by Washington, European powers, Arab states and Turkey.

In Iraq, government troops fought their way into a builtup district of the Islamic State bastion of Falluja for the first time on Wednesday after

halting on the outskirts of the city last week. “Our forces have begun in the early hours of the morning progressing in al-Shuhada,” Sabah alNumani, a spokesman of the elite Counter-Terrorism Service, said. “Our forces are now cleaning up the district from the roadside bombs and booby-trapped houses, and then we will hand it over to the police forces to hold the ground,” Numani said.

The next target would be the city centre.

Prime Minister Haider

Abadi ordered the assault of Falluja on the Euphrates last month. The risky strategy veers from the plan of his U.S. allies, who want Baghdad to focus instead on recapturing Islamic State’s Iraqi de facto capital Mosul on the Tigris River further north.

Falluja, just an hour’s drive from the capital, is in territory where Sunni Muslim tribes have long resisted the Shi’ite-led government in Baghdad and where U.S. forces faced

MILITARY POINT

A boy inspects a U.S. army weapon during tactical road march Dragoon Ride II in Daugavpils, Latvia…yesterday

Turkey Blames Kurdish Militants for Istanbul Car Bombing Kurdish militants appear to have been behind a car bombing that killed 11 people in central Istanbul, a Turkish presidential spokesman said, while a second bomb killed four people in the largely Kurdish southeast yesterday.

A car bomb ripped through a police bus in Istanbul during the morning rush hour on Tuesday, killing six police officers and five civilians near the main tourist district, a major university and the mayor’s office. On Wednesday a bomb attack on a police station in the southeastern town of Midyat killed four people and wounded more than 30, hitting

a province bordering Syria in a region where Kurdish militants have waged a three-decade insurgency.

“All indicators and signs regarding the attack in Istanbul yesterday point to the separatist terror organisation,” President Tayyip Erdogan’s spokesman Ibrahim Kalin told a news conference, referring to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).

“The Midyat attack is very fresh and we can only make an assessment once we have all the information,” Kalin said.

There has been no claim of responsibility from Kurdish militants but they have carried out similar attacks in Turkey’s

major cities in the recent past.

Violence has spiralled since a ceasefire with the PKK collapsed almost a year ago.

The unrest has been fuelled by the war in Syria. Turkey says the PKK - considered a terrorist organisation by Ankara, the European Union and the United States - has deep ties to the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia fighting just across the border.

The groups do not deny links. The PKK founded the YPG as a Syrian organisation a decade ago and both are inspired by Abdullah Ocalan, who led the PKK from its inception and lived in Syria shortly before his capture in

Modi Wants Deeper US-India Security Relationship Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, called for a closer security relationship between his country and the United States yesterday, in an address to the U.S. Congress stressing the importance of warming ties between the two countries. He dedicated much of the speech to the importance of fighting terrorism, thanking Congress for U.S. support after a Pakistan-based military group’s

rampage in Mumbai killed 166 people in 2008.

“The fight against terrorism has to be fought at many levels. And the traditional tools of military, intelligence or diplomacy alone would not be able to win this fight,” Modi told a rare joint meeting of the Senate and House of Representatives.

“We have both lost civilians and soldiers in combating it. The need

the biggest battles of their own 2003-2011 occupation.

Washington worries that the Iraqi military could become bogged down in hostile territory there, and is also concerned about the role of Shi’ite militia, whose leaders criticised Abadi last week for slowing the advance to protect civilians.

The United Nations said on Wednesday as many as 90,000 civilians could be trapped inside Falluja, nearly doubling its earlier estimate.

of the hour is for us to deepen our security cooperation,” Modi said. He leavened the speech to lawmakers, the first such address by an international leader since Pope Francis’ in September, with jokes about Congress’ bitter partisan divide and yoga. But Modi used it to make serious points about India’s neighbour and arch-rival Pakistan and regional concerns about Chinese

expansionism.

“I commend the members of the U.S. Congress for sending a clear message to those who preach and practice terrorism for political gains,” he said, not mentioning either country by name.

Modi is on the U.S. leg of an international tour. On Tuesday, he met with President Barack Obama at the White House,

where the two leaders said India agreed to work toward joining the Paris Agreement on climate change this year and discussed security and cybersecurity issues. In a speech interrupted by cheers and at least eight standing ovations, Modi said deeper U.S.-Indian security cooperation should isolate anyone who harbours, supports or sponsors terrorists.

1999. He remains in jail.

The explosion in the town of Midyat destroyed the facade of a five-storey block, damaged other buildings and sent a plume of thick black smoke rising over the area. Clashes broke out between security forces and PKK militants in Midyat as the attack took place, security sources said.

“My nation should know that the state of the Turkish Republic is strong. It is one and united no matter what the terrorist organisation does,” Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said in Istanbul after visiting those wounded there.“Whether they carry out suicide bombings in our cities, whatever methods they use, they can never wear down this nation and can never pull us back from this honourable fight.”

Security concerns have been weighing on tourism and investor confidence in Turkey.

The wars in neighbouring Syria and Iraq have fostered a home-grown Islamic State network blamed for a series of suicide bombings, while the Kurdish militants have increasingly struck beyond their usual targets in the southeast.

51

THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2016 • T H I S D AY

INTERNATIONAL

‘Eritrean Leaders Should be Tried for Crimes against Humanity’ The United Nations rights investigators have accused Eritrean leaders of crimes against humanity including torture, rape and murder and called on the Security Council to impose sanctions and refer the case to the International Criminal Court.

Atrocities - including an indefinite military national service programme that amounted to mass enslavement - had been committed since the

country’s independence in 1991 and were ongoing, the U.N. Commission of Inquiry said. There was no immediate response from the Horn of Africa country, but it has routinely dismissed reports by U.N. bodies and campaign groups of rights violations in the past.

“Particular individuals, including officials at the highest levels of State, the ruling party - the People’s Front for Democracy and

Justice - and commanding officers bear responsibility for crimes against humanity and other gross human rights violations,” the inquiry’s report said.

The inquiry said there had been no improvement since a year ago when it published a 484-page dossier describing extrajudicial killings, widespread torture, sexual slavery and enforced labour. Visitors to the country should not be fooled by the “general

Libyan Brigades Edge Closer to Islamic State Stronghold Forces aligned with Libya’s new unity government advanced on the eastern and southern outskirts of the Islamic State stronghold of Sirte yesterday, taking control of at least one military camp, security sources said.The brigades, who are based in the western city of Misrata, launched their counter-offensive against Islamic State last month, pushing the militants back along the coastal road to the west of Sirte and saying they intended to recapture the city.

The brigades are aligned with the U.N.-backed Government of National Accord (GNA), which has been trying to establish its authority

over Libya’s competing political and armed factions since arriving in Tripoli in March. After a lull in fighting at the start of the week, clashes resumed in Sirte on Wednesday and the brigades edged forward, capturing the Taqrift military camp, security sources said.

The brigades’media office said in statements on social media that they had also captured the Al-Jalet military camp and the Au Hadi roundabout immediately south of Sirte, though this could not immediately be confirmed.

A hospital spokesman in Misrata said at least six brigade

members had been killed and 30 wounded in the clashes. Libya slid into chaos after veteran ruler Muammar Gaddafi was toppled in an uprising five years ago, allowing Islamic State to set up its most important base outside Syria and Iraq.

The GNA is designed to replace two competing administrations that were set up in Tripoli and the east in 2014 with the backing of rival alliances of armed groups. Western powers see the GNA as the best hope for defeating Islamic State in Libya.

sense of calm and order” in the capital Asmara, because abuses were carried out in military training camps and detention centres, the report said.

“The facade of calm and normality that is apparent to the occasional visitor to the country, and others confined to sections of the capital, belies the consistent patterns of serious human rights violations,” it added.

Eritrea’s government did not allow the inquiry

team to visit the country, although its diplomats met the investigators at the U.N. headquarters in New York.

Last year the threestrong inquiry team, led

by Australian diplomat and counter-terrorism expert Mike Smith, did not have a mandate to look into “international crimes”, so the previous report said only that crimes against humanity may have been committed, without

apportioning blame.

In the past year, the inquiry has received almost 45,000 written submissions, almost all group letters and petitions criticising the first report, the direct result of a government campaign to discredit the inquiry, the report said. Some signatories contacted by the inquiry said they had been coerced or their signatures had been forged and they were unaware of the letters, the report added.

Afghan Taliban Abducts 40 Passengers The Taliban abducted at least 40 people on a highway in Afghanistan’s northern province of Kunduz, Afghan officials have said. The attackers stopped two vehicles - a 50-seater bus and a station wagon - in Khanabad district on the road from Kunduz city to Takhar, police spokesman Mahfuzullah Akbari said on Wednesday.

Seven people managed to escape, Akbari added. Taliban gunmen are increasingly staging ambushes on provincial highways and main roads in

their war - now in its 15th year - to overthrow the Kabul government.

Last week, the Taliban killed 10 bus passengers, many of them summarily executed, and took hostage dozens of others also in Kunduz province.

The group said at the time that they were targeting Afghan security officials on board the buses. Separately, Afghan authorities said on Wednesday that they have recovered the bullet-ridden bodies of 12 security officials who had recently been cap-

tured by the Taliban in eastern Ghazni province.

“The bodies ... of our personnel captured by the enemy were discovered in Andar district this morning,” Ghazni’s Governor Mohammad Aman Hamim told reporters. The violence underscores Afghanistan’s fragile security situation as the Taliban, who launched their annual spring offensive in April, rejected government calls this week for a ceasefire during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

52

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2016

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

FG Plans to Inject $1.7bn into Capital Projects Nume Ekeghe with agency report Minister of Budget and National Planning, Mr. Udoma Udo Udoma has said the federal government will next week pump much of the 350 billion naira ($1.76 billion) for capital projects.

According to Bloomberg, the minister who disclosed this to reporters in Abuja yesterday said

this stimulus would revive the economy in the third quarter.

Udoma said: “Substantial releases of a 350 billion naira ($1.8 billion) stimulus provided for in the budget will be made available in the next few weeks.

By the third quarter, we will start to see the impact of what we are doing to reflate the economy,” he said.The budget incentives will help to boost the economy, which is struggling to

cope with a slump in crude oil prices, the source of two-thirds of government revenue.

Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP) contracted for the first time since 2004 in the three months through March and Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele warned in May that a recession was imminent after a four-month delay in passing the nation’s budget.

W’Bank Cuts 2016 Global Growth Forecast to 2.4% Obinna Chima The World Bank is downgrading its 2016 global growth forecast to 2.4 per cent from the 2.9 percent pace projected in January. The move was due to sluggish growth in advanced economies, stubbornly low commodity prices, weak global trade, and diminishing capital flows.

According to the latest update of its Global Economic Prospects report, commodity-exporting emerging market and developing economies have struggled to adapt to lower prices for oil and other key commodities, and this accounts for half of the downward revision.

Growth in these economies is projected to advance at a meager 0.4 percent pace this year, a downward revision of 1.2 percentage points from the January outlook.

“This sluggish growth underscores why it’s critically important for countries to pursue policies that will boost economic growth and improve the lives of those

living in extreme poverty,” World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim said.

“Economic growth remains the most important driver of poverty reduction, and that’s why we’re very concerned that growth is slowing sharply in commodity-exporting developing countries due to depressed commodity prices.”

Commodity-importing emerging markets and developing economies have been more resilient than exporters, although the benefits of lower prices for energy and other commodities have been slow to materialise.

These economies are forecast to expand at a 5.8 per cent rate in 2016, down modestly from the 5.9 per cent pace estimated for 2015, as low energy prices and the modest recovery in advanced economies support economic activity.Among major emerging market economies, China is forecast to grow at 6.7 per cent in 2016 after 6.9 percent last year. India’s robust economic expansion is expected to hold steady at 7.6 percent,

while Brazil and Russia are projected to remain in deeper recessions than forecast in January. South Africa is forecast to grow at a 0.6 percent rate in 2016, 0.8 of a percentage point more slowly than the January forecast. A significant increase in private sector credit - fueled by an era of low interest rates and, more recently, rising financing needs - raise potential risks for several emerging market and developing economies, the report stated.

“As advanced economies struggle to gain traction, most economies in South and East Asia are growing solidly, as are commodity-importing emerging economies around the world,” World Bank Chief Economist and Senior Vice President Kaushik Basu said.

“However, one development that bears caution is the rapid rise of private debt in several emerging and developing economies. In the wake of a borrowing boom, it is not uncommon to find nonperforming bank loans, as a share of gross loans, to quadruple.”

Udoma

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS Broad Money (M2)

20,470,436.00

-- Narrow Money (M1)

9,040,817.68

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,441,365.03

---- Demand Deposits

7,599,452.65

-- Quasi Money

11,429,618.32

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

5,551,714.27

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

14,918,721.73 22,664,815.74

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC) ---- Credit to Government (Net)

3,782,578.01

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

4,991,246.39

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

NPA Targets $1.2bn Revenue for 2016, Adopts Strategic Partnership The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has said it is going into strategic partnerships as well as encouraging exports to achieve its revenue targets of $1.2bliion for 2016.

The Managing Director of the NPA, Mallam Habib Abdullahi, who stated this in Lagos recently said already, the NPA has reached out to the Export Promotion Council and the ministries of Agriculture and Solid Minerals to work out other means of assisting in diversifying revenue sources for government, especially in growing exports for the country.

In a statement made available by NPA, Abdullahi said the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) may even surpass its targets if the current economic indices improve.

The statement added: “The agency is also set to dedicate some port terminals to export Hubs for Agriculture and Solid Mineral. There are proposals for ports that will be solely dedicated to the export of agricultural produce and the Ilaje port in Ondo for solid mineral export. He said the NPA is already working out a strategy with the Customs on how to achieve this milestone.”

According to him the terminal operators are also being re-oriented to support the success of the programme.

Abdulahi said this will not only help in the diversification process of the economy but will also compensate for the revenue the ports are losing, as there is the urgent need to utilise the many containers that are lying

idle in the ports , and being taken away empty.

He further added: “The primary responsibility of the NPA is to raise more revenues for government and work to assist in expanding the economy and ensure nation’s dependence on oil is reduced significantly. This the NPA is doing by encouraging export promotion and foreign direct investment.”

Abdulahi also stated that the agency is working assiduously to ensure smooth operations at the ports, adding so far, an inter-modal type of transportation system, railways and motor roads has developed within the ports to ease congestions in the Lagos ports and that of the Port Harcourt ports recorded up to 93 percent completion.

A former British Prime Minister Tony Blair said he expects Britain to vote to stay in the European Union. He said this at television interview on Bloomberg yesterday. Blair said:“I think we will remain, but of course it’s a referendum; if you look at the opinion polls, it’s very close. You’ve got to be concerned about it.”

Blair, a strong advocate of British engagement with the EU during his decade in office from 1997, said he expects turnout in the June 23 vote to be “substantially higher” than for a general election. “I think people do understand it’s a decision with seismic consequences,” he said. A narrowing of polls over the past week or so has raised the

likelihood of an unprecedented British exit from the EU. The Number Cruncher Politics Brexit Probability Index has risen to 24.4 percent from 17.4 percent on May 24. Cameron has fought a campaign based on warnings of economic decline if there’s a vote to leave, while the “Out” camp has focused on a pledge of reduced immigration.

-1,208,668.38

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

18,882,237.7

--Other Assets Net

-7,746,094.02

Reserve Money (Base Money)

5,758,634.07

--Currency in Circulation

1,811,090.48

--Banks Reserves

3,383,756.72 • Source - CBN

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Price (N) Stanbic Balanced Fund

Buying Price(N)

Selling Price

1,660.29

1,685.29

Stanbic IBTC NEF

1,000.00

11,002.32

11,326.67.11

Stanbic SIBond

20

120.47

120.47

Stanbic IBTC Ethical

1

1.10

1.13

Stanbic IBTC GIF

142.90

143.38

UBA Balanced Fund

1.2563

1.2493

UBA Bond Fund

1.3443

1.3443

UBA Equity Fund

0.8205

0.8074

UBA Money Market Fund

1.1510

1.1510

ARM Aggressive Growth Fund

N13.0544

N13.4480

ARM Discovery Fund

N288.2515

N296.9425

ARM Ethical Fund

N22.5268

N23.2060

ARM Money Market Fund

Britain to Remain in EU, Says Blair

(MILLION NAIRA)

MARCH 2016

13.1030 (Yield % ) • Monetary Policy Rate - 13%

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT WEDNESDAY, 8 JUNE 2016 The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $46.54 a barrel on Tuesday, compared with $46.00 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The new OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), Minas (Indonesia), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

53

T H I S D AY • thurSDAY, june 9, 2016

Nigeria’s top 50 stocks based on market fundamentals

8-June-16

7-June-16

% Change

Capitalisation

EPS

P/E

P/S

Div. Yld

Price/ Book Value

Table 1 Market Statistics Mkt Indicators

01 Dangote Cement Plc

165.00

169.99

-2.94%

2,811,683,721,825.00

10.64

15.98

5.89

4.71%

4.49

02 Nigerian Breweries Plc

130.01

136.53

-4.78%

1,030,862,406,448.88

5.37

25.43

3.92

2.64%

6.35

03 Nestle Nigeria Plc.

757.00

755.00

0.26%

600,040,782,764.00

29.95

25.21

3.96

3.84%

15.75

04 Guaranty Trust Bank Plc.

18.50

18.70

-1.07%

544,476,815,644.00

3.38

5.53

2.40

9.47%

1.33

05 Zenith Bank Plc

14.70

14.80

-0.68%

461,528,458,654.20

3.37

4.40

1.07

12.16%

0.78

Table 3 Top 5 Gainers

06 Lafarge Africa Plc.

80.01

80.01

0.00%

364,437,693,818.10

5.93

13.50

1.36

3.75%

2.07

Stock

07 Ecobank Transnational Incorporated

17.12

16.50

3.76%

314,144,316,800.80

1.39

11.85

0.59

3.76%

0.81

08 Forte Oil Plc.

205.80

196.00

5.00%

268,050,610,997.40

4.45

44.06

2.05

1.76%

5.52

09 Seplat Petroleum Dev. Co. Ltd

350.00

350.00

0.00%

193,658,609,550.00

23.48

14.90

1.71

4.55%

0.69

10 Access Bank Plc.

5.35

5.30

0.94%

154,764,648,225.85

2.28

2.33

0.45

10.38%

0.42

11 United Bank for Africa Plc

4.18

4.25

-1.65%

151,648,420,025.96

1.64

2.58

0.49

14.12%

0.46

Table 4 Top 5 Losers

12 Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc

15.01

15.06

-0.33%

150,100,000,000.00

2.04

7.39

1.27

0.66%

1.34

Stock

13 Guinness Nig Plc

99.54

100.00

-0.46%

149,896,110,233.52

0.78

128.49

3.02

0.00%

3.37

14 FBN Holdings Plc

3.70

3.76

-1.60%

132,812,583,330.40

0.42

8.91

0.27

3.99%

0.23

32.00

32.00

0.00%

121,065,480,000.00

0.32

101.53

2.04

0.16%

15.13

16 7-Up Bottling Comp. Plc.

142.50

142.50

0.00%

91,284,126,727.50

11.12

12.81

1.17

1.54%

3.80

17 P Z Cussons Nigeria Plc

22.74

22.74

0.00%

90,288,648,003.30

1.10

20.72

1.25

5.72%

2.15

18 Oando Plc

7.25

6.72

7.89%

87,250,986,981.50

0.50

13.44

0.14

11.16%

0.51

19 Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc

6.33

6.80

-6.91%

75,960,000,000.00

0.96

7.07

0.81

7.35%

1.40

20 International Breweries Plc.

20.00

20.00

0.00%

65,884,985,600.00

0.64

31.29

3.56

1.25%

5.47

21 Flour Mills Nig. Plc.

22.36

21.30

4.98%

58,677,943,501.32

1.84

11.57

0.17

9.39%

0.55

22 Mobil Oil Nig Plc.

161.51

161.51

0.00%

58,239,740,765.62

13.51

11.95

0.91

4.46%

3.79

23 Total Nigeria Plc.

165.37

165.37

0.00%

56,146,726,184.69

11.92

13.87

0.27

8.47%

3.46

42.10

42.10

0.00%

55,572,000,000.00

1.85

22.77

0.42

3.56%

2.29

25 Transnational Corporation Of Nigeria Plc

1.38

1.40

-1.43%

53,434,976,446.50

0.05

26.68

1.33

0.00%

0.62

26 Diamond Bank Plc

2.09

2.15

-2.79%

48,405,212,943.12

0.24

8.80

0.23

0.00%

0.23

15 Unilever Nigeria Plc.

24 Julius Berger Nig. Plc.

27 Sterling Bank Plc.

1.51

1.52

-0.66%

43,473,531,370.26

0.36

4.25

0.40

5.92%

0.46

28 U A C N Plc.

19.85

19.00

4.47%

38,129,158,081.95

2.70

7.04

0.50

5.26%

0.49

29 Cadbury Nigeria Plc.

19.48

19.48

0.00%

36,587,375,739.20

3.21

6.07

1.09

6.67%

3.54

1.26

1.30

-3.08%

36,492,857,971.92

0.48

2.71

0.26

12.31%

0.21

35.70

35.70

0.00%

35,700,000,000.00

3.28

10.89

3.14

0.28%

1.59

32 FCMB Group Plc.

1.60

1.63

-1.84%

31,684,337,249.60

0.24

6.78

0.21

6.13%

0.20

33 Wema Bank Plc.

0.76

0.76

0.00%

29,316,594,221.56

0.06

12.60

0.64

0.00%

0.64

34 Okomu Oil Palm Plc

30.05

30.05

0.00%

28,664,995,500.00

2.76

10.89

2.94

0.33%

2.38

35 Cap Plc

36.12

38.00

-4.95%

25,284,000,000.00

2.49

15.29

3.77

3.03%

17.50

36 Glaxo Smithkline Consumer Nig. Plc.

20.00

20.00

0.00%

23,917,529,760.00

0.81

24.78

0.78

1.50%

1.81

37 National Salt Co. Nig. Plc

8.00

8.20

-2.44%

21,195,507,024.00

0.79

10.32

1.34

6.71%

3.06

38 Mansard Insurance Plc

2.01

2.10

-4.29%

21,105,000,000.00

0.16

13.27

1.33

2.38%

1.27

39 Custodian And Allied Insurance Plc

3.45

3.42

0.88%

20,292,431,472.75

0.71

4.79

0.68

4.09%

0.77

40 Skye Bank Plc

1.11

1.16

-4.31%

15,407,134,565.10

0.85

1.36

0.12

25.86%

0.11

41 Honeywell Flour Mill Plc

1.70

1.73

-1.73%

13,481,336,018.60

0.14

12.25

0.28

9.25%

0.64

42 Unity Bank Plc

1.10

1.00

10.00%

12,858,271,736.20

0.54

1.84

0.18

0.00%

0.14

43 Continental Reinsurance Plc

1.05

1.09

-3.67%

10,891,381,527.60

0.21

5.28

0.57

11.01%

0.73

44 Cement Co. Of North.Nig. Plc

7.14

7.14

0.00%

8,972,679,249.24

0.96

7.47

0.69

1.40%

0.88

45 Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc

4.68

4.68

0.00%

7,601,343,750.00

0.33

14.13

0.89

4.27%

1.25

46 UACN Property Development Co. Limited

4.02

4.02

0.00%

6,909,374,979.90

1.81

2.22

0.62

17.41%

0.21

47 Wapic Insurance Plc

0.50

0.50

0.00%

6,691,369,126.00

0.10

5.16

0.94

6.00%

0.45

48 Resort Savings & Loans Plc

0.50

0.50

0.00%

5,664,866,202.00

4.68

0.11

0.02

0.00%

1.89

49 AIICO Insurance Plc.

0.79

0.77

2.60%

5,474,861,539.20

0.28

2.79

0.16

6.49%

0.55

50 Fidson Healthcare Plc

1.90

1.99

-4.52%

2,850,000,000.00

0.50

4.01

0.36

2.51%

0.47

30 Fidelity Bank Plc 31 Presco Plc

TOTAL

8,678,961,942,556.74

TOTAL MARKET CAP

9,306,854,484,731.43

% OF MARKET CAP Annotation - MA* = Simple Moving Average

93.25%

NSE All Share Index NSE Market Cap (N'Trillion) Thisday BGL 50 Index Thisday BGL 50 Market Cap (N'Trillion)

O5pen 7-June-16

Close 8-June-16

Change %

27,475.48 9.44

27,098.18 9.31

-1.37% -1.37%

113.09 8.81

111.47 8.68

-1.43% -1.43%

O5pen Close Change % 7-June-16 8-June-16

Unity Bank Plc Oando Plc Forte Oil Plc. Flour Mills Nig. Plc. U A C N Plc.

1.00 6.72 196.00 21.30 19.00

1.10 7.25 205.80 22.36 19.85

10.00% 7.89% 5.00% 4.98% 4.47%

O5pen Close Change % 7-June-16 8-June-16

Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc Cap Plc Nigerian Breweries Plc Fidson Healthcare Plc Skye Bank Plc

6.80 38.00 136.53 1.99 1.16

6.33 36.12 130.01 1.90 1.11

-6.91% -4.95% -4.78% -4.52% -4.31%

Losing streak continues as ASI drops 1.37% Market pulse on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) today – Wednesday, June 8, 2016 ended on a bearish note as the market closed red due to sustained intense sell pressure. This was further highlighted by negative performances from the NSE Sub sectors; Banking, Insurance and Consumer Goods (Save Oil & Gas). However, trading activities increased in volume as 261.00 million shares worth N1.22 billion in 3,591 deals exchanged hands today. This is an increase from the 183.24 million shares worth N2.01 billion in 3,488 deals carried out on Tuesday. Topping in volume terms was United Bank for Africa Plc, Access Bank Plc and Wapic Insurance Plc, while Zenith Bank Plc and Access Bank Plc ended trading as the most active stocks in value terms.

The All Share Index (NSEASI) closed negative with a 1.37% (-377.30) decrease to close at 27,098.18 from 27,475.48 the previous trading day. Market Capitalization depreciated in tandem to N9.31 trillion from N9.44 trillion of prior trading day. Similarly, the Thisday BGL 50 Index followed suit with a loss of 1.43% to close at 111.47 from 113.09 recorded the previous trading day, while its market capitalization stood at N8.68 trillion from N8.81 trillion of the previous trading day.

A total number of 16 stocks gained on the bourse today while 28 stocks declined, leaving 57 stocks unchanged. Unity Bank Plc emerged the toast of investors as it topped the Thisday BGL 50 Index gainers’ list with a gain of 10.00% to close at N1.10 per share. It was followed by Oando Plc with a gain of 7.89% to close at N1.00 per share.

Others on the gainers list include; Forte Oil Plc, Flour Mills Nig. Plc and U A C N Plc., while on the decliners’ list; Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc led with a loss of 6.91% to close at N4.25 per share.

It was followed by Cap Plc with a loss of 4.95% to close at N36.12 per share. Others on the losers list include; Nigerian Breweries Plc, Fidson Healthcare Plc and Skye Bank Plc.

REQUIRED DISCLOSURE This report has been prepared by BGL Plc. BGL Plc does and seeks to do business with companies covered in its research reports. As a result, the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this report. Investors should use this report as one of many other factors in making their investment decisions.

For more details go to www.thisdaylive.com

54

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2016

MARKET NEWS

UACN Shareholders Receive N1.92bn Dividend for 2015 Financial Year Goddy Egene and Eromosele Abiodun Shareholders of UAC of Nigeria Plc are to receive a dividend of N1.92 billion for the year ended December 31, 2015. The dividend, which was approved by the shareholders at the company’s annual general meeting (AGM) in Lagos yesterday, will be paid out of the profit after tax of N5.2 billion recorded for the year.

Speaking at the AGM, Chairman of UACN, Mr. Dan Agbor, said the company decided to reward shareholders with N1.92 billion dividend even as it positions for growth against the backdrop of an extremely challenging economic and business environment.

“Against the backdrop of an extremely challenging economic and business environment in 2015 and the need to conserve funds

so that we can participate in the Rights Issues to be undertaken by three of our subsidiaries i.e (UACN Property Development Company Plc, Livestock Feeds Plc and Portland Paints & Products Nigeria Plc, the board is recommending for your approval a dividend of 100 kobo per share in respect of the 2015 financial year,” he said.

The chairman told the shareholders the right issues, which

was approved last year, has been put on hold due to the current poor state of the market.

Agbor said: “The objective of the capital raising proposals that were presented to the shareholders that took place on the 23rd of September 2015 was to attract a strategic investor or investors and obtain equity control that would be used to drive growth in certain subsidiaries. Following your approval of a 1 for 12 rights issue of

160,072,032 ordinary shares, your board and management made all necessary arrangements to launch the Issue. Unfortunately, however, the weak performance of the Nigerian capital market has made it impossible to raise the requested capital on optimal terms and at the end of March 2016, a decision was taken by the board to discontinue the rights issue. Your board and management will now undertake the

needed investment and financial restructuring of those subsidiaries using internally generated funds.”

Meanwhile, the bearish trend persisted at the stock market for the third day as investors’ confidence waned further.

Consequently, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index (ASI) declined by 1.37 per cent to close at 27,098.18, while market capitalisation shed N129.6 billion to close at N9.31 trillion.

DAILY STOCK MARKET REPORT T H E

N I G E R I A N

STO C K

Prices for Securities Traded as of 19/04/2016 Printed 19/04/2016 16:42:26.026

40

Price List (Equities) PRICES FOR PREMIUM BOARD SECURITIES FINANCIAL SERVICES S/N 1 BANKING S/N 2 OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FINANCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRIAL GOODS S/N 3 BUILDING MATERIALS INDUSTRIAL GOODS PREMIUM BOARD TOTALS Price List (Equities) PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES AGRICULTURE S/N 5 6 CROP PRODUCTION S/N 7 FISHING/HUNTING/TRAPPING S/N 8 LIVESTOCK/ANIMAL SPECIALTIES AGRICULTURE CONGLOMERATES S/N 9 12 13 14 DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES CONGLOMERATES CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE S/N BUILDING CONSTRUCTION S/N BUILDING STRUCTURE/COMPLETION/ OTHER S/N 18 INFRASTRUCTURE/HEAVY CONSTRUCTION S/N 20 REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT S/N REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITS) CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE CONSUMER GOODS S/N 24 AUTOMOBILES/AUTO PARTS S/N 25 26 27 28 30 BEVERAGES--BREWERS/DISTILLERS S/N 32 BEVERAGES--NON-ALCOHOLIC S/N 33 34 35 37 38 39

E XC H A N G E

FOOD PRODUCTS BANKING ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FBN HOLDINGS PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

361,687.61

11.52

1.95

363

29,713,738

363

29,713,738

TRADES

VOLUME

S/N 46

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

119,890.28

3.34

1.21

BUILDING MATERIMARKET ALS CAP(Nm) DANGOTE CE2,743,521.69 MENT PLC

CROP PRODUCTION OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC FISHING/HUNTING/ TRAPPING ELLAH LAKES PLC. LIVESTOCK/ANIMAL SPECIALTIES LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. S C O A NIG. PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC.

S/N

207

6,119,620

207 570

6,119,620 35,833,358

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

161.00

-0.02

49

517,962

49 49 619

517,962 517,962 36,351,320

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

51

-4.75

17

92,552

-

MARKET CAP(Nm)

8 25

10,400 102,952

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

511.20

4.26

-

0

0

53

0

0

54

52

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

1,900.00

0.95

-1.04

39

4,571,285

56

39 64

4,571,285 4,674,237

57

3.95

5

70,000

2,573.31

3.96

-

1

100

40,657.05

1.00

4.17

68

3,159,111

35,401.53

18.43

-5.00

49 123 123

474,908 3,704,119 3,704,119

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

BUILDING STRUCTURE/COMPLETION/OTHER

0

0

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

TRADES

VOLUME

1

38,721

DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC P S MANDRIDES & CO PLC.

PERSONAL/HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS CONSUMER GOODS FINANCIAL SERVICES

35.01

0.79

FOOD PRODUCTS

49

30.48

2,091.36

BEVERAGES-NON-ALCOHOLIC 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC.

48

29,075.18

VOLUME

BEVERAGES-BREWERS/DISTILLERS CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GOLDEN GUINEA BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC.

S/N

35,010.00

TRADES

AUTOMOBILES/ AUTO PARTS DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC

HOUSEHOLD DURABLES

50

%CHANGE

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITS)

FOOD PRODUCTS--DIVERSIFIED

VOLUME

PRICE

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED

44

S/N

MARKET CAP(Nm)

MARKET CAP(Nm)

INFRASTRUCTURE/HEAVY CONSTRUCTION JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC.

43

%CHANGE

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

56,760.00

43.00

-

6

19,910

6

19,910

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

6,875.00

4.00

-

8

14,068

8

14,068

TRADES

VOLUME

0 15

0 72,699

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

2,386.33

0.50

-

3

528,000

3

528,000

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

24,271.44

3.10

-

5

44,869

242.22

0.89

-

1

1,000

150,347.88

99.84

0.35

43

123,324

65,884.99

20.00

-

1

500

812,732.84

102.50

-1.91

131

769,295

181

938,988

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

94,166.78

147.00

-

12

9,320

12

9,320

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

62,040.00

5.17

-

16

154,689

50,805.23

19.36

-

46

252,519

55

58 59 60 BANKING S/N 61 62 63 65 67 70 73 74 77 80 83 87 INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES S/N 89 MICRO-FINANCE BANKS S/N 91 94 MORTGAGE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES S/N 95 96 98 102 103 OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FINANCIAL SERVICES HEALTHCARE S/N HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS

10,547.16

1.33

-3.62

34

2,388,046

1,185.03

6.65

-

1

3,000

19,605.84

7.40

-

34

553,393

S/N

214.00

5.35

-

2

100

108

S/N MEDICAL SUPPLIES

TIGER BRANDED CONSUMER GOODS PLC FOOD PRODUCTS-DIVERSIFIED CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. HOUSEHOLD DURABLES VITAFOAM NIG PLC. PERSONAL/ HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC.

12,050.00

MICRO-FINANCE BANKS NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC MORTGAGE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES ASO SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC UNION HOMES SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC. OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UNITED CAPITAL PLC

4.78

23

1,030,185

156

4,381,932

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

27,741.04

14.77

-

21

59,932

507,307.93

640.01

-

63

37,119

84

97,051

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

5,326.78

5.42

-

2

203

2

203 VOLUME

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

80,799.21

20.35

-4.10

18

95,908

110,661.42

29.25

-

38

114,024

56 494

209,932 6,165,426

MARKET BANKING CAP(Nm) ACCESS BANK 107,033.50 PLC. DIAMOND BANK 31,034.92 PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL 269,738.40 INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK 33,900.51 PLC GUARANTY TRUST 462,069.51 BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC 14,157.91 STERLING BANK 44,913.05 PLC. UNION BANK NIG. 76,888.56 PLC. UNITED BANK FOR 119,722.44 AFRICA PLC UNITY BANK PLC 7,948.75 WEMA BANK PLC. 28,545.10 INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES AFRICAN ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC AIICO INSURANCE PLC. AXAMANSARD INSURANCE PLC CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC. GUINEA INSURANCE PLC. LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. REGENCY ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC STANDARD TRUST ASSURANCE PLC WAPIC INSURANCE PLC

2.41

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

3.70

2.21

188

6,139,279

1.34

-4.96

34

2,608,620

14.70

5.00

71

1,153,190

1.17

-0.85

69

5,918,400

15.70

2.28

288

29,811,746

1.02

0.99

56

3,104,469

1.56

-

23

576,721

4.54

-4.82

25

286,712

3.30

3.13

251

62,208,549

0.68 0.74

-2.86 1.37

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

10,292.50

0.50

-

1

1,000

4,781.84

0.69

-

10

549,318

22,050.00

2.10

2.94

7

105,293

10,683.93

1.03

1.98

14

850,400

7,000.00

0.50

-

27

5,085,907

3,070.00

0.50

-

1

16,800

3,661.72

0.50

-

0

0

1,924.91

0.56

-3.45

50

9,713,044

4,224.40

0.80

3.90

32

10,627,354

3,334.38

0.50

-

1

50

3,070.54

0.50

-

2

2,100

6,691.37

0.50

-

3

8,840

148

26,960,106

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

2,652.50

1.16

-

10

318,000

10

318,000

16 5,214,403 13 6,539,600 1,034 123,561,689

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

7,370.87

0.50

-

3

150,100

4,179.69

4.28

-

2

500

5

150,600

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

5,000.00

2.50

2.88

61

1,158,851

22,939.27

3.90

-

6

27,745

18,812.58

0.95

1.06

84

8,033,669

143,000.00

14.30

-

8

7,734

8,880.00

1.48

1.37

125

9,734,304

284 18,962,303 1,481 169,952,698

HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

MEDICAL SUPPLIES

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

PHARMACEUTICALS FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm) 3,225.00

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

0

0

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

0

0

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

2.15

2.38

10

163,315

55

THURSDAY JUNE 9, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Senate Summons Ngige over Threat to Revoke Banks’ Licences Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja The Senate yesterday asked its Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions to summon the Minister of Labour, Employment and Productivity, Senator Chris Ngige, for questioning over his threat to revoke licences of banks which defied federal government’s directive by retrenching their staff.

The resolution was the aftermath of a point of order raised by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, Senator Rafiu Ibrahim, during yesterday’s plenary.

Ngige had on Tuesday, in far away Geneva, Switzerland, where he’s attending an international labour conference of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), threatened that the federal government would revoke the licences of banks which continue to sack workers in breach of federal government’s order.

He said: “The federal government gave the licences to the banks to operate and if its directives are not adhered to, their licences will be withdrawn if the need arises. We will go a

step further if they continue. We know what to do. They need to comply. They need to come to the negotiation table. We halted the spate of sack in the oil industry and we succeeded. Even if you are going to lay off, there is a way to declare redundancy, there is a process. Section 20 of the Labour Act says it. You must call the unions and discuss with them.

“You don’t just treat them as slaves in their own country and you want us to keep quiet.

We want them to maintain the status quo. As far as I am the minister of labour, I will protect the interest of workers; same to the telecommunications companies, they are also talking about compiling lists without discussing with anybody.”

However, Ibrahim, in his point of order, described the banking industry as a very sensitive sector, arguing that such a misguided statement could worsen the economic condition of a country that is already in recession.

“The ministry gave a directive to banks not to retrench. And now, from what we read in the newspapers, they want to revoke licences for not obeying. Banking is such a sensitive industry and

any misguided statement or a statement that has a throwback on the industry should be avoided.

“It can make or create a run on the banks. So, without any prejudice to the position

of the minister, we want to as Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, invite the minister, the Central Bank and the banks, to know if they are talking at

all about retrenchment and what will happen, noting that all the banks in Nigeria are private companies, quoted companies. So, we want to know the basis of the

directive and now the basis of the threat,” Ibrahim The Senate agreed with Ibrahim and consequently, the motion was passed. No date has been fixed for the summons.

SEEKING COLLABORATION

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi (left), and Ebonyi State Governor, Mr. Dave Umahi, during a meeting at the Ondo Guber: EligibleVotersYet L-R: Solid Minerals Complex in Abuja....yesterday to Collect 336,445 PVCs Resident Doctors Shelve Strike for One Week, to Allow

James Sowole in Akure

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday said a total of 336,445 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) out of the 1,543,787 received in Ondo State were yet to be collected by their owners, saying only 1,585 persons have collected the voting instrument.

The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ondo State, Mr. Olusegun Agbaje disclosed the figure at a news briefing on the plan of the commission to conduct a Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise between Wednesday, June 22 and Sunday, June 26, 2016.

The REC, who said the commission embarked on the distribution of the PVCs since February 1, 2016, advised all persons that have registered during the past registration exercise and were yet to collect their PVCs to seize the opportunity to do so.

While stating that the collection was still ongoing, Agbaje urged the affected persons to collect their PVCs at their respective local government area INEC offices and at the registration areas within the five days that the continuous registration exercise would last.

Agbaje said the commission had put a lot in place in terms of preparations for the successful conduct of the CVR exercise, that would be for Nigerians that must have attained the age of 18 years on or before June 22 and those that have attained the age but could not register during the last exercise.

For the exercise, Agbaje said the commission had configured 396 Direct Data Capturing

Machines (DDCMs) for 203 Registration Areas and 193 voting points.

He added that the INEC had recruited 792 Assistant Registration Officers made up of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and INEC officers to handle the DDC machines while another 203 documentation and distribution officers had been engaged to handle transfer cases and distribution of PVCs yet to be collected in the 203 Registration Centres.

Agbaje said the commission would not allow any form of malpractices during the exercise warning that registration would not be done by proxy.

“Let me sound a note of caution to those who might want to misuse this opportunity by engaging in any form of illicit activity such as mobilising people from one place to register in another place especially in areas that share boundaries with the neighbouring states of Ekiti, Ogun, Osun, Edoo and Kogi as well as encouraging under age registration.

“They are hereby warned to desist from any of these acts as the full weight of the law would be brought against anyone caught acting in contravention to the relevant laws during the exercise.

“The Electoral Act, 2010 as amended is very clear on what constitute offences during the voted registration exercise in Sections 117,120,121,122,123 and 124.

“For the avoidance of doubt, anyone who engages in double /multiple registration is liable on conviction to a maximum fine of N1,000,000 or 12 months imprisonment or both,” he said.

House Intervention

Gunmen kill acting registrar of medical council of Nigeria Damilola Oyedele in Abuja The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has agreed to suspend its proposed indefinite strike by one week to allow the leadership of the House of Representatives intervene in the issues between them and the executive.

This was after a meeting with Speaker Yakubu Dogara yesterday.

According to a statement by the Speaker’s spokesperson, Mr. Turaki Hassan, Dogara committed himself and relevant House Committee Chairmen to meet with the Minister of Health on the matter.

“It doesn’t matter what faith you profess, for instance, it is clearly stated in the Holy Bible that a labourer should be paid his wages even before his sweat dries. I believe that as a responsible government we know this. It is not like we don’t know. But as to matters, challenges facing you, these are not things that we had discussed before, I only heard through the briefings I was given.

“If it is possible for you to open this window for us in the immediate to call on relevant persons who are in charge of this, in conjunction, of course, with active participation of your good self, the relevant committees of the House, so we can sit at a table like this.

“What is the problem? And then we will attempt to address these issues together and if doesn’t work, we can’t stop you from venting your anger and and expressing your grievances,” he said.

“Imagine a situation where all the resident doctors in Nigeria are

on strike, what will happen to the people we represent?....Democracy’s first promise is life, thereafter liberty, the third promise is the pursuit of happiness. And all of them rest on each other, if you don’t have life, then you cannot begin to talk of liberty, if you don’t have liberty then you cannot begin to talk about happiness. So ultimately, all the three hang on life. When there is no life, there is nothing, democracy is useless because a dead man doesn’t have liberty,” Dogara added.

The National Liaison officer of NARD, Dr. Paul Ugwu, however told THISDAY that it is the national strike that is being suspended by one week, pending the outcome of the negations with the Speaker and other government officials.

Some centres would therefore embark on the strike starting from today, he added.

The absence of the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, and other ministry officials may have complicated the strike.

Meanwhile, the acting Registrar, Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), Olufunke Omotuyi, was yesterday murdered by suspected gunmen in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that the incident took place at about 4 a.m. at her Apo residence in Abuja.

The late Mrs. Omotuyi was reported to be in her office till 8p.m. on Tuesday. She was due for retirement from public service in July.

Details of how the attack were sketchy.

When contacted, the police spokesman of the FCT Command,

Anjuguri Manzah, said he was yet be briefed on the incident.

Dasuki: FG Again Seeks Court Protection for Witnesses Alex Enumah For the second time, the federal government yesterday applied to the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking for the protection of witnesses it plans to present in the ongoing trial of former National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki (rtd) over alleged unlawful possession of firearm and money laundering.

The government in a fresh motion on notice brought before the court, is seeking an order to shield the identities of the witnesses and that the record of proceedings should not be made accessible to the public.

The motion which was filed by counsel to the federal government, Oladipo Opeseyi, is also seeking for an order to permit the witnesses to be addressed with pseudo name in the cause of the trial.

Part of the grounds on which the government is anchoring the motion include the claim that Dasuki as a former NSA, a retired senior military officer and a crown prince of Sokoto Caliphate commands large followership in the country who might be aggrieved by his trial.

The applicant is also claiming that most of the witnesses it plans to call are security personnel who have expressed fears of been identified by

members of the public that might be sympathetic to the former NSA. The federal government claimed that Dasuki while in office as NSA, imported into the country a large catches of highly sophisticated arms and ammunition that have not been accounted for, expressed fears that these ammunition might be in the possession of persons who are sympathetic to the defendant.

Government also said that the security of its witnesses would be blown up if they are made to testify publicly without any protection.

In a five-paragraph affidavit deposed to by one Emmanuel Ikpebe in support of the motion, the government said Dasuki served in the intelligence unit of the army and that a large quantity of ammunition was found in his house when searched, in addition to various foreign currencies that the defendant could not explain the source.

The motion therefore prayed the court to hold that special circumstances have been constituted to grant the request.

However, counsel to Dasuki, Joseph Daudu (SAN) told Justice Adeniyi Ademola that he has just been served with the motion that he needed time to respond.

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THURSDAY JUNE 9, 2016 • T H I S D AY

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ECOWAS Court Fines FG $3.3m for Extra-judicial Killings of Squatters at Apo Quarters Tobi Soniyi in Abuja The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice has found the Federal Government of Nigeria guilty for extra-judicial killings of eight

persons in the deadly September 20, 2013 raid of an uncompleted building at Apo Residential Area by officers and men of the Nigerian Army and Department of Security Services (DSS).

PDP N’Assembly Caucus Pledges Loyalty to Makarfi’s Caretaker Committee Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja Members of the Peoples Democratic Party in the National Assembly yesterday pledged their loyalty to the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led Caretaker Committee and advised the committee to constantly consult the federal legislature from time to time.

Speaking when Makarfi-led members of his team on a courtesy call on PDP caucus in the National Assembly, Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, assured Makarfi that the caucus would deploy all powers at within its reach to support the committee including necessary legal actions.

He said: “You have taken the right step of coming to consult with the real elected people, the real elected representatives of the PDP in Nigeria today, the National Assembly. We are the one at the national level.

“We don’t have the Villa. This is our villa. The National Assembly is our villa. That’s the simple truth.

Your first major task is to bring your committee members to consult with the villa. We will support you in every action.

“We not only applaud your strides, we identify with your actions so far and to reiterate the fact that you were all chosen based on merit on the mere fact that you have experience, capacity and capabilities to take us from the current quagmire.

“As a Senate, we are very proud of you so far. How you have navigated to bring about peace. You told Nigerians unequivocally that you were not the elected national chairman but a committee set up in line with the constitution of the party.

“That showed clearly that PDP is a party that believes in the rule of law. The party has the power to set up any committee like the Central Working Committee and even assign the functions of the national convention to that committee which was the case with your committee.

“We are in support of you and we ask you to exercise all the powers we vested in you in Port Harcourt that you have taken over as the NCW; you have the authority of the convention; you have authority to even take us to

the next convention and enhance the popularity and acceptability of the PDP. “For Nigerians who might have thought that we are finished as a party, the reality is that what has happened is just a storm in the tea cup. There is no division in the PDP. It is one. We are very impressed that you have maneuvered the entire Board of Trustees (BoT), the conscience of the party, with the National Assembly caucus which led you to the office in a very glorious manner. The authority including the security agencies respected the decision of the convention, assisted and withdrew all arsenal to let you into the national secretariat,” he said.

Also speaking, Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, enjoined Makarfi to carry all members along by ensuring that stakeholders are involved in the committee’s activities with a view to ensuring that the party’s decisions are democratic.

He said: “Nigeria expects so much from us and we should not disappoint them. We want to assure you of our support, our solidarity. We know the task ahead is tough and you have limited time but be rest assured that we will be there for you to make sure you succeed because the foundation you are going to lay now, will determine the future of our party.”

In his remark, Makarfi assured the lawmakers that his committee would carry along all and sundry to ensure that peace and stability reign in the party as he urged members of the party who had instituted legal actions to withdraw them in the interest of peace.

His words: “We are here to say thank you for all those efforts and all of us continue to do so and to regard us as partners because this is a job that all of us together must do and see it closed.

“We are also here to individually and collectively seek for your individual or collective intervention to speak to the remaining members of the family that are still aggrieved to please take what has happened in good heart and spirit and come and join forces with you and us so that we can do what is right for our party.

Olaseni Ogunsanya for Burial The family of Ogunsanya has announced the burial ceremonies of Pastor Olaseni Ogunsanya, who died on May 25, 2016.

A programmed released on the funeral said he wake-keep will hold on today at Tender Care International School, Adigun Avenue, Magodo Phase 1, Isheri, Lagos at 5p.m. It added that on Friday, June 10, there will be a

church service at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Dominion Sanctuary, Region 19 Headquarters, 1, Vori Close, off Acme Road, Ogba, Ikeja at 10a.m.

Internment follows immediately after at Atan Cemetery, Yaba.

He is survived by his widow, Hon. Justice Sedoten Ogunsanya, and his children, Ayokunnumi, Ayomipo and Ayoyimika.

Twelve other persons also suffered various degree of gunshot injuries during the attack.

The court therefore ordered the payment of $200,000 to the families of each of the persons killed in the raid and $150,000 to the 12 others who were injured from the attacks.

The court described the actions by the security operatives as unlawful, illegal and unjustified.

ECOWAS court rejected the argument of the federal government that the incident occurred in the course of maintaining rule of law It held that, though the Nigerian Government had a duty to maintain law and order in the society, it had a corresponding duty to protect innocent citizens caught in the cross fire as well as providing remedy for victims who suffer loss of body, limbs and property in the cross fire under international

humanitarian law.

The court also found that excessive force was used by the Nigerian law enforcement agencies.

It held that the facts presented before it did not disclose circumstances that warranted the use of lethal force as done by the Nigerian Government on its own citizens.

The court rejected the Nigerian Government’s contention that it law enforcement agencies acted in self-defence in response to gunshots fired at them by occupants of the building.

The court also rejected the Nigerian Government’s claim that it raided the building on account of intelligent report it received that the dreaded terrorist group, “Boko Haram”, was carrying out its activities in the building

The court wondered why the alleged intelligence report was not tendered before the court.

The court further found that the Nigerian Government upon realising that unarmed civilians were also occupying the building, ought to issue warning before embarking on “a shooting spree” which led to the loss of 8 lives with 12 people sustaining various degrees of gun shot wounds.

Itdescribedthesituationasbothshocking, alarminganddeservingofcondemnation.

The court noted that up till the time of the judgement, the Nigerian Government had failed in its duties under International Law to cause an independent investigation to be carried out after the extra judicial killings.

It noted that the Nigerian Senate Committee which carried out an investigation merely commended

the Nigerian law enforcement agencies for nipping the alleged threat to national security in the bud which was in direct contrast with the findings of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the body empowered by Nigerian law to investigate human rights abuses against citizens, which not only condemned the conduct of the law enforcement agencies but also recommended that the Nigerian Government pay compensation to victims of the raid but the Nigerian Government had failed to make the payment till date.

The court directed the Registry to assess cost to be awarded against the Nigerian Government.

The NHRC had earlier found the security agencies guilty of using excessive force when they attacked squatters at the uncompleted building in Apo.

COURTESYVISIT

L-R:ChiefExecutiveOfficer,TonyElumeluFoundation,Mrs.ParminderVir,Obe;MinisterofInformationandCulture,AlhajiLaiMohammed;andPermanent Secretaryintheministry,Mrs.AyoAdesugba,duringthecourtesyvisitoftheTonyElumeluFoundationtotheministerinAbuja....yesterday EnockReuben

Ex-Immigration Boss Testifies against Moro, Denies Knowledge of Recruitment Alex Enumah A former Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Mr. David Paradang, was yesterday called in as the first prosecution witness (PW1) in the ongoing trial of the former Minister of Interior, Abba Moro.

Moro is being tried for the 2014 tragic immigration recruitment exercise in which more than a dozen job seekers died.

Moro was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside the former Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Anastasia Nwobia, F.O. Alayebami and Drexel Tech Nigeria Limited while Mahmood Ahmadu was said to be at large.

They are accused of defrauding 676,675 applicants of the sum of N676, 675,000, being the aggregate of N1,000 paid by each applicant to Drexel ahead of the recruitment.

They pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In a ruling on the bail application, former trial judge, Justice Chikere, who ruled that the alleged offences the defendants are charged with are bailable, granted Moro bail on

self-recognition, while the second and third defendants were granted bail in the sum of N100million each with tow sureties in like sum.

However, at the next adjourned date for trial to commence, Justice Chikere announced her withdrawal from the case citing personal reason.

The case file was therefore returned to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta for reassignment to another court.

At the resumed hearing of the case before Justice Nnamdi Dimgba, the former Comptroller General who served from June 2013 to August 2015, the time when over 20 job applicants died during a botched recruitment exercise, told the court he was shocked when he saw reports in the media about a recruitment exercise by the NIS. “I was surprised about the recruitment exercise because I was not aware of it,” he said.

Parading narrated how he confronted Moro when he learnt of the development.

“Then I asked him; it would have been fair enough for you to inform the head of the service that you were recruiting. And that

at least in the service, we had a delegated authority to recruit from a certain cadre”.

He said when he asked if that authority had been withdrawn from the exercise, the first defendant told him not to worry.

The witness said: “I then called two board members to ask whether they were aware of any recruitment advert for the NIS and they said they were not aware.”

But in an attempt to give the names of the people he spoke to, the counsel to the first defendant, Chris Uche, objecting, said by law and rules of evidence, a man who comes as witness has not come to give details of what he was told.

He said the witness cannot give details of others who are not in the witness box.

In his response, prosecution counsel, Aliyu Yusuf said the defence does not need to object but can raise the issue at the final address.

Responding, Justice Dimgba told the prosecuting counsel to be guided in his examination of the first witness.

The matter was then adjourned to June 10 for counsel to resolve

grey areas that might likely affect the smooth prosecution of the case.

Moro and the other accused persons were arraigned on an 11-counts charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretences (aka 419), procurement fraud and money laundering.

The accused persons were alleged to have contravened the Public Procurement Act No. 65 of 2007 in the contract awards by not following the necessary procedure laid down by the government.

According to the EFCC, the award of the contract to Drexel Tech Nigeria Limited had no prior advertisement, no needs assessment and a procurement plan was not carried out before the award of the contract.

The anti-graft agency added that there was no budgetary provision for the exercise in the 2014 federal budget; hence, the applicants were made to bear the responsibility of funding the project without the approval of the board, contrary to Section 22(5) of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission Act, 2000.

THURSDAY JUNE 9, 2016 • T H I S D AY

57

NEWSEXTRA

Keyamo Opposes Call to Appoint CJN, Justices of S’Court from the Bar Ejiofor Alike

A human rights lawyer, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has rejected the call for the appointment of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and the Justices of the Supreme Court straight from the bar. He said that such an appointment would “be preceded by intense lobbying, recruitment of politicians into the scheme and some disgusting genuflection before the powersthat-be by the candidates jostling for the position.”

Keyamo argued that once appointed, such a CJN would have automatic reciprocal loyalty to his benefactors and appointer.

He said the development

would open up such a revered office as that of the CJN to political manipulation.

“We can then safely say goodbye to an independent Supreme Court and, by implication, our budding democracy,” he argued.

In an open letter addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari and copied the Senate President and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Keyamo noted that the current “seamless, apolitical and non-controversial mode of succession at the Supreme Court over the years, especially since the civilian era, has produced a Supreme Court that has engendered respectability and dignity. It has also emerged as a rancour-free institution.”

FG to Begin Repatriation of Nigerian Refugees, IDPs from Cameroun, Others Soon Dele Ogbodo in Abuja The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, the Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahaman Dambazzau and the Minister of External, Mr. Geoffrey Onyema, yesterday said the federal government had concluded on a comprehensive strategy for the return of Nigerian refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who fled the country to Cameroun, Niger and Chad.

Currently, the government is said to be contending with over 1.8 million IDPs within the country and 50,000 refugees all residing within the Niger, Cameroun and Chad Basin.

Speaking at the regional protection dialogue on the Lake Chad Basin (LCB) in Abuja, Osinbajo said government would make necessary arrangements for the return of Nigerians who fled to neighbouring countries as soon as the modalities for that exercise is jointly agreed by all the neighbouring countries soon.

The acting president expressed appreciation to the governments of Cameroun, Chad and Niger for receiving and hosting Nigerian refugees in their respective countries, adding that their open handedness for accommodating Nigerian refugees and IDPs demonstrate clearly that “We are indeed one people.”

He said: “In the last seven years, the ecological disaster has been overshadowed by a major humanitarian crisis in the region. hundreds of thousands of refugees and IDPs fleeing the scourge of mindless mass murder maiming and destruction of the Boko Haram, giving rise to humanitarian and protection problems of enormous proportion in Nigeria Cameroun Niger and Chad.”

Also speaking in the same vein while expressing his appreciation to the three neighbouring countries, Onyema said the fight against requires multifaceted approach

and collaboration by the 4 countries.

However, the minister said the scarce resources due to the crisis in the economy poses some developmental challenges, stressing: “What we have is supposed to be for developmental purposes and here we can hardly afford on top of all the developmental challenges that we are faced with to have contend with over two million IDPs and refugees.

“Nigeria appreciates the sacrifices the neighbouring countries are making in hosting our refugees. The protection is extremely important as we have to secure these refugees and IDPs and we need to international agreement and treaty in assuring the security of refugees and once that has been secured we have to look at other aspect.”

In a remark, Dambazzau, expressed optimism on the return of the IDPs and refugees, while adding that there are still threat from Boko Haram.

He said: “We are adopting a comprehensive strategy for the safety return of the IDPs and refugees in the neighbouring countries. The emphasis is on voluntary return and secondly there is need for physical protection and also the issue of reconstruction and reintegration and infrastructure like water and electricity in such a community.”

According to him, the imperative of the regional dialogue will lead to a comprehensive action plan to respond accordingly, adding that government is resolute and focused to deal decisively with terrorism and violent extremism in all its ramifications. The said the essence of the dialogue is to identify the most urgent protection risk in the Chad basin and the conflicts and to find solutions to the affected population.

He said: “I have no doubt that the protection dialogue will also serve as a forum to explore opportunities, strengthen regional collaboration and mobilise international support for the actualisation of the objective of the dialogue.”

Though Keyamo acknowledged two instances in the past where the CJN was picked from outside the Supreme Court - the cases of Justices Adetokunbo Ademola and Teslim Elias – he however noted that the colonial masters and the military regime that appointed them did not have deep partisan political interests like what politicians have today.

He argued that the other advantage of rising through the judicial hierarchy to the Supreme Court is that the very many attributes of a judicial officer become evident and tested as the progression takes place.

Keyamo identified these attributes to include productivity, hard work, patience, integrity and sagacity.

“There is no greater interview

for an aspiring Justice of the Supreme Court than to look into his records at the lower judicial level and see the display of these attributes mentioned above. But there is hardly any trusted yardstick to test these attributes in a member of the Bar other than perception,” he said.

He admitted that there is no constitutional restriction as to where those to be appointed as Justices of the Supreme Court or Chief Justice of Nigeria could be picked but warned that in this era of deeply divided political interests, any attempt to introduce politics into the appointment of the Chief Justice of Nigeria would inevitably introduce deep divisions and rancour in the Supreme Court.

According to him, it would also compromise the

independence and integrity of the Supreme Court.

Keyamo faulted the suggestion that appointments made directly from the bar would add vibrancy to the Supreme Court, saying what is paramount is to ensure that Justices at that level are substantially detached from various interest groups in the society.

He pointed out that over the years, lawyers develop deep ties with these various interests and individuals, stressing that when appointed to the Supreme Court as Justices or even the CJN, these interests cannot be shaken off overnight.

“Your Excellencies and my Lords, I cannot fathom what is meant by “introducing vibrancy and integrity to the Supreme Court” by the advocates of this change. Are they telling

us the present Justices of the Supreme Court lack these qualities? The Supreme Court has handed down some of the most radical judgments over the years that have re-shaped our democratic landscape. If that is not “vibrancy”, what then is “vibrancy”? If these distinguished jurists did not have integrity, how come they have given so many judgments against the ruling parties in the past and present, which have aided the survival of the opposition in Nigeria? If not for judicial intervention, how would the present ruling party have made it to power? I find this rationale of “introducing vibrancy and integrity to the Supreme Court” extremely insulting and demeaning to the present crop of distinguished jurists at the Supreme Court,” he explained.

RENDERING ACCOUNTS TO SHAREHOLDERS

L-R: Group Managing Director/CEO, UAC of Nigeria, Mr. Larry Ettah; Chairman, Mr. Daniel Owor Agbor; and Legal Adviser/Company Secretary, Mr. Godwin Samuel, during the annual general meeting of the company in Lagos... yesterday Yomi Akinyele

FoI: SERAP Seeks to Compel FG to Release Names of Suspected Looters Following the recent disclosure of funds recovered from some high-ranking public officials and private individuals, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, (SERAP) has sent a Freedom of Information request to the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, asking him to use his good offices to “with 14 days of the receipt and/or publication of this request provide information about the names of high ranking public officials from whom public funds were recovered and the circumstances under which funds were recovered, as well as the exact amount of funds recovered from each public official.

“If we have not heard from you by then, the Registered Trustees of SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions under the Freedom of Information Act to compel you to comply with our request,” the group threatened.

The FoI request dated June 8, 2016 and signed by SERAP Executive Director, Adetokunbo

Mumuni, was copied to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN).

The request read in part: “While we believe that suspects generally are entitled to be presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction, SERAP opposes blanket non-disclosure of names of high-ranking public officials from whom some of the funds were recovered.

“SERAP insists that the public interest to know is greater than any other legitimate interest that the government might wish to protect. The Nigerian government has an obligation to balance whether the risk of harm to the legitimate aim (that is secrecy of ongoing corruption investigation and presumption of innocence) from disclosure of the names of public officials is greater than the public interest in accessing the information.

“According to public interest

test, even if the government demonstrates that the publication of the names of public officials would substantially harm a legitimate interest, it is nevertheless obliged to disclose the requested information if, as it is the case here, the public interest in disclosure is sufficient enough to overweigh the harm.

“SERAP believes that the recoveries, specifically from highranking public officials (and not private individuals), are matters of public interest. Publishing the names of those public officials will provide insights relevant to the public debate on the ongoing efforts to prevent and combat a culture of grand corruption and the longstanding impunity of perpetrators in the country.

“The gravity of the crime of grand corruption, the devastating effects on the socially and economically vulnerable sectors of the population, and the fact that recovery of huge funds from high-ranking public officials

entrusted with the public treasury raise a prima-facie case and therefore amount to exceptional circumstances that justify naming those high-ranking officials in the public interest.

“SERAP also argues that Nigerians are entitled to the right to truth derived from the obligations of the government to carry out an investigation of violations of human rights and crime of corruption committed within its jurisdiction; to identify, prosecute and punish those responsible; and to ensure that victims have the simple and prompt recourse for protection against violation of fundamental rights, as well as to ensure transparency in public administration.

“SERAP believes that the right to truth allows Nigerians to gain access to information essential to the fight against corruption and in turn development of democratic institutions as well as provides a form of reparation to victims of grand corruption in the country.

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THURSDAY JUNE 9, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Nigeria Can Earn $100bn Annually from Non-oil Sector, Says Awolowo Ademola Babalola in Ibadan Nigeria needs export revolution to rank among the greatest countries of the world with sound economy and foreign reserves comparable to the key global players, the Executive Director/CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, said yesterday in Ibadan.

Awolowo spoke while presenting a roadmap of the nation’s economy in a paper titled: “The ‘zero oil’ plan and an export revolution” he anchored during a Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission/NEPC dialogue on economic diversification with some representatives of six south-west states, at the headquarters of DAWN Commission, Cocoa house, Ibadan.

The event also had in attendance the management of the Odu’a Investment Company Limited led by its GMD, Mr. Adewale Raji.

The two-hour presentation centred on how Nigeria can evolve a workable economic plan and blueprint on agribusiness and other non-oil sectors that are capable of growing the nation’s external reserves, generating employment

and by extension, drastically making the naira to rise against other currencies of the world especially the United States Dollar.”

He said Nigeria can lead the export revolution in Africa as a continent by leveraging on its diversities and natural resources in a way that “the One State One Product Programme (OSOP)” can be a success for all the states in the federation.

Awolowo said the Western Nigeria for example can grow cocoa, gold, rubber, palm oil, cashew, cassava etc, while the other states too can look inward and evolve workable resources that they can contribute to grow the nation’s economy and in the long run make Nigeria to fully earn more resources from a zero-based economy as a continental powerhouse.

He said to achieve the agenda, NEPC under him, has set a long term target of achieving a $100billion earnings for the nation from non-oil exports to salvage the country from its over dependence on oil.

Awolowo said the council was on a mission to diversify the country’s economy, buoyed by the words of President Muhammadu Buhari’s comment to a delegation of manufacturers last year that “Nigeria

must begin to behave as if we have no oil,” and achieve government’s priority on economic diversification.

He said “Nigeria must think big to achieve big in the course of actually making huge revenue from exports.”

According to him, President Buhari’s comment has shaped Nigeria’s “zero oil economic agenda, and is essential to build a strong Nigerian economy for the future.

“For years, Nigeria has imported thousands of goods worth over US$50 billion a year, which we pay for mainly with crude oil proceeds of over $70billion each year.

“Our fears have now materialised, in the past two years, crude oil prices have fallen 60 per cent and Nigeria’s earnings have likewise fallen by at least $35billion, inevitably leaving a financial hole in the economy.

“The pressing question now is how to fill this funding gap- and the answer is simple: Nigeria must quickly find an alternative to oil revenue.

“If Nigeria broadens and grows its export basket, a positive chain

reaction begings throughout the economy. The logic follows- when you grow exports, national output (agriculture, industry, solid minerals) will also grow; local businesses will grow; supporting infrastructure will expand; and jobs and investments will definitely follow. The overall macro impacts result in growing foreign reserves (from export forex) and a more resilisnt economy.

“At NEPC, first, we set a long term goal of earning over US$100 billion from non-oil exports, that is 20 per cent of today’s GDP. When compared with Export to GDP, ratios of other emerging market countries, this is reasonable- China’s is 24 per cent, Brazil 12 per cent, South Africa 31 per cent and Malaysia 76 per cent. Nigeria’s long term goal is however further broken down into two mid-term targets- which is to grow non-oil exports from US$5 billion today to $18billion by 2019 and $30billion in non-oil exports by 2025. Growing non-oil exports six fold in nine years will be a feat indeed, but then, again, these are extraordinary times, and we need

extraordinary economic action.”

Awolowo added that in implementing this plan, hundreds of thousands jobs will be created every year from numerous activities of the non-oil economy.

He said: “The zero oil plan identifies 21 priority countries as markets for Nigerian products, termed ‘Export 21,’ and 11 strategic export products with high financial value to replace oil. “These include petrochemicals, palm oil, cocoa, soybeans, rubber, to name a few.

To achieve this, Nigeria must scale up domestic production to levels unprecedented and create competitive channels to move cargo and get goods into foreign markets.

“The plan envisages increases in total non-oil export volumes in Nigeria which should grow by 70 million tonnes, clearly a logistical challenge that would require upgrades on major transport corridors to get goods from Nigeria’s hinterlands in every single state of the federation to ports in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Calabar. The plan facilitates export

aggregators to source products from millions of micro, small and medium sized enterprises, which ensures our grassoots, youths and households also feel the economic impact of exports.”

Awolowo who exhibited confidence in the success in the diversification of Nigeria’s oil driven economy to non-oil export, said as a council, they are prepared for the task of achieving this lofty mission.

He said: “We are not starry-eyed optimists, as moving a Nigeria with zero oil will not be easy. But we should remember that we once had a country that was zero oil.

The questions to ask are: what happened to our proud history in palm oil, cocoa, groundnuts, cotton?

We were the toast of the world, where are these products now?

We know in good days Nigeria typically makes over $70billion annually from crude oil exports, but the world is bigger than oil.

Only three of the top 20 exporters in the world depend heavily on oil exports, and today even those three are fast diversifying.

DPR Wants Motorists to Provide Useful Information on Erring Petrol Marketers Ejiofor Alike The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) yesterday charged motorists to provide useful information to the regulatory body on oil marketers that were involved in sharp practices in the area.

Speaking during the launching of a book titled “Protection of Property Rights in Discovered Petroleum Reservoir” written by Dr. Joseph Olorunse in Lagos, the Head of Public Affairs Unit of DPR, Mrs. Dorothy Bassey, said information was important, so that official of the agency could work on it.

Bassey argued that the partial deregulation of the downstream sector did not allow for sharp practices.

She said there were so many filling stations in the country and that the regulatory agency could not monitor all of them at the same time.

Bassey promised that the agency would proceed to work after getting useful information that a filling station was under-dispensing to motorist.

“Most of the information from Nigerians are not useful; you can’t call DPR and tell us that a certain filling station is under-dispersing without tell us the location. If the quality of petroleum that you are buying is not good, let us know, we will investigate the station but it is unfortunate that most of these information do not get to us. In order to simplify this, we have created three different centres to listen to complain from motorists to pass information to us,” she said.

Bassey commended the writer, who is a legal adviser to DPR, adding that the book had identified the problem in oil and gas sector and proffered solutions to it.

Director at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Abuja and book reviewer, Prof. Yinka

Omorogbe, said the book made an attempt to find solutions to legal issues in oil and gas sector.

“The book fills the needed gap and is a very important contribution to the growth of the petroleum industry in Nigeria.The author critically studied and analysed the legal regime relating to rule of capture and property rise in Nigeria, Canada and Australia,” she said.

A Professor of Energy Planning and Management and Chairman of the Occasion, Prof. Anthony Adegbulugbe recommended the book for students in the university and operators in oil and gas sector.

In his speech, the author of the book said he wrote the book as a result of practical problems that arose during his work in DPR. Director, Upstream Operation of DPR, Mr Emmanuel Bekee, commended the author for writing the book.

Bekee said that the book was essential in the growth of petroleum and very useful to all and sundry The book which is titled ‘Protection of property Rights in Discovered Petroleum Reservoirs’, addresses comprehensively the persistence of the rule of capture in light of new technologies such as horizontal or directional well drilling and hydraulic fracturing.

The book, which is the first of its kind, sets forth the necessary theoretical framework to determine whether an investor or licensee has property rights to a discovered petroleum reservoir and is thus entitled to protection under investment treaties and international human rights instruments.

Although the issues covered are global, the book focuses on oil and gas law and jurisprudence in six key jurisdictions: the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Nigeria, and the Netherlands.

WE ARE READY

NationalOrganisingSecretaryoftheAllProgressivesCongress(APC),SenatorOsitaIzunaso(left),handingoverdocumentssubmittedbythe12aspirants forthe2016EdoStategovernorshipelectionprimariestotheChairmanoftheAPCScreeningCommittee, Hon.ChibudumNwuche,attheparty’snational secretariatinAbuja....yesterday

Firm Launches N100m Nigeria Prize for Patriotism Eromosele Abiodun The Nedola Initiative Limited (TNIL), a leading sustainability management firm, has announced the commencement of the Nigeria Prize for Patriotism (NPP).

A N100 million prize money awaits the overall winner of the initiative, which is targeted at celebrating Nigerians who embody and espouse the ideals of the country’s founding fathers whilst fostering national unity.

In a statement yesterday, Chief Responsibility Officer, TNIL, Abidemi David Edmond, said that the project is designed to bring Nigerians together behind a unified purpose.

“Nigeria is a great country and I believe strongly that one of the biggest things holding back our greatness as a people is the lack of a unifying purpose, a common ideal. With the NPP, we have a platform that allows us to celebrate those Nigerians that have lived a

life of purpose, serving Nigerians and Nigeria, often to their detriment – who have demonstrated a ‘love for country’ and ‘appreciation of unity in diversity’, values that shall prevail over the destructive divides that exist in our country, ”he said.

The prize, he explained, is structured to reward endeavours from patriotic Nigerians in the area of Education, Health, Civil service, Business, Agriculture, Sports, and Entertainment amongst others.

The overall winner of the prize is expected to receive N50 million in winnings and another N50 million in a grant to further the cause for which they had been nominated.

Elucidating further on the need for this program at this time in Nigeria, Edmond said that having a sense of pride in nationality and purpose in unity sets a nation apart.

He said, “As Nigerians become more aware of the challenges we face as a nation, the time to call for a unified purpose as Nigerians would have been many years ago,

but the second best time is now.

There is an urgency with which we must all approach this in order to see the excellent Nigeria we all desire. ” Lending their support and voice to the initiative are respected Nigerians like Prof. Pat Utomi, Dr. Christopher Kolade and Fela Durotoye. In a video posted on the NPP, YouTube page, Prof Utomi said that when a nation’s citizens realise that “I am because we are, a national character perception takes hold and the country can hardly go wrong.”

On his part, Dr Christopher Kolade added that with NPP recognising and celebrating those that Nigerians believe are examples of genuine patriotism, those recognised will be encouraged and will inspire others to do even more for Nigeria, while Fela Durotoye also corroborated this point saying, he had come to realise that whatever gets recognised and rewarded is what gets repeated.

The TNIL team has stipulated a 5-month process that will lead to unveiling the winner of the first edition of the annual prize as part of our nation’s Independence celebrations on the eve of Independence day this year – 30th of September 2016.

Commenting further, Edmond said: “Over the next few months, Nigerians can expect to receive information on how to nominate and vote for the various categories. We intend to keep Nigerians at the heart of all that we are doing. They have been involved in setting the criteria for selections, a process that is still on-going, and they will be responsible for choosing all of the winners as well. Unlike many award initiatives, this is a program that is about celebrating and recognising the ‘average Nigerian’– the unsung heroes of our great country (not just a subsection of our population) with the ultimate goal of moving her to nationhood.”

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THURSDAY JUNE 9, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Christians Threaten to Wear Church Garments to School If Hijab is Allowed in Osun Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo The Osun State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has threatened that Christians in the state public schools will start wearing church garments to school if Governor Rauf Aregbesola goes ahead to implement the recent state High Court judgment of the wearing of hijab by Muslim students.

This statement was made through a communique issued and signed by the state CAN Chairman,

Rev. Elisha Ogundiya, and made available to THISDAY at the end of an emergency meeting of the state CAN executive committee, heads of blocs and heads of churches held in Osogbo on Tuesday.

According to him, the meeting deliberated on the outcome of the Hijab Case with particular reference to the June 3, 2016 judgment of Hon. Justice Saka Oyejide Falola of the Osun State High Court, sitting at Court five Osogbo and resolved a number of issues.

“CAN states that it finds itself

Police,Traditional Ruler, Others Deny Fresh Fulani Herdsmen’s Attack in Enugu Community Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu The traditional ruler of Nimbo community of Uzouwani Local Government Area of Enugu, Igwe John Akor yesterday dismissed as false, mischievous and a calculated attempt by some people to instil fear and cause tension media reports that suspected Fulani Herdsmen had returned to the community barely two months after scores of people were killed in the area.

Also, the chairman of UzoUwani council, Hon. Cornell Onwubuya and the state police command denied the said report insisting that nomalcy has not only returned in the area but that residents of the community who are mostly farmers have resumed their farming.

The Fulani community in the state also reassured the people of the state especially those of Nimbo community that they had mapped out strategies to ensure that the unfortunate April 25 invasion and killing of hapless villages by suspected hrders did not repeat itself.

There were reports in some Newspapers, yesterday, alleging that Fulani herdsmen had returned to Nimbo community in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State and raped no fewer than six women in the community. The publications also alleged that the herdsmen threatened to unleash more terror on the community.

But reacting to the development, the community’s traditional ruler,

said it was totally false and misleading.

“There’s no Fulani in my community and I’m not aware that anybody has been raped.

As of today, no such thing as fulani herdsmen in our land or community. Peace and nomalcy have returned and anybody insinuating that those people have returned and threatening to cause mayhem is not saying the truth.”

He also disclosed that the community was yet to fix a definite date for the burial of the over persons that were killed during the onslaught against the community in April, noting that a tentative date of June 17 was agreed by the stakeholders.

On his part, the Secretary of the Fulani community in Enugu state, Alhaji Bala Ardo who spoke on behalf of the the leader, Alhaji Ardo Saidu Bosso and Hon. Ahmed Abubakar noted that none of their members had moved into Nimbo community.

Also, the council chairman, Onwubuya in a statement said the said publications are false, mischievous and targeted at undermining the successful efforts made by the present administration in Enugu State to resolve the Nimbo incident, amicably.

On their part, the police in a statement by the Public Relations Officer, SP Ebere Amaraizu said the report was false noting that their men were still stationed in the community to ensure that nothing untoward happened.

Rivers is Safe for Investments, Says Wike Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has declared that despite the security challenges facing the Niger Delta, Rivers State is peaceful for investments.

The governor also called on the United Kingdom to partner the Rivers State Government in the areas of Agriculture and Vocational Education for the generation of employment.

The government of the United Kingdom also declared that they would partner with the Rivers State Government in the area of youth empowerment.

He spoke at the Government House, Port Harcourt yesterday when he received the High Commissioner of United Kingdom to Nigeria, Mr. Paul Arkwright.

He explained that strategies have been put in place for the enhancement of the security across the state; pointing out that the state and federal governments have taken relevant steps to address the challenges posed by militancy in the Niger Delta.

He said the meeting between Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Niger Delta governors and the military high command mapped out critical measures, including opening up of dialogue channels with the Niger Delta Avengers to resolve recent security challenges.

Heblamedthecult-related conflicts in the state on oil companies that patronise cult groups to secure their pipelines, instead of working with security agencies.

unable to agree with the judgement in its entirety as we have reasons to believe that it represents a study in premeditated adjudication that runs against the printed grain of legal submissions made before him.

We have unanimously decided to appeal the judgement.

“Specifically speaking, Justice Saka Oyejide Falola, deeply violated the principle of fair hearing when he refused and or failed to hear, let alone rule, one way or the other, on the application for a joinder in the case properly filed and brought to his attention in open court by the interested parties whose schools were taken over forcefully by the government and stood to be affected by the judgment he later proceeded to deliver.

“Further, Justice Saka Oyejide Falola made an ancillary order which was not based, anchored or premised on any submission or prayer canvassed by the parties before him thereby saying by way of ancillary order, that the muslim female students hijab shall be in the color and design already approved

by the 1st-3rd respondents and currently in use by muslim female students in public schools or any other design recommended by the 1st-3rd respondents.

“We maintain that since none of the parties in the case canvassed for such order, he went out of the processes to descend into the arena to suit the desire of his fellow religious faithful. It is, for now, better left to imagination, where Justice Saka Oyejide Falola came by this detail extraneous to the filed processes in the suit.

“That the judgment read severally that Hijab is a means of propagation of Islam which he said is a fundamental right of Muslim girls and ladies.This declaration violates the religious right of the original owners of the missionary schools as agreed upon when the schools were taken over by the then government of old Oyo State in 1975.

“That the government be wary about giving effect to this judgment which we suspect was masterminded by Aregbesola a la

work-to-rule mode in line with his Islamisation agenda which was earlier stated by the Directorate of Military Intelligence in 2012 based on credible intelligence and corroborated by CAN in 2014. This toga of Aregbesola flies in the face of the fact of the overwhelming number of Christians in Osun State vis-a-vis Muslims.

“We urge all Christians in Osun State to be law abiding and live peacefully as we have always done with our neighbours irrespective of their religious inclination while we seek to employ all legitimate means to resist any form of Islamisation of our beloved State where, incidentally, Christians constitute the larger number.

“Where the Osun State Government is inclined to implementing the judgment Christian students in all public schools founded by Christians with the toil and sweat of our forefathers in the faith will have no choice but to start wearing Christian garments and vestments as part of their school uniform for

the propagation of our own faith given the Justice Saka Oyejide Falola declared right of Muslim Female Students to do same as what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander as well. Adherents of other faiths who have their choice to make in this matter can wear theirs as well.

“We urge the Osun State House of Assembly to rise to the occasion as we find their silence on a matter of public interest this clearly capable of dividing the state, the security services, the civil service, the Market Women, School Students and all citizens along religious fault lines rather disturbing. It presents The Osun State House of Assembly as complicit in the putting together of the ticking and soon-to-explode time-bomb this matter certainly is”.

CAN called on all men and women of goodwill, Muslims and Christians, The presidency, The National Assembly and the international community to intervene in this situation before it escalates beyond control.

PUBLIC PRESENTATION

L-R: Book Presenter, Justice Ishola Olorunimbe (rtd); Author of the Book/ Chief Host, Dr. Aruna Ekhalefo, Chairman of the occasion/former Minister of Information and Culture, Prince Tony Momoh, and the President, Etsako Club 81, Dr. Tom Imokhai, at the public presentation of a book titled: A ‘ Journey of Hope,’ a Biography of Alhaja Hassanat Osumah Ekhalefo in Lagos....yesterday Dan Ukana

Nigerian-Turkish Hospital Set to Commence Open Heart Surgery The Nigerian Turkish Nizamiye Hospital, a pristine medical facility in Abuja, is set to commence services for heart valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting otherwise known as open heart surgery in Abuja.

This was contained in a statement made available to journalists by the management of the hospital in Abuja. According to the statement, “the Nigerian Turkish Nizamiye Hospital decided to commence this service after a careful analysis of the spate of heart diseases prevalent in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja”.

The statement further added: “The focus would be coronary artery bypass grafting as well as heart valve replacement.”

In the statement, it was revealed that the hospital “has put in place all the required equipment and a team of experts from Turkey with a track record of excellence” The statement which was signed

by the public relations officer of the hospital, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar stated that the hospital in its tradition of delivering quality services spared no cost in the composition of the team.

“The five man team is led by Dr Mustafa Kirman, a reputable cardiovascular surgeon from Turkey who is credited to have performed over 15, 000 heart surgeries with 99 per cent success rate” In a chat with the Deputy Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Atilla Emiroglu, he stated that the open heart surgery procedure been introduced is arguably the first of its kind in Abuja going by the quality of the surgeons and the medical facilities on ground.

“Our surgeons are resident in Abuja and work here fulltime at the hospital.” He continued “this is unlike what you have in most hospitals” Emriglu further reiterated the resolve of the hospital to ensure

that patients always have the best care at Nizamiye hospital.

“With what we have in place, there is absolutely no need for patients to travel abroad for treatment of whatever illness.

“Our watchword has been proper diagnosis. The hospital policy ensures that all surgical procedures in the hospital are carried out using international standard and best practices.”

Earlier, Dr Mustafa Kirman, the leader of the five-man delegation from Turkey stated that he is delighted to be in Nigeria through the Nigerian Turkish Nizamiye Hospital to be a part of the wonderful work they are doing in Nigeria” he also stated that “since coming to Nigeria he noticed that many people are suffering from high blood pressure and diabetes and these are some of the causes of cardiology problems.”

The Nigerian Turkish Nizamiye Hospital was established by Turkish

investors under the First Surat Group of companies. The hospital is estimated to have cost $20 million and commissioned on February 20, 2014 by former President Goodluck Jonathan in an event that brought together former ministers of health and other very important policy makers in the country.

According to feedback gathered from a number of patients, the hospital redefines what a medical facility should be in terms of quality of equipment and manpower.

Among a host of others, its cardiology clinic uses the ECHO, ECG and Treadmill to diagnose cardiovascular diseases, while urology clinic uses transurethral resection technique for prostrate operations and kidney stones extraction, all without making any cuts in the process. For cancer diagnosis, it uses microscopic bone marrow analysis and to diagnose digestive system diseases, it uses colonoscopy tools.

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THURSDAY JUNE 9, 2016 • T H I S D AY

CRIME&PUNISHMENT

Police Arrest Suspected Killers of Army Officer, Yunusa in Kaduna Dele Ogbodo in Abuja

murder of an army officer, Yunusa.

Kolawole said: “Sequel to The police have said they arrested four suspects in connection with the the kidnapping and killing of kidnapping and subsequent murder the officer, the team from the of an army officer, Col. Samaila Inspector General of Police Yunusa, in Kaduna on March (IG) deployed the technical and human intelligence assets 27, this year.

In a statement made of the Force which led to the available to journalists by the arrest of a Prison Warder named Force Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Adamu, who is a close Bisi Kolawole, in Abuja, he associate of one of the prime said the arrests were made suspects who was using the following discreet, sustained Tecno mobile phone stolen and painstaking intelligence from the slain colonel.”

According to her, further efforts of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and the investigation led to the arrest Kaduna State Command Special of two of the prime suspects, Investigation Bureau operatives. namely: Ibrahim Kabiru ‘m’, 23, (aka She said the combined team uztaz) and Ebele Precious ‘m’, 41 smashed the deadly killer gang (aka pastor), while the gang leader and consequently arrested the Emeka Okeke Cyprain ‘m’, 44, and four suspects in connection with one other member of the syndicate, the kidnapping and subsequent Chijioke Ugwuanyi, ‘m’, 42 (aka

CJ) were later arrested.

The spokesperson said: “Items recovered by the Police from this notorious gang, which specialised in car snatching and truck hijacking in the State and selling same to unsuspecting members of the public, include one AK 47 rifle,

two magnum pistols, one Nissan Pathfinder Jeep and documents of six houses located in Anambra State of which Emeka Okeke Cyprian confessed were proceeds of his previous criminal activities.”

While commending the IG IRT and operatives of the Kaduna State

SIB detectives for their commitment, diligence and professionalism which led to the breakthrough and subsequent recovery of the weapons and a stolen Jeep, the IG, Mr. Solomon Arase, enjoined the citizens to continue to support the police with relevant information.

Meanwhile, he said all the four suspects arrested in connection with the crime and presently in custody of the Force would soon be arraigned before a competent court of law for criminal charges preferred against them while effort to arrest the fleeing members of the gang continues.

Woman Throws Child into Pit at IDP Camp Michael Olugbode Maiduguri A woman at one of the camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, has been arrested for killing her newly-born baby.

Addressing a press conference yesterday, the state Commander of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ibrahim Abdullahi, said a 30-year-old woman was arrested at Dikwa IDP camp for killing her newly-born baby last week.

The woman (name withheld) who is an IDP at the camp, caused the death of the baby by throwing him into a pit.

Abdullahi during the

conference, said the woman was arrested at Dikwa town after fleeing the camp.

He said: “This incident occurred on June 1, 2016. Immediately she committed this atrocity, she ran out of the Dikwa IDP camp.

Our attention was drawn to the dastardly act; after three days when the body of the child started to decompose and smelling from the pit.

“After we conducted our investigation, we were able to trace her through a man identified as Gulumba, who brought the suspect to the camp.

Abdullahi said the suspect had been handed over to the state Police Command in Maiduguri for prosecution.

Lagos Police Arrest Fake Cop for Extortion Chiemelie Ezeobi The Lagos State Police Command yesterday arrested a suspect, 32-year-old Austin Okwuokei, for impersonating and parading himself as a policeman at the Costain area of the state, where he was extorting money from commercial motorists.

Dressed in police uniform, the suspect who was picked up from the Costain roundabout in Iponri area, was said to have been successfully extorting money from unsuspecting motorists, who he forced to part with money.

THISDAY gathered from preliminary police investigations that the suspect, who is actually a civilian, makes an average of N10,000 daily by extorting motorists.

He was said to have been picked up by detectives attached to Iponri Police Division, based on a tip off, and when he was accosted by some policemen, he could not identify himself.

The suspect had earlier told members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) at Costain that he was a member of the special team on

road decongestion that was recently set up by the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja.

Confirming the arrest, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmas, a Superintendent of Police, said the suspect would be charged to court for impersonation She said: “The suspect is currently under going interrogation in the state police command. He will soon be charged to court.

“The command’s police public relations officer hereby informs members of the public to be vigilant and not part with their hard earned money to anyone who claims to be police or even wears police uniform as the leadership of the force abhors any form of corruption.”

IT PROFESSIONALS

L-R: President, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Prof. Sola Aderounmu; Vice President/Chairman of Council, Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN), Dr. Adesina Sodiya; and President/Chairman of Council, CPN, Prof. Vincent Asor, during the opening ceremony of 2016 CPN professionals assembly in Kaduna....yesterday.

Baale, Son Docked for Alleged Four Killed in Federal University Murder of Hotelier of Agriculture Makurdi Akinwale Akintunde A traditional ruler, Baale of Temidire Community in Alagbado area of Lagos State, Alhaji Nojeem Abioye and his son, Wahab, were yesterday arraigned before an Ikeja High Court for the murder of an hotelier, Alhaji Rasaki Olaniyan Olatunji, popularly known as Tunji Alaso.

The duo were arraigned before Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and Murder contrary to Sections 409 and 221 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.

The Baale was accused of leading some thugs in the community to attack the deceased during a protest organised by the people of

the community on July 20, 2015.

According to police investigation, the deceased escaped the first attack and immediately left the scene of the protest to report the incident at Alagbado Police Station.

The police alleged that thereafter, the deceased and some police officers went back to the scene and the deceased was attacked again.

“This time, it was the Baale who held him on the neck while two of his thugs, Taofeek Olori and Idowu Terror now at large held his hands.

“The Baale’s son, Wahab hit the deceased with a shovel on the head while Olori stabbed the deceased severally on his body,” the police investigation revealed.

George Okoh in Makurdi It was a bloody day at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, following the killing of four students by unknown gunmen yesterday.

The killings are suspected to be cult related even as it was gathered that some suspected cult members at 11pm on Tuesday, stormed Chamma hostel and moved to Block D, room 2, where they requested to see one Aye but the occupants of the room numbering four were said to have told the strange visitors that no one was by the name in the room.

The student, representative leader of the hostel, a 400 level Electrical Electronics student, Denen, told reporters that while the gang leader

was not convinced by the explanation of the students he asked one of his members to clear all the four students in the room.

He said that while one of the suspected cult members tried to pull the trigger, one of the four students pleaded to spare their lives but in the process was shot but died later and on their way out, the suspected cult members shot the security man and two other students who were returning into the hostel at that period.

The hostel student representative leader said that the hostel was also invaded last Friday where some suspected cultists attempted to attack a student who escaped, he explained that the incident on Monday happened in a different hostel.

How Two UNILAG Students Drowned in Elegushi Beach Chiemelie Ezeobi Three days after the duo of Funmi Odusina, and Sola Ogunmefun, both masters students of International Law and Diplomacy, drowned at Elegushi beach, it was gathered that the former died while trying to save the latter.

According to an eyewitness account, the duo lost their lives at a friend’s birthday party that was organised at Elegushi Beach, because their was no life guard or an emergency medical unit.

Although she was fished out after the boisterous waves had swept her away, 24-year-old Odusina was

said to have later died on the way to the hospital.

While 27-year-old Ogunmefun was the Personal Assistant to the Ogun State Commissioner of Technology, 24-year-old Odusina was a chartered personnel manager.

Speaking with journalists, Odusina’s aunt, Miss Bukola Odunsi, said: “On that the day my parents and I were at home when we received a phone call from her boss that someone called him from Island General Hospital that Funmi was rushed to the emergency unit of the hospital.

“Immediately my elder sister received the call, she in turn called

someone at her hostel at UNILAG. The person later confirmed the incident and that was how we dashed to the hospital only to be told that she had died.

“They deposited her remains at the mortuary but the management of the hospital allowed us to see her remains in the mortuary.

Her death is painful.

“Since the incident, our parents have not been stable because the deceased was a brilliant student.

She graduated from Covenant University two year ago. We are going to miss her.”

Already, her classmates and the students of the UNILAG Faculty of

Law, have been mourning the duo.

Dressed in black clothes, some of their colleagues who spoke on anonymity said their pain was that the duo were supposed to writing their post graduate exam.

One of their friends, Ginika Okolo said: “Some of us have been awake and have cried our lives out. Our tears have turned to anger because their lives were carelessly taken away by Elegushi heavy tide.

“Is there not a rescue team? Don’t people pay to enter the beach? This is so sad but we must bring awareness because their lives are not worthless to carelessly die like this.

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T H I S D AY • THURSDAY JUNE 9, 2016

THURSDAYSPORTS TRIBUTES...

TRIBUTES...

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com TRIBUTES...

CAF, Tanzania, Others Mourn Keshi The President of the Confederation of African Football, Alhaji (Dr) Issa Hayatou was one of the first senior citizens in world football to commiserate with the NFF and the Nigeria football family over the death of Nigeria legend Stephen Keshiyesterday.

In his letter addressed to NFF President Amaju Pinnick, Hayatou wrote: “We have learned with great dismay and immense sadness the passing away of African and Nigerian football legend Stephen Okechukwu Keshi today.

“Even if Stephen Keshi left us too early, he achieved an incredible career, both as a player and as a coach, being one of only two people in African football history, along with Egypt’s Mahmoud El-Gohary, to have won the Africa Cup of Nations as both a player, in Tunisia in 1994, and as a coach, in South Africa in 2013.

“After having played mostly with French and Belgian clubs, Stephen Keshi became a tre-

mendous professional coach, coaching the Togo national football team between 2004 and 2006, and incredibly achieving the dream of any nation by making the West African nation to qualify to its first ever World Cup in 2006 in Germany.”

In his own tribute, also addressed to Pinnick, president of the Tanzania Football Federation, Jamal Malinzi wrote: “I am truly sorry to hear of the loss of Nigeria and Africa’s football legend Stephen Keshi. In this sorrowful time, I would like on behalf of the football community in Tanzania to extend to you our heartfelt condolences…

“Though he is gone, his service to football has not lasted with his passing as he will always have an everlasting legacy in the game of football.”

Pinnick, NFF 1stVice President Seyi Akinwunmi and General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi were the first persons to sign the condolence register opened for the departed legend at the Glass House in Abuja.

Abdullahi: Keshi’s Death is Shocking The former Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, has expressed deep sadness and shock over the passing of Stephen Keshi, the former Head Coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

Abdullahi recalled that as Minister in 2013, he worked closely with the board of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) led by Aminu Maigari and Coach Keshi to achieve the historic victory in South Africa.

“That we were victorious and won the Nation’s Cup after 19 years was largely due to the leadership provided to the team by Keshi. He was passionate and committed to the Super Eagles team as he was to Nigerian football.

“Keshi’s love for Nigeria was never in doubt, whether as a coach, captain of the

Super Eagles or footballer.

“I recall that it was Keshi’s movement to Europe to play for Lokeren in Belgium that opened the floodgates of Nigerians going abroad to play professional football.

“A renowned mentor of younger players, Keshi wrote his name in the sands of time and his memory will never fade as one of Nigerian sporting greats.”

The Big Boss Keshi on top

LMC Orders a Minute Silence before Match Day 21 Kick-off A minute silence was observed before the kick-off of Match Day 21 fixtures of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) during which all players are to wear black armbands by all players in honour of late Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, the former Super Eagles captain and Coach who passed on in the early hours of yesterday..

The directive was issued by the League Management Company (LMC) which described the death

of Keshi as a huge loss to African football.

A statement by the LMC described Keshi as “a pathfinder, courageous athlete who remains one of the inspirational stories for young Nigerian and indeed African players’.

The LMC described the late Keshi as one of the players that put the shine on the football league in Nigeria while it was still in amateur stages.

Ubah Says Football Community Lost a Legend The Managing Director, Capital Oil Plc and Founder/President FC Ifeanyi Ubah, Dr. Ifeanyi Patrick Ubah has expressed

sadness over the death former Super Eagles head coach Stephen Keshi Ubah, who stated this in a statement made available by

Pinnick (Left) with NFF Secretary General , Mohammed Sanusi signing the condolence register yesterday

his Senior Special Adviser on Media Ikechukwu Emeka Onyia, said “Stephen Keshi died when we needed his wealth of experience the most in football sector of this country.

According to him, “We have lost a man we needed so much in a time we all gear towards repositioning Nigeria football. “It will be hard to talk about Nigeria football without mentioning his name and we had expected to have him for long here so that we continue to tap from his wealth of experience.”

Ubah, who is also the Anambra State FA Chairman, however, called for his imortalization.

“The entire members of Anambra State Football board and partners will miss Keshi.

“As a key member of football family , I mourn the departure of one of us .I mourn a friend and a man that I always related with on football d ev e l o p m e n t i s s u e s ,” Ubah said .

“The exploits of Keshi and his team mates at New Nigerian Bank in the 1980’s registered Nigeria as a club football power house after the achievements of IICC Shooting Stars and Rangers International in the 1970’s”.

“As a player and later, captain of the national team for over a decade, Keshi demonstrated dedication and love for father land. He was a team builder and leader whose influence on younger players was the driving spirit behind the achievements at the Nations Cup in Tunisia and a world cup outing that made the world take notice of the Super Eagles”.

“As the Coach of the Super Eagles, Keshi invested gave a boost to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) by tremendous confidence in players from the league whom he took to the Nations Cup in South Africa in 2013 which Nigeria won. His decision showcased the abundant talents that are found in the NPFL and it was one of the biggest endorsements for our players”.

The LMC said that there is no honour that is too much to be done to Keshi considering also his achievements as the coach of the Super Eagles during which he led Nigeria to a third Nations Cup victory.

Glo Pays Tribute to Keshi Official Sponsor of Nigerian National teams, Globacom, has has expressed shock on the sudden death of Mr. Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, the former Skipper and Coach of Nigerian National team, Super Eagles.

The company in a press statement in Lagos yesterday described his death as “a loss not only to the Nigeria Football Community but the entire country”.

Globacom stated further that “Nigeria has indeed lost an asset and a gem”.

The Company added that

Stephen Keshi made the nation proud in his lifetime, serving as the Skipper of the Super Eagles for many years. He led the team to win the African Cup of Nations in Tunisia in 1994 and qualification for the first World Cup in USA. Keshi also performed creditably well as the Coach of the Super Eagles, winning the 2013 African Cup of Nations in South Africa and setting an African record as“one of only two people, along with Egypt’s Mahmoud El-Gohary, to have won the African Cup of Nations both as a player and a coach, Globacom added.

NOC Mourns ‘Big Boss’ Keshi President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, NOC, Engr. Habu Gumel, Secretary General, Hon Tunde Popoola were gutted by the news of the untimely death of former Super Eagles Captain and coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi yesterday.

The flamboyant coach who was the longest captain of the Super Eagles and also one of two Africans to win the African Cup of Nations as player and coach died early morning Wednesday.

Gumel described Keshi as a hero who left an incredible mark on the

sands of time in Nigeria, Africa and World.

Quoting Fred Rogers, Gumel said; ‘’anyone who does anything to help a child in his life is a hero’’.‘’He did much more to help Nigerians with his God-given talent. He united Nigerians with his leadership in the Eagles and achieved what most people older could not. We’re devastated but pray for the well being of his children and family he left behind’’, Gumel grasping to come to terms with the death of the 54-year old said.

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T H I S D AY • THURSDAY JUNE 9, 2016

THURSDAYSPORTS NFPL

Wikki Maintain Top Spot, Rangers Move Up Wikki Tourists consolidated leadership of the Nigeria league after they beat El Kanemi Warriors in a northeastern derby yesterday.

The Bauchi club now have

37 points from 20 matches.

Their match winner was former Flying Eagles striker Abubakar Lawal, who fired home in the 57th minute off a curling cross.

However, Enugu Rangers are within striking distance of the table toppers after they pipped Kano Pillars 1-0 in Enugu, also yesterday.

After a scoreless first half, defender Adamu Murtala sliced the ball into his own net in the 56th minute following pressure from Rangers striker Bobby

Clement.

In other games , Abia Warriors played out a 1-1 draw at home with bottom club Ikorodu United, Niger

Tornadoes beat Plateau United 1-0 and Akwa United and Sunshine Stars played out a thrilling 3-3 draw.

Olatunbosun’s Double Sinks Nasarawa Utd Sikiru Olatunbosun scored twice as MFM FC eased past a jittery Nasarawa United 2-0 to bring an end to their recent poor run in Agege.

The visitors – who had lost their first game of the season to Fidelis Ilechukwu’s men in Lagos with the intention of avenging their painful defeat but they looked sluggish despite a raft of changes from technical crew.

MFM FC dominated the opening half with their forwards profiting from sloppy Nasarawa United defending.

Isah Akor spurned the

opportunity to give the visitors the lead after 15 minutes as his tame effort was saved by goalkeeper Dele Ayeleso.

Five minutes later, Olatunbosun put the Olukoya Boys ahead with a cool finish courtesy of an assist from from Stephen Odey.

And ten minutes later he completed his brace to the dismay of the Solid Miners.

In the second half, Kabiru Dogo’s side tried all they could to restore some pride but all were to no avail as the hosts secured maximum points to move up the NPFL log.

Okpodu Happy with Draw at Abia Ikorodu United head coach Sam Okpodu has said his side are happy with their first top-flight away point at Abia Warriors.

The Oga Boys were forced to a 1-1 draw by the hosts, Abia Warriors, in Wednesday’s Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) matchday 21 clash at the Umuahia Township Stadium.

Attacking left back Anayo ThankGod scored the match opener while Michael Olaha evened the score for the Warriors.

Incidentally, the first fixture clash at the Onikan Stadium in Lagos ended in a similar scoreline for the two sides.

Okpodu said questionable calls from the referees robbed his side of what would have been a well deserved victory on the road.

“Poor calls robbed us of a golden opportunity to beat Abia Warriors hands down right here in Umuahia.

“The League Management Company (LMC) has actually done

a lot to improve the league, but I believe they still need to put a close tab on some of the referees. The referees in today’s (Wednesday) game were poor.

“However, we are happy with the away point; it will serve as a huge boost in our subsequent matches.

“I must commend the players for maintaining their composure throughout the game in the face of poor calls.

“I’m really proud of the players as well as their performance, they played very well and have ignited a strong hope of survival.

“We are certain to profit from this away draw when we confront Akwa United on home soil at the weekend,”said the former Warri Wolves coach to supersport.com.

The away point at Abia Warriors takes the newcomers’ total earnings to 14 points from possible 60. but they are still rooted at the bottom of the top-flight.

Olatunbosun celebrating one of the goals yesterday

Enyimba’s Chukwude Hopes Victory against Rivers United Today Enyimba host Rivers United at the Umuahia Township Stadium, looking to get back to winning ways after Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Nasarawa United.

The loss leaves the seven-time league champions four points behind leaders, WikkiTourists and second placed Rivers Unitedin the title race.

However, Stephen Chukwude believes his team still has a chance

to defend their title.

“No one will forget that result, we are still hurt, but it’s now in the past, we need to focus on the next game against Rivers United, which won’t be easy,”Chukwude told Goal.

“The players haven’t got over that defeat yet. But I am urging my team mates to forget about the past and dwell on the present. We are still focused on the league title.

“We have 18 more games to play, and if we win all our matches, we have a chance depending on what happens elsewhere. I am not going to give up on the title, nothing has been won yet.

“We have been doing well, but in the last two matches we have been unlucky, but I am confident we can turn things around.”

RESULTS

that scientists were unsure how long meldonium stayed in the system, and suggested athletes who tested positive before 1 March could avoid bans, provided they had stopped taking it before 1 January.

However, Sharapova had already admitted she continued taking the substance past that date, saying she was unaware it had been added to the banned list as she knew it by another name - mildronate.

In reaching its verdict, the ITF recognised Sharapova had not intentionally broken anti-doping rules, as she did not know that mildronate contained a banned substance from January of this year.

But the federation said the Russian was “the sole author of her own misfortune”, as she had “failed to take any steps to check whether continued use of

the medicine was permissible”.

Former world number one Caroline Wozniacki described Sharapova’s case as a “sad situation”.

“Tennis has a really strong anti-drug policy in place and it helps the sport really keep clean,” the 25-year-old told BBC Sport.

“It’s always a sad situation when someone is getting banned or you have heard they have failed a drug test - not only for Maria but for tennis in general.

“The ITF is doing its best to make sure nobody tries to go that route of taking any enhancing drugs, it’s unfortunate for anyone who did that unintentionally as well.”

Meanwhile, Wada said it would “review the decision, including its reasoning” and decide whether to appeal.

MFM 2-0 Nasarawa Lobi Stars 3-1 3SC Rangers 1-0 Pillars Abia Warriors 1-1 Ikorodu Utd Wikki Tourists 1-0 El Kanemi Warri Wolves 2-2 Heartland Tornadoes 1-0 Plateau Akwa United 3-3 Sunshine

TENNIS

Sharapova Banned for Two years for Failed Drugs Test Maria Sharapova has been banned for two years by the International Tennis Federation for using a prohibited drug.

The Russian was provisionally banned in March after testing positive for meldonium at January’s Australian Open.

The heart disease drug, which

29-year-old Sharapova says she has been taking since 2006 for health issues, became a banned substance on 1 January 2016.

The five-time Grand Slam winner said she “cannot accept” the “unfairly harsh” ban - and will appeal.

Sharapova will challenge the

Ronaldo, First Footballer to Top Forbes Rich List Cristiano Ronaldo has been listed as the highest-paid athlete in the world by American business magazine Forbes.

The Real Madrid forward is the first footballer to ever top the annual list of the world’s 100 highest-paid athletes, having earned $88m in the

last 12 months - $6.6m more than Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, who is second.

There are five Britons in the top 100, led by Lewis Hamilton in 11th on $46m, with Rory McIlroy at 17 ($42.6m), Gareth Bale at 25 ($35.9m), Wayne Rooney at 49 ($26.1m) and Andy Murray at 74 ($23m).

suspension, which is backdated to 26 January 2016, at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) In a statement, she said the tribunal concluded her offence was “unintentional” and that she had not tried to use a “performance-enhancing substance”.

But she claimed the ITF had asked the tribunal for a four-year ban, adding it “spent tremendous amounts of time and resources trying to prove I intentionally violated the anti-doping rules”.

The tribunal ruling said Sharapova tested positive for meldonium in an out-of competition test on 2 February, as well as in the aftermath of her Australian Open quarter-final defeat by Serena Williams on 26 January. It treated both results as a single anti-doping violation.

The London 2012 Olympic

silver medallist added: “I have missed playing tennis and I have missed my amazing fans... your love and support has gotten me through these tough days.

“I intend to stand for what I believe is right and that’s why I will fight to be back on the tennis court as soon as possible.”

Sharapova, then 17, became the first Russian to win Wimbledon in 2004, added the US Open in 2006 and the Australian Open in 2008, before completing a career Grand Slam with the French Open title in 2012.

She won the French Open again in 2014 and was Forbes’ highest-earning female athlete in the world for 11 consecutive years, until Williams claimed top spot this year.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) said in April

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THURSDAYSPORTS W O R L D C U P 2 0 1 8 A F R I CA N Q UA L I F Y I N G D R AW

S’Eagles Avoids Egypt but CIV, Other Top Teams Waiting Femi Solaja As expected, Super Eagles of Nigeria will have to take a thorny path to qualify for the next World finals in Russia when the draw ceremony for the African qualifying tournament hold later this month in Cairo, Egypt.

Based on the latest FIFA ranking as reported last week

by Thisday, Nigeria will be in pot B along side the Pharaohs of Egypt thus meant the team team will automatically avoid the side that knocked them out of the African Cup of Nations tournament next year.

Aside Nigeria and Egypt, other countries in the same pot are; Cape Verde, DR Congo and Mali hence the teams will avoid each other.

However, based of the latest FIFA ranking, the top team five teams are automatically in pot A namely: Desert Foxes of Algeria, Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire, Black Stars of Ghana, Teranga Lions of Senegal and Carthage Eagles of Tunisia.

The seeding process was released today by FIFA.

Nigeria will therefore face one of these top seeds in their quest to qualify for a sixth World Cup finals.

The draw ceremony will come up in Cairo on the 24th of this month at the CAF secretariat in Egypt. In the other Pots, Indomitable Lions of Cameroun, Atlas Lion of Morocco, Syli Star of Guinea, Bafana Bafana of South Africa and Congo are in Pot 3 while Cranes of Uganda, Burkina Faso, Zambia, Gabon and Zambia occupy the last pot.

Egypt eliminated the Super Eagles from next year’s Nations Cup in Gabon after they held them to a 1-1 draw in Kaduna before they beat them 1-0 in Alexandria in March.

The 20 teams will be divided into five groups of five teams and will square up on a home and away league basis with the overall winners qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The qualifiers will run from October till November 2017.

Super Eagles players, after their exit at the last World Cup in Brazil

HotSports Grabs Oshoala, Africa’s Best Female Footballer HotSports Nigeria Limited, Nigeria’s No.1 Sports Marketing firm, has signed-on Arsenal Ladies’ striker and Africa’s best female footballer, Asisat Lamina Oshoala (MON) to market her brand image and endorsements.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) sealing this partnership has been signed, thus empowering this subsidiary of HS Media group to source endorsements and image branding

for the all-action Super Falcons’ forward.

The 21-year- old Oshoala, whose towering image has continued on the upward surge since bursting onto the scene at the FIFA U20 Women World Cup in Canada, where she emerged the highest goal scorer and won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament award, expressed her delight in partnering HotSports Nigeria Limited.

“HotSports Nigeria is a household name synonymous with Sports in Nigeria and renowned for its excellence, objectivity and forthrightness. When my Manager told me that we were about to do business with HotSports Nigeria, I did not hesitate to give him a ‘go-ahead’ nod.

“This is a company that has stood the test of time and carved an excellent niche in

Sports marketing, brand image management and endorsements.

It is a privilege to associate with Mr. Taye Ige, the MD/Chief Executive Officer of HotSports Nigeria, whose own image in Nigerian sports needs no polishing,” she enthused.

“Of a fact, Oshoala is a highflying brand already just two years of bursting onto the sporting scene in Nigeria. What she has accomplished in such sparse of

time only serves to underpin the fact that sky will be her limit – top goal scorer and MVP at the FIFA U20 Women World Cup, Africa Nations Cup winner, CAF Best Female player of year 2014, CAF BestYouth player of the year 2014, BBC Best African Female player of the year 2015, FA Cup winner with Arsenal Ladies – and she is just 21.

“We in HotSports Nigeria believe firmly that this lady is the future icon of Nigerian female football and we intend to give her the best endorsement deal available because she deserves much more,” Mr. Ige said.

Oshoala was snapped up by Liverpool Ladies in 2015 and

described by Coach Matt Beard as“One of the best young players in the world.”It was little wonder therefore that under a season with the Reds, Arsenal Ladies activated her contract release clause and she switched over to the London club.

In her debut for the Gunners, she scored a goal in Arsenal’s 3 – 1 mauling of Reading Women at Meadow Park.

The Nigerian youngster was also in the thick of action as Arsenal scalped their Chelsea counterparts in the final to win the FA Women’s Cup. HotSports Nigeria will announce the date for the official contract signing ceremony soon.

18TH NESTLE MILO B’BALL CHAMPIONSHIP

FCT, Bayelsa Triumph over Opponents

Oshoala

Government secondary school,Abuja yesterday thrashed Crowther Memorial college Lokoja, Kogi state 40-36 in their first match at the ongoing Milo Secondary school basketball championship at Indoor Sports hall of Asaba Township Stadium.

The three quarters of the game saw a well contested match as the results read, 11-11, 7-9 and 11-11,before FCT pulled off in the final quarter to beat Kogi 40-36 point.

In the other match played, Osadenis Mixed Secondary school Asaba, Delta state prevailed over Henson Demonstration Sch., Benin City Edo state out-dunking them by 35-23 baskets in an exciting match.

In the Girls category, in Group A, defending champions, St.Jude Girls Sec Sch Amarata Bayelsa state confirmed their supremacy over Yejide Girls Grammar school Ibadan,

Oyo State with an emphatic 30-12 points to progress to the next stage of the championship.

St.Jude girls coach, Tony Nelson, commended the girls for their resilience and what he described as a job well done,“We are taking each game as it comes as we work towards the title defence.

In the second game played, Wesley Senior Secondary School Lagos defeated Government Secondary School Numan Adamawa by 43-9 points.

In today’s games, Benue will slug it out with Adamawa, while Oyo will confront Kogi in the Girls category.

In the girls’ cadre, Benin will meet Adamawa,while FCT will clash with Cross Rivers State at the Indoor Sport Hall of Asaba Stadium.

The big finals come up on Saturday.

Thursday, June 9, 2016

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Price: N250

MISSILE Danladi Umar to Kanu Agabi

“I am not happy at the delay tactics employed by the defence counsel.

And I must say this thing out that this delay tactics will not reduce the consequences the defendant will meet from this tribunal at the end of the trial, if found guilty – CCT Chairman, Mr. Umar, decrying what he described as delay tactics in the trial of Senate President Bukola Saraki, a statement the lead defence counsel, Mr. Agabi, SAN, felt uncomfortable with

OLUSEGUNADENIYI THE VERDICT

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

Daylight Murder at Kano Market U

ntil last Thursday afternoon, Mrs Bridget Abahime, an indigene of Orodo town, Mbaitoli LGA in Imo State was selling plastic materials at the popular Kofar Wambai market in Kano. An altercation with a neighbor with whom she reportedly had some disagreement led to the 74-year old woman being accused of speaking blasphemy. The mob moved in to complete the rest of the tragic story and today, Mrs Abahime is no more.

President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Umar Ganduje of Kano and other critical stakeholders have all condemned the gruesome murder with the usual promise by the Police that the main suspects, who have already been apprehended, will be brought to justice. I am sorry to say, I have no faith in that pledge. While the authorities may express indignation over this specific murder, perhaps because of its wider implications, given our delicate fault-lines, it is important for us to also note that it is a familiar crime that will happen again.

The Kano tragedy particularly rankles because, as the 17th century French mathematician, Blaise Pascal, pointed out, “men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from a religious conviction.” But before we address the issue of “blasphemy”, we must first deal with the impulse that drives Nigerians to take the life of fellow citizens, most often without any rational justification.

In 2008, a commercial motorcycle (Okada) rider hit a woman on Aba/Port Harcourt Expressway in the Rivers State capital, claiming that he saw three cats crossing the road and that it was after hitting one of them that it turned to the woman.

The poor victim of a careless ‘okada’ rider was immediately pounced upon and clubbed to death.

The reporter who filed the story for a national newspaper obviously believed the cat-to-woman story too, so he gave no sympathy to the hapless woman who was brutally murdered--after all, she was a cat! You will find the story online.

There is also a video of an eleven year old boy named Samuel who was lynched because, according to the mob, he was TRYING to kidnap a school child like himself with N50. The image was shown on a private television station in Lagos. It didn’t matter to his accusers who were dragging him along concrete road that the boy was vehemently protesting his innocence as they hit him with dangerous objects before eventually setting him ablaze. That particular incident sparked an online campaign called “Don’t Walk Away”.

However, if that campaign meant anything, it made no impact on 21 July, 2013, when a 25-year-old undergraduate of Delta State University, Ifechukwude Nwainokpor, and his friend (identified simply as Kazeem) were attacked and beaten to death by a mob at the Ajara area of Badagry because “their faces looked strange in the neighborhood”. According to Mr. Samuel Nwainokpor, his son, Ifechukwude and his friend, Kazeem, were just passing through a street in the area when a misunderstanding ensued between them and some hoodlums who eventually handed them over to the Vigilante. If you are interested in how the two young men were murdered, just Google and you can read

Police IG, Solomon Arase and watch the eight-minute gruesome video clip on your mobile handset.

Because of the outrage that followed that particular tragedy, the then spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Ngozi Braide, had this to say: “The incident is quite pathetic.

Even if they were armed robbers, no one has the right to take the life of another. The Nigerian police as well as the law condemn mob action and jungle justice. The commissioner of police has set up a high-powered investigation body to investigate the matter.”

Of course, we are yet to know the result of that “high-powered investigation body”. What we do know is that between then and now, there have been dozens of cases of extra-judicial killings of people “convicted” of robbery by the mob and you will find many of them on Youtube. Yet, as it happened in Kano, many of those Nigerians may not have committed the offence for which they were so exterminated by the mob. At least, that was the case with the ‘Aluu Four’, which is documented in Wikipedia as “necklace lynching”.

For those who may have forgotten, the ‘Aluu Four’ refers to the four undergraduates at the University of Port Harcourt–Chiadika Lordson; Ugonna Kelechi Obuzor, Mike Lloyd Toku and Tekena Elkana–who were roasted alive by a mob on 5th October, 2012 on the allegation that they were thieves. As it was later to be revealed, the students were actually attempting to collect a debt from a man who instigated the mob against them by alleging that the students were trying to steal laptops

and mobile phones. The tragedy was captured live as those four promising undergraduates were brutalized, stripped naked and burnt. According to Wikipedia, “the crime further exposed the ‘jungle justice’ or ‘mob justice’ which was still prevalent in many of Nigeria’s poorer, more isolated communities, as well as exposed some loopholes in Nigeria’s law enforcement system.”

The manner in which it is so easy for just anybody to brand the other and secure immediate “conviction and punishment” in our country is so worrying. And if you want to be sure whether our country is better than a jungle, just do a simple online search on “Ejigbo pepper sellers” and see how a woman and her step-daughter were publicly violated in a most bestial manner before being tortured to death on grounds of an unproven allegation that they stole pepper at a market in Ejigbo, Lagos.

She is a witch. He is gay. They are thieves.

And now, she has committed blasphemy! The moment somebody levels that sort of accusation against you in our country today, you will be lucky to survive the brutalities that will follow.

And talking about gay, on 16th February this year, a father of three and personal assistant to a politician was beaten to death in Ondo State after being caught “assisting” his boss in the bedroom. If you are the type that grew up watching “Drakula” and looking at gory pictures, just go online and conduct a search on “gay man killed in Ondo” and you will have murder at its most bestial served you in full course.

There are just too many “Judges” in our society and they will “convict” and pass judgement on any “crime”. In September 2013, a man and woman were stripped and paraded naked in a village in Benue State. The woman was accused of adultery by sleeping with the man (with whom she was being molested) after the death of her husband.

According to the mob, this was an offence against an oracle called ‘Alekwu’ in the town which punishes married women who “cheat” on their husbands, despite the fact that, in this particular instance, the man was already dead!

I can go and on because the list of extra-judicial killings in Nigeria is as long as that of the “offences” for which they are committed. In most instances, it takes the chant of one crazy fellow for these bloodthirsty hounds to appear from nowhere. And they are ever ready to kill just about anybody, perhaps because they always get away with it.

while jungle justice for all manner of offences, and even for no offences at all, have been with us for a long time, the variant being prescribed by those who have made themselves the ‘Avengers of God’ is the most dangerous in a politically charged environment like ours. Because it is one that can easily evoke passion and provoke ethno-religious uprising and reprisal killings

Following the daylight murder in July 2012 in Ekiti State of a 70-year-old woman, Mrs. Rebecca Adewumi, who was tortured to death by some youths because her rival claimed to have seen her (Mrs Adewumi) in a dream tormenting her son, I did an intervention titled “Apani Ma Wagun, Olokiki Oru”. That was after reading the moving account by Mrs Grace Smith, first daughter of the deceased who said her mother’s ordeal started at the palace of the Olomuo of Omuo Ekiti, Oba Noah Omonigbehin, where she (the late Mrs Adewumi) was accused of using witchcraft power to harm her step-son, by name Ola. “On getting to Olomuo’s palace, the family was asked to come the following day at 6a.m. and on that day, the palace was full to the brim.

My mother was then asked to undress to the pants, after which a series of questions were asked. She was then given a concoction (Obo leaf) said to make witches confess and die. My dear mother was told that she would die within seven days if she was involved in Ola’s matter.

Nine days passed and nothing happened and I left for my base in Lagos. Three weeks after, on June 26, some youths in the town went to our house and brought out my mother and forced her to drink a poisonous item. They then took her outside into the rain where she was beaten and subjected to serious torture. When she was almost dying they took her back into her room and laid her on the bed. She died on June 30,” said Mrs Smith, daughter of the deceased.

Up till today, there is no indication that anybody has been brought to justice on account of that crime. But in a statement last weekend on the Kano tragedy, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon E. Arase, who confirmed the arrest of two key suspects said he had “directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in-charge of the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (FCIID) to deploy the Homicide Section of the Department to immediately take over the investigation of the (Mrs Abahime’s murder) case and ensure a meticulous investigation and speedy prosecution of the arrested suspects”.

Although we have heard such declarations before, it is important that the culprits be brought to justice, especially against the background that five days before the Kano tragedy, one Methodus Emmanuel, a 24-year-old trader based in Padongari, Niger State was also killed by a mob over allegations of blasphemy. But it is comforting that we have political leaders who are sensitive enough to intervene on the Kano tragedy to avert a bigger problem.

It is in that context that one should commend Governors Rochas Okorocha, Nasir el-Rufai and Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar as well as the APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun who on Tuesday met with the Ohaneze-Ndigbo leadership in Owerri. “We will not accept a situation where people, either Christians or Muslims, (would) hide under the umbrella of religion to commit crime. If someone had insulted God, the person should be left for God to take care of,” said el-Rufai…

NOTE: This piece is concluded in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

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