Saturday 24th September 2016

T H I S D AY SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 2016

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T H I S D AY SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 2016

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T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R •SATURDAY, SepTembeR 24, 2016

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Fashola: How We Achieved More Power for National Grid Despite Sabotage The maintenance of broken down turbines at the nation’s hydro-electric plants, enhanced their generating capacity during the increased circle of rainfall and water levels, and contributed substantially to the current addition of more power to the National Grid in spite of the vandalism of power assets.

The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, explained yesterday, when he made a presentation at the Wilson Centre, Washington DC, USA.

He said the repair works and maintenance were carried out on the hitherto abandoned turbines, as part of steps taken to achieve incremental power.

Making a presentation on the theme, “Leadership and the Politics of Reforms in Africa: Lessons from Nigeria”, the Minister said electricity supply increased by 400 Megawatts in the last two weeks.

He recalled that over 3000MW of power had been lost over the last six months due to consistent vandalism and sabotage of oil

and gas pipelines and assets.

“The hydros are giving us almost 400MW of power and that is a lot of power given our situation. And we have added about 1MW of Solar and there is more coming; so I think we are on our way.”

The minister had earlier promised that current boost in power would be further strengthened by various transmission projects currently being carried out in several axis of the nation’s six geo-political zones.

Coming against the back-

ground of complaints in some quarters that transmission was the weakest link in the power chain, Fashola, said progress was being made in the expansion of transmission adding, however, that it would be consistent with achieving incremental power within the value chain.

In the area of projects aimed at achieving incremental power, Fashola, who said the focus of government was mainly on the energy mix initiative to diversify energy source, listed such projects to include the Zungeru Power

plant where work is nearing completion after more than two years of suspension of work and the Azura Power Plant in Edo State where, according to him, work was also suspended for over two years due to court issues.

Noting that there were also many smaller hydro-plants like Chalawa hydro plant, Ikere hydro plant, the minister said there are more than 40 such small hydro-plants which government was also trying to bring into procurement.

“We have completed the business plan on eight and we are trying to see if we can get that on. That would help our rural electrification projects because those dams are in the rural areas,” said Fashola.

On Solar energy, the minister, said the country has a lot of sunlight that could be used when the radiation was optimum and efficient during the day and also in parts of the country where the radiation levels were most prolific so that efficiency would be delivered.

Adetayo, assured Nigerians that the summit would implement resolutions that would be reached at the summit, for the good of the country.

No Respite as Naira Weakens to New Low of N440/$ Meanwhile, the Naira sustained its downswing on the parallel market as it depreciated to a new low of N440 to the dollar yesterday, as against N436 to the dollar from the previous day.

The development was once more attributed to the perennial scarcity of the dollars in the market.

However, on the interbank FX market, naira pared some of its previous day loss as the spot rate of the naira climbed to N307.79 to the dollar yesterday, stronger than the N313.07 to the dollar it closed on Thursday.

This is just as Nigeria’s external reserves fell further to $24.744 billion as of September 22, 2016, from the $24.759 billion it was as of September 21, 2016.

The situation on the parallel market was attributed to the refusal by banks to sell dollars to Bureau de Change (BDC) operators.

The President, Association of Bureau de Change Operators of

Nigeria (ABCON), Mr. Aminu Gwadabe, had told THISDAY on Thursday that none of his members were able to access dollars from banks as directed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

“As I speak to you, no BDC has been able to access FX since Monday. It is very unfortunate that the liquidity in the market has dried up. That is too bad for the market,” the ABCON boss said in a phone chat with THISDAY. The central bank had directed agent banks to approve international money transfer operators to sell foreign currency accruing from inward money remittances to licensed BDCs. Naira Woes Creates Boom for Top Palm Oil Producers In a related development, Nigeria’s ban on importers accessing foreign exchange for certain products is proving a boom for the country’s biggest palm-oil producer as it stokes demand for domestic goods.

Profit at Presco Plc, a Benin City-based manufacturer of the edible oil, more than doubled in the six months through June as sales jumped 60 per cent to N7.5 billion ($24 million), according to results published in July.

The outlook for the next four years is a 10 per cent annual profit growth, its Managing Director, Felix Nwabuko said in an interview with Bloomberg.

“The policy is bringing a boost to us in the sense that people who would ordinarily have imported, using government foreign exchange, are not doing that anymore,’’ he said.

Nigeria’s central bank stopped importers of 41 items, including palm-oil and textiles, from accessing official foreign-exchange markets in June 2015. The measure was part of a plan to prop up the naira after it plunged against the dollar following a drop in the price of crude, the country’s biggest source of foreign-exchange.

A 15-month dollar peg that ended on June 20 caused a foreign currency shortage that contributed to West Africa’s biggest economy contracting in the first two quarters and drove inflation to the highest rate in more than a decade.

The peg removal led the naira to weaken 37 per cent against the dollar. That hasn’t improved the availability of U.S. currency and most foreign investors are yet to return.

Presco also faces challenges

from the dollar scarcity as it imports fertilisers, chemicals and equipment including spare parts for plants, to increase output.

Obtaining foreign-exchange “is tough – some months you don’t get, sometimes you get a little bit of what you need,” Nwabuko said.

The company, which operates 16,900 hectares (41,761 acres) of palm-oil plantations and sells its output locally, plans to increase the export of palm-kernel oil to Europe, mainly the Netherlands, to enable it access dollars and cushion the impact of the scarcity in Nigeria,” Nwabuko said.

Exports contributed 5 per cent of revenue from January to August and the company plans to increase palm-kernel crushing capacity to 100 tons daily by 2018, from 60 tons currently.

Presco doesn’t plan to export palm-oil as “it has enough market locally and price comparisonwise, there is no real advantage in exporting palm-oil out of Nigeria,” the MD said.

The company plans to increase oil-palm plantation to 31,400 hectares by 2021 from 16,900 while it targets to raise palm-oil mills capacity to 120 tons per hour from 60 tons, Nwabuko said.

some other countries.

The president said: “They helped us, and today, the pride of our military is restored. Boko Haram ran riot, killing innocent people in churches, mosques, markets, schools, motor parks, and so on. And they would then shout Allahu Akbar. But if they truly knew Allah, they would not do such evil. Neither Islam, nor any other religion I know of, advocates hurting the innocent.

But they shed innocent blood, killed people in their thousands.

Now, we have dealt with that insurgency, and subverted their recruitment base.

"But I prayed so hard for God to make me President. I ran in 2003, 2007, 2011, and in 2015, He did. And see what I met on ground. But I can't complain, since I prayed for the job. In the military, I rose from 2nd Lieutenant to Major-General. I was military governor in 1975 over a state that is now six states.

I was head of state, got detained for three years, and headed the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF),

which had N53 billion at that time in Nigerian banks.

“God has been very good to me, so I can't complain. If I feel hurt by anybody, I ask God to help me forgive. He has done so much for me.

"After 16 years of a different party in government, no party will come and have things easy.

It's human. We need quality hands to run Nigeria, and we will utilise them. I will like to welcome you home when it's time. But I'll like you to be ready.

"I am very pleased with this meeting. Wherever you go in the world, you find highly competent and outstanding Nigerians. They not only make great impact on their host countries and communities, their financial remittances back home also help our economy, particularly at a time like this, when things are down."

The statement said all the Nigerian professionals pledged to contribute their quota towards re-launching their fatherland to a new dawn.

Buhari Appeals for Urgent Global Humanitarian Action in North-East Meanwhile, President Buhari yesterday appealed to the international community not to further delay or downplay the need for humanitarian intervention in the North-east and the Lake Chad Basin.

He said: “It is time for collective global action to invest in the people of Nigeria’s North-east and the Lake Chad Basin region,” the president told a high-level event on “The Humanitarian Crisis in the Lake Chad Basin: A Turning Point,” in New York, on the margins of the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA71).

“We are renewing the call for re-dedicated international action to end the humanitarian needs of victims and address the root causes of terrorism itself,” he said at the event jointly-sponsored by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the African Union, the European Union and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.”

Buhari noted that the complexities and severity of humanitarian crisis across the world had increased in recent times, resulting in devastating repercussions.

He said: “Political and socio-economic structures as well as the growth trajectory of many countries have been negatively affected leaving traumatised populations. The dual impact of Climate Change and terrorism cum insurgency has created deeper implications for peace and security, social harmony and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

While commending the MultiNational Joint Task Force for degrading Boko Haram, he said

that the Nigerian government had been fully responsive to the urgency to save innocent lives, protect victims of Boko Haram atrocities, guarantee stability and facilitate the resumption of normal social and economic activities in the North-east of the country.

“The Government of Nigeria is not overwhelmed by the enormity of this humanitarian challenge. Rather, we remain resolute in defeating terrorism in all its forms. We have put in place a robust people-driven counter-terrorism strategy built on a combination of revamped security operations and a human rights-based approach to help bring about rehabilitation, reintegration and reconstruction,” the president said.

According to him, Nigeria has been providing food support, reintegrated healthcare, shelter, psycho-social support and access to water and sanitation amenities for those in need.

He said: "We are also engaging highly respected community and religious leaders to discourage vulnerable youth from being radicalised.”

Buhari expressed delight that displaced persons have begun to return to their communities in Konduga, Mafa, Benisheck and Ngala in the North-east.

On the missing Chibok schoolgirls, the president said that the unfortunate incident had remained in “our national consciousness,” adding that the administration “is working hard to ensure the release of all Nigerians held captive by Boko Haram, including the Chibok girls. We are ready to ensure their swift rehabilitation, reintegration and the continuation of their studies once returned to their families.”

UDOMA: LACK OF POLICY IMPLEMENTATION FORCED NIGERIA INTO RECESSION investors and encourage them to invest good money into the Nigerian economy.

Aside heavy investments, the minister said encouraging local manufacturing would also help Nigeria to increase exports that would in turn bring foreign currencies into the country.

"The way to go out of recession is to inject more money into circulation and this could be achieved through active participation of the private sector and by encouraging the manufacture of 'Made in Nigeria' products, which the 22nd Nigerian Economic Summit, is championing and it is billed to hold from October 10-12, 2016, at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja," Udoma said.

According to him, the 22nd Nigerian Economic Summit with the theme 'Made in Nigeria', is in line with the President Muhammadu Buhari administration's commitment to diversify the productive base of the economy away from oil.

"Our current economic challenges are rooted in our reliance on a single commodity, which is crude oil, whose price has fallen, leading to a drastic fall in our revenues. The Nigerian economy is currently in recession and faced with contracting

GDP growth, rising inflation and unemployment rates, as well as declining level of external reserves," Udoma said.

According to him, the goal of Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) is to unlock the economic potentials of the non-oil and high-employment sectors, so as to achieve a sustainable inclusive growth that will ensure that the majority of Nigerians become more productive, thereby reducing poverty.

“We are deliberately working towards diversifying the Nigerian economy by ensuring that nonoil sector drives the economy because this is the sector that contributes the most to GDP, and has more capacity to employ.

"The basic strategy is to reflate the economy through fiscal stimulus and strategic implementation of annual budgets. What this means is that we are geared to strategically spend our way out of recession. Unfortunately, we have not met all our planned expenditures for 2016 due to low revenue out-turns. However, we have ensured that the resources that we release are targeted at priorities that will stimulate activities in the economy," Udoma added.

Director, NESG, Mrs. Wonu

LOOTERS BEHIND NIGER DELTA MILITANTS, SAYS BUHARI possible time.

The president said: "Those who stole Nigeria dry are not happy. They recruited the militants against us in the Niger Delta, and began to sabotage oil infrastructure. We lose millions of barrels per day, at a time when every dollar we can earn, counts.

It is a disgrace that a minimum of 27 states, out of 36 that we have in Nigeria, can't pay salaries.

"We got into trouble as a country, because we did not save for the rainy day. For example, between 1999 and 2015, when we produced an average of 2.1 million barrels of oil per day, and oil prices stood at an average of $100 per barrel, we did not save, neither did we develop infrastructure. Suddenly, when we came in 2015, oil prices fell to about 30 dollars per barrel.

“I asked; where are the savings? There were none. Where are the railways? The roads?

Power? None. I further asked: What did we do with billions of dollars that we made over the years? They said we bought food.

Food with billions of dollars?

I did not believe, and still do not believe.

“In most parts of Nigeria, we eat what we grow. People in the South eat tubers, those in the North eat grains, which they plant, and those constitute over 60 per cent of what we eat. So, where did the billions of dollars go? We did a lot of damage to ourselves by not developing infrastructure when we had the money.

"Talking of our military, they earned respect serving in places like Burma, Zaire, Sudan, Liberia, Sierra-Leone, and then, suddenly, that same military could no longer secure 14 out of 774 local governments in the country. Insurgents had seized them, calling them some sort of caliphate, and planting their flags there; till we came, and scattered them.”

Buhari said that he raised the morale of the military, changed the leadership, re-equipped and retrained them, which earned the support of USA, Britain, and

NIGERIAN TROOPS, MNJTF REPEL BOKO HARAM ATTACK, KILL 15 IN ABADAM continued mop up and clearance operations of the remnants of the terrorists.

He stated that they have also intensified vigilance and high level of alertness.

In another development, the UK has expressed satisfaction with the successes recorded so far by the Armed Forces of Nigeria in the tackling of Boko Haram insurgency in the North East and promised to collaborate with Nigeria for further success.

The British Assistant Chief of Defence Staff, Rear Admiral Simon James Ancona made this expression when he led a delegation of the UK Ministry of Defence and Engagement on

a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Gabriel Olonisakin.

Ancona, in a statement by the Nigerian Director of Defence Information (DDI), Brig-Gen. Rabe Abubakar, reiterated that the way the Nigerian military subdued the Boko Haram terrorists has further put the Nigerian Armed Forces in particular and the nation in general on a positive radar of global assessment index.

He commended the military and allied security agencies for their doggedness and sacrifice that have led to the decimation of the murderous terrorists group and called for sustenance of the

onslaught to wipe insurgency from our land.

The senior military officer pledged that the UK Armed Forces would continue to work closely with their counterpart in Nigeria towards strengthening the capacity of the Nigerian military to be more potent and responsive in the discharge of their constitutional mandate.

The UK team leader explained that the delegation was in Nigeria as a follow-up to variety of regional and global security matters discussed earlier in the year at a peace keeping conference held in the UK. The visit, he said, would further strengthen and improve

the historic and harmonious bilateral relationship between the two great nations, assuring the CDS that British contingent in Nigeria would always abide with extant rules and operations mandate of troops in Nigeria.

In his response, Olonisakin expressed his profound gratitude to the UK government for all the assistance the Nigerian military have enjoyed from the UK. He however, solicited for stronger ties in intelligence sharing, military hardware, manpower capacity building and training in counter Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and Deep Penetration Detection Devices (DPDDs)

T H I S D AY SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 2016

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • SEPTEMBER 24, 2016

NEWS

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

APC Primary: Oke, Boroffice, Abraham Reject Affirmation of Akeredolu 1,493 APC members defect to PDP James Sowolein in Akure About 24 hours after the affirmation of Rotimi Akeredolu as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the November 26 Gubernatorial Election of Ondo State, three other top aspirants yesterday rejected the decision of the party's National Working Committee (NWC).

This is as 1,493 APC members, including party officials allegedly dumped the party for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP at Idanre barely a week after the State's Director General of the Buhari Campaign organisation in the 2015 presidential election, Idowu led over 2,000 members of the APC to the PDP in Akure South local government.

The three aspirants, Chief Olusola Oke, Dr Olusegun Abraham and a ranking Senator, Prof Ajayi Boroffice disclosed their decision in Akure, Ondo State capital.

The trio, who filed petitions against the results of the September 3 primary election of the party aspirants took a swipe at the national chairman for his undemocratic behavior by over ruling the decision of the NWC Addressing a joint news conference in Akure, the spokesman of the aggrieved, Boroffice strongly condemned the party's National Chairman for allegedly overruled the position of the majority members of NWC. "We are widely consulting and would make public the next line of action that will liberate our people from the present state of hopelessness and despair".

"The Appeal committee within the mandate of their

authority having regards to the preponderance of evidence laid before it recommended that the election be nullified and another election be conducted.

"The majority of the members of the NWC voted that the recommendations of the Appeal committee be upheld.

"To our dismay and in a manner at variance with democratic norms, the national chairman overruled the majority of the NWC. "He rejected the path of truth and upheld the primary election that its process was characterised with corruption "Let it be known that we are not deterred by the action of the NWC and the undemocratic behavior of the national chairman.

"We are encouraged by the genuine desire of the people of Ondo State for a change that will free them from the economic captivity of the present administration in Ondo State.

"We are determined to liberate our people and no undemocratic decision of a party and its leadership will be allowed to misdirect our attention from the goal.

"We condemn in absolute terms the undemocratic decision of the NWC. "Since our party and the official leaders of the party have found pleasure in covering fraud, we owe the people of Ondo State a sacred duty of liberation. This we are committed to and this we shall do.

"In the days ahead, we shall consult widely and make public the next line of action that will liberate our people from the present state of hopelessness and despair On if they were planning to dump the party, Boroffice

ALL FOR THE ECONOMY...

L-R: Representative of the Chairman, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Mrs. Wonu Adetayo; Minister for Economic and Budget Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma and the CEO, Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Mr. Laoye Jaiyeola, during a world Press conference to announce the 22nd Economic Summit (ES 22), in Lagos…yesterday

said " The people of the state will determine what our next decision would be.

On his part, Oke said " We are still examining the situation, if we get to the bridge we will cross it.

"We have no personal position. We will come out later with a clean and clear position within the shortest period of time However, Oke said " I have not moved out of APC, when I’m ready I will shout it and address the press.

Recalling what led to their petitions, Boroffice said that

Abdulmumin: Ethics Committee Begins Sittings, Falana Demands Suspension of Hearing His utterances defames us collectively, says witness Damilola Oyedele in Abuja The House of Representatives Committee on Ethics and Privileges mandated to investigate allegation of breaches of privileges and sundry acts of misconduct against the sacked Chairman of the Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Jibrin Abdulmumin began its sitting on Friday.

However, Mr. Femi Falana has written to Speaker Yakubu Dogara, demanding the suspension of the hearing as the matter was already in court. The embattled lawmaker had recently sued the House of Representatives seeking an order restraining his suspension, or attempting to suspend or remove him from his position as member representing his constituency.

The House on Wednesday

had voted to refer the matter to the Ethics Committee, following a motion which accused Abdulmumin of breach of privileges of the House of Representatives. breach of privileges of members of the House, breach of the practices, precedents and usages of the House of Representatives, and sundry acts of misconduct against the members and institution of the House and the National Assembly, breach of the provision of the legislatives houses (powers and privileges) Act. The motion, sponsored by the Chairman of the Committee on Rules and Business, Hon. Emmanuel Orker-Jev, recommended suspension of a period not less than six months Orker-Jev, who was key witness, said Abdulmumin’s utterances had maligned and defamed the House, and had

incited the public against the members.

He cited several of the utterances captured on the pages of newspapers to include : “As it stands today, these corrupt elements have infected the House, making the institution a hub of systemic corruption. I repeat, there is massive individual and systemic corruption in the House of Representatives. And all Nigerians have a responsibility to avail themselves of this rare opportunity to flush out corruption in the House.” “It is a known fact that the legislative investigation is used as an even to extort money on an organised crimes aided and abetted by Mr. Speaker,” and “I dare say corruption in the House of Representatives is more than that of the Executive and Judiciary combined.”

over 383 names were fraudulently injected into the delegate list while 300 delegate tags were indiscriminately issued to no-delegate to the voting centre and voted to give undue advantage to one of the aspirants.

According to him, the aspirants including Akeredolu made a written protest letter to the primary election committee chairman informing him of the rejection of the substituted delegate list a day to the primaries.

"As democrats, having discovered the fraud in

the process, we submitted ourselves to the process of redress as stipulated in the Primary election guidelines of the APC, believing that we are safe in the hands of supposed democrats.

At yesterday's defection, about 1, 500 members joined the PDP in Idanre and they include Bidemi Oladapo-Akinde, APC LG Youth leader, Michael Olafisoye, PRO, Duyilemi Samuel, Assistant Welfare Officer. Mrs Feyisayo Orosunjebi, Assitant Women Leader, Isalu Ehinpeti Ward, Jerome Olubiyimo, WElfare Officer, Ala

Ward, MichaelOgunleye,LG Delegate, Ala Ward and Ayodeji Akin, Assistant Organising Secretary, Isalu Ehinpeti ward among others.

Before yesterday's defection, a popular member of the party also in Idanre, Kunle Adebayo, had led about 2000 of the party members from Jibokin Ward to the PDP. The defectors claimed they made up their minds to quit the APC after much appraisal of the political value of the party's flag bearer in the coming election, Rotimi Akeredolu as against Eyitayo Jegede of the PDP.

Mixed Compliance Greets IPOB/ MASSOB Sit-at-Home Order

By Our Correspondents

Mixed compliance greeted the sitat-home order by pro-secessionist groups, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) in several cities where the groups command presence.

This is as a Pro-democracy and Non-governmental OrganisationHuman Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to end what it called “persistent political persecution” of Mr. Nnamdi Kanu- the Director of the Europe based Radio Biafra and leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

While residents of Onitsha, Anambra State complied substantially, those in Owerri, Imo State and Umuahia, Abia State partially obeyed but those in Enugu, Enugu State and Asaba, Delta State shunned the directive.

The directive was a mark of sympathy for its detained leader,

Mr. Daniel Kanu who had been under incarceration about a year ago despite a court order for his release. While all the markets in Onitsha, the commercial hub of Anambra State did not open for business, it was same story in the banking and education sector as all the banks on New and old market roads in Onitsha shut their doors against customers.

However in Enugu, Civil servants, shop owners, traders at the popular Ogbete market freely engaged in their usual activities. Different parks also witnessed beehive of activities as road transport operators as well as travellers moved freely as if no directive was given.

In Umuahia, it became apparent that the protest would not be as successful as the previous ones when markets and shops opened for businesses in the morning while commercial vehicles including the ubiquitous yellow tricycles (Keke) were all over the city. However there was noticeable reduction in the number of private cars on the

roads as many people, probably out of fear of the unknown, parked their vehicles at home while coming to their work places.

In Asaba, although, there was initial apprehension about the planned protest, which IPOB leaders said was mainly a sit-athome directive, many Residents in Asaba and environs generally went about their normal business though some shops remained under lock and key especially on the busy Nnebisi Road where the popular Ogbeogonogo Market is situated.

Some parents also did not allow their children and wards to go to school apparently for fear of a possible degeneration of what was termed a peaceful protest over the continued detention of the IPOB leader, Mr Nnamdi Kanu.

Government offices, banks, schools (public and private), markets and other business premises opened for normal businesses, but traffic was fairly light on the ever busy Benin-Onitsha expressway, Nnebisi Road, Summit Road, Traffic Light/ Cable Point and adjoining streets.

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SEPTEMBER 24, 2016• THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

Beyond The Hype

Zuckerberg’s visit is proof that Nigeria is an investment-friendly country, writes Queen Eugene

T

he prevailing economic recession has resuscitated the reality that you do not run away from problems. You face them. Why should we continue to spank ourselves for what we did not do right? We cannot solve our problems by going about, ululating. We must move on.

The Nigerian spirit is that of the crazy roller coaster ride.

We were not born to fit in, but to stand out and chart our own path. Nigeria has an extraordinary personality and a positive attitude that inspires people everywhere around the globe even though they won’t acknowledge it out of sheer jealousy.

Right now, let us accept that Nigeria is in what we call, crisis in public relations. Truly, PR crisis should be approached with deliberate preparation and planning, a term described as being proactive. But since we are in it already, we shall be reactive and not throw tantrums.

Let us now be responsible enough and take charge by observing calm, then tilting towards straightforward approach to communication in order to weather the reputational disaster.

Interestingly, just when we thought, hope is our only caress, the recent Zuckerberg’s visit has proven, something good still comes out of Nazareth. We may have thought the main reason for the visit was not thought through. No. Latter updates like his subsequent visit to Kenya showed the Facebook daddy is just visiting some of his key markets in Africa to understand how to drive further innovation. We, in this divide may not have thought through how to leverage his visit beyond photo opportunities but we can be excused on the grounds that it came as a surprise. We should now begin to think it through, eking out the opportunities which, at least say, Nigeria is investment-ready.

In the words of Pat Utomi, a political economist, at the Jacksonites group chat on Whatsapp: “I wonder how much we have thought of the Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg’s visit to Lagos as the ultimate branding gift for Africa’s fourth or fifth largest economy, Lagos. My view is that ambitious states outside Lagos can piggy-back on Lagos as the rest of Malaysia did from the example Panang. Zuckerberg jogging on the Ikoyi - Lekki bridge and walking on the streets of Yaba could become the poster for a safe and investor-friendly gateway to the new Africa.”

Credibility to this was a contribution by Chido Nwakanma

THE INFORMATION MINISTRY AND ALL OTHER RELEVANT AUTHORITIES SHOULD GO TO TOWN WITH THESE MESSAGING: ONE, NIGERIA IS INVESTMENT-FRIENDLY. TWO, NIGERIA IS SAFE AND PLEASANT. THREE, NIGERIA IS PART OF THE GLOBAL TECH COMMUNITY

who is a communications strategist. He ended up charting a roadmap for the Ministry of Information on same group outing. He said in part: “The photo of Zuckerberg on the Ikoyi Bridge is a veritable poster. Nigeria can buy space on all social media platforms and run a three-month campaign with it. There are plenty of significations, which include: Nigeria is investment-friendly. Nigeria is safe and pleasant. Nigeria is part of the global tech community. So much is happening on the local tech front. Government should seize the opportunity to encourage the creation of more tech hubs and to patronise products of indigenous tech firms.”

Therefore, the information ministry and all other relevant authorities should go to town with these messaging: One, Nigeria is investment-friendly. Two, Nigeria is safe and pleasant. Three, Nigeria is part of the global tech community.

This tripod is fantastic enough to positively influence the not-too-impressive perception engendered by the MTN fine, exodus of foreign businesses due to harsh systems, economic recession and other getaways that have threatened the perception of the country in recent times.

We might want to hide behind the pretext that Nigeria has a whole lot of investment constraints starting from basic infrastructural challenges through excessive bureaucracy to insecurity problems. There is no place in the world that gets all the carrot just as we won’t be fair if we continue to issue Nigeria all the cane. Besides, disability is not only physical.

I am not well-travelled for a first-hand experience. But I hear people say: “Every dollar in America stays in America.”

People use this dictum to explain some stiff-neck taxes and other stringent policies including racism which foreigners face in the places we site as examples.

All these are much ado about something – that Nigeria should use what is left to recover what is lost. Even though some people are running away, some are coming in. I advocate that whatever attracts those coming in should be built upon to attract more Zuckerbergs. Now this is effective public relations and image-making.

The media should also view this from the lens of another noble call to brace up to the challenge and leverage this positive messaging, knowing it will resonate with our global audience.

Eugene, a Public Relations professional, wrote from Lagos

THE TRIUMPH OF HIGH EXPECTATIONS The Osun State Government provides plenty of hope for education, writes Yaya Ademola

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s a part of the Silver Jubilee Anniversary Celebrations of the creation of Osun on August 27, 1991, President Muhammadu Buhari on September 1, 2016 launched Osogbo Government High School. The school has the capacity to accommodate 3,000 pupils and equipped with all modern academic and sporting facilities.

Indeed, it is rated as one of the best schools in Nigeria.

The status of the school and its recognition as one of the best schools as it is just one of Gov. Rauf Aregbesola’s resolves to stantardise education in the state through a good policy in Osun. For the benefit of hindsight, the governor convoked a summit February 7-8, 2011, barely three months into his administration, at the Osun State University, Osogbo, chaired by Professor Wole Soyinka. The summit communiqué and observations eventually became the fulcrum of the Aregbesola’s education policy direction.

Based on tours of schools, it was discovered that about 4,055 school structures were dilapidated and therefore constituted immediate dangers to the pupils, teaching and non-teaching staff. To address this, Aregbesola government set a target to build 170 well equipped model schools across the state at elementary, middle and high schools level with maximum capacity of between 1, 000 and 3,000 pupils respectively.

In addition, it set out to refurbish those that could still be salvaged and decentralised the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) into three districts.

Teachers Establishment and Pension Office (TEPO) was also established for training

and retraining, promotion, prompt payment of salaries and allowances and taking care of teachers’ pension. The government approached the Department of Nutrition Sciences in the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, to formulate a feeding roster that gives the best possible balanced diet.

Presently, more than 254,000 elementary school pupils are fed on nutritional meals - chicken, fish, beef, eggs and fruits every school day on the platform of O-Meals programme.

O-Meal is a tactical weapon against illiteracy as it is veritable bait for greater enrolment of pupils in schools as most poor parents see it as a respite. The state government says the programme has increased primary school enrolment from 155,318 to 254,793, an increase of 62.8 per cent.

It insists that the N3.5 billion spent on the meals annually is an incentive to farmers to produce more as there is a guaranteed ready-made market while the programme empowers 3,007 trained caterers and food vendors.

In addition, more than N354 million is committed to the provision of instructional materials, home economics, science equipment and other teaching kits for the public primary and secondary schools. The scheme has been adopted nationally and is being understudied by the federal government and some other state governments.

The state government also notes that it has committed N800 million free school uniform programmes at two pairs of uniforms per pupil or student in all schools.

Residents of the state say that the uniform has brought uniformity and cultivated

sense of belonging in public schools. The O-Uniform alone has reportedly created more than 3,000 jobs for Osun people at Omoluabi Garment Factory.

Apart from this, Omoluabi Scholar Coaster Buses are provided for easy transportation of students at N20 per daily trip while primary and secondary schools running grants are increased from N7.4 million to N424 million and N117 million to N427 million per year respectively.

Likewise, some categories of students are given computer -- Opon Imo - the e-learning tablet designed to make learning interesting and easy. The device contains all books required for the Senior Secondary School syllabus, the last 10 years past questions of West African Examination Council, National Examination Council and Universal Tertiary Matriculation Examinations. Observers note that in 10 years, Opon Imo would have saved the state more than N50 billion of physical purchase of hard copies of textbooks for the 17 subjects taught in public schools. They note that the innovation has earned United Nations World Summit Award for ITC innovation as the 4th best e-learning devices in the World.

At the tertiary level, the government has reduced tuition fees for the state polytechnics and colleges of education by 30 per cent. In the same vein, it has increased bursary awards to Osun students in all tertiary institutions in Nigeria in agreement with the reports of the task force on bursary for Osun indigenes in tertiary institutions set up by the government.

The state government increased bursary award from N2, 000 paid to final year

students of all courses apart from Law and Medicine to N10, 000 and final year students in Medicine and Law from N3, 000 to N20, 000 each. However, due to the financial meltdown, these subventions could no longer be accommodated after the third year of the administration. Aregbesola has, therefore, instructed the management of the four tertiary institutions in the state to look at their areas of strengths and weaknesses.

Before Aregbesola’s administration, Osun was on the 34th position on Federal Allocation with virtually nothing to write home about in terms of internally generated revenue. Osun was known as a civil service state which implies that having paid government employees their monthly pay, nothing was left for infrastructural development and other social obligation.

This notwithstanding, Aregbesola has demonstrated that with little resources but targeted intervention, innovation and political will, dramatic and unprecedented progress is achievable. For every project Aregbesola does, he looks at how it is going to benefit the very poor people, seeing governance as a way to develop society via human being.

He believes that investment in today’s children and youth would yield the best returns in the not too distance future and creates a level playing ground for every child. Concerned residents of the state, therefore, observes that the results and impact of Aregbesola’s administration will surely come in the fullness of time and be harvested by the next generation when they will fully appreciate his efforts.

Ademola wrote from Alekuwodo, Osogbo

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SEPTEMBER 24, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

In pursuit of democracy in Edo...

Lagos, Public Enlightenment and Good Governance

I

n his book, ‘The Rise of the Public in Enlightenment Europe’, James Van Hom Melton examines the rise of the public in the 18th Century Europe. During the period, the public assumed a new significance as government came to recognise the power of public opinion in political life. Of course, by then, the expansion of print culture had created a new reading and enlightened public.

Thus, it became quite evident that government can no longer take the public for granted.

Thus, in order to ensure that communication gap does not exist between the government and the citizenry, governments across the globe now pay utmost attention to public enlightenment campaigns. This is a deliberate and conscious strategy to duly inform and educate the citizenry as well as share ideas about government policies, plans, activities and programmes.

Lagos, being a growing mega city with mixed population, is more complex to govern. Sometimes, for various reasons, government’s actions and programmes and policies, which ironically are conceived for the betterment of the citizenry, are often misconstrued by the people. This trend is not unusual in a democracy. It is in order to ensure that government and the citizenry operate on same page that the state government places high premium on effective public information management.

An integral part of this is public enlightenment campaign.

Hence, the State Ministry of Information and Strategy, which coordinates the state’s information machinery has a viable public enlightenment team that works round the state to disseminate crucial public information about government’s plans and actions.

The primary goal of the team is to create awareness and elicit attitudinal transformation towards informing people about government’s policies and programmes. This is basically done through the production and distribution of relevant information, education and enlightenment communication (IEEC) materials at no cost to the public. Other strategies include public lectures, symposiums, seminars, workshops and advertorials in both print and electronic media.

This is a clear departure from the transmission model which sees communication not as an exchange of ideas but as the mere transmission of messages with or without a purpose. In order words, once a message is transmitted, it does not matter whether the receiver understands it or not.

But public enlightenment is more than that. It is not just an event but a transaction which involves a set of actors and activities. Thus, it is better to rely on the sensitisation campaign, which recognises that the sender and receiver of a message through the feedback mechanism are both simultaneously engaged in sending and receiving messages.

However, for public enlightenment to be effective, relevant target group and the language it under-

stands have to be identified.

To effectively take the public enlightenment campaign to the nooks and crannies of the metropolis, especially the grassroots, the Lagos enlightenment team now has a grassroots structure which enables it to relate directly with all the 20 local government areas and 37 local development councils. It is well positioned to organise a more robust sensitisation programmes on government policies, the operational arrangement whereby its workers function in their places of origin and relate with the people in the language they understand is an appropriate and credible channel.

Effective public enlightenment presupposes that the message being passed is clear and accurate. There should be no ambiguity so that it would be easy to comprehend because human beings use and interpret meanings of words differently. It is in efficiently deploying this method that the Lagos enlightenment team has been able to showcase the achievements of the Ambode administration to the world. Consequently, it is now more or less a famous song in town that the Ambode administration is working for the good of the people. But this would not have been made possible if there was a break in communication between the government and the citizenry.

Michael Oputeh, Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Lagos

T H E S AT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R

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Farewell, Ikechukwu Azogu

M

r. Ikechukwu Ignatius Azogu could best be described as one of the finest and astute administrators the engineering profession in Nigeria has produced in recent times. Largely known as Ike Azogu and first of 11 children of his parents, he started his primary education at the Sacred Heart Primary School, Oguta, Imo State. His passion for education and skills development led him through secondary school and to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering in 1977 and a Master of Science degree in the same field from the Obafemi Awolowo University in 1985.

During the span of his engineering practice, Ike Azogu was privileged to have attended specialised training programmes in various institutions around the world.

On completion of National Service, Ike Azogu joined the Federal Department of Agriculture where he served meritoriously and contributed in no small measure to national development in various capacities. At different times he served as Principal Agricultural Engineer, National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation (NCAM) in Ilorin; head of Field Office, FDA, Katsina; head, Department of Agro-Industrial Development and Extension, NCAM, Ilorin as well as the executive director, NCAM, Ilorin. Ike Azogu is also a COREN registered engineer, a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) as well as a fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers (NIAE).

The vibrant Azogu could

be likened to an actor playing multiple roles - an engineer, a public officer, a philanthropist and a mentor. Arguably, it was his existence as a public officer and mentor that he made his greatest impact. During his tenure as the executive director, NCAM, Ilorin, the centre witnessed huge and undeniable structural changes, research and developmental advances as well as effective collaboration with relevant stakeholders for its upliftment.

Ike Azogu, though of Igbo origin, was an equal opportunity player.

He could best be described as a gentleman blessed by God with a great mental ability. This he sustained and made better by continuous reading. Whenever we met, I was sure to be on my toes because he would engage me on issues bothering on engineering education, engineering profession, history, public service and leadership. Till date, I am astonished by his firm and grasp of all these and other contemporary issues. Azogu was a star in the firmament, a man of extra ordinary talent and a man among men. One unique feature of Azogu was that though an engineer, he was primarily a thinker. He loved pragmatic ideas and was never inclined to shut anyone out based on his/her views. His decision making was never laced in personal gains, he had passion for excellence and a great lover of due process. He was indeed a round peg in a round hole.

Just as Julius Caesar would have put it, if he were Igbo, O biara, O huru, O meriri. I am convinced he left us an assignment and challenge – to continuously strive to make the society a better place than we all met it.

C.O. Ajike, Senior Mechanical Engineer, Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter Governmental Affairs, Abuja

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SEPTEMBER 24, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

POLSCOPE

with Eddy Odivwri eddy.odivwri@thisdaylive.com 08053069356

National Lawmakers: Are they Part of Our Problem or Solution to Our Problems?

B

etween the Nigeria Police and the National Assembly members, I am not sure which one has a more dismal public image. But over the years, not many Nigerians attach more than scant regard to the national lawmakers often addressed with patronizing epithets of “Distinguished” and “Honourable”, with many of the latter prefixing their names with “Rt Honourable” But as exultant and virtuous as those titles are, many of their bearers in the Nigerian space do so much to contradict what they stand for.

I was not too shocked during the week when an exclusive report by News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) published how many of the national lawmakers defraud the country with their “smart” and fraudulent practices. I have always held them in suspect.

How can it be explained that 469 lawmakers are being serviced by 2, 570 aides in form of Special Advisers, Senior Special Advisers, Special Assistants, Personal Assistants etc.?

Perhaps the argument that the bloated number of aides, in a way, provides job to the said aides could sway one to let it pass.

But the report confirmed what we had always suspected: that many of the lawmakers indeed give fictitious names of aides to the National Assembly Commission that are non-existent and wangle their ways to collecting the salaries and allowances meant for such aides.

Beside the principal officers, each lawmaker is entitled to five legislative aides, as provided for by the National Assembly Act. Principal officers in the senate are entitled to much more aided.

E.g, the senate President is entitled to 45 aides, his deputy, 30 aides and each of the principal officers, 20 aides. In the same vein, the Speaker of the House of Representatives is entitled to 30 aides, his Deputy 15 and each of the six principal officers, 10 aides each. Little wonder they fight very dirty to get these positions.

But as if these figures are not outlandish enough, the report further confirmed that the Senate President overshot his limit by hiring 115 aides just as the Speaker hired 168 aides!!! Pray, what are they aiding or advising? And where is the evidence of those advice and aiding in the overall output of the National Assembly?

How has the laws so far made transformed our narratives as a people?

Worse still, these lawmakers place their aides on high pay brackets, collect same and in turn, dish out just a measly fraction to the aides, who are too cowed to complain. This is even when the National Assembly Commission should be paying the aides directly.

It only shows that many of the lawmakers are

once said, “Instead of giving a politician the keys to the city, it might be better to change the locks.”

They earn so huge and yet do rather too little.

They just returned from a two-month vacation!

Not even the president of the country can afford such luxuriously lengthy holiday. Even when they are in session, the hallowed chambers are usually hollow, with many of the lawmakers pursuing other private concerns.

Not more than 40 per cent of the lawmakers are visible. The rest, largely, are benchwarmers, active perhaps only at the committee levels.

Last Wednesday, the House of Reps erupted in smoky uproar as a result of the Budget-padding scandal that raged during its recess. If the past serves as a guide, the reference of the padding allegations by Abdulmumuni Jibrin, to the House Committee on Ethics and privilges, will be the last we shall hear of the matter, as that committee is National Assembly in session often regarded as the graveyard of probes. Or at best, Speaker Yakubu Dogara and his co-accused, will be cleared of any guilt and then the merrythe lot of the ordinary man they claim to be just over-dressed crooks. go-round will continue. With the distribution of representing.

So what is the difference between the “I-stand-with-Dogara” aso-ebi caps for Dogara’s No wonder former President Olusegun condemned past, governed by the dethroned supporters, nobody will be shocked at how the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Change- Obasanjo once described them as rogues and melodrama ends. robbers. defined All Progressives Congress (APC)?

The pieces of legislations that should be Obasanjo had said: “Integrity is necessary These are the same lawmakers who should dutifully examined and passed, like the Petroleum for systems and institutions to be strong. Today, be championing the Change-Begins-with-MeIndustry Bill (PIB)—meant to recast the oil and rogues, armed robbers are in the State Houses of Campaign, recently launched by the federal Assembly and the National Assembly. What sort gas sector--- which had been in the National government. Who is fooling who?

Assembly for nearly ten years, is certainly not the It is trite to accuse them of being selfish, as many of laws will they make priority of our lawmakers. It is straddled down by Aside their annual salaries, they earn special Nigerians believe that the lawmakers are not petty and narrow politics. exactly representing them in the real sense. “They amount every four years which is the life span It is interesting to hear the Senate President, Dr represent themselves in every way”, is a common of a legislative session. This special payment Bukola Saraki suggest, among other things, that covers accommodation, vehicle loan, furniture, descriptive phrase for the lawmakers.

Some of them do not even have the mandatory and severance allowance. Thus every Senator gets we should sell our national assets, so we can come out of recession, whereas their manifold acts of N24,090,000.00 and a House of Representatives constituency office. And where they have, it is member to goes home with N23,822,00.00 within financial recklessness contributed to the present merely a matter of an idle signboard pointing to economic dip we are experiencing. the same period. no where.

One altruistic way of climbing out of the That way, in every four years, the Federal Too many times, Nigerians have complained recession, therefore, would have been for the Government spends N2,625, 810,000.00 on about the huge cost of running the Nigerian lawmakers to volunteer a pay cut and trim the accommodation, vehicle loans, furniture legislature. Our lawmakers are about the most many excesses they had hitherto indulged in. But and severance gratuity on the 109 senators highly paid in the world. This is aside the fact they want us sell off our patrimony! Perhaps to the and N8,575,920,000.00 on the 360 House of that many of the said lawmakers are contractors same economic mandarins who had stymied our Representatives members, bringing the overall and budget-padding experts. They do hideous development as a nation. Pray, when the Bureau sum expended on senators to N33, 992, 360 , things with our treasury. In connivance with of Public Enterprises (BPE) sold off our national while House of representative members are civil servants, they circumvent the system and heritage including even the Apo legislators’ maintained with N33,347, 985, 50 rob our collective treasury. They undertake quarters, over a dozen years ago, where are the Today, 21 of the 109 senators are currently contracts which they don’t execute, but get paid, receiving pension as former governors and former proceeds of those sales? because they are smart enough to know how to What can we point to today as the monuments compromise civil servants who help to clear them deputy governors. Yet, they still receive this huge or investments where the monies from those sales salaries and allowances. Why are we looking for of any blame. what dragged us into economic recession? Which were put?

Is anyone really surprised that despite all the How better has Nigeria become as a result of country crushes public funds like this and wont huge monies voted each year, Nigeria is still as the roles the nation’s legislature has played? see the consequences? decrepit as we see it?

Looking through the ways and actions of our It is because of this wild financial outlay that Is it any surprise that almost always, when lawmakers, one is bound to ask whether they are makes our brand pf presidential system of there is a row and even fighting in any of the part of our problems as a country or whether they government very expensive. chambers, it is largely about money and power It is for reasons such as these that Doug Larson are part of the solution to our problems. sharing dynamics. It is hardly on how to improve

Apapa, the Aleppo of Lagos

A

leppo is the largest ancient city of Syria, a country torn down by war. Torn between the government-held west and the rebel-held east, Aleppo, in the last four years, has become a metaphor for a decrepit and destroyed dwelling place with many of its 2-million plus inhabitants reduced to less than 600. For lack of a better word, the city has become a shadow of itself as it has long been a theatre of war.

I was in the Apapa district of Lagos last Tuesday, after over four months of not getting there, and I was shocked to find that Apapa is probably worse than Aleppo even when there is no war there or in any part of the country. The road into Apapa is in a ultra terrible state. There are two main entrances: the Mile 2--Tin-Can axis and the Ijora axis. None of the two entrances is in any good state. Driving into Apapa through the Ijora bridge was like going to hell. The multiplicity, depth and stretch of the craters made driving into the hitherto beautiful district

a nightmare. The With the rains, it just makes a bad road much messier and frustrating. Everywhere bore the signpost of criminal neglect. It was like the road of a war-torn territory.

With Apapa, there is hardly any question of why investors are scampering out of Nigeria.

This is the same Apapa that used to be an industrial hub and hundreds of many other business outfits including plenty of clearing and forwarding firms many of which had provided jobs to thousands of Nigerians in the 80’s through 90’s. This is the same Apapa that hosts the two busiest sea ports (Apapa Port and Tin Can Port) in Nigeria. This is the headquarters of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) as well as NIMASA. This same Apapa plays host to Army, Police and Naval establishments.

What’s more, it hosts two leading national newspapers—THISDAY and BUSINESSDAY To underscore the economic importance of Apapa, all the nation’s banks are operating in Apapa, with some even having more than three

branches.

A large section of the community is purely a residential quarter; many of whom have been forced to move out of the once-beautiful GRA, since it had been seized by bedlam No doubt, Apapa Local Government Area is one of the richest Local Government councils in Nigeria, what with the many petroleum product depots lining up the bank of the sea.

But that same Apapa has been a trouble spot for several years now. When it is not taken over by articulated trucks and tankers thus blocking off other road users, it is practically locked down by terribly collapsed roads. Several past efforts to manage the traffic in the area had not been enduring.

Few years ago, the Lagos State government revamped many of the inner roads within the local government and thus making driving within the community, a pleasure. But getting into Apapa has, for years, remained a terrifying challenge. Which serious and prospective businessman will go through all that trouble to set up an office or going concern in Apapa?

Many offices and business outfits in the place have shut down and moved out. Yet, this is supposed to be an economic base for the country that is so neglected, so abandoned! Is this not where the Nigeria Customs largely operate from where it generated N385.7 billion within the first six months of this year? How can such a money-spinning domain, be left to rot and waste? And we are looking for investors?

Under the Jonathan administration such level of insensitivity would have been riled to no end. But here we are with a new government that raised our hopes so high on how a country can be run, but alas, nothing seems to have changed.

Can somebody tell Mr Babatunde Fashola, the Ministers of Works, Housing and Energy, to please come to the rescue of Apapa, if not for the convenience of the workers and residents of this community, then for the economic significance Apapa stands for, and save the community from the Aleppo ghost. many of which had provided jobs to thousands of Nigerians

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •SEPTEMBER 24, 2016

15

NEWS

In Brief Engage Niger Delta Youths

The Federal Government has been urged to engage youths of the Niger Delta region in meaningful ventures especially skill acquisition projects and programs as a step to tackling or check restiveness in the region.The Chairman, Board of Directors, Elano Investments Limited, Port Harcourt, Gomba Okanje made the call at Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron Akwa Ibom State at the graduation of 31 skill acquisition trainees sponsored by the company. “All these restiveness in the Niger Delta region are as a result of not channeling the energy of the youths in the region toward meaningful ventures. If people in the region had been trained skillfully they know that they have future they would not go and engage in an unscrupulous activities that we are finding everywhere in the Niger Delta region”, he said. Okanje lauded the management of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron for bequeathing the youths in the country with skillful programmes through the curriculum of the institution to enhance their future. He said the decision for his company to engage youths of the Niger Delta in skillful programmes was to ensure the youths through the schemes secure a better future.“

Embrace Agriculture to Beat Recession

HONOURED FOR EXCELLENCE...

L-R: Prof. O.T Kushimo, Professor of Anaesthesia, Dr Kushimo Oyewole, Cardiologist and prize winner as best candidate in the Internal Medicine Faculty,, Dr Yeside Akingbolagbe, Consultant Paediatrician; Dr Onabolu, Consultant ophthalmologist at the recent graduation of Dr. Kushimo Oyewole at the National PostGraduate Medical College recently

Lawyers Want EFCC to Investigate Ex-NBA President Alegeh dismisses petitioners as sore losers, denies wrong doing SenatorIroegbuin Abuja A group of legal practitioners under the aegis of Lawyers for Justice has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe the immediate past President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Augustine Alegeh (NSA), over allegations of corrupt enrichment and money laundering.

Alegeh however has denied culpability in any untoward management of the resources of the Association and dismissed the petition as the thrashing of bad losers in the NBA elections, adding “I am sure your reference is the petition that has been circulating. I won't respond to this because like the Bible say this is the voice of Jacob and hands of Esau, which emanated because people lost an election”.

The group in a letter to the EFCC

Chairman, dated September 14, 2016 and signed by the former Secretary, NBA Lagos, Seth Amaefule and Vice Chairman, NBA Epe Branch, Mr. Dotun Hassan called for investigation in the face of suspicions that Alegeh acted either alone or in collusion with a few national officers and cohorts, violated the Law. Part of the petition read: "We, the undersigned petitioners are some of the concerned members of the Nigerian Bar Association, who reasonably suspect that the Immediate Past President of the NBA, Mr. Augustine Alegeh SAN, corruptly enriched himself while in office, assisted in these unlawful and illegal deeds perhaps by national officers as follows:"Prior to Mr. Augustine Alegeh SAN becoming the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, he lived in Ikeja at the address below which served as residence, Law

office, and also Tratrix Engineering Limited address, a company in which Mr. Augustine Alegeh has majority shares, as the Chairman/ CEO http://www.tratrix.com/ management.aspx" "Mr Alegeh’s residence and Tratrix Engineering office and Law Chambers aforesaid, situated at N0. 11, Ladipo Bateye Street, Off Adekunle Fajuyi Street, GRA Ikeja Lagos State. Telephone +234-1-4532325; additional offices were located in Benin and Asaba viz; N0.11, Emezie Drive, Off Delta Crescent G.R.A. Benin-City Tel/ Fax: 052-293572 and. N0. 11, Tamuno Street, by NTA, Okpanam Road Asaba, Delta State.

"The names of lawyers presently in his chambers in the event that this investigation may extend to them can be found at this website: http://alegehlaw.com/our-team.

"Mr Alegeh moved his home from N0. 11, Ladipo Bateye Street

Off Adekunle Fajuyi Street, Ikeja Lagos State whilst holding office as NBA President, to N0. 24A Ilabere Avenue Ikoyi, Lagos, and also acquired exotic cars. As NBA is not-for-profit organisation, NBA officers are not allowed personal benefits, or salaries, bribe and any form of corrupt practices and corrupt enrichment."

Clarifying his denial further, Alegeh said, “All I will tell you officially is that this is the work of a group who having lost elections think they should destroy those who did not support them. The records are with NBA and their accounts are audited and presented every year to every NEC meeting of which every member has the report. Most of their allegations are infantile of which I will not respond. I want to tell the aggrieved people that the Bar is one and people should not because they lost an election, want to destroy the Bar.

Dickson's Wife Delivered of Quadruplets in American Hospital

Boko Haram Threatens to Bomb University of Ibadan

Emmanuel AddehinYenagoa

Ademola BabalolainIbadan

It was double celebration for Governor Seriake Dickson as barely 24 hours after his election was affirmed by the Court of Appeal, his wife, Dr. Rachael was delivered of quadruplets in an American hospital.

THISDAY learnt that the new births, a boy and three girls, came several years after the dark-skinned first lady had been “looking unto God” for a child.

The wife of the governor, an academic, who bagged a doctorate degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, as well as the babies are reported to be healthy and “doing well”.

A part time university lecturer, the 43-year old woman celebrated her birthday sometime in August this year.

Confirming the development yesterday, Chief Press Secretary to Dickson, Mr Daniel Iworiso-

Markson, noted that the governor had been over the moon since he heard of the safe deliveries.

“The season of celebrations continues in the family of Governor Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State as his wife, the First Lady, Dr. Rachael Dickson just put to bed in the United States of America”, Iworiso-Markson said.

He added, “She was delivered of a quadruplet; a bouncing baby boy and three beautiful baby girls. Mother and children are doing well.

“This is particularly good news for the family and Bayelsans because this bundle of joy is coming after many years of praying and waiting upon the Lord.

“Governor Dickson thanks friends, family members and Bayelsans for their prayers and support and enjoins them to continue to pray for the family”, the governor's Spokesman said.

Tension heightened Friday afternoon at the University of Ibadan following the circulation of a letter purportedly written to all staff by a Boko Haram group threatening to wreck monumental havoc through ceaseless bombings of the institution, beginning from today, Saturday.

The alleged offence of the institution was for being the first university in the country that brought in and entrenched western education.

Reports say both teaching and non-teaching staff were in panic mood as others were discussing the messages which was now widely circulated within the university community. No official reaction has been made on the mail.

It was gathered that while some lecturers got the mail through their institutional e-mail addresses, others were copied through social platforms such as WhatsApp.

In the alleged mail, the group "al-wilayat al-Islamiyya Gharb Afriqiyyah" described University of Ibadan as an embarrassment to Nigeria for bringing western education.

Security has been strengthened at the university gates with scanning and 'stop and search' operation was being carried out leading to many resuming work very late as they spent more than an hour at the gate while traffic snarl was witnessed owing to the security screening.

While saying that UI doomed the nation , the purported letter threatened to begin detonation on the campus adding that most staff and students were going to die before independence day.

"You people are an embarrassment to Nigeria and are the people that brought in western education to Nigeria. You doomed this nation and in turn you all are going to be doomed", part of the statment read.

Programme Manager, CPM, of the International Fund for Agricultural Development, IFAD,Value Chain Development Programme,VCDP, Atsuko Toda has advocated a resort to massive food production in the country as panacea for the current economic crisis.Toda who spoke at the Benue VCDPConsultativeMeetingwithmajoroff-takers/stakeholdersinMakurdi, howevercautionedthatthepersistentherdsmen/farmersclashesinparts of the country would continue to pose a challenge to Nigeria's efforts at attaining food sufficiency. She said, "due to the clashes between farmers and herdsmen in parts of the country engaging in extension farming has become challenging which calls for deliberate actions on the part of government to end the menace. "It is on that premise that we commend the assurances and determination of the Benue state government to end such persistent clashes in the state in order to guarantee the safety of extension farmers." Benue state Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. James Anbua and his Finance counterpart, David Olofu assured of the state government's commitment to the VCDP noting that a strategic growth in the nation's agricultural sector would quicken the country's move out of recession.

Daivyan Children Foundation

The maiden edition of the Daivyan Children Cancer Foundation will be hosted October 7, 2016 with the theme ‘Gold Challenge/Love of a Child Concert/Funds raising event’. According to the Coordinator of the foundation, Mrs. Matilda Obiajunwa, “this is in commemoration of the Children Cancer Awareness month, which is currently being observed this month of September”. According to her, “the Foundation is an NGO created to provide different forms of support to children battling cancer and their care givers. As part of its objectives, the Foundation has been involved in awareness activities aimed at enlightening the general public on the scourge, as well as calling attention to the increasing cases, of childhood cancer in our society”.

Global Autism Project Training

In a bid to assess, evaluate and train Heads of Special Education teachers and children affected by autism in Nigeria, four specialists from the Global AutismProjectinNewYork,arenowinNigeriaforafour-dayprogrammeto enhancethequalityofcareandeducationofautisticchildren.Thegroupwill train and formalise an agreement with Autism Care and Support Initiative (ACSI) in Abuja while assessing and evaluating children under the ACSI programme. The Director of ACSI, Dr. Julia Ejiogu who confirmed this development said the New York based GAP, led by the Chief Executive Officer and founder Ms Molly Ola Pinney and specialist trainers Casey Harden, Jacob Sandavoy and Crystal Thompson will spend time training ACSIstaffinAbujaandopenuptopeoplewhoneedevaluationanddiagnosis.

Ejiogudisclosedthattheforumwasgearedtowardsteachingandenhancing the relationship between the organisation and what ACSI and its partners can do to improve on the performance of Heads of Schools especially the general education teachers who also handle special needs children.

Performing Artistes on CNN African Voices

The focus of this week’s edition of CNN African Voices is the role of expressive arts in driving the growth of entertainment on the continent, the programme sponsor, Globacom, has said. According to the vignette of the episode released by CNN, the programme will cover dance, samba and slam poetry. It will examine how “expressive artistes are unleashing powerful performances in Africa.We start in Uganda with a daring dancer who seeks inspiration from across the continent to develop his craft and tackle social issues. In Nigeria, we meet a musician combining the roots of Brazilian samba with traditional Nigerian rhythms to empower youth.

And in Rwanda, we follow a fearless poet who’s inspiring others to follow their creative path,” CNN stated.

Chinese Movie Fiesta Launch

DigitalTVNetworkoperator,StarTimes,inconjunctionwiththeBeijingMunicipal BureauofPressandPublicationhaslaunchedtheannualbroadcastingseason and promotion of Chinese movies and drama series and cultural fiesta in Nigeria in a bid to foster inter-cultural promotion between Africans and Chinese.TheannualcolourfulprogrammealsoshowcasesthebestofChinese moviesanddramaseriesforNigerianloversofChineseentertainmentand culture. AccordingtotheGlobalVicePresidentofStarTimes,Ms.GuoZiqi, “NigeriaishometothelargestsubscribersofStarTimesandIbelievethatthis corporationwillfurtherpromotethefriendshipbetweenNigeriaandChina.”

AtanelaboratelaunchingceremonyinAbuja,dignitariesfromtheNigerian Ministry of Information and Culture, Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC),NigeriaTelevisionAuthority(NTA),StarTimesInternationalGroup,The BeijingMunicipalBureauofPressandPublicationandtheChineseEmbassy in Nigeria jointly unveiled and flagged off the annual broadcasting season and fiesta with various colourful cultural displays and highlights of select movies and drama series to thrill the audience.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 24, 2016

18

Plus

Alabi

My Little Secret: I Steal Meat from My Wife’s Pot of Soup

Diminutive in stature, colossal in talents, he is an adventurer whose enterprising spirit defies fear of the unknown. A man of many firsts and not a few disappointments, he’s not one to give up easily on his dreams. After a considerable hits and misses, he caught the attention of the klieg light with the birth of Nairabet Akin Alabi, the young and suave founder of the first online sport betting portal in Nigeria, has been able to carve a niche for himself. Before breaking through, Alabi is a metaphor of many youths’ frustrating attempts at hitting the cut-off mark of the Joint Admission Matriculation Board, (JAMB) examination – for five years, he sat for the exams without hitting the mark thus missing the opportunity of getting a university degree. While university education seemed far away from his grasp, that cold reality couldn’t snuff out his entrepreneurial dream. For the thorough-bred Ibadan businessman, there is more to life than a university education. In this interview with Omolabake Fasogbon, the 39-year-old millionaire shares the narratives of a fast growing betting industry in Nigeria – its past, present and its future

“I

The beginning have set up many businesses,” he said, “but they failed too soon.

I am happy they didn’t stay too long before they failed as that quickly prepared me for a new chapter. My efforts to get university education failed because JAMB failed me five times. As far as that exam is concerned, I think I got what I deserved. I must have failed JAMB because I wasn’t too serious, not that I wasn’t brilliant. Of course, I’m an average student but I kept meeting myself at the point of 180 and 190. Meanwhile, I had already passed my polytechnic entrance exam and admitted in a polytechnic as I kept struggling with JAMB to see if I could make a direct switch to university. I decided to quit after making five unsuccessful attempts.”

Asked how he felt for not having a university education, “I felt pretty normal because I knew I wasn’t going to make any career from either polytechnic or university certificate.”

Surprisingly, business is not a trend in his clan that one could say he may be toeing an established pattern. The business mogul loves reading and in the course of that exercise, he said “I came across Success Digest, which exposed me to business ideas.” Like any other entrepreneurs, he has taken a whole lot of decisions that spelt doom in the long run especially on failed deals. However, the decision to start Nairabet is one he will

ever live to celebrate.

“I started as information marketer; I was basically into writing and selling of books which I could say was like selling my knowledge and experience both on online and terrestrial platforms. It pleases me to tell you that I still do that till now.”

But why did he choose publishing instead of dealing in more lucrative ventures? “I realised that most businesses require capital to build, as a fresh graduate, I didn’t have the resources to set up one. I decided to go into information marketing because it requires minimum capital and to the glory of God, it went well,” he answered.

Independent entrepreneur all the way In what can be said to be unusual, Alabi said he has never been anybody’s employee; he has always been his own boss. “Right from time, I had vowed never to work under anybody. Besides, all I have always wanted to be, right from my childhood, was to become rich but definitely not as a paid employee. I didn’t mind what manner of business I would go into as long as it is legally accepted.

I just wanted to do things myself and I thank God this came to pass. Immediately after my youth service, I went straight into learning how to do ventures that will earn me money. I attended series of seminars. I also read a lot inspiring business books. The decision to be my own boss was further boosted with the discrimination against HND holders.

As an HND graduate, my chances were

limited in the labour market and so, I pursued the course to being a rich entrepreneur,” the Nairabet boss stated.

Mentor He is no other person than Dr. Sunny Obazu-Ojeagbase, the publisher of Complete Sport and Success Digest Magazine.

“He has always been a source of inspiration to me even long before I met him. While in school, I used to save money to buy his magazine so that I can read his articles. When I didn’t have money, I would join free readers association because I couldn’t afford to miss his articles. I got to know of information marketing through him and I am still earning a living from that. There was a time he put up a seminar in Lagos and I came from Ibadan to attend the seminar; that was the first time I met in person,” Alabi noted.

His childhood About his growing up, he said, “I was born and bred in Ibadan, Oyo State. I came from a family of five; I am the last child. I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth and we weren’t poor either.

My parent could afford three square meals and they could conveniently pay for the children’s education.

Challenges of pioneering businesses in Nigeria Getting Nairabet and indeed, sport

betting industry to stand firm in the country was not a child’s play. He narrated explained: “I got the idea from one of my trips to the United Kingdom.

My brother introduced me to the game, I tried it and I loved it. It then occurred to me that we didn’t have such in Nigeria.

I saw a prospect for the business in Nigeria considering the fact that Nigerians have penchant for football, particularly, European football, which is the bedrock of the (betting) game generally. I had the conviction that I could do it and with that spirit, I set for action. However, it didn’t come as easy as I had imagined being a new venture in the country.”

Continuing, he recalled, “Before I started the business, I went online and threw the idea out, I conducted an online survey to see the reactions that will follow if the business eventually was established in the country. The feedbacks were amazing as people showed keen interest. That fuelled my confidence the more, so, I set out to work on the business idea. I tried to get information on how to go about the business, but couldn’t get any. I searched online, there was nothing inspiring. I also travelled abroad in search of help on how to get the deal done, what I got was not encouraging. I came back home and eventually came across a developer, a friend, who developed the basics for me and then I launched out. I started making my money almost immediately after I set out. In fact, the first set of customers we had were those I met online in the

19

SEPTEMBER 24, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

Plus How I Established Nairabet in Nigeria course of my research. They were so happy that the platform exists in the country and do not need to go through the rigorous exercise of sending money abroad to participate in the game. It is however easier to develop today because subsequent entrants now have a model to follow.”

Raising the capital As far as pioneering an activity may come with some uphill struggle, it has some gains as Alabi revealed: “I didn’t really spend much to get the deal on the table. I contacted a friend who helped me to develop something very basic almost for free – and with less than N200, 000, we kicked off. Getting to raise the money wasn’t difficult as I had already started saving from the proceeds I gathered from information marketing. Meanwhile, it took lesser amount to start then because it was just coming into the market.” Asked about the cost implications of establishing betting venture today, he reclined in his seat and said, “You should be talking of millions of naira. In short, let me peg it at N100 million.”

Seeing competitors as partners The monopoly he enjoyed as the only entrepreneur in the industry was soon broken as other businessmen came on the scene. Displeased with that? Alabi said: “Absolutely not.” For the serial entrepreneur, competition is wanted and welcome.

He expressed, “I’m very excited that they are coming. I see them as my partners and not my rivals. If other portals didn’t emerge, the market would not be this developed. My brand is what it is today as a result of the exploit of those that came after us. When others came and tried to do things better than we were doing, we were forced to improve on our offerings. If we were still enjoying the monopoly, we won’t be as big as this. The good thing however is that for us in the industry, we have cordial relationships.

We call one another on regular basis to keep ourselves abreast of latest happenings in the industry. We also have an association called Association of Nigerian Bookmakers.”

Nairabet’s unique selling point And in the midst of many partners, the brand has continuously wormed its way into customers’ heart. How is that being achieved? “Our experience stands us out,” he confidently said. “We keep our words.

If you bet with us, be assured of getting your money. Even when others came up with better products, our customers still chose us because they know we treat them right.”

Expanding the business Speaking on the venture’s reach, Alabi stated, “Already, we have gone national from the very first day we started business through the online platform. People can bet from anywhere in the country.

For the offline stores however, we operate a franchise programme, where we give our software to any interested agent and then we split the commission. Most of the shops you see around are not directly operated by us but we allow them to run on our identity. Through this franchise, we’ve been able to spread faster than we could imagine.”

Winding down Nairabet?

As he hinted about a new deal, he dropped a shocker: “I no longer run Nairabet day-to-day, as a matter of fact, I am gradually moving to the background.

I’m tired of sitting down, going through files and signing documents every day. I hate routine jobs but I love the excitement of exploring new areas.” He said he has nurtured the betting company to a point where the pillar cannot be shaken, and so he needed to break record in another line.

“For years, this business has been all over me to the extent that I rarely have time for other endeavours. Soonest, we are coming up with an online courier service, a kind of pickup and delivery service where you don’t have to be physically present at the courier station to wire your items, but rather apply online and get the items delivered to your doorstep.”

Why the name ‘Nairabet’?

I discovered that most sport betting companies found abroad usually ends or start with bet; several names came to my mind. Names like Naija Bet, Nigeria

Ek Bet but eventually, I found Nairabet more appealing.

Betters don’t lose Above any other reasons, betters play with the intention to win; operators are also in to make profit which wouldn’t come if there are no losers. Nobody wants to be a loser. But, would this highly expectant entrepreneur wish that his customers be at the losing end for him to make profit?

“I want you to get something clear about how we do the business. You see, anytime someone loses in a bet, his or her money is taken by others that win. This is what a lot of people don’t realise. Let me give you an analogy, when 100 people bet with N1000 each, this amounts to N100, 000. Ninety-eight people may lose while two persons win.

One person may win N45, 000 another wins N50, 000, totalling N95, 000. We pay these winners from the N100, 000 realised and the remaining N5, 000 comes back to us. Likewise, if 98 people win and two persons lose, it is also from this N100, 000 that we pay the 98 people, though they get a smaller portion each. From the token left with us, government gets its own percentage, other than the company tax, the technical provider also takes its own percentage. We pay our tax too, pay salaries, settle administrative bills and also make profit.

“For every bet we take, over 90 per cent goes back to the winners but a lot of people don’t know this. Rather they feel Nairabet has swindled them. Coming back to the question whether he wishes betters good luck or not, he wouldn’t give a straight answer, but pointed out that “Whether they are on the winning sides or losing sides, it does not affect us, it’s pretty standard that 90 per cent of whatever realised will be paid out.

So people don’t lose to us, they lose to themselves. In other words, money keeps going around betters and doesn’t stay with us. Just a little percentage of players’ money eventually comes to us.”

Benefits of betting to Government A lot of the money raised in the lottery and sport betting business goes to an account called Lottery Trust Fund. It’s spent on infrastructure and citizens’ welfare. We call such money good cause .The contributions of the lottery industry to the development of the country is massive and in case you don’t know, anytime somebody places a bet, a little percentage of the person’s money is used to cater for the good of the country. Don’t be surprised that part of the money used to construct the road that leads to your house may probably be coming from the fellow that places N100 on a bet. I am very happy that I am contributing to the development of the country; that is why I don’t even mind paying more because I know and I’m convinced that the money is used for good causes and not embezzled.

Nairabet for 18 and above Everyone finds pleasure in football

matches these day because of its entertainment value – the rich, poor, young and old. Beyond entertainment, people also bet to enlarge their monetary coast. Does that include the rich? “I know most of my customers are youths, however, I don’t profile them in terms of their financial level. Left to me, I want the excitement to cut across all the demographics. I prefer to have 100 people place N100 bet each than two people coming to place N50, 000 bet each. We have people from all walks of life that play the game, but must have reached 18 years and above because betting is an adult product just like alcohol.”

touch all spheres of life in our own little way particularly in the areas of education, health and sport.”

How about people from other parts of the country? “I can’t do it all, I just want to help in the little way I can. Besides, I am an Ibadan boy. For now, the foundation can’t afford to go national, but once the resources come, we will spread the wings across the country. But that doesn’t mean we have not touched lives outside Ibadan. The young man from University of Lagos that graduated with a CGPA of 5.0 got N1m from the foundation and he is not from oyo state.”

My lifestyle hasn’t changed Having gone this far, you want to know if anything has changed about him since he hit the jackpot.

“I am financially better than when I started out though I still eat Amala and Ewedu at the roadside. I patronise okada (motorcycle) and Marwa (tricycle) and I still fly economy. The fact that I’m financially OK makes no difference to me.”

Asked if he moves around with escort?

He said, “We have security for the company because sometimes we move money around and so their services will be needed but not specifically for me.”

He wouldn’t disclose how much his company makes each month; “You don’t expect me to disclose that in public,” he retorted.

When asked how the business is faring, considering present economy challenges, his crestfallen countenance speaks volume. “We make money in naira. We pay for our services in dollars and euro. The more these currencies go up, the more it bites us harder because our earnings remain the same.” Questioned on the movement of patronage considering the ‘no money’ chant in circulation, he wouldn’t want to talk about that. He jokingly said, “Since I have grown up, there has never been anytime people say they have money. The only time they say there is money is when they think about the past and when the past was happening, they still said there was no money.

In 10 years’ time, if things go worse than this, Nigerians will still say things were good in 2016.”

Nigeria’s AFCON failure and betting business A lot of people would have bet on Nigeria if we had qualified and we would have made more money. Now that Nigeria is out, people will only bet on other countries. We will feel the loss more when the game starts proper. Asked to give an estimate of how much the company would have made if Nigeria had qualified, he said, “I can’t really say because it didn’t happen.”

“Left to me, I prefer the online platform.

It is stress-free and saves cost. But the offline retail stores generate more money for us because many betters do not want to play online. They prefer to go to shops to unwind, argue about football matches and get latest information on sport.”

His philanthropy He is guided by the belief that one doesn’t necessarily own the world before extending a supportive hand to the needy.

Not because he was eying a political post by the way, helping others to make a living has become part and parcel of him even before he hits it big. It is based on this attitude that he established the Akin Alabi Foundation, with the motto, ‘Touching lives, one person at a time.’

“The foundation is based in Ibadan. We see to the welfare of Ibadan people. We

Childhood memories He hardly recalled any event that fits in but eventually stumbled on one: “I remember my mother used to beat me because I stole meat from her pot. Funny enough, I still do that, this time around, from my wife’s pot of soup.

Political disappointment He recently lost in an election that would have boosted his resume. So, how is he taking it?

“No one likes to lose in an election, especially having committed so much time and resources. No doubt, I was clearly the most popular candidate, but the people have elected their choice.

Even if the election wasn’t fair, what has happened has happened. I felt I could use the House of Representatives platform to offer my people more beyond what I am giving them now. I am relieved now after all, at least, I’ve been able to get back to business.”

How did he receive the news of his loss at the poll?

“The news came as a shocker, while waiting for the results to be announced, I was indoor having a discussion with my wife when the news broke that I’ve been defeated. Life has to continue. I only felt the loss for 10 hours; three days after the election, I threw a bash to celebrate my birthday. I didn’t allow the situation to weigh me down.”

“I don’t know. For now, I need to concentrate on my businesses and other projects. But frankly speaking, I do not think I’m interested politics anymore, because despite how I demonstrated my intention to the people, they knew it and they saw it, they didn’t vote me in. As it is, I am left with no motivation. But if I consider contesting again, it definitely will still be on the PDP platform. I don’t believe in cross-carpeting. I will remain loyal to PDP.”

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •SEPTEMBER 24, 2016

TRAVEL&LEISURE

by OMOLOLA ITAYEMI omolola.itayemi@thisdaylive.com 08054699602

‘How Canon is Shaping the Film Industry’ At the beginning of September each year, 70 000 television professionals, video and digital film specialists andTVmanagers meet at Amsterdam RAI for the annual IBC Exhibition of equipment and IBC Conference about the new trends, business ideasandtechnologysolutions.IBCisanimportanteventgrowing each year as the importance of its field expands, connecting into the technology of film from one side and into the computers engineering from the other. As the leading global tradeshow for professionals engaged in the creation, management and delivery of broadcasting media and entertainment, the event’s unparalleled exhibition and agenda setting conference, it encompass the very latest developments in broadcasting, mobile TV, IPTV, digital signage and R&D making it essential for everyone’s understanding of the .industry and it future. Omolola Itayemiinaninterview withKieramMagee,ProfessionalImaging Director, Professional Imaging Group, Canon at Amsterdam Rai discusses the pursuit of the shot, the future of Nollywood and film making and how Canon is shaping the industry with tools to capture every precious moment.

P

Why is Canon Here? robably you know IBC is one of the leading broadcast and movie events in Europe. Canon is as you know working very heavily in the broadcast sector where we have been for many years. And recently, we moved into the image creation side. So far, we are doing movie products, basically a range of cameras which allow us to create great user content. The key reason we are here this year is to continue to launch a range of broadcast products and several new cameras products and lenses.

Our 5D Mark II digital lenses camera launched several years ago which really was the starting point for people using smaller cameras to really get a filming/ movie effect.

The 5D Mark ll and its successor 5D Mark III were instrumental in bringing cinematic and movie-making capability to a wider audience. So that was Canon entry into the market and in many ways it revolutionized it. Since then, many people including Canon has started to produce a range of cameras from a relatively small price to the top-end sector. And we have introduced the C range from 100 to 500, all of these are cinematic products which are capable of generating a cinematic type feel and look for images and this year, we introduced the C-700 which is at the top of the range and this is a product which we feel will be suited for movie-making at the highest level.

It could be used two ways; 4K which is right at the top spectrum and it has HDR capabilities.

So Much is Being Talked About 4k And HDR? The key themes in IBC this year are 4K and HDR. Both 4K and HDR movies are being delivered to the homes with TVs. Of course, you’ll see TVs in the shops now coming with these functions. HDR capabilities comes with functions like vibrant colours, pictures going from dark to light in one scene, HDR will make that accessible. So it’s one thing that is actually changing and driving the whole TV market as well which will be content generated with super high resolution.

We have created a graded set of lenses and cameras, all of which allow you to

manage the creation of that content. The tools we are bringing will allow creative people understand and use the technology in different ways and in much more appealing ways too.

How is Canon Positioning Itself to Benefit From the Emerging Market In Nigeria?

We have an ambassadorial programme where we work with photographers across the world and these people become spokesmen, not only for Canon but for photography. They also help in bringing photography to more people and having them understand the possibilities with photography, giving them the opportunity to capture scenes and tell their stories.

We are actually in Africa working with up and coming photographers and we have been running trainings both on the video side and still photography side to build a community of people who want to capture African environment, color, sound and scenery which is different from what we are seeing in Europe.

There is a big growth opportunity there we feel both for photography and hopefully for our products. We are actively working more on the educative side, we see that as an opportunity to bring photography to more people and bring a huge growth market for us.

What is Pursuit of The Shot?

As a brand, we really try to position ourselves based on quality. We might not necessarily be the first to come to the market but we come usually with the right products with high quality, one that is sustainable, has some longevity and in some way feature-proof. Our latest marketing approach is giving people the chance to get the shot. It’s about photography being part of your DNA. Our whole idea is to create tools which allow people to create and preserve momentous images whether for leisure or work. It’s about images that last; that’s why our current marketing campaign is ‘Pursuit of the Shot’. What we are trying to do is make that shot and also provide education and knowledge towards getting that shot. Sometimes, the shot is complicated, so you have to the right tools and know what you are doing. We see the mobile phone as an entry point for people into photography and then we take the mobile phone users on a journey

Kieran Magee

into photography and providing the tools to do that.

Nollywood is Growing Very Fast.

How Does Canon Intend to Tap into This?

Actually, we are very aware of Nollywood and we are actively trying to create products and lens technology to this area. Of course, the content providers are aware of the products from Canon.

Of course, the C 100 to 700 products are ideally suited to work in movie making in various scenarios.

We are building as range of products not just suited to Nollywood but to the industry as a whole. But also I would say if you look at lower cost productions as well, they are going from small budgets movies to your full feature length movie where the budget is in millions. We have a range of products that can work from entry level to top-end level.

Has IBC come at a good time for the electronic media industry?

Why? Absolutely! It provides the perfect opportunity for the creative industries to come together and collaborate to drive the future of television. The creative opportunities available today

are ushering in a new era of broadcast and the conversations that take place at IBC will help to shape the direction of the industry in these exciting and innovative times.

What do you think are the key developments in, or threats to, your market sector at the current time?

The proliferation of Ultra HD represents a massive opportunity for the entire industry and it’s critical that professionals have the tools they need to create content for this new world.

The expectations on TV in particular are beyond anything we’ve seen before and we’re enabling this powerful, visual storytelling through our technology.

Why should delegates visit your stand at IBC? The Canon stand reflects the rapidly changing broadcast industry. Delegates can get hands-on with our entire line-up of broadcast solutions and technologies including the recently announced CN7x17 KAS – our first-ever cinema lens to feature a servo drive unit. We’re showing off our X-series camcorders, pioneering Cinema EOS range and extensive portfolio of over 100 lenses.

NANTA Advocates Aviation-Driven Tourism Industry

T

o underscore the global importance of aviation as the locative engine of any economy, National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) President, Bankole Bernard has called on the federal government to relocate the Ministry of Tourism to Aviation to fast track an immediate development of tourism in Nigeria.

Bankole who in recent weeks has consistently decreed the poor situation of Nigeria’s airports and the entire aviation sector, assured the government of NANTA’s support to help change the ugly scenario painted about travel facilities in country only if only a systematic and strategic re-alignment is put in place to drive tourism through aviation.

He told Aviation Minister, Senator Hadi Sirika to let President Muhammadu Buhari know that Nigeria can quickly get out of economic recession if tourism is married to aviation, a progressive partnership and policy decision

that has helped other nations in the world to rebound on all indices of development.

“Nanta is embarrassed by the look of our airports and the situation our aviation sector today because Nigeria never has truly paid attention to the huge benefits in bound tourism hence we urge you to please do all you can to bring the tourism portfolio to the aviation sector so that Nigeria can power domestic tourism and grow the huge potentialities of Nigeria as a global tourism destination” he stressed.

Bankole who got the aviation minister nodding in agreement, upped his presentation with graphic details of how other Africa nations of Ethiopia, Egypt and Kenya help power their tourism economy through key attention and support to their national airlines. He also thumbed up Asian tourism economic powers of United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan and China for pushing aviation cum tourism infrastructure to the front burner of their economic aspiration.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • SEPTEMBER 24 , 2016

23

TRAVELOGUE

Ojude-Oba: A Celebration of Tradition For indigenes of Ijebu-Ode, the capital of Ijebuland both local and in diaspora, Tuesday was a unique gathering and rare display of glamour and a grand celebration of tradition, as they marked the decade-old Ojude-Oba festival, Omolola Itayemi writes

Our rich cultural heritage on display

H

uman and vehicular traffic around the city of Ijebu Ode, particularly near the Palace was chaotic. Everyone was making their way towards the newly built Palace extension where the event was taking place. It was obvious this was no ordinary celebration, with people dressed to the nines, music blaring from different musical sets, canopies displaying different merchandise and services, masquerades and traditional dancers on parade. Call it a fusion of tradition, culture and colour and you won’t be wrong.

The venue’s arch-way was jammed with human traffic as thousands, from within and outside Ijebuland converged on this spot. Colourful horsemen in full traditional regalia had to jostle with the crowd in a bid to find their way in.

Guards at the gate tried severally to control the crowd with shots into the air from their dane guns but to no avail, as more people trooped in, defying the heavy storm.

The cacophony of noise also pointed to the fact that festivity was in the air.

Although the Ileya Muslim festival was marked two days earlier, but to the Ijebu indigenes, their celebration proper was the Ojude-Oba day. Cutting across political, economic and educational divides, this celebration provides a platform for indigenes to network and hang out with friends and extended family relations.

It is a homecoming of sorts, taking place amid fanfare and glamour.

Much more than that is the exultation of tradition; the celebration of culture and the acclamation of the Awujale of Ijebuland, the royal head of the Ijebu nation.

Beginning with an imposing billboard, welcoming attendees to Ojude Oba 2016, to branding across the entire Ijebu-Ode town and the exclusive Ankara worn by the First City Monument Bank (FCMB) delegates, the Bank truly added colour to this year’s festival in a unique way.

FCMB has explained that it’s continuous support of the Ojude Oba festival is

borne out of its commitment to celebrate and preserve Nigeria’s cultural heritage, while also boosting the tourism sector, in line with the government’s ongoing drive to diversify the country’s economy.

The event, which attracted dignitaries from everywhere in Nigeria and in the diaspora, was graced by the Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; and his counterparts from Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir Rufai; traditional rulers, former and present senators and members of the House of Representatives in attendance.

Governor Amosun, in his remark, said the festival had continued to promote oneness, unity and sense of brotherhood among the Ijebus. “There cannot be development without unity and, therefore, we must continue to do things that will bring peace and development in Ijebu and the state as a whole,” he said.

Amosun also used the opportunity to assure the people of the state that his administration would continue to embark on developmental programmes across the state.

The Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, in his speech, urged political leaders in the country to be sincere with the citizenry and also identified bad leadership and hypocrisy as one of the major challenges of the country The yearly festival, though steeped in religion, has risen above that to become a time for felicitating with friends and loved ones. The festival was said to have started when the first set of Muslim converts in Ijebu-Ode decided to pay homage to the Awujale two days after their first Eid-el kabir in the town. This version has been contested by non-muslims and even Muslims. But the story has it that they had gone to the palace to visit the Awujale, present him with festival gifts, which included part of the ram they had slaughtered for the celebration and to pray with him. The Awujale was said to have been so pleased with the gesture of the Muslims that he had asked for an encore the following year. Thus, what was meant to be a one-off event turned out to be a recurring celebration.

Glamour and elegance at its best

L-R: Olori Adetutu and Otunba Subomi Balogun, Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Governor Ibikunle Amosun and Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, host of the day

Another very important aspect of the festival is the role of age-group members, referred to as regbe-regbe. Dressed in similar traditional attires, these set of people, who are united in fostering a better community for the indigenes, shone like stars. Banners announcing different age-grades were a common sight near the palace grounds.

Horse riding is another thrilling

aspect of the festival, with horse riders cantering to the palace to pay homage to the Awujale, and afterwards, ride round the town. Horse riding is done by designated families that are usually recognised during the celebration. They are allowed to display their skills in horse riding, which along with martial music and other logistics, never fail to keep the crowd asking for more.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • SEPTEMBER 24, 2016

auTo

Mercedes-Benz Leads in First Half of the Year

M

Stories by Bennett Oghifo

ercedes-Benz in the first half of 2016 has overtaken other luxury car segments in the number of vehicles sold, approaching its goal to beat competitors on annual sales for the first time in 11 years, Bloomberg reports.

A statement by Weststar Associates Limited, sole distributors of MercedesBenz in Nigeria, said Mercedes’ sales for the first six months of 2016 increased by 12%, amounting to just over 1 million vehicles.

Much of the Mercedes’ sales success is attributed to the newer lineup of vehicles in the Mercedes showroom, including the X3-rivalling GLC mid-size SUV, the new C- and E-Class models as well as their subsequent variants.

“We began the second quarter with double-digit sales growth,” said Ola Källenius, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales. “In the course of the year, we plan to keep that momentum going with a stream of new products, including four new or revised SUVs,” he added.

Another major milestone is the fact that Mercedes-Benz delivered more than 156,000 vehicles to customers in August – an increase of 11.8%. The main

Mercedes-Maybach S-Class

contribution towards this increase came from the strong rise in unit sales of SUVs of approximately 40%. Mercedes-Benz was able to surpass its strongest August to date in the previous year due to double-digit growth in the Asia-Pacific region and in the domestic market. Two

sales milestones were also passed last month. More than four million SUVs and15,000 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class vehicles have been sold since their market launches.

“We are delighted about this advancement and will continue to

display relentless effort in offering the best sales and after sales services to customers at all designated workshops and dealerships,” said Mr. Mirko Plath, MD/CEO, Weststar Associates Limited, sole distributors of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria.

... E-Class Convertible Spied Looking Like a Baby S-Class

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he next-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class convertible is shaping up to look like a smaller version of the S-Class convertible.

Spy photographers have caught the E-Class convertible testing, sporting

plenty of camouflage bumper-to-bumper.

Still, we can make out the body lines of the next-generation model, with the rear end getting similar styling as the S-Class convertible.

The German automaker has already shown two variants of the new E-Class, the sedan and wagon, with the coupe

expected to bow next and the convertible following six months later.

These spy photos also give us a good idea of what the overall profile of the E-Class coupe will look like. This particular convertible prototype is wearing a fabric soft top that will likely fold away into the trunk, just like the

current model.

Powertrain options should resemble the E-Class sedan, and although the current-generation model doesn’t have any fully fledged AMG variants, that might change considering the push Mercedes is making with the AMG brand.

Why Ford EcoSport is Dream Car for Mom ord has been on a quest to come up with a dream car that would suit the needs of moms. So what does that dream car look like?

Some time ago Ford asked kids for help to design a dream car for their mothers.

Their innovative responses included an underwater car; a race car with a smoothie dispenser and a private pool; a robot chauffeured limousine so that moms could indulge in pamper sessions while being driven around, and a car equipped with a washing machine and kitchen that runs on love instead of fuel.

Ford would like to think that the EcoSport, one of the vehicles driving SUV sales in Europe and the USA, is not too far from the ideal dream. It is built

and designed to make life a bit easier whether it’s negotiating the school run, fetching loads of groceries, collecting the laundry or nipping off for a pamper session or coffee date with friends.

Here are five reasons why we think the EcoSport is the dream car for any mom: It is affordable - EcoSport has the affordability of a compact car, with the versatility and spaciousness of an SUV. The 1.5l engine delivers excellent fuel consumption and the Powershift automatic gearbox increases fuel efficiency even further. That said, EcoSport is no slouch and has more than enough power on tap when you need it.

It has space – there is enough space to comfortably seat five adults. The cabin has a generous amount of practical storage compartments, including a glove

box that can keep up to six beverage cans cooled. The rear seats have three reclining settings and folds down easily when additional cargo space is needed.

It’s safe - safety is a special concern when the passengers are little people.

The EcoSport boasts an array of airbags, including airbags for the driver and front passenger as standard, offering extra peace of mind. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) is available on all models ensuring that the wheels never lock-up, and coming to a halt can happen quickly on slippery road surfaces.

It has good ground clearance and assists with those tricky hills – The EcoSport has high ground clearance of 200 millimetres, and has exceptional ability to wade through 550 millimetres of water. The hill launch assist feature, available on the

PowerShift derivative, makes pulling off on a slope an absolute doddle, offering the driver time to smoothly accelerate, either up- or downhill, without rolling or losing control.

It is fun to drive! This car makes driving fun and intuitive with an array of smart features. It offers Ford SYNC®, the voice-activated in-car connectivity system powered by Microsoft. This means the driver can keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel while choosing their favourite music and making phone calls using voice commands. Ford is continuing with its efforts to build that dream car that will meet all the needs of every mom. But for now, it can be said that the EcoSport comes pretty close to filling the brief! Head to Coscharis Motors and purchase an EcoSport for your wife.

... Plans to Sell Self-Driving Cars by 2025

A

Ford EcoSport

lthough Ford plans to have its driverless cars on roadways by 2021, they won’t sell them to the public until 2025.

Recently, the American automaker revealed plans to have self-driving cars on roadways by 2021, but they will be used for ride-hailing services. Those vehicles are aiming to function without steering wheels or pedals, but don’t expect to get your hands on one until 2025.

The company’s CEO, Mark Fields, recently delivered a speech at Ford’s headquarters and said “around mid-decade we’ll make vehicles available for people to purchase for themselves,” referring to driverless cars.

In addition, Ford wants its autonomous vehicles to be accessible to “millions of

people, not just those who can afford luxury cars.”

Ford is hardly the only automaker focusing heavily on self-driving cars. Volvo recently launched its Drive Me program that will put self-driving cars into the hands of everyday drivers in select areas, while Google has teamed up with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to outfit a fleet of Chrysler Pacifica minivans with its self-driving technology. Then there’s the controversial Autopilot that Tesla has rolled out to its Model S and Model X vehicles, although that’s semi-autonomous as the American electric automaker works towards full autonomy.

Fields also admitted that Ford may not be first to market with self-driving cars, but that’s because it wants to make sure its cars are affordable for millions of people.

27

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • SEPTEMBER 24, 2016

auTo SAFE DRIVING

COSCHARIS, Enthusiasts Celebrate Centenary of BMWat Eko Atlantic City

JONAS AGWU

with

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

Stories by Bennett Oghifo

I

n celebration of BMW‘s 100 years anniversary, Coscharis Motors in association with the BMW Club Nigeria celebrated the epoch- making event at the Eko Atlantic City in Lagos recently with the display of a wide range of BMW models and trim levels.

The objective was to highlight the achievements and sheer driving pleasure that BMW is renowned for over the years, Coscharis said in a statement.

According to the General Manager Marketing and Corporate Communications, Coscharis Motors, Abiona Babarinde, “The event aimed at illustrating the start-up of the BMW brand, its present positioning and its future direction; also to kick start a BMW centric partnership with the BMW Club Nigeria.”

In addition, Coscharis Motors utilised the BMW centenary event to announce a series of sales offers from Coscharis BMW while reminding aspiring individuals of the availability of Approved used cars, which is a major marketing strategy by BMW to introduce them into the BMW family. The BMW Sales Manager, Coscharis, Olusegun Adejobi, who did a rundown of the BMW cars on display, said the BMW 5 Series and BMW 6 series are unique and that they were for those who want to extend their experience beyond the road and further their experience of the typical BMW dynamism and lifestyle – now with a wider range of products, styles and models to

Safy and A Botched Dream

S

General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Coscharis Motors, Abiona Babarinde (Second from Left); with Kennedy Njideofor, President, BMWClub Nigeria and other members of the club, during an event to celebrate BMW 100th anniversary at the Eko Atlantic City, Lagos... recently

choose from aside the best know models. These include BMW 2 series, 4 series, 5 Series, 6 series and the all new X4.

Meanwhile, BMW wins connectivity and design awards in auto motor und sport and Chip readers’ polls. “Car Connectivity Award” for BMW 7 Series – BMW M2 Coupe is “Best new design of 2016”.

More than 80 technologies in 11 categories were entered in the “Car Connectivity Award” readers’ survey conducted by German motoring journal auto motor und sport and computer magazine CHIP. The BMW 7 Series was crowned the vehicle with the best connectivity in the “Connected Cars” category.

This was the third time that the magazines had asked readers and users for their choices.

32,495 votes were submitted, with 27.9 per cent cast in favour of the BMW 7 Series. The result

underlines once again BMW’s leading status in the link-up of the driver, vehicle and outside world. Added to which, the BMW M2 Coupe was voted the “Best new design of 2016” in the compact cars category of the “autonis” poll conducted by “auto motor und sport”.

Readers recognise the exceptional levels of connectivity provided by the BMW 7 Series.

The BMW 7 Series performed impressively in the readers’ poll carried out by auto motor und sport and CHIP thanks to a wealth of newly developed assistance systems such as Remote Control Parking. The BMW 7 Series is the world’s first series-produced car that can be manoeuvred into and back out of perpendicular parking spaces or garages without a driver at the wheel. This function is activated by the driver outside

using the newly developed BMW Display Key and carried out semi-automatically by the car. Another example of the linkup between different systems is the Steering and lane control assistant including Traffic jam assistant, which controls the car’s speed down to a standstill and eases the stress on the driver in traffic congestion, in particular.

Likewise showcasing exceptional connectivity are the services from BMW ConnectedDrive in the BMW 7 Series. They include Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI), Online Entertainment and Intelligent Emergency Call with accident severity detection. For all BMW ConnectedDrive services, the SIM card embedded as standard in the car establishes the connection with the mobile phone network.

Volkswagen to Discontinue Two-Door Golf GTI

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he Volkswagen GTI will lose its two-door variant in the U.S. as the automaker jettisons low-volume offerings in its post-diesel scandal world.

Mark Baruth broke the story at Jalopnik after a Volkswagen product manager mentioned

the cancellation during the company’s recent GolfAlltrack mediatestdrive.Whenheasked about pricing on 2017 GTI two-door, Megan Garbis, Golf productmanageratVolkswagen ofAmerica, stated that production of that model would end in two weeks.

That leaves a very short 2017 model year run for the two-door GTI. While we don’t have sales figures for specific GTI variants,

overallsalesofthemodelreached a high point in the U.S. last year.

Increased demand apparently didn’t translate into more sales of the two-door model.

Garbis said that customers and dealers overwhelmingly ask for the four-door GTI. The automaker’s new U.S. strategy is to give customers what they demand most, so the two-door, as traditional as it is, needs to exit stage left. The order process for

a four-door GTI has reportedly been streamlined.

“We’vereducedthecomplexity, which allows the customer to configuretheGTIheorshewants online and go to the dealership andpickituptoday,”Garbissaid.

Withcrossoversovertakingfamily sedans in sales and two-door cars slowly disappearing from the automotive landscape, it seems practicality truly rules the day.

2016 Toyota Prius Recalled for Airbag Issue

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ertain 2016 Toyota Prius vehicles are being recalled to address an issue with their airbags.

Not related to the ongoing massive Takata airbag recall, this issue affects approximately 7,600 units in the U.S. and involves a component in the airbag assembly that may have been improperly welded and/or misassembled.

According to the Japanese automaker, the front passenger airbag contains stored, compressed gas in the inflator and if the assembly has been improperly welded or misassembled, the stored

2016 Toyota Prius

gas may escape without a deployment signal and result in the partial inflation of the airbag.

The condition has been observed when the vehicle is

parked and unoccupied for a period of time. If the airbag inflates in this manner, it can under some circumstances, increase the risk of injury and the

possibility of a crash.

All affected owners will be notified by first class mail starting November, Toyota has announced.

ometime in 2014, I wroteatouchypieceI tilted,BIDEMIAND THE FRSC ANNUAL LECTURE. Thepiecewasaboutacutebeautiful, young and promising lady whose lifeaccordinginformationgathered waslikeascriptmadeinheavenand delivered through mother earth.

The piece went thus; Bidemi (not her real name) was her name. Call herluckyorfavoredandyouwould not be far from the truth about her life.Herswasnotjustabout beauty without brains as she equally had goodeducationwhereshedustedall inherclasswithaFirstclassdegree.

Lifeseemedsmoothandeasyforher.

EvenaftergraduatingandcompletinghercompulsoryNationalYouth Service Corps, destiny sorted her out among her peers as she didn’t havetowaitforlongtobeengaged asastaffinathrivingandpromising business outlet.

Likeeveryyounggirlherage,she metherdreammanandgotpregnant.

Bothagreedtolivetheirdreamsand fantasy.Theymettheirfamiliesand setaweddingdatetoconsummate her lifelong dream of becoming a motherandawife.Tragedyhowever struck barely few months to the set day. Bidemi, whose beauty shone the more with the pregnancy, set out on a journey in a commercial vehicle. On the journey, a crash occurred, claiming her life and that of her unborn child, leaving behind a traumatizedhusband-to-be.Aswell as traumatized families. Bidemi was an only child whose parents had made sacrifices for, hoping for a better tomorrow. With her death, their dreams and aspirations died with her.

Bidemi’s story is one of the numerous tragedies on our roads.

Daily, crashes occur, killing, maimingandleavingbehindtraumatized lovedones,familiesandsometimes childrenwithnoonetocareforthem.

InthelastmonthsIhavebeentouched by the spate of crashes and deaths involvingstudents,religiousgroups, nollywoodactorsandyouthcorpers even though there have been near missesliketheoneinvolvingnollywoodactressQueenWokomawho survivedacrash thatleft herHonda Jeeptotallywrecked.Themostrecent isthestoryofacorpersimplyidentified as Hafy.Hafy details I couldn’t piecetogetherexceptforwhatIcould gatheronthesocialmedia.ButSafy storyandtragedyislikearemakeof Bidemi.Theybothsharesomething similar. From the picture I saw of Safy, she is beautiful like Bidemi.

And like Bidemi, she went to the University and graduated. While Bidemi served and get a good and promisingjob,Safywasstillserving.

And like Bidemi who though was expectantandawaitingthewedding day,Safywasalsocountingweeksor monthstoherweddingday;adream date for any young girl.

Now,thisishowthesocialmedia captured Safy tragedy. The report saidthatshewasduetocompleteher servicesoonbeforegettingmarried injustaboutthreemonthstime.All thatdreamofbecomingawifeand a mother of children and maybe a grandmother fizzled like vapour as she met her untimely death in a

fatalroadtrafficcrashalongtheAbuja Kadunaexpressway.Thereportwas austereonthedetailsofthecrashand possiblecausativefactorsbehindthe crash. In our typical religious way, messagesofcondolenceandprayers followed; the most touching being the one that said, ‘so sad,RIP,I reject prematuredeathandnearsuccesses syndrome in Jesus name. Others merely described her death as sad and tragic. I share the pain of her traumatized fiancé and family. I can never imagine the anguish they must be going through right now.NothingexceptGodAlmighty cantrulyconsoleandcomfortthem.

Whiletheyarehurtingandrhetoricallyaskingwhy,myconcernishow toensurethattheroadwetravel,the patientroaddoesnotendthedream ofanotherSafyorBidemi.Thequestionwouldbeforustoknowwhen the trip took off as most of us have the penchant to travel late trusting thatthebloodofJesuswillluminate theroadsandgrantussavejourney withoutcautioningourselvesagainst thedangeroflatetravels.Whatspeed was the driver doing? I know that behindeveryfatalityontheroadisthe speedfactorwhichexplainswhythe FederalRoadSafetyCorpsistoday screamingthatcomeOctober1,2016 allcommercialvehiclesmustinstall aspeedlimitertocurtaincrashesand fatalites. Wearehowevercautioned and told that excessive speed kills.

Researchhasitthat anincreaseinaveragespeedisdirectlyrelatedbothto thelikelihoodofacrashoccurringand to the severity of the consequences of the crash. So if you love life, you should at every time keep to the speedlimitof100km/hwhichisthe maximumspeedontheexpressway for private cars and 90km/h for taxis and buses. The same applies todrivingwithinbuildupareassuch asschools,markets,commercialand busy areas; the speed limit here is further reduced to between 2050km/h .You must at every time be guided by this rules and not by thesupposedprogrammedevents fortheday.Someotherfactsonspeed statesthatpedestrianshaveagreater chanceofsurvivingacarcrashat30 km/horbelow.30km/h.speedzones can reduce the risk of a crash and are recommended in areas where vulnerableroadusersarecommon suchasresidentialareasandaround schools .

Wherewasshesittedinthevehicle?

Wasshebelted?WhereotheroccupantsbeltedtooTruthisthatseatbelts savelives.Itcan’tbeputsimplerthan that.Seatbeltshavebeenadjudged tobethemosteffectivetrafficsafety deviceforthepreventionofdeathand injury in the event of crash.

Wearingaseatbeltcanreducerisk of crash injuries by fifty percent accordingtotheGlobalNationalSafety Council.Forthosewhoinsistthatthe useofseatbeltisnotanissuethatmerit thekindofattentionbeinggiventoit by the FRSC, for those who believe that it is another money spinning venture for FRSC, for those who believe that we are making much aboutnothing,itishopedthataswe navigatethroughthisyear’sEmber months that we would all ponder on the choices we make when we travel and the attitudes we exhibit on the road .

30

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • SEPTEMBER 24, 2016

GLOBAL SOCCER

Aims for the Top with Gunners Though his move from Arsenal Academy to the club’s main team was hailed by many Nigerians, some see him as riding on the back of his uncle, Austin Okocha’s name and indeed the legacy left behind by Nwankwo Kanu, during his time at the North London club. But Alex Iwobi is proving critics wrong as he becomes one of the fans' favourites at the Emirates Stadium, and singled out for praise by Arsene Wenger in Arsenal victory over Hull City last weekend.

Kunle Adewale writes on the former England U-21 player's ability to write his name in gold at the Emirates

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ore than year after making his debut for Arsenal, Alex Iwobi, is already commanding a regular shirt at the North London club. Coach Arsene Wenger singled out the young stricker for specific praise after Arsenal beat Hull City 4-1 last Saturday. The Gunners have a host of top-class attacking players in their ranks and more often than not, it is the likes of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez that get the credit for the team’s renowned possession play. However, Iwobi is right in the mix for the Emirates Stadium side having made an impression during his breakthrough season.

The Nigerian international was reinstated to the Arsenal team after overcoming injury and played in the Premier League side’s 1-1 draw against Paris Saint-Germain in midweek and was heavily involved in the win at the KCOM Stadium last Saturday and he received praise from Wenger.

“I started him last year because I've seen that there's something in him that is quality of vision, quality of give and go, of movement,” the French coach told the club’s official website.

“He can break the lines with a pass and individually as well, so there's a lot in the locker. Overall, he's only 20 years old; so you could see that he has gained in confidence now. He can take people on much more and he has gained power as well. It's interesting what he has done.”

Throughout every age group he's played at, he's been far and away the best player and sees Arsenal as more or less a continuation of that. He feels comfortable in his surroundings and seems to have an innate sense of how he can influence matches.

Against Hull City, Iwobi, who though nominally play on the left of midfield, popped up centrally to provide two assists and for most of the match played a roaming role and popped up all over the pitch. It's easy to forget he's only 20, especially when he is doing things like nonchalantly

flicking a pass like he did at the KCOM Stadium to set up Theo Walcott's goal.

Where Arsenal has been accused of being too nice and almost deferential in big matches, Iwobi has been totally unfazed by the players he's been up against. When he was thrown in from the start against Barcelona at the Nou Camp in the Champions League last season, one of the first things he did was to flick a pass beyond Lionel Messi from just outside Arsenal's penalty area.

Iwobi also has an end product to go with the swagger, already providing three assists in the Premier League this season - the joint-highest in the division, and being heavily involved in Alexis Sanchez's equaliser against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last week.

“What I like is his love for the game, his passion for the game and his hard work. Those things together, in our world, are a big quality and so I think he has interesting ingredients, but one game does not make a career. The consistency of your attitude makes a career,” Wenger said of the 20-year old Nigerian international.

Iwobi for his part said: "I'm happy with my performances. That gives me more confidence for every game I play. I'm just excited. I can't wait to play and I want to get more minutes on the pitch. I'm really enjoying my football and that's all that matters."

Iwobi made his official debut for Arsenal in their Capital One Cup fourth round tie against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough Stadium last year, when Wenger included him in his starting lineup.

He had earlier had a taste of firstteam football during the Emirates Cup and the tour of Singapore and made the bench for the Capital Cup One clash with Tottenham Hotspur in the third round.

Iwobi is capable of playing on the wing but prefers his favoured attacking midfield position for the

Iwobi

most part.

“He is a young lad and he has all it takes. He just needs to work hard and keep his head down and keep pushing so he gets his chance,” Kanu who spent 10 successful years at Arsenal told the clubs official website.

“Football is all about chances and when you have the opportunity you have to grab it. I believe he is going to make his mark. He is from Nigeria and we all support him and love him. He is the star we are looking for. He is going to learn a lot from Arsène Wenger and the club he is playing for – we need him to bring that back home and make sure he can help the national team.

“He just needs to keep his head down and not get carried away with a lot of things. Every day you train, you have to train on your weaknesses. With your strengths, you know them so you have to use them in the game.”

In spite of having represented England at Under 16, 17 and 18 level and captaining Arsenal’s Under 21 side, he accepted to play for Nigeria.

Iwobi, who was born in Nigeria, said: “Ordinarily I would have loved to play for England since I have played for all the under-aged teams up to the U-19, but Austin Okocha and Kanu have influenced

my decision to play for Nigeria. My dad too has told me a lot of things about the honour and pride that goes with playing for Nigeria. So I thought a lot about this and decided to play for

He can break the lines with a pass and individually as well, so there's a lot in the locker. Overall, he's only 20 years old; so you could see that he has gained in confidence now. He can take people on much more and he has gained power as well.

It's interesting what he has done

32

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • SEPTEMBER 24, 2016

GLOBAL SOCCER

Can Wenger Break Chelsea’s London Derby Dominance with Conte?

Of Arsene Wenger’s five wins over Chelsea since 2004, three came in his first match against new managersAvram Grant in 2007, Felipe Scolari in 2008 and Andre Villas-Boas in 2011. He also drew with Roberto Di Matteo in their first meeting. Since 2004, all matches not lost by Arsenal to Chelsea have been under new bosses. Can a meeting with Antonio Conte extend this in today’s London derby?

W

enger might have had a better chance had Chelsea not so impressively come back against Leicester City in the League Cup to win 4-2, but the way they had to rally after the disappointing defeat by Liverpool still illustrates how unconstructed a team the Blues are. There are still some elements that Conte is trying to put in place, but haven’t yet fully fused together. There are gaps to exploit.

On the other hand, Arsenal are not yet fully cohesive themselves in terms of performance, but the potential advantage as with those other wins against new managers they claimed is the consistency that has marked that last decade. Wenger hasn’t found his best team this season,

but he has found a winning rhythm, and they have picked off wins against inferior opposition in the way that has secured so many successive top-four finishes.

The hope now for Arsenal is that this old trait can cause a new departure, another transformation.

Wenger, named as Arsenal manager 20 years ago this week, will hope to celebrate with victory in the London derby at home to Chelsea.

Chelsea travel to Arsenal looking to get their stuttering Premier League campaign back on track, after dropping points in their last two outings. The Blues began life under Conte with three successive victories but the problems that haunted last season's title defence have risen again in recent weeks.

A disappointing draw at Swansea was followed up with a home defeat to Liverpool and the Italian boss will be desperate

to return to winning ways as soon as possible.

The west Londoners are already five points behind early pace-setters Manchester City and will know they cannot fall much further off the pace if they are to challenge for the big prize again this time around.

A trip across the capital to the Emirates Stadium represents a difficult task on paper, but the club will be heartened by the fact they are undefeated in their last nine league games against Arsenal.

Furthermore, with four victories on the ground, Chelsea are the most successful away side at the venue since the Gunners moved home back in 2006.

For their part, Arsenal have hit their stride in the Premier League and have won their last three fixtures after going winless in their opening two matches.

The Gunners also looked in good form in midweek as they dispatched of Nottingham Forest 4-0 in the EFL Cup, with new boy Lucas Pérez getting off the mark with two goals.

Arsene Wenger’s side looked close to their best in the 4-1 thrashing of Hull last weekend and will have high hopes of reversing their recent fortunes against Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Manchester United will hope to re-energise their faltering campaign and make up ground on the early pacesetters with victory at home to champions Leicester City today after successive Premier League defeats,.

After losing to leaders Manchester City and Watford, either side of a Champions League defeat to Feyenoord, United already trail Pep Guardiola's vibrant City by six points and sit in

35

SEPTEMBER 24, 2015 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

BUSINESS ISSUE

Uzoma Dozie Unveils 5 keys for Start-ups’ Success in an Economy under Recession For those who haven’t heard about Tech Turks, it is an online video series for Diamond TV with the purpose of being a space for me to meet transformational thought-leaders and entrepreneurs who have been the new-age technology harbingers in Nigeria. As a banker and a technology enthusiast, I could sense a wave of change that new generation entrepreneurs are bringing to the market. Mark Zuckerberg in his recent visit to Lagos was taken by the city’s vibrant developer and entrepreneurial ecosystem. He strongly emphasised on the entrepreneurial energy of Nigerians and how with technology, they are going to change the country and lead the continent’s progress

T

o me therefore, the interviews at Tech Turks reflected Zuckerberg’s belief in Nigerians. Through this platform, these young transformers share the stories of their struggles, their inspirations and vision for Nigeria and Africa. To me, there are five strong takeaways that will guarantee sustainable success for a start-up.

Market readiness is key Market readiness as a concept is instrumental in the rise or fall of an organisation. There have been several instances in history where reputed brands have failed to dominate global markets because of market ‘unreadiness.’ While discussing with some young entrepreneurs, what struck me was that each ventured into the Nigerian market, when the market was ready. Take the case of Vanso, there was demand in the Nigerian market for software and mobile app developers and Vanso was quick to identify it. The same can be said about Wakanow, the promoter of the business, Obinna, was smart enough to bring home his experience of using Experian and use it strategically for improving people’s travelling experience in Nigeria. Not only have they been able to consolidate the travel industry in Nigeria/Africa but have also been able to extend their portfolio.

All you need is vision People often believe that in order to be big, you have to do something new. While speaking with some young Nigerian entrepreneurs, I realized that you don’t always have to do something new, but do things differently. People need to have the vision to realise what works and what doesn’t, and then have the persistence and clarity to follow it to its goal. Take the case of Spinlet, it is not that online music streaming is a new concept, but what Spinlet is doing differently is that they are creating a niche for themselves by restricting their music to Africa and the Diaspora. With two million downloads and 1500 subscriptions every day, Spinlet is not chasing the crowd but compartmentalising its audience base – and that is its vision.

The same can be said about iROKOtv and how its’ CEO, Jason Njoku is doing more than creating a substitute for Netflix or Amazon TV. The present version of iROKOtv therefore is a download only option, aiming to bring the world of African cinema and entertainment literally into people’s hands at affordable rates.

Dozie

Consumer Awareness Being a banker, I have first-hand experience in dealing with educating the consumer. Education means sharing information and creating awareness, but most importantly instilling trust in its consumers. For instance, in OLX’s case, online classified is a new concept with only 3-5% usage in Nigeria. Although they have certain engaging plans like ‘Sell it for Me’ and ‘Do it for Me’; awareness and trust, like the two sides of a coin is a long-term relationship. Similarly, when Google Nigeria started the company, it invested money in advertising to showcase how amazing their products are and how they can add value to consumers’ lives.

Technology is everything No matter what your business is, if you have been able to recognise the potential of technology you are set to achieve your goals. All my guests recognised the need to use technology for their business. Spinlet, Digital Jewels or Wakanow are all driven by technology. All businesses are relying greatly on technology, which definitely makes it the right time for Nigerian youths to hone their skills and lever-

age from the opportunities that the market presents.

Fixing Payment Challenges Finding ways to fix challenges opens doors for a business to succeed and it is very interesting. Why? In a country where 80 per cent of all payments are being made in cash, it is a major challenge for any technology inclined business to drive and induce people to make online payments. According to Nkiru Balonwu of Spinlet, it is easy to get a week long or month long paid subscription from European or American countries using PayPal, but that is not the case with Nigeria, as people often don’t trust the concept of cashless transaction. As it is, banks have a critical role to play in shaping the future of several businesses in Nigeria and Africa. Payment or rather, monetary success, is critical to all businesses and that is the one area that most are struggling with. As CEO of Diamond Bank, this provides an opportunity for us to grasp and grow with. And I am certain we will do something out of it soon. You can watch all the Tech Turks episodes here.

No matter what your business is, if you have been able to recognise the potential of technology you are set to achieve your goals. All my guests recognized the need to use technology for their business. Spinlet, Digital Jewels or Wakanow are all driven by technology.

All businesses are relying greatly on technology, which definitely makes it the right time for Nigerian youths to hone their skills and leverage from the opportunities that the market presents

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • SEPTEMBER 24, 2016

RIGHT OF REPLY

The Change Agenda: Misdirection and Compounding Anomalies in NIMASA Appointments Ipinnuoluwa Ajiginni

L

ast week, a certain Kabiru Issah, described as a merchant mariner, did one of the most bigoted and vitriolic write-ups on leadership – or management – in recent memory. In a piece published in the Saturday, September 17, 2016 edition of THISDAY, Issah made a blanket condemnation of all appointments in the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency based simply on his own weird grasp of unreality. He stopped short of endorsing himself as the best man for all the jobs in NIMASA. Issah did not mention any act of incompetence or misdemeanour noticed in the management style of the director-general of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, the main target of the venomous attack, or any of the new managers. But relying on his own opinion and feeling – rather than fact – about their qualifications, he dismissed the entire management team as ineffective and unqualified to hold their positions. Then he sweepingly concluded, “Since NIMASA was created, the agency has been led by incompetent directors-general.”

Subjective idealisms like this one espoused

by Issah have been the bane of Nigeria’s development. They should have no place in the new Nigeria that President Muhammadu Buhari and his team of patriotic Nigerians are working hard to build. We cannot assume that nothing is working or can work just because we do not like the faces of those put in charge of the things, or things are not done exactly the way we would have wished.

The criteria for appointments to the board of NIMASA are clearly set out in the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Act, 2007. But Issah conveniently adjusted the provisions to suit his warped conclusions, especially as it relates to the appointment of Peterside.

To be sure, section 6 (1) of the NIMASA Act states, “The President on recommendation of the Minister shall appoint to the Board only persons with relevant experience and capacity applicable to maritime administration, recognised expert knowledge, qualification and experience in one or more of the follow-

Peterside ing fields: “(a) Maritime Safety; “(b) Maritime Security; “(c) Maritime Pollution; “(d) Nautical Sciences and Hydrography; “(e) Marine Engineering; “(f) Finance; “(g) Marine Laws; “(h) Transport Logistics; “(i) Administration; and “(j) Marine Labour.”

Which were the criteria followed in the appointment of Peterside and the others.

But in Issah’s own version of the NIMASA “law”, “Maritime Administration” was conveniently substituted for “Administration,” which the Act unambiguously provides in section 6 (1) (i) as one of the areas of “knowledge, qualification and experience” that qualifies a person for appointment to the NIMASA board. Pandering to his own whim, he paraphrased the NIMASA Act to

read, “The President on recommendation of the Minister shall appoint to the Board only persons with relevant experience and capacity applicable to maritime administration, recognised expert knowledge, qualification and experience in one or more of the following fields: Maritime Safety; Maritime Security; Maritime Pollution; Nautical Sciences and Hydrography; Marine Engineering; Finance; Marine Laws; Transport Logistics; Maritime Administration; and Marine Labour.”

Inescapably, however, Issah also shut himself in the foot by reeling off the rich administrative and management credential of Peterside, which include being a former member of the House of Representatives, former Commissioner for works in Rivers State, and former Senior Special Assistant to a state governor. But struggling with his own visceral prejudices, he found it difficult to admit that someone who had served successfully in such enviable legislative and executive positions, and holds a post graduate degree in Management, is eminently qualified to lead NIMASA. His basis was some whimsical technicality that seriousminded leaders in business and politics, including the revered heads of the judiciary, have since done away with in their various fields of endeavour.

Issah made reference to misdemeanours, allegedly, exhibited by some past directorsgeneral of NIMASA, which is correct. But he went off the mark when he tried, quite ridiculously, to tie such misbehaviours to the academic or experiential knowledge of the officers. While it is appropriate for people to possess requisite qualifications in learning and experience before occupying certain offices, Nigerians are living witnesses to the fact that such qualifications do not in themselves form a rigid straightjacket for performance. Performance is mainly a question of character and passion.

Peterside possesses the character, knowledge, and capacity to function properly in the office of director-general of NIMASA. And his performance in the last few months, since he assumed office, proves this. Under him, NIMASA has seen innovations in terms of technology and attitude to work.

Passion is another key quality that distinguishes Peterside. The renowned American business mogul, Warren Edward Buffett,

once said, “Passion is the number one thing that I look for in a manager. IQ is not really that important. They need to be able to work well with others and the ability to get people to do what you want them to do.” Buffett added, “These are qualities that are elective.”

To Buffett, who is considered to be one of the most successful investors in the world, “When you have able managers of high character running businesses about which they are passionate, you can have a dozen or more reporting to you and still have time for an afternoon nap. Conversely, if you have even one person reporting to you who is deceitful, inept or uninterested, you will find yourself with more than you can handle.”

Besides being highly competent in terms of learning, Peterside’s edge on the NIMASA job are his character, passion, and resolve to take the agency to the next.

On assumption of duty in March, Peterside declared a mission to reform, restructure and reposition NIMASA for global competiveness. In line with this mission, about four months later, in July, he submitted a report by a committee, which he headed, for the overhaul of the agency. He has his eyes ultimately on the objectives of the agency, which are “to promote the development of indigenous commercial shipping in international and coastal shipping trade; and regulate and promote maritime safety, security, marine pollution and maritime labour.”

Peterside realised that the above goals of NIMASA could not be achieved under the climate of negative opinion that pervaded the agency when he came on board. So a key part of his transformation agenda has been a drive to polish the image of NIMASA. What Issah and others like him need to do is to contribute objective ideas on how to optimise the current innovations at NIMASA, and not to run down individual officers of the agency who have done nothing except committing themselves to the cause of lifting the agency from inertia. This is the way Nigeria can gain from them. Except they have other hidden motives.

The Issahs of this world would, certainly, be doing Nigeria no good by attempting to lend an air of gloom to an already brightening situation.

– Ajiginni lives in Lagos

POLITY

PDP’s Road to Reconciliations, as Told by Sule Lamido Adams Abonu

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ith recent mending of fences within its ranks, Nigeria’s major opposition platform, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), might well be on the way to genuine reconciliations.

The indications for reconciliations became stronger on Monday, September 18, when leaders of opposing factions within the party led in their respective capacities by Senator Ahmed Makarfi, the National Chairman of an Interim Caretaker Committee empowered by some leaders of the party in a botched convention in Port Harcourt on May 17 and Senator Ali Modu Sherriff, erstwhile National Chairman whose tenure was put to a widely expected end by the same convention.

Since the botched convention in the garden city, peace had evaded the party as the opposing factions bare their fangs through various conflicting court injunctions that almost made a joke of the major opposition status of the party. While a Federal High court sitting in Port Harcourt affirmed the decision of party leaders at the convention that appointed the Makarfi-led Caretaker Committee, another Federal High Court of equally competent jurisdiction sitting in Abuja declared the committee a nullity

insisting that Senator Sherriff remained the “authentic” chairman of the party.

As the conundrum in PDP ensued, Nigerians waited earnestly for an amicable resolution in the interest of democracy. This was as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) dithered in the beckoning responsibility of showing efficient leadership at the face of national apprehension occasioned by the ailing economy.

“While the crises in PDP lasted, the teeming supporters of the party had the earnest expectations that it would not last so that we could provide options for Nigerians. As peace returns, there is more hope for democracy in Nigeria because of the prospects of ensuring that government gets it right in meeting the genuine expectations of Nigerians,” Aliyu Adada, a former federal lawmaker from Nasarawa State told THISDAY. However, in an exclusive chat with THISDAY in Abuja on Thursday, Alhaji Sule Lamido, a founding member of the party and erstwhile governor of Jigawa State revealed that leaders of the party “worked tirelessly behind the scene to ensure that the various reconciliatory mechanisms instituted by the leadership succeeded.” He expressed utmost optimism that the gestures of peace by hitherto opposing factions would yield the desired results.

“PDP is beyond a political party. This is an expression of the Nigerian family. Every Nigerian who loves Nigeria will believe in the PDP cause because the party is formed on our history as a country. We give Nigeria a platform which would involve every Nigeria, giving each one a sense of belonging and say in the political process of the country, where anyone can aspire to any leadership level from councillors to the Presidency. And this is very important because it creates the environment for affinity and common bond.

“We have had a lot of crises in the party in the last 19 years. But the political will of the Nigerian family has always stood by the PDP. We have had party leaders like (former National Chairmen) Gemade, Audu Ogbe and others removed, or leaders in the National Assembly like late Chuba Okadigbo and (Adolfus) Wabara removed, with their attendant crises. But the the followership in the grassroots are thickened in their support for the party. So when the issue of Modu Sheriff and Makarfi began, none of the PDP members in Nigeria left the party. Inspite of the crises, people were leaving APC to join us,” Lamido said The former governor who is a likely presidential candidate of the party appreciated the resilience of members and attributed the prospective reconciliation to the goodwill of Nigerians. He said, “ the first gratitude and

commendation should go to members of the party nationwide for standing with the party. That was the stand of the ordinary folks in the party, that no matter what you do as a party, we will not leave as it is our own. If we kept on messing up, Nigerians would not forgive us. The leadership now realised that Nigerians are watching us with expectations. This was how the peace process began.

The effort to reconcile the party was first put in place by the chairman of BoT set up a committee for reconciliation headed by Professor Jerry Gana and other prominent members. Then all of us worked behind the scene to ensure that the process succeeded.

I think what we have today as a return to reconciliation is a culmination of all the efforts.

First, the prayers and efforts of the ordinary people in PDP who refused to leave the party inspite of the crises. And then the level of paltriotism of the leadership of the party who felt that they owe a duty to Nigerians beyond our immediate selves. All of us at the higher level are people whom the party dignified and we owe it to Nigeria and Nigerians to pay back what we enjoyed from them and their leaders.

Read full article online: www.thisdaylive.com

September 24, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •SEPTEMBER 24, 2016

WITH

MARKET PLACE

OMOLABAKE FASHOGBON 08033621009

L-R: Executive Director, Manufacturing, Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, Dr. Nino Ozara; Shareholder, Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, Mr. Nornah Awoh; Executive Director, Supply Chain, Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, Mr. Rotimi Fadipe; and Executive Director, Marketing, Mr. Benson Evbuomwan at the shareholders facility tour of the Honeywell Flour Mills new multibillion naira factory in Shagamu, Ogun State recently

Senior Manager, Applications (Information Technology), Airtel Nigeria, Kehinde Olashore; Chief Oversight Officer, Sustainable Healthcare International, Dr. Mike Omotoso and Analytics Business Executive, IBM MEA, Sunil Mahajan, during the panel discussion at the IBM Business Connect Conference in Lagos

MultiChoice to Enrich Content with New Deal Leading video entertainment and internet company, MultiChoice Africa, has signed a nine-year agreement with Eutelsat Communications, a Francebased satellite operator to expand its DStv platform at Eutelsat’s 36° East video neighbourhood.

This new contract is believed to have strengthened the longstanding relationship between the dealing

companies and further anchor 36° East as a premier location for digital video entertainment services in Africa.

MultiChoice Africa Chief Executive Officer, Timi Jacobs expressed satisfaction in the arrangement, adding that the new business would step up the firm’s services.

“Thanks to the additional capacity booked with Eutelsat, we will be able

229 Heroes Contest for Indomie Noble Prize

Brent Mortgage Launches Affordable Home Scheme Nobel Carpet Wins Africa’s Best Interior Design Brent Mortgage plans to increase He pointed out that at the Award the number of home owners in the moment, Nigerians did not need

No fewer than 229 teenagers nationwide have registered for this year’s Indomie Independence Day Award (IIDA) which is billed to hold later this year.

Giving the breakdown of the 229 inspiring and heroic stories received, Dufil Prima Foods explained that majority of the contestants came from the South East geo-political zone with 55 entries; followed by South-West region with 53, 50 from the South-South, 30 from the North-West, 29 from North-East and 12 entries from the North-Central.

With these entries, the company declared that it had ended the searching process for year 2016 while the ball is set to roll for the award programme which will finally produce three winners.

Brand Manager of Indomie Instant noodles, Mr. Amber Yadav noted that the progress report that was received from the search team since the commencement of the hunt three months ago had once again proven that Nigerian kids exhibit several outstanding and heroic acts on a daily basis worth being announced and rewarded.

Dufil Prima Foods Group Public Relations and Events Manager, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju expressed delight on the heroic acts exhibited by the kids who had just been discovered.

“This year’s edition of the IIDA which is the 9th in a row, promises to be the best so far as the quality of entries received no doubt shows that Dufil Prima Foods was on track when it kicked-off the IIDA 9years ago”.

He noted that this year’s edition of IIDA which was supported by DAAR Communications had been reformed to fit the newly created three categories – physical bravery, social bravery and Intellectual bravery so as to reward more kids. Hence, three winners will be going home with N1million worth of scholarship each in the 2016 award.

country with its latest products, BRENTO – Brent Rent to Own; BREHOP – Brent Retirement Home Plan; and BHODA – Brent Home Ownership Diaspora Account.

According to the organisation, the new products which were offered at a competitive interest rate were targeted at Nigerians locally and in the Diaspora who were working hard and desired to own comfortable but affordable houses.

Managing Director of the bank, Kola Abdul said that BRENTO and BREHOP focused on Nigerians locally, while BHODA focused on Nigerians in the Diaspora.

He added that the move was partly prompted by dearth of market-focused mortgage which had negatively affected the sector’s contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP and in view of the fact that consumers propensity to save had dropped while the propensity to consume was still very high.

to accelerate our services and live up to our brand promise of delivering a great customer experience through providing the best possible video entertainment service in Africa, marked by quality and choice. We look forward to strengthening our cooperation with our longstanding satellite partner”, Jacobs said.

Chief Commercial and Development

stereotyped products but those that met the needs of a large spectrum of people and plug the gaps that exist in the nascent mortgage sector.

“In view of the value of our currency, we feel that our products will be more attractive and can easily be bought into by those in the Diaspora. That basically led us to the point where we feel we need to create products for those Nigerians who are abroad who are desirous of having a home in Nigeria”, Abdul said.

To the Brent boss who pointed out that home remittance was the second-biggest source of foreign exchange earnings in Nigeria after petrodollar, he acknowledged that more Nigerians were gradually embracing mortgaging even in the face of low per capita income, adding that housing deficit had reduced in the country as a result of interventions from appropriate authorities.

Mastercard Strengthens Investment in Africa Global technology company, Master Card has stepped up its investment in Africa as it launched its startup engagement program ‘Start Path Global’ for year 2016.

The payment company which is calling on interested entrepreneurs in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) to apply for the programme said that it sought to work with start ups in order to drive new business .

For this year however, the film revealed that Start Path would be intensifying its search in MEA because of the vibrant start up community. Markets in the

region being targeted include: South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt and the UAE among others.

It noted that the objective of the program was to stay close to innovations that were coming out of MEA and to drive success for the early-stage companies that were working on next-generation commerce technologies.

The virtual program which would last for six-months, it is said, would help participants in the region to tackle business problems and introduce them to new opportunities around the world.

Officer at Eutelsat, Michel Azibert stated that “This contract further anchors our cluster of high-powered satellites at 36° East, as a point of reference for broadcasting in sub-Saharan Africa and our longstanding relationship with MultiChoice Africa, a video company that is a hallmark for quality and creativity.”

Nigeria’s leading manufacturer of interior and floor coverings - Nobel Carpets and Rugs has been honoured in the prestigious African Quality Achievement Awards (AQAA) as Africa’s Best Premium Quality Interior Design for year 2016.

This came after a series of comprehensive facility screening and rigorous product analysis which qualified the company for the award.

Receiving the award and certificate, Senior Human Resources Manager, Nobel Carpets and Rugs, Mrs. Kemi Ajibade could not concealed her joy on the outstanding feat amidst several other industry players in the interior design category.

“Emerging overall best in the Interior design category in Nigeria means quite a lot to us as a company. It shows that the value we place on product quality and adherence to best quality parameters in our production process is recognised and appreciated. This award and certificate would further motivate us as an organisation, especially in times like this when several companies are cutting down on quality so as to save cost.

“As a manufacturing firm, product quality has always been our watchword and with recommendations we receive daily from our clients, coupled with an industry recognition and award such as this, Nigerians can be rest assured that Nobel carpets and rugs would never relent in its commitment to offering high quality interior and floor coverings that matches global standard.”

The AQAA is aimed at identifying and rewarding companies, personalities, and products that apply quality assurance principles and quality management best practices. It is a yearly fiesta intended to celebrate leadership, innovation, and creativity in quality management in Africa.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • September 24, 2016

44

INTERVIEW Lawal Rabana

Omokore has Never Met Abba Kyari, Never Bribed Any Judge

Lawal Rabana, SAN, has strongly debunked allegations made against his client, Mr. Jide Omokore, owner of Atlantic Energy, who is currently enmeshed in legal fireworks with the federal government that his client bribed the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari to facilitate a meeting with the president for a soft landing. He described both allegations of bribing the Chief of Staff and the judge handling the case as outrageous lies to smear not only his client but top officials of government and the judiciary. He cautioned the media against the rush to publish damaging falsehoods as facts. Rabana spoke to Olaoluwakitan Babatunde on telephone

C

is before the court but we should please not scandalise our judicial system. We should also not scandalise public officers who are making enormous sacrifices to see how we can reinvent this country and move forward. We all love the fight against corruption because it has virtually brought Nigeria to its knees but in the course of fighting it, we should not destroy our institutions, we should not destroy individuals and all that.

These online people have a responsibility to verify stories before publishing them because it does a lot of injury not only to the individual judges but also to the collective image of the judiciary and the country at large. When people begin to read that our judges are corrupt, our Judiciary is corrupt there will be no confidence in the system. Please, there is no truth in those allegations.

an you react to allegations in some online media that Abba Kyari took Jide Omokore twice to see the President after he had bribed Kyari so that his issue with the NNPC can be resolved?

I thank you for this call you have put through to me that we can make some clarifications and the need for clarifications are two folds.

One, is to debunk and to say out rightly that it is total falsehood that Mr. Omokore has meet the Chief of Staff twice with an intention to get some supports or soft landing from Mr. President.

Right from day one of this crisis between Atlantic Oil and Mr. Jide Omokore, we have been consistently maintaining our position that this is a breach of contract, in respect of which parties are disputing how much ought to have been paid into the government account and how much Omokore has paid so far. And there have been series of meetings, correspondences in order to resolve the matter which is still ongoing. But we would not want a situation whereby a sitting public officer will be maligned or dragged into this issue negatively to suggest that there is an attempt to compromise. It is not true. That report by the online media is completely false; that I can say authoritatively.

Does Jide Omokore have any relationship with Abba Kyari that you know of that may have suggested what has been alleged ?

I have asked him and he said he has never even met Kyari. He only knows him like every other Nigerian would know a high public officer. I also have never met Aba Kyari before but I will know him when I see him. I will say this is our Chief of Staff because he’s always in the newspapers, on televisions and so to that extent, we all know such people.

But there is no direct contact or personal relationship with him to the best of my knowledge, which Omokore told me and I believe him.

The report alleged that Jide Omokore was given bail and that he didn’t leave the court premises. It further alleged a bribe of $2 million to the Judge. What’s your reaction to this?

Thank you for wanting to clarify this. There is no iota of truth in that allegation. And let me tell you, people don’t understand how the bail system works. If you are an accused person other than a capital offence of murder, armed robbery, treason, you are entitled to bail. And there is no ceremony about it. Once you fulfill the bail conditions, the Registrar of the court attest to it that you have met the conditions by verifying the sureties; you walk away. There’s nothing left again. So, there is nothing unusual about a person being taken to court, his application for bail was moved, the court granted it, set out the terms and the terms were met and the man

Rabana

went back home. There is nothing left.

There are several of such cases where people would fulfill their bail conditions, it is when you don’t fulfill your bail conditions before the close of work that the judge could say take him back to prison or EFCC custody pending the perfection of his bail conditions. But once you perfect it, you walk free. So there’s nothing unusual about being arraigned in court, fulfilling your bail conditions and walking away. And actually, the principle of presumption of innocence entails you don’t humiliate a man, you don’t scandalise a man, you don’t punish him before the trial commences let alone judgment given.

On the allegation of $2 million bribe, it is very, very unfortunate. And let me used this opportunity to caution the press and particularly the online media practitioners that you just don’t malign people, by writing outrageous or outlandish things about sitting judicial officers or public officers just because they cannot reply. It does no good to the image of this country. When a judge is maligned like that, how do you expect the public to have confidence in the judicial system? How do you expect people to have respect for the system.

Unfortunately, it is being read all over the world that Nigerian judges are corrupt, Nigerian lawyers are corrupt. It is very saddening. For me, I think there must be an end to this behaviour of undermining individuals and state institutions. .

I can also tell you categorically, Omokore did not give $2 million or anything

to the judge trying the case or any other judge handling the matters related to his company. People have forgotten and they can verify, this man’s assets, his bank accounts have been frozen for over a year now. Things are tough for him personally. Where would he or any Nigerian get $2 million to give to a judge? Do you know how much that is?

What is the nature of the whole charge which at the end of the day the sentence and an option of fine would not even be up to that amount. This, as we have repeatedly stated, is a commercial breach of contract. It is an outrageous allegation and it is very unfortunate. I just want to appeal to the media, not because I am his lawyer but as a Nigerian to be careful of running down all our institutions because the effects are enormous. If there is no Judiciary there will be anarchy. And now the trend is that any judge handling any high-profile case, be political or corruption related case, is tagged to have taken money. Are we going to bring Indians, or Ghanaians to become judges in Nigeria?

They are our Judges and when we begin to malign them, destroy their reputation and careers, how will that help the country? It is not good for us.

So, it is absolutely not true that Omokore gave $2 million to the trial judge, he doesn’t even have such money right now.

It is a bogus and outrageous claim. We were never approached by anybody to offer anything to anybody for anything because we believe in the merit of our case and I don’t want to go further into any issue other than to say the matter

What is Jide Omokore going to do about the medium that put out such allegation?

My own attitude is that firstly, the matter is in court both the criminal and civil aspects of it and therefore there’s no point to start joining issues with the press and all that. And I’ve always caution my client as a counsel that he should talk less and let the documents speak for him.

I’ve always said the appropriate place to speak for him is the courtroom; anytime you are called upon to defend yourself, you present all the facts and figures and then it will become public for Nigerians to know. But, for now, we don’t intend to take any action. For now our appeal is that the press should please verify stories before publication.

Again, I don’t know where they got the phrase shady businessman from. When you call someone a shady businessman it means everything he is doing is either illegal or surrounded with some secrecy. It is an open knowledge that there was a valid Strategic Alliance Agreement duly sign by principal officers of NPDC, endorsed by NNPC, principal officers of Atlantic Oil and it has been in operation. So there’s nothing shady about it, the documents are there. And if you care to go to any of the courts where those matters are pending you can see the documents, you can see movement of products, you can see payments of money, they are all documented. So, when you have a transaction that is documented, what is shady about it?

It is only when it’s undocumented and when they say where is your agreement or documents and you don’t have, then it turns out that the transaction was by telephone conversation, you paid money into an account and they say show us the details and you say, no we paid him cash, that is when you get suspicious.

But this is not the case. Everything is properly documented. So they should not hang a man just because there is a controversy over a commercial transaction as to whether money went there or not. Jide Omokore is not a shady businessman and contrary to the reports, he is a reputable business man.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •SEPTEMBER 24, 2016

PERSPECTIVE

Buhari’s Proposed Emergency Powers and How not to Kill a Nation

I

Jude Ndukwe

t is a season of the absurd. Nigeria is haemorrhaging uncontrollably, left for too long to bleed and now in near-comatose situation. Truly, she is in dire need of urgent attention as she suffers from economic asphyxiation on the treatment table while she is abandoned to writhe in avoidable pain. Suddenly, it seems her doctors are just realizing exactly how bad the situation is and they are now very desperate to do everything to save her, or so it seems, from total shut-down.

That the nation is in recession is no news.

That there is biting hunger in the land is widely acknowledged. The question remains, how did we get here? From being Africa’s largest economy as at 2015 to being one of its worst in 2016; from being one of the world’s foremost preferred foreign investment destinations just a little over a year ago, to actually being among the uncourted; from a robust stock market to a rapidly depleted one; from a relatively strong exchange rate to an abysmally weak one. The narrative continues, regrettably, ad infinitum.

When General Muhammadu Buhari was inaugurated on May 29, 2015, rather than roll up his sleeves for work, seeing, in the words of his ruling party, the ‘rot’ left behind by the previous administration, he took some time to move into his office and start work, preferring to spend time outside the Villa claiming work was going on in his office. Time was ticking.

When he eventually moved in, Buhari did not see the urgent need for him to start work immediately by constituting his cabinet. He would rather prefer to spend time admiring the presidential palace as constituting a cabinet at that point in time would result to the ministers distracting him from his pastime of taking a tourist stroll around the Villa.

When critics shouted that the clock was ticking away and that the president should constitute his cabinet and bend down to work, supporters of the president shouted down on them and demanded with impudent audacity that the president be allowed to work at his own pace as ‘he knew what he was doing’.

Time was still ticking.

When Nigerians became apprehensive about the length of time it was taking the president to appoint his ministers and take charge of all the sectors of the nation’s life, and they raised alarm about how the nation was being made to run on auto-pilot without any direction, the president’s supporters including, most unfortunately, seasoned economists, established businessmen, elder statesmen etc in APC and those who have sympathy for the president, said he should be allowed to take his time to convince the spirits to release ‘angels’ and ‘saints’ to serve as ministers.

After waiting for so long and wasting so much time, Buhari disappointed Nigerians by appointing the ministers, a majority of whom are exactly the opposite of what angels and saints represent. The question then was, if these were the people the president said he was taking his time to look for, why did he not just appoint them on the same day of his inauguration so they could start work immediately? Were these kind of people that difficult to locate? Why waste so much time and then still end up with the same old brigade?

At this point, the economy had started suffering from fiscal high fever, and time was ticking!

I still remember the APC leader, the Asiwaju himself, warning about the importance of marking Buhari’s 100 days in office with some tangible scorecard as a way of proving their seriousness to Nigerians. Unfortunately, it seemed Tinubu over-rated his political godson, Buhari.

100 days passed, only excuses were given

as scorecards. To crown the mess with ash, their ministers were appointed nearly six months after the government came to power. Every serious-minded, truthful and patriotic person knows that the first 100 days and first six months of any administration are key and shape largely the future of that administration. If those of this administration were deliberately wasted and used to engage in trifles, it only goes a long way to show what the future holds.

Should Nigerians be surprised that we are where we are today?

As if these anomalies were not enough, the president embarked on numerous needless foreign trips leaving the nation’s ship unattended to while it sailed aimlessly for the rocks. Even at times of extreme crises that needed the president’s decisive attention, he would abandon Nigerians to their fate and face Europe, America, Asia or any other continent that tickled his fancy.

It was so bad that a section of the populace referred to him as Nigeria’s ‘foreign president’!

All the claims that the president’s trips were already yielding results just to pacify worried Nigerians have been proved to be

With news of children of government officials and their cronies being offered employment on a platter of gold in some of Nigeria’s “juicy” MDAs without going through laid down procedures, it is clear that president Buhari and his team cannot be trusted with absolute powers no matter how good the reason to do so is

lies as the nation slid rapidly into recession without any impact from the president’s numerous trips.

To make matters worse, a lot of people celebrated the fact that the president was ruling and running Nigeria like a sole proprietor and saw nothing wrong in his extreme slowness to the extent that he was nicknamed ‘Baba Go-Slow’ with much indignant conviviality.

As if body language was ever enough to lead a family not to talk of a complex nation like ours, many, including labour leaders, industrialists, businessmen, captains of industry, civil society organizations etc who should know better cheered him on.

Today, ‘body language’ has landed us in a situation where the president suddenly realized that he actually has no time on his side and is seeking emergency powers to carry out what ordinarily should be a president’s normal functions. He and his handlers have suddenly realized time is no more on their side; they are just seeing today what a majority of Nigerians whom they see as enemies have since seen and cautioned about long time ago.

Blinded by hate, they have gathered for themselves those that would tell them what they are itching to hear, and turned deaf ears to the voices of reason emanating from the opposition camp, a camp they so much loathe to the point of destruction.

With the president’s camp’s penchant for blame, sophistry, hate, vendetta, vengeance and tyranny, all of which they have wasted time engaging in, granting president Buhari any kind of emergency powers would amount to finishing off Nigerians under the guise of economic expediency. Buhari does not need such powers to revamp our economy even though I agree that some of the laws can be given speedy amendments to enable him act faster within the confines of the law and not as a dictator.

For example, one of the laws for which Buhari is seeking sweeping powers is the Universal Basic Education Act (UBEC). The law which requires states to provide 50% counterpart funding before they can access the fund can be amended to reduce the counterpart funding to about 10% so states can access the over N54bn lying fallow at the commission’s coffers more easily.

The president is also seeking emergency powers to set aside procurement laws which state that only 15% initial mobilization can be released to a contractor after

award of a contract. Again, rather than suspend this aspect of the law to allow Buhari raise the mobilization fund to 50% or do as he wishes, this aspect of the law can also be amended to empower MDA’s pay 50% initial mobilization fee to contractors.

Anything outside this might even give the president the powers to give 100% initial mobilization fee. This will not be healthy!

It is the same with all the other proposals of Mr President. Does he need emergency powers for consular offices to process visas within 48 hours for foreign investors?

Does he need emergency powers to sell or lease Nigeria’s assets if he so wishes?

The rational thing to do in this instance is to amend the processes and remove the bottle-necks. The president does not need sweeping powers for MDAs like CAC and NAFDAC for example, to be more efficient.

There is more to this request than meets the eye.

Sun International, a hospitality and gaming company, and managers of Federal Palace Hotel have just pulled out of Nigeria over what they claimed to be the harassment of EFCC as five of their staff members who were detained earlier in the year are still to have their passports released to them despite no charges brought against them. Which foreigner wants to invest in such environment?

Mr President should get more creative.

His team of advisers should stop dancing around in circles and face their jobs squarely. For Nigeria to get out of recession, we must first fix our political malaise arising from executive lawlessness that has drastically eroded the confidence of foreign investors in our country. A situation where court orders are not obeyed and where a section of the judiciary has been turned into a pawn in the hands of the executive can never engender investors’ confidence.

No one wants to invest in a country where the businesses could suffer closure from executive fiat, and where they cannot rely on the judiciary for redress and justice.

Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely! If Buhari cannot operate under the system he was elected president, the honourable thing for him to do is to resign. Nobody should be allowed to turn our democracy to a pseudo-military regime under the guise of emergency economy stabilization powers.

If, with the checks and balances, Nigerians have suffered so much injustice, economic hardship and tyranny, how much more when the executive is left without checks? Even the legislature would become castrated, frustrated and exist only on paper. It is even worse when the presidency seeks to move budgeted funds from one sector to another without legislative input.

This is dangerous!

With news of children of government officials and their cronies being offered employment on a platter of gold in some of Nigeria’s “juicy” MDAs without going through laid down procedures, it is clear that president Buhari and his team cannot be trusted with absolute powers no matter how good the reason to do so is.

If the president cannot do anything with the ‘little’ resources he claims to be at his disposal, then he can also not do anything even if he is given all the resources in the world. It is unfortunate that those who should know better are the ones applauding this latest ill-advised move just like they applauded his ‘Body Language’, his ‘Go-Slow’ and such others until they brought us to where we are today. This same people have been applauding political tyranny, now they want to extend it to our economy. So sad!

My take is that, not just Buhari, it is dangerous to trust any man with absolute powers. Checks and balances are some of the main ingredients of a democracy; we cannot divorce them from ours unless we want to suffocate our nation irredeemably!

--jrndukwe@yahoo.co.uk; Twitter: @ stjudendukwe

48

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • SEPTEMBER 24, 2016 WITH

MARITIME BITS

JOHN IWORI

08057763164

L-R: Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) Director Consumer Affairs Department, Ms. Azuka Ogo, NSC, Executive Secretary/CEO, Hassan Bello and President, West African Road Transport Union (WARTU), Mr. Ogbogo Aloga at the formal inauguration of WARTU in Lagos...recently

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Zone A, Coordinator, ACG Eporwei Charles Edike and the Peoples Republic of China, Consul General of the Lagos Consulate, Mr. Chao Xiaoliang flanked by NCS officials as well as other Chinese Embassy officials in a seminar organized to enlighten Chinese on import and export procedures in Lagos...recently

Nigeria Endless Quest for Single Window More and more government agencies are now embracing the use of information communication technology (ICT) in the discharge of their statutory roles and responsibilities. Though the involvement of many government agencies in ICT is desirable, the rising increase in the number of those involved in the maritime industry is giving cause for concern. This is particularly so in the Ministry of Transportation.

There are no fewer than seven parasatals in the Federal Ministry of Transportation. They are the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).

Others are the Council Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (CRFFN), Nigerian

Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT).

At the last count, no fewer than four of these parasatals have embraced one form of ICT or the other gulping money running into several millions of naira in the process.

For instance, the NSC said it has budgeted over N1billion for what it called “system automation” in its medium term economic programme.

The automation is meant to ease operations at the nation’s ports, with a view to significantly reduce the cost ports users incur in doing business in the ports. Speaking in Lagos on ‘Transforming the Nigerian Ports for National Economic Development: The Role

NCS Takes Enlightenment Campaign to Foreigners In order to ensure that port users are on the same page on import and export procedures in the nation’s seaports, international land borders and airports, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has taken its enlightenment campaign to the doorsteps of foreigners in the country.

The enlightenment campaign is in line with the mandate given to NCS when Colonel Ibrahim Hammed Ali (retired) took over the reins of administration as its Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) over a year ago.

The move is aimed strengthening trade agreement between Nigeria and her trading partners across the globe. This is hinged on the fact that when trade facilitation to run smoothly, it would not only prevent delays in the cargo clearance chain but also reduce the cost of doing business in the nation’s seaports, airports and international land borders.

The retired military officer who was the former military administrator of Kaduna State was mandated by President Mohammadu Buhari to reform, restructure and improve revenue generated by the service.

This explained why Ali did not hesitate to promptly respond positively to the request of the Peoples Republic of China through the Consul General of the Lagos Consulate, Mr. Chao Xiaoliang that their citizens be trained on Nigeria’s import/export trade laws and guidelines.

Represented by the Zonal Coordinator Zone ‘A’, ACG Eporwei Charles Edike, NCS conducted a training seminar to educate the Chinese and enhance the already existing bilateral trade agreement between Nigeria and the Republic of China which took place at the Chinese Embassy, Lagos.

Edike who anchored the training sessions, said the seminar focused on the laws guiding exports and imports in the country. This he said, became necessary following allegations that Chinese citizens are seen in Nigeria forests cutting trees for export, repackaging Nigerian made products for export and other acts of piracy.

The Customs Chief noted that apart from these, there are several cases of misconduct involving the Chinese as well as other foreigners living in Nigeria which the CGC is not happy about.

He explained that the NCS boss approval of the training for the Chinese people is to address such developments and let them know the laws.

of Nigerian Shippers’ Council,’ the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, NSC, Mr. Hassan Bello, said the automation is part of a national single window being introduced at the nation’s ports.

Apart from the rivalry among the parasatals, especially between NPA and NSC in the quest to operate single window which is a form of ICT, the Federal Ministry of Transportation is also at loggerheads with other government agencies in other federal ministries.

For instance, there is no love lost between the Minister of Transportation, Right Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi and the NCS on the implementation of the single window.

The infighting over which government agency control single window in the nation’s

USA Seeks Increase Bilateral Trade with Nigeria The United States Government has expressed its readiness to increase her bilateral trade with Nigeria.

To this end, the Commercial Service of the United States Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria has hosted its annual networking with the USA Appreciation Forum (NUSA) and international partner awards.

The event which took place in Lagos has over 400 local business executives in attendance.

The NUSA Forum honours Nigerian business leaders who promote USA products and services and who have contributed significantly to the achievement of the goals and objectives of the USA Commercial Service in Nigeria.

Five categories of awards were presented to business leaders and companies demonstrating special creativity, resourcefulness and hard work in improving trade between the United States of America and Nigeria.

In his remarks at the occasion, the Senior Commercial Officer, Brent Omdahl said: “This year the ceremony featured presentations on topical

economic issues affecting businesses in Nigeria, including access to foreign currency, the floating exchange rate and the dual impact on dollar and nairadenominated transactions”.

Apart from Omdahl, the Director of Monetary Policy Department, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Moses Kpughur Tule who represented the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, and the Assistant Comptroller General of Customs (ACG), Zone ‘A’, ACG Charles Edike also spoke at the occasion.

While Emefiele spoke on the topic “The New CBN Flexible Foreign Exchange Policy – What Has Changed?”

ACG Edike spoke on “Promoting Nigerian-American Trade through an Effective Import/Export Process, Cargo Inspection and Enforcement of Standards.”

The event which was open to the Nigerian business community also featured an interactive session with United States consular officers who explained the visa process and demystified common myths surrounding it.

Bello: RemoveTrade Barriers in African Sub-Region The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Shippers’ (NSC), Mr. Hassan Bello has called for the removal of physical trade barriers in the African sub-region.

Bello who made the call during the inauguration of the interim working committee of West Africa Road Transport Union (WARTU) in Lagos, pointed out that regional transportation requires integration, harmonisation and standardisation.

His words: “This is the reason the meeting is being structured because the volume of trade within the African sub-region is not very much. The volume of trade within the Central African region is representing 1per cent comparing with that of Europe which stands at 70 per cent. We need to look at ways of improving trade within the sub-region and there are so many things

to trade on among us”.

Bello, a lawyer stated that Nigeria trade was supported by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), laws and protocols which had been guiding the effective operation of trade in the region.

He explained that the council had been playing a critical role in ensuring that the institutions and bodies were supported in one way or the other just as he commended the National Road Transport Owners (NARTO) for their involvement in the series of laudable activities believing that the union was having the capacity and capability to put things in place.

The NSC helmsman expressed the council’s readiness to give the newly inaugurated committee the necessary support and encouragements to enable them meet their aspirations.

seaports came to the fore when Amaechi openly voiced his opposition to NCS handling of it in the ports.

The minister argued that what NCS is doing is not a single window platform but manual operation. His argument has thrown up several questions in several quarters.

Why are so many government agencies under the supervision of one ministry fighting to put a single window without recourse to their sister agencies? Why the rivalry among the government agencies? What informed the endless quest for single window over the years?

Why is Amaechi opposing NCS to be the lead government agency managing single window or any other ICT in the nation’s seaports?

Firm Gets Nod to be Shipping Agent One of the subsidiaries of the Sifax Group, SIFAX Shipping Company Limited, has been appointed as the new agent of Auto Export Shipping (AES) in Nigeria and Ghana.

AES is a non-vessel operating common carrier which handles shippers’ exports of vehicles including automobiles, trucks, and mobile industrial equipment via roll on/rolls off (RoRo) vessel services from the United States of America (USA) ports to various West Africa ports.

The President, AES, Mr. Pete Bottino, said the new appointment which takes effect from September 1, 2016, is a testament of SIFAX Shipping’s track record of excellent service and ingenious business acumen that have seen the company work for some of the biggest clients in the industry.

“AES is pleased to announce our business relationship with SIFAX Shipping Company Limited. The company will serve as our releasing agent in Nigeria and Ghana for all our RoRo Shipments to Lagos and Tema, which will be operated by Hyundai Glovis, one of the leading global shipping lines. As a leading player in the maritime industry across West Africa, we are convinced in the ability of SIFAX Shipping to deliver quality service and meet all expectations”, Bottino said.

Group Managing Director of Sifax Group, Mr. John Jenkins in a statement signed by the company Corporate Affairs Manager, Muyiwa Akande thanked AES for the opportunity to partner with the company.

He stated that SIFAX Shipping would exhibit the tradition of delivering best value which all SIFAX Group subsidiaries are noted for over the years.

His words: “I have the implicit confidence that all the stakeholders in this new business deal - Hyundai Glovis, AES, agents and consignees - would enjoy the best of excellent service that has marked out our company as the option of first choice in all the countries that we operate”.

50

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • SEPTEMBER 24, 2016

POLITY

Nigeria Loses N3trn in Six Months to Niger Delta Crisis, Says Aminu Asthefederalgovernmentmullsitsnewwarstrategycodenamed‘CrocodileSmile’,ithasbeenremindedthattheuseof force rather than dialogue would be counterproductive on the long run. The advice was given by Engr Misbau Opeyemi Aminu,a member of Coren, Council member of Nigerians British Chamber ofCommerce,reportsBennett Oghifo

T

he Esan ethnic nationality in the Edo Central Senatoria The nation’s economy is suffering because of several challenges; from low sale of crude to sabotage of oil installations in the Niger Delta and outright war in the North-east.

Engr Misbau Opeyemi Aminu, an MBA graduate from Lagos Business School, with vast experience in community engagement, believes there is a way out, particularly in the Niger Delta.

According to Aminu, who addressed a press conference in Lagos, yesterday, “War will do no good in the Niger Delta. Resources for war may be adequate to provide holistic solution.

Planning for the proposed solution can be done within six months while genuine implementation may span 10 years.”

The Engineer, who said he has successfully managed some very volatile situations through citizen engagement, recommended that the federal government can resolve Niger Delta crises by employing dialogue; special education programme; compensation; infrastructure development; and militarisation of the region.

On dialogue...

He explained that the Niger Delta needs genuine dialogue that would involve tender of apology to the disadvantaged people, analyse past grouses, address immediate concern and promise a rewarding future for alleviation of their pains.

According to Aminu, a member of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Niger Delta people have undergone; denial of livelihood; oppression and persecution.

He said, “These base inhuman conditions have changed everything about the Niger Delta; have remoulded average minds and brains in Niger Delta to lose trust in the leadership, lose trust in the nation, become suspicious of every move, defensive in nature and rebellious as a group etc.”

Aminu said genuine complaints were raised on oil spills by environment movements like MOSSOP, Human rights group, late Gani Fawehinmi, among others. “What did Nigerians, through our then leaders like IBB, Abacha, Abdulsalami did ?

We persecuted Kenule Saro Wiwa and others agitators in the name of criminals; what follow is better experience today. The country is almost shut-down, with GDP declining to almost half the value, one and half years ago.”

He stated that, over time, the people of the Niger Delta “tasted the Black Gold, and found it was sweeter than fishing and farming. What cannot be gotten legitimately has been accessed illegitimately. Pipelines have been tapped for illegal refineries, or transported in small barges into awaiting heavy ships on the high sea. Huge money is being realised, Mansions are being built, parties are being held, and lives have become ostentatious. It is now difficult to spit out the honey for bitter kola (farming and fishing).”

Niger Delta brothers, he said have realised the relevance of oil and gas to the nations revenue (85%); relevance of Niger Delta region to electric power generation. “Our primary source of energy for electricity – gas account for almost 75% of the total source and it has become a weapon of negotiations.

“Lastly, the truth may be bitter, don’t blame Niger Deltans but look back into the struggle against environmental degradation and neglect - livelihood denial, oppression and

Aminu

persecution.

“Their mentality, social behaviour and social structures have be destroyed over a long time. Restoring their trust, mind and brains to the Nigerian project will take a while. The lifestyle destroyed over the years cannot be corrected through the barrel of gun.”

Aminu listed what he called their pain points as; destroyed farmland, destroyed aquatic life, polluted environment, inadequate or selective compensation, systemic inequality that’s favour non-oil producers to have more and juicy oil wells, while the bearer of wells lingers in poverty, lingering joblessness among the youth, and lack of meaningful development/dearth of infrastructure, among others.

According to him, a lot of contracts were awarded to different contractors, such as; roads, hospitals, schools etc by the Federal Government, NDDC, IOC, Banks, Corporate organisations,, etc either as developmental programme or as Corporate Social Responsibility projects that were financially mobilised but unexecuted due to the attitude and frustration from the people.

He said, “Many contractors have vowed not to attempt projects in the Niger Delta area. Years ago Julius Berger was chased out of the terrain in spite of their clout and connection with Governments and Security forces.

“Contracts are executed at double the actual amount under

spurious conditions and time liability. Many businesses that would have brought immense economic opportunities have moved out of Niger Delta due to the confusing demands, general attitude or hostile nature of the people.”

He said projects are usually executed in other parts of the country because the people are more accommodating.

“For instance, Federal Government Girls College was being built in my community called Ajura, Obafemi Owode Local Government of Ogun State, and as a community leader I approached the contractor for job opportunities for our youth.

“Our youth were said to be lazy and expensive, hence the contractor decided to ‘import’ artisans from the northern part of Nigeria and neighbouring town. Today the school is completed awaiting usage.”

Aminu said in Niger Delta, such a contractor would have been harassed and thrown out of the community and that he would be lucky to demobilise with his tools. “That would have been the end of the project and financial mobilisation.”

On special education system Stating “We need to design a special education system that offers basic education and addresses the mind and soul of the Niger Delta people.

“The education programme can be segmented into three: Education system for the pupils in; Nursery, Primary and Secondary School. While giving basic education, a lot of emphasis will be placed on re-orientating minds for constructive future.”

He also recommended a modified amnesty programmes for the youth between ages 18 and 55 that would encourage special education (basic and mind education), skill acquisition, entrepreneurship, welfare packages and rewarding stake within the industry.

He said majority of the elders of 55 years and above suffer the consequences of environmental degradation and as such deserved “huge compensation, psychological appeasement or using opinion moulders to address their mind-set. It is obvious that we will need mind, body and soul to build our nation.”

The people of the Niger Delta, he said needed to be compensated after a meaningful dialogue, noting that “the Nigerian economy bleeds profusely with the crises.

Over N500 billion is lost monthly, which would have fulfill election promises, and grow the economy. We are just pretending or ignoring the causes of our economic recession.

Economic Recession is majorly cause by shortage in supply side of our economy - lost associated with Niger Delta crises and drop in oil prices in International market.

Nigeria losses one million barrel of oil a day to Niger Delta crises. Prices of oil in the international market hovers between $45/barrel to $52/barrel in the last 4 to 6 months.

Using an average of $48/barrel we are loosing $48m or about N500b a month. “Losing 46% ($48m/day) of our daily revenue ($106/day) is huge. This has incapacitated the Government at all levels. Continous shortage in supply side of the economy is causing shortage of FX, continous devaluation of the naira and low industrial utilisation. So much value has been destroyed, our GDP and per Capital income has plumated.

Read full article online: www.thisdaylive.com

VINTAGE

‘Thoughts from a Wealthy Perspective’

T

he book launch and review of Sam Egube’s ‘Thoughts from a Wealthy Perspective’ held in Lagos recently. The launch, which was well attended by politicians, captains of industry and academicians, had the likes of former Abia state governorship aspirant Mr. Alex Otti and Mr. Great Ogboru in

attendance.

The non-fiction focuses on the creation of value to establish wealth. It is one that is set to challenge the many lop-sided thinking of the human mind. It seeks to address the numerous angles human minds approach to lay conclusions, judgments, standards and status quo on which society must revolve.

It is a book that makes you think ‘Why do I believe in what I believe?’ Is the saying “Que sera sera, what will be will be,” altogether

correct? The author, Mr. Egube justifies his thoughts in five parts of the book.

The author demystifies the ideology of man’s very existence: why we are here, why the rich are rich and the poor, the way they are? The book proposes that the rich are so because they create value to become wealthy; relationships deliver to a man what he demands of it. He goes on to say, “Two people with same phone contacts will extract different values from the people in that contact list. What use is a contact list if it gives you no advantage or earns you no money? A network uncultivated for its value is useless.”

In a time when people find pleasure in fiddling with their phones or make unsolicited calls with expressions such as ‘I just want to hear your voice,’ one begins to ponder on the verity of this saying.

The book questions the intelligence of fighting corruption as a national strategy. In the writer’s view-point the war against corruption should be delegated to a body specialised in dealing with such vice. The onslaught against corruption should not be captured with national binoculars as the only focal strategy of the country at the expense of other burning economic issues. This stance adopted by the federal government has created an image in the minds of foreigners that the only problem faced by Nigerians is corruption.

As part of the problems assailing the nation, such as unfounded dogmas, extremism, bias, the nation has plunged into debilitating depths of man’s-inhumanity-to-man. Religious extremism has led to dramatic lynching of people from the other religious divide all in the name of blasphemy.

Egube

51

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • SEPTEMBER 24, 2016

POLITY

Ogah vs Ikpeazu: When Judiciary Abandoned Own Decisions Remijus Ohajika

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he issues for determination vide the originating summons were for the interpretation of Article 14a, Part IV of PDP Electoral Guideline for Primary Election 2014, Sections 87 (4), and 31 of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) and for a declaration in the light of whether or not there is any false information contained in the documents submitted to INEC by Dr Okezie Ikpeazu before the PDP primaries for gubernatorial election in Abia State Excerpts: “ …the originating summons procedure should be used only where a deed, a will, enactment, written instrument are to be interpreted by the courts; that is to say, where the court is merely to determine the construction of such provision submitted by the parties. The procedure is not to be used to interpret bits and pieces of facts committed to paper which can be disputed or which may need to be explained.

The consequence of this resolution is that the originating summons be struck out as an incompetent mode of initiating the proceeding”.-PER CORAM HON. JUSTICE H. M. OGUNWUMIJU, JCA (Court of Appeal) in APPEAL NO.: CA/A/390/2016 IN DR OKEZIE VICTOR IKPEAZU V DR UCHECHUKWU SAMPSON OGAH & 3 ORS Whereas in her earlier decision in CHRISTIAN ADABAH ABAH & ANOR VS HON. HASSAN ANTHONY SALEH & ANOR in appeal No.: CA/A/279/2015 delivered on 8THFEBRUARY 2015 on the same interpretation of Section 31 of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) pertaining to false information submitted by a candidate to INEC in FORM 001, Court of Appeal held that the originating summons was proper as the originating procedure QUESTIONS FOR DETERMINATION: IS COURT OF APPEAL NO MORE BOUND BY THEIR PREVIOUS DECISION ON SAME ISSUE OF SIMILAR FACTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES AND LAW? IS COURT OF APPEAL NOW ALLOWED TO SUMMERSAULT? “…where a candidate is alleged to provide false information in FORM CF001 submitted to INEC and which is being challenged,….. the burden or onus is on the candidate to prove that his information was genuine and not false. All he needs to show and establish is that the documents he formulated and represented to the commission (INEC) are genuine and not false.” (emphasis is mine). Supreme Court Per MUNTAKA-COMMASSIE, JSC in Ekagbara v. Ikpeazu (2016) 4 NWLR PT 1503 at page 411.

Suprisingly and Strangely too, HON. JUSTICE H. M. OGUNWUMIJU, JCA (Court of Appeal) in APPEAL NO.: CA/A/390/2016 held otherwise by saying:

Gov. Ikpeazu

“In Ekeagbara v Ikpeazu (2016) 4 NWLR PT 1503 at page 411, the Supreme Court held that the burden of proof is on the candidate to prove that his information was genuine, not false.

However, the very wording of Section 31 (5) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) shows that it is the person making an allegation of falsehood that must prove it”- ”.-Hon. Justice H. M. Ogunwumiju, JCA (Court of Appeal) in APPEAL NO.: CA/A/390/2016 IN DR OKEZIE VICTOR IKPEAZU V DR UCHECHUKWU SAMPSON OGAH & 3 ORS QUESTIONS FOR DETERMINATION: WHERE IS THE STARE DECISIS PRINCIPLE THAT SAYS THAT A LOWER COURT IS BOUND BY THE DECISION OF A HIGHER COURT REGARDING A PRINCIPLE OF LAW? IS COURT OF APPEAL NOW A SUPERIOR COURT TO THE SUPREME COURT • “…Throughout the enthusiastic analysis of the supposed false information on the tax documents, the learned trial Judge was unwilling to consider the explanation in the counteraffidavit sworn to by Mr Okoji the tax officer who signed the Tax Clearance Certificate. That tantamount to saying that the court cannot allow amendment to pleadings that would

rebut evidence led by the adverse party because that evidence should have been in the original pleadings. That cannot be fair hearing. It can only be fair hearing if the evidence is considered and weighed with other contrary evidence and found insufficient to convince the judex. An outright rejection of the evidence of the adverse party in this case because it should have been submitted with the Form 001 is perverse and unjust”.- HON. JUSTICE H. M. OGUNWUMIJU, JCA (COURT OF APPEAL) IN APPEAL NO.: CA/A/390/2016 IN DR OKEZIE VICTOR IKPEAZU V DR UCHECHUKWU SAMPSON OGAH & 3 ORS • “…the 2nd Defendant (Dr Okezie Ikpeazu) tax receipt for 2011 ought to have been first in time before the serial number of his tax receipt for 2012 and 2013. However, in this case, it is the serial numbers of the 2ndDefendant’s tax receipt for 2012 and 2013 that came first. The 2nd Defendant claimed in his defence that exhibit OK6 (2011 tax receipt) was issued in error and that explained why his exhibit OK6 was later in time. The fact of the 2nd Defendant’s explanation here is an admission against interest that indeed the earlier 2011 tax receipt contains false information. If indeed the 2ndDefendant’s 2011 tax receipt was issued in error and known to him, he ought to have explained this (via further affidavit) to INEC when Form 001 with attached documents were returned to INEC on 26thDecember 2014. The court is only bound to examine documents attached to Form 001 and forwarded to INEC to see if they contain false information. Therefore, the defence of the 2nd Defendant on this issue has not discharged the burden placed on him by the Supreme Court in Ekeagbara vs Ikpeazu to prove that the documents he submitted to INEC do not contain false information”.-Per Justice Okon Abang (Federal High Court) in Suit No.: FHC/ABJ/CS/71/2016 in Dr Uche Ogah vs Dr Okezie Ikpeazu QUESTIONS FOR DETERMINATION: i. Is it not a settled principle of law that an error or mistake in an affidavit by a particular deponent can only be corrected if re-sworn by the same deponent (Dr Okezie Ikpeazu) and not by another person (Mr James Okoji) before a Commissioner of Oath? ii. Under the provisions of Section 31 Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended), is it not the fact, documents and information submitted to INEC at the time of the submission that remain and cannot admit alteration to prove the correctness of the truth therein except by another affidavit by the same deponent and any explanation by a third party which is not part of the initial facts, information and documents initially submitted to INEC will not hold? iii. Between Justice H. M. Ogunwumiju of the Court of Appeal and Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, who stood the law on its head?

–Message From: Advocates of Justice Network

Honourary Doctorate: Standing Ovation for Dr. Okonkwo Ugochukwu Harvey Igboanugo

“H

e who tills his land shall be satisfied with bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits is lacking in sense and without understanding.... From the fruit of his words a man shall be satisfied with good, and the work of a man’s hands shall come back to him as a harvest....The slothful man does not catch his game or roast it once he kill it, but the diligent man get precious possessions. (Proverbs 12: 11, 14, 27, Amplifier Version)” The above Bible verses give clear understanding on diligence and slothfulness and rewards for both diligent and slothful man. This shows clearly that for every human being there is always a reward for any action we take in life whether positive or negative. While some have been rewarded in the past or would likely be rewarded in the future for doing good things in life, some have been condemned or will also be condemned in the future for whatever they do in their lifetime.

In Nigeria today, there are millions of businessmen, philanthropists, captains of industries and entrepreneurs, but one man that has distinguished himself as a example to his generation and incoming generations by virtues of his contribution to his society, community, state and Nigeria at large is Kennedy Okonkwo, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nedcomoaks Limited; one of the leading real estate companies engaged in the acquisition, development and management of properties across Nigeria Okonkwo will today Saturday September 24, conferred with a honourary doctorate award by European-American University Commonwealth of Dominica, in Lome, the capital of Togo. The honour coming from a foreign citadel of knowledge is a proof that Okonkwo’s recognition goes beyond the shores of Nigeria, which shows clearly that the

Okonkwo

labour of a dedicated, hardworking, tireless, committed and diligent man to whatever he is committed to would always be rewarded no matter how long it might take.

Okonkwo is a seasoned real estate developer, holding about 12 years of remarkable and rich experience in the construction field. He built his first property in 2004 and since then he has grown to become a major player in the real estate development sector with completed projects of over 600 family dwelling units.

Okonkwo, a young passionate entrepreneur is an example of committed and passionate Nigerians who are doing their best to add value to their immediate environment and the nation at large, considering some remarkable things he has done, especially in the real estate sector to make life comfortable for many people.

The Nedcomoaks Limited boss through his company

has contributed immensely in solving housing problems in Nigeria by assisting many people to become landlords at affordable rates. Since Nedcomoaks Limited came into existence, Okonkwo has used his wealth of experience and managerial skills to work very hard to ensure that the company becomes one of the leading property development and management companies in West Africa.

In Nigeria today, there are many real estate and property companies but Nedcomoaks Limited is special because of the unique way the organisation is being managed by Okonkwo. One of the unique things about the company is that its properties are highly diversified with respect to design and styles. It also take account of each customer’s budget, timeframe, social status and the opportunities available and pragmatic approach to prioritizing customers’ specific needs to give them the value they deserve.

Looking at Okonkwo’s antecedents and contribution to his immediate environment, community, state and Nigeria at large, there is no doubt that the honourary doctorate degree being bestowed on the CEO of Nedcomoaks Limited is well deserves and it shows clearly that Okonkwo is a good Nigerian ambassador, which can be emulate, especially by Nigerian youths and upcoming generations.

As an entrepreneur Okonkwo has contributed immensely in giving hope to many people, especially those in need of property of their own to have a roof on their head. His company since its inception have built best properties at affordable prices in different parts of Lagos State, especially in highbrow areas like Lekki to satisfy his clients’ tastes. Some of the massive projects built by Nedcomoaks Limited to solve accommodation problem of thousands of people in different parts of Lagos State are; Ryans Court, Kiryan Court, Dream Court I-IV, Crystal Dreams Apartment, Crystal Court, Sandton Court and Victoria Crest I.

Read full article online: www.thisdaylive.com

52

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • SEPTEMBER 24, 2016

POLITY

Politicians Seeking to Make Adeosun Sacrificial Lamb Isa Adamu

O

n Wednesday, some senators at the Senate plenary, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to rejig his cabinet, to move the country out of current economic recession.

Chief among them was Ike Ekweremadu, deputy senate president, and Dino Melaye, senator representing Kogi west, who both asked that Kemi Adeosun, minister of finance, and her budget and national planning counterpart, Udo Udoma, be redeployed or removed.

The senators argued that the duo had not been doing enough to drive the economy out of recession.

Shehu Sani, senator representing Kaduna central, however said the removal of Adeosun and Udoma, would not get Nigeria out of recession.

“We must cut interest rates, start diversification of the economy, empower small businesses so that they will be able to produce and export. The key to getting out of this is export of goods and services,” Sani said “Removing the Minister of Finance will not be able to get us out of this problem because this recession is not Nigeria’s alone.

It is all countries that are dependent on oil revenue”.

In times of economic difficulty, it is not unusual to see politicians trying to make cheap political points, by seeming pro-people in their approach to facing the problems.

President Muhammadu Buhari does not

share the sentiment of the senators seeking a reshuffling of his cabinet, as he emphasized in New York on Wednesday evening that his cabinet must not be distracted by the current lamentations around the country’s economic situation.

In an op-ed published on Bloomberg, ahead of the US-Africa business forum in New York, the president said the ministry of finance, led by Adeosun, had “released more than 400 billion naira for infrastructure spending — more than the total amount spent in 2015”.

He said Africa rising which is fast become a question, other than a fact, would become a surviving reality in Nigeria, in the months to come.

“Until a few years ago, Africa Rising was a dominant theme in conversations about the global economy. That enthusiasm has since cooled, so that in newsrooms and think tanks and conference panels, ‘Africa Rising!’ has given way to a more questioning ‘Africa Rising?’” Buhari wrote.

“While some of that pessimism may be justified, we do not have the luxury of distracting ourselves with lamentations about our current circumstances.”

“Since I signed the 2016 budget into law in May, Nigeria’s Ministry of Finance has released more than 400 billion naira for infrastructure spending — more than the total amount spent in 2015.”

He once again, reiterated his support for the low-interest borrowing plan, put together

by Kemi Adeosun, minister of finance, and

her team.

“In the face of dwindling oil revenues, we are turning to debt. We have begun raising a $1 billion Eurobond, our first in three years,” he said.

“We are also raising debt from the World Bank, the African Development Bank, the Chinese Ex-Im Bank and other development finance partners.”

The president said the current recession was driven by vandalisation in the Niger Delta region not the doing of himself or any member of his cabinet, adding that Nigeria will scale through.

“The journey ahead remains long and difficult. Our double-digit inflation, currency turmoil and downgraded ratings will not vanish overnight.

“We also know that the current recession is partly driven by the production outages in Nigeria’s Delta region, and we are confident that growth will accelerate as problems in that region are resolved.

“But the real story here is not the challenges, which are all too visible, but the opportunities. We have learned the necessary lessons. We will ensure that Nigeria does not slip back into a lazy and dangerous dependence on the price of crude oil.

“The months ahead will show not only that Nigeria is on the rise, but that this ‘Rising’ is real and lasting — one that touches not just the statistical databases, but the lives of the people who elected us to deliver positive change.”

–Adamu lives in Kaduna

PHOTO NEWS L-R: Former Chairman, Council Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (CRFFN), Alhaji Hakeem Olanrewaju and the National President, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Prince Olayiwola Shittu at the Nikkai ceremony of Shittu’s son, Saheed and his heart throb, Raheemot at Igboho, Oyo State…recently

L-R: Manager, Nichmoson Pharmacy Benin, Mr. Christian Chinweokwu; guardian of the beneficiary, Mr. Bamidele Ojo; the beneficiary, Dorcas Kunle and District Development Manager, GSK, South East, Mr. Joseph Mbanugo, during the redemption of Ribena back-to-school scholarship promo in Benin.....recently

L-R - Divisional Head, Human Resource and Strategy, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Felicia Obozuwa; JSS1 student of Wesley Girls Junior High School, Sabo, Yaba, Lagos and scholarship recipient, Azeez Ayomide; Executive Director, Finance, FCMB, Yemisi Edun during the presentation of scholarship certificates and school kits by the FCMB Women to students in Lagos ...recently

L-R: Divisional Head, Retail Banking, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mr. Olu Akanmu; Group Managing Director/CEO of the bank, Mr. Ladi Balogun; Divisional Head, Human Resources and Strategy, Felicia Obozuwa; Youth Segment Officer, Oluwakemi Akinwotu and Head, Brand Management, Mrs. Adeyosola Atere, at the grand finale of Dare-2-Dream Season 3, sponsored by FCMB in partnership with Kinabuti Fashion House in Lagos ...recently

L-R: Leader, All Progressive Congress (APC), Lagos Central, Prince Tajudeen O. Ousi; Senator Oluremi Tinubu; and Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Wasiu Esinlokun, during the 19th edition of Lagos Central Senatorial District Town Hall Meeting organised by Tinubu in Lagos... recently PHOTO: Kolawole Alli

T H I S D AY SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 2016

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54

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • SEPTEMBER 24, 2016

nEwSXTRA

Edo PDP Petitions Int'l Community, Alleges APC Attempt to Manipulate Governorship Election

Niger Government, NECO, WAEC Agree on N676m Debt Settlement

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

TheNigerStategovernment, the National Examination Council NECO and the West African Examination Council, WAEC have agreed on the modalities for the payment of examination feeswhichmadeitimpossiblefor candidates of the state that sat for the last public examinations organised by the examination bodiesfromaccessingtheirresults NECOAND WAEC recently released the Senior Schools CertificateExaminationsresultsthey conductedbetweenMayandJuly this year but the websites were shutagainstthestate’scandidates as a result of the debt.

Nigerstategovernmentwhich has a policy of paying for one of theexaminationsonbehalfoftheir candidates owe NECO N238M and WAEC N438m.

As part of the agreement according to THISDAY findings, thegovernmentwassaidtohave paid over N200m to WAEC and N100mtoNECOlastWednesday withtheunderstandingthatthat thebalancewouldbepaidinequal

Edo state chapter of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) has raised alarm, calling the attention of the international community on the intention of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government in the state to manipulate the September 28th governorship election.

In a swift reaction to the allegation, Edo State government dismissed the PDP allegation, saying the party was just playing up their empty hat of tricks to rake up and concoct lies as well ascreatescenariosthatdidnotexist in the state.

The alarm was contained in

a letter captioned: "Letter to the International community over Governor Adams Oshiomhole and APC's use of State powers and violent means against the opposition PDP, with the intention of manipulating and rigging theSeptember28thgovernorship election in Edo state was also addressed to the President, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Theletterwhichwassignedby thePDPPublicitySecretary,Chris Nehikhare and made available to THISDAY in Benin City, said the alarm was predicated on the fact that the Edo State Governor AdamsOshiomholehadboasted thatAPC controlled federal governmentwasevidentlysupportive

of the actions of the state government in furtherance of the grand design to undermine the process ofafreeandfairelectoralcontestas expectedinacivilizeddemocracy.

"Once again, it has become expedient for the Edo State PDP to draw the attention of the international community to the unfairdeploymentoftheagencies of state, particularly the police, the Attorney-General's Office, and the State Revenue Service in the harassment, molestation, intimidation, arrest and persecution of leaders and members of the PDP in the desperate attempt to rig the September 28 Edo State governorship election whichtherulingAPChadshifted

GOOD TO SEE YOU...

L-R: Finance Minister, Mrs, Kemi Adeosun welcoming Ondo State Governor, Mr. Olusegun Mimiko when the latter paid a courtesy visit to the Minister in her office, Abuja...Friday

from September 10, apparently having realised that it had not perfected its plan to rig against anoverwhelminglypopularPDP governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

"We wish to state that our recourse to seeking international attentionandinterventionispredicatedonthefactthattheEdoState governor Adams Oshiomhole has boasted thatAPC controlled federal government is evidently supportive of the actions of the stategovernmentinfurtheranceof thegranddesigntounderminethe process of a free and fair electoral contest as expected in a civilized democracy.

"The Edo State Government, hasinobviousabuseofitspowers brought the Edo State Revenue Service into the fray of coercion of Edo State PDP. The Board of Internal Revenue has in an unprecedented move taken the State PDP to court on the allegationofnon-paymentoftaxbystaff of the PDP Secretariat. The State Chairman,ChiefDanOrbih,who apparently is the prime target of the litigation is mentioned as the defendant", Edo PDP said.

Continuing, the party said information available to it has it that the APC led government wanted Chief Orbih remanded in prison custody during the remaining period of the campaign and on Election Day as the courts have been briefed that whenever he appears his bail condition will besuchthathecannotmeetit,even as the allegation is trumped up.

"It is instructive to note that Chief Dan Orbih has been relentlessly critical of the APC and its gubernatorialcandidateMr.Godwin Obaseki. In fact the PDP has draggedObasekitocourttomake him validate series of allegations that have to do with perjury and misrepresentation of facts about his educational qualification and background," he said.

…As APC Alleges PDP under Igbinedion Diverted N4bn Loan Adibe Emenyonu in Benin

Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has accused the former Governor of Edo State, Mr Lucky Igbinedion of diverting N4 billion bank loan in connivance with then Secretary to the State Government and PDP gubernatorial candidate, Mr Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Peter Okhiria, Governor Oshiomhole said: “our attention has been drawn to the lies peddled by one Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu,

a factional candidate of the PeoplesDemocraticParty(PDP) on the debt profile of Edo State.

“We make bold to state, and the facts are clear, that in spite of earning the highest revenues from the Federation Account, the PDP states in the South-South region are the most indebted in the region and not Edo State.

“The domestic debt profile released by the DMO as at December 31, 2015, the last time it was issued, lists Delta State as having a debt profile of N320,605 billion; Akwa Ibom

had N147,575 billion; Cross River: N115,522 billion; Rivers, N134,9566 billion; Bayelsa N103,374 billion as against Edo which had a far lower profile.

While the other South-South PDP States have continued to amass domestic debts with high-interest rates, Edo is close to completely liquidating its domestic debt.

“While Ize-Iyamu continues to peddle his falsehood, we have the record of the N4 billion borrowed by the PDP government of Mr Lucky Igbinedion, with the knowledge of Osagie Ize-

Iyamu as Secretary to State Government from Guaranty Trust Bank and Equitorial Trust Bank and paid to an address in Lagos.

“Edo people are not deceived.

They know that the PDP and Ize-Iyamu are the ones who have a record of borrowing to steal and not the APC government led by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

“Our records are open and we run a transparent government. No amount of planted or concocted stories by hack writers will distort the facts.”

Laleye Dipo in Minna

installments over the next three months.

We gathered that following the payment and the agreement reached the websites of the two examinationsbodieswereopened for the candidates last Thursday which put them to be in position to access their results.

NoofficialofthestateMinistry of Education was prepared to comment on this development but a senior staff said ‘we cannot allow the situation to continue, it will not be in the interest of our children’.

Theofficialsaidthestateacting GovernorAlhajiAhmedMohammed Ketso directed the Ministry to source and pay the money ‘at all cost’ which we have done’.

WAEC and NECO officials who confirmed the story on condition of anonymity warned thatfutureoccurrencewouldnot be tolerated.

One of them said ‘If the state governmentcannotpayonbehalf oftheircandidatesitshouldletthe parents know instead of causing them unnecessary embarrassment’.

‘Why ECOWAS Parliament Can’t Make Laws for the Community’ Alex Enumah in Abuja The dream of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)Parliamenttoassume fulllegislativepowersandthereby begin to legislate laws for the good governance and development of theregionmaycontinuetoremain a mirage, until the laws establishing the parliament are ratified by Heads of State and Government of member nations.

The Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Rt. Hon. Moustaffa Cisse Lo, gave this indication yesterday at the on-going Second Session of the Fourth Parliament of the ECOWAS Community in Abuja.

Cisse Lo, reacting to newsmen questions on why the parliament cannot make laws for the region, just like its counterparts in the continent,particularlytheEastAfrican LegislativeAssembly(EALA),puts the blame on the doorsteps of the HeadsofStateandGovernmentof ECOWAS,inwhatcanbelikenedto thesaying,‘Hewhopaysthepiper dictates the tune.

He said, “The heads of states have said that for it to become a LegislativeAssembly,themembers havetobeelectedbydirectuniversal suffragethatiswhatthetreatysays anduntilthathappensitisgoingto be a consultative assembly”.

While stating that the members aspresentlyconstitutedareelected representatives, he pointed out that it was the Heads of State and Government who at one stage de-

cidedthatanECOWASParliament should be established.

Hesaidtheparliamentiswilling to go along with that vision and would do everything possible to achieve its set objectives. “That is the phase we are now, we agree it hasgoneonfortoolong.Thisisthe fourthlegislatureunderwhichithas goneonasaconsultativeassembly, so we agree that there should be progress. However, we know that it’snotpossibletograbthepowers, so that is why we are working in consensus with the Heads of States,CouncilofMinistersandthe ECOWAS Commission”, he said.

Addingthat,“Forthetimebeing wearenotyetalegislativeassembly, it is going to be a gradual process to get there. We are asking at the moment that we have the right of mandatory advice on the budget andifwegetthatitisalreadygood, after thatwecannow discusswith theHeadsofStateandknowatwhat stage we become a legislative assembly.

“There are laws that say it is a Legislative Assembly, but the problemisatthelevelofratification of those laws by member states.

So what we are doing now is to continue to discuss and come up with the best formula that would be in the interest of the people of the community”.

Speaker after speaker at the occasionhadcontinuedtocallforthe enhancement of the powers of the parliament,statingthatAfricacannot afford to behave like a bird that lays eggs but cannot hatch them.

HASAL Microfinance Launches ORBIT-R Banking Application Inabidtopositivelyimpactonits core banking operations to serve its customers better, HASAL Microfinance Bank Limited, one of Nigeria's leading MfBs, has upgraded its core banking operations solution to a higher version.aspartofitscommitment to deliver services for optimal satisfaction to its customers.

The bank's Managing Director Mr. Rogers Nwoke, said the decision to upgrade the core

banking software from Orbit 4.3 to Orbit R (the latest edition), is to improvetheinnovativeproducts that are tailored to meet various needs of customers. This new banking application explores the status of the bank’s business operation in terms of different verticals giving insight to managementonthebusinessposition, growth, acid-test metrics and credit portfolio analysis as well as provides an environment that

is customer-centric, service and work-floworiented,intuitiveand collaborative, and management information rich. With this, the bank is achieving transaction security, ease and an efficient feedback system.

Nwoke who confirmed this development said the new application had paved way for the bank to become one of the first MFBs to generate the 10-digit Nigeria Uniform BankAccount

Number (NUBAN) for all its customers after its successful sign up to the Nigerian InterbankSettlementSystem(NIBSS).

Nwoke disclosed that the bankwasbecomingincreasingly more technologically innovative, more customer friendly and service-oriented, even as it seeks to continue to support micro business amongst others. The bank recently created a Consumer Protection & Social

Performance Management department with a view to continuouslysupportandprotectthe interest of its many customer. It willberecalledthatHASALMFB won the prestigious Citibank/ GBFawardfor“MostInnovative Microfinance Bank.

“I am very pleased and proud toletthecustomersknowthatwe are rebranding technologically and we have reached a very advanced stage of our core

banking. We had a team of 20 people who began training in Abuja for over 250 days to implement the software and integrate same seamlessly, we have trained our staff with focus on automating specific internal bankdepartmentalprocessesand procedures. Our people understand that the key benefit of this upgrade is to deliver excellent customers’ experience at all times." Nwoke said in Abuja.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • SEPTEMBER 24, 2016

55

nEwSXTRA

Group Decries Effect of Tobacco on Children, Adolescents Sunday Okobi and Amby Unezein Owerri

WE CELEBRATE YOU...

L-R: Head of Finance, SIAO/RSM, Mr. Felix Ogundalu; Head, Corporate Development, SIAO/RSM, Ms. Nneka Eneli; Managing Partner, SIAO/RSM, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo; Compliance Officer, Ms. Tosin Gbenle; Partner, SIAO/RSM, Mr. Ladi Smith and Head, Human Resources, SIAO/RSM, Mrs. Flora Adegbulu during the recent 2016 RSM World Day celebrated by the firm in Lagos..

Tension as Ijaw Oil and Gas Producing Communities Protest Alleged Marginalisation Sylvester Idowu inwarri

There was palpable tension in Warri, Delta State yesterday as aggrieved Ijaw Oil and Gas producing communities protested against alleged gross marginalisation in this year's budget of Delta State Oil ProducingAreas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) recently passed by the State House of Assembly.

The protesters, in a statement made available to THISDAY, accusedtheleadershipofDESOPADECaswellasmembersofthe State House ofAssembly of not following the laws establishing the Commission by allocating

projects to the different ethnic host communities in line with their quantum production.

They accused the Chairman and the Managing Director of the Commission of avarice and lopsidedness, particularly in the allocations of projects in the Centralized Budget.

In the statement signed by BishopDr.SamsonAmajene(JP), President,GbaramatuKingdom andComradeMorrisonAnuwo, President,EgbemaKingdom,the leaders and stakeholders of Ijaw Oil Producing Communities, said they had earlier raised an alarm against the lopsidedness andinjusticeperpetratedagainst theIjawEthnicnationality,which

produces 27% of Oil and Gas resources in the state.

"We had raised the alarm, as soon as we got wind of the gross marginalization of the Ijaw ethnic nationality in this budget when we wrote an open letter to the State Governor, Sen Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa.

"In the said open letter, we accused the Chairman and the Managing Director of the Commission of avarice and lopsidedness, particularly in the allocations of projects in the Centralized Budget, in which the Chairman’s Itsekiri ethnic nationality was allocated projects worth over N1.7 billion while the Managing Director’s

Urhoboethnicgroupgotprojects worth N572 million.

Sadly, the group lamented that instead of addressing the lopsidedness and injustice perpetrated against the Ijaw Ethnic nationality,whichproduces27% of Oil and Gas resources in the state, Governor Okowa kept a disturbingsilence,allowingsome people in the Commission and House of theAssembly to carry outthenefariousactunhindered.

"Itisquiteunfortunate,absurd and ridiculous to state that more of such acts have again been perpetrated by the Urhobo and Ndokwa ethnic nationalities, through their privileged officers in Government.

Shiites Condemn Maltreatment by Security Forces, Demand Release of El-Zakzaky • Says over hundred members arrested, taken to military barracks Senator Iroegbu inAbuja

The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) has decried maltreatment by security agents when their members converged in Abuja on Thursday to protest the continued detention of our Leader Shaikh Ibraheem Yaqoub Zakzaky.

The group also known as the Shiites Islamic Sect, lamented that their leaders remained unjustifiably held without charges and access to appropriate medical care.

However, the protest was said to have turned awry when security agencies used tear-gas to disperse the protesters who

carried placards demanding for justice and release of their leader.

The President of Media Forum of IMN, Mr. Ibrahim Musa, in a statement issued shortly after the brush with security agencies, claimed that the Nigerian army had mounted make-shift road blocks seeking to prevent people from entering Abuja for the protest march.

Musa said that about a hundred arrests were made, including of women and children and taken to military barracks.

He said that the thousands who had managed to enter Abuja for the peaceful march

were crudely attacked by the Nigerian Police, who physically attempted to prevent the march for no just cause.

According to him, the security agents fired tear gas and live bullets as well to disrupt the peaceful march. Consequently, scores were injured and many more were arrested and are being detained.

He stressed that the IMN has relentlessly carried out peaceful protests across the country, Abuja inclusive to press for the release of Shaikh Zakzaky and all those in illegal detention with him, since the brutal clampdown on the IMN in December last year.

"Why this obnoxious attempt to further trample on the rights of the people even after the assurance given by IGP some weeks ago that the constitutional rights of Nigerians to peaceful protest is guaranteed is baffling," he queried.

Musa stated: "Our rights to freely move is inalienable and we wish to remind the Nigerian security agents of the fundamental rights of people to assemble peacefully and demonstrate without any official harassment. If at all they are in doubt or have forgotten, they should consult their lawyers since Nigerian courts have upheld this position."

PDP Hails Appeal Court Ruling On Bayelsa Guber Election Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The Leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under the Chairmanship of Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi has commended the judgment of the Court of Appeal in respect of on Thursday, upholding the victory of the PDP at the Bayelsa governorship election.

Inastatementissuedyesterday by the PDP Spokesman, Prince DayoAdeyeye,thepartysaidthe judgement had re-affirmed the

validity of the Election of Hon. Dicksonasdulyelectedbymajority of Bayelsans "On behalf of the National Caretaker Committee, the National Executive Committee (NEC),otherorgansandallParty membersnationwidewewarmly congratulates His Excellency, Rt. Hon.HenrySeriakeDicksonand thepeopleofBayelsaStateonthe Victory of the PDPat theAppeal Court.

"The PDP commend the Judgment of the Court of Ap-

peal on Thursday, September 22, 2016 which has once again re-affirmed the validity of the Electionof Hon.Dicksonasduly elected by majority of Bayelsans during the January 9, 2016 Governorship Election. "This Judgment has again renewed our hope in the Judiciary as we urge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to continue to remain unbiased in all elections in the Country. "This Appeal Court Verdict has also affirmed that the PDP remains

the only National Party in the Countrywhichhasbeingseeking to unify Nigeria and Nigerians irrespective of tribe, culture or religious differences.

"We thank the Bayelsa State Chapter of the PDP, other people of the State and well-meaning Nigerians for their support and solidarity within this period.

The Party pledges to keep to its social contract with Bayelsans by implementing the manifesto of the Party and providing dividends of democracy," it said.

Safetynet For Children (SFC), a non-governmental organisation that seeks to advance the good health of Nigerians, particularly children and the adolescent, has drawn the attention of the government and Nigerians to the effect of tobacco to children and young adults.

According to a statement signed and made available to THISDAY yesterday by the groupChairman,AkomasBrent C., “We want to draw attention to recent developments in the tobacco industry in Nigeria especially as regards the effect to lives.

“Perhaps unknown to many, children and young adults are becoming increasingly vulnerable to the habit of tobacco products consumption, a trend which poses grave danger to the future of our country, considering the significance of this segment of the population in nation building both now and in the future.

“In this regard, we hereby draw the attention of Nigerians to some provisions in the 2016 review document by the Technical Committee on Standards for Tobacco and Tobacco Products set up by the Nigerian Industrial Standard for Tobacco and Tobacco Products.”

SFC added that item on page nine of the document states as follows that: “Flavouring substances, excluding menthol, with potential to initiate or appeal to children, such as strawberry, banana, apple among others, should not be used in the manufacture of cigarette.”

It noted that it found the exclusion of menthol from this list questionable as what this intends to achieve is quite unclear. Studies have shown that before the introduction

of banana, apple, strawberry, flavours in cigarettes, child smokers were already very much used to menthol flavoured-cigarettes and that they (children) still smoke menthol cigarettes up till now.

“In other words, the exclusion of menthol is incapable of discouraging children and young adults from the consumption of tobacco products, for the simple reason that they will merely retain their patronage of menthol products which hadbeenaggressivelymarketed to them in the past, long before the introduction of banana, apple and strawberry products.

So, if prohibiting products other than menthol-flavoured ones cannot stop the kids from consuming tobacco products, it remains unclear what their prohibition on one hand and the retention of menthol on the other will achieve,” Brent stated.

However, he stressed that there was a world-wide raging debate on the effect of menthol in cigarettes, especially on black people, adding that “We call on the relevant authorities to take another look on this policy of excluding menthol from the list of prohibited flavours in cigarettes, especially in view of its harmful nature and addictive potencies on the young people.

“We are aware that cigarette manufactures all over the world have always had the power to lobby for the institutionalisation of policies that enhance their trade in spite of obvious harmful effects of their products to the consumers. However, it is our expectation that the crusade on the harmful effects of tobacco consumption should be total, decisive and devoid of any suspicions to either deliberately or inadvertently enhance the existing monopolistic tendencies in the industry especially in Nigeria.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MOSES ADAMU, now wish to be known and addressed as MOSES ABIMIKU ADAMS. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as KELECHI PASCHAL TOFOROM, now wish to be known and addressed as CHUKWUEMEKE KELE PASCHAL. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS EBONG UKEME DAVID, now wish to be known and addressed as EBONG UKEME HELEN. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MR ALIU MUFUTAU KAYODE, now wish to be known and addressed as MR LABAIKA MUFUTAU OTTAN. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ISIAKA ABDURAFIU AKOLADE, now wish to be known and addressed as ISIAKA RAFIU AKOLADE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as SANNI ADEPEJU MORIAM, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEKOYA ADEPEJU MORIAM. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as IJUO OMADI DICKSON, now wish to be known and addressed as SIMON ODEBE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as BABABA MUSA, now wish to be known and addressed as TIJANI MUSA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ATALATA ISIAKA, now wish to be known and addressed as ATALATA ISIAKA MICAH. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.