Sunday 21st August 2016

Dream Team Ends Nigeria’s Medal Drought, Wins Bronze, Brazil Wins Gold Lightning strikes ‘triple-triple’ for Bolt

Duro Ikhazuagbe in Rio and Demola Ojo with Agency Report Nigeria yesterday won her first medal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games as the country’s men’s football team won bronze after defeating

Honduras in Belo Horizonte.

Mikel Obi combined brilliantly with Ezekiel Imoh to set up Sadiq Umar for Nigeria’s first goal in the 34th minute. Aminu Umar increased Nigeria’s lead four minutes into the second half

after latching on the ball as Honduras goalkeeper, Luis Lopez struggled to stop Mikel’s shot.

Samson Siasia’s wards took the game beyond the reach of Honduras with another goal coming off the

boots of Sadiq within six minutes. It was another of Mikel’s assist to make it 3-0.

The goals were enough to ensure victory, despite a late rally from the Hondurans who scored two late goals but could not overhaul their more

illustrious opponents.

Speaking after the game, Siasia said, "I want to say thanks to the players. They did a great job. It is good to take something back home.

Winning bronze is not easy.

We are happy and we have

to celebrate. We have to enjoy this moment."

Team captain Mikel expressed how proud he was of the team’s achievement and poured encomiums on Continued on page 6

Guber Primary: Ondo APC Leaders Battle Tinubu, ‘Sack’ State Chairman ...Page 6

Sunday 21 August, 2016 Vol 21. No 7788

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Countdown to Edo Governorship Poll: Who Wins…And Who Loses?

In about three weeks, the residents in Edo State will go to the polls to elect a new governor who will pilot the affairs of the state for the next four years.

The Independent National Electoral Commission

released the timetable and schedule of activities for the September 10 governorship election in February. INEC said 18 political parties had been cleared to contest in the election.

But from all indications,

only two political parties are really in the race to win. They are the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party. Mr. Godwin Obaseki is the APC candidate, while Pastor Osagie Ize-

Iyamu is the candidate of PDP. Both candidates have intensified their campaigns across the state canvassing for strategic endorsement and votes.

OBASEKI

IZE-IYAMU

N’East Crisis: UN Warns 5.5m People May Urgently Need Food Aid in Sept See Full Report on Pages 82 & 83

NEMA says 161,000 Nigerians still in Cameroon, Chad, Niger's refugee camps Military combs Bauchi forests for fleeing Boko Haram terrorists

Zacheaus Somorin, Kasim Sumaina and Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi with Agency Report

Nigeria's economic slowdown, compounded by Boko Haram attacks, could mean 5.5 million people needing food aid in the volatile North-east by next month, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) has warned.

The warning came as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) disclosed that about 161,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from the North Eastern part of Nigeria were still at various camps in three neighbouring countries of Chad, Niger and Cameroon.

It also emerged that, as part of efforts to end insurgency, the Nigerian Army had embarked on operations in forests in Bauchi State in order to flush out fleeing Boko Haram members and criminal elements in the state.

UNHCR, while issuing

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FROM AGITATORS TO MANUFACTURERS

L-R: CEO, Innoson Kiara Academy, Mr. Endi Ezengwa; Chairman Innoson Group of Companies Ltd, Chief Innocent Chukwuma; Ex-Agitator, Aaron Douglas; Commissioner of Education, Anambra State, Prof. Kate Omenugha; Coordinator Niger Delta Presidential Amnesty Continued on page 6 Programme, Brigadier General Paul Boroh; and Managing Director, Jamub Global Services Ltd, Prince Momoh Jacob Aminu, during the presentation of 36-seater bus, manufactured by graduating Ex-Agitators, at the Innoson Kiara Academy, Nnewi ...yesterday

21.08.2016

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2016 • T H I S D AY T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R

PAGE SIX

Guber Primary: Ondo APC Leaders Battle Tinubu, ‘Sack’ State Chairman Oyegun wades in, promises level-playing field for all aspirants

James Sowole in Akure and Onyebuchi Ezeigbo in Abuja The crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state yesterday deepened as the State Working Committee (SWC) of the party in the state removed the state Chairman Hon. Isaac Kekemeke.

The SWC, which addressed a news conference after the end of its meeting subsequently appointed the State Vice Chairman, Mr. Ade Adetimehin, as the Acting Chairman.

The SWC accused Kekemeke of supporting and promoting one of the governorship aspirants ahead the August 27 primary of the party.

The aggrieved SWC members said more than the required two-third members of the committee voted in support of Kekemeke's removal.

They alleged that Kekemeke had concluded all arrangements to coerce party leaders and the delegates for the primary to support the candidature of one of the aspirants,Dr.

Segun Abraham, who they claimed is the anointed candidate of the national leader of the party, Senator Bola Tinubu.

One of the aspirants, Tunji Abayomi, had written an petition accusing Tinubu of openly endorsing Abraham and also mandating the state executive to ensure that he picks the party’s ticket.

The National chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has however exonerated Tinubu of any wrong doing over the allegation that he endorsed

one the party's aspirants ahead of the governorship primary.

Oyegun said this after a closed door meeting with all the aspirants at the national secretariat on Saturday, saying, "we have all accepted that there is nothing wrong in anybody, be it a member of the party or non member, endorsing any of the aspirants. We have also accepted unanimously that there will be no attempt on the part of the party to impose any aspirant on the party and on the electorate of Ondo state.

N’EAST HUMANITARIAN CRISIS: UN WARNS 5.5M PEOPLE MAY URGENTLY NEED FOOD AID IN SEPT. the warning, noted that, as government troops advance against the militants, the somewhat better access for aid workers under military escort to Borno and Yobe states has exposed "catastrophic levels" of suffering and a "vast regional crisis."

Inflation and soaring food prices come at a time when people have little left from the last harvest, according the U.N.'s World Food Programme (WFP) .

"Because of Nigeria's economic downturn, the number of hungry people could double in the Northeastern states that are already so heavily afflicted by the conflict," WFP spokeswoman, Bettina Luescher, told a news briefing.

"Our experts are warning it could go as high as 5.5 million people by next month," she said. "The drop in oil prices and sharp rise in the cost of imported staples has compounded the years of violence that these poor people had to suffer."

WFP has delivered food to 170,000 people in Northeastern Nigeria, but hopes to reach 700,000 by yearend, Luescher said. It is also providing aid to 400,000 people in the three other Lake Chad Basin countries Cameroon, Chad and Niger.

Minister of Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu, said on Thursday that Nigeria's crude output had fallen to 1.56 million barrels per day (bpd) as persistent militant attacks have taken out around 700,000 bpd.

Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) said late July that severely malnourished children were dying in large numbers in Northeast Nigeria, the former stronghold of Boko Haram militants where food supplies were close to running out.

The aid agency warned of "pockets of what is close to a famine".

UNHCR spokesman, Adrian Edwards, said also that the situation remained dangerous and volatile, following an attack on an aid convoy last month. "There have been frequent 'hit and run' incidents by militants, including suicide bombings, attacks on civilians, torching of homes, and thefts of livestock."

Armoured vehicles and military escorts are urgently needed to provide protection for aid workers, he said. "We have seen adults so exhausted they are unable to move, and children with swollen faces and hollow eyes and other clear indications of acute malnutrition," Edwards said The Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Muhammed SaniSidi has disclosed that about 161,000 IDPs from the North Eastern part of Nigeria are still at various camps in three neighbouring countries of Chad, Niger and Cameroon.

Sidi, noted that efforts were currently being made by federal government ensure that displaced persons at various camps both within and outside neighbouring countries return back home safely.

He made this known on Friday at a press conference to mark the 2016 World Humanitarian Day in Abuja.

While speaking on the theme of this year's world Humanitarian day celebration, 'One Humanity,' is aimed at inspiring people from around the world to demand for greater global commitment and support for the agenda for humanity, which is part of on-going communications initiated during World Humanitarian

ADIEU OJO MADUEKWE

Summit held in Istanbul, Turkey in May this year.

According to him, "There are still about 18,000 Nigerians in Cameroon, 26,000 in Chad and about 55, 000 in Niger Republic, respectively. All stakeholders have been working and putting in their best. Yes! The needs are there, we are equally working to meet these needs on daily basis."

Sidi said: "We have camps in Yobe, Adamawa, Maiduguri.

But, as we mark this day, I can tell you categorically that, about 40 per cent of the camps in the North East have been shut down.

"Twelve camps in Adamawa have been closed while six of the seven in Yobe have been shut down as displaced persons have started returning home voluntarily following the liberation of their communities by the military and the establishment of state structures."

He added that most of the remaining camps were in Maiduguri where there are over one million IDPs from Borno State alone. "We have 26 formal camps in Maiduguri but, displaced persons in the camps in other states are voluntarily going back home as almost 40 per cent of the camps have been closed," said Sidi.

Continuing, he stated that just recently and because of the successes recorded by the military, new humanitarian challenges were coming up. Adding that the federal government was at the process of bringing on board micro plans that will address the critical issues of those in needs.

Sidi, however, commends the efforts of various aid workers within and outside the country urging them not to relent in their services

to provide humanitarian support to the needy.

Meanwhile, the Commander, 33 Artillery Brigade Bauchi, Brigadier General, Abraham Luka Dusu, while addressing journalists at one of the forests said aggressive operations were currently going on in Lame Forest in Toro Local Government Area and Burra Forest in Ningi Local Government Area of the state to clear them of terrorists who may be hiding there.

Dusu said the Chief of Army Staff, General Yusuf Buratai, had directed the Brigade to carry out the operations after complaints by residents of the areas that they had been noticing movements of unidentified people with arms at the forests.

“Following many complaints and the information we received from residents that people carrying guns have been sighted in the forest or migrated to the state from Sambisa forest as a result of operations there. We have commenced operations in these forests and as I speak with you, operations are currently going on in Lame and Burra Forests of the state to clear them of all criminal elements.

“For the past two days operations by our officers and men have been going on in line with the directive of the Chief of Army Staff that the Brigade should carry out these operations to get rid of the criminals there.

“We are going to enter all the forests in the state and any other location within the state where there are reports of bandits, kidnappers and cattle rustlers. We have adequate troops and I will also tell you that we have air support to flush them out,” the Army Chief stated.

Sons of the deceased, Mr. Ukiwe and Dr. Uma Maduekwe; Wife of the deceased, Elder (Mrs) Ucha Maduekwe; daughters of the deceased Mrs. Ulari Dike and Dr. Ugwuji Maduekwe, during the burial service for former Minister of Foreign Affairs, late Chief Ojo Maduekwe, at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria in Asaga Ohafia, Abia State, on Saturday Ibrahim Adewale

"We have done the very clear distinction between endorsement and imposition. I want to state in very clear terms and assure all the aspirants that the party at national level has no preferred aspirant and is jot going to endorse any aspirant. They are all equal members of the party who have entrusted us with the management of the affair of their party. So, we have the responsibility to be as impartial as is humanly possible.

"I want to make it clear and without doubt that

the party has no preferred candidate either at national level or at state level, " he said.

Also, the National Vice Chairman of the party in the South-West, Chief Pius Akinyelure, described the removal of the state chairman as a huge joke.

Akinyelure explained that the aggrieved members had no right to remove the State Chairman of the party describing the purported removal as null and void and of no consequence.

See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com

HEROIC DREAM TEAM ENDS NIGERIA’S MEDALS DROUGHT, WINS BRONZE Siasia for making the bronze medal possible. "We have an amazing coach. He's always been there for the boys."

On what the medal means to Team Nigeria’s camp disillusioned by the contingent’s poor run in Brazil, he said, "It is very important, because football in Nigeria is absolutely massive.

We had extra-pressure perhaps, but we have done it for us, for our family, for Nigeria."

Football was one of the sports where Team Nigeria was expected to do well after impressive showings in the past, including the gold medal at the Atlanta ’96 Games, and silver at Beijing 2008.

However, shoddy preparations before the games, characterized by a well-documented lack of support from the country’s sports administrators had put the chances of the team in serious doubt.

The team dubbed Dream Team VI, risked disqualification from the football tournament after they barely made it for their first match at the Olympics against Japan. But despite making it to Brazil from their training base in Atlanta, USA, a few hours before the game, they came out on top in a thrilling contest that ended 5-4.

Their performance earned worldwide attention and commendation especially as the team defeated Sweden 1-0 in their second match to qualify for the latter stages of the competition. But the disputes between players and officials continued with the team threatening at some to boycott their quarter-final match against Denmark over unpaid allowances.

There were reports that team captain Mikel had to bail the team out by helping out with bills before being refunded by the team’s officials. The team however continued to defy the odds by beating Denmark 2-0. Suddenly the dream of winning gold seemed attainable, with Germany the only standing between Nigeria and another Olympic football final.

Celebrated Japanese plastic surgeon, Katsuya Takasu, was so impressed by the team’s exploits that he announced his desire to reward them with $30,000 for a gold medal, $20,000 for silver and $10,000 for bronze after hearing about their financial woes.

"I read about the financial problems affecting the team and I felt the need to make a big contribution," Takasu had said. "I am not doing this for media attention but

to motivate a team with an indomitable spirit. I fell in love with the Nigerian team because despite all these problems they are in the quarter-finals of the Olympics.”

Unfortunately, the Nigerian team could not get beyond the Germans as they lost by two goals to nothing. But the never-say-die Nigerian spirit came to the fore as the team shrugged off all its setbacks to dominate their Honduran counterparts and claim bronze.

The victory thus saved the country the ignominy of leaving the Rio Olympics without any medal and ensured that that a repeat of the dismal showing at the London 2012 Olympics, where Nigeria finished without a medal, was averted.

Meanwhile host country Brazil recorded a first by winning the gold medal, overcoming Germany 5-4 on penalties, after playing a 1-1 draw in normal time. The win ensured Brazil – five-time World Cup winners - won the only football title that has eluded the world’s most successful football nation.

Superstar captain, Neymar wrote his name into football folklore by scoring a sensational free-kick to put Brazil ahead in the first half before netting the decisive penalty. Along with his teammates, he has succeeded where some of the biggest names in Brazilian football have failed.

The win went a long way in wiping out the pain of the 7-1 thrashing Germany inflicted on Brazil at the semifinal stage of the 2014 World Cup, also hosted by Brazil.

Neymar missed that match due to injury but yesterday was redemption not only for him, but for his country.

Also, Jamaican sprinter, Usain Bolt, won his third gold medal of Rio 2016 and his ninth overall - as he anchored the Jamaican 4x100m relay team to victory.

He had already said he would be “immortal” if he pulled it off, and after his last ever Olympic race he said: “There you go. I am the greatest.”

Bolt, the charismatic Jamaican sprinter never disappointed in an Olympic final. At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, he won three gold medals (100m, 200m, 4x100m), all in world record time. Then at the 2012 London Games, he became the first athlete to sweep the 100m, 200m and 4x100m at consecutive Olympics.

He added three more gold medals to his collection at the 2016 Rio Olympics, his final Games.

T H I S D AY SUNDAY AUGUST 21, 2016

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AUGUST 21, 2016 • T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R

SUNDAY COMMENT

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

THE JUDICIARY AND THE PDP CONVENTION The judiciary used to be trusted for its independence. Perhaps no longer

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nybody who has read the history of the Italian judiciary and its judgments at the height of the rule of the Mafia in the affairs of state cannot but be worried about what is happening in Nigeria today. What we are witnessing is an era of casino justice where politicians are picking their own judges while the enforcement authorities are aligning with whichever parties they believe would better serve the interest of the people in power.

For any avoidance of doubt, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) has clothed the courts with certain powers. In exercising such powers, judges are required to determine disputes between parties in While we call on an atmosphere of imparthe PDP to put its tiality and independence. house in order, it is To ensure certainty in the also important for law and avoid anarchy in the NJC to embark the society, the governand the governed, on a thorough ment are also expected to house-cleaning so comply with the decisions as to dispense with of all courts. However, in judges who have recent times, a number of become notorious highly placed judges have for dishing out consistently sabotaged judiciary and exposed ‘black market the the country to ridicule by injunctions’ and delivering judgments that bringing the name are antithetical to the of the judiciary into dispensation of justice disrepute and the rule of law.

Apart from granting perpetual injunction to confer permanent immunity on criminal suspects involved in corruption cases, some members of the bench have also been giving contradictory orders in respect of pre-election and post-election petitions and other cases involving members of the same political parties. What worries is that even the apex court in the land is not immune from this problem. Without setting aside its previous decisions on matters of jurisprudential significance, the Supreme Court has on some occasions been accused of rendering conflicting judgments. The Court of Appeal has followed this dangerous path. And in

Letters to the Editor

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the atmosphere of judicial confusion, lower courts are compelled to choose and pick from these conflicting decisions of appellate courts.

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

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

s the National Judicial Council (NJC) has failed to intervene by restraining the courts from giving contradictory orders, judges of the federal high court have taken the matter to a ridiculous extent. In a blatant show of shame, judges sitting in the Port Harcourt and Abuja judicial divisions of the federal high court last Tuesday gave contradictory orders on the national convention of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) scheduled to hold the next day (last Wednesday) in Port Harcourt, Rivers state. At the end, they succeeded in disrupting the exercise.

What is particularly disturbing is the manner in which our judges have entered the political arena and the subtle encouragement from those who should be concerned. Even more tragic is the seeming subversion of the judiciary to achieve predetermined political outcomes. In June this year, the federal high court delivered a judgment in the pre-election governorship tussle of the PDP in Abia State. In setting aside the nomination of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, the presiding judge ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to give certificate of return to his opponent, Mr. Uche Ogar. Within 48 hours thereafter, a high court judge in Abia State countermanded the orders of the federal high court.

However, in a unanimous judgment last Thursday, the Court of Appeal in Abuja, had strong words to describe the action of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja, over the Abia State matter. Abang, who has acquired a reputation for giving controversial rulings, was reprimanded for going beyond his remit as a judge.

Meanwhile, although the PDP’s national convention in Port Harcourt has come and gone, we must condemn in very strong term the invasion of the venue by the police and other security agencies. While we call on the PDP to put its house in order, it is also important for the NJC to embark on a thorough house-cleaning so as to dispense with judges who have become notorious for dishing out “black market injunctions” and bringing the name of the judiciary into disrepute by turning the law upside down.

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

NIGERIAN YOUTH AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

n realisation of the positive value that the youth could add to nationbuilding in any society, the United Nations set aside every August 12 to celebrate the International Youth Day. First celebrated in August 2000, the primary objective is to draw public awareness to youth-related issues and values.

The 2016 edition of International Youth Day, entitled: “The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production”, was aimed at stressing the principal role anticipated of the youth in poverty eradication and attaining sustainable development through sustainable consumption and production.

During the commemoration of the 2016 International Youth Day, President Muhammadu Buhari saluted the Nigerian youth for their doggedness and commitment to nation-building in spite of obvious and daunting national challenges.

While recalling the patriotic role of the youth in the 2015 general elections that brought him to power, President Buhari

assured that his government would not in any way neglect the youth. He further used the occasion to disclose that some 30 distinguished youth would soon be engaged to help provide solutions to some technology-based problems in the country. The president equally revealed that his government has launched some initiatives aimed at expanding the economic opportunities available to young Nigerians. Prominent among such is N-Power, a job creation scheme, for which applications are ongoing, to employ 500,000 youth in agriculture, education, healthcare and technology.

Similarly, the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), part of the federal government’s N500 billion Social Investment Programme (SIP), will provide soft loans to thousands of young entrepreneurs across the country.

The president concluded his speech by affirming that the “youth are the strength and future of our country”.

Without a doubt, youth are the

foundation of any society. Their energies, inventiveness, character and orientation define the pace of development and security of a nation. Through their creative talents and labour power, a nation makes giant strides in economic development and socio-political attainments.

In their dreams and hopes, a nation founds her motivation; on their energies, she builds her vitality and purpose. And because of their dreams and aspirations, the future of a nation is assured. Hence, it is quite reassuring that the federal government is desirous of improving the lot of youth in the country.

Any nation that denies its youth the necessary enabling environment to enthusiastically participate in nation- building merely does so at its own perils.

Nation-building is a dynamic process involving all segments of the society, including the often-overlooked and undermined youth population that will provide an invaluable resource for the progress of any society as well as its development.

As youth are brought into and connected with national issues and programmes (they have often times been ignored/ excluded), they can participate actively and contribute to decision making at multiple levels. As youths are engaged in more sustained positive relationships with adults, other youths, and national development programmes, apart from realising that they are valued citizens of their nations, such collaborations and participation may lead to skill enhancement, empowerments and confidence-building traits, which will help prepare them for active interest and involvement in nation-building.

Young people play a crucial role in the prospect for development and should be included in all National Development Plans and Programmes.

But reality shows that attention to youth has not been sufficient and more needs to be done considering the practical implications of shifting perceptions of youth and the role they can play in the society. These conceptual issues related to the barriers

to effective youth participation in national development, such as lack of education, unemployment, extreme poverty, HIV/ AIDS, discrimination and cynicism from both adults and young people themselves about participation competence, and institutional resistance.

Unfortunately, in our clime, youth are not being given the needed platform to freely express themselves. Though they have always been touted as ‘future leaders’ since God knows when, our nation clearly lacks a properly marshalled policy aimed at harnessing the innate and budding potential of the youth. In Nigeria, the youth almost do not have a voice in the scheme of things. Unemployment, lack of opportunities, faulty educational system, repressive political system, dwindling economic fortunes, among others, are mostly responsible for the suppression of the voice of the youth in our dear nation.

–Dennis Erezi, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Lagos.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • AUGUST 21, 2016

SUNDAYNEWS

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

Navy Arrests, Hands over Suspects, Vessel to NIMASA for Investigation Chiemelie Ezeobi

CELEBRATING LAGOS L-R: Managing Director, Zmirage Limited, Mr. Teju Kareem; Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Art and Culture, Mr. Folorunsho Folarin-Coker;

Minister of Information, Arts and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, and Chairman, Tanus Communications, Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi, during the third Festival ColloquiumtoLagosat50 ‘TourismPotentialinYorubaland:Landmarks,Culture&History’,atMusonCentreLagos...yesterday PHOTO: Kola Olasupo

PDP Flays APC, INEC over Inconclusive Polls, Alleges Plot to Rig Edo Election • Inconclusive poll not our making, says APC Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) has berated the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for failing to address the rising cases of inconclusive elections in the country.

The opposition party yesterday frowned on a statement credited to the INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, to the effect that the commission would not be able to guarantee conclusive polls

in 2019.

The INEC boss was quoted as having said on Friday that “he was not in a position to guarantee conclusive polls in 2019 and that he would not be pressured to step outside the lines of the Constitution, the Electoral Act and the guidelines to impress anyone.”

The INEC boss, while with journalists in Lagos, noted that the conclusiveness or otherwise of any election depended to a great extent on the behavioural pattern of voters; of which he has zero control.

He blamed his predicament on the non-existence of a law to prosecute electoral offenders, saying the absence of such a provision or law has allowed for an abiding culture of electoral malpractices responsible for some of the many hitches the commission has been dealing with.

But in its reaction, the PDP described the reoccurrence of inconclusive elections as a bad omen and something both the APC-led Federal Government and the INEC should be ashamed of.

“APC and INEC should be ashamed of themselves

for always disrupting the electoral process through inconclusive elections. Since the inception of the civilian rule in 1999, the electoral process has never witnessed the level of bastardisation we are witnessing today in the guise of inconclusive polls”.

The Spokesman of the National Caretaker Committee, Prince Dayo Adeyeye told THISDAY on the telephone yesterday that rather than find a lasting solution to the anomaly, the APC has adopted it as strategy for rigging elections and ensuring that they subvert the will of the people.

Don’t Effect Repair Works on Breached Trunkline, New Militant Group Warns NPDC Sylvester Idowu in Warri

The new militant group, Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate (NDGJM) yesterday warned the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) not to effect any repair on its facilities blasted in the early hours of Friday.

The group, which claim to be agitating for the upland host communities to oil facilities, said emphatically that repair works should not take place until the oil company heard from it.

According to a release signed

by its spokesperson, Aldo Agbalaja, NDGJM claimed its formidable strike team brought down the major trunkline/delivery line operated by NPDC at 2a.m on Friday in Udu Local Government Area (Urhobo) of Delta State.

THISDAY checks however revealed that the said gas trunkline has been abandoned since because it was to supply gas to the moribund Delta Steel Company (DSC) located at Aladja community in the council area.

Security sources disclosed ‘The said gas trunkline has not been in use for a long time now.

So they just breached it to claim unnecessary attention. So there is no cause for alarm.”

But the militant group which claimed responsibility for the pipeline breach warned that no repairs should take place in that pipeline pending when signals come from it.

“Peace cannot be realised in an unjust environment, like we said from the onset, the Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate is not just about causing calamity and delighting in chaos, rather a child of circumstance, bore to correctaninjusticethathaslivedwith

us, from the time of our fathers.

“We are in this struggle, not to create any acrimony with our friends and brothers in the riverine axis, who are equal citizens of this over sapped region, but to call the attention of the world to our peculiar experience; that we, as people of diverse tongues and orientation, have kept faith with both the Nigerian government and oil multinationals over the years, by being peaceful, patient and law abiding all through the years, but have in turn been abused and abandoned by these same supposed partners.

World Mayors Investment Conference to Promote Economic Diversification, Investments in Africa World Mayors, investors, delegates and participants and exhibitors from North and South America, Europe, Asia, Caribbean and African countries, including the 774 Chairmen of Nigeria’s Local Governments and the six Area Councils of the FCT Abuja, are meeting in an international conference from September 5 to 9 in Calabar, Cross River State. The conference and exhibition, which is taking place at the

ultra-modern Calabar International Convention Centre (CICC), Summit Hills, has the theme ‘Global Partnership for Economic Growth and Development in Africa: Exploring Options for Diversification in African Economies’.

According to the Local Organising Committee Chairman, Ambassador Eyo Asuquo and Vice-Chairman, Ambassador Aisha Audu-Emeje, this global dis-

course on charting a new economic roadmap for the rural economies of Africa is being hosted by the Cross River State Government of Governor Ben Ayade, who has also secured the endorsement and full participation of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR. The conference is focusing on three days on the diversification of the economy, a subject that President Buhari has been harping

upon since the inception of his administration.

Expected to attend the conference are foreign, Nigerian and local businesses across the world who will have opportunities for strategic partnerships, exploratory business discussions and investment collaborations with the rural and municipal authorities, investment companies and the international business community.

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft of the Western Naval Command (WNC), in Lagos has handed over two suspects and a vessel, Motor Tanker (MT) Redeemer to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for further investigation and prosecution.

The Commanding Officer NNS Beecroft, Commodore Abraham Adaji, who handed over the vessel, said it was arrested in Kirikiri on August 28, 2015 for alleged economic sabotage and other crimes.

He said, “At the initial stage, it was discovered that the vessel was not containing petroleum products illegally refined as was suspected. But in the

course of the investigation, it was discovered that the vessel did not have a valid registration for being in the Nigerian waters.

“This is contrary to the laws of Nigeria and all efforts to get the owner to complete the registration formalities and to take possession of the vessel had proved abortive.

“The owner has been evading the Navy; instead of bringing the valid documents to be in Nigerian waters, he kept away. In this circumstance, we are left with no choice than to hand it over to the appropriate government agency. In this case, NIMASA is the appropriate agency that has the responsibility for proper disposal of the vessel in recognition of their responsibility for port control and marine safety and security.”

Missing Charity Aiyedogbon: Group Urges Police to Address Nigerians on Findings Abimbola Akosile A civil society organisation, Coalition against Crime (CAC) has called on the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris and Force Public Relations Officer, Donald Awuna, to address Nigerians on the extent of their investigations on the controversial disappearance of an Abuja-based woman, Charity Aiyedogbon.

National Coordinator of the group, Harrison Pepple, who made the call while addressing newsmen in Abuja, weekend, expressed concerns over the continued silence of the Police hierarchy on the matter,

describing it as an unhelpful strategy.

“Recall that one Charity Aiyedogbon aka Chacha was declared missing on social media.

She is said to have been missing since May 10, 2016 and family, friends and security agencies have been working round the clock to unravel the mystery behind her sudden disappearance. Impeccable sources have revealed that the Monitoring Unit of the office of Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police, handling the matter has made substantial progress. The missing woman’s vehicle has been recovered. Two of her handsets have also been recovered.

Kerry’s Visit: Access to Education, Counterterrorism to be Discussed

Ahead of the visit of the US Secretary of State, John Kerry to Nigeria this week, Sokoto State Government said it will collaborate with United States of America to expand access to education with a view to tackling terrorism and promoting small and medium scale industries in the state.Governor Aminu Tambuwal said this after a meeting with Ambassador Johnnie Carson, an expert in African affairs and also a Senior Advisor with the United States Institute for Peace (USIP). A statement issued yesterday in Sokoto by Tambuwal’s spokesman, Malam Imam Imam, said the meeting centered on efforts by the Sokoto government to increase enrolment in schools, enhance quality output, and develop a framework that will inspire young men to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills at a young age.

UN Envoy to Visit Nigeria

The United Nations Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, Ahmad Alhendawi, is to travel to Nigeria for a four-day official visit. He intends to meet Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo, as well as the Ministers or Principal officials of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Youth and Sports, Women Affairs and Social Development, Labour and Productivity, Environment, Education, Health and the Federal Capital Territory. Alhendawi will arrive on Sunday, August 21 and depart on Wednesday, August 24, according to a UNIC advisory. He is billed to visit selected sites within the Federal Capital Territory, including a visit to the Office of the Vice President, the National Assembly, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the National Youth Service Corps, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, the Abuja Enterprise Agency and the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator.

Labour Party Win Oyo Assembly Bye-election

Against all expectations, the underdog political party, Labour won the Oyo state House of Assembly bye election for Oorelope Local Government yesterday. The Labour party’s candidate, who was a former caretaker committee chairman of Oorelope Local Government, Mr. LukmanBalogun,polled6,122votes.Theseatbecamevacantfollowing the murder of Hon. Gideon Aremu, who represented the constituency on the ticket of the Labour Party. Balogun polled 6,122 votes, winning in eightofthe10wardsinthelocalcouncil,todefeathisclosestcontender, Mr. Jimoh Gbadamosi of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who had 4,148 votes, while the Accord Party’s candidate, Mr. Solomon Olabisi camethirdwith2,123votes.TheAPCwonintheremainingtwowards.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • AUGUST 21, 2016

SUNDAYNEWS

GROOMING LEADERS L-R: Corporate Sales Manager, British Airways Nigeria, Adetutu Otuyalo; Deputy Chair of Commonwealth Investment Council and Privy to Queen of UK, Rt. Hon. Mark Simmonds; CEO, TEXEM, UK, Dr Alim Abubakre, and Visiting Professor, Harvard, Insead and IESE, Prof Rodria Laline, at the British Deputy High Commissioner’s Residence during TEXEM’s Executive Master class in Lagos...recently

TAKING STOCK L-R: Directors, Prince Jude Ifeanyi Anthony Eke, Mr. Audu Abubakar; Managing Director, Mr. Akinwunmi Lawal, and Chairman of NPF Microfinance Bank Plc, Mr. Azubuko Joel Udah, at the bank’s AGM held at Hotel Seventeen, Kaduna...recently

Adesina: FG Committed to Tackling Under-development, Neglect in N’Delta Dele Ogbodo in Abuja

The Special Adviser on Media to President Muhamadu Buhari, Mr. Femi Adesina, yesterday assured stakeholders that the present administration was committed to tackling the underdevelopment and neglect that had characterised the face of the oil-rich Niger Delta region.

According to him, the present dispensation is giving priority attentiontowardsaholisticdevelopment of the oil rich region, adding that the efforts will no doubt assuage and correct the ills of the past that have retarded the region.

Adesina, who was represent-

ed by Mr. Biodun Oladunjoye, an Assistant Director in Presidency, spoke at the passing-out parade and deployment of 8,000 Peace Keepers to the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja. The 8,000 who graduated from the National Unity and Peace Corps were trained in conflict and peace resolution mechanism.

Adesina tasked civil society groups in resolution of civil crises, and commended, the Commandant General of the Corps, Mr. Chinedu Nneji, for his commitment to the enthronement of peace across the country with the peace keepers.

He said: “With the men and women that I see today, are faces of people who have resolved that they will not belong to a nation that cannot feed its people and children not safe in the environment.”

The special adviser however stressed that the government is not unaware of the present challenges Nigerians are facing, adding that government is making efforts at changing the negative narratives of unstable power, falling education standards, unsafe environment and unemployment.

Adesina, while recalling Buhari’s speech, said: “You will all

recall on being sworn into office on May 29 2015, I outlined certain core areas of our national life that require immediate intervention.... first we should seek to secure the country, improve the economy and fight corruption.”

However, Adesina averred that the changes cannot come in an atmosphere of fear, distrust, kidnapping, vandalisation and outright disobedience of law and order. He admitted that civil society organisations have done a lot to educate Nigerians on the importance of non-violent resolution of crisis, social mobilisation and human rights observance, adding that more still needs to be done.

Nigerian Army Invades Bauchi Forests to Clear Insurgents, Criminal Elements Segun Awofadejo in Bauchi

The Commander, 33 Artillery Brigade Bauchi, Brigadier General Abraham Luka Dusu yesterday said the Brigade has embarked on operations and search of forests in Bauchi State in order to flush out criminal elements, including fleeing Boko Haram members in the state.

Dusu who disclosed this while addressing journalists at one of the forests said aggressive operations are currently

going on in Lame Forest in Toro Local Government Area and Burra Forest in Ningi Local Government Area of the State to clear them of terrorists who may be hiding there.

He said the Chief of Army Staff, General Yusuf Buratai, had directed the Brigade to carry out the operations after complaints by residents of the areas that they have been noticing movements of unidentified people with arms at the forests.

“Following many com-

Boko Haram Kills 6, Abducts 13 in Borno Michael Olugbode

Boko Haram insurgents struck at a village, Kuburubu in Damboa local government area of Borno State yesterday morning, killing six persons and abducting about 13 others.

A member of the youth vigilante group in the area, Abubakar Luqman told THISDAY on phone that attackers rode on four motorcycles to the village at about 5am when everyone was still asleep.

He said before everyone could be fully awake, they entered some homes killing six people and kidnapping 13, leaving many others wounded.

Luqman said: “The hoodlums were in Kuburubu village today (Saturday), riding four motorbikes, they were eight in number and armed with guns. They attacked the village at about 5am when everyone was still sleeping, they killed six persons and abducted about 13 others which they led into the bush.”

According to him, those abducted include seven women, five teenage boys and a teenage girl.

Luqman further said “the insurgents looted all the food items, and carted away livestock including goats, camels, and their chickens.” He said after the looting spree they set the village ablaze.

plaints and the information we received from residents that people carrying guns have been sighted in the forest or migrated to the state from Sambisa forest as a result of operations there. We have commenced operations in these forests and as I speak with you, operations are currently going on in Lame and Burra Forests of the state to clear them of all criminal elements.

“For the past two days operations by our officers and

men have been going on in line with the directive of the Chief of Army Staff that the Brigade should carry out these operations to get rid of the criminals there.

“We are going to enter all the forests in the state and any other location within the state where there are reports of bandits, kidnappers and cattle rustlers. We have adequate troops and I will also tell you that we have air support to flush them out,” the Army Chief stated.

NPF Microfinance Bank Unveils 11 New Branches The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved the request of management of the NPF Microfinance Bank for establishment of 11 more branches across the country.

The apex bank in the approval letter signed by Mrs. A.O. Kako on behalf of the Director, Other Financial Institutions Supervision Department, said, “We refer to your submissions in respect of the above subject and write to convey the approval of Central Bank of Nigeria to your proposed additional eleven (11) branches in Ibadan, Ikorodu, Abeokuta, Asaba, Tejuosho (Yaba), Onitsha 2, Port Harcourt 2, Aba, Okene, Aswani (Isolo)

and Calabar.”

Commenting on its business development and future outlook, Managing Director and CEO of the NPF Microfinance Bank, Akinwunmi Lawal explained that the idea of creating more outlets was in line with its expansion strategy and to help provide seamless services to its esteemed customers.

Lawal said the bank has already concluded arrangements to unveil 5 out of the 11 branches this week. The new branches to be inaugurated, are located in Ibadan, Oyo state, Abeokuta in Ogun state and Ikorodu and Yaba (Tejuosho) both in Lagos state and Asaba in Delta state.

N300bn Suit against AMCON: Bi-Courtney Decries Media Reports The Bi-Courtney Consortium has faulted what it described as erroneous reports in some media outlets, which claimed that a N300 billion suit it brought against the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) was dismissed bythe Federal High Court sittingin Lagos.

The company, owned by Dr. Wale Babalakin SAN, maintained that the reports were a distortion of the facts, even as it wondered why a judgment delivered on May 3, 2016 was suddenly moulded into ‘breaking news’ in some print and online media in mid-August.

“It is not a new case, it is not a new judgment,” a senior member ofBi-Courtney’slegalteamaverred.

The legal counsel insisted that, contrary to reports, “The issue of whether AMCON was liable to pay damages to Bi-Courtney was never determined by the court.

“For the avoidance of doubt,

the parties to the case had indeed entered into an out-of-court settlement as set out in an offer letter by AMCON, dated May 7, 2014. It was onaccountofthenon-productionof the said letter in court that Justice M. B. Idris dismissed the suit. We have filed a notice of appeal and we will have our day in court.”

According to court papers, Bi-Courtney as the claimant had sought a number of reliefs against AMCON as the defendant. The first relief (Relief 1) sought: “A declaration that as at the 22nd of September 2014, the defendant’s offer letter dated 7th May, 2014, cannot create a new cause of action.”

The ‘new cause of action’ referred being an ex-parte order granted on September 22, 2014 (Suit no. FHC/ LCS/1361/2014) which prevented Babalakin from drawing from his bank accounts, with the resultant damage to his reputation and businesses.

Abia Gov Tussle: Indigenes Hail Appeal Court Judgment Anayo Okolie

The indigenes of Abia State residing in Lagos have hailed the judgement of the Court of Appeal inAbuja,whichtotallycondemned the ruling of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court Abuja that ordered the removal of Dr. Okezie Ikpeazuasthegovernorofthestate.

A statement made available and signed by the leader of the group,Mr.CharlesNwogbe, noted that, “it has again been proven that the judgment of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court sitting Abuja was biased.”

According to him, “The five justices of the Appeal Court held that Justice Abang went beyond his remit as a judge, was biased and turned the law upside down.”

The group, which came out in a

large number to celebrate the recent Appeal Court victory of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, also said that he was the best thing that had happened to Abia State, saying that those who were against him were only wasting their time.

“Ikpeazu has been anointed

by God to rule and lead Abia to the promise land, which he has started doing. I appeal to people distracting Ikpeazu to allowing work for the people.”

Nwogbefurther stated that while some governors were still battling to deliver their campaign promises to their citizen, Governor Ikpeazu marked his first 100 days in office in a unique way by embarking on an inspection tour of projects he has commenced including the ones he inherited from his predecessor.

Entrepreneurship Initiative

The second season of IB PLC’s Entrepreneurship Initiative for youths has taken off. The first edition of the initiative for youths between the ages of 18 and 35 which took place in Ibadan, Oyo State, last year saw 25 lucky winners receive grants to kick start their business dreams and ideas. This year’s initiative officially commenced on www.ibpkickstart. com penultimate week. The applicants stand a chance to win million naira grants and other benefits for their youth- owned businesses in Nigeria. IB PLC Foundation, a subsidiary of SABMiller has promised to keep fulfilling dreams and support young and brilliant minds on how to get employed, generate employment and create wealth for themselves through its KickStart programme.

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T H I S D AY SUNDAY AUGUST 21, 2016

IBB APPRECIATION ith gratitude to Almighty Allah I wish to express my profound appreciation to all the people who in one way or the other congratulated me on the occasion of my 75th Birthday Anniversary. The spontaneous congratulatory messages I received have reaffirmed in me the kind generous support and good cordial relations that exists for time between us. I do not have enough words to convey to all of you, with humility, how delighted and encouraged I am with the prayers and accolades that were heaved on me by such a large number of persons from various walks of life. The sheer number of people who visited me at our Home in Minna on the occasion is too overwhelming for me to name them individually.

I wish to however specifically convey my sincere appreciation to H.E. Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for his generosity and brotherly felicitation in spite of the serious affairs of State that might have preoccupied him. I am deeply touched by the recognition he accorded me for the national service we offered at different times for the overall good of our country. As trained Military Officers we faced several challenges in the service of our nation. The task of a united democratically free Nigeria is non negotiable. All patriotic and well-meaning citizens of our great nation must continuously harness our unity in diversity in a true federal system.

In the same vein I wish to convey my appreciation to my Boss, Senior General and an adept statesman for his exceptionally delightful but reassuring birthday anniversary message. I have always learned from the fountain of wisdom and resilience of President Olusegun Obasanjo as a Senior General and as an acknowledged statesman of unusual pedigree whose presence is felt nationwide and globally. Thank you very much Sir for your very kind encouraging words that I will cherish for time.

With delight I express my appreciation to my Brother, Neighbour and colleague, former Head of State General AbdulSalami A Abubakar and his Spouse for their felicitations, prayers and good wishes. We shared together sweet memories of the good old days we spent in Minna. Thank you for your good neighbourliness.

I say a very big thank you to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, GCON for his congratulatory message punctuated with very uplifting words. I acknowledge the best wishes I received from former Vice-President Arc. Mohammed Namadi Sambo, GCON and I thank him for his kind words and prayers.

I wish to thank the leadership and members of the National Assembly both serving and former. I acknowledge the messages of the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki and the Speaker of the House of Representative, Rt. Honourable Yakubu Dogara conveying their prayers and best wishes.

My special appreciation goes to the Governor of Niger State, H.E. Abubakar Sani Bello and members of the Niger State Executive Council for their esteemed presence at our Home to felicitate with me. I thank you for your very kind words. I would wish to also thank the Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole for his kind words and encouraging remarks. I wish to thank several other serving and former State Governors for their goodwill messages, prayers and best wishes.

With joy I wish to thank all my former colleagues in the military and all the former public officers, including members of the judiciary, who worked tirelessly and committedly during our administration in different capacities for their presence and congratulatory messages. I wish to acknowledge with respect the calls and messages I received form our traditional rulers, including emirs, obas, obis, chiefs and religious leaders.

I want to place on record my appreciation for the congratulatory message I received from the founder and Pro-Chancellor of BAZE University, Senator Datti Baba Ahmed and to thank him for his steadfastness in his quest to provide qualitative education in a good environment for the overall human development of our populace.

I wish to acknowledge with immense gratitude the immeasurable efforts from all the people for their personal or representative visits, and I thank all those who made material contributions or offered prayers and sent me congratulatory messages through letters, print and electronic media adverts and birthday greeting cards. I appreciate your congratulatory telephone calls and sms text messages that I received on the occasion of my birthday anniversary. I am indebted to you all for your generosity realising that majority of you had to travel by road to Minna leaving your towns and homes on a working day so as to felicitate with me. Truly you have rejuvenated and inspired me beyond your imaginations.

I thank you all and pray that you arrived safely to your various destinations.

W

General Ibrahim B Babangida, GCFR Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

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SUNDAY AUGUST 21, 2016 T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY SUNDAY AUGUST 21, 2016

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AUGUST 21, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

OPINION Can We Not Do Without Rice?

If Nigerians must eat rice, then we must find a way to produce it, writes Simbo Olorunfemi

W

hat is it really with Nigerians and rice? You can do every other thing to the Nigerian, even pad the budget, he won’t mind. But once the matter has to do with his rice, trust him to definitely speak up, as that is one place where the shoe pinches, for many. For some who look back to the pre-President Muhammadu Buhari days with some form of fondness, it is all about the price of rice. It is an easy comparison, for them, of how much a bag of rice sold for, then and now. All that talk about crash in oil price, devaluation of the naira, looting of the commonwealth and the impact our depleted reserves have on the price of imported items is too elevated and plenty talk, without substance, when it has to do with rice. Just give them rice, as it was done in Ekiti, and will be well. Some will gladly ask for corruption to be brought back as long as there is rice from Thailand to eat. Some lose every bit of common sense, once there is rice and ponmo in abundance.

We are told rice, not necessarily in the form we now know it, has been cultivated in West Africa for at least 3000 years. Good. You would think that will make us some sort of experts in its cultivation by now. We are experts in its consumption, instead. We can tell rice cooked with firewood apart from that with the stove.

We can tell the one wrapped in local leaves apart from the one ensconced in warmers. We are authorities on the varieties, at the consumption point. So is our love affair with rice. Yet, I doubt that this affinity of 3000 years has anything to do with it. Just as our appetite for Champagne and other toys of luxury has little or nothing to do with how long they have been with us, so is the case or craze for rice.

I have long suspected, though, that there is more to this love affair between Nigerians and rice than meets the ordinary eye. For it is really difficult to explain this thing for rice, especially the party jollof. There is a whole library of jokes and anecdotes about the jollof rice. For some, the owambe fever is even less about who is doing what or not but simply about the party jollof. That is how seriously we take this matter. Our obsession with the grain has almost become idolatry. Rice has become a source of national

pride that we are in a permanent state of war with other nations, especially immediate neighbours – Ghana and Senegal – on who has the copyright to jollof rice. Bragging rights over whose Jollof rice is better remains unresolved. As my people will say, this thing about rice ‘ki s’oju lasan.’ It just cannot be. How do you explain Africans competing among themselves over what they consume rather than what they produce?

You can take the Nigerian out of Nigeria but you can hardly take that love for rice out of him. On our trips abroad, until we discover that place where we can find rice to eat, we are never at ease. We are all over the place, fretting and searching for rice, like Mungo Park, in his bid to ‘discover’ River Niger. It is often a crisis until we are able to get our fix of rice. Perhaps, it needs a bit of more effort to confirm it, but I won’t be surprised if we yet find out that there is something addictive in the rice that is shipped to Nigeria. Only that might be able to explain it, as nothing has been the same with us, since politicians discovered the wonders that a bag of rice can bring their way.

Between the trillions of naira spent importing rice, petrol, champagne, water, toothpicks and other ‘essential waste’, we ate tomorrow yesterday and we are having to pick the bill today, yet our people still want to eat imported rice

As it is, the question of being able to do without rice does not even arise. Official figures, at a point, estimated that we consumed one billion naira worth of imported rice every day. And that is only the official data, not taking into account the sizeable bulk that comes in through our porous borders, especially from Benin Republic. The central bank estimates have it that Nigeria spent N800 billion importing rice in 2014. Between the trillions of naira spent importing rice, petrol, champagne, water, toothpicks and other ‘essential waste’, we ate tomorrow yesterday and we are having to pick the bill today, yet our people still want to eat imported rice.

Some argue that rice is staple food. It is difficult to contest that, but the question is: How did imported rice become staple food in Nigeria? How did we get to the point where we became obsessed with consuming what we do not produce in sufficient quantity? The good thing is that circumstances have finally forced upon us a hard reset in thinking into realising that if we must eat rice, it had better be produced locally. With our backs to the wall and our plates virtually empty, it is good to see that some of our people are beginning to respond more effectively to this challenge. At the last count, I must have seen about 10 different brands of locally packaged rice advertised online this week, with the ubiquitous Dangote reportedly set to make an entry into the market soon.

Back in the day, our mothers were quick to tell us that it is what we have in the house that we would eat, and not what we wish we had. That is as it should be. We cannot continue to eat our tomorrow with both hands, enriching other countries and lining the pockets of those who import rice that have been in silos for several years and expect things to go well. If Nigerians must eat rice, then we must find a way to produce it and distribute it more efficiently locally. Putting a stop to rice imports in the next few years, as being touted, is the way to go. It is glad to see Nigerians eagerly stepping up to embrace locally produced rice. Party jollof might even taste better with the locally produced rice if we try it out. What is it with rice, anyway?

––Olorunfemi works for Hoofbeatdotcom, a Nigerian Communications Consultancy

Between The Republican and The ‘Military’ Constitution

O

Ugochukwu J. Amasike argues the need to dump the 1999 Constitution

ne of the tragedies of the current unitary system of governance we practice and the consequential mono-product economy it foisted on the Nigerian federation is the transformation of Nigeria’s federating units into dependants and mere distribution centres.

Today, Nigeria has states that are incapable of meeting the most elementary requirements of a government: even the payment of salaries is a herculean task, not to mention the provision of critical infrastructure and social services.

To correct this situation, the states must be empowered to legally harness their competitive advantages and develop their economies, and become self-sustaining and this can only be attained through the devolution of powers to the states.

The current situation where the 36 states of Nigeria are prevented from harnessing non-oil mineral resources in their domains by reason of the limitations imposed on them by the 1999 Constitution, vis -a -vis the resultant effect of the combined provisions of Section 44(3) and Part 1, Item 39 of the 2nd Schedule (exclusive legislative list) is self-defeatist and unproductive.

Section 44 (3) of the 1999 Constitution provides thus: “Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section, ‘the entire property in and control of minerals, mineral oil and natural gas in, under or upon any land in Nigeria...shall vest in the Government of the Federation’ and shall be managed in ‘such manner’ as may be prescribed by the National Assembly.“ While Part 1, Item 39 of the 2nd Schedule of the 1999 Constitution goes on to state that “...Mines, and Minerals...and Geological Surveys” are within the sole purview of the federal government. Thus, a state government in Nigeria cannot conduct a mere geological survey of non-oil minerals in its domain; that’s how “progressive” the 1999 Constitution is.”

We are invited to contrast this status quo with the legal-institutional framework that existed in the 1960’s, a framework that was enabled by Nigeria’s erstwhile 1963 Republican Constitution. The Republican Constitution,

unlike the 1999 Constitution, set clear and definite parameters for fiscal federalism. Section 140 (1) of the 1963 Republican Constitution provided thus: “There shall be paid to each region a sum equal to fifty per cent of the proceeds of any royalty received by the Federation in respect of any minerals extracted in that Region, and any mining rents derived by the Federation from that region. “ We are invited to contrast the provisions of Section 140 of the 1963 Constitution with the provisions of Section 44 and Section 162 (2) of the 1999 Constitution which provides thus: “The President...shall table before the National Assembly proposals for revenue allocation from the Federation Account and in determining ‘the formula’, the National Assembly shall take into account, “the allocation principles”, especially those of “population, ‘equality of states’...land mass”.

It is noteworthy, that the 1999 Constitution does not expressly define the suspiciously ambiguous phrases: “the formula”, and “the allocation principles”. It is respectfully submitted that this “omission” was not accidental, but was deliberately inserted in order to advance non-altruistic causes; in order words, the ambiguity was intended to advance corruption.

The 1963 Republican Constitution, aside being a citizens-produced constitution, unlike the military-fabricated 1999 Constitution, enabled the practice of fiscal federalism. Section 141 of the Republican Constitution, amongst other things, also expressly stated the proportion for the payment of monies to the regions (North, East, West and Mid-West) from the distributable pool account; it left no room for ambiguity or corruption.

The advent of military dictatorships changed all that.

The command and control structure they implemented and subsequently institutionalised through the promulgation of the 1999 Constitution, transformed the once economically robust regions into beggarly states, which today, function like line-ministries, awaiting monthly subvention from the purse of the government at the centre, for their upkeep.

As a result of the hindrances of the 1999 Constitution and the over-reaching powers alloted to the government at the centre, the states were deprived of the

ability to add value, and bereft of the legal capacity to effectively contribute to the growth of the Nigerian economy.

As the legal luminary, Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, recently observed, “the federal government exercises 98 items of power. 68 of these items are on the exclusive list in the constitution, while 33 are on the concurrent list. Only the federal government can exercise powers on the exclusive list. The states can only exercise powers on the concurrent list if the federal government is not interested.” Mr. Agbakoba concluded thus: “...this means that Nigeria is not a federation but a unitary state. The contradictions thrown up by this process are the result of the chaos and contagion you see in Nigeria.”

As Mr Agbakoba rightly observed, the 1999 (Unitary) Constitution, aside being anti - economic development, is also anti - social cohesion. The over-centralisation of power at the centre has inadvertently engendered bitter geo-political and ethno-religious strife amongst Nigeria’s ethnic groups, who seem locked in a neverending contest for domination and control of the corruptly termed ‘national cake’.

The damage done to our social cohesion and economic development by the 1999 Constitution is severe, but the situation is not beyond redemption.

Consequently, if Nigeria is to survive, and thrive, then the 1999 Constitution should be amended in order to effect the devolution of powers to the federating units and to correct the inequities in our political-economic system.

The devolution of powers to the federating units would encourage socio-economic development and would heal the wounds done to our national unity by ending the bitter rivalry that has festered amongst Nigeria’s ethnic groups in the unwholesome contest and desperate quest to #OccupyAbuja.

Nigeria has all to gain and nothing to lose from the just and equitable re-balancing of the federation and the devolution of powers to the states.

––Amasike, a Legal Practitioner, wrote from Lagos.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • AUGUST 21, 2016

LETTERS

A

ARE WE WATCHING THE OLYMPICS?

s answer to my own question, I would be saying a yes and a no, that I am actually watching the Olympic Games. A yes because the only times wherein I have had to watch other countries compete and showcase how much they have invested in their people is when I manage to buy fuel to power my generator. That in itself is a curse on the very idea of governance.

And no, I am not really watching the Olympic Games. Like any Nigerian, I go out daily to eke a living and I cannot be eking that living and spending time watching how other people spend monies for the development of their human capital. But in some offices, there are television sets and every once in a while, you get to see snippets of an Olympic performance here or there.

These things invigorate one sometimes. In spite of this however, I know that for most governments that have invested in their human capital, they would abandon their ‘work’ and be glued to their television sets because this is a time to reap the rich harvests of respect, prestige and honour which even a bronze medal can bring.

It was not always this bad in Nigerian sports, especially with what I experienced as a kid in the old Bendel State (and under military governments). Every day from Monday to Saturday, the Ogbe Stadium was usually a mecca for sport and sporting activities. If you were around then as

Mohammed

a boy, there was nowhere else you would rather be in Benin City than the Ogbe Stadium. All the sports had coaches and all the coaches had budding sportsmen and women under their charge. Life bubbled with intense sporting activity.

I remember that the Ogbe Hard Court, and the swimming section and best of all, the athletic sections all had near state-of–the- art facilities.

I remember my Hockey Coach, Osunde, and I remember how he invested so much time and energy in training us. It is to my eternal shame that I didn’t take up the sport. Rather, I preferred the combat sports – judo, karate and weightlifting – sports which I still enjoy today, and which left me a combat-ready person physically and otherwise. those days as well, we had the YSFON – (the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria) where schools and local football clubs locked

horns in friendly duels – does anyone out there remember SAMCO and SAMPHY stars in Benin at that time, and how at one time nearly every member of the national football team would come from the New Nigerian Bank, Bendel Insurance or Enugu Rangers?

As a matter of fact, so great was the interest in sports then that Bendel State usually was the state to beat in the annual National Sports Festivals. The fillip for us then was if the Olympics were being held prior to the National Sports Festivals, you would find those who had watched one event would often try to be visiting the stadium to try to practice what they’d seen on television.

It was from these events that certain Nigerian names like – Charlton Ehizeuelen, Innocent Egbunike, Chidi Imoh, Jeremiah Okorodudu, Nduka Odizor, David Izonritei, and

many others pop up. My younger brother began to do those gymnastics flips so much on our streets to the extent that he caught the interest of the head coach of the Bendel State sports council then.

Therefore, there are many young people watching the Olympics today. Most will want to go to a place where their potential can be harnessed for both personal and national glory.

But are there any of those facilities close by? Where are the stadia? Where are the coaches? Is there any arrangement on ground for our sportsmen and women? If you look closely at the people who have competed, and who will compete against us, you will just find out that many of them are our people.

They have Nigerians names and surnames. Two very good examples are Francis Obikwelu and Gloria Alozie. Just after the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games both Nigerian athletes promptly dumped Nigeria and adopted Portugal and Spain respectively.

Before they did, they had very impressive unbroken records – Obikwelu was world number two while Alozie had a 12.44 record in hurdles.

What happened to the duo? According to Obikwelu, he came down with a knee injury which he reported to the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN). But he alleged that they ignored him.

With personal funds, he undertook surgery for that knee with which he runs for Nigeria, and after he recovered from that surgery, he approached the

NIGERIAN JUDICIARY: YEAR OF CONFUSION “The bedrock of our democracy is the rule of law and that means we have to have an independent judiciary, judges who can make decisions independent of the political winds that are blowing.”

- Caroline Kennedy.

T

he judicial absurdity that’s flowing in the Nigerian polity this very moment is not only appalling, but it’s nauseating. Once again, we’re at another critical point in our national history where we must begin to ask ourselves sensitive questions and demand for rapid response from the judicial arm of our nascent democracy. In view of recent happenings, can we still trust in the integrity of the Nigerian judiciary?

Can our courts still be referred to as the temple of justice? Are judges still our honourable Lords? Is the judiciary still the last hope of the common man?

For quite a while now, the magnitude of confusion that has emanated from the hallowed chamber of the Federal High Court is something to be deeply worried about. I am afraid for the mental health of my fellow Nigerians; I am scared of what the aftermath of this judicial chaos will bring. I see anarchy being watered by the fountain of law and order.

This mess is too slippery to contain, too disgusting to fathom, and too irritating to accommodate. Clearly, the Nigerian judiciary is falling, failing, and fading away into an oblivious vacuum of mediocrity.

Do we have two Federal High Courts in Nigeria? Is it normal for two branches of the Federal High Court of Nigeria to keep issuing out orders and counter orders on a particular matter in court? Is this a normal judicial practice in saner climes? Obviously, these questions are part of a set of questions that we must begin to ask those who are

at the helm of affairs in our nation’s judiciary. The current unhealthy exchanges between courts of coordinate jurisdiction in Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Lagos, respectively, has almost destroyed whatever faith that yet lingers in the Nigerian judiciary.

Without going into details on the legal tussle between the Sheriff-led faction and the Markarfiled faction of the PDP, since the matter is pending in court, still, it is imperative to note that so far, the confusion that has been generated by the conflicting judgments from the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Lagos, and Abuja respectively, is enough to destabilise the very fragile peace that still exists in our country at the moment.

The current happenings in the Nigerian judiciary reminds me of the words of Pierre-Joseph Proudhon, a French politician, founder of mutualist philosophy, and the first person to declare himself an

anarchist: “Laws: We know what they are, and what they are worth! They are spider webs for the rich and mighty, steel chains for the poor and weak, fishing nets in the hands of the government.” Is this now our reality? What is the solution to this conspicuous judicial deformity in Nigeria?

The National Judicial Council (NJC), which was created in accordance with the provisions of Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, has so far woefully failed in its disciplinary responsibility.

One would have expected the NJC to wield its constitutional power and bring an urgent halt to the ongoing desecration of the judiciary in Nigeria.

Alas, that is not to be!

Perhaps, the NJC, indeed the Nigerian judiciary, has endorsed 2016 as the year of judicial confusion in Nigeria.

––Solomon Okocha, solomon.okocha@gmail. com.

AFN again, perhaps for a reimbursement. Yes and indeed, monies were released for the surgery but no one knew what happened to the budgeted monies. After he dumped Nigeria and began running for Spain, he clinched a silver medal for Portugal. I remember then how awkward it was for the sports minister, and for Nigeria - were we going to eat the humble pie and admit we made a terrible blunder with him? Even though Gloria Alozie later said she regretted dumping her country by taking up Spanish citizenship, her reason for registering with a youth centre in Valencia which took her very seriously cannot be different from what is happening today.

What then is happening today? It’s all in the news and the world is wondering at what the hell is wrong with us. Most of the athletes representing us today have not passed through a very rigorous four-year programme of preparation for the Rio

Games. Nothing seems to be on ground. And I think that this is because there is a big deficit in what we think constitutes greatness and national pride. But note my fellow countrymen and women: the days where oil translates to wealth are over. a manner of speaking, the oil is running dry. It is what we have done with that oil wealth that should matter. A certain famous Nigerian scientist once said that those who will rule the world tomorrow are not those who have the guns and the oil but those with information and the knowledge.

Other seemingly obscure and ‘small’ countries like Georgia, Kazarstan, Ukraine are competing on the same turf with the US, UK, France, China, Japan and Germany. Where is Nigeria? Where are her young people who truly are the strong arm of this great nation?

––Bob MajiriOghene Etemiku, Benin City

A CALL FOR RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE IN NIGERIA

I

wonder why we cannot coexist with mutual respect for our different faiths and beliefs.

Islam or Christianity or whatever faith you belong to does not give the right to take the law into your hands because Nigeria is governed by constitution.

Recently Nigerians were bewildered by the report of yet another religious hatred motivated gruesome murder of a dedicated 42 year old Christian mother of seven children, Mrs. Eunice Elisha, who on Saturday 9th July, 2016, was brutally killed while doing Christian evangelism.

Mrs. Eunice Elisha was murdered in Kubwa area of Abuja, FCT, in the early hours of the day. Her neck was slashed and she was also stabbed in the stomach.

Some few months ago in Kano. Mrs. Bridget Agbaheme, a 74 year old Christian was murdered at Wambai market due to an altercation with a Muslim man who came to the front of her store to perform ablution. Her offence was that she objected to the Islamic rite in front of her store.

Just recently a clergyman with ECWA, Reverend Zakariya, was killed by attackers suspected to be Fulani herdsmen in Obi LGA of Nasarawa state. They attacked him on his farm, cut off his arms and legs, then they chopped his head with a machete.

Also another case that saddens the heart was that of Mr. Olukunle Adebisi Emmanuel who was attacked to the point of death by Muslim members of his family just because he

converted to Christianity, his house was burnt down and his businesses messed up, he was lucky to get out of coma after some days at the Lagos State Teaching hospital.

Another fresh but sad news is that of the Fulani herdsmen/militia that is back on rampage killing 81 people in multiple attacks in Logo and Ukum local government areas of Benue state in central Nigeria.

In recent times, there have been multiple cases of attacks by Islamic fanatics on various Christian communities, all over the nation.

The recurring violence and murder of innocent Nigerian citizens on the basis of religious intolerance demand specific and relevant response from all concerned citizens in the country more so when the government in power seems to have adopted an attitude of lukewarm response to the evils being perpetrated in the name of religion.

This is cruelty and inhumanity against fellow humans and Nigeria deserves better. We have come a long way as a diverse nation, Nigerians deserve to live in peaceful coexistence and have mutual respect for one another regardless of one’s faith or belief.

Our hope as a nation is for President Buhari to live up to his campaign promises to unite this nation by finding a lasting solution to crimes committed in the name of religion once and for all.

Certainly, we cannot develop this nation with religious intolerance, hatred and religious bigotry.

Unimke Emmanuel lives from Uyo.

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SUNDAY AUGUST 21, 2016 T H I S D AY

17

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER • AUGUST 21, 2016

INTERNATIONAL/NEWS

I

t does seem that the Republican Party has gotten itself finally into that entrapped situation Nigerians call entering a one chance bus.What the GOP feared about, seeing Donald Trump as the enemy within, is no longer news except that the privileged class in Washington has finally accepted that the party of Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson and Ronald Reagan, was not only hijacked by an outsider but a modern day Fuerer who is about to plunge the party into hell. Trump Donald Trump is a real Republican nightmare. He is not just the captain of a ship in a turbulent sea, he is daring the sea in a potential wreck, dancing to the bopeep-15 men on a dead man’s chest, ho,,ho,ho and a battle of rum. he is more of a suicide bomber who wants to die with his victims. Many a Republican saw this coming and jumped over to the Democratic ship being steered by Hillary Clinton.

Just towards the end of last week, top GOP leaders started wondering if it was headed in the right direction. President Barack Obama had warned them to renounce Trump openly and stop his endorsement but they would not listen, preferring the tradition of doublespeak, sparing the rod to spol the child. We speak and condemn Trump because this is not the culture of our party but we will go ahead to endorse him.

Trump does not give hoot how his conquered territory feels, sometimes asking them to shut up and they had actually shut themselves up for fear of Trump.

The list of the nominee’s gaffe on his way to power are better imagined. He says what he wants to say and twists it to suit his purpose when in troubled waters. Nigerian politicians seem to be angels when compared with Trump in denying their statements backed with a tape recorder.-NRA should decide what to do with Clinton before it is too late, no what I meant was they should use their mandate to vote against her, Russia please come and hack Clinton’s emails and get a reward from our media, no I was only joking; I saw millions of dollars meant for Iran in exchange for hostages being offloaded from an aircraft believe me, oh I’m sorry folks I was wrong, what I saw was not anything connected to what I thought I saw (the first time he would not double down on his embarrassing and costly remarks.).

Paul Ryan was the first to speak out and earned a minus from the boss. TNC chairman Reince for the second time in a row, spoke out. It turned out he too, like Mr Pence, has been cleaning the dirty laundry for this man until it became public knowledge. Chris Christie whose backyard is on fire plus being disgraced out of context in the choice of a running mate, has taken back seat in his bad pr job for Trump. After the man messed up himself wth Gold Star family that spoke during the DNC conventon, Christie quietly rebuked Trump, following the footsteps of one of his aides, who saw the nominee as an unserious candidate, pledging to vote for Clinton. Now it s Gilliani, former mayor of New York, who engaged CNN’s Cuoma on Newday in a verbal war of the American media ganging up against his candidate and seeing no evil in Clinton.

He gets cover from Newt Gringrich who has advised the candidate, if only he can become a little bit less unacceptable to Clinton in the weeks ahead, less than 77 days, he would have

Rigged GOP

won the trophy.

Sadly, it gets worse by the day. Just last week Thursday, Senate Majority Leader Mtch Mcconnel, lamented his chances and those of well over 10 GOP candidates were at stake.

What the party is likely to do n the remaining days to the election s to deploy its resources campaigning down the line for its candidates heading for Congress. Trump’s delusion of grandeur as a POTUA in waiting was fueled by his successes in the run to the Republican nominaton, defeating 16 others just lke Mohammed Alli and Mike Tyson in their great days of knocking out the opponent and waiting for him to get up and receive the real deadly punch. N Trump’s case his deadly knock out punch is coming from Clinton whose over 30 years of association with the Democrats have earned her a combination of both Alli and Tyson waiting for the neophyte who has little to offer. Realising he was close to the end of the road, his reliance on the likes of Juan Assange and his Wiilleaks as well as foreign allies like Russia, does not seem to be convincing enough that here goes a patriot ready to carry the GOP banner like the greats in history. When asked if Trump was mentally sound, Gingrich said yes, he is as sound as President Andrew Jackson. “ I mean, he is at least as reliable as Andrew Jackson, who was one of the most decisive presidents in American history,”Gingrich should be worried that his contract with America pact which helped the Republicans grab the House from the Democrats after four decades, is about to be rubbished by the obsolete post-world war cry of making America great by a man who is grounding the party’s campaign to a halt.

The candidate’s new swan song is that the election would be rigged by the Washington mafia. to which the President

said was a very ridiculous proposition. Said Obama: “I never heard of somebody complaining about being cheated before the game is over,” Obama said during a Thursday press conference. My suggestion would be: Go out there and try to win the election.”

Unfortunately, many Republicans now believe no matter what you have to say of Hillary, there is no basis for comparison between the two candidates. Hillary may be as unpopular as Trump before the electorate regarding her extremely careless handling of State Department email servers, the Benghazi crisis and her inability to create a demarcation between the Clinton Foundation and using her office to attract patronage for the foundation with a questionable income and expenditure profile. but stands shoulder high in matters of statecraft. “I’m a truth teller. All I do is tell the truth. And ifw at the end of 90 days, I’ve fallen short because I’m somewhat politically correct even though I’m supposed to be the smart one and even though I’m supposed to have a lot of good ideas, it’s OK. I go back to a very good way of life.”

Nothing better summarises the dilemma of the Republican Party and its guardian angels than the stand of the students of the Harvard Republican Club on the candidacy of Trump: In every presidential election since 1888, the members and Executive Board of the Harvard Republican Club have gathered to discuss, debate, and eventually endorse the standard-bearer of our party. But for the first time in 128 years, we, the oldest College Republicans chapter in the nation, will not be endorsing the Republican nominee.

Donald Trump holds views that are antithetical to our values not only as Republicans, but as Americans. The rhetoric he espouses –from racist slander to misogynistic taunts– is not consistent with our conservative principles, and his repeated mocking of the disabled and belittling of the sacrifices made by prisoners of war, Gold Star families, and Purple Heart recipients is not only bad politics, but absurdly cruel.

If enacted, Donald Trump’s platform would endanger our security both at home and abroad. Domestically, his protectionist trade policies and draconian immigration restrictions would enlarge our federal deficit, raise prices for consumers, and throw our economy back into recession. Trump’s global outlook, steeped in isolationism, is considerably out-of-step with the traditional Republican stance as well. The flippancy with which he is willing to abdicate the United States’ responsibility to lead is alarming. Calling for the US’ withdrawal from NATO and actively endorsing nuclear proliferation, Donald Trump’s foreign policy would wreak havoc on the established world order which has held aggressive foreign powers in check since World War II. (See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)

TEXEM Partners Global Enterprises, WHO: New Polio Cases Undermine Organises Executive Master Class Nigeria’s Tremendous Job In response to the current tough economic climate, TEXEM (These Executive Minds), a United Kingdom service-based social enterprise focusing on the executive education market by partnering major global enterprises and top business universities has organised an executive master class for CEOs and senior executives from the private and public sector in Nigeria.

The programme tagged ‘Executive Master Class: Beyond Survival, Developing Winning Strategies in Turbulent Times, Public and Private Sector Perspectives’ held at the British Deputy High Commissioner’s Residence, Lagos, on August 11.

The one-day programme was facilitated by three members of TEXEM faculty; Prof. Rodria Laline, a visiting Professor of Harvard, Insead, IESE and Chair of the Interbond Capital. Rt. Hon. Mark Simmonds, Deputy Chair, Commonwealth Investment Council, Privy to the Queen of UK and former Foreign and Commonwealth Minister with responsibility for Africa, the Caribbean, Conflict Prevention and International Energy, Nic Northcote, Partner at McKinsey & Company and Dr. Fiyinfolu Oladiran, Partner at McKinsey based in Johannesburg, South Africa. The British Deputy High Commissioner delivered the opening address and joined in the presentation of the certificates.

The programme, which commenced at about 8:00am with accreditation and registration had in attendance senior executives and stakeholders from foremost Nigerian organisations such as Ernst and Young, Corporate Affairs Commission, Oando, Shell, UACN, Airtel, Afromedia, PTDF, Chellarams, British Airways, Eko Hotels, Nigeria Police Pension Fund, and Major Oil Marketers’

Association of Nigeria.

Themes covered include: Strategic Leadership for Superior performance in Turbulent Times, Strategic Approaches to Navigating Headwinds in Challenging Times, Developing Innovation in the Board Room, and Exceling in the Value Adding Process, Making Public-Private Partnership Work in Times of Austerity, and Strategy to Beat the Odds.

Prof. Laline, who was visiting Africa for the first time took the first session on ‘Strategic Leadership for Superior Performance in Turbulent Times’. During her session, she addressed issues on leadership and innovation through the use of case studies, scenarios and questions from the participants.

She said “The interactions that took place were very impressive, they were very exciting and there were many bright and intelligent questions asked and so I have enjoyed it. I will come back again.”

The sessions were insightful as many of the delegates attested to the relevance and the aptness of the programme.

Northcote said the session ‘Strategy to Beat the Odds’ which he delivered is the outcome of a three year global research project that involved seven teams across five continents, which will culminate in the publishing of their new book on Strategy in January 2017. He said his session was analytical and fact based, which will help Nigerian leaders make better decisions and strategic choices. According to CEO of TEXEM, Dr. Alim Abubakre, TEXEM came into existence in 2009, formally known as These Young Minds and then rebranded to These Executive Minds (TEXEM). It started with training executives in the UK and then Africa.

Paul Obi in Abuja with agency reports

The World Health Organisation (WHO) yesterday said the outbreak of new cases of Polio in Nigeria has undermined the country’s tremendous work at meeting its target of eradicating the virus completely.

Speaking at the 66th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, WHO Director General, Dr. Margaret Chan expressed great concern over Nigeria’s failure to end polio next year.

Chan, in her opening remarks at the ceremony, recalled with admiration, the feat recorded by Nigeria in celebrating two years of no single case of wild polio transmission, expressing regret at the two new cases of children paralysed by polio in Borno State.

“This set back in no way undermines the tremendous job done by the Nigerian Government in getting down to zero case. You will get there again. We will get the job done”, Chan said, adding that WHO will offer the necessary support to Nigeria in putting an end to polio.

According to her, the prog-

ress so far recorded in Africa provides a reason for optimism as the world moves into the era of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

She said Africa stands to benefit most from implementation of the SDG Agenda, especially since the alleviation of poverty is an overarching SDG objective as nothing holds back health development in the region as much as the full grip of poverty.

Nigerian Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, while speaking at the session explained that Nigeria has already declared polio a public health emergency and vaccination has begun in Borno State and 2 additional states will be included from Monday, August 22, to be followed by 18 other states.

Adewole explained that “eventually the country will implement six rounds of vaccination according to the international best practices.”

Earlier in her statement, the Regional Director, Africa, WHO, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, said there was a tremendous improvement in the way the region responds to emergencies.

She said, “Although Africa faces multiple and complex disease outbreaks, timely detection

and improved emergency response will help in tackling the challenge”.

She noted that the two new cases of wild polio virus recorded in Nigeria have called for more vigilance in the region, especially in the areas which were hitherto rendered inaccessible by security challenges.

She commended the prompt response by the Nigerian Government and welcomed the planned commencement of synchronised vaccination of the vulnerable population by the governments of Chad, Niger, Cameroon, Central Africa Republic and Nigeria scheduled for August 27.

PUBLIC NOTICE

I, formerly known as OLADEPO ABIMBOLA RUTH, now wish to be known as JIDE ABIMBOLA RUTH. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

I, formerly known as MRS FAITH OZOEMENA, now wish to be known as MISS FAITH EKEJIUBA. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

18

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER • AUGUST 21, 2016

INTERNATIONAL

Why Not an Ojo Maduekwe Foundation for Citizen Diplomacy in Nigeria?

O

jo Maduekwe, born on May 6, 1945 as a Nigerian by ius sanguinis, lawyer by training, traditional chieftaincy title holder by conferment on the basis of patriotic behaviour, astute professional politician by choice, unflinching Christian by inheritance, permanently thirsty and hungry intellectually, a completely detribalised Nigerian who is always wrapped up in the glory of objectivity of purpose, died unexpectedly but heroically at the Turkish Hospital inAbuja on Wednesday, June 29 at the age of 71 years. He returned from the United States on that same day with the hope of coming to supervise the arrangements of the 70th Anniversary of his wife the following day. He refused to slump in the aircraft but waited fully to be on Nigerian soil at the NnamdiAzikiwe InternationalAirport before doing so and had to be rushed to the hospital.

He did not die after a brief illness the Nigerian way. He workrd until the last second of his life and was laid to rest on Saturday, 20thAugust, 2016.

When he was alive, he was bubbling with development ideas and always living ahead of his time. He was one of the few Foreign Ministers who added value to the articulation of Nigeria’s foreign policy interest. Dr. Jaja Wachukwu, Nigeria’s first Minister of ForeignAffairs, came up with two powerful arguments on exceptions to the rule of non-interference and intervention in international relations that had to be internationally acknowledged.

When President Sylvanus Olympio of Togo was assassinated in 1963, Dr. Wachukwu argued that there must be an exception toArticle 2, paragraph 7 of the United Nations Charter which prohibits intervention in the domestic affairs of other countries, particularly domestic affairs over which the countries have exclusive competence.

For Jaja Wachukwu, President Olympio was a very strong and dependable ally of Nigeria, and therefore, Nigeria could not simply fold her arms and be a spectator in the commission of atrocities in Nigeria’s backyard.

Asecond illustration of the exception to the rule was the apartheid argument. Jaja Wachukwu had it that under no circumstance should apartheid or the subjugation of anAfrican or black man in SouthAfrica be considered as an internal affair of SouthAfrica. In fact, it should be recalled here that it was clearly stated in the inner cover of the back page of Nigeria’s passport in the 1960s and 1970s that every holder of the then Nigerian passport should fight apartheid with whatever means available to him or her wherever he or she may be. This means that apartheid was fought tooth and nail without due regard to the principle of non-intervention.

While Dr. OkoiArikpo contributed the argument that Nigeria would not accept the use ofAfrica simply as a source of raw materials for the development of Europe, Professor IbrahimAgboola Gambari came up with the need for foreign policy concentricism in the implementation processes of the national interest.

Ambassador OluyemiAdeniji pushed the argument further by redefining it as beneficial and constructive concentricism. Put differently, while Professor Gambari underscores operational areas of foreign policy implementation,AmbassadorAdeniji emphasises the articulation of the interests to be protected in each concentric circle.

Perhaps more interestingly challenging is ProfessorAkinwande Bolaji Akinyemi’s contribution. He came up with the Consultation Doctrine which required any partner of Nigeria to first consult with Nigeria before assuming and expecting support from Nigeria whenever such partner runs into trouble in international politics.Additionally, he came up with the idea of Concert of Medium Powers as a possible instrument of selfprojection.And true, ProfessorAkinyemi was also the chief evangelist and technician of the TechnicalAid Corps Scheme on which Nigeria’s current international respect is still largely based.

Some Issues in and Rationales for Citizen Diplomacy

Citizen diplomacy, as theorised by Ojo Maduekwe, is a technique for the conduct and management of diplomacy using the citizens but Nigeria is yet to fully appreciate and begin to take advantage of it.Although Ojo Maduekwe was not an academic professor, the vibrancy of his ideas, his knowledge of current affairs, the rate at which he acquires new publications and read them, as well as his ability to compare, contrast and simplify complicated issues qualify him as an extraordinary professor even in the absence of an official conferment. Explained differently, he theorised citizen diplomacy in the context of future scenarios and need. This is precisely on what the leading countries of the world are currently focusing their energy as official diplomacy now appears to be failing to assist in the maintenance of international peace and security. The involvement of the people has become a desideratum in the quest for global peace as at today, and this is precisely why there is need for a centre or a foundation for Citizen Diplomacy in honour of Chief Ojo Maduekwe.

In this regard, one major irritant and challenge to Nigeria’s foreign policy making is how to address the issue of mistreatment of and unfairness often meted out to Nigerians in foreign countries. Recall the task force set up in November 2007 by the Government of Ghana, which sealed up shops owned by Nigerians. Nigerian traders were required to pay $300,000 (three hundred thousand US dollars) to the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre before they could be allowed to continue doing business in Ghana. TheAssociation of Nigerian Traders in Ghana made efforts to get the order reversed but it was to no avail.

The Nigerian traders in Ghana, by virtue of Nigeria’s membership of the ECOWAS, are Community Citizens, and therefore, have the right to reside and establish businesses in the country. Even though this does not mean they should not respect the business code of the country, their host country does not also have the right to make discriminatory and self- protective regulations to the detriment of ECOWAS supranational regulations. This is an area that should be of serious concern for citizen diplomacy, the foundations of which are yet to be laid at the level of the Nigerian people.

VIE INTERNATIONALE with

Bola A. Akinterinwa Telephone : 0807-688-2846

e-mail: bolyttag@yahoo.com

Maduekwe Another illustration of unfairness and maltreatment of Nigerians in Africa was the execution of some Nigerians in Libya in 2010 allegedly for various offences. If people commit offences and were found guilty after a fair trial, there should not be any qualms about it. However, when what is considered a fair trial is largely predicated on official unfairness, then there cannot but be a fundamental issue to address.

In Libya, legal proceedings, investigations, as well as prosecutions are all carried out inArabic language, which most of the accused people standing trial do not at all understand. Interpretations and translations are not allowed and several international civil society groups, especially many members of theAmnesty International have been complaining about this issue for a long time but to no avail.As we do all know, citizen diplomacy is essentially about the protection of the citizens in all ramifications at home and abroad. However, citizen diplomacy is yet to be given the institutional fillip it deserves. It is within the framework of citizen diplomacy that problems of mistreatment of Nigerians can best be treated at the level of people-to-people.

For instance, what really was the outcome of Nigeria’s protest letter when the Mexican authorities deported the Nigerian delegation who went to Mexico to cheer to victory Nigeria’s heavyweight champion, Mr. Samuel Peter? Have we also forgotten the case of a 31-year old Nigerian married to a Belgian, Mrs. Evelyn UcheAmarim, who was strangled to death by her husband, Wim Vanackner, in Bredene in Belgium? Even though Evelyn had children for the husband, she was brutally killed and dumped at the Franco-German border where the French authorities found her dead.

If it is difficult to seek diplomatic protection at the level of official diplomacy, especially in light of the fact of dual nationality of the couple, what about the roles to be played at the level of people-to-people to ensure that the implications of such wicked killings are brought to stay on the discerning minds of the generality of the people?

In 2008, ten Nigerians were travelling from Dubai, UnitedArab Emirates, in a super tug-boat, namedYenagoa Ocean, back home to Nigeria, but were attacked in the international waters by some militant groups in Somalia.As explained by the Captain of the ship, Graham Egbegi, he and his crew went to Dubai to take delivery of theYenagoa Ocean via the Pacific route. On their way back, one of the crew members fell ill and had to be rushed to the nearest port for medical assistance. Mogadishu was the nearest port and permission was granted to berthe the vessel there. It was when the vessel was heading towards the Mogadishu port that the vessel was attached, and that the ten Nigerians were abducted and taken into unknown destination for several weeks. The roles specifically played by Ojo Maduekwe were noteworthy, especially in securing their safety and their vessel. The factor of people-to-people was critical in the effort.

We should also not quickly forget the case of another Nigerian vessel, Ocean King 1, a fishing trawler owned by Mr. Kunle Kuteyi of the Ocean King Nigeria Limited. The vessel was sailing from the United States to Nigeria but was in distress in the international waters close to Senegalese territorial waters.Another vessel, owned by a Spanish company, Euskalduna de Pesca of Call Santamane 3-Baj-48370 Bermeo, came to its aid and towed it to the Senegalese port.

As we have once noted in Volume 1 of Vie Internationale Contemporaine, 2007-2012: Reflections on Nigeria in a Pluriverse World of Decline

and Incline (Nigeria and the Challenge of Nation-building, pp, 757-758), it was quite clear that the Senegalese authorities were simply interested in acquiring the Ocean King 1 and therefore hid under spurious arguments that the vessel was abandoned on the high seas and not that the vessel was brought to the Senegalese port by a third party. If the vessel had been found by the Senegalese naval men and towed to the Senegalese port by them, the story and the position of the Senegalese maritime authority would have been quite understandable. In any case, the Senegalese smartly took over ownership of Ocean King 1 thus leaving Mr. Kunle Kuteyi to an unprotected fate in Nigeria.

As we have also noted earlier, ‘whenever Chief Ojo Maduekwe talks about citizen diplomacy, he always has in mind the protection of all law abiding Nigerians wherever they may be in the world. The protection includes non-acceptance of mistreatment of Nigerians, application of reciprocity when foreign authorities do not apologise or refuse to remedy wrong doings to Nigerians, promotion of better entente in bilateral relations to prevent hostile attitude towards Nigerians in their host states, as well as re-orientation of Nigerians travelling abroad and creating greater awareness about the rules and regulations guiding international immigration in the various countries of the world’ (ibid., p.756).

The choice of the foregoing examples is to underscore the need for citizen diplomacy. The examples are simply a tip of the iceberg. There are more serious issues in Nigeria’s foreign policy begging for attention but to which attention is hardly paid. State matters have always been given priority attention probably rightly too, but doing so should not be critically detrimental to the interests of the people without who the concept of the Nigerian nation will be, at best, meaningless. This is why the beauty in citizen diplomacy, and particularly any sincere initiative either by the people themselves or by the Government ofAbia State or the Government of the Federation has to be taken advantage of. The rationales for citizen diplomacy are many and worth looking into in acknowledging Ojo Maduekwe as an administrator and great thinker of no mean repute.

As regards rationales for a possible Ojo Maduekwe Citizen Diplomacy Foundation, Ojo Maduekwe is a very good party-politics player worth emulating in various ramifications. He is completely de-tribalised in his approach to the management of public affairs. For him, it was always Nigeria first to which all his ministerial appointments clearly point. For instance, as a good party-politics player, he was a Member of the National Assembly in the Second Republic in 1983. He was also SpecialAdviser to the Chairman, Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the period from 1990 to1992. He was not only elected Senator of the Federal Republic in 1998 but was also elected the National Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party in the period from 2005 to 2007.

His dedication to duty, proactive disposition to any Government he was serving, and particularly his love of and quest for a greater Nigerian nation largely explain his many ministerial and other public appointments. He was a Member of the ConstitutionalAssembly in 1988-1989 and also Member of the National Constitutional Conference in 1994-1995.

He was a Member of the National BoundariesAdjustment Commission in 1997 and also a Member of and TechnicalAdviser to the Vision 2010 Committee in 1997. He served as PresidentialAdviser on Legal and ConstitutionalAffairs in 2003-2005.

Perhaps most interestingly, he not only also served as SpecialAdviser to the Minister of ForeignAffairs in the period 1993-1995, he too was also Minister of ForeignAffairs from July 2007 to March 2010, Minister of Culture and Tourism from 1999to 2000 and Minister of Transport from 2000 to 2003. What is particularly noteworthy about his person and attitudinal disposition to private and official life is simplicity and non-arrogance. He is always ready to accept to serve and always in whatever capacity. When he was Foreign Minister, he was the direct boss of all the Heads of Nigerian Missionsabroad.Thisdidnotpreventhim fromacceptingtobeappointed as High Commissioner to Canada and, by so doing, also accepting to take directives from his former subordinates. This is quite exemplary.

Beauty of an Ojo Maduekwe Citizen Diplomacy Centre

As required by international diplomatic convention, all accredited diplomatic missions are supposed to be located in the political capitals of their host countries, and in this case,Abuja, for Nigeria. In many developed political capitals of the world, there are diplomatic centres where diplomatic activities are held and citizen diplomacy is conducted.

However, Nigeria, as a regional and continental leader, cannot boast of any diplomatic center. In fact, in many developed capitals and cities, there are specific shopping centers where diplomatic agents can buy detaxed goods since they do not pay taxes as representatives of a sovereign.

In this case, thinking of a citizen diplomacy centre that can be named in honour of Ojo Maduekwe cannot but have a peculiar beauty in the sense that it can serve as a meeting, relaxation and citizen diplomacy point for the diplomatic community and the people of Nigeria. The centre, with various indoor games, international restaurants, mediumsized rooms for tête-à-tête discussions, halls for cocktail receptions, and world-standard international diplomatic library will be commensurate with Nigeria’s giant role inAfrica.

What Nigeria needs now is not a reactive foreign policy but a very proactive policy of grandeur, leadership by example and, more importantly, a people-driven foreign policy, which means that citizen diplomacy should be given more attention in foreign policy formulation. Ojo Maduekwe died but not with his ideas. So, his legacy of national unity, development, integrity should be sustained. This is how best to honour an illustrious and great Nigerian with an indelible record of nationalism.

May God, in His Infinite Mercy, kindly consider him for a new ministerial position in His Kingdom while sparing the family he left behind for special blessing and protection in the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord,Amen.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • AUGUST 21, 2016

BUSINESS QUICK TAKES Brent Crude

Globaloilbenchmark,Brentcrude,hitan eight-weekhighduringtheweekasthe world’sbiggestproducerspreparedto discussapossiblefreezeinproduction levels. Brent, against which half of the world’s oil is priced, rose by $0.84 to $50.69 per barrel. The benchmark has risen more than 20 per cent from a low in early August on news that the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countriesandotherkeyexportersmay revive talks on freezing output levels whentheymeetinAlgerianextmonth.

The rally has also been driven by short covering, as speculators including hedge funds and other money managers have amassed record short positions.

“With the lack of investment from outside oil companies, the sovereigns will be the best hope to raise production next year in a situation where it is likely that demand will exceed global output and that in itself is a reason that a production freeze at current levels still matters,” a senior energy analyst at Price Futures Group, Phil Flynn, was quoted as saying. OPEC memberswillmeetontheside-linesof theInternationalEnergyForum,which groups producers and consumers, in Algeria on September 26-28.

Foreign Airlines

Rising inflation is a serious concern for traders and consumers

Inflation May Have Been Tamed, Say Analysts Kunle Aderinokun Ahead of the release of July inflation figures by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), analysts have predicted a rise in the consumer price index (CPI), which measures inflation, of more than 70 basis points.

By the analysts’ estimation, the pace of increase in the CPI would, however, be reduced compared to the 90 basis points it recorded when it hit 16.48 per cent in June from the preceding month’s 15.58 per cent.

The analysts that released their forecasts, obtained by THISDAY were from FSDH Merchant Bank, Access Bank Plc and Dunn Loren Merrifield Asset Management Ltd. FSDH forecast that inflation would rise by 87 basis points to 17.35 per cent while both Access Bank and Dunn Loren predicted an increase in the rate by 72 basis points to 17.20 per cent.

Analysts at FSDH stated that they expected “the increase to come from the increase in the prices of food items and other non-food items as a result of the depreciation in the value of the Naira.”

According to them, “Our analysis indicates that the value of the Naira depreciated at the inter-bank market and the parallel market by 11.89 per cent and 6.63per cent respectively in July 2016. The Naira lost N38.19 and N25.00 at the inter-bank and parallel market to close at US$/N321.16 and US$377 respectively as at the end of July. The depreciation recorded in

ECONOMY the exchange rate between the two months would put further pressure on domestic prices.”

“The prices of food items that FSDH Research monitored in July 2016 increased compared with June 2016. The prices of yam, onions, sweet potatoes, palm oil, vegetable oil, garri, Irish potatoes, rice and fish were up by 28.7per cent, 17.78per cent, 10per cent, 8.89per cent, 7.94per cent, 5.56per cent, 4.55per cent, 3.7per cent and 1.85per cent, while the price of tomatoes, fell by 27.34per cent. Meanwhile, the price of beans remained unchanged.

“The movement in the prices of food items during the month resulted in a 1.50per cent increase in our Food and Non-Alcoholic Index to 207.66 points. We also noticed increases in Clothing and Footwear; Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas & Other Fuels divisions between June and July 2016.

“Our model indicates that the price movements in the consumer goods and services in July 2016 would increase the CCPI to 204.61 points, representing a month-onmonth increase of 1.45per cent.

We estimate that the increase in the CCPI in July will produce an inflation rate of 17.35per cent,” FSDH analysts added.

In their assessment, the Economic Intelligence Group of Access Bank Plc noted that “the expected upward

momentum in headline inflation in July reflects increases in both food and core components of inflation.”

The analysts pointed out that, “The food component which has the largest weighting in the inflation basket will be responsible for a substantial amount of the overall price pressure.”

According to them, “The uptick in prices from items such as fish, meat, vegetables and bread on the back of higher transportation and distribution cost will push inflation rate for the The food component which has the largest weighting in the inflation basket will be responsible for a substantial amount of the overall price pressure

month of July higher.”

Specifically, they pointed out that, “The core index should also inch up slightly due to cost push factors on the back of continued depreciation of the Naira. The local currency depreciated more than 28per cent against the green back in the interbank and parallel market over the levels in June. The pass-through effect will be seen in the prices of imported items such as motor car and vehicle spare parts. Increases in cost of passenger transport by air will further drive the core index higher.”

“The nation’s reliance on imports of raw materials, refined products and consumer goods implies that a

weaker naira will compound the effect of imported inflation,” the Access Bank analysts added.

Similarly, Dunn Loren analysts posited that the July inflation would be “primarily driven by a slower rise in the core index.”

“Our model also shows a movement in the food and core sub-indices to 208.6points and 200.7points respectively. This translates into a food and core inflation of approximately 16.21 per cent and 16.96 per cent respectively in July 2016. We maintain our position on the likelihood of upward price movements in the coming months.

“Rising from the July 2016 meeting, the Monetary Policy Committee voted in favour of increasing the benchmark rate by 200bps to 14.00 per cent. The basis for the hike was attributed to the assertion that the apex bank lacked the instruments required to directly jumpstart growth.

“Generally, this policy decision raises certain concerns on the extent of tightening that will occur in the coming months given the current commitment of the CBN to engender price stability whilst gradually achieving positive real interest rates. In our opinion, underlying inflation drivers ( with energy prices and exchange rate pressures being significant contributors) should be targeted and addressed rather than a resort to a further increase in the monetary policy rate to curtail inflationary pressures due to structural factors,” they pointed out.

Some international airlines, which hitherto had their operational bases inNigeria,havestartedrelocatingtheir officestoAccra,Ghanafromwherethey come to pick passengers in Nigeria.

Theairlines cited thepoor valueofthe naira, high cost and paucity of aviation fuel as some of the reasons for their relocation. Already, one of the major international operators in Nigeria, Emirates, started last Sunday to pick upNigerianpassengersandtakethem to Accra, where it refuels and before heading back to Dubai, its operational hub. It was also gathered that some otherairlinesarealreadyopeningtheir Accraoffices,whilesomehavestarted both Accra and Lagos flights.

The Chairman of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Capt. Nogie Meggison, whoconfirmedEmirateslatestdecision said other foreign airlines may follow suitbecauseofthehighcostofaviation fuel,whichishurtingairtransportbusiness in Nigeria. He noted that some of the airlines may even begin to attract NigerianpassengerstotraveltoGhana to board international flights.

Pension Asset

Global pension assets have grown significantly to $54trillion, the Chief ExecutiveOfficeroftheWorldPension Summit (WPS), Chris Battaglia, has disclosed.Battaglia,madetheremark inLagos,aheadofthethirdWorldPensionSummitA ‘ fricaSpecial,’expectedto takeplaceinAbujabetweenSeptember 27thand28th,2016.Accordingtohim, inalotofdevelopedcountries,pension assetsarenowmorethan100percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“Globalretirementassetsaregrowingin sizeandvolumeandashiftfromdefined benefits to defined contribution. In most developed countries, pension assets have also grown in relation to their economies. With great assets come greater responsibility. Assets of the 300 pension funds globally averagednearly$14trillion,”headded.

Earlier, the Director General of the NationalPensionCommission(PenCom), ChineloAnohu-Amazu,explainedthat the commission, in furtherance of its missionofpromotingapensionindustrythatimpactsonnation-buildingand national development organised the first and second edition of the World PensionSummitA ‘ fricaSpecial’in2014 and 2015 respectively.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • AUGUST 21, 2016

BUSINESS/MONEY

Why CBN Annual Examination of Banks May Calm Market

As the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) conducts special examination on banks at a time the economy is facing serious challenges, expectations are high as to what would be the outcomes of the initiative and its impact on the economy, write Kunle Aderinokun and James Emejo

T

he Central Bank of Nigeria’s on-going special examination of banks has been described by all and sundry as a right step in ensuring safety of the financial system.

The apex bank had announced that in order to ascertain the actual well-being of banks owing to the nation’s macroeconomic challenges and rising non-performing loans (NPLs), it was embarking on a special investigation of the banking industry.

Contrary to initial opinion that the move could send the wrong signal to banking customers that there was trouble with the banks, experts argued that the probe was only a routine and cautionary measure by the apex bank.

Banks’ Non Performing Loans (NPLs) portfolios had increasingly become bad largely as a result of the global financial crisis occasioned by fall in oil prices as many banks had massive exposures to the oil sector.

Also, disruptions of oil production activities in the Niger Delta area had further worsened the situation. Banks’ NPL ratios are believed to be far above the prudential limit set by the CBN, raising concerns and the need for the apex bank vigilant to its core mandate of financial stability.

Noteworthy is the recent report of Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) which revealed that the NPL ratio for the industry increased to 4.87 per cent in 2015 from 2.81 per cent in 2014, though still within the regulatory threshold of 5 per cent.

The banking industry’s liquidity position was however adjudged to be strong as average liquidity ratio rose slightly from 53.65 per cent in 2014 to 58.18 per cent in 2015.

All the individual DMBs had liquidity ratios above the prudential minimum threshold of 30 per cent as at 2015.

But the recent intervention launched by the CBN in Skye Bank where it replaced its board due to lax corporate governance raised concerns in the banking public and may not be unrelated to the on-going examinations in other banks.

Besides, the CBN probe may not be unconnected with the NDIC report, which also revealed that financial fraud and forgeries cost the banking sector a total of N18.02 billion in 2015.

According to the corporation, a total of 12,279 fraud cases were reported in the period under review, representing an increase of 15.71 per cent over the 10,612 fraud cases reported in 2014.

A breakdown of industry losses to criminal activities, further showed that internet banking fraud cost banks N857 million, representing 27 per cent of total actual loss while ATM/ Card-related fraud cases fleeced the industry to the tune of N504 million from N1.24 billion the previous year. This represented a share of 15.9 per cent of total industry loss to frauds and forgeries, although the loss suffered by the industry due to frauds declined significantly by 59.4 per cent in 2015.

According to the NDIC, out of the 12,279 fraud cases reported by the deposit money banks (DMBs), 425 cases were attributed to staff, while staff-related fraud cases cost the industry N979 million in 2015, representing a decrease of N70 per cent from N3.16 billion last year.

The number of fraud cases perpetrated by staff further decreased to 425 in 2015, from 465 in 2014.

It added that the highest percentage of fraud and forgery cases of 38.59 per cent was perpetrated by temporary staff.

In their opinion, economic analysts and industry watchers are anxiously waiting for the conclusion of the exercise but are positive on the outcomes and its ripple effect on the economy and foreign direct investment.

CBN, Gov, Godwin Emefiele

Managing Director and Chief Economist, Africa, Global Research, Standard Chartered Bank, Razia Khan, said whatever the CBN could do to reassure on the health of the banking sector will be positive.

Pointing out that, “Clearly, the macroeconomic backdrop (which has led to underperformance in the real economy, and a weaker FX rate) is a challenging situation for banks,” Khan noted that, “The sooner banks are able to deal with any potential NPLs, the faster they are re-capitalised, the sooner investor faith in the banking system is restored, the better it will be for Nigeria’s recovery prospects.”

“This means dealing in a timely and transparent manner with any NPLs that arise from the weaker FX rate, and providing concrete reassurance on the health of the banks.”

Similarly, economist and ex-banker/Managing Director, Bristol Investment Limited, Dr. Chijioke Ekechukwu, believed investigation had the potential to support the growth of the economy as well.

He said: “The ultimate and core function of CBN is regulatory over commercial, Merchant, Mortgage, Micro Finance Banks and other Financial Institutions. In regulating these banks, they will always examine their books. What CBN is doing therefore is not an ultra vires function. These investigations have exposed the insider abuses of the directors and executive of the banks. These investigations or examinations have helped to protect the deposits of customers and investments of Investors.

“They have forestalled fraud and malpractices and have built confidence in the prospective investors. Their Investigations have helped to grow the economy by making sure that certain sectors of the economy get appropriate percentage of funding. CBN’s function of investigation is generally aimed at supporting the growth of our

economy. They are only doing their function.”

Also, Associate Professor of Finance and Head, Banking and Finance Department, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Dr. Uche Uwaleke, described the move as a proactive measure to contain any systemic risk.

He said: “The investigation of banks by the CBN is being done in the discharge of its function as the watchdog of banks in Nigeria.

This proactive measure has become necessary in order to contain any systemic risk arising from the macroeconomic headwinds, which shot up non-performing loans (NPLs) beyond the regulatory threshold of 5 per cent as well as deteriorated the Capital Adequacy Ratio of many banks due to the presence of high risk- weighted assets. Since the CBN wielded the big stick on Skye bank, the confidence in the banking sector has waned with mounting concerns over the health of banks in Nigeria.

“Without doubt, the overexposure of many banks to the oil and gas sector and the sudden implementation of the Treasury Single Account contributed to the current liquidity crisis in the industry. In some banks, this situation was compounded by outright breach of credit guidelines and abuse of insider credit. The CBN has a duty to sanitise the system and maintain financial stability.

“Part of this responsibility includes providing assurance to the public, as they have been doing recently, that the banking sector is not distressed. This assurance can only be given after a thorough assessment of the situation.

Besides, there are foreign stakeholders such as international investors and rating firms like Fitch, which are equally monitoring the health of banks in Nigeria. The recent one-off forbearance granted to banks to write off their fully provided for NPLs without waiting for the mandatory one year as provided in the

prudential guideline is laudable.

“To further help banks weather the storm, the CBN should consider a reduction in the cash reserve and liquidity ratios. This measure will not only boost banks’ liquidity, it will also encourage savings in the economy since the banks will be in a stronger position to increase interest on savings deposit thereby bridging the huge gap between savings and lending rates.”

Also, economist and former Managing Director, Unity Bank, Muhammed Rislanudenn, said the examination was good for the banks and the economy in general.

According to him, “I think it’s basically a risk-based special examination, more of a stress test that may seek to focus on only issues relating to capital adequacy, liquidity and corporate governance, similar to what was done in 2009.

“The aim may be targeted at testing the state of health of the banks especially given the incidence of average high non-performing loans above statutory limit of 5 per cent. It is good for the banks as well as the economy especially given the fact that economy is in recession and loan defaults might increase. It will also help in ascertaining level of regulatory support needed by any bank.”

Executive Director, Corporate Finance, BGL Capital Ltd, Femi Ademola, described the stress tests being conducted on banks by CBN as one of its regulatory responsibilities. The CBN, he explained, usually conduct these tests as the need arises. “And the need usually arise when there are concerns about the health of banks or the fear of systemic uncertainties in the financial system.”

Pointing that, “A sign of such concern or systemic risk will be the recent intervention in Skye Bank Plc and the exposure of the banking sector to the oil and gas sector which is causing a high level of non-performing loans,” Ademola said, “With these concerns, all banks are suspects despite that some appear stronger than others.”

“Because of the low confidence because investors and depositors are not able to determine the health of the banks or to differentiate between the strong and weak banks, a regulatory stress test is desirable to determine the status of the banks once and for all.”

“At the end of the tests, strong banks are given a clean bill of health while the weak banks get proper diagnosis and treatment,” he added.

On the likely outcomes of the special examination, Ademola expressed confidence that “With this done, the industry would become attractive again for investment purposes and other transactions,” adding that, “And since the financial system is a barometer for the economy, attraction of foreign investments both direct and indirect, into the banking industry, portends a good development for the economy.”

However, an analyst, who is also an investment manager, Adetola Odukoya, cautioned that “the foremost issue at this critical point in time is the proper management of information with respect to the financial system in order to avoid a loss of confidence by investors and depositors.”

To him, “the special examination and stress test will further highlight the issues that are pertinent and require prompt resolution within the system.”

Nevertheless, Odukoya believed the step by the CBN is “a positive development as it suggests that the regulatory authorities are being proactive in order to forestall any systemic challenges that may exist or arise as a result of the headwinds facing the domestic economy and the financial system.”

He therefore noted that, “a proper handling of the initiative to bring about a positive outcome will go a long way in engendering confidence in the financial system and the broad economy.”

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • AUGUST 21, 2016

BUSINESS/LABOUR

Concerns over Casualisation of Labour in Banks

Bisi Daniels

T

he increasing casualisation of labour by financial institutions, especially deposit money banks, continues to be a major concern of stakeholders because of the devastating impact of the practice on the money market, the victims and the national economy as a whole.

The practice involves a situation where employment shifts from normal full-time and permanent positions, with full benefits, to casual and contract positions. A situation where some workers are not given normal entitlements but are expected to deliver on high targets.

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has observed from bank returns and during examination exercises a strong correlation between the high incidence of frauds and forgeries in the banking system and the use of contract and outsourced staff.

Casual staff, who account for about 25 per cent of the banking industry workforce, have a negative impact on the industry as some banks are in the habit of assigning sensitive roles to them, thereby exposing the banking industry to fraud.

The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has corroborated this. During a visit of its Council members to the NDIC headquarters last year the Institute admitted that over 75 per cent of fraud cases in the sector had been traced to outsourced bank staff who were neither professionals nor members of the CIBN. History The casualisation of labour by deposit money banks is traceable to the desperation to amass deposits, cost cutting and profit maximization. It heightened with the establishment of many banks in the 1990s and escalated during the Central Bank of Nigeria’s bank consolidation and recapitalization exercise in 2006. Years after the recapitalization process, the need to maintain profitability on investment is still driving banks to deploy unconventional methods to reduce the cost of labour and also to attract customers to open accounts with them.

Importance of Bank Deposits Deposit money banks are able to create money to fund loans, making profit out of the interest charged. Depending on CBN’s regulations, the bigger the deposit base of a bank, the greater its size and ability to lend to make more profits.

But while efforts to raise the deposit base of banks may be a healthy exercise for the industry and instill savings culture in a country where two per cent of the population own 90 per cent of total banks’ deposits, unbridled hunting for deposit through unacceptable practices poses a grave danger.

To increase deposits, Nigerian banks are engaged in an aggressive marketing drive and at the forefront of this exercise are the customer relationship managers - marketers. They are charged with the responsibility of looking for customers to deposit their excess funds with the banks. In order to increase deposits, the marketers are given targets, which are used in the appraisal of their performance. But some of these targets, running into hundreds of millions of Naira are practically unattainable.

Employees are mandated to bring in deposits ranging from hundreds of millions of Naira to billions of Naira within a timeframe. Besides the unreasonable deposit targets, the time frame to achieve these targets is equally unrealistic. Sometimes, the targets are not only restricted to marketing personnel, but are also extended to all other employees.

Types of Casualisation Some banks put their direct hires straight on contract under non-negotiable terms entirely different from employment terms of the permanent staff, but their tasks and targets are not different.

There are those whose employment either on permanent or on contract basis is conditional on the deposits they can attract to the bank. They are usually given near impossible targets to achieve as a condition for retaining them without which employment becomes a non-issue.

The commonest practice these days is outsourcing, an arrangement in which one company provides services for another company that could usually be provided in-house. A ready defence mechanism of the practitioners is that firms are better off outsourcing services for which they have no core competencies or services which are not central to their core business.

While this may be right in some sense, it has been observed that in Deposit money banks, outsourced staff have been assigned sensitive positions, to the detriment of hiring professionals to man those positions. Besides the widespread nature of the practice is indicative of the fact that it is motivated by cost-cutting and profit maximization.

Many deposit money banks also use the practice to escape the backlash of workers protest over their unfair treatment. To prevent effective opposition from victims of outsourcing, the management of the banks and outsourcing companies ensure that contract staff do not engage in unionism.

Emefiele

Ngige

Whenever officials of labour unions of banks challenge outsourcing companies, as the direct employer of contract staff, the companies claim that they are not banks and are therefore not under the umbrella of the unions.

meet unrealistic deposit targets could influence their decision to engage in illegal and immoral acts.

To curtail this trend, he said:“The CBN is using moral suasion.

We have been talking to banks about it. It is a continuous effort that we are making and we see the trend coming down. We cannot sanction the banks because (of) a completely business decision.

“But then we are telling banks that it is a wrong business decision. We have been speaking to them to change the strategy because it is affecting the banking culture and the landscape of the industry.

“The Governor of the CBN is using the instrumentality of the Bankers’ Committee to talk to the management of banks to stem down on some of these policies. The intention is not to kill the marketing departments but to reduce the pressure by reducing the unrealistic targets that they place on marketers.”

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation: The NDIC has repeatedly criticized deposit money banks over the unwholesome practice of engaging contract or outsourced staff in the industry.

The Managing Director of the corporation, Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim, said,“In as much as regulators appreciate the necessity for banks to cut costs, it is incumbent on all stakeholders to fashion out capacity building and other strategies to motivate all employees to contribute positively rather than engaging in unwholesome acts that impact adversely on the entire banking system”.

Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN): The institute which condemns the practice pledged in July 2016 to table the matter at the CIBN’s next meeting with banks’ CEOs with a view to addressing the issue.

The National Assembly: At various times, lawmakers have risen against labour casualisation in the banking industry. Recently the House of Representatives moved to probe Nigerian banks for enslaving marketers with unrealistic targets.

The lawmakers lamented that when the workers failed to meet the targets, they were usually subjected to harassment, intimidation, demotion and summary dismissal by the management.

The decision of the lawmakers followed the adoption of a motion by Segun Adekola (APC, Lagos), who described the trend as a breach of the dignity of the human person and of labour. He said it negates the concept of Decent Work Agenda of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

The Use of Women A major concern about casualisation of labour in financial institutions is the use of women, as marketers to source deposits.

Banks often engage female employees and set very high targets for them on deposit mobilisation and other asset creation ventures, which puts undue pressure on the female employees.

Under normal circumstances firms use women for this role because of their psychological advantage over men. Women are known to have good people skill and are capable of building strong relationships with customers.

But it does seem that some banks are taking undue advantage of this psychological advantage of female marketers, turning it into some sort of corporate prostitution. They do this by encouraging or leaving female marketers with no option than to sleep with men for deposits to try to meet near impossible targets.

Workers Vulnerability The National Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI) reportedly blames the unfair treatment of workers in the banking sector, particularly junior staff, on the paucity of jobs despite the escalating number of able job seekers.

The Law Contract employment and casualisation of labour contravene Section 7 (1) of the Labour Act, Cap 198, Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1990.

The law provides that “not later than three months after the beginning of a worker’s period of employment with an employer, the employer shall give the worker a written statement, specifying the terms and conditions of employment.”

Worse, most bank workers under unusual contract terms are either denied the platform to launch protests or they are not willing to challenge the terms for fear of losing their jobs.

However, regulatory agencies have continued to condemn the practice and have urged for immediate redress.

Reaction of Some Key Stakeholders The Central Bank of Nigeria: The CBN recently warned commercial banks operating in the country against placing unrealistic deposit targets on their marketers. The practice, according to the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, goes against the grains of acceptable ethical conduct and corporate governance. He noted that the practice could have negative moral implications.

According to him, forcing bank marketers, especially females to

Conclusion In as much as regulators appreciate the necessity for banks to cut costs and raise deposits, it is incumbent on all stakeholders to fashion out capacity building and other strategies to motivate all employees to contribute positively rather than engaging in unwholesome acts that impact adversely on the entire banking system.

-Daniels is a journalist and author

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • AUGUST 21, 2016

BUSINESS/ENERGY

An oil rig

In Search of Conditional Oil Production Rise Unless a very good breather is achieved through dialogue with militants in the Niger Delta, Nigeria’s crude oil production will remain below the 2.2 million barrels per day which is the 2016 budget target, reports Chineme Okafor

“I

t is a difficult time, production is about 1.5 million barrels a day, but we intend to get that up. We are putting a lot of energy around it, a lot of dialogue, a lot of engagement, a lot of security meetings to try and resolve it,” said the Petroleum Minister, Ibe Kachikwu, in a recent media chat with CNN’s Richard Quest.

With this statement, Kachikwu confirmed that the federal government was continuing its dialogue with militants and their representatives in the Niger Delta, hoping to see oil production in the country grow steadily to meet the 2016 budget mark.

While the reported dialogue has largely yielded very little in terms of halting breaks on oil assets in the Delta, he, however, expressed confidence that in the next one or two months, a resolution will be reached to end the attacks on oil assets.

These attacks had since February taken the wind off the sail of Nigeria’s oil production thus reportedly making it difficult for an even budget implementation for the 2016 fiscal year.

The government relies heavily on oil proceeds to fund its programmes, shortfalls in oil revenue has meant that very little has so far been achieved in its programmes.

Kachikwu explained that Nigeria at its current production level would need an average 900,000 barrels per day (b/d) extra production to recover oil and the attendant revenue lost to the militancy in recent months.

“President Muhammadu Buhari is very concerned about these things; a lot of executive time is being given to this. We are expecting that over the next one month, two months, we would find some final solution that would bring production upward.

“Beyond that, the reality is that we have lost quite a lot of months, about five, six months of continuous problems. So, it is going to be difficult to catch up with the 2.2 million barrels on which the 2016 budget is based.

“But we are certainly going to try, once things are calmer. We need an average of 900,000 barrels per day, excess production to catch up. That is going to be very tough, but we are going to work on that,” the minister added.

“Oil currencies have been hammered since crude prices crashed in mid-2014, and none more so than Nigeria’s naira.

“It’s lost almost half its value against the dollar, the most among the currencies of OPEC members

A Tough Situation Nigeria was ousted earlier in 2016 as Africa’s biggest oil producer by Angola, however it has not been able to halt the slide in its oil output as it continued to decline in June to about 1.69mbpd.

This was disclosed in the June monthly financial report of state oil firm, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). The International Energy Agency (IEA) also said it was the biggest decline among member countries of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) for the period.

After a brief pause, militant attacks picked up in June, further restricting production and supplies from Qua Iboe, the country’s biggest crude grade. Forcados is also likely to remain unsettled through August.

And on top of that, a new rebel group, the Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate which emerged recently, last Wednesday reportedly blew up a crude oil pipeline operated by the NNPC and Shoreline Natural Resources Ltd. This group adds to others that exist – the Reformed Niger Delta Avengers, Joint Niger Delta Liberation Force, the Niger Delta Justice Defence Group, the Niger Delta Revolutionary Crusaders and the Ultimate Warriors of Niger Delta, who have all also threatened to attack or claimed attacks Some others like the Niger Delta Avenger whose acts have been more impactful on production are reportedly in dialogue with the government, but with chances of a universally accepted settlement looking slim.

Also, in its recent market survey, Bloomberg news outlet said amongst the currencies of oil producers that had been hit by the drop in oil prices, Nigeria’s naira remained the worst hit so far, losing almost half its value against the dollar.

Nigeria was ousted earlier in 2016 as Africa’s biggest oil producer by Angola, however it has not been able to halt the slide in its oil output as it continued to decline in June to about 1.69mbpd. This was disclosed in the June monthly financial report of state oil firm, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

The International Energy Agency (IEA) also said it was the biggest decline among member countries of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) for the period

and more than Russia’s ruble, which is down 47 per cent. For foreign investors, that may be a cue to re-enter the West African country as a weaker currency makes its bonds and stocks cheaper,” said the Bloomberg survey.

Successful Dialogue May Guarantee Production Rise Following Kachikwu’s disclosure, any increase in the country’s oil production will however be predicated on the outcome of dialogues with the militants. But while the government has expressed its commitment to such dialogue and even go ahead to set up a committee on this, it has also asked that militants in the Niger Delta appoint credible representatives to come to the table with it, this has not happened yet.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, had in July stated the government’s craving to come to the table with the militants. He had said that the presence of soldiers in the region did not mean the government had foreclosed the option of dialogue with the militants to restore stability in Nigeria’s oil production.

Lawal however said the government was finding it difficult to come to the table with the militants chiefly because no representatives had been appointed by the militants to speak on their behalf at the table. And until this happens, according to Kachikwu in the CNN interview, production will remain unstable.

“Government is not averse to discussing with them (militants) but we need to know who is in charge and who we can discuss with meaningfully; that’s the dilemma of the government at the moment,” Lawal had said.

He further explained: “There are so many groups making it difficult to know who to talk to and the level of control that group will bring to the process.”

“When they blow up oil pipelines, the spill destroys their water and lands, a development that will take years to recover. They are more victims than the rest of Nigerians,” Lawal added on the impact of the activities of the militants.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • AUGUST 21, 2016

BUSINESS/ECONOMY

As FG Releases Additional N100bn Capital Allocation…

With the expected release of the second tranche of the 2016 capital budget allocation by the Federal Government, Olaseni Durojaiye looks at issues bordering on impact of the fund on the economy

T

he announcement recently by Vice President Yemi Osibajo that the federal government will release N100 billion to fund capital projects has elicited excitement given the expectation that the fund will further stimulate the economy, engender job creation and boost liquidity in the system.

The excitement is not unexpected considering that the fund is earmarked for critical sectors of the economy including power, works, housing, transportation, defence and agriculture.

Besides, it is in keeping with the pledge of the government to keep capital budget spending to a minimum of 30 per cent of the entire budget. The entire budget is N6.06 trillion.

While releasing the figure at an event hosted by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Vice President Osibajo had noted that the federal government earlier released N332 billion, which is more than the entire sum released for same purpose in 2015 to buttress the commitment of the current administration to fund capital projects.

It will be recalled that the government had much earlier promised a N350 billion stimulus, which many expected will go a long way in reflating the economy. While signing the budget into law, President Muhammadu Buhari had stated that, “The signing of the budget today will trigger concerted efforts to reflate the Nigerian economy, a key element of which is an immediate injection of N350 billion into the economy by way of capital project.”

Speaking further, he had added that, “To illustrate our renewed commitment to infrastructure development, the 2016 budget allocates over N200 billion to road construction as against a paltry N18 billion allocated for same purpose in 2015 budget,” he stated.

Though, the 2016 budget could not be said to have performed really bad, it is not equally excellent. Even then many believe given that the country is just three months into the budget implementation and with the accelerated interventions from government so far, the budget performance will improve as the implementation continues. This is even as some analysts argued that the commitment of the current administration towards capital project funding without trading off civil servant remunerations deserves some commendations.

Issues around Capital Project Funding As watchers expect the proposed N100 billion to be injected into the economy, a deeper look at the level of impact it will have on the economy has become pertinent against the backdrop of the expectations in certain circles.

So also is the appropriateness or otherwise of the release of funds in phases against the ability to achieve the objectives.

The idea of the stimulus was welcomed particularly by those who were in favour of strategic intervention to bridge the infrastructure deficit in the country and capable of jumpstarting the ailing economy. Some also argued that it will boost employment particularly in the construction industry. Of particular note is the power sector, as many analysts and global economic consulting groups described it as the key to unlock Nigeria’s economic potentials and greatness.

Some of the analysts argued that steady power supply would greatly reduce the cost of doing business in the country and boost the informal sector of the economy. This is true of an economy that relies heavily on generating sets and generators as source of power for businesses and homes.

A completed road project... More of such will ease movement of people and goods Besides power, phased release of the funds is another talking point altogether. The argument around phased release of the funds borders on the argument that piecemeal release of the funds will not immediately breathe the needed life into the economy. However, viewed against the backdrop of some factors, releasing the funds in tranches may not be unavoidable.

This is more so because government spending is based on guidelines and procurement process in addition to available revenue while government borrowings also come into play.

Interestingly, capital spending has remained in the realm of postulations as its real impact could not be ascertained due to different variables.

According to some analysts, who argued that it was premature to discuss the impact on the economy, ”When the NBS release Q2 2016 GDP and unemployment data in coming days, we can draw some minimal conclusion of the impact of capital expenditure so far.”

Even then, it is important to pay attention to how much of the released fund has been utilised for specific project as it is when such fund has been spent on the specific project that the impact can be assessed or quantify.

Analysts React Opinions expressed by economic analysts and watchers on capital budget released so far, in addition to the N100 billion being expected, compared to its impact on the economy and if it was capable of injecting significant liquidity into the system enough to boost purchasing habits, have been mixed.

While one analyst argued that the amount is short on target compared to the planned release of N350 billion each quarter, another held that phased disbursement of funds was the ideal thing to do in a challenged economy in need of financial stimulation.

A Lagos-based analysts, Wilson Erumebor,

who argued that the fund released so far had impacted the economy, explained that, “compared to the planned release of over N350 billion each quarter, this amount is short on target.” According to him, “The Nigerian economy is currently facing a negative growth and much injection of fund is required of the government to stimulate production and construction activities. I think much of the problem lies in the inability to achieve projected revenue, which ultimately would affect the implementation of the budget.”

“Spending on capital projects is expected to impact the economy especially in the delivery

Spending on capital projects is expected to impact the economy especially in the delivery of some infrastructure projects. However, we must pay attention to how much of the released amount has been utilised for specific project. It is when such monies have been utilized that we can quantify the level of impact on the economy

of some infrastructure projects. However, we must pay attention to how much of the released amount has been utilised for specific project.

It is when such monies have been utilized that we can quantify the level of impact on the economy,” he added.

On his part, another analysts with a Lagosbased economic advocacy firm, Rotimi Oyelere, averred that, “Government spending is based on guidelines and procurement process. In addition, government spending is based on earned revenue plus borrowing. So fund must be available before spending. Again, for proper tracking and monitoring and to minimise abuses and diversions, the phase release is good.

According to him, “At this moment, it will be erroneous to assess impact of fiscal votes released less than 5 months ago. Impact of fiscal expenditure do not manifest in the short-term, based on the gestation period of intended projects. Even if we examine key macro variables: GDP, inflation, unemployment, exchange rate, export, etc., the evidences are really fragile. When the NBS release Q2 2016 GDP and unemployment data in coming days, we can draw some minimal conclusion on the impact of capital expenditure so far,” he posited.

Reacting to question on whether the stimulus is capable of translating into significant liquidity in the system, Oyelere, who stated that, “For proper tracking and monitoring and to minimise abuses and diversions, the phased release is good,” however contended that, “There is no yes or no to this because capital spending in most cases do not directly correlate with amount of liquidity in the system.”

“However, it can indirectly affect money flow in the economy. Monthly allocation in most cases affect liquidity since this hit the economy straightaway,” he added.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • AUGUST 21, 2016

BUSINESS/ENERGY

NNPC Towers, Abuja

Has NNPC Returned to Loss-making Streak ?

After reporting a marginal profit of N273.74 million in May for the first time in about 15 years, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation may have returned to its old operational loss-making given its outing in June, reports Chineme Okafor

F

or the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), making profit from its operations may have to take a while.

NNPC in the month of May reported an operational profit of N273.74 million, indicating that it may have finally turned the corners and now on the profit making path, but it soon relapsed and reported a trade deficit of N26.51 billion from its operations in June, just a month after.

When in May it reported the N273.74 million operating profit as against its operating loss of N19.43 billion in April, the corporation attributed the feat to improved cost efficiency at its corporate headquarters and the operational performance of its subsidiary, the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC).

According to the state oil firm, “PPMC recorded a net gain of N17.69 billion as against the net loss of N6.91 billion in April, 2016 following complete stoppage of commercially unfavourable swaps and offshore processing agreements (OPAs).

It added that, “Direct-Sale and DirectPurchase has now replaced the previous regime.”

But notwithstanding these improvements, the corporation explained that renewed and vigorous vandalism of pipelines in the Niger Delta means that crude oil productions were shut-in and cargoes deferred, thus denying revenues streams accruing to its other subsidiary, the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) and the

federation.

However, in the corporation’s June 2016 financial report, some of the factors which propelled the May profit level appeared to have weakened – the PPMC posted a 13.30 per cent decline in its product sales, pipeline vandalism increased with about 261 breakage points, while its refineries still operated at deficit levels.

“This 11th publication of NNPC monthly financial and operations report indicate a deficit of N26.51 billion as against trading surplus of N274 million reported in May, 2016,” said the corporation in the June report.

It further explained: “This trading surplus does not represent net profit as there are other expenses that should ordinarily have been captured. The deficit in the month of June 2016 was majorly due to decrease in revenue generation as a result of decline in PPMC petroleum products sales by 13.30 per cent or N14.9 billion and increase in products distribution costs.

“Also June 2016 operations witnessed the major impact of incessant vandalism, during the month more than 261 vandalised points were recorded. In NPDC, a substantial portion of crude oil sales for the month estimated to be in excess of the deficit could not be realised due to force majeure declared by SPDC as a result of vandalised 48-inch Forcados export line.”

The loss-making points The report pointed out that there were loss-making points that kept NNPC back

from leveraging the profit trend it hit in May. According to the corporation , local refining capacity remained below commercial threshold within the month due to prolonged Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) issues; pipeline vandalism; and resultant products losses.

The three refineries in Port Harcourt, Kaduna and Warri, it stated, had a combined operational deficit of N4.69 billion.

Further on their economics, the combined value of output by the three refineries (at import parity price) for the month of June 2016 amounted to N24.68 billion while the associated crude plus freight cost was N22.25 billion, giving a deficit of N4.69billion after considering their overhead of N7.12billion.

This clearly showed that the refineries do not operate on commercially viable terms as the report indicated that they have for a long time largely operated on that level.

“Local refining capacity has remained below commercial threshold due to prolonged Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) issues, pipeline vandalism and resultant losses. However, the ongoing refineries revamp is improving the situation.

“The combined value of output by the three refineries (at import parity price) for the month of June 2016 amounted to N24.68 billion while the associated crude plus freight cost was N22.25 billion, giving a deficit of N4.69 billion after considering overhead of N7.12billion,” stated the report.

Another loss-making point for the corporation in June was on its downstream

operations where a total value of N101.96 billion was collected as sales revenue for white products sold by PPMC in the month of June 2016 compared with N115.66 billion collected in the prior month of May 2016.

The report however indicated that total revenues generated from the sales of white products for the period July 2015 to June 2016, about a year was N957.78 billion with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) contributing about 89.19 per cent of the revenues collected with a value of N854.20 billion.

For the month under consideration, NNPC said 860.46 million litres of white product was distributed and sold by PPMC as against the 1,256.07 million litres it had in the month of May 2016. This, it noted, comprised of 761.04 million litres of PMS, 66.31 million litres of kerosene and 33.11 million litres of diesel.

In the upstream, the report explained that NPDC’s substantial portion of estimated crude oil sales for the month worth over N20 billion could not be realised due to force majeure declared by Shell Petroleum Development Company as a result of vandalised 48-inch Forcados export line.

This development has lasted for a while, leaving the NPDC with such huge shortfall in revenue.

Similarly, gas supply to power plants by the corporation dropped to 327 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) from 446mmscfd, and 1,483 megawatts (MW) as against 2,017MW respectively.

This also represents a drop in revenue from gas supplies.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • AUGUST 21, 2016

BUSINESS/ECONOMY

Minister for Finance, Kemi Adeosun

Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma

Nwankwo

Eurobonds Offer Succour for Budget Financing

As the Federal Government begins the process of borrowing from the international markets, by way of floating $1 billion Eurobonds, all eyes are on the relevant authorities for proper utilisation of the bonds, writes James Emejo

T

he Debt Management Office (DMO) on behalf of the Federal Government has commenced bids for the engagement of two international banks as joint lead managers and a local bank as financial adviser for the planned Federal Government Medium Term Note (FGMTN) Programme 2016 – 2018, which highlights key borrowings to fund the 2016 budget.

The plan entails the issuance of $1 billion Eurobonds in the first instance out of the $4.50 billion scheduled to be raised in FGMTN programme in 2016.

Also, positions of the international and Nigerian law firms, which will act as Joint Legal Advisers for the FGMTN as well as technical adviser on communication have been advertised, setting the stage for a major borrowing to cushion the effect of dwindling revenues from oil.

With low oil revenue and exchange rate volatility, including a depressed economy and high interest rate regime worsened by high inflation, such borrowing plan have been applauded by analysts, who believe this would help bring some measure of stability to the economy by helping a cash strapped government to meet its financial obligations.

Although, the debt office has repeatedly assured that the country’s rising debt portfolio, which was over N12 trillion, was still within approved threshold, there are concerns on the need for borrowed funds to be appropriately utilised for key macroeconomic projects.

The fears stemmed from past experiences whereby borrowed funds had been cornered and diverted to other purposes with little or no impact on the economy.

One of the major elements of the new debt management strategy is the remixing of public debt portfolio to 60 per cent domestic and 40 per cent external, from 84 per cent domestic and 16 per cent external

in the previous debt strategy document which expired December 2015, with the weighted average interest rates for the FGN’s domestic and external obligations at 13.0 per cent and 1.7 per cent respectively.

Domestic rates are higher but the differential also reflects the fact that international capital market (ICM) borrowings of US$1.5 billion are the only element of the FGN’s external debt burden of US$10.7 billion contracted on market terms, according to analysts at FBN Capital Research.

The prospects of the FG Eurobonds being successful was further strengthened by the fact that conditions for ICM borrowing by emerging market sovereigns have been improving since China-related fears eased in January and February. Buying surged in July, and has involved the big players, according to FBN Capital.

It said however that an estimated 30 per cent of global government bonds are trading at negative nominal yields so investors are chasing real returns adding that the macro story for the asset class (EM bonds) has not been transformed although there are some bright spots such as India, the Czech Republic and Vietnam. As long as investors see US rate prospects as “lower for longer” and China is relatively incident-free, the rally should have legs.

Nevertheless, it noted that “Nigeria is not currently a bright spot but should enjoy the ride of the asset class as a whole. At the FGN’s non-deal road show in London in early June, investors liked Adeosun’s fiscal narrative but did not appear interested in mooted Eurobonds issuance because of the then exchange-rate regime.

“We trust that the change in that regime will also have smoothed the FGN’s talks with the World Bank and the African Development Bank on budget support.

The 2016 budget projected the external component of budget deficit financing at N900 billion (US$4.5 billion at the time but currently US$2.9 billion.”

Meanwhile, economist and ex-banker, Dr. Chijioke Ekechukwu, said the Eurobond is a good alternative only if it would be applied to appropriate projects.

He said: “Raising Eurobonds of $4.5billion is a wise economic decision to take in the prevailing circumstance. The revenue base of our country has been so eroded that we must need this kind of credit intervention. The vandalised pipelines have left us with far less than projected revenue base. Such credit inflows will be used to inject and stimulate our economic system and activities.

“The budget needs to be funded. Don’t forget that our budget was already a deficit budget. The inability of the country to realise its projected revenues is an added burden on the system. The Eurobond therefore is a welcome decision if indeed it will be applied appropriately to those

Deficit financing is the right thing to do. More so our debt to GDP ratio is very low. What is important is optimum utilisation of the resources borrowed to ensure we do not unduly overburden future generations with debts without commensurate revenue sources of repayment

macroeconomic areas that will in turn drive the micro economy.”

Also, economist and former acting Unity Bank Managing Director, Mr. Muhammed Rislanudenn, also harped on the utilisation of proceeds from the offers.

He said: “The 2016 budget was expansionary, anchored on deficit of N2.2 trillion.

Recall that the entire capital aspect of the budget was N1.8 trillion, meaning that without borrowing and even assuming achieving full 2016 revenue projections, implementation of particularly capital expenditure of the budget will be impossible.

Indeed less than N400 billion has so far been released for capital projects even as attack on oil facilities has impacted negatively on state projected revenue sources. In the light of that and with economy already contracting at negative 2016 first quarter GDP of -0.36 per cent and unemployment rate of 12.1 per cent, government ought to have been more proactive in acting fast to negotiate those loans to support critical sectors that will reflate the economy and pull it out of recession and stagflation.

“Deficit financing is the right thing to do.

More so our debt to GDP ratio is very low.

What is important is optimum utilisation of the resources borrowed to ensure we do not unduly overburden future generations with debts without commensurate revenue sources of repayment.”

However, Director General of the Debt Management Office (DMO), Dr. Abraham Nwankwo, said the new four-year borrowing plan was appropriate for the times and challenges as well as appropriate for the country’s vision going forward.

Nwankwo had also addressed “undue” concerns over the ability to service external debts, maintainng that on-going efforts by government aimed at diversifying the economy will ultimately increase items for exports and create job opportunities- the conditions, he argued, could further correct exchange rate vulnerabilities and boost reserves.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • AUGUST 21, 2016

BUSINESS/MARITIME

Two Decades after NNSL, New National Carrier Underway

In a strong move to develop potential in the maritime industry and raise its contribution to the national economy, the federal government and stakeholders in the industry are in synergy to establish a national fleet expected to participate in crude oil affreightment, reports Francis Ugwoke

S

ince assumption of office, the Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, has no doubt been pre-occupied with developing potential in the nation’s transport industry. Apart from opening up rail links in major geographical routes in the country, the federal government is also making efforts to link all the seaports with rails, a development that will go a long way in checking congestion at the seaports and roads.

The latest move is the establishment of a brand new national carrier. With this, there is no doubt that the contribution of the transport industry to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will improve tremendously. Amaechi had early this year raised concerns that the sector contributes only 1.41 per cent to the national economy. Describing this as unaccepted, Amaechi said the problem had been untapped potential. To improve on the situation, he hinted on the development of a national transportation master-plan, which aim is to diversify the national economy.

National Carrier Since the liquidation of the Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL) 21 years ago, it has not been well with the indigenous shipping industry.

NNSL was liquidated following huge debt running into hundreds of millions of dollars.

International creditors were on the prowl to arrest any ship associated with NNSL, and in a flash, a fleet of 29 vessels went down to less than 12 in Nigerian waters. Many of the vessels were comatose and would require huge sums of money to re-float them. The administration of late Sani Abacha apparently based on the embarrassment the arrest of Nigerian flagged vessels was causing the country in the face of the huge debt, approved the liquidation of the national carrier. NNSL was therefore liquidated in July 1995 by the former Transport Minister, late Major General Ibrahim Gumel. But since the liquidation, industry stakeholders have been full of lamentation about the huge trade imbalance this has created for the country. For instance, it is envisaged that by now, Nigeria would have reached the capacity to be involved in crude oil affreightment. This is a revenue spinner for everyone. This is estimated to run into hundreds of billions of dollars annually that would have accrued to Nigeria. It could also be that the so much talked about N7 trillion annual income from the maritime sector by some prominent stakeholders could have been realised if Nigerian ship-owners were involved in crude oil affreightment.

Amaechi’s Moves Initially, there was so much friction when the transport minister came up with the idea of having a national carrier. This was on the belief by some indigenous shipping operators that the minister was planning to float the national carrier by using the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund, CVFF that replaced Ship Acquisition and Ship Building Fund (SASBF). The former administration of Goodluck Jonathan had approved six companies to benefit from the fund, but could not effect this more than two years after the announcement. Everyone was left in doubt about the status of the fund, whether the last administration had used it or still intact. Many believed the money was tampered with, but the details could not come up. On assuming office, the minister was considering using the money to float a national carrier instead of giving it out to companies whose owners would see it as a national cake and therefore would not pay back like what happened to SASBF. But this move was seen as not appropriately covered by law. Ship-owners who described it as simply their contributions for indigenous shipping

A ship loaded with containers

development were of the view that it must be applied as provided by law. After due consultation, Amaechi appeared to have soft-pedaled on this, making it clear that the planned national carrier would be private sector driven under a public-private partnership (PPP). The national carrier is expected to create employment for many Nigerians, and would serve as a training ground for many Nigerian cadets who would need sea-time training.

Committee on National Carrier To ensure that government realises its dream of having a national carrier, the transport minister few months ago set up a National Committee to handle the assignment. The committee is headed by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Hassan Bello. Bello’s choice is not unconnected with his knowledge of the industry and also as a versatile maritime lawyer.

But beyond this, include the goodwill, which he and his council enjoy among stakeholders. Bello has served in many inter-ministerial maritime committees, which improved on maritime laws and admiralty jurisdiction, particularly the one on domestication of international conventions ratified by Nigerian government.

The committee is to prepare the groundwork for the new national carrier to take off. As part of his assignment, Bello said the committee planned to actualise the recommendation of the Engr. Olu Akinsoji Ministerial Committee, which stressed the need to have Nigerian-flagged vessels.

According to him, Nigeria as a maritime nation needs to have merchant vessels because of the multiplier effect on the national economy. Bello, in an interview with journalists, explained that the committee would be thorough in its assignment to get it right, adding that a sub-committee was currently involved in data collation and analysis of types of vessels, cargo, routes for the vessels, among other developments in shipping trade. He also said the committee was looking

at trade laws, gaps in laws and the possibility of enacting certain laws. He explained that this was important so that the committee can do a better job in line with the expectations of the government.

Referring to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who had expressed caution on the project, Bello explained that NNSL failed because of the types of vessels used in trading, including other issues such as “profligacy and corruption”. He said with ship-owners, engineers, ship surveyors, maritime lawyers, who had private sector orientation, as members of the Implementation committee, he had no doubt that the proposed national carrier would be a reality. He made it clear that unlike in the past, the new national carrier will be established under public private partnership (PPP). Bello disclosed that already, foreign investors interested in the project had approached the committee for partnerships, but added that every effort was being made to put in place, rules of engagement by way of guidelines and terms of contract. At a meeting with the ship-owners, Bello said all stakeholders who were interested in the national carrier would be accorded all the opportunities.

He also explained that contrary to what some people believe, the government will only be encouraging the establishment of a national carrier and not establishing it, adding that the main target were ship-owners. Bello during the committee’s meeting with the transport minister, Amaechi, added, “We should give them the option of participating in the business that is theirs, because we need their experience, we need their capacity, we need their infrastructure and we also need their assets. Maybe they have ships and so many other things.

There will never be a monopoly. Everybody will have the right to come and operate. But what we want is an aggregate, coming together, because when you come together, you have advantage, economies of scale”. He said that government obligation in the project would

be to create an enabling environment through effective and favourable policies and laws.

Benefits of the National Carrier by Stakeholders To maritime professionals, the establishment of a national carrier was important for the nation’s economy. Chairman of the Ministerial Committee, Engr. Olu Akinsoji, who favours the establishment of national carrier, said Nigeria stood to record huge foreign exchange if her national carrier was involved in crude oil carriage.

Akinsoji disclosed that the country would have raked in up to $2.2 billion if 50 per cent of the vessels that carry crude in the past two years, were Nigerian-owned ships. He disclosed that the country had been suffering huge foreign exchange losses because even as big time oil producer, Nigerian vessels were not involved in crude oil carriage.

He said:“If 50 per cent of the over 5,000 ships came to Nigeria in 2014 were Nigerian ships, crewed by Nigerians, say 20 Nigerians per ship, and earning $3,000 per person, Nigeria would have made $2.2 billion. That is apart from the freight that is accruable by carrying Nigerian cargo. The human elements, the seafarer that would have worked on those ships would have earned $2.2 billion and you imagine every family of that seafarer would have benefited from the cargo.

“These are the kinds of losses that we are making by not having ships that are carrying our cargo. All the international cargo we generated is carried by foreign ships. We don’t have a ship in international waters carrying dry cargo.”

As part of the efforts to establish a national fleet, the officials of the Pacific International Limited (PIL) recently visited Nigeria to express their willingness for a Joint Venture ( JV). Following this, some members of the implementation committee and Amaechi, were believed to have travelled to Singapore to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the company.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • AUGUST 21, 2016

TRAVEL

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

Culture Ministry to Resuscitate Presidential Council on Tourism Stories by Demola Ojo

T

he Federal Ministry of Information and Culture has commenced the process of activating the Presidential Council on Tourism (PCT) as part of efforts to fast-track the development of tourism in Nigeria.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, disclosed this in Abuja last Wednesday when he received the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) on a courtesy visit to his office.

According to the Minister, a Steering Committee meeting, which will draft the agenda for the inaugural session of the PCT, will hold on September 6.

“My predecessors found wisdom in constituting what is termed as the Presidential Council on Tourism, which is the highest advisory body on tourism in Nigeria, and the composition of that Council is such that the Ministers of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Works, Power and Housing, Foreign Affairs, Interior, Health, Environment, Aviation and Transport are members, as well as the President of FTAN,’’ Alhaji Mohammed said.

He continued that the resuscitation of the PCT was one of the recommendations adopted at the National Summit on Tourism and Culture, organised by the Ministry in April, as a deliberate strategy to make tourism a viable sect or of the economy. According to the Minister, there is a renewed vigour in the present administration to focus more on tourism, with a view to turning around the fortunes of the economy.

The revived PCT should help open access to tourism assets like the Olumirin Waterfalls in Erin Ijesha “We are very confident that tourism will very soon become another veritable source of revenue for the government and employment for our youths, by the time we are able to provide the missing infrastructure, because the biggest challenge for us is how do we turn our tourist

sites to tourist attractions? We can’t do that alone in the ministry of Information and Culture. We will need the support and collaboration of not just other ministries but also the practitioners in tourism,” he said.

Alhaji Mohammed said the ministry is already

partnering with the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, the British Council and the Tony Elumelu Foundation to review the nation’s tourism master-plan and build the capacity of Nigerians in the tourism and culture sector, particularly in the collation of data for effective planning.

Akpabio: Nigerian Tourism Losing Nigeria May Issue Visa on Arrival Billions to Decayed Infrastructure to All Africans from 2017

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he Managing Director of Nanet Hotels Abuja, Mr Ini Akpabio, has decried the loss of potential revenue running into billions of dollars in Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality sectors due to poor management of tourist destinations, heritage sites and monuments across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

This he stated, is despite the fact Nigeria has over 1,000 tourist destinations including 33 museums, 65 national monuments out of which two were declared World Heritage Sites, namely, Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa State and Osun-Osogbo Grove in Osun State.

Speaking in Abuja this past week, Akpabio said that this monumental loss was connected to infrastructure decay, absence of facilities, insecurity, poor governmental policies, non-existence of a national carrier, poor management and insurgency.

Akpabio added that the Abuja Carnival and the Argungun Fishing Festival are just two of the tourism products that have the capacity to earn substantial revenue for the economy since tourists board flights, book hotels, eat and pay for other leisure activities associated with the festivals. According to him, other potential goldmines include the Yankari Game Reserve, Bauchi; Obudu Cattle Ranch, Cross River; Sukur World Heritage Site, Adamawa; Tinapa Resort Centre, Cross River; Chad Basin National Park, Borno; Abuja National Park; Kamuku National Park, Kaduna; Okomu National Park, Edo; Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Taraba; Cross River National Park; Kainji National Park, Niger, and Old Oyo National Park among others.

He also bemoaned the lack of enabling policies by government.“ The government does not give enough support to this industry, especially in terms of allocation of funds as well as encouragement to potential investors in hospitality and tourism industry due to unfriendly government policies and multiple levies.

T

“In addition to that, Nigeria has very poor roads network that hinder access to tourists sites and this has resulted in further drawbacks in the industry, `` he said.

He contends that there is need to improve social services such as, providing more sporting and recreational facilities, man-made tourism centres, promoting architectural, religious and educational tourism while also re-jigging and improving the health care system for medical tourism.

He was happy to note that Lagos State is creating a Healthcare City.

Akpabio also said that low levels of technology, destruction of wildlife and lack of basic amenities had also been a challenge to domestic tourism development.

“In most cases, these tourist sites do not have telephone and internet services and surely, in this communication age, nobody wants to be so marooned from civilization in such a way.

For tourists from developed countries, these conditions are difficult to cope with and may make Nigeria unattractive to them,” he said.

Akpabio, therefore called on all ministries, departments, agencies and the private sector to work collectively with the tourism and hospitality experts for the nation to access the huge benefits that abound in the sector.

he Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, has hinted that African travellers may no longer be required to obtain visas to visit Nigeria from next year. Onyeama made this statement at a Town Hall meeting held in Abuja, while shedding light on the foreign policy outlook of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

“We are firmly in support of the African single passport and the proposed Free Trade Area in the continent from next year, which will enable Nigerian manufacturers and entrepreneur to have a larger market for their produce. Nigeria wants to extend the free movement of people across the continent beyond the ECOWAS as unrestricted movement of people will promote trade,’’ he said.

He said the visa free idea was in tandem with the African Union (AU) which this year

announced plans of a single passport and a visa free travel for all African citizens within the continent by 2020. The proposal is to boost integration in addition to enabling free movement of people and goods.

Presently, Nigerians don’t require visas to travel within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) but still encounter tough visa conditions imposed by other African countries in other regions.

According to Onyeama, the policy will enlarge economic space for Nigerian people as 10 per cent of trading is only among African countries, who mainly prefer formal trading with nations outside the continent.

According to him, government intends to promote economic development in the country by attracting foreign direct investments in addition to promoting export and market access for Nigerian business men.

Delta Introduces World’s First All-suite Business Class

D

elta Air Lines will introduce a new business class product in 2017 when it takes delivery of its first Airbus A350. Billed as the “world’s first all-suite business class”product, each new Delta One (business class) seat will feature a sliding door that delivers total privacy and transform the space into a fully-enclosed suite – something typically seen only in first class. The new Delta One suite will also include dedicated stowage compartments for shoes, headphones and laptops; universal power outlet and USB port; and an 18-inch in-flight entertainment monitor – the largest among all US carriers.

The seat will be covered in a“memory foamenhanced comfort cushion”material, and be capable of reclining into a fully flat bed. This will be complemented by the airline’s signature Westin Heavenly bedding. The premium cabin will feature 32 seats, split across eight rows. Due to its comfort-

able 1-2-1 configuration, each seat will offer direct access to the aisles. Passengers travelling on Delta One can also expect meals with wine pairings by American sommelier Andrea Robinson; noisecancelling headphones; TUMI amenity kits featuring Kiehl’s skincare products; and pyjamas on select flights. Delta will primarily use the A350 on flights between the US and Asia. Looking further ahead, the Skyteam member will also be progressively retrofitting its B777 fleet with the new product.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • AUGUST 21, 2016

NIGERIA’S TOP 50 STOCKS BASED ON MARKET FUNDAMENTALS

Sterling Bank Plc: Significant rise in net interest income aided by reduced interest expenses

S

terling Bank Plc (Sterling Bank) is a full service national commercial bank in Nigeria with focus on consumer banking, trade finance, investment banking and capital market activities. It also provides wholesale banking services and offers banking products through its over 160 branches nationwide, 5,000 POS and 3,800 alternative delivery channels, 300 automated teller machines, telephone banking and other e-banking offerings.

In over 50 years of operations, Sterling Bank (formerly NAL Bank) has evolved from the nation’s pre-eminent investment banking institution to a fully-fledged commercial bank; and completed a merger with 4 other banks – IndoNigeria Merchant Bank, Magnum Trust Bank, NBM Bank and Trust Bank of Africa – as part of the 2006 consolidation of the Nigerian banking industry.

Popularly known for its “One Customer Bank” slogan, it evolved to a bigger bank upon its merger with the defunct Equitorial Trust Bank (ETB).

Sterling Bank Plc’s (Sterling) recently released their results for the Period ended June 30th, 2016 showing a modest decline of 9.06% in gross earnings to N50.06 billion from N55.04 billion in the corresponding period. Consequently, the Bank has kept up with its regular dividend payment, and has recommended a total dividend payment of N2.59 billion (on the basis of N0.09 per share) for every 50 kobo share.

Gross Earnings was driven by Interest income which grew by only 4.28% to N41.54 billion in June 2016 from N39.83 billion in June 2015, due to increase in the Bank’s loans and advances to customers Conversely, interest expense decreased significantly by 22.04% to N15.91 billion in June2016 from N20.41 billion in the corresponding period of 2015.

Expectedly, net interest income for the period rose considerably by 31.93% to N25.63 billion from N19.43 billion in the prior year of 2015, due to the earlier mentioned significant decrease in interest expenses.

INCREASED OPERATING EXPENSES GREATLY IMPACTS NET INCOME

Total expenses during the financial period of 2015 increased by a modest 7.95% to N26.10 billion compared to N24.18 billion in the corresponding period of 2015. The main reason for the modest increase in total

recorded in June 2015.

ALSO THE STRONG LIQUIDITY POSITION OF THE BANK AND POTENTIAL PROFITABILITY FROM INCREASED FOCUS ON LENDING WOULD CUSHION THE EFFECT OF THE LIQUIDITY WITHDRAWALS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF STERLING BANK

GOOD ASSET QUALITY

Sterling Bank’s total assets rose by 19.99% to N959.23 billion in June 2016 compared to N799.45 billion achieved in December 2015. The significant increase was caused by a massive rise in Pledged financial assets to N169.28 billion in June 2016 from N69.34 billion in December 2015; reflecting a change of 144.14% and rise in other assets to N25.53 billion from N13.90 billion, reflecting a 83.62% change.

On the other hand, total liabilities increased substantially 24.32% to N875.10 billion from N703.89 billion in 2014. This was caused by a massive increment of 75.77% in debt securities to N83.26 billion in June 2016 from N590.89 billion in December 2015 despite a rise of 33.79% in current income tax liabilities to N1.04 billion from N47.37 billion in December 2015.

Furthermore, the banks total equity (shareholders fund) decreased by 11.97% to N84.13 billion in June 2016 from N95.57 billion in December 2015.

MODEST DECLINE IN PERFORMANCE RATIOS

expenses was due to slight cutbacks in personnel expenses and other property, plant and equipment costs during the financial year. Further breakdown of the total operating expenses showed that operating expenses increased by 29.66% to N7.57 billion from N5.84 billion which was largely driven by inflationary pressures during the period, Personal expenses for the period declined by 0.54% to N5.68 billion from N5.71 billion which was due to the deployment of outsourced services while depreciation and amortization increased by 6.89% to N2.02 billion from N1.89 due to the on-going investments in a number of technology-led services improvement initiatives across core and subsidiary systems and channels optimization.

The aforementioned rise in total expenses greatly affected the company’s profitability, as profit before tax dropped massively by 27.66% to N24.38 billion in June 2016 from N6.06 billion in 2015. Net income also followed suit with a massive decline of 25.89% to N4.02 billion in June 2016, from N5.43 billion

The Bank’s Return on Equity (ROE) decreased slightly to 4.78% in June 2016 from 5.68% in the corresponding period of 2015.

Conversely, Return on Assets (ROA) decreased slightly to 0.42% in June 2016 from 0.76% in the corresponding period of 2015.

Furthermore, at a capital adequacy ratio of 16.1%, the bank’s CAR remains well above the minimum regulatory requirements of 10% while at a Liquidity ratio of 46.0, the bank’s liquidity ratio remains well above the minimum regulatory requirements of 30%.

WE RECOMMEND A HOLD

Despite the regulatory policies in the banking sector which threaten the Bank’s income generating capacity, we believe the management of the Bank will continue to focus its efforts towards strengthening income generation from financial intermediation. Also the strong liquidity position of the Bank and potential profitability from increased focus on lending would cushion the effect of the liquidity withdrawals on the performance of Sterling Bank.

The Banks top and bottom line performance narrowly missed our projection for the year modestly in FY 2015. Considering the above, we

Valuation Metrics 18-Aug-16 Recommendation

HOLD

Target Price (N)

0.92

Current Price (N)

1.03

Market Cap (N'm)

29,654

Outstanding Shares (m)

28,791

Rolling EPS (N)

0.31

Rolling PE Ratio

3.34

Forward EPS

0.27

Forward PE

3.80

Source: Company Data, BGL Research

Q2 June 2016 unaudited Results Gross Earnings (N'bn)

50.06

Pre-tax Profit (N'bn)

4.38

Profit After Tax (N'bn)

4.02

Pre-tax Margin (%)

8.75 Source: Company Data, BGL Research

Full Year 2015 Audited Results Gross Earnings (N'bn)

110.19

Pre-tax Profit (N'bn)

11.02

Profit After Tax (N'bn)

10.29

Pre-tax Margin (%)

10.00 Source: Company Data, BGL Research

Shareholding Information Shareholders

% Holding

Silverlake Inv. Ltd

25.00

State Bank of India

8.86

SNNL/AMCON

5.85

Dr Mike Adenuga Public Float

5.63 54.66 Source: Company Data, BGL Research

revise our revenue and net income projection to N100.11 billion and N8.89 billion respectively the full year 2016, leading to an EPS of N0.31 for the year. Therefore, using the price to earnings multiples valuation method with industry PE of 3.48 consisting of peers companies in the same Tier II category (Fidelity Bank, FCMB, Diamond Bank and Skye Bank) in comparison to Sterling Bank’s PE ratio, we arrived at a 6-month average target price of N0.92 per share, which translate to a 10.22% downside potential on the current stock price of Sterling Bank Plc shares. We therefore revise our recommendation on Sterling Bank Plc shares to HOLD.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • AUGUST 21, 2016

NIGERIA’S TOP 50 STOCKS BASED ON MARKET FUNDAMENTALS

Flour Mills Nig. Plc: Rise in profitability on the back of increased net income tax credit

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lour Mills Nigeria Plc (“Flour Mills” or “FMN”) is one of the largest and most successful industrial conglomerates in Nigeria. The Company focuses primarily on flour milling, pasta production, importation, blending, distribution and sale of fertiliser, manufacturing of flexible packaging materials and woven propylene sacks, and livestock feeds. The food segment remains the biggest part of the Company’s business; contributing between 70% and 80% to total sales.

The Company recently released its full year results for the period year ended March 31, 2016 showing an increase of 10.96% in turnover and 6.39% in gross profit. However, net income rose substantially by 70.16% due to increased net income tax credit year on year.

Nevertheless, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc has proposed a dividend of N1 per ordinary share of 50 kobo. It is noteworthy that the Company has paid dividend consistently in the last 25 years; a practice that continues to endear the Company to investors.

FOOD DIVISION STILL A FORCE TO RECKON WITH Revenue for the year ended March 2016 grew by 10.96% to N342.59 billion from N308.76 billion in the corresponding period of 2015 despite strong economic headwinds and tough business environment, devaluation of naira and unrest in the North East. The rise in revenue was primarily driven by the Company’s food segment comprising of milling and sales of flour and rice and production and sales of pasta, snacks, sugar and noodles which contributed 81.82% of total revenue. Revenue from the food segment grew to N280.29 billion from N238.15 billion in 2015.

The Company’s agro allied segment with products like cassava, sugarcane, soybean, maize, rice, oil palm, livestock feeds contributed N46.72 billion (13.64% of total revenue); a decline of 7.5% from 50.53 billion achieved in March 2015.

Packaging both contributed 3.53% of total revenue which stood at N12.10 billion in 2016; a growth from N10.97 billion in 2015.

Cost of sales for the year increased by 11.55% to N304.96 billion from N273.39 billion in 2015 which was impacted by higher cost of foreign currency due to foreign market deregulation resulting in closing blended exchange rate of N295 to $1 as against CBN rate of N197.50.

Despite the spike in cost of sales, gross profit increased by 6.38% to N37.62 billion from N35.37 billion over the period due to gradual recovery of margins following higher input costs during the

, THE CONGLOMERATE HAS SET UP PLANS TO FURTHER RESTRUCTURE OPERATIONS, STREAMLINE BUSINESS OPERATIONS TO FOCUS ON CORE BUSINESSES AND CONSTANTLY MONITOR AND MANAGE COSTS OPTIMALLY TO HEDGE AGAINST FURTHER ECONOMIC CHALLENGES

year.

DROP IN OPERATING PROFIT DUE TO INCREASE IN EXPENSE Selling and distribution expenses grew by 19.58% to N5.00 billion from N4.18 billion in the corresponding period of 2015.

The increase in selling and distribution expenses maybe due to higher marketing costs and an expanded sales force, as the Company looks to deepen market penetration and consolidate its market share. Administrative expenses on the other hand decreased by 21.86% to N15.85 billion in March 2016 from N20.28 billion in March 2015 due to increase in personnel/staff costs. However, due to the increase in operational expenses, operating profit dropped by 11.39% to N9.05 billion from N10.21 billion over the period.

PROFITABILITY SOARS DESPITE RISE IN FINANCE COSTS Finance cost increased by 19.75% to N22.40 billion in March 2016 from N18.70 billion in the corresponding period of 2015. This surge can be attributed to the interest the Company paid on its

short term borrowings, which grew significantly by 85.90%to N100.83 billion in 2016 to N54.24 billion in 2015.

The Company also recorded a decline of 52.10% in investment income from N1.10 billion in 2016 to N2.30 billion in 2015.

Despite a decline in investment income and surge in finance cost resulted, pretax profit grew substantially to N11.49 billion in March 2016 from N7.72 billion in March 2015; representing a change of 48.73%. Net income for the period also followed suit with a growth of 70.16% to N14.42 billion in March 2016 compared to N8.47 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2015.

IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE IN FIRST QUARTER OF 2016 For the 3 months ended June 2016, Flour Mills Nigeria Plc recorded a massive increment of 44.88% in revenue to N119.21 billion from N82.28 billion recorded in the June 2015. On the other hand, cost of sales grew substantially by 43.54% to N103.93 billion in 2016 from N72.41 billion in 2015, this couldn’t prevent the Company’s gross profit from growing by 54.70% to N15.28 billion from N9.88 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2015.

Operating profit rose massively by 56.86% to N10.97 billion from N6.99 billion; despite a growth of 0.52% and 8.85% in selling and administrative expenses to N1.31 billion and N2.67 billion from N1.30 billion and N2.46 billion respectively over the period. The insignificantly rise in selling expenses may be due to a slowdown in selling and distribution activities even this is not evident in the Company’s inventories which decreased by 14.22% to N58.70 billion from N68.43 billion over the period.

As a result of the massive increment in operating profit, pretax earnings rose significantly by 394.27% to N5.87 billion in June 2016 from N1.19 billion in June 2015. Net income also followed suit with a massive growth of 354.16% to N4.41 billion from N971m over the period.

WE PLACE A BUY ON FLOUR MILLS PLC SHARES Despite strong economic headwinds, a tough business and financial environment, Flourmills of Nigeria Plc had an inspiring year with a growth in revenue, maintained margins, improved working capital efficiency and a successfully completed disinvestment in UNICEM. The strong improvement in Revenue and profitability was primarily driven by volume growth and efficiency gains, coupled with the benefits that arose from the sale of investment in the associate company, UNICEM. In addition, the conglomerate has set up plans to further

Valuation Metrics 18-Aug-16 Recommendation

BUY

Target Price (N)

21.71

Current Price (N)

19.60

Market Cap (N'm)

51,435

Outstanding Shares (m)

2,624

Rolling EPS (N)

6.81

Rolling PE Ratio

2.88

Forward EPS

7.26

Forward PE

2.70 Source: BGL Research

Q1 June 2016 Un-audited Results Gross Earnings (N'm)

119,206

Profit Before Tax (N'm)

5,872

Profit After Tax (N'm)

4,414

Pre-tax Margin (%)

3.70 Source: BGL Research

FYE March 2016 Audited Results Gross Earnings (N'm)

342,586

Profit Before Tax (N'm)

11,489

Profit After Tax (N'm)

14,420

Pre-tax Margin (%)

2.50 Source: BGL Research

FYE March 2015 Audited Results Gross Earnings (N'm)

308,756

Profit Before Tax (N'm)

7,724

Profit After Tax (N'm)

8,463

Pre-tax Margin (%)

3.35 Source: BGL Research

Shareholding Information Shareholders

% Holding

Excelsior Shipping Coy Ltd

53.29

Public Float

46.71 Source: Company Data, BGL Research

restructure operations, streamline business operations to focus on core businesses and constantly monitor and manage costs optimally to hedge against further economic challenges.

To this end, we are projecting a turnover of N379.51 billion for the full year ended March 2017 and net income of N17.86 billion; leading to a forward EPS of N7.26.

Using the Price-Earnings Multiples (PE) valuation method, we arrive at an intrinsic value of N21.71 for Flour Mills Plc over the next nine months. We therefore place a BUY recommendation on Flour Mills Plc.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • AUGUST 21, 2016

BUSINESS/ MEDIA

Obiaya: SMC was Established to Deepen Creativity and Values in the Media Industry Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the School of Media and Communication, PanAtlantic University, was established in 2008 to redefine media and marketing communication education in Nigeria. In this encounter, the Dean of the School, Dr. Ikechukwu Obiaya, speaks with Raheem Akingbolu on the commitment of the management of SMC to use research-based education to develop intellectual capacity of media professionals

A

n offshoot of the well-liked Centre for Media and Communication (CMC), the School of Media and Communication was established in 2008 by the Governing Council of the Pan-Atlantic University, to take the game a notch higher. Before then, the CMC, which was instituted in 2006, had successfully used its executive education courses and postgraduate programmes to set standard for media professionals and corporate players in Nigeria.

No wonder, it instantly filled a gap in the industry, as many organisations that had started giving up on overseas training sponsorship, quickly embraced the programme. With its international standard, the university tackled the problem of capital flight that had become a burden on the economy as well as providing pragmatic education for media professionals. The rest thus becomes history.

The Dean of the School, Dr. Ikechukwu Obiaya, said the acceptability of the programmes opened the eyes of the council to conceive the idea of broadened programme that would take care of the interest of both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

“From the beginning, the vision was clear; the university council was impressed with the acceptability of its short courses and went back to the drawing board to design a curriculum that could match the ones provided by other top universities in the world. There is no gainsaying the fact that research based studies were lacking in the country and SMC was designed to provide quality education that would make our graduates be able to think constructively and apply creativity to their businesses and professional callings.”

He stated that the school was out to provide well-rounded education to broaden students’ culture and improve their ability to engage

in critical thinking.

For practical purposes, Obiaya pointed out that students of the school were exposed to internships in organisations, where they will work alongside professionals in their various field of studies. He also indicated that entrepreneurial classes are put in place to enable graduates of SMC to understand how to create wealth and use the knowledge acquired to manage enterprises in the industry.

According to him, “The idea behind our entrepreneurial courses is to provide pragmatic education and to nurture our products to become employers of labour.

The feedbacks we daily received from those who have undergone our studies over the years have further propelled us to raise the game in this direction. We shouldn’t forget the fact that the media is a field of human endeavour where creativity and innovation helps to nurture products and services,” The dean is not only confident that graduates from the school will excel in all areas of media and marketing communications like Public Relations and Advertising, he is also convinced that they will be leaders anywhere they found themselves.

“We are exposing our students to all areas of mass communication and we parade experienced lecturers that can help them succeed wherever they find themselves in future.

Let me quickly add that the capability of Pan-Atlantic University to undertake the running of a School of Media and Communication is strengthened not only by available infrastructure and facilities but more by well-trained and experienced faculty members,” he added.

While emphasising the role the media industry could play in shaping societal values and cultural life, Obiaya reinstated the fact that the school was conceived because of the aspiration to train professionals in this area of culture who will uphold the highest intellectual, ethical and professional

Obiaya

values that promote creativity and the spirit of enterprise.

“Our school programmes are preparing students for careers in the creative industries and in the public and private domains. The primary goal of the school is the formation of media and communication professionals, to enable them pursue their calling to the service of human cultures with a sense of creativity, skill, knowledge and values. We wish to contribute through our expertise to the professional excellence of the creative industries in our country and the continent of Africa.”

The dean, who expressed his delights in the way Nigerians within and outside this shore are embracing the opportunity to have first and postgraduate degrees, however stated that quality education is expensive globally.

“We target all students willing to pursue degree or postgraduate courses in Media and Communication but I must add that the fees are commensurate with the quality of our offering. Therefore, what SMC charges may be a bit higher than what some universities in the country charge but one can be sure of what to get in return in terms of quality education. Having said this, I must conclude by saying that the council is also keen about not making the programmes to be out of the reach of deserving young men and women who are concerned about good education,” Speaking on the future projection of promoters of the school, Obiaya simply said they wanted to make it one of the best media and communication school and a reference point for research in Africa as well as a leading centre of learning globally.

How Nigerian Digital Entrepreneur, Elo Umeh, Made the Country Proud in Spain

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tories of how Nigerians are excelling abroad have continued to rekindle the hope that the future is bright for the country. From the trio of Bola Olonisakin, Funkola Odeleye and Odunoluwa Longe, founders of DIYlaw.ng, to Ufot Ekong in Japan, the good news keep streaming in.

DIYlaw.ng, a legal technology firm, founded by the three Nigerian female young entrepreneurs recently emerged winner at a recent Innovation Justice Award for Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Empowerment Innovation Challenge, East and West Africa.

Ekong on the other hand, made the country proud in faraway Japan, when the Akwa Ibom State-born, in his first semester at Tokai University, Japan, solved a mathematical puzzle

which students have failed to solve for more than 30 years. He also broke a 50-year old academic record by graduating as the ‘Best All Rounder’ with a first-class degree in Electrical Engineering. He also scored the highest grades the university had witnessed in 50 years.

Another Nigeria, this time an entrepreneur and digital marketing expert, Mr. Elo Umeh, recently achieved a similar feat when he graduated from IESE Business School as the Best Graduating student class of 2016 set.

The achievement, which has been described by the management of the school as the first of its kind in Africa, is already trending globally.

Also, the young Nigerian was also featured as one of the Poet and Quants “50 of the world’s most gifted EMBAs” Class Of 2016:

The Best & Brightest EMBAs roster.

IESE Business School is the graduate business school of the University of Navarra. IESE offers Master of Business Administration, Executive MBA and Executive Education programmes that are consistently ranked among the top 10 in the world Umeh serves as chief executive officer and managing director at Terragon Limited. He is an entrepreneur with a knack for mobile, digital innovation and creative solutions. He has gained valuable experience in the mobile telecommunications industry having worked in different countries in Africa - Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire.

He has consulted widely for various organisations in the telecommunications and banking sectors.

Umeh

A

21.08.2016

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

ADONIJAH OWIRIWA

A MECHANICAL ENGINEER AND FILM MAKER Cont’d on pg.58

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SUNDAY AUGUST 21, 2016 T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY SUNDAY AUGUST 21, 2016

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T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R • AUGUST 21, 2016

COVER

ADONIJAH OWIRIWA

A MECHANICAL ENGINEER AND FILM MAKER From a mere interest in founding an entertainment outfit, that comprised of a band, hired musical equipment and promoted in-house artistes, as well, Adonijah Owiriwa, a mechanical engineer with a Port Harcourt-based international company has launched fully into movie production with the groundbreaking film, ’76. Nseobong Okon-Ekong reports

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n the day he was born, Providence played a joke on Adonijah Owiriwa.

Born on the last day of 1975, just one day shy of 1976-a year that would become momentous in his emerging career as a film maker, the Divine Order has positioned him to participate in a national historical narrative of immense impact.

To be sure, Owiriwa had always been busy, but his days became more filled with activities with the roles of a father and husband added to his very demanding schedule as a Mechanical Engineer with a Port Harcourt-based multinational company. However, it all the more hectic as his passion for entertainment became more engaging. From a mere interest, he promoted an entertainment outfit, which comprised of a band, hired musical equipment and promoted in-house artistes. The company, Adonis Production, took its name from his first son, Adonis, who was born about the time he set up shop.

It is now fully dedicated to movies.

While this was happening, another scenario was developing that would chart a different course for Qwiriwa’s life forever. A young Turk, Prince Tonye Princewill, had emerged on the political landscape of Rivers State. His quest to become governor generated a huge followership and interest, particularly among the youths.

Owiriwa was one of his teeming admirers. Both men were friends on Facebook. This was in 2007. The following year, Barack Obama, an African-American and a dark horse in American politics, became president of the United States of America. It was the kind of monumental change Owiriwa and

Princewill desired but could not achieve in Rivers State. In a fit of melancholy, he left a message on the Facebook page of the gubernatorial aspirant that prepositioned Princewill as Governor of Rivers State if the conditions were right. He had not yet met Princewill in person.

The opportunity for formal introduction was created by a mutual friend. Owiriwa’s band engaged guests and Princewill was an invitee. He recalled walking past the governorship candidate. But Princewill’s keen sense attracted him.

‘Hello young man, have I met you before?’

I said, ‘no,I don’t think we’ve met’.

And then he introduced himself ‘I’m Tonye Princewill ‘ “I was like wow! Prior to that, he mentioned he must have seen this face before. I said ‘really’? He said ‘yes’, then he mentioned my name.

We just struck a chord. We were together that evening; talking about our passion in entertainment and orphanage homes. That’s how we started. Since then, every project that I have done, he’s been 100 percent a part and parcel of it.

He recalled with a longing their first movie project, ‘Nnenda’, a film about orphanages and the neglect of orphans, especially in Africa. It was released in 2008. It brought a certain kind of awareness on these unfortunate members of the society. If nothing, ‘Nnenda’ created a hunger for a sequel. Instead of continuing on the movie format, Owiriwa and his collaborator decided to engage their different publics through another art form - a singing contest themed ‘Melody Shelters’. It was strictly for all the registered orphanages in Nigeria.

It was presented in the form of a chorale. At the onset, they did not

Adonijah Owiriwa

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Adonijah (in red cap)...There were soldiers assigned to drill us, every morning. The colonel who supervised this project was like ‘I don’t want you guys to be like military people in the movie, I want you to be military people in the movie’

imagine the work would demand that they visit every registered orphanage across the country; state-by-state. It involved writing to all of them to create the awareness because it was something they hadn’t done before. Then country was split into three zones: North, West and South for the purpose of the contest. The grand finale was in Port Harcourt in 2012. The star prize was N10 million. Four years after, it is still the first and only singing contest of its kind.

Also on Owiriwa’s production credit is science fiction movie, ‘Kajola’, which he collaborated with Niyi Akinmolayan.

Although, Adonis was originally Owiriwa’s, Princewill has bought into it and they co-own it today. The relationship between the two men has progressed from entertainment into other. He readily disclosed. “We are working together on other fronts that are going to come to limelight soon. I think we have synergised properly and effectively on this entertainment front.”

In his relationship with Princewill, so far; he finds him to be straight-forward and practical.

“Tonye is the kind of man who says it exactly the way it is. I mean he is not the average Nigerian politician.”

But he argued that it’s the other persons that are not politicians. He describes them as ‘politricians’. He really wants to help, wants to make a difference, and is ready to make the sacrifices that it takes to make a difference.”

An apparent and copious evidence of their collaboration is on the soon-to-be-premiered movie ’76 which is about a young officer from the Middle Belt who gets into a romantic relationship with an O-level student from the Southeastern region. However, their relationship is strained by constant military postings. The soldier gets accused of being involved in the 1976 unsuccessful military coup and assassination of General Murtala

Mohammed, and the heavily pregnant wife, gets entangled in an emotional dilemma. The film which is set in the ‘70s was shot in Ibadan, Oyo State. Although, the project is only coming out at this time, it was in the works for seven years, keeping Owiriwa busy at different stages of the project; from the conception, scriptwriting, script conferences - both home and abroad to the direct story; the whole preproduction stage where decisions were taken on what materials to use and how to source for them. As one who shares the role of executive producer with Princewill, it is their responsibility to provide necessary funds.

Production of ‘76 has been the most challenging project yet for Owiriwa. “We made a lot of daring moves. Tonye is really a practical person. I came up with this idea alongside Izu Ojukwu, the director.

We sat together and were like; we have all these Hollywood people telling the African story through movies - Hotel Rwanda, Sometime in April, Last King of Scotland and Long Walk to Freedom. They are African stories but told by Hollywood. We don’t think it’s right because nobody can tell your story like you. If the story is yours then you should take ownership.

We are very passionate about it so we embarked on this journey seven years ago. We decided to tell the ‘76 story ourselves and tell it at a level that Hollywood would appreciate.

We decided to shoot on film against all odds. In this part of the world, who wants to shoot on film with all the hassles that accompany shooting on film? We wanted that film feel, we wanted to create that exact nostalgic feeling so that when people that lived in the 70s see this film in cinemas, they will feel like they were actually in the 70s watching this film.

Pre-production lasted for like two years, trying to get the materials, the different kinds of props, the cast, get uniforms, walk with the

military to get the rifles, the guns; because everything you see in this movie, are no longer in use todaythe boots, the rifles, the vehicles and all that. We had their description and then source for them. We went to Ibadan to rent a couple of empty duplexes so that we could pimp them to ‘76 from the scratch. We took care of the paintings on the wall. The paintings that they used then were not these glossy paintings that we see today. Even the colours are not these predominant colours in houses today; then the furniture, the electronics, the gramophones, the dial phones, the black and white television, the executive one that had legs to stand on with wooden doors; we had to get all that. Those days men used to wear high-heeled shoes.

The art director, Pat Nebo, had to manufacture them. A lot of work went into pre-production before we finally got on set.”

Looking back at the nightmare that followed the production of ’76, Owiriwa is happy that he worked with a dedicated team of professionals who were undaunted by difficulties. At different stages, the challenges appeared insurmountable. Shooting a movie like ’76 in the heat of the Boko Haram insurrection in 2012 was tasking. Although the authorities of the Nigeria Army had granted them permission, everyday, they had to answer questions from different quarters who probed their mission in the barracks at Ibadan. “We got all the support we needed from the army because we followed due process.”

Another person who has earned huge respect from Owiriwa is the director the movie, Izu Ojukwu.

Since their first meeting, he has worked with him on every project.

He narrated the story behind their relationship. “When I decided to go into movies, one of my cousins, Wisdom Uzoma Ikedum, who had worked with Ojukwu recommended him. I was told that he does not

cut corners; that he only attends to serious minded clients who strive for excellence. Izu and I met in 2006 and we’ve been friends since. Two years later we released ‘Nnenda’.

For the first time, Owiriwa auditioned for a role and this is where his respect for Ojukwu went up. “When I read the script, I thought I will be able to pick up, I auditioned for it and the director told me ‘sorry sir, I don’t think you can play this role’. I was like ‘you must be out of your mind, this is my money, I want this role’. And he was like ‘sorry sir, this is not how it works, you cannot interpret this role. I will suggest you audition for this other role.’ I told him I have been reading about this role and he was like ‘I’m talking to you now, your personality, I think you should audition for this role’. I auditioned and at the end everyone was clapping and he was like ‘I told you, this is the role you should audition for, I think you are going to

LOOKING BACK AT THE NIGHTMARE THAT FOLLOWED THE PRODUCTION OF ’76, OWIRIWA IS HAPPY THAT HE WORKED WITH A DEDICATED TEAM OF PROFESSIONALS WHO WERE UNDAUNTED

BY DIFFICULTIES. AT DIFFERENT STAGES, THE CHALLENGES APPEARED INSURMOUNTABLE. SHOOTING A MOVIE LIKE ’76 IN THE HEAT OF THE BOKO HARAM INSURRECTION IN 2012 WAS TASKING.

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COVER WE SAT TOGETHER AND WERE LIKE; WE HAVE ALL THESE HOLLYWOOD PEOPLE TELLING THE AFRICAN STORY THROUGH MOVIES - HOTEL RWANDA, SOMETIME IN APRIL, LAST KING OF SCOTLAND AND LONG WALK TO FREEDOM. THEY ARE AFRICAN STORIES BUT TOLD BY HOLLYWOOD. WE DON’T THINK IT’S RIGHT BECAUSE NOBODY CAN TELL YOUR STORY LIKE YOU. IF THE STORY IS YOURS THEN YOU SHOULD TAKE OWNERSHIP. WE ARE VERY PASSIONATE ABOUT IT SO WE EMBARKED ON THIS JOURNEY SEVEN YEARS AGO. WE DECIDED TO TELL THE ‘76 STORY OURSELVES AND TELL IT AT A LEVEL THAT HOLLYWOOD WOULD APPRECIATE

Adonijah on set with Rita Dominic

do it well’. So I took up that role. As at the time we got on set, I was still working. I took a month vacation to come on set. We spent that one month learning military parade. There were soldiers assigned to drill us, every morning. The colonel who supervised this project was like ‘I don’t want you guys to be like military people in the movie, I want you to be military people in the movie’. Unfortunately, by the time we were ready to roll camera, I had to get back to work. So, for four months, I left Port Harcourt every Friday, flew down to Lagos and as soon as I land, I take the very first taxi to Ibadan. There were times I got to Ibadan at 9:00pm. And remember I’m the executive producer so I was also sourcing for funds. It was taking far more funds than we bargained for. I will have a meeting with the director of the movie and still go over my lines. So for Saturdays and Sundays, Izu will only shoot scenes that had me in them. Only characters that interacted with me in the movie will shoot Saturdays and Sundays.

Then first thing on Monday morning, before 6:00am, I will leave Ibadan to catch the first flight to Port Harcourt.

Most often, I park my car at the airport so that I could drive straight to work. I did this every weekend for four months.”

Fortunately, his wife and children live abroad. Notwithstanding, he had a lot of commendation for his wife who was very supportive.

Owiriwa played Captain Ajayi, the officer who investigated the coup and indicted the people that were involved. The role was a kind of self discovery for him and took him back to his days in secondary school when he captained the school’s debate team and served as social prefect despite being a science student. But he does not regret that he went on to become an engineer. If anything, he thinks the insistence on high quality and global standard which engineering confers has shaped the way Adonis Production approaches its work in Nollywood.

“I believe in getting it done the first time and every time. I believe in excellence in execution. And these are qualities that my training as an engineer working for a multi-national company actually imbibed in me

Adonijah

that I’m applying. For instance, when we finished ‘76, we did the first private screening in February, and since February, we have gone back to Munich where we did the post-production twice. After the

first private screening, we listened to criticisms. We didn’t make this film for ourselves, we made it for our audience. The director and the producers sat down again and decided to carry out further

editing. Finally, we had to send the movie again to international film festival owners, pleaded with big festival film directors to critique it because we want to meet up with that international standard. We learnt that in the American market, they don’t like melo-drama. They prefer the action, thriller. We had to go back again to tighten the film and when they saw it, they all went ‘wow’ and that exactly earned us our world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. It is one of the biggest film festivals in the world. We go to Toronto in September and in October, BFI. The London International Film Festival has also invited us. Directly after that, there is Dubai International Film Festival in December. We had to turn down Durban. They invited us when they saw the movie but because Toronto will not screen your film if it’s been screened in a smaller film festival, especially when you want to do a world release. A couple of filmmakers may not want to do all of that because it is a very difficult route. It’s a lot of money. Some will easily give up and postpone to the next project. But if it’s worth doing for me, I think it’s worth doing well.”

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Why Toyin Oniru Preaches Organic Beauty Yinka Olatunbosun

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oyin Oniru was born and raised in London. She practised Law briefly in the United Kingdom and headed back to Nigeria after marriage. She had always prepared her own natural skin care products and had been happy with the result.

Then the natural hair revolution arrives and the beard gang, leaving a big question mark on the available hair care lines. She must have seen different kinds of hair in her lifetime: the scantilygrowing, the receding hairline, the frailtextured hair, the thick and difficult to manage and the discoloured hair type.

Yet, some women, despite their hair textures, want to join the natural hair revolution by all means to stay trendy. For the men, mentholated spirit might have helped to grow some beard but will not help to keep them healthy. Some good-looking men have nightmarish bumps at the back of their heads and have tried many chemical based solutions but still grapple with the bumps.

Then it struck her. She could just make enough organic products to sell and distribute. That is the story of Inner Beautee, the fast-growing organic cosmetic brand, founded in 2012 with a showroom inside Lekki Phase I. The brand has grown from being accessible online to actual physical interaction with the product maker.

This reporter visited the Lekki showroom recently where she caught up with Oniru who devoted some of her time between nursing her baby and attending to customers to talk about the essentials of sourcing for skin and hair care products from organic items.

“I want to live a natural lifestyle, eat organic food, grow my hair out of the perm chemicals,” she began. “I had my baby in 2009 and I wanted the right stuff. And there wasn’t much in the area of skin care that is organic. I wanted to make that for her. I started to make my own concoctions. I saw that more people could benefit from the mixtures.

So I started this 100 per cent organic product line for older women, every day people, and people with natural hair who want healthy hair growth but don’t know how to maintain it. I began to do more research about it. And I put my research into practice and made the product to suit the people that they are designed for,” she revealed.

She thought a lot of people have associated beauty with what is far from our natural selves. That is why we have legions of women who have embraced skin bleaching and adopted foreign hair styles in the name of human hair.

For Oniru, there is nothing like natural beauty.

“We believe that everyone is naturally beautiful in their own right.

We started a company that advocates embracing natural beauty that will not bring about negative side effects. We use natural oil such as shea oil derived from shea butter and coconut oil, avocado oil, sweet almond oil and all these contain vitamin A, E and F with natural sunscreens for our hot climate.

“We make the products suitable for where we live and are also beneficial for global cosmetic brands. From nail polish to candles, we grew steadily, and we have expanded. We have the baby care range for nappy rash; maternity care such as the nipple balm and stretch marks for the pregnant belly. We have the men collection which is made up of the beard butter and beard oil for men.

We have oils that can help men maintain healthy looking beard,” she declared.

The showroom is organically decorated with grass wall, wooden baskets with wood scrapings that house the hand-made scrubs. The scrubs are prepared to remove facial dirt and grease trapped in the skin pores and to get rid of dead skins.

“They smell so good you’d feel like eating them. Well, you can since they are organic products,” she said, smiling as she took this reporter round the displayed items with her baby strapped around her tall frame that was clad in champagne-coloured lace attire. As a businesswoman, she veered into gift packaging recently, offering customised souvenir items for birthday parties,

Oniru

bridal and baby showers. Her career choice was born out of passion and the need to have a work-life balance that being self-employed guarantees for most people.

For her, the feedback from customers had been quite gratifying although a few of them are still apprehensive about the skin lightening effect in some of the natural products. Oniru explained that her company has a no-bleaching policy that is non-negotiable. Instead, natural sunscreens are derived and used to help the costumers maintain a natural even tone.

“We have seen customers who have damaged their skin from the use of other products who come here for skin treatment and repair and they want us to help them. Some are no longer able to go out in the sun. They cannot use products without flaring up. We repair their skin. We have natural products that brighten up the skin in our black soap. We use lemon in our sugar scrubs,” she explained.

For those who complain that shea butter darkens their skin, Oniru’s response is that the fake ones are the culprits. Her organic items are authentic and the plus is that they have wonderful fragrances.

“Black is beautiful. If you are a naturally dark person, you only need to take care of your skin tone. You don’t have to buy into the mainstream ideology of being fair or dying to get that way. We have something for everybody. We even help to make the black soap smell good. We never compromise on our ethos. If someone brings a formula, and the ingredients are harmful to the skin, we would not do it,” she said, looking into the reporter’s face who sat comfortably on one of the treated wood logs at the centre table.

The irony of her brand is that the care is for outward appearance while

Photos: Ibrahim Adewale

Oniru at her Lekki showroom

the brand name is ‘Inner Beautee’.

Oniru smiled at the thought but explained that looking good is closely related to feeling good because good looks breed self-confidence and a greater dosage of self-esteem. That is why she also recommends the Egyptian sponges for the skin nurturing.

“Our nail polishes are water-based,” she said, turning away from camera to breast feed her baby. “You need to have a daily regimen. Women used to be our biggest clients but with the beard trend, lots of men are using our products.

And now, we have been invited to the African Cosmetics Exhibition in South Africa. I think Africa is our home.”

Her hand-made products are also tested in a laboratory at Ikeja. The business, as small as it appears creates jobs for graphic designers, printers, web content developer and sales

representatives. Her short courses in beauty from UK and Abuja had also come in handy as she peddled a unique business model to promote pan-African beauty.

“When you do your own business, you are always thinking about it 24/7.

You will think of how to improve it, meet client’s deadline and satisfaction and make future projections about the business. Of course when I was in legal practice, I specialised in family law.

“You’d think about the clients and the effect of the divorce on the entire household, especially the children.

You think about how the properties would be shared between the couple.

But in your own business, you want to excel. I still have to stay focused on my family, providing spiritually for them,” said Oniru, who is a devout Muslim.

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enTerTAinmenT

wiTh nSeobonG okon-ekonG 08114495324, nseobong.okonekong@thisdaylive.com

Obasanjo Endorses Military Thriller…

Goes To Toronto Film Festival with the latest nod from former President olusegun obasanjo, a central figure in the events depicted in the movie ‘76, Nseobong Okon-Ekong reports on the increasing acceptance of the revolutionary film

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ormer President Olusegun Obasanjo has joined other critical stakeholders like the Nigerian Army to support the innovative military thriller which depict events that took place when he was military Head of State in 1976 following the assassination of Gen. Murtala Mohammed.

At a private screening for the former president at his Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the Adonis Production team led by Co-Executive Producer, Tonye Princewill received a pat on the back. Describing the film as “a mixture of sweet and sorrow”, Obasanjo commended the team saying; “It will make us remind ourselves not to go back to the dark days, which put us in go-no-go situation. We might not yet have lived up to our best, but we have lived through our worst.”

He added: “We can have more of this, as there are more national issues that can be portrayed. We are capable of the best and that is what this film has shown,” he said.

The Co-Executive Producer of the film, Prince Tonye Princewill, who led a delegation of the cast and crew including Rita Dominic, Izu Ojukwu and Chidi Mokeme, responded saying the cast and crew of ‘76 were on tour of the

JUDITH AUDU EXCITED AT TIFF NOMINATION Actor, Judith Audu is excited for the nomination of her maiden feature production, ‘Just Not Married’ as one of the eight from Nigeria that will be screened to global audiences at the world-acclaimed Toronto International Film Festival holding in Toronto, Canada.

The list of films selected for the festival include: ‘76 (directed by Izu Ojukwu), 93 Days (Steve Gukas), The Wedding Party (Kemi Adetiba), The Arbitration ( Niyi Akinmolayan), Taxi Driver ( Daniel T. Oriahi), Okafor’s Law (Omoni Oboli), Just Not Married (Uduak-Obong Patrick), and Green White Green (directed by Abbah T. Makama While congratulating filmmakers whose productions have been selected for the festival, Audu, who is producer of Just Not Married, thanked God, the cast and crew as well as fans for the huge success that the film. She expressed the believe that it is the beginning of greater heights for Nollywood Just Not Married is directed by Uduak Obong Patrick with Asurf Oluseyi as Assistant Director. It is written by Lami Aisida and has Fayo Festus as Director of Photography.

The movie, which features Stan Nze,

The ‘76 team with former President Obasanjo

country to seek support and stakeholder endorsement for the film, billed to premier in cinemas in November.

“The youth of today need to have a sense of the past, we have no sense of history, hence the resolve to have the film ‘76”, he said.

Princewill said the visit to Obasanjo was important, “considering his position at that time in the country. He was there in the front row. We deemed it wise to come and show him the film and curry his esteemed endorsement, which as you can see we have just got.”

Hours after the former President gave his nod, the landmark cinematic production hit another milestone by being the first all-Nigerian made in Nigeria movie chosen to have its own world premiere at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The film has also

received scheduled dates for the London International Film Festival and the Dubai International Film Festival among others in circuit of international release.

The film will have its specially laid out red carpet premiere on at the Isabel Bader Theatre in Toronto, Canada. The event promises to be a truly unique and momentous occasion. All the key cast, crew and many special guests are all committed to walking the red carpet and this has been made possible by its Canadian media partners.

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is one of the most recognized film festivals in the world and a very important partner in facilitating the rise of emerging Oscar contenders. As a key precursor in the awards race, all eyes will be on TIFF’s full line up, which often hosts high-profile premieres of Oscar-bound movies.

Rotimi Salami, Ijeoma Agu, Obutu Roland, Gregory Ojefua, Judith Audu, Perpetua Adefemi, and Brutus Richard among others.

OMONI OBOLI AND OKAFOR’S LAW Award winning Nollywood Actress and Producer Omoni Oboli was very emotional as she took out time to specially thank the cast and crew of her yet-to-be-released movie Okafor’s Law. The movie which has just been nominated at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is enjoying positive ratings all over.

Omoni Oboli is no doubt the womanof-the-moment owing to the fact that she is the only female actress in Nigeria to have had three blockbuster movies to her credit; Being Mrs Elliot, The First Lady and Wives on Strike.

The trained digital filmmaker at the New York Film Academy has been a very consistent face in the industry little wonder why her previous movie Wives on Strike raked in over 71m Naira at the cinema becoming the third highest grossing Nollywood movie of all time.

Speaking on the recent nomination for the Toronto International Film Festival, the graduate of Foreign Languages from the University of Benin said

Obasanjo with Rita Dominic

making time out of your busy schedule to be on the set of this movie. If I have another chance to do this again, I will certainly do it again with this cast. God bless you all!

The movie features Richard MofeDamijo, Ufuoma McDermott, Tina Mba, Halima Abubakar, Yvonne Jegede, Ken Erics, Mary Lazarus Yinka Edward, Pat Nebo, Gabriel Afolayan, Betty Irabor, Kemi Lala Akindoju, Uche Nnaji, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Omoni Oboli herself and a host of others.

RMD and Omoni Oboli ‘’It can only be God! I want to thank God for this window of opportunity. It shows hard work really pays and there is no alternative to hard work other than more work. When I got back into the industry in 2009, I am happy people welcomed me with open hands’’.

She went on to thank the cast and crew of Okafor’s Law and she could not hold back tears in her eyes as she said ‘’ I will also like to say a huge thank you to the cast and crew of Okafor’s Law, words fail me in this moment, I appreciate you all for

MORE LADIES JOIN THE DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH INITIATIVE More young and less privileged ladies have so far joined the ‘’Diamond in The Rough’’ initiative established by Adejoke Adegun the CEO of Xqwizit, a former banker who quit banking to give succour and hope to the young ladies with no support systems whatsoever.

The “Diamond in The Rough” initiative focuses on ladies between the ages of 18 and 26, at least 5”7 tall, size 6 - 10 and have model-like features.

It is a project aimed at discovering the ‘Diamonds in the Rough’.

She is asking the general public to nominate anyone in their area who can

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ENTERTAINMENT benefit from this project. Anybody currently going through rough times but has hidden beauty and can excel as a model and also in the fashion industry.

Over 120 ladies from different communities have so have been nominated for this noble initiative and registration is still on going. From the pool of ladies who have so far registered, 30 will be shortlisted in the coming days and out of this, 10 would make the final cut.

moody and haunting but Simi sells it and makes it more digestible, thanks to her bubbly personality and infectious delivery.

Outta My Head is produced by the brilliant Oscar Heman-Ackah. Label mate Praiz brings along his smooth baritone and easy charm. Both singers make for a sizzling pair and their union elevates Outta My Head beyond the routine pedestrian fare.

WHY CDQ CHOSE MASTERKRAFT AS PRODUCER At a time when artistes are finding it hard to stay glued to a particular record label for long, indigenous rapper CDQ is swearing loyalty to his producer co-owned record label, General Records.

Masterkraft and CDQ’s relationship dates back few years ago. They met when CDQ was almost at the edge of giving up his indigenous rap style because nobody believed in his style of rapping. However, everything changed when he met Mr Capable, Banky W. It was Banky W who made him believe in his style of music again. By the time CDQ visited Masterkraft at Kennis Music and freestyled for him, they got on together like a house on fire.

At a recent interaction with the media to announce the release of his upcoming album ‘Quality’, he pledged his unflinching loyalty to the ace producer who signed him on his label three years ago.

“Masterkraft is one genius out of Africa.

Our relationship is going to last as long as I’m doing music. I see producers everyday but I’m not easily swayed. Masterkraft is a real and straight-forward person.”

The much-anticipated album will be released tomorrow and features most of his popular tracks such as ‘Olowo’ ft Reminisce. According to the Economics graduate: “The album is a reflection of my journey in music over the years and also of my stage name CDQ which means Quality music.”

The 17-track album also features collaborations with Wizkid, Olamide, Davido, Reminisce, Banky W, Ice Prince, Skales, and Vector Born Sodiq Abubakar Yusuf, CDQ is nominated in the ‘Best Rap Act’ category in the upcoming Nigerian Entertainment Awards.

BONKWE HINTS ON NEW MUSIC. The Kashmire Records artiste hints on working on a new single recently. The hit is said to be a follow-up on his first official single ‘Na You I go Marry’ and will feature an A-list artiste who is very prominent in Nigeria and South Africa.

The hit will be his first major collabo.

Bonkwe revealed earlier that he had no intention to collaborate until he has at least, release two singles.

Inspired by the dynamic P-Square, the graduate of Insurance from Imo State University is also a songwriter. He composed his first single and is poised to take the entertainment industry by storm.

CDQ

SIMI GOES ON A SAFARI IN “OUTTA MY HEAD” The promotional video of her second single of the year ‘Outta my head’ once again proves the creativity of Afro pop singer Simi. Already garnering massive views on Youtube, the video visuals depict a safari in Johannesburg, South Africa, where it was filmed.

The natural countryside complete with wild animals, rocky mountains and a sturdy Jeep to navigate the terrain added to the romantic setting of the video.

Directed by Josh Clarke, images of Simi and Praiz, are interspersed with clips of two lovers acting out a romantic script.

Outta My Head samples piano strings and a mid-tempo beat, and perfectly ac-

E

Danisa (r) with another actor… in Chameleon

Chameleon Makes Impressive Gain in Cinemas

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he well-acclaimed film, ‘Chameleon’, produced and written, by Nigerian film maker who lives in Luxembourg is currently showing in cinemas across Nigeria.

Danisa told journalists at a recent meeting in Lagos that after two years of shooting the film in Luxembourg, ‘Chameleon’ is doing well in cinemas in Nigeria.

According to him, the film was shot at various locations in Lagos, Calabar and different cities in Luxembourg, Paris, Brussels. He explained that the film can be used as a political tool in a developmental way to help the Nigerian oil sector.

“Chameleon” tells the story of two antagonistic and ruthless characters, one originating from Luxembourg and the other, a Nigerian spy, on an important mission.

Lucio won’t be prevented from achieving his strategic business goals in Africa.

How does this relate to Muda’s mission in Europe? Muda is not exactly the person he was initially presented as. He is in search of something else. What? Why is he in Europe, and what brings him to Luxembourg? These are some of the questions the movie seeks to provide answers to.

The movie, according to Danisa, who worked as an investigative journalist on the Energy Desk of a major Nigerian newspaper which enabled him travel far into the creeks while working on some oil and gas stories, his first ever movie is on his investigations on the stealing of Nigerian crude oil in exchange for weapons. He said the movie is borne out of the need to expose the illegalities and criminal activities of a ruthless network of individuals spread across different continents. He had at different times worked on the Foreign and

companied by Simi’s now familiar vocal stylings. It is a playful yet serious meditation on infatuation and the downsides of a love gone sour. Written in a smooth, simple style that is instantly relatable, Simi narrates a tale of being hung up on

Behind The Scene - Outta My Head

Business desks.

“Chameleon” stars David Ivan Danisa, who also doubled as the writer and producer, Michael Fourage, Carlos Ferreira, Juliana Alves Rosa, Yolanda Trono and Mendaly Ries amongst several others.

Shot in different countries and cities that include Nigeria, Germany Luxembourg, Brussels and Paris, “Chameleon” tells the story of two antagonistic and ruthless characters, one originating from Luxembourg and the other, a Nigerian spy, on an important mission to save his country’s oil industry.

On his preparedness to expectations from cabals, who might find the movie offensive, Danisa dropped, “Not at all, I don’t think the movie should offend anyone, however, what I have done is to re-awake our collective aspirations as a people on the parts of the people, the citizens, the governments and agencies responsible. I am like a wizard. I do something independently on my environment and then I see interrelationship days later and it becomes a national issue. When I started writing this story, it was not so big an issue in Nigeria.

Sometimes you think you are working independently and not being influenced by the variables in the environment but subconsciously. Perhaps that’s just it, this is a big issue now and our existence as a country is being threatened by it.”

Chameleon was shot in different countries and cities that include Nigeria (Lagos and Calabar), Germany, Luxembourg, Brussels and Paris. Chameleon stars David Ivan Danisa, who also doubled as the writer and producer, Michael Fourage, Carlos Ferreira, Juliana Alves Rosa, Yolanda Trono and Mendaly Ries among several other international actors.

a lover who has caused her some pain in the past. She then queries repeatedly on the chorus, Wetin you dey do for my head? as this same lover invades her space, mind and dreams.

The material could easily become

Bonkwe

D.I DROPS NEW AFRO-POP SINGLE The South-African based music sensation, D.i is releasing his latest Afro-pop fusion work titled, “Ifeoma’’. Referred to as ‘original beatmaster’, D.i. whose real name is Daniel Isele originally hails from Warri, Delta State.

The incredibly talented artist is often regarded as one of the continents’ finest musicians and is a composer, producer, drummer, vocalist, rapper, bassist and pianist today. His musical genres include Afro-fusion, Jazz, Hip-hop and Afropop. D.i. has been in the entertainment industry for about 20 years, half of that outside the shores of the country.

He has thus far recorded three albums and also helped produce numerous others. His latest single “Ifeoma” is currently enjoying airplay in South Africa. The song is fast-paced, typical West African naija-pop style with elements of jazz and a contagious dance beat.

D.i debuted early in the music and entertainment industry as a drummer and rapper and is currently one of South Africa’s most respected music producers. Widely travelled, D.i has shared the stage with greats like George Benson, Jonathan Butler, Ronny Jordan, Ema, Havassana Sax, Bheki Khoza, Sinbogile Khumalo and also a great deal of naija hip-hop raves of the moment. He has also performed on numerous platforms worldwide and at prominent International Jazz festivals on the continent and globally, with record of participating in music festivals in Australia, New Zealand, Uganda, Kenyan, Lesotho, Dubai, Swaziland, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana amongst others.

The versatile Daniel Isele a graduate of University Of Calabar and he also graduated with distinction in Business Entrepreneurship from the Richard Branson Centre for Entrepreneurship in South Africa. He currently studies at the South Africa School of Motion Pictures and films.

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ON THE COUCH

JOAN OKORODUDU (FASHION PROMOTER)

For Me, Fashion is an Enduring Passion Interviewed by Funke Olaode Can we have an insight into your background?

I am Joan Okorodudu (nee Elumelu) founder of Nigeria’s Next Super Model which is in its 10th year. I am also the originator of ISIS Model, ECOWAS Fashion Week and African International Fashion Week. I come from a great family, the Elumelu family of Delta State. It was interesting growing up because life was comfortable for us. Unfortunately, the civil war started and my family lost everything. It was a trying moment for a family used to good things of life.

My father had a driver. I remember my father’s car plate number ‘LG 69’. At age seven, I learnt how to make ‘garri’. I know how to plant yam. That era really shaped my view about life because it taught me a lot of lessons.

Nigeria and globally. You have to build a model for three years before they start making money. I have my models in Milan, London, New York and London now. It has been a wonderful journey for us. Beyond money, I am happy that I am able to impact a life in my small corner.

One of my models, Bunmi Ademokoya just did a campaign for Adidas and some have worked for renowned designers.

Fashion and modeling industry weren’t popular when you came out, what gave you that conviction that you were going to succeed?

In this life, determination, perseverance, being focused have a lot of role to play in one’s career endeavours and it is not limited to fashion alone. I was determined to succeed by working harder and being focused. With modesty, I have always succeeded in whatever I lay my hands on because God’s grace is sufficient for me. I had the full support of my parents. They didn’t have a problem with it. They supported me on the condition that I would focus on my education and earn a degree. Then if I decided to go to the moon, all the best

How did your family pick up the pieces after the civil war?

It wasn’t easy but we coped. We ran to Nigeria but my father was in Biafra. After the war he came back and life started again and the rest they say became history. I went back to school. I had my early education in Nigeria and moved to the United States for further studies. I enrolled at Boston University in Massachusetts where I studied Political Science. I came back to Nigeria and engaged in a bit of politics with the late Ambrose Alli and the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

You come from a relatively privileged background, which creates a burden of expectations. Do you sometimes feel the pressure to excel?

Yes. My grandfather was an amazing man and likewise my father. Coming from such a great family, puts you on your toes. My grandfather’s house is still a sight to behold after many years.

He was educated. I had an amazing life.

Yes there were expectations from us to succeed in life and I am happy that we have not disappointed.

Having studied political science what influenced the decision to dabble into fashion?

It is an enduring passion for me.

During my undergraduate days, we always dabbled into fashion. I went to school with the former First Lady of Edo State, Eki Igbinedion, daughter of renowned Lagos lawyer, Bimbola Cardoso (nee TOS Benson). We are the

You recently dabbled into wine business…

Yes. I am an adventurer and my adventures are not limited to my comfort zone. I recently spearheaded a campaign of a newly introduced wine into the Nigerian market. It is called Friend Fun Wine, the first of its kind. It is a wine that comes in cans. It is a wine that relaxes; it has a lot to offer: It is youth friendly, it is fun friendly and it is age friendly. It is basically a wine you can give to anyone.

three musketeers on campus. I am happy that we all came back to Nigeria and are doing well for ourselves.

When did you kick off your career?

When I came back to Nigeria in 1982 I joined Sunday New Nigerian Newspaper as a writer and after that I met my wonderful husband, Air Vice Marshal Okorodudu during youth service and we got married. I have been married for 32 years and life has been good.

At what stage did you go into fashion and modelling agency fully?

I had a shop abroad called Euro Afrik and I used to come to Nigeria, make some clothes and ship it abroad. This was about 20 years ago when Ankara was not popular. I was also a model when I was much younger. It was a roller coaster for me when I decided to float a modeling agency because I was once an entrepreneur and model. I am giving away the 10th car this year courtesy Studio 24 that has been supporting us since 2012. This is my way of giving back because when these young girls started they didn’t have anything. Today, they can stand tall among super models in

Can you say you are fulfilled?

I am fulfilled and I have been very lucky. My background has helped me and likewise my marriage. I have been married to a man who has supported me all the way. He is a man who would always want to help his wife. I am happy that I have him as my husband, partner and supporter.

What lesson has life taught you?

Life has taught me to be apprehensive of people. Sometimes people who don’t really understand you would want to pull you down. And when you find yourself in the midst of haters, strive hard to succeed. That is your only revenge.

EVENT

Y

Yookos TV Reality Show Debuts

ookos, a TV reality show geared towards discovery as well as nurturing of great makeup talents in Nigeria, is set to take the country by storm. The show is targeted at various makeup artists who wish to own their schools and become entrepreneurs in future.

Tagged a gathering of creatives and showcase of talents, contestants shall be carefully selected after an online audition shall be exposed to various aspects of makeup artistry including; bridal and beauty, avant garde as

well as special effects.

According to the founder and promoter, Adelokiki Adeyomi, it is going to be a weekly affair where an eviction will take place every week till eventual winners are crowned. This, he said, will follow completion of tasks set by the panel for that week. “Contestants shall be grouped into two with mentors to guide them along the journey.

The winner shall emerge after excelling in all tasks which will test their vastness in various aspects of makeup artistry. Award

of recognition will be given to industry giants and entrepreneurs for their outstanding support and influence in the makeup sub sector.”

Adeyomi also stated that the event is not restricted to aspiring makeup artists only as designers will also have the opportunity to showcase their wears during the contest which is expected to span six weeks after which audience will be given an opportunity to vote their favourite contestant through various social media platforms.

Adeyomi

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focUS

The Governor is a Woman Vanessa Obioha reviews an ongoing political drama on television that presents what the skilled and professional women are faced with in a bid to prove their mettle

T

o say Mo’ Abudu has shattered her own glass ceiling would be stating the obvious. Since her advent into the world of satellite television, she’s been breaking one ceiling to another; from snapping up exclusive rights to produce local adaptations of foreign TV content to producing premium quality movies. She keeps re-inventing the wheel, setting trends for others to follow. Little wonder she is considered Nigeria’s own Oprah Winfrey.

Her latest production ‘The Governor’ is rapidly becoming a staple in family entertainment. Since its premiere last month, Thursday nights are highly anticipated as the suspensefilled drama keeps unfolding and intriguing its teeming viewers.

The political drama revolves round Angela Ochello, a young woman surrounded by political sharks who would stop at nothing to limit Angela’s leadership skills to head Savannah State following the death of the Governor, Alake.

In the first episode, viewers saw the discrimination meted out against Angela when the governor became comatose as a result of an accident.

Played by Caroline Chikezie, a British actress of Nigerian descent, Ochello used her perceived weakness as strength to shatter her own glass ceiling. “Angela was overlooked and undermined. Initially it was embarrassing for her because it portrayed the extent to which she was undermined and disrespected.

The initial humiliation turned to determination to overcome the embarrassing moments,” said the lead actress through a Skype video call at a recent meeting with journalists.

At a time when women are breaking norms and achieving great milestones

The Governor

Caroline Chikezie as Angela Ochello

in different sectors across the globe, The Governor couldn’t have been more perfectly timed. One may even consider clairvoyance as one of the EbonyLife TV CEO’s strength or how else can one explain the coincidence of the drama with the emergence of Theresa May as Britain’s new Prime Minister and the possibility of Hilary Clinton becoming the next US President.

Angela mirrors the typical life of a woman in a gender-based society.

She is considered nothing more than her physical anatomy and society’s definition of a woman. Even her position as a deputy governor was

greatly frowned at, particularly in the first episode where we saw how the intimidating trio known as the ‘Big Three’ and led by Jude Chukwuka disregarded her as a housewife who lacks the will and strength to be a political leader. To ensure that she fully understands her position as a woman in her party, she was asked to cede her position should the governor die.

Chukwuka portrayed a chauvinistic and manipulative party chieftain and leader of the Shining Light Faction of the party, Chief Sobifa Thompson. The consummate actor he is, he played his role as a parochial leader with adept skills.

Subsequent episodes however showed a resolute Angela who didn’t cower to the almighty Thompson or his cohorts like Senator Briggs played

by Kunle Coker. We saw a determined woman rising above her limitations and exuding admirable strength that makes her enemies re-examine their perception about her.

Apart from the main subject of the drama, the plot is layered with themes of greed, betrayal, love and ambitions.

One of the things that make this series outstanding is the choice of cast.

Parading notable names in the film industry like Bimbo Manuel (Ochello’s husband David), Taiwo Obileye, (Ochello’s father), they lit up the screens with their peerless performances.

Manuel brings all his charm as a loving and caring husband to Angela while Obileye finds himself caught between protecting his daughter from the political sharks while maintaining peace and order as the party leader. So far, the overall production has received great reviews from both the cast and the audience.

Perhaps, the most laudable thing about this movie is the choice of location. Ever since EbonyLife TV took up residence in the lush resort of Tinapa in Calabar, Cross River State, it has consistently showcased the beauty of the

Paradise City. This production filmed in Tinapa showcased the vast natural resources available at the resort. The fictional state Savannah is described as a coastal state in West Africa established in 1964 which major vocation is fishing and farming. The film was an avenue for Mo to promote tourism in the state.

For some of the actors, Tinapa was a therapeutic choice. For instance, Taiwo Obileye revealed that the film provided him the opportunity to leave the familiar environs of Lagos to Calabar.

He reveled in the beautiful scenery of the resort while enjoying the good interaction and synergy with other cast members and crew. For him, “all these made the production run smoothly. It is a world-class production.”

The younger cast members like Simi Adejumo, Baaj Adebule and Samuel Robinson couldn’t agree less.

The Governor is aired every Thursday at 9pm on EbonyLife TV, DStv Channel 165.

assistant editor nseobong okon-ekong senior correspondent funke olaode correspondent vanessa obioha designer ibirogba ibidapo CONTRIBUTORS onoshe nwabuikwu, temilolu okeowo, kelechi nduka THISDAY ON SUNDAY editor adetokunbo adedoja deputy editor vincent obia STUDIO art director ochi ogbuaku jnr THISDAY NEWSPAPERS editor-in-chief & chairman nduka obaigbena managing director eniola bello deputy managing director kayode komolafe

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• THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

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TAKE A BOW

Arie

EDITOR OKECHUKWU UWAEZUOKE/ okechukwu.uwaezuoke@thisdaylive.com

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ARTS & REVIEW\\STAGELIGHTS

Yinka Olatunbosun writes on the trend of selecting a foreign headliner for a Nigerian-made concert and the economic sense therein, if any

Arie in performance

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ow would you feel if you walk into a Chinese restaurant, place your regular order and find Nigerian ingredients all over your plate? You will likely call the waiter and demand some explanation. Now, our concert organisers are the waiters, serving us foreign meal in our indigenous kitchen. Yes, we understand the meaning of collaboration and the language of artistic variety. But when the general call from the government is for entrepreneurs to look inwards and invest in the nation’s economy, one cannot but reflect on the economic sense that bringing foreign artists can make in the light of our economic situation.

It is a mess. The artist is likely to come from a country where the foreign exchange rate to Naira is cut-throat. Next, he or she comes with a much regimented schedule, likely to perform for a few minutes, 30 tops, and leaves the audience begging for more or completely angry. What value does the artist add to the host country?

This foreign headliner is restricted by the contract he makes with the organisers,

might not grant interviews to resident journalists, who, by the way, can no longer be referred to as local, with global media tools at their disposal. But then, this trend keeps repeating itself like Kim Kardashian’s online nude displays.

Recently, the warble about the arrival of the four-time Grammy Award winner, India Arie in Lagos subsided as she came and left, but not without some dramatic turns. Apparently, Arie didn’t realise how popular she is in Africa’s most populous nation until her plane touched down in Lagos. In company of her band members, she toured the city and sampled some Nigerian songs which she showed off later during her performance as the headliner for the fifth edition of Sax Appeal, a jazz concert organised by the master saxophonist, Mike Aremu.

Naturally, the media trumpeted the event some weeks before the arrival of the US-based artist. Radio jingles, fliers and news stories flooded the polity and it was a mega congregation after church for many who were present that Sunday at the Expo Centre, Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island.

The event was scheduled to kick-off at 6p.m. but to everyone’s chagrin, the show didn’t start until about half past nine. When will Nigerian

fans learn to boycott shows for starting too late? Anyway, the hall was beautifully decorated. Almost empty it was at first until the audience trickled in. They seemed too pissed to allow the compere just a few minutes of self-expression since they didn’t pay such whooping sum to be entertained by someone who dressed like Arie and was furnished with a poor taste in jokes. A few couples left the hall after glancing at their wrist watches for several minutes and a mental knock reminding them that the working hours on Monday were just a few hours away. Yet, the majority of the audience would rather be late for work than to watch Arie’s debut performance in Lagos on Youtube or Twitter.

The Afro-pop, soul and swing musician, Isaac Geralds made up for the absence of Timi Dakolo who stood Lagos up. Geralds proved to us once again that he has “women issues’’ with his continuous “yabis” for women in his songs such as “Shakara’’ and “Fall in Love’’. He preached love and reproved women who play hard to get in romantic relationships through his lyrics. Geralds, while exhibiting his cheeky side, asked

some women in the audience who are single when they would eventually fall in love as he sang-talked. Yes, he got some friendly slaps in the back for his performance which lasted for about 45 minutes. Praiz came on stage and performed very briefly. No praise for Praiz whose token performance wasn’t too cheering. He had been parading the reception area hours in his slacks before the show and it was unbelievable that he’d just do us a cameo. Why? Then the man everyone had been waiting for, Mike Aremu left his audience completely stunned as he blew away the saxophone for six minutes non-stop, evoking the spirit of the jazz, in its pure form. Later he performed a song in Hausa dialect to preach love and unity in the face of challenges that confront Nigeria and indeed Nigerians. After an hour of performance, the headliner, Arie arrived in a flowing, splendid outfit in the Nigerian flag colour. How patriotic! She stalled her entry to the stage for at least two minutes and after her salutation, she warmed our hearts with her hit song of all time, “Video’’.

Arie had been a source of inspiration to a lot of women all over the world. She has sung about skin colour, self-esteem, relationships, socio-economic issues and love. She started

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OW Mike Aremu in performance her Lagos performance with a tribute to almighty God through her song. She caressed her guitar which was strapped across her voluptuous chest. Between the chords and riffs, she found the right rhythm to serenade her audience some of whom remained on their feet till the end of her show. She had 30 minutes to play and she didn’t get on stage until a few minutes past midnight.

The thought of returning home was quite sobering especially when your destination is about 45 minutes’ drive without traffic. The air at 1 a.m. is usually cold but more chilling as you ease past blinking amber lights at every traffic light junction, with no police in sight and a conscious fear of being robbed. Back to the auditorium, no one seemed to care about all that. All they cared about was for Arie to make their time count. Thirty minutes of performance just won’t cut it. Then she sang her inspiring tracks, “Strength, Courage and Wisdom’’ and “I am not my hair’’. Later, she sensed that the tempo was dropping and decided to surprise us a little.

“If I start to talk/ wetin my eye don see/ e no go end/ my brother e no go end’’, Arie sang. She delivered that chorus so efficiently that one could wish that she performed a duet with Tiwa Savage herself who did the song originally. As if singing in pidgin English wasn’t enough, Arie signaled to her band and switched from her own song to Simi’s “Love Don’t Care’’ and afterwards, she acknowledged Simi’s great vocal strength. She was excited to discover that Nigeria has enormous music talents apart from the trail blazers such as King Sunny Ade and Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

Behind the glitz of the concert, one should ask a few questions: Why are concert organisers so fixed on bringing foreign artists who would only perform for a few minutes after being paid heavily?

Why don’t we invest more in indigenous artists? Why don’t we have exchange programmes with foreign artists if they must come to NIgeria, organise workshops whilst they are around and not waste money just to purchase a brand name? We need to support our own artists, most of whom are doing very well internationally.

It is a duty.

ARTS & REVIEW\\STAGElIGhTS The Inverted Pyramid; Adapted from a novel by Emeka Dike

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Literary

A NEW COLLECTION OF DIVINE SIGNALS Yinka Olatunbosun

Bamidele & Tinuade Coker in The Wedding Party

THE WEDDING PARTY PREMIERES ON OPENING NIGHT OF THE 2016 TORONTO INT’L FILM FESTIVAL

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t really came as no surprise that Elfike Film Collective’s The Wedding Party made the Toronto International Film Festival’s selection of the Spotlight City to City programme. The much-heralded and anticipated film’s premiere is scheduled for Thursday, September 8 at the historic Elgin Theatre. The romcom, directed by Kemi Adetiba, stars some of Africa’s biggest stars led by Richard Mofe-Damijo, Sola Sobowale, Alibaba, Iretiola Doyle, Banky W, and Adesua Etomi, with the stars of the film expected to attend the premiere.

“We are pleased to welcome The Wedding Party by award-winning filmmaker Kemi Adetiba to the Festival, and are proud to present it to a global audience,” said Cameron Bailey, Artistic Director of the Toronto International Film Festival. “Adetiba has delivered an exciting character-driven film on a grand scale, while putting her own unique spin on a familiar genre.”

According to Executive Producer, Mo Abudu, “This will be the second time an EbonyLife movie is selected to screen at an International Film Festival of great repute, TIFF’s selection of ‘The Wedding Party’ is a true honour. I can’t think of a better place, or a better global audience for the film’s festival Premiere.”

Written by playwright Tosin Otudeko and Kemi Adetiba, ‘The Wedding Party’ is an Elfike Film Collective production – a first of its kind initiative designed to raise the bar in African storytelling through unrivalled technical achievement in filmmaking and creative media arts. Elfike Film Collective is a collaboration of Africa’s leading powerhouses - EbonyLife Films, FilmOne Distribution, Inkblot Productions and Koga Studios. It is the first time industry giants will partner on a film project and with TIFF’s recognition is proving that Collectives can grow and prosper the continent’s film community.

Set in Lagos, Nigeria, The Wedding Party is the story of Dunni Coker (Adesua Etomi), a 24 year old art gallery owner and only daughter of her parents about to marry the love of her life, IT entrepreneur Dozie (Banky W).

The couple took a vow of chastity and is looking forward to a ground-breaking first night together as a married

couple.

Alibaba and Sola Sobowale play the role of Dunni’s parents while Iretiola Doyle and Richard Mofe-Damijo play Dozie’s parents. Other notable names in the stellar cast include Zainab Balogun, AY, Beverly Naya, Emma OhMyGod, Lepacious Bose, Somkele Idhalama, Daniella Brown, Ikechukwu Onunaku, Ayo Makun, Enyinna Nwigwe, Kunle Idowu, Sambasa Nzeribe, Hafiz Oyetoro amongst others.

The Wedding Party will take guests on a journey to the rockiest wedding day in Nigeria’s history. Wedding guests will have to take their seats and see whether the wedding planner succeeds or if the groom’s ex-girlfriends will disrupt the day’s proceedings. One thing is certain The Wedding Party will be the talk of the town.

After its premiere at the 41st Toronto International Film Festival, which runs from the September 8 to 18, its Lagos international premiere will hold at The Landmark Centre in November and promises to be an unforgettable night of pomp and pageantry.

Just last year, EbonyLife Films ( a sister company of EbonyLife TV) had a grand premiere of its first feature film, Fifty, at Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos. Both outfits “are dedicated to telling the full range of African stories as they have never been told before”. They also preen themselves on being strongly rooted in Africa while connecting to a global audience through a shared identity and common values.

The film’s director Kemi Adetiba is a Nigerian music video director, filmmaker and television director, whose production credits have featured on Channel O, MTV Base, Soundcity and BET. She’s an alumni of the prestigious New York Film Academy, her short film Across a Bloodied Ocean was screened at the 2009 Pan African Film Festival and National Black Arts Festival.

The film is being distributed by FilmOne Limited an independent distributor of filmed entertainment which provides top-end film release services with emphasis in English-speaking West Africa territory. Based in Lagos, Nigeria, it distributes a wide-range of mainstream, commercial pictures including international and indigenous titles.

The Primate of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Elijah Ayodele has released his latest collection of divine signals titled, “Warnings to the Nations 2016/2017 Edition’’. The collection was first published in 1994 to forewarn of the looming challenges in various aspects of our social-economic as well as political life. The areas covered in this collection include Energy and Power, Education, Media, Financial institutions, Entertainment, Aviation, Religion, Security and para-military agencies, Telecommunications, Sports, States and Local governments, amongst others.

Published by INRI Press Publications, the book has a new feature that makes it different from previous editions. It is more pocket-friendly in its new cover design. In addition, the cover displays the content on a side strip that shares the space with the picture of the author. This 226-paged book is written in simple language and legible print.

One of the issues addressed by the author in the book is the front-burner topic of probe in the fight against corruption.

“So many people will be probed and it will be sensationalized. The arms purchase deals probe will expose a lot. This will not make it to be as successful as expected. The probe will cause tribalism because some people will not be sincere,’’ he wrote.

He foresaw in the book as well that the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) will break into two, change its logo and envisages serious rancor. For the ruling party, his submission also seems very grim.

“There will be series of threats and the APC as a party will crack as there will be factions. They will want to dislodge the PDP. The APC will have to go back to the drawing board as some people will leave the APC. I foresee that some governors will also want to leave APC likewise some honorable members. Some of the people that left the party for APC will cause problem for the party. If APC removes the Senate President, it will cause problems for the party.

Meanwhile, politics is just starting,’’ he stated.

But the book contained some cheering proclaimations as well.

Primate Ayodele foresees Virgin Atlantic expanding its routes, Emirate Airlines acquiring new airplanes, and online media organisations will thrive.

He also included in this edition the testimonies of individuals who have enjoyed divine and miraculous healing under the Primate’s watch.

At the briefing held in Lagos to announce the release of the book, he called on Nigerians to support the current administration led by President Muhammadu Buhari in these challenging times, adding that the government needs prayers and support rather criticisms from Nigerians.

He advised President Buhari to change his economic team in order to achieve better results.

He warned the nation against ethnicity, blood bath, political tension, injustice, and mismanagement of the economy.

“Democracy in Nigeria needs a lot of prayer in order for us to move ahead. Nigeria must work on the concept of democracy and leadership.

Otherwise it will be truncated by selfish and self-centreness,’’ he added.

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Editor Vincent Obia Email vincent.obia@thisdaylive.com, SMS: 08054681757

IN THE ARENA

Land-grabbing Prohibition Law: All Eyes on Lagos State Government Lagos State government has, commendably, enacted a law to check the activities of unscrupulous land acquirers and extortionists, but it must courageously implement the law to make the desired impact. Vincent Obia writes

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agos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday signed a new law outlawing land grabbing in and extortion of money from land developers in the state. The properties protection law was enacted as the appropriate response to the menace of locals, popularly called Omo-Oniles, who are mainly the original or earliest inhabitants of the different areas of the state. The Omo-Oniles have for long posed a huge threat to land owners and property developers in the state.

On paper, this new response couched in the “law to prohibit forceful entry and illegal occupation of landed properties, violent and fraudulent conducts in relation to landed properties in Lagos State and for connected purposes,” is a deviation from the traditional norm of treating the miscreants, who are generally seen as the nemesis of land developers, with kid gloves. Also judged from its contents, the new law is a big blow to the power of the Omo-Oniles.

In practice, however, the new legislation is largely a reframing of various extant statutes that outlaw the wilful obstruction of legitimate property and land transactions. The Criminal Law of Lagos State contains several provisions that prohibit attempts to dispossess people of their legitimate property or disrupt their lawful use of land.

The Lagos State government set up a taskforce in June to check the menace of land-grabbing in the state. During the inauguration of the taskforce, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, said the Ambode administration was determined to apply the full weight of the law to permanently address the Omo-Onile issue, saying the havoc and unrest they have caused residents is no longer acceptable. Kazeem said henceforth, anybody who used threat or intimidation to dispossess people of their legitimate property will be punished in accordance with Sections 52, 53 and 281 of the Criminal Law of the state. It is doubtful if the taskforce has been effective – and even more doubtful if many people in the state are aware of its existence.

Definitely, what will make the difference is the courageous enforcement of the new property protection law.

Miscreants among the aboriginal communities in the state have almost immemorially constituted an ever-present nightmare for land buyers and property developers. They have appeared at virtually every stage of land and property development to make illegal, frustrating, and, sometimes, impossible demands.

They have also formed themselves into bands of landgrabbers who go about dispossessing legitimate owners of land of their property.

The Omo-Oniles have maintained a rather complicated relationship with the politicians and security agencies, a situation that more often than not, makes their victims mostly helpless.

The killing in October last year of the managing director of the Lekki Free Zone Limited, Mr. Tajudeen Disu, marked a painful culmination of a long reign of terror by criminals among the earliest inhabitants of the state.

Disu was among persons killed as Ibeju-Lekki villagers and riot police clashed at Okunraiye community, near Ibeju-Lekki, on the morning of October 12 last year.

The villagers said they were on a peaceful demonstration against the forceful takeover of their land by the Lagos State government when policemen called in by the government attacked the protesters, killing two of them. They said the killing resulted in commotion. Disu, reportedly, died in the melee, as the police officers guarding him and protesting villagers clashed. A policeman and two villagers were said to have also died in the crisis.

The land in question was for the Lekki Free Zone Limited and construction of a petrochemical refinery by Africa’s richest businessman, Aliko Dangote.

But the police said Disu was lynched by angry villagers who had mobilised to violently prevent any construction on the site, as “They claimed that they did not sell their land to Dangote refinery.”

The Lagos State government and the security agencies are still trying to piece together that tragic culmination in the Lekki Free Trade Zone initiative. But the OmoOniles were not deterred. They have carried on with gusto, becoming even bolder and fiercer in their campaign of violent obstructionism and extortion targeted at land buyers and developers.

ezeibe.aguwa@thisdaylive.com 08093842953 Many Lagos residents, especially land owners, welcome the land-grabbing prohibition law. But they remain sceptical due to the obvious practical constraints in the enforcement of the law.

There are fears that the new law may not be really effective because of the ostensibly blurred line between the Omo-Oniles, who the law is supposed to restrain, and locals frequently employed by politicians as foot soldiers in the hunt for votes during elections. It is a generally appreciated fact that the Omo-Oniles form a veritable electoral base for many politicians in the state.

The concern is that state officials and politicians may find it difficult to stand by and let their offending foot soldiers face the full weight of the law.

It is hard to determine how able and willing the political class in the state would be to buck pressure from the Omo-Oniles when the chips are down.

Generally, however, there is no doubt that the Lagos State land-grabbing prohibition law represents a crucial and commendable step in the efforts to deter what has become the state’s biggest threat to land development. But the government would need to do more to reassure the public that it is not on a mission to merely whitewash the crude power of the land-grabbers and extortionists.

P O L I T I CA L N OT E S

The Humanitarian Catastrophe in Borno

A

Shettima

recent report by the Belgium-based International Crisis Group, an independent advocacy organisation, paints a gloomy picture of life in Borno State, which the federal government should take seriously. The report describes awful effects of the Boko Haram insurgency on the civilian populace, especially in the internally displaced persons’ camps, calling them “one of the worst humanitarian crisis of our time.”

Quite pathetically, ICG quotes the

United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, which says about 244,000 children are suffering from acute malnutrition in Borno State while on average 134 die everyday from this condition.

In addition to the military response to the insurgency, the Nigerian government needs to devote appreciable resources to the welfare of the affected civilian populations. This is particularly in recognition of the fact that the principal purpose of the anti-terrorism war is to secure and – Vincent Obia preserve human life.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • AUGUST 21, 2016

72

CICERO/PDP CONVENTION

Cross section of delegates at PH convention

PDP’s Tortuous Path to a Convention For the second time, the Peoples Democratic Party failed to hold an elective national convention in Port Harcourt, no thanks to court orders. Ernest Chinwo, in Port Harcourt, reports

W

ednesday, August 17 was obviously the climax of the crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party, which prides itself on being the biggest party in Africa. For the second time, the party was stopped from holding an elective national convention in Port Harcourt.

First Convention

On May 21, when delegates converged on Port Harcourt for the national convention, it took an Abuja high court to scuttle the election, when then national chairman of the party, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, surreptitiously obtained an order restraining the convention from holding elections.

But the convention went ahead to dissolve the National Working Committee of the party and set up a seven-member national caretaker committee led by Senator Ahmed Markarfi.

Although Sheriff dismissed the outcome of the convention as illegal, the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt on July 4 declared the convention legal and its outcome binding on members of the party.

Second Convention

Obviously anticipating that the rescheduled convention of Wednesday, August 17, would also have problems, the caretaker committee approached the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt and within a space of six days got three orders to enforce the July 4 judgement of the court to ensure an uninterrupted convention.

First was on August 11 when the court presided over by Justice Ibrahim Watila, ruling on a motion ex-parte, ordered the police, Department of State Security, and the Independent National Electoral Commission not to interfere in the August 17 national convention of the party. The suit no: FHC/PH/CS/585/2016 was brought before the court

by Senator Ben Obi (Plaintiff) on behalf of the National Convention Planning Committee of the PDP against the Inspector General of Police, the Commissioner of police, the DSS, the state director of the DSS, and INEC. Watila, also ordered the police and the DSS to provide security while INEC would monitor the convention. The motion was filed by Wori N. Wori on behalf of Ben Obi relying on a 34-paragragh affidavit deposed to by Felix Obuah.

The second was on August 15, when the same judge in an interlocutory order reaffirmed his earlier order mandating the police and the DSS to provide security and INEC to monitor the convention.

Thirdly, on August 16, in his judgement on the same suit no: FHC/ PH/CS/585/2016, Watila declared that the National Caretaker Committee of the PDP was the executive authority in all matters concerning the party and that the August 17 national convention of PDP scheduled for Port Harcourt was in line with the July 4 judgement of the court, which validated the May 21 national convention of the party.

The judgment reiterated the earlier orders of the court mandating the police and the DSS to provide security and INEC to monitor the process.

Drama

A mild drama played out in the court when as the judge was about to deliver his judgement. A lawyer, who gave his name as T. A. Damiari,

rose to get the attention of the court that he represented a party seeking to be joined in the suit. But the judge said he had not seen any process to that effect and would go on to deliver the judgement.

When Damiari insisted on being joined, Watila ordered the lawyer to sit down as he would not entertain any attempt to ridicule his court.

“Please sit down. You cannot arrest my judgement. This is not a kangaroo court. Neither am I a politician,” Watila said.

Security Cordon

But there was yet another hurdle for the Makarfi-led PDP on its way to the national convention. Justice Okon Abang of the Abuja High Court, Tuesday evening, in an interlocutory order, ruled that the convention should not hold and also ordered the Inspector General of Police to enforce his ruling.

While the screening of candidates for the various positions and preparations at the Sharks Stadium venue of the convention had been concluded even with the assistance of police and other security operatives on Tuesday night, delegates woke up Wednesday morning to see that the venue had been sealed off by the police and DSS. As early as 6am, police and operatives of the DSS moved vans, armoured personnel carriers and other vehicles to barricade all access to the Sharks Stadium venue of the convention. At the entrance to the stadium, stern looking armed security personnel barred delegates, journalists and even security personnel from entering the stadium.

Policemen who had on Tuesday evening assisted members of the party to arrange the venue turned hostile and threatened to deal with their “friends” of yesterday.

But the police denied sealing off the venue. Addressing journalists, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mr Francis Odesanya, said the police did not seal off the stadium.

Odesanya said the police were only acting in compliance with a court order to provide security for the safety of lives and property.

When asked which of the court orders he was complying with, he simply said, “We are only obeying a court order. It is not my duty to interpret court orders. You people are journalists and you got the court orders too. You are in a position to interpret the orders.”

He also refused to reveal when the police got the order to seal off the venue of the convention, as the police authorities had disclosed earlier that they were yet to get the order, as at 11pm Tuesday night.

Odesanya said, “Our actions are in line with the court order. It is not relevant when we got to the venue. The police have been there; we are always everywhere. We are always providing security everywhere.

That is our primary assignment; to make sure that everywhere within the state is secured.

“Police did not seal off anywhere. We are merely providing security and ensuring that there is peace, security and order.”

‘House Arrest’

Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose alleged that he was placed under house arrest by the police while in Port Harcourt. The governor, who was not sighted at any venue in Port Harcourt, said he was not at the convention venue because he was placed under house arrest at the Old Presidential Lodge, Rivers State Government House, where he lodged.

Fayose’s special adviser on social media, Lere Olayinka, said the governor was prevented from moving out as the gate to the Old

Presidential Lodge was blocked by an armoured personnel carrier. He said all entreaties to allow Fayose to step out to attend the convention were rebuffed by the security personnel.

But reacting to the allegations, Odesanya said it was unfair to make such allegations against the police. He noted that there were other dignitaries lodged at the same venue and wondered how it was possible for others to leave the Presidential Lodge while Fayose could not.

“That cannot be true. It is not to my knowledge. How did the other excellences get out of the lodge,” the police commissioner queried.

Faced with a situation where they could not have access to the venue of the convention, the leadership of the party decided to move the convention to the Rivers State secretariat of the party along Aba Road.

Extension

In a commando-like style, Makarfi declared the convention open and through a motion moved by Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu and seconded by the former Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Zainab Maina, the convention approved the extension of the tenure of the national caretaker committee by 12 months and also increased its membership from seven to 13.

The convention had earlier adopted a motion moved by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Leo Ogor, and seconded by chairman of the Federal Capital Territory chapter of PDP, Alhaji Yusuf Suleiman, to amend the agenda of the convention and step down the issue of election.

NEC Inauguration

At the convention, Makarfi inaugurated the National Executive Committee of the party. Performing the inauguration at the Government House, Port Harcourt, Makarfi said the NEC included the PDP governors, National Assembly Caucus, Board of Trustees, National Caucus, 36 state PDP chairmen and national officers of the party.

He said the National Caretaker Committee members would cease to be NEC members once national officers were elected.

Despite the hiccups, the chairman of the National Convention Planning Committee and Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, said the convention was successful. He, however, accused the All Progressives Congress of being responsible for the actions of the police and also berated the security agencies for trying to scuttle democracy.

“All the vehicles used by the police to invade the Sharks Stadium were bought by my administration. All the armoured personnel carriers they used were serviced by my administration. What happened was unfortunate,” Wike lamented.

He berated the security agencies for refusing to obey the judgement of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt whereas parties to the suit were directed to provide security for the national convention.

The governor also frowned on the situation where, according to him, a particular judge handles all suits involving the PDP in Abuja.

Wike said the calibre of persons who attended the convention was an indication that the party was still “strong with quality members who are ever ready to make sacrifices.”

The leaders of PDP who attended the convention in Port Harcourt said the party had moved on. But whether or not they have really moved on will be seen in developments within the party in the weeks ahead.

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER • AUGUST 21, 2016

CICERO/PDP CONVENTION

The Legal Conundrum Tobi Soniyi looks at the tangled web of litigations that PDP is caught in

M

aking sense out of the various judgements and rulings on the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party is a tough challenge for lawyers. It is even tougher for non-lawyers. It all started at the Federal High Court in Lagos where Ali Modu Sheriff, Prof. Wale Oladipo, and Alhaji Fatai Adeyanju as plaintiffs prayed the court for an interlocutory injunction restraining PDP from conducting any election into the offices of the national chairman, national secretary and national auditor, which they occupied, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

Comedy of Abuses

On May 12, the trial judge, Ibrahim Buba, granted the order as prayed.

But on Monday May 21, the faction opposed to Sherriff held a national convention in Port Harcourt where it dissolved the National Executive Committee led by Sherriff and in its place constituted a caretaker committee led by Ahmed Makarfi.

The question, which then arose, was whether the dissolution of the executive and the setting up of a caretaker committee violated the orders made by Buba? Not surprising, Sherriff’s faction said yes, the orders were violated, but the opposing group said no. Those who set up the caretaker committee argued that the convention, being the supreme organ of the party, exercised its powers under section 12.88 of the PDP constitution by dissolving the National Working Committee and appointing some of its members as caretakers for the next 90 days to enable it pursue true reconciliation of its disputant members towards peaceful, amicable and political settlement of the disputes leading to the cases in court.

To strengthen their positions, Sherriff and other plaintiffs in Lagos on May 23 filed a motion on notice for the purpose of setting aside the national convention of the party held on May 21. “The suit came up on May 27, for the hearing of all pending applications, including motions for stay of proceeding/execution of the order of May 12, pending the appeal already filed against the suit; motion to set aside and/or vacate the order of May 12; motion for joinder of certain persons; motion on notice by way of notice of preliminary objection on ground of jurisdiction, among others.

On May 24, counsel to Sherriff and other plaintiffs, Mr. R. A. Oluyede, drew the attention of the court to the fact that the order dated May 12, 2016 had not been complied with and that PDP had gone ahead to conduct election into the offices of: national chairman, national secretary and national auditor.” In essence, the plaintiffs contended that Buba’s orders were flouted.

The caretaker committee said no and that it did not fill the three posts in line with the court orders. It stated that there was no order against setting up a caretaker committee.

The crisis took an embarrassing turn on that same day, May 24, when two Federal High Courts gave two contradictory rulings. While Buba in Lagos affirmed the interim chairmanship of Sheriff, another Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt ordered him and the NWC to stop parading themselves as leaders of the party.

In Lagos, Buba declared the caretaker committee illegal.

He ordered the Inspector General of Police to ensure that the members of the committee do not take over the party’s national headquarters and that Sheriff remains the national chairman of the PDP. In Port Harcourt, Justice A. Liman gave judicial approval to the action of the Port Harcourt convention. Liman gave the order following an ex-parte motion filed by the party. The Inspector General of Police, Independent National Electoral Commission, and Department of State Security were joined in the motion. The court ordered Sheriff and Oladapo to stop holding themselves individually or collectively as chairman or secretary of the party.

The court directed them to stop parading themselves as national officers or members of the National Executive Committee or NWC as doing so would negate decisions reached at the national convention on May 21. It also restrained INEC from according or continuing to accord any recognition to the national chairman, secretary and all members of the NEC, NWC who were removed during the convention. It ordered INEC to recognise the national caretaker committee appointed by the convention as the executive authority of the party to conduct primaries for offices and submission of list of candidates to it.

The court restrained the Sheriff-led executive from receiving nominations or submitting names to INEC in any capacity pending the hearing and determination of the motion. It also ordered the NEC and NWC not to sign any documents in such capacities prior to their removal pending the determination of the motion.

Meanwhile, despite the fact that these two cases were pending in Lagos and Port Harcourt and, the fact, that an appeal had been filed against the Lagos court’s orders, Sherriff filed another case at the Abuja division of the Federal High Court, which was assigned

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed

Chef Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta

to Justice Okon Abang. This decision expanded the crisis into an unprecedented embarrassment for the judiciary. Experts say the case assigned to Abang should have been consolidated with the one in Lagos to avoid an abuse of the process of the court.

Abang heard the case and found that the order made by Buba in Lagos remained subsisting. He consequently issued several orders, including stopping the second convention planned to take place in Port Harcourt last Wednesday.

But before then, in the case instituted in Abuja High Court by Joseph Jero against PDP, Justice Valentine Ashi had held that the amendment of the party’s constitution which allowed Sherrif and members of his executive to hold office was illegal. In a judgement delivered on June 29, the judge consequently nullified the amendment.

Sheriff was not made a party in that case. It was just against the PDP. Relying on the judgement by Ashi, another member of the party, Danladi Ayuba, who said he was seeking to be the party youth leader, went back to an Abuja High Court where he filed a case against Sheriff.

Justice Nwamaka Ogbonnaya, who heard the case, ruled in his favour and held that Sheriff was illegally parading himself as chairman of the party. The court told Sheriff to stop parading himself as chairman and to also stop acting on behalf of the party as chairman.

the truth. We are not advising our clients appropriately.

“NBA should step in and stop this madness. Everything does not have to go to the National Judicial Council. I believe we can solve this. The new NBA president should address this squarely.

“Before we blame the NJC, we lawyers should talk to ourselves.

If a client knows that he will not get a lawyer who will help him to ridicule the judiciary, he will behave appropriately.”

Oloyede also wondered why judges elected to sit till 6pm to hear political cases while other cases that were of national importance were not given similar attention.

“A judge is supposed to be impartial, but what we have seen so far in this PDP has shown that the judges are political.”

Oloyede believes all these should not have happened if the parties had followed the normal judicial procedure by filing an appeal and waiting for the appellate court to resolve the issues therein.

‘Forum Shopping’

A lawyer based in Lagos, Mr John Oloyede, has tried to identify the issues in the PDP conundrum. First, he stated that it was unfortunate for the judiciary to allow politicians to mess up the institution.

Oloyede said, “On this occasion, I feel sad to say that the judiciary has not performed. The court is a let-down. It is a big disappointment. We are getting to a point when ordinary people would elect to appear in court. The courts are setting bad precedent capable of eroding their jurisdiction.”

Secondly, he noted that there was a forum shopping, as the litigants shuttled from one location to another in search of a favourable judge. He said there was no need for further orders after Ashi had removed the basis upon which Sheriff was appointed. “After filing an appeal, why did Sheriff go back to Justice Abang? ” Oloyede asked. He answered the poser thus: “The judicial process is so straightforward. It is a gross abuse of court for Sheriff after appealing to go back to FHC.” Apart from forum shopping, that is seeking a court where one can get a favourable order, which in itself amounts to abuse of the court process, Oloyede identified disregard for appellate court and disrespect to fellow judges as some of the issues thrown up by the PDP cases.

He said, “All the judges are aware of what is going on in other courts, they should have restrained themselves. ” The Nigerian Bar Association, Oloyede said, was also not showing the required leadership. It takes two to tango. He contended that if lawyers advised their clients properly, this ugly situation would not have arisen. In his view, since these cases were filed by lawyers, the association could have issued a stern warning to its members.

According to Oloyede, “We, lawyers, play a big role in the problem the judiciary is facing now. We are not telling our clients

Definite Advantage

On who is on a strong legal footing among the parties, another lawyer, Mr Uchena Nnadi, said he strongly believed that the Port Harcourt convention was sustained legally and remained binding.

According to him, every decision taken in Port Harcourt is valid. He believed that Sheriff was standing on nothing saying that the decision of the Abuja High Court had settled the matter.

The lawyer was also of the opinion that the orders of Buba were not violated when the caretaker committee was set up in Port Harcourt because the national convention of the party remained the superior organ of the party. He further argued that events had overtaken the orders given by Buba Nnadi said, “Sheriff s relying on orders from Buba and Abang. Orders made within a case cannot overrule final judgement. There is a difference between judgement and order.

Makarfi has judgements from Liman in Port Harcourt, Justices Ashi and Ogbonanya in Abuja.”

He called on the NJC to intervene to save the judiciary from the show of shame and also appealed to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to consolidate such cases in the future.

Nnadi advised the parties to wait for appellate courts to resolve the matters finally.

He maintained that the police were wrong. The Makarfi caretaker committee has a valid judgement but the police elevated an order made in the course of a hearing above a final judgement, Nnadi said.

The publicity secretary of the PDP in Lagos, Mr Taofik Gani, who is also a lawyer, provided a political angle to the equation.

He pointed out that despite been aware of orders made by Buba restraining the party from filling the posts of national chairman, national secretary and national auditor of the party, Sheriff came to Port Harcourt for the first convention. He argued that if there was contempt, then Sheriff too was a contemnor.

Gani also argued that Sheriff had shot himself in the foot “because he is holding on to an appointment. His appointment has not even been ratified. It is subject to ratification.

“We have not disobeyed the order of Justice Buba. We turned the convention to a non-elective convention. Assuming we disobeyed that order, Sheriff himself would be in contempt because he came to Port Harcourt for the convention.”

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • AUGUST 21, 2016

CICERO/PDP CONVENTION

Makarfi

Sheriff

Second Port Harcourt Convention and the Thorny Path to Peace Onyebuchi Ezigbo examines the search for peace in the former ruling party

T

he battle for the soul of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party has lingered for a long time and it appears the gulf between the rival parties has continued to widen. Before the last convention in Port Harcourt, series of efforts had been initiated by the leaders of the PDP to try to resolve the leadership crisis rocking the party. But the efforts fell like a pack of cards in the end, leaving the warring factions even more divided than ever. When the peace move initiated by the party’s Board of Trustees through a reconciliation committee headed by former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, came on, all hailed it as a good idea that could bring lasting peace to the party. In fact, a scene during one of the reconciliatory meetings held by the BoT peace committee at Sheriff’s office raised a lot of hope.

Hope

After engaging the feuding parties in dialogue sessions, where they exchanged jokes and banters, Gana turned in the

report of the peace committee penultimate Saturday. He told the gathering at the residence of the BoT chairman, Senator Walid Jibrin, that it had recommended some measures that would make the aggrieved group led by Senator Ali Modu

The convention which was proposed to take place at the Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt, was shifted to the state party secretariat on Aba Road, due to security cordon-off of the venue by contingent of security agencies on the pretext of obeying the interlocutory order given by Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday August 16, against holding the already convened national convention

Sheriff to drop its agitation and embrace the leadership of the party at the national convention billed for next Wednesday in Port Harcourt. Although the peace committee failed to let out details of the recommendations, it said one of the high points of its intervention was that all the parties to the conflict must withdraw their cases in the court as a condition for implementing other measures that will restore normalcy to the party. Gana said he was confident that the recommendations if implemented will go a long way towards resolving the leadership crisis.

Gana said: “We have the support of all the organs of our party and party members, the governors’ forum and the National Assembly caucus. We have tremendous respect for our members who are still aggrieved, hence this committee.

We have recommended how they, too, can be made to feel at home so that we can welcome them at the convention. But it will be irresponsible of me divulge because the BoT will have to consider and rectify that aspect. We have given very weighty recommendations that if approved we will waiting at the convention receive these our aggrieved members.”

On his part, Jibrin said the submission of the report of the reconciliation committee marked the beginning of the return of normalcy within the party.

Dashed Hope

Many people had expected that the recommendations of the peace panel would be implemented or would form the basis for settlement of the conflict, but that was not to be. Both the agitated former national chairman, Sheriff, and the chairman of the National Caretaker Committee, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, rather than coming together to push for a unified national convention, kept a distance from each other.

Some of the conditions given by Sheriff in order to stop his fight are that the convention should be postponed and its venue shifted to Abuja. The former Borno State governor also insisted that the Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, should not chair the convention committee.

Blame

While those opposed to Sheriff blamed him for sticking to hard line conditions for peace, a member of the Sheriff-led NWC and former PDP National Vice Chairman (Southsouth), Dr. Cairo Ojugboh, dismissed such blame, saying Sheriff has been cooperative and had indeed accepted most of the peace terms proposed by the BoT committee. Ojugboh put the blame for the stalemate at the doorstep of some leaders of the party, particularly Wike and his loyalists, whom he said had been seeking to hijack the party.

Going against the peace initiative, both sides once again dusted up their cases in the courts. The courts tried to outwit each other through the issuance of interim orders and counter interim orders. A lot of PDP faithful, including

the caretaker committee, had accused the All Progressives Congress and its administration of conniving with Sheriff to fuel the crisis in the PDP. Although the ruling APC dismissed such insinuation, many PDP members say incidents such the one at last Wednesday’s repeat convention of the PDP in Port Harcourt cast doubt on the innocence of the APC-led federal government. The Inspector-general of Police deployed his men to stop the use of the Sharks Stadium for the PDP convention in the face of conflicting court orders for and against the holding of the exercise.

In a statement signed by the spokesman of the PDP caretaker committee, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, the party said that convention venue had to be shifted to another location due to security cordon at the stadium. The statement read: “The convention which was proposed to take place at the Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt, was shifted to the state party secretariat on Aba Road, due to security cordon-off of the venue by contingent of security agencies on the pretext of obeying the interlocutory order given by Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday August 16, against holding the already convened national convention.

“The public is aware that our party is law abiding and it’s acting in compliance with the judgement of Justice Liman of the Federal High Court sitting here in Port Harcourt, which is in favour of all actions taken by the party’s highest decision making organ, the national convention of May 21, held here in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. So far, there is no judgement upturning it which, of course, such must come from the Court of Appeal.

“In addition, there is another existing order from a court of competent jurisdiction directing all concerned not to tamper with the convention. Notwithstanding, the powers that be at the federal level in conspiracy with the former national chairman, Senator Sheriff, and his co travellers carried out their act of legal and political disobedience with flagrant disregard to the tenets of democracy.”

But the police have defended their action, saying that they acted to prevent a breakdown of law and order following what looked like a possible showdown between factions of the PDP. But the party had held its May 21 convention at the same venue and under a similar circumstance without any violence or breakdown of law and order.

Makarfi also accused the police of bias while declaring open the party’s convention at its Rivers State secretariat on Wednesday. Makarfi noted that such acts of bias posed a danger to the survival of the country’s democracy.

For the PDP, the events of last week show clearly that the party is in grave danger. The issues may worsen if nothing urgent is done to arrest the deteriorating conflict. By extending the tenure of the Makarfi-led caretaker committee by one year, PDP seems to have inadvertently extended the faceoff with Sheriff.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • AUGUST 21, 2016

CICERO/INTERVIEW

Babangida: If I Have a Second Chance, I’ll Make National Assembly Part-time Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), clocked 75 years last Wednesday. He fielded questions from journalists at his Hilltop residence in Minna, Niger State, during which he went down the memory lane.

Laleye Dipo brings excerpts of the interview

A

s a military officer did you ever experience a case of accidental discharge, if you did how did you react, what were the reactions of the Army authorities and the family of the deceased?

Well, accidental discharge, I almost had one but when I did the person was not dead. I had one during the cause of my service and it was in Dodan Barracks Lagos. The person who witnessed it was my wife but she escaped it. I had also the situation where I was moving with some of my junior officers, as we moved along an ammunition came and hit one of them and he just dropped dead there, there was nothing we can do. As commander if you witnessed such a thing be prepared to die also. Of course I knew the family of that particular deceased officer, he was my brother, I went to them and I told them what happened and they accepted it as good Muslims, that was how God wished it then, but it was a very painful thing to me.

Which is more challenging - being a military officer or a military president?

Being a military officer is more challenging than being a military President. As a military officer you are leading men into danger, your life and their lives very much depend on you as the Commander. I see it as more challenging than being the President. As a military President, you still have to seek people’s advice, you interact, you discuss based on the prevailing situation you find yourself. But being a military officer, you are the only one with the troops you are commanding. Their hopes are on you and if you read a situation wrongly, you will put everyone in danger.

Which was your toughest experience as a soldier who fought in the Nigerian civil war I think it was the movement from Enugu to Umuahia. It was very tough and challenging, you need to be physically fit to be able to undertake such thing because we were moving on our feet and we had to go through the jungle, mountains, hills and so on. It was the toughest experience I’ve ever had. It was there that I was injured.

Was going into the army the only option you had in your choice of career?

When I was young, my principal wanted me to go into administration, personally I wanted to go for engineering. Then politics came, the Minister for Army at that time, one Tanko Galadima from Bida, came on a recruitment drive to my school, he wanted people from this part of the country to enlist into the Nigeria army because there weren’t many of them at that time.

Then he asked how many of us were interested and a lot of hands went up thinking it was a joke, our names were taken down and within a week, enlistment forms into the army were brought. We sat for the exam, we deliberately decided to pass the examination because we didn’t want people to say we failed. So we passed the examination, interview, medical test and aptitude test. We decided to go into the army because we had a strong backer in the minister in charge of the army.

What advice do you have for the younger ones who want to the join the army in view of the prevailing security situation in the country and globally?

The basic elements still remain the same up till now despite what we are going through. We joined the army for the purpose of being in the force to protect this country so that hasn’t changed. They also have to submit themselves to constituted authority and they will have to undertake tasks or jobs assigned to them by the government and they are expected to serve in any situation that they may be called upon to serve. The army is a noble profession and it is a profession that requires a lot of courage.

What do you wish you would have done differently if

Babangida

you had the opportunity either in your public or private life?

During my public life, there were a number of decisions we took as military officers or as a political officer (when I was a dictator) that if I had the chance again, I would have done it differently. For example, in 1989, we proposed that the National Assembly should be optional, that is part-time. I still believe that if I have the opportunity, I would make the National Assembly part time. I believe in that very strongly, it is all in an effort to cut down the cost of governance Sir, when you were young, you must have been very handsome. Looking back, how were you able to convince your late wife to marry you?

While we were courting, there was one aspect that she did not believe me. The first one, she did not believe that I was serious because of the reputation I had as a playboy, but I assured her that it won’t be a problem, that I will be a changed person completely and I am glad I was. I had no problem solidifying the relationship because I knew her and I knew everyone in her family.

How did you ask her to marry you?

I was straight to the point. I told her bluntly that I wanted to marry her.

And she agreed ?

Yes she agreed.

It has been a while since your wife died, how have you been able to cope?

It has not been easy but I thank God that I have children who show remarkable understanding and have been doing their best by trying to do what their mother was doing. I also have a lot of grandchildren and they take most of my time.

From your heart of hearts, how do you feel being 75?

From my heart of heart, I feel old because what I was able to do 25 years ago, I am not able to do it physically now, but I

During my public life, there were a number of decisions we took as military officers or as a political officer (when I was a dictator) that if I had the chance again, I would have done it differently. For example, in 1989 we proposed that the National Assembly should be optional, that is part-time. I still believe that if I have the opportunity, I would make the National Assembly part-time. I believe in that very strongly, it’s all in an effort to cut down the cost of governance

thank God that He has spared my life to reach this golden age.

What advice do you have for the younger generation?

I only have one advice for them, play hard and pray hard.

Sir, you said recently that you would be giving advice to leaders and the younger generation. How does it feel being an elder statesman giving advice to leaders?

You feel good because you are not at the receiving end. Based on your experience of the past, you can now be able to offer advice because you might have come across a similar situation during the course of your time.

In what ways have you been misinterpreted in the past and people still view you that way and you wish you were not misconstrued?

I am not the evil that quite a lot of people consider me that I am. I have had a very excellent background and by my training I have to love everybody. However, I can understand the feeling. But by virtue of the job I was doing, I was bound to be misconstrued and people will take it like that but I consider it as an opinion as long as I am not what you think I am, I feel satisfied.

I read somewhere sometime ago that they said I stole N12.8 billion and I said if I stole such money, I have no business staying in this country, but those are the type of things that one has to live with. I hope the younger generation will carry out research about leadership, people, individuals and what role they play in the development of the nation and they come up with a different conclusion from what is on the ground now.

How did you feel when you were rumoured to have died?

It is not new, they have done it to Zik, Shehu Shagari and other statesmen, it is not new. Whether I like it or not, I will still die, they are only stating the obvious. The only thing we do not know about death is that we don’t know the cause, time or the place.

NEMA has warned communities along River Niger of imminent flood. What is your advice to the people living along this part of which Niger state is among?

There has always been the problem of flood in Niger State during the rainy season. Lots of people lose their homes and properties during this period. That was why I made a very good drainage system around the state, I made Minna one of the best drainage city you can find in the nation. My advice is that government should look at those areas prone to flood and start putting measures in place to avoid loss of lives and properties. The warning from NEMA is coming at a very good time and I hope the government and people take precaution.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • AUGUST 21, 2016

CICERO/FOCUS

With His Presence at AACB Meeting, Buhari Becomes First President to Visit CBN Head Office The just-concluded meeting of Association of African Central Bank Governors recorded a milestone – it witnessed the presence of President Muhammadu Buhari inside the head office of the Central Bank of Nigeria in Abuja, the first time a Nigerian President would visit the apex bank’s headquarters since the building was inaugurated in 2002, reports Kunle Aderinokun

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s the 39th Ordinary meeting of the Assembly of Governors of the Association of African Central Bank Governors (AACB) ended in Abuja, what distinguished it from any other international event that had been hosted by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was the presence of President Muhammadu Buhari inside the apex bank’s headquarters to declare it open.

Apart from former President Olusegun Obasanjo who inaugurated the multi-billion naira head office of the CBN, successive Nigerian leaders before Buhari, namely the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and former President Goodluck Jonathan never stepped into the building, situated in the heart of the Central Business District, which is less than five minutes away from the Presidential Villa in Asokoro District.

The CBN headquarters, an intelligent building, is a complex reputed to be the most expensive and sophisticated edifice in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. The sprawling building is 94 metres high with outstanding glass and granite façade.

The building, an architectural masterpiece, consists of a central atrium with four office wings, spacious auditorium seating 500 people, three-storey car park and service block with five generators as well as other ancillary buildings.

The total gross floor area is 99,500 m2. Considering the exceptional beauty of the complex regarded as one of the most-prized assets of the CBN, an institution that is strategic to the government, many wonder why the former presidents were not attracted to it.

Buhari’s presence at the meeting of African central bank governors at the CBN head office, analysts believe, may be a show of confidence in the apex bank led by its Governor, Godwin Emefiele, particularly its efforts at ensuring monetary stability in the economy. The visit has also been described as a positive precedence.

Declaring the meeting open, Buhari commended the CBN for spearheading economic stimulus through its intervention programmes.

He described the theme of the symposium – “Unwinding Unconventional Monetary Policies: Implications for Monetary Policy and Financial Stability in Africa” as apt, considering the number of growing challenges that threatened the growth and stability of the continent’s financial systems.

He specifically expressed concern over economic challenges such as weakening global aggregate demand, rising inflation, capital flow reversals as a result of tapering in the United States, rising debt levels, increased exchange rate volatility and depleting external reserves owing to heavy dependence on primary commodity exports.

The president, however, acknowledged that African Central Banks had done their best possible in keeping the economies of their respective countries afloat through proactive and effective combination of conventional and unconventional monetary policy.

Noting that there was room for improvement, he urged the assembly of Governors to seek for original home-grown solutions to Africa’s economic challenges, instead of holding on to one-cap-fits-all prescriptions handed down from abroad. “The world is a dynamic place; with innovation, we can survive,” he added.

Further acknowledging the role of central banks in sub-Saharan Africa in promoting more inclusive economic growth, the President praised the effort of the Central Bank of Nigeria for its interventions, which he noted had helped to provide the much-needed stimulus in the Nigerian economy through specific intervention programmes.

CBN Headquarters, Abuja

Buhari (right) confers with Emefiele during the 39th ordinary meeting of the assembly of governors of AACB at the CBN headquarters in Abuja... recently Buhari urged the CBN to sustain the measures through good and bad economic times.

While also observing that monetary policy alone was not sufficient to tackle the issue of economic growth in Africa, President Buhari stressed the need for stronger coordination between monetary and fiscal policy.

On the part of the Federal Government, the president reiterated his administration’s determination to diversify the Nigerian economy away from excessive reliance on oil and other primary produce. He re-echoed his intolerance for corruption and charged Central Banks, as the major regulator of the financial system, to intensify their surveillance and propose policies that would guide the operations of financial

institutions and reverse the trend of illicit flow of funds out of Africa.

Welcoming participants to the meeting, Emefiele noted that the large attendance of participants from outside Africa and various parts of the continent attested to the collective resolve and commitment to utilise the platform provided by AACB to deliberate and proffer solutions to the numerous economic challenges facing Africa.

The highpoint of the epochal event, attended by 27 member central banks and the African Union Commission (AUC), was the election of Emefiele as the President of AACB for a period of 2016-2017. Also elected alongside Emefiele to run the association for the period were the Governor of the Bank of Ghana as chairman of

the West African sub-region; Governor of the Central Bank of Mauritania, Chairman of the North African sub-region; and the Governor of the Bank of Central African States, Chairman of the Central African Sub-region. Others were the Governor, Banque de la Republique du Burundi as Chairman of the East African Sub-region and Governor of the Central Bank of the Kingdom of Swaziland as Chairman of the Southern African Sub-region.

Reading the communique at the end of the meeting, Emefiele disclosed that the nomination for the Vice Chairman of the AACB, which is zoned to the South African Sub-region, would be made known in due course.

According to the communique, the meeting noted that the unwinding of unconventional monetary policy measures, adopted during the financial crisis by the United States Federal Reserve and central banks of developed countries, could have a negative impact on African countries due to the interconnectedness of economies.

However, the meeting noted that the unwinding of unconventional monetary policy could be an opportunity for African countries to develop appropriate measures to strengthen their resilience in the face of exogenous shocks.

The Assembly of Governors therefore stressed the necessity for African countries to diversify their economies and improve exports, while limiting imports.

AACB also emphasised the urgent need for coordination between monetary and fiscal policy across all African countries.

The governors also examined the implementation status of the African Monetary Cooperation Programme (AMCP) and pointed out the inability of African States to sustainably meet some of the criteria for macroeconomic convergence due to the negative impact of certain variables within the international environment.

They therefore urged African countries to strengthen efforts at implementing structural reforms in order to diversify their respective economies, improve the business environment and promote intra-regional trade as a way of strengthening their resilience amidst external shocks.

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AUGUST 21, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

PERSPECTIVE

How to Engage the Citizenry in True Partnerships for Devt Femi Adelegan

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people fail to fulfill their parts of the social contract, then they have no right to complain about underdevelopment, or tell stories about he 2001 ‘Kuru Declaration’ how infrastructure works perfectly abroad, embodies the vision of the and not in Nigeria. But a number of critical Nigerian Government as: factors need to be considered. Diversification ‘’Building a truly great African of the economy to cater for regenerating democratic country, politically vital sub-sectors of the economy including united, integrated and stable, agriculture, power, housing infrastructure, economically prosperous, mining, tourism, mass-transportation is an socially organised, with equal urgent requirement. Additionally, peace and opportunities for all, and responsibility from security are prime contributors to growth. It all, to become the catalyst of African Renaisis heartwarming to note that steps are being sance, and making adequate, all-embracing taken to eradicate the pervasive ‘’business as contributions sub-regionally, regionally, and usual’’ practice at the federal level in order to globally. ...... ‘’ The document indicates that effect positive changes. The establishment of we must build a polity that ‘’Nigerians will the Efficiency Unit in the Federal Ministry of be proud to belong to, and grateful to inhabit; Finance, transparency in award of contracts, a Nigeria that rewards hard work, protects and widening of the revenue base are highly its people and their property, and offer its commendable actions. Indeed, there is no children better prospects than those they may better time than now, for governments at all be tempted to seek in Europe or the Unitedlevels to be responsive to the feelings of the States. Nigeria is a nation that is blessed with people, with public office holders leading the human and material resources that could way in encouraging a low profile agenda. The sustain a broad-based growth and developmove to re-introduce the War Against Indisment. However, we have failed substantially cipline with modifications to accommodate to plan constructively for the larger part of the Buhari respect for the rule of law will assist national post-independence era, whilst the Asian Tigers development. of its stock market, the United Kingdom, that had the same GNP as Nigeria in 1960, Part of the foregoing could be accomplished which experienced the collapse of its banks; have since grown theirs multiple-fold. Crude oil prices have now fallen so drastically that all Australia, Hitler’s Germany, Japan, and Asian by respect for regulations by everybody. For instance, certain conducts by public officers need of us have become jittery, forcing governments nations. These economic recessions came at to be reevaluated in order to successfully court to reconfigure the political and economic space, considerable costs to the global community. the citizenry at this critical period in history.

Depression could be corrected with stricter in an attempt to correct the imbalance and One of these is the temptation of managing economic measures, social and economic distortions in the national economy. flashy convoys that may send erratic signals If Nigeria’s problems are carefully dissected, planning. Measures that could mitigate effects of economic downturn are welcome. To ride on of wastage, when people are being requested it would be discovered that they have been to further tighten their belts. While our culture the storm, governance must take into account created largely by those who profit from encourages the celebration of ignorance, by the sustenance of law and order, provision of tribulations that have plagued the nation, way of recording wastages through staging an environment in which people find happias the ordinary Nigerian would not bother of expensive social functions and other acts of ness and fulfillment, and the development of about who governs, the ruler’s tribe, colour profligacy that create class distinction; culture infrastructure as a prerequisite to leveraging or creed, provided governments empower is also dynamic and amenable to changes. the benefits of the global economy to improve the civil populace to be able to afford, and Therefore, governments may wish too consider domestic productivity. Similarly, we require have access to basic necessities. For too long, attitudinal changes; including a new orientation payment of taxes on huge spendings on social we have battled problems of state or place of functions like funeral and marriage ceremoto build and inculcate in people a new sense origin, religion, ethnicity, tribalism, nepotism nies, and higher tariffs on other luxurious of compassion and justice. We must change and related ills, have combined to constitute items, including those numerous private jets. our attitude and orientation to focus more on formidable barriers to development. Some Tourism is capable of generating huge foreign caring and sharing with the needy, and from of the reactions of the elites have been driven exchange and deemphasise travels abroad on selfishness to selflessness. People have to be by personal and selfish interests; and we vacation, and so should be promoted. Sensitizcultivated to accept to be part of the process of have not been able to give expression to true, ing Nigerians to support Governments at all change through a subtle campaign strategy, in honest and selfless service, while the political order to build a more progressive and prosper- levels in the implementation of policies and space has at various times been overheated. plans is imperative. However, the authorities Governance by sentiments had in the past hurt ous polity. Evidently, there is the need, more must restore the confidence of the masses in than ever before, for redistribution of income, Nigeria’s sociopolitical setting, and the polity with introduction of incentives to encourage the Governments at all levels by practical indicanow grapples with emerging failed states, a affluent to engage in more philanthropy. Thank tions of judicious management of resources. development that has raised suggestions for God for the likes of Dangote, Danjuma, Alakija, This would further boost morale and support the merger of states for viability. For 27 states for governments. Respect for regulations is Elumelu, Adenuga, Ovia, Subomi Balogun, in a nation to be destitute or unhealthy is an Arthur Eze and other silent philanthropists. The important and enforcement of discipline must ominous sign that calls for proper attention. start from the top. For instance, the number principle of long range planning and visioning Indeed, all Nigerians – leaders and followof illegal users of the siren on the highways ers - are complicit as the chain of collaboration that shot the ‘Asian Tigers’ to prominence can is disturbing, while enforcers of the law look work in Nigeria too. Top functionaries could between governments and the governed has the other way. Part of the implementation of lead the way to promote home made goods, over the years been terribly weakened. Weak this rule should be for authorities to withdraw governance structures, lack of the right political including locally made textiles and consumpprivileges from those who are not entitled, in culture and the spirit of patriotism in abundant tion of agricultural produce by ‘’boycotting order to install a semblance of order. dosage, have pulled the nation back. Addition- the boycottables’’ (Apologies to late nationalist Obafemi Awolowo and Lateef Jakande Mbonu Ojike). ally, failure of the appropriate institutions to are examples of leaders who resided in their Elite competition is part of the formidable successfully introduce legal and institutional private houses and drove in their private constraints facing the nation, as elites have reforms that could assist the quest for the cars while occupying public offices. Former acted in a manner that suggests preference creation of a new social order has hindered Governor Bisi Akande who demonstrated for personal interest over and above public good governance. The pertinent questions interest. Talks about allocation of ‘’juicy’’ political great dexterity in resource management as remain: How can we cushion the effects of Governor of Osun State, Aregbesola and could positions on the basis of zones and religious the economic downturn without necessarily inclinations are disturbing. What is the rationale be requested to chair a committee to suggest making the masses feel most uncomfortable low profile measures for consideration for for classifying Ministries/Departments/ or bear the greatest brunt, and also construct adoption by governments at the three tiers.

Agencies of governments, and Legislative a new economic and sociopolitical order that promotes good governance, rewards efficiency, Committees on juicy and non-juicy basis, if the Former governor Babatunde Fashola, who was moderate for the entire period of his essence of holding political appointments in a honesty, patriotism and efficiency? representative democracy is to truly serve in na- tenure as Lagos State governor, and Governor Most of the problems being tackled tional and public interest? What truly interests El-Rufai could join Chief Akande on that today are results of years of degeneration panel. This issue needs to be addressed as a the citizenry is the running of an efficient and and degradation occasioned by large scale dynamic administration. If social services work form of reducing cost of governance, reducing destruction of socio-economic and political institutions. Economic depression hurts. Severe in the Western world, it is because their people poverty, and instilling discipline. Presidential make them to work by obeying regulations and and governorship directives on low profile economic depressions have been witnessed are most desirable at this period. The citizenry performing their responsibilities as specified by the United States, whose Depression would be greatly pleased to further tighten in their social contract with government. If commenced in 1929 with the collapse

their belts if leaders embrace a low profile culture. The nation can be successfully rebuilt in collaboration with the governed, consistency in policy formulation and implementation, periodic reforms, transparency, accountability, fiscal discipline and the enthronement of due process. Of importance is the need for homegrown policies in the critical sub-sectors of the economy, particularly agriculture, power, mass-transportation, housing, tourism, and mining. More importantly, there is a huge need for increased philanthropy and redistribution of wealth. Like Andrew Carnegie once asserted: ‘’The duty of the man of wealth…is to set examples of modest, unostentatious living, shunning the display of wealth and extravagance, provide moderately for the legitimate wants of those dependent upon him, and after doing so, consider all surplus revenues which come to him simply as trust funds which is for administration, in the manner in which his judgment is best calculated to produce the most beneficial results to the community.”

Framers of the new constitution may wish to consider a home-grown political system that would reduce cost of governance by evolving a system comparable to the Westminster model that allows for legislators to function on parttime basis at the three ties of Government as part of the solutions. The fight against poverty and unemployment must be seen as a central plank of developmental planning and education should be regarded as the greatest investment, the surest foundation for development, and an inalienable right of the populace. Nigeria, with her abundant resources is capable of performing economic miracles through the introduction of appropriate reforms as the government takes active steps towards less reliance on foreign loans and financial aids. Security breaches could be partly tackled with strategic communication to neutralize the effects of corrosive influences. It is obvious that more discussions, consultations and co-operation must guide decisions to ensure quick resolution of crises through information-sharing, dialogue and diplomatic means; while also increasing activity on the second track of peace and reconciliation.

Former American president, William Jefferson Clinton once asserted that ‘’Government should empower us to do things we need or want to do; that we can only do together by pooling our resources and spending them in large, enough amounts.’’ Therefore, there should be increments in the social capital as measured by the amount of faith and trust that citizens could have in their social system. For an enduring democratic growth, there must be loyalty to private trust and to public duty.

The political class must work towards gaining the support and confidence of the citizenry by embracing the culture of good governance.

We are in a new era that could throw Nigeria into greater prominence and brighter global limelight again. Without any doubt, our fate is in our own hands. And that brings to mind JF Kennedy’s assertion in his Inauguration Address in 1961, in which he stated that “civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof...the burden of the ‘twilight struggle’ lay on this people and this generation.” Certainly, Nigeria’s ‘’dry bones’’ could rise again before too long; provided attitudinal changes, good governance, respect for the rule of law, and functional collaboration between the government and the governed guide our collective efforts at nation-building.

-Femi Adelegan, who sent this piece from Abuja, is a public policy analyst, and author of notable publications on Good Governance. He was chief private secretary/ special adviser on Policies, Programmes and Plans Implementation to the governor of Osun State (2003-2010); and Chief Press Secretary to four governors of Osun State (1994-2000)

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • AUGUST 21, 2016

EVENT

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ecently, the solemnization of holy matrimony between Nneoma Linda Nnanna and Temidayo Chukwuemeka Oluleye took place at All Saints (Anglican) Church Wuse, Abuja, while reception was held at the International Conference Centre. Here are personalities that graced the ceremony PHOTOS by Godwin Omoigui

L-R: The groom, Mr. Temidayo Oluleye and bride, Nneoma Oluleye

Parents of the groom, Mr. Oluwole Oluleye and wife, Pat

L-R: Mr. Larai Amosun and his wife, Koye

L-R: Parent of the bride, Mr. Egwuagu Nnanna(left) and wife , Onuigbo

L-R: Oba (Dr.) Emmanuel Aladejare, the Alaaje of Efon Kingdom and wife , Olori Roseline

L-R: Chief Patrick Ojo and Senator Femi Killa

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • AUGUST 21, 2016

EVENT

L-R: Hon. B.M. Olokun and wife, Ronke

L-R: Chief (Mrs.) Funke Kila; Chief (Mrs) Funmi Kila and Mrs. Yemisi Afolabi

L-R: Kayode Komolafe and Mrs. Pat Komolafe

L-R: Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu and Mr. Yomi Awoniyi

L-R: Chief Reuben Olowokere ; Chief Olugbenga Olowokere and High Chief J.K. Al-

L-R: Mrs. Yemisi Afolabi and Chief (Mrs.) Funke Kila

L-R: Bridesmaids - Ezinne Ogbonnaya; Ginilkanwa Udoh; Rio Mazino and Stephanie Ijeoma

L-R: Venerable Samuel Akinola and wife, Josephine

L-R: Mrs. Uju Okoye and Mrs. Kemi Oni

L-R: Professor Ayodeji Oluleye ; Olayemi Oluleye and Margaret Oluleye

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • AUGUST 21, 2016

IMAGES

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ajor Gen. David Jemibewon (rtd) recently paid his mother, the Late Rachael Emife Jemibewon the final rites. The deceased who died at 106 was buried at Iyah-Gbede, Kogi State, Here are the personalities at the ceremony Photos: Julius Atoi

L-R: Mrs. Jemibewon; Gen David Jemibewon and Mrs Janet Iyemewa Owadokun

L-R: Miss Dele Jemibewon; Mr. Tunbosun Kola-Daisi and Tunde Ayeni

L-R: Ms. Maureen Ideozu and Mr. Segun Awolowo

L-R: Thomas Olorundare; Oladele Oyelola and Ben Soje Obamo

L-R: Olupeka Oladele and Raphael Ibitomi

L-R: Dan Kunle, Richard Femi Bello and Prince Sola Akanmode

L-R: Dr. Titus Adeboye and wife, Bosede

Prof. Kingsley Ologe (r) and wife, Esther

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • AUGUST 21, 2016

IMAGES

L-R: Kola Ologbondiyan and Senator Tunde Ogbeha

L-R: Asiwaju Jide Omokore and Hon Sunday Karimi

L-R: Barr. Segun Ilori; Chief Femi Ajisafe and Chief Tunde Olusunle

L-R: Segun Oni and wife, Kemi

L-R: Chief Funsho Ako and Hon. Malomo Owonuwa

L-R: Chief S P A Ajibade and Chief S Olu Osayomi

Family members of General David Jemibewon

L-R: Femi Jemibewon and Seun Somolu

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2016 • T H I S D AY T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R

Countdown to Edo Governorship Poll: Who Wins…And Who Loses?

With just three weeks to the governorship election in Edo State, preparation in the camps of the two main candidates has reached fever pitch. But who is odds-on to win the poll? Adibe Emenyonu, in Benin City, presents the strengths and weaknesses of the APC candidate, Godwin Obaseki, and the PDP candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu

Obaseki STRENGTH

WEAKNESSES

· Sterling work as leader of economic team · Notion of him as Oshiomhole’s stooge. and achievemens of the imcubent state · Inclination towards tough taxation policy. administration. · Economic hardship under the APC federal · Robust career in business government. · Full backing of APC members

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n about three weeks, the residents in Edo State will go to the polls to elect a new governor who will pilot the affairs of the state for the next four years. The Independent National Electoral Commission released the timetable and schedule of activities for the September 10 governorship election in February. INEC said 18 political parties had been cleared to contest in the election.

But from all indications, only two political parties are really in the race to win.

They are the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party. Mr. Godwin Obaseki is the APC candidate, while Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu is the candidate of PDP. Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki was born in Benin City to the famous Obaseki family. He had his early education at St. Matthew’s Anglican Primary School, Benin City, from where he proceeded to Eghosa Anglican Grammar School, Benin City, for his secondary school education.

He attended the University of Ibadan where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Classics.

Obaseki attended the Columbia University and Pace University in New York and has an MBA in Finance and International Business. He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stock Brokers, Nigeria, and an alumnus of the Lagos Business School, Chief Executive Programme.

He was nominated a Global Leader for Tomorrow by the World Economic Forum in 2001.

Obaseki began his career over 30 years ago and he has a proven track record in Investment Banking, Asset Management, Securities Trading and the Public Sector both internationally and in Nigeria. He started out in 1983 with Capital Trust Brokers Limited, Lagos, as a stockbroker where he excelled and subsequently worked with International Merchant Bank (an affiliate of First Chicago Bank). In 1988 he joined AVC Funds Limited, Lagos, where he served as a Project Manager and led the core team that set up two of the new generation banks, which eventually reshaped the face of the banking industry in Nigeria. Between 1993 and 1995, he worked in New York as a principal of Equatorial Finance Co, a financial advisory firm with a focus on Africa, providing Structured Trade Finance for Africa related transactions through credit, financial advisory and risk insurance.

Obaseki founded Afrinvest West Africa Limited (formerly Securities Transactions & Trust Company Limited (SecTrust)) in 1995 as the pioneer managing director. The firm has since grown to become a leading investment banking and investment management firm in Nigeria. In 1995 SecTrust was appointed the correspondent stockbroker

for Nigeria by the International Finance Corporation.

In 1996, SecTrust established the first derivative product, the Nigerian International Debt Fund on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, which allowed Nigerians to invest local savings in US Dollar instrument. The fund has outperformed projections on returns.

SecTrust pioneered and was local adviser on the first global offering by a Nigerian bank through the issuance of Global Depositary Shares to raise UD$50 million from the international capital market.

Afrinvest has acted as advisers on some of the largest and most significant transactions in the Nigerian capital market since 2005.

Afrinvest is one of the most trusted advisory firms in the domestic corporate finance market, pioneering major innovations and providing leadership in the Nigerian securities market. The firm has advised on numerous landmark transactions, including the first Eurobond Issue by a Sub-Saharan Africa corporate (outside South Africa); the first ever simultaneous merger and tender offer transaction in Sub-Saharan Africa and the largest ever listing on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Afrinvest has been ranked as a major investment research firm, which is playing instrumental roles in the introduction of new financing products,

Ize-Iyamu STRENGTH

· Political sagacity. · Knowledge of inner workings of APC as former member. · Strong political structure.

such as Eurobonds and Global Depository Receipts to Nigerian companies.

Obaseki is presently the chairman of the Board of Directors of the firm, which won the Best Asset Management Firm in Nigeria (2014) Award, organised by the Wealth & Finance International Magazine Finance Awards.

Before his nomination as the candidate of APC, Obaseki served as chairman of the Edo State Government’s Economic and Strategy Team, a position he has held since March 17, 2009 pro bono.

Obaseki’s key achievements as chairman of the economic team of Edo State Government include: documentation of state economic development framework through sectors’ strategic planning which is reviewed and updated on an on-going basis; introduction and enculturation of retreats as a platform to ensure all parties’ engagement not only in planning and executing state development initiatives but also in monitoring and evaluation of outcomes; N25 billion infrastructure development bond from the Nigerian capital market in 2010; $225 million concessionary rates development loan from the World Bank with the first tranche of $75 million already accessed; successful hosting of sector-based Economic Summits and Policy

WEAKNESSES

· Service in previous unpopular government. · Division in PDP national leadership. · Lack of support by many notable PDP leaders.

Dialogue Series, including the Power Round Table in 2010, 2011 Education Round Table and 2012 Agribusiness Round Table.

These summits have translated into immeasurable outcomes, including Azura-Edo IPP project with over $1 billion in FDI currently under development in Ihovbor, Uhunwode Local Government Area.

They have also brought about education reforms, which have translated to significant improvement in educational infrastructure and student performance in WAEC and other exams.

Following the 2012 Agribusiness Summit, the state attracted investment in the rubber sub-sector for the development of the single largest rubber plantation project in Nigeria in Sokponba in Orhiomwon Local Government Area under a privately developed and financed initiative; A framework for local economic empowerment through out-growers schemes is being finalised to attract funding into the development of key crops for which Edo State has natural endowment, including oil palm, rubber, cassava, cocoa, rice and other grains.

Obaseki has served on the Presidential Committee on the Reform of the Nigerian Pension System.

He also served on the Nigerian Securities and Exchange

Commission Committee on the Reactivation of the Nigerian Bond Market and the review f the Investment and Securities Act. He served as a member of the Nigerian Stock Exchange Council between 2006 and 2009. He also serves on the board of some companies, such as Dorman Long Engineering Limited, Pillar Oil Limited, Seric Impianti International Limited.

Obaseki was the founding secretary of the New York-based US Africa Chamber of Commerce in 1992, which promoted US organisations doing business in Africa. He was a director in Junior Achievement of Nigeria – the local affiliate of the worldwide not-for-profit organisation which trains students to appreciate market economy values.

He also participates actively and serves as trustee in the Dr. Jackson Owen Obaseki Foundation, a family owned NGO, which is involved in providing free educational and health services to the less privileged.

Strength Obaseki commands the full backing of APC members. After the primaries was won and lost there was apprehension that those who lost might either defect to PDP or join other political parties to actualise their governorship ambitions. But that did not happen, as all the aspirants have united strongly

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2016 • T H I S D AY T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R

COUNTDOWN TO EDO GOVERNORSHIP POLL: WHO WINS…AND WHO LOSES?

Edo North Traditional Rulers Endorsing Obaseki to back Obaseki's candidacy.

This was made possible by the reconciliatory moves he and the governor made to appease aggrieved members.

The APC candidate has a manifesto that many see as achievable through his agricultural policy and industrialisation. These would create jobs through investors that will take advantage of the infrastructural development to build industries that can give the youths jobs to better their lives. He also has a well-defined programme for the women through microcredit schemes to enable them expand their trade and businesses.

Another advantage Obaseki has is being the candidate of the party in power at the federal level. Many would want to vote to be able to enjoy benefits that may accrue from that level of government. In other words, the certainty of party popularity at the federal level will work in his favour.

Obaseki also enjoys tremendous geopolitical advantage. Edo State seats on a tripod. Edo South senatorial district has 58 per cent of the voting population; Edo Central has 16 per cent, and Edo North has 26 per cent of voters in the state.

Incidentally, the zone where PDP commands a seemingly huge popularity is the Central zone, where has the likes of Chief Anthony Anenih, Chief Tom Ikimi, Mike Onolemenme, Senator Clifford Odia, Senator Odion Igneous, and others with the exclusion of former governor and senator, Prof. Osunbor.

The people of Edo North, with 26 per cent of voters, look set to cast their votes almost 100 per cent for Obaseki because of the Oshiomhole factor and the area where his deputy hails from. Recently, people from the zone through their traditional rulers pledged their support for Obaseki and his deputy, Phillip Shaibu.

The Edo North traditional rulers are not alone; the South senatorial traditional rulers have also pledged their support for the APC candidate. They based their support on the development strides of the Oshiomhole administration. They said Oshiomhole had performed exceedingly well compared to others in the last 16 years of democracy and spoke of

Chief Anthony Anenih, PDP Chieftains, and some traditional rulers endorsing the candidacy of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu. the need to support Obaseki, who is also part of the Oshimhole success story, rather that voting for someone who was party of the dark days of development in the state.

Even traditional rulers from the Central have at various times pledged their support for Obaseki.

The politics of the tripod is another strong point in favour of the APC flag bearer.

At first, there was apprehension that the Central having lost the leadership position due to the impeachment of Victor Edoror, will not cast their votes for APC. But this was quickly addressed, as the speaker from Edo South, who emerged after Edoror's ouster, was asked to step down for another lawmaker from the Central district in the person of Justine Okonobor (Igueben constituency).

Edo State has 18 local government areas with 24 seats in the House of Assembly. Of this number, PDP has only three constituency seats, while APC has 21 seats, a situation that will make it extremely difficult for the table to turn in favour of PDP. Weakness: Despite the intimidating profile of Obaseki, many see him as a stooge of the outgoing governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. He is seen as largely unpopular without the family name.

Obaseki is also seen as a shrewd tax collector who would not only continue the tax policy of Oshiomhole, but in fact take it to a harsher dimension, if elected.

The present economic situation in the country is not helping matters for the APC candidate because one of the campaign slogans of the PDP is that the high cost of living Nigerians are witnessing in the President Muhammadu Buhari administration will be worse in Edo State if APC is allowed to continue as a party in government.

Ize-Iyamu Ize-Iyamu is a formidable politician. He is a pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God and a former official of the PDP government in the state, where he served as Chief of Staff and Secretary to the Edo State Government during the administration of Chief Lucky Igbinedion, between 1999 and 2007. Before his nomination as candidate of PDP, he was a member of the All Progressives Congress and the National Vice Chairman, South-south zone, of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria.

Ize-Iyamu served as director-general of Adams Oshiomhole’s second term campaign organisation. He was also the coordinator of Goodluck/Sambo Cam-

paign Organisation.

Ize-Iyamu was born in Benin City on June 21, 1962 to Chief Robert Osayande IzeIyamu and Mrs. Magdalene Naghado Ize- Iyamu (nee Obasohan), both of blessed memory. His father was a revered high chief of the Oba of Benin, ranking second in command until his demise as the Esogban of Benin. His mother was a trained teacher who later distinguished herself as a successful trader.

Ize-Iyamu is a descendant of an illustrious family deeply rooted in nobility and with an outstanding record of service to the community and society. His forefather, Chief Odia, was the Iyase’N’ohenmwen (Prime Minister) of Benin in the reign of Oba Osemwende (1816 – 1848 A.D). IzeIyamu’s maternal heritage is also of noble repute. His maternal grandfather was the well-known Obasohan of Akpakpava.

Strength Ize-Iyamu's strength in the forthcoming election rests mainly on his political sagacity. He was a member of the party he is contesting against. Another advantage Ize-Iyamu seems to have is the economic state of the country, which has become a kind of albatross for the ruling APC. Even when ordinarily, the comatose state of

the economy can be largely blamed on the actions and inaction of the past PDP federal government, the PDP in the state is utilising that campaign weapon against the APC by telling the electorate that if they vote APC, the price of commodities will rise further and hardship will increase.

The tax policy of the present government of Oshiomhole, which is biting hard on the people, is another sore point for APC, which PDP is harvesting strongly.

The pension arrears owed pensioners and some local governments who owe their workers if not quickly countered by the APC may work against the party. Even when it is a known fact that pensioner who are captured in the pension scheme receive their pensions alongside workers of the state, and local government workers that have started receiving some of the backlog of salaries owed them, the PDP has used the initial problem to its advantage.

Weakness In spite of the seeming advantages, the average Edo voter sees Ize-Iyamu as a continuation of the Igbinedion hegemony that spent eight years with nothing to write home about in terms of development. To make it worse for him, he occupied

two strategic positions, as Chief of Staff, and Secretary to the State Government. Besides, he was alleged to have been the one that signed most of the fictitious multibillion naira contracts in that administration, which were never executed.

Another thing working against Ize-Iyamu is the factionalisation of PDP at the national level, which has rub off on the party in the state.

Although INEC has recognised him as the candidate of the party, others who contested with him in the primaries have largely deserted him. First to leave was Osaro Onaiwu, followed by Solomon Edebiri and the factional PDP candidate from the Ali Modu Sheriff camp, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen.

Many notable PDP politicians from his zone and beyond have deserted him.

His supporters are mainly from Edo Central district that may not be able to win the election for him because of population disadvantage.

In Edo South, for instance, personalities like two-time governor of the state, Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, former deputy governor under Prof. Oserhiemen Osunbor, Lucky Imasuen, and a host of others are no longer in PDP. Even those who are there are no longer on the same page with IzeIyamu.

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SUNDAYSPORTS Neymar Inspires Brazil to Historic Gold

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

Demola Ojo

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ost country Brazil yesterday at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro recorded a first by winning the men’s football gold medal. The Brazilians overcame Germany 5-4 on penalties, after normal time an extra time ended in a 1-1 draw. The win ensured Brazil – five-time World Cup winners - won the only football title that has eluded the world’s most successful football nation.

Superstar captain, Neymar wrote his name into football folklore by scoring a sensational free-kick to put Brazil ahead in the first half before netting the decisive penalty. Along with his teammates, he has succeeded where some of the biggest names in Brazilian football have failed.

The win went a long way in wiping out the pain of the 7-1 thrashing Germany inflicted on Brazil at the semi-final stage of the 2014 World Cup, also hosted

by Brazil. Neymar missed that match due to injury but yesterday was redemption not only for him, but for his country.

“This is one of the best things that has happened in my life,” said Neymar, who was heavily criticised for his underwhelming start to the Olympics. “Now they’ll (the critics) have to swallow what they said.”

In front of the biggest crowd of Rio’s Games,

including nine-time Jamaican gold medallist Usain Bolt, Neymar’s brilliant free-kick handed Brazil a first-half lead. In honour of the retiring sprinting great, Neymar even adopted the “lightning bolt” celebration, while chants of “ole, ole, ole, Neymar” rang around Rio’s most iconic arena.

However, Germany captain Max Meyer enjoyed a special celebration of his own as he taunted the raucous 78 000 crowd at the Maracana by kissing the No 7 on his shirt when he swept home Jeremy Toljan’s cross just before the hour mark.

The first eight penalties in the shootout were all successful before Brazil goalkeeper Weverton stopped Nils Petersen’s effort to set the stage for Neymar. And he didn’t disappoint as, with the weight of a nation on his shoulders, he rifled the ball into the top corner.

Instarkcontrasttotheemptyseatsonshowacross the Games, even for some of Bolt’s marquee races, there wasn’t a seat to be had at the Maracana – where Germany won the World Cup against Lionel Messi’s Argentina two years ago. In front of 78,000, Brazil got a measure of revenge as they finally won the Olympic title after losing in the finals in 1984, 1988 and 2012.

NeymarmissedthedarkestdayinBrazil’sfootball history due to two broken bones in his back suffered during a bruising quarterfinal win over Colombia.

Yet, the good fortune that escaped Brazil on home

Neymar overcome with emotion after leading Brazil to a historic gold soil two years ago was certainly with them in the first-half as Germany were desperately unlucky to go in behind at the break.

Germany hit the woodwork three times in the

first half - through Julian Brandt’s 25-yard effort, a deflection off a Brazilian defender and Sven Bender’s header - before they scored a deserved equaliser shortly after the restart.

Siasia, Mikel Relish Winning ‘Golden’ Bronze for Nigeria Duro Ikhazuagbe in Rio de Janeiro

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Sadiq Umar (left) celebrates scoring his second goal with his teammate Aminu Umar yesterday

Dream Team VI Survives Honduras Fightback to Win Bronze Duro Ikhazuagbe in Rio de Janeiro

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ream Team VI led by John Mikel Obi put Nigeria on the medal table yesterday with a 3-2 victory over Honduras in the bronze match of the 2016 Olympic Games ending Sunday evening in Brazil.

The bronze is Nigeria’s first medal at Rio 2016 after 16 days of competing in nine sports with nothing to show for the outing.

But the Nigerian Under-23 male football team who missed playing in the final against host Brazil last night at the iconic Maracana Stadium in Rio due to the defeat it suffered against Germany, rose to the occasion, snatching a three goal-lead against the Central Americans midway through the game.

Mikel Obi combined brilliantly with Ezekiel Imoh to set up Sadiq Umar for Dream Team’s first goal in the 34th minute. Aminu Umar increased Nigeria’s lead four minutes into the second half after latching on the ball as Honduras goalkeeper, Luis Lopez struggled to stop Mikel’s shot.

aptain of the Dream Team VI, John Mikel Obi, has said he is consoled by the bronze medal Nigeria won yesterday despite the disappointment of failing to reach the final of the men’s football event of the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.

Speaking at the post-match briefing last night after Dream Team VI defeated Honduras 3-2 to win Nigeria’s only bronze medal of the Rio2016 Games, the Super Eagles and Chelsea stalwart said that inasmuch as he would have loved to have the Olympic gold to treasure, he was proud of the team’s achievement.

“I was disappointed against Germany (beaten 2-0 in the semifinal) because I don’t like losing, I always want to win. But I am so proud of this team, the boys. They worked so hard, (to achieve the bronze medal finish).”

Mikel also poured encomium on Siasia for making the bronze medal possible.

“We have an amazing coach. He’s always been there for the boys.”

On what the medal means to Team Nigeria’s camp disillusioned by the contingent’s poor run here in Brazil, the Super Eagles captain

Samson Siasia’s wards took the game beyond the reach of Honduras with another goal coming off the boots of Sadiq within six minutes. It was another of Mikel’s assist to make it 3-0.

But like every game the Dream Team played at this tournament, the slept off and almost allow the Honduras to cancel out the lead.

Antony Lozano pulled one back in the 71st minute, while Marcelo Perreira added Duro Ikhazuagbe in Rio de Janeiro another to leave scores at 3-2. Honduras second goal was a costly mistake by goals curtain falls on the 31st Olympic keeper Daniel Akpeyi.

Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Despite pushing hard for a third goal today, Nigeria’s last chance Honduras who lost 1-3 to Nigeria at the for medals in men’s freestyle Four-Nation Invitational Tournament in wrestling rests on the duo of Suwon, Korea Republic in June could not Amas Daniel (65kg) and Soso Tamara (97kg). get the equalizer to force the game into Team Nigeria’s five other female wrestlers all extra-time. lost out of podium placement earlier in the week The victory meant Nigeria has now to leave the task of redeeming the country’s won gold, silver and bronze from the image squarely at the door steps of these Bayelsa men’s Olympic football tournament over State wrestlers.

Blessing Oborududu (63kg), Odunayo Adthe past 20 years. Dream Team won gold in 1996 and picked silver eight years ago ekuoroye (53kg), Aminat Adeniyi (58kg), Hannah Reuben (69kg) and Mercy Genesis (48kg) all in Beijing, also under Siasia.

insisted that it was massive for the entire country.

“It is very important, because football in Nigeria is absolutely massive. We had extrapressure perhaps, but we have done it for us, for our family, for Nigeria,” concludes Mikel who had boasted before the game that he was not going to return to Stamford Bridge without a medal to show for his absence to the start of the new Premiership season in England.

Siasia was equally elated adding the bronze to the silver he won with the Dream Team class of 2008 in China.

“I want to say thanks to the players. They did a great job. It is good to take something back home.

“Having bronze is not easy, we are happy and we have to celebrate. We have to enjoy this moment.”

The coach praised the Brazilian fans for staying with the Dream Team right from the group stage to the bronze medal game at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte last night.

“I want to thank Brazil for the great support and hospitality. We are very pleased about staying here. Definitely I hope Brazil wins against Germany (in Saturday’s final),” concludes the ex international.

Nigerians Crave Wrestling Medals as Curtain Falls on Rio 2016

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lost their battles in the preliminary rounds. The manner Oborududu lost was most painful. After the 1-1 tie in the battle with Mongolia’s Battsetseg Soronzonbold in the 63 kg class, the Nigerian lady was ruled out of progressing on technical ground to away the fight to Soronzonbold 3-1.

But Daniel who is a three-time African champion and 2014 Commonwealth Games silver medalist could turn out the messiah Nigerians have been waiting for here.

Having narrowly missed out on qualifying for the London 2012 Olympic Games, the Bayelsa wrestler earned his Rio 2016 spot by beating Sahit Prizreni of Australian at the Africa/Oceania Olympic qualifier which took place in Algiers.

Emir Sanusi

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • AUGUST 21, 2016

High Life A

85 wiTh LANRE ALFRED 08076885752

...Amazing lifestyles of Nigeria’s rich and famous

Governor Tambuwal’s New Wife, Mairo Mustapha, Is Expectant

mother’s joy begins when a new life is stirring inside her womb. Ask Mairo Mustapha, wife of Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto , she knows.

Only Aminu and his wife, Mairo know what it is about their union that drives them to perpetuate one of the most enviable and durable signs of love.

It is simply romantic to see the couple holding hands or sharing smiles in public, oblivious to the world and its many distractions.

Mario got married to Tambuwal early this year in a private wedding ceremony in Sokoto. And to prove their commitment and abiding love for each other, Mairo, we gathered, is expecting Tambuwal’s baby. The ever-smiling Mairo is completely besotted by her hubby and says this baby is evidence of their made-in-heaven love affair.

WHO IS AFTER HERITAGE BANK? Like a house on a mountain top, seen from far and near, and held in awe by passersby, excellence and steady progress of individuals or corporate bodies attract attention of all. The attraction could be in admiration for or a twinge of envy for progress recorded. For Heritage Bank, the numbers are good. Its first full year results since it commenced operation, according to its audited financial statement, showed a profit before tax of N1.5 billion for the operating year ended 2015.

The audited financial statement, representing its first full operating year since its acquired former Enterprise Bank Plc in October 2014 further showed that the bank recorded gross earnings of N24.2 billion in the year under review. Its net interest income stood at N12.2 billion while profit after tax was N1.1 billion. The bank also attracted N312 billion as deposit from customers during the period while its total assets stood at N483.4 billion as at the end of 2015.

Then came a false allegation about its ownership. What started like mere gossip soon began to assume a life of its own. And suddenly, the uninformed began to peddle such wicked falsehood as truth. They alleged that

Mairo Mustapha

Senate President Bukola Saraki co-owns the bank, premising the allegation on the bank’s roots in Societe Generale Bank of Nigeria (SGBN). Yes, the bank traces its roots to 1989 when it was founded as Societe Generale Bank (Nigeria) (SGBN) by the late Dr. Olusola Saraki. father of Senate President Bukola Saraki. But truth is ever constant. The truth in this particular case is that in January 2006, SGBN was closed down by the Central Bank on account of failure to meet new minimum capital requirements of N25 billion for a national bank. Of course, that sanction was successfully challenged in court and in 2012, the apex bank re-issued SGBN’s banking license, but mandated it to operate as a regional bank. That same year, the core investor, IEI Plc, through IEI Investments Limited, acquired the Societe Generale Bank of Nigeria licence from the CBN. It also rebranded as Heritage Bank and reopened for business under the new name in 2013.

After fulfilling all required criteria, the bank returned 100 per cent of existing SGBN account holders’ money to their owners. That effectively ended the ownership of the Sarakis in the bank as they were paid off out rightly.

Today, The Senate President Saraki does not have a kobo

in the bank to qualify him as co-owner. …AND RASAQ OKOYA’S BEST FRIEND, AHMED ONIBUDO DIES… Even the wealth of the wealthy ones offers them no shield against death. As it claims the commoner, so does it claim the affluent.

This bitter nugget proved to be true as death visited the household of the Onibudos.

Again, death has silenced

Rasaq Okoya

the cadence of the day with the quiet of the night.

It has claimed the life of Chief Ahmed Onibudo, a popular Lagos High Chief.

Lagos, Nigeria’s expansive commercial nerve centre, recently stood still as natives and visitors alike struggled with shock and the misery of losing one of the city and Nigeria’s veteran socialite. At family meals spent wordlessly and prayer Cont’d on pg. 86

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A Wedding to Remember…Dele Fajemirokun’s Daughter Marries Mbanefo’s Son in London

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nd so they kissed and started a lively, tender life. It was the kind of life that blossomed like a truth universally acknowledged and treasured by only the pure at heart. Bride and groom beamed majestically, with content. Their heartfelt dreams had finally come true; they were bound by swathes of bliss, two simple vows and a grand matchless love – which makes them one of the happiest couples of their time.

And these are indeed precious times for Kike Fajemirokun, the beautiful daughter of Chief Olu Fajemirokun and Louis Mbanefo. Last Saturday, in London, their wedding unfolded like a red carpet, rolling out smoothly far from Lagos city, Nigeria, on the grand boulevards and palatial pleasure domes of the United Kingdom. As it unfolded, the bride’s family, the Fajemirokun clan and the groom’s folks, stepped out

with aplomb and took their positions before the crème of Nigeria and the London high society flocking to rejoice with them and bear witness to the memorable union of their son and daughter.

Kike smiled contentedly through the proceedings.

Anyone would feel such contentment in such defining moment. She cut a marvelous picture as she sashayed towards her groom. Louis bit his lip nervously and sweated profusely in thermo-induced chill of the grand setting, the gaze of onlookers and culmination of years of expectation. It took keen observers to deduce that his anxiety was borne of bliss and love everlasting.

That blend of anxiety and ritual splendor in a relaxed atmosphere was something very special. It persistently drove the mother of the bride, Edith Fajemirokun, to tears of joy – which she struggled not to shed.

sessions observed mournfully in his wake, intense emotions spilled over as the crème of the country’s political elite and even Lagosians of the coastal city’s backwaters grieved and paid homage to an established socialite.

The lamentations, among other things, reflect how a people’s champion impacted on lives and how his star would continue to shine, even in death. A few days ago, Nigeria’s high society was thrown into mourning over the death of Onibudo. Asipa Ahmed Onibudo was the Chairman of Peninsula Resort Limited, Budo Farms and Budo Specialist Hospital.

Family and friends converged penultimate Wednesday at the 8th day Fidau prayers held at the deceased’s Budo Court residence, Peninsula Resort drive, Ajiwe-Ajah, Lagos. The popular Lagos socialite’s final burial will hold after 40 days.

Throughout his life, Onibudo retained his essential humility and a sense of perspective and proportion.

He was as gracious as he was polite, and immensely liked.

Indeed, the Lagos in-crowd has been thrown into deep mourning over his death.

Onibudo died at the ripe age of 77. Death may have ended his time with all but it cannot end the relationship all had with him.

There is no gainsaying the comfort and sanity of the good old days. The proverbial epoch of wisdom and modesty rubs off positively on the memories and personae of former bank chiefs in the country, to their infectious delight. Many of them are thankful and ecstatic over their good fortune in quitting the cutthroat finance sector while the ovation was loudest and truly appreciative of their fiscal practice and professional ethics. As you read, these retired finance gurus, most of whom presided as Managing Directors (MDs) and Chairmen of some of the country’s most solvent and now defunct banks remember the ‘good old days of the banking sector ’ with warmth and an appreciative glow.

They are happy that they left the banking industry before the onset of its current tumult. According to a former bank MD, this is not a time to be a bank MD. It’s crazy right now. That’s why so many bankers are looking spent and down. It’s a crazy period in the history of Nigeria.

THE SECRET JOY OF FORMER BANK CHIEFS

Dele Fajemirokun

FAR FROM HIS FATHER’S PATH...

SHINA PELLER DOMINATES THE NIGHT CLUB SCENE

treaded by his father. Even though his late father ’s magical prowess brought him fame and fortune, Shina artfully scorns the lure of life as a conjurer.

The fair-skinned proprietor of Aquila Oil and Gas rather applies his mojo at making money; thus alongside his oil business, he established Quilox, a nightclub, bar and restaurant on Ozumba Mbadiwe Street, Victoria Island (VI), Lagos. At its establishment two years ago, the exquisite nightclub drew to its launch, the creme of Nigeria’s high society. For instance, Governors Ibikunle Amosun and Abdulfatah Ahmed of Ogun and Kwara states respectively witnessed the club’s opening ceremony alongside other influential figures and celebrities. But that is hardly what makes his story unique; since he opened Quilox, the Lagos social scene has improved tremendously.

Shina has virtually revolutionised club business thus his club, Quilox, has become a convergence point for top businessmen, politicians, silver spoon kids and die hard fun lovers from across social divides. A visit to the club recently was quite an experience.

For those whose fathers are great, the dilemma is all the same; they live under pressure and the daunting

O’TEGA EMERHOR REMEMBERS LATE SON, IJAMANI AFTER 10 YEARS Death dealt the Emerhor ’s family a mortal hurt. So deep is their wound that the fairest

shadow of their fathers’ attainments. Eventually, very few among them manage to best their fathers’ attainments thus they are perpetually considered inferior shades of their fathers. But Shina Peller cuts a contradictory picture to such dour portraiture. The son of late Professor Abiola Peller, a renowned magician, knew what he must not do to survive quite early in life; and that includes trying to be like his father. Shina, despite being known as “the one with the magical hands,” has refused to tow the path

•SON OF LATE MAGICIAN, PROFESSOR PELLER, REVOLUTIONISES NIGHT CLUBBING WITH QUILOX BAR

Shina Peller

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Celebrating Africa’s Force of Nature…Dr. Mike Adenuga Inducted into Telecoms Hall of Fame

r. Mike Ishola Adenuga, GCON, is a force of nature. The Champion, that’s the image that pops in the head every time he looms large in conversations and events within and outside the business world. The Globacom chairman brings brilliance and passionate intensity to entrepreneurship. A smart business magnate, Adenuga is a bold disrupter of the telecoms model. And Nigeria and Africa are the better for it.

He enables telecoms in a way no other magnate has done. His forays into the business sector are richly layered and iconic. Adenuga is known by his passionate devotion to aiding telecoms business and communication across Africa. He is a patriot whose commitment to national and economic stability are beyond doubt.

By grit, persistence and hard work, he built a great empire that employs thousands of Nigerians and Africans in highly profitable and futuristic endeavour. He cares deeply about the values that make success in Nigeria and the African continent possible — free markets, freedom, limited censure and healthy competition. This is why he is a force of nature.

Yet he is modest and without scorn. This is definitely one trait that stands him out from his peers. Every hour he flips through stamina rings, adroitly and without fear.

Adenuga eases through the processes, like the proverbial ageless hunter going for the kill, often with gratifying

upshots.

Frequently likened to a champion and oftentimes, a business genius, the Globacom boss effortlessly depicts the image of a modern day General of Commerce. Very few men can knead the tripartite traits of genius, modesty and character into that moral and humane centaur that remains unattainable to generations of tycoons and billionaires, like Mike Adenuga. Adenuga achieves this with unequalled grace and élan. Small wonder he was named Platinum Member of the Telecoms Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.

The billionaire businessman was given the honour at the 2016 Nigerian Telecoms Awards. His company, generally regarded as the “grandmasters of data and innovation pacesetter,” was also named the Telecoms Mobile Operator of the Year by the organisers of the event.

The awards plaques were presented to Globacom on Wednesday at its retail outlet, Gloworld, on Victoria Island, Lagos, by organisers of the award. Speaking on behalf of Adenuga and Globacom, Jituboh said the company’s chairman would continue to make business investments that would positively impact the lives of Nigerians, noting, “His philosophy is that if we do not invest in our country, nobody will do it for us. He also promised that Globacom would keep faith with its vision of being the biggest and best telecommunications network.’

trail anguish and sorrow.

It is even worse in families where the heir apparent is the one death stings. That was the fate that befell the Oloorogun Otega Emehor, the Delta state guber aspirant and top businessman, whose handsome son, Ijamani, was brutally murdered by some unscrupulous brigands ten years ago. Apart from the fact that Ijamani was very brilliant, he was also wellloved and cherished by all.

Some days back, Olorogun and his immediately family remembered their darling son, Ijamani, with special prayer session for the repose of the dead. As God will have it, the bereaved family has been blessed with a lovely set of twin boys sometime back.

How time flies indeed!

O’tega Emerhor

of tributes and most soothing psycho-babble cannot extinguish the pain that afflicts their hearts. Of all the aged folk in their family, the grim-reaper decided to claim the life of Ijamani Emerhor.

Sadly, death, we have since come to accept, is man’s most inevitable end. But when it does happen, it leaves in its

WIFE MISERABLE AS FRIENDS AND POLITICAL ASSOCIATES DESERT WARIPAMO-OWEI DUDAFA This is not the best of time for former Senior Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Waripamo-Owei Dudafa, who transited from obscurity to limelight like a cornstalk losing its greenness in the sudden blaze of a

Mike Adenuga

wildfire in harmattan. He has now disappeared from the social scene he once bestrode like a haughty knight from a recrudescent age. And that is because of his current predicament.

Prior to this time, Dudafa was a man about town, who registered his presence at every social function and

Waripamo-Owei Dudafa

high-octane party. He was unarguably well invested in socio-political connection and networks that opened doors to lucrative breaks in high places. Things however, turned awry for him when he encountered the nation’s antigraft agency in the ongoing probe of the immediate past administration.

As you read, he is still in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), weeks after he was granted bail. Nobody has come out to help him. They are all scared! Ruling on the bail applications, Justice Idris admitted the first accused Mr. Dudafa to bail in the sum of N500 million with two sureties in like sum.

The sureties shall be landed property owners within the jurisdiction of the court. It is however, sad to note that in Dudafa’s moment of terror, his friends and associates in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have deserted him.

Nobody has come out to speak in defence of Dudafa. Only his wife and children seem to be experiencing grief over the sad fate of the Patience Jonathan’s godson. These are indeed the worst of times for the Dudafas.

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Sunday August 21, 2016

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Bakare to Nigerians

“It is too early and too soon to begin to judge. If there is anything I know about Mr. President, it is that he has a good heart. He loves this country and he wants the country to run well. But it takes time. I know we are all impatient and in a hurry and I trust we will come out of the woods.”

– General Overseer of the Latter Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare, urging Nigerians to be patient with the Muhammadu Buhari administration.

SIMONKOLAWOLE SIMONKOLAWOLELIVE!

simon.kolawole@thisdaylive.com, sms: 0805 500 1961

Four Agriculture is NOT the Magic Solution And Other Things...

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nytime I hear Nigerian presidents, ministers, governors, economists, analysts and commentators declare that agriculture is the alternative to oil, and that the solution to Nigeria’s economic woes is to return to the farm, I am tempted to jump up and ask at full volume: “Who agriculture alone don epp?”

Some states have hilariously declared work-free days for civil servants to go to the farm. It would be nice to see those farms and how well the emergency farmers are doing. We’ve been told again and again that agriculture, as Nigeria’s biggest employer of labour, is the magic solution to unemployment, that we will export agricultural produce and earn plenty forex. Well done.

I’ve been hearing this fairy-tale all my life.

When I was a primary school kid, Lt. Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo, then head of state, asked Nigerians to tighten their belts because the oil boom would not last forever. He added drama by tightening his military belt on TV. He launched Operation Feed the Nation. My grandfather responded by setting up a garden in our backyard. President Shehu Shagari did Green Revolution. The structural adjustment programme (SAP) of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida was basically about diversifying into agriculture. In different shapes, forms, sizes and packaging, we have been talking about agriculture, agriculture and agriculture forever.

Since we love glamorising our exploits in the export of cocoa, coffee, palm oil and groundnuts before the oil boom doom, I will pick on just cocoa to dispel this ill-conceived notion and never-ending campaign that agriculture is the magic wand. We used to be the biggest producers of cocoa in the world. Chief Obafemi Awolowo utilised cocoa revenue to develop the south-west when he was premier of the region in the 1950s. But we dropped the ball along the line and Cote d’Ivoire overtook us. And now we are lamenting that we are nowhere to be found. The solution, therefore, is for the south-west to revive the cocoa farms. Oh, the good old days!

Okay, let us talk about Cote d’Ivoire’s fabled cocoa wealth. Cote d’Ivoire produces 33% of world cocoa and exports to manufacturers such as Hershey’s, Mars Inc. (both in the US) and Nestlé (Switzerland). You know what Cote d’Ivoire earns yearly from exporting raw cocoa? A whopping $2.5bn. I repeat: a whopping $2.5bn! So Mars buys Ivorien cocoa and makes several products from it: Bounty, M&M, Mars and Milky Way, to name a few. You know Mars’ net income from chocolate products alone in 2015? According to the International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO), Mars made a pathetic $18bn, compared to Cote d’Ivoire’s whopping $2.5bn. Agriculture, indeed.

If you are wondering how just one company, which manufactures chocolate, can earn seven times more than a whole country, which farms and exports the cocoa input, then you are asking the same question with me: Who agriculture alone don epp? On ICCO’s list of the world’s top 10 companies in net revenue from chocolate, you have three from America, two from Japan, two from Switzerland, and one each from Luxemburg/ Italy, Argentina and Turkey. None from Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana and Indonesia — the world’s

Audu Ogbeh, Minister of Agriculture three biggest producers of raw cocoa. There must be something that Hershey’s, Mars and Nestlé know that we don’t know as we keep planting cocoa.

To be fair, Cote d’Ivoire is waking up. In 2015, French chocolatier Cémoi opened a plant in Abidjan, the economic capital, to produce chocolate. President Alassane Ouattara, on touring the plant, said: “We want to be able to make chocolate for Ivoriens, for Africans and especially West Africans.” Ouattara (pronounced Wa-ta-ra) understands what we still don’t understand here: that agriculture without industry is dead, being alone. How could I buy cocoa worth $1m from you and make chocolate worth $10 million from it — and you think you are smart? If you are smart, you will start making the chocolate yourself and stop romanticising about the “good old days”.

There was a video that went viral sometime ago. CNN’s Richard Quest visited a cocoa farm in Cote d’Ivoire. Come and see poverty written all over the faces of the farmers, who have been told for decades that agriculture is the magic solution to their problems. Quest gave the farmers bars of chocolate. They were eating the sweet stuff for the first time in their lives!

Compare their lives to those of the executives of Mars Inc., who buy the cocoa beans from Cote d’Ivoire. They are flying private jets and holidaying in the moon, while the Ivorien farmers are fighting off flies and bees in the bushes of Koffikro. For your information, Mars Inc. has no cocoa farms!

Don’t get me wrong please. If I have created the impression that agriculture is useless, I do apologise. That is not my intention. After all, agriculture is our culture. Millions of Nigerians are farming rice, beans, cassava and corn. That is huge employment. Also, we certainly can produce many food items that we are importing and burning precious forex on. But is that why governors are declaring work-free days for civil servants to go and plant melon and maize to solve Nigeria’s economic problem and stop the dependency on oil? If only these governors knew that Switzerland does not grow one tree of cocoa, yet makes the world’s most elegant chocolates!

Let us break this whole agric logic into pieces.

If we really want to diversify from oil and create

proper value, agriculture must give birth to industry. If agriculture currently employs, say, 5 million Nigerians, agro-allied industry can employ 15 million in the value chain. So why do we spend so much time discussing farming and not industry? For example, how many graduates can a tomato farm employ compared to a factory making tomato purée? The factory will employ or engage the services of engineers, technicians, chemists, marketers, accountants, communicators, lawyers, administrators, drivers, and so on. It may even have a sick bay and employ doctors and nurses.

I’m not done. A basket of tomatoes sells for N800 in Kaduna. A 400g tin of purée sells for N300. Look at how many bottles of purée you can get from a basket, and how much value you will be getting. Who, then, is making the real money? The factory will pay company tax, its employees will pay PAYE and the consumers will pay VAT. That is how government will boost its revenue. The purée bottle makers offer a different business altogether that employs workers and pays all kinds of taxes too. And if we are good enough, we can begin to export purée to other countries, and earn forex. This is just purée. Think of a thousand agro-allied factories. Think of our huge population.

Sure, agriculture is very important in a primitive economy like ours. But we always miss the bigger picture. One, we need full optimisation of the sector to enhance productivity. A country like the US knows this much better: the percentage of the population engaged in farming is insignificant, but it is so optimised that the output is out of this world. For instance, the US produces enough rice for local consumption, for export, for aid and to dump in the sea to “stabilise” market prices. Two, processing is where you find the massive job opportunities. The agro-industry will yield far more output, more jobs and more economic value than Benue Friday Farming.

These things look so simple and doable, but commonsense is not common. Our agricultural output can be far better in quantity and quality than currently obtains. We can do with better technology, storage, conditioning, packaging and transportation. Most importantly, our brains should focus on how industry can bring out the real value of agriculture and spark off a chain of economic activities that will create millions of good jobs and generate billions of dollars in revenue to investors, employees and government. But we seem excited only about preaching and promoting the export of raw produce, and we feel so smart we think this is the way out of our oil dependency!

But how can we add value when, despite the billions of dollars we have made from oil since 1999, we don’t have the basic infrastructure to inspire an agro-based industrial explosion? Where are the roads? Where are the rails? Where is the electricity? Where is the security? Where is the finance? Yet I can point to uncountable private jets, mansions and customised cars that politicians and their friends have acquired since 1999 with proceeds from the oil boom — while they keep preaching stone-age agriculture to Nigerians.

So if your governor joins this craze of declaring work-free days for primitive farming, just ask him politely: Your Excellency, who agriculture alone don epp?

UHARI BREATHER Two powerful voices have risen in defence of President Muhammadu Buhari’s performance in office. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says Buhari has not disappointed yet and will eventually overcome his challenges. Pastor Tunde Bakare says it is too early in the day to judge Buhari, and that, in any case, pain is part of adjustment.

Coming at a time people are queuing up to apologise for campaigning — and voting — for Buhari, these endorsements must mean a lot to the president. Personally, I am of the opinion that even though Buhari acted too late on critical issues for which we are now paying heavily, you cannot conclude he is a failure in just 15 months. Patience.

PDP MELTDOWN Pardon me as I laugh at the current trouble the PDP is going through. So the courts, DSS and police combined to scuttle the party’s Port Harcourt convention? Haven’t we seen this before? In the days when PDP was in power, even FAAN and NAMA colluded to stop APC governors from flying. I am laughing because all this has confirmed what I have always said: give the Nigerian politician power and he will behave exactly the same way — no matter his party. I can bet that if PDP manages to regain power today, they will do the same thing to APC again. That is why some of us have become so cynical about Nigerian politicians and their principles. Unchangeable.

ARMY HYSTERIA So the Nigerian army declared Ahmad Salkida, a journalist, wanted for his “access” to Boko Haram commanders?

Interesting. TheCable Editor, ‘Fisayo Soyombo, recently spent two months investigating the plight of soldiers injured in the war against terror. He reported that many of them are suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder, while some are direly in need of artificial limbs. In a sane country, Soyombo would be commended and government would act immediately.

But what? The Nigerian army issued a statement accusing TheCable of working for terrorists. Looking back, we must now thank God that they didn’t declare Soyombo wanted. Primitive.

PUNCH DRUNK Nigeria fielded only one boxer at Rio Olympics, right? Dreams die first. When I watched the exploits of Peter Konyegwachie, Jerry Okorodudu and Christopher Ossai at Los Angeles ‘84, I felt if Nigeria was ever going to win an Olympic gold medal, it would be in boxing. Although boxers David Izonritie won silver at Barcelona ‘92 and Duncan Dokiwari bronze at Atlanta ‘96, the truth is that our boxing has been going down. We have so many raw talents but we don’t understand how to harvest and harness them. Potential world champions are busy serving as touts on the streets. Amateur boxing is dead in Nigeria.

What we are witnessing is the funeral. RIP.

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