Thursday 29th September 2016

OPEC Reaches Deal to Cut Oil Output, Prices Rally Nigeria, Iran, Libya may be allowed to produce at maximum levels

Ejiofor Alike with agency report The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) yesterday

agreed to cut its oil output for the first time since 2008, with Saudi Arabia softening its stance on arch-rival Iran amid mounting pressure from low oil prices, reported AFP.

According to reports, two sources in OPEC said the group would reduce output to 32.5 million barrels per day (mbpd) from current production of 33.24mbpd.

How much each country will produce is to be decided at the next formal meeting of OPEC in November, when an invitation to join cuts

could also be extended to non-OPEC countries such as Russia, sources said.

Responding to the news, oil prices jumped more than five per cent to trade

above $48 per barrel after the outcome of OPEC’s informal meeting in Algeria took traders by surprise.

Continued on page 6

House Suspends Abdulmumin, Bars Him from Position of Responsibility… Page 12 Thursday 29 September, 2016 Vol 21. No 7833. Price: N250

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FG Says No Decision Yet on Sale of National Assets Approves new bill to develop water sector Tobi Soniyi in Abuja The Federal Executive Council (FEC) is yet to take a decision on whether to resort to the sale of national assets to bail the economy out of recession.

Answering questions from State House correspondents at the conclusion of yesterday’s FEC meeting, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said Continued on page 6

LIKE ALL CITIZENS, OSHIOMHOLE JOINS THE QUEUE

Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole (in stripped shirt), queuing to cast his vote at Unit 1, Ward 10 in Iyamho, Edo State, during the governorship election in his state… yesterday

Edo Poll: APC’s Obaseki Inches Towards Victory

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

As the nation waits with bated breath for the official results of the Edo State governorship election held yesterday, results trickling down from the wards and local government areas in the state showed last night that the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC),

Mr. Godwin Obaseki, was inching towards victory with clear leads in Edo North and South Senatorial Districts.

A breakdown of early results showed that in Edo North, comprising six local governments areas, APC was reported to have won five of the six local government areas, except one in which they already

had a lead at press time.

Early results from Edo South also showed that Obaseki was leading in seven of the local government areas, including Oredo, that make up the district, but two were hotly contested.

However, in Edo Central, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Ize-Iyamu, was said to be

leading in three out of the five local governments except Igueben, where the APC had a marginal lead, but was too close to call.

But before a clearer picture began to emerge last night, a surprise upset was recorded yesterday, when the National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, lost at his Polling Unit 1, Ward 2

in Oredo Local Government Area by 69 votes to the 78 polled by the PDP. Incidentally, his polling unit was the same one where Ize-Iyamu’s wife, Idia, voted.

Obaseki, on the other hand, won his Unit 19, Ward 4 comfortably, garnering 160 votes against the PDP’s 77 votes. Ize-Iyamu, however, completely obliterated his

opponent at his own Unit 26, Ward 5 in Orhionmwon Local Government Area by 369 votes to the 1 vote recorded by Obaseki.

In other early results, the state PDP chairman, Chief Dan Orbih and Oghiadomhe also delivered their units to the PDP. Continued on page 6

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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 29, 2016 T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

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THURSDAY, september 29, 2016 • T H I S D AY

PAGE SIX EDO POLL: APC’S OBASEKI INCHES TOWARDS VICTORY Overall, statewide reports revealed a substantially orderly and peaceful poll, evidencing the changes made

by INEC and the security provided by security forces deployed in the state for the exercise that had 1,915,105 registered voters.

INEC had used the election to test-run its new polling processes introduced under the Electoral Act. One of them was the simultaneous accreditation and voting, which allows a registered voter to proceed to cast his/ her ballot immediately after accreditation.

In the past, there was a time lag between accreditation and the casting of votes, a process that was time consuming and stressful for the electorate. With the new voting procedure, the polling time was shorter.

Speaking on the conduct of the election, the state Governor Adams Oshiomhole hailed the new voting process, saying it made the exercise less stressful for the electorate particularly the middle class.

“I have always wondered why INEC wants people to be accredited and wait for voting later. For the middle class, that was not something many of them could cope with.

“For the poor people, they have had to carry the burden of our democracy by waiting the whole day. So I believe that INEC has made a sensible improvement,” he said after casting his vote at his Polling Unit 1, Iyamho Primary School, Etsako West Local Government Area, where he also expressed satisfaction with the large turnout of voters.

He also commended the orderly conduct at his polling unit, stating: “I believe this is a perfect example of the way it should be, but I cannot tell you that this is the way it is in other places because I have not been to those places.”

He however said there were some incidents in some parts of the state, which the security agencies and INEC would have to investigate.

“I have received a report just now from the Onojie of Opoji that PDP thugs went and removed the card reader in order to prevent the people of Opoji from voting.

“So we are dealing with that because the people have a right to vote. That right cannot be compromised, and INEC has a duty, a non-negotiable duty to

ensure that the people of Opoji vote,” he said.

Oshiomhole also revealed that he received reports of gunshots at Okpella and Emu in Esan South East Local Government Area, where he alleged that a former member of the state House of Assembly, upon noticing that the people were not voting for PDP, opened fire and shot sporadically into the air.

“I have drawn the attention of the police to ensure that the gunmen, whether local or imported, are not allowed to disrupt an exercise that will otherwise be a celebration of democracy,” the governor said.

Despite the concern expressed by the governor, areas monitored by THISDAY showed the election was generally peaceful.

A NEW ROAD FOR RIVERS COMMUNITY

Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio (middle), flanked by the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike (right), and his deputy, Mrs. Ipalibo Banigo, during the commissioning of the reconstructed Igwuruta-Chokocho Road in Rivers State… yesterday

For instance, at Oredo Ward 2, 3 and 4; Ikpoba-Okha Ward 6, 7 and 8 voting was peaceful as security agents were on hand to ensure a hitch-free election.

In these areas, accreditation and voting started at between 8 and 9 a.m. At about 9.30 a.m., Obaseki arrived as his Oredo Ward 4, Unit 19 and voted by 10.30 a.m.

After casting his vote, Obaseki expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the election. He also praised INEC for reviewing the voting process and said he was certain of victory.

He also praised the security agencies for providing security during the election.

In its reaction as the collation of results were being awaited, the PDP raised the alarm over the alleged plot by the APC to tamper with the results of the governorship election already released at the various polling units, in a bid to change it in it’s favour.

A statement from the acting National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Dayo Adeyeye, alleged that Oshiohmole was moving around collation centres in an effort to manipulate the results as much as possible.

“Having received results from our agents at approximately 1,800 of the 2,627 polling units spread across the 192 Wards in the 18 Local Government Areas of Edo State, we can confirm that our party has attained a near unassailable lead in the Edo State gubernatorial election.

“The results so far confirm to us that our candidate has garnered approximately 55 per cent of the total votes cast by voters. We have every reason to be confident that we will maintain this trend and coast home to victory.

“However, we are aware that members of the All Progressives Congress

FG SAYS NO DECISION YET ON SALE OF NATIONAL ASSETS it was wrong for anyone to conclude that the federal

government had concluded plans to sell national assets.

The minister however said government would come out, “very soon” with an elaborate plan to take the country out of the recession.

Mohammed described as

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“mere speculation” the claim that the federal government had decided to sell the country’s national assets to raise money.

He said: “Government is still working on the most comprehensive manner to reflate the economy and the government will make its position known very soon.

“On what the government will do is to reflate the economy, everything you have heard so far are just suggestions, and until the government makes its position known, all these assets sale, assets leasing, whatever is being bandied about, are nothing but speculations.

“The government is yet to come out with its position on how to bail out the economy and it will do that soon.”

When he was reminded that the National Economic Council (NEC) had already endorsed the recommendation of the president’s Economic Management Team to sell assets to raise money, the minister said: “NEC will recommend but it is the Federal Executive Council that will decide and what we decide will be the

position of government.”

Earlier, the Minister of Water Resources, Alhaji Suleiman Adamu, had said that his ministry presented three memos to FEC, namely, the National Water Policy, National Irrigation Policy, and a Draft National Water Resources Bill.

According to him, the National Water Policy seeks to provide strategies that will improve the management and delivery of water in the country with particular reference to water supply.

He said the National Water Resources Bill would consolidate all the existing laws on waterrelated issues including the Water Resources Act, the River Basin Development Authority Act, the National Water Resources Institute Act, the National Hydrological Services Act and other Acts.

The minister said when passed into law, the bill would open up the water industry for private sector investors.

The minister explained that the proposed bill would form a national law that would conform with international standards and international

best practices.

“By so doing, we have been able to streamline many of the overlapping laws, sometimes we have conflicting laws like the one we have with Nigeria Inland Waterways Agency (NIWA) and some laws relating to the environment and mining.

“This bill seeks to sort out all those issues so that we have a standard national law, also so that we can set up a proper regulatory agency to regulate the water sector.

“With that, the door is now open for the private sector to come in in a big way to invest in water supply schemes in this country,” he said.

The minister said the irrigation and drainage policy would seek to recognise and bring in water users’ associations and generally improve not only irrigation infrastructure but irrigation management in the country.

According to him, Nigeria has the potential of 3.4 million hectares of land for irrigation but only 130,000 had been developed formally and only about 70,000 is utilised.

He said there is a huge

gap and that government believes that introducing this policy would help the federal government and states to work together to have an all encompassing policy that would also help the government’s agriculture agenda.

“So it is a good thing that we brought the three policies together, and we believe the water resources sector is going to be an entirely different ball game from now on,” he said.

Also speaking on the water policy, the information minister said water had become one of the most important resources with economic, social and political implications.

He said the judicious use and allocation of water for humans, animals, livestock and industry had evolved into one of the serious issues facing humanity.

He said: “As a matter of fact, many countries have gone to war over the issue of water.

So I believe it is only timely that Nigeria is proactive and has considered the issue of water resources as one that should not be left in the hands of anyone.”

(APC) led by Governor Adams Oshiomole in collusion with officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) led by Mrs. Amina Zakari, are relentless in their efforts to manipulate the results of this election.

“We are aware that Governor Oshiomole is currently moving from collation centre to collation centre with the objective of manipulating the results as much as possible.

“We will like to reiterate our earlier note of warning: The Edo people and our party will resist any attempt to subvert the collective will of the people as expressed by their votes today.

“We urge our members and supporters in the state to continue keeping the faith by guarding their votes at the ward collation centres and local government collation centres. Eternal vigilance is the price we all have to pay for victory,” he said.

OPEC REACHES DEAL TO CUT OIL OUTPUT, PRICES RALLY Still, many said they wanted to see the details of the deal. “We don’t know yet who is going to produce what. I want to hear from the mouth of the Iranian oil minister that he is not going to go back to pre-sanction levels.

“For the Saudis, it just goes against the conventional wisdom of what they’ve been saying,” said Jeff Quigley, director of energy markets at Houston-based Stratas Advisors.

Saudi Energy Minister, Khalid al-Falih, said on Tuesday that Iran, Nigeria and Libya would be allowed to produce “at maximum levels that make sense” as part of any output limits which could be set as early as the next OPEC meeting in November.

That represents a strategy shift for Riyadh, which had said it would reduce output to ease a global glut only if every other OPEC and non-OPEC producer followed suit.

Iran also argued that it should be exempted from such limits as its production recovers after the lifting of EU sanctions earlier this year.

The Saudi and Iranian economies depend heavily on oil, but in a post-sanctions environment, Iran is suffering less pressure from the halving in crude prices since 2014 and its economy could expand by almost four per cent this year, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, faces a second year of budget deficits after a record gap of $98 billion last year, a stagnating economy and is being forced to cut the salaries of government employees.

T H I S D AY THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

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STARTERS

Two Dead, Six Left Unconscious in Brothel Tragedy Emmanuel Ugwu in Umuahia A popular brothel in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, was yesterday morning deserted by sex workers and prospective customers following the death of two persons under mysterious circumstances.

Six others, including the manager of the brothel, were discovered unconscious and taken to the hospital where they are battling for their lives.

Eyewitnesses said that the lifeless bodies of the victims were discovered yesterday morning at the brothel popularly known as 50-50 Bar, located on Uyo Street, Umuahia, sending shock waves and panic among the resident prostitutes and their neighbours.

The police confirmed the incident, with the Abia State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nta Ogbonaya Nta, saying that the bodies of the victims had been evacuated and taken to an undisclosed hospital in the capital city.

He said the dead persons were a man and a woman while the six persons found unconscious were all male, adding that the cause of the deaths was yet to be determined.

“We recovered two lifeless and six unconscious bodies from the building which we took to the hospital,” he said, adding that “only the doctor can confirm Police IG Ibrahim Idris them dead or otherwise”.

The police spokesman said that the Meanwhile, residents of Uyo Street state Police Commissioner, Mr. Leye Oyebade, had already visited the claimed that the deceased were victims of scene of the incident and ordered an “supernatural forces”, as the sex workers investigation, while the Divisional Police were heard shouting “ghost, ghost” at Officer (DPO) of Central Police Station, about 8 a.m. yesterday while running Umuahia, Mr. Onyeke Udeviotu, led from the premises.

The mayhem drew the attention of a team of police men to cordon off people to the scene. the area.

According to one eyewitness, it was The PPRO said the brothel had been deserted by the time the police arrived, the mention of ghost by the distraught following the alarm raised by people but prostitutes that made neighbours he said that the police would interrogate speculate that a ghost might have been sighted at the brothel, though he was the owner of the brothel.

NEWS Lai Mohammed Slams Economist Magazine over ‘Change Begins with Me’ Campaign Lai Mohammed, has said the social reorientation campaign, ‘Change Begins with Me’ that was introduced this month was not scheme to silence Nigerians.

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EDITORIAL When Cholera Still Kills...

The Lagos Satte Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, last week confirmed an outbreak of cholera in a section of the satte with six fatalities while 39 other persons were under observation and receiving treatment.

Page 15

POLITICS Fadairo: George’s Opponents

are Inexperienced Chief Joju Fadairo, former Peoples Democratic Party Chairman in Ogun State, spoke to Femi Ogbonnikan on the festering crisis rocking the national leadership of the PDP. Excerpts: Page 18

FEATURES UBA Boots Education through quick to point out that such mysterious occurrences had never been witnessed before at the brothel.

The owner of the storey building housing the brothel, a lady whose name could not be ascertained at press time, was said to have relocated from Port Harcourt to Umuahia to continue the business after buying and renovating the property at Uyo Street.

The brothel is said to be home to over 50 sex workers who make their living from the sex trade.

CBN Settles $180m Futures Contract Obinna Chima The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday settled OTC FX futures contracts on the interbank market to the tune of $180 million.

The FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange said the transaction settlement followed the maturity of the “third OTC Futures Contract Notional $180 million of naira/$ of September 28, 2016, settled today on the FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange”.

This is just as the naira continued its precipitous decline on the parallel foreign exchange market, falling to a historic low of N460 to the dollar, lower than the N452 to the dollar on the day before.

However, the spot rate of the naira on the interbank FX market closed at N312.99 to the dollar, marginally lower than the N312 to the dollar from the previous day.

Commenting on the sharp depreciation of the naira on the parallel market, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Cowry Asset Management Limited, Mr. Johnson Chukwu, attributed it to the drop in the country’s external reserves. Nigeria's external reserves stood at $24.615 billion as of Tuesday.

“The amount of the central bank’s intervention on the interbank has dropped drastically because the reserves have also dropped drastically.

So the demand that cannot be met on

Two-Minute Briefing

Essay Competition Enthusiasm, nthusiasm, excitement and highspiritedness characterised the mood of prospective competing students at the head office of the United Bank for Africa Plc, when the bank launched the 2016 edition of its National Essay Competition in Lagos Page 20

BUSINESS Stakeholders Bemoan Huge

Capital Flight in ICT Sector Information and Commu- nications Technology (ICT) stakeholders has expressed worries that Nigerians are losing jobs and contracts in the ICT sector to foreigners, describing it as capital flight and huge depletion of the Nigerian economy.

Page 23

HEALTH At 56, Nigeria Still Lacks

Functioning Radiotherapy Machines Despite worrying data that shows two million Nigerians suffer from cancer in the country, de- cades of independence has not changed the dearth of radiotherapy machines.

Page 36

INTERNATIONAL Israel’s Elder Statesman, Shimon CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele

the interbank market is now being redirected to the parallel market and therefore heating up the market.

“The gap between supply and demand has widened significantly and the central bank having seen that the reserves are at their current level, it is no longer in a position to intervene aggressively in the interbank market,” Chukwu explained.

A few days ago, currency analysts had blamed the performance of the naira on the parallel market on the activities of currency speculators.

The President, Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), Mr. Aminu Gwadabe, said that the rate of the naira on the parallel market was not a true reflection of the value of the currency.

He also attributed the development to the activities of speculators.

According to him, the situation in the parallel market was being driven by speculators taking advantage of the poor implementation of the CBN’s policy requiring banks to sell dollars to bureau de change operators.

Peres, Dies at 93 Shimon Peres, a joint winner of the 1994 Nobel Peace Prize and an influential figure in Israeli politics for 70 years, died in hospital yesterday…

Page 40

SPORTS NPFL Champions to Earn N40m

Prize Money Champions of the 2015/16 NPFL season stand to win N40 million from the Merit Award of the League Management Company (LMC).

Page 55

T H I S D AY THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

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

Lai Mohammed Slams Economist Magazine over ‘Change Begins with Me’ Campaign Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has said the social reorientation campaign, ‘Change Begins with Me’ that was introduced this month was not scheme to silence Nigerians.

His response was contained in a statement issued yesterday to a story by The Economist published on September 24, 2016, entitled: ‘Nigeria’s war against indiscipline, Behave or be whipped.’ Mohammed said the article was pejorative, loaded with innuendos and couched in a language that was downright racist.

He tackled the magazine which accused President Muhammadu Buhari of

‘’taming’’ Nigerians with the ‘Change Begins With Me’ campaign, saying the use of the word ‘tame’’ was unpardonable as it connoted that Nigerians are some kind of wild animals that must be domesticated. He also said the usage was a deliberate put-down of a whole people under the guise of criticising a government policy.

“The paper, in striving to reach a preconceived conclusion, also insinuated that some 150,000 volunteers are being trained as enforcers of the ‘Change Begins With Me’ campaign. This is not true. In his speech at the launch of the campaign on September 8, 2016, the President, a globallyacknowledged leader who believes strongly in the

rule of law, left no one in doubt that moral suasion, the very antithesis of force, will be employed to achieve attitudinal change among Nigerians.

“In that speech, the president said: ‘I am therefore appealing to all Nigerians to be part of this campaign.’ To the best of our knowledge and, surely the knowledge of those who own the language, the words ‘appeal’ and ‘enforce’ are not synonymous.

“In its rush to discredit the ‘Change Begins With Me’ campaign, The Economist, a widely respected newspaper, fell below its own standards by choosing to be economical with the truth. Enforcement is not part of the strategies to be employed under the

campaign, and nowhere has it been said that the ‘moral police’ will be unleashed, as reported by the newspaper.

In writing the story, the paper did not even deem it necessary to speak with any official of the government, thus breaching one of the codes of journalism, which is fairness. It chose instead to quote a ‘critic’ of the president in a perfunctory manner,” Mohammed said.

The minister accused the paper of committing the same gaffe that most critics of then ‘Change Begins With Me’ campaign have made by rushing to comment on a campaign they do not understand., adding that critics have ended up shooting themselves in the

foot by hauling darts at the campaign shortly after it was launched. Mohammed described the campaign was an all-inclusive campaign that was designed to start with the leadership not designed to shift any responsibility to Nigerians,, saying that was explained by Buhari when he said the government would ‘’drive the campaign’’ and that it must be strongly supported by all concerned individually.

The minister insisted that aside from Nigeria, many countries had also launched similar reorientation campaigns to remodel social value assets.

‘In 1979, Singapore launched the National Courtesy Campaign to encourage Singaporeans to be more kind and considerate to one

another. In 2011, Mozambique launched a campaign to educate students on how to treat foreign tourists as part of preparations for the country’s hosting of the All-Africa Games that year.

In 2015, China launched a campaign to ‘name and shame,’ any of its own tourists who behave badly, either at home or abroad. And this year, the Tokyo Good Manners Project was launched to improve manners in the metropolis of the Japanese capital. It is therefore uncharitable for The Economist to hide behind the facade of its own prejudice to denigrate Nigeria’s genuine effort at national re-orientation,’’

Adeosun: We are Getting out of Recession Sheriff Balogun in Abeokuta

The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, has said the country is gradual getting out of economic recession.

She said the pragmatic approaches the federal government was taking to reverse the trend have shown that the country would soon overcome its economic challenges.

She therefore, said since the problems had been identified, and steps were already being taken to block wastages, the road to recovery was sure.

Adeosun disclosed this to journalists yesterday at the end of a two-day National Council of Finance and Economic Development conference held in Abeokuta.

She said: “We are already getting out of recession because of the actions the federal government is taking.

If you are in a problem, the day you start to step towards progression, you are already getting out of it, we are getting out of it.

“We are investing more in capital than we have ever

invested. We are sorting out infrastructure, we are stopping wastage and so the sign of recovery already there.”

Adeosun, however, advised Commissioners for Finance and the Accountants-General in the states to compute their balance sheets, which would show their assets and liabilities.

According to her, “What are your assets, what are your liabilities? Know you position, it might not be pleasant reading but you must know it. What are those pension liabilities, contractors liabilities that are hidden?

Bring them out, compute them, know them.

“It is very important because one of those things we have realised in the federal level is that if that had been done, we would have probably made better decisions in the past.

“Because if you don’t have the data, you can carry on spending as if all is well only for a problem to come out as it has done in our own case to affect us.”

Boko Haram ‘Kills’ Chibok Girl’s Father in Borno Village Lalai Nkeki, the father of Kauna, one of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls, has been killed by Boko Haram.

Hosea Tsambido, Chairman of the Chibok community in Abuja, told TheCable that Nkeki was killed at Kubumbalah, a village near Chibok, last Monday when insurgents attacked some villages in Borno State, killing at least eight other people and hoisting their flag.

The Nigeria army, though countered the report that

some persons were killed in the attack.

“Kauna’s father, Nkeki, was killed in an attack at Kubumbalah, near Chibok two days ago by Boko Haram,” Tsambido said in a telephone interview.

“Kauna is one of the Chibok girls.”

Boko Haram has stepped up attacks in the North-east lately, but the federal government insists that the sect has been technically defeated.

PENSION TALKSHOP

L-R: Minster of Public Service, Uganda, Wilson Muruli Mukasa; Executive Director, Royal Africa Society, Richard Dowden; Chairman, UBA Plc, and Founder, Tony Elumelu Foundation, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu; and former Nigerian Minister of Works, Sanusi Daggash, at the World Pension Summit A ‘ frica Special’ and Africa Pension Awards in Abuja ....Tuesday

Atiku Advises FG to Live More on Taxes

Goddy Egene

Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, yesterday called on the federal government to live on taxes the way advanced democracies do instead of relying on oil revenue.

Atiku stated this while speaking at the investiture ceremony of the nineth President and Chairman of Council of Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Mr. Oluwaseyi Abe, in Lagos.

“Our governments must live on taxes, the way other democracies do. It will help us live within our means, as it means government can only spend what the people can bear. It will help ensure accountability as tax payers are more likely to ask for accountability when the money comes directly from their pockets,” he said.

Atiku said the economy of the country is broken and that if Nigerians wait for the oil

price to rebound or for crude exports to bounce back or oil receipts to receive, they mighy wait for very long and might not be able to fix it.

He said: “I say this because our constant complaints about the oil price, pipeline vandals and lack of funds tend to divert and distract us from the real challenges we are facing. To me, our economy is broken because our economic model doesn’t work, and to fix it we need the resolve to restructure our government finances so that we politicians have a real incentive to create a more conducive business environment.”

According to the former vice-president the the collapse of crude exports is causing immense hardship and we need new drivers of growth and additional sources of export earnings, the irresponsible raiding of the Excess Crude Account and the siphoning of money that should have gone to the

Federation Account are awfully bad, the massive corruption at the highest levels that have recently been revealed are important blows to the economy and society.

He, however, declared that the country’s problem is our addition to oil revenues, The belief that we are doomed unless oil flows and oil money fills the Federation Account for our tiers of government to share.

“Another related, and flawed, belief is that the federal government alone is the only force, the know-all, be all, and do all that would direct and bankroll the diversification of our economy. And we have convinced ourselves, again wrongly, that the only reason that the federal government is unable to spend money to do all we expect it to do is that the money has been stolen.

We must erase that mindset in order for us to begin to climb out of our current depths,” he said.

He explained that although government can use oil receipts to improve the lives and livelihoods of our people, to fix our horrible roads, crumbling schools, ramshackle hospitals and to pay its numerous, but hardly busy, workers, he stated that oil money is not a requirement for diversifying our economy.

“Rather we need federal government officials who are willing to step back and carefully work out how they can empower the private sector to grow the economy and create jobs. And I don’t mean selecting a few companies deemed worthy of government support. No, we need radical reforms that streamline our bureaucracy and eliminate rules and regulations that stifle innovation. We also need robust management processes that ensure that public money buys us better infrastructure, education outcomes and healthcare,” Abubakar declared.

T H I S D AY THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

House Suspends Abdulmumin, Bars Him from Position of Responsibility

Kano lawmaker threatens principal officers, demands details of ‘running costs’ Abdulmumin: I will never apologise

Damilola Oyedele in Abuja The budget padding scandal rocking the House of Representatives took a different dimension yesterday when lawmakers unanimously voted to suspend the former Chairman of the Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Jibrin Abdulmumin, for 180 legislative days.

This translates to a suspension for a period not less than one year, as there are 181 legislative days in one year.

The period of suspension is also in the ‘first instance’ and therefore renewable.

Abdulmumin, before resumption, would be required to tender a formal written apology to the House.

The House also barred the Kano State-born lawmaker from holding any position of responsibility until the end of the eighth assembly.

The decision of the House followed the adoption of the recommendations of the Committee on Ethics and Privileges, which found him guilty of breach of privileges of members of the House and sundry acts of misconduct.

The House last week

Wednesday had mandated the committee to investigate the lawmaker for breach of the provision of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act. The House had removed Abdulmumin as Chairman of Appropriation Committee just before it embarked on its summer recess in July for abuse of the budgetary process.

Employing a scorched earth policy, Abdulmumin had unleashed a tirade of accusations against House Speaker, Yakubu Dogara; Deputy Speaker, Yussuff Sulaimon Lasun; Chief Whip, Alhassan Ado Doguwa; Minority Leader, Leo Ogor, and chairmen of nine standing committees.

He accused them of corruption, fraud and making ‘senseless’ insertions into the 2016 budget.

Moving the motion for Abdulmumin’s investigation upon resumption from recess, the Chairman of the Committee on Rules and Business, Hon. Emmanuel Orker-Jev, said the allegations raised by Abdulmumin bordered on issues of integrity, violations of laws and norms

of the budgetary process.

Orker-Jev further accused Abdulmumin of embarking on a calculated campaign of calumny, denigration of the House and publication of false and scandalous statements with libelous, contemptuous and defamatory contents in various media platforms.

Abdulmumin however, refused to appear before the Ethics Committee, accusing the Chairman, Hon. Ossai Nicholas Ossai, of partiality.

He also described the hearing as contempt of court as he already filed a suit before a Federal High Court, seeking to stop the House from suspending him.

The lawmaker also said his accusations were not against the entire House, but the principal officers.

The report of the Ethics Committee was laid before the House yesterday and considered by the lawmakers as the last business of the day.

The Majority Leader, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, moved the motion for the adoption of the four recommendations contained in the report.

Just before the vote was taken, Dogara who had left the chamber returned and sat on the floor, on the front row.

Abdulmumin was absent at plenary all through yesterday.

He had made a brief appearance on Tuesday.

With the Deputy Speaker, Lasun, presiding, there was no single dissenting voice after the lawmakers voted ‘aye’, and broke into applause.

By implication of his suspension, Abdulmumin would not be able to enter the National Assembly in his capacity as a lawmaker.

His salaries and emolluments and those of his aides would also be stopped with immediate effect, while his office in the building would be sealed off.

Early yesterday, the embattled lawmaker had written a letter to all principal officers of the House demanding monetary details of all monies that has accrued to each of them since they joined the House.

This, he said, was in line with his anti-corruption crusade to expose systemic corruption in the House.

The letter which he also sent to the anti-corruption agencies read in part:

However, while reacting to his suspension, Abdulmumin said he would not apologise, adding that the process which led to his suspension was flawed in its entirety.

He disclosed that he had already instructed his lawyer, Femi Falana, to file contempt charges against Dogara and the House.

“At this point, I must say they freed me up to concentrate on the matter in court, I know the suspension is not going to stand. Secondly, I am going into a massive alliance with civil society groups, NGOs and well meaning Nigerians, to continue to press ahead. I have said it, not once, not twice that it is not going to be easy.

I’m not worried about myself but I am more worried about people around me,” he said.

Atiku Backs Tinubu, Condemns APC’s Handling of Ondo Primary Crisis Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Former Vice President and chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar, yesterday said it was wrong for the party to have set aside a resolution it had reached aimed at resolving the crisis in the party in Ondo State.

He noted that since the APC found veritable reasons to review the outcome of the gubernatorial primary election it conducted in the state, and was able to establish valid grounds to cancel that primary election and call for a fresh one, the decision to deviate from its own resolution is a negation of due process and an unfashionable hollow in democratic best practices.

Atiku who made his position known in a statement by his media office yesterday, said the party is supposed to be an impartial entity in the arbitration of crisis among its members in any given election.

“It was wrong for the APC to have set aside a resolution it had reached aimed at resolving the crisis in our party in Ondo State. It is a recipe for acrimony and division,” he said.

The former vice-president also noted that pretending a problem does not exist won’t make that problem go

away, and therefore, advised the leadership of the party to do a soul searching and address why this problem arose and escalated.

According to Atiku, the party leadership should always be guided by respect for the rules, fairness, equity, neutrality and respect for democratic consensus.

The former vice-president, however, urged aggrieved members of the APC in the Ondo State election to exercise restraint in seeking redress to the crisis, while also urging the leadership of the party to retrace its steps and do the needful to restore confidence among the conflicting parties in the state for the overall benefit of the ruling party.

Atiku gave the counsel against the background of the festering crisis trailing the conduct of the APC gubernatorial primary in the state.

He charged the APC on the promotion of rule of law and due process in the conduct of its affairs, noting that they are germane to the unity and stability of the party.

Atiku said it was imperative for the national leadership of the party to live by the rules of internal democracy and respect for democratic consensus, warning that “you cannot break your own rules without creating problems.”

BUILDING CAPACITY

L-R: Administrative Judge, Lagos Judicial Division, Justice Opeyemi Oke; Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade; and former Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Femi Olugbile, at a stakeholder’s summit on mental health and law , to mark 2016-2017 new legal year in Lagos...yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN

MSF Warns against Humanitarian Condition of North-east Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri The humanitarian emergency in North-eastern part of Nigeria especially Borno State is reaching catastrophic levels, according to Médecins Sans Frontières, also known as Doctors Without Borders (MSF).

In a statement yesterday, MSF stated: “A massive relief effort is needed immediately in remote areas as well as in Maiduguri, the state capital.”

It said: “The desperate living conditions in Borno State show the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict between Boko Haram and the Nigerian military.

“In several locations, people have sought refuge in towns or camps controlled by the military, and are entirely reliant

on outside aid that does not reach them.

“Although a nutrition emergency was declared three months ago, there has been a serious failure to help the people of the state,” Hugues Robert, head of MSF’s emergency response said, stressing:“And we are again calling for a massive relief effort to be deployed now.”

The statement read that: “On September 19, MSF teams managed to reach the town of Ngala, where 80,000 displaced people are living in a camp cut off from the outside world.

They desperately lack food and healthcare.

“People are effectively stranded in the camp and cannot leave. A rapid nutritional screening of more than 2,000 children under the age of five found that one in 10 was

suffering from life-threatening severe acute malnutrition.

People in the camp reported having less than half a litre of water per person per day.

MSF teams provided food and medical care and are scaling up assistance.”

The statement further said: “In nearby Gamboru, MSF teams found more than one in seven children suffering from severe acute malnutrition. The town’s 123,000 residents lack basic food supplies and have no access to healthcare after the town’s only clinic was burnt down. Roads are too dangerous for people to go elsewhere for medical care.

The desperate situation in Ngala and Gamboru matches that in Bama, Banki and Gwoza – all towns which were inaccessible until very recently

due to insecurity, and where MSF has since been providing food and medical assistance.

“But most worryingly, in Maiduguri, where there is no conflict and aid organisations have been able to access the population for the last two years, MSF recorded malnutrition rates in some locations as high as those seen in the conflict zones.”

It added that: “More than half of the 2.5 million people living in the state capital have been displaced from other areas of the state. MSF teams screening children in the Custom House camp found out that one in five children is suffering from severe acute malnutrition. The mortality rate is five times higher than what is considered an emergency, with the main cause being hunger.

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COMMENT

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

BELO HORIZONTE: RECESSION REVERSAL CITY Victor C. Ariole argues Brazil holds lessons in tackling economic recession

O

ne of the best approaches to tackle recession is the way Brazil goes about it. The equivalent of TSA (Treasury Single Account) in Brazil is used in watching economic performance of each sector and how they contribute to the Gross Domestic Product, and each state of Brazil (27 in number) uses the TSA to know which sector of the economy to support so as to make more contribution to the GDP, not necessarily to strangulate them as Nigeria seems to be doing. You hear something as seemingly trivial in their economic analysis as: barbers are deserting their cooperative barbing shops; is it for lack of clientele or is it that the amount paid by the clientele is not sustaining them? That shows you how the government cares for the lower services.

Belo Horizonte is the capital of Minas Gerais, the mining region of Brazil. Like other regions of the country, it operates self-accounting fiscal process and it makes it to be on its toes and quite competitive and, it challenges the richest region, Sao Paulo. It prides itself as recording 20% of its GDP on tourism even in the month of September which is the month that ends winter in Brazil to usher in spring before summer comes in December. Quite a contrast with Europe that is suffering immigration, the tourist migration in Belo Horizonte is a money-making one. If world’s average of tourism to GDP is reported to be 18%, Belo Horizonte records +2%. So, when you mention recession to a Geralese, that is an inhabitant of Minas Gerais, he or she tells you that it is the problem of the politicians in Brasilia not theirs. It is reminiscence of the time of Dilma Roussef who rebuked the International Monetary Fund for always brandishing “yellow card” to Brazil. She told IMF that managing sovereignty is not playing football with an opponent. The Belo Horizonte inhabitants make sure their internal cohesion is kept going and it is seen in the festivals organised there, attracting strangers. Tourism has given some lead in the contribution of the hospitality industry to GDP to about 16% with airport services as part of tourism ranking third after that of money transfer.

However, the largest contributor as their analyses go, of the GDP, is grouped as industry/gas. It seems grouping the two is a peculiarity of Belo-Horizonte’s or Minas Gerais economic landscape. It could also be a template for fiscal monitoring by the federal government of Brazil. Again, that economic landscape is almost coterminous with real landscape of Belo Horizonte. The undulating landscape of Belo Horizonte is unique. There is an ever presence of boom, recession and boom. Bust does not seem to be part of their way of life. People there must be fit to move around, walking from one end of a compound to the other; one has to bump down into a valley and move up again to another hill. The longest you can work on the street before experiencing a plain ground cannot be more than 50 metres. The architects and land surveyors who planned for the town and fitted it with skyscrapers must have done a wonderful job that needed to be studied by students in engineering, surveying and architecture. It was known to be a great mining zone that made money for Brazil, the way Enugu and Jos did in Nigeria at a time; that it was not abandoned as “no more profitable” zone but transformed to a great city is worth emulating. The university there, a federal one, has been there for 90 years and its features show how a federation ought to compensate its erstwhile cash cow area unlike Nigeria. The city of Belo Horizonte has many youth-oriented industries: tertiary institutions as well as trades and artisan centres for youth development. It is like having a policy of “NO YOUTH IS LEFT OUT”. Every youth you meet in Belo Horizonte,

EACH STATE IN BRAZIL USES THE TSA TO KNOW WHICH SECTOR OF THE ECONOMY TO SUPPORT SO AS TO MAKE MORE CONTRIBUTION TO THE GDP, NOT NECESSARILY TO STRANGULATE THEM AS NIGERIA SEEMS TO BE DOING

as buses commute endlessly, is either heading to any of the schools, tertiary or artisan centres for apprenticeship in one trade or the other. Local government or as they call it, prefecture of the city, promotes and initiates many fairs and exhibitions – fashion fair, anniversaries of memorable times of the city, invention fairs, students fair, music fairs, name them. The last one witnessed on a Sunday before leaving the city was the 70th anniversary of PICKNICKING in the city.

It stretched to about 5 km2, and the creative activities of the Belo Horizontais were on display – craft works, shoe making artisans, bag knitting works, stone and metal casting activities. They add value to whatever minerals and raw materials are exploited in Minas Gerais – the name of the state. Unlike Nigeria where you hear of solid mineral, in their informal and unorganised mining process, theirs is organised to a point that you see the end products of the waste part of such mining put to fortune making in craft and cast forms - either as bangles, chains, trays, purses, bags, etc. These are products they also export and make up to 25% of their GDP. Nigeria’s mining activities seem to be shrouded in secrecy as precious stones from Nigeria are seen outside and you wonder where they were extracted from.

Agriculture to them is not an issue as almost every food they eat seems highly fortified with vitamins and minerals; it is not the talk in Nigeria of agriculture without action. In effect, agriculture raw products are not accounted for as raw materials; they are processed and they form part of industry/gas sector. The processing, for added value sake, matters most. Sometimes people in Nigeria talk of agriculture as mere going to the farm and cultivating crops; it is more than that. Known economists even mention that any country where raw agriculture production contributes above 20% of the GDP, that it amounts to state of poverty in the country; and it could be seen to be correct because if USA serves as a benchmark, 1% of its population rarely partake in farming.

In Belo Horizonte, agro-industry thrives to an extent that most of the packaged juice beverages there are quite natural.

To my surprise, I witnessed cashew juice processing which I know the Minister of Agriculture engages in but always exports in its raw state. One would be surprised to hear that it is a great drink for diabetic patients.

Indeed when the minister mentioned he was going to import grass from Brazil; he just failed to know that it is part of industry/gas content of their GDP – processed grass to produce better milk and cheese yield. Does it mean that Nigeria scientists cannot venture into processing grass in Nigeria?

Transportation within and outside the city is another way of making life better for its dwellers. Imagine paying 3.70 Brazilian dollars for a bus ride and at the same time being given the option of proving that you had already spent up to 50 Brazilian dollars for the month to get exempted from further payment; or pay in bulk 50 Brazilian dollars and you are done for the month’s cost of riding on a bus. That is about one US dollar and 15 respectively. The metro is even cheaper at 1.35 Brazilian dollars. The taxi transport component seems to be the domain of retirees’ cooperatives; that is, the drivers are mostly retirees and most workers in Brazil want to retire at 55 years; hence they are protesting the 60 years proposed by Michell, the new president. In retirement, inhabitants of Belo Horizonte find exciting and relaxed way of making money—opening shops, organising fairs and fabricating materials from used mineral wastes.

Ariole is a Professor of French and Francophone Studies, University of Lagos

STEADFAST PARTNERS FOR A PROSPEROUS WORLD

I

The United Kingdom and Nigeria will continue to work together to strengthen their partnerships, writes Tobias Ellwood

am delighted to be making my first visit to Nigeria this week, just a few days after attending the 71st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

I was honoured to take on the responsibility for the UK’s work in Africa in July and visiting Nigeria has been a high priority.

The UK and Nigeria share strong and enduring links. Our partnership stretches over a broad range of areas including business, education, the arts and sport. In fact, my own local football club, Bournemouth FC, have partnered with COD United in Lagos to support young footballers.

Some have speculated that when the British people chose to leave the EU, they were voting to turn inwards, away from our global responsibilities. In New York last week we demonstrated that nothing could be further from the truth.

Prime Minister Theresa May pledged to the General Assembly that the UK will

remain a strong and dependable international partner.

Actions speak louder than words, so concrete UK commitments followed, setting out how we will help to tackle some of the most pressing global challenges of our time.

We will increase our humanitarian spending by more than £660 million this year, to over £1.5 billion, maintaining our position as the second biggest humanitarian donor nation.

I am very proud that this will include an additional £50 million of UK aid to support those affected by the brutal actions of Boko Haram in North-east Nigeria, as well as £30 million to support those who have been affected by the spread of Boko Haram into Cameroon, Chad and Niger. This is on top of the £90 million of humanitarian relief we are already providing across the region.

We will maintain and strengthen our support to partners fighting the twin scourges of terrorism and violent Islamist extremism, which threaten innocent people across the

globe and pervert the peaceful teachings of Islam.

UK troops will continue to provide training support to their Nigerian counterparts who are battling Boko Haram. We will now also be providing more security support to Somalia in the fight against Al Shabaab.

We are creating a new taskforce to tackle modern slavery, with a fund of £33.5 million.

Up to 45 million people worldwide are believed to be victims of modern slavery, sold across borders for forced labour and sexual exploitation, often in shamefully squalid conditions.

I am very pleased that £5 million from our Modern Slavery Fund will be used for work in Nigeria, supporting President Muhammadu Buhari’s drive to crack down on human trafficking and prevent vulnerable people from falling prey to traffickers.

We will continue to contribute to efforts to prevent and end violent conflict, including through UN peacekeeping operations, with new UK deployments including in Somalia

and South Sudan.

We will ratify the Paris Agreement on climate change by the end of this year, and commend Nigeria for doing so last week.

I know that our Prime Minister was very pleased to have her first opportunity to meet President Buhari in person, in New York last week, and to discuss with him how our countries can continue to work together to tackle the most urgent challenges of our time.

I will see for myself during my visit how we can continue to provide the most valuable support to Nigeria as you strive to improve security, stamp out the cancer of corruption and strengthen the economy to create a more prosperous future for all Nigerians.

I look forward to experiencing the legendary warmth and hospitality of Nigeria and to exploring how we can continue to work together to strengthen one of the UK’s most important international partnerships.

Ellwood is UK Minister for Africa

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T H I S D AY • THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

EDITORIAL WHEN CHOLERA STILL KILLS…

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Government must stem unnecessary deaths by providing potable water for the people

he Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, last week confirmed an outbreak of cholera in a section of the state with six fatalities while 39 other persons were under observation and receiving treatment. According to Idris, “the main suspected source of infection is the salad called Abacha, a staple food that is consumed regularly in the area.” Samples of the local salad and the well water they consumed in the area, he said, “revealed the presence of vibrio cholera, Salmonella species and E coli in Abacha and the water sample taken from one of the two wells in the area.”

While we commend the Lagos State Government for its prompt action on this matter, we are nonetheless worried that cholera remains a recurring incident in Nigeria. In most instances, cholera has led to the death of thousands of our people, especially children. Yet the disease, which can lead to the infection of the small intestine, is mostly contracted through drinking THE WORLD HAS MOVED of contaminated water and eating of AHEAD OF THE ERA waste products as WHERE CHOLERA KILLS was evident from the CITIZENS. NIGERIAN Lagos incident.

LEADERS AT ALL LEVELS Given its root AND HEALTHCARE causes, one would OFFICIALS SHOULD SIT UP have thought that government across AND DO THE NEEDFUL all levels would have worked to stem the tide of the disease. Unfortunately, that is not the case. In states like Lagos, Ebonyi, Kano, Nasarawa and Bauchi, in recent years, cholera seems to have defied all preventive measures.

But the first crisis concerning the spread of the disease begins with failure by most state governments to provide potable water for their teeming population.

Therefore, in addressing the issue, state governments must be held accountable first for such

Letters to the Editor

H

T H I S DAY

EDITOR IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU DEPUTY EDITORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, JOSEPH USHIGIALE MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN

T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D

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

failure. In fact, chances are that the annual security votes for governors in most of the states astronomically surpass budgetary allocations to the provision of clean water for the people. With that sort of systemic collapse in the states, it is little surprise that the country is made to spend more on the treatment of cholera rather than on its prevention.

In most of these cases, many states have abdicated their responsibilities while huge resources that should be deployed for the welfare of the people are now used to service former governors in the name of a corruption-ridden pension and gratuities package.

The spread of cholera becomes worse when the environment is not clean; when water system is not treated. The sad part of it is when villagers and rural dwellers are left to rely on streams or wells as the only sources of drinking water. Sometimes, in many rural communities, they rely on stagnant water for washing of their clothes and other items. It becomes more complicated when and where there are no modern medical facilities to assist in the treatment of cholera.

States must therefore do more in providing adequate clean water for the citizens, mostly in the rural areas. Considering the enormous funding they receive from international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for the provision of water, it is worrisome that there is complete lack of accountability in that respect. There is need to do more in ensuring that there is transparency.

The federal government also has to streamline modalities that will train medical staff across the country that can handle the outbreak of cholera.

The Federal Ministry of Water Resources also has to expedite action in the provision of water across the states. There should be a synergy between the federal government and the states that is geared towards prevention and treatment of cholera. The world has moved ahead of the era where cholera kills citizens. Nigerian leaders at all levels and healthcare officials should sit up and do the needful.

Let’s stop cholera now!

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

BEFORE THE AUCTIONEERS’BELLS

ow did we get into this financial mess, to the extent that the last resort being seriously considered by our leaders is to call the auctioneers to begin to ring their bells and sell off our national assets? We need to ask ourselves this pertinent question and provide answers.

Otherwise we may have a temporary relief from this present economic strangulation after the proposed sale of our common heritage only to return to the same financial mess. For instance, we need to ask ourselves how much (in terms of tangible goods and cash) were recovered from alleged treasury looters during the tenures of previous chairmen of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before Mr. Ibrahim Magu, the current chairman, assumed office. Have such monies/assets been accounted for and put into the development of any of the critical infrastructure in the overall interest of the general public?

Just before the bells begin to ring, has this present government really sealed up all the leaking holes that have been serving as conduct pipes to our alleged corrupt public officials? This is because we don’t want a situation where our commonwealth will be sold as scraps and a greater fraction of the proceeds will end up in private accounts of some privileged public officials rather than in the national treasury. That may be a catastrophe if due diligent is not taken to ensure that the proper structures are on ground to ensure the judicious use of the expected proceeds in areas that really matter to quickly improve the general well-being of the people of this nation.

Besides, in the course of fighting corruption, the Buhari administration is beating its chest for the recovery of loot from the alleged looters in billions of naira and millions of dollars and other foreign currencies.

This is in addition to the monumental Abacha loot which our friends from the international community have promised to repatriate to the country. Can’t we start to do something tangible with the recovered loot instead of warehousing them and making plans to sell off our national assets and add up the proceeds? If care is not taken, we may risk the re-looting of the already recovered loot.

Again, just before we carry our national assets on our heads and begin to hawk them in order to attract local and international buyers, we need to get our monetary and fiscal policies right. Otherwise inappropriate monetary and fiscal policies may devour the expected proceeds from such sales within months and make the nation worse off economically. It may be likened to a situation where drums of water are being poured into baskets. Such water, no matter the volume, will just waste away. So before we rush to the market, let us make sure these aforementioned policies are appropriate for our economic system.

Also, in its fight against corruption, has this present administration of President Buhari thrown its dragnet to cover more grounds? If the celebrated fight against corruption is holistic, the government will discover that more of the loot from our national treasury is still hidden from the prying eyes of the anti-graft agencies. And if these monies are discovered and eventually recovered, the nation may not need the auctioneers’ bells to sound on our national assets. Another question we may also ask is whether operators of this government are also immune from corrupt tendencies. Because if they are not, the nation may be trading off our national heritage and future for peanuts.

We know that the nation is in a critical situation and in dire need of quick resolution to this economic recession.

Gbemiga Olakunle, JP General Secretary, National Prayer Movement

IN PRAISE OF ISHIAKU BAUCHI

M

ay I crave the indulgence to chip in a word or two on this gentleman that is silently touching the lives of people. It is said that if a man is doing something towards uplifting humanity, it is worth saying out; as such, there is the need to say something about this man who is positively doing a lot to humanity.

Alhaji Ishiaku Bauchi, alias Jossy, started from the scratch and today, he is one of the entrepreneurs in Yola, dealing in electronic gadgets of different shapes and types. He has under his employment about 100 people who are working in his various stores in both Jimeta and other towns in Adamawa State. Apart from generating gainful employment opportunities to countless number of unemploye youths, he set up a training department under his Yalisco Company where teeming youths are given counselling on the prospect of entering into various kinds of businesses. These youth ar taught skills toward empowering them and on how to start a small business and general merchandise. He believes that is the only way to stem the tide of criminality and restlessness among the youths and for them to learn certain skills for various businesses. He does not stop at that as he owns other stores where some youths are taught carpentry so that they can be independent as well as cater for their needs. He is conscious of the fact the youths are the future leaders. He always admonishes them not to depend on white-collar jobs that are not available nowadays.

Alhaji Ishiaku Bauchi is detribalised as he accommodates all ethnic nationalities in his employ. He is the type of person needed at this material time the country is passing through. Indeed, he is a man serving humanity in his own little way.

Usman Santuraki, Demsawo, Jimeta-Yola

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T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

POLITICS

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

PERSONALITY INTERVIEW

Fadairo: George’s Opponents are Inexperienced Chief Joju Fadairo, former Peoples Democratic Party Chairman in Ogun State, spoke to Femi Ogbonnikan on the festering crisis rocking the national leadership of the PDP. Excerpts: has never said what you are saying. And I would tell you what he said. The thing has been zoned to us. We are in a democracy. Even the Northern people, who zoned the office to us if they want to contest they can contest. That is all he said. And it had happened during Obasanjo’s regime.

The thing was zoned to the South and Rimi contested. That was exactly what he has said.

He is not saying they are reversing the decision that it is in the South-west. The thing is in South-west. And it has even been zoned to the Southwest. They have three positions. Treasurer, this office has been zoned to Ondo and Ekiti States. Deputy National Publicity Secretary and that has been zoned to Oyo and Osun States.

The other one which is the chairmanship has been zoned to Ogun and Lagos States.

Except people do not believe in orderliness, if you don’t, they can do whatever they like.

Look at Dokpesi, for example, they have zoned Deputy National Chairmanship seat to his place and he does not even understand the situation.

He thought it is a presidential election. You don’t go to states to canvass for votes and it is the delegates that are going to vote at the convention, not the electorate, not the generality of the people, because he does not have the experience, and that’s why he is roaming about the place. So, it is very, very clear that Markafi did not say what they claimed he said. He was only saying there was freedom.

This is democracy. If we say it is going to A and somebody in A B C wants to come out, they can come out. But at the convention ground, they would find out about their own follies.

You were vocal between 2003 and 2011 when your party, PDP, was in power in Ogun State, but subsequently after your party lost out, you equally lost your voice. Was it an act of cowardice?

I am never afraid of opposition, number one. I can’t be intimidated by anybody, whatsoever, because I always stand on the path of truth.

So, that one is not. What you mean by vocal is not correct, because I know some media people have been coming to me and I have been talking to some of them.

But if you don’t come to me and I have no reason to be calling you to come and interview me, what for? But if you have something to find out from me, like you are trying to do now, yes, I would be ready. I have never shied away from the press. That I am not vocal is not correct. And what do you mean by vocal?

There are some frivolous injunctions at that time and people would be talking about court injunctions, contempt of court and things like that, and when things like that happen, you would have to let people know the situation of things.

As a matter of fact, I am no more the Chairman of the party. I am a former Chairman. I was there before. And then, I can’t be talking when the current person is there. If you want to talk about the party, but we are former chairmen and elders of the party, people can come and ask questions from us. Though I am vocal, until I drop dead, I will continue to be vocal.

Do you subscribe to the creation of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) as it is in Ogun State?

Well, you see, the thing is not happening in Ogun State alone. The local governments, as you know, have problems. I know for sure, if there are resources, it brings the government

By the time they elect Bode George, I will be a happy man because he has the experience.

Militarily, he has the experience. Politically, he has the experience.

Don’t forget that the man is a season administrator. The man was in charge, as a Military Governor of Ondo State and he is a man who managed an area which had been split into two and you would know that Ondo State that he ruled was at that time, one entity. But now they had divided it into two. They have Ekiti and Ondo

Fadiaro...the odds in favour of George

nearer to the people. For that reason, I have no objection. But when you can’t fuel your car and you say, you want to drive it, I think, there is a problem there.

That is the only reason I think, may be, it is not ripe for now. But I am in support of it, provided there are funds to back it up. If there is no fund, it is useless. How can people be going to work and they don’t have pay? As a matter of fact, yes and no! Yes, in the sense, that it will bring government closer to the people, no, if you can’t fund it.

But does Ogun State have the financial muscle to run them?

I have answered you before. I told you that if they can’t pay, they don’t do it. I am not in government. If they think, they can pay, I think, it would be justified to establish it, but if they can’t pay, then it is not ripe for them to do so. I know they have issues with the local government itself, not to talk of LCDAs. So, the onus is on them, because if you want to show off, good, if they don’t want to show off, and they know there are no resources, don’t establish them. That is my take on that.

Apart from the internal crisis rocking your party, at the national level, how are you reconciling the various factions like OGD, Dimeji Bankole Movement, Kashamu and Ladi Adebutu to make the party united?

Tell me the factions that we have, because I may not know. Let me tell you pointblank, I do not and I will never belong to any faction. If you have been close to me, you would have known, even during my tenure, people would say there were crises, there were these and there were that. I don’t believe in that. I knew there were misunderstandings. If you don’t understand yourself, things like that are bound to happen.

As for the factions you are talking about, to the best of my knowledge, I do not see OGD belonging to a faction. He is a leader. I have not seen that. I am a leader, by right too. By the time, we put the national body in place, they would see to all these issues and I am sure, they would be resolved amicably.

But your party is torn apart on account of irreconcilable differences. Do you foresee amicable settlement in sight, in spite of several court injections by the two feuding parties?

I don’t know what you mean by that. Ahmed Markafi is not a faction. Legally, Markafi is entitled to what he is doing. And politically too, he is entitled to what he is doing. Markafi has been installed, via a convention that was held in Port Harcourt. Amodu Sheriff is somebody who, I think, does not truly understand what he is doing or, he is a spoiler, because by the rule of the party, we normally zone positions.

He is from the North East. That means his position was vacant, because the vacuum he left and his tenure still lingers on. And courtesy demands that they should allow that zone to finish their tenure. This man just came to our party, and how many days ago? I used the word, ‘days ago’, because we have been in this party right from the formation, and to date, I have never waivered; I have never flirted with any other party. He just came and then, instead for him to read our constitution, to try and understand the position of things, he was just saying, “I am the chairman of this and that”.

His tenure has lapsed and all three court injections are frivolous. They have about six judges. Don’t ask me for their names. All of you know. They are the ones they purchased judgments from, and I mean that. They purchased judgments to destabilise our party, and it would not happen. Our party is going to be firm, it is going to unite. You see, the Port Harcourt Convention was confirmed by the court in Port Harcourt. After that one, they went and got some judgments again. All they need to do is to go Appeal Court. I am not a lawyer, it is only common sense.

The PDP national chairmanship position has been zoned to South-west, but Senator Markafi recently declared that the office had been thrown open, even to other aspirants from the Southern part of the Nigeria. What does this declaration signal?

Let me tell you, people are reading the letter upside down and if you do that, you can never comprehend the content of the letter. The man

As the party’s convention approaches, who do you think is ideal for the office of the national chairman?

If you ask me one million times, it is Chief Olabode Ibiyinka George. You see, the man is eminently qualified to be chairman of our party. He has the experience. He is a man of integrity. He is somebody who would listen and then ensure that he puts smile on your face.

If you go to him and tell him, your problems, he is a good listener and he would listen. By the time you leave him, he would have solved the problem. If it is not solved, you would be relieved.

By the time they elect Bode George, I will be a happy man because he has the experience.

Militarily, he has the experience. Politically, he has the experience. Don’t forget that the man is a season administrator. The man was in charge, as a Military Governor of Ondo State and he is a man who managed an area which had been split into two and you would know that Ondo State that he ruled was at that time, one entity.

But now they had divided it into two. They have Ekiti and Ondo.

He has done that. And he is a person that resolves conflicts. And I will give you just two examples. One, Bode George was the chairman who waded into the crisis in Ife and Modakeke and the matter was resolved. Up till today, and it never rears its ugly head again. Ife and Modakeke people are now living together in peace. And when Chris Ngige was abducted, he was the chairman of the committee, who went there and resolved the impasse and made sure that Ngige came out alive. So, he was the one who settled that matter. He has the experience. He was formerly vice chairman of our party, South-west.

After that, when you have the chairman and you have the Deputy, and one Deputy National Chairman in all the zones, he became the Deputy National Chairman, South-west.

After that, he was Director General of Musa Yar’Adua Campaign Organisation.

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

19

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

PERSPECTIVE

Tinubu and Those Who Want Him Out There is a clique of power brokers in the All Progressives Congress determined to decimate the political influence of Senator Bola Tinubu, writes Femi Fani-Kayode

I

do not like to delve into matters touching and concerning the APC because I am not a member. However what is happening in the ruling party today transcends partisan politics and should be a concern to us all.

At the very least, we can learn some very hard lessons from it. The truth is that the behaviour of Chief John Odige-Oyegun towards the man that single-handedly made him the National Chairman of the party, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is reprehensible.

And neither does this matter begin or end with the way and manner in which the Ondo State governorship primaries were conducted or its final outcome. It goes much deeper than that and the Ondo affair is only symptomatic of a much deeper malaise and wider conspiracy to humiliate one of the national leaders of the APC by forces within his party that are even greater than him.

Those forces represent the hidden hand.

They are a small cabal of power-brokers, who constitute the leadership of the Buhariled CPC. These people believe that they were born to rule and that they own Nigeria.

They simply used Tinubu’s old ACN as a compliant and ready piggy-back to catapult their way back to power and once they achieved that, they never looked back. Some of us warned Tinubu at the time about the dangers of riding the tiger and allowing himself to be used by these very dark and sinister forces but he would not listen.

No true student of history could have made such a cataclysmic and monumental error given the terrible experiences of others from the South-west, and indeed the entire south, who collaborated with such ultraconservative, sectarian and arcane forces with a clear and distinct ethnic and religious agenda in the past.

Such forces can never be comfortable with a well-connected, highly sophisticated, independent-minded, strong, unpredictable, uncontrollable and experienced Yoruba leader and southern gladiator with a June 12th pedigree, a NADECO background, a massive war-chest and a widespread and formidable political base.

They may use him to achieve their objective but they can never trust him or allow him to have control of the party machinery or to wield any real power when it comes to running the affairs of the nation.

Most importantly, once they have finished using him, it becomes their duty and cardinal objective not just to cut him down to size but also to castrate and render him impotent and eventually destroy him.

That is their way. It is also a classic and vintage Nicolo Machiavelli move. This great writer that has had more influence on political thinking and strategies than perhaps any other author in human history taught us a critical and crucial lesson in his famous 14th century literary masterpiece and treatise on the power game titled “The Prince”. He tells us that the first thing that a Prince must do once he has achieved power is to destroy those that put him there.

And that is precisely what those that seek to do Tinubu in are doing. Worse still, they are using his own erstwhile disciples as a first line of attack against him. It is not just Odige-Oyegun that has turned his back on him but also his former political protegees and former ACN associates like Tunde Fashola, Ibikunle Amosu, Kayode Fayemi, Abiola Ajimobi, Olorunimbe Mamora, Niyi Adebayo, Rotimi Akeredolu and numerous others.

Pulling the strings from behind the scenes and encouraging and funding the rebellion are hardline Buhari-supporters like my good friend Governor Nasir El Rufai and a number of others. Their objective is to establish a new political order in the South-west which is beholden to them alone, to replace Tinubu as a national leader of the party and to utterly demystify and crush him in order to prepare the ground for the

Tinubu...will he pull through this

emergence of a new and more compliant Yoruba running mate for either Buhari himself or El Rufai in 2019.

As a graphic illustration of this interesting and unfolding agenda, the powers that be in the APC, led by Buhari himself, fired six shots at Tinubu immediately after they formed government. The first was the Senate Presidency affair and the Bukola Saraki matter which saw the defeat and humiliation of Tinubu’s preferred candidate for Senate President.

The second shot was the Speaker of the House of Representatives affair and the Yakubu Dogara matter which, again, saw the defeat and humiliation of Tinibu’s preferred candidate for the position of Speaker of the House. The third was the vital issue of ministerial appointments in which not one single ministerial nominee of Tinubu was accepted and appointed by Buhari. Every single person that he nominated from the South-west and elsewhere as minister was rejected and instead, the slots were filled by his political adversaries and/or their nominees. Many erroneously believe that Mr. Lai Mohammed, who is from Kwara State, was Tinubu’s choice and nominee for Minister of Information but this was not the case. The person that he nominated for Minister of Information was not Lai Mohammed but Mr. Dele Alake, his former Commissioner of Information in Lagos State.

Again he nominated Mr. Wale Edun, his former Commissioner of Finance in Lagos State, for the position of Minister of Finance but this was rejected and Governor Ibikunle Amosu’s candidate, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, got the job instead. This went on across the board for every single person that Tinubu nominated and presented for the position of minister last year and it was a terrible humiliation for him. It was a dirty slap in his face.

The fourth shot was the James Faleke matter in Kogi State, where it was agreed by the real landlords of the APC in the core north that Tinubu must not be allowed to gain a foothold in the north central zone by getting his own Yoruba kinsman and candidate to be elected as governor of that state. Hence Faleke was ruthlessly dropped and shabbily treated and another person was selected to be the gubernatorial candidate of that state. It worked. Faleke

went to court and sadly, he lost. That was the end of the story.

The fifth shot is the thorough and systematic, though subtle and covert, humiliation and relegation of Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, a close associate and political protegee of Tinubu and a spiritual son of the reverred Pastor Enoch Adeboye of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), to not just a spare tyre as vicepresident but also to a very flat one. Rather than being allowed to participate in the crucial decision-making processes on vital and critical issues of state and governance as any vice-president should, Osinbajo has been kept in the dark about virtually everything and he has little or no power to effect anything. When such decisions are to be debated, discussed and made, the vice-president is never invited into the room and neither is he even aware that there is

They may use him to achieve their objective but they can never trust him or allow him to have control of the party machinery or to wield any real power when it comes to running the affairs of the nation.

Most importantly, once they have finished using him, it becomes their duty and cardinal objective not just to cut him down to size but also to castrate and render him impotent and eventually destroy him

such a meeting going on.

Worse still, he is constantly being directed to represent the president at official functions all over the country as if he were more his personal assistant, special advisor or minister rather than the vice-president of the country.

Osinbajo’s crime is simply that he is loyal to Tinubu and he has refused to dump or betray him.

The sixth and perhaps most devastating shot is the fact that the party machinery has not only been taken away from Tinubu with the effective hijacking of Odige-Oyegun but that it has also opted to do the bidding of his mortal enemies and to fight him.

An eloquent testimony to this disturbing fact is the outcome of the Ondo State gubernatorial primaries where Tinubu’s candidate was edged out of the nomination by the party leadership. This was the last straw that broke the camel’s back and predictably, Tinubu has reacted in a very loud, aggressive and profound manner by publicly calling for the removal of the national chairman of the party. Yet, calling for the removal of Odigie-Oyegun is not enough. The whole situation calls for critical thinking, sober reflection and deep retrospection.

The point that needs to be clearly understood when considering these six shots and the unfolding anti-Tinubu agenda within the APC is the fact that, contrary to all pretensions, President Muhammadu Buhari is part and parcel of it and he is in fact, the moving spirit behind the whole conspiracy. Nasir El Rufai and a number of others are simply the strategists and enforcers. Buhari, Mamman Daura and Abba Kyari are the masterminds.

Given all this, one thing is clear: these people want Tinubu out. If he does not realign quickly and fight hard to save his dwindling political fortunes and empire, his APC friends and allies will destroy him in a slow, clinical, sadistic and systematic manner. And they will do it with a big, beautiful and friendly smile on their faces.

The fact of the matter is that, right from the outset, Tinubu failed to accept the fact that he was in bed with demons. He refused to appreciate the fact that he was sleeping with the enemy. He gave them his all, caused them to win an election and trusted them to honor their word and treat him with respect and decorum.

Yet if the truth is to be told, no matter what mistakes he may have made, Tinubu does not deserve to be treated in this way.

Up until the presidential election was conducted last year, he led and held together the south western wing of the APC with an iron fist and he was the undisputed leader of the APC in that zone. All four APC governors from the South-west and virtually every single party leader waited on his every word and he called all the shots.

Sadly today, just over one year later, he is a caricature of his former self. Today, Tinubu can only boast of having the ear and the full support of only two of those governors, namely Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, who will never betray him no matter what, and Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State, who will also stand firmly behind him until the very end. The truth is that Tinubu has lost much ground and political mileage in recent times and, as more daggers are pulled out over the next few months and years, it is bound to get worse for him. Yet, that does not mean that he is finished. I say this because he is a tried and tested fighter and a formidable adversary, who is quite capable of pulling the whole APC house down.

It would be a fatal error for any of his adversaries, including President Buhari, Vice President Atiku Abubakar or Senate President Bukola Saraki to underestimate or dismiss his ability to fight back.

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

20

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016 • T H I S D AY

FEATURES

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

UBA Boots Education through Essay Competition Enthusiasm, excitement and high-spiritedness characterised the mood of prospective competing students at the head office of the United Bank for Africa Plc, when the bank launched the 2016 edition of its National Essay Competition in Lagos, writes Peter Uzoho

Group Head, Communications, UBA Plc, Mr. Charles Aigbe (4th left); Managing Director/CEO, UBA Foundation, Ms Ijeoma Aso (5th right), flanked by students during the press launch of the 2016 edition of the UBA Foundation National Essay Competition for senior secondary schools, held at UBA House, Marina, Lagos…recently

T

he launching of the 2016 edition of the United Bank for Africa’s National Essay Competition on Friday, September 23, 2016, has indeed thrown open another window of opportunity for students of senior secondary schools in Nigeria to come and test their weights over one another as they battle for the N1 million star prize being an educational grant placedby the bank.

Right there in the hall, at the 15th floor of the United Bank for Africa’s banking tower in Marina, Lagos, students from different senior secondary schools in Lagos were all seated, patiently and eagerly waiting to hear the long awaited news from the bank. Adorning varying school outfits, they chatted in suppressed tones, muttering about what and how the 6th edition of the UBA Foundation’s National Essay Competition which they would partake in would be like.

They have been hearing of the unique initiative of the bank. They have heard and seen students like them competing and winning in the competition and would not let such golden opportunity pass them by.

In 2011, the United Bank for Africa having found education as the bedrock of the growth of every nation came up with its annual UBA Foundation National Essay Competition for students of senior secondary schools, mostly indigent children, in Nigeria and other African countries.

The programme tailored towards the development of education in all communities of its operation has no doubt put smiles on the faces of parents and their children as it has helped a number of school children realise their educational aspirations.

Since inception, the national essay competition has produced 15 winners, some of which are studying in various prestigious universities across Africa.

Interestingly, UBA has not just initiated

a helping hand educational programme;

As a pan-African financial services group with operations in 22 countries, we aim to impact on the countries we do business through the three main anchors of education, environment and social empowerment.

UBA is Africa’s global bank and we believe that we should give back to the society and this is an important part of our business culture. Over the years, we have contributed to the development of education in Nigeria by giving various grants, endowment chairs and facilities to institutions all over the country

Group Managing Director/CEO, UBA Group, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka

it has also remained consistent with it as it ensures that no year passes without the competition holding that year.

While many corporate organisations have dropped many of their corporate social responsibility programmes, attributing it to the current economic recession, the bank has remained focused and determined and has resolved to even in hard times continue

to play its good corporate citizenship roles to its corporate communities.

Although, there may be some other organisations running similar CSR programme, UBA Foundation National Essay Competition is unique in a number of ways.

The application for entry is open for all senior secondary school students across Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal.

It begins with the communication to parents and schools to enable their children and students register.

Being so particular about the transparency of the process of determining true winners in the competition, the Foundation ensures that all essays written and submitted by the competing students and received by the Foundation are reviewed by a distinguished panel of judges made up of professors from reputable Nigerian universities, who will then shortlist 12 best essays for further assessment.

After the selection of 12 best essays from over 3000, there is a second round of the competition which involves the 12 finalists who will write a second supervised essay from which three best essays will be selected.

In the end, the top three winners of the competition automatically grab the educational grants to study in any African university of their choice. Speaking at the press launch of this year’s competition, Managing Director/CEO of UBA Foundation, Ms Ijeoma Aso, said that the Foundation would start receiving entries from eligible participants in seniorsecondary schools in Nigeria.

“Entries for the essay competition opens on September 23, 2016 and will close on November 4, 2016.The essay topic for this year is ‘If you were in a position to help the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), what would you do?’ “Entries received for the competition will be reviewed by a distinguished panel of judges made up

21

• T H I S D AY THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

FEATURES

L-R: Miss Eze Ugochinyere Golden (3rd Prize), Emediong Uduak Uko; (winner) and Enonuya Starish (2nd prize), at the grand finale of the 2015 UBA Foundation Essay Competition and prize giving ceremony held at UBA House in Marina, Lagos

of professors from reputable Nigerian Universities, who will then shortlist 12 best essays for further assessment.

“A second round of the competition will involve the 12 finalists who will write a second supervised essay from which three best essays will be selected.

“Three best essays will be selected as the overall winners from 12 finalists that will emerge from the first round of the competition.

“The top three winners of the competition will win educational grants to study in any African university of their choice.

“Prizes to be won include N1, 000,000.00 for the star prize winner; N750, 000.00 for the 1st runner-up, and N500, 000.00 for the 2nd runner-up,” Aso noted.

She explained that the competition was part of the Foundation's initiative to promote creative and analytical thinking among senior secondary students in Nigeria and across Africa, saying “is a follow up on the Foundation’s Read Africa initiative, which promotes reading culture among students through mentoring and free distribution of Africa literary classics in secondary schools.

The national essay competition is also held in Ghana and Senegal. Informing the students on the processes of application, Aso said.

“Applicants should send in handwritten essay entries of not more than 750 words on the above topic to UBA Foundation, UBA House, 3rd floor, 57 Marina, Lagos.

Applications can also be sent to any UBA office in Nigeria for onward delivery to UBA Foundation.”

Also speaking, Group Head, Communications, UBA Plc, Charles Aigbe, said the essay competition was one of UBA’s contributions to educational development in Nigeria and across Africa.

Aigbe noted that “As a pan-African

financial services group with operations

I feel really inspired and I want to enter and win the competition.

Apart from the prize money that I intend to win, it will also be an achievement for me that will stay with me forever. I thank UBA for putting something like this together because it will really be an opportunity for Nigerian students to come and prove their worth in English language. I also thank them for assisting to provide quality education in the country

in 22 countries, we aim to impact on the countries we do business through the three main anchors of education, environment and social empowerment.

UBA is Africa’s global bank and we believe that we should give back to the society and this is an important part of our business culture.

Over the years, we have contributed to the development of education in Nigeria by giving various grants, endowment chairs and facilities to institutions all over the country.”

He urged students to take the national essay competition seriously as it provides a massive opportunity for them to change their lives for the better, adding that “the competition is part of the process to make our younger ones to be better for their families, the nation, continent and the world as a whole.

The National Essay Competition also runs in some other African countries including Ghana and Senegal. “As the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of the UBA Group, UBA Foundation is committed to the socioeconomic betterment of the communities in which UBA operates, focusing on development in the areas of environment, education, economic empowerment and special projects.

“UBA Foundation remains a role model for other corporate organisations in Africa.

The Foundation has dedicated resources to ensuring that CSR is not simply conceived as a marketing tool in the corporate world but as a corporate contribution towards promoting sustainable development in communities,” Aigbe added.

In their excitement after the announcement of the competition, some of the students who attended the press launch expressed their joy for having the opportunity to compete come to their door steps at last,

showing their optimism to emerge winners at the competition.

One of them, Miss Ayomide Adegbohumgbe, a 14-year-old student of Caleb International College, Lagos, said “I feel really inspired and I want to enter and win the competition.

Apart from the prize money that I intend to win, it will also be an achievement for me that will stay with me forever. I thank UBA for putting something like this together because it will really be an opportunity for Nigerian students to come and prove their worth in English language.

I also thank them for assisting to provide quality education in the country,” Adegbohumgbe said.

Another student, Master Chukwuemeka Okereke, 16, a student of CMS Grammar School, Bariga, Lagos, said “I feel excited about the upcoming competition because I’m really good at English Language and I think I have a chance of winning.

I want to say a big thank you to UBA for creating this opportunity for us here in Nigeria and other countries.

I urge them to keep doing the good work and I pray God to reward them accordingly.”

On her part, Miss Aderibogbe Ifeoluwa, a 13-year-old student of Holy Child College, Lagos, said “I feel excited and I can’t wait to participate and win the N1 million.

I’ll really try to emerge a winner because I want to use it to further my education. I want to thank UBA for their kind gesture and I pray that they will continue to have the opportunity to do it because it’s a very wonderful thing they’re doing.”

The press launch was attended by students from different secondary schools in Lagos including, Holy Child College, International School, University of Lagos, High Hope Academy, Ojota Senior Secondary School, Caleb International College, CMS Grammar School, and Crescent Secondary School.

22

IMAGES

L-R: Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; Diocesan Bishop of Lagos & Dean Emeritus, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Ephraim Ademowo; and Diocesan Bishop of Lagos West, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Rt. Rev. James Odedeji, during the 2016/2017 Legal Year service at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos... recently

Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed (2nd left); presenting a memorandum of understanding to Group CEO, Investment One Financial Services Ltd., Nicholas Nyamali; Vice-Chancellor, Kwara State University, Prof. AbdulRasheed NaíAllah; and other stakeholders during the signing of Infrastructural Development Fund, Infrafund ñKwara (IF-K) at Government House, Ilorin...recently

L-R: Sokoto State Commissioner for Solid Mineral, Mr. Bello Mohammed; a representative of the Minister of Science and Technology, Mr. Abayomi Oguntunde; and President, Nigerian Society of Mining Engineers, Dr. Ebeniza Damisa, during a one day workshop on Gysum Development/Beneficiation for Cement and Plaster of Paris (POP) industries organised by Raw Materials Research and Development Council, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology at Arewa House, Kaduna...recently IDRIS EGAJI

L-R: Minister of lnformation, Culture & Tourism, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; the celebrant, Sunmi Smart-Cole; a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gen. lke Nwachukwu (rtd), and the eldest son of the celebrant, Tobi Smart-Cole, at the 75th birthday celebration of Smart-Cole at the All Saints Church, Yaba, Lagos...recently Abiodun Ajala

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

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

L-R: Minister of State for Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Dr Fidelis Ayebae; and President, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Group of Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (PMGMAN), Mr Okey Akpa, during a familiarisation visit by the minister to Fidson’s new manufacturing facility...recently

L-R: Chairman, House Committee on Education, Hon. Olarenwaju Ogunyemi; Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluranti Adebule; wife of the governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode; and the All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Leader, South-west, Chief (Mrs.) Kemi Nelson, during the launch of Project Bright Steps, a children empowerment project, by the wife of the governor & Founder of HOFOWEM at Agidingbi, Ikeja...recently

L-R: Deputy Managing Director, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Dr Demola Sogunle; wife of Zamfara State governor, Hajiya Asma’u Yari; a beneficiary, Mohammed Mohammed; and Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Mrs Sola David-Borha, at Stanbic IBTCís Together4 A Limb charity walk/cheque presentation in Abuja... recently

L-R: Chairman/CEO, Emzor Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Stella Okoli; Founder/Chairman, Made in Nigeria Group, Prince Adesegun Oniru; Senator Oluremi Tinubu; and Vice-Chairman, South Energyx Nigeria Ltd, Chagoury Group, Ronald Chagouri, at the opening day of the Made in Nigeria festival at Eko Atlantic City, Victoria Island...recently

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

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BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S

NIBOR OVERNIGHT 1-MONTH

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Group Business Editor ChikaAmanze-Nwachuku Email: chika.amanzenwachukwu@thisdaylive.com 08033294157, 08057161321

S E P T E M B E R

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2 0 1 6

EXCHANGE RATE N307.79/1UD DOLLAR AS AT LAST FRIDAY

Quick Takes Oracle Promotes Digital Transformation

COURTESY VISIT

L-R: Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu; Managing Partner, Concinnity Consulting, Yemisi Akinrinade; Vice President, International Sales, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Certiport, Jan Day and Strategic Manager, Certiport, Olayinka Olagbemiro, during the visit of Certiport’s team to the minister in Abuja...recently

Stakeholders Bemoan Huge Capital Flight in ICT Sector Stories by Emma Okonji Information and Communications Technology (ICT) stakeholders has expressed worries that Nigerians are losing jobs and contracts in the ICT sector to foreigners, describing it as capital flight and huge depletion of the Nigerian economy.

The stakeholders blamed the situation on the absence of Local Content Development law in ICT, which should have protected the interests of Nigerians and Nigerian-owned businesses. The National Coordinator, Office for Nigerian Content Development in ICT, Mr. Inye Kemabonta, enumerated the implications of not having an existing local content law in ICT, which he

ICT said, spelt doom for the sector.

He called on all stakeholders to rise to the challenge and ensure that the issue of local content in ICT is addressed to a logical conclusion, in order to encourage fair competition and to protect the interests of Nigerians and their businesses.

The stakeholders pointed out that licensed telecoms operators in the county are majorly foreigners who do business in Nigeria by bringing in foreign staff to handle the jobs that Nigerians could successfully handle, if given the opportunity.

Citing the case of MTN, which they said, generated over $16 billion within a period of 15 years doing telecoms business in Nigeria, stakeholders said

such huge amount of money was moved from the Nigerian economy to the South African economy, where MTN is headquartered. They explained that should there be local content law in ICT, such money would have been reinvested into the Nigerian economy, to increase liquidity flow in the economy that will better the lives of Nigerian citizens.

The stakeholders also blamed the Nigerian government for licensing more of foreign operators in the ICT sector, at the detriment of local investors that have small businesses in the country.

The former President of the Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Lanre Ajayi, who expressed worries over the manner at

which Nigerians are losing ICT jobs and contracts to foreign companies, said the remedy would be a thing of right policy and proper regulation that would encourage and protect Nigerians in their businesses.

Ajayi also stressed the need for the development of local capacity that includes institutional and human capacity building.

The Chief Executive Officer of Teledom Group, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, called on telecoms operators to put a stop to importation of basic telecoms equipment like switches, masts, towers, among others and device means of using locally sourced materials.

In his remarks, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof.

Continued on page 24

FG:SupportforTechStartups,KeytoEconomic Devt The federal government has reiterated its commitment to support technology startups in developing apps that will drive economic.

A former acting Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr. Vincent Olatunji who gave the assurance in Lagos during the recent Startup Friday show organised to showcase up-coming startups before investors who are willing to invest in Nigerian startups, said there was need to support startups in order to grow several small businesses that would in turn create jobs and national wealth.

TELECOMS According to Olatunji, “Our gathering together at the StartUp Friday show in Lagos, is part of government’s efforts to support technology startups in the country. We are creating opportunity for them to network and to showcase their skills and solutions before investors that are interested in investing in Nigerian technology startups.”

He said government would continue to create the enabling environment that would boost Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) businesses, through right policy implementation.

Nigeria is currently in

recession and the fastest way to come out of it is by creating opportunities that will support technology growth and development. We see that happening with Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and that is government’s interest in supporting technology startups, Olatunji said.

We want to create several SMEs that will in turn, become employers of labour. Gone at the days when students will graduate from the universities and will be searching for paid employment. The new trend is to develop people technologically and make them ready employers of labour as

soon as they graduate from the university, he added.

Addressing the issue of funding, Olatunji explained that the federal government would set up a national innovation fund where startups could draw funds from. He however said the only challenge that might come up is the sustainability of the fund. In developed countries of the world, the fund is jointly supported by government and the private sector and when startups become successful, they also contribute to the fund, to enable up-coming startups to also draw from it, Olatunji said.

Continued on page 24

With the fourth industrial revolution, or Industry 4.0, set to be powered by a combination of compute services (IaaS) and cloud platform technologies (PaaS), Oracle reiterated its commitment to help create a skilled workforce for driving rapid digital transformation in Africa at the recently concluded Innovation Africa 2016 event in Kenya.

Cluster Lead for Oracle Sub Sahara Africa, Cherian Varghese, said: “As per the World Economic Forum, 60 per cent of the workforce in Africa is under 30 years, and at Oracle we believe that it is imperative to equip this large pool of young Africans with the essential IT skills of the future that will enable them to contribute to Africa’s socio-economic growth.”

“Innovation is the heart of everything we do at Oracle and our cloud solutions are already at the forefront of driving digital transformation across Africa’s public and private sector organizations. Our objective to participate at Innovation Africa 2016 was to raise awareness about our diverse and innovative cloud solutions portfolio and how we are uniquely poised to help African organisations be Industry 4.0 ready”, Varghese added.

Held under the official patronage of the Kenyan Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, the event witnessed Oracle’s participation as a Gold partner from 20th – 22nd September 2016 at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi. Senior Oracle executives interacted with key government and private sector officials at the two day event.

Nokia Demonstrates Latest Innovations

Nokia, a global leader in the technologies that connect people and things, is demonstrating its latest innovations to telecom operators, government departments, enterprises, and business partners.The initiative will help them build smart cities with Internet of Things (IoT) and critical-communications network for public safety while ensuring a world-class mobile broadband customer experience for the subscribers in Nigeria. The demonstrations include in key areas like IoT, public safety network, IP backhaul network, and 4G. The event which took place in in Lagos and Abuja, enabled customers to have the opportunity to experience the future of technology, and learn how they can benefit from the best end-user experience in high quality and secure networks shaping the future into the “Superfast Broadband” and the “Internet of Things”.

Market Unit Head Central East and West Africa, for Nokia, Daniel Jaeger, said the events displayed live demonstrations with state-of-the-art software, hardware and services for any type of network. ˝The new Nokia is uniquely positioned to help communication service providers, governments, and large enterprises deliver on the promise of 5G, the Cloud and the Internet of Things,” Jaeger remarked.

Jumia Supports Made-in-Nigeria Products

With Nigeria’s 56th Independence Day coming up next week, Jumia has called on Nigerians to build a more diversified economy, by relying less on imported products and embracing homegrown, and good quality Nigerian goods.

To this effect, Jumia, Africa’s largest online store has announced the launch of a new corporate social initiative dedicated to supporting made-in-Nigeria products.The launch event takes place on Saturday, 1st of October 2016, with a press event /business exhibition at Ayo Van Elmar’s Fashion Cafe, Oriental Hotel, Lagos.

The new social responsibility initiative known as: Jumia Local, aims to give customers a dedicated store where they can conveniently buy good quality, affordable products made or assembled in Nigeria; and give Nigerian entrepreneurs who are producing locally a strong platform and the backing required to grow their businesses and sell their products to a nationwide customer base - ultimately creating more local job opportunities and supporting the national economy.

Under the new initiative, entrepreneurs will have an opportunity to sell their locally made products on Jumia website at 0 per cent commission and have their made-in-Nigeria products listed in a dedicated store.

Telecoms operators must put a stop to importation of basic telecoms equipment and device means of using locally sourced materials to boost local content CEO, Teledom Group, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem

24

T H I S D AY •THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD STAKEHOLDERS BEMOAN HUGE CAPITAL FLIGHT IN ICT SECTOR Umar Danbatta, who was represented by the Director, Licensing and Authorisation at NCC, Ms. Funlola Akiode, said one of the factors affecting the continued devaluation of the Nigerian currency, is the dependence on importation of basic materials, manpower and services. “For the industry to expand sustainably, we need to look inwards, re-organise our priorities and be less reliant on dwindling foreign exchange.

Local content development will reduce the cost of business and increase available skilled human capital,” Danbatta said.

A member of the House of Representatives, Honorable Oghene Emma Egoh, who raised concerns over the implications of not having a Local Content Development Law in ICT, called on stakeholders to expedite action in the formulation and presentation of local content bill in ICT before the National Assembly and assured stakeholders of speedy hearing of such bill, either as an executive bill or a private bill.

FG: SUPPORT FOR TECH STARTUPS, KEY TO ECONOMIC DEVT Giving government’s position in sustaining startups, whose solutions may not be successful at the end of an incubation period, Olatunji reassured Nigerians that every solution cannot be successful at the end of the incubation period, but stressed the need for government to continue to invest in several startups with the hope that the few startups that will be successful, will make up for the money invested by government.

According to Olatunji, if government incubates about 100 startups, it is not likely that all will succeed. From experience, only few succeeds, and if we get 10 successful startups or even only one startup that becomes successful and grow into a global brand, then that one single success will compensate for the money spent on the other 99 startups.

“If we say the failure rate is high and decided not to invest in them, then we will not be making progress,”Olatunji explained.

Group Business Editor

Chika Amanze-Nwachuku AgriBusiness/Industry Editor

Crusoe Osagie

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

Senior Correspondent

Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents

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

Nume Ekeghe (Money Market) Nosa Alekhuogie (Maritme)

NEWS

Telcos Swindle RoW Fees, Install Cables in Gutters, Trees It is Technically Impossible, Say Operators

Chineme Okafor in Abuja The Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency (LSIMRA) has accused telecoms operators in Lagos of swindling payment of fees for Right of Way (RoW), by installing fibre optic cables in gutters and trees in Lagos, thereby depriving the Lagos State government of huge revenue accruable from granting approval for right of way.

LASIMRA said it became aware of the situation, when it received a report from Critical Infrastructure Services Limited that conducted a Utility Network Audit that covers the underground utilities network within the geographical boundaries of Lagos State.

But in a swift reaction, telecoms operators under the aegis of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) dismissed the claim as laughable, insisting that no telecoms operator that is business minded, would install telecom cables in drainages.

Chairman of ALTON, Gbenga Adebayo told THISDAY that it is ‘technically impossible’ for any operator to install fibre optic cables in gutters and drainages where water flows, when such cables are not submarine cables.

According to him, “It is only submarine cables that are specially designed to remain in water, could be installed in drainages where water flows.

Fibre optic cables that transmit telecoms data and signals cannot survive in water, and therefore cannot be installed in drainages.”

No operator that wants to do sustainable business in Lagos, will install cables in gutters, all in the name of avoiding

payment of RoW fees, Adebayo added.

Giving clarification on the allegation that telecoms operators now hang cables on trees in Lagos, Adebayo said what LAIMSRA saw, were cables dug out from the ground and hung on trees by road construction companies in an attempt to avoid damaging underground cables during road construction.

However, the Chief Executive Officer of Critical Infrastructure Services Ltd, Mr. Chukwudi Obike Okpara, whose company was contracted by LASIMRA to conduct the audit, said in the process of preparing the “As Built Database” of all

underground facilities in Lagos, the Company found that several telecoms service providers have had a free ride in Lagos and were avoided the payment of right of way to LASIMRA by installing their cables in gutters and drains.

Okpara listed the areas where cables were indiscriminately installed in drainages and on tress to include key areas such as, Saka Tinubu Street; Kofo Aboyimi Street; Saka Tinubu/ Akin Adesola Street junction; Ozumba Obamdiwe Street and junction and Ajose Adeogun Street, all in Victoria Island of Lagos.

He advised telecoms service

providers to ensure they provide quality services to customers by disconnecting those cables in gutters, drains and on trees. He said operators should follow due process by paying LASIMRA for right of way, and installing their cables according to International Telecommunication Union (ITU) standards.

He also advised the operators to utilise duct spaces provided

by Lagos State in several parts of the state to ensure that residents enjoy quality telecom services.

According to Okpara, “This is critical because it has been discovered that the poor qual-

ity of service experienced by telecoms subscribers is due to wrong installation of telecoms network cables in gutters and on trees.”

He said such installations do not comply with the global standards set by ITU, adding that Nigeria has experienced tremendous growth in the numbers of telecom subscribers, but that this has not been matched by the provision of adequate internationally accepted networks.

There will constant drop calls and slow internet service, if key network cables remain in gutters, drains and on trees, Okpara said.

BOOSTING FUEL SUPPLY

L-R: Managing Director, Heyden Petroleum Ltd, Dapo Abiodun; Group Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, Downstream, the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Mr. Henry Ikem-Obih and Executive Director, Commercials, Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, (PPMC) at the unveiling of one of Heyden Petroleum’s rebranded retail outlets in Alapere, Lagos…recently

Kwara to Inject N5.8bn into the Economy, NCC Moves to Restore Fixed Line Launches IF-K- Projects Telephony Hammed Shittu in Ilorin The Kwara state government plans to inject over N5.8billion into the state’s economy in the next 10 months through the state’s Infrastructure Development Fund (IF-K).

The state governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed gave this indication in Ilorin during the official launching of IF-K at the Government House, Ilorin.

He said this would go a long way at improving the economic development of the populace and thereby increasing the per capita income of the society through employment generation.

The event was attended by representatives of the partner banks, contractors, engineers, consultants and other important stakeholders.

The governor who expressed optimism that “this injection will keep our project partners in business said that, “the development would also bring a positive spiral effect on employment generation and economy of the state”.

He said that in the medium term, the remaining N5.3billion of government spending will boost the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for about 18 months while

sustaining the multiplier impact on job creation.

According to the governor, with the launching of IF-K the era of abandoned projects in the state has become a thing of the past. “As a demonstration of this determination, all ongoing and new projects will be funded to completion under the IFK before the end of my tenure. “Once the rains are over, we will commence major projects in the road, education, energy and health sectors across the state in a manner that accelerates development and ensures its even distribution.

“We will start with the flagging off of the construction of a Diamond Underpass at Geri Alimi, Ilorin and the commissioning of our newly-acquired Asphalt plant”, he said.

Ahmed explained that his desire for rapid infrastructure growth and the need for an appropriate savings and investment mechanism solely for infrastructure and related works informed the establishment of IF-K. He said IF-K is the second phase of his government’s long term strategy to diversify the state’s economy, stimulate economic growth via private sector participation in

infrastructure development and create opportunities for collective prosperity.

“The purpose of the IF-K, therefore, is to pool funds for infrastructure projects, optimally leverage private sector resources for infrastructure development and channel State Internal Revenue to directly impact economic diversification and growth strategies. “IF-K is also designed to ensure maximum quality assurance for asset and services procured by government and encourage broader and deeper interactions with Kwara state government from private and non-private partners.

“The fund will be financed through a N5b seed fund and a N500 million monthly contribution from the state’s Internally Generated Revenue through an Irrevocable Standing Payment Order(ISPO).

“This implies that the money will be taken at source from the state’s Internally Generated Revenue and provides an additional layer of assurance to project partners. Additional non- IGR funds, such as those from the federal government and global development partners will be added to IF-K as they become available.

Dele Ogbodo in Abuja Worried about the continued decline in fixed line subscription, which is currently put at 348, 933 with a teledensity 0.01 per cent, as against the rising trend in mobile telephony that has reached the 149 million active subscriber mark, with a teledensity of 107 per cent, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said the wide margin was due to total neglect for fixed line telephony.

As a result, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, said there was need for the country to revitalise fixed line telephony, saying that should be a complementary telecommunication service to the mobile telephony.

Danabatta, who spoke in Abuja at a press conference to mark his one year anniversary achievement at NCC, blamed the continued decline in fixed line telephony on total neglect for fixed line telephony by the telecoms operators and the subscribers.

According to him, before the advent of digital technology in 2001, which ushered in the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Nigerians were using fixed line telephony,

otherwise known as landline service, but suddenly neglected it for mobile digital telephony.

“In developed countries of the world, mobile telephony runs side by side with fixed line telephony and I see no reason why Nigerians had to dump fixed line for mobile telephony,” Danbatta said. He said the NCC had to save Visafone, one of the surviving Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) operator, offering fixed line services from total collapse, by approving the acquisition of 100 per cent shareholding of the company by MTN. He said that singular intervention saved Visafone from going into extinction as telecoms service provider. He, however, said NCC deliberately did not approve MTN’s request to acquire Visafone spectrum licence to avoid the issue of becoming a dominant player in the telecoms industry. He said NCC would, in a later date, organise a public forum, where the issue of spectrum licence belonging to Visafone would be discussed.

He assured telecoms subscribers and operators that the NCC would continue to protect their interests, as a regulator that believes in transparency.

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BUSINESSWORLD

E-BUSINESS

Coker: Cloud Services Will Stabilise Companies in Recession

The Managing Director, Rack Centre, Mr. Tunde Coker, spoke with Emma Okonji on the need for companies to leverage on cloud computing services for business sustainability and profitability. Excerpts: Rack Centre is planning to launch a revolutionary cloud technology solution called Cloud on Ground. What does it mean and how does it work?

In the last 10 years technology solution providers have been talking about cloud computing and how data could be stored in the cloud for safety and easy accessibility, but today, technology is evolving and we at Rack Centre concluded that data could be stored locally in the cloud, without having to host the servers in foreign countries. Yes we are always focused on our key business, which is collocating data but we felt it a better business sense to build cloud locally that will enable more organisations store their data in the cloud locally, without facing the risk or challenges of hosting data outside Nigeria. This exactly led to the concept, Cloud on Ground, which means cloud is here with us and no longer hosted outside the shores of Nigeria as it used to be.

So Cloud on Ground relates to a whole ecosystem of cloud provision capability, where various cloud solutions from West Africa, are hosted in Rack Centre in Nigeria. So Cloud on Ground is a market place where people have access to do different kinds of businesses. It is a comprehensive market place and an ecosystem for all the key facilities required to consume cloud services, while the data sits in Rack Centre in Nigeria. The idea is not to serve only the interests of big corporate organisations, but also the interests of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). We believe it is going to transform technology in West Africa and Nigeria because it will make technology more accessible to SMEs and corporate organisations.

The term Cloud on Ground, is it a nomenclature or is it the actual movement of the cloud environment from the sky to ground level on earth?

Cloud on Ground is about the movement of cloud from one environment to another, and not necessarily moving cloud services from the sky to earth. What the Cloud on Ground technology actually means, is taking away cloud services from one environment to another. What we are saying is that we have moved cloud services to Rack Centre, where data will be hosted in Nigeria, instead of the usual practice of hosting data outside the shores of the country and cloud services rendered from outside the country because the server is seated and controlled from the host location outside the country in Europe and other continents.

So what is the economic value of Cloud on Ground to Nigerian businesses?

The economic value for businesses is enormous.

It will give businesses easy and faster access to their data stored in the cloud, it will reduce cost of buying rack for storage purposes, since the services can be deployed locally within Nigeria.

A typical technology startup pays huge amount of money to have access to foreign services, but since we have the cloud in Nigeria and the services are rendered locally, it will reduce cost of doing business in the country, thereby saving more money. Again, local services will be paid in naira denomination as against foreign services that demands payment in dollars.

Business owners will pay more if they pay in dollars, considering the devaluation of naira against the dollar. So it gives room to save more money, use the money to scale up the business and this will bring about increase in technology innovation.

If you are to value it in monetary terms, how much will SMEs be saving when they use Cloud on Ground service?

It is not just about the monetary value, but the flexibility, access and ease of doing business that will transcend to huge money making. For instance, when the services are hosted outside the country, SMEs hardly have access to it because of cost implication, but since the services have been brought to Nigeria, they will have access

Is Rack Centre in partnership with any organisation in driving this initiative?

Yes we are in partnership with some organisations, and through the partnership, we were able to create an ecosystem that will drive cloud computing in Nigeria. Each organisation in the ecosystem has its role to play. For example, Web For Africa is one of the partners that provides web hosting and domain registration; Guarantor, a Nigerian company, provides Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and other services; Seige provides the enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform; Business Connexion (BCX), provides connectivity services, among other partners that Rack Centre is working with in the ecosystem. All these organisations provide the comprehensive cloud service for customers.

Before now most companies were afraid of hosting their data in the cloud for fear of people gaining unathorised access to their data. To what extent have you been able to convince customers about security, now that Rack Centre is bringing Cloud on Ground to Nigeria?

Providing secure service is an absolute core business of Cloud on Ground services. The solutions that we have put in place, have world-class security standard, which give assurance of data safety. At Rack Centre, physical security is guaranteed. All services and servers hosted in our centre are secured and we have not experienced downtime since the inception of Rack Centre in Nigeria. We have 10 levels of security and for us, security is absolutely essential and we have been able to prove that before our customers over the years.

Coker

to it easily and what that means is that it will help in scaling up their businesses faster than they ever imagined. Again, before now, most corporate organisations try to build their own

The idea of bringing Cloud on Ground to Nigeria is to be able to accommodate data from SMEs and big corporate organisations.

SMEs can come in and with time, scale up their businesses from small to medium and to big organisations.

Corporates can also come in and get immediate access to computing services that they do not need to build by themselves. So from that point of view, the capacity of our racks has been expanded and the racks are designed in such a way that it is scalable and can meet customers’ needs

data centres and this is capital intensive. They were not only spending too much money, they were also not focused on their core business. So with cloud services in their environment, they will not spend money building data centres and they will have more time to think of how to offer their customers with the best of services.

So by bringing cloud to Rack Centre in Nigeria, companies can collocate with Rack Centre and also have access to other services that are in line with their businesses.

How prepared is your company to accommodate the number of companies that would want to host their data in Nigeria with Rack Centre?

The idea of bringing Cloud on Ground to Nigeria is to be able to accommodate data from SMEs and big corporate organisations.

SMEs can come in and with time, scale up their businesses from small to medium and to big organisations. Corporates can also come in and get immediate access to computing services that they do not need to build by themselves. So from that point of view, the capacity of our racks has been expanded and the racks are designed in such a way that it is scalable and can meet customers’ needs as their businesses expand.

In terms of scaling, we focused on our core co-location business, and ensure there is extra capacities to accommodate customer expansion demand. Rack Centre has a modular design to double capacities as demand increases, and in the last six months, we have doubled our capacity.

We currently have a Tier 111 Data Centre and we are the most connected data centre in West Africa, and we can expand the capacities of our racks from our current rack capacities.

How could technology help drive the Nigerian economy in time of recession?

Technology is an enabler and could protect economies from going into recession and could also help countries who are already in recession to come out of it, by creating the right and enabling environment. Nigeria needs to create awareness around technology and encourage the use of technology by creating policies that will not stifle technology growth. Nigeria should be able to drive all its processes with technology and ensure the country has sound e-government in place. With e-government strategies, government becomes more efficient and innovative, using technology. Manufacturing companies should be encouraged to use indigenous technology and local content to become much more efficient in manufacturing local products. Nigeria should depend less on foreign products and encourage local manufacturing companies to go into local production, using technology as the driver. Business should be able to leverage technology for improved efficiency.

How will the Cloud on Ground concept help to drive local content development in the country?

Research has shown that if a company spends $10 million on local content, the result will be over 10 fold impact on the local economy. Rack Centre, for example, has all its technical staff made up of Nigerians. In terms of Cloud on Ground, we are building a base that is an enabling transformer on the economy, because it will give access to many local companies that would not have been able to afford hosting their data in a cloud environment that is remotely controlled from Europe and other parts of the world.

Rack Centre has been passionate about hosting and building local content in the technology space. How has this passion been translated Is your Cloud in Ground services limited to into economic gains for your customers?

Nigeria alone or it extends to other countries? Yes we have been passionate about local content I had earlier mentioned that we are the most development in Nigeria, hence we built a Tier connected data centre in West Africa and we are 111 Data Centre in Nigeria where organisatiins carrier neutral, which means more organisations could host their data locally and save a lot of can have access to our service offerings. We are cost. Local businesses that have been doing connected to all the undersea cables that berthed business with Rack Centre can testify to this. in Nigeria and the whole of West Africa. This We have saved them the challenges of running means that we can offer efficient cloud services around looking for foreign currencies to pay for products and services, because we now have in the whole of West Africa. the facilities in Nigeria.

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BUSINESSWORLD

E-BUSINESS

‘Internet of Things Critical to Business Success’ Stories by Emma Okonji Vodacom Business Nigeria, a corporate connectivity and telecommunications solution provider, has stressed the need for African countries to take advantage of the technology of Internet of Things (IoTs) to gain business efficiency.

Vodacom’s Executive Head of IoT, Tony Smallwood, who gave the advice at the recently concluded NigeriaCom conference in Lagos, where he presented a paper on the topic: ‘Understanding IoT Applications in Strengthening Digital Business in Nigeria’, spoke of the importance of IoT technology to business growth and sustainability, and called on African countries to deploy the IoT technology for businesses efficiency and sustainability.

“With the increased interest in adoption and growth in the number of connected “things” across Africa, IoT has the potential to transform business operations and maximise efficiency across all sectors,” Smallwood, said.

He added: “IoT drives digital transformation, helps businesses to remain relevant in today’s digital world. Overall, 63 per cent of adopters say they have seen significant return on investment from adopting IoT.” According to him, by 2020,

more than seven billion people and businesses, and over 30 billion devices, will be connected to the internet.

He, however, said that the question is no longer about the adoption of IoT but rather its application to drive business success.

“We have an ecosystem of partners who specialise in specific aspects of IoT integration, who have deep knowledge in their respective industries. In collaboration with our partners we are able to easily integrate an entire value chain for our customers, small or big,” Smallwood said.

From consumer goods, to finance, energy and utilities, manufacturing, agriculture and health, there is no industry that has not been impacted by the potential of the IoT. The solutions securely provide a view of critical systems, keeping businesses in control and reducing costs across all operations. Linking almost any type of remote machine or devices to critical information systems and collating real-time data can help to increase visibility throughout the supply chain.

Smallwood therefore explained that Vodacom’s IoT solutions support wireless payment devices and e-readers, energy usage and smart meter-

ing, chilling cabinets, goods and remote asset monitoring systems and community health management solutions.

Listing the benefits of IoT technology to the Nigerian economy, Smallwood said the technology has been proven to boost heath, education,

agriculture, manufacturing, energy, and security in any given economy.

He said:”IoT technology would improve energy generation and supply, using smart metering system for accurate billing, delivering quality education and healthcare in

remote areas using mobile phones that are connected to the internet, help to facilitate production process in the manufacturing industry, and also trace and track criminal activists in the country, and make Nigeria crime free country, since there will be

no hiding place for criminals.”

“From the Vodacom point of view as a technology solution provider, our vision is to manage the entire ecosystem of IoT solution from the devices to the applications and deliver it as service to the enterprise market,” Smallwood added.

Microsoft Partners CCHub to Incubate Tech Startups Determined to further deepen its relationship with African technology startups, Microsoft has announced an initiative that will offer six months mentorship for 20 teams of technology startups from Nigeria.

The initiative, called #WINsiders4good Fellowship, is a Microsoft programme for Nigerian technology entrepreneurs, but in partnership with Co-Creation Hub, an institution located in Yaba, Lagos, where technology startups are mentored and supported under intensive incubation process.

The partnership with CoCreation Hub is meant to open opportunities to Nigerian entrepreneurs who have brilliant ideas that could be developed into viable solutions that would address social and economic challenges in the society.

A team of technical experts from Microsoft has arrived the country to commence the selection process and the training of 20 teams of technology startups with 20 great ideas that could address social and economic challenges of the country. The application was opened September 21 and closes October 10, 2016.

Director of Software Engineering, Microsoft Corp, Bambo Sofola, said WINsiders4Good would focus on how to use technology to solve complex problems.

“We have thousands of Windows Insiders in Nigeria, and tens of thousands across Africa.

We want to collaborate more closely with them and other Windows users to make this a truly international product. One in seven Africans is Nigerian, computer usage is soaring, and tech centres like Yaba represent a manifestation of that growth.

We think it is a great time and place to learn from like-minded techies and entrepreneurs who are solving complex problems and creating opportunities in Lagos and greater Nigeria,” Sofola stated.

Entrepreneurs who qualify for the fellowship programme will receive Microsoft hardware, software and six months of tailored technical mentorship to help bring their innovative ideas to life, while also allowing them to collaborate with the world’s largest community of people who use simple technology to solve problems.

Confirming this, Sofola stated that “Microsoft and CcHUB will connect entrepreneurs to a global community of people like them, prioritize and fix the technical issues that can hinder them from reaching their goal, provide mentors for technical and strategic questions for six months, and provide hardware and software to bring their ideas to life.”

Co-Founder, Co-Creation Hub, Femi Longe, commended Microsoft for that initiative and partnership, which he said would go a long way in bringing out the best from Nigerian technology startups through mentorship. He noted that the future of young Nigerians is in technology and there is every need to create platforms that will help them access and conquer their future needs and challenges.

“Collaborating with Microsoft will allow entrepreneurs across Nigeria to expand their possibilities, while exposing them to other entrepreneurs in the global space, which will eventually increase their competitive chances,” Longe said.

TECHNOLOGY ROADSHOW

L-R: Head, Customer Marketing and Communications, Nokia, Mr. Joachim Wuilmet; Head, Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Nokia, Ms Cherine Aziez and Market Unit Head, Central East and West Africa Region, Mr. Daniel Jaeger, at the Nokia World Congress Revisited Roadshow in Lagos...recently

Yudala, Uber Collaborate to Offer Free Rides to Zero Gravity Show Attendees of the inaugural edition of Yudala Zero Gravity, a multi-city digital entertainment concert powered by pioneer composite e-commerce outfit, Yudala, are in for better experience, as the company has partnered leading taxi service provider Uber to offer free rides for first time Uber riders to the concert venue.

Yudala Zero Gravity begins on Sunday October 2 at the Landmark Event Centre from 3.00 p.m.

By using the code – YUDALAZEROGRAVITY, every interested first time Uber riders can enjoy a free ride of up to N2,500 to the venue of the concert. To enjoy the offer, the individual would have to download and install the Uber app on a smartphone and then apply the YUDALAZEROGRAVITY code when submitting the trip request.

Arrangements have been concluded to accommodate existing Uber riders customers making their way to the concert venue with special discount packages.

Headquartered in San Francisco – California, Uber Technologies Inc. is an American multinational online transportation network

company. It develops, markets and operates the Uber mobile app, which allows consumers with smartphones to submit a trip request, which the software program then automatically sends to the Uber driver nearest to the consumer, alerting the driver to the location of the customer.

As of August 2016, the service was available in over 66 countries and 507 cities worldwide. The Uber app automatically calculates the fare and transfers the payment to the driver. Since Uber’s launch, several other companies have replicated its business model although not as successfully as Uber.

Currently offering its service in Lagos and Abuja with plans of expanding to other major Nigerian cities in the near future, Uber has quickly become the preferred taxi service for many, with its emphasis on safety, quality of the vehicles and professional drivers endearing the brand to Nigerians.

Yudala Zero Gravity is a three-city dual entertainment event which will feature a contemporary music blast as well as a rock gospel concert in Lagos, Abuja and Enugu.

FG to Showcase Remita at GiTEX The federal government has expressed its readiness to showcase Remita, the e-payment gateway for its much acclaimed Treasury Single Account (TSA), on the international scene.

Acting Director General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr. Vincent Olatunji made the disclosure during a recent working visit to the headquarters of SystemSpecs, the developers of Remita.

According to him, government’s interest in the e-payment solution has a link with the successes attained by Remita in the implementation of TSA, which has helped government to save more than N3 trillion.

Remita would be among other indigenous technology solution that NITDA would showcase at GiTEX 2016, the annual information technology exhibition coming up in Dubai from October 16 to 20, 2016. At the Nigerian Pavilion, Remita would feature prominently at the Africa Investment Forum, a side-line event of GiTEX. The success of the TSA, attained by Remita, came up for discussion at an interactive session organised by the Nigerian foreign mission with the Nigerian community in the UAE with Ambassador Babagana Wakil, acting Nigeria Consul General to the UAE in

attendance.

“Participants had reinstated that they were considering implementing TSA in Dubai based on the Nigerian model.

They believe that if Remita could work in Nigeria, it would work anywhere else,” Olatunji said. According to him, the yearning of the UAE and responses of the participants were reasons an ICT desk has been established at the Nigerian Consulate in Dubai for foreigners with interest in developing ICT in Nigeria.

Managing Director of SystemSpecs, John Obaro, said information and communications technology (ICT) has the capacity to change Nigeria quietly and solving the nation’s challenges. “For instance, if we get our ICT right, it would be more difficult for people to be corrupt, and where they are corrupt, it becomes a lot easier to track them down.

The only reason the wealthiest people in the world are ICT professionals is because of the potential inherent in the sector,” he said.

He insisted that instead of thinking of how to dig the ground, the country should begin to think of how robots would be employed for farming.

He added that other sectors are important, as such, the country should think long-term.

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The iPhone 7 Review

MICHAEL MICHAEL OKEKE OKEKE

T

he American multinational technology giant Apple Incorporation is one of the most successful tech giant of the 21st century, with over a billion iPhones sold. From middle class to low-income earns or the affluent iPhone cut across all ranks, even the US Army uses the iPhone.

Report from the telegraph of UK in July has it that the US Army is dropping the Android for the iPhone. Selling a billion devices in less than 10 years of innovation is no easy feat.

The device has been a huge success. Little wonder it is a technology of choice by a billion miles for most people.

We live in the age of the iPhones. Apple has sold over a billion of them now, and they are in use every day by our families, our friends, our colleagues, our classmates. Not too long ago, the idea of so many of us having incredibly accessible, always connected, supercomputers in our pockets would be the stuff of science fiction. Now, it is so commonplace we take it for granted. Blame it on the steady pace of iteration.

The technology is so mature now that sometimes we do not even notice the year-over-year improvements. It is only when we look back over a few years that we realise how much it has really changed.

Apple calls them the best and most advanced iPhones ever.

In many ways, they are exactly that. They have significantly improved cameras, including a new fusion camera on iPhone 7 Plus. They have better cellular radios, and processors, including a new A10 Fusion. Also, for the first time, they are officially water resistant. But Apple has also deleted the 3.5mm headphone jack and virtualized the home button. And some would argue one or both of those things makes iPhone 7 just as significantly worse. That is what is so interesting this year. Apple has taken one of the most successful and profitable products in the history of products, and gambled its present for what they strongly believe is a brighter future. Done right, and it propels technology

forward, kicking and screaming though it might be. Done wrong, and it risks alienating the very customers that made the product so successful and profitable.

The Design The iPhone 7 Plus is available in Silver, Gold, Roségold and for the first time also in Black as well as Jet Black. The latter colour is a glossy black, which is just as durable as the other models. The iPhone 7 Plus like its smaller model is protected according to IP67, which means that you can submerge it in up to 1 meter (~3 ft) deep in fresh water for up to 30 minutes and is also protected against dust.

Apple uses fine mesh inlays behind the speakers and the microphone as well as special adhesives. As observations go iPhone is iconic. It is an object Apple’s industrial design team has been working endlessly to refine since before the original shipped. At the risk of being just as trite, it is their Porsche 911 or Rolex Submariner. Just like human hands have evolved into a uniformly useful shape, so, too, have phones designed to fit into those hands.

Display As with it’s smaller sibling, Apple also promises an improved display for the iPhone 7 Plus. This primarily includes a higher luminance and wider colour gamut.

Apple targets the P3 colour space, which is common for the American movie industry.

It is supposed to ensure more vivid colours for pictures and videos. Nothing has changed in terms of size and resolution of the Retina HD display. You still get Full HD on 5.5 inches, and competitors such as the LG G5 or the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 are a step ahead in terms of resolution. Nevertheless, as long as you do not use a VR headset, the 1920x1080 pixels of the iPhone 7 Plus provide sharp pictures, text and images are crisp and clear, and brightness is just as excellent as it has been on previous handsets – apparently it’s 25% brighter. Apple has tinkered with the technology too, adding a cinema-standard wide colour gamut into the mix

for richer, more realistic visuals on screen, which helps when it comes to using the expansive screen as a viewfinder for the dual-camera lenses on the back of the 7 Plus. Put the 7 Plus side-by-side with the 6S Plus, and if you look really closely you can see the colours are a richer on the new iPhone.

Cameras The iPhone 7 plus camera technology is beyond impressive. It is significantly better, especially in low light condition. The cameras were completely reworked for the Apple iPhone 7 Plus. For the first time, a 7 MP sensor with fixed focus is installed in the front. Good light sensitivity is ensured by the small aperture f/2.2 and the colour range is better. The iPhones 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, including the smaller 4.7-inch model, now include optical image stabilisation (OIS) for the rear-mounted 12 megapixel, f/1.8 wide angle lens, and 4K video camera.

That means the shutters can stay open longer in low light and produce better, brighter photos and videos sometimes where older or other cameras would have produced nothing at all. It is great for when you are in a dimly lit room or out at night. To prevent any aberration that might occur from the increased aperture, Apple’s added a 6th, curved element to the lens package. That way it is not just the centre of the image that looks great but the whole

image. It delivers photos and video that are ridiculously good.

So good, it is hard to believe they came from phones. It uses technologies like deep trench isolation to ensure colours are as clean as possible. And that is great since selfies, like iPhones, are mainstream now and it is about time Apple started paying as much attention to the front optics as they have been at the back.

Processor A10 Fusion Apple has been taking the lead in mobile silicon for a while now. They were the first to go 64-bit, and since they have no cross-platform baggage to support, they do not deploy third party chips in addition to their own and do not have to care about profit and loss at the chipset level, they can build exactly what they need and just keep on racing ahead.

This year, though, the A10 is doing something new the fusion. Apple has pushed their high-performance dual cores so far, so fast; they have risked creating a gap at the low end. Instead of leaving it that way, though, they have taken the opportunity to slide in a couple of high-efficiency cores as well this, in summary, makes the iPhone 7 superfast.

On the power side, Apple’s has the lead in “multi-core” performance, even though it is using only two cores at any one time, and other processors can have considerably more.

That is where Apple’s lead in

“single core” is valuable to see, almost doubling that of competing processors. Astonishingly, A10 even trounces the current MacBook Air, and is comparable to the 2013 MacBook Pro, both of which run Intel 64-bit core duo processors. And it fits in the pocket of your skinny jeans. iPhone 7 Water Resistance This year iPhone 7 enclosures have replicated the look of the previous two years, but it is once again been re-engineered, this time, to officially support iP67 water resistance under IEC standard 6052. That is the same rating as the original Apple iWatch. It means dust cannot penetrate the enclosure, even in a vacuum. Since manufacturers get to set their own conditions for liquid ingress, though, it roughly means if an accident happens and your iPhone 7 gets splashed, flooded, or dunked, it has a better chance of surviving than previous generations. iPhone 7 Water Resistance.

Mind you water resistance can become less effective over time and with repeated exposure, and Apple has expressly pointed out that liquid damage is not covered under warranty. So, you should not take iPhone 7 scuba diving or use it as your regular underwater camera, but if you get caught in the rain, splashed by passing a car, tumble into the tub or the pool, or get water bombed at the beach, your iPhone should be fine. iOS 10 Operating System

Coinciding with the release of the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, Apple has also launched iOS 10, the latest software version of the mobile operating system. Having the latest version of the OS, with software built specifically and only for the hardware, it is running on, is hugely valuable.

The most noticeable changes for experienced iOS users start with the wake from standby: The screen of the iPhone 7 Plus will be activated when you lift the smartphone. The next step, unlocking the device, has also changed: “Slide to unlock” is gone; a swipe to the right launches the notification screen.

You can now unlock the device via the Home button.

Conclusion Space will not let us highlight all the features of this incredible device; the 9th generation of the iPhone also leaves a good impression and remains one of the best premium smartphones you can get. Still, you notice that the iPhone 7 Plus is an evolutionary update. The revolution is expected for next year, which will be the 10th anniversary of the iPhone. The visuals have hardly changed compared to the iPhone 6S Plus. Another change for the case is the protection against water. Probably the greatest new feature of the iPhone 7 Plus is the dual-camera, which can actually leave a very good impression.

Michael.okeke@thisdaylive.com

THISWEEK ON GADGETS CANON TAKES CENTRE STAGE AT IBC 2016 For a commanding view of the electronic media industry today and a blueprint to map its future, the IBC exhibition has no peer. At the beginning of September each year, 70 000 television professionals, video and digital film specialists and TV managers meet at Amsterdam RAI for the annual IBC Exhibition of equipment and IBC Conference about new trends, business

ideas and technology solutions. IBC is an important event growing 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 of unique quality entertainment and delivery of rich broadcasting media. It encompasses the very latest developments in broadcasting, and mobile Television.

The short journey from Cor-

rendon Vitality Amsterdam to the centre of the city (RAI) was a rather busy one as technology experts, stakeholders and

members of the public trooped into one of the premier annual event for professionals engaged in the creation, management

and delivery of entertainment and news content worldwide.

From brightly lit neon signs to futuristic-designed OB vans, it is obvious you are in a tech-inspired environment.

Spanning five days, it went beyond conventional trade shows with so many activities, special demonstrations and networking opportunities that can seem overwhelming.

Exhibitors include Canon, JVC, Blackmagic design, Swizz, Zaguto, Pro-X, Schneider, VMix and others.

Having exhibited at IBC for more than three decades, Canon

was no rookie at sharing firsthand experience with its clients at Hall 12, Stand D80. The stand was a beehive of activities with demonstrations and interaction with Canon product assistants.

Having been working heavily in the broadcast for many years and recently moved into the image creation side, so far, with a range of cameras that create great user content. There is no better place to launch a range of broadcast products and several new cameras products and lenses.

Michael.okeke@thisdaylive.com

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For BUA, Business Expansion is a Niche Strategy Twenty-eight years after its foray into the Nigerian Business environment, the BUA brand has fully entrenched its footprints in various sectors of the economy, the most recent being the divestment of its flour business to Olam International in a deal worth $275million. Raheem Akingbolu reports Taking a business from the level of a company to a recognisable brand is always the desire of most business owners. However, experiences over the years have shown that starting a business is easier than building a brand. That is why it is easy to list many companies while statistics of successful brands are minimal.

This notwithstanding, a recognisable and loved brand is one of the most valuable assets a company owns.

According to Nielson’s Global New Product Innovation Survey, 59% of consumers prefer to buy new products from brands familiar to them. As a small business, the survey established that one may be competing against big brands with devoted customers.

That’s why brand owners always find ways to differentiate–with a solid brand building process of their own.

Like few Nigerian brands that have become household names in the market, BUA Group had entered the market about three decades ago, as a trading company but with the ambition of becoming a solid brand that would command respect in many sectors. From day one, its handlers were able to know early enough that branding was much more than just a cool logo or well-placed advertisement.

Promoters of the BUA Group followed a simple rule of branding; they started small with their branding and didn’t forget to focus on their target niche and audience first. They also craft a clear expression of what their company was most passionate about.

This obviously explains why they entered the market as a trading company, majorly dealing in steel, rice, cement and flour importation.

Within a short time, the group turned to a major integrated manufacturer of these products locally and started creating thousands of jobs for Nigerians. Since consumers are always quick to identify with brands they can trust, BUA became a respected brand in many sectors. Today, the brand can be defined by many positive attributes.

Apart from taking BUA from strengthto-strength by contributing enormously to the growth of the Nigerian economy, the management of the company has worked very well in line with government specifications, to promote global practice in the country.

Expansion BUA Group has over the past few years embarked on a series of strategic acquisitions as well as organic expansion which has seen its business portfolio expand to include the Cement Company of Northern Nigeria (CCNN), Edo/OBU Cement, Lafiagi Sugar Company, BUA Flour Mills, BUA Sugar Refinery, BUA Pasta, BUA Ports and Terminals, and BUA Estates amongst other agribusiness holdings.

As at the time the company entered, trading was quiet different in the country, compared to now. It was very difficult, because access to funding and foreign exchange were both very challenging. However, it was also quite lucrative as not many companies were able to compete. This is where BUA got it right.

The fact that it chose to participate early is believed to have assisted the company in starting its manufacturing concerns.

The first of these business initiatives was to set up a flour plant in Lagos, driven by huge demand for flour. At the moment, the company has the flour mills, the pasta plants, a sugar refinery in Lagos and the vegetable oil processing mills and the cement and sugar projects that will soon be inaugurated in Port Harcourt. Just recently, the company started production of cement from itsthree million metric tons per annum cement plant in OBU, Okpella, Edo State which is currently the only operational cement plant in Edo state. A second 3.5million metric tonnes production line is currently under construction Medium term strategy Having established self as a household name, a source close to the group, recently

Chairman, BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabiu

revealed to THISDAY that its strategic focus will now be to diversify to business areas with greater potential for export where the sourcing and utilisation of foreign exchange is less. This is necessary, according to the source, because most of the materials needed for production can be sourced locally, whilst also positioning its current line of foods, mining and infrastructure business for market leadership.

Just recently, the Group announced the divestment of its flour business to Olam International in a deal worth $275m.

The agreement signed with Olam according to the management of BUA, marked a major milestone in the group’s medium-term strategy.

Over the years, the group had run one of the largest and most efficient flour milling businesses in Nigeria and the management appears to have confidencein the value it will add to the buyer’s operations.

Implementing government policy Another factor that has helped the growth of the brand is the understanding of the body language of the government and consumers.

For instance, as part of strategic plan to effectively implement government policy on backward integration of the manufacturing

Promoters of the BUA Group followed a simple rule of branding; they started small with their branding and didn’t forget to focus on their target niche and audience first.

They also craft a clear expression of what their company was most passionate about

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah

sector of the Nigerian economy, BUA Group has since embarked on rapid expansion of its sugar plantations in Kwara and Kogi States.

At the moment, extensive work is said to be ongoing in Lafiagi, Kwara State with over 20,000 hectares, while it also has another 50,000 hectares of farmland in Bassa, Kogi.

These two operations form the fulcrum of its backward integration programme for sugar and it is believed that this will further reduce the country’s dependence on imported raw sugar while supporting the value chain in sugar production within Nigeria.

Cement Business Similarly, recent developments have shown that the BUA Group is working towards replicating the successes recorded through the deep integration of its cement operations.

With most raw materials for cement currently being sourced locally, the group has been able to scale up operations significantly with minimal dependence on foreign exchange and if information available is anything to go by, it will soon start exporting to neighbouring countries from both theObu and Sokoto plants which are currently undergoing 3.5million Metric tons Per Annum(MTPA) and 1.5million MTPA capacity expansions respectively to bring the Group’s cement production capacity to around 10 million MTPA by 2018.

If this happens, then it is easy to conclude that BUA Group will be one of the top-five companies in Nigeria within the next few years.

Present business climate in Nigeria At various fora, the group has consistently emphasised its support for the work being undertaken by government to involve the private sector in ensuring that all legal and regulatory frameworks are effectively in place to boost the real sector of the Nigerian economy.

Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa with around 170 million people. That means a lot of opportunities with adequate resources and a huge market. Apart from investment in the oil sector of the economy, there are other resources in Nigeria that could definitely contribute more to the economy.

Taking the cement industry as a prime example, BUA has always had a lot of limestone reserves in the country; this is evident in the way the industry has grown now that people are investing in that sector.

The various ministries are spending huge sums of money on key infrastructure to attract

fresh foreign investment, despite the progress that has been made, energy issues remain a drain on growth.

Nigeria is a challenging environment but the returns are high. A good idea will always be a good idea, no matter where you are.

There are so many indigenous and foreign companies operating here in Nigeria and a number of them are highly successful.

Expectation from the government In a recent statement, the company stated that it was certain that the current government will focus on resolving issues in the power sector to boost the real sector of the Nigerian economy. Like many Nigerians, they admitted that it won’t be easy, but they are optimistic that it is going to work this time.

According to the statement, the most important thing has been achieved, which is allowing private investors to come and invest. “Once we solve our power issue, Nigeria will fly” the statement stated.

CSR Until recently, the campaign by stakeholders had always centered on the need for players in the corporate world to give to societies, where they were operating. While the brand owners in the advanced market were seeing to have fully bought into the concept, organisations in the developing nations didn’t understood why it was necessary, so the campaign was persistent until now when things are changing. The next stage was the call on various organisations to give the appreciative proportion of their investment to the societies, rather than scratching it on the surface. Today, the talk has gone beyond that as experts have started mounting pressure on organisations to look into the area of sustainability Being Nigerian-owned and very proud of its indigenous roots, BUA is keenly aware of its corporate social responsibility, and therefore frequently giving back to the host communities through donations, sponsorships, various initiatives and projects related to sports and health care through the BUA Foundation.

“At BUA, we have a passion for what we do. We are not only helping to grow the Nigerian economy, but also touching lives, I think what is really important is to do things right, to work hard for your company and for the people around you,” the Chairman, BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabiu had revealed during a recent stakeholders’ forum in Lagos.

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Jetly: Nigeria Has Better Business Environment Than is Perceived from Outside

Despite the huge business opportunities in Nigeria, the country’s image has remained a setback. In this encounter with the Managing Director of Godrej Nigeria, Mr. Sanjiv Jetly, he dismissed the perception, arguing that the country has indeed nurtured many great brands The Managing Director of Godrej Nigeria, Mr. Sanjiv Jetly, is an experienced leader with a proven record in business development and operational management, with strength in implementing significant changes in diverse cultural environments.

His company, Godrej is a 118 year old, having been established in 1897, with the roots of the group in India’s Independence and Swadeshi movement. Its founder, Ardeshir Godrej, lawyer-turned-serial entrepreneur was said to have failed with a few ventures, before he struck gold with a locks business.

Today, the Group enjoys the patronage of 1.1 billion consumers globally across consumer goods, real estate, appliances, agriculture and many other businesses. Its geographical footprint extends beyond Earth as its engines now power many of India’s space missions. With revenue of over USD 4.1 billion, the company is growing fast and has exciting as well as ambitious aspirations.

Godrej’s vision for 2020 is to be 10 times the size it was in 2010 Operations in Nigeria A Godrej Leadership Forum member, with 26 years of global experience in leading FMCG organisation, Sanjiv, who is regarded as a dynamic and commercially astute leader, admitted in a recent interview with THISDAY that doing business in Nigeria has been a great experience for the company.

“Nigeria has a much better social and business environment than is perceived from outside. It is surprising that as compared to the information available outside the country, people are very friendly and hospitable”, He pointed out that his organisation clearly understands that installing confidence about the company in the minds of the people is very important. “Confidence creates an affinity for your brands and also builds a lasting relationship between the company and the people,” he said.

Another great thing about the country according to the CEO is that trade here is livelier in Nigeria than many places. He pointed out that this is not surprising because in terms of size, population and attitude to innovations, Nigeria, is one of the few countries that has it all. He was however quick to add that one has to understand the rules of the game and the rules and laws of the country to succeed in business.

Place of consumers in Godrej’s growth Like most companies, Mr. Sanjiv mentioned that Godrej has learnt about its consumers.

“If our products are bad or is too expensive, they will not buy, given that Godrej is a consumer goods company, it makes more sense to focus the company’s attention on changing the behavior of its customers, who account for the majority of the company’s environmental footprint. We are a company focused on the consumer so we have a lot to do there”, he said.

He also believes that the world is gradually approaching an era where consumers will stop buying products from companies that are not seen as behaving responsibly.

“Companies should use this knowledge to act as a force for good, become part of the responsible movement. This is not utopia, it is enlightened self-interest”, he reiterated.

“We are working to ensure that our employees are happy to work for an organization that is seen to be making a difference. In any company, you have to go back to what drives people. Making more money or being bigger means less and less, that, to us, is rewarding”, he stated.

Long term business sustainability He pointed out that there is often little motivation to take on the challenge of acculturating long-term business sustainability

Jetly

and that most business leaders are fixated at the moment with getting through the current

Nigeria has a much better social and business environment than is perceived from outside. It is surprising that as compared to the information available outside the country, people are very friendly and hospitable

economic turmoil.

“Long-term sustainability should be central to a business’ strategic development process.

Companies should ensure their sustainability teams are fully integrated into the strategy development process, rather than operating in a vacuum”.

He concluded that businesses should be forward-thinking so that they can become leaders when new trends appear and they should revise and review their plans regularly.

According to him, this helps business leaders proactively identify potential long-term trends and issues.

Policies and regulations Sanjiv, like other business leaders, is perturbed by the lack of clear incentives to support the transition to a sustainable society, adding that he is a firm believer in progressive regulation that is based on incentives.

He said he believed that progressive regulation will help curb the growth of unregulated big businesses that has resulted in abuses of corporate power. He gave some of these abuses to include; the elimination of competition through price wars aimed at driving out small businesses.

“Business needs frameworks. I am a free enterprise person but that is not the only solution. If there are incentives attached to The role of government He admitted that government plays an regulations and there is a system where you important role in any business, stating that can have positive reinforcement for the long Governments can think about frameworks term, it provides a better environment. It is also more effective than rules and regulations. to encourage longer term thinking.

“Longer term thinking helps to put policies in If I had to run my company with bibles of place for the different sectors of the economy guidelines I would not be in business long term,” and business investment.

These policies outlay clear decision making for all stakeholders and in turn boost the Current economic recession While some people worry that the pace of nation’s economy”, he said.

He further mentioned that a good example of change is far too slow to address the scale policies for long term thinking is the creation of problems that Nigeria is currently facing, of a structure that ensures dividends attract Mr. Sanjiv cautioned against pessimism and suggested that the foundations for transformaa higher tax rate subject to its duration.

The managing director articulated that tion are being put in place and that they are business heads cannot significantly influence being put in place to ensure sustainability.

He also disclosed that he believed that the the financial markets on their own. “It is a mutual partnership between them and the government will take actions that that are government. This makes it very important sufficient enough to address the problems, for every business to understand the role of explaining that other countries have been through what the country is going through and government in its operations,” have worked their way out of it successfully.

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Tunde-Anjous: AXA Mansard Funds were Launched for Clients’ Investment Needs The Chief Executive Officer, AXA Mansard Investments Limited, Deji Tunde-Anjous, in this interview with Nosa Alekhuogie affirms that the launch of AXA Mansard Money Market Fund and AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund is in line with the firm’s promise to deliver investment solutions built around clients’ needs. Excerpts: Tell us about AXA Mansard Investments Ltd? AXA Mansard Investments Ltd is a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) licensed Fund/ Portfolio Manager. We manage investments across traditional asset classes (which refer to Fixed Income, Money Market & Equities) as well as alternatives (representing Real Estate & Private Equity). Our clientele cuts across Institutional, Private and Retail clients. We are one of the 4 companies within AXA Mansard in Nigeria (with others including the Insurance, Health & Pension businesses).

AXA Mansard is a member of the AXA Group the worldwide leader in Insurance & asset management with over 166,000 employees based in 64 countries and serving more than 103 million customers. A core part of our vision is to empower people to live better lives. This cuts across all the areas of our business and you may say, is the reason why we exist.

Could you tell us about the Funds you recently launched?

As part of our commitment to deliver superior value to investors, we recently launched the AXA Mansard Money Market Fund and the AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund The funds were created to cater to the savings and investment needs of individual and corporate clients, and give investors a platform for achieving their short to long term financial goals.

The AXA Mansard Money Market Fund is designed for investors with low risk appetite looking to maximise interest income in shorttenored securities. Conversely, the AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund is suitable for investors with higher risk appetite, seeking income and capital growth through a portfolio of attractively valued dividend paying stocks.

Given the current economic situation and the inseparable link between investment and risk, is this a good time to invest?

Absolutely; institutions and individuals in Nigeria are going through some of the most difficult economic times on record and more

As part of our commitment to deliver superior value to investors, we recently launched the AXA Mansard Money Market Fund and the AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund The funds were created to cater to the savings and investment needs of individual and corporate clients, and give investors a platform for achieving their short to long term financial goals

Tunde-Anjous than ever need to create buffers to enable them weather the storm. Some of the quick actions to take include cutting excesses, reducing debt and saving more amongst a number of other useful measures.

Spending less and saving more is a simple step towards sustainability and preparing for the unexpected such as rising prices, job losses, or having to support more family members or others in need.

Also, asset prices during downturns and recessions tend to be much more compelling than during boom periods so those that have the discipline to save, end up making some of the best investments over time.

What are the driving force behind the mutual funds?

There is a perception that having an investment plan that reflects one’s circumstances and investing towards such a plan is the reserve of those that are wealthy because of the high entry requirements for accessing advisory and wealth management services. We however believe it is important, especially during these times, that the majority and not minority of people are able to create and invest in low cost plans, be it to own a home or car, or to cover the school fees amongst other objectives. Enabling this requires technology and an innovative approach to serving our clients.

To add, our two funds being launched are at opposite ends of the risk spectrum, that is, one has high expected return and risk while the other has low expected return and risk. With both of them, anyone can have a combination

that reflects their investment objective and risk appetite. A young person with many years to go can invest in an aggressive portfolio while an individual in mid-cycle can have a balanced (50:50) combination. Also, a retiree for instance that may need the money before long for living and medical expenses can have a predominantly income (money market) portfolio. The great thing is that both funds also generate income in the form of dividends and interest, which are distributed to unit holders.

What is your unique value proposition to customers?

We have a 24hr liquidation cycle for our money market fund which in most cases, means our clients receive their funds on the same day they make a request. That is quite uncommon in Nigeria today.

Our people are also a unique proposition. We believe we have some of the best investment managers in the industry today. Due diligence through investment research is paramount to our investment approach including the consideration of global and domestic risk factors. We also have the ability to execute our views quickly towards adapting rapidly to the ever changing economic environment, and also to take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves.

Equally, we are constantly looking for ways to generate more value for our clients and reduce processing times for our redemption and subscription processes. This is why we are currently adopting bespoke IT solutions. We are very big on using digital channels as an

avenue for reaching more people in a friendly and low cost manner.

How can the public access your funds?

Our Funds are easily accessible through digital and physical channels. Besides our welcome centers which are spread across the country, our funds can be bought online at online. axamansard.com and using *737*50*AMOUNT *292# on your mobile phone for those that have GTBank accounts or via direct transfers from any bank accounts to the fund account.

Going forward, we will also be accessible using similar channels on Jumia, through additional banking platforms and through our Mobile App. How does being part of AXA, one of the largest insurers/financial services firms globally impact the fund?

Being part of a much larger group allows us access to expertise and global best practice in the management of mutual funds. Our inclusion in the group enables us draw from a large resource and knowledge base, which will in no small way filter through to the management of the fund and for the benefit of unitholders.

Are there other parties involved in your Funds?

Yes, there are a number of other parties involved in ensuring that the Fund is optimally managed and administered to the benefit of all investors.

For instance, beyond our regulator which is the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Fund has a Trustee, Custodian and Auditor, which are Investment One, FCMB Nominees and Horwarth Dafinone, respectively.

T H I S D AY •THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

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BUSINESSWORLD

PERSPECTIVE

Much Ado about NiTel/MTel Sale to NatCom Chika C. Akwaja traces the history behind the eventual emergence of Ntel as Nigeria’s fifth mobile operator and the giant strides it has made since the commercial launch, as well as the many hurdles the holding company NatCom has had to overcome from its many traducers On October 8, 2016, ntel, Nigeria’s fifth mobile network and, according to their website and social media platforms, Nigeria’s first pure play 4G/LTE advanced network will celebrate 6 months since the commencement of commercial operations on 08-04, 2016.

In those 6 months, ntel has attained full network coverage in Abuja, across large swathes of Lagos and then parts of Ogun, Nassarawa and Niger states. It has launched full VoLTE services, signed a landmark deal with Samsung, perfected its selfcare recharge via its website and practically changed the broadband landscape with its superfast and unlimited data propositions.

But despite these chest thumping achievements, ntel which is the trading name for NatCom Development & Investment Limited, has been hounded and harangued on all sides by traducers and nay sayers who have levelled all sorts of accusations at the nascent entity.

And the emerging picture is one of shock and bewilderment that a wholly Nigerian company could successfully acquire and return the moribund Nitel/Mtel to business after 5 failed attempts by more experienced entities like Orascom Telecoms of Egypt.

NatCom was among the 17 consortia that participated in the guided liquidation process for the acquisition of the assets of Nigerian Telecommunications Plc (Nitel) and Nigerian Mobile Telecommunications Limited (Mtel) and was declared the preferred bidder with a bid amount of $252,251,000.00.

As preferred bidder, NatCom paid 30% of the bid amount on January 6, 2015, and the balance of the 70% was paid on April 2, 2015. Completion of full payment of the bid price of $252,251,000.00 gave NatCom the legal right to receive the assets of Nitel and Mtel.

What was not immediately apparent to the NatCom consortium was the moribund state of the assets they were going to receive and the fact that they would need, as Kamar Abass, CEO of ntel has noted in interviews, about $1bn to put them back in working order.

In the past few weeks, there has been an ongoing campaign by a group called Nigeria Association of Auctioneers (NAA), which is calling on the Federal Government to revisit the sale of Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (Nitel) and its mobile arm, Mtel, to NATCOM. The group is accusing the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) of lack of transparency. The BPE and the Nigerian Privatisation Council (NPC) oversaw the guided liquidation process that led to the emergence of NatCom as preferred bidder.

The NAA alleges that the BPE disposed of the core and non-core assets of the old Nitel and Mtel without recourse to open competitive bidding which it avers negated basic principles that guide sale of government assets.

As a telecom industry stakeholder and commentator, I have wondered why the NatCom acquisition of Nitel and Mtel has raised so much dust. A few months ago, Dr. Olatunde Ayeni, immediate past Chairman of NatCom had to defend his company in front of the House of Representatives committees on telecommunications and privatization.

His appearance at the house was predicated on a December 3, 2015, motion raised by Honourable Henry Nwanwuba Calling for an investigation of the Sales of Nigerian Telecommunications and Mobile Telecommunications (MTEL) to NATCOM. In his motion, the member of the upper house queried the liquidation, sale and takeover of Nitel/Mtel.

Following that motion, the House of Representatives’ committees on telecommunications and privatizations were directed to conduct an investigation into the BPE-led guided liquidation of Nitel/Mtel and the subsequent acquisition of their Telecom assets by NatCom. The committees were asked to report back to the house in eight weeks for further legislative action.

The motion seemed to be focused on 4 specific areas – i) undervaluation of Nitel/

Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu Mtel; 2) balkanisation of Nitel/Mtel assets; 3) foreigners benefitting from the privatisation process & 4) review of the privatisation process Three months after Olatunde Ayeni appeared before the house with a robust defence that put paid to the matter, the NAA is raising further questions and the time may have come to answer the questions raised.

I will focus on two of those: alleged undervaluation of Nitel/Mtel and review of the privatisation process.

To answer the first question, one must ask why was Nitel/Mtel sold via a guided liquidation process? The BPE chose the guided liquidation process because of the huge debt and liability profile of Nitel/Mtel.

Six months down the line with subscriber base is growing daily alongside an army of happy and satisfied customers, it is my humble submission that ntel deserves commendation and support not antagonism and unnecessary scrutiny

This was necessary because as Mallam Nasir El Rufai pointed out recently at a stakeholders’ sensitisation conference on the Pension Reform Act 2014 for the North-West organised by the National Pension Commission, “by 2001, a step was taken to sell NITEL which was valued at $500 million. But NITEL’s pension liability was N43 billion, it was a lot of money then in 2001 and N700 billion was the total pension liability of the Nigeria Airways.”

The huge liability of N43bn, according to figures provided by Mallam El Rufai, was a sore point for prospective investors and it was a consideration of that huge liability that informed the BPE and NCP’s decision to pursue a guided liquidation strategy as had been successfully done in the case of National Fertilizer Company of Nigeria which was sold and became Notore via a guided liquidation process.

So, the sale of Nitel/Mtel, via a guided liquidation, to NatCom is not peculiar. It has been applied successfully before by the BPE and NPC in strict adherence to global best practices and tested parameters after detailed financial analysis and negotiations by the Bureau of Public Enterprises, financial advisers and the consortium.

Now, another point to take into account is the passage of time and attendant depreciation of asset quality. When we consider the fact that the figure mentioned by Mallam El Rufai is 14 years old and then factor in depreciation, would it be far-fetched to say that the true value as at 2014 was $252.2m (or N51.6 billion as noted by Otunba Senbore, the court appointed liquidator during a recent meeting with agitated creditors of the liquidated telcos at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja) which the NatCom Consortium bid and paid for?

Otunba Senbore has noted at many fora that due process was followed diligently and to the full letter of the law.

The privatisation process is supervised and facilitated by the NPC and BPE. The BPE

designed the process while the NCP approved it based on international best practice and almost 20 years’ experience garnered from other instances like the earlier referenced National Fertilizer Company/Notore as well as the National Sugar Company.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) was invited in recognition of its constitutional role as regulator of the telecom industry to vet the suitability of the applicants.

Out of the 17 companies that expressed interest, NATCOM and NETTAG were selected to move to the next stage. The two companies progressed to the “Request for Proposal” stage where a $10 million bid bond was a prerequisite in the technical proposal. During the opening process of the bid, NETTAG did not meet the bid bond requirement, and its bid was not opened. At that critical stage, there was a reserve price, but the turning point was that NATCOM eventually offered to pay $252.251 million to emerge the preferred bidder.

Aside from BPE/NPC and NCC, the process had an additional component; the appointment of Otunba Senbore as court appointed liquidator in line with proper judicial process.

An accomplished chartered accountant and insolvency practitioner who oversaw the process, Otunba Senbore was duly appointed by the order of a court and was actively involved in the process from valuation to sale.

Infact, reports from the BPE also indicate that the NatCom Consortium ended up paying an additional $6m due to the staggered payment prescription and exchange rate valuations.

Six months down the line with subscriber base growing daily alongside an army of happy and satisfied customers, it is my humble submission that ntel deserves commendation and support not antagonism and unnecessary scrutiny.

First, for bringing the long drawn privatisation of Nitel/Mtel to a successful conclusion, and making sure that the remaining assets were not balkanised and then adding thousands of jobs to an economy in dire straits.

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BUSINESSWORLD

DEVELOPMENT

SDGs in 365 Days: How Has Nigeria Fared?

A year after the adoption of the 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) many Nigerians are concerned that the country has not achieved a reasonable level of realisation under the current administration, with various challenges arising from economic recession and allegations of corruption. Abimbola Akosile and Ugo Aliogo jointly examine the present scenario

O

n September 25, 2015, 193 member States of the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Agenda tagged; ‘Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’.

The development agenda is a set of seventeen global goals with 169 targets, and part of the UN’s efforts to build a comprehensive development plan in order to complete the unfinished business of the Millennium Development Goal (MDGs). It is also aimed at eradicating all forms of poverty and moving the world onto a sustainable development path while ensuring that no one is left behind.

MDGs Review According to a report, a review of the Millennium Development Goal (MDGs) implementation in Nigeria explained that the country registered diverse results across the goals, geographic areas and gender groups. Regardless of progress on some indicators, many of the goals and targets have not been achieved.

The slow pace of progress nevertheless, the country has reportedly registered some remarkable achievements such as eradicating polio, the implementation of a largely successful Conditional Grants Scheme (CGS) and mobilising community utilisation of health facilities through the village health workers scheme.

The country had also taken the leadership position on the MDGs within the continent and internationally. Policies and institutions set up in Nigeria were admired and simulated by other countries. Showing the same leadership on the SDGs and delivering results across all of the goals will require pro-active planning and thinking.

The report explained that the movement from MDGs to SDGs meant that the new sectors and goals in the SDGs will require new policies and new institutional mechanisms to ensure actions on ground, while calling for increased funding, more financial investments, effective planning and legal framework.

Adoption Commitments At the adoption of the agenda in New York, 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari expressed satisfaction that most countries have pledged commitment to the post-2015 development agenda and the SDGs with their means of implementation, adding that the SDGs have come with lofty aspirations and they require targeted development cooperation by the international community to the year 2020.

“For the newly adopted SDGs to be truly global, they must be practical. In this regard, the SDGs’ core objectives of poverty eradication and reducing inequalities must be met within the framework of a revitalised global partnership support by concrete policies and actions as outlined in the Addis Ababa Action Agenda.

Buhari appealed to industrialised countries to redeem their pledge of earmarking 0.7 per cent of their GDP to development assistance, adding that with the exception of the UK, all concerned countries have met the UN requirements, “but with SDGs we have the opportunity to improve the lives of people not just in the developing world but in all nations.”

The President noted that Nigeria fully subscribes and endorses Goals 13, 14 and 15 of the SDGs regarding climate change, stressing that in Nigeria, desertification, land erosion and degradation leading to biodiversity loss are real threats to the environment.

Joint Roles The Director of the United Nation Information Centre (UNIC) in Nigeria, Ronald Kayanja, said the SDGs is a global target that should not be met only by the federal or state government alone.

Kayanja added that the private sector, Civil

Society Organisations (CSO), foundations, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) and development partners have a great role to play in the realisation of the goal, “there is a need for high level partnership in order to achieve the goals of the SDGs and everyone has a role to play.”

He stated that in the last one year, Nigeria has achieved some measures of progress, especially with the creation of the Office of the Senior Special Adviser on Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) in the office of the Presidency.

“In the Ministry of Planning and budget, we have focal points on SDGs. In most of the states, we have special advisers on SDGs. One of the challenges countries needs to work on is generating data, in order to reach these goals.

You require data to prove it.

“Presently, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has launched a national survey which will help to develop the baseline for the SDGS. There was a meeting of various stakeholders in July to discuss strategies on how to mainstream SDGs in the planning processes in Nigeria and in November, these goals are going to be official,” he noted.

Kayanja stressed that there will also be launching across the states of the federation,

noting that the essence is to keep promoting these goals so that people will understand; while there have been spirited efforts by NGOs and CSOs at sensitising people at different levels of about SDGs. The UN Director expressed confidence that the country has started well, while calling for the setting up of an institutional framework to help the country to achieve these goals, adding that “the UN has been supportive in helping the government to develop the institutional framework.”

“It is too quick to judge what the nation has achieved in the last one year, remember the expectation of member countries is that these goals are achieved in the year 2030, therefore at the stage where Nigeria is planning and building an institutional framework. We have to first begin by creating awareness and put measures in place for data collection. We hope that by next year, budget will align with SDGs in order to have data to prove”, Other Strides Although senior officials in the UN system and other analysts have admitted that it is still too early to judge how far Nigeria has come or how well the country has performed

in the race to realise the 17 SDGs and the 169 targets between now and the 2030 deadline year, many citizens appreciate the fact that Nigeria began the process of implementation much faster than was the case with the MDGs. Given the need for all stakeholders to be involved in the implementation of the development goals in Nigeria, the federal government recently set the tone by convening a national stakeholders retreat under the auspices of the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on the SDGs (OSSAP-SDGs).

Before then, the National Assembly, with the help of the Acting Regional Coordinator, Africa of the United Nations SDG Action Campaign, Mr. Hilary Ogbonna, also organised an African Parliamentarians retreat on the SDGs in Abuja; while civil society organisations, some private sector organisations, and the media have been actively involved in creating awareness on the SDGs. If the various efforts by the present administration to integrate the SDGs into the national development framework, with domestication and step-downs by the various states are anything to go by, Nigerians may get to enjoy the benefits of good governance contained in the global SDGs.

RANDOM THOTS

Dangerous Pastime Recently, an analyst on statistical data made a startling disclosure on live television on a popular news channel. While admitting that the purchasing power of Nigerians has generally been eroded by inflation and the harsh economic times the country is facing, there is an ironic increase in demand for playing cards. In other words, more and more citizens, who are out of jobs, are now idle and whiling away time and potential man-hours playing cards, for want of a better thing to do.

With this latest pastime, two things readily come to the mind of this reporter. One, there is a constant call by analysts for

value addition to any process to achieve any real or positive progress in a shrinking economy; where citizens have to go outside the box to think up innovative ways to create forms of employment. This is also one of the reasons why previously unemployed males are now ‘invading’ former feminine vocations like frying of yam and bean cakes and plantain, and greater involvement in hair plaiting. The second thing is that a very large pool of unemployed citizens, both skilled and unskilled, now exist in Nigeria Now, the earlier governments at all levels and willing private sector partners put

the idle populations to work the better, to avoid recourse to negative vocations like armed robbery, kidnapping, militancy and insurgency. Since government wants to ‘spend’ its way out of recession, it has to create jobs for the largely unskilled in farms and road projects; while the skilled can be employed in agri-processing and other projects. As the saying goes, the idle mind is the devil’s workshop; Nigeria has enough problems; adding angry, unemployed citizens to it makes for a potential time bomb. A point to ponder…

Abimbola Akosile

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T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

DEvELOPMENT/ISSUESINBOx

Can Stronger Regions Help Reverse Current Recession?

Some analysts blame the present economic recession in Nigeria on dwindling allocations from the federal purse to the states, caused by the global fall in oil prices. As States stagger under the burdens of unpaid wages and scarce resources, others call for return to six strong regions with a weaker centre, where comparative advantages can be employed to revive the regional and national economies and create new jobs for youths. To you, can stronger regions (and a weaker centre) help successfully tackle the present recession in the country?

Abimbola Akosile * Yes, strong regions can reliably reverse our current grotesque recession which is alarmingly ravaging Nigeria today. Local government autonomy is long overdue to break into the world market on the long run.

Absolute power at the centre is causing both total corruption and rebellion by a lawless but powerful few. PMB has backed patriotic moves to separate local government accounts from state. Six strong regions is the solution.

They pay homage to the central government faithfully and that is it. A stitch in time saves nine, if not the whole ten.

- Mr. Apeji Onesi, Lagos State * If the States cannot manage their resources effectively what guarantee do we have that the proposed regions will do better? I believe it’s more of a leadership issue on one hand and the roles of the States in Nigeria’s peculiar federal structure which concentrates a lot of economic power to the centre; leadership, in the sense that political leaders are self-centred and so far largely irresponsible. Governor Willy Obiano of Anambra State recently abolished certain taxes to minimise the effect of the recession on the disposal income of residents of Anambra State, quite commendable and innovative. Other State Governors should think along such lines.

- Mr. Utibe Uko, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State * I think the moment of reality is staring us in the face.

- Mrs. Mary Adeola Ayeni Tehinse, Lagos State * The need to revert to the old six regional arrangement, where every region is encouraged to harness their potentials where they have comparative advantage over others, cannot be over-emphasised. The present economic reality demands that the various regions should look inwards and maximise their potentials and only pay tax to the central government.

This will certainly encourage creativity and spirit of competition instead of the present situation where indolent states go cap in hand to receive their share of the so-called national cake which they never contributed in baking.

- Mr. Jideofor Paul, FCOE, Zuba, Abuja

THE FEEDBACK Yes, it will help reverse recession:

5

No, it will not: Others:

7

Radical tip

Create stronger States!

Total no of respondents: 12

12

Male:

9

Female:

3

Highest location:

Lagos (7)

* What may seem as a rhetorical question is: how did we find ourselves in this economic mess, and, why the brouhaha to return to regional system at this moment, simply because our economy is going down every day? In fact the regional system is good but it is not the solution to our multiple plights.

Our given problems are predicated on the failures of our past leaders to project into the future so as to address such challenges when they emerged. I think our problem is inability to know what we stand for as a nation because of our various political, economic, regional, tribal, religious affiliations.

We must identify what we stand for and be committed to it regardless of our interests, hence the recession will turn into depression and the-much-talked-about regionalism will not make any difference.

- Mr. Acha Moses, Lagos State * This question is a way of asking if restructuring will benefit Nigeria. I think the country will prosper but a great deal of Nigerians will disagree. So how do we convince the nay-sayers to see reason? It also means some regions will have much more wealth to flaunt than others.

- Mr. E. Iheanyi Chukwudi, B.A.R., Apo, Abuja * Yes, stronger regions will eventually reverse the current recession through micro financing of micro-businesses using the economic laws of comparative advantage across board and especially agriculture. Our hope is in

cheap small-scale farming at the grassroots level. Local silos will complement storage.

Too much power at the centre breeds high profile corruption. We must change all that for good.

- Miss Apeji Patience Eneyeme, Badagry, Lagos State * I don’t believe in stronger regions, but believe in stronger states. More resources should be made available to the states from federal allocations and the fear of marginalisation, agitations, and restiveness would die down.

We need to go back to the first republic, where there were only between 10 and 16 ministers in the cabinet. If ministries are reduced to that level or lower, it would make way for more responsibilities and resources to be made available to the states. The same fear of domination that has plagued us since independence will still be there in a regional or six geopolitical zones’ structure.

- Mr. Buga Dunj, Jos, Plateau State * Recession is a seed planted by PDP government is now growing and having branches spreading all over because of corruption in their government. Until this present government uproots the plant with diversification of the economy into other sectors, the problem will still continue in economic crisis. Nigerians should back the government policies to get out of this recession before it turns to depression which will be dangerous to our economy.

- Mrs. Ijeoma Nnorom, Lagos State * My answer is capital Yes! It has been proven beyond reasonable doubt that no state in the country has less than two or more natural mineral resources in its state. In this wise I can see all regions viable and strong enough to maintain and take care of the need of its citizens without the interference of the parasitic centre, the federal. I can see heavy competitions within these regions as they are trying to outsmart one another. Stronger regions would help reverse current recession and the centre pull and rent collectors.

- Hon. Babale Maiungwa, U/Romi, Kaduna * I am not in support of six strong regions with weaker centre. Rather, I am in support of strong states with a weaker centre. Going

back to the past has its own disadvantages. I believe that every state has enough resources to take care of her people. It will encourage creativity, competition, industrialisation and inter-dependence among states. It will surely go a long way in reviving the national and state economies as well as provide employments for millions of people.

- Mr. Pacer Aderinkomi, Surulere, Lagos State * Stronger regions will spur comparative advantages and states under each region will be encouraged to develop and harness their various unique natural and human resources to generate employment and contribute to the GDP at the state and national levels.

Furthermore, emphasis will shift to greater patronage of quality local goods, which can also go for export once local demand is met for millions of citizens. Thus, healthier and economically buoyant states will surely help reverse recession.

- Mr. Olumuyiwa Olorunsomo, Lagos

Next Week: To Help Rescue Nigeria, What Tips for PMB? Although many citizens have described President Muhammadu Buhari as a principled leader of integrity, which is what Nigeria needs, the present severe economic situation and harsh impact on the same citizens has hugely affected his popularity rating and public acceptance. To help rescue Nigeria from a general precarious situation and restore positive development, what advice would you give the president as action points? Please make your response direct, short and simple, and state your full name, title, organisation, and location. Responses should be sent between today (Sept 29 & Monday, Oct 3) to abimbolayi@yahoo.com, greatbimbo@ gmail.com, AND abimbola.akosile@ thisdaylive.com. Respondents can also send a short text message to 08023117639 and/ or 08188361766 and/or 08114495306.

Collated responses will be published on Thursday, October 6

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BUSINESSWORLD

DEVELOPMENT

Scene of a collapsed makeshift bridge linking Giwa/Oke Aro to Lambe, Ogun State after a recent downpour

LASG Injects N19bn into Grassroots Devt in Eight Months, Creates 15,000 Jobs Abimbola Akosile The Lagos State Government has disclosed that it had injected a whopping sum of N19 billion into revamping and refurbishing various infrastructure projects at the grassroots between January and August in the state.

The state government added that the injection of N19 billion led to the creation of 5,000 direct jobs and 10,000 indirect jobs through its aggressive grassroots infrastructure renewal.

The state governor, Mr.

Akinwunmi Ambode disclosed this while inaugurating some of the 114 inner-city roads in Agege, Epe, Yaba, AjeromiIfelodun, Ojokoro, Eti-Osa, Onigbongbo and Ikorodu recently.

At the inauguration, Ambode said his administration had made the economy of Lagos the most viable in the country by investing N19 billion of the state and local governments’ funds in the infrastructure renewal.

Contrary to the practice in other climes, Ambode said 89 indigenous contractors,

which went through a bidding process in line with international best practices, were engaged to execute the projects.

The governor, therefore, acknowledged that the manner the indigenous contractors executed the projects practically demonstrated the capacity of the construction industry in Lagos and Nigeria at large.

By completing 114 roads across 57 local councils in the state between January and August this year, Ambode said his administration “has translated vision to action

and transformed our dream reality.”

By implication, Ambode said across the length and breadth of the state, from the nooks of Badagry to the crannies of Igbonla, from the corners of Odeomi to the creeks of Ikorodu, a new Lagos “has emerged at the centre and peripheries.”

He said the new Lagos “is a Lagos with 56.1 kilometres of roads; standard new roads. It is a Lagos with more than 112 kilometres of walkways and covered drainages. It is indeed a Lagos with more than 56

kilometres of independently powers street lights to enhance the security of neighbourhoods and elevate Lagos as the megacity of shimmering lights and economy.”

At Agege, the Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare and the Olu of Agege, Oba Kamila Oyedeji said the state government remains committed to running an all-inclusive government.

He said the state government had concluded plan to regenerate the state with a more technology-driven solid waste management, pledging to

embark on more infrastructure development at the grassroots.

Adejare disclosed that the Ambode administration was set to adopt a solid waste management approach in a way that it has never been done in Africa, adding that the state government would engage more experts to evacuate waste on the streets of Lagos.

This plan is in line with the waste-to-wealth scheme of the government, where both organic and inorganic waste products are recycled into new viable products and by-products for new processing.

Canada to Expend about N6bn to Improve Agriculture in Bauchi Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi The Government of Canada is to spend about N6 billion to improve the agriculture and health sector of Bauchi state just as it expressed its preparedness to partner the State Government to improve the lives of over 10,000 persons in the state.

Speaking during the launch of the Livelihood and Nutrition Empowerment (LINE) and the Bauchi Opportunities for Responsive Maternal Neonatal and Child Health (BORN) Projects in Bauchi recently, Head of Development Cooperation, Global Affairs Canada (GAC), Ms. Linda Enrichs said the five year LINE and BORN projects are being implemented in the state by development partners namely Oxfam and Plan International Nigeria respectively with funding from the Canadian

Commission.

Enrichs, who represented the Canadian High Commissioner at the launch of the two projects, said the Canadian Commission is supporting the State with the funds to complement its efforts to address poverty by empowering farmers in the state under the LINE project.

She explained that an expected targeted of 10,000 farming households would benefit through a combination of crop, livestock and nutritional interventions, adding that over 80,000 people in the state would benefit from the process through holistic approach of the LINE project.

She said the BORN Project on the other hand is targeted at reducing child killer diseases as well as infants and maternal mortality rates through strengthening health and education

institutions in the state.

She expressed joy that the relationship between the Canadian Commission and the Bauchi State government, which was stalled for five years due to insurgency in the north-east, has been renewed through the launch of LINE and BORN. Enrichs noted that the two projects are in line with the goals of the Bauchi State government to prioritise health and agriculture, areas she said the Canadian commission also has focus.

Also speaking during the launching, Oxfam Associate Country Director, Ms Evelyn Mere, disclosed that the LINE Project plans to improve the livelihoods of 10, 000 farming households through combination of crop, livestock and nutrition interventions, reaching 80, 000 people in the process.

Mere, who emphasised that the project would tackle poverty and malnutrition, creating wealth and employment opportunities towards ensuring sustainable economic growth and prosperity, said the goals of the foundation was in line with commitment of the Canadian Government toward deepening democracy, promoting rural economic growth for poverty reduction thereby enabling men and women to contribute and benefit from the project.

She recalled that the partnership process started two years when Oxfam approached Global Affairs Canada for partnership on agriculture transformation, noting that the partnership with the state government, which is a five-year project, would enhance the Four Point Agenda of the state in agriculture, Education, Tourism and Health.

Pointing out that the project would assist the private sector especially farmers and pastoralists to have effective market access that truly increases incomes and profits, she said the reality in the country requires private sector companies on which communities produce and consume, and contribute to creating markets that are equitable and work for all to remain sustainably profitable.

She urged all actors to play their roles according to the framework to enable the people of the state, especially those at the grassroots, to benefit from the project.

In his own address, the Country Director, Plan International Nigeria, Dr. Hussaini Abdu, said no fewer than two million people especially women and adolescent girls in Bauchi State are being targeted under the

BORN project.

Abdul said the alarming maternal and infant mortality rates in Bauchi State is driven by poverty, and expressed that focus of the project under BORN is to contribute to the state government’s efforts to reduce poverty, diseases, maternal and infants mortality rates and strengthen health institutions Bauchi state Governor, Mohammed Abubakar while declaring the launching of the occasion, said the state government have reactivated its fertiliser company to produce enough fertiliser for its farmers.

Abubakar, represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Alhaji Abdul Sule Katagum, said the state government had also provided land and agricultural inputs to farmers to encourage dry season farming.

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T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

DEVELOPMENT QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“This idea of inclusiveness should not only pertain to members of the National Assembly who are constitutionally mandated to perform oversights on the federal budget, but should include other arms of government, civil society groups, leaders of the private sector and private citizens. Everyone, in fact, must be allowed to contribute at every stage from the budget preparation, passage, implementation, supplementary or amendment stages” -GOVERNOR OF SOKOTO STATE, HON. AMINU WAZIRI TAMBUWAL, SPEAKING AT THE MAIDEN ‘THE GALLERY COLLOQUIUM ON REFORMING THE BUDGETARY PROCESS’ IN ABUJA

Kaduna State Commits to Empowering Girls with Education John Shiklam in Kaduna

UNICEF, UNFPA Partner Imo on Campaign against Female Genital Mutilation Amby Uneze in Owerri The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) are jointly working with the wife of the Imo State Governor, Mrs. Nneoma Okorocha to stop the obnoxious act of Female Genital Mutilation or Cutting (FGM/C) in the state.

The UN agencies also called on the Imo state government to put in place a comprehensive legislation to criminalise the FGM/C practice and ensure strict enforcement, adding that the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Bill should be revisited and passed as a law in that regard.

The Chief of Enugu field office (UNICEF) Mr. Charles Nzuki and the Country Representative of UNFPA, Mrs. Beatrice Mutali gave the directive at the launch of a campaign to end Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting organised

by Mrs. Okorocha in Owerri recently.

Nzuki who disclosed that Imo has the fourth highest FGM/C prevalence in the country said a recent baseline survey conducted in 2014 under the UNFPA /UNICEF joint programme on accelerating change for abandonment of FGM further provided prevalence rate of FGM in the LGAs of the state.

He said “UNICEF also urges the state government to further demonstrate political will by ensuring budgetary allocation and release of financial resources through dedicated lines in the relevant ministries”, stating that the launch was a clarion call to community and faith-based leaders to embark on massive awareness programme in their constituencies and congregations to educate the people on the harmful effects of FGM/C. While pledging the cooperation and support of UNICEF to end FGM in the state, Nzuki urged the state Ministry of Health to promote and to develop the capacity

Protest against female genital mutilation of health facilities and support services for survivors into routine health programmes such as immunisation and ante-natal Clinic.

Addressing stakeholders, Mrs. Okorocha decried the rampant practice of female genital mutilation and the horrors, risks and pains associated with it. She called on the state house of Assembly, the Church, traditional institution, the NCWS, ministries of Health and Education as well as all stakeholders to assist in the crusade against the monster called FGM/cutting.

She inaugurated local government, ward, and community ambassadors as well as traditional rulers and church leaders and charged them to take the message to all nooks and crannies of the state and also appealed to the state house of assembly to pass the VAPP bill which is before the house so that

it will be criminal for persons to commit such an offence.

In his remarks, Governor Rochas Okorocha expressed regret at the inability of parents to stop FGM before now, noting that the launch would save the lives of the unborn female babies and violence against women and young females in the society.

Okorocha said “Culture is good but all obnoxious cultures must be stopped because when our tradition encourages unhealthy and barbaric acts, that culture must be stopped.

Culture is not static but progressive”.

The governor expressed dismay that Imo is among the states with the highest rate of FGM/cutting saying “we can no longer allow ignorance to overwhelm our people, and I enjoin our traditional rulers to ensure total immunisation of our children against polio.”

Governor Nasir el-Rufai has restated the commitment of the Kaduna State Government to girls’ education and guaranteeing nine years of free education in the State. The Governor stated this when he attended the Influencers Screening of the documentary ‘He named me Malala’.

The screening was jointly organised by Youthhubafrica, the Centre for Girls Education and the Kaduna State Government and hosted at the Council Chambers of the Kaduna State Government House recently.

Governor el-Rufai also noted that school enrolment figures in public primary and secondary schools have jumped from 1.1million to 1.8m since the commencement of the school feeding programme in the state. The el-Rufai government expects the figures to rise to 2.2 million by September when the new school session begins.

Speaking during the panel session at the Screening, the wife of the Kaduna State Governor, Mrs. Hadiza el-Rufai expressed her commitment to continue to support every effort that guarantees access to education for young girls, as it is the surest way to lift them and their families out of poverty and ensure they live fulfilled lives.

“During the course of my work with young girls, I have come to realise that they are very rich in ideas. Unfortunately, being ‘idea rich’ does not cut it anymore, it is integral to complement these ideas with opportunities’ and we who are influencers in society, owe it as a duty to create these opportunities”, she said.

Executive Director, Youthhubafrica, Mr. Rotimi Olawale, who spoke at the event, highlighted some of the challenges faced by young girls especially in Northern Nigeria in completing their secondary education. He also cited the high dropout rates among girls, saying it is high time to encourage girls to aspire to higher education levels. Responding to questions on why the state government hasn’t extended its free education programme to cover 12 years of education until the end of secondary school, Governor el-Rufai reiterated the belief of the Kaduna State Government that education should be free at all levels, however due to the paucity of funds, the State Government has initially guaranteed the first 9 years. He promised to extend the free education to 12 years as soon as the state’s financial position improves.

The screening was also attended by the commissioners for education, health, women affairs and youth as well as traditional leaders, community leaders, women leaders and representatives of non-profits working in the state. The screening of ‘He named me Malala’ is part of a Youthhubafrica initiative, in collaboration with the Malala Fund and with support from Participant Media and to screen the documentary to school girls, community and traditional leaders; and policy makers in the country.

The documentary chronicles the remarkable story of Malala Yusufzai who defied all odds, including a terrorist attack in pursuit of her dream for education. The project has so far screened the documentary to up to 10,000 persons in 30 cities across Nigeria as part of efforts to encourage girls’ education and build stakeholder support for girls’ education in Nigeria.

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T H I S D AY THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

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

At56,NigeriaStillLacksFunctioningRadiotherapy Machines

Despite worrying data that shows two million Nigerians suffer from cancer in the country, decades of independence has not changed the dearth of radiotherapy machines. Nigerians continue to demand improved cancer care as the country turns 56 in two days. Martins Ifijeh writes

P

rior to October 1, 1960, when a British journalist and novelist, Flora Shaw gave the most populous black nation its name, Nigeria, in preparation to becoming an independent state, everyone was of high spirit that soon the nation would be able to control its enormous resources independently, and that in the next two to three decades, most of the basic needs of the citizens would have been met, including infrastructural development, education, health, among others.

Truly, Nigeria has generally been regarded as a blessed country, even before its name was birthed. But 56 years after, various institutions in the country, including the health and educational sector, as well as financial institutions are still grappling to be at par with those of some other countries that got their independence at about the time Nigeria did. Of these countries, only few could match the natural and human resources found in Nigeria.

Singapore, Malaysia, Cyprus, among others according to some school of thoughts, have long passed Nigeria in terms of healthcare, economic growth, poverty alleviation, infrastructural development and other several parameters that determine the strength and progress of a country.

THISDAY investigations as Nigeria turns 56 on Saturday, showed that the chief sector where the citizens feel the country has not fared relatively well considering the resources at its disposal is the health sector, with majority of the citizens already losing confidence in the country’s healthcare system due to lack of infrastructure and policies targeting the health and wellbeing of Nigerians since the country was birthed.

With several areas of the healthcare system continuously begging for attention, including the primary healthcare system, quality and affordable healthcare, increased maternal and child mortality, as well as high cost of treatment and slow pace in meeting world targeted health goals, a major area of the health sector where stakeholders and the citizens feel the country hasn’t fared well, and could be said to have abysmally performed poorly, was the attitude to cancer treatment.

While most countries have recognised cancer as one of the major killer diseases globally, and are putting concerted efforts in place to tackle it, as well as manage/treat the scourge, Nigeria still lag behind in tackling the global health issue which has killed several Nigerians in recent times.

Every year, thousands of cancer patients die in the country due to the lack of proper treatment plans and awareness by the citizens on prevention and routine medical checkup.

Experts believed the scourge was becoming prevalent in Nigeria because the government has not placed a priority in tackling the scourge like it did for Ebola virus disease and other outbreaks which have been successfully controlled or eradicated.

Plainly put, a Professor of Clinical and Radiation Oncologist, Prof. Sunday Adeyemi Adewuyi, in a presentation at the CEAFON cancer summit in Abuja, said the abysmally poor cancer management in the country can be referred to as a death sentence for cancer patients because the country presently lacked the capacity to manage the several thousands of patients needing radiotherapy daily.

He said the recommended number of cancer machines, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is one machine to 250,000 population, or one machine to 350 to 450 cancer patients, but that Nigeria currently has seven radiotherapy machines which means there was one cancer machine to over 30 million people.

Checks by THISDAY have however shown

President Buhari

that all seven cancer machines have in recent years never worked at the same time. Only one or two work at a given time, records show.

In a more gloomier development, weeks ago, all cancer machines in the country were down, leaving the two million cancer patients and the over 180 million Nigerians at the mercy of the disease. As at the time of going to press, this newspaper could not ascertain if any of the machines has been fixed.

According to Adewusi, Nigeria was expected to have 840 cancer machines to match the recommended numbers per the population.

“South Africa, has 18 radiotherapy machines, which means one machine to 1.3 million citizens, while another fellow African country, Egypt, has 35 cancer machines, that is one machine to 1.2 million citizens. Japan has 611 cancer machines, with one machine to 150,000 citizens, while China has 453 machines, with one machine

Nigeria is expected to have 840 cancer machines to match the recommended numbers per the population ...but till date the country only has seven

to 1.8 million people,” Adewusi said.

According to the World Health Organisation, radiotherapy machine is the device commonly used for external beam radiation treatment for patients with cancer, adding that it was better for an oncology patient not to get radiation treatment than to get half dose or incomplete dosage.

One of the cancer patients who was turned back from Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, weeks ago due to the breakdown of the radiotherapy machine in the hospital, Mrs. Omawunmi Olajide, said she was on radiotherapy session in the National Hospital Abuja, but was referred to LUTH when that of Abuja broke down, adding that she was also unable to access the therapy session in LUTH due to the same situation.

She said when the Uthman Dan Fodio Teaching Hospital was contacted, they also told her the same story of a non functioning radiotherapy machine. Hence she was leaving at the mercy of the hospitals and the government, which she said she hoped would put the machines in place soon for her to continue her treatment.

Experts say when a cancer patient undergoing radiotherapy stops the treatment process, the cancer cells tends to build up immunity and bounce back, taking the patient back to square zero.

Asked what she would wish the country do as it turns 56 this week, Olajide said government should provide cancer treatment machines, as well as subsidise the cost of treatment, adding that getting the needed funds for treatment was also as important as getting a functioning radiotherapy machine for treatment.

Olajide is not the only one going through the pain of cancer and the inability to access treatment in the country. Earlier reports have

shown that daily, cancer patients throng hospitals where there were supposedly radiotherapy machines, but that the continuous breakdown of the machines has hampered treatment across the country, thereby leading to high mortality rate occasioned by the disease.

Before the machine in National Hospital Abuja broke down, a Consultant, Clinical Oncologist in the hospital, Dr. Bello Abubakar Mohammed, earlier this year, told THISDAY that patients were becoming helpless due to the huge number of people on the waiting list to access the radiotherapy machine in the hospital.

“If a patient comes today and pay all the funds to access radiotherapy treatment, that patient will have to wait for at least six weeks before it can reach his or her turn. Only God knows how many patients will survive that waiting time. That is the situation we find ourselves,” he said.

As though he also envisaged that the over load on the machine might cause a breakdown soon, Mohammed noted that every day the machine was working far beyond the recommended time because there were too many people on the list. “If you rest the machine, people will begin to die. The machine has been working like that for 16 years, whereas its lifespan is seven years. The machine is already over stretched.

If this one packed up now, what will be the fate of those waiting to access the machine?”

He queried.

A week after he spoke to THISDAY, the machine packed up, and as at the time of publishing this article, there is no information on whether it has been fixed.

“Apart from the dearth of cancer facilities, we are short of oncologists and other personnel.

We have less than 60 oncologists in the country, yet we need 3,000 of them. Same with other personnel like medical physicists, oncology nurses, among others,” adding, Mohammed said it takes six years to train a specialist.

Commenting on the total breakdown of radiotherapy machines in the country weeks ago, the Chairman, National Programme on Cancer Management, Professor Francis Abayomi Durosimi-Etti, who spoke to the media said there was palpable fear in the land over the fate of cancer patients, with the complete breakdown of all radiation machines in the country. “It is so sad, it is a pity and it is a shame and I actually feel ashamed because all over the world we have so many machines even in one hospital compared to all the faulty ones we have all over the country,” he added.

Durosimi-Etti, who stressed the need to urgently fix the machines, added that they should be upgraded. “To the best of my knowledge, action is being taken in this direction. I must admit that it is very sad. The problem is that those machines were old and then we have this erratic power supply and third, the humidity and dust are not helping. ‘’This is because they require certain conditions to get them operate optimally. The Linear Accelerator needs cooling system and this is something I believe can be fixed. I can tell you definitively from my knowledge, being a key player here that our government is doing a lot to get round the problem.’”

Adding, Durosimi-Etti recommended that government set up a task force to look into the solution.

He said: “The situation whereby when a patient with tumour approaches a cancer centre and commences treatment would have to suspend treatment because the machines break down and cannot continue elsewhere because the guidelines for operations is not the same as the centre where he or she was receiving treatment is not good at all,” adding that it would take about $2 million to get a brand new radiotherapy machine.

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T H I S D AY THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

NEWS

‘10,000 Nigerians Die from Cancer Annually’ As group screens 200 women for cancer Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo The pioneer Head, Radiation Oncology, University Teaching Hospital, Ibadan and member of the National Consultative Committee on Cancer Control, Prof. Dapo Campbell, has revealed that over 10,000 Nigerians die yearly from cancer, while over 250 new cases are diagnosed yearly.

Stating this at a week-long cancer sensitisation and screening workshop in Osogbo, organised by the Gracious Youth Empowerment Centre in partnership with the Osun State Ministry of Health, he said the scourge has remained the leading cause of death among non-communicable diseases in Nigeria.

“The prevalence has continued to increase due to low awareness, gross inadequacy of treatment facilities for patients, as well as the lifestyle of Nigerians,” adding that poor dieting has contributed in no small measure to the increased prevalence of the scourge in

the country.

Campbell, who delivered a paper on ‘Clinical Perspective to Cancer Prevention and Treatment’, said Nigerians must consciously watch what they eat, as this would help prevent e disease in the first case.

Corroborating Campbell’s position, the Director, Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, University of Ibadan, Professor Oyeronke Odunola, counseled that by eating much vegetable, fruits and regular exercise, Nigerians can stem the tide of cancer.

The GYEC chairperson, Remi Ajibewa, lamented that despite cancer being preventable, most women in Nigeria especially those living in non-metropolitan cities like Osogbo and its environs lack information on the disease, diagnosis and funds for treatment.

She noted that “most women continue to succumb to premature death simply because they do not have access to information on this disease,” she added.

Also lending his voice, the Chairman, National Consultative Committee on Cancer Control in Nigeria, Prof. F.A.Durosinmi-Etti said about 49.8 per cent of all cancer cases occur in women, with breast cancer accounting for 26.2 per cent and cervical cancer accounting for 23.6 per cent.

He said cancer care was expensive and currently mainly borne out of pocket by many patients. “Government subsidy

through NHIS is desirable.

Available treatment facilities are still grossly inadequate.

There is an urgent need for continuing education of all cancer care professionals on current skills and knowledge.

“Cancer is often perceived as a disease that strikes for no apparent reason. This is because scientists don’t know all the reasons. But many of the causes of cancer have already been identified. Besides heredity,

scientific studies point to the existence of three main categories of factors that contribute to the development of cancer: chemicals (e.g., from smoking or diet), radiation, and viruses or bacteria,” he explained.

He noted that in some cases, people don’t know there were chemical, physical and biological agents that trigger the cell mutations that causes cancer, adding that they are referred to as carcinogens, including

tobacco, ultraviolet radiation and asbestos.

The sensitisation programme, which started September 5th to 9th, involved workshop, capacity building for health personnel and the screening of over 200 women across the state.

Governor of the State, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole and other dignitaries graced the occasion.

Develop Drugs to Tackle Health Challenges, Ambode Urges Pharmacists Martins Ifijeh The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has called on Nigerian pharmacists to develop drugs that will tackle the health challenges peculiar to tropical Africa using local resources and endowments.

Speaking through the State’s Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Omodele Osunkiyesi during the investiture of six professionals into the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacists, he said pharmacists have an important role to play in the wellbeing of the society, hence the need to step up its commitments to the health of Nigerians and Africans in general. Commending the Academy for its drive to improving the quality of training for pharmacists, he said the level of commitment towards research will stand it out in good stead.

On his part, the special guest of honour, Dr. Christopher Kolade, who was also decorated at the investiture, said those honoured have truly distinguished themselves in the pharmaceutical profession and the quality of their performance in the various positions that they occupy.

He said generally, leadership performance was a need the nation can no longer postpone, hence the need to recognise and engage only those who have made marks in the previous positions they occupied.

“Sadly, the constitution that gives political office holders access to elections does not require them to show any evidence of performance in any previous positions of respectable responsibility. A true professional voluntarily

commits himself to the values, standards and disciplines of his profession which are based on equity and fairness with Integrity and accountability as an inescapable imperative in the discharge of their duties,” Kolade said.

President of the Academy, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi noted that pharmacy has long embraced a paradigm shift in focus, as drugs are no longer the focus and locus of the practice, patients have now assumed the centre of attention with clinical and public health pharmacy as the new order.

Furthermore, he noted that the selection exercise of awardees was a rigorous and meticulous one. “The awardees, drawn from a diverse sector that includes academia, private and public sector, possess intensively impressive profiles as well as the mindset and disposition that resonate soundly with the Academy’s mission and raison d’être. I believe they would further enrich the quality and depth of the Academy’s interventions in society.”

The newly inducted fellows include Pharm Elijah Mohammed, Registrar of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, Hajia Amina Bala-Zakari one time acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Olu Akanmu, Senior Vice President/ Divisional Head of Retail Banking, First City Monument Bank Plc. The high point of the night was the conferment of a life time achievement award on Prof. Julius Okojie, who while at the helm of the NUC saw to the accreditation of new patient-driven

L-R: Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Africa, United States Agency for International Development, Linda Etim and Chairman, Rendeavour, Frank Mosier, during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding to support young African leaders, held in Lagos ...recently

MCF Initiative Set to Support Healthcare Providers in Nigeria Hassan Omotayo The Country Director, PharmAccess Foundation, Ms. Ndili Njide has revealed that the newly established Medical Credit Fund (MCF) will provide loan facilities to healthcare business owners and medical practitioners across the country to ensure quality healthcare delivery and its affordability.

Stating this at the Continuing Medical Education Workshop on Quality and Financing Healthcare Projects, she said as a way of mitigating the impact of recession for the healthcare industry, interested healthcare providers, who would like to purchase medical equipments like radiotherapy can get facilitation through MCF for loans. “Whatever it is within the healthcare value chain, including building a new facility, MCF will be ready to support such. MCF is not for profit but we are here for expansion and improving healthcare businesses,” she added.

Ndili also stated that as part of efforts to tackle the dearth of radiotherapy machines in the country, interested organisations who would like to provide radiotherapy machines and other medical equipments can be assisted as well.

“Healthcare financing is very minimal. Banks don’t understand the healthcare business.

The impression is that if they finance healthcare business, there is no collateral to hold on to and it’s not appropriate to lock up a hospital. And because they don’t understand the healthcare business, MCF is established to bring to the banks how the healthcare organisations function; on the hospitals we help them to meet the requirements of the bank,” she added.

Se said they have so far facilitated loans to the tune of $16million in Africa, adding that the payment rate has been 96 per cent, which she said was a passmark. “And now we are trying to showcase what we have done and to de-risk the healthcare market and also to encourage banks to give out more loans to the health sector”.

Adding, she said: “we are here to introduce and show case the MCF, which is enough of profit fund that was established by Pharmaccess foundation. We are trying to bring together all care business owners and medical practitioners who may be interested in the borrowing or who need resources to establish their facilities or to expand their businesses.

“My advice to the medical practitioner is that they should approach MCF is we provide necessary information that will enable them take loans. But also i know that a lot of healthcare practitioners don’t like taking loans. They will rather grow

organically by expanding slowly but we are trying to change that mentality that you they can actually take a loan that will help them live on their proper business plan and that

is what businesses in overseas do. And also as we are giving the loan we are also bringing along safe care to ensure that there is quality improvement in the service delivery” she said.

USAID, Rendeavour Signs MoU to Support AfricanYouths Martins Ifijeh Rendeavour, an urban land developer with two mixed-use development projects in Abuja and Lagos, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to support and grow young African leaders.

On the margins of the UN General Assembly, and in support of US President Barack Obama’s efforts to promote youth development and entrepreneurship in Africa, Rendeavour’s in-kind contribution of $1 million to the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), will provide assistance to young entrepreneurs in Nigeria and across the countries in which Rendeavour operates.

YALI, a $50 million USAID programme, is designed to foster leadership opportunities for African youth, encourage young Africans to excel in business, civil society and

public administration in their respective countries.

The contribution, according to Rendeavour, was part of its commitment to developing Africa’s future leadership through mentorship, skills training, and professional development opportunities. “We believe that building tomorrow’s cadre of African leaders is the highest-impact way to develop sustainably,” says Frank Mosier, Rendeavour’s chairman. “With more than 200 million young people on the continent, the key to Africa’s success lies in preparing its next generation for economic and political leadership.”

Rendeavour is the largest urban land developer in Africa.

Its portfolio includes seven satellite city developments, in Kenya, Zambia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria and Ghana, encompassing 12,000 hectares of land that will eventually be home to approximately 500,000 mostly middle income Africans.

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T H I S D AY THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

HEALTH MATTERS

goketakinrogunde@gmail.com

HEALTH

By Goke T. Akinrogunde 07036777348; 07029126776

Understanding Low Back Pain disc and the other by the facets. When the spinal cord reaches the lumbar region, it splits into four bundled strands of nerve roots called the cauda equina (meaning horsetail in Latin).

Low back pain is a very common complaint affecting majority of us. For some, it is on and off events; whereas for others it is a chronic occurrence, persisting as an on-going pain.

One relevant thing here with respect to low back pain is that its causes are different and the pathological outlook also differs.

Majority of backache is however due to strain on the back muscles and they can easily be ameliorated with some physical measures, including a number of exercises, and relieve can also be achieved with mild and moderateacting analgesic. Anyhow, it is advisable to see a health provider before the commencement of medication particularly if the pain persists longer than few days.

On the other extreme, persisting low backache may be due to very serious medical conditions that involve the spinal cord or nerve tissues directly related to spinal cord or conditions directly affecting the backbones. Conditions like secondary cancers transported from other parts of the body can get deposited on the backbone causing different grades of pain. Similarly, bone infections like TB of the spine, Osteomyelitis etc can cause low backache. Other conditions, such as arthritis, can also cause back pain.

Sometimes sinister and serious medical conditions causing low back pain also have other symptoms like inability to control ones bladder or bowels; thus leading to passage of stool and urine freely and uncontrollably, finding it hard to move the legs or walking.

Sometimes the arms or legs can come numb or tingling. These symptoms may indicate problem with the spine and nerves.

Another related issue to note here is the various misconceptions about low back pain. For example, the not-so-uncommon misconception that most low back pains have a direct bearing with an affliction of dysentery or ‘pile’ has no scientific bearing; at best most of these cases are mere co-incidence since the definitive cause of ‘dysentery’ is infection from micro-organisms.

Low back pain and stiffness An acknowledged point however is that low back pain is commonly talked about as pain or stiffness at the lower back. As mentioned earlier this is because, most of the time, it is caused when a muscle in ones back is strained.

For example, it can happen when one lifts a heavy object or when one sits or stand for a long time. Low back pain also comes in different manifestations; it may last a day or two, several weeks, or longer. One may have pain in one spot or it may spread down the buttocks and not uncommonly into the legs.

The Spine The spine is a column of small bones, or vertebrae, that support the entire upper body.

The column is grouped into three sections of vertebrae: The cervical (C) vertebrae are the seven spinal bones that support the neck. The thoracic

Causes of low back pain Low back pain is usually defined as either acute or chronic Acute low back pain lasts less than a month and is not caused by serious medical conditions.

Most cases clear up in a few days without medical attention, although recurrence after a first attack is common.

Chronic low back pain persists beyond six months. It constitutes only 1 per cent to 5 per cent of all low back pain cases.

Back pain may be triggered by various problems that occur along the ridge of bone and disc and stretch or pinch nerves within the spinal column: Injuries and small fractures can occur.

Muscle spasms can cause pain.

Pressure on a weakened disc may cause it to rupture so the nucleus pulposus protrudes out from the spinal column, a condition known as a herniated disc. The facets can become misaligned or deteriorate. The spinal canal itself can become narrowed, a disorder called spinal stenosis.

(T) vertebrae are the twelve spinal bones that connect to the rib cage. The lumbar (L) vertebrae are the five lowest and largest bones of the spinal column.

Most of the body’s weight and stress falls on the lumbar vertebrae. Below the lumbar region is the sacrum, a shield-shaped bony structure that connects with the pelvis at the sacroiliac joints. At the end of the sacrum are two to four tiny, partially fused vertebrae known as the coccyx or “tail bone.”

Vertebrae in the spinal column are separated from each other by small cushions of cartilage known as intervertebral discs. Inside each disc is a jelly-like substance called the nucleus pulposus , which is surrounded by a fibrous structure called the annulus.

The disc is 80% water, which makes it very elastic. It has no blood supply of its own, however, but relies on nearby blood vessels to keep it nourished.

Each vertebra in the spine has a number of bony projections, known as processes.

The spinal and transverse processes attach to the muscles in the back and act like little levers, allowing the spine to twist or bend. The particular processes form the joints between the vertebrae themselves, meeting together and interlocking at the facet joints.

Spinal Canal and Spinal Cord Each vertebra and its processes surround and protect an arch-shaped central opening.

These arches, aligned to run down the spine, form the spinal canal, which encloses the spinal cord.

The spinal cord is the central trunk of nerves that connects the brain with the rest of the body.

Each nerve root passes from the spinal column to other parts of the body through small openings bounded on one side by the

Treating Low Back Pain Enunciated below are some good ideas for taking care of low back pain: Use an electric heating pad on a low setting (or a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel) for 20 to 30 minutes. Minding the heating pad not to get too hot, and don’t fall asleep with it. One could get a burn.

Use an ice pack wrapped in a towel for 20 minutes, one to four times a day. Take paracetamol or aspirin/ ibuprofen etc if you are not an ulcer patient, or other pain medications your health care provider may suggest.

Appropriate sleeping positions that help Rest on a firm mattress. It may help to lie on your back with your knees raised or lie on your side with your knees bent. Put a pillow under your knees when you are lying down. Sleep without a pillow under your head.

Profession helps Sometimes physical therapist and doctors may advise the wearing of a belt or corset to support the back.

Visits to the physical therapist for traction can also help. Back massage by a trained person can also come handy. Generally, it is advised to take it easy at first. As one starts to feel better, one will be able to do more and more.

Sometimes, one may need to cut back on the measure being taken, if the symptoms come back or if there is more pain after doing more or something new.

We continue the discussion next week about relevant exercises one can do to stretch and strengthen the back muscles.

One-on-One

Wondering if I’m Impotent I read your publication about prostrate surgery in THISDAY, the Saturday Newspaper, 30th of October 2010 edition. I underwent a prostatectomy a year ago.

These days, when I have sex, there seems to be no ejaculation. Does it mean I am impotent? If yes, how do I go about the treatment?

Baba Abuja Dear Baba, To start with I do not think you are impotent. Impotency has to do with not

achieving an erection or sustaining one to achieve sexual satisfaction, and this does not seem to be the complaint here.

What you are experiencing is probably one of the common complications of the operation you had last year.

This phenomenon is called retrograde ejaculation, it occurred commonly in men who have had prostatectomy especially if the operation is carried out through an incision made into the abdominal wall. It occurred far less with the more expensive type of prostatectomy that is carried out through the urinary tube inside the penis

– the urethra.

What is happening here is that during sexual intercourse, at your point of ejaculating, instead of the semen shooting outside through the penis at that time, it ‘shot’ backward into the urinary bladder; hence, no semen is seen flowing out of the penis at the point of sexual climax in the man and you may then subsequently pass out cloudy urine containing the semen.

This has been noted to occur repeatedly in about 50% of post-abdominal prostatectomy cases. So, your condition does not strike unique.

Another thing is that this condition is really not harmful to one’s health, the moment the mind is so conditioned to this ‘usual’ phenomenon. You can enjoy intercourse like any other person or as in the past before you had the operation.

Anyhow, it may be important to see a doctor for one-on-one evaluation and requisite assessment or book an appointment with an urologist (urinary system surgeon) for apt guide.

Best wishes.

39

T H I S D AY THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

HEALTH

‘Doctors’ as Murderers: The Story of Citizen Emmanuel Atsar Owelle Chigbolumogu The atmosphere was chaotic. The fear, tension and apprehension were almost palpable. The people that brought him to the emergency ward solicited sympathetic assistance from every one that paraded the ward wearing overcoat.

Every one of them asked for money to open file, get hospital card or do the medically needful. In the labyrinth of this confusion, this badly “accidented” body had lain in one corner unattended to; while medical merchandising went on and commercial trade-offs were negotiated.

By the time we checked, he had lain helpless for nine hours bleeding internally; going in and out of coma. To attend to him, the doctors had asked for a deposit of N150, 000.00; and an accompanying undertaken by a relation of the patient that the medical bill has chances of being met.

And when finally their demand was met, a commercially-motivated doctor cut open the head to drain blood, in the stead of incision to drain blood. And so, Emma died.

The story of Citizen Emmanuel Israel Atsar is replicated across Nigeria medical space, the story of “money na hand, back na ground”.

Emma, as his family and friends called him, was a Youth Corps member doing

his primary assignment in Owerri, Imo State and was due to complete his National Service in September, 2016.

The story had it that he took some days off to visit his family in Abuja. In a trip from the bank where he had gone to withdraw some money, he was knocked down by a tricycle, popularly known as Keke Napep and was said to have sustained serious head injury.

Emma was rushed to the Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital by fellow citizens and that’s where the story of Emma and the stories of many poor citizens of this country change. From here on, the story developed many branches, depending on who is telling it.

The constant in all the stories however was the action or lack of it by the doctors and nurses at the Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital who left him unattended to, for over eight hours because there was no relative to sign for him and make a deposit before he could be treated.

Eye witness accounts recalled Emma’s struggles to stay alive, his will to live, but no doctor or nurse came to his aid because there was no family member to make a deposit before he could be treated.

Emma bled to death, literally and figuratively. The only assistance the doctors could offer Emmanuel was to tie his legs to restrain him

from struggling and further constituting a nuisance, according to the accounts of the events by some patients.

Good Samaritans finally opened Emma’s phone to get the number of a relative, and on the arrival of a relative, who promptly made N150, 000 deposit before they could touch Emma, the doctors, instead of a minor incision to drain the blood in his brain, had to cut open the head and left him to die.

And the question that now begs for an answer is: Do doctors still have to take the Hippocratic Oath? The oat was taught not only in medical schools but also in social studies and history classes in primary and secondary schools across the country.

For those who may have forgotten, the oat is reproduced here for ease of reference: “I swear by Apollo the physician, by Aesculapius, Hygeia, and Panacea, and I take to witness all the gods, all the goddesses, to keep according to my ability and my judgment the following oath: To consider dear to me as my parents him who taught me

this art; to live in common with him and if necessary to share my goods with him; to look upon his children as my own brothers, to teach them this art if they so desire without fee or written promise; to impart to my sons and the sons of the master who taught me and the disciples who have enrolled themselves and have agreed to the rules of the profession, but to these alone, the precepts and the instruction.

“I will prescribe regimens for the good of my patients according to my ability and my judgment and never do harm to anyone.

To please no one will I prescribe a deadly drug, nor give advice which may cause his death. Nor will I give a woman a pessary to procure abortion.

But I will preserve the purity of my life and my art. I will not cut for stone, even for patients in whom the disease is manifest; I will leave this operation to be performed by practitioners (specialists in this art).

“In every house where I come I will enter only for the

good of my patients, keeping myself far from all intentional ill-doing and all seduction, and especially from the pleasures of love with women or with men, be they free or slaves.

All that may come to my knowledge in the exercise of my profession or outside of my profession or in daily commerce with men, which ought not to be spread abroad, I will keep secret and will never reveal.

If I keep this oath faithfully, may I enjoy my life and practice my art, respected by all men and in all times; but if I swerve from it or violate it, may the reverse be my lot.”

We need not say more.

Other questions that beg for answers are: Do we really have a National Health Policy and if we do, what does it say about treatment of accident victims in particular and care for indigent patients in general? Who is the sector regulator? Are the hospitals and doctors allowed to pick and chose who to treat and who to let die based on the brand of car that brought them to the Emergency Room?

The story of Citizen Em-

manuel Israel Atsar must stimulate debates on how citizens are treated in this country by healthcare professionals especial in government health institutions.

The story of Citizen Emmanuel Israel Atsar was made more pathetic because he was a tree that made a forest, the sole bread winner in his immediate and extended family.

He started as a driver but was challenged to go back to school, a challenge he willingly accepted.

He later recalled that the happiest moment in his life was the day he presented his Higher National Diploma (HND) to his boss and that was also the proudest moment of his boss and indeed to all his friends and relatives.

Emma left behind a wife and two little children, aged mother and brothers and sisters to whom he is the sole bread winner. May the soul of Citizen Emmanuel Israel Atsar and the souls of all the faithful departed rest with the Lord. .Chigbolumogu, is a Public Affairs commentator

Indiscriminate Use of Antibiotics Causes Vaginal Infection, Says Expert Indiscriminate use of antibiotics can cause vaginal acidity, giving room for infection, a renowned gynaecologist, Dr. Olufisayo Balogun has said.

He said this affects the growth of the lactobacillus around the vagina, as well as kill them, thereby laying the vagina bare for infection to thrive.

Stating this during the general meeting of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria, (SOGON), he said the access to antibiotics in Nigeria should be regulated, as most women with vaginal infection have reported for its indiscriminate use.

Dr. Balogun explained that apart from taking antibiotic, washing of the vagina with soap and water, as well as wearing of nylon under wears may cause more expose the vagina to infection.

While noting that vagina infection can also be transmitted during sexual intercourse, he said there were three main vaginal infection, which are: the protozoa, Fungal and the bacteria, adding that sometimes mix infections could occur.

“Every woman has a normal vaginal discharge, which is expected to be scanty, clean and odourless and not associated with itching. But when it becomes itchy, with colour and odour, it is most likely as

a result of infection.

“The gynaecologist said the vaginal has its own bacteria which serves as protection for the tissue from pathogenic bacteria, also known as the abnormal flora. In a woman of the reproductive age group between the ages of 15 to 45 years, the ovaries are still active, producing estrogen actively,” adding that estrogen makes glycogen availability in the vaginal. “‘The lactobacillus work on the glycogen, converting it to lactic acid which brings down the acidity within the vaginal,” he added.

He also called on women to stop douching, which is the use of soap or detergent and water to wash the vagina.

“This does not make it clean as we think, because while trying to wash the inside of the vagina with such materials, it destroys the normal flora of the vagina.

Dr. Balogun urged women to be extra careful when dealing with their vagina, as it is one of the most sensitive part of their body.

He said “the acidic the vaginal environment must be kept at its normal floral state at all time by avoiding washing the soap and water.

She recommended Klovinal for the treatment of any kinds of vaginal infection.

FOR EFFECTIVE HIV/AIDS RESPONSE

L-R: Consultant Public Health Physician, National AIDS/ STIs Control Programme, FMoH, Dr. Chukwuma Anyaika; Director Programme Coordination, Representing DG NACA, Dr.Akudo Ikpaeazu and Assistant Director, Gender and Vulnerable Children NACA, Dr. Yinka FalolaAnoemuah, at the NACA National Action Planning Consultative Meeting, held in Lagos...recently

Avon HMO Rewards Health Providers for Excellence in Patient Experience and Customer Service Martins Ifijeh In celebration of its third year of growing operations, Avon Healthcare Limited (Avon HMO), recently rewarded four of its Healthcare Providers during their inaugural Annual Provider Services Awards.

The first winner was Avon Medical Services, who have facilities in Surulere and Lagos Island. Enrolees in Lagos and the South West region voted overwhelmingly for Avon Medical Services as being the hospital that gave them the best patient experience and customer service within the region. Avon Medical was also particularly commended for excellent service delivery across all stages of the patient journey. Other winners include Kings Care Hospital, Abuja

(for the North Central region), Giwa Hospital, Kaduna (for the North-East & North-West region) and Providence Hospital, Port-Harcourt (for the South-East & South-South region).

During the event, held recently at the Avon HMO Headquarters in Ikoyi, Adesimbo Ukiri, MD/CEO of Avon HMO, said, “Health insurance and managed care organisations are only as good as the services the Hospital provides to the enrolee.” “These four hospitals in particular, as well as the other service-oriented hospitals within the Avon HMO network have been instrumental to our success. We could not have achieved all we did over the last three years without their alignment to our vision

of setting new standards in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.”

Ukiri added that recipients of the Provider Service Awards emerged following feedback from their enrolees who are spread across Nigeria.

Dr Adebanjo Oni, Head, Provider Services at Avon HMO said “Our Customer Services team worked closely with our enrolled members, collecting and reviewing feedback from surveys. Careful analysis showed that these hospitals stand out.” “We congratulate them for their efforts and applaud their professionalism.

Working together, we know that we will revolutionise the Nigerian healthcare ecosystem.”

Dr Lilian Ekpo, Medical Director, Avon Medical Services, said, “It is gratifying to note

that the work we do is appreciated and is being recognised

by Avon HMO. Knowing that it is based on patients’ feedback also leaves us with a good feeling. In healthcare we won’t say we are looking for radical innovations like open heart surgeries, taking out and putting back kidneys and the like but you can be assured that every time you come into our hospitals there will be something better to improve the quality of patient experience.”

The Annual Provider Services Awards joins the Avon Incentive Programme, both of which were designed to celebrate the contributions made by healthcare facilities within the HMO’s network to the delivery of high quality services to its enrolled members.

40

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 29, 2016 • T H I S D AY

INTERNATIONAL

email:foreigndesk@thisdaylive.com

Israel’s Elder Statesman, Shimon Peres, Dies at 93 Former Israeli president and elder statesman Shimon Peres, a joint winner of the 1994 Nobel Peace Prize and an influential figure in Israeli politics for 70 years, died in hospital yesterday at the aged of 93, two weeks after suffering a massive stroke.

A convinced campaigner for Middle East peace who remained energetic until his final days, Peres was mourned by world leaders and praised for his tireless engagement. U.S. President Barack Obama said:“A light has gone out”.“There are few people who we share this world with who change the course of human history, not just through their role in human events, but because they expand our moral imagination and force us to expect more of ourselves,” Obama said in a statement.“My friend Shimon was one of those people.”

Despite decades of rivalry with Peres, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a right-winger who defeated the then-Labour Party leader in a 1996 election, praised him as a stalwart of the center-left and a visionary.

“There were many things we agreed upon, and the number grew as the years passed. But we had disagreements, a natural part of democratic life,” Netanyahu said after holding a minute’s silence at a specially convened cabinet meeting.

“Shimon won international recognition that spanned the globe. World leaders wanted to be in his proximity and respected him. Along with us, many of them will accompany him on his last journey to eternal rest in the soil of Jerusalem.”

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas issued a statement saying he had sent a condolence letter to the family expressing his “sadness and regret” and praising Peres’s“intensive efforts to reach out for a lasting peace ... until the last days”. It was not clear if he would attend Peres’s funeral, which will take place on Friday at Jerusalem’s Mount Herzl cemetery, in a section dedicated to “Great Leaders of the Nation”.

In the Gaza Strip, Sami Abu Zuhri, a spokesman for

the enclave’s Hamas Islamist rulers, said: “The Palestinian people are happy over the departure of this criminal, who was involved in many crimes and in the bloodshed of the Palestinian people.”

Obama, Britain’s Prince Charles and former U.S. president Bill Clinton are among those expected to attend, Israeli radio reported, although Israel’s Foreign Ministry could not immediately confirm the attendance list. French President Francois Hollande also confirmed he would attend, alongside his predecessor Nicolas Sarkozy. The announcement of the death was made at the Tel Hashomer hospital by his son Chemi and son-in-law Rafi Walden.

“His life ended abruptly when he was still working on his great passion, strengthening the country and striving for peace.

His legacy will remain with us all,”said Walden, who was also Peres’s personal physician.

Polish-born Peres, whose family moved to then British-ruled Palestine in the 1930s, was part of almost every major political development in Israel since its founding in 1948. He served in a dozen cabinets and was twice prime minister, though he never won a general election, struggling to connect with ordinary voters.

He was first elected to Israel’s parliament in 1959 and barring a brief interlude in early 2006, held his seat for 48 years, until he became president in 2007. In every role he undertook - from forging Israel’s defense strategy in the 1950s to running his eponymous peace foundation - Peres was known for his energy and enthusiasm, even recording jokey YouTube videos into his 90s.

“Optimists and pessimists die the same way,” he said. “They just live differently. I prefer to live as an optimist.” He shared the 1994 Nobel Peace Prize with the late former prime minister Yitzhak Rabin and late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat for reaching an interim peace deal in 1993, the Oslo Accords, which never turned

Aleppo Bombardments Hit Bakery, Hospital A bakery and major hospital were hit in bombardments of rebel-held eastern Aleppo early on Wednesday, residents said, as Syrian government forces pressed their Russian-backed campaign to retake the whole city.

“The warplane flew over us and directly started dropping its missiles on this hospital... at around 4 a.m.,” Mohammad Abu Rajab, a radiologist at the largest trauma hospital in the city’s rebel-held sector, told Reuters. “The rubble fell in on the patients in the intensive care unit.”

The strikes also hit the hospital’s oxygen and power generators, and patients were

transferred to another hospital in the area, medical workers at the M10 hospital said.

A bakery in another rebel-held district was hit around 3 a.m., as people lined up to collect bread, residents said. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors the conflict, said the bakery in the al-Maadi neighborhood had been hit by artillery shelling, killing at least six people.

Over 250,000 civilians are thought to be besieged in the rebel-held sector of Aleppo, where intensive bombing by government forces and their allies has killed hundreds of people since a ceasefire collapsed last week.

into a lasting treaty.

Rabin was assassinated in 1995 by an Israeli ultranationalist who opposed the interim accords, and it was Peres who took over as prime minister after Rabin’s death. Peres is widely seen as having gained nuclear capabilities for Israel by procuring the Dimona reactor from France while defense ministry director-general in the

1950s. As defense minister, he oversaw the 1976 Israeli rescue of hijacked Israelis at Entebbe airport in Uganda.

In the Arab world, his legacy is tainted by the 1996 shelling of a United Nations compound in the village of Qana in southern Lebanon during an Israeli offensive. More than 100 civilians sheltering there were killed. Peres was prime minister at the time

and Israel said its forces had been aiming at militants firing rockets nearby. Peres was also seen to have done little to rein in the expansion of Israeli settlements on land captured during the 1967 Middle East war, even if he was not an active proponent of a policy that Obama has described as an obstacle to peace.

From 2007, when he was elected president at the second

attempt, Peres played more of a ceremonial role, trying to raise Israel’s profile internationally while advocating for peace through his foundation. He stepped down as president in 2014. Despite the influence he has had on Israel’s landscape, his death is not expected to have an impact on the already dim prospects for a return to peace talks with the Palestinians.

FOR AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY

First Lady Michelle Obama hugs former President George W. Bush as she arrives with President Obama and former first lady Laura Bush for the dedication of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington… weekend

‘Malaysian Flight MH17 Downed by Russian-made Missile’ Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down by a missile fired from a launcher brought into Ukraine from Russia and located in a village held by pro-Russian rebels, international prosecutors said yesterday.

The findings counter Moscow’s suggestion that the passenger plane, en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur in July 2014, was brought down by Ukraine’s military rather than the separatists.

All 298 people on board, most of them Dutch, were killed.

The conclusions were based on thousands of wiretaps, photographs, witness statements and forensic tests during more than two years of inquiries into

an incident which led to a sharp rise in tensions between Russia and the West.

Among the key findings were: the plane was hit by a Russian-made Buk-9M38 missile; the missile was fired from the rebel-held village of Pervomaysk in eastern Ukraine; and the launcher was transported into Ukraine from Russia.

“This Buk trailer came from the territory of the Russian Federation, and after the launch it was returned again to the territory of the Russian Federation,” said Wilbert Paulissen, chief investigator with the Dutch national police.

The Ukrainian government

said the findings pointed to Russia’s “direct involvement”. Russia - which has always denied Moscow or pro-Russian rebels were responsible - rejected the prosecutors’ conclusions, saying they were not supported by technical evidence and the inquiry was biased.

Earlier on Wednesday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said its radar data had “identified all flying objects which could have been launched or were in the air over the territory controlled by rebels at that moment”.

“The data is clear-cut ... there is no rocket. If there was a rocket, it could only have been

fired from elsewhere,” he said.

The investigators, from the Netherlands, Australia, Belgium, Malaysia and Ukraine, said they had not had access to Moscow’s radar images but would gladly include a Russian contribution to the inquiry.

Ukrainian and Western officials, citing intelligence intercepts, have long blamed the pro-Russian rebels for the incident, which played a big part in a decision by the European Union and United States to impose sanctions on Russia over the Ukraine conflict and has damaged Dutch-Russian economic ties.

Norway Appeals Court Rejects Snowden’s Extradition Lawsuit A Norwegian appeals court has rejected a lawsuit from fugitive former U.S. spy contractor Edward Snowden against the Norwegian government, upholding the verdict of a lower court, it said yesterday.

Snowden’s law firm said in April he would take Norway to court to secure free passage to the Nordic country to receive a free speech award, but the Oslo District Court dismissed

the case in June.

“The court of appeal has -- like the district court -concluded that the lawsuit must be rejected,” it said on Wednesday, adding that the justice ministry could not be compelled to issue an advance decision on whether or not to extradite.

Snowden, a former National Security Agency contractor who leaked details about the

U.S. government’s massive surveillance programs, was granted asylum in Russia, which borders Norway, after fleeing the United States in 2013.

Supporters see him as a whistleblower who boldly exposed government excess.

But the U.S. government has filed espionage charges against him for leaking intelligence information.

Snowden had been invited to Norway to receive an award from the local branch of writers’ group PEN International, but worried that he would be handed over to the United States, his lawyers have said.

“Sadly, this was not entirely unexpected,”chairman William Nygaard of PEN Norway told Reuters. “We will of course appeal to the supreme court.”

41

T H I S D AY THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

Advertorial

46

T H I S D AY •THURSDAY,SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Emefiele: CBN Development Finance Activities to Stimulate Growth Nume Ekeghe in Abakaliki The Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele has said that the central bank’s development finance activities are focused on stimulating the economy.

Emefiele said this in a keynote address presented on his behalf by the Director, Monetary Policy Department, Mr. Moses Tule at the on-going 22nd edition of the Finance Correspondents and Business Editors Seminar holding in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

The CBN governor said the developmental initiatives became necessary given that Nigeria is a developing economy with the inherent developmental challenges.

Furthermore, Emefiele highlighted the interventions of the central bank such as the N220billion fund for micro, small

and medium scale enterprises (MSMEs), the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund (ACGSF), Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme (CACS), among others.

He however, explained that these interventions do not intend to crowd out financial institutions in credit delivery, but rather act as incentives to propel lending at reasonable rates to the real sector.

Emefiele urged financial journalists to endeavour to report the Nigerian economy in positive light and also urged members of the private sector to invest in the agriculture value chain.

Also in his opening remark, the acting Director, Corporate Communications Department, Mr. Isaac Okorafor extoled the patriotism of the financial media in their reportage.

On his part, the CBN Director, Research Department, Dr. Uwatt

B. Uwatt stated that the major challenges inhibiting the growth of the real sector particularly agriculture, manufacturing and solid minerals subsectors was low level of investment in research and development.

He noted that the lack of research and development made the process of production inefficient and more expensive.

Speaking at the event, the Governor of Ebonyi State Engr. Dave Umahi, who was represented by the state’s Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the State, Hon. Augustine Nwankwagu said Ebonyi State will collaborate with a private investor to ensure that Niger Cem comes back on stream. Umahi said NigerCem when fully operational will no doubt provide employment opportunities for its citizens and contribute to the economy of the state and the country.

Analysts Raise Concerns over Tier 2 Banks’ Health Obinna Chima Although Nigerian banks are contending with the effects on earnings of weak oil prices, shortages of US dollars, devaluation of the naira and slowing economic growth, these challenges appear to be having a more profound effect on the Tier 2 banks, a report has indicated.

Analysts at Lagos-based CSL Stockbrokers Limited in a report titled: “A Health Check,” obtained by THISDAY, said the situation was having a weighty effect on the Tier 2 banks owing to lower efficiency levels, their less capacity to absorb losses, smaller margins and in some cases, inability to compete for quality loans resulting in lower asset quality.

The report was focused on Diamond Bank Plc, Sterling Bank and Fidelity Bank Plc, stating that the three banks are currently trading at an average price to

earnings ratio of 2.5x and an average price-to-book value (PBV) of 0.2x. It stressed that such low valuations have not lured in investors who appear to be discounting these banks based on justifiable concerns over asset quality and capital adequacy.

According to the report, Diamond Bank is “currently dealing with deteriorating asset quality and capital adequacy issues.

“The bank has significant exposure to the oil and gas sector (37% of gross loans) and general commerce sectors (16% of gross loans), two sectors that have been hard hit by current macro-economic conditions.”

For Fidelity Bank, it pointed out that “though Fidelity Bank reports healthy asset quality ratios, we note that the bank has significant exposure to the oil and gas sector (25.8% of gross loans) and to the power sector (10.5% of gross loans).”

Furthermore, the report stated that although Fidelity Bank’s power sector loans do not currently form part of the bank’s non-performing loans, the sector is facing significant challenges presently.

“The bank has historically maintained high capital ratios but the recent devaluation of the naira has strained capital. At 16.4 per cent (compared with a regulatory minimum of 15.0%) we believe Fidelity might have capital issues to deal with in the near term.

“The bank also has a relatively high cost-to-income ratio (74.1% in H1 2016), which makes us believe that the bank’s capacity to absorb an elevated cost of risk (in the event of any deterioration of its oil and gas and power sector loans) is limited,” it added. Commenting on Sterling Bank, the report stated that the devaluation of the naira in June put a strain on the bank’s capital position.

Elumelu: Developing Africa, a Collective Responsibility The Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation, Tony Elumelu, has called on all arms of governments across Africa to urgently come together to implement policies that will help the continent overcome its current economic challenges.

Elumelu said this while speaking last night at the 2016 Edition of the World Pension Summit ‘Africa Special’ And Africa Pension Awards.

“For us to take Africa out of its current economic situation,

we need to have all hands on deck; the executive, legislature alongside international partners and the private sector. All of us have to work together and stop blaming each other.”

According to Elumelu, “While the executive arm should do more, other arms like the legislature should play their own role by reviewing extant laws that are no longer supportive of the current developmental trajectory of the continent.”

He also challenged African governments to take deliberate measures to support entre-

preneurship. “Africa’s large population is also Africa’s greatest opportunity but this demographic dividend can easily become our doom if not well engaged. We must deliberately empower our youth through entrepreneurship so that they can create jobs and eradicate poverty” He further noted that “At a time like this, we need to infuse hope in the people and change the narrative of Africa rising, to a risen Africa,” he was quoted to have said in a statement.

Fitch Rates Access Bank’s GMTN Programme ‘B (EXP)’ Fitch Ratings has assigned Access Bank Plc long- and short-term ratings of ‘B(EXP)’ respectively to the bank’s updated $1 billion Global Medium-term Note Programme (GMTN).

The final ratings are contingent on the receipt of final documentation conforming to information already received, Fitch stated

in a report yesterday.

Access Bank Plc is set to issue the first Eurobond from Nigeria in almost two years after choosing banks to arrange a new deal. The bank is currently meeting with investors on the proposed issue.

“The expected ratings of the

programme apply only to the issuance of senior unsecured notes by Access Bank. There is no assurance that notes issued under the programme will be assigned a rating, or that the rating assigned to a specific issue under the programme will have the same rating as the programme.

Emefiele

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JUNE 2016 Broad Money (M2)

21,684,965.22

-- Narrow Money (M1)

9,125,933.16

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,379,187.93

---- Demand Deposits

7,746,745.22

-- Quasi Money

12,559,032.07

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,105,663.47

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

14,579,301.76

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

24,318,143.03

---- Credit to Government (Net)

2,893,190.01

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

2,893,190.01

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

-2,111,487.25

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

21,424,953.01

--Other Assets Net

-9,738,841.27

Reserve Money (Base Money)

5,370,199.87

--Currency in Circulation

1,684,725.89

--Banks Reserves

3,685,473.98 • Source - CBN

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Price (N) Stanbic Balanced Fund

Buying Price(N)

Selling Price

1,660.29

1,685.29

Stanbic IBTC NEF

1,000.00

11,002.32

11,326.67.11

Stanbic SIBond

20

120.47

120.47

Stanbic IBTC Ethical

1

1.10

1.13

Stanbic IBTC GIF

142.90

143.38

UBA Balanced Fund

1.2563

1.2493

UBA Bond Fund

1.3443

1.3443

UBA Equity Fund

0.8205

0.8074

UBA Money Market Fund

1.1510

1.1510

ARM Aggressive Growth Fund

N13.0544

N13.4480

ARM Discovery Fund

N288.2515

N296.9425

ARM Ethical Fund

N22.5268

N23.2060

ARM Money Market Fund

13.1030 (Yield % ) • Monetary Policy Rate - 14%

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT TUESDAY 27, SEDPTEMBER 2016 The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $42.30 a barrel on Tuesday, compared with $42.16 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The new OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), Rabi Light (Gabon), Minas (Indonesia), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

T H I S D AY THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

43

48

T H I S D AY •THURSDAY,SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

MARKET NEWS

CIS Boss Restates Capital Market’s Potential to Fund Economic Growth Goddy Egene and Nosa Alekhuogie The President of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Mr. Oluseyi Abe yesterday said the nation’s capital market can provide the needed capital that can take the country out of the current economic recession.

Speaking at his investiture ceremony in Lagos, Abe said the capital market has the potential to

fund economic activities, noting that what is needed is the right policies and products that attract investors who can provide the funds. According to him, with a vibrant capital market, the federal government does not need to sell assets or borrow externally to fund the budget deficit.

He said although the government is yet to bring out the names of assets that would sold, he noted that caution should be applied.

“I believe there is nothing wrong if the government plans to sell assets that are not performing optimally. But caution should be applied in taking this decision,” Abe said.However, the CIS boss noted that market still has the potential to provide the funding needs of government at all levels.

“The capital market can provide funds for the government and corporates. It has been doing so in the past and I believe the market

has the potential to provide what funding needs of government and corporate bodies. What we need is products that will attract the capital from investors both domestically and foreign,” Abe said.

He emphasised that the capital market plays a vital role of mobilising funds from the surplus economic unit to the deficit for development.

He said the CIS will collaborate with relevant government agencies

to deepen the market it more attractive, noting that advocacy will be top on the agenda of the institute.He added that he will work with stakeholders in the capital and stockbroking community to ensure that stockbrokers take their right place in the economic development and growth of the countryAbe explained that stockbrokers, who are also trained as investment advisers will be encouraged to work with

government at various levels as consultants and advisers as part of efforts to look for solutions that will take the nation from the current challenging times.

In his goodwill message, the Director General of the Securities and Exchange (SEC), Mounir Gwarzo urged CIS members to maintain the high level of compliance with the laws and rules guiding capital market operations.

DAILY STOCK MARKET REPORT T H E

N I G E R I A N

STO C K

E XC H A N G E

45

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

MARKET NEWS

Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Floats ETF 40 and Dollar Funds (1) Goddy Egene Investors seeking to invest in managed funds and enjoy good returns now have another opportunity to do so as Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited (SIAML) has launched two new products. They are: Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (SIDF) and SIAML Pension ETF 40. The two funds have been officially opened following the granting of relevant approvals by the Securities

and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) with SIAML acting as the fund manager to both funds.

The Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund provides retail and institutional investors the opportunity to seek exposure in attractive dollardenominated securities to serve as a devaluation hedge as well as to optimise returns on investments.

On the other hand, the SIAML Pension ETF 40 is

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

an Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) that will mirror the Pension 40 Index (Pension Index), replicating as closely as possible the total return of The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) Pension 40 Index. The Index, launched last year by the NSE to drive market optimisation, is a tracking mechanism for investors, particularly institutional investors like Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), that invest in line with guidelines set out by the

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 27-Sep-2016, unless otherwise stated.

National Pension Commission (PenCom). The NSE Pension Index monitors the top 40 most capitalised and liquid companies in the market.

The initial public offerings (IPOs) for units of both the Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (SIDF) and SIAML Pension ETF 40 on Monday, 26 September 2016 and will close on Wednesday, November 2, 2016.

According to the fund manager, the signing of the enabling agreement by

the various parties to the transactions had taken place on, September 6, 2016, when the directors of SIAML and all other professional parties indicated that the signing completed the initial phase of the previously announced plan to float the products.

Under the terms of the deal, the parties agreed to proceed with the solicitation of offers for 5,000,000 units of the Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (SIDF) available at $1 each and multiples of 500

units thereafter.

In the offering for the SIAML Pension ETF 40, there will be 10,000,000 units available for subscription at 100 each at par and multiples of 10,000 units thereafter. The Fund has an offer size of N1 billion.

Speaking on the funds, Chief Executive, SIAML, Bunmi Dayo-Olagunju said the Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund and SIAML Pension ETF 40 was launched based on the need to spur the preservation and appreciation of wealth.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 1 270 1680 Fund Name Bid Price Afrinvest Equity Fund 125.74 Nigeria International Debt Fund 215.67 ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price ACAP Canary Growth Fund 0.68 AIICO CAPITAL LTD Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-279 2930 Ext-2205 Fund Name Bid Price AIICO Money Market Fund ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name ARM Aggressive Growth Fund ARM Discovery Fund ARM Ethical Fund ARM Money Market Fund AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LTD Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name AXA Mansard Equity Market Fund AXA Mansard Money Market Fund CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Nigeria Global Investment Fund Paramount Equity Fund Women's Investment Fund FBN CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.fbnquest.com; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name FBN Fixed Income Fund FBN Heritage Fund FBN Money Market Fund FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund FIRST CITY ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.fcamltd.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Legacy Equity Fund Legacy Short Maturity (NGN) Fund FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Coral Growth Fund

100.00

aaml@afrinvest.com Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 126.27 12.49% 216.39 7.72% info@acapng.com Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 0.68 9.88% ammf@aiicocapital.com Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

100.00

14.03%

enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Bid Price 12.96 295.83 22.98

Offer Price 13.36 304.75 23.68

Yield / T-Rtn 6.39% 5.85% 4.25%

1.00

1.00

11.58%

investmentcare@axamansard.com Bid Price 101.45

Offer Price 102.08

Yield / T-Rtn 1.76%

1.00 1.00 10.49% investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Bid Price 2.08 9.41

Offer Price 2.14 9.65

Yield / T-Rtn 2.43% -4.51%

82.43

84.54

1.63%

invest@fbnquest.com Bid Price 1,103.62 115.09 100.00 $104.90 $104.84 112.41

Offer Price 1,104.70 115.61 100.00 $105.72 $105.67

Yield / T-Rtn 1.99% 5.84% 10.24% 5.31% 5.25%

113.93

13.17%

fcamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Bid Price 0.95 2.49

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 0.96 4.95% 2.49 7.18% coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com

Bid Price 2,242.48

Offer Price 2,270.85

Coral Income Fund 2,027.03 INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price

Yield / T-Rtn 3.13%

2,027.03 7.17% enquiries@investment-one.com Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund

1.00

1.00

11.06%

Vantage Balanced Fund

1.64

1.66

0.65%

LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.00 1.02 12.58% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 979.70 979.70 -2.03% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: www.meristemwealth.com ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 10.08 10.17 3.04% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 12.69% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.02 1.04 -2.81% SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 107.56 108.57 5.71% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.21 1.21 7.35% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD 1,818.78 1,830.22 8.33% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 150.27 150.27 2.17% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.81 0.82 8.67% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 178.49 178.49 5.19% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 138.24 139.93 2.15% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 14.11% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,898.39 8,003.56 9.89% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.17 1.18 9.95% United Capital Bond Fund 1.26 1.26 17.04% United Capital Equity Fund 0.77 0.79 3.48% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.00% ZENITH ASSETS MANAGEMENT LTD info@zenith-funds.com Web: www.zenith-funds.com; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 10.00 10.18 4.65% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.56 11.68 0.85% Zenith Income Fund 16.41 16.41 2.31%

REITS

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

11.43 121.92

2.69% 5.24%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

9.12 80.40

9.22 81.92

-4.78% -3.39%

Fund Name FSDH UPDC Real Estate Investment Fund SFS Skye Shelter Fund

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS

Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697

Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

2.45 6.40 12.82 15.74 -

2.49 6.48 12.92 16.14 -

6.01% 0.16% 2.14% -17.45% -

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

46

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

Nigeria’s Electricity Market Returns Exceed Its Challenges, Fashola Insists Chineme Okafor in Abuja The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has said the returns on investments in Nigeria’s electricity market are much more than the challenges it presents to investors and operators already in it and those willing to come in.

Fashola said at the Power Nigeria Exhibition in Lagos that investment opportunities which exist in the market were propelled by its transition from a government controlled and operated sector for 63 years to a government regulated but private sector operated sector in the last three years.

He said the sector and Nigeria remain an investment destination no serious investor would want to ignore, adding that there are challenges which high returns on investment clearly outweigh.

The minister in a statement from his senior communications aide, Mr. Hakeem Bello, in Abuja, thus called on the private sector to embrace the investment opportunities offered by the power market.

“As Mr. President recently remarked in the United States, this is an investment destination that the rational investors cannot ignore. Are there challenges? Yes, there are. Those are the risks of entrepreneurship. But the opportunities and the return on investment clearly outweigh

the challenges,” said Fashola.

He noted that one of the challenges in the sector was liquidity which he said the government was laying down adequate steps to address.

According to him, government would provide an environment that would enable the private sector thrive, deepen its investment and contribute to its stock of incremental power.

He said: “Our policies seek to ensure that investors who play by the rules will recover their investments and a decent profit, while we protect consumers from people who want to profiteer.”

Fashola equally said that in the challenges of the sector demands that the Nigerian public know what was going on, and commitments put in to address them.

He reiterated government’s commitment to and focus on improving the sector to expeditiously stimulate the economy back to growth and inclusion.

He also asked Nigerians to be mindful of the fact that the sector’s transition was less than three years, and so must manage their expectations for results within the context of the unfruitful power experience of 63 years.

The minister described the approach the government plans to adopt in solving the challenges within the sector, saying, it would

start from getting incremental power from all sources: solar, coal, hydro, gas, bio-mass, nuclear, wind and whatever is possible.

He said there was a gradual and sustained progress in this regard in spite of the setback caused by vandalism and sabotage of power assets.

Fashola also said that the government was aware of the challenges of the sector which include the volatile foreign exchange rates, debts for energy supplied to its Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA), as well as collection losses.

“These issues require all operators in the value chain,

not only government, to act with a common commitment, with transparency and with candour,” he said, and added that the challenges in the sector were part of the occasional investment risks that make reward worth the venture.

On a recent news report that Nigeria will soon go into total darkness nationwide as a result of debts owed Egbin power station, Fashola said it was incorrect and that the sector does not need a media war between operators about who was the cause of its problems now.

He the report was in bad taste, inflammatory and insensitive to national security, and that efforts were being made to offset

debt owed Egbin for power it supplied to the National grid.

“What we do not need are sensational and exaggerated media statements that can cause panic in the industry. That does not solve the problem and neither does it help us serve the people on whose behalf we hold office and whose patronage sustains our businesses.

“What we do not need are unguarded statements that either mislead the public or threaten our national security, because debts are owed. Yes, Egbin is being owed. Egbin had been owed before this administration.

But unpaid debts to Egbin or any other operator may lead to the power plant being closed down,

which would be regrettable and must be avoided, but it does not mean that Nigeria will be in darkness.

“Leadership positions in critical services such as energy are positions of enormous responsibility which demand some introspection and moderation in public communication.

“What the Managing Director did not tell the newspaper is the number of meetings my ministry and other senior government officials have had with the owners of Egbin, unless he is unaware, which would also raise doubts about what he knows,” he said.

Recession: Custom Boss Urges FG to Revisit Excisable Products, SEEKING PARTNERSHIP L-R: Acting Resident Representatives, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Mandisa Mashologu; acting Managing Re-admit Delisted Items Director, Bank of Industry (BoI), Mr. Waheed Olagunju; and Divisional Head (Large Enterprise), Joseph Babatunde, during the partnership Sheriff Balogun in Abeokuta

The Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Col Hameed Ali (rtd), has urged the federal government to revisit excisable products with a view to re-admitting the delisted and new items under excise administration.

While presenting a paper at the National Council on Finance and Economic Development in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, Ali said the 2009 fiscal policy which de-excise some products and industries has drastically affected the revenue generation from the excise duty.

He said: “The policy was then aimed at stimulating the economy against the backdrop of the global economic meltdown.”

The customs boss said the revenue generated between 2009 and 2016 put at N281.1 billion were only from two approved excisable products of alcoholic beverages and tobacco/cigarette.

Preceding the 2009, the comptroller-general stated that excisable products included perfumes and other toilet waters, non-alcoholic beverages, fruit juice, soap and detergent, beer lager and stout, wines, spaghetti/ noodles, spirits and other alcoholic beverages, cigarettes and tobacco, toilet papers, cleaning or facial tissues

among others.

He noted that seven years was enough period of tax relief for industries to stabilise, no matter the intention of the government at the time of the policy.

Alli said the government, in times of recession, must review all incentives and concessions in order to generate enough fund to run its operation, adding that the policy was better when it was introduced because of the price of oil which could reasonably sustain the economy.

According to him, “In the last seven years also, sectorial incentives were given to importing and investing companies that double as exporters. These companies were given the full benefits of Export Expansion Grant (EEG), as incentives.

“These benefits however resulted to abuse of forex utilisation, transfer pricing, under invoicing, nonrepatriation of export proceeds and other export fraud to the detriment of the nation’s economy.

“The companies enjoyed the incentives without paying excise duty. These companies should be brought under excise duty payment. After all, the companies have enjoyed sectorial incentives for seven years without paying excise duty, which is considered a reasonable period of tax holiday and gestation.”

agreement execution ceremony, between, BoI, and UNDP on the provision of solar energy in Abuja...yesterday

Shettima Orders Rebuilding of Destroyed Borno Church State commissioner dies, gov cuts tour after Chibok

Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State has ordered the rehabilitation of the biggest church in Lassa, in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of the state, destroyed by the Boko Haram insurgents.

The governor who also ordered the reconstruction of the general hospital and public schools burnt in the town by the insurgents, said the unity existing between the two major religions, Christianity and Islam, in the state cannot be brought to the sword by Boko Haram.

He said since he had rebuilt mosques destroyed by the insurgents in parts of the state, “it is equally a responsibility placed on him to rebuild burnt churches.

He said he was not out to play politics with the instruction for the rebuilding of the church, but rather to do the right and sensible thing.

He said: “This is a church burnt by insurgents that can be traced to the Islamic faith and since I have rebuilt mosques destoryed by them, it is only right for me to rebuild this burnt church.”

He promised that worship service would be held in the church, Ekklisiya Yan’a uwa Nigeria (EYN) on Christmas Day as it would have been rebuilt by then.

The governor took time out to visit, Gwoza on Tuesday, a town captured by the insurgents and made the headquarters of the infamous caliphate.

In Gwoza, Shettima directed the Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, Dr. Babagana Zulum, to ensure that his ministry aligned with professional engineers/builders from Gwoza to immediately put the liberated town in good shape for comfort of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) as most of them have started returning back home.

He said: “I want to sympathise with you over the unfortunate calamities perpetrated by the Boko Haram in recent past, we are here to tell you that as government, we will do everything possible to rebuild all your destroyed houses brick by brick.

“We have also come with assorted food items including

1500 bags of 25kg rice, 1500 bags of beans, 1000 cartoons of sphaghetti, Sugar, salt among other relief items.

“I urge some of the IDPs from Gwoza who are still residing in resettlement camps in Maiduguri and other places to please come back and join you because there is no any place like than home.

“I want to thank the federal government and the Chief of Army staff as well as the entire officers and men under the ‘Operation Lafiya Dole’ in the north east for their gallantry effort in degrading remnants of Boko Haram.

“My appeal to you all is to please give maximum support and cooperation to the military and the civilian JTF who are here with you to give you adequate security,” Shettima stated.

The governor as parts of his weeklong visit to newly liberated towns, passed the night in Uba town, once held

by Boko Haram in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of southern part of the state.

He had spent six nights in Bama, which was under

reconstruction.

Meanwhile, the governor has lost his Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Waziri Imam, a development which as made him to end his temporary relocation to Bama and tour of destroyed communities after the Governor visited Chibok, Gwoza, Askira-Uba and Damboa local government areas, all in southern parts of Borno State.

Secretary to the State Government, Usman Jidda Shuwa, announced the commissioner’s death in a statement.

The commissioner, who is a younger brother to an APC national chieftain, Alhaji Kashim Imam, died after a brief illness in Maiduguri yesterday morning.

He died at the age of 54 and he is survived by a wife and six children.

Governor Shettima who was visibly shocked by the news, had from his temporary residence in Bama proceeded on tour of communities affected by Boko Haram destructions in southern parts of the state and to also supervise ongoing reconstruction work in some of the areas.

47

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

Falana Rejects Soludo’s Defence on Allocation of $7bn to 14 Banks Says Abdulmumin’s suspension will not stand

Gboyega Akinsanmi A human rights lawyers, Mr. Femi Falana, yesterday rejected the defence of the former Central Bank of Nigeria

(CBN) Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, on how the apex bank under his leadership removed $7 billion from the country’s foreign reserves and doled out it to 14 commercial banks.

IPOB: N’Assembly, Not Buhari to Determine Biafra Referendum EmmanuelUgwuinUmuahia

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has tackled President Muhammadu Buhari over his dismissal of the call for a referendum on Biafra’s self determination, saying referendum does not require presidential approval but an enabling law by the National Assembly.

President Buhari had at a media event in New York, USA on September 24, 2016 reportedly asserted that there would be no referendum on Biafra’s independence.

But in a statement jointly signed by the IPOB spokespersons, Emma Nmezu and Dr. Clifford Iroanya, the group said Buhari’s stance on Biafra’s referendum has demonstrated that he lacks full grasp of the full meaning of referendum and its modus operandi.

“If we assume that the various media reporting of this assertion from Buhari is true, then there is no better way to exhibit ignorance on the typology and application of the concept of Referendum. We will like to use this opportunity to educate and enlighten Buhari and his ilks on Referendum.

Referendum is a method of expression of the will of the people in matters concerning their

welfare, existence, and association. A referendum is created normatively by an act of parliament (legislature) and is not dependent on the aversions or preferences of the President or executive arm of government,” IPOB said.

Delving into history to cite successfully conducted referenda in several countries, including the recent one in Africa which led to the independence of Eritrea from Ethiopia in 1999, IPOB said even in brutal regimes like was in Greece under Col Georgios Papandoloulos a successful referendum was conducted on November 15, 1968.

Said IPOB: “In a presidential system like the one practised in Nigeria, referendum process is not subject to the dictates of the presidency or executive arm of government.

In other words, Buhari has no business or legal right or claimed superiority to determine if there will be referendum or not. Even the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP) is unequivocal on the inalienable rights of indigenous people to decide on how they want to govern themselves.

Affirmatively, Nigeria is a signatory to the UNDRIP.”

Crackdown on Journalists, Assault on Protests Shrinking Civic Space, Says AI The continuing spate of arrests and detentions of journalists and bloggers amid the security forces’ violent disruption of peaceful protests underscores how the Nigerian government appears determined to crush dissent and suffocate freedom of expression, said Amnesty International (AI) yesterday.

The organisation called on the federal government to ensure the rights of Nigerians to freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, as guaranteed by international human rights law and the 1999 Constitution.

“The escalation in the intimidation of journalists and bloggers over recent months seems to be little more than a barefaced attempt by the Nigerian government to muzzle dissenting voices in the country,” said Makmid Kamara, Interim Country Director at Amnesty International Nigeria.

“Alongside the security forces’ violent assault on

peaceful protesters, this crackdown constitutes a growing threat to human rights enshrined in international law and the Nigerian constitution.”

The organisation also condemned the police for blocking a peaceful protest by members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) in the capital Abuja to call for the release of their leader, Sheikh Ibrahim Al-Zakzaky, who has been in detention without trial since December 2015; the stopping of members of the Bring Back Our Girls movement gathering to march to Presidential Villa to demand that the government do more to secure the release of Chibok schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram over two years ago; and the detention of scores of supporters of Biafran independence – many of them since late January - for attempting to hold or participating in peaceful assemblies. and the intimidation and arrests of journalists and bloggers.

Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), demanded whether the commercial banks that benefitted from $7 billion, which the former CBN governor said was deposited in the banks on October 3, 2006.

He made the demand in a statement he issued yesterday, saying Soludo’s demand for apology “is a joke since it was the CBN under him that claimed to have given its own share of $7 billion to the 14 banks.”

In the statement which he personally signed, Falana described Soludo’s demand for apology as baseless, noting that it was the CBN under his leadership that issued a statement on October 3, 2006 to the effect that the $7 billion had been released to the 14 banks.

The senior advocate said Soludo confirmed that the CBN management actually issued the statement, though claimed that

Soludo “has turned round to say that it was a deposit and not a loan.

“So the $7 billion transaction is no longer a lie emanating from me! But in a display of empty arrogance, Soludo proceeded to accuse me of exhibiting ignorance by referring to the deposit placed in the 14 banks as a loan.

“Soludo never disclosed the terms of the deposit of the sum of $7 billion and when the principal sum and the accrued interests were paid back to the nation’s foreign reserves,” he explained.

He added that it was the management of the CBN that claimed “to have released to the 14 banks its own “share” of $7 billion from the foreign reserves estimated at $38 billion at the material time.

“The CBN never stated that it had fixed $500 million in each

of the 14 banks, but that it had released a total of $7 billion of its own “share” of the fund.

Is Soludo insisting that CBN under his management was entitled to any share of the nation’s foreign reserves?

“In any case, whether it was a deposit or its own “share” of the foreign reserves, did the CBN ever announce that the deposit had been paid back to the foreign reserves which belong to the three tiers of government of Nigeria?”

Meanwhile, Falana last night condemned the decision to suspend the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, Hon Jubrin Abdulmumin, from the House, saying the decision will not stand.

Falana who is also Abdulmumin’s lawyer said: “It is a primitive resort to self by the House. Since the

matter is in court the House deliberately breached its rule of not interfering with pending judicial proceedings.

“In his desperation to cover up the scandal the Speaker, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, made himself the accuser, witness, prosecutor and judge at the same time and thereby breached the elementary rule of nemo judex in causa sua (thou shall not be a judge in your own cause).

“In view of the ongoing investigation by the police and the EFCC of the serious allegations of corrupt practices, fraud and money laundering levelled against the Speaker by Jibrin, the suspension has made a mockery of the anti-corruption war of the Buhari administration. It is a decision that will not stand,” he argued.

PENSION MATTERS

L-R: Head of Abuja Gloworld, Nefishetu Yesufu; CEO, World Pension Summit, Chris Battaglia; Globacom’s Head of Operations, Northcentral, Akeem Yusuf; and founder and Advisory Board Member, World Pension Summit, Harry Smorenberg, at the opening ceremony of the 2016 World Pension Summit A ‘ frica Special’ supported by Globacom in Abuja ...Tuesday

Senate Forgery: Prosecution Stalls Saraki, Others’Trial Adjourned to October 7 Tobi Soniyi in Abuja The failure of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Malami Abubakar Malami (SAN), to release the case file of the charge of forgery levelled against Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu and two others to the new prosecutor yesterday stalled the trial at an Abuja High Court.

The charge was filed last June.

Yesterday, the court was informed that the AGF had not released the case file to the newly appointed prosecuting team of Alhaji Aliyu Umar (SAN).

Umar who is now counsel to the federal government, told Justice Yusuf Halilu that he was not ready to proceed with the trial because the case file in the office of the AGF containing motions by Saraki and others asking the court not to entertain the case had not been released

to him.

Umar informed the court that because the office of the AGF has not handed over the case file to him yet, he would rather apply for an adjournment to enable him put his house in order instead of starting the trial.

He also said the adjournment would enable him prepare his reactions to series of motions filed by the four defendants.

The action of the AGF on the stalling of the trial however sparked off chains of reactions from counsel to Saraki, Mr. Paul Erokoro (SAN) and other defendants who accused the federal government of deliberately planning to frustrate the matter.

Erokoro vehemently objected to the request for adjournment, insisting that the matter was adjourned June for trial.

He added that if the AGF did not deem it fit to handover the case file to the lawyer he freely

appointed, the charge should be terminated and the defendants be allowed to go homes.

Erokoro further informed the court that Saraki had filed a motion since June 22 and served same on the AGF, questioning the legality of the charge on the ground that it constituted an abuse of court process because similar matter involving the AGF, was pending before a Federal high court in Abuja.

In the same vein, counsel to Ike Ekweremadu, Joseph Daudu (SAN) faulted the government’s request for an adjournment, claiming that since June when the charge was filed and slated for hearing, the AGF ought to have done the needful so as not to scuttle the trial.

Daudu told the court that Ekweremadu had also filed a motion since June, challenging the charge, adding that the charge was brought in bad faith and not competent to stand in

the face of the law because it constituted a gross abuse of court process Chief Ikechukwu Ezechukwu (SAN) counsel to the former clerk of the National Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Abubakar Maikasuwa and Mahmud Magaji (SAN), counsel to the Deputy Clerk, Benedict Eferuti, also raised objection against the decision of the prosecution not to commence the trial.

The trial judge, Justice Yusuf Halilu expressed reservations on the request for adjournment and the inability of the AGF to respond to the motions filed in the past 90 days challenging the the propriety of the charge.

“But in the interest of justice and the circumstances of this case and the plight of the defence team, I oblige to adjourn this matter till Friday, October 7 as agreed to by the four defendants.”

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

NEITI Asks Buhari to Invest His Presidential Capital on Passing PIB Says $200bn lost to such legal uncertainty in oil industry

Chineme Okafor in Abuja

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to take the lead and infuse urgency into the process of passing the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) to reform Nigeria’s petroleum industry, saying the country is losing up to $15 billion worth of annual investment from the uncertainty created by such lack of reforms.

NEITI in its latest policy brief titled: ‘The Urgency of a New Petroleum Sector Law,’ stated that Nigeria has wasted too long a time to get the PIB into law, while the oil industry suffers from such delay.

“The process of enacting a new law for Nigeria’s petroleum sector has gone on for far too long, and at enormous costs to the country. More urgency and better coordination are needed on the passage of this very important bill. It therefore advised that the PIB ship should be rescued from a start-stop, unhurried and uncoordinated mode and brought swiftly ashore,” said the NEITI in the policy brief.

It stated that the PIB is one of the most important bills ever to be contemplated in Nigeria’s history, yet has remained the one that has taken the most time and generated the most activity without legislation.

NEITI said it has a legitimate interest in the country’s extractive industries as an agency set up to enthrone transparency and accountability in the extractive industries, and so wants a law to propel the activities of the petroleum industry for the benefit of the country.

It observed in a statement communicating an abridged

content of the brief in Abuja that the setbacks suffered by the PIB were not due to poor understanding of the problems or the deficiency in expert inputs, but largely due to disagreements among stakeholders on the regulatory frameworks, including power of the minister, ownership and control of the resources, host community benefits, environmental concerns, appropriate fiscal regime.

It said in the process of all these, every administration has produced its own PIB drafts, but not the law, and therefore recommended that an inclusive task team should be urgently empanelled with Buhari in the lead and charged with building consensus among stakeholders.

“This task team should draw up a clear and wellcommunicated roadmap and fast-track the passage of the law in piece-meal rather than an omnibus approach. NEITI therefore calls on President Muhammadu Buhari to invest his presidential capital on this all-important legislation, putting in place a mechanism for rallying the stakeholders to a consensus, and using this law as one of the pillars of the bridge to a much needed economic recovery,” it stated.

Expressing its disappointment on the inability of successive governments to enact a law for a sector that accounts for over 80 and 90 per cent of its revenue and exports earnings respectively, NEITI pointed out that Nigeria has experienced huge losses to the tune of about $200 billion due to failure to pass an enabling law for the petroleum industry.

Some of these loses, it said are projected investments due to regulatory uncertainty which experts have put at $120 billion

($15 billion yearly).

“Governance deficiencies have been equally prolific,” said NEITI which added that its 2013 audit of the oil and gas sector revealed that $10.4 billion and N378.7 billion (N3.2 trillion at the current exchange rate) were lost as a result of under-remittance, underpayments, inefficiencies, theft or absence of clear fiscal regime in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

While stating that the losses in economic terms have equally been huge, NEITI traced the

journey towards the enactment of a petroleum law to the past 16 years when the process of reforms for the sector started. It noted that Nigeria’s oil and gas sector has continued to deteriorate due to the fact that the laws governing the industry are not sufficient for effective regulation and in some instances too outdated to be relevant in today’s global energy environment.

It said even though Ghana does not operate a complex petroleum industry, its ability to pass a petroleum law just after

two years of after commencing the process should be a lesson for Nigeria. It added that the plurality of action on the petroleum sector law indicate that Nigeria has not learnt from its past experiences to guarantee that the present journey will be any different.

It cautioned that the current efforts at reviving the process of enacting the law are already exhibiting disturbingly familiar patterns and have added a new dimension on whether the bill should be taken en bloc or passed piece-meal.

NEITI posited that to rely on rules and methods put in place four decades ago for a dynamic and volatile industry like the oil and gas sector has been a wrong and very costly choice, adding that government should not lose sight of the reasons for reforms in the sector which were for lack of transparency, accountability and efficiency.

It said the passage of the bill should be prioritised as one of the planks of economic recovery for Nigeria.

COURTESY VISIT

L-R: Special Adviser to the Lagos Governor on Education, Mr Obafela Bank-Olemoh; Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Akinyemi Ashade; Deputy Governor, Dr. Oluranti Adebule; Associate Directors, City Relationships 100 Resilient Cities Rockefeller Foundation, Liz Agbor-Tabi and Miss Nneka Ezeh, during a courtesy visit to Lagos State government by members of the Foundation, in Alausa, Ikeja...yesterday KOLA OLASUPO

Aero Contractors Workers Ondo: I’m Ready for Positive Sacrifices on Protest AMCON’s Closure Reconciliation ahead of Guber Poll, Says Akeredolu Akeredolu said having The candidate of the All aspirants to put behind government if voted as Progressives Congress (APC) them all issues over the governor is an indication that contested the governorship of Airline in the coming governorship September 3 primary of every member of the party election on the platform of Hundreds of employees of Aero Contractors Airline yesterday staged a peaceful protest over the closure of the airline by the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the protest was organised by the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE).

The workers, who began the protest at about 8.45a.m., marched round the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, carrying various placards expressing their grievances.

The placards had inscriptions such as, ‘Don’t Allow Aero to Die,’ ‘Save Aero from AMCON’ and ‘Aero must not go the way of Nigeria Airways,’ among others.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Frances Akinjole, the Secretary, ATSSSAN, condemned

the ‘illegal closure’ of Aero Contractors by AMCON, adding that they would resist the plan to liquidate the company.

Akinjole accused AMCON of running the airline aground after it took over majority shares in 2011 by approving bogus salaries and allowances for its representatives.

“Before AMCON took over, the airline had 11 operational aeroplane. They claim to have injected N12 billion in the company, but today, the airline has only three aircraft.

“This is calling on all wellmeaning Nigerians to please come to the aid of Aero at this crucial time in her life.

“Aero should not be allowed to die from the strangle of AMCON,’’ she said.

She said the threat to liquidate the airline would render its over 800 staff unemployed which would have negative effects on the already sick Nigerian economy.

election in Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has assured members of the party of his preparedness to do all in his capacity to reconcile with aggrieved members in the interest of progress of party in the state.

Akeredolu said he would make personal sacrifices towards closing ranks with those who contested with him to ensure that everyone comes on board to make the APC win the governorship poll slated for November The APC candidate made this known during a meeting with party’s members in Akure, as he enjoined his supporters in and out of the state to join hands with leaders of the party in forging a consensus and a good formula for winning the governorship election.

He appealed to members of APC, most especially the aggrieved governorship

the party, while focusing on victory, which according to him is compelling for the party to obtain during the coming election.

He noted that in every election, there are bound to be protests, given the overt eagerness by all contestants to win, whereas the last conducted APC primary was meant to turn out just one victor.

He said every member of APC in the state has been desirous of victory for the party in the coming governorship poll, a reason the issue of victory should be the focal point of all members at this point in time when, according to him, the party’s Secretariat is eager to do all in its capacity to add state to its strength.

He said although he would be representing the APC in the next governorship poll, his desire to run an inclusive

won the election with him.

He said he would rule the state by consensus and with counsel from all well-meaning members of the party in a manner that would accord all APC members a good sense of belonging.

He said: “I cannot do it alone, I cannot run it alone. It is by collective responsibility and then, I want to seize this opportunity to let you know that we will form the next government of Ondo State together as a team and not by individual efforts.

“I urge you all to key on this tone of reconciliation to move out into the outer space to appeal to our aggrieved partners to put all issues behind them and then come on board to make us run the next government of Ondo state together. We have a common opponent, and that is the PDP. We shall win the election by a team work.”

APC in 2015 and with strong support from key leaders of the party, he would leverage on the experience he had got in the process to rally forces around himself for victory in November governorship election.

He told party members that if voted in as the next governor of the state, his main preoccupation would centre on advancing the cause of education for capacity building as part of his agenda to create wealth and spread prosperity to the nooks and corners of the state within the shortest possible time.

He said he would also build on the infrastructural development and other laudable achievements by the present government in the state towards making the state emerge as first destination of choice in Nigeria and the best in system of governance.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016 • T H I S D AY

49

NEWSXTRA

Report: Public Institutions Not Complying with FoI Act Tobi Soniyi in Abuja

Ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) are not complying with the provisions of the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act 2011, a new report released yesterday by the Right to Know, a civil society organisation, has revealed.

The report, which was released to mark the first celebration of the Universal Access to Information Day, stated that the National Assembly which passed the bill that eventually became the FoI Act five years ago, had never

complied with the provisions of the Act. The Act requires all public institutions to proactively disclose certain information including how many staff they have, their salaries, grade levels and many more. However, the report found that this provision of the Act was not being complied with.

The report assessed compliance by public institutions in Nigeria with two key provisions of the FoI Act: Section 2(3 &4) relating to the provision on Proactive Disclosure—and Section 29 (1,2

House Moves to Criminalise ‘Baby Factories’ Damilola Oyedele in Abuja

Worried by the incessant discoveries of baby factories and sale of children, the House of Representatives yesterday passed through second reading an amendment that seeks to criminalise the rising scourge.

The bill sponsored by Hon. Enitan Dolapo Badru is named “bill for an act to amend the trafficking in persons (prohibition) law enforcement and Badru noted that the baby factory operation is fast growing into organised crime which must be urgently nipped in the bud as it is already becoming an embarrassment to the nation. “...Embassies would not ask you for result of DNA tests to

Rejects reintroduction of toll fares The House of Representatives yesterday called on the federal government to save the aviation industry and private airlines from imminent collapse caused by the sudden stoppage, discontinuance and suspension of operations by major airlines.

The House expressed worry that domestic with airlines services, maintenance and operational costs denominated in hard currencies, the current volatility in the exchange rate and general economic downturn is threatening their survival.

It therefore directed its Committee on Aviation to conduct a public hearing and discuss with relevant stakeholders to identify the options to mitigate the challenges in the aviation industry.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Hon. Istifanus. Gyang (Plateau PDP) who noted that the private airlines have filled the gap caused by the collapse of the national airline.

“This is further complicated by the numerous charges which the airlines pay to regulatory agencies including FAAN, NCAA, and NAMA,” Gyang added.

with the proactive disclosure provisions.

“The Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) is the only institution with a dedicated FoI portal for receiving and responding to electronic FoI requests and publishing information,” she added.

The report indicated a decline in the submission of FoI annual reports by public institutions to the AGF. While 60 institutions out of 800 submitted such reports to the AGF in 2015 only 44 submitted in 2016.

Nwankpa who expressed concern at this low level compliance with the

provisions of the FoI Act said: “Even the National Assembly that enacted the FoI Act in 2011 has till date never submitted an FoI annual report to the AGF since the law was passed. ”As an oversight institution that receives FoI reports made by public institutions through the AGF, it has become questionable whether the National Assembly has the legitimacy to hold any public institution accountable for non-compliance.”

Right to Know called on President Muhammadu Buhari to direct the Head of Civil Service to ensure compliance with the law saying that it

would help his fight against corruption tremendously.

“I think the president has a lot to gain if he enforces compliance with FoI Act having made the fight against corruption the pillar of his administration,” Nwankpa said.

She also called on the government toput in place sanctions for defaulting public institutions to enforce compliance with the FoI Act. She emphasised the fact that the FoI Act was one of the most potent systemic tools which could be used to support the current administration’ s anti-corruption policy.

prove a newborn baby is yours before you can travel with it...we need to impose severe punishment on perpetrators, and operators of unregistered homes and orphanages,” he argued.

Hon. Ayo Omidiran, contributing to the debate, said there was not specific law which outlined concrete punishment for the crime.

Some of the teenagers are raped and impregnated, held hostage until they deliver, and paid a pittance at delivery while the baby is taken away from them, Omidiran said.

“It is despicable, to phantom that a woman would carry a pregnancy for nine months, go through the pain of labour and sell the child for any amount,” she added.

Save Aviation Industry from Collapse, House Urges FG Damilola Oyedele in Abuja

&3) obligating an FoI Annual Submission to the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

In a statement which accompanied the report, Right to Know’s National Coordinnator, Ms. Ene Nwankpa, pointed out that “The 44 public institutions that submitted FoI annual reports in 2016, represent just a fraction of over 800 public institutions in existence.”

According to her, an assessment of the websites of 43 out of the 44 public institutions that submitted FoI annual reports to the Office of the AGF in 2016, indicates a below average compliance mark

The lawmakers also rejected a motion seeking the re-introduction of tolls and charges on federal highways.

The motion introduced

by Hon. Francis Uduyok (PDP), argued that the tolls collected would assist the federal government to be able to fund maintenance and construction of interstate roads.

The lawmaker noted that the usage of the tolls collected should be monitored.

Several lawmakers including Hon. Emmanuel Orker-Jev (Benue APC), Hon. Aminu Shehu Shagari (Sokoto APC), Hon. Ahmed Safana (Katsina APC) and Hon. Ayo Omidiran (Osun APC) however argued against the motion.

Hon. Sani Abdu (Bauchi APC) said re-introduction of toll charges on Nigerians who are already experiencing hardships, would be inhuman.

He added that good roads must be provided before tolls can even be considered.

“We do not have roads that should be tolled. If we contract some of these roads in private public partnership, and it must be with a proper agreement, and they must be fantastic roads with all the necessary facilities,” he said.

LUCKY WINNER

Winner of the Ajebo Unleashed 3.0 Minimie Chinchin Comedy Challenge, Mr. Alao Issa Owolabi (right), receiving his cheque from Minimie Chinchin’s Communications Manager, Mr. Isaac Egbe (middle), while the Ace Comedian, Ajebo, watches with keen interest in Lagos...recently

Group: WHO’s Tobacco Treaty a Threat to Public Health Crusoe Osagie Documents released last week by the World Health Organisation (WHO) ahead of the November meeting in Delhi of its Framework Convention on Tobacco Control have shown that the organisation has been operating in secret to limit access to new technologies that have enabled millions of people to quit smoking, according to a brief published today by Reason Foundation, a US think tank.

The brief, written by Julian Morris, vice president of research at Reason Foundation, looks at the work of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), a treaty created by the World Health Organisation in 2004 that seeks “to protect present and future generations from the devastating health, social, environmental and economic consequences of tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke.”

Since the FCTC came into force in 2005, the number of smokers in the world has increased, mainly in China and other poor countries that were the FCTC’s primary target. As Morris comments in the brief, “The FCTC has not been a stellar success on its own terms.”

Morris argues that a key problem with the FCTC is that it is beholden to the idea that the only way to reduce smoking is for smokers to “quit or die.”

It is thus highly sceptical of the potential for new technologies, such as vape devices (also known as “electronic cigarettes”), to reduce smoking-related harms.

Among other evidence, Morris cites a report released last week by the FCTC, inaugulation in secret from unknown authors that refers to unpublished evidence from meetings held in secret, which advocates that vape products should be heavily regulated.

Yet, a recent report from the Royal College of Physicians concluded that vaping is “at least 95 percent safer” than smoking, that vape devices should be widely available and that doctors should encourage smokers to use them instead of smoking. Moreover, millions of people have already stopped smoking by using vape products.

And where vape products are legally available, rates of smoking initiation have fallen faster than in locations where they are not available.

If governments follow the FCTC’s advice, vape products would become less readily

available and more people will smoke, with far worse health consequences. “The WHO’s opposition to tobacco harm reduction is dishonest and threatens public health,” Morris says.

Morris suggests that many of the problems with the FCTC stem from the fact that it violates all the precepts of good governance – especially transparency. He notes that at the two most recent Conferences of the Parties (COPs) of the FCTC, in Seoul in 2012, and in Moscow in 2014, all journalists were thrown out of the public gallery and the meetings were held in secret.

The FCTC also excludes many groups whose input would be highly relevant. Morris notes: “The FCTC currently lists only 20 NGOs as Observers on its website. By contrast, the Framework Convention on Climate Change lists over 2,000 NGOs as Observers.

Moreover, there is essentially no participation by representatives of many affected groups, including users of tobacco and vape products, vendors, and farmers.

Participation by IGOs has also been restricted; even Interpol has been denied Observer status despite its expertise in combating

illicit trade in tobacco, a key topic covered by the Convention.”

The primary justification the FCTC Secretariat gives for restricting participation and operating in secret is the avoidance of conflicts of interest. But the real reason, Morris argues, is that the FCTC doesn’t want to allow anyone into the tent who disagrees with its assumption that the only option for smokers is to “quit or die.” As Morris observes: “If the FCTC is genuinely committed to the ‘right to health’ then it must listen to those who are taking control of the things that determine their health – and to those who are helping them to do so. In other words, it should open itself up to participation by groups representing vapers, snus users, and companies producing these and other less harmful nicotine-containing products.”

Meanwhile, to address genuine conflicts of interest, Morris suggests that the FCTC should “open itself up to scrutiny. That means, at the very least, permitting journalists to attend all sessions of COPs and technical committees.

Better yet, the FCTC might livestream all its proceedings over the web.”

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016 • T H I S D AY

50

CRIME&PUNISHMENT Court Admits Oronsaye’s Statement as Evidence in His Trial for Money Laundering

Tobi Soniyi in Abuja

Layonu who is defending Oronsaye in the trial, had An Abuja High Court has vehemently objected the admitted the statement made tendering of the statement by by a former Head of Service of the prosecution witness, Hammathe Federation, Steve Oronsaye, Adama Bello, an operative of to the Economic and Financial EFCC on the grounds that he Crimes Commission (EFCC) was not the officer who applied during his interrogation on cautionary word when the alleged financial crimes filed statement was made.

The defence counsel had against him.

Justice Olasunmbo Goodluck argued that since Bello did admitted the statement in her not counter sign the statement, ruling after she overruled he could not be cross-examined the objection challenging the on it, as such, he was not the admission of the statement appropriate person to tender the by the defence counsel, Dr. document in evidence.

But the prosecution counsel, Abiodun Layonu (SAN).

Offem Uket, who sought to tender the document through the witness urged Justice Goodluck to allow the witness to tender it on the grounds that he was a member of the team that investigated the petition and was present when the defendant made the statement.

Uket further informed the court that the standard practice was that only one person administers cautionary word and counter-sign at a time.

Thus, even though the Bello who is the Prosecution Witness 6 was present at the time the statement was made, only

one signature was necessary on the statement made by the defendant.

To this, Justice Goodluck agreed with the prosecution counsel that the witness could tender the document but she however noted that caution would be applied by the court in attaching probate value to the statement.

She therefore allowed the witness to tender the document in evidence.

Meanwhile, the trial of the ex-Head of Service on money laundering charges continues today.

In Brief

FCT Police Assures Foreign Nationals of Safety, Protection The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Muhammad Mustafa, yesterday assured foreign nationals resident in the territory of safety and protection of their business interests. According to Mustafa, the command has put in place adequate security measures to protect and facilitate a safe and secured atmosphere for their businesses to thrive. A statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Anjuguri Manzah, said the CP gave the assurance while playing host to the Charge D’Affairs of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria, Mr. Qin Jian. The Charge D’Affairs had in his entourage the Embassy Defence Attaché, Senior Colonel Wang Puin Xu and his assistant Captain Zhan Su, who were at the commissioner’s office on a courtesy visit. The CP extolled the robust cordial working relationship that has been existing between the Embassy and the FCT Police Command. According to the statement, the rationale for the visit was hinged on building on the existing partnership between the Chinese Embassy and FCT Police Command, which has been prompt in providing security and protection for it citizens and their businesses located in FCT.

Herdsmen Kidnap Catholic Priest Gunmen alleged to be Fulani herdsmen have allegedly

HOW TO TACKLE INSECURITY

L-R: Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo; state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Francis Odesanya; Governor Nyesom Wike; and Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 6, Mr. Abubakar Marafa, after the visit of the AIG to the governor at the Government House, Port Harcourt...Tuesday

Frequency of Domestic Violence in Nigeria Alarming, Medical Women, Others Lament

Sunday Okobi

Nigerian women in the medical profession have strongly decried the prevalence of domestic violence in Nigeria, describing it as very alarming and a national crisis.

These women, under the auspices of Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Lagos State chapter, made the condemnation at their 2016 annual general and scientific meeting which took place recently in Lagos where the dangers of social vices such as rape, gap teething, skin bleaching among others were also highlighted.

The President of the state chapter of MWAN, Dr. Modupe Abiola, who spoke to THISDAY on the sideline, said in discussing this year’s theme which is ‘Domestic Violence: The Role of Medical Women in Curbing this Menace’, the medical women aim to look at the role the association and the society at large can play in helping to check the societal menace.

According to her, “Our main topic was suggested by the fact that domestic violence has become extremely common;

it has always been with us, but we discovered that it is on the increase possibly because it is not often reported.”

She stated that a bill was recently signed into law by the government as the right of persons both men and women regarding the issues of domestic violence which was hitherto overlooked and unacknowledged, “so we feel that as medical women, we have a part to play concerning the citizens in order to curb this menace to the barest minimum.

However, according to statistics, the numbers of women who have been violated are more than the men.”

Abiola further declared that “as a body, MWAN recognises and condemns the impact of this pandemic in Nigeria, hence the need to address our role as medical women in reducing domestic violence completely.

“In addressing it, the federal government has to play its part by making laws and implementing it for the people. Also, women have a major role to play in taking care of men starting for teen age.

Any teen who you wants to avoid this pandemic has to start from the family. We

need to bring up our men to be responsible and respectful even from childhood, to know the worth of women, and this is why we are talking about it. It is not that men are not violated, but we are dealing with as an issue here. In terms of ratio, it is particularly with one gender than other. As medical women, we have tried to reach out to people when we visit prisons, schools and other place preaching against domestic violence.”

In his remarks, one of the keynote speakers at the occasion, the Commander of the 445 Nigerian Air Force Hospital, Air Force Base, Ikeja, Lagos, Air Commordore Benjamin B. Okunola, noted that domestic violence is now a global phenomenon and a threat to humanity which transcends families from all races, gender, social, religious economic and academic background, adding that it is common in advanced country.

He posited that domestic violence has a lot of consequences on individuals, family members, the society and the country at large, and that most victims are usually dependent on the aggressor,

hence they are voiceless and usually live in fear and depression.

“It could begin with shouting at the victim, then verbal abuses, thereafter beatings and in extreme cases, it could result to murder. Therefore, domestic violence is a national menace that must be checked by the society,” Okunola maintained.

While advising the women to intensify the fight against domestic violence in the country by lobbying the state and federal governments to domesticate relevant international legal and institutional framework relating to the menace, the speaker also urged them to press it on government to take responsibility for the treatment and rehabilitation of victims of domestic violence.

“You could also encourage them (the victims) to report the cases to relevant authorities in other to seek redress and justice. Prosecution of offenders will serve as deterrence to other persons, as some victims of domestic violence carry psychological and emotional scar of their abuses for life, which we must prevent,” he concluded.

kidnapped the Rector of Fr. Tansi Major Seminary in Onitsha, Anambra State, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Dim. This was disclosed

by Rev. Fr. Hygi Aghaulor, Director of Communications, Nnewi Dioceses. Aghaulor told journalists in Nnewi yesterday that Dim was kidnapped at about 7p.m. last Tuesday along Nkpologwu-Nimbo road while returning from Nsukka, where he and two other priests, Rev. Jude Chukwuneke and Jude Ezeokana, went for an official duty. Chukwuneke and Okana were lucky to have escaped being kidnapped, but according to Aghaulor, they sustained various degrees of gun-shot wounds. Part of the text read to journalists

by Aghaulor said: “We are tempted to wonder if Nigeria is on the verge of collapse. All over the country, women are being raped; intimidated, innocent Nigerians are being slaughtered by the day. We are calling on security agencies to ensure the quick release of Rev Dim.” THISDAY learnt that the kidnappers had already contacted his family, and were remanding the sum of N2.5 million as ransom for his release. Meanwhile, Catholic Bishop Conference of Nigeria has directed that no ransom be paid for the release of the priest, Aghaulor added.

Police Arrest Suspected Robbers, Cultists in Ondo

The police in Ondo State said it has arrested nine suspects for allegedly engaging in robbery and cultist activities. Four of the suspects were alleged to have engaged in armed robbers on Erinje Road in Okitipupa Local Government Area of the state.

Similarly, the command also mentioned the arrest of five boys who were alleged to be members of the secret cults in Ifon, the headquarters of Ose Local Government Area. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the command, Mr. Femi Joseph, said the robbers were caught during a robbery operation. The suspects, according to him, are: Akinwande Akinrinsola, Austin Eze, Sunday Akinsuyi and Niyi Iyantan “When we heard the information that the robbers were operating, we sent our patrol team there, but immediately they saw policemen, they opened fire at the policemen. They engaged our men in shootout, but our men killed one of them and others ran into the bush. But later they were arrested and currently in our custody,” he said.

Joseph also explained that one of the policemen was injured during the shootout with the robbers. He listed items recovered from the bandits to include one locally-made pistol, three live ammunition and two cutlasses.

Police Intercepts Dangote Truck Carrying Indian Hemp

Kebbi State Police Command has intercepted a truck, belonging to Dangote Group of Companies carrying 176 sacks of 50kg of suspected to be Indian hemp. Parading the suspect before journalists at the police headquarters in Birnin-Kebbi, the Commissioner of Police, Kabiru Ibrahim, said the truck with the registration number: Kano SML 124 XA was apprehended at Koko during stop and search exercise with one suspect Aliyu Sani.

Ibrahim said the truck loaded the consignment from Ogere in Ogun State, was heading to Bodinga town, the headquarters of Bodinga Local Government Area in Sokoto State. The CP expressed the determination of the command to fight criminal activities in the state, however promised to carry out detailed investigation in the matter.

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THURSDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

NPFL…NPFL…NPFL…

NPFL Champions to Earn N40m Prize Money Champions of the 2015/16 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season stand to win N40 million from the Merit Award of the League Management Company (LMC).

Rangers International of Enugu and Rivers United of Port Harcourt are the two clubs in contention for the big prize money from a total of N200 million pool set aside by the LMC as reward for final position on the league table at the end of the season on Sunday.

Last season, the highest payout from the Merit Award which went to Enyimba International was N30 million from a total pool of N150 million and this year’s figure of N200 million represents an increase of 25 per cent.

The Merit Award pool has been witnessing an annual progression from N50m in 2012/13 to N75m in 2013/14 season and now N200m. The top three Clubs on the final table usually received the chunk of the Merit Award which supports the clubs financially in their preparation for the CAF Club competitions the next season.

According to figures released by the LMC, the champions would have received a minimum of N90m in all direct payments for the 2016 season including the Basic Award which comprises of pool of funds shared equally amongst all the 20 participating

clubs, the Merit Award paid to clubs based on their final position on the table, the Football Development and the Bonus Award which is paid to clubs based on performances including incentives for improving match attendance, away wins/draw, fielding players under the age of 18 years and hosting live broadcast matches.

The lowest placed team in the NPFL this season would thus have received up to N55m in direct payments from the LMC from all payment centres.

A statement from the LMC explained that “in addition to the direct payments clubs do also benefit from other indirect payments such as free registration of players and officials, free insurance, payment of match officials’ indemnities and hotel accommodation as well as sponsored seminars and other engagements funded by the LMC”.

The Flying Antelopes are three points ahead of Rivers United with the Enugu team hosting El-Kanemi Warriors at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium now called The Cathedral by Enugu fans needing a point to guarantee the title while Rivers United goes hunting for three points in Uyo against Akwa United. The Port Harcourt side will seek to win big while hoping that Rangers will falter against their visitors.

F E D E R AT I O N C U P

IfeanyiUbah Halts Ambitious Crown FC FC IfeanyiUbah will play in the final of this year’s Nigeria Federation Cup after the Nnewi club defeated giant killers Crown FC 2-1 in Kaduna yesterday.

The Anambra Warriors will slug it out with the winners of the second semifinal between Enyimba and Nasarawa United to be played today with the eventual winners of the cup representing Nigeria in next year’s CAF Confederation Cup. Giant killers Crown, who sent packing Rangers and Wikki, took the lead after 15 minutes, before Elu Wilson

restored parity after 21 minutes.

IfeanyiUbah, with their wealthy club owner watching from the stands, then took the lead in the 56th minute through a controversial penalty converted by Camerounian midfielder Tamen Medrano.

An equaliser by Crown in 86th minute by Yakubu Ahmed, which appeared to be a good goal, was chalked off by the referee, who was subsequently attacked by angry fans.

But after this disruption, play continued for ‘The Anambra Warriors’ IfeanyiUbah to shoot to the cup final.

UCL RESULTS Arsenal 2 - 0 Basel Atlético 1 - 0 Bayern Besiktas 1 - 1 D’ Kyiv M’gladbach 1 - 2 Barca Celtic 3 - 3 Man City FC Rostov 2 - 2 PSV Razgrad 1 - 3 P S G Napoli 4 - 2 Benfica Atletico Madrid’s Yannick Carrasco (centre) scored the lone goal against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League… last night

The Mathematics of Staying Alive in the Topflight The last matches of the 2015/16 season of the Nigeria Professional Football League hold on Sunday in nine centres with focus on the champions emerging from either Enugu or Uyo. However, DURO IKHAZUAGBE insists the real battle for survival is in Agege, Jos, Warri and Umuahia The Super Sunday of the 2015/2016 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) coming up barely four days from now is like no other in the modern era of club football in the country.

After the league went down the wire last weekend with Rangers International emerging the front runner on 60 points till the last game, anything is still capable of happening on the last day.

Though, everything points in the direction of fans of the Flying Antelopes celebrating at the Cathedral in Enugu as they need just a point from the clash with El Kanemi to be crowned champions, Rivers United are not giving up the fight until the last whistle. They however do not have their fate in their hands. Playing away to Akwa United at their fortress in Nest of Champions in Uyo appears a tough one for the Rivers team who are seeking the ultimate crown at the first asking.

Being three clear points behind Rangers is making the mission a difficult one to achieve. Of course, both IfeanyiUbah (56 points) and Wikki Tourists (54 points) in the third and fourth

Independence Day Golf: IBB Club Renews Rivalry with Achimota Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja will host Ghana’s leading golf club, Achimota Club 1924 of Accra, in an international match-play friendly to mark Nigeria’s 56th Independence Day. The Ghanaian contingent of 50 golfers is expected to arrive in Abuja today ahead of the opening double matches which hold on Friday. The

single matches will be played on October 2, after the Independence Cup Tournament on Saturday.

The visit by Achimota is in keeping to the long held traditional where both Ghana and Nigeria engage in matchplay as a mark of friendship to commemorate their national days.

The Chairman of Nigeria’s Independence Day Golf Tournament, Sunday I. Ameh (SAN), told reporters, that

upon arrival, the Ghanaians will be treated to a cocktail on Thursday to be followed by an African night to harmonise Nigerian and Ghanaian cultures.

A member of the organising committee, Hon Austin Nwachukwu said both Nigeria and Ghana share common values in education, business, politics and sports dated back to the past when Ghana used to be known as Gold Coast.

positions are waiting in the wing to profit from any slip in Uyo. This is the situation at the top.

However, while the scrabble for the top spots rages, the situation playing out in the bottom of the table is not a funny one to behold.

Already, due to the infraction of the rules of the premier league, Jos team, Giwa FC is sitting at the bottom while Ikorodu United has also bid the topflight good bye after just a season. The battle for the two teams to join Giwa and Ikorodu to the lower division holds so much promise with four teams in the dogs’ fight to stay alive. Warri Wolves and church team, MFM FC are on 42 points in the 18th and 17th spots

while Heartland (43points) and Abia Warriors (45th) occupy the 16th and 15th places. Any of these teams can drop based on the final day results.

Heartland is guest to Plateau United while Abia Warriors hosts Shooting stars. MFM FC is to welcome continental chasing FC IfeanyiUbah just as Warri Wolves engages Ikorodu United in Warri.

Fans of Heartland will be hoping for a miracle to happen against Plateau United in Jos. Since the formation of the club as Spartans FC in 1976, it will be the first time the Naze Millionaires will be going down to the lower division if the unexpected happens on Sunday.

A win in Jos makes results in

Warri and Agege irrelevant. But if they fail, a win for Wolves or MFM makes their staying in the topflight a subject of mathematical calculation of the goal difference.

MFM FC midfielder, Onuwa Chukwuka, is looking at the last game with IfeanyiUbah differently.

To him and his colleagues, their careers depend on the continued stay of MFM in the NPFL. The former Heartland player observed yesterday: ““This is the last match of the season for all of us and it is a must win. Our lives and career depend on this game. We cannot afford to lose this match because we do not want to disappoint our fans, families and management.

109 Players to Storm Lagos for 16th Governor’s Cup Tennis Femi Solaja With less than a month to the 16th edition of the Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis Championship, no fewer than 39 countries of the world including host, Nigeria, will participate in the annual event.

For two weeks, players from notable tennis playing countries will converge on the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan to fight for $100,000 prize money and ATP points in a two-legged tournament from October 8 to 22.

According to the International Tennis Federation (ITF), a total number of 109 players will compete for honours in the singles and doubles events of both the men and women’s categories.

Interestingly, this year’s competition will see the return to the city of Lagos some former champions of the Governor’s Cup. Top on the list of these stars is

Enrique Lopez-Perez, who won the two legs of the tournament in 2012. Ranked number 174 in the world, the Spanish star is the top seed in the Men’s Singles this year.

Also in the train to the 16th Governor’s Cup is Boy Westerhof of The Netherlands, who won the competition in 2007 and was men’s doubles winner in 2010 edition.

He is ranked number 313.

Egyptian Karim-Mohamed Mohamed, Duncan Mugabe of Uganda and Mark Fynn of Zimbabwe are some of the old faces to play in the pro circuit event in Lagos.

For the first time in the history of the Governor’s Cup, a Nigerian player, Christian Paul with the ATP rank 1290 is listed in the Main Draws of the first leg of the tournament which serves off on Monday, October 10.

Other Nigerian players who

will play, but will fight their ways to the main draws in the qualifying matches (except the wildcards from the ITF), include Sylvester Emmanuel, Moses Michael, Umar Balami, Albert Bisong, Joseph Imeh Ubon, Mohammed Mohammed, Edward Christopher Anefu, Adimabua Joseph Iyorovbe, Francis Aleji, Emmanuel Ikakah and Ilechukwu Iloputa.

In the women’s event, 2013 and 2015 champion, Tadeja Majeric of Slovakia (239) will stage a comeback to Lagos. She will be joined by regular faces such as Conny Perrin of Switzerland, semi finalist in last year’s event. Perrin, who is ranked 233 is the top seed in the women’s singles. Others are American Alexandra Riley, Indian Prathana G. Thombare, a quarter finalist last year, Ester Masuri and Keren Shlomo, both from Israel as well as Valeria Bhunu of Zimbabwe.

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MISSILE Adebanjo to APC

“People are expecting me to mock Tinubu and say God has dealt with him over the manner he treated me and other Yoruba leaders but I won’t do that because what is after six is more than seven. Attack on Tinubu is not directly at him but on Yorubaland. I am not shortsighted. Tinubu may have his fault but he has not been treated well by his party” —Afenifere chieftain, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, alleging a gang-up against Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in the ruling APC

OLUSEGUNADENIYI THE VERDICT

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

Not a Time to Play Akotileta O

ne of the most powerful stories in the Bible is that of two siblings: Esau and Jacob. While there are as many lessons in the account as there are pastors preaching on the subject, the common thread is that although instant gratification, especially in a moment of desperation, has its immediate reward, making such a choice often leads to lifetime regrets, as exemplified by Esau, the older sibling.

In his message titled “Consequences of a Quick Fix: The Esau Syndrome”, Milan Jed argued that Esau traded the lasting benefits of his birthright for the immediate pleasure of food. “He acted on impulse, satisfying his immediate desires without pausing to consider the long-range consequences. Esau exaggerated his hunger.

‘I’m dying of starvation,’ he said. This thought made his choice much easier, because if he was starving, what good was an inheritance anyway? His immediate hunger distorted his perspective and made his decision seem urgent….” wrote Jed. Okay, it is important that I apologise to my nonChristian readers who may not be familiar with the story of Jacob and Esau found in the Biblical book of Genesis. It is just that the current controversy in the national space parodies that account. Challenged by a difficult economic situation that requires strategic thinking for short, medium and long term solutions, some managers of our economy and their friends in the private sector would rather look for an easy way out by proposing the sale of some of our prime national assets.

It is even more disturbing when one listens to government officials as there doesn’t appear to be

President Muhammadu Buhari any rigour on how to get Nigeria out of the current economic malaise beyond some pedestrian argument of looking for money that will most likely go for recurrent, rather than on capital, expenditure. “It makes sense for me to unlock those things that will bring money to the economy at these difficult times, so that we can move forward”, said the Finance Minister, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun.

Ordinarily, such a proposition may not be a bad idea, especially considering that the landscape is littered with assets that add little or no value our lives, including those that are actually rotting away.

For instance, selling the National Theatre in Iganmu and National Stadium in Surulere, both in Lagos, are good ideas being proposed by some groups which I endorse wholeheartedly. However, the government

officials who seem so eager to sell and those who want to buy are not looking in that direction.

Again, let us assume that the idea to sell some assets was based on altruism, and it could really well be, the question then is: Why should we sell those that are doing very well? Their response: To fund the 2016 federal government budget. Like Esau, we want to sell because we are “hungry”. So, after satiating the “2016 hunger”, what happens in 2017? Even at that, the ease with which the proponents of sale were quick to identify the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) and the presumption that there are buyers already out there waiting with their cheque book raises serious questions about whether this whole campaign was not premeditated. But that is not even where I am going.

Let us look at the NLNG. Incorporated in 1989, the shareholders of the company are: NNPC (representing the Federal Government of Nigeria) with 49 percent equity; Shell Gas BV with 25.6 percent equity; Total LNG Nigeria Limited with 15 percent equity and ENI International with 10.4 percent equity. The total revenue accruable to the company from 1999 to 2015 was US$90.3billion while the figure for the last five years alone was US$ 48.54billion. The capital investment from 1999 to 2015 was also US$15.6billion while the figure for the last five years was US$ 1.3billion.

In terms of return on investment, the dividend paid to NNPC (FGN) between 2004 and 2015 was US$15.3 billion while the figure for the last five years was US$8.74billion. The dividend accruable to other shareholders from 2004 to 2015 was US$16billion while the figure for the last five years was US$9.43billion.

OBYEZEKWESILI

The company also paid the sum of US$3.8billion as income tax and education tax between 2011 and 2015; PAYE in the sum of US$ 334million (from 1999 to 2015); VAT of US$ 647million (from 2005 to 2015); State & LGA taxes of US$8.1million (from 2007 to 2015); regulatory fees and levies of US$ 299million (from 1999 to 2015) and withholding tax of US$946million (from 1999 to 2015).

From the foregoing, we can see the profitability of the NLNG which then raises questions as to why some people would imagine it is in the national interest to sell such a company out of desperation. Here, let me make it very clear that I am not opposed to the federal government divesting of equity in some of the assets that are not performing. I will for instance like to see the refineries being sold rather than to continue wasting scarce resources on their maintenance.

However, even if we have to sell assets, it must be a strategic decision founded on the need to maximize the potential of the companies for the overall benefits of our people and not because we are looking for some quick cash to sustain the false lifestyles of our political office holders. Let’s face it, whatever money will make from the sale will be of little benefits to the ordinary man on the street. At least, there are reports that many of the governors, including those that cannot pay the salaries of workers in their states, are still buying expensive bulletproof vehicles for themselves and spouses.

NOTE: This piece is concluded in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

GUEST COLUMNIST

Before We Sell Public Assets A

s if the current unclear economic policy context was not disconcerting enough, the sudden emergence of a raging debate on sale of public assets escalated one’s fears that easier things seem to appear more attractive to the government. In public policy, it is wise to be wary of the easiest options.

As a pro market economy advocate, I inherently support any programme of government that will help roll back the public sector from the economy because economic evidence shows this to be almost always correct.

However, lacking the sound economic management and policy context as yet, I am presently opposed to what sounds like a proposal for “distress option” sale of public stakes, especially in NNPC and NLNG. But the government can proceed urgently through the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) to sell off those cesspools of corruption in our petroleum sector otherwise known as refineries. Their sale would in fact amount to fiscal savings beyond the proceeds and should therefore be supported by all.

I am opposed to the sale of any productive assets like the NLG because there seems to be no clear economic vision and rigorous analytics to serve as the anchor for

such a major policy thrust. We need well deliberated policies from our government including the plans for revitalization of the programme of privatization being run by BPE to properly situate public debate of economic structural change agenda. After all, even in our country, there is now proof that the economy can relatively respond to deliberate, well thought and rigorous analysis of context and sound policy options in resolving growth and development problems.

The evidence that backs this is that it was a modest range of such sound economic policies that helped deliver an average of 5-6 percent growth of our economy on a sustained basis over a long period of nearly a decade and half. It was only recently at the end of 2015 that growth dropped to below 3 percent.

True, the relatively impressive economic growth rate did not resolve the major challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality. That 61 percent of our population is poor, according to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (2011 Household Survey) is indicative of how growth and poverty reduction can often times disconnect. Also, according to NBS, unemployment rate stood at 10.5 percent at end of 2015 and grew to 13.3

percent by the second quarter of 2016, revealing that the economy is severely failing to absorb new entrants into the labor market -- especially the 2-2.5 million youths that seek to do so annually.

With a high income inequality rate of .4 Gini-coefficient instead of a score closer to a perfect zero, the gap between our top income earners and the majority bottom poor earners is one of the highest in the world and is the reason why Nigeria stands at number 26 out of 190 countries. So, yes again, there are very deep challenges that growth did not yet resolve for Nigerians since the early 2000s when it became normal in the economy.

However, we can objectively admit that if we had not grown steadily at those higher rates from 2003 - 2014, the economy would not have expanded as significantly as it did in the sixteen years of our 1999 cycle of democracy. The expansion of our GDP offered more diverse opportunities in sectors like telecommunication, agriculture and agri-business, entertainment and services.

In real human terms, a growing economy provided more and newer opportunities for citizens than was the case during the lost decades of the 80s and 90s known mostly for no, low or negative growth. The concept of

economic growth must therefore not be derided nor dismissed as some usually do.

The fundamental anchor for Nigeria’s long period of economic growth was, when starting since 2003, policy makers managed to achieve macroeconomic stability through an effective mix of monetary, fiscal and some measure of structural policies. Whereas not many citizens would normally concern themselves with the rather arcane concepts that engage the minds of economic and finance technocrats; yet, growth policies are fundamental to economic progress of individuals, households, governments and businesses. This is becoming obvious to Nigerians in the last twelve months as more citizens now better see the relationship between growth and the fact that some who once had a job no longer have one.

What then was the genesis of the loss of economic growth? It came from the fact that we learned nothing from previous mistakes in the manner of poor governance of resources, especially oil earnings…

NOTE: This piece is concluded in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

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