Thursday 8th September 2016

Council of State Confirms THISDAY Law Editor, May Agbamuche-Mbu, 5 Others for INEC Also approves Inspector General of Police, NPC commissioners

Tobi Soniyi in Abuja The National Council of State yesterday accepted President Muhammadu Buhari’s nomination of THISDAY Lawyer Editor, Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu, and five others as national commissioners of the

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The council also accepted the approval, by the Police Council, of the appointment of Ibrahim Idris as the Inspector General of Police (IG).

Five persons, who were nominated by the president to serve as commissioners in the National Population Commission (NPC), also received the nod of the council, which is the highest

advisory body created by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, to advise the president on sensitive matters of state.

Addressing State House

correspondents at the Presidential Villa after the council’s meeting, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, said the body was Continued on page 6

We Are Dying, Airline Operators Tell Senate... Page 9

Agbamuche-Mbu

Thursday 8 September, 2016 Vol 21. No 7805. Price: N250

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INEC Meets on DSS, Police Request to Postpone Edo State Election PDP tells Buhari to call security agencies to order

Olawale Olaleye in Lagos, Senator Iroegbu, Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja and Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will meet today in Benin to deliberate on the request by the Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigerian Police for the postponement

of the September 10, 2016 gubernatorial elections in Edo State.

Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC National Chairman, Prof.

Mahmood Yakubu, confirmed to Thisday last night that the commission whose national commissioners were already Continued on page 6

Nigerians Should Emulate Ibru’s Selfless Service, Says Buhari Saraki, Mark, Ekweremadu, Clark mourn Son: How he died

Tobi Soniyi, Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja, Chiemelie Ezeobi in Lagos and Sylvester Idowu in Warri

President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President Bukola Saraki, and his deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, and former Senate President David Mark yesterday extended condolences to the family of Olorogun Michael Ibru, who passed away on Tuesday,

aged 85.

The condolences poured in just as one of his sons, Obaro, related to THISDAY the business colossus’s last moments, saying he died peacefully in his sleep. He said his father was their rock, adding that he was a kind and generous man.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Continued on page 9

FOR SERIOUS MATTERS OF STATE

L-R: Former Head of Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan; President Muhammadu Buhari; former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd); and former President, Goodluck Jonathan at the Council of State meeting held at the Council Chambers, Presidential Villa, Abuja… yesterday godwin omoigui

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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 • T H I S D AY

PAGE SIX

PPPRA, Major Marketers Insist N135-N145 Band is Appropriate Price for Petrol

Chineme Okafor in Abuja The Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) and key oil marketers in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector have said that the current fundamentals guiding the importation and sale of petrol in the country were still favourable for petrol to be sold within the government approved pump prices of N135 to N145 per litre.

The PPPRA and marketers, which include the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Major

Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), and Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association (DAPPMA), stated this after an emergency meeting with the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, in Abuja.

The meeting, according to a statement from PPPRA, was convened by Kachikwu as a response to recent news of a possible increase in the pump price of petrol.

It was attended by the Group Managing Director (GMD) of NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru; the acting Executive Secretary of

PPPRA, Mrs. Sotonye Iyoyo; the acting Executive Secretary of Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF), Mr. Ahmed Bobboi; the Executive Secretary of MOMAN, Mr. Obafemi Olawore; and the Executive Secretary of DAPPMA, Mr. Olufemi Adewole.

The statement was however signed by the trio of Iyoyo, Olawore and Adewole. It stated: “The meeting reviewed the state of the downstream sub-sector, especially as it relates to products supply, distribution, pricing and FOREX sourcing. The meeting

also reviewed recent concerns expressed at certain quarters, on the sustainability of the current PMS price band.”

“After exhaustive deliberations, stakeholders present were in the affirmative that the speculations of an imminent upward price review of PMS were unfounded. This position is premised upon the fact that the current market fundamentals, as captured on the PPPRA pricing template for PMS, confirmed that the market is operating within the existing price band of N135-N145 per litre.

COUNCIL OF STATE CONFIRMS THISDAY LAW EDITOR, MAY AGBAMUCHE-MBU, 5 OTHERS FOR INEC unanimous in its decision to back the presidential appointments.

Flanked by his Jigawa State counterpart, Alhaji Abubakar Badaru, Ambode

said: "We deliberated on the appointment of six national commissioners for INEC. You know INEC is supposed to have 12 commissioners.

We had earlier approved

six sometime last year and additional six were actually approved today. And those six represent six nominees from the six geo-political zones.

"You may also wish to know

that we approved five new commissioners for the National Population Commission (NPC) in addition to what was actually approved for INEC." He gave the names of the

“The claim is therefore both unfounded and deceptive, as there is no basis for pricing speculations as being circulated within the last few days,” it added.

The PPPRA from this, assured Nigerians that the country would continue to have an uninterrupted supply and distribution of petroleum products.

It said the promise was in line with its overall goal of facilitating a vibrant and robust downstream sector, adding that Kachikwu had also assured Nigerians of the

federal government’s continued commitment to their welfare and well-being.

Former GMDs of the NNPC had last Saturday stated that the price cap of N145/litre on petrol was not consistent with the liberalisation policy of the government especially with the foreign exchange rate and other price determining components such as crude cost, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) charges, remaining uncapped.

They then suggested that the government’s cap on pump price be taken off to allow for market parity.

new INEC commissioners as Mohammed Haruna (Northcentral); AVM Ahmed Tijani Mu'Azu rtd (North-east); Abubakar Nahuca (North-west); Professor Okechukwu Ibanu

(South-east); May AgbamucheMbu (South-south) and Dr. Adekunle Ladipo Ogumola (South-west).

Ize-Iyamu had said a few weeks ago that there were plans to postpone the election, although he cited the Muslim Sallah as the probable reason, he further alluded to the fact that it was a ploy by the APC to destabilise things and put the PDP at a disadvantage.

The PDP candidate, who hinted this during an interactive session with journalists in Benin, the Edo State capital, said the possibility of a postponement was almost inevitable if the facts before him were correct.

He said the information, which had been deliberately concealed by the ruling party for strategic reasons, was however leaked to him by some members of the other camp (APC), who believed in his ambition and had pretended to be unaware of it too, albeit for strategic reasons.

According to him, the main reason the possibility of a shift in date was being kept secret by the ruling party was because they wanted the PDP and its candidate to outspend themselves before the announcement, by which time raising more money ahead of the new date would have been a bit difficult.

He told the journalists: “There is the possibility that INEC may postpone the election from September 10.

Although this is not official, we have it on good authority that the date may coincide with this year’s Muslim Salah and if that is true, the postponement might be inevitable. But no one has mentioned or communicated this to us yet.

“But we have it on good authority that the other side already knows about the development and are trying as much as possible to conceal it from us, so that by the time the postponement is announced, we would have outspent ourselves and you know what that means.”

Police Personnel to Participate

Continued on page 9

INEC MEETS ON DSS, POLICE REQUEST TO POSTPONE EDO STATE ELECTION in Benin City, the state capital, for the election would meet to consider the security agencies’ request.

Citing security concerns, the DSS and the Police had, after a closed door meeting between the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Ibrahim Idris, and the DSS DirectorGeneral, Mr. Lawal Daura, in Abuja yesterday, had advised INEC to consider shifting the election to a future date.

“Credible intelligence availed the agencies indicate plans by insurgent/extremist elements to attack vulnerable communities and soft targets with high population during the forthcoming Sallah celebrations between 12th and 13th September, 2016,” the security agencies said in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), DCP Don Awunah, and Mr. Garba Abdullahi of the DSS. But in a swift response, the INEC expressed surprise at the advice and said it was unaware of any security threat to the election, particularly when it had just been assured by the Inter-agency Security Committee on the ground in Benin City, the state capital, that all was well.

"As regards the position of the Police and State Security Agencies, we like to say that we were not informed and therefore not part of that decision in Abuja. Nobody told us, the INEC Chairman is here along with all the national commissioners and we were not informed about it. We just heard the news like every other person else,” Oyekanmi, had told Thisday on phone yesterday.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the main challenger in the contest, has also opposed the proposition by the security agencies, calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to put them in check.

The security agencies, however, insisted that Edo State was one of the states targeted by extremist elements for attacks around the proposed election date.

They said similar threats were made during the Labour

Day and Democracy Day celebrations in May as well as the Ed-el-Fitr holidays in July 2016 but the security agencies were able to disrupt and thwart the insurgents’ plan.

They said while they recognised the importance of the election, the security agencies would not take chances and allow the peace of the country to be disrupted.

“It is in regard of these that we are appealing to INEC which has the legal duty to regulate elections in the country to consider the need for possible postponement of the date of the election in Edo State in order to enable security agencies deal decisively with the envisaged terrorist threats," the police and the DSS said.

The electoral body has, however, said it was at sea on why the security agencies made the request when their representatives overseeing security for the election in the state had rest assured it that they were ready to secure the poll on Saturday.

Oyekanmi said contrary to the fears over security, the Inter Agency Committee on election security had given an undertaking to secure the exercise.

“The funny thing is that we are still in Benin City, we have concluded a final stakeholders forum during which the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Joshak Habila, gave his word that everything is ready; that the police is ready and that they are going to deploy about 25,000 men for the Saturday's governorship election in Edo State,” he said.

Oyekanmi, who explained that the top echelon of INEC management team was in Benin City where a final meeting of the stakeholders' forum was held yesterday, expressed surprise that the police raised concerns about security moments after giving guarantees through DIG Habila.

Some of the INEC leadership already on the ground in Edo State include the national chairman Mahmood Yakubu, Amina Zakari, Muhammed

Leky, Ambassador Lawrence Nwuruku, Soyebi Adedeji, representatives of the police and DSS and the 19 candidates contesting in the election.

"He gave assurances about adequate security for the election, only for us to hear of news filtering in that security agencies addressed a press conference in Abuja, saying that they cannot guarantee security for the election. As I speak we are planning to meet with the civil society organisations and other stakeholders to determine how we are going to respond to it,” the INEC chair CPS said.

The CPS said that the DIG who represented the IG on the inter agency committee on election security, including the new commissioner of police, Edo State Command, attended the stakeholders’ meeting and gave assurances that security agencies would provide security, warning all trouble makers and potential trouble makers that if they make any trouble they would be promptly arrested and prosecuted.

"It was on that note that we ended the meeting but now we are hearing a different thing, so obviously something may be going on that we were not part of,” Oyekanmi said.

Expectedly, the opposition PDP came out smoking against the security advice, calling on Buhari to rein in the security agencies.

“President Muhammadu Buhari should caution the security agencies to desist from doing anything that will jeopardise this forthcoming gubernatorial election in Edo State and direct them to provide security for the exercise,” Prince Dayo Adeyeye, Publicity Secretary of the party’s National Caretaker Committee, said yesterday.

In a statement yesterday

by Adeyeye, the party said there is no way the state, which successfully hosted the president during the APC rally without any hitch could now become so insecure to warrant a postponement of the election.

Puncturing the security

concerns excuse by the police and DSS, it said it was hogwash having regards to the fact that INEC recently conducted a 'hitch free' senatorial by-election in Borno State, which was a high-point of insurgency in the country without objection from the security agencies.

“It is lamentable to hear from these same security agencies that the election cannot be held in a state where in less than 24 hours, the president and all the APC leaders and members had an uninterrupted rally," it said.

Incidentally, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State was also up in arms against the postponement move as he told INEC not to postpone the defeat of the PDP by shifting the date of the election.

According to the governor, who is a member of the All Progressive Congress, “The APC is ready for the election this Saturday and that was why we held our mega rally on Tuesday and after that rally our people across the state became more committed, more dogged and ready for the Saturday election.”

He, however, said security being a critical factor in an election must be taken seriously. "If on their own they are calling on INEC for postponement, I am sure they must have their reasons because they are experts in it. If you recall, we raised the alarm that the PDP had planned to import thugs from neighbouring states to help them unleash mayhem on our people because they are not prepared for the election," he said.

Ize-Iyamu Predicted a Shift in Date Incidentally, the PDP governorship candidate in the election, Pastor Osagie IzeIyamu, had predicted a shift in date of the election, saying the ruling APC had planned to hinge the postponement on the Sallah break. He would appear to have now been vindicated.

INEC Says 1,925,105 Voters, 18,511 Officials, 25,000

The electoral commission, however, said yesterday that 1,925,105 voters would vote during Saturday's election, adding that 18,511 officials would conduct the election.

The INEC Chairman, Yakubu, while addressing political parties, civil society organisations, nongovernmental organisations, interest groups and other stakeholders in a meeting in Benin City, said the officials had been trained on the election and electoral guidelines.

He assured the participants that more card reader machines had been deployed. He said incident forms would also be used for those who had not finalised their accreditation process. He explained that accreditation and voting would commence simultaneously.

The INEC boss said no voter is entitled to security escort to the polling units, adding that high profile personalities were not eligible to come with thugs and security men to polling units to vote.

He said voters should leave the polling area after casting their votes. He said the election would be free and fair, promising that the election would be transparent.

TOP GAINERS NGN NGN SKYEBANK 0.03 0.68 MAYBAKER 0.04 0.91 DIAMONDBANK 0.05 1.20 LAFARGE 1.70 58.00 UNIONBANK 0.11 4.10 TOP LOSERS NGN NGN SEVEN-UP 7.24 137.66 VITAFOAM 0.17 2.85 NAHCO 0.12 2.37 AFRIPRUD 0.11 2.26 AFRIPAINTS 0.12 2.47 HPE Nestle Nig Plc N825.01 Volume: 295.708 million shares Value: N3.587 billion Deals: 3,709 As at yesterday 7/09/16 See details on Page 44

% 4.6 4.6 4.3 3.0 2.7 % 5.0 5.0 4.8 4.6 4.6

T H I S D AY THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 T H I S D AY

CORONATION

Coronation Merchant Bank RC207138

MERCHANT BANK

AUDITED REPORTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2016

The Board of Directors of Coronation Merchant Bank is pleased to announce the Group’s audited results for the six months ended June 30, 2016

CORONATION MERCHANT BANK LIMITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION GROUP 30 June 2016 N '000 Assets Cash and balances with banks Non pledged trading assets Investment securities Pledged assets Loans and advances to customers Other assets Investment in subsidiaries Intangible assets Property and equipment Deferred tax assets

Assets held for sale Total assets

GROUP 31 Dec 2015 N '000

CORONATION MERCHANT BANK LIMITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

BANK 30 June 2016 N '000

BANK 31 Dec 2015 N '000

42,940,421 544,774 32,378,982 2,581,383

23,770,743 24,357,965 20,086,561

42,900,117 544,774 31,504,644 2,581,383

23,770,743 24,357,965 20,086,561

9,834,607 1,320,341 1,096,277 2,502,663 5,217,194

2,475,468 203,258 388,435 1,732,500 5,217,194

9,834,607 782,298 1,864,711 407,098 2,473,371 5,217,194

2,475,468 203,258 520,260 388,435 1,732,500 5,217,194

98,416,642

78,232,124

98,110,197

78,752,384

29,575

48,756

29,575

48,756

98,446,217

78,280,880

98,139,772

78,801,140

GROUP 30 June 2016 N '000

GROUP 30 June 2015 N '000

BANK 30 June 2016 N '000

BANK 30 June 2015 N '000

5,612,214 (2,033,580)

5,996,966 (4,370,807)

5,604,766 (2,025,712)

5,996,966 (4,370,807)

3,578,634

1,626,159

3,579,054

1,626,159

(34,710)

500

(23,382)

500

3,543,924

1,626,659

3,555,672

1,626,659

629,612

5,245

538,294

5,245

Other operating income Personnel expenses Other operating expenses

201,854 74,741 4,322 (577,227) (1,132,557)

516,164 5,889 (281,265) (555,155)

201,854 74,741 4,322 (537,311) (1,059,305)

516,164 5,889 (281,265) (555,155)

Interest and similar income Interest and similar expense Net interest income Net (impairment)/ writeback on financial assets Net Interest income after impairment charge on financial assets Fee and commission income Net gains on investment securities Net foreign exchange income

Liabilities Deposits from financial institutions Due to customers Current tax liabilities Other liabilities Deferred tax liabilities

9,006,819 51,307,834 186,332 15,207,688 7,032

22,852,261 34,877,290 137,911 176,677 -

9,006,819 51,056,310 155,589 15,148,907 -

22,852,261 34,877,290 137,911 176,677 -

Profit before tax

2,744,669

1,317,537

2,778,267

1,317,537

Income tax credit / (charge)

(160,351)

(121,218)

(157,202)

(121,218)

Total liabilities

75,715,705

58,044,139

75,367,625

58,044,139

Profit for the period

2,584,318

1,196,319

2,621,065

1,196,319

Equity Share capital Share premium Statutory reserve Treasury stock Available for sale reserve Regulatory risk reserve Retained earnings

5,050,546 3,655,348 4,755,102 (192,084) 185,230 9,276,370

4,854,118 3,331,241 3,968,782 (520,260) 443,156 60,948 8,098,756

5,050,546 3,655,348 4,755,102 (187,196) 185,230 9,313,117

4,854,118 3,331,241 3,968,782 443,156 60,948 8,098,756

Net fair value gains/(losses) on available for sale

(155,950)

164,153

(151,061)

164,153

Total equity

22,730,512

20,236,741

22,772,147

20,757,001

Other comprehensive income for the period (net of tax)

(155,950)

164,153

(151,061)

164,153

Total equity and liabilities

98,446,217

78,280,880

98,139,772

78,801,140

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE PERIOD

2,428,368

1,360,472

2,470,004

1,360,472

102

52

104

49

102

52

104

49

The financial statements were approved by the board of directors on 4 August 2016. Signed on behalf of the directors by:

Eniola R. Abiola Finance Controller FRC/2016/ICAN/00000014352

Babatunde Folawiyo CHAIRMAN FRC/2014/NBA/00000006371

Other comprehensive income (OCI) net of income tax: Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss

Earnings per share for profit attributable to equity holders Basic (kobo) Diluted (kobo)

Chukwukadibia Okoye Chief Financial Officer FRC/2016/NIM/00000014293

Abubakar Jimoh MANAGING DIRECTOR FRC/2013/ICAN/00000001481

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR TO THE MEMBERS OF CORONATION MERCHANT BANK LIMITED Report on the financial statements We have audited the accompanying separate and consolidated financial statements of Coronation Merchant Bank (“the bank”) and its subsidiaries (together “the group”). These financial statements comprise the statement of financial position as at 30 June 2016 and the statements of comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for the period then ended, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory notes.

Directors' responsibility for the financial statements The directors are responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with IAS 34 “Interim Financial Reporting" and with the requirements of the Companies and Allied Matters Act and the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act and for such internal control, as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatements, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditor's responsibility Our responsibility is to express an independent opinion on the financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing. Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform our audit to obtain reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor's judgement, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity's preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity's internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by the directors, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Opinion In our opinion the accompanying consolidated and separate financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the financial affairs of the bank and the group as at 30 June 2016 and of the financial performance and cash flows for the period then ended in accordance with with IAS 34 “Interim Financial Reporting” and the requirements of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act and the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria Act.

Report on other legal and regulatory requirements The Companies and Allied Matters Act and the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act require that in carrying out our audit we consider and report to you on the following matters. We confirm that: i) we have obtained all the information and explanations which to the best of our knowledge and belief were necessary for the purposes of our audit; ii) the Bank has kept proper books of account, so far as appears from our examination of those books and returns adequate for our audit have been received from branches not visited by us; iii) the Bank's statement of financial position and statement of comprehensive income are in agreement with the books of account; iv) the information required by Central Bank of Nigeria Circular BSD/1/2004 on insider related credits is disclosed on Note 34d to the financial statement; v) except for the contraventions disclosed in Note 37 to the financial statements, the bank has complied with the r equirements of the relevant circulars issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

For: PricewaterhouseCoopers Chartered Accountants Lagos, Nigeria Engagement Partner: Anthony Oputa FRC/2013/ICAN/00000000980

5 August 2016

The statement of financial position, statement of comprehensive income, report of the independent auditor and specific disclosures are published in compliance with the requirements of S.27 of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act.The information disclosed have been extracted from the full financial statements of the company and the group and cannot be expected to provide as full an understanding of the financial performance, financial position and financing and investing activities of the company and the group as the full financial statements. Copies of the full financial statements can be obtained from the Registrars of the company. In line with Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) circular referenced FPR/DIR/CIR/GEN/01/020, the Bank received, processed and resolved nil (2015: nil) customer complaints during the period. The Bank paid penalty of two million Naira only each to CBN in respect of breaches on rendition of status of external auditors management letter recommendations and non-disclosure of an unsettled intra-day lending facility (ILF) transaction.

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T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

NEWS

We Are Dying, Airline Operators Tell Senate Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja Airline operators in Nigeria have told the Senate Committee on Aviation that unless the federal government promptly pumped intervention funds into the aviation sector, all domestic airlines operating in the country will die.

The operators stated this yesterday during an emergency interactive session convened by the Senate Committee on Aviation.

Speaking on behalf of Airline Operators' Association of Nigeria, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Arik Airline, Mr. Chris Ndule, said the economic state of the aviation industry had largely deteriorated. "The economic situation as it is

today, is suffocating us out of operation," he said.

Ndule said some other airlines besides Aero Contractors would collapse unless the federal government promptly intervened in the aviation sector.

He listed high interest rate of 24 per cent on bank loans, worsening exchange rate and multiple charges from various regulatory agencies as the factors militating against sustenance of aviation business in Nigeria.

"There are a lot of economic indicators that have made business more difficult which are now manifesting in the inability of the airlines to continue to operate,” he said, explaining that the airlines were operating in an industry

Transport Minister, Rotimi Amaechi that had very little (profit) margin.

According to him, “If you have to borrow money and you have to pay 24 per cent, and you don't make a margin

of 24 per cent, it means that you will find it very difficult to pay back the debt. And there is a limit to what you can do in terms of being able to manage the debt. These fundamentals are the things we need to address.

"The last time we were here (the Senate), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was here (too) and it was the CBN that made it clear to everybody that the intervention fund earlier granted, was not for the airlines. In effect, what this meant was that the loans we took from some banks were transferred to the Bank of Industry and there was a reduction in the interest rate.

To that extent, there was a little trickle down effect on the airlines.

"But, there hasn't been a bailout targeted at salvaging the airlines or addressing the finances of the airlines. I think that is where the committee could assist us by interfacing on our behalf with the federal government. The airlines did not get as much as they wanted in the first place, even for that little reduction in the interest rate. But now, the economic situation has moved from being bad to worse. I think the intervention needs to take place to avoid total collapse of the industry. Two airlines have closed shop; there could be more airlines if the trend continues."

He advised the committee to collaborate with the federal government and bring Aero Contractors back to operation,

noting that the extinction of the airline would send a wrong signal to other airlines, bearing in mind that the airline had operated in Nigeria for 59 years.

However, the Director General of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mr. Muktar Usman, assured the committee that the federal government was already taking steps aimed at salvaging the sector.

Responding, the Committee Chairman, Senator Adamu Aliero, said the government must be fast in the steps it is taking to address the situation.

Present at the meeting besides the Arik boss were the chief executive officers of Aero Contractors and First Nation Airlines.

federal government is putting in to ensure that Nigeria goes on the path of recovery as quickly as possible."

He however did not go into specifics. However, he said council members made suggestions to the federal government.

He said: "It was also resolved that those suggestions be inputed into whatever it is

that the federal government is doing in order for us to fast-track our recovery."

In his contribution, the Jigawa State governor said: "Majorly, there is a very good focus on the diversification of the economy. Serious focus on agriculture, solid mineral development as well."

On what is expected of the IG, the governor said: "Most

of the comments received proved to us that the IG is of impeccable character and we expect him to conduct himself as such.

"We believe he is very honest and transparent. We also believe he will continue to be honest and do his best for the country."

Ambode said the IG would still appear before the Senate for confirmation.

great Urhobo endowed with wisdom and humility, who believed in one Nigeria.

While praying to God to console his family and wish him eternal rest, the Ijaw national leader however enjoined Nigerians to emulate the selfless and exemplary life the deceased led in his life time.

A former Minister of Police Affairs, Chief Broderick Bozimo, who also poured encomiums on the departed business mogul, said with the death of Ibru, Nigeria no doubt had lost one of her great, successful and patriotic citizen.

He called on the Ibru family and close associates to accept the irreparable loss, adding: “We should take solace for the good exemplary life led by the business Icon.”

The Delta State All Progressives Congress (APC) Woman Leader, Dr. Janet Oyubu, in a statement regretted the demise of Ibru, whom she described as a great pillar of the Ibru family, Delta State and indeed Nigeria as a whole.

“Nobody can question God Almighty for taking the beloved son, because he is the creator of heaven and earth and also the owner of our soul,” she said.

Several other prominent Delta citizens, including Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Olorogun Otega Emerhor, Chief Frank Kokori and Hon. Evance Ivwurie had soothing words for the family yesterday, describing the death of their patriarch as a great loss to the country.

The senator representing Delta Central, Omo-Agege, said the exit of Ibru was a major loss to Nigeria.

According to him, "Olorogun Michael was a bridge builder and quintessential advocate for good governance. He excelled in every facet of life. He was the major architect of the Ibru

business empire that lifted our people from poverty.”

Emerhor, a chieftain of APC and its Delta State governorship candidate in the 2015 election, described the death Ibru as an irreplaceable loss to the Urhobo nation, Delta State, Nigeria and the global business community.

"Olorogun Michael Ibru was a trailblazer whose uncommon business acumen and management ingenuity created one of the most successful and enduring business empires in Nigeria, which till date, remains a global brand,” he said Kokori, another leader of Delta State APC and former Chairman of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), described Ibru as a business mogul who inspired many Nigerians.

“Michael Ibru was an inspiration to every upcoming businessman in Delta State in particular and Nigeria as a whole. He was like Dangote. He was the head of the Ibru family and you can see how he trained all his family members to be humble.

For someone with so much wealth to be as humble as Ibru shows you the kind of person he is. The younger generation should learn from his humility,” he said.

Ivwurie, the member representing Ethiope East State Constituency, Delta State House of Assembly, said he was saddened over the news of the passing of Ibru.

"I wish to convey my personal heartfelt sympathies to the Ibru dynasty, while the people and the constituency of Ethiope East join me in expressing our sincere condolences to the people of Agbarha Otor in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State and the people of the Urhobo nation at this tragic moment,” he stated in a condolence message to the Ibru family.

Son: He Died in his Sleep

COUNCIL OF STATE CONFIRMS THISDAY LAW EDITOR, MAY AGBAMUCHE-MBU, 5 OTHERS FOR INEC The names of the new NPC commissioners are: Dr Eyitayo Oyetunji (Oyo); Patricia Iyaya (Benue), Benedict Ukpong (Akwa Ibom), Dr. Halu Bala (Kebbi), and Gloria Isofo (Bayelsa).

The Jigawa State governor, who spoke on the meeting of the National Police Council which was also held at the State House yesterday, said

the appointment of the IG was unanimously accepted.

He said: "So, the police council did resolve to confirm the acting Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris."

During a question and answer, journalists demanded to know if the prevailing economic situation was discussed.

Responding, Ambode said: "The council was also briefed

on the state of the economy.

The minister of state from the ministry of budget and planning actually made a presentation to council on the ways and manner in which the federal government is approaching the way to rescue the recession path that we are going through.

"Council was confident and also approved the measures the

NIGERIANS SHOULD EMULATE IBRU’S SELFLESS SERVICE, SAYS BUHARI Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, said the president also commiserated with the government and people of Delta State and the Urhobo kingdom in particular on the passage of their illustrious son and patriarch of the Ibru family.

The president said he joined them in mourning "an accomplished businessman whose edifying role in the corporate world and private sector in Nigeria would continue to inspire generations to come".

Buhari said he believed that Ibru would be long remembered for his hard work and dedication to entrepreneurship, which opened doors of opportunities to many Nigerians and associates who came in contact with his investments in the banking, aviation, tourism and the manufacturing sectors.

The president urged members of his family and all who mourned Olorogun Ibru to honour his memory by constantly upholding the values of selfless-service, interethnic harmony, knowledge and perseverance which he passionately promoted through his successful career in the private sector.

In his condolence message to the Ibru family, Saraki said the nation had lost a colossus and trailblazer.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki said Ibru tremendously impacted humanity through his immense contributions to the private sector.

"Olorogun Ibru, as he was fondly called, was a pioneer of great repute who contributed immensely in entrenching private entrepreneurship and business development in Nigeria,” he said, adding: "Simply put, he was a trailblazer in the art of running successful business and transforming local concerns into international brands.”

The president of the Senate said Ibru started small, grew great and became an undisputed reference point in the nation's business firmament and beyond. "I can say that he is one of the phenomenal personalities in our time who successfully immortalised themselves before bidding goodbye to this plane of existence. His likes are rare. He shall be sorely missed," he said.

Ekweremadu in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media, Mr. Uche Anichukwu, said he joined other well-meaning Nigerians to mourn the passage of Ibru, describing him as an exemplary statesman who paid his dues in nation-building.

“We have lost an icon. This is a sad event, not only for the Ibru family, which I hold dear, but also for the entire nation and Africa,” he stated, eulogising Ibru as an epitome of determination, industry, philanthropy and humility who not only pioneered many businesses, but also built countless lives and touched communities in many positive ways.

“He deserves to be immortalised by the nation,” Ekweremadu said.

The former Senate president, Mark, said the place of Ibru could not be overlooked in the socio-political and economic evolution of Nigeria as he described him as a man of integrity and honour.

He said: "I mourn the death of Ibru with a deep sense of loss. I know the place of Ibru in socio-political and economic evolution of Nigeria. He was a foremost industrialist who opened the floodgate of commerce and international trade in Nigeria.”

Mark said Ibru distinguished himself as a man of integrity, honesty and very resourceful entrepreneur, adding that he was a pioneer industrialist who extended his goodwill and philanthropy

to the society.

"Unarguably, Ibru left his positive footprints on the sand of time. We shall miss this great man. We shall miss his astuteness, entrepreneurship and resourcefulness. He was a great Nigerian who added great value to the society," he said.

A former governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, joined the mourning party yesterday, describing Ibru as a quintessential industrialist who was ahead of his time; a man who believed in the dignity of labour and a statesman never to be forgotten.

In a statement in Warri, Delta State, the former governor stated that the patriarch of the Ibru family was father of the old Bendel State, noting that about a third of the workforce in the private sector, owed their survival and income to him at the peak of his industrial prowess.

"Despite his vast wealth, Olorogun Michael Ibru never interfered with government or sought to impose his will on others. To me, he was a quintessential statesman and father worthy of emulation.

His many legacies would continue to be treasured by all," he said.

Ibru’s bosom friend and former Minister of Information, Chief Edwin Clark, lamented the demise of Olorogun Ibru, saying the country had lost a foremost and one of the finest industrialists.

Clark, who spoke to THISDAY on phone, described the development as a great shock and sad moment in the nation’s history.

“My family and the Ibru’s family are very close. In fact his (Michael) mother and my mother are first cousins.

Besides, they were close associates both in business and social life,” he said.

He said the deceased was a

THISDAY yesterday gathered that Ibru died peacefully in his sleep.

In an interview at the Ikoyi family residence in Lagos, the deceased's son, Obaro Ibru, said his last moments were nothing out of the ordinary as he performed the same rituals he did every day before he passed on.

He said: "My dad said his prayers before he slept as he had always done. My sister who had stood behind him in the past seven years was with him.

"His last moments were peaceful and he passed on in his sleep. He went peacefully and graciously."

While describing the deceased as a humble man, Ibru said he was a rock and a unifier who brought out the best out of people.

He said: "He was very selfless. He was a fisherman.

He was a pioneer in many industries including servicing, telecoms, farming, finance and his impact was felt all round."

While stressing that their mum is strong, he added: "Our dad created many industries from the scratch that stood the test of time.

"I feel great that I could share his wealth of love with others, even those adopted.

I am honoured to be one of his sons.

"He adopted many children including Majesty (pointing at a little boy who was playing around) who lives with us.

"He provided free education scholarship for students under the Michael and Cecilia Foundation, which carters for primary, secondary and university education at our village in Agbarha-Otor, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State."

On preparations for his burial, he said the family was yet to fix a date.

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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

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

Bala Usman Vows to End Oil and Gas Logistics Monopoly Eromosele Abiodun and Ejiofor Alike In a bid to end the feud among port terminal operators that has delayed multi-billion dollars of investments, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Ms. Hadizah Bala Usman, has vowed to ensure that no organisation operating in the sector enjoys monopoly in the provision of oil and gas logistics.

The NPA boss stated this during a familiarisation visit to Nigerdock’s Snake Island Free Zone and Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics base (LADOL) in Lagos.

Usman, who was responding to the concern raised by the Chairman of Jagal Group, owners of Nigerdock, Mr. Anwar Jarmakani, said the NPA would in the coming weeks take a critical look at existing legislation to determine whether any monopoly currently exists.

She stressed that she would ensure a level playing field for all operators and promote a healthy competition.

According to her, “We will look to determine the area we will provide support for all. Within the next few months, we will look at all the enabling legislation as

it was determine whether any monopoly exists or not. We will ensure that there is effective regulation that is transparent, that we all can understand. We will ensure that no organisation entrench monopoly that can affect the development of Nigeria as a whole.

“Our plan is to ensure a regulatory environment that promotes the industry. We are looking at ensuring that there is competition; we have visited most of the terminals at the various ports we feel the need for the government to ensure that local content for example is adhered to. Businesses are coming into the country, we will do our best to encourage them to ensure that the utilisation of their operations are domiciled in Nigeria, we also encourage for operators to ensure that they have Nigerians within their ranks, employment for Nigerians is very important.

We also believe that wherever enabling environment is required we will provide. In instances where note lack of competition we will work towards ensuring there is provided because that is where we will get the best for the country and improvement in revenue.”

She promised to bring all

FG Not Importing ‘Poisonous’ Rice, Says Presidency Tobi Soniyi in Abuja

The presidency has refuted report on social media that it planned to flood the country with genetically modified rice in conjunction with the Dangote Group.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said the attempts by unscrupulous individuals on social media to link both the government and Dangote group to such plan were extremely uncharitable.

He said it was ridiculous that a government that was wholly devoted to the generation of employment for Nigerians especially through agriculture would turn around to get involved in an activity that would reverse the gains of the same partnership.

He stated that the federal government in 2014 signed a $1billion Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for investment in integrated rice project with Dangote Industries Limited and that in furtherance of this agreement, Dangote Industries Limited this year cultivated over 8,000 hectares in Hadejia, Jigawa State, creating over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs for farmers.

Adesina said in consolidation of the rice project of the federal government, President Muhammadu Buhari administration was also in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and other reputable companies to tap

operators to the table to fashion out ways to improve the sector and make sure Nigeria gets the maximum benefit that it can attract for itself within this environment “We believe in stakeholders consultation, we are going to bring everyone to the table for us to seat down and ensure that there is need for us to work together.

As an authority, we are going to lead and ensure that local content is provided. We will step beyond the things that we historically used to do so that whatever is required for the operators to work together for Nigeria to

have the maximum benefit that it can attract for itself within this environment. We will reach out to the respective ministries and work together in ensuring that this is achieved.

“We are looking at making Nigeria the hub for West Africa; working to ensure that there is operational efficiencies and make effort to improve the ease of doing business and the competitiveness of our port operations; we will work with the operators and look at areas where there is overlapping among the operators and agencies within the Ministry of Transportation and ensure that

we work together to ensure that there is synergy. There is the need for us to understand the current economic situation and define methods and mechanisms to improve on our revenue drive.

We are working to have new trade routes defined; we are also going to look at internal trade whereby we define mechanisms for removing cargo from our ports to the hinterland in a more efficient manner.”

Jarmakani had told the NPA boss that monopoly was a threat to the oil and gas logistics.

He alleged that Intels promotes monopoly and has also sabotaged

his company in the logistics business.

“In a two-year process, we were awarded a project by Shell, Chevron and ExxonMobil in order to reduce their costs. Intels raised hell on earth and killed the project with every possible accusation; they brought us to a standstill. That is history,” he said.

Jarmakani further stated that the company’s activities could not be restricted to the shipyard business.

“We are in logistics; we are in ship repairs and maintenance; we are in fabrication, ”he added.

CONDOLENCE VISIT

into the vast potentials in the private sector and broadening L-R: Maria Odanmen; Lucy Tosan Lawrence; widow, Mrs. Cecilia Ibru; and Kehinde Young-Harry, during a condolence visit to the family of the economic base of the country. Olorogun Michael Ibru in Ikoyi, Lagos....yesterday Etop Ukutt He said: “The gains of the diversification drive especially in the agriculture sector are already yielding dividends as shown by the recent statistics in the sector as published by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

“These engagements will continue until the present Dele Ogbodo in Abuja and and other civil society organisations, that the President Muhammadu ANPP vs IG as well as a recent administration has laid a solid Chinenye Nduka, Chidinma adding that as parents, they also Buhari-led government will do all Federal High Court (Abuja Division) foundation for the economic Okonkwo and Eberechi Imo sympathise with the parents of it can to ensure that the Chibok decision on the same issue,” the development of the nation.” the girls in these trying moments. girls will be returned alive and statement said.

The CDHR chief noted that there According to him, President The Inspector General of Police He said government had safe to their parents.”

Meanwhile, the Committee for was need for the members of the Buhari has said it repeatedly that (IG), Mr. Ibrahim Idris, yesterday invested huge resources towards the country has the capacity to expressed worry over the activities ensuring the girls are rescued and the Defence of Human Rights force to be conversant with the feed itself and even export. of the #BringBackOurGirls (BBOGs) reunited with their various families. (CDHR) has rejected the ban on laws and judgments of the courts Adesina said the president was campaign group, led by Mrs. Oby In her remark, Shoda urged all forms of protests in the Federal in order to enforce them pursuant hopeful that with the provision of Ezekwesili, which he said was the police to look into the several Capital Territory (FCT) by the FCT with Section 297 of the Constitution N200 billion by the CBN for small becoming a threat to public peace allegations of rape made against Police Command, describing it as and not to violate them.

The statement further stressed extremely illegal and unacceptable. holder farmers and processors and order. policemen.

The group in a statement signed that the force and the FCT Police involved in local production of rice She said: “Without going into Addressing members of the and other grains, rice importation National Council of Women’s specific cases, we have read with and issued by its President, Malachy Command should be reminded should stop in the next three years. Societies

(NCWS) led by their dismay the frequent reports in the Ugwummadu, said the insistence of that the country is presently under He said: “It is unfortunate that National President, Mrs. Gloria media in several states of girls, some the FCT Police Command to extract a constitutional arrangement which while the Buhari administration Laraba Shoda, who paid him a as young as four years, and women applications and approvals from recognises the pivotal essence of any person or group intending to the rights of every citizen to freely is working assiduously with courtesy visit in Abuja, he warned being raped.” well-meaning Nigerians to bring the BBOGs group not to trample According to her, all such protest in the FCT, “drudge up the associate, express themselves and the country out of the current on the rights of others by over allegations must be fully investigated old status of Nigerians in relation move freely.

“When these rights, among economic situation it has dramatising emotions, self-serving and the law allowed to take its to their fundamental rights under found itself, a few self-serving propaganda and disrespect of course where such reports have the colonial rule of Great Britain.” others, are abridged in the manner Ugwummadu in the statement that the FCT police command seeks individuals are bent on distracting public peace. been found to merit prosecution. the administration from the On the protest by the BBOGs explained that the primary motive to do presently, then the country He said: “The police will not sit avowed focus to reflate the and watch such scenario unfold. in Abuja, she said: “We commend of the colonial masters through the will clearly be sliding off the fortunes of the country through The rights of the law abiding your efforts in keeping peace within Public Order Act was to continually precincts and delineations of a the diversification of the economy citizens must be protected within FCT, especially during the series of subjugate the views and capacities proper democratic arrangement. which, very soon, Nigerians will the context of the law. Enough is the recent protests. We recognised of Nigerian political activists to resist These rights are not peculiar to begin to see and experience the enough! that one of the vocal protest groups, colonialisation and advance the Nigerians alone, but contained in other international and sub regional results.

“We ask that they thread with the BBOGs, had in recent times struggle for independence.

“This is no longer the law legal instruments such as the African “The federal government warns caution and that their grievances had near clashes with you. purveyors of such malicious be channeled within the ambit of “We use this occasion to appeal both from the stand point of the Charter on Human and Peoples’ information and those thinking the law.” for calm and patience, so that these Constitution of the Federal Republic Rights to which Nigeria is a proud of embarking on the same route However, Idris said police are kinds of situation do not get out of Nigeria (1999) under Sections signatory already domesticated into 39, 40 and 41 and by virtue of the corpus of Nigeria laws,” the to have a rethink and retrace aware of the agitations and plight of of hand. their steps.”

“As mothers, we have confidence the Court of Appeal decision in statement added. parents of the abducted Chibok girls

Activities of BBOGs Threat to Public, Says IG Police ban on protest illegal, says rights group

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 • T H I S D AY

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NEWS

Dickson Restates Opposition to Military Action in Niger Delta US govt calls for dialogue, economic empowerment of region Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa Bayelsa State Governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson, yesterday maintained his strong opposition to the use of military force as the panacea to ending the prolonged crisis in the Niger Delta region which has almost halved Nigeria’s oil export since the beginning of this year.

Instead, Dickson who affirmed that the issues in the oil-rich area were essentially developmentrelated, argued that purposeful engagement and consensus building would in the long-run resolve most of the lingering issues.

The federal government had recently begun the massive deployment of military personnel to most of the states in the region, ostensibly to quell the activities of militants that have consistently attacked oil and gas infrastructure in the area.

But Dickson who spoke in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, during a visit by officials of the United States Consulate in Nigeria, noted that direct confrontation with the youths and brutalisation of innocent residents of communities in the region would further worsen the problem.

The governor spoke just as the high-powered delegation from the US embassy led by the Deputy Chief of Mission, Mr. David Young, called for the transformation of the lives of the people of the region and indeed the entire country with the oil wealth available in Nigeria.

Young, who was accompanied by the Consul-General, Mr. John Bray and Chief of Political and Economic Section, Mr. Tom Hines, noted that dialogue remains the most enduring option to tackling the challenges in the region.

However, while thanking the US Government for their support over the years, Dickson explained that being the heart of the Delta, there was need to pay more attention to the state and avoid actions that would promote more violence.

“Let me again use this opportunity of your visit to call

for caution especially in the light of ongoing military efforts and exercises. We feel that communities should be carried along.

“In view of the recent developments in the Niger Delta, let me restate our official policy , which is to promote and encourage dialogue among all stakeholders. We believe that the issues in the Niger Delta are not such that can be resolved by confrontation or show of military strength.

“They are not issues that can be resolved militarily. We believe that these are issues of the environment and development which ultimately will require all stakeholders to resolve.

“Every stakeholder, including friends of our country, should work together. They are not issues that call for force, militarisation or brutality of communities and their leaders.

“Working together honestly and sincerely and with a clear roadmap, these issues can be resolved to ensure prosperity and consensus building,” the governor maintained.

While calling for a greater partnership between the region and the US government, especially in the areas of security and the environment, Dickson decried the varying standards in dealing with environmental pollution in other climes and in the region.

“There’s room for improvement in our partnership. We are collaborating on security. This is the epicentre around which Niger Delta revolves. Here in Bayelsa State, you will see the contradictions that are associated with oil and gas exploration and the effect on the environment.

“And we should not forget the overall strategic need for consensus building. The issues of the environment, we are passionate about them and its a critical part of our heritage that is so endangered and we are so helpless.

“You will see more of it. The environment is our common heritage. I commend the Ogoni clean-up, no matter how belated and we hope it will be extended

Eid-el-Kabir: FG Declares Monday,Tuesday Public Holidays Dele Ogbodo in Abuja The federal government yesterday declared September 12 and 13 as public holidays to mark Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Mr. Muhamadu Maccido, on behalf of the Minister, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau (rtd).

The minister enjoins all Muslim faithful and Nigerians in general to support, co-operate and join hands with President Muhammadu Buhari in his sustained efforts to diversify the economy and progressively accelerate the pace of economic recovery.

He said the government was aware of the present economic challenges the nation is facing, following the downturn in oil

price, stressing that appropriate steps are being taken to address them, especially through revitalising the agriculture sector.

Continuing, he said: “Youth empowerment scheme in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT), the ‘Change Begins with Me,’ a value reorientation programme and other social intervention programmes as well as massive capital release, all aimed at stimulating the economy towards the path of growth and recovery.”

Dambazzau expressed optimism that the present economic difficulties would soon be over and therefore urges all to continue to support the government towards building a new formidable Nigeria where peace, unity, security and sustainable development are guaranteed.

to other areas.

“This state is the most polluted in Nigeria. In this state, we experience a minimum of three spills everyday. So we renew our call for adherence to international standards of doing business.

“From our experience, its seems there are two standards, the Nigerian standard of protecting the environment, the Niger Delta standard and the international standard.

“What is going on here is environmental terrorism . It is unfortunate that some misguided young people who as a result of the economic situation, lack of education and over the years have no skills have been pushed

to destroying the environment,” he lamented.

Earlier, Young had said this was his first visit to Bayelsa State, adding that he just arrived to his new posting in Nigeria last month.

“As senior US government officials, especially John Kerry, who most recently visite the country, have said, Nigeria is a very important and critical partner of the United States and the Niger Delta is a critical region as well within the country.

“So, we are very committed to engaging with and being involved with you in a very important and ongoing way,” he said.

He added that he and his team

were in the state to learn about the views of stakeholders, senior officials, constituents and other people in the state to know about the challenges and opportunities in Bayelsa and the Niger Delta.

“The US feels very strongly that all stakeholders should be engaged in dialogue as part of a process to arrive at a fair and equitable solution for all involved.

“We believe that a major challenge for Nigeria is to transform the country’s oil wealth into improvement in the life of the average Deltan. And that is something we feel very strongly about.

“We encourage Nigerians to work for common goals to

end violence and curb criminal activities, to establish conditions and mechanisms over time and provide economic services to Deltans and the people throughout the country,” Young said.

He reiterated that US officials in the country would continue to focus on promoting transparency, fiscal responsibility and providing funding for development and economic prosperity through a variety of programmes.

These programmes, he said, were in the areas of agriculture, education, public diplomacy, maritime security training, aviation training, health, treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS and good governance.

CONGRATULATIONS

Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Kpotun Idris (right), being congratulated by the Taraba State Governor, Mr. Darius Dickson Ishaku; and National Security Adviser (NSA), Major General Babagana Mongonu (rtd), after his confirmation by the Council of State at the State House in Abuja...yesterday StateHouse

FG Insists on Concession of Major Airports Chinedu Eze The federal government has said despite opposition, it has taken a firm decision to concession Nigeria’s major airports located in Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt.

It explained that concessioning the airports was the panacea to the protracted infrastructural decay, which could constitute a threat to air safety.

This was disclosed by the Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, who said this was the only choice the country has now to move the industry forward.

Sirika said for the industry to be revitalised, it must concession and attract investors into the industry, saying the development of the sector stands on three pillars namely: establishing a private sector driven national carrier, establishment of a Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, also privately driven and the establishment of an aircraft leasing company.

Sirika who spoke in Lagos, reiterated some of the

administration’s plan to revamp the sector, which in recent times, is facing a lot of challenges, explaining that government has no money to invest in the sector and cannot invest a kobo on the national carrier or others but said the private sector would rebuild the industry.

“The planned national carrier will be private sector driven and will go through all the processes an airline should go through before coming in, also, the MRO will be private sector driven, and the aircraft leasing company that will come in along with the MRO will serve the national carrier.

“Right now, one of the major challenges of airlines is maintenance and they seek hard currency in a bid to carry that out, plus they have top ferry these aircraft at a huge cost and same aircraft will have to queue for a slot on a maintenance schedule. If we had an MRO, it will go a long way to make things easier for the industry,” the ministe said.

While responding to questions, Sirika also addressed the plight of the ex-workers of the now

liquidated Nigeria Airways. He said the president was aware and he is sourcing for funds to offset their backlog of gratuities.

“They will soon smile by God’s grace, I have no doubt that this social democratic government will do something soon,” he added.

On the issue of airport concession of the major airports the Minister of State declared that it was already a forgone conclusion and that government was bent on the concession of the airports. He however explained that the misconception that government was selling the airports or privatising them was wrong.

According to him, the airports have dilapidated so badly that it would take major investors to come in and turn it around, stating again that the facilities were so poor and that government does not have funds to invest in them.

He noted that during the concessioning, government would earn from the airport until when the concession elapses and then it is returned.

“We no longer have money to put in public property but we will not sell or privatise; as social democrats, all we can do

is to concession them so as to grow them. And that we will do. You see government has no plans whatsoever to sell national assets but it was sheer misconception to see the unions on the street demonstrating what they thought was sales of the airport.

The airports will be concessioned, the big four and then later six of the cargo designated airports and this will help us not just grow and expand the sector but put us in the right path to again be established as a hub,” he said.

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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

Military Nabs Wanted Niger Delta Militants, Boko Haram Terrorist Dispatches soldiers to Bakassi creeks Senator Iroegbu inAbujaand Sylvester Idowu inWarriBassey Inyang in Calabar The troops of 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have arrested one Mr. Gabriel Ogbudje (an Ex-militant leader), an alleged leader of the Otugas Fire Force, a militant group threatening to attack Utorogu Gas Plant in the Niger Delta region.

THISDAY checks revealed that the wife led soldiers to the suspect’s country home at Akperhe Community, Ughelli South local government where his septuagenarian mother, Madam Amrevweatefa Odada, was arrested along with two other youngmen found in the family compound.

It was gathered that the detention of the suspect’s relation helped the troops to locate the suspect along with an accomplice identified as Elvis Dweller Ejus.

The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, in a statement yesterday, alleged that Ogbudje was responsible for the recent act of economic sabotage perpetrated on NPDC/Shoreline major delivery trunk line within Ogo-Oteri general area on the August 26.

Usman said the suspected militant who was trailed, was arrested by troops along AgborAbraka road in Delta State on September 6, 2016.

He noted that the suspect had been on the run since he was declared wanted because of his public declaration as the leader of the militant group ‘Otugas Fire Force’.

According to him, it was the suspect who made the declaration of the threat code named ‘Crocodile Tears’, while the Brigade was engaged in the military field training exercise nicknamed ‘Operation Crocodile Smile’.

The army spokesman said Ogbudje was arrested along with

his accomplice, Mr. Elvis Dweller Ejus, and were handed to Operation Delta Safe for further interrogation and subsequent handing over to the relevant security agency for prosecutions.

“Please recall also that troops of 13 Brigade of the Nigerian army in conjunction with Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Air Force and covert operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) arrested a suspected kingpin of the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), Isaac Romeo, who goes by the appellation ‘G2’ in their terrorists camp.

“He was arrested along with two other persons, Mr. Lawson Samson and an elderly man, Mr. Iyang Ekpo, in Calabar, Cross River State, while driving in a vehicle with the registration number, CRS 86 AO1, on September 3, 2016. The arrest followed painstaking efforts and tracking of the militant who was in the state to perpetrate further criminal activities of sabotaging critical infrastructures. All the suspects are currently being interrogated,” he stated.

In a related development, Usman stated that the Boko Haram suspect who is number 105 on the wanted list, Muhammed Bulama, was last Tuesday arrested by troops in Yobe State. The DAPR said Bulama was arrested along side with two other suspected Boko Haram terroristsArdo Abba Muhammed (elder brother to Bulama as claimed) and Muhammadu Kaigama-in Azare community, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, with the help of the local vigilantes in the town.

He revealed that the terrorists were arrested riding on a horseback and bicycle while shepherding some sheep towards market.

During preliminary investigation, Usman said the suspected terrorist personally confirmed his photograph on the wanted list and further revealed that he

specialised on rearing animals for the terrorist group.

“He further confessed that they came to the village to sell the animals as they had run out of cash in their hideout and would also get some food items back to for the upcoming Salah festivity,” he stated.

However, Akperhe community in Ughelli, Delta State, was agog last Tuesday following the unconditional release of four of the community indigenes arrested by soldiers in connection with the suspects.

Those released at about 1.45p.m. from custody of the Military Police at the 3 Battalion, Effurun Barracks of the Nigerian Army, included Vincent Ekeke, Henry Koko and the wife of the suspect, Rachael.

Madam Amrevweatefa Odada, the mother of Gabriel was first released last Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army yesterday dispatched its men and officers to the Bakassi and Akpabuyo creeks and swamps with a stern warning to Niger Delta militants operating in the state that the Nigerian military is coming after them.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, gave the warning at the Amphibious Training School (ATS) of the

Nigerian Army in Calabar, where he launched the military operation code-named “Exercise Crocodile Smile” in Cross River State.

Buratai, who stated this while speaking to journalists shortly after launching the exercise said the military would definitely flush the militants, whom he described as “terrorists” out from Bakassi and any other part of the state.

“You can see the troops that just left here, they are on their way to all parts of Cross River State especially the Bakassi area where there are suspected terrorists operating there,” Buratai said.

Earlier, the COAS, while addressing the men and officers of the ATS said the exercise was launched in order to equip personnel of the army with competent amphibious skills that would help them curb militancy, pipeline vandalism and oil theft in the Niger Delta region.

Buratai said the Nigerian Army must continue to make progress in its determination to rid the Niger Delta and the South-south of the activities of militants, especially in the riverine areas.

He said even when the military exercise ends, the army would continue to be on ground, and in the creeks with a view to keeping

criminals away from the state.

“We must keep our country safe at all times. Even after the exercise, we must continue to maintain our presence at sea and in all the troubled areas and hot spots.

“I know the role the amphibious personnel are playing. Amphibious operations are very difficult operations; it requires special training and re-training to fit in.

“On this regard, the ATS would give all the necessary support that is required for the personnel to perform very well.

“We are making efforts to also fix all the broken down platforms and indeed acquire more to enhance our operational capabilities in the riverine environment.

“We are also going to enhance our training in this regards. I must commend all the soldiers for their support in keeping our nation safe,” Buratai said.

He said the military exercise which was launched recently in the Niger Delta has been successful.

The COAS urged the host communities to maintain cordial relationship with the military by supporting them with necessary information needed to record success in the operation.

“I call on the good people of host communities where our troops

are deployed to have very good relations in terms of supporting us with necessary information so that we will be able to chart those hoodlums and criminals “We also have the various security agencies, whom we are working very closely with; it’s more or less a combined efforts toward national security,” Buratai said.

Buratai also inaugurated the ATS Boat Hanger, constructed for the operations of men and officer of the amphibious soldiers, and inspected other facilities that are under construction that would be inaugurated later.

Commandant of ATS, Brig. Gen. Temitope Ademola, said that the ATS was established in 1984 and mandated to train and prepare soldiers for amphibious warfare.

Ademola said the ATS needs more operational equipment that would enhance its amphibious activities. He appealed to the COAS to approve the supply of more equipment to the ATS to enhance its activities.

At the Government House, Calabar where Buratai paid a courtesy call to the state governor, Professor Ben Ayade, he said the exercise was very necessary in view of the security challenges in the Niger Delta.

Alleged N2.3bn Diversion: Court Grants Orubebe N50m Bail Tobi Soniyi in Abuja An Abuja High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, yesterday granted a former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godsday Orubebe, and two others arraigned before it for alleged diversion of N2.3 billion bail in the sum of N50million.

The money was meant for the compensation of property owners affected by dualisation project of Section IV of the East West Road.

Orubebe, Oludare Lawrence Alaba (an Assistant Director, Ministry of Niger Delta Affiars), Ephraim Tewolde Zeri (Director of Contracts in Gitto Costruzioni Generali Nigeria Limited and the company were arraigned on a six-count charge.

The charges was filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices an Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Orubebe had denied any wrong doing. He and others pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Their lawyers, including Selekeowei Larry, (SAN), (for Orubebe) and Kanu Agabi, (SAN), for Zeri and Gitto), urged the court to grant the defendants bail on

liberal terms.

Larry even urged the court to grant Orubebe bail on self recognition on the grounds that he had served the country as a minister.

In his ruling, Justice Kayode Adeniyi noted the fact that Orubebe had served as a minister, and said he was entitled to bail, more so, when he was presumed innocent at this stage in the case.

He granted Orubebe bail at N10million and one surety, who must be a responsible Nigerian resident in Abuja and must show evidence of regular tax payment.

The judge granted Alaba and Zeri bail at N20 million and one surety each, who are to be residents in Abuja. He said Alaba’s surety must be an Assistant Director in any federal government agency, while Zeri’s surety must own property in Abuja and show evidence of ownership.

Justice Adeniyi ordered the defendants to be kept in ICPC’s custody pending when they were able to process the bail granted them.

He adjourned to November 10 for commencement of trial.

MEETING WITH STAKEHOLDERS

L-R: Director General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Usman Muktar; Minster of State for Aviation, Hadi Abubakar Sirika; and Pamanent Secretary in the ministry, Alhaji Sabiu Zakari, during a meeting of the minister with aviation stakeholders in Lagos... yesterday.

Kolawle Alli

My Father Died as a Result of Military Assault, Says Tompolo Former militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo better known as Tompolo, has accused the military of culpability in the death of his father.

His father reportedly died at Liliy Clinic, Warri, Delta State, in the wee hours of yesterday.

Confirming the death of the 84-year-old man, Paul Bebenibo, Tompolo’s spokesman, blamed it on military assault.

“He died in the early hours of today as a result of the military assault on him on at his hometown in Kurutie on May 28,” Bebenibo told TheCable.

In July, Tompolo wrote a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari,

alleging that one of the limbs of his octogenarian father had been amputated as a result of assault from security agents.

The former commander of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) said many of his aides and family members were being regarded as members of the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), and that the military had been going after them.

“I wish to write your excellency once again on the continuous harassment and intimidation of my family members and close associates by your security

agencies (Nigerian Army, Navy, Department of State Services (DSS), and the police) in connivance with one Ayiri Emami and Michael Johnny, both members of your party, All Progressives Congress (APC),” the letter read.

“The military men stormed the house of one of my younger brothers, and harassed his pregnant wife with guns pointed at her.

“Sadly, one of his lower limbs was amputated two weeks ago.

From the doctors report, it will be a thing of miracle if he survives this incident. Is this 84 years

old man also a member of the Niger Delta Avengers, that he was brutalised to the point of death?

Will your Excellency accept this in good faith if this was done to your father or someone of this age in your family?

“I have not heard of anyone that was treated like this even in the volatile North-eastern part of the country. I have said it on many occasions that the issue I am having with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will not lead to violence or resort to destruction of pipelines and other oil facilities because I have a good case.”

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COMMENT

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

AMCON AND NIGERIA’S FINANCIAL STABILITY AMCOM is rekindling confidence in the economy, writes Bashir Ibrahim Hassan

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esilience is one word that best describes the Nigeria’s economy in the face of the turbulence it is undergoing. As acknowledged by economists, Nigeria is experiencing triple, simultaneous shocks—economic, political and social. The sluggish economic growth which exacerbates the other two shocks is mainly attributed to a slowdown in economic activity which has been adversely impacted by the inadequate supply of foreign exchange aggravated by falling price of oil, the nation’s main forex earner.

Despite the recession, which has pushed the country down to the third largest economy in Africa, Nigeria is still forging ahead. A renewed effort at non-oil revenue collection is helping to reduce fiscal vulnerability caused by oil price shocks. The revenue from the non-oil sector is propping the country in this lean time.

The reforms pursued by the Buhari administration have the potential to lay a foundation for renewed growth. These include: enforcement of the single treasury account (TSA) to block financial leakages, renewed efforts at enforcement of tax compliance, increasing the ratio of capital to recurrent expenditure to 30:70 and continuous support for agencies saddled with the responsibility of stabilising the financial system such as Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) .They are fast yielding results.

Finance Minister, Kemi Adeosun, recently disclosed that TSA has significantly witnessed an increase to N3.3 trillion in May 2016, noting that the ministry had continuously discovered revenue platforms that had escaped its net. These include shipping levies, airport landing charges and visa fees, amongst others. On the other hand, the federal government received N2.2 trillion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) between June 2015 and May 2016.

AMCON, which was set up because of the global financial crisis of 2008/2009, has contributed a lot in stabilising the economy. As at the time it was set up, through acquiring the non-performing loans (NPLs) of some of the distressed banks in Nigeria to providing financial accommodation to others, it has been engendering financial stability in the banking system.

Established in 2010, AMCON was an innovative idea out to help stabilise the banking system from systemic collapse, after going through well-conceived structural reforms which involved bank consolidations, recapitalisation and managerial changes at some banks, and portfolio clean-ups. These reforms provided a solution to the banking crisis that Nigeria experienced few years ago and eventually the soundness in the banking sector was restored.

Its objectives include assisting eligible financial institutions to efficiently dispose of eligible bank assets; efficiently manage and dispose of eligible bank assets acquired by it; and obtain the best achievable financial returns on eligible bank assets or other assets acquired by it.

In an unprecedented move, AMCON acquired about 13,774 nonperforming loans (NPLs) worth N3.6 trillion from 22 commercial banks, saved our banking system, while its provision of financial accommodation of N2.2billion protected about N4.7trillion of depositors’ funds and interbank takings as well as saved approximately 14,000 jobs.

Today AMCON is pursuing the recovery of these assets. This, it is

SO FAR, AMCON HAS SETTLED OVER 56 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL N3.7 TRILLION (ABOUT N.072 TRILLION) BAD DEBTS IT HAD TO MANAGE FROM VARIOUS INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS AND ORGANISATIONS IN THE COUNTRY

doing vigorously as it is well into its sixth out of 10-year mandate period.

The MD/CEO Ahmad Kuru, a thorough-bred banker and risk management expert of repute, in a recent interview with Economic Confidential magazine, clarified the issue of AMCON’s lifespan, pointing out that “AMCON is not set up to perpetually bail out financial institutions. AMCON has a sunset period,” adding: “When AMCON was set up, it was supposed to be there for only 10 years!”

But from the good work that AMCON is doing, an extension is a possibility.

So far AMCON has settled over 56 per cent of the total N3.7 trillion (about N.072 trillion) bad debts it had to manage from various individuals, groups and organisations in the country. According to Mr. Kuru, AMCON has in this process helped a lot of businesses to bounce back and on the part of recovery. “We don’t want any business to suffer because of their debts. We are not out to kill businesses but to encourage them to grow by following the global best practices in debt reconciliations and settlements. Our desire is to recover the money for the nation through painless processes,” he told Economic Confidential.

In addition to returning the much needed cash to the federal government, AMCON is also building confidence in our financial system, even if Kuru says “there should not be an institution to anticipate failure.” Indeed, the idea of AMCON as stabilising and re-vitalising tool established to revive the financial system has paid off and has changed the mindset of bad debtors that they can get away with depositors’ funds. This alone is reassuring to our investors and other bank clients.

The aggregate results of efforts such as that of AMCON will surely improve our business environment, which the World Bank’s “Doing Business Report” portrayed as not encouraging investment and competitiveness in our industrial sector. The 2016 report ranked Nigeria 169th out of 189 countries. This is one point improvement over last year when Nigeria was placed 170th out 189. The improvements were mainly in the areas of protecting minority investors and registering property.

Add the result of AMCON and other agencies managing our macro economy through massive injection of money announced by the federal government towards improving infrastructure with a view to stimulating the economy is a welcome development. Two weeks ago, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo revealed that the federal government planned to spend N100 billion ($312.50 million) on capital projects in the coming days as part of the 2016 budget. Osinbajo also said government capital spending so far has reached N332 billion. These moves will surely enhance people’s productivity and reflate the economy.

Surely, the federal government and its agencies such as AMCON are serious in rekindling our growth. The faith Nigerians have shown in the Buhari administration thus far lies in the commitment and sincerity shown by the administration to take Nigeria out of the woods. The commitment of our professionals in various fields working to salvage our situation and bounce back is highly commendable.

That’s why the news coming out of agencies such as AMCON is reassuring Nigerians that we can be the change we desire.

Hassan is a financial systems analyst

THE 2017-2019 MEDIUM TERM EXPENDITURE FRAMEWORK

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The country has once again laid the foundation for another delayed budget in 2017, argues Boniface Chizea

n August 25, 2016, at a briefing after the Federal Executive Council meeting, the Minister for Budget and National Planning informed Nigerians that the council had approved the 2017-2019 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper in line with the expectations of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007. To ensure that we are all on the same page the MTEF is a macro-economic framework setting out the macro-economic projections for three years in view based on certified, reliable and consistent data. As Nigeria matures particularly in consideration of such matters of national significance it is expected that the MTEF would be adopted as a veritable blue print for piloting the affairs of this country in a determined, focused and realistic manner.

But the impression right now is that we pay leap service to this exercise as it has not assumed the level of importance which one would like to see. If we have the correct attitude and adopt the correct approach to the utilisation of this document it should really anchor the preparation of the budgets in the subsequent years as previewed in the preparation of the framework. This then has the implication that the preparation of the budget for the subsequent years as captured within the MTEF would simply tantamount to the performance of an update of existing projections which is hardly the case now.

And if as and when we build robust institutions as presently canvassed by the Vice- President as the way forward for sustained growth and development of the national economy even in the situation of change in government as a result

of elections the MTEF would be there to serve as a beacon to the incoming administration which it is of course welcome to adopt to reflect its agenda and priorities. It would therefore terminate the prevalent costly process of each succeeding administration proceeding as it were to reinvent the wheel as it commences with a clean slate with the waste which this portends.

The approval of MTEF coming at the time it was given is a bit late considering that the Fiscal Responsibility Act requires for this approval to have been received by the end of the second quarter of the year. We have therefore already commenced the laying of the foundation for another delayed commencement of Budget 2017 which will automatically underwrite the extent of the success we would attain with the implementation of the budget. The minister during this briefing reeled out the modalities which was adopted for the preparation of the MTEF particularly the fact of wide spread consultations with the private sector, the state governments and sundry experts before articulating and adopting the broad framework of the MTEF. It is particularly cheering to note as reported the fact of the wide spread consultations with critical stakeholders for that gives the exercise the needed credibility, makes it comprehensive and inclusive and guarantees that all are on board as a consensus is crystalised as the exercise is concluded. We cannot overemphasise the imperatives of this aspect of the exercise as it goes a long way to remove the rancour and complaints that would normally trail the conclusion of such an important national exercise with critical stakeholders complaining of lack of representation

or for that matter inadequate or in appropriate representation. We have in the past canvassed the considered view that some of the complaints and problems and delays we have encountered with the preparation of the annual budget had largely been due to lack of the adoption of an inclusive approach in the budget preparation process in the first place.

We have therefore recommended the establishment of robust budget office at the National Assembly which has the capacity to conduct and undertake its own independent research and study to complement what is done at the level of the fiscal authority to be able to partner with the executive in a robust manner during the necessary consultations that should normally precede and be an integral part of the budget preparation process. If we are able to do so realistically we would not have the usual problems we have had with the budget approval process including the much vilified constituency projects which had recently led to the accusation of abuse arising from an allegation of ‘padding’ in the budget process. It is quite possible for such matters to be taken on board during preparation which would make the appropriation process a mere formality and remove all the delays the country had so far experienced with the appropriation process which had been the major cause of lack of success with budget implementation as the commencement of the fiscal year is unduly delayed.

With the state governments one expects a lot more than consultations. The Fiscal Responsibility Act specifically expects the state governments to also subject themselves to the discipline of FRA. The act recommends that states and local govern-

ments in preparing their estimates of budget revenue and expenditure may adapt the provision of the MTEF with obviously such modifications as may be appropriate and necessary. In other to consolidate this recommendation the act in proposing the constitution of the Board of the Commission recommends that the chairman and representative of the six geo-political zones will be full time members of the commission. And that the state and local governments which so desire should be assisted by the federal government to manage their fiscal affairs in the context of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework.

It is about time the federal government assumed a greater responsibility to champion the cause for the holistic development of the national economy which cannot be achieved if we continue to concentrate attention only at the federal level as has been the case hitherto. This was why when in disbursing the latter tranche of the bailout funds we applauded the fact that the federal government attached some conditions precedent to drawdown of the funds for it is not possible to achieve desired progress with the state and local governments lagging behind as it will amount to attempting the impossibility of clapping with one hand.

Some of the assumptions highlighted by the Minister of Budget and National Planning during this briefing included the fact that benchmark oil price over the particular medium term are 42.5, 45 and 50 dollars respectively for 2017, 2018 and 2019 explaining that the Executive Council was particularly conservative in this assumption as it preferred to err on the side of caution.

Dr. Chizea is a management consultant

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EDITORIAL THE EDO GUBERNATORIAL RACE

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Politicians should allow the people to decide their destiny for the next four years

he governorship election in Edo State coming up this Saturday is yet another opportunity for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to showcase its preparedness for the onerous responsibility it bears. Coming after similar elections in Kogi and Bayelsa States, the Edo polls would no doubt present obvious challenges to both the INEC and the security agencies and we hope that they are ready.

We note particularly that INEC has been bedevilled by problems in recent months. Only one of the five re-run elections held in July 2016 in Imo and Kogi States was concluded within regulation time while others had to be concluded days later after supplementary polls.

The Bayelsa governorship polls suffered similar fate.

The senatorial and state constituencies re-run elections in Rivers State have been postponed several times within the past few months.

Aside the case of Rivers that is based on violence, the common lapses in other elections included the fact that voting materials usually arrived the polling booths hours late. In other IF INEC CAN CONDUCT THE instances, election SATURDAY POLLS IN EDO officials were not WITHOUT HITCHES, THEN deployed in sufficient PROFESSOR YAKUBU numbers in some pollWOULD HAVE PROVED ing units while many THAT THE COMMISSION prospective voters HAS LEARNT USEFUL were disenfranchised, LESSONS following the omission of their names or photographs in the voters’ register. We hope that INEC can tidy up those loose ends before Saturday.

After the initial violence that dogged the electioneering campaigns in Edo, the build-up to the election has been relatively peaceful. But the stakes are still high.

Some 18 political parties have been cleared for the elections, but the Saturday contest is essentially between the two acrimonious majors: the ruling political party’s All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Mr. Godwin Obaseki, a technocrat, chairman of the economic team of the

Letters to the Editor

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outgoing Adams Oshiomhole’s administration is the APC candidate while Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a shrewd politician and Secretary to the State Government under the Lucky Igbinedion administration is the PDP candidate.

Both men, incidentally, are of Bini stock, from Edo South Senatorial zone, which means that the votes from the most populous district in the state would be split. Obaseki has the full backing of the government in power and the party, both at the state and the centre. Besides, he has the backing of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, the APC National Chairman and a former governor of the state. Even though seen largely as Oshiomhole’s man, Obaseki records are his assets, particularly in an era that demands prudence in the management of resources. There is also no doubt that the achievements of the ruling APC government in the state in terms of infrastructural development will rub positively on him.

T H I S DAY

EDITOR IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU DEPUTY EDITORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, JOSEPH USHIGIALE 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 DIRECTOR 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

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ze-Iyamu of the PDP is also a formidable politician in his own right. As Chief of Staff and Secretary to the Government between 1999 and 2007, he is familiar with the nuances of the state politics. He has the support of politicians alienated by the Oshiomhole’s administration. He was also a member of APC and indeed the director-general of Oshiomhole’s second term campaign organisation, an experience he would put to good use. Moreover, he was a one-time National Vice-Chairman, South-South zone of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

However, there are extraneous issues that could affect the outcome of the polls. The PDP is a divided house with the Ali Modu-Sheriff faction still retaining one Matthew Iduoriyekemwen as its candidate for the election. But whatever happens, it is important for the politicians to allow the people of Edo State to decide their destiny for the next four years. There should be no room for coercion and violence. The security agencies must perform their duties professionally. As for INEC, if it can conduct the Saturday polls in Edo without hitches, then Professor Yakubu would have proved that the commission has learnt useful lessons.

TO OUR READERS Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-200 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (9501000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive.com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer.

LAGOS NEW APPROACH TO FOOD SECURITY

United Nations statistics confirms that over 1.02 billion people do not have enough to eat ( more than the combined population of USA, Canada and the European Union) while the number of undernourished people in the world increased by 75 million in 2007 and 40 million in 2008 (largely due to high cost of food). In third world countries, the statistic is worrisome as over 1 billion people are hungry.

In Nigeria, considering its ever growing population, Lagos is, particularly, in danger of being engulfed in food crisis. It is in order to avert such that the state government has evolved programmes to boost food security in the state. Such include marine agriculture, fisheries development, artisanal fisheries, development/replenishment of open water bodies, provision of wholesome meat, and establishment of modern abattoirs, integrated livestock expansion, acquisition of expansive arable lands in other states for farming, agricultural input supply to farmers and fishermen and credit delivery to farmers, redevelopment of agricultural cooperatives, provision of agricultural land services, root and tuber expansion and partnership with other states to enhance food security.

The Lagos-Kebbi partnership, in particular, clearly demonstrates the strong resolve of the state government to enhance food security not only in Lagos but in the country at large. The partnership thrives on pragmatic use of existing resources for the common good of the citizenry. Kebbi, for instance, is endowed with vast arable land suitable for agricultural production in rice, wheat, maize, sorghum, groundnut, etc., while Lagos has the needed industrial and economic potential to

drive the partnership. One key benefit of the Lagos- Kebbi partnership is its capacity to renew investors’ interest in agro-based industries, boost for agriculture- related cooperative societies, among others.

To further boost rice production and enhance job creation in the state, the government has settled100 farmers on a 500 Hectares of land acquired in Eggua, Ogun State. Consequently, with yield improving from less than one tonne per hectare to about three tonnes per hectare with double cropping in some areas where irrigation facilities are provided, rice cultivation is, indeed, experiencing relative improvement in the state.

In terms of human capacity development, 300 trainees comprising of courses I, II and III have been empowered through an intensive training scheme while effort is being intensified to settle courses IV and V as well as process the admission of 100 trainees for course VI. The training scheme has since been paying off as over 1,500 crates of egg per day, 2,000 broilers per month, 18 tonnes of fresh fish per cycle and about 160 tonnes of cabbage, sweet melon, water melon, cucumber, pepper and assorted leafy vegetables per month are currently being marketed in various centres across the state.

Similarly, the Agric-Yes project in Avia, Badagry, which is fashioned after the Project Songhai of Benin republic, is a blueprint for translating the socio-demographic opportunities in the state into reality, and turning agriculture into a productive, efficient, sustainable, and remunerative enterprise. It is designed as a catalyst for a broader, multi-partnership programme to support the state government in promoting access of youths, men and women, to appropriate entrepreneurial, leadership and management skills in agribusiness.

Productive facilities in the area of poultry, fisheries, piggery and vegetable production have been completed; the project is at the last phase of completion. A network of beneficiaries would be set up to promote zero waste as the input of one will be the output of the other.

Also, the state government has gone a step ahead in the promotion of strategic initiatives to develop an expanded structure for coconut production and processing in the state. This is being done through Public-Private Partnership arrangement as a means of generating employment, wealth creation and food security. The 180Km Coconut groves along the coast line of the state are benefiting from this fresh initiative. Towards this end, the completed Coconut House at Mowo, Badagry, has become a demonstration centre for the training of farmers and provision of technical information for interested investors in the production of coconut milk, oil and water.

The state government is also supporting farmers through the activities of Lagos State Agricultural Input Supply Authority (LAISA) by making sure that required inputs are made available to farmers and fisher folks timely at affordable price. This is being done through the distribution of over 1,500 bags of fertiliser, hybrid maize and agrochemicals to crop and vegetable farmers, distribution of over 4,000 bags of fish feeds to fish farmers as well as distribution of 80 units of poultry battery cages to poultry farmers. This is aside other inputs like knapsack sprayers, water pumps and feed ingredients which were supplied to farmers.

Tayo Ogunbiyi, Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Lagos

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POLITICS

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

PERSONALITY INTERVIEW

Ihedioha: Sheriff Not Following the Ideals of PDP As the PDP battles to regain its foothold on the politics of Nigeria, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and governorship candidate of the party for the 2015 election in Imo State, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, has said the embattled Senator Ali Modu Sheriff leadership of the PDP was not standing against the ideals of the party. He spoke to Ernest Chinwo. Excerpts: and that what we are doing is just a wayo (fraud). I am here live and also members of my committee. It is taking place but some people will sit somewhere and say, “don’t mind them, there is no convention”. Sheriff will tell you no congress is taking place but is he participating in the congress? Is he doing a congress?

There is a process that leads to a convention.

We had a convention and that convention was convened by the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC), as provided for in our constitution. No one man has authority to say he has cancelled and suspended the convention. He is ignorant of the provisions of our constitution.

That was why I asked, does he represent our ideals? The ideals of the founding fathers of our party are very clear. Sheriff is an interloper; he jumped into the party.

Let’s talk about the botched Port Harcourt convention. What was the mission?

We were dispatched here by the national chairman, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, to come and conduct the 3-man ad hoc delegate for each of the 319 wards in Rivers State that will elect a national delegate for the forthcoming national convention of the party. This, in essence, marks the commencement of the processes for the national convention, earlier slated for Port Harcourt on August 17, 2016, On the reconciliation meeting by the Professor Jerry Gana committee with Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, is there any commitment on the part of Sheriff?

I am not a member of the committee. We just concluded a very successful state congress of our party in Imo State. We are happy that the party is getting ready to begin the processes to deliver governance in Imo State for 2019.

That has kept me in the state for a while and today, I am here.

But like you said, the task, apparently, is to get aggrieved members of the party to see reasons to help the party to begin its role as opposition in present time and to begin to build towards the next general election. We are facing a governorship election in Edo State and we believe that all well-meaning members of PDP

Ihedioha...Sheriff is a distraction

There is a process that leads to a convention. We had a convention and that convention was convened by the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC), as provided for in our constitution. No one man has authority to say he has cancelled and suspended the convention. He is ignorant of the provisions of our constitution. That was why I asked, does he represent our ideals? The ideals of the founding fathers of our party are very clear. Sheriff is an interloper; he jumped into the party

should be interested in how the party will win that election and not how to distract the party from victory.

for me as a party member to tell you what will happen; it is a free contest. Zoning is supposed to be a guide.

But Senator Sheriff is still insisting on having his candidate for election. Is that not a foreboding sign?

Can we stop all these emphases on Senator Ali Modu Sheriff? He was the chairman of our party and his tenure is over. The convention in Port Harcourt, which I guess you witnessed, took judicious note of it and took an action to terminate the life of that executive. By the votes of the delegates at the convention, all national officers, which included Sheriff, were removed from office. When you are removed from office, do you still remain in office? These are mere distractions. Please, let us be positive about the future of our party. That is the challenge we are facing now.

Are you aware of the Justice Liman judgment on the issues in Port Harcourt here? Has there been anything to the contrary? Is there any superior judgment in that regard? Has any court of higher jurisdiction made a pronouncement?

The constitution of our party is supreme and the constitution of our land is also supreme.

Let us not get distracted; let us be focused.

You just said Ali Modu is a distraction. How do you mean?

What does he represent? Can you tell me one ideal of PDP that he represents? You, as a reporter, who has been covering the activities of PDP, what does Ali Modu Sheriff represent?

What is he preaching? What is his message?

I will only refer you to the PDP Constitution, pertaining to the powers and functions of the national convention of the party. The questions you people should ask is, was there a national convention? Has there been any other convention apart from the one held in Port Harcourt? What did we do in Port Harcourt here?

What’s your take on the zoning of the national chairmanship to South-west?

I think in 2002, when the party zoned the presidency to the South, we had an incumbent president, President Olusegun Obasanjo; Dr. Alex Ekwueme contested the primary with him. The late Alhaji Abubakar Rimi from the Northern part of the country also contested.

We didn’t stop them from running. Am I right?

I just gave you an analogy. I am not a member of the screening committee and I have not seen the publication but I am sure the screening committee will do justice to all those issues.

But what I am saying is that the party has pronounced zoning. You may choose to respect it and you may choose not to respect it. It is not

But the man went to court to challenge his removal and the case is still ongoing. Isn’t that sufficient?

We had elected the national executive members before and we removed them through a due motion. I was the seconder of that motion moved by former Deputy Speaker, Austin Opara. A motion was moved in line and in conformity with the PDP Constitution and it was supported overwhelmingly by the ayes and so we removed all the national officers.

So, when you say the man was challenging his removal, did the party constitution give room to be jumping up and down as he is doing? We told him, come to the national convention. The PDP Constitution says only a national convention can annul the action of a convention.

But if the “distraction” continues, what is the party going to do?

The party is a deliberate entity, just like this ward congress is a deliberate action. Congresses are taking place, ward by ward and which you too noticed. I am here now; it is not like somebody will say Emeka Iheodia is not here

With the spate of court injunctions, the fear is that another injunction may spring up, a day to the convention, stopping its conduct.

Are you prepared for this?

Just be focused and be confident. We have gotten this far because we remained focused.

We will not be distracted and we shall not be distracted. If we had been distracted, we shall not be planning for the convention. You can see that everything is on speed gear. I am sure you know that we have inaugurated a high powered National Convention Committee of which, incidentally by the grace of the party, I am a member. On Friday, we also are going for meeting of various sub-committees of the convention. I am heading the Committee on Constitution Amendment.

So, we are working because we believe that we must move our party forward. We know there are agents sent to destabilise our party and it is very easy for them to offer themselves to be agents and we will leave you to fill the blank spaces.

But we cannot be distracted every day, bothering ourselves about those who have decided to be agents; you cannot stop a man from being an agent...agent of whatever, agent of parties and interests opposed to our party. That is why I asked, what ideals Sheriff represents?

Does he represent any of the positive ideals of PDP? He does not and so, you should be able to fill the blank spaces.

If a man is not interested in charting a positive course for the party...he came in and if he is a man of honour – he told us he will spend only three months. He told us at the party caucus and I was there. He pledged to spend three months, which was to terminate in May. That was why we fixed the national convention for May 21, 2016. He presided over that national caucus meeting and caused every member of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) to pledge to leave before May 21.

Even if we had said we wanted him, don’t we have the right to change our mind? So to say that we brought him, what does that mean?

We brought a man and we now saw his true colour and we said, ‘man, please go and sit down, we want to build our party’. That is what we are doing. By the way, you have to be the chairman of a people because the party is about people and the same people said they don’t want you as the chairman. Is it by force?

So, I don’t understand what you people are saying about court. The court is not the people.

The Peoples Democratic Party is on course to electing a new national chairman.

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

19

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

INTERVIEW

Edebiri: Oshiomhole Failed to Develop Human Capacity Dr. Solomon Iyobosa Edebiri, a Peoples Democratic Party governorship aspirant in Edo State has asked the people to vote for the best candidate of their choice. Segun James presents the excerpts: After the PDP governorship primaries in Edo State, nothing seems to have been heard from you. What have you been doing?

We used to say we have a second address when I was campaigning, politics wasn’t my main occupation. So, when the PDP leaders did what they did, they felt that the people should not have their way and their say, I decided to go back to my profession and to also think of ways I can help the society in my private capacity.

During the campaigns, one thing was evident as we traversed the 18 local governments and the 192 wards of the state; it was eminent there was poverty in the land.

There was so much level of dependence and a lot of ignorance as well. We also realised that the kind of politics that is still happening is who brings what.

I had thought the politics of Edo State was beginning to change and godfatherism had stopped but little did we know that the situation has not changed.

For me, politics is all about helping the people; it is also a way of helping the larger people to attain political power. However, having lost out on June 20 through a heavily calculated

still help the people of Edo State. I realised what the people need most now is education, social re-integration, social re-orientation, social emancipation, and social revolution so that we can create a level of independence in the people.

Edebiri

manipulation by very few leaders of the party, immediately after that primaries, I resigned from PDP and also went on sabbatical politically to face my business and professional life because I realised that through professionalism, I can

Since you left, has there been overtures to you by some other parties and to what level of participation will you be involved in the elections?

To be honest, I have been speaking to leaders of both parties. I have spoken with Chief Anenih, I have also spoken to the National Leader of APC, Chief John Odegie-Oyegun, and I am making them to realise that the essence of getting political power is to help the people.

I have been saying to the people in Edo State today to follow their conscience and they should let their conscience lead them right. That whatever your conscience asks you to do, do it so that you won’t grumble against yourself.

I am participating in the election. I have a right to vote and I will vote the candidate my conscience allows me to vote for. I am not a member of any political party at the

moment, but there are about 12 contestants in this election, out of all these people, one person must be most qualified and that is the part of my conscience I will follow. My followers have been coming to ask questions, I keep saying follow your conscience.

I have been telling people to look critically at all the candidates. They know who will bring development to Edo State.

They know who will run the state as a public entity. You know among these people who will deliver dividends of democracy to the people.

They know who will take the money accrued to the state and start sharing to his loyalists.

They know who will stop the era of wealth sharing and create wealth. They know who will bring corporate experience to lead the people.

That is the position I have been pushing because for me, it does not matter which party you belong to. I am going out on the 10th to vote for the candidate, who possesses all these qualities.

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

‘Politicians Must Stop Accusing Workers of Partisanship’ The chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Ekiti State chapter, Comrade Raymond Ade Adesanmi, in this interview with Olakiitan Victor, expressed discontent over politicians, who accuse workers of partisanship when agitating for better working conditions. Excerpts:

W

hat’s the state of the NLC in Ekiti?

Presently, the NLC is gradually getting back on its feet after the six weeks strike which ended on June 26, 2016, which we declared to press for the payment of salary arrears among other issues, we want resolution on. In actual fact, the outcome of the strike was received with mixed feelings, because we were not able to meet the targets 100 per cent. I mean getting all what we demanded for. We got some and lost some. Part of what created the ill-feelings was the payment of only one month salary by the state government instead of the three months agitated for by workers.

Be that as it may, we were able to achieve the inclusion of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in the Joint Allocation Committee of the Local Governments (JAAC). That had never happened before and the intention was to protect the primary

Adesanmi

school teachers. So, through this fight, we were able to get a slot for NUT on that committee and that was why the union attended the JAAC of July and August.

Through the NUT involvement, the primary school teachers have been able to get their

outstanding – September 2014 salary – paid and this is a good development. We were also able to achieve for the workers, the payment for the 2014 leave bonus. As I speak with you, payment has commenced.

Through our agitations, we were able to get N10 million earmarked for the payment of gratuity every month. The last time they paid gratuity was August 2012 and this is a good development. We thank God that the outcome of the workers’ verification exercise conducted by the present government is about to be released. We requested for the outcome of the verification exercise and a meeting was called recently, where the chairman of the committee and the deputy governor of the state, Dr. Kolapo Olusola told us that the outcome has reached an advanced stage.

The essence of our agitation in this regard is to know the real payroll of the workers, that is, the wage bill. Going by what the deputy governor told us, the outcome will be out

before the end of September. On the issues of promotion and advancement, we had met with the Head of Service and asked about what the government is doing and with the information at our disposal, it will be done soon.

But sad enough, we failed to achieve the payment of 10 per cent of IGR to the local governments by the state, which we knew is statutory, though, the non-payment by the state is not peculiar to Ekiti alone and according to what we were told, the payment will start soon because that is the law.

On the constitution of the pension board, government said it is putting in place what is called PITAD to manage those, who are on pension system until it keys into Pension Contributory Scheme. The PITAD will cover both the state and local governments’ pensioners.

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

Eke: Those Criticising Okorocha are in Minority Chief Hilary Eke, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Imo State, spoke with Amby Uneze in Owerri, on the activities of the party in the state and her efforts to see that APC won the last rerun elections in the state. Excerpts:

W

hat has really been happening in your party for some time now?

By the grace of God, the party has been moving well since I was elected the state chairman of our great party in Imo State.

I remain grateful to God and I also appreciate Governor Rochas Okorocha, who found me worthy to be appointed the chairman of the party in the state. I want to specially thank the governor for having worked in a manner that had quieted the opposition in this state, because what he had done so far is enough to believe that APC actually has a manifesto that touches the lives of the people. In fact, he had made the party proud because of his

Eke

activities and the numerous projects in the state, which have given me enough energy and

strength to move the party to greater height.

As for the rerun election, which took place some weeks back, we were adequately prepared for it and that was why we won because the APC has brought good things to the state. And because people like to associate themselves with good things, which APC represents, they had to vote for us. Those who criticise the good work of the governor are in the minority. It was because the governor has always made us proud, that was why we came out of that rerun election with victory. So, it was a victory we merited and we are grateful to God.

that the APC did some magic. How true is that assertion?

From the work and sensitisation we have been carrying even in the grassroots, coupled with the developmental strides of the governor, people are beginning to know the truth. The manifesto of the party and with the revolution the president has been involved in at the national level, especially the anti-corruption crusade, people are happy with the APC government and when you have development even in your locality, you don’t need a soothsayer to tell you what to do.

Having won the three remaining state House of Assembly seats and that of the Okigwe senatorial rerun election, one begins to think

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

20

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 • T H I S D AY

FEATURES

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

The Passionate Shoemaker

Michelle Ekure is a young female entrepreneur making exploits in the production of high quality shoes. For most female folks, this may not be the best of options especially with the increasing crave for fame and fortune. Ugo Aliogo, Eberechi Imo and Chidinma Okonkwo report

H

ow long does it take to produce a female or male slippers? A client asked. “It depends on how much you are willing to pay, if you want an express work, the price is different from a normal work. In a day, I can make close to 20 slippers.

There are times, where I can make five male shoes without stress. But you can send the sample of the shoe you want on whatsApp,” Michelle Ekure, a budding shoemaker replied a client.

She sat on the wooden bench, filing a shoe sole with the filing machine. The process was strenuous for her due to the slowness of the machine, but she enjoyed the frenzy of what she was doing. On her table were shoe soles, sewing gum and cut to shape leather patterns. She has a strong knack for aesthetics. Her array of design models are in tandem with those of Europe and America. As an exceptional artisan, she is concerned about details and quality.

Ekure is a graduate of International Studies and Diplomacy (ISD) from the University of Benin. She hails from the Urohobo extraction in Delta State. Growing up, Ekure’s dream was to become a diplomat, interfacing on behalf of Nigeria in the international community. She also had an ambition to venture into brand modeling because of her strong love for fame. No doubt, these were top notch aspirations for a young lady, but providence had other plans for her, a far cry from the aspirations she had nurtured as a young child.

In 2011, after her graduation Ekure came to Lagos to carve a path for her modeling career. But she faced some unpleasant conditions which she was not in line with her values and beliefs. She put modeling on hold to take up a paid job, “where I was working, my employer was paying very little and owing us for months. I could not take it because the experience was becoming frustrating and unbearable for me. To survive the difficult times then, I took up another job with a company producing slippers, souvenirs, and bags. It got to a point I had to quit my job because of unpaid salaries,” she espoused.

“I didn’t choose this career path, God directed me. When I graduated I did not picture myself doing shoemaking. I had a strong passion for modeling than building a career. Career was a second option. I’m

Ekure working on a shoe design

Shoemaking is personality driven.

If you are a patient person, it will reflect in the way you cut, stitch and apply gum.

If you are a carefree individual it will also reflect in your work. Detailing is an activity that is very vital in shoemaking

still very much interested in international relations, because I feel there are many unresolved issues such as the Boko Haram insurgency. I have an idea on how this unrest can be addressed,” Ekure said with smile on her face.

“When I stopped working, it was a challenging period for me. Growing up, I have always been an independent person, but at the point when I stopped working to search for a new job, I had to rely on my family for financial support. It was embarrassing for me,” she noted.

Through divine revelation, Ekure saw a clear vision of what God wanted her to become. The vision was for her to go back to the company, where she was buying

slippers and request that they produce her own shoes with its unique design.

The first purchase she made was paid for by her family. It was a start-up experience for her. She was not fully pleased with the company’s price. Therefore, she found a good cobbler who could make shoes for her at a cheaper price. Ekure was not comfortable with just purchase, but she felt a craving to learn the shoe production processes. This step undoubtedly will become the channel to hone her skills in the craft, “I pleaded with him to teach me how to make shoes, initially he didn’t agree, but finally agreed.

I learnt the basics of shoemaking within a period of one month. Though, I paid for a six months training course under him.”

The important thing about shoemaking is to understand the basic processes involved and how to apply them. The cuttings, and stitches may not be perfect. But if the individual is consistent, there is great room for improvement, “I didn’t leave his shop immediately, when I had jobs I took them to him to assist me produce while I also made some myself. After working with him for two years, I continued giving him jobs to help produce,” she explained.

“Shoemaking is personality driven. If you are a patient person, it will reflect in the way you cut, stitch and apply gum. If you are a carefree individual it will also reflect in your work. Detailing is an activity that is very vital in shoemaking. Some shoes are

21

• T H I S D AY THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

FEATURES

Ekure filing a shoe sole with the filing machine

Ekure posing with the Young Creative Deltan with Entrepreneurial Skill Award bestowed on her at the Delta State Silver Jubilee... recently

Men loafers produced by Ekure

very easy to make compared to others, for instance the Brooks shoes are very technical in producing. It involves a lot of time in producing,” she stated.

She remarked that there are some slippers that are very easy to make, while others are very complicated to design, adding that the processes are different from each other and they have various prices. “The time used in producing some slippers, will be enough to produce some bachelor shoes.

In a day, I can make close to 20 slippers.

There are times, where I can make five male shoes without stress. In producing a shoe what you have to consider is the cutting and the drawing,” she added.

From the time she started in 2014 to present, the journey has not been rosy, but she has kept faith and moved on. Her tenacity and commitment has led her to training and mentoring other youngsters in the craft. Financially, she has shouldered the responsibilities personally.

Most small-scale businesses and start-ups are usually faced with financial challenges, especially during their initial stages. From findings, it was discovered that the collateral

Shoes and sandals produced by Ekure

From the time she started in 2014 to present, the journey has not been rosy, but she has kept faith and moved on.

Her tenacity and commitment has led her to training and mentoring other youngsters in the craft. Financially, she has shouldered the responsibilities personally

and other requirements for obtaining the loans in commercial banks are not very favourable for SMEs. When Ekure approached the bank for a loan, she was not given. Rather, she was asked to run the business for a period of two years before getting any loan. “But I told them that I needed to get my business running, get equipment that will ease my work and allow me produce 50 pairs of shoes daily and reduce the stress. I need a cutting, filing, industrial, and laxing machines. If I have the cutting machine, it can cut 10 shoes at a time. The collateral and other requirements for obtaining the loans are not favourable for start-ups,” she noted.

The viability of the shoe industry in Nigeria has been of great concern to stakeholders and producers. The infiltration of the market with substandard shoes and the high demand for Italian and Europe made shoes; raises critical questions whether the

local market has the potentials to rival the leading industries on a global scale.

For Ekure, she has a different theory. She believes that the local industry has strong potentials. She said getting substandard or high quality shoes depends on individual’s request. “If you pay for high quality shoe, it will be produced and if you pay for low quality shoe it will also be produced. They make those low quality shoes so that people can buy more and sell them. People in America place orders for my shoes. There is no difference between Nigeria made and Italian shoes.”

In the area of shoe production processes, she explained that the European market has attained a level of advancement especially in the area of finishing and use of technology, which helps to raise the standard of their product. Another important area is the gum used for production. The shoe gum used

by Italy and Nigeria are quite different.

The gum used for making Italian shoes is not very suitable for Nigeria weather.

“Nigeria shoes can stand their weather.

The Italians doesn’t apply much gum to their shoes, which does not make it very strong in holding gum. But the Nigeria shoe has the ability to hold gum, because the gum is very thick. The leather is treated very well before it is polished and they are very detailed in production,” she noted.

Ekure said if the local market aspires to rival the Europe in shoe production, government needs to provide advanced machines to improve quality and increase production, adding that producing shoes manually is very demanding; but with a machine it is easier. “Government should also build a company that can refine the quality of leathers to the standard of Europe.

We buy leathers at a very expensive price due to the exchange rate. Therefore we increase the price of our shoes,” she said.

22

IMAGES

Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu (right), and the Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Matins Azubuike, during the funeral of Bishop Owen Azubuike at St. Georges Anglican Cathedral, Mbawsi in Isiala-ngwa North LGA...recently

Representative of Kogi State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr. Isaac Ejiga; community leader, Mr Gabriel Toba Aliu; General Manager, British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF), Abimbola Okoya; Chairman, Joel Aliu Memorial Multipurpose Cooperative Society (JAMMCS), Mr. Kunle Megbowo; and JAMMCS General Secretary, Mr. Thomas Jimoh, at the commissioning and handover of Fishery Capacity Building Project to the Cooperative Society in Kabba, Kogi

L-R: Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo; presiding Bishop of the Sword of the Spirit Ministries, Francis Wale Oke; and his wife, Rev. Victoria Oke, at the closing ceremony of the 34th Holy Ghost convention and 60th birthday of the Bishop at the Garden of Victory, Old Ife Road Ibadan...recently FELIX ADEMOLA

L-R: Public Relations Consultant, Ms. Kemi Areola; International Coordinator, CEOs Economic Summit 2016, Mr. Charles Nicholas; and Business Development Executive, Mr. Peter Agbontaen, at a press conference on ICE SUMMIT 2016 in Abuja...recently

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

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

L-R: Senator Remi Tinubu, wife of the governor of Lagos State Bolanle Ambode, and Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs & Poverty Alleviation Lola Akande during the graduation ceremony of 5,951 trainees of the Lagos State Skill Acquisition Centres across the state, at Agidingbi, Ikeja...recently

L-R: Head, Quality Assurance, Product and Information, Etisalat Nigeria, Dayo Adenipekun; former Commissioner for Health, Edo State, Dr. Wilson Imongan; Rita Enadeghe; and Manager, RF Planning, Etisalat Nigeria, Chukwuemeka Okoli, at the Etisalat Customer Forum in Benin...recently

L-R Acting Executive Director, Nigerian Gas Company Ltd, Warri, Chief Mrs. Comfort Adepoju; President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Chief Onikepo Akande; wife of the Baba Ijo, Otunba (Mrs.) Josephine Diya; the Baba Ijo, Lt. Gen Oladipo Diya (Rtd); Otunba (Mrs.) Folashade Diya; Business Tycoon, Olori Mojisola Abass, and Immediate Past District 404B-2 Governor, Lions International, Dr (Mrs.) Funke Adebajo at the presentation of a gift to Lt. Gen Oladipo Diya (Rtd) by the Light Bearers Wesley Cathedral Olowogbowo, Lagos as its Grand Patron during the 2016 Annual Harvest Thanksgiving Service of United African Methodist

L-R: Oyo State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Isaac Ishola; Business Executive (South-west), Sterling Bank, Mrs. Temiwunmi Tope-Banjoko; Oyo State Deputy Governor, Chief Alake Adeyemo; and Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Olalekan Alli, during the bank’s presentation of uniforms to street sweepers in the employ of the state government, in Ibadan...recently GOVERNOR’S OFFICE

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

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BUSINESSWORLD NIBOR OVERNIGHT 1-MONTH

R A T E S 18.5083 16.6507

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Quick Takes Samsung Recalls Galaxy Note 7

Samsung has halted sales of the new Galaxy Note 7 and issued a product recall, after confirming battery problems caused some devices to explode or catch fire.

In a statement, Samsung said it would issue replacements to those customers who had already bought one for free, while announcing it was stopping new sales.

The move is in response to “recently reported cases of the new Galaxy Note 7”, and the company said it found a “battery cell issue” after conducting a thorough investigation.

Samsung confirmed there had been 35 cases reported globally, and it was now “conducting a thorough inspection with our suppliers to identify possible affected batteries in the market”.

Its announcement follows widespread reports that the company was grappling with battery issues on the device, causing some of the premium phones to explode or catch fire while charging.

The issue led to the company delaying shipments in South Korea as it carried out quality control tests, following reports of strong initial sales which was also causing supply constraints.

The Galaxy Note 7 was launched last month in most countries of the world.

Dell Unveils New Systems, Solutions

SANITISING COURIER INDUSTRY

L-R: Senior Assistant Postmaster General and Head, Courier Regulatory Department, Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST), Dr. Simon Emeje; Head of Enforcement, Mr. Andrew Ebiloma and Head of Finance and Accounts, Mr. Aribasoye Olusola, during a press briefing, shortly after a clampdown on some courier operators in Lagos...recently

‘Investors Yet to Know Potential of Courier Business in Nigeria’ Stories by Emma Okonji The Assistant Postmaster General and Head of Courier Regulatory Department (CRD) of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), Dr. Simon Emeje has said that both local and foreign investors are yet to understand the huge potential in courier business in Nigeria, hence their reluctance to invest in the sector.

Emeje, who made the disclosure in Lagos recently while speaking on the need to sanitise the Nigerian courier industry, said the sector over N300 billion in assets, and capable of contributing immensely to Gross Domestic

COURIER Product (GDP) of the country, if adequate attention is given to the sector by government.

He said the sector had been neglected for too long by government, hence investors cannot see the benefits of the sector.

Citing the long-term clamour for independent courier regulatory body for the sector by Nigerians, which the federal government is yet to consider as important, Emeje said Nigeria is one of the few African countries that do not have independent regulatory courier body, a situation, he

said is adversely affecting the prospects and values of the industry in the eyes of investors.

According to him, CRD is a department of NIPOST that oversees courier regulation in the country, but that its powers are limited in enforcing and implementing policies that will shape the courier business in the country, because it is not empowered by law. He therefore called on members of the National Assembly to expedite action in the process of passing the courier bill that has been in the house for ages, even though the bill had long been sponsored through a private member bill.

ALTON Raises Fresh Communications Tax Bill The planned introduction of Communications Tax Bill, which seeks to increase telecommunications tax by additional five per cent, has continued to elicit reactions.

The National Assembly is planning to introduced the bill, which has passed through the first reading at both floors of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Sensing that the bill would soon scale through the second reading, the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators (ALTON), on Tuesday, raised a fresh alarm, calling on the National Assembly members to jettison every move that will likely help the bill to scale through the second reading.

Their fears are that by the time the bill scales through

TELECOMS the second reading, there is every possibility that it would be signed into law.

Nigerians from all walks of life have widely condemned the bill, which they said would lead to increase in tariff at a time when telecoms subscribers are enjoying a continuous drop in the cost of telecoms tariff, following various measures deployed by telecoms operators to add value to their service offerings, while attracting more customers to their networks.

But in spite of the condemnation, the National Assembly members seem determined to pass the bill, with a strong belief that it would rake in more money for government and also boost telecoms contribution to

According to him, if Nigeria had had an independent courier regulatory body, it would have turned around the fortunes of the industry through policy formulation and implementation that would have further developed the industry to the admiration and attraction of investors who had long been sitting on the fence, undecided about how to invest in courier business, which he said, is making waves in countries where independent courier regulatory bodies exist.

He said: “Japan for instance, had its e-Commerce sector, Continued on page 24

Concern

GDP. Worried about the situation, the Chairman of ALTON, Gbenga Adebayo, said in a statement made available to THISDAY, that the bill, if passed into law, would turn out to be additional burden on the telecoms operators who had already been laden with various taxes at the federal state and local government levels, and who would in turn transfer the burden to telecoms subscribers by way of tariff increase.

“Our opinion is that the introduction and collection of the tax without the exclusion of the applicability of the Value Added Tax (VAT), which was introduced by the Value Added Tax Act, will amount to double taxation as the proposed tax is an additional tax on com-

over

munication services rendered to the same end users who already pay a five per cent tax as VAT,” Adebayo said.

Also the administration of this tax regime as proposed, would be cumbersome and impractical. We must correct this general notion that service providers can absolve any tax without considering the capital and operational cost to the service providers, Adebayo said in a statement.

Addressing the issue of affordability challenge in connecting the unconnected, Adebayo said: “High consumer taxes on communication services would impact negatively on economic and broadband development.”

Continued on page 24

Dell has ushered in the next phase of the multi-billion dollar converged systems market with the introduction of the Dell Validated System for Virtualisation, the industry’s most flexible converged system to-date.

Dell also announced new client virtualisation solutions with enhanced performance for demanding power users and VMware has selected Dell Financial Services as its preferred financing partner.

A growing number of organisations are attracted to the benefits of converged systems, which combine compute, storage and networking components for simply deployed and managed systems. However, the majority have not yet realised their goals because they demand a higher degree of flexibility and simplicity that moves beyond rigid hardware-defined converged offerings.

The system incorporates a wide range of form-factors, technology choices and deployment options, right-sized to fit each customer’s needs. A fully validated system can be configured, quoted and ordered in minutes, while automated lifecycle management tools allow customers to easily deploy, scale, and update the system.

The Dell Validated System for Virtualisation, with the addition of the VMware vRealize Suite, allows efficient delivery of services and enables organisation to gain greater control of Information Technology (IT) resources, Dell said in a statement.

Digital Cars Set to Shape the World

The digital Mercedes-Benz Cars showcased at the 2016, IFA Global Show in Berlin recently, is a masterpiece that will shape the world, according to the CEO of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Dr. Dieter Zetsche.

In his address at the conference , Zetsche introduced several different functions which will define the car of the future. Some of these are already available right now, while others are set to become a reality in the near future. Daimler has teamed up with Microsoft to develop the ‘In Car Office’ – a car which makes it safe and easy to respond to emails, take and make phone calls, and even participate in video conferences. It will be integrated into some new models from Mercedes in the first six months of 2017 and will allow the driver to access chat and email functions during the journey.

“This will mean you will be able to get work done in the time you spend in the car, too,” Zetsche said.

The Mercedes ‘me connect Concierge Service’ makes it possible to take care of even more everyday tasks from the comfort of your car. This virtual assistant can arrange appointments, book theater tickets, or even reserve a table at your favorite restaurant.

Another innovation is Motion Seating, which Daimler hopes will make driving much healthier for the back. This system slightly alters the position of the seat at specific intervals while driving, ensuring different muscle groups are activated.

“NIMC has commenced the harmonisation of data on Bank Verification Number (BVN), and thereafter, would begin the data harmonisation of SIM cards”

Director-General/Chief Executive of NIMC, Aliyu Aziz

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T H I S D AY •THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD ‘INVESTORS YET TO KNOW POTENTIAL OF COURIER BUSINESS IN NIGERIA’ which includes the postal sector, rated as the largest financial organisation globally.

The sector had since broken into insurance, and other arms and each arm is generating a lot of money for the country.”

He also said the United States postal service, for instance, is rated as one of the top 10 big and viable organisation in the US, and that the US Post Master General sits with the National Executive Council to plan budget for America, but that cannot be said of Nigeria. The only way Nigeria can attract investors to the courier business in the country, is to establish an independent regulatory body, and empower it, Emeje told THISDAY, adding that NIPOST could do a lot, but that there is no independent regulator backed by law to motivate NIPOST into generating more money for government.

Courier business is a viable sub-sector in Nigeria and the world at large, yet investors have not really discovered the potentials of the sub-sector in Nigeria. It is for this reason that Nigerians are clamoring for independent regulatory body. Investors need to know the potentials of the courier industry, and it is the duty of the independent regulator to make this happen, Emeje said.

ALTON RAISES FRESH CONCERN OVER COMMUNICATIONS TAX BILL He said by pushing up the cost to consumers, the tax would inevitably adversely impact the adoption of broadband affordability, which is a key challenge in connecting the unconnected.

While dwelling on the adverse impact the proposed bill will bring on telecoms infrastructural development in the country, Adebayo argued that the Communication Service Tax will negatively impact the take-up of consumer services and decline industry revenues. “The proposed tax will reduce the incentive for telecom operators to invest in the infrastructure development that are essential to improve and expand mobile/broadband connectivity across Nigeria.

Group Business Editor

Chika Amanze-Nwachuku AgriBusiness/Industry Editor

Crusoe Osagie

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

Senior Correspondent

Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents

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

Nume Ekeghe (Money Market) Nosa Alekhuogie (Maritme)

NEWS

‘Complexity, Lack of Integration Bane of Cloud Adoption’ Emma Okonji The Oracle’s new pan-Europe, Middle East and Africa (panEMEA) study has revealed that while many EMEA companies are embracing the move to the Cloud, nearly half are struggling with increases in cloud integration costs and data silos.

The key reason, according to the report that was released recently by Oracle, more than 60 per cent of a company’s overall Information Technology (IT) spend is being driven by individual business units versus traditional IT departments, making it difficult for companies to fully benefit from the cloud services they are subscribing to.

Another significant part of the problem is that most organisations continue to fund their IT investments without aligning to revenue potential and innovative projects, as two in three business decision makers said IT funding is too traditional and is stifling innovation, while one in three IT-decision makers admit their organisations’ IT funding models are hindering them from IT innovation.

The study, tagged ‘Oracle’s Putting Cultural Transformation at the Heart of Cloud Success,’ saw Oracle partnering Coleman Parkes to survey 600 senior IT and line of business decision makers across Europe and the Middle East and Africa.

The findings revealed that businesses must rethink their IT funding models and undergo a cultural transformation in order to fully exploit the benefits of cloud computing. One third, which is about 33 per cent of respondents, said an inappropriate IT funding model is inhibiting their business. 33 per cent also believed their company’s IT culture is unfit for the cloud computing age.

Another 72 per cent of

respondents said a new cloud funding model would allow IT departments to deliver more cloud services to the business, and 70 per cent expect it would help the company to reduce costs. In the area of shadow IT, the Oracle study also found that increased IT spend outside the IT team, also known as Shadow IT, is standing in the business’ way. More than one third, about 35 per cent of technology respondents believed that Shadow IT practices were inhibiting the ability of IT to deliver on business goals.

Indeed, 46 per cent said the approach they have taken to cloud so far has increased integration costs, with the same percentage saying it has led to the creation of data silos.

However, the vast majority of respondents, about 95 per cent believed Shadow IT is a major cause of complexity.

Roughly one-third say leaving lines of business to manage their IT-spend independently results in increased security concerns, making funding more difficult to manage, and diluting the company’s control of its IT. Senior Vice President of Systems, Oracle EMEA, Johan Doruiter, said: “The issues companies face with their cloud resources are less to do with the technology itself and more to do with a lack of synchronisation across lines of business. Decision-makers in each department are increasingly making cloud purchasing decisions without involving the

chief information officer of the company, due to the ease of procurement. However, without one IT point-person to unify their cloud investment strategy, companies will continue to struggle with individual departments tugging time and resource in opposing directions.”

The Oracle’s research also revealed that in many companies there is no single person with a view across all technology investments, and this makes it difficult for organisations to develop and follow a unified cloud strategy.

The report said the chief information officer of a technology company cannot continue to be side-tracked and advised that such staff must be an integral player in leading the business

as it transitions to an enterprise cloud model. With integration and data management still critical to organisations, alarmingly, chief information officers control less than half the IT budget in 66 per cent of businesses, the report said. Doruiter added: “Companies are having their expectations met by the cloud in many respects, but their approach to IT investment remains stuck in the past.

The cloud is about seamlessly joining up data and workloads across the organisation and yet we continue to see individual lines of business implement IT systems in silos. This breeds added complexity and leads to integration issues that could easily be avoided with a more integrated approach.”

DEMO DAY FOR APP DEVELOPERS

L-R: Audience Evangelism Manager, Microsoft Nigeria, Kendra Nnachi; Philanthropies Lead, Microsoft Nigeria, Olusola Amusan; Founder/CEO Tracology, Emmanuel Okena and Communications Lead, Microsoft Nigeria, Yemi Orimolade, during Aso Villa Demo Day held in Abuja...recently

NCS Urges FG to Patronise Ministerial Committee Lists Indexes for Devt of Mining Sector Local Manufacturers Emma Okonji Owing to the present economic downturn that the country is experiencing, the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), the umbrella body for all computer practitioners in the country, has called on the federal government to encourage local production, in order to reduce importation of foreign products, which the society said, amount to capital flight that the country is known for in time past.

Outsourcing our ICT needs to foreign organisations cannot be supported by the scarce foreign exchange, according to NCS. At the just concluded National Conference of Nigeria Computer Society held in Abuja, with the sub theme “Enhancing Security using Software Systems’’, experts of the profession averred that there was need to have home grown technology instead of relying on the foreign technology to solve the country’s domestic security challenges especially at this time of unstable economy.

The discussants were unanimous in their opinion

that government should look inward and patronise made in Nigeria goods to save our economy from total collapse.

They advised government to uphold the local content policy framework and liaise with NITDA, and office for Nigerian Content in Information Technology, to drive local content development in the country, while stressing that the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) needs of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), must be localised.

Presently, Nigeria is blessed with Information Technology (IT) experts, who are registered members of NCS both as corporate bodies and individual members.

NCS listed the corporate members to include Sidmach Technologies Ltd, Dataflex Plc, Computer Warehouse Group Plc, Data Sciences Ltd, Chams PLC,VEDA Technologies, Zinox Technologies Ltd, OMATEK Computers, BETA Computers, RLG Communications, BRIAN Integrated Systems, MainOne Cables, CBC emea, Systemspecs Ltd and many others.

Raheem Akingbolu A 17-man Roadmap Committee, set up by the Ministry of Mineral Resources to develop a roadmap for the sustainable development of the mining and metals sector in Nigeria, has identified undue interference by communities and state governments in exploration process as one of the major challenges crippling investments and the development of the mining sector. The committee was co-chaired

by Professors Ibrahim Garba and Siyan Malomo.

In a report submitted by the committee to the ministry, it was stated that the Nigeria’s minerals and mining sector is still largely underdeveloped despite its glorious past and abundance of mineral resources for development, including high value metallic minerals1, industrial minerals2, and energy minerals.

The committee disclosed that the sector contributed approximately 0.33% to the gross domestic product of the country in 2015, adding that this contribution is a reversal from the historically higher percentages (about 4-5% in

the 1960s-70s).

The committee reckons that the sector is capable of contributing substantially to the economy if issues related to uncertainty and inconsistency in state and federal laws, interpretation and enforcement are resolved.

The road map committee said Nigeria’s ambition should be to create a globally competitive sector capable of contributing to wealth creation, providing jobs and advancing social and human security.

According to the report, “Nigeria can achieve this by focusing on using its mining assets to drive domestic industrialisation initially, and then migrate to winning in global markets. Government should pursue this strategy through a value chain based growth plan. Also, building a competitive mining value chain means firms operating in Nigeria must compete on quality and cost versus global peers,” Among other recommendation, the committee wants Federal Government to build a world class minerals and mining ecosystem designed to serve a targeted domestic

and export market for minerals and ores. It also wants a rebuild of Nigeria’s minerals, mining and related processing industry in 3 phases, which includes; rebuilding of market confidence in its minerals and mining sector and wining over domestic users of industrial minerals that are currently imported.

At such level, the country is also tasked by the committee to expand use of its energy minerals, while also expanding domestic ore and mineral asset processing industry.

On policy stability, the report states that; “The perception of a change of regime affecting laws also stalls investment and partnership. Fiscal policies that remain stable and predictable in the face of changing regimes improve transparency and foster good governance within the sector.

We address the need for strong communication strategies between the nation and the international community and between all stakeholders as one of the solutions towards benefits sharing, agreeable and accountable development of the minerals and mining sector.

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T H I S D AY •THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

E-BUSINESS

The Significance of Zuckerberg Visits to Nigeria Emma Okonji writes that the successive visits of Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg to Nigeria within a space of one week, speaks volume of the great talents among Nigerian technology startups

Buhari

The Chief Executive Officer and Founder of social networking website, Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, last week, made two successive visits to Nigeria, where he met with technology startups and government officials.

His visit was the first to Africa and he chose to visit Nigeria because he has heard so much about Nigerian technology startups and the fantastic apps they have been able to develop that address peculiar issues.

His first visit on Tuesday, took Nigerians by surprise because he landed at the Muritala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos unannounced. From the airport, he went straight to Yaba to visit the Co-Creation Hub (CC-Hub) where he met with technology startups and young computer code warriors.

The CC-Hub is a private initiative centre where software application developers are trained and their ideas are nurtured over a period of time to address key societal issues.

Although the mission of his first visit was to meet with technology startups and encourage them, he was, however, surprised at the high level of technology skills displayed by Nigerian technology startups and computer code warriors.

Zuckerberg was quick to say he was blown away by the talent and level of energy of the Nigerian youth that he saw at the CC-Hub in Yaba, Lagos.

He spent quality time with technology startups and interacted freely and happily with them, during the first visit. He equally enjoyed himself during as he was seen walking freely on the streets of Yaba and jogging on the Ikoyi/Lekki Cable Bridge, without security personnel, because his first visit was without the slightest knowledge of the federal government and the Lagos State government.

Yes he was without security personnel like the police, but that was the visit he enjoyed the most because he was much freer with himself and he was able to go to places where he wanted to go and not where his routine schedule would have wanted him to go.

His surprise visit defied United States’ belief that Nigeria is a volatile place and unsafe to visit.

The US had in several occasions warned its citizens not to visit certain parts of Nigeria,

Zuckerberg

which it labelled unsafe for visits, but one of its own, Zuckerberg proved the country wrong when he visited the country without any form of security personnel around him.

His second visit, which was centered around Abuja, was an organised one with security personnel, where he met with President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and some Nigerian ministers in Abuja. He also used the occasion to visit the Aso Villa Demo Day in Abuja, which is a presidential initiative aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and innovation through the use of new and emerging technologies.

Zuckerberg’s first visit Zuckerberg on Tuesday last week, made a surprise appearance in Nigeria, Lagos precisely.

Looking very cheerful but focused and simple in a T-shirt and jean trouser, with a pair of canvas shoes to match, Zuckerberg arrived Muritala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos on Tuesday afternoon with his pretty wife Priscilla, and headed straight to Co-Creation Hub (CC-Hub) in Yaba, Lagos, without the presence of security personnel.

At CC-Hub, he met with technology startups and young computer code warriors.

On the second day he had a question and answer session with technology startups in Lagos, which was transmitted live through telecast to a viewing audience made up of technology reporters. From there he met with Nollywood actors and actresses.

THISDAY gathered that the Facebook founder visited Nigeria because he has heard so much about Nigerian technology startups and he needed to stay with them and encourage them the more.

Again, Zuckerberg had to reckon with Nigeria because the country is the largest market of Facebook in Africa in terms of population and value for the Facebook platform. Nigeria had few months ago, recorded 16 million Facebook active users, and the number kept increasing by the day.

While addressing technology startups in Lagos, Zuckerberg announced that the population of Nigerians on Facebook has grown from 16 million to 18 million, still maintaining its position as the largest market for Facebook in Africa.

He further explained that the total number of Facebook users globally, was close to two billion.

Aside his personal interest to meet with technology startups in Nigeria, THISDAY gathered that Facebook’s Director of Global Product Partnerships, Ime Archibong, who has direct link to Nigeria, was also instrumental to the visit of Zuckerberg to Nigeria.

Excited about his visit, Zuckerberg said he specifically visited Nigeria to meet with technology startups and to share in their views about various software apps they have developed to address immediate and long term challenges in the country. “My visit to Nigeria was primarily based on meeting with the technology startups, having heard so much about their zeal for fantastic apps development,” Zuckerberg said.

He was in Nigeria from Tuesday to Thursday last week, before leaving for Kenya, where he visited Kenya’s i-Hub, a replica of Nigeria’s CC-Hub. Zuckerberg’s second visit Having left Nigeria for Kenya on Thursday last week, Zuckerberg had to return to Nigeria the following day to meet with President Buhari, and Vice President Osinbajo, before attending the Aso Villa Demo Day in Abuja.

In Abuja, Zuckerberg, along side the Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya and President Buhari and Vice President Osinbajo, commended all the participants at the Aso Villa Demo Day for their display of technology solutions.

In Abuja, Zuckerberg said his visit was inspired by the need to see what young Nigerians have done in terms of app development and use of technology.

Zuckerberg told President Buhari that he was in the country to promote the penetration of fast and cheap internet connectivity that would help people create online businesses and reduce poverty.

Buhari, who commended the simplicity of Zuckerberg, thanked him for sharing his wealth of knowledge with Nigerian youths, and inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs.

Airtel, one of the major sponsors of the Aso Villa Demo Day initiative, endowed and presented cash prizes to the top three

participants.

Ogunsanya congratulated the winners and reaffirmed Airtel’s commitment to pioneering innovation in the telecoms industry as well as seeking credible platforms to support the Nigerian government and the country’s youth.

Speaking at the event, Osinbajo congratulated all the participants, saying they are all winners. While lauding the country’s youth for their innovativeness, creativity, drive and entrepreneurial spirit, the Vice President said there is so much hope in what the young generation can do.

He also hinted that the federal government is currently exploring ways to cooperate with Facebook in the next few months.

What govt must do Pleased with the visit of Zuckerberg to Nigeria, technology industry stakeholders have called on government to provide adequate support for technology startups in the country.

They said government must see the visit of Zuckerberg as a wake-up call to empower technology start-ups, whom they said, needed funding to improve on their technology skills in apps development.

They also called on Nigerians to give priority to locally developed apps and patronise them in order to encourage apps developers who struggle all day long to develop viable apps, but receive little or no patronage from Nigerians and businesses operating in Nigeria.

During the visit, Zuckerberg assured Nigerian technology startups and the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria, of Facebook’s support that will enhance easy access and connectivity to the internet.

Zuckerberg, however, challenged the Nigerian government to reduce cost of internet access, and to create more access to internet for her citizens, as well as raise awareness campaign on the benefits of the internet, especially for rural dwellers.

He called for infrastructural development on the African continent and challenged software developers to focus more on local content in building apps that will address specific needs.

“This kind of support and encouragement from Zuckerberg, should also come from the federal and state government,” a stakeholders stressed.

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T H I S D AY •THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD NITRA Forum to Address Issues of Over-regulation in Telecoms Stories by Emma Okonji Industry stakeholders are set to address the issues of over-regulation in the telecoms industry, from various agencies of government at a forum being organised by telecoms reporters under the aegis of the Nigerian Information and Communications Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA).

The forum, which will hold next week in Ikeja, Lagos, seeks to have open discussions on telecoms regulation, with a view to averting possible hike in telecoms tariff, that could be triggered by over-regulation.

The programme being sponsored by Airtel Nigeria, will bring together industry stakeholders to brainstorm on the theme: “The Impact of Over-Regulation of Telecoms Industry on Service Quality.”

The seminar will bring together industry regulators including the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) as well as representation from the Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS) and Zinox Group, among others.

Already, most industry stakeholders have confirmed attendance at the one-day forum to be chaired by the Chairman of ALTON, Gbenga Adebayo. The General Manager of Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory

Authority (LASIMRA), Mr. Babajide Odekunle will be the keynote speaker at the event with Airtel Nigeria making another paper presentation on the theme of the event.

The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof Umar Danbatta, will give an overall review of the telecoms industry, the value that the sector has added to the Nigerian economy, as well and the effect of multiple regulations on service quality.

The Acting Director-General of NITDA, Dr. Vincent Olatunji; President of ATCON, Olusola Teniola and Chairman, Zinox Group, Mr. Leo Stan Ekeh, among other stakeholders, are expected at the seminar.

Telecoms subscribers are said to be losing about N750 million annually to intermittent poor service quality such as call-drops, unfair billings, charges on Value Added Service (VAS) not subscribed to, among others.

Giving insight of the telecoms industry and the need to organise the forum, the Vice President of NITRA, Mr. Stan Okenwa said: “Nigeria Telecoms industry has grown significantly in the past 15 years in such a way that it is now regarded as one of the fastest-growing in the world. Nigerians telecoms has, indeed, witnessed exponential growth in the last 13 years moving from active subscriber base of 400,000 with teledensity of 0.004 per cent to active subscriber base of 157 million with teledensity of 107.01 per cent, as of June 2016 statistics.”

Norak Technologies Launches School Management Solution In order to address management challenges in nursery, primary, secondary and tertiary schools in Nigeria, Norak Technologies has developed a web-based software application for school administration.

The software solution, known as Acadasuite, which could be operated as online or offline solution, is designed to address anything about school management, targeted at reducing waste and encouraging profitability.

Announcing the solutions at a media launch in Lagos recently, Founder and Chief Executive, of Norak Technologies Limited, Enyika Iheanyichukwu, said: “Norak Technologies Limited is an indigenous software company which started in 2015, and has turned out as a customer focused software house in Nigeria, delivering high quality software solutions.

Iheanyichukwu assured school managers that the solution came with all-time support, with complete local content involvement.

He said the solution was developed and tested in Nigeria, before introducing it to the various schools that are currently using the solution in Nigeria.

Software Developer at Norak Technologies, Ohiri Vincent

Uche, said the solution is capable of managing general school administration, including students, teachers and parents.

He said the solution is also capable of eliminating paper work, thus making school administration and learning, smarter.

Iheanyichukwu, however, clarified that apart from its primary product, Norak Technologies Limited has also helped companies, churches and even government agencies and parastatals to reduce work load by developing tailor made software for them to cushion the effects of the business challenge.

“Today we are proud to say that no school that is using our software has any reason to complain because we are always improving our software with continuous after sales support to our clients,” Iheanyichukwu said.

“Acadasuite, a school management solution, allows schools to save time, cost and human resource to manage and develop schools. The solutIon focuses on the critical functions of running a school effectively.

Unlike every other systems, we have proved to many schools that local content is best option than foreign software,” Iheanyichukwu said.

E-BUSINESS

Global Investments in Public Security to Hit $8bn By 2019 A recent research report released by IHS has shown that more companies are investing in public security for a smarter and safer society.

The report said the global investment in public security solutions has exceeded $5.5 billion and estimated that the number would increase to $8 billion by 2019.

Huawei, a global Information and Communications Technology (ICT) solutions provider, is one company that is creating global awareness on smarter and safer society for the entire globe and it

has officially unveiled its Integrated Communication Platform (ICP) that will boost smarter and safer society.

The solution, which was launched at the recently concluded Huawei Connect 2016 Global Safe City Summit in Shanghai, China, is a new addition to Huawei’s range of Safe City solutions featuring extensive connectivity and high visibility. The platform can pick up alerts from various channels via social media, Internet of Things (IoT) and can also quickly and extensively access videos.

It enables fast response and handling of security alerts, streamlined coordination of different first responder departments, and granular, informed command decisions.

The solution, according to Huawei, would make cities safer for people.

The Global Safe City Summit attracted over 1,500 attendees from government departments, standards organisations, consultancy firms, and Huawei’s industry partners. The summit featured discussions on the use of innovative technologies such

as cloud computing, Internet of Things, mobile broadband, and video. Participants said the security industry must become smarter and cloudbased to develop proactive, integrated, fully visualised safe city systems.

Speaking on how the solution can shape the world, President of InterPol, and Commissioner of the Singapore Police, Khoo Boon Hui, said across the world, police and security agencies recognise that traditional security analogue practices no longer meet the needs of modern cities.

RECOGNITION OF EXCELLENCE

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, eTranzact Company, Mr. Valentine Obi (left), receiving the ISO 20000:2011 certification from Deputy British High Commissioner, Mr. Ahmed Bashir, during the presentation of award of excellence to eTranzact in Lagos... recently

Sophos Introduces Encryption Solution for Shared Data Sophos, a global player in network and endpoint security, has announced Sophos SafeGuard Encryption 8, a new synchronised encryption solution that protects data against theft from malware, attackers or accidental leaks.

All organisations can now choose to adopt the best practice of “always-on” file-level encryption to protect data accessed from mobile devices, laptops, desktops, on-prem networks and cloud-based file sharing applications.

Sophos becomes the first vendor to provide persistent, transparent and proactive encryption that protects files across Windows, Mac, iOS or Android platforms by default.

Until now, the management and adoption of encryption has been viewed as too complex and is not uniformly adopted, but according to Sophos survey, only 29 per cent of information technology (IT) managers said they always encrypt smartphones and only 43 per cent of Macs, leaving high levels of exposure across an organisation.

Announcing the new solution, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Enduser Security Group, Sophos, Mr. Dan Schiappa said: “Full disk encryption alone only protects data in the event of the theft or loss of a laptop or mobile device. But data travels

everywhere - it’s vulnerable and extremely difficult to protect consistently when shared and opened from multiple devices and cloud-based collaboration applications.”

“We have completely re-imagined SafeGuard Encryption 8 to encrypt each individual file by default and continuously validate users, applications and devices for secure collaboration. We also provide password protected files, allowing users to share encrypted files with external recipients. When data security is simple and transparent, end users are more likely to accept it, making your whole business more secure and more likely to stay compliant,” Schiappa said.

He advised that comprehensive and manageable encryption should be high on the agenda for all Information Technology (IT) leaders as they reassess data protection strategies to meet new legislation requirements.

The European Union’s (EU) General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into effect on May 25, 2018, when all companies holding customer or employee data of EU citizens will face severe financial penalties of up to four per cent of annual worldwide revenue if they suffer a data breach. This includes companies that are not necessarily based in the EU, but hold EU citizen data.

Etisalat Restates Commitment to Stronger Customer Relation Etisalat has reiterated its commitment to strengthen customers’ relations with its millions of teeming customers across the country through constant value adding engagement.

Director, Brands and Experience, Elvis Ogiemwanye, gave the assurance while speaking with some customers in Benin City, the Edo State capital during the week. According to Ogiemwanye, the customer forum is a demonstration of the premium value Etisalat Nigeria places on its customers and how much it considers them an integral part of its business decision-making process.

“The customer forum offers us the platform to enhance existing relationships with our customers, speak with them, hear from them and take feedback from them on our products and services to which they have subscribed. We are basically a customer- orientated organisation and this reflects in our desire to feel the pulse of our customers regarding the products and services we offer, and also understand how best they want us to serve them,” he explained.

The regional customer forum, which began in 2010 and has held in many cities across the nation, is an interactive feedback session that provides a platform for engagement with customers on their experiences from using

various service and product propositions; it aims at engaging customers on the network for better service delivery and mutually benefitting relationships. Meanwhile, customers who attended the forum have showered encomiums on the operator for its commitment to effective customer service and development of bespoke range of products and services.

A medical practitioner and former Commissioner for Health, Edo State, Dr. Wilson Imongan, described the forum as the extra mile in service delivery, which offers customers the opportunity to speak one-on-one- with the senior management team of the company.

“I am greatly impressed. I have had an Etisalat line for quite a while now and this opportunity of customer interaction is not common among the operators. For me, it is an opportunity for customers to ask questions and clear grey areas. So I see the gesture on the part of Etisalat as an extra mile in service delivery, and I appreciate it,” Imongan said.

Another customer and a Senior Special Assistant to the Edo State Governor on Sports, Ansistus Omokhagbon, expressed delight at the opportunity to contribute to efforts that will enhance service delivery on the network.

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Three Crown Milk: Repositioning to Attract More Patrons

With a new campaign that appeals to mothers and a value proposition that plays up the low cholesterol status of the Three Crown Milk, Raheem Akingbolu reports that the promoters of the brand might have identified their major patrons

The last six months have been eventful in the Nigerian dairy market. Top players in the market have come up with different strategies to deepen penetration of their brands in the market. The struggle to gain prominence in the market reached the climax when handlers of two leading brands threw caution into the wind and resorted to direct attack through creative materials. The action attracted condemnation and appraisal from various quarters but they both passed their messages.

Over the years, players in the market have made various positioning statements through campaigns and innovations to have competitive edge. However, some have survived and become stronger while a few brands, especially the reigning ones in the 70s have since kissed the dust.

Since the introduction of the Three Crowns Milk into the market, the brand has not only remained relevant in its target segment, it has consistently maintained a steady market share.

Aside the development of winning marketing tips and campaigns to approach the market, the brand has no record of controversy and blemish. Also its strong involvement in the Mother’s Day Celebration, through the Mum of the Year Competition in the milk sector and other key campaigns focused on women like the Cook Like Mine Competition, have all contributed to the brand growth.

Women focused campaign As part of the strategies relied on to strengthen the power of the brand in the market, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria repositioned it early 2015 on the platform of “Healthy Mums, Happy Families”- a positioning that stemmed from the need for the brand to evolve into providing value experience and give consumers strong reasons to buy the brand. To analysts, the campaign was timely and strategic given the important place occupied by mothers in the family. As a major influencer, it is believed that getting the attention of women is as good as capturing the entire family.

From the conception of its thematic campaign ‘Don’t You Wish’ and its re-positioning as ‘The Healthy Choice’ with the tagline ‘Healthy Mums, Happy Families’ analysts saw the move as a step that would take the brand far. Between last year and now, the campaign is said to have fortified the relationship between female consumers and Three Crowns Milk.

To push the campaign, the company had made a bold move to address an important social challenge –health. Knowing well that most times, the tasks of taking care of the family gives mothers no room to think of themselves and how to also take good care of their own health, FrieslandCampina WAMCO had quickly repositioned Three Crowns milk, as a brand that cares for mums so they can continue to take extra care of the family.

“Milk is an important part of our diet.

We begin drinking it when we are young, but our intake decreases as we get older. Some people shy away from it because they fear that it will add too much fat to their diet. Others leave it out because they believe that they no longer need it. You are never too old to reap the rewards of drinking milk. It is a great source of vitamins and nutrients, and it has several health benefits, such as: glowing skin, healthy bones and teeth, muscles, weight loss, less stress and healthy body among others,” the company had stated in a statement issued after the unveiling of the then new Three Crown milk in 380g and 30g powder form in Lagos last year.

Looking back, one can see the different between what is happening to the brand now compared to where it was coming from. The brand was last communicated in 2010 with no clear emotional benefit, a fading functional benefit of low cholesterol and zero presence in the powder milk sector.

Winner of the 2016 Mum of the Year competition, Nkechi Brayila, (3rd from left) and other dignitaries during the grand finale of the event in Lagos

The ‘Don’t you wish’ campaign was launched along with the introduction of the Powder packs in February 2015. The new communication was hinged on the positioning “Healthy mums, happy families”, positioning Three Crowns milk as a healthy choice because it contains low cholesterol which helps to keep the whole family fit and healthy. It has a great taste, contains vitamins and minerals to support daily growth and body maintenance.

From available records, handlers of Three Crowns Milk appear to be the first in Nigeria to acknowledge the role of mothers as care givers, believing that if mothers take care of themselves, they can take extra care of their families.

Extending the frontier Another step that has been cleverly explored in the recent time to push the brand is the way its portfolio has been broadened over the years to gain more market share. Three Crowns Milk grew from a 2 to 5 SKUs in a year, starting with the introduction of its 380g powder pack which was an instant success in the market. This growing market influence and need to drive penetration gave rise to the need to make the brand even more accessible by introducing the N20 Powder and N40 Evaporated Sachet packs.

With perfect campaigns and marketing strategies, the brand seems to have maintained a strong position in Evaporation and Powder market. Like the Peak Milk brand, the market leader in the dairy market, Three Crowns Milk has also been well positioned as the second engine for FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria.

Within three months of a Pan Nigeria launch, Three Crowns Milk was said to have recorded its highest ever volume shares in Evaporated category of 27.6% and maintained its shares throughout the year. The new powder variants was also claimed to have surpassed its internal sales target projection by 30% and achieved a 1% market share in plain powder.

According to a test results for the campaign

by Millward Brown Consulting, the brand recorded a 98% success rate on Brand impact Metrics and 65% on persuasion.

According to the Senior Brand Manager for Three Crowns Milk, Maureen Ifada, handlers of the brand decided to direct their communication at women because it is the mum who makes the buying decision.

“If you take care of the mum, she would view it in the essence that if this milk is good enough for me as a mother, I would definitely give it to my husband and children’.

So, we like to always say that Three Crowns is not a female’s milk, it is family milk. We have only decided that our communication target would be the mothers because they are the pillars of the home, they hold the home together and they make all the buying decisions,” she said.

New Media Exploitation The brand popularity among the youths could also be measured by the activities on the social media where the brand moved from having zero digital presence to having over 160,000 active fans on Facebook and over 1500 Twitter followers. Today, it is also on record that Three Crown Milk is currently recording an average of 10,000 likes per month on Facebook. This established the platform as a strong channel for the brand to relate with its consumers one-on-one through various activities and engagements. These activities took place throughout the year and was integrated both online and offline.

Key activities were the “Mum of Year” competition to celebrate mothers on Mother’s Day in May with the winning Mum, Mrs. Olamide Olaleye, rewarded with a grand prize of an all-expense paid trip for 2 to Dubai, free shopping voucher, honorary privileges and one year supplies of Three Crowns Milk.

The “Cook like Mine” competition featured different contestants across the country participating in a cook out using Three Crowns

milk as the number one ingredient for their recipes. The aim of the competition was to drive additional usage occasion of milk.

Speaking about the rationale behind the “Mum of Year” competition, Ifada said the competition was in line with the brand’s new positioning statement.

She said: “When we repositioned the brand last year, we hinged it on a new positioning statement of “healthy mums and happy families”. As we all know the mum is the pillar of the house, she takes care of everybody, so if mum takes care of everybody, who takes care of mum? Three Crowns Milk is that milk that is positioned to take care of the mum. This is because it is low in cholesterol and so it helps to keep mum healthy.

“If the mum is healthy, definitely the entire family can be happy. That is what informed us celebrating the essence of motherhood because they are the foundation of the family. In a bid to make the celebration more interesting, we tied mum of the year initiative with the Mothers’ day anniversary which holds on the second Sunday in May every year. We celebrate mum all year round, but of course this is a special day, and so decided to celebrate them at this time,” On nutritional education, she also stated that the company takes it serious and important as a brand and company. In achieving this, she pointed out that they started by going to schools and educate pupils while also leveraging on the brand influence on its social media platforms.

“For our Facebook pages for either of our brands, from Peak 123 to Peak 456, Three Crowns Milk, and the Peak Mother brand and also Peak Choco as well. We are actively informing the Nigerian consumers on the essence of taking milk and how it helps develops the brain and helps you in general. As a brand, it is something we have actively been doing for more than 60 years in Nigeria,” she added.

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CONSUMER

Building on GOtv’s Democratisation of the Pay TV Market Raheem Akingbolu takes a look at the recent campaigns being used by the handlers of the GOtv to position it and reckons that the effort would go a long way in deepening its equity in the market This week, promoters of GOtv, will roll out fresh campaigns that further re-establish the brand essence of the pay TV Company. As a platform that was introduced to democratise the market five years ago, the new set of campaigns are tailored towards consolidating its brand promise and aspiration.

With appropriate visual illustration and captivating messages, the campaigns play up the proposition of GOtv as well as speaking directly to the patrons of the brand. To further position the Pay TV Company as a family entertainment platform, the creative work touches on Africa Magic, Sports, Movies and other areas of interest. For instance, one of the campaigns; ‘TV Wey Go Totori You’ is cleverly used to celebrate the Africa Magic, which over the years has reconnected Africans and their culture through indigenous home videos and programmes that focuses on African culture and heritage. Another one; ‘TV that Gets You Energised’ is deplored to capture the sports channels on the platform. This is also believed to be strategic, considering the positive attitude of Nigerians to sports, especially football. For Nigerians who have passion for foreign movies, ‘the third one; ‘TV that Gets You Glued’ reflects on the international posture of the platform.

Aside the messages and illustrations, the words are domesticated to create emotional connection between the brand and the target audience.

Through the campaign, GOtv promoters further showcase their strategy - Hyper-local; using local lingo, slangs and landmarks which their audience could relate to because the subscribers and targets are grassroots.

At the beginning Multichoice Nigeria, a subsidiary of South Africa-based Multichoice Africa, owners of DSTV pay television, made an entry into the Nigerian market in 1994. The market dominance of DSTV was challenged by another pay television, HiTV on August 1, 2007. The then new entrant used Hypercable Digital Terrestrial technology and launched Direct to Home (DTH) Satellite technology.

It later broadcast its material only on satellite and was the first television platform in Africa to deploy Hypercable, a terrestrial pay per view TV decoder system. HiTV services were stopped in November 2011 due to financial difficulties.

The company no longer exists today. Daarsat, another pay TV platform, came but went into extinction in 2009. It resurfaced in 2010 but despite the re-entry, the impact was not felt.

And so, DSTV became the only dominant player in the pay TV market. It was believed in some quarters to be a luxury brand that could not be afforded by many Nigerians. This sentiment was on till the year 2010, when StarTimes hit the market.

At the Abuja lunch of StarTimes, its promoters promised that it would make pay TV a common man companion. The company, which also pioneered pay television industry in China, promised Nigerians greater access to pay television services at a cheaper price. In line with the brand promise, StarTimes Television Network Limited, then, provided its customers with over 35 cable television channels for just N1, 000 monthly subscriptions. Unlike other cable television services already operating in the country, StarTimes introduced Digital Video Broadcast on Terrestrial (DVB-T), a technology, which does not require a dish. It then came with just a decoder, which was sold for N9,000.

This technology, which requires no dish, couple with minimal effect on the pocket, made many subscribers to see StarTimes as an alternative to DSTV. As a matter of fact, owners of StarTimes, NTA-Star TV Network, were so clever in their communications materials subscribers that StarTimes is not on the same technology platform with DSTV. So, many subscribers “rushed” for Star- Times, only to realise that it was not the same as DSTV. Nevertheless, the “damage” has been done.

StarTimes was eating deeply into the pay TV market especially among the low income earners, that is, the mass market.

Some subscribers, again, complained that StarTimes failed in its promise for more local language channels.

Apparently in response to StarTimes “feeding” heavily on the mass market, in early 2012, GOtv was introduced into the market in 2011 to change the game. In what looked like a deliberate strategy to create a bond between the brand and grassroots market, its first launch took place in Ibadan, capital of Oyo State.

Knowing well that HiTV and StarTimes appeared to have failed in the area of customer services, promoters of GOtv began operation with door-to-door customer service scheme, tagged GOtvSabimen.

They also started empowering scheme for youths through the GOtv Canvasser Scheme as well as supporting the development of sports in Nigeria

Like StarTimes, the Pay-TV service does not require a satellite dish and installation cost except a decoder and a grid antenna. It was first launched in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

GOtv was then described as “a low cost digital television service, offering the greatest selection of local channels, made in Africa for Africans as well as the best international channels,” From the beginning, the message was simple; it was GO…a clarion call to GO…get a digital decoder and join in the digital migration, enjoy crystal clear pictures & sound, as well as enjoying quality entertainment at an affordable price.

The TV service, at inception, offered many multiple channels at friendly prices. For instance, GOtv Plus: 33 channels was offered at N1, 500 while its 26 channels was offered at N1, 000 only. It was sold for N9, 900, that is for decoder and indoor antenna only.

One major plus for the brand was that it played a pioneering role in digital migration from inception. It was the first to launch the approved DVB-T2 decoders in Nigeria in 2011.

It was also the first DTT pay-TV to carry radio channels on its platform – Wazobia FM and Naija FM 102.7.

Knowing well that HiTV and StarTimes had failed Nigerians in the area of customer services, promoters of GOtv began operation with doorto-door customer service scheme, tagged GOtv Sabimen. They also started empowering scheme for youths through the GOtv Canvasser Scheme as well as supporting the development of sports in Nigeria.

Another step taken to penetrate the market was the sudden revival of professional boxing through the GOtv Boxing Night launched in November 2014. So far, eight of such events have been held. In the same way, the brand has consistently sponsored grassroots football club – Ikorodu United FC. Three years after the launch, the brand had become a leader in the DTT space with many subscribers attesting to the fact that it was a complete companion and choice of channels which they enjoyed with family and friends. It was also viewed as a new journey of escapism and part of their lives. In a way, this insight

that GOtv is ‘more than entertainment’ led to a brand refresh, hence the change in pay-off and re-naming of the lower-tier bouquet from GOtv to GOtv Value.

The brand today Five years after, over 50 cities in 24 states and the FCT are now connected to GOtv. In all, the pay TV has three bouquets, the GOtv Plus, which is 50 channels cost N1,800 monthly, GOtv Value, with over 25 channels attract N1,200 monthly while GOtv Lite, its new offering with over 18 channels can be enjoyed with just N400 monthly.

At the unveiling of the GOtv Lite, it was stated that it was part of the build up to its fifth anniversary celebration next month. The offering which came with a new package also came with a new look, packaged to offer subscribers the best.

The new look of the digital terrestrial pay-TV brand is believed to be more vibrant and captures various emotions which the organisation’s compelling content arouse in its subscribers.

The GOtv Lite package tagged ‘Small Pepper’ is believed to be the most affordable pay-tv package in Nigeria. The new package offers over 20 carefully selected international and local channels and it gives customers the flexibility to choose one of three payment options; N400 monthly, N1050 quarterly or N3100 for one year.

As the brand looks into the future with more promises, theGeneral Manager, GOtv, Akinola Salu, has stated that it would be irresistible and that subscribers cannot stop talking about it.

“Football gets our subscribers ‘GOgetters’ bonding, jumping and hugging, the cartoons get GOkids laughing and learning and the telenovelas get GOgetters bonding and glued to their screens,” He also added that the religious content gets GOgetters lifted, praising, while the music content gets GOgetters dancing. All these, according to him, informed while the company rolled out new set of campaigns to capture these emotions.

With a promise of more channels, same great digital quality and the best content available on DTT, the future appears bright for the brand and great challenge for competitions.

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Of Reforms, Revolutions and Amendment of Companies and Allied Matters Act Olubunmi Abayomi-Olukunle discusses the ongoing reforms of the Companies and Allied Matters Act by the Corporate Affairs Commission “In the sense that he tackled the stifling role of government in our economy, Bibi was not a reformer but a revolutionary. A reform happens when you change the policy of government; a revolution happens when you change the mindset of a country…” Ron Dermer speaking about the financial-sector reforms implemented

by Benjamin “Bibi” Netahanyu in Israel in 2003.

The decision by the Corporate Affairs Commission (Commission) to “review and to bring the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) in conformity with global trends” is definitely commendable. The CAMA is our view, the most critical piece of legislation in the discourse around increasing FDI flows in Nigeria because of its primary relevance to the ease of doing business and ease of investing in Nigeria. It is refreshing to note that the Federal Government has also prioritised a possible review of the operations of the Commission as same forms part of the reasons for seeking emergency powers from Nigeria’s National Assembly. It certainly would not be an exaggeration to submit that the revival of our economy can depend, partly on the ongoing review of the CAMA. The approach adopted by the Commission in welcoming proposals from professional communities is also commendable and we hope that the collation of the proposals and the debate around the final amendments to the CAMA will be as robust and intellectually driven. Given the state of our economy and the need for economic revival, we affirm that ongoing reforms must go beyond merely scratching the surface. We affirm that in reviewing certain legislations and policies, government must be open to the level of innovation necessary to leapfrog economic revival. If that means yanking off all that we have been used to and starting on a new note then so be it. Government must not shy away from doing what is best in the interest of our dear country.

A review of some of the changes that have already been proposed by the Commission, confirms clearly that the Commission is positioning itself to be a more efficient regulator. One of the proposals that we consider very strategic to the growth of entrepreneurial activity, is our proposal for a separate legal structure (typically referred to as the ‘One-Man Company’) that comes with the full complement of a lower tax rate relative to the prevailing income tax rate, lesser compliance requirements and the benefit of limited liability and separate legal personality.

The One-Man Company essentially combines some of the benefit of a sole proprietorship and that of a limited liability company and has been adopted in varying forms in various jurisdictions, from UK, to US and to India as a strategy for promoting the growth of small and medium scale enterprises and driving growth in the venture capital/private equity space.

Some of the other proposals which we consider strategic at a time of economic revival as this include (a) clarification of the rules around ‘doing business’ in Nigeria, a principle which has been subject of litigation in a number of cases; (b) the denomination of share capital in currencies other than the Naira; (c) review/ abolishment of rules around non-voting/non weighted shares; (d) review/abolishment of the rules around financial assistance by a company for the purchase of the company’s own shares; and (e) a creation of a framework for valuation of sweat equity.

Beyond the substantive legal issues that are subject of ongoing reforms, what is far more concerning to us is the administrative machinery/structure for the implementation of the CAMA, as reviewed. Legal and policy reforms can hardly achieve desired objectives where there is no corresponding innovation around the administrative machinery for implementing reforms. A number of proposals have been put forward by the Commission to its administrative structure. Currently, it is being proposed that there should be a board for the Commission and also that nominations to the board should be accepted from the Accounting profession and from the Institute of Chartered Secretar-

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah

ies and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN).

However, the question that we ask is: should there not be a more elaborate debate around the administrative/implementation structure of the Commission? We answer this question in the affirmative, especially in the light of developments in other jurisdictions. Here are some possible legal structures: Trading Fund Status A Trading Fund is essentially a financial and accounting framework established by law to enable a government ministry, agency or department (MDA), or part of an MDA, to adopt certain accounting and management practices that are adopted in the private sector.

A number of attributes differentiate a Trading Fund from a typical MDA. These include (a) A Trading Fund operates on a self-financing basis and does not thrive on subvention or funding from the legislature to finance its daily operations. Consequently, staff cost and other expenses are paid out of the revenues of the Trading Funds (b) A Trading Fund does not normally aim to make a ‘profit’ and the fees charged by a Trading Fund are usually for the full cost of services provided or on a cost recovery basis. A Trading Fund will usually fix its fees and charges in accordance with own financial target, which is normally to earn an average rate of return on capital employed at a pre-agreed, often regulated percentage, the primary objective being the need to achieve a reasonable rate of return based on the fixed assets employed. (c) As opposed to the practice whereby operating surpluses are remitted to the Government, surpluses are retained as reserves and can be re-invested to enhance existing services and explore new business opportunities (d) A Trading Fund has significant flexibility in human resources and staffing.

It is important to note that a Trading Fund remains part of the Government in the sense that its assets would remain government assets and its staff would remain civil servants. The underlying philosophy of a Trading Fund is that an institutional change would provide the appropriate flexibility in management of resources and help nurture a new working culture that will improve services in terms of both quality and cost-effectiveness. A number of jurisdictions have introduced the concept of trading funds as part of public service reforms aimed at driving a

more customer-focused service culture and achieving sustainable improvements in efficiency, cost effectiveness and in developing new services. The trading fund model has been used with considerable success in a number of jurisdictions and across a number of traditional government agencies including immigrations, post offices, and corporate and public registries, The Companies House in UK is organised as a Trading Fund. Without a doubt, the Trading Fund structure can be used for other government MDAs as part of ongoing economic reforms. From a structural standpoint, the implementation of a Trading Fund will require passing a bill into law and the execution of requisite framework and service level agreements between the relevant MDA, here the Ministry of Trade and Investment and the Commission Registry Operator Licensing It is also possible to restructure the Commission in such a way as to decouple the ‘registry’ function of the Commission from its core regulatory functions. This structure has the potential of making the Commission a more efficient regulator as it will enable the Commission to focus more on its core functions of administering the Act and also strengthening its capabilities to conduct investigations into the affairs of any company where the interests of the shareholders and the public so demand.

Under this structure, the Commission will grant a Registry Operator’s License, (either on a regional basis or a unitized basis) to a private information technology/data company, seeing that the operation of a registry is increasingly a technology/digitization-based function. This is usually by way of a long term contract with a negotiated service level functionality based on predefined/objective criteria. The model shares some of the contracting features of the standard public-private partnership model but will require a number of legal innovations to make the model sustainable.

Key considerations include data ownership, data retention and data privacy rights, retention of critical functions by the government, management of intellectual property rights, and management of software rights. It is also possible to implement a state-backed guarantee as a security option in the event of a default in the integrity of the companies’ register.

This model will not only generate significant revenue for the Commission through royalties and/or sign-on payments, as the case may be,

but also improve the delivery of services to Nigerian businesses, whilst also ensuring that the Commission is re-engineered to effectively carry out its core statutory responsibilities.

The argument that privatisation will lead to unemployment is in our view, mostly, a failure of contract and negotiation. An Operator’s License will typically be structured in such a way as to make extensive provisions for employee training and employee retention based on objective re-certifications, with a clear positioning that work is available for members of staff who are ready to adapt to changing circumstances and meet the new demands of their jobs. In this event, the Commission can, in the public interest, back-out the cost of such re-examination out of royalty/sign-on payments. If anything, a modern registry will minimize capital investment, bring more businesses into the formal economy and encourage entrepreneurial activity.

Decentralization of Companies’ Regulation For some reason, it appears that this proposition will be dead on arrival. The proposition is quite simple. Why should companies’ regulation be a matter for the Exclusive Legislative List? Why should trademarks, copyrights/intellectual property regulation be a matter for the Exclusive Legislative List? The Federal Government may need to urgently, revisit the economics of legislative power, as part of legal and structural reforms in a time of economic revival. The Federal Government needs to travel light.

It is now no longer a question of political power but that of economic sense. Whilst decentralization of companies’ regulation will not by itself drive efficiency as a number of innovations will still have to be implanted by state registries, decentralization will engender competition amongst state registries and can drive efficiency.

The foregoing propositions are examples of the trends we see globally in business registration and regulation. A number of other innovations have also been implemented in corporate registries around the world as part of public sector reforms to save costs and drive efficiency. In Belgium, all statutory registers have been merged into a single database under the auspices of one registrar. In Gibraltar, a private sector company has been appointed as Assistant Registrar with full authority to run the country’s companies’ registry. In addition to partnering with local agencies saddled with responsibility of promoting entrepreneurship to register new businesses, South Africa has merged the companies’ registry with the trademarks registry to form the Companies and Intellectual Property Registration Office.

In India, a public partnership under a BOT arrangement with a private sector operator was used to strategically develop new systems, set-up and operating additional facilities and introducing online facilities.

The point has to be made that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Indeed, a variety of legal structures can be used to implement far-reaching reforms in business registration and regulation. However, certain goals must, in our view, be of priority to the Commission, namely (a) substantive and administrative reforms must be data-driven and subject to market-testing procedures; (b) the Commission must seek to attain the highest possible standards of register integrity; (c) the Commission must aim to reduce the burdens associated with the provision of filing and search services; (d) the Commission must aim for digital transformation and to become a 100% digital organisation, it should be possible to register a business in 5-7 easy steps online; (e) the Commission must engender an open data approach which should, amongst other things, make the Companies’ Register, subject to relevant restrictions, accessible online.

- Abayomi-Olukunle is Managing Partner, Balogun Harold

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Much Ado About the Proposed CST Bill Jane Ohadike examines the impact of Communication Service Tax on ICT sector and the economy as a whole

Minister of Communication, Adebayo Shittu

The subject of tax has gained prominence on the political and boardroom agenda in Nigeria.

The severity of the economic down turn has also offered a life lesson to key stakeholders on balancing the odds. Consequently, there’s pressure on the government to expand the tax net and curb aggressive avoidance and evasion, while board executives are managing tax efficient strategies with competing consumer demands and projecting a positive corporate image. Whatever a country’s level of economic development, the administration of taxes across sub Saharan Africa, and indeed the world over, face the same fundamental issues. Citizens will continue to demand more from their government, and businesses always need an enabling environment to sustain profitability and essentially contribute to the economy.

Recently there has been a flurry of commentary around the proposed CST (Communication Service Tax) bill. A draft of this bill seeks to introduce a tax of 9 percent on telecommunication services spanning voice, data usage and other specified services.

Communication service providers will be required to charge CST on in-scope services, and remit the CST charged to the Federal Inland Revenue Service. Severe and cumulative noncompliance penalties have been proposed.

While it is understandable that government needs to raise revenue in order to meet its growing funding demand, questions are being raised by stakeholders regarding the economic impact of the proposed tax, given that the

established size and growth potential of the ICT sector could unintentionally be stifled by the impact of the bill. Key areas likely to be affected include the desired broad band penetration across Nigeria, and the progress made so far on social and financial inclusion of the less privileged and unbanked public.

There’s no doubt that the sector offers huge prospects for economic diversification plans, but the pertinent question is, whether the economic costs of the CST will outweigh its benefits? This question is especially pertinent as tax should exist to create benefits for society, and not be a burden upon it.

ACCA supports that a clear exposition of what makes an efficient and just tax system in government is essential. Going back to the basics of the fundamental objectives of tax to achieve revenue generation, wealth redistribution, resource reallocation and behaviour modification, ACCA’s report on the 12 tenets of tax http://tinyurl.com/zj2y66n, looks at the wider tax landscape and the new pressures facing governments. These tenets offer a sounding board to the effectiveness of any tax bill: Ensuring the openness and transparency of a proposed tax will do well to nurture public ownership and acceptance. It wouldn’t be far from the truth to say that no one likes to pay tax, but if tax payers understand what they are paying, why they are paying it, and what the benefits of paying will be, the demonstration of a fair tax policy through open and

transparent engagement with government, would make compliance more palatable.

There has been some positive steps in this direction seen in the recent laudable efforts of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry to bring government and sector stakeholders in dialogue over the pros and cons of the proposed CST bill. How this initiative will influence the law will depend on the policy makers’ actual involvement in the dialogue process, and if they indeed have the ears of stakeholders who represent the public. In any case, to foster healthy relationships between business owners, tax payers and the authorities, government should institutionalize transparent clearance mechanisms for constructive dialogue in advance of a proposed tax legislation.

Tax should be simple and straightforward to enable public understanding and compliance.

The bill raises some degree of complexity, which include the appointment of third party agents in the monitoring process and the filing requirements. The former flags concerns around data protection and security of user information and the latter indicates the possible challenges in the remittance process and complying with the tax in the first instance. In a PwC tax report on the ease of paying taxes, Nigeria currently ranks 181 out of 189 economies surveyed. If passed into law, how will this tax legislation impact Nigeria’s ranking?

Tax neutrality arises where certain economic behaviours are not encouraged over others as a result of the tax. The motivations of

the CST bill should not be discriminatory or an instrument of social policy seeking to modify the behavior of the tax payer such as the heavy duties imposed on tobacco to discourage smoking. If this is not the case, then it would be critical to consider the counter economic drawbacks which may arise from its implementation.

The ICT sector is already contending with multiple taxes across all levels of government.

Given the sector’s role in digital transformation, improving the level of literacy, social and financial inclusion across the country, any success to be achieved by the tax bill could be short-lived considered within the context of impact on further investment, broadband penetration, access to ICT services in remote areas, and reduced service usage by existing users.

It is essential that government commits to facilitate simple tax laws and administration, as society ultimately pays the price for complexity. In the same vein, open and transparent processes should be institutionalised within the tax system and the overall legislative process. In the long run, this will also reduce administrative costs resulting from proper understanding of the tax pitfalls and challenges; and increased stability of tax revenue as unintended consequences will be avoided and counter measures instituted.

- Ohadike is Regional Head of Policy subSaharan Africa at ACCA

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BUSINESSWORLD

DEVELOPMENT

Bauchi: Stimulating the Lives of Women, Children To complement her husband’s effort, the first lady of Bauchi state, Hajiya Hadiza Abubakar has unveiled a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) named Bauchi Sustainable Women Economic Empowerment and Peace Initiative (B-SWEEP), which seeks to stimulate the lives of women and children of the state through economic empowerment, skills acquisition, education, agriculture, health and peace. Segun Awofadeji writes

F

enabling environment for the planning and implementation of various development projects targeting HIV/AIDS, Reproductive Health, Tuberculosis, Malaria, to mention but a few.

irst Lady of Bauchi state, Hajiya Hadiza Abubakar believes she can tackle certain problems confronting women and children in Bauchi state which prompted her decision to create a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) named Bauchi Sustainable Women Economic Empowerment and Peace Initiative (B-SWEEP).

B-SWEEP is tasked with improving the lives of women and children, providing sound education (Girl-child drop-outs), effective healthcare delivery (maternal and child healthcare services) and improving their economy through skills acquisition, agriculture, and living in peace and harmony.

Over the years in spite of the strategies and contributions in building virile and viable homes, women have been relegated to the background in the political, economic and social sphere of government.

But since she assumed office Hajiya Hadiza has been consistent in helping women in the state put gender on the agenda as well as placing high premium on enhancing the wellbeing and welfare of the vulnerable in the society.

Vital Support Recently, in an interview with some select journalists in her office, the First Lady said her “activities are extensions of the state government, complementing the efforts of government in the areas of health, education, agriculture and being passionate about girl-child education, about the spate of early marriages and lack of interest in girl-child education, infant and maternal mortality/morbidity and particularly the scourge of HIV/AIDS in the state. I and my NGO have taken up a gauntlet to ensure that we reverse the ugly trend.”

The first Lady said she initiated her NGO to support the government in its drive to uplift the living standard of the people of the state, stressing that her NGO has five objectives which include women empowerment, maternal/infant health, education, agriculture and peace.

She has expressed determination to re-integrate women who could not complete formal education due to poverty back to school, saying “There is a lot to be done in the area of girl-child education in the North and Bauchi inclusive but my NGO has its special focus in this regard and the focus is education of girls and women who have dropped out of school.

According to her, “This group of young women will be re-integrated back to school, we shall take them back to the formal system of education, this is by way of offering them a second chance because they had no opportunity of being in school because of a lot of poverty, failed marriages among others. There is a growing number of women who have gone to school but could not finish so we want to ensure the future of these women in this regard by re-integrating them back into formal school system.

Positive Impact Commenting on how she has been able impact positively on the lives of the less privileged in the state in the last one year, Hajiya Hadiza explained that “It has not been easy but it has been rewarding and satisfying. We have succeeded in touching the lives of so many people in so many areas and so many segments.

We have had interactions with people living with disability, we have had interactions with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), we have had interactive forum for women, we organised a seminar inviting all the women stakeholders from all the 20 Local Governments and the major point of the seminar was for us to discuss issues of empowerment and issues of NGO coalition.

“We want to see a situation where instead of dealing with hundreds of NGOs, we will encourage them to come into smaller and stronger groups so that it will be easier to deal with them. We have also had seminars for women

Hajiya Hadiza

in particular during the hajj exercise so that we can enlighten and educate particularly the women on how to perform the hajj rites.

“We have gone visiting hospitals to extend our sympathy in the female wards, children and motherless babies home. We have also had interactive sessions and parties with children both at Sallah and Christmas period. We have also distributed food items in support of Christmas, New Year and Sallah celebration.

“We interacted with IDPs three times; why we are so particular about the IDPs is because of the special position they find themselves in, they are displaced, they are traumatised, they need support, majority of them left their homes with only the cloth on their bodies. This will be a continuous exercise; we will continue to show empathy.

“Currently, we are planning to go on advocacy tour of the 20 local governments; we are going

to seek the cooperation and collaboration of the traditional rulers, the women groups, all their various stakeholders in the local governments so that we can tell them our objectives as well as listen to them and know where it hurts them most”, she added.

Change and Sacrifice The First Lady called on women to ensure that the change emanates from within to ensure meaningful development in the state. Appointed the Grand Patron of NAWOJ in the state, she also called on women to make sacrifices for the development of state because according to her, no society can experience change without sacrifice by the people. She expressed passion to alleviate the sufferings of women by training them in different empowerment programmes.

According to her, Bauchi state Government has been in the forefront in the provision of

Health for All The Abubakar administration’s resolve to provide good and affordable health care services to the common man and ensure 100 per cent hospital attendance particularly among women and children in his four year term is already bearing fruits because of the new innovations and strategic adjustments introduced, the adequate resources the administration had deployed, as well as the political will and commitment demonstrated in that critical but neglected sector.

The State Government and NGOs engaged in the fight against the HIV/AIDS scourge found in Hajiya Hadiza, Chairperson of the state social mobilisation committee on HIV/ AIDS and founder of B-SWEEP, a reliable, dependable and committed ally in the war against the disease.

Under her leadership, the office of the First Lady and her NGO has been collaborating with the state Agency for the control of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Malaria (BACATMA), focusing on behavioural changes as the approach to check the spread of the scourge in the 20 local government areas of the state. According to her, “As HIV/AIDS remains a development issue that affects key factors of development such as manpower, economy, e.t.c and targets women, youths and children, you will agree with me that a country where women are sick and widowed, children are orphaned, youths are sick, is a country heading towards doom.

“The participation of various stakeholders in the state to fight the disease is commendable which improved access to prevention, treatment, care and support service by the populace. But, alas, this is not enough, we are calling on all and sundry to demand for HIV counseling and testing services so as to check the spread of the disease.”

As the chairperson, Social Mobilisation Committee on the commemoration of the 2015 World AIDS Day, while speaking at the occasion held in Bayara area of Bauchi local government area, she commended the increased commitment of the implementing partners, Civil society Organisations, Line MDAs and LACAs. NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

RANDOM THOTS Simple Solution The media was agog last weekend with news that around 500 heads of cattle and rams were brought by train into Oko-Oba, Agege, a Lagos suburb, all the way from Zamfara State, in a historic feat under the Farm to Market scheme anchored by the Nigeria Incentivebased Risk Sharing System for Agriculture Lending (NIRSAL), an initiative of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Connect Rail. The last time cattle were moved by rail from the north to the south was in 1986, 30 years ago.

According to NIRSAL, the total value of live animal trade between

Northern and Southern Nigeria is estimated at between N850 billion and N950 billion per annum. Currently, the total value of the Northeast-Lagos cattle trade market is estimated at N324 billion per annum, excluding the North-SouthEast cattle trade or the trade in small ruminants including sheep and goats. This is not counting other obvious advantages of regular, faster and more efficient supply of meat and better, more profitable bargains for cattle owners and ranchers.

Although it is difficult for the traditional cattle herdsmen to

willingly submit their cattle for the faster and safer train journey the same way it is difficult to convince villagers of the benefits of a nearby borehole rather than trek long distances to fetch water from the stream or river (due to chance for village gossip), the earlier the average owners and nomads are enjoined to embrace the rail transport scheme for their cattle, the better for everyone. This will help to greatly reduce herder-farmer conflicts and help eliminate a thorny issue for the federal and state governments. Just saying…

Abimbola Akosile

33

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

DEvELOPMENT/ISSUESINBOx

Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja, where decisions are made

Did the FG Make a Wrong Turn?

Despite the frantic efforts of the present administration to deliver the gains and dividends of democracy to the electorate, things are not getting better and many Nigerians appear to have lost hope and patience with PMB. To you, inspite of the promises of positive change for the citizens, did this government make a fatal wrong turn somewhere in the governance process, which has led to this current depressing state? If yes, what can be done to turn back?

Abimbola Akosile

THE FEEDBACK

* At this point in our history, all-inclusive governance in terms of appointments and recruitments is critical to the cohesion required for peace and development. Nepotistic agendas always lead to corruption, mistrust and insecurity.

Carrying everyone along is the way forward.

- Mr. Buga Dunj, Jos, Plateau State

Yes, FG made a wrong turn:

3

No, it did not:

2

Others:

10

Radical tip:

Start all over!

Total no of respondents:

15

* Why are Nigerians so anxious for PMB to deliver change overnight when he met an empty treasury? It is very unfortunate. Now he wants to diversify the economy in other sectors which everyone will enjoy sooner or later. It is time and patience we need and we will no longer depend on revenue from oil again. The past government’s refusal to save is causing all these problems.

- Mrs. Ijeoma Nnorom, Lagos State

Male:

12

Female:

3

Highest location:

Lagos (8)

* Watch, listen and learn. You can’t know it all yourself. Anyone who thinks he does is destined for mediocrity.

- Mr. Ezenwa Chika, Ikeja, Lagos * No, the only problem is that PMB mixed things since from the beginning. His main concern has been on corruption which is not bad. But the welfare of the masses should be the top priority. He should concentrate on the change for good he has promised. I believe that good things are on the way and we only need patience as nothing good comes easy.

- Hon. Babale Maiungwa, Ungwa Romi, Kaduna * No, recession is equally part of any economy and social life of citizens. It is a temporarily global issue that occurs like an eclipse. We must adjust proactively our policies and strategies to suit the type of challenges on ground right now. Emphasis on agriculture must increase tremendously for more food for the teeming citizens urgently. Now is the time to remain focused and patient for a better result. No condition is permanent.

- Miss Apeji Patience Eneyeme, Badagry, Lagos * Yes, Nigeria’s economy will turn around if Mr. President will allow capable hands to contribute their experiences and be listening.

The US president Barack Obama applied this method when he incorporated the technocrats and solved the US problem during 2008 economic recession.

- Mr. Auwal Gabari from Kano * Yes, we should have saved enough foods, drugs and fuel e.t.c. to last for at least five years before closing our borders against smuggling activities. Criminals and smugglers seem to outsmart the Customs men at our borders, and it calls for urgent concern. Our economic policies must be upped proactively. PMB must remain focused and never bow to the temporary pressures ravaging Nigeria so illusively.

- Mr. Apeji Onesi, Lagos * There were no ‘frantic efforts’ in the first place. All that have existed since the advent of this government is catch the treasury looters, lock them up, recover the loots, put them back in the government safe, and then sleep. There was and has never been any sense of urgency shown by the government on the country’s desires. I do not know of one eclectic strategy this government has put out and owned by Nigerians to solve any of our numerous challenges. It is a no for me if the president fails to rejig his cabinet and counsellors.

- Mr. Carl Okafor, Abuja * Preparation is everything and any man who fails to plan, plans to fail. For change to occur, genuine concerted efforts to revamp an “ailing” nation should have been made even before and during campaign, so that the incumbent

can hit the ground running. Going back to the drawing board with the help of Nigerian professionals with proven results both at home and abroad will revive Nigeria.

- Miss Nkeiruka Abanna, Lagos State * The government came in at a very critical time when the economy had dwindled. However, it needs to listen to the advice of sound and proven economic experts who mean well for the country.

- Pastor Bass, Maitama, Abuja * Why are Nigerians in a hurry to get things done in just 16 months of PMB’s administration, compared to 16 years of PDP mismanaged economy, where they refused to diversify into other sectors? This recession is not only in Nigeria but global because of the fall in oil prices. We should give this government time because of their diversification of the economy, which will yield result at the end.

Yes, Nigerians are suffering, but time will tell.

- Mr. Gordon Chika Nnorom, Public Commentator, Umukabia, Abia State * This government has pragmatically not made any move let alone turn. Sentiment aside Nigerians, Buhari government has no vision for Nigeria, we are just wasting our time hoping for anything good to come out of desert.

- Mr. Sonny Okobi, Lagos * If there is any government that had prepared for governance I think it should be Buhari government. He contested four times before becoming a President. It is just unfortunate that we are suffering for our mismanagement as this recession was bound to come. We should all put sentiments aside and join the government in making Nigeria great and I believe we shall come out of the woods. If the man is fighting corruption and we are saying he doesn’t have vision for Nigeria, is he fighting it for his pockets? What an irony of life.

- Mr. Ayodele Ajayi, Lagos * Every time I’m asked to suggest a way forward for the PMB administration, I refer

to the Ahmed Joda committee. That committee was set up to review Nigeria’s socio-politicaleconomic challenges and recommend solutions.

That committee submitted its report on the way forward for Nigeria. Let PMB revisit the committee report. Secondly, let PMB revisit his electioneering promises and start phased implementation of those.

- Mr. Utibe Uko, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State * The truth is that Nigeria has been making wrong turns in her governance process for years and the results are now coming out during PMB’s time. All he has to do is learn from the bitter lessons of the past and try to make amends while managing the anger of the citizens. In a democracy, such anger is a time bomb.

- Mr. Olumuyiwa Olorunsomo, Lagos State

Next Week: Beyond Blame Games, What Next for Nigeria?

Because Nigeria is presently in such a dreary situation and economic mess, everyone is looking for whom to blame, right from the ruling administration, to the opposition, to concerned bodies, and also to the average citizens. Although someone has to take responsibility for the current mess, analysts believe this country has to move forward in her development process, to revive the economy and save millions of lives. After the blame games, what should be done next, to tackle this recession? Please make your response direct, short and simple, and state your full name, title, organisation, and location. Responses should be sent between today (Sept 8 & Monday, Sept 12) to abimbolayi@yahoo.com, greatbimbo@gmail.com, AND abimbola. akosile@thisdaylive.com. Respondents can also send a short text message to 08023117639 and/or 08188361766 and/ or 08114495306. Collated responses will be published on Thursday, Sept 15

34

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

DEVELOPMENT

Bringing the elevated rail to Lagos Island

ABIMBOLA AKOSILE

WACOT Empowers Rural Communities in Northern Nigeria Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano An agricultural input company WACOT Limited, in a bid to support and empower the farming communities in the Northern states of Nigeria is working actively with farmers in Kebbi, Katsina and Jigawa States, through its Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (CR&S) Division.

The company has earlier supported the communities in Gombe, Kaduna and the FCT in the areas of health, education and livelihood as no fewer than 6,665 persons have reportedly received treatment in 39 ‘Free Health Awareness Camps’ organised by the company till date.

Head of WACOT Ltd’s CR&S division, Mr. Anuj Kumar Bhatia, said Free Health Awareness camps were successfully organised in

Nasara village of Argungu local government in Kebbi state, and Belen-Gada community in Bakori local government in Katsina state where patients received free medicines.

Bhatia informed the communities that supporting the farmers in this way is one of the ways by which WACOT is giving back to the community.

The company is working actively in the agricultural sector in Nigeria to empower the farmers, women and youths and working towards improving the socio economic status of the farmers in the northern states.

He also said the company wants to promote a healthy and productive farming community in Kebbi where it is targeting a 100,000 MT rice factory in Argungu, adding that the factory will provide local jobs and livelihood to

hundreds of families in that area.

He commended the partnership between WACOT, state and local governments, farmers, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders and described this as the key to successful implementation of the projects.

He added that the CR&S division in a bid to benefit the farmers has also developed partnerships with different international agencies like GIZ, Propcom Maikarfi (DfID supported) and USAID Markets (earlier) under different crops to include rice, sesame and soya and are working together to build capacity of farmers and women in both agriculture and off farm activities.

WACOT through its fieldbased team is spearheading sustainable development among these communities

and has formed about 100 plus Community-based women and farmer groups and is building their capacities in different areas like group formation and strengthening, agronomical practices, making the farmers learn on how to make farming better business through Farmer Business schools (FBS), and nutrition and parboiling training to women groups.

Bhatia also shared that the CR&S division is regularly working in coordination with different Ministries in Kebbi state including Ministries of Agriculture, Health and Education and appreciated the support being extended by them. He also announced a new million naira project on school renovation has been taken by WACOT in Kebbi and it will be unveiled this September.

In his address, the programme Coordinator, Mr. Kumar Gaurav

explained that at all the health camps WACOT ensures that qualified medical doctors and auxiliary health workers are engaged to treat people suffering from various diseases by giving free drugs and doing referrals where required.

Gaurav said 27 health camps has been conducted in Katsina, 10 in Kebbi and 2 in FCT, stressing that 7,458 persons were registered and 6,665 treated with high percentage of 3,776 women and children.

Speaking on behalf of the communities, Malam Badamasi Muhammad described cooperative societies and Self Help Groups as key to accessing support services from government and organisations that would enhance farming activities and the wellbeing of farmers.

Muhammad leader Belen-Gada Himma farmers association,

said farmers had benefited in different ways from WACOT Ltd to include farming inputs, funds and extension services, and expressed optimism that the support helped members to improve their yields and market their farm produce.

Some beneficiaries, Malama Saliha Magaji, Hadiza Bello and Yahanasu Abdullahi thanked WACOT for the support and explained that treatment had improved their health status as they usually travel far to access medication for themselves and their children.

The CR&S division of WACOT is actively working in the villages in Argungu and Suru Local Government in Kebbi and in Bakori, Malamfashi and others local government in Katsina to bring a sustainable change in the life of the people.

‘Nigeria’s Agriculture Needs a New Technical Direction’ Blessing Abah An agricultural consultant, Mr. Sunday Bassey, CEO Sonekia Limited has called for a new technical focus in terms of mass deployment of cost-efficient, sustainable and more productive technologies such as mini-tractors for the nation’s agricultural sector, as Nigeria seeks alternatives to crude oil as a source of revenue.

Speaking at an SME forum in Lagos recently, Bassey stated that, “It is in our bid to close these huge identified gaps that we at Sonekia Limited, a

Czech-Nigerian Joint Venture company have embarked on tractorisation projects in Nigeria, with the objective of returning the youths back to the farm, by means of our multi- purpose mini-tractors and accessories. “ He further stated that the simple, easy to operate mini tractors fascinate the rural youths and encourage them to embrace agriculture and in the long term help to create wealth, reduce unemployment, reduce crime, and enhance food security.

Bassey informed that the tractorisation programme has been adopted by the Lagos, Nasarawa, and Delta States governments, as well as individual farmers and cooperatives. Neighbouring West African nations such as Ghana, Togo, Republic of Benin, Burkina Faso, as well as Angola have equally adopted the programme.

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture disclosed recently that the country requires about 300,000 agricultural tractors to meet the Agricultural Transformation Agenda.

Bassey, who is also CEO Sunnix Technologies has called for improved quality of water supplied to Nigeria’s rural and urban centres via the deployment of new water purification technology like the PureH2O System.

Speaking at the SME forum in Lagos, Bassey noted that, “current challenges of potable water supply require lightweight, solar-powered mobile purification systems designed for places where safe drinking water is a challenge.”

“PureH2O Water purification

units are optimised in terms of logistics; they are containerised so that they can be swiftly be transported and put in places where they are needed. The machines are designed as selferecting units, which is easily installed using local labour. All the machines are scalable and can easily be linked together to accommodate large communities with clean drinking water.”

Speaking further, Bassey stated that the PureH2O water purification system eliminates heavy metals, organic chemicals, bacteria and virus.

“It utilises Reverse Osmosis

eliminates unwanted contaminants in your drinking water.

The unit has two barriers - the Reverse Osmosis membrane and the UV sterilisation lamp. The purification process will remove more than 99.5 per cent of all contaminants, organic materials, chemicals and pesticides.”

According to the UN, in Africa alone, people spend 40 billion hours every year just walking to search for water. Women and children usually bear the burden of water collection, walking miles to the nearest source, which is unprotected and likely to make them sick.

35

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

DEVELOPMENT QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Since economic crimes are committed through networks spreading over countries, it is a global problem that can only be effectively tackled through global collaboration and partnership. For countries to collaborate, the public and private sectors especially the banks must come into collaboration beyond high sounding rhetoric and public relations” - MINISTER OF TRANSPORTATION, ROTIMI AMAECHI, SPEAKING IN THE UK

Job Creation: FG to Spend N2bn on Graduate Internship Scheme Olakiitan Victor in Ado Ekiti

92,000 Nigerian Homes Electrified with Solar Power in Six Months Chineme Okafor in Abuja Solar Nigeria, a solar power initiative of the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DfID) has disclosed that businesses it supported have been able to provide more than 92,000 Nigerian homes with solar lighting or power systems between January and June 2016.

The programme said more than 45,000 of these homes are however located in states within northern Nigeria, and that all the systems were supplied on full commercial terms, with the householder paying cash, taking a loan, or renting the equipment.

According to a statement from the programme’s communication officer, Genevieve Bosah in Abuja, the solar systems include everything from single bright lamps through to solar home systems that are able to power multiple lights, a television and fan in homes they were deployed.

It said the result has kept pace with the record that was set in the first quarter of 2016 when 49,000 homes received solar lighting or power systems through the programme.

“It brings the total of homes equipped with support from Solar Nigeria and its partner programme Lighting Africa to 182,000 since mid-2015,” said the statement.

The statement explained that Solar Nigeria works to build Nigeria’s market for decentralised solar energy by removing market barriers through targeted grants to qualified solar suppliers and finance institutions, so they can build capacity and provide solar systems to consumers on commercial terms.

It quoted Leigh Vial, Solar Nigeria’s consumer markets lead to have stated that: “Expansion of this market represents by far the fastest route for increasing the share of Nigeria’s population that have access to modern energy.”

The programme, the statement added, has its first 16 partners selected through a competitive process in 2015, and they include

House with solar power in Northern Nigeria a mix of international and Nigerian firms.

Similarly, the statement quoted the communications manager at Total Nigeria Plc, Osaki Enumro to have stated: “For instance, in Kano, Kaduna, and Adamawa states, Solar Nigeria support helps Total Nigeria Plc distribute its Awango solar products to customers in remote locations, thanks to a partnership with the Murtala Muhammad Foundation to organise resellers’ clubs.

“Funds from Solar Nigeria funds help defray risk so that resellers are supplied on 100 per cent credit terms. You have to find ways to go to communities with a last-mile strategy; that is what this resellers programme is all about.”

It noted that a new round of grants, focusing on financial institutions was underway, with recipients expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

As part of the efforts to fight unemployment among educated Nigerian youths, the Federal government is to expend a whopping sum of N2 billion on the Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS) before the end of the year.

The Project Director of the Scheme, Mr. Dennis Chukwu, disclosed this in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital during a Career Development and Entrepreneurship Skills Training for Interns recently.

Chukwu revealed that the scheme, being funded by the Federal Ministry of Finance, is currently training about 2,000 graduate interns across the country on skills and career development that would make them employers of labour, rather than job seekers.

He added that President Muhammadu Buhari’s government decided to sustain the scheme initiated by the immediate past government owing to his desire to banish unemployment ravaging the potential of Nigerian graduates by exposing them to trainings and opportunities in every sector of the economy.

Chukwu said the scheme had excited 35,000 interns, with thousands of them securing jobs in the civil service and in the business sector and contributing immensely to the growth of the economy.

“Many secured credit facilities and grants through YouWin, and other sources to expand businesses they set up using GIS stipends and many have set up through cooperative associations, some of which have transformed into SMEs; and rather than seeking for jobs, they are now employers.

“In view of its prospect for skills building and job creation, the scheme has developed special programmes for non-oil sector. GIS has entered into special partnerships with governmental and non-governmental organisations to have graduates trained in ICT, agriculture, community health, construction, financial inclusion and the feedbacks of their performances with employers have been encouraging”, he said.

A GIS Consultant, Mr. Victor Ivoke pointed out that it is imperative for job seekers to acquire special skills in order to get good values in the job market.

Ivoke, in his presentation, added that as difficult as situation is in getting jobs in Nigeria is, that graduate with special skills are still being employed with blue chip companies with high pay.

“There is need for job seekers to look for opportunities and in getting opportunities, you must have special skills and that is what we are exposing our unemployed youths to through this scheme.

“There should be need for packaging of employees, so that you can get employees to a good job market, which means you will be the one to tell your employers your wage.

It is sad that some of the job seekers even get jobs that can’t sustain them and this is because they didn’t have special skills”, he lamented.

Ivoke told the participants to use the monthly stipends being paid them by the federal government in the course of the 12 months training, saying some of their counterparts had hit the labour market and made big exploits through the stipend without taking credit facility.

36

T H I S D AY THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

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

47 Years After, Nigerians Still Dying from Lassa Fever Almost half a century after the discovery of Lassa fever in Nigeria, the virus has continued to be a recurrent challenge with hundreds of lives lost every year in the country. The recent confirmed cases in some states have again brought to the fore the need for scale up surveillance system and research on vaccines. Martins Ifijeh writes

E

arly this year when the country experienced yet another round of Lassa fever outbreak, not less than 80 Nigerians lost their lives across five states of the federation, prompting the federal government to say it was putting all measures in place to prevent more deaths, while also reiterating that all existing Lassa fever centres in the country will be well equipped to further tackle cases of the virus.

Fast forward seven months after, another round of Lassa fever outbreak is finding its way into the country, with two already recorded casualties; a 54-year-old man, who died in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra, about two week ago, and one from Gombe State, who died August 22, 2016. Other cases have been confirmed already in Bauchi, Gombe, Plateau and Rivers States.

Like a familiar scenario, the spread of the present outbreak can almost be predicted, especially by keen observers who had monitored previous outbreaks of the viral disease and how they played out. First, an outbreak will be recorded in a state, then it spreads to neighboring states, with many confirmed cases accompanied by casualty figures, and then suddenly, there will be interventions by the relevant bodies in tackling it, and then the outbreak picks up again after few months, while the government uses same interventions on it.

But with a new government in place, from the Presidency, the Federal Ministry of Health, up to the Nigerian Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, (NCDC), stakeholders are of the opinion that old approaches against Lassa fever outbreaks must be suspended, as it has obviously not yielded lasting solution to the menace, while also calling for solutions geared towards vaccines and establishment of Lassa fever centres for prompt tackling of the scourge.

They said government must look beyond providing fire brigade approach to ending disease outbreaks in the country, adding that, that had been the approach since the very first outbreak of the virus, which was why at 47 years after, people were still dying from the disease.

For example, a Virologist, Dr. Olaolu Akinjide, believes since the disease originated from Lassa community in Borno State, it behoves on the country to find a lasting solution to the reoccurring bouts of the outbreak, which he said was becoming a national embarrassment.

“It’s almost 50 years since the first case of the disease was noticed here. We should not wait for another country to find a vaccine for us. Researches in this regard should be given priority by the government. We have a medical research institute that should be funded to come up with solutions in this regard,” he said.

This again brings to fore the level of priority placed on medical research in the country.

While the United States National Institute of Health will spend about 32.3 billion dollars this year alone on medical research for the American people, the entire health budget for Nigeria cannot be said to be close to that figure.

According to the World Health Organisation, between 300,000 and 500,000 cases are recorded annually, with about 5,000 deaths recorded yearly, especially in sub-Sahara West African region.

Apart from Nigeria, which has one of the highest burdens of the disease, other countries that have recorded the outbreak are Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and the Central African Republic.

Akinjide also wondered why the country

When will Nigerians be free from Lassa fever outbreaks?

only had two active Lassa fever centres to cater for the several Nigerians who are infected yearly by the virus. “The government should scale up the establishment of Lassa fever centres across the country. The present two centres, which are the ones in Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) and that in Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) cannot be said to be enough for prompt diagnosis and treatment of cases,” he explained.

Though the federal government had consistently said the country has 13 Lassa fever centres, Akinjide insists that there were only two centres serving the over 180 million persons living in the country.

Also on his part, the President of the Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS), Prof.

OyewaleTomori, during the last outbreak of the virus, wondered why Nigeria was not taking surveillance system seriously, adding that, the country has a weak surveillance system, poor funding of epidemiology studies, inadequate diagnostic centres and poor awareness of the disease.

Tomori, a one-time Regional Virologist for the WHO, Africa Region, said the current Lassa fever outbreak (the outbreak in January) confirms that the country was unable to sustain or repeat the Ebola success because success with one disease can only be repeated if the disease surveillance was resilient, sustainable and consistent.

He said the country was paying for years of neglect of the national disease surveillance and laboratory support systems.

But what is the government doing to curb the renewed outbreak? The Director General of NCDC, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, said resources have been immediately mobilised from its centre and the Nigerian Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme (NFELTP), to support the investigation and management of cases in the affected states, adding that this public health response has commenced immediately in all affected states under the leadership of the respective state Ministries

of Health.

He said the five confirmed cases were reported from four states of Nigeria within the week 24th August to 2nd September: “Two cases were reported from Plateau State, one from Rivers, and one each from Bauchi and Gombe.

The case reported from Gombe died on 22nd August 2016, all other cases are alive,” adding that, the early detection of the reported cases will go a long way to significantly improve the likelihood of survival of the cases and also reduce the risk of transmission.

Earlier in the year, the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, said the government would stamp out Lassa fever outbreaks from the country before the end of the year.

He said: “We are also concerned. We want to find out why we are still having this Lassa fever in spite of human and material resources that we have in this country.

We inaugurated a Lassa fever eradication committee chaired by one of the foremost virologists in this country and we are committed to signing the obituary of Lassa fever this year,” he noted.

susceptible to it.

Adewole during one of the outbreaks advised Nigerians to properly cover their foods in order not to get exposed to the virus-causing vector, as people who refuse to do so were at a high risk of being infected by the virus.

Transmission According to the WHO, it is a known fact that humans become infected with Lassa fever virus from exposure to urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats. The virus may be spread among humans through direct contact with the blood, urine, faeces, or other bodily secretions of an infected person.

It could also be transmitted from person to person through exchange of body fluid and blood, contaminated medical equipments or through sexual intercourse.

Diagnosis Experts believe general diagnosis is often difficult because the symptoms are non-specific, since it is difficult to distinguish from other viral hemorrhagic fevers such as Ebola virus and many other diseases causing fever, including malaria and typhoid.

But, it is advised that definitive diagnosis be done in specialised laboratories like the ones in ISTH and LUTH.

Those at risk Available information suggests that everyone is at risk, as it may occur in all age groups, both sexes, and in all classes of people.

However, it has been observed that people with poor hygiene or those in rural areas where Mastomys are usually found are more

Symptoms Tomori says symptoms may start to appear between six to 21 days, and may start with gradual symptoms like fever, general weakness and malaise.

Other symptoms include headache, sore throat, muscle pain, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, cough and abdominal pain may follow. Experts believed in severe cases symptoms may include bleeding from the mouth, nose, ear, vagina, as well as seizures, tremor, coma or even death.

Deafness may occur in 25 per cent of patients who survive the disease. In half of these cases, hearing returns partially after one to three months. Transient hair loss and gait disturbance may occur during recovery as well.

Treatment and prophylaxis The antiviral drug ribavirin seems to be an effective treatment for Lassa fever if given early in the course of clinical illness. There is no evidence to support the role of ribavirin as postexposure prophylactic treatment for Lassa fever. There is currently no vaccine that protects against Lassa fever.

37

T H I S D AY THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

NEWS

UNICEF: 196,000 Adolescents Living With HIV/AIDS in Nigeria Martins Ifijeh Over 196,000 adolescents, representing 10 per cent of the global burden, are said to be living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria with a high estimated number of AIDS-related deaths, according to the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund’s HIV Specialist, Dr. Victoria Isiramen.

She said the children who were between the ages of 10 and 19 years must be co-opted into programmes to end the pandemic in the country, as they represent the crème and social capital of any society.

Speaking during an advocacy meeting between 50 adolescents living positively with HIV from various states of the federation and the Lagos State Aids Control Agency (LSACA), in partnership with Positive Action for Treatment Access (PATA) and UNICEF, she called for stakeholders to put measures on ground to locate all adolescents in the country who were living with the virus in order for them to get prompt healthcare and awareness.

Isiramen, who admonished the children to stand tall in the face of discrimination and

stigmatisation, said: “you must understand that being positive with HIV is not your making, hence you must never let what people say or do against you weigh you down. Consider it that you are unique among other adolescents, as this will prompt you to achieve better in your life endeavours.”

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer, LSACA, Dr. Oluseyi Temowo said the state was committed to eradicating HIV/AIDS from Lagos considering the scale up programmes currently going on across all local governments of the state.

“Lagos State, since June this year has been committed to the global target of reducing the virus by 90 per cent on or before year 2020, and we are also working towards total eradication of the scourge by 2030. The target is achievable if we sustain the various intervention programmes currently being put in place,” he added.

The CEO said the programme, termed 90:90:90 would ensure that by 2020, at least 90 per cent of people living with HIV/AIDS in the state will be known, at least 90 per cent of those living with the

Free us from PSN ‘Bondage’, Create a Separate Board, NAPPMED Appeals to FG Hammed Shittu in Ilorin Nigeria Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers (NAPPMED) , has advised the federal government to establish a separate board for the association so as to free them from the ‘bondage’ of the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PSN).

This, the association said would also assist them to complement the efforts of the government at bringing more healthcare delivery to the doorsteps of the rural populace.

The Kwara State President of the association, Alhaji Wahab Ajibola, made the appeal in Ilorin recently at a press conference to mark the 54th anniversary of the association.

According to him, “the association is a constituted profession based on the amendment of the Poison and Pharmacy Acts CAP 152 of 1958 which was finally amended as LFM 535 of 1990 under the exclusive list of Pharmacy Law. “Our practice is legal and being controlled and that makes it that anyone that indulges in patent medicine services must obtain license and must have a location.”

Ajibola added that, “Patent medicine business is not only in Nigeria, it is in United States of America with different names and so it is a well known association all over the world.

“So, what the association wants now is to appeal to the federal government to create a separate board for the association so as allow the association to be out of the control of the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria.

“Because the whole PSN

body are pharmacists and if at all they are fair, they cannot be as fair to the extent of witch-hunting their members and at our own expenses they can be doing that to us.

“So, we are appealing to the federal government as a matter of urgency to create a separate board of the patent medicine association in order to free them from the bondage of the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria.”

Ajibola stated further that,”our members are first point of call in any community, we carry out first aids treatment, we also treat uncomplicated cases like malaria, diarrhea, minor home accident, wounds among others and we refer complicated cases to the health centres. These are done under our license which cover only over the counter drugs (OTC).

“Our role as first aid provider cannot be over emphasised judging from the number of lives that we are saving particularly our members that are operating in rural areas where there is no health facilities nor pharmacy but anywhere you go, you find ou r members, bridging the gap and the vaccum left by other health providers.”

Ajibola who said that, the association has recorded a huge success since he came on board as the president of the body added that, he had made the association a household name in the promotion of justice and equity among its members in the state.

He therefore pledged to be more committed to the interest of the members so as to take the association to greater height.

virus in the state will be on Anti-Retroviral Drugs, and at least 90 per cent of those on drugs would have successfully suppressed the virus to a minimal level, such that it would no longer be a threat to other members of the society.

He called on all persons who are positive with HIV in the state to seek treatment in designated centres across all local governments, adding that the treatment remains free.

Temowo called on those still living in denial, despite being

diagnosed with the virus, to come out and be counted, as that was the only way the state could ensure they are co-opted into treatment plans.

While commending PATA and UNICEF for its logistic and financial support during the two weeks camping for the 50 adolescents from Lagos, Benue, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Kaduna, Anambra and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, he called on other states to scale up intervention so that in few years to come, Nigeria,

collectively will be free from the scourge.

Lending her voice, the Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Health, Dr. ‘Modele Osunkiyesi said to achieve a healthy population, the role of adolescents must be put into consideration, adding that, often times they were the most marginalised in the society, as they were often regarded as too inquisitive and adventurous.

“That is why we have set up adolescent and child centres

in some designated areas of the state, where they are not only being treated, but given counselling and other recreational activities,” she said.

The Project Coordinator, PATA, Mr. Frances Umoh, thanked Lagos State Government, UNICEF and other stakeholders for making the hosting of the 50 adolescents a huge success, saying that they will henceforth become advocates against the virus in their various states.

UNITED AGAINST CERVICAL CANCER

Wife of the President of Nigeria, Hajiya Aisha Buhari (m); wife of the Governor of Niger State and Founder of RAiSE Foundation, Dr. Amina Abubakar Bello (3rd right); wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode (2nd left); and wives of other State Governors, during the launch of RAISE Foundation, at the Athena Event Areana, Minna, Niger State ...recently

‘Consult Qualified Professionals Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy forYour Medicines’ Tasks Govt, Stakeholders on Giving a key note address, Research Funding Godbless Eduviere The Managing Director, Neimeth Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Ebere Ekpunobi, has called on Nigerians to at all times patronise qualified pharmacists and registered pharmaceutical organisations for medicines, as this will help stop quacks from selling fake and substandard drugs to unsuspecting Nigerians.

Stating this during the Pharmacy Week of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) recently, she said only qualified professionals can give true and effective medicines because they are being regulated and could be held responsible if anything happens to the customer as a result of the purchased medicines.

“If you consult experts and go through the qualified professionals for your medication, you stand a higher chance of ensuring that you get the true and effective products and you also have someone to hold responsible if you don’t get correct medication.

“For example, the company that I lead, we stand behind the quality of our medicines and if there’s any information gap, we take responsibility for ensuring that even the patients get all the information about our products,” adding that, “pharmacists go through many years to minimise fake medicines,” she added.

the Chief Executive Officer, Merit Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Lolu Ojo, said even in the face of economic challenges, quality of products and services must not be compromised, adding that, to be able to go through the economic downturn, especially pharmaceutical companies, must change the way they do things due to inability to access forex to bring in their products.

“Again, there are challenges with the products. It’s not enough for the pharmacist to accept these products into the warehouse, it is more important to begin to go a step further, to confirm the integrity of the product because when you hand over product to the patients, it is you he or she knows not the person who supplied you,” he added.

He advocated for the practice of polypharmacy as this will save patients a lot of money rather than going for different prescriptions.

On his part, the Head of Pharmacy Department, LASUTH, Pharm. Chukwura Henry, while calling for continuous improvement in the processes and procedures of giving quality medicines to Nigerians, disclosed that It will help to critically evaluate the quality of our services with a view to identifying gaps and proffering practical solutions on the way forward.

Set to induct six The Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy has called on government and the private sector to give priority to research and development of pharmaceutical and health sciences in the country, as failure to do this could spell disaster for a developing country like Nigeria.

Stating this in a release to announce the induction of six distinguished professionals into its Academy, the ProChancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Caleb University, Prof.

Fola Tayo, said funding of research by government was poor while the private sector hardly sees the need to fund research, adding that the only way by which better remedies can be discovered or developed for ailments that afflict mankind, including those, like malaria that are particularly endemic in Africa and kill millions annually, was by research and development.

“The Academy is therefore driving advocacy to raise awareness in this area in order to prod government to better fund research and scientific education in general, as well as encourage wealthy individuals and charitable foundations to sponsor scientific research.”

Tayo, who is the General Secretary of the Academy, said the investiture, which is billed to hold September 15th in Lagos, would aim to assess progress so far made regarding the Pharmacy degree curriculum reviews currently ongoing across Faculties of Pharmacy in Nigerian universities.

“Globally, the curriculum for Pharmacy training is rapidly evolving in response to the growing needs of the larger society and we want to ensure that this is happening at the right pace in Nigeria too, such that the health and wellbeing of Nigerians can continue to be impacted optimally

by Nigeria’s pharmacists working in tandem with other health professionals.”

He said the new inductees into the Academy, all have sterling profiles and have distinguished themselves over the years, in different spheres of professional life.

“We are very confident that they will add real value to our quest to positively impact the health and wellbeing of Nigerians, not only through robust training of pharmacists and pharmaceutical and health scientists but also through research and research-oriented learning and development.”

38

T H I S D AY THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

HEALTH

‘The Sperm that Saved My Marriage’ Odimegwu Onwumere

M

rs. Olivia Owhonda, a resident of Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, has been having series of miscarriages over a period of six years she got married. The miscarriage comes within the first three months of her pregnancy. She has gone to virtually everywhere, looking for solutions, but her chances of finding one are slim. Her marriage is threatened as her husband is deciding for another wife. She needs help, but hasn’t gotten it from the hospitals and traditional places she had visited. One day, a patient she disclosed her predicament to, at one of the hospitals she often visits, directed her to Nordica Fertility Centre, Lagos, where Obstetrician/Gynecologist Abayomi Ajayi is the Managing Director.

Mrs. Owhonda and her husband visited the Centre and were attended to. The causative factor of the miscarriages, otherwise known in the medical term as abortion, was traced to the husband early this year. The hospital tells the couple that the husband’s sperm is substandard and needs medical attention for corrective measures. The couple looked at each other in utter amazement. The hospital also told the couple to be grateful that they found out this on time unlike many women out there that have been miscarrying over decades and thinking they are menstruating.

Ajayi says that a number of women during their first 12 weeks of pregnancy, spot, bleed or suffer cramps, which is in the ration of 20 or 30 per cent of pregnant women, while 10 per cent miscarry. The doctor does not hinge the finding only on defective sperm, he also says that genetic defect in the embryo is the commonest reason for a first-trimester miscarriage.

Causes of miscarriage Mrs. Ohwonda and her husband have been travelling to Lagos from Port Harcourt for first hand examination at Nordica Fertility Centre.

Dr. Ajayi advises that lifestyle factors in the area of dietary habits can cause havoc to the sperm, while defining male infertility as one or more oddity in a semen scrutiny, with 35 per cent of causes of infertility being from the male factor.

“We don’t know why, but that is what we have seen. We have substantiated that in Nordica, by comparing the sperm of people who presented 10 years ago to the sperm count of people who are presenting now.

“It is obvious to us that there had been about 30 per cent decline. It is like, every year, there is 30 per cent decline in sperm parameter. There is no doubt that sperm is a big issue all over the world.

“Although, every woman has some chromosomal abnormal eggs and every man produces some chromosomal abnormal sperm, when a man has high volume of abnormal sperm, his wife may continue to experience miscarriages even if she has the best eggs in town,” Ajayi says.

He pities women in the miscarriage oddball in this part of the world, saying that majority of their husbands humiliate them for the miscarriages before they most times find out that the problem is not from their wives, but from them.

Helping couples have children After some period of placing Mrs. Owhonda and her husband on medical examination with the necessary medications, the woman is pregnant and the time she miscarriages is over. Very soon, the family will hear the cry of their baby.

Mrs. Owhonda hubby’s sperm has been boosted. The woman is saying that she is going to write a book on this and the title would be, “The sperm that saved my marriage.”

Apart from ameliorating the case of the once befuddled couple and boosting men’s sperm that are defective through dietary and Sperm Intracytoplasmic Morphologically-selected Sperm Injection (IMSI), which was first introduced as an IVF technique in 2004, Nordica offers free IVF treatment to Nigerians.

The centre offered exclusive free IVF treatment to Nigerians in 2009, when there were heightened fears on the perceived risks associated with Assisted Reproductive Technique (ART),

especially In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF).

Thousands of IVF babies have been born since the first one on 25 July 1978, whose name is Louise Brown, born at Oldham General Hospital, Oldham, by planned Caesarean section delivered by registrar John Webster. Brown weighed five pounds, 12 ounces (2.608 kg) at birth.

Reports say her parents, Lesley and John Brown, had been trying to conceive for nine years. Lesley faced complications of blocked fallopian tubes.

The first IVF baby for Nordica Fertility Centre will turn 12 years by 14th of September this year, and the centre has assisted couples with over 1500 babies in the centre.

Dr. Ajayi says that people have nothing to fear about IVF, because it is a known fact that about 25 or 30 per cent of babies born from assisted conception, especially IVF, will be more than one.

In 2009, the centre charges between N600,000 to N800,000 very maximum N900,000 for IVF, unlike in a country like the United Kingdom, where a cycle costs about $4000, the same period.

Defining intracytoplasmic morphologicallyselected sperm injection Dr. Ajayi says that IMSI is where a single sperm is injected into an egg, the only difference is that the sperm is selected using a very powerful microscope compared to the Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) microscope.

“The image of the sperm is magnified around 6,000 times during IMSI and this allows the embryologist to analyse it in greater detail and choose the healthiest-looking one for injection,” Ajayi explains.

The medical doctor adds that Nigerians have to be sensitised about IMSI, with investigations revealing that IMSI has increased pregnancy rates in people with previous failures in ICSI. This has also seen to less abortion rates over five years in the country.

He says that IMSI is only indicated when there is less than two million sperm count and motility less than five per cent. First, sperm count is low, and then there is higher incidence of genetically deformed sperms. Much of the problems with bad sperm are genetics, and they can burn out.

“Selecting the best sperm for ICSI is not a big deal if most of the sperm are normal.

Where it becomes trickier is when you are hard pressed to find a normal appearing sperm in the sample.

“Some defects like sperm with two heads, huge heads, two tails, and kinked tails are easy to detect and avoid with standard magnification.

“Other defects, like vacuoles in the sperm head are not always glaringly obvious at the lower magnification (300x) used for selecting sperm for ICSI,” he says.

Nigerian men accessing treatment The doctor adds that the impressive results that are spread either by words of mouth, media or other ways are the reasons Nigerian men are now accessing treatment.

“The macho thing is disappearing. There is no shame in it. The sperm parameters are becoming worse, and therefore it is necessary to bring it to the front burner and we cannot talk about it without talking about technology that offers hope, because we know there is no drug right now that solves the problem of deranged sperm count or bad sperm parameters.

Intra-cytoplasmic Morphologically-selected Sperm (IMSI) is helpful,” Ajayi says.

Sabotage in semen’s level Months before the findings and the subsequent counselling of Mrs. Owhonda and her husband, another leading voice in medicine, Dr. Sunny Abarikwu of the Department of Chemical Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ogun State, told Nigerians in a public presentation that there’s tremendous sabotage in the level of semen expected of young men of child bearing age, not only in Nigeria, but all over the world.

“Although little is known about what is responsible for the decline in male sperm count worldwide, significant associations have been reported between impaired semen quality, including sperm count, motility as well as morphology and exposures to heavy metals such as cadmium and lead, mycotoxins such as aflatoxins, pesticides, industrial chemicals and endocrine factors,” he said.

Science says that standard sperm count is deemed to be between 40 million and 300 million per millilitre. In August 2016, Mail Online reviewed American Journal of Epidemiology, and warns that men who watch TV for more than five hours have average sperm count of 37 million per millilitre of fluid, while those who hardly watch TV have 52 million per millilitre of fluid.

“Decreases in testosterone were detected in men watching many hours of television, the researchers added. The hormone testosterone plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissues such as the testis and prostate, as well as promoting secondary sexual characteristics such as increased muscle and bone mass, and the growth of body hair,” says the report.

Dr. Abarikwu exposed the deterioration in semen quality of young healthy men worldwide, adding, “In Nigeria, the problem is further compounded by a variety of factors such as sexually transmitted infections, genito-urinary tract infections/inflammations and deficiencies of dietary antioxidant nutrients, thereby increasing male-factor contribution to infertility in the population.”

Dr. Ajayi affirms, “Heat is a factor in male infertility. The enzymes required for the production of sperm are very sensitive to heat. Men, who frequent saunas or hot tubs, wear tight pants, sit at a desk all day, or stand in front of a hot stove may be inadvertently heating their testicles to such a degree that they can’t make sperm and get their partners pregnant. The reason that the testicles hang out and away from the body is that it’s about four degrees cooler than the normal body temperature. That cooler temperature is required for sperm to thrive.”

How to boost sperm Dr. Abayomi Ajayi advises men to eat diets high in antioxidants in order to have quality sperm. He adds that such foods are amongst beans, apples, lettuce, carrots, and walnuts.

He says that these are the highest in plant omega-3s.

There are also recommendations of dark green vegetables, which is said to be rich in vitamins C, E, and A, calcium; magnesium and potassium. Spinach, pulses, potatoes, oranges, bananas, pawpaw, beans, avocado, okro, avocado, corn, carrots, inter alia are also recommended for B vitamin.

“Alcohol affects the way the liver functions and it ultimately disturbs hormonal levels by affecting the way your body produces sperm, because alcohol is toxic to the testes and it can harm sperm when they are produced and prevent them from developing properly or stop them altogether from reaching the egg,” experts add.

At Panoramic Hall of the Civic Centre, Victoria Island in Lagos recently, while sensitising the public on fertility, the Nordica Clinic Manager, Mrs. Tola Ajayi counsels, “A couple should undertake professional counseling before embarking upon investigations and treatment.

This can open up channels of communication and keep a couple in contact with each other as they undergo what can turn out to be a challenging course of action.”

Onwumere is a Poet, Writer and Consultant based in Rivers State. Email: odimegwu@ journalist.com

39

T H I S D AY THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

HEALTH

Supporting Infant and Maternal Healthcare in Nigeria In recent times, the rate of maternal and infant mortality in developing countries is still alarming. Through its corporate social responsibility, Etisalat is demonstrating commitment to help stem the tide in Nigeria, reports Martins Ifijeh Nigeria loses about 2,300 children under five years and 145 women of child-bearing age every single day, according to the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

This makes the country the second largest contributor to under–five mortality and maternal death rate in the world.

Additionally, death of newborn babies in Nigeria is said to represent a quarter of the total number of deaths of children under–five years.

The majority of these deaths reportedly occur within the first week of life, mainly due to complications during pregnancy and delivery reflecting the intimate link between newborn survival and the quality of maternal care.

Although trends analysis by the UN agency indicate that Nigeria is making progress in reversing this ugly development, but was quick to add that the pace is not as fast as expected.

Worried by this negative indication, stakeholders in the health sector and other concerned stakeholders are united in their opinion that urgent and drastic actions must be taken by both government and private sector organisations to reduce the increasing death rates among children of under-five years and expectant mothers in the country.

It is in addressing this trend that Etisalat, which launched into the Nigerian market eight years ago, has, through its corporate social responsibility, engaged in series of interventions, initiatives and partnerships with government agencies and nongovernmental organisations to reduce the prevalence rate in the country.

Recently, the organisation made a donation of infant and maternal healthcare equipment to the Ondo State Government in partnership with Instrat Global Health Solutions.

The kits and equipment donated in support of the state government’s goal of delivering qualitative healthcare services to its citizenry, include 250 units of Mother and Newborn Delivery kits, five units of ECG/EKG systems and trolleys, five units of laptop computers with interpretative

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Taiye Oni; Chairman, Ondo State Hospital Management Board, Dr. Niran Okunrinboye; Director, Regulatory and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Etisalat Nigeria, Ikenna Ikeme and Executive Secretary, Ondo State Health Care Development Board, Dr. Olugbenga Osunmakinwa at the official presentation of Infant and Maternal Health Equipment donated by Etisalat to the Ondo State Government in Akure …recently

software for the ECG/EKG systems, and 18 units of tablets for conducting fieldwork and research on infant/maternal mortality in the state.

Speaking while handing over the equipment, Director, Regulatory and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Etisalat Nigeria, Ikenna Ikeme, affirmed the company’s commitment to the delivery of qualitative healthcare in Nigeria as a key contributor to human capital development. “We constantly seek to promote improved and healthy lifestyle within different communities across the country, and in the past seven years of our launch into the Nigerian market, we have aligned our health interventions with the Millennium Development Goals, so as to positively contribute to Nigerian government’s efforts

in meeting the set global targets,” he said.

Ikeme said further that the organisation was passionate about reduction in infant and maternal mortality prevalence in Nigeria, and revealed that through its m-health initiative, it would significantly support efforts to control and eliminate maternal and infant mortality across the country.

Chairman, Ondo State Hospital Management Board, Dr. Niran Okunrinboye, who received the equipment on behalf of Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Dayo Adeyanju, commended the organisation for the support, and said they would positively impact on the delivery of better healthcare to infants and mothers in the state.

Permanent Secretary in the Ondo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Taiye Oni, described the support as a priceless invest-

ment.

“The equipment will be used to improve chances of survival of infant and mothers. Some of the equipment will be useful for data gathering which will help us in planning,” he stated.

According to Ikeme, other health interventions by the organisation is the partnership in a consortium comprising Qualcomm Incorporated, Vecna Charitable Trust and Instrat Global Health Solutions, that has developed electronic medical record systems for clinics. Using the Etisalat 3G internet service, this, he said has been implemented in three states within the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).

“The innovation has enabled midwives from the programme record patient data at the point of care, removing the toil of paper notebooks; and has also

eliminated the requirement for regional health officers to travel around to review the accuracy of reports on data collated.

“Also as part of efforts to reduce maternal and child health, we have identified the role malaria plays in its prevalence rate in the country. Hence we started the malaria-free Nigeria campaign for promoting education and active action on the control of the spread of the disease. This is because malaria accounts for the highest death rate in Africa including Nigeria while the prevalence among children below five years and pregnant mothers is frightening,” he added.

He said under the fight malaria initiative, Etisalat has distributed several insecticide-treated nets to local government areas and secondary schools in different

communities across Nigeria.

As part of the strategy to sustain the initiative, the schools in which the insecticide treated nets were distributed have instituted in them Student Leaders Against Malaria (SLAM) Clubs with pilot in Kano State, in partnership with the Malaria Foundation International (MFI), and its Nigerian affiliate, the Society for Youth Awareness and Health Development (SYAHD).

He also noted that Etisalat has partnered with Malaria No More, the National Malaria Elimination Programme and the Federal Ministry of Health, to disseminate information on the prevention and control of the spread of malaria. “This partnership on the Malaria Free Nigeria – Play your part campaign, was done with the end goal of ultimately eliminating the malaria scourge from Nigeria,” he said.

and glutathione helps Vitamin C to balance glutathione level in our bodies for a nourished, healthy and beautiful look,” she said.

She also said the antioxidant agents such as Glutathione and Vitamin C plus collagen work at multiple levels to achieve maximum skin toning and address the issues of hyper pigmentation.

“These anti-oxidants help remove blemishes, reduces skin fine lines, dullness, wrinkles and age spots.”

Okaka also said the company’s brand of intense toning body lotion which contains SPF 25 prevents skin damage caused by the sun and environmental stress, adding that it is also known for its quick efficacy.

Ardent World Launches Anti-Aging Skin Products In its pursuit to help the womenfolk achieve perfection in skin care, Ardent World Inc. (AWI), a global cosmetics company has introduced a wide range of natural based cosmetics products which it said can correct the anomalies and guarantee a nourished, healthy and beautiful look.

Speaking on the products, Olivia Okaka, Brand Manager ,

Sinai Co. Ltd., sole distributors of the products in Nigeria, said the products which contain Moringa-O2 and Glutathione and are duly registered with NAFDAC, do not have side effects.

She said, “We know lots of promises have been made by other brands and most of them have been broken. We believe in beauty achieved

with nature.

“We are aware of the concerns of women and we have heard their cries against the damage caused by harmful products on their skin and that is why we are proud to introduce our range of products which are natural based cosmetics products manufactured by Ardent World Inc. (AWI), of which we

are the exclusive distributors of the various brands of their beauty products in Africa.

She said that the product was a combination of Glutathione and Vitamin-C which are natural powerful toning actives and antioxidants that safely and intensely tone the skin and fight radicals that cause pre-mature aging.

“Combination of Vitamin C

40

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 • T H I S D AY

INTERNATIONAL

email:foreigndesk@thisdaylive.com

Gabon’s President Shrugs off Calls forVote Recount Gabon’s re-elected President, Ali Bongo, shrugged off international calls for a recount of last week’s disputed vote, saying it was a matter for the constitutional court to decide.

Opposition leader Jean Ping says the election was a sham, and the European Union has questioned the validity of the results. France, the former colonial ruler once close to Bongo’s father and predecessor, supports the idea of a recount.

The poll and its violent aftermath has brought unwanted international attention to the central African oil producer, which counts Total and Royal Dutch Shell PLC among foreign investors, bringing petrodollars that have flowed mostly to the elite.

Asked in a pre-recorded interview broadcast on Wednesday whether he would permit a recount, Bongo told France’s RTL radio: “What people should be asking me to do is apply the law. I cannot violate the law.

As far as a recount is concerned ... that’s done at the level of the Constitutional Court.”

Bongo said that under Gabon’s electoral law, his opponents had until Thursday to lodge their complaints with the court. He said he was preparing his own objections. Ping called on Tuesday for international help, and told Reuters: “Everybody knows the result and everybody knows that Bongo is doing everything not to accept it.”

France has intervened in its former African colonies in the past but has ruled out intervention in Gabon, which has been run by the Bongo family for half a century.

France has a military base in Gabon but relations have soured recently.

Gabon recalled its ambassador earlier this year after the French

government appeared to question the legitimacy of Bongo’s 2009 election win. In April, anti-corruption investigators seized several Bongo family properties in France.

Ping, a former diplomat, has said he has no faith in the constitutional court because of its alleged ties to the Bongo family and said in his interview with Reuters late on Tuesday that a recount under international supervision should be conducted first.

He has alleged the number of votes cast for Bongo in southeastern Haut-Ogooue province was inflated.

Official figures show the president won 95.46 percent of the vote in the province, a Bongo stronghold, on a 99.9 percent turnout.

Bongo has countered that it was Ping who cheated. “Jean Ping has committed fraud,” Bongo said in a separate interview with Europe 1 radio on Wednesday. “I didn’t organise anything, I didn’t put in place a network of cyber criminals in order to rig the vote.” Asked whether he would accept the court’s ruling if it did examine the results, he said: “I am a democrat.

I am in favour the Constitutional Court taking up the case and may it confirm my election. That’s what I am expecting.”

He said any suggestion of forming a unity government with opponents was premature.

“I will be the president for all Gabonese, I will work with all compatriots who want to join me in working for the development of the country. But it is difficult to work with those who asked the Gabonese people to go into the streets and loot.”

French Prime Minister Manuel

IranVessel Harasses, Sails Close to US Navy Ship in Gulf A U.S. Navy coastal patrol ship changed course after a fast-attack craft from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps came within 100 yards (91 meters) of it in the central Gulf on Sunday, U.S. Defense Department officials said on Tuesday.

It was at least the fourth such incident in less than a month.

U.S. officials are concerned that these actions by Iran could lead to mistakes.

Years of mutual animosity eased when Washington lifted sanctions on Tehran in January after a deal to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

But serious differences still remain over Iran’s ballistic missile program, and over conflicts in Syria and Iraq.

Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis said the Iranian vessel sailed directly in front of the USS Firebolt, forcing the 174-foot (53-metre) U.S. ship to change course.

The incident began when seven Iranian ships “harassed” the Firebolt, Davis said. A U.S. Defense official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the interaction was “unsafe and unprofessional due to lack of communications and the close-range harassing maneuvering,” adding that uncovered and manned weapons were seen on the Iranian vessel.

The U.S. ship tried to communicate with the Iranian ship by radio three times but received no

response. The U.S. official said there have been 31 similar interactions with Iranian ships this year, almost double the amount from the same period last year.

“We don’t see this type of unsafe and unprofessional activity from any other nation,” the defense official added. In late August, a U.S. Navy patrol craft fired warning shots toward an Iranian fast-attack vessel that approached two U.S. ships.

At the time, Iran’s defense minister said Iranian vessels were just doing their job. Last week, the head of U.S. Central Command, General Joseph Votel, said unsafe maneuvers in the Gulf were part of the Iranian regime trying to exert its influence in the region.

Kenneth Pollack, a former top CIA and White House official, said that one or two incidents could have been explained “as being the work of an over-zealous commander” within Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

But the number of such incidents in recent weeks make it “very hard for me to believe these are not sanctioned by higher authority” within Iran, said Pollack, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution.

If that is the case, Iranian authorities may be using the incidents to stir up popular anger against the United States, he said.

Valls on Tuesday suggested a recount would be sensible, and urged the Gabonese authorities to

help locate about 15 French nationals who are missing. Bongo said his government had been handed a

list of six names. “They are among those who rioted and looted and were therefore arrested,” Bongo

said, adding that dual nationals would be treated like any citizen of Gabon.

CAMPAIGN CONTINUES

Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump, stands on a chair to speak to people in an overflow area after a campaign rally in Greenville, North Carolina….yesterday

Turkey Ready to Help Any US Initiative to Capture Raqqa Turkey would be ready to join any initiative proposed by the United States to capture an Islamic State stronghold in Syria, President Tayyip Erdogan said in remarks published yesterday, as Turkish-backed forces took more Syrian land from jihadists.

Obama floated the idea of joint action with Turkey to capture Raqqa during talks between the two leaders at a G20 summit in China, Erdogan said, according to yesterday’s edition of Turkey’s Hurriyet daily.

Turkey launched an offensive in northern Syria on Aug. 24 to clear Islamic State from its border and to prevent territorial gains by the Kurdish YPG militia, which Ankara believes has links to Kurdish insurgents fighting on its soil.

“Obama wants to do some things together concerning Raqqa in particular,” Erdogan told reporters

on his plane that arrived early on Tuesday, referring to Islamic State’s de facto capital. He was speaking after meetings in China with Obama, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other world leaders.

“We stated that would not be a problem from our perspective. We said, ‘Let our soldiers come together, whatever is necessary will be done’,” the Turkish president said, adding that a specific Turkish role would depend on further talks.

U.S. officials have welcomed Turkish efforts to dislodge Islamic State from Syrian strongholds but voiced concern when Turkish troops engaged fighters aligned to the YPG, a force Washington sees as a valuable ally in battling jihadists.

Turkish-backed forces clashed with YPG fighters in the initial stages of the two-week old Turkish

incursion into Syria, but have since shifted their focus onto territory held

by Islamic State and captured a string of villages.

Turkey’s military said late on Tuesday that three Turkish soldiers were killed when two tanks were hit by rockets fired by Islamic State.

Four others were wounded, it said.

The military also said the Free Syrian Army, a loose-knit rebel force backed by Turkey, had taken six more villages, also located in Islamic State-held areas.

Turkey and its rebel allies now control a 90-km stretch of land on the Syrian side of the border and are pushing south. Ankara wants international support to take control of a rectangle of territory stretching about 40 km into Syria, creating a buffer between two Kurdish-held cantons to the east

and west and against Islamic State to the south.

Turkey says such a “safe zone” would help stem the flood of Syrian refugees. But the idea has yet to gain traction from the United States and Russia, both engaged in Syria, because of the military demands of policing such a zone.

Turkey, meanwhile, has been sending more military hardware south. The army sent 15 more tanks to the Islahiye district near the border, bringing the total number of tanks and armored vehicles in that area to 90, Dogan news agency reported.

“We do not have the chance to take a backward step. If we take a backward step terror groups like Daesh, PKK, PYD and YPG will settle there,” Erdogan said, according to Hurriyet.

Iraqi Militia Fighters Join Battle for Aleppo An Iraqi Shi’ite militia said yesterday that it had dispatched more than 1,000 fighters to the frontline in neighbouring Syria, escalating foreign involvement in the battle for Aleppo, the biggest prize in five years of relentless civil war. New footage emerged of civilians choking in the aftermath of an apparent attack with poison chlorine gas on an opposition-held district as the battle for Syria’s biggest city approaches what could be a decisive phase.

Aleppo has been divided for years into government and rebel sectors, but President Bashar al-Assad’s army has put the opposition areas under siege and now hopes to capture the

whole city in what would be a devastating blow to his enemies.

Government forces are backed

by Russian air power and battlehardened Lebanese and Iraqi Shi’ite militia fighters under the apparent oversight of an Iranian general.

The arrival of reinforcements from Iraq, where Shi’ite militia are fighting their own war against the Islamic State group, shows how the Syrian and Iraqi conflicts have leapt borders, to become a broad sectarian war across the Middle East. Hashim al-Moussawi, a spokesman for the Iraqi Shi’ite militia Harakat al-Nujab, said its fighters would reinforce areas captured from the

rebels in southern Aleppo.

The militia’s Twitter account showed pictures of its fighters at the Syrian front with Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani, commander of foreign operations for the elite Revolutionary Guards, who has led operations

by Tehran’s allies in both Syria and Iraq. Rebel commanders said they are preparing to launch their own counter-offensive aimed at breaking the siege of the city, which was reimposed in recent days following weeks of intense fighting around a military complex. Rebels lost the complex of military colleges to pro-government forces on Sunday near the Ramousah

area of southwestern Aleppo, where they had opened a way into the city.

Five years after the multi-sided war began, hundreds of thousands of people have been killed and 11 million - half of Syria’s pre-war population - displaced. But there is little sign that any party is poised for victory or can restore stability, and foreign powers are becoming more involved.

In recent weeks, Turkey has sent its troops across the border to combat Islamic State and Kurdish fighters. The United States, which is trying to negotiate a ceasefire with Russia, has backed Kurdish forces advancing against Islamic State.

41

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 • T H I S D AY

INTERNATIONAL

Syrians Begin Returning Home after Weeks of Offensive A group of 292 Syrians went back to the Syrian town of Jarablus from Turkey yesterday, marking the first formal return of civilians since Ankara launched a military incursion two weeks ago to try to secure the border region, a Turkish official said.

Jarablus, which had been held

by Islamic State, was the first town captured by Turkey’s army and its Syrian rebel allies in an offensive launched on Aug. 24 that aims to sweep away jihadists and Syrian Kurdish militias from the frontier.

Turkey has said it cleared militants from a 90-km (56-mile) stretch of Syrian territory and has pushed south. It has also said it would support any U.S. initiative to strike Islamic State’s stronghold of Raqqa, further to the southeast.

But Turkey’s tactics have drawn criticism from its NATO ally the United States and also from Russia, with which it recently patched up ties. Washington says Turkish attacks on Kurdish-aligned militias damage a U.S.-backed coalition that is fighting Islamic State. Russia, which backs the government in Damascus, said on Wednesday Ankara’s push south threatened Syria’s sovereignty.

“We call on Ankara to refrain from any steps which can further destabilise the situation in Syria,”

Russia’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Turkey, which hosts 3 million Syrian refugees, has urged world powers to back plans for a “safe zone” in north Syria to stem the flow of migrants and to allow Syrians to return home.

Although it has failed to win support for the idea, Ankara has pressed on with its offensive to carve out a swathe of territory under the control of the Turkish army and its allies, the Free Syrian Army, allowing some civilians to return home. “The formal returns have begun today,” said a spokesman at the governor’s office for the southern Turkish province of Gaziantep, which lies across the border from Jarablus.

He said there were 292 people in the first group of registered returnees, including women, children and the elderly. More would be allowed to return but only gradually, he added.

To encourage returnees, Deputy Prime Minister Nurettin Canikli said Turkey would supply mains power to Jarablus on Saturday, followed by water supplies two days later. Power supplies across Syria have been severely disrupted by the war. “Turkey has supported us in every way until now, and has now saved our homeland,” said Fatima Mahmud, a mother

who was among the group, told the Turkish newspaper Milliyet.

The United Nations has said an area can only be declared a “safe zone” if the protection of civilians can be guaranteed. It has previously cautioned against encouraging returns too soon.

“Currently, conflict lines are too insecure for many of the town’s displaced to return safely,” the U.N. humanitarian agency OCHA said in a report last week, referring to Jarablus which had a pre-war population of about 27,500 people.

South and west of Jarablus, Turkish

forces have continued fighting. The deputy prime minister said four Turkish soldiers had been killed and 19 wounded in the two-week offensive.

Turkey has repeatedly demanded that the Kurdish YPG militia withdraw to the eastern side of the Euphrates, where there is a Kurdish-controlled canton. Ankara sees the YPG as an extension of the PKK which is fighting an insurgency on Turkish soil.

The YPG says its troops have long since withdrawn from areas being targeted by Turkish-backed

forces. Canikli told a news conference on Wednesday that the YPG had not yet completely pulled back east.

The army said Turkey’s rebel allies had taken six more villages, located in Islamic Stateheld areas, adding to dozens of settlements now under the control of Turkish-backed forces. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan had told U.S. President Barack Obama that Turkey would support a joint operation to capture Raqqa, the Syrian city that is Islamic

State’s de facto capital, Canikli said.

Erdogan earlier said Obama had floated the idea of such cooperation during meetings at a summit of G20 leaders in China this week, the daily Hurriyet reported. The president had said a specific Turkish role would depend on further talks. U.S. officials have welcomed Turkish efforts to dislodge Islamic State but voiced concern when Turkish troops engaged fighters aligned with the Kurdish YPG militia, a force Washington sees as a valuable ally in battling jihadists.

Iraqi Militia Fighters Join Battle for Aleppo An Iraqi Shi’ite militia said yesterday that it had dispatched more than 1,000 fighters to the frontline in neighbouring Syria, escalating foreign involvement in the battle for Aleppo, the biggest prize in five years of relentless civil war. New footage emerged of civilians choking in the aftermath of an apparent attack with poison chlorine gas on an opposition-held district as the battle for Syria’s biggest city approaches what could be a decisive phase.

Aleppo has been divided for years into government and rebel sectors, but President Bashar

al-Assad’s army has put the opposition areas under siege and now hopes to capture the whole city in what would be a devastating blow to his enemies. Government forces are backed by Russian air power and battle-hardened Lebanese and Iraqi Shi’ite militia fighters under the apparent oversight of an Iranian general.

The arrival of reinforcements from Iraq, where Shi’ite militia are fighting their own war against the Islamic State group, shows how the Syrian and Iraqi conflicts have leapt borders, to become a broad sectarian war across the Middle East. Hashim al-Moussawi, a spokesman for the Iraqi Shi’ite militia Harakat al-Nujab, said its fighters would reinforce areas captured from the rebels in

southern Aleppo.

The militia’s Twitter account showed pictures of its fighters at the Syrian front with Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani, commander of foreign operations for the elite Revolutionary Guards, who has led operations by Tehran’s allies in both Syria and Iraq.

Rebel commanders said they are preparing to launch their own counter-offensive aimed at breaking the siege of the city, which was reimposed in recent days following weeks of intense fighting around a military complex.

Rebels lost the complex of military colleges to pro-government forces on Sunday near the Ramousah area of southwestern Aleppo, where they had opened a way

into the city.

Five years after the multi-sided war began, hundreds of thousands of people have been killed and 11 million - half of Syria’s pre-war population - displaced. But there is little sign that any party is poised for victory or can restore stability, and foreign powers are becoming more involved.

In recent weeks, Turkey has sent its troops across the border to combat Islamic State and Kurdish fighters. The United States, which is trying to negotiate a ceasefire with Russia, has backed Kurdish forces advancing against Islamic State.

Meanwhile, the plight of some 250,000 civilians trapped in rebelheld districts of Aleppo has spurred international efforts to agree a new

42

T H I S D AY •THURSDAY,SEPTEMBER 7, 2016

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Emefiele: Efficient Payment System Pivotal for Financial System’s Growth Obinna Chima The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele has stressed that an efficient payment system is pivotal to Nigeria’s financial system as well as in engendering sustained economic growth and development.

The governor pointed out that it was on this basis that the CBN has been making strides in the payment system sphere, from effective strategic planning, in collaboration with various stakeholders, to positioning the system for the facilitation of commerce, financial inclusion and inclusive economic growth.

Emefiele said this in a speech he presented the 10th annual banking and finance conference of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) held in Abuja yesterday. The conference was entitled: “ Innovation in the Financial Services Sector: Driving Nigeria’s New Economy.”

According to him, it was in line with this vision, the central bank embarked on a programme to transform the payment system, aimed at migrating transactions from cash to electronic payment in 2010.

“This programme, which is

now about six years old, was sequel to the successful implementation of specific payments infrastructure enhancements, which included interoperability at payments infrastructure level and the commitment of the government, expressed through the 2009 directive, that all government payments be effected electronically.

“Between 2010 and 2015, we were able to grow the active point of sale (PoS) systems from less than 5,000 to over 70,000.

More also, instant payments was implemented for online, realtime, retail account-to-account transfers, over ten e-commerce businesses commenced operations in Nigeria; while mobile money operations now have over ten million mobile money subscribers currently.

“The ongoing distribution of farm input, through the use of mobile wallet based fertilizer vouchers also attest to the importance of an efficient payments system in an economy. These changes were not just limited to growth in electronic payments transactions, but also improved financial and economic inclusion, as more people now have access to payments services.

“We must also acknowledge the effect of these innovations on our goal of assisting to attain

full employment, in view of the several thousands of jobs created down the value chain.

Such jobs include those working as network agents, logistics officers, technicians, programmers, system developers, etc,” he explained.

In his address, the President/ Chairman of Council, CIBN, Prof. Segun Ajibola, said in view of the present economic situation, this is the time the financial services sector needs to play some catalystic roles to redirect the economy to path of recovery, growth and development.

The CIBN boss noted that over the years, the country has been inundated with hopes and desires for a new dawn through import substitution strategies, adding that the time is now ripe to walk the talk.

“Again, Nigeria has experimented with multitude of policies and programmes aimed at supporting this lower end of the economy with minimal results. Perhaps, one way of entrenching a lasting initiative is to benchmark the models already successfully implemented in countries such as India, Malaysia, South Korea, Indonesia where the contribution of micro businesses to GDP hovers around 75 per cent.

MTN Plans Bond Sale to Raise Funds MTN Group Limited plans to gauge investor interest in a possible bond offering as Africa’s biggest mobile-phone company by sales seeks funds to pay for dividends, capital expenditure and a record N330 billion ($1 billion) fine in Nigeria.

The wireless operator has mandated Barclays Bank Plc, Bank of America Corp.’s Merrill Lynch, Citigroup Inc. and Standard Bank Group Limited to arrange a series of fixed-income investor meetings in the U.S. and the U.K. starting September 9, the Johannesburg-based company said in a statement on Wednesday.

The dollar-denominated bond offering “is expected to follow subject to market conditions,” Bloomberg quoted the carrier said. MTN’s move

to attract funding comes after the company reported its first-ever half-year loss this month, partly caused by an agreement to settle the fine with Nigerian regulators and government. The subscriber base of 233 million didn’t grow during the six months through June, while MTN is struggling to repatriate 15.4 billion rand ($1.1 billion) tied up in its Iran unit.

“Pre-dividend free cash flow won’t cover payments of dividends and the fine in Nigeria this year and in 2017,” an emerging-markets credit analyst at Gimme Credit LLC in Tel Aviv, Alexandre Dray, said in e-mailed comments.

“Therefore, the company needs to raise new debt or equity to keep a comfortable liquidity position.”

MTN issued a $750 million note in 2014 that matures in 2024, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The company sold a 1.25 billion rand bond in 2010, which matures in July next year.

After reaching a record high in February, the yield on MTN’s dollar-denominated note has fallen as the carrier negotiated and finally successfully settled talks over its Nigerian fine.

Having peaked at 7.11 percent on Feb. 19, the note’s yield is now 4.81 percent and its spread to a similarly dated Treasury Bill has narrowed.

MTN is due to pay an outstanding N280 billion of the Nigerian fine in six installments over the next three years. The first payment, which MTN Nigeria says it has already settled, was due on July 8.

Firm Unveils New Regional Office Halogen Security Company Limited has announced the opening of its new regional office in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.

According to the company, the opening of the new regional office located at Km 5 Idi – Iroko road Ota, is in line with the company’s constant drive to deliver outstanding customer service at every touch point.

The new office will provide capacity for increased customer support and services and an opportunity to understand the security challenges and concerns that are prevalent in the Ota community.

A statement disclosed that present at the commissioning were top security officials from the Nigerian Police, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Also present at the event were Senior Management Staff of the Company, and several others.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Director Physical Security Solutions, Halogen Security, Mr. Bosun Sosanya said, “as a security solutions provider, it is important that we understand the inherent risk that exists within the community, and that we proffer products and solutions that will mitigate that risk, thereby providing our customers with real and psychological comfort.”

He added that, “our long term goal is to be able to respond to our customers distress call within 15 minutes irrespective of where in Nigeria they may be located.

To achieve this goal, we must expand our reach and build more locations within the country.”

In his speech, the Managing Director/CEO, Halogen Security, Mr. Wale Olaoye, said: “Halogen is focused on offering innovative security solutions that are customized and easy to use and the company has always benchmarked itself against global best practices which is the only way it can achieve its aim of being the industry leader in the West African sub region in the next few years, and a major player on the entire continent.

Our team is excited about the growth we are experiencing and this move represents a commitment to continue to build on the success it has accomplished.”

The New Halogen Ota Regional office will cater and service all these industries in varying sectors. It will be a central point from where all services and products will be offered and deployed.

Emefiele

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JUNE 2016 Broad Money (M2)

21,684,965.22

-- Narrow Money (M1)

9,125,933.16

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,379,187.93

---- Demand Deposits

7,746,745.22

-- Quasi Money

12,559,032.07

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,105,663.47

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

14,579,301.76

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

24,318,143.03

---- Credit to Government (Net)

2,893,190.01

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

2,893,190.01

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

-2,111,487.25

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

21,424,953.01

--Other Assets Net

-9,738,841.27

Reserve Money (Base Money)

5,370,199.87

--Currency in Circulation

1,684,725.89

--Banks Reserves

3,685,473.98 • Source - CBN

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Price (N) Stanbic Balanced Fund

Buying Price(N)

Selling Price

1,660.29

1,685.29

Stanbic IBTC NEF

1,000.00

11,002.32

11,326.67.11

Stanbic SIBond

20

120.47

120.47

Stanbic IBTC Ethical

1

1.10

1.13

Stanbic IBTC GIF

142.90

143.38

UBA Balanced Fund

1.2563

1.2493

UBA Bond Fund

1.3443

1.3443

UBA Equity Fund

0.8205

0.8074

UBA Money Market Fund

1.1510

1.1510

ARM Aggressive Growth Fund

N13.0544

N13.4480

ARM Discovery Fund

N288.2515

N296.9425

ARM Ethical Fund

N22.5268

N23.2060

ARM Money Market Fund

13.1030 (Yield % ) • Monetary Policy Rate - 14%

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT TUESDAY 6, SEDPTEMBER The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $42.78 a barrel on Tuesday, compared with $43.57 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.The new OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), Rabi Light (Gabon), Minas (Indonesia), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

43

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

Nigeria’s top 50 stocks based on market fundamentals

7-Sept-16

6-Sept-16

% Change

Capitalisation

EPS

P/E

P/S

Div. Yld

Price/ Book Value

01 Dangote Cement Plc

173.00

173.00

0.00%

2,948,007,781,065.00

9.56

18.35

5.52

4.56%

4.40

02 Nigerian Breweries Plc

140.20

140.01

0.14%

1,111,659,944,497.60

4.50

31.14

3.71

2.57%

6.82

03 Guaranty Trust Bank Plc

27.00

27.00

0.00%

794,641,839,048.00

4.20

6.22

2.14

6.78%

1.70

825.01

825.00

0.00%

653,949,334,462.52

19.41

42.50

3.94

3.52%

18.59

05 Zenith Bank Plc

14.60

14.60

0.00%

458,388,809,275.60

3.10

4.82

1.12

12.04%

0.76

06 Lafarge Africa Plc

58.00

56.30

3.02%

264,184,304,980.00

-6.71

-8.64

1.19

5.17%

1.89

165.06

172.00

-4.03%

214,987,530,861.18

4.22

41.47

1.54

1.97%

5.32

08 Ecobank Transnational Incorporated

11.66

11.66

0.00%

213,955,767,166.90

0.23

50.05

0.39

5.39%

0.35

09 Presco Plc

45.00

45.30

-0.66%

178,671,467,025.00

0.54

77.37

2.37

3.13%

4.03

320.20

318.33

0.59%

177,169,962,222.60 -14.43

-19.06

1.63

5.79%

0.40

11 United Bank for Africa Plc

4.59

4.52

1.55%

166,523,025,817.98

1.66

2.61

0.50

13.82%

0.39

12 Access Bank Plc

5.42

5.41

0.18%

156,789,606,240.02

2.56

2.18

0.47

9.86%

0.38

04 Nestle Nigeria Plc

07 Forte Oil Plc.

10 Seplat Petroleum Dev. Co. Ltd

13 Unilever Nigeria Plc

40.04

39.03

2.59%

151,483,181,850.00

0.46

84.34

2.42

0.13%

16.56

14 Guinness Nig Plc

97.85

95.97

1.96%

147,351,159,195.80

3.70

25.29

1.25

0.00%

3.17

15 Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc

14.50

14.50

0.00%

145,000,000,000.00

2.04

7.12

1.23

0.69%

1.29

3.07

3.06

0.33%

110,198,548,871.44

0.30

9.84

0.21

5.00%

0.18

17 7-Up Bottling Comp. Plc

137.66

144.90

-5.00%

88,183,669,370.58

3.75

34.14

0.92

1.72%

3.18

18 Total Nigeria Plc

240.00

241.00

-0.41%

81,485,240,880.00

31.13

7.77

0.34

5.79%

3.89

19 Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc

6.51

6.56

-0.76%

78,120,000,000.00

1.05

6.19

0.65

7.69%

1.31

20 International Breweries Plc

19.00

19.00

0.00%

62,590,736,320.00

0.17

113.27

2.61

1.27%

5.28

170.06

170.78

-0.42%

61,322,830,255.72

17.69

9.65

0.75

4.22%

3.58

4.93

4.84

1.86%

59,330,671,147.42

-3.46

-1.41

0.31

15.34%

0.43

23 Julius Berger Nig. Plc

43.69

43.69

0.00%

57,670,800,000.00

0.24

199.88

0.62

3.10%

2.85

24 Flour Mills Nig. Plc

19.75

19.75

0.00%

51,828,684,443.25

6.81

2.94

0.14

10.00%

0.52

1.11

1.10

0.91%

42,980,307,141.75

-0.37

-2.98

0.95

0.00%

0.57

26 U A C N Plc

20.80

21.50

-3.26%

39,953,979,249.60

2.44

8.40

0.55

4.88%

0.53

27 Okomu Oil Palm Plc

36.00

36.06

-0.17%

34,340,760,000.00

4.60

7.83

2.79

0.28%

2.21

28 Sterling Bank Plc

1.01

1.01

0.00%

29,078,322,307.26

0.31

3.11

0.26

9.38%

0.33

29 Diamond Bank Plc

1.20

1.15

4.35%

27,792,466,761.60

0.11

9.52

0.12

0.00%

0.11

30 Wema Bank Plc

0.72

0.75

-4.00%

27,773,615,578.32

0.06

10.94

0.54

0.00%

0.56

31 Fidelity Bank Plc

0.93

0.93

0.00%

26,935,204,693.56

0.39

2.39

0.19

17.20%

0.15

14.00

14.00

0.00%

26,294,828,560.00

0.83

16.95

0.95

9.29%

2.12

33 Custodian And Allied Insurance Plc

4.00

4.00

0.00%

23,527,456,780.00

0.76

5.20

0.70

3.54%

0.83

34 Glaxo Smithkline Consumer Nig. Plc

19.00

19.00

0.00%

22,721,653,272.00

-2.54

-7.29

0.76

1.62%

2.42

35 Cap Plc

32.00

32.00

0.00%

22,400,000,000.00

2.36

12.76

3.03

3.82%

14.43

36 Mansard Insurance Plc

2.08

2.08

0.00%

21,840,000,000.00

0.27

7.36

1.09

2.50%

0.99

37 FCMB Group Plc

1.10

1.14

-3.51%

21,782,981,859.10

0.61

1.70

0.13

9.62%

0.12

38 National Salt Co. Nig. Plc

8.10

8.10

0.00%

21,460,450,861.80

0.89

9.03

1.17

6.88%

3.07

39 PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc

17.56

17.60

-0.23%

17,560,000,000.00

4.14

4.39

1.37

0.55%

0.54

40 Honeywell Flour Mill Plc

1.30

1.30

0.00%

10,309,256,955.40

-0.40

-3.46

0.23

11.43%

0.67

41 Continental Reinsurance Plc

0.99

0.99

0.00%

10,269,016,868.88

0.33

2.92

0.48

12.50%

0.51

42 Skye Bank Plc

0.68

0.65

4.62%

9,438,604,958.80

-2.93

-0.21

0.05

47.62%

0.08

43 Unity Bank Plc

0.70

0.70

0.00%

8,182,536,559.40

0.54

1.44

0.14

0.00%

0.11

44 Cement Co. Of North.Nig. Plc

6.00

6.00

0.00%

7,540,066,596.00

0.44

13.54

0.68

1.67%

0.70

45 Wapic Insurance Plc

0.50

0.50

0.00%

6,691,369,126.00

0.11

4.62

0.88

6.00%

0.43

46 UACN Property Development Co. Limited

3.50

3.50

0.00%

6,015,624,982.50

-0.05

-67.70

1.80

19.83%

0.17

47 Resort Savings & Loans Plc

0.50

0.50

0.00%

5,664,866,202.00

4.68

0.11

0.02

0.00%

1.89

48 Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc

3.33

3.50

-4.86%

5,408,648,437.50

0.15

22.69

0.71

5.71%

0.92

49 AIICO Insurance Plc

0.62

0.63

-1.59%

4,296,726,777.60

0.26

2.45

0.14

7.81%

0.47

50 Fidson Healthcare Plc

1.69

1.77

-4.52%

2,535,000,000.00

0.31

5.55

0.38

2.94%

0.40

16 FBN Holdings Plc

21 Mobil Oil Nig Plc 22 Oando Plc

25 Transnational Corporation Of Nigeria Plc

32 Cadbury Nigeria Plc

TOTAL

8,916,288,639,525.68

TOTAL MARKET CAP

9,454,175,231,429.87

% OF MARKET CAP Annotation - MA* = Simple Moving Average

94.31%

Table 1 Market Statistics Mkt Indicators

Open 6-Sept-16

NSE All Share Index NSE Market Cap (N'Trillion)

27,503.81 9.45

27,522.62 9.45

0.07 0.07

114.47 8.91

114.51 8.92

0.04 0.04

Thisday BGL 50 Index Thisday BGL 50 Market Cap (N'Trillion)

Close 7-Sept-16

Change %

Table 3 Top 5 Gainers Stock

Open Close Change 6-Sept-16 7-Sept-16 %

Skye Bank Plc Diamond Bank Plc Lafarge Africa Plc Unilever Nigeria Plc Guinness Nig Plc

0.65 1.15 56.30 39.03 95.97

0.68 1.20 58.00 40.04 97.85

4.62 4.35 3.02 2.59 1.96

Table 4 Top 5 Losers Stock

Open Close Change 6-Sept-16 7-Sept-16 %

7-Up Bottling Comp. Plc Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc Fidson Healthcare Plc Forte Oil Plc. Wema Bank Plc

144.90 3.50

137.66 3.33

-5.00 -4.86

1.77 172.00 0.75

1.69 165.06 0.72

-4.52 -4.03 -4.00

Market closes bullish as ASI gains 0.07% Market pulse on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) today – Wednesday, September 7th, 2016 was bullish as the market closed green today. This was further highlighted by positive performances from the NSE Sub sectors: Banking and Consumer Goods (Save Insurance and Oil & Gas). Trading activities increased in volume as 295.71 million shares worth N3.59 billion in 3,709 deals exchanged hands today.

This is an increase from the 176.77 million shares worth N1.89 billion in 3,682 deals exchanged on Thursday. Topping in volume terms was GTB Plc, ETI Plc and Access Bank Plc while ETI Plc and GTB Plc ended trading as the most active stocks in value terms.

The All Share Index (NSEASI) closed positive with a 0.07% (+18.81) increase to close at 27,522.62 from 27,503.81 the previous trading day. Market Capitalization appreciated in tandem to N9.45 trillion from N9.45 trillion of prior trading day. Similarly, the Thisday BGL 50 Index also followed suit with an increase of 0.04% to close at 114.51 from 114.47 recorded at the end of the previous trading day, while its market capitalization stood at N8.92 trillion from N8.91 trillion of the previous trading day.

A total number of 17 stocks gained on the bourse today while 18 stocks declined, 57 leaving stocks unchanged. Skye Bank Plc emerged the toast of investors as it topped the Thisday BGL 50 Index gainers’ list with a gain of 4.62% to close at N0.68 per share. It was followed by Diamond Bank Plc with a gain of 4.35% to close at N1.20 per share. Others on the gainers list include: Lafarge Africa Plc, Unilever Nigeria Plc and Guinness Nigeria Plc while on the decliners’ list; 7-Up Bottling Comp. Plc led with a loss of 5.00% to close at N137.66 per share. It was followed by Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc with a loss of 4.86% to close at N3.33 per share. Others on the decliners list include Fidson Healthcare Plc, Forte Oil Plc and Wema Bank Plc. REQUIRED DISCLOSURE This report has been prepared by BGL Plc. BGL Plc does and seeks to do business with companies covered in its research reports. As a result, the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this report. Investors should use this report as one of many other factors in making their investment decisions.

For more details go to www.thisdaylive.com

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T H I S D AY •THURSDAY,SEPTEMBER 7, 2016

MARKET NEWS

Take Advantage of Low Stocks Prices, Fidelity Bank MD Urges Investors Goddy Egene and Nosa Alekhuogie Investors have been advised to take advantage of the low prices of shares and increase their investment at the stock market.

The Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, gave this advice while speaking during a courtesy visit by Capital Market Correspondents Association of

Nigeria (CAMCAN) to the bank in Lagos recently.

According to him, it is the better to invest when prices are low. Okonkwo said most investors are still reluctant to patronise the stock market because of their experience during the last market down turn.

“Now that prices are low, is the best time to invest and as things turn around, people

T H E

will harvest. Like Warren Buffet said, ‘be greedy when others are fearful and be fearful when others are greedy’.

People are greedy when the market is rising because they can see and fearful when the market is down. Unfortunately, for many Nigerians the only time they knew about the market was when the market was booming, people were putting their money and they

N I G E R I A N

lost their money. So many of them are still skeptical about shares,” he said.

The Fidelity Bank boss, who stressed the need for stakeholder education on financial inclusion in order to increase the numbers of domestic investors participating in the market, therefore tasked CAMCAN members to create more awareness about shares investment.

“We need stakeholder educa-

STO C K

tion more now because we would be relying on journalists to let the people know, especially those who keep their money out of financial system that financial inclusion is not just about people opening accounts in banks. It also includes access to capital market that is those who do not know about shares. That is not only on opening accounts but also to learn to assess

E XC H A N G E

the capital market. This will increase domestic investors’ participation in the equity market,” he added.

Okonkwo disclosed that from the experience of Fidelity Bank in its savings promotion, creating awareness is very important in the financial inclusion drive.

“Our promo boosted our retrial business significantly just because awareness was created.

T H I S D AY THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

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46

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

NPower: Nigerians Want Buhari to Probe Plans to Empower South Korean Firm Against the desire of information communications technology (ICT) companies in the country to be offered the job of supplying 500,000 computers to empower Nigerian youths in the federal government-sponsored NPower project, some staff in the office of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo have taken the unpatriotic option by offering the job to a foreign firm.

Some members of the Certified Computers Manufacturers of Nigeria (CCMON), the umbrella body of indigenous computer manufacturers, had raised the alarm of a surreptitious move by some persons in the vice president’s office to shut out indigenous firms

in a major ICT programme of the federal government. They had argued that giving the job to local firms to handle was capable of lifting the status of local computer makers. The group accused the office of Vice President Osinbajo of orchestrating a plot to award the contract to a foreign firm through its Nigerian proxy.

The CCMON members familiar with the project said it was possible that both President Muhammadu Buhari and the Vice President may not be aware of the clandestine move to award the job to a Nigerian front that has no assembly plant.

They revealed that in view of the present harsh economic climate,

New Niger Delta Group Asks Militants to Disarm in the Interest of Peace Tobi Soniyi in Abuja A new group in the South-south region, the New Niger Delta Emancipation Front (NNDEF), has called on militants operating in the region to end hostility and embrace peace even as it hailed the deployment of the military under the ‘Operation Crocodile Smile’ to restore sanity to the area.

The group, in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday, noted that the presence of the military in the Niger Delta was crucial to protect the region’s larger population that has become human pawns to a vocal minority made of the militants and their sponsors.

The statement which was signed by the group Director of Public Enlightenment andAwareness, Lucky Humphrey, urged Nigerians of Southsouth origin to develop the courage to speak out against the atrocities being committed against them by militants whom it accused of imposing their decisions on the entire area without consulting with the wider public.

It said things could have gone worse had the federal government succumbed to the blackmail of those resisting military presence in the Niger Delta under the pretext of calling for negotiation while what they were actually doing was “buying time for their boys (militants) to mobilise and gather more weapons.”

The group explained that “the militants who are not unaware of the global economic meltdown would have resorted to their old ways of kidnap for ransom but for the vigilance of the military. Had this happened, only the celebrity kidnap victims would get reported and attract security intervention while the poorer families would become prey to the small ransom kidnap syndicates that would operate freely.

“This is why, contrary to the position of militants’ sponsors who could afford the media hype to counter claims, we salute President Muhammadu Buhari for deploying military to the region. “It is in the same vein we advise our people who have been misled into taking up arms to discard such idea and structure their intervention for the Niger Delta within the framework of the legitimate platforms for expressing dissatisfaction by law abiding Nigerians.

“Unrepentant militants should note that the rest of the Niger Delta would move forward without them in the event that they suffer the consequences of refusing to disarm.

We know from recent experiences that the arms they bear against the government are not for the general wellbeing of the Niger Delta people but for some narrow interest for which they are prepared to commit crimes.”

Okowa Mourns Literary Icon, Isidore Okpewho Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has expressed sadness over the death of Nigeria’s literary icon, Prof. Isidore Okpewho, describing his passage as a monumental loss to the country and the literary world.

The governor in a tribute and condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, extolled the immense contributions of the late writer to the growth and development of literature in Nigeria, Africa and beyond.

He said his literary works promoted Delta State, Nigeria and Africa, hence he would be celebrated by all lovers of literature all over the world.

Okowa described Okpewho, winner of the 1976 African Arts Prize for Literature, 1993 Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best Book in Africa, and a 2010 winner of the Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM) in the humanities as a consummate

patriot, a great literary icon, a teacher par excellence.

The governor said: “On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I commiserate with the Isidore Okpewho family and the entire literary world over the demise of the late cerebral writer of “The Last Duty” fame.

“We have lost a great man whose contributions to the literary world can best be described as legendary. “He will be sorely missed by all and sundry whose lives he affected in many ways with his literary arsenal. I therefore urge all who mourn the demise of the Okpewho to take solace in the fact that he remains alive through his literary works.”

He prayed God to grant his immediate family the strength to bear the irreparable loss, pointing out that his achievements in different areas of national life will always be remembered.

some members of CCMON have started retrenching their staff because they were not producing at full capacity, adding that giving a job of such magnitude to their members would have helped to mitigate the huge losses being incurred by the indigenous assemblers and therefore halt the job cuts. They called on President Buhari to investigate the matter.

A competent source said the process ended effectively last Tuesday after which three firms, two members of CCMON and the other a non-member but which represents Samsung of South Korea in Nigeria, were shortlisted in the pre-qualification process. It was further revealed that the South Korean firm was chosen against the hues and cries of local firms that such patronage of a foreign firm would further promote capital flight and worsen the dire economic situation in the country.

The CCMON members alleged that the bid process was structured according to the specifications of Samsung, the South Korean company, adding that bidders were given only two working days to produce all certifications and necessary documents to support their bids. They also wondered

why local software developers were not visibly involved in the project.

The NPower programme is an ambitious project of the President Muhammadu Buhari government in which it hopes to buy 500,000 computers for 500,000 unemployed graduates it is about recruiting and deploying to schools and other sectors.

The Office for Nigerian Content in ICT as well as the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) have voiced their preference for patronage of local computer manufacturers in the course of executing the project, arguing that it will not only arrest capital flight but also help to create jobs within the country.

Presidency sources said three firms namely, Brian Systems, Zinox and Softcom, were shortlisted in the bid process. While Brian and Zinox are members of CCMON, the third company is said to be fronting for Samsung of South Korea.

And to make matters worse, the Samsung front has no assembly plant in Nigeria.

The implication of this, according to the source, is that no jobs would be created in Nigeria while the

economy of South Korea would be highly reflated at a time the nation is going through the strain of scarcity of forex.

One of the CCMON members was said to have won the bid process on pricing but was schemed out of the project.

Industry persons had warned that some people in the vice president’s office were hatching a plot to award the contract to the agent of the foreign firm which has no known pedigree and experience in delivering critical jobs of this magnitude.

The plot to award the contract to a foreign company against the on-going campaign of the Buhari government for Nigerians to patronise local manufacturers has enraged some indigenous firms.

A chief executive of an indigenous company (name withheld) which was not shortlisted in the bid said he was not bothered by the fact that his company did not make it in the bid process but he did not hide his disgust at the news that the promoters of the NPower project ever contemplated awarding the contract to a foreign company.

“It will be a disaster and disgrace

to the reputation of President Buhari if the office of the vice president goes ahead to involve a foreign company in a project in which there are qualified and certified indigenous companies who can effectively deliver world class products and support services.

Giving the job or any part thereof to a foreign firm will only help to grow the economy of that country, create jobs for its youths while the Nigerian economy continues to shrink with attendant job losses.

Whoever that is scheming to involve a foreign company in the deal is an enemy of Nigeria”, he said.

The federal government’s Npower project seeks to empower and engage Nigerian youths and build a new legion of technologysavvy Nigerians.

Vice President Osinbajo while promoting the programme recently at a forum said that “the key to change and our future prosperity lies in innovation and is critical to our development”.

He said that government would be establishing an innovation fund this year which would deploy significant resources for the aim of creating opportunities for the youth to access fund for innovation and entrepreneurship.

THANKS FOR COMING

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson (left), presenting a souvenir to the Deputy Chief of Mission of the United States Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. David Young,, during a courtesy call at Government House Yenagoa,....yesterday.With them are the US Consul-General, Mr. John Bray (second right), and ChiefofPoliticalandEconomicSectionofthe embassy,Mr.TomHines(right)

N’Delta Ex-agitators Apologise to Boroh over False Accusation 82 Amnesty beneficiaries certified as pilots, aircraft engineers Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja No fewer than 261 ex-agitators, who are beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) have tendered a public apology to the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Coordinator of PAP, Brig-Gen. Paul Boroh (rtd), over a petition they sent to the presidency falsely accusing his office of impropriety.

In a statement yesterday, Boroh said he had accepted the public apology by 261 delegates of the programme from the John Togo Camp.

The public apology was

tendered by the group’s Chairman.

Mr. Peter Atima and Secretary, Commander Ebitimi, who had jointly signed the August 8, 2016 petition against the Presidential Amnesty Office.

In their letter of apology, the group stated in part: “It was during the process of settlement/ reconciliation, the truth about what led to the temporary suspension of our monthly allowances became known to us. We therefore, apologise particularly to your person and your office.”

Boroh, who condemned attacks on the programme,

said misinformation can cause disaffection in society and advised against playing politics with the collective interest of the country.

He said the Amnesty Programme was doing well and is focused on its mandate of fully reintegrating all the 30,000 persons captured by the programme.

The programme, he stated, has been fair to all, including impacted communities whose youth have been given over 3,000 scholarships to study locally and internationally, adding that it is meeting its mandate and is winding down.

Stating that there was no plan for new intakes, he urged

those carrying campaigns against the programme and its officers to desist, and instead channel their energy on how they can contribute to make it a success.

Doing so, he noted, would translate to the success and stability of the Niger Delta even as he advised the people in the region, particularly unemployed youths to turn to agriculture as the government is willing to assist those who want to do so.

Meanwhile, 82 beneficiaries of the programme have completed their various training and are certified as pilots and aircraft engineers.

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 • T H I S D AY

47

NEWSEXTRA

CCC: Death Toll from Herdsmen, Farmers’ Clashes Intolerable Condemns call for Nigeria’s break-up Cautions on military solution to Chibok girls, amnesty to Boko Haram Senator Iroegbu in Abuja Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC) has raised the alarm that the rate of killings resulting from the

recurring violent clashes between suspected Fulani herdsmen and local farmers across the country has reached intolerable stage.

The Executive Secretary of the

Five Communities in Anambra Submerged by Flood ASATU appeals to NEMA, SEMA for intervention Charles Onyekamuo in Awka No fewer than five rural communities in Anambra State have been submerged by flood hampering human and vechicular movements in those areas.

The President General of the Association of Anambra State Town Unions (ASATU), Dr JAP Okolo, raised the alarm yesterday in Awka, the state capital.

He said the communities mostly affected in the riverine areas of the state are Eziagulu Otu Aguleri, Mmiata Anam, Umuoba Abegbu Anam, Iyiora Anam and Umueze Anam, adding that the water hyacinth weeds in Omambala river which traverses Anambra East and West Local Government Areas and empties into the River Niger impedes residents of the area to evacuate their farm produce to the upland areas.

He therefore called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to assist in clearing the waterways of riverine communities in Anambra East and Anambra West local government areas of water hyacinth to enable them evacuate to upland areas.

Okolo said the water hyacinth covers a stretch of some 40 kilometers on the Ezichi, Oda River waterways from Eziagulu Otu Aguleri through other coastal communities.

He said the people could not come out because of the inability of boats to move on the weeds which had taken over the waterways.

“People of Anambra East and West cannot come out and they need the intervention of the SEMA and NEMA to be able to be evacuated,” he said.

Buhari Should Address Renewed Agitation in Niger Delta, Says Ijaw Youths Ugo Aliogo and Chinenye Nduka The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to put necessary measures in place to address the renewed agitation by the Niger- Avengers in the region, stating that there is a need for Buhari to meet with the MEND Aron team and resolve the issue through peaceful negotiation.

The group in a statement issued yesterday by the President of the group, Elvis Donkemezuo, called for the release of Comrade Daniel Ezekiel, Henry Okah, Charles Okah, and Ijaws youths who were arrested at Oporoza, Gbaramatu Kingdom, under the allegation of being members of Niger Delta Avengers, alongside others in different detention facilities across the country.

The statement also called for the continuity of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) which it stated has produced 40 delegates with First Class degrees in their various fields of study worldwide.

The group further called on the President to implement the UNEP Report on the Clean-up of Ogoni land, adding that there is need for Buhari to study and also implement in full the Leedum Mitee Technical Committee Report on the development of the Niger Delta.

The statement said: “The above among other cogent reasons actually necessitated the said vote of confidence. It is a strategy we adopted to get attention of the government to resolving the Nigerian problem in the Niger Delta. Everybody cannot be throwing bomb at same time.

“A lot of northern groups passed vote of confidence on former President Goodluck Jonathan when he was fighting to destroy the then dreaded Boko Haram insurgents while some equally criticised and condemned the clampdown. IYC should never be seen as enemy of government at this time in the history of the Ijaw nation because it will never be a healthy development.

“Again, we cannot achieve anything meaningful now through antagonism and violence rather we must appreciate the little the present administration is doing to better the lives of Nigerians in the midst of prevalent economic challenges which is not peculiar to only our dear and great country.

“As the umbrella body that shields all Ijaw youths, we believe that the best way to ask for more is to appreciate the daunting challenges the All Progressives Congress (APC) led federal government is facing that need our collective support to overcome rather than celebrate the dwindling economy or see it as act of failure on the side of government.”

CCC, Air Commodore Yusuf Anas (rtd), stated this yesterday in Abuja during its one year anniversary media briefing, where the Centre touched on several burning issues bordering on national security.

Anas, while commending the current efforts being put in place by the government to tackle the menace, however, called on all stakeholders to open up discussions towards finding a lasting solution.

According to him, “The recurrent clashes between herdsmen and farmers in various parts of the country, which have continued to result in the deaths of many Nigerians have reached a crescendo.

“The Centre welcomes the incumbent government’s action aimed at finding lasting solution to the deadly clashes. The Centre

also believes that more discussion and legislative actions at the National Assembly level are needed to fashion out appropriate laws guiding cattle herding in the country with a view to stemming the tide of recurring incidences of bloody attacks.”

In the same vein, Anas said the renewed militancy in the Niger Delta has been very costly to Nigeria in terms of loss of lives, damage to critical national infrastructures and environmental degradation.

He called on stakeholders in the region to prevail on the militant groups to embrace the olive branch of dialogue in order to address their demands, “immediately cease from their clandestine operations and restrain

from all sides to avoid unwarranted consequences.”

Also, the CCC boss condemned calls by various groups and wellmeaning Nigerians for either restructuring or break up of Nigeria.

He said the Centre does not believe in or subscribe to anything other than a peaceful, united, prosperous and progressive Nigeria.

“The CCC has no problem with Nigerians with different altruistic intentions coming out to proffer solutions to the country’s myriad of challenges.

“In fact, the Centre believes and encourages healthy cross fertilization of ideas and exchanges aimed at making our democracy and country great. However, we urge Nigerians to be circumspect with calls for the breakup of the

country,” Anas said.

Concerning the re-invigorated calls for the rescue of the Chibok girls, Anas called on the authorities to apply multi-pronged approach, saying: “Military solution is not the only option.”

He stressed that the “recent overtures by the Abubakar Shekauled Boko Haram faction for the release of the abducted Chibok girls in exchange for some members of his group has provided another basis for dialogue.

“We noted with satisfaction the ardent desire of the government for the quick release of the girls through a genuine facilitations, negotiations and meditations.

The Centre however urges the government to continue to keep all options open.”

EXECUTIVE BANTER

Yobe State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam (middle) in a hearty chat with his Sokoto State counter part, Waziri Tambuwal (right), and Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Wakkala, shortly before the Council of State meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja....yesterday

NCC Says N10bn Expended on Setting up Emergency Communication Centres Danbatta: It was a strategic mistake not to have invested on fixed telephony Dele Ogbodo in Abuja The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, yesterday said the commission spent more than N10 billion to set up its Emergency Communication Centres (ECC), for citizens in distress or requiring emergency service.

He however admitted that not many people are aware of these centres, adding that the establishment of the centres started in 2003 when the National Assembly (NASS), passed the Act to use the digit 112 as emergency communication numbers.

He said, NCC will soon extend the Centres to cover all the states, stressing: The Centres are expected to interface with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Fire Service, Hospital ambulances, and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), who are the major providers of emergency services.

The EVC, made the disclosure in Abuja, during an interface with Defence attaches of foreign missions in the country, on the investment opportunities that lie within Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.

He said: “Today we have emergency communication Centres, in virtually all states of the country, the Centres provide interface between citizens in distress or requiring emergency services providers like the Fire services, FRSC, Ambulance services, the Police and the 5 emergency services providers.

“It is interesting to note that there is a provision to expand the emergency services providers and this is active in 5 states, you can dial 112.

Danbatta was however amazed that many Nigerians and foreigners are not aware that Nigeria has emergency communication scheme that provide avenue for them to be given emergency

services from the key emergency service providers.

He said: “Today, we have expended more than N10 bn to set up the emergency communication Centres in accordance by the directive given by government through NASS.” In responding to why Nigeria has no fixed telephony, Danbatta, said: “There was a strategic mistake on the neglected fix telecommunication sector when the euphoria of mobile services came because the explosion in the GSM system then was unimaginable.

“This explosion took the teledensity to over 100 percent as virtually all Nigerians have access to mobile services. But there is a price that we are paying for neglecting fixed telecommunications services.

“All of a sudden the mobile networks are overburdened now.

In many countries they took a wise decision of managing their fix lines together with the mobile networks and part of the burden of mobile

networks is therefore lessened.”

However, he said Nigeria is open to interested investors who may want to come to Nigeria to deploy fix telephony services in order to reverse what had happened and to alleviate the burden of the grappling with the quality of service.

He said: “I think from hindsight if we have given the necessary attention and maintain our fixed telephone services. I’m sure there would have been better quality of services that we are getting.

“The NCC is disposed to entertaining request for licensing of fix telephony service provider especially from Iran.”

In a remark, the Defence Adviser and Attache to Foreign Liason Office, Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), Commodore, Aminu Hassan, said the purpose of the visit is to expose the foreign Defence advisers to the huge investment opportunities in the country’s telecommunication sector.

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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Edo Poll: PDP Won’t Tolerate Inconclusive Poll, Fayose Warns INEC Ekweremadu urges police, others to be neutral Victor Olakiitan in Ado Ekiti The Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, has warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies against perverting the results of the governorship poll in Edo State on Saturday this week in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Fayose, who urged voters to cast their votes for the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the poll, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu,

maintained that his party won’t tolerate inconclusive poll from Prof. Mahmood Yakubu-led INEC. The governor described the PDP as the real and better change Nigerians need now that the deception of the APC has been exposed.

He said: “Edo people should not make the same mistake Nigerians made last year by enthroning the APC government of President Muhammadu Buhari.”

According to a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Public

Police Arrest Audu’s Son, Family Members in Kogi Mohammed Audu, a son of the late former Governor of Kogi State, Abubakar Audu, has been arrested by the police.

Audu’s younger brother, Mustapha, said his brother “and about 15 other family members” were arrested yesterday and are being detained at the Lokoja Police Division.

Mustapha said the Audu family believes the arrests were “ordered”

by Governor Yahaya Bello.

The governor has denied masterminding the arrests.

Asked why Bello would order the arrest of the Audu family members, a family source, according to Premium Times, alleged the development was a response to the attack on Yahaya Audu, late governor’s younger brother who represented the family at the Kogi 25th Anniversary ceremony on August 28.

Yahaya had received a posthumous award conferred on the late Mr. Audu and 24 others by the state government at the ceremony.

But on his return to Ogbonicha, the ancestral home of the Audus in Ofu Local Government Area, it was learnt that Yahaya was physically attacked by community

members who are still aggrieved with Bello’s government.

A day after the anniversary ceremony, Mohammed, late Audu’s eldest son, in a statement on behalf of the family, mocked the governor and said he should have used resources meant for the ceremony to pay workers.

When contacted, the police spokesperson for the state said he was not aware of the development. He asked for time to “make contact to confirm.”

In his reaction through a statement by his spokesperson, Kingsley Fanwo, Bello said he could not have ordered the police to arrest the Audu family members.

He said the police should be free to work, and that politics should not be linked with criminality.

Mohammed Audu is fighting through the courts alongside James Faleke to dislodge Bello as Kogi Governor.

Faleke was the running mate to late Audu on the APC ticket in last year’s governorship election.

After Audu’s sudden death the day after the poll, the party drafted in Bello in to continue as its candidate in the supplementary election.

TENN Organises Free Training for Start-up Entrepreneurs The September edition of the free monthly business seminars for young enterprising Nigerians organised by The Entrepreneurs Network Nigeria (TENN) comes up in Lagos on September 17, 2016.

In a statement by TENN’s Chief Mentor, Mr. Samuel Oladipo, the seminar tagged: “Accelerate Business Seminar”, which would hold at Pitman Training Ikeja, Lagos is designed to awaken the creative and entrepreneurial potentials of young Nigerians towards the successful establishment and operation of small and medium enterprises in the country.

He said given the dwindling fortunes of the Nigerian economy due to crashing crude oil prices, and the alarming rate of youth unemployment in our society, it is fast becoming obvious that encouraging the youth population to embrace entrepreneurship remains the only viable hope for the resurgence of the national economy.

It is with this realisation that TENN has committed its efforts towards stimulating and supporting

the practice of entrepreneurship in Nigeria, Oladipo stated.

This September edition, according to him, would focus on the “best business opportunities available for young entrepreneurs in Nigeria today” as well as on “opportunities in the construction and real estate sector that young entrepreneurs can benefit from”, adding that there would also be a presentation on “How to Overcome Challenges in Business” from a very practical perspective.

According to the statement, trainers at the forthcoming event include the CEO, First Ashbell Ltd, Mr. Tunde Asupoto; CEO of HealthServePlus Ltd, Mrs. Mosunmola Dosunmu; and Ladipo.

The TENN’s chief mentor said that apart from the training sessions, participants would also benefit from interactive business mentoring sessions with established entrepreneurs and professionals who would seek to proffer solutions to business challenges being encountered by participants in setting up their businesses.

Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Fayose said: “Party sentiment apart, Ize-Iyamu has campaigned through the nooks and crannies of the state to sell his visions and missions to the people of the state and anyone who saw the Channels Television debate last Sunday would agree with me that Ize-Iyamu is better equipped for the governance of Edo State.”

The governor, who also called on the people of Edo State to be extra vigilant before, during and after the election, said; “the people should not just vote and go to sleep, they must make sure that their votes count and victory is ensured for Ize-Iyamu who is unarguably the best among the contenders.”

While calling on the INEC and the security agencies to maintain neutrality before, during and after the election, the governor described the Edo State election as a litmus test for the APC-led federal government, urging all government agencies involved in the election to put the interest of democracy first.

He said INEC must not repeat

its story of inconclusiveness on the Edo State election, adding that for the first time in the history of this APC-led federal government; election must be free, fair and conclusive.

The governor declared that; “If you believe in me and you are a voter in Edo State, give your vote to Ize-Iyamu, the man who has demonstrated the required capacity to lead Edo State to prosperity.”

He said: “Opportunity to choose comes once in four years and the people of Edo State must grab this opportunity to change the fortune of the state for the better.

Meanwhile, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has expressed deep worries over the allegation of arbitrary arrests and intimidation of members and supporters of the Edo State chapter of the PDP by federal security agencies ahead of this Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

It would be recalled that the Edo State PDP recently accused the police of unwarranted arrest and harassment of its members

and supporters.

However, reacting to the development, Ekweremadu called on President Buhari to urgently intervene to ensure a free, fair, and credible electoral process in Edo State.

“I am deeply distressed by the development, not just because I am a member of the PDP, but more importantly, because the PDP had taken our electoral process beyond where it is being dragged back to today.

“The greatest gift of democracy, which makes other blessings of democracy feasible, is the inalienable right of the people to elect their leaders of their own freewill in a free, fair, and credible electoral process that must be devoid of all forms of intimidation.

“As a beneficiary of the electoral reforms and policy of noninterference in the electoral process exemplified by the immediate past PDP administration led by former President Goodluck Jonathan, I expect the APC-led federal government to immediately call the security agencies to order. If

the APC-led federal government cannot improve on the electoral process, I expect them to at least maintain the standard set by the PDP.” The Senate Deputy President also called on the INEC, political parties, political elites, and the entire people of Edo State to work for the progress of the country and Edo State by ensuring a “credible, violence-free, and conclusive poll.”

He urged the Edo electorate to vote en masse for the PDP to change their fortunes for the better.

His words: “I believe it is now clear to Nigerians and the people of Edo State in particular that PDP is the only truly pan-Nigerian and pro-poor political party capable of turning things around for the nation.

I expect Edo electorate to vent their displeasure over the excruciating hardship in the land by voting out the APC in Edo State.

“Also, since morning signposts the day, I expect the INEC to be fair to all and ensure a conclusive election in Edo State to reassure Nigerians that it would get it right in 2019.

CUSTOMER FORUM

L-R: Managing Director, Old Mutual Nigeria Life Assurance Company, Keith Alford; Managing Director, Rachel Voke Emenike; Deputy Managing Director, Ecobank Plc, Anthony Okpanachi; Group CEO, Old Mutual West Africa, Zomunoda Chizura; and Deputy Managing Director, Corporate Banking, Ecobank Plc,FolukeAboderin,attheEcobank-OldMutualNigeriacustomerforumin Lagos....yesterday SundayAdigun

Faleke Group Alleges Ploy to Blackmail CJN Shola Oyeyipo Contrary to the presumption in some quarters that the removal of Governor Yahya Bello of Kogi State is capable of causing anarchy in the state, the Audu/ Faleke political organisation has noted that sacking the governor would have no adverse effect whatsoever on the state.

Alleging desperate moves by the Bello administration to get the leadership of the Department of State Services (DSS) to write a security report to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) alerting him of an impending anarchy in the state should the governor be sacked, the Faleke group has noted that the authories should not be fooled by such “politically motivated insinuation.”

A statement signed by the Director, Media and Publicity of the group, Hon Duro Meseko, said the Audu/Faleke Political

Organisation decided not to dismiss the allegation that has assumed a wildfire dimension in the state as mere rumour but to quickly draw the attention of the authorities to it.

“The attention of the Audu/ Faleke Political Organisation has been drawn to the rumour making the rounds in Kogi State of moves by Bello and some of his senior officials to convince the leadership of the DSS to write a security report advising the CJN on the implications of Bello’s removal from office.

“According to reports, the DSS is to state in their report that there would be anarchy in the state should the governor be removed from office. We wish to state categorically that as a responsible organisation, we would not subscribe to mere allegations and rumours but we decided to take this one seriously because of its implications for the wider interests

of Kogi people and Nigerians in general. As they say, there is no smoke without fire.

“We hereby state as follows: ‘That it is completely untrue for anyone to allege that there would be anarchy in the state should Bello be removed as governor from office. Rather, there would be spontaneous jubilations across the state by the people who have gone through untold hardships since Bello assumed office.

“That Bello’s removal from office will bring peace to the state instead of anarchy as exemplified by the recent episode at the mosque where he was stoned by irate youths and women who continually chorused ‘Bello must go’.

“That Bello’s removal from office would provoke a new lease of life for workers and pensioners who are being owed salaries and allowances running to eight months now.

“That Bello’s removal from office would end the era of kleptocracy that has become the hallmark of his administration as evidenced by the avalanche of petitions against him before the various anti-corruption agencies.”

The group also charge the DSS not to allow it to be used for such ploy, adding that: ”We hereby call on the leadership of the DSS to shun such satanic requests as the people of the state are completely tired of Bello and his team, and waiting patiently for the good news of a new administration that would wipe their tears of pain and agony away.

“For our highly respected CJN, we have no doubts he would waste no time in throwing such letter written to him to the waste bin where it belongs. The apex court is peopled with individuals of impeccable integrity whose sole interest is to uphold justice and the rule of law at all times.”

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IPOB Warns against Dragging Members into Fake Factions Emmanuel Ugwu in Umuahia The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) yesterday expressed concern over the resort by its detractors to link its top officials with the fake factions in order to create impressions that the imaginary factions like RIPOB

and REIPOB really exist.

IPOB pointed out in a statement signed by the Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, that the name dropping was part of the “spirited antics of the oppressor to attempt to deceive the world about an imaginary split in

Ondo Confirms Lassa Fever Case James Sowole in Akure The Ondo State Government yesterday confirmed a case of Lassa fever at the Owo/Ose in Owo and Ose Local Governments Areas of the state while two other suspected cases are under investigation.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Dayo Adeyanju, who confirmed the case of the dreaded disease in Akure, the state capital, said the surveillance and containment machinery of government had been stepped up to prevent a spread of the disease.

The disclosure of the health commissioner came during a briefing of journalists after a meeting with senior health officials and development partners which deliberated on the Lassa fever case.

The commissioner also supervised the distribution of more Information Education Communication (IEC) materials on Lassa fever to health centers across the state.

Adeyanju said the government swung into action on Lassa fever, following the reported cases of the disease in Delta, Anambra and Edo States which coincidentally share border with Ondo State.

He said the government

activated its disease surveillance and notification structures with a view to detecting any case on time as well as deploy appropriate measures to contain the spread.

“This strategy has paid off which is why the confirmed case and the two suspected cases were detected on time and the patients transferred to the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Edo State for treatment,” he said.

The commissioner said government has equally briefed concerned health officials, and development partners their roles in getting rid of the disease in the state as soon as possible.

He said five people who had contact with the patients are under surveillance.

However, the commissioner called for calm as appropriate measures are being taken to ensure the state is safe from Lassa fever.

Also speaking, the state Coordinator of the World Health Organisation, Dr. Akinola Fatiregun, commended the government for its proactive disposition to disease outbreak containment and commitment to the well being of the people.

The WHO coordinator promised that the organisation would partner government to contain Lassa fever in the state.

Ugwuanyi Calls for Relocation of Enugu Prisons Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has called on the federal government to urgently consider relocating the Enugu Prisons from its present location at the city centre to a safer part of town.

He made the call during his visit to the prisons in the company of the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof Bem Angwe, the senator representing Enugu North senatorial district, Senator Chuka Utazi and other members of the commission.

The delegation from the commission was in Enugu on an inspection tour of the facility to ascertain its condition and level of compliance with basic human rights.

Ugwuanyi noted that at the time the prison was built in 1915, the present location was then regarded as the outskirts of the city, adding that it has now become the city centre as a result of development and urbanisation, thus making it unsafe and inconvenient for both the public and the prison officials.

The governor said the visit was timely in view of the recent spate of jailbreaks across the country, noting that it would “help provide insights

into the immediate and remote causes of these incidents and also provide answers as to how such occurrences can be prevented in future.”

He said it was expedient to decongest the prison given that it had gone far beyond its capacity, and lauded the officials of the NHRC on their goal to secure justice for inmates who have been on awaiting trial list longer than their offence would have attracted.

Earlier in his remarks, Angwe praised the governor’s humanitarian inclinations. “Some governors spend eight years without making a single visit to prison; but you have visited more than once,” he said.

He painted a grim picture of the situation at the prison, pointing out that there are reports of inmates being incarcerated for 10 to 15 years while awaiting trial. He also explained that inmates who were arrested for the offences committed by their relatives, while some died in prison without autopsy being conducted to ascertain the case of their deaths.

He pleaded with the governor to help ease the problem of congestion by building additional blocks in the prison’s premises and thanked him for respecting the rights of citizens in the state.

our great, divinely ordained movement to deliver our people from slavery.”

Powerful, who said his name was even dragged into the phantom splinter groups stated that “my loyalty to the Mazi Nnamdi Kanu- led IPOB has never been in doubt,” insisting that dragging his name into the imaginary splinter groups would not serve any purpose for those behind the scam.

“I do not know any Philip Effiong Osuji, he probably does not even exist. I remain completely loyal to the great mass movement of freedom, under the leadership of our divinely ordained prophet of

our time, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu,” he said.

“The people trying to use my name, Emma Powerful, to deceive the masses only underestimated our resolve and commitment. They also think that our people are stupid enough to believe their quite bizarre and unbelievable fairy tale.”

The IPOB media and publicity secretary reiterated that “there is no such thing as splinter groups or factions within our great mass movement” adding that the so called factions are products of “outlandish propaganda mounted by the security agencies as a last resort because all other strategies

including, but not limited to killing us in cold blood has failed to stop our march across the Red Sea.” According to him, the Nigerian authorities “have failed and will continue to fail in (their) attempts to weaken or dampen our resolve as our march to total freedom is irrevocable and unstoppable” He said that the resoluteness of IPOB members in pursuing their cause for Biafra self determination had made it a very hard nut for the security agencies to crack, assuring that the IPOB fold is close knit and could not be infiltrated.

“The IPOB family is intact and marching on to glory. As we

receive awards from left, right and centre, I plead with our brothers and sisters to remain resolute and totally ignore the saboteurs, their collaborators and Rochas plot to sow seeds of doubt in our minds,” he said.

He further added that the devices of the authorities cause divisions in IPOB “clearly shows that the peaceful and non-violent approach we are using has succeeded in throwing the enemy camp into disarray’.

“As they stagger in utter confusion, I plead with our brethren to remain resolute as freedom is nearer now more than yesterday. I remain yours faithfully in the struggle,” Powerful said.

LET’S KNOW YOUR AGENDA

Amayanabo of Twon Brass, King Alfred Diette Spiff (right), and Coordinator of the Niger Delta Presidential Amnesty Programme, Brigadier General Paul Boroh (rtd), during the king’s visit to the Amnesty Office in Abuja...yesterday

Forte Oil: We Have No Contract with Detained Petrol Vessel Ejiofor Alike Forte Oil Plc has clarified that it has no contract with a petrol vessel, which was detained by the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) over alleged non-payment of relevant fees to the federal government.

A vessel, ‘MT Histria,’ which brought in 25,435 metric tonnes of petrol to the country was detained by the NCS after it berthed and discharged its product for a major marketer, which was erroneously identified as Forte Oil. But the company said in a clarification yesterday that it did not receive any product from the vessel as it has no contract with it.

The company further stated that it has a robust compliance system and ensures that its transactions with vendors and other suppliers comply with all international and local regulations.

Further investigation however revealed that the said vessel actually brought in petrol for another major marketer and

was detained for 15 days after discharging its product.

The detention of the vessel had prevented another vessel, MT Gaz Providence,’ laden with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), better known as cooking gas, brought into Lagos by the Nigeria LNG Limited from berthing at the North Oil Jetty (NOJ) at Apapa, which is dedicated for LPG vessel.

The incident had caused panic for cooking gas marketers as major gas plants had exhausted their product and were waiting for the cooking gas vessel to discharge.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has three jetties that constitute the Apapa Jetty – Petroleum Wharf (PWA); BOP and NOJ – all used by vessels to discharge petroleum products.

However, it was learnt that only NOJ has facilities for the discharge of cooking gas and this has created logistics challenges for LPG vessels.

“Of all the berthing space in Apapa Jetty, NOJ is the most strategic because it is

the dedicated berthing space for LPG, base oil and kerosene.

Petrol vessels also berth at NOJ during period of fuel scarcity.

But other jetties are used for berthing of only petrol vessels,” one LPG marketer told THISDAY at the weekend.

India to Support Sokoto’s Proposed Renal and Cardiac Hospital Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal’s bid to establish a renal and cardiac hospital received in Sokoto received a major boost yesterday when the Indian government said it would play an active role in ensuring the success of the project.

Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, B.N Reddy, stated this when he visited Governor Tambuwal in Abuja.

“We seek to expand our cooperation with Nigeria in the medical and other sectors and this is an opportunity for us to take active part,” the envoy said, according to a statement issued

by Tambuwal’s spokesman, Malam Imam Imam, in Sokoto.

He added that the relationship between his country and

Nigeria has been cordial, and both countries are working to enhance it.

In his remarks, Tambuwal said the cardiac and renal centre would be the best in the country and will serve patients from Nigeria and other West African countries.

“It will be a centre of excellence and having it on ground in Sokoto will enhance medical tourism and help Nigeria conserve much needed foreign currencies which many of our country men and women expend to seek treatments abroad,” the Governor said.

The two leaders also pledge to boost trade and commerce, mining, agriculture and educational ties between their citizens.

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Enforcement of Masterplan for Ikoyi, Lekki, VI In Lagos Begins after Sallah Says abandoned properties pose security threat Gboyega Akinsanmi Eleven days after it inaugurated a special committee to clean-up of Ikoyi, Lekki, and Victoria Island, the Lagos State Government yesterday disclosed that the enforcement of the original masterplan of the areas would take off immediately after Eid-el-Kabir.

The state government justified its decision to enforce the original

masterplan of Ikoyi, Lekki and Victoria Island, noting that high number of abandoned properties posed daunting security threats to human lives and economic activities in the high-profile centres.

The Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, explained the resolve of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration to enforce the masterplan in a statement he

At Last, Abia to Hold LG Poll Emmanuel Ugwuin in Umuahia After many years of waiting, expectation and postponements it is now certain that the local government election would take place in Abia State within the last quarter of this year.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Bonnie Iwuoha, gave the cheering news yesterday while briefing journalist on the outcome of the state executive council meeting, saying the state Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) has been directed to fix the date for the poll.

Local government polls have taken place in Abia twice in the present democratic dispensation as former governor, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu conducted council poll once in his eight year tenure while his successor Senator Theodore Orji conducted the last council poll in 2008.

After the expiration of the tenure of the last elected local government chairmen and councilors six years

ago, caretaker committees have been appointed to run the affairs of the 17 council areas in Abia.

But the information commissioner said the situation was going to change this time around as the Chairman of ABSIEC, Justice Igbozurike Akomas (rtd), with his team has been directed to put in place the modalities for the conduct of a successful council polls.

“The governor is determined to see that things change for better in Abia State,” he said, adding that “what government has done is to open the window for local government election.”

Iwuoha stated that the ABSIEC chairman was invited to brief the state executive council on the state of readiness of the state electoral body and it was based on the assurance he gave that the decision was taken to go ahead with the council polls.

The information commissioner also said Abia adopted has a policy document on internally generated revenue (IGR), which was produced in line with the federal government’s policy on revenue harmonisation.

Senate Finance Committee Chair, Others to Speak at Budget Colloquium The Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator John Enoh and Acting Chairman, Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), Mr. Victor Muruako, are among other personalities billed to speak at this month’s budget colloquium to chart paths of reform for Nigeria’s budgetary process.

The Colloquium is conceived by OrderPaper.ng, Nigeria’s premier independent parliamentary reporting portal to address contentious issues on the budget and will bring together several top government officials from both arms of government to share ideas, perspectives and experiences on the Appropriation process as dictated by the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The high-profile event billed to hold on September 26, 2016 in Abuja will attract attendance and participation from critical stakeholders in the executive, legislature (national and state assemblies), academia, media, Nigeria’s development partners, civil society organisations, community-based organisations, private sector and other stakeholders, including political operators across partisan divides.

Enoh and Muruako will join other key stakeholders on a panel to discuss the keynote address to be delivered by Minister of

Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, whose paper will focus on ‘Budget as a tool for efficient executive-legislature relationship.’

Senator Enoh (PDP, Cross River Central) has served as both a state and federal legislator since 1999.

He was Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation between 2011 and 2015.

Victor Muruako, who is the Acting Chairman Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) has been at the forefront in championing the prudent management of the nation’s resources for years.

The Colloquium will be chaired by Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, while Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, is among other top dignitaries from the National and State Assemblies as well as Executive arm of government confirmed to attend the event.

According to the Publisher/ Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Oke Epia, of OrderPaper.ng, “the focus on the budget at the Colloquium in September is a deliberate attempt to shift the focus on the budget towards reforms that will make the process work for the overall benefit of the majority of Nigerians.”

issued yesterday, noting that the enforcement would take off after Eid-el-Kabir.

Bello, who also chairs the special committee, said the 14-day ultimatum issued on all owners of illegal structures, owners of abandoned buildings and those who have converted walkways into trading points and food courts in the affected areas would take effect after Sallah.

As planned originally, Bello said the 14-day ultimatum would expire on September 11, though the state government had reconsidered its decision to start the enforcement of the masterplan after Eid-el-Kabir.

He, therefore, said the Ambode administration had concluded plans “to commence the enforcement of the Environmental Sanitation and Town Planning laws in the affected

areas after the Sallah holidays.”

He, however, clarified that the committee would not clamp down on abandoned properties, illegal structures and their occupants until after issuing contravention notices and carrying out comprehensive sensitisation campaign in the affected areas.

He explained that the committee decided to first embark on sensitisation campaign “to give the owners of such illegal structures enough notices to willingly pull down such structures themselves before the government pulls them down and also prosecute owners of such structures.

He disclosed that that every modality had been put in place “to ensure that the original master plan of Ikoyi, Lekki, and Victoria Island as envisioned by the founding fathers

is maintained,” saying the special committee “is poised to discharge its responsibilities vested in it.”

He said the core responsibilities of ensuring the implementation of the approved action plan; executing the clean-up exercise; developing strategies for preventing re-occurrences and other recommendations necessary to sustain environmental renewal of these areas and embarking on a public sensitization exercise for sustaining a cleaner community in the axis.

Bello added that the Ambode administration “is committed to doing everything possible to bring environmental sanity back to every part of the state,” which he said, was emphasised in Ambode’s speech on the day the special committee was inaugurated.

At the inauguration, Ambode said cases of abandoned properties “have become very rampant with miscreants and criminal elements taking over these properties as their base to cause havoc.

“The neat road sides of the past now parade pockets of kiosks, illegal parking lots, unapproved mechanic workshops, roadside beer parlours and commercial centres. In addition, originally residential areas now have industrial and commercial concerns located there, distorting the balance of the environment.

“These bad environmental practices, thriving in these prime areas, can no longer be tolerated and will be brought to an end immediately. These areas must regain their lost glory as this administration demands a return of environmental normalcy,” Ambode said.

BRANCH EXPANSION

L-R: Head of Branch Network Transformation,Union Bank, Edward Ogunmekan; Head Region Operations , South-South Zones, Uloma Ogbonna; an Engineer at Johnson Matthey Company, Ibim Banigo; and Head Branch Operations, Orije Branch, Union Bank, Ifeanyi Anakwe, at the unveiling of the bank’s upgraded Orije branch in Port Harcourt, Rivers State...recently

APC Primary: Abayomi Faults Oke, Abraham’s Complaints on Delegates’ List James Sowole in Akure

disposed to Akeredolu and they leaders of the party rejected the delegates’ list used for the exercise already had their own candidate. result on the grounds that the was allegedly doctored.

“My view is that providence One of the aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in appeared to have worked against the primary election in Ondo the intention of the party in Ondo S’East Pensioners Lament 15 Years of State, Dr. Tunji Abayomi, State because they intended to yesterday said the alleged error favour certain aspirant,” Abayomi Non-payment of Gratuities on the delegates’ list used for stated.

However, Abayomi noted that Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu meritoriously.” the last Saturday’s primary had The pensioners who nothing to do with the victory Oke had a right of appeal which he could exercise but said his Retired civil servants from the five addressed newsmen in Enugu of the winner of the election.

Abayomi in an interview claim on the delegates’ lists was states of the south-east under the accused all the governors of insisted that the primary was free, unjustifiable and unnecessary. aegis of Nigeria Union of Pensions the zone with the exception He said: “Oke’s case has (NUP) Wednesday in Enugu of Anambra State of owing fair and transparent, stating that Akeredolu deserved the victory. absolutely no effect on the took a swipe at the governors of them gratuities for 15 years, The APC aspirant said if there right of Akeredolu to claim the the zone over backlogs of pension while in some states backlog was a problem with the delegates’ deserving victory. It is wrong arrears and gratuities running into of pensions have risen to close list, it must have been caused and inappropriate to raise an billions of naira owed them, warning to 72 months.

While alleging that Imo by the party at the state level. issue of delegates’ lists against that except urgent steps were taken “If there is a problem with the the victory of Akeredolu.” to address the problems, hundreds and Abia States had not paid A former President of the of them would be dropping dead gratuities since 1998 and 1999 delegates’ list, it has absolutely respectively, the pensioners said nothing to do with the victory Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), as a result of hardship. of Akeredolu. It is possible that Chief Rotimi Akeredolu, emerged Already they disclosed that whereas the constitution stipulated there is a problem with the list the winner of the primary held countless number of their members that that workers salaries and but that problem is unintended. on Saturday in Akure, the Ondo have already died as a result pensions be treated on first charge State capital.

It is not by Akeredolu. of hunger, while family of the consolidated revenue, the Not satisfied with the result of members live in abject poverty federal and state governments “But if it is intended it will be the party itself in Ondo State the primary, two of the aspirants, as a result of non-payment in the country have consistently because the party structure in Chief Olusola Oke and Dr. Segun of their entitlements by the violated that section of the Ondo State was not favourably Abraham as well as some other government “which we served constitution.

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Mining: Fayemi Woos Foreign Investors with Three Years Tax Holiday, Others The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, yesterday offered prospective investors in the Nigerian mining sector three years tax holidays, as part of federal government’s incentives to serious investors.

The tax holiday, according to the Minister, would commence from the date the investor commences mining operations in the country.

Speaking at the opening session of the on going Africa down Under Conference in

Army Tests Officers on Weapon Handling for Effective Military Operations Chiemelie Ezeobi In a bid to test ascertain the proficiency of its men in weapon handling, drills, map reading, combat swimming and obstacle crossing, especially in the warfront, the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, yesterday commenced a training programme.

The programme, which is to test the proficiency of its officers during effective military operations is between warrant officers and senior non-commissioned officers in 9 Brigade, Lagos.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) the Division, Major General Isidore Edet, who spoke at the opening ceremony of the competition, said it would hold till tomorrow.

Edet who said the competition among the officers was also to improve their leadership traits, also added that, “Leadership at the lowest level is critical to success of the Nigerian Army and the military in any operation.

“If the commanders at the junior level are physically fit, good in the use of their weapons at that level and if the leadership

traits are well developed, it means we are on our way to victory in any battle. ‘’This is because the leadership trait they have will be brought to the table of the troops they command which is part of the importance of this competition.

“This competition is aimed at achieving physically fit officers and enhanced leadership qualities.

This is what they will go through while competing among each other.”

Edet said the competition would impact positively on the various military operations they were currently undertaking, adding that the units to partake in this competition includes the 9 Brigade, 35 Artillery Brigade, 45 Division Engineers and 81 Division Garrison.

Also, the 9 Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Sanni Mohammed, in his welcome address, said the brigade was tasked to host and participate in the competition.

According to Mohammed, training was the bedrock of professionalism and the harder one trained in peace time, the lesser one bled in war.

Okowa Receives Interim Report on Ogbe-Ijaw-Aladja Communal Crises Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has received an interim report from the committee set up to proffer lasting solutions to the communal crises that rocked Ogbe-Ijaw and Aladja Communities.

Governor Okowa dropped the hint yesterday while addressing the press after a closed door security council meeting that lasted more than four hours at the Government House Annex, Warri.

According to the governor, the committee which has as Chairman, a foremost educationist and boundary expert, Prof. Abednego Ekoko, delivered the interim report in the presence of leaders of Ogbe-Ijaw Community in Warri South-West and Aladja community in Udu Local Government Areas of the state, including commanders of different security formations in the state.

Okowa had in May inaugurated an eight-man committee urging them to define, survey and demarcate the extent of the land in dispute between Aladja and OgbeIjaw communities; and recommend actions to be taken by Delta State Government to finally resolve the Aladja and Ogbe-Ijaw crisis and sustain mutual inter-communal relations.

Briefing journalists, the governor said while security issues concerning the state were discussed, the OgbeIjaw and Aladja communities were comfortable with the interim report as presented.

While stating that the committee will continue with its work, the governor expressed satisfaction that there is peace in the communities and used the occasion to urge Deltans to sustain the existing peace in the state.

Church Celebrates Men’s Week The men in the Assemblies of God, Isolo, Lagos, will celebrate their 2016 general council week on September 11, 2016 at No. 3, Risi Laguda close by Metropolitan College, Ire-Akari Estate Road, Isolo-Lagos State by 9a.m. A statement signed by the executives stated that there will be capacity building summit on September 10, at the church premises, and some of the speakers include the

President of Coscahris Group, Dr. Cosmos Maduka, the former Chairman Nigeria Economic Summit Group and others. The event which is tagged: ‘Evidence of Restoration’ will begin with weekly activities such as total Restoration, Salvation, Healing, drama presentation, recitation, talk show and power packed sermon from September 5 to 8.

Perth, Australia, Fayemi said the country was determined to return stronger to the global ore and mineral market and would drive the growth and development of the sector through the private sector.

The minister listed other incentives approved by the federal government for investors in the mineral and mining sector to include exemption from custom and import duties on mining equipment.

Other incentive available to the foreign investors is that companies could be wholly owned by such investors.

Fayemi also identified security as another major area the government

was investing in, in order to ensure security of investment as well as life and properties.

“Our government has a renewed commitment to the improvement of security across mine site, logistic related security and general terrorism.”

The minister who presented graphical details of incentives obtainable in several other major mining countries, including Australia, USA, South Africa and Chile, told the audience which comprised investors, operators and other allied professionals that Nigeria was offering more generous incentives, including favourable tax regime and royalties.

He said Nigeria was determined

to build a world class minerals and mining ecosystem designed to serve a targeted domestic and export market for minerals and metals, adding that part of the vision of the ministry is to contribute to job creation which.

“We are focusing on rebuilding our minerals and mining sector in three phases: Phase 1, in the immediate term, we are achieving import substitution by winning over domestic users of industrial minerals.

“Phase 2, our focus is on further expanding our domestic ore and mineral asset processing capacity.

Phase 3, we will return stronger to the global ore and minerals markets at a market competitive

price point,” Fayemi added.

The African Down Under Conference is renowned as one of the leading fora for facilitating discussions on how to grow investments and participation in the African mining space. It attracts significant interests from organisations prospecting for business opportunities in the mining sector in Africa.

Nigeria is attracting a huge attention at the conference in view of the recent discovery of nickel in some parts of Kaduna State by an Australian mining company and the planned presentation of the country’s mining roadmap at the conference.

BOOSTING LOCAL ENTERPRISE

Representative of the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board and Director for Monitoring and Evaluation, Tunde Adelana (left), and Chief Executive Officer of Anabel Group, Nicholas Okoye, at the Nigeria Content Financial Strategy Retreat in Lagos...recently

Stop WastingYour Time in Supreme Court, Group Tells Ogah Sunday Okobi An Abuja-based pro-democracy group, Coalition of Civil Society and Media Executives for Policy Stability (COCMEP), has lambasted Mr. Uche Ogah, a contestant in the Abia State governorship seat over his litigation in the Supreme Court over the alleged tax default against the state Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, describing it as “frivolous, desperation, ridiculous, waste of time, busy body, unnecessary distraction and overheating of the polity in the state.”

A statement signed by COCMEP’s

President Innocent Okadigbo, and its Publicity Secretary, Tijjani Abdullahi, which was made available to THISDAY yesterday, described as sagacious and a reflection of the truth and true position of the matter; the judgment of the Court of Appeal which set aside and upturned the earlier Justice Abang Okon High Court “controversial, biased and unfortunate judgment on the matter.”

COCMEP which in the statement cleared Ikpeazu of any tax offence, argued that there was no way the governor could have evaded tax and forged tax document because

as a civil servant and for all civil servants, their taxes are deducted at source before remittance or payment of the monthly salary.

He added that the dating and issuance of tax receipts is immaterial because “the Revenue Office does not issue civil servants with tax receipts unless on demand or request and the system is such that tax receipts of civil servants for 10 years or more can be issued in a day.”

The statement emphasised that what is material is that Ikpeazu was a civil servant; he was paid salaries and his taxes were deducted at

source before payment of his salaries.

“Based on this fact, Ogah is most likely to lose again at the Supreme Court.”

According to it, “Ogah’s litigation is characterised by absurdities, legal emptiness and bankruptcy but it is sustained by fraudulent and greedy elements surrounding him which makes him a time waster at the Supreme Court.”

COCMEP therefore advised him to rid himself of political greed and desperation and wait for God’s time to pursue his governorship ambition, “but certainly not in Ikpeazu’s dispensation.”

I Won’t Be a Puppet to Any Godfather, Declares Obaseki The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has declared that he will not be a puppet to any godfather or godmother if elected governor of Edo State in the Saturday election.

Obaseki made the declaration during a television interview transmitted live by TVC and monitored in Benin-City yesterday.

“I will not be a puppet to any godfather or godmother if I become governor of Edo State,” he insisted.

The APC guber hopeful said if he needed to be a puppet to anybody, he would rather be a puppet to

the good people of the state, whose general mandate he was demanding to become their governor.

Obaseki described the incumbent Governor Adams Oshiomhole as a true democrat who, according to him, does not even like the concept of godfatherism, let alone expecting someone else to be his puppet.

He commended the great achievements of the Oshiomhole administration of which he (Obaseki) was an integral part, and promised to continue work on the good template already set by him so that he could move the state further to greater heights.

Obaseki said he was also set to make a more positive difference in governance, if elected, and promised to deliver more dividends of democracy to the good people of the state.

Commenting on how his government would generate at least 200,000 jobs for youths within his first four years in office, Obaseki said he hoped to achieve this through agricultural reforms and by also creating the necessary enabling environment for investors to come and do business in Edo State.

He maintained that the goal is achievable, pointing out that

Edo State, with all its abundant endowment in agriculture, land, gas, bitumen, forestry and other resources, has the capacity to provide 200,000 jobs and even more for its teeming youths.

“Edo State has 20 million hectares of arable land, 256 mining licences and one of the largest onshore gas reserves in the country. With all these endowments, we have no excuse to be poor. It is for this, that we demand that our people vote en mass for the good work of APC in Edo State to continue by putting the round peg in the round hole,” he said.

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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 • T H I S D AY

CRIME&PUNISHMENT Scores Injured as Hausa/Fulani Clash in Lagos Claims One Chiemelie Ezeobi Scores were yesterday injured and one killed at the Lagos State government-owned abattoir at the Oko-Oba area of Agege, following a bloody clash between the Hausa and Fulani communities in the area.

It was gathered that the crisis had erupted when a young Hausa girl was beaten up by a Fulani man, over a yet-to-ascertained matter.

The young girl was said to have rushed home to report, thus triggering the anger of the Hausa youths, who set off to revenge the assault on their sister.

The incident first started with exchange of words before it became bloody as they unleashed mayhem in the area.

Both groups were said to

have unleashed violence on themselves using matchetes and other dangerous weapon, at the end of which an Hausa man was killed and several others seriously injured. To quell the situation, the Commander, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Olatunji Disu, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, alongside the Area G Commander, stormed the scene and restored peace, as well as arresting four suspects.

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, has directed that a peace parley be organised with the leaders of the both factions present in order to seek for a lasting solution and prevent its reoccurrence.

Confirming the incident, the

state Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, said it took the intervention of the police to quell what would have deteriorated to a serious crisis.

She said: “The Lagos State Command has quelled what would have been a serious crisis in Abattoir, Agege area of the state.

“At about 1300hrs of today, there was a distress report of serious fighting between the Hausa-Fulani community section of Abattoir.

“The report indicated that the crisis erupted as a result of a young Hausa girl been beaten up by a Fulani man, an action which did not go down well with the Hausa men, which led them to seeking revenge.

“This later degenerated into serious fight and subsequent

destruction of properties. The command’s operatives from Area G, RRS, and Abattoir Division were moved in to quell the crisis.

“Normalcy has since returned to the area, while the Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Owoseni has directed a peace parley to be held with the leaders of the both groups and intensive patrol in the area.

“Value of properties destroyed yet unknown, one life was reportedly lost while four suspects were arrested.

“Members of the public and legitimate business owners in and around Abattoir, Agege and by extension Lagos State are advised to carry on with their activities as the Command is doing everything possible to ensure their safety and security. “

In Brief AIG Zone 2 Declare Total War on Criminals

The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 2, Abdulmajid Ali,yesterday said the police had declared total war on criminals in the zone. According to him, criminals will no longer have place in my zone, saying: “I will not in anyway condole indiscipline, unprofessional conduct and security lapses in any part of the zone.”

Ali spoke during the inauguration of the newly constructed Police complex for the Zonal Intervention Squad (ZIS) in Obada-Oko in Ewekoro Local government Area of Ogun State. He also stated that the zone had recovered 26 stolen vehicles and 17 master keys used by the suspects in stealing the vehicles, charging the officers and men of the zone to be more proactive and committed to duty.

He said robbery incidents and other criminal activities along the Lagos-Abeokuta and its environments necessitated the building of the complex, saying, “our men and officers in the area are ready to work very hard to combat crime, maintain law and order and provide quick response to distress calls from members of the public.” He said: “When I was the Commissioner of Police in the State, I had thought about ways in which robbery incidents and other criminal activities along the axis could be tackled and the opportunity came for us to construct this complex. The state of the earth training facilities available at the Zonal Intervention Squad complex will definitely assist the zone in grooming and baking operational men that will be deployed to crack squad of the police formations within the zone for efficiency and good service delivery, more so that our society is faced with sudden emergence of some violent crimes and social vices that must be tackled,” the AIG added. He called on the people of the state for their support for the police, assuring that the police would continue to make the state unconducive for criminals, saying “I assure the people that very soon they will go to sleep with their two eyes closed. Criminals will have no place in my zone, we are going after them and hunt them down wherever they go.” However, in his address, state Commissioner for Police, Ahmed Illiyasu, disclosed that the command was willing to extend their presence in all the communities in the state. He noted that community policing is the best form of policing in the society and called for the continued support of the people to assist the police in ridding the state of crime. The commissioner commended the gesture of the people of the community in donating the land for the building of the complex, saying “I want to urge you to continue to give us the necessary support to ensure peace in the society and I assure you that you will not regret your decision.”

NCC Arrests SuspectedVendors, Seals Shops over Un-registered SIM Cards

AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE

L-R: Director MTN Foundation; Mrs. Aisha Pamela Sadauki; Project Coordinator, MTN Foundation Health Potfolio, Adamu Umar; Commissioner for Health, Sokoto State, Dr. Balarabe Shehu Kakale Shuni and District Head, Bodinga, Alhaji. Mohammadu Bello Abdul-rauf, during the MTN Foundation, Maternal ward project inauguration in Sokoto...yesterday

FRSC Set to Enforce Speed Limiting Device October 1 Okon Bassey in Uyo

The presidential approval and directive for the October 1, 2016 implementation date and commencement of speed limiting device across the country would not be shifted, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) warned yesterday.

The Corps Marshall of the commission, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, gave the warning in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital at a public enlightenment forum for transport stakeholders in the state.

Oyeyemi who spoke through the Assistant Corps Marshall in charge of Policy, Research and Statistics, Dr. Michael Kayode Olagunju, expressed worry over the amazing statistics of road crashes in Nigeria highways.

He said the speed limiting device would save Nigerians the embarrassment on the highways and loss of lives.

The corps marshall hinted that in 2015 alone over 12,077 road crashes were recorded out of which 5,400 people representing 68percent were said to have died as a result of over speeding alone.

According to him, most of the crashes would have been avoided if appropriate safety measures were being adopted by the motorists

when plying on the highways.

He maintained that accident are caused not made, adding, “most of the road crashes are preventable, if we are able to bring down the speed, we will be saving a lot of lives on our highways.”

The state Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Godwin Ntukude, who said there is nothing wrong in the implementation of the speed limiting device called for a technical session with all stakeholders to enlighten them on the nitty-gritty of the policy “There is no policy introduced by government that will not have a positive effect on lives of the people, but let us have technical session with experts to ascertain whether it can be installed on an expired (Tokunbo) vehicles or not.

“It is importance for us to know this so that the good policy could not render otherwise in another way,” he asserted.

The Public Relations Officer of the corps in the state, Mr. Godgive Uwem, threw more light on the importance of speed limiting device explaining that by the introduction of the device Nigerian was only joining countries like Japan, Australia Sweden and United States that had already introduced the policy already

in their countries.

The zonal commanding officer in charge of operations, Mr. J. Aremu, had in a welcome speech,

called on all the stakeholders to key into the new policy in order to minimise road crashes on the highways.

‘DSS Making Money from FG for Creating Splinters of IPOB’ David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka The Department of State Services (DSS) is making huge sums from creating splinter group out of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the group has stated.

In a statement to THISDAY in Awka and signed by Mr. Emma Mmezu and Dr. Clifford C. Iroanya, spokespersons for the group, it stated: “We have it on authority, that the decision to use the DSS purport factionalisation of IPOB was taken at the presidency.

“They wrote a request for approval of a huge impress to create imaginary splinter groups, so they could make some money for themselves, for times are so hard, the purported factionalisation, would translate

to monies being released to them to work with,” the group said.

The group added that DSS needed to give the president the impression that there were working to exterminate IPOB, hence they created imaginary splinter groups which are inexistent.

Iroanya and Mmezu stated that IPOB was happy that rather than see the splinter as anything serious, Nigerians are rather amused by the lack of tact by the security outfit.

“Whether their decision to entertain Nigerians and the world at large of nonexistent factions in our great mass movement will alter or dampen our resolve, or confirm their foolery, will be confirmed by the public in weeks and months ahead.”

The Enforcement and Compliance Team of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), yesterday, arrested four suspected vendors for selling UN-registered and pre-registered Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards to the public. Addressing the media, after carrying out raids around the premises of MTN head office and at the popular Wuse 11 market in Abuja, NCC’s Assistant Director of Enforcement, Mr. Salisu Abdu, said sale of unregistered SIM cards posed national security problems because users cannot be tracked without proper biometrics. While some shops were sealed in Wuse market, the four suspects, he said, were handed over to the Police for interrogation and investigation, assuring that prosecution and court action will follow immediately. He said NCC is inundated with reports that unregistered and registered SIM cards without biometrics of subscribers are being sold in different parts of the country, adding that the team had to respond quickly to arrest suspected vendors involved in the criminal act. He said: “Today, our enforcement team is moving round some locations in Abuja, we have gone to MTN premises, we are now in Wuse market, the purpose of the exercise is all about pre-registered SIM cards being sold in the markets. “For some time, NCC has been trying to apply the SIM regulation so that all SIM cards are duly registered. However, we have been having reports that people are registering SIM cards and selling it to the general public.” Even though NCC had been involved mopping up of unregistered SIM cards, Abdu, said perpetrators keep flouting the law to sell the cards, adding, despite all the sanctions, these people still sell the cards. He said: “NCC keeps carrying out this mopping exercise and we have mopped pre-registered SIM cards in the market, however it has come back again so the fine and sanction has been applied despite all efforts today we still find SIM cards in our market.” He said NCC has began a thorough investigation into suppliers of the cards to the vendors, stressing that the commission is working on arresting both the suppliers and sellers. “We are trying to find wherever they are selling unregistered market.

When we get to Wuse market we got one and the shop we have just sealed. We have bought unregistered SIM not only today, our monitors have come here earlier on. “They have bought the SIM card they have tested it and it was found to be active, so today we have to come and pick up whoever is involved in selling the card. Although he has told that somebody is involved in supplying the card to him. Investigation will definitely reveal that.” The four suspects arrested he said will be handed over to the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), for investigation and thereafter file court action against them. On the cards being sold, he said: “We have gotten SIM cards of ETISALAT, MTN and other majors operators. However, this is just one of the steps being considers by NCC to mop up the unregistered SIM cards from the market. “NCC has issued a notice of intention and directive that all should do away with all unregistered SIM cards. Again, we have given notice to operators that NCC the intention of wiping away all these registration agents and at the end of the day direction will be issued to that effect.”

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THURSDAYSPORTS NFF Debunks Claim of Pinnick’s Interest Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

VA C A N T F I F A P O S I T I O N

Femi Solaja Following claims yesterday in the media of the intention of President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick to contest for one the vacant seats in the FIFA Council, the Glass House has debunked the report.

The elections into the FIFA Council are slated for September 29 with seven possible candidates have already been announced

by CAF - Almamy Kabele Camara (Guinea); Suketu Patel (Sychelles); Kwesi Nyantakyi (Ghana); Ahmad (Madagascar); Augustin Senghor (Senegal); Hamidou Djibrilla (Niger) and Chabur Goc Alei (South Sudan).

The seven shortlisted candidates will undergo the FIFA integrity test, before their names are finally ratified for the ballot.

However, last night the NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, categorically stated that at no time did Pinnick, who is a member of the CAF Organising Committee for the Africa Cup of Nations, fill form to be considered for CAF nomination for the FIFA Council.

“Although the truth is that Nigeria is big enough as a country to have a member in the esteemed FIFA Council, I want to say without any fear of contradiction that at no time did the NFF President, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick, filled form for CAF to consider him for nomination.

“It is not an illegitimate ambition for a Nigerian to aspire to be in the FIFA Council. In the future, perhaps Mr. Pinnick or any other worthy Nigerian who is able to receive the support of the government will approach CAF to be nominated to the Council,” the scribe of the federation stated.

Sanusi once more called

on sections of the media to cross –check their facts before going public with fallacies.

“This administration has always harped on the fact that it does not abhor criticisms. What we are against is sheer falsehood made to look like facts.

“As it is said in the media, facts are sacred and comments are free. It is important to separate facts from opinion.”

In another development, the Sanusi has commended the Akwa Ibom State Government, and particularly Governor Udom Emmanuel, for hosting the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match between Nigeria and Tanzania at the Nest of Champions.

Sanusi declared that the NFF was enamoured by the arrangements made by the Akwa Ibom State government for the two teams, match officials and the NFF’s organising team.

“The NFF can only commend the efforts of the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State for the wonderful role they played. Even for such a match that had no effect on the qualification race, we had a full house at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium. That underscores the level of work done by the Government in the area of mobilisation.

“The NFF values its relationship with the Akwa Ibom State government and will always advise directly on what areas need to be improved upon. We have spoken directly to those who matter with regards to the concern raised about the pitch, and we are happy that work has already started in that area.”

Isiaka Oladuntoye of Sunshine Stars (right) gets a challenge from a Kano Pillars defender during their NPFL Matchday 34 clash in Kano last weekend

N P F L … N P F L … N P F L …

Enyimba Shoots Down Wikki as IfeanyiUbah FC Maintains Title Push

Champions Enyimba yesterday boosted their title hopes after they beat Wikki 2-1 while FC IfeanyiUbah stayed in contention for the title also after they forced a 1-1 draw at Abia Warriors.

Enyimba is now sixth on the table with 49 points, five between Delta Queens points behind leaders Enugu Rangers with a game in hand. and Bayelsa Queens.

New Dates for Fed Cup S’final Matches The semi final matches of this year’s men Federation Cup competition will now take place on 28th September and 9th October respectively.

The NFF yesterday announced that the first semi final, between Nigeria National League side, Crown FC of Ogbomosho and NPFL side FC IfeanyiUbah, will hold at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna on Wednesday, 28th September.

The second semi final, an all-NPFL clubs affair, between Nasarawa United of Lafia and Enyimba FC of Aba, will take place at the Adamasingba Stadium, Ibadan on Sunday, 9th October.

The women’s semi finals retain the original date of Wednesday, 21st September.

Rivers Angels go up against Nasarawa Amazons at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu while the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri play host to the clash

IfeanyiUbah moved to fourth on the table after a 1-1 draw at relegation battlers Abia Warriors in the other rescheduled game.

In Enyimba’s adopted home of Port Harcourt, Wikki took the lead after 42 minutes through Godwin Obaje, who headed home a cross from Ibrahim Alhassan ‘Muazam’.

It was Obaje’s 18th goal of the season.

However, Enyimba drew level three minutes later, when Nzube Anaezemba shot home.

Enyimba then doubled the lead in the 50th minute with Anaezemba grabbing his brace.

An effort by Obaje for Wikki in the 64th minute

was chalked off for offside.

Wikki had won the reverse fixture 3-1 in Bauchi two months ago.

Abia Warriors went ahead in Umuahia through Rio Olympics star Ndifreke Effiong, but visiting IfeanyiUbah pegged them back four minutes from time off a goalmouth scramble.

Fury, Klitschko Rematch SWAN Congratulates Aruna Quadri on Latest ITTF Ranking The Sports Writers Association youths are looking for belief that they can rise Gets October Date of Nigeria (SWAN) commends mentors and role models even beyond Quadri’s feat.

World heavyweight champion Tyson Fury’s rematch with Wladimir Klitschko will take place in Manchester on October 29.

Fury claimed a shock win over Ukrainian Klitschko to take the WBA, WBO and IBF belts in Dusseldorf last November.

The 28-year-old British fighter agreed to face Klitschko again, which meant he was stripped of the IBF title for failing to face its mandatory challenger.

A July date for the return bout was postponed after Fury suffered an ankle injury and Klitschko recently revealed he intended to go to court over the

negotiations of a rematch with the controversial Fury.

Shortly after Fury postponed the original date, reports emerged that he had been the subject of a doping investigation last year.

Fury denied the allegations but in August UK Anti-Doping revealed he had been provisionally suspended in June over the presence of a prohibited substance.

The ban had been lifted pending an independent hearing and Fury, repeatedly in trouble for a series of controversial interviews since beating Klitschko, has been back in training since August.

Nigeria’s number one table tennis player, Aruna Quadri on his latest feat by becoming the first African to be among the top 25 players in the world.

Shortly before departing for the Rio Olympic, Quadri inscribed his name in world table tennis history by becoming the first African player to be among top 30 players. He further cemented his place by becoming the first African to reach the quarterfinals of table tennis event in the Olympic.

For this feat Quadri has brought immense goodwill to Nigeria and become a role model to the African continent, where a lot of

to guide them especially in sports.

The association lauds Quadri for his drug-free career and called on him not to rest on his oars by bring more honours to the country.

“We are indeed proud of what Quadri has done for Nigeria. He is a shining star and one that should be emulated in the sporting world where some athletes have engaged in the use of performance-enhancing drugs.

“With his immense rise and God-given talent, he has brought hope and direction for many youths in Nigeria who are in the sport. It is a challenge to them and

We urge government at all levels to create conducive environment for sports men and women desirous of Quadri’s feat ” The Association also commends the League Management Company (LMC) for the various innovations it has brought to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) leading healthy rivalry among the various clubs.

While SWAN commends the Shehu Dikko-led LMC for its latest attraction of sponsors to the NPFL, the committee should continue to make policies and programmes that will uplift the league and make it the best in Africa.

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T H I S D AY •THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

THURSDAYSPORTS

Rowing & Sailing Federation Sets Record Straight on Chierika Ukogu

The Nigeria Rowing, Canoe and Sailing Federation has rubbished claims that Nigeria’s lone representative at the women’s single sculls event of the 2016 Olympic Games went to Brazil without any assistance from the country.

Secretary of the Rowing, Canoe and Sailing Federation, Mrs. Olubunmi Ola-Oluode, insisted yesterday that Ukogu who was introduced by another athlete has been enjoying the full support of the federation under the leadership of Rear Admiral Festus Porbeni (rtd) since 2015 when she made up her mind to represent Nigeria.

The bewildered secretary revealed that the federation registered her for 2015 World Cup in France and ensured that the International Rowing Federation (FISA) paid for her feeding, hotel, and local transportation along with her coach during the tournament.

She described the cheap campaign on social media purportedly claiming that Ukogu was abandoned was nothing but an attempt to ridicule the federation’s relentless support for her before, during and after every international tournament.

Ola-Oluode was quick to point out that the decision of the federation to set the record straight was not an attempt to downplay the effort of Ukogu who she described as a patriotic Nigerian.

“There can never be an

Ukogu competing at the 2016 Olympics without the Nigeria Rowing, Canoe and Sailing Federation under Rear Admiral Festus Porbeni.

“The federation registered her for Olympics qualifiers in Tunisia last October with all-expense paid. The president also paid her allowance for this trip as well. She didn’t pay a dime for this trip,” the secretary revealed.

She explained that the federation gave the athlete a letter of introduction to the United State of America Rowing & Sailing Federation not because they wanted her to use it against the country or the federation, but to get the training, support from her club in the USA since they have one of the best coaches and equipment in the world.

“Immediately she qualified for Rio2016, we got her International Olympic Committee scholarship for ten months, after which the Africa Olympic Commission also gave her scholarship for support towards the Olympics.

“We were together in Swiss, a trip that was sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports. She didn’t pay a dime for her ticket to get to the Olympic.

“All she has gotten has been through the federation.

Even when Nigeria Olympics Committee said they had exhausted their slot for IOC scholarship, the federation

100 Players Gunning for Lagos Country Club Tennis Festival Honours The inaugural edition of the Lagos Country Club Tennis Festival served off Tuesday with over 100 participants jostling for honours in what promises to be three weeks of tennis festivities.

According to Segun Aluko, Captain of the Tennis Section, eight categories will be competed for at the tournament which is sponsored by Etisalat. The categories are Men’s Singles (class A and B), Men’s Doubles, Veterans Doubles and Women’s Doubles. Others are 18 and Under, 12 and Under, 10 and Under and 8 and Under.

All the junior categories are for boys and girls while the Ball Boys are not also left out

as they will compete at junior and senior levels.

“The Lagos Country Club is a family club and the objective is for bonding and that is why it is all encompassing going by the categories absorbed.

“Aside the interaction and networking, its also about fitness and health people needs to exercise and keep fit. Its also a way to identify, nurture and build talents as some of the junior players are playing international tennis for Nigeria,” he stated.

He pointed that the Lagos Country Club is reputed to have the best clay courts in the country and as such the long-term vision is to hold international event like ATP in the nearest future.

Chierika Ukogu competing in the women’s single scull event for Team Nigeria at the Rio2016 Olympic Games in Brazil last month approached FISA and IOC who directed the NOC to request for additional slot to accommodate her.”

She lauded the support of the Ministry of Youth and Sports for Ukogu and her personal trainer as she

dispelled insinuations that the US based athlete bought her ticket to Rio. “The Federal Ministry of sports sponsored her to the Games and paid her allowance and that of her personal trainer in full.”

Finally, the federation slammed reports that she abandoned her education just to compete for Nigeria at the Olympics as she emphasized that the federation and the government of Nigeria do not joke with athletes welfare.

“She never abandoned her medical study for any sport.

She started her medical school in New York city on the 14th August 2016.”

“She was staying in Philadelphia but now relocated to New York for her studies.”

US OPEN

Djokovic Berths S’final,Tsonga Retires Injured Defending champion Novak Djokovic is through to the US Open semi-finals after a knee injury forced Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to quit when trailing 6-3 6-2.

Djokovic, 29, has completed just two of five matches in New York, benefiting from a walkover and two retirements.

He will face another Frenchman in the last four after Gael Monfils beat compatriot Lucas Pouille 6-4 6-3 6-3.

“This was the scenario that I needed and I wished for,” said Djokovic, who has faced his own health issues.

The Serbian world number one arrived at Flushing Meadows nursing injuries to

both his left wrist and right elbow.

“I got a lot of days off and recovered my body,” he said.

“Right now I’m feeling very close to the peak. That’s the position where I want to be.”

In the women’s draw on Tuesday, Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki beat Anastasija Sevastova 6-0 6-2 in another match marred by injury, with the Latvian severely hampered by a twisted ankle.

Wozniacki won easily to set up a semi-final against German second seed Angelique Kerber, who beat Italy’s Roberta Vinci 7-5 6-0.

Djokovic had won 13 of his last 14 matches against Tsonga,

who hit 19 unforced errors and failed to win a point on his second serve in the opening set.

The Frenchman’s predicament worsened when he required a medical timeout for attention to his left knee after falling a double break down in the second set.

After watching Djokovic seal the set with an ace, he then approached the net and held out his hand to bring an end to the action after 81 minutes.

“I know Jo well, he’s a fighter and this is something I’m sure he didn’t wish for,” said Djokovic, who is through to his 10th consecutive semifinal in New York.

Monfils is through to the second Grand Slam semi-final of his career Pouille made 44 unforced errors as the five-set win over Rafael Nadal appeared to take its toll on the 22-year-old.

Monfils maintained his momentum either side of a 15-minute rain delay to seal his first Grand Slam semi-final appearance since the 2008 French Open.

“It’s a court I love,” he told the New York crowd. “I always say that the French is my home, but this one is my second.”

Monfils, 30, has yet to drop a set in five matches at Flushing Meadows.

Tiger Woods Targets October Return to Golf Fourteen-time major winner Tiger Woods hopes to return to action in October after more than a year out with injury.

The 40-year-old American has twice had back surgery since his last appearance, at the Wyndham Championship in August 2015.

He is aiming to play in the Safeway Open in California starting on 13 October.

“My hope is to have my

game ready to go,” said former world number one Woods.

“My rehabilitation is to the point where I’m comfortable making plans, but I still have work to do.

“Whether I can play depends on my continued progress and recovery.”

Woods, now ranked 711 in the world, suggested he will compete in the Turkish Airlines Open in

November and the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas in December.

He also plans to take part in the Tiger Woods Invitational on 10 and 11 October.

“It could be a fun fall,” said Woods. “It was difficult missing tournaments that are important to me, but this time I was smart about my recovery and didn’t rush it.

But I missed competing.”

Woods had a back operation in March 2014, another in September 2015 and a follow-up procedure to relieve discomfort.

He missed the Masters in April 2016 for only the second time since his debut in 1995.

Although he registered for the US Open in June, he pulled out a week before the tournament because he was not “physically ready”.

Tiger Woods missed out of all 2016 majors because of injuries

55

T H I S D AY •THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

THURSDAYSPORTS

La Liga: Simeone Committed to Lead Atletico

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has reaffirmed his commitment to the club by saying he wants to lead them into their new stadium in 2017.

Simeone is under contract with Atletico until 2020 but he cast doubt on his future in May, immediately after the team’s defeat to Real Madrid on penalties in the Champions League final.

The Argentine coach has since stated he made those comments in the heat of the moment, although talk of his future has resurfaced following the team’s disappointing start to the season.

Atletico has drawn its first two games of the La Liga campaign, held by promoted Alaves and Leganes, and are already four points adrift of favourites Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Simeone, however, reiterated his commitment to the club, set to move from its Vicente Calderon ground to a new 67,000-seater stadium on the outskirts of the Spanish capital in August next year.

“We have a beautiful stadium we’re moving into next year and I hope to be here for that,” Simeone said on Wednesday at the launch of his autobiography, titled

‘Believe’.

“When I came here I was very optimistic about the club’s fortunes and I still am, and that’s why I’m here.

“I’m still transparent and we hope to work hard and improve on the start we made to the season, but apart from that I’m happy.”

Simeone is the longestserving coach in La Liga, having taken over Atletico in December 2011.

He led the team to its first La Liga title in 18 years in 2014 and has also won the King’s Cup and the Europa League. Simeone has taken Atletico to two Champions League finals, losing out to Real Madrid on both occasions in 2014 and 2016.

As well as bringing silverware to the club, Simeone has forged a strong bond with his players.

Euro 2016 Golden Boot winner Antoine Griezmann, Atletico’s top scorer in the last two campaigns, recently said he called the coach before agreeing to sign a new contract with the club in the close season.

“I can’t hide that I really appreciated that call,” Simeone said.

“He knows that he’s at a marvellous club that is growing day by day and

has given him the chance to be the player he is today.

Olympic Boss Thomas Bach ‘Shuns’ Games and deputy chancellor, who died last month aged 97.

And officials said Bach was now unable to reschedule other commitments and will not to travel to Brazil after the funeral.

“We fully understand that he cannot reschedule other longstanding engagements to attend the Games here at

a later date,” said Spence.

“The fact that he can’t come is unfortunately a fact of life and shows how busy these presidents and officials are.”

The last time an IOC president failed to attend a Paralympics was in 2010, when Jacques Rogge missed all of the Winter Games in Vancouver.

EVENTS SCHEDULE TODAY:

Athletics Starts at 14:00 (22) events Cycling Starts at 14:00 (8) events Football Starts at 14:00 (4) events Goalball Starts at 13:00 (6) events Judo Starts at 14:00 (60) events Powerlifting Starts at 17:00 (2) events Shooting Starts at 12:30 (4) events Swimming Starts at 13:30 (29) events Table Tennis Starts at 13:00 (105) events Wheelchair Basketball Starts at 13:30 (8) events

Kwara DOS Urges Return to Grassroots Hammed Shittu in Ilorin The Kwara State Director of Sports, Malam Tunde Kazeem, has called on corporate bodies in the country to invest in grassroots sports development.

This, he believes would go a long way of tapping talented sports men and women that abound at the local areas of the country.

Kazeem made the call in Ilorin recently during the end of Droplets Basketball Clinic for children under the age of five to 15 years old.

He said that, since government cannot do the

development of sport alone, well-to-do individuals and corporate bodies must join hands to support the government to uplift the sports development in the country.

He challenged well- to do individuals across the country to emulate Olatunji Ayeni, who in the last seven years has been investing in kids development in basketball.

The organiser of the clinic, Olatunji Ayeni, represented by the Kwara Falcons Secretary, Azeez Bello, thanked parents for encouraging their kids to play the game.

Ayeni promised that, he

destined to be among the best players in the world,

alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.”

Simeone

R I O P A R A LY M P I C S 2 0 1 6

The president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Thomas Bach will not attend any of the Paralympics, the Games’ governing body confirmed yesterday.

Bach had missed yesterday’s opening ceremony in Rio to attend a funeral.

The International Paralympic Committee “does not see it as a snub”, according to director of media Craig Spence.

The opening ceremony was held lastnight at 22:15 BST and the Paralympics run for a further 10 days until 18 September.

Bach had cancelled attending the opening ceremony at the Maracana to remain in Germany for the funeral of his friend Walter Scheel, the former West German foreign minister

“He has also got a coach who loves him. He’s

will continue to do his best to make sure the game grow and popular among Nigerian children especially minors.

Yellow Team defeated the Green Team to scoop the trophy in the Free Throw competition for the kids at the closing ceremony. There were also presentation of trophies to outstanding players and teams.

A total of 147 kids registered for the 2016 edition of the clinic which entered it’s 6th edition.

Kwara State Basketball All Stars had defeated their Oyo State counterparts by 53-44 to round up the clinic.

Slick Teen Lifts China World Cup Hopes Teenage forward Zhang Yuning has given China’s World Cup hopes a lift after a bustling competitive debut confirmed his emergence as one of the country’s most exciting new football talents.

The Dutch-based 19-yearold, instantly recognisable by his slicked-back hair, proved a real handful for Iran’s defence as China held Asia’s top-ranked side 0-0 for their first point in the final round of qualifying for Russia 2018.

Zhang was singled out

by Iran’s experienced coach Carlos Queiroz after Tuesday’s stand-out performance, in which he twice came close to breaking the deadlock in Shenyang.

It follows his breakthrough as the first Chinese player to score in the Netherlands’ Eredivisie, when he nodded an injury-time winner for Vitesse Arnhem against Roda JC in March.

Zhang also scored on the last day of the season against FC Twente and, after bagging

two in China’s 4-2 friendly win against Trinidad and Tobago in June, his first competitive international was only a matter of time.

Coach Gao Hongbo chose to start Zhang in Shenyang and it proved an astute move as the teenager came close with a spectacular effort in the first half, and was only denied by a desperate block in the second before he came off on 79 minutes.

“It’s very exciting. To represent China on the global stage is one of my dreams when I was a kid,” Zhang told the Global Times. “I think the pace of the qualifier is fine with me, I don’t have any worries.”

Zhang’s rise is tantalising for China as they attempt not only to reach their second World Cup, but also to build a team capable of challenging established powers in the future.

Zhang was only five in 2002 when China finished winless and goalless in

their only World Cup finals appearance, and puts a fresh new face on the team after years of disappointments on the international stage.

Tuesday’s draw kept China in the hunt for a spot at Russia 2018, but Gao was keen to play down expectations despite promising signs on Tuesday and in last week’s 3-2 defeat to South Korea.

“Our team is the last one getting into this round. All the other teams are tough for us,” said Gao, according to the Global Times. “But I am satisfied that the players fought to the end.”

However, Queiroz, the former Portugal coach and one-time assistant to Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, warned that China’s opponents should underestimate them at their peril.

“All the games are like the finals. Coach Gao has made China compact and enthusiastic,” said the Portuguese.

Guatemala’s Ruiz Breaks Record in Qualifier Guatemala’s Carlos Ruiz has become the highest scorer in World Cup qualifier history after scoring five goals in his final international appearance.

Guatemala beat St Vincent

and the Grenadines 9-3 as Ruiz, 36, took his record to 68 goals in 133 games.

The striker has now scored 38 goals in World Cup qualifiers, beating Iranian Ali

Daei’s previous record of 35.

Despite the victory, Guatemala missed out on World Cup qualification, after USA beat Trinidad and Tobago 4-0.

Match-fixing Probe at US Open A first-round match at the US Open is under investigation after suspicious betting patterns were detected.

The Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU) said it was looking into

Timea Bacsinszky’s win over Vitalia Diatchenko.

Swiss Bacsinszky, the 15th seed, beat Russia’s world number 87 6-1 6-1.

The TIU said the alert did

not mean match-fixing had taken place, adding: “There are many reasons other than corrupt activity that can explain unusual betting patterns.”

Thursday, September 8, 2016

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Price: N250

MISSILE President Buhari to Nigerians

“We have no other country but Nigeria and we must remain here and savage it together. No matter where you go, you may survive the Sahara desert and if you are lucky you are not killed or drown in the Mediterranean Sea but when you get there, the mere colour of your skin will be a problem for you no matter how knowledgeable you are” – President Muhammadu Buhari charging Nigerians to keep faith with the nation

OLUSEGUNADENIYI THE VERDICT

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

Just The Same Old Story...

“S

ir, my sense about what is going on is that you are not likely to have much problem with the election. I believe you will win even though I also fear that you may find it difficult to govern the country after the polls”.

When I made that statement to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in his office on 23rd July 2014, I indeed believed he was going to win the 2015 presidential election based on my reading of the political situation in the country at the time. “I agree with you, Segun”, he replied, “I am also not worried about the election because I know I will win; but as you said, there are problems that could make things difficult after the election.”

Just about eight months after that conversation, President Jonathan lost the election to Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), the same man he had defeated four years earlier in 2011. Although I had

by January 2015 reviewed my position with the conclusion that Jonathan was going to lose, the question still remains: How did I call it wrong for him eight months before the election and how come he also did not see the defeat coming at the period?

Looking back to that fateful meeting and the issues raised, there were indeed tell-tale signs that both of us ignored. The meeting itself had been set up in a dramatic manner.

Col. Bello Fadile (rtd), who was at the period working with his friend and National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), had met me at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre. In the course of our discussion on the state of the nation, Fadile said in passing that there was a growing perception in the North that Jonathan had a prejudice against the geopolitical zone. I replied by saying that was the impression being conveyed by people around the president.

Apparently taken aback by my response, Fadile asked me whether I was prepared to meet Jonathan to share my view and possibly offer advice. I agreed to the idea even though I wasn’t expecting anything to come out of our conversation. As it would turn out, barely 24 hours later, I got a call from Fadile that the president wanted to see me in his office the next day by 4.pm.

My session with President Jonathan lasted about 25 minutes and we discussed a wide range of national issues from Boko Haram to Chibok Girls/BBOG and what had become, at that period, a systematic profiling of the North by security agencies. I specifically cited the example of the Maitama Farmers Market that had by then been closed for several weeks. President Jonathan said he was not aware of the issue. Right in my presence, he picked the phone and asked that he be connected to the Director General of the Directorate of State Security (DSS).

When the man came on line, the former president asked him about the Farmers Market. Apparently unsatisfied with the explanation, Jonathan asked, “and because of that peoples’ means of livelihood would be closed down for weeks?” He ended the

Sanusi II conversation by demanding immediate action on the issue. When he dropped the phone, Jonathan thanked me for bringing the matter to his attention, as he lamented the fact that the businesses of several Nigerians could be shut down in such a cynical manner. He was genuinely concerned about the plights of those traders who were mostly Northerners yet it was one of the “sins” counted against him at the time.

I have had to reflect on that encounter in the light of the recent “spat” between the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II and the former Special Assistant to President Jonathan on Social Media, Mr. Reno Omokri.

At a public forum in Kano three weeks ago, Sanusi, as chairman of the occasion, warned President Muhammed Buhari against repeating the mistakes of his predecessor. “There is nothing we are facing today that we did not know would happen. We made mistakes, many of them deliberate. We ignored every single warning. We should not continue to blame the previous administration, as we have also made some mistakes in the current administration. We must retrace our steps; otherwise, we may fall into the same trap we fell the last time when the government was always right. The bottomline is that if your policy is wrong, it is you that must change”, said the emir.

Apparently taking the statement as an indictment of the Jonathan administration which he served, Omokri took up the gauntlet. “How can anyone say President Muhammadu Buhari should not make Dr. Goodluck Jonathan’s mistake?” asked Omokri.

“Rather than avoid GEJ’s mistake, PMB should make the same GEJ mistake that made the economy grow at over 4% every year GEJ was in power!”, added Omokri who went on to catalogue a list of what he considered the achievements of Jonathan that Buhari should replicate.

For sure, Jonathan’s place in history is very much assured but definitely not

because of those achievements credited to him by Omokri but rather because he successfully managed two delicate political transitions with aplomb: The first, from the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua with all its complexities; and the second, no less delicate, to President Buhari that I have spent the last 17 months interrogating (speaking to as many of the principal characters as possible) for my coming book, “Against the Run of Play: How an incumbent president was defeated in Nigeria”.

It is particularly noteworthy that when I decided to write the book in April last year, I knew it was not going to be for Jonathan.

Just like my Abacha book, which was written with President Olusegun Obasanjo in mind at a time he was toying with the idea of a Third Term in office, the real beneficiary of how and why Jonathan lost the 2015 presidential election would be Buhari. The lesson of the past is usually more useful for the future or, as it is in this case, the present. That is the essence of the admonition by the Emir of Kano.

No matter the tales being told by the operatives of this administration, Jonathan did not invent corruption in Nigeria even though the desperation for re-election may have brought graft to an industrial scale under him. Yet, even that cannot explain the deprivation of majority of Nigerians today nor can we blame the economic downturn solely on the falling prices of oil. The challenge is that there is a seeming lack of ideas about how to turn things around aside the absence of any serious economic team working in that direction.

For the benefit of this administration, let me summarise President Jonathan’s mistakes into just one paragraph. He took many things for granted. He had a penchant for scoring own goals. He allowed himself to be hijacked by some ethnic/sectional entrepreneurs. He became distant from the ordinary people.

He developed a persecution complex such that every critic, however well-meaning, was credited with ill motive. He was hemmed in by a cult of powerful women over which he had no control. He allowed the grievances of Nigerians to accumulate without dealing with them. And he enjoyed making excuses, rather than taking responsibility, for his failings.

The consequence is that Jonathan became the first Nigerian President to be voted out of office, even though he redeemed himself by the manner in which he honourably accepted defeat. Has President Buhari learnt anything from that experience, even when he was the direct beneficiary? I am not so sure.

Indeed, if we must be honest, the landscape is already strewn with the familiar mistakes of our recent past.

That many Nigerians are hurting as a result of the biting economic situation is to put the situation mildly, even when we are now told some roadside “supermarkets” along Bauchi-Jos axis sell baskets of oranges, water melon and sweet potato for less than N1000!

That perhaps explains why ad hoc measures

are in place at a time we need bold initiatives coupled with strategic communication to assure Nigerians that however difficult things may seem today, the future of our country is secure.

In 2011, President Jonathan was the candidate of majority of Nigerian youth who saw in him many possibilities. His story that he grew up without a shoe (a line I gathered was supplied by Senator Ben Bruce) resonated.

But it did not take long for Jonathan to forget where he was coming from and with that, the momentum shifted late in 2014 in favour of Buhari whose 12-year presidential aspiration finally galvanized the young and the old. The thinking was that a man with his experience and character would be able to inspire a new Nigeria. Unfortunately, Buhari has been more preoccupied with the past than the future.

To be fair, there is a background to that.

In the frequent and understandable effort by each succeeding administration to enhance its legitimacy, the blaming of predecessors has almost become institutionalized in our country. The main problem, however, is that the adoption of ‘blame and shame’ as a permanent philosophy of government has been elevated to new heights by the Buhari presidency.

Ordinarily, the interests of Nigeria as a perpetual patrimony ought to have been clearly established 55 years after independence. It is these irreducible minimums of national continuity that ought to transcend successive administrations and their respective partisan pigeon holes. For instance, irrespective of who gets to occupy the White House every four years, the interests of the United States and the responses of the administration to whatever threatens those interests are easily predictable. This is the missing link in Nigeria and that is what is fueling the lingering Buhari/Jonathan differential that is standing in the way of serious work at a most critical period in the life of our nation.

The solution is for each new administration to be bold enough to make and own its mistakes while learning from the errors of the past. That is the real essence of Emir Sanusi’s intervention which this government will do well to heed. There is so much work to do and getting Nigeria out of recession will not be an easy task. It requires all the attention that this administration can muster.

I believe President Buhari can still turn things around for Nigeria but there must be a change of direction. In the attempt to insist on a single narrative (‘Jonathan stole all the money!’) for its seeming inability to properly manage the economy, the Buhari administration is accumulating errors and missteps that are entirely his. Yet, history remains what it is: it will judge Buhari by his achievements in office; not by Jonathan’s mistakes. That zone now belongs in the past.

Meanwhile, my book should be out by December. I have also uploaded some new offerings on my web portal, olusegunadeniyi. com.

I wish all my Muslim readers Eid-el-Kabir in advance!

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