Friday 21st October 2016

NNPC Offers Its Oil at a Discount to Regain Market Share World Bank raises 2017 price forecast to $55/b

Obinna Chima with agency report Nigeria has cut the price of every type of crude it sells in an effort to regain the share

of the global oil market at a time when there’s a “huge” glut of cargoes.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) lowered by at least

$1 a barrel its official selling prices (OSPs) for 20 out of 26 oil grades monitored by Bloomberg, according to pricing lists.

Qua Iboe, Nigeria’s largest export crude under normal

circumstances, was reduced by the most since 2014.

The price reductions are due to a “huge cargo overhang” as the country attempts to regain market share, Mele Kyari,

Group General Manager for the Oil Marketing Division at NNPC, said by phone.

Like every other producer country, Nigeria is grappling with prices that are less than

half what they were in July 2014. What makes the African nation’s situation more acute is a militant campaign that Continued on page 8

MTN Admits Non-compliance with Extant Law on Repatriation of $13.9 bn… Page 55 Friday 21 October, 2016 Vol 21. No 7855. Price: N250

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NBA Asks Accused Judges to Proceed on Leave, Another Justice Indicts Amaechi Justice Ngwuta alleges Onu also attempted to influence him, accuses DSS of planting money in his house Again, transport minister denies claim APC gives Justice Okoro ultimatum to withdraw bribery allegation Tobi Soniyi in Abuja and Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt As the indicted judges who were recently arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) attempt to exonerate themselves of the corruption allegations against them by blaming chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the DSS, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which at the outset of their arrest condemned the DSS, changed its position yesterday, when it asked the affected judges to Continued on page 8

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HEAR COMES OBA EWUARE II… LONG LIVE THE KING

His Royal Mayesty, Omo N'Oba N'Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II of Benin (centre), flanked by the bearers of the royal swords, when he crossed the symbolical Omi River during the procession from Usama Palace to Urhokpota Hall, where he received staff of office from Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State… yesterday (See story on page 12) abiodun ajala

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PAGE EIGHT NBA ASKS ACCUSED JUDGES TO PROCEED ON LEAVE, ANOTHER JUSTICE INDICTS AMAECHI recuse themselves from further judicial functions or proceed on compulsory leave, until their innocence is fully and completely established.

This came on the heels of yet another claim by Justice Nwali Sylvester Ngwuta of the Supreme Court that the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonaya Onu, attempted to influence him during appeals challenging the outcome of the governorship elections in Rivers and Ebonyi States.

He equally claimed that he was being hounded because he refused to help them deliver favourable judgments in the election cases.

Justice Ngwuta was one of the seven judges whose homes were raided penultimate week by the DSS. He and five others were arrested and released on bail a day later.

Justice Ngwuta’s allegations also came after similar ones made by Justices Adeniyi Ademola and John Inyang Okoro against the DSS, Amaechi and the Akwa Ibom governorship candidate of the APC, Mr. Umana Umana.

Amaechi and Umana, however, have strongly denied Justice Okoro’s claims.

In a letter dated October 18, 2016 to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed, Ngwuta also accused the DSS of planting money in his house.

In the letter, he said he had been diagnosed with malaria and had taken some anti-malaria drugs and was already in bed when suddenly his housemaid started knocking on his door on the night of his arrest.

He said he opened the door for the operatives of the DSS, after they told him the president had sent a message to him.

In his narrative, Justice Ngwuta assumed that given the violent manner in which the operatives conducted themselves, he was under the impression that he was about to be abducted by kidnappers, until he was taken to the DSS headquarters in Abuja.

He also said that he thought there had been a coup d’etat in the country.

The Supreme Court judge explained that throughout the raid on his house, he was not confronted with any allegation.

He said: “I became much more disturbed not only for myself but for the future of this great nation, Nigeria. I could not convince myself that any agency of the federal government, in a democratic setting, could for any undisclosed reason violate

the rights of a Nigerian citizen, a judicial officer and justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, for that matter with such impunity.

“I thought that the democratic government had been overthrown and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) abolished or suspended.”

Justice Ngwuta described himself as a victim of his own resolve not to violate his sacred oath of office as a judicial officer.

According to him, politicians and their collaborators have been hunting him on this account.

“It started in Ebonyi State where I was falsely accused before a panel set up by the NJC in August 2000. It was replicated in 2009 when I was pulled from my division, Calabar, to preside over a motion filed

by Senator Andy Uba seeking to be a governor without going through the process of election.

In each case I was exonerated.

“My present plight started sometime between 2013 and 2014.

I represented the then Chief Justice of Nigeria in an event organised at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

“Hon. Rotimi Amaechi came in late and sat next to me at the high table. He introduced himself to me and we exchanged contacts.

A few weeks after, Fayose’s case was determined in the Court of Appeal.

“Amaechi called me by 6.45 a.m. He said he had come to see me but was told I had left for my office. When he said he would return in the evening, I demanded to know what he wanted, but he would not tell me.

“He did not come that evening but came the following morning when I was already prepared to go to work.

“He begged me to ensure that Fayose’s election was set aside and another election ordered for his friend Fayemi to contest. I told him I would not help him and that even if I am on the panel, I have only my one vote.

“After the Rivers State governorship election was determined by the Court of Appeal, he called to tell me his ears were full and he would like to tell me what he heard.

“I told him I was out of Abuja at the time. On my return, he came in the evening and even before he sat down he barked: ‘You have seen Wike.’

“I asked him whether that was a question or a statement. Then he made a call and asked me to speak with someone. The man he called said he was a DSS man.

We exchanged greetings and I

handed the phone to him.

“Next, he said, ‘Oga is not happy.’ I asked him who is the unhappy ‘Oga’ and he answered ‘Buhari’. I retorted, ‘Go and talk to his wife.’ He got very angry, and left, remarking ‘we shall see’ several times.

“Your Lordship may recall one morning when I pleaded not be on the panel for Rivers Appeal panel. Your Lordship said I was already on the panel and asked me to explain why I made the request to be excluded.

“When I explained what transpired the previous night, Your Lordship told me Amaechi had also attempted to influence other justices.

“My Lord, on the day we heard the appeal with your Lordship presiding, we were allowed a lunch break at 4.20 p.m. The moment I got into my chambers he, Amaechi, called. When he told me who was calling, I said to him, ‘Your Excellency, you want to issue more threats?’

“He replied, ‘Have you been threatened before?’ I replied, ‘I know a threat when I hear one even if veiled. In any case I will not talk to you,’ and I switched off my phone,” he alleged in the letter.

Continuing, Justice Ngwuta said those who failed to destroy him in Ebonyi in 2000 and in Enugu in Uba’s case in the Court of Appeal, Enugu, in 2009, “are now supplying Amaechi with information to fight me for my negative response to his demands, especially my answer to his statement that ‘Oga was not happy’.”

Justice Ngwuta claimed this assertion infuriated Amaechi and as he stormed out, he (Amaechi) threated he would deal with the situation.

The judge also narrated how Dr. Onu pleaded with him to give judgment in favour of the Labour Party (LP) candidate who the science and technology minister informed him wanted to cross to the APC. He said: “The incident I will narrate below may or may not bear on this case. When the governorship election appeal from my state, Ebonyi, came to the Court of Appeal, one Mr. Igwenyi, a senior staff of the Federal Judicial Service Commission came to my chambers and told me that the former governor of Abia State, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, had pleaded with him to convince me to see him, Dr. Onu. “I asked him to call Dr. Onu; he did and I wanted to know why he wanted to see me. He said it was confidential. I asked when he wanted to see me and he said he would like me to come

in the evening.

“I told Igwenyi that he would have to take me to Dr. Onu’s place in his car and bring me back. I had wanted him to listen to what Dr. Onu had to say, but when we arrived, Dr. Onu put him in a different room.

“He asked me whether I knew the Hon. President of the Court of Appeal and I told him that His Lordship was my presiding justice in the Court of Appeal, Benin Division. He asked of my relationship with the PJA and I said it was cordial. He nodded his head several times in apparent satisfaction.

“He told me that the candidate of the Labour Party was ready to switch over to APC if he could help him win the appeal in the Court of Appeal and that in appreciation of the undertaking to come over to his party, he had obtained the services of three Justices of the Court of Appeal to ensure victory for Labour Party.

“He said he needed one to convince the PJA to include his three Justices of the Court of Appeal in the five-man panel to hear the appeal. I told him I would not help him and that I could not in good conscience convey such request even to a Customary Court Judge.

“He was disappointed and asked me whether I knew the husband of the PJA. I told him I did not know the man. I bade him good night and left. Igwenyi joined me in the passage and when he drove me back to my home I told him what Dr. Onu wanted.

“Igwenyi apologised to me and assured me that he would not have bothered me if he had known what Dr. Onu wanted me to do.”

On the money allegedly recovered from his house, Justice Ngwuta said: “One of them (DSS operatives) saw the sum of forty thousand naira (N40,000.00) and one thousand naira notes in one of the drawers.

“He was excited and called their lead who saw the money and said, ‘This is not the kind of money we came to pick.’ They left the N40,000.

“In the next bedroom, I lay on the bed out of sight of the wardrobe from which they brought some boxes and brief cases and travelling bags. All the bags and briefcases and travelling bags except one contained only magazines, papers and some old clothing. Some were empty.

“Only one small bag was locked with a padlock and this was the only bag that contained money.

They directed me to come over and remove the padlock. I retrieved

the key from the side pocket of the bag and removed the padlock and returned to my bed.

“They put the bags together by the toilet door. They called me again and asked me whether the bags were my property and I answered they were my property.

None of the bags were either opened in my presence or in the presence of my housemaid who was the only person in the house with me at all material times.

“Some of them stayed in the room while I took them to my study. At this time I became very dizzy and I had to return to lie down on a seat in the parlour and a man with a gun and a facemask stood over me while I dozed.

“He followed me each time I went to the toilet. Another one followed my housemaid each time I asked her for water. There was no way out of the house. They were at all doors. Those searching and those outside the house went into the house through the main door, kitchen door and back doors.

“They went in and out of every room including the room in which the bags were kept. I dozed intermittently but my house girl was kept sitting on the steps and was able to observe them coming through the kitchen door but she could not see those who came from back doors, took the second steps and went in and out of the rooms on the upper floor.

“After many hours they came down to the sitting room downstairs and told me they were going to bring down the bags. I was speechless when I saw them bringing out huge bundles of different currencies from the bags that had contained only magazine papers and old clothes and some were empty.

“Some were contained in multi-coloured plastic bags which they tore and discarded. They put the money in different bags and brief cases and then proceeded to count a large amount of N5, N10, N20 and N50 notes which was the change I returned each time I went to shop over the years.

“They kept waking me up to ask how I came about the small denomination of naira notes. No one asked me any question about the huge sums of money they put in the bags.”

He said he signed the document shown to him because he needed to stay alive to tell his story.

He added: “Confronted with the life-threatening situation, I made an instant mental decision that it was better for me to comply with their orders and stay alive to tell my story rather than get shot and killed on the pretext that I attacked them or

that I tried to escape.

“I signed the paper and wrote my name as ordered. No one told me what offence I was alleged to have committed. No one told me of any petition or allegation against me.”

According to him, the only bag that contained money was the small bag he locked with a padlock which he said he unlocked when ordered to do so.

He said: “The bag contained the sum of $25,000, £10, and a brown envelope containing the sum of N710,000, which was a monthly allowance paid to me for September 2016.

“In the brief case, which I carry to my office daily, I had the sum of N300,000 and some loose change. The above are the only sums of money taken from me along with my phones, papers and other household items.

“I do not know how they came about the huge sums of money I saw for the first time in my parlour in the early hours of Saturday, 8th October, 2016.

“The various sums of money alleged to have been recovered from me was said to be on the social media in the early hours of Saturday, 8th October, 2016 when the invaders were yet to complete their search.”

Justice Ngwuta added that he had been subjected to visits to the DSS offices since the raid on his house and arrest.

He said he was made to stay idle for a whole day, without food or even water, adding: “On 17th October, 2016 I went to the DSS office to collect my passports as directed.

“I was to be there by 10 a.m. but I arrived by 9.30 a.m. and I was assured that I would return to my office in no time. I was kept there till 3.45 p.m. before I was questioned on the passports till 5.00 p.m.

“After that, one of them took the passports to his boss. He returned an hour later, handed me my passports and told me he had finished with me, but that only the man in whose office I was in could let me go.

“I was only allowed to go about 10 p.m. with a warning to report at 10 a.m. on 18th October 2016.

From 9.30 a.m. to 10 p.m. I was not given water or food.”

output to 32.5 million to 33 million barrels a day in an effort to steady oil markets.

Nigeria has said it will be exempted from any production cuts, though final details of such an agreement have yet to be worked out.

Because an OPEC output cut would primarily affect medium and heavy crude grades, lower prices from Nigeria are likely to reduce the price differential between light and heavier oil, according to Ul-Haq. Meanwhile, the World Bank yesterday raised its 2017 forecast for crude oil prices to $55 per barrel from $53 per barrel as members of OPEC prepare to limit production after a long period of unrestrained output.

The benchmark Brent crude

price was down by 2.4 per cent to $51.38 per barrel yesterday.

But the World Bank estimated that energy prices, which include oil, natural gas and coal, were projected to jump almost 25 per cent overall next year, a larger increase than anticipated in July.

The revised forecast appeared in the World Bank’s latest Commodity Markets Outlook.

According to the World Bank, oil prices are expected to average $43 per barrel in 2016, unchanged from the July report.

“We expect a solid rise in energy prices, led by oil, next year,” Senior Economist and lead author of the Commodity Markets Outlook John Baffes said.

“However, there is considerable uncertainty around the outlook as we await the details and the

implementation of the OPEC agreement, which, if carried through, will undoubtedly impact oil markets.”

A modest recovery was projected for most commodities in 2017 as demand strengthens and supplies tighten. Metals and minerals prices are expected to rise 4.1 per cent next year, a 0.5 percentage point upward revision due to increasing supply tightness.

Zinc prices are forecast to rise more than 20 per cent following the closure of some large zinc mines and production cuts in earlier years.

Gold is projected to decline slightly next year to $1,219 per ounce as interest rates are likely to rise and safe haven buying ebbs.

Again, Amaechi Denies Allegation But in a swift reaction to Justice Ngwuta’s claim, Amaechi’s media office denied it, describing it as a figment of his imagination.

Continued on page 10

NNPC OFFERS ITS OIL AT A DISCOUNT TO REGAIN MARKET SHARE resulted in export flows falling to the lowest in at least nine years earlier this year.

Shipments are gradually resuming, and lower prices are a sign Nigeria is seeking to become more competitive in an already oversupplied global market.

“It is a bearish signal for the light, sweet market,” Eshan UlHaq, principal consultant at KBC

Process Technology Ltd., said in an e-mail, referencing the types of crude Nigeria mostly pumps.

“In order to capture a higher share of the market, OSPs have to come down.”

Brent crude futures slumped as much as 2.1 per cent yesterday to $51.57 a barrel, the largest intraday decline since October 7. They were down 2 per cent

R E T R ACT I O N In a report titled: ‘Association Threatens to Shut Down LBIC’, in our online edition of September 11, 2016, certain remarks were wrongfully credited to the President, Association of Senior Staff of Banks Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI), Lagos State Building Investment Company, LBIC chapter, Saka Gbajumo. We hereby withdraw the entire report and apologise for whatever embarrassment such may have caused Mr. Gbajumo.

- Editor

at $51.64 at 2:17 p.m. on the ICE Futures Europe exchange in London.

NNPC cut the selling price of Qua Iboe for November to a 17 cent premium to the benchmark dated Brent, according to the price list, from $1.07. It reduced the price of Bonny Light to a 7 cent premium and Forcados to a 41 cent discount to dated Brent.

Five companies that market the nation’s crude have raised the issue of high official selling prices, Kyari said earlier this week. But he said yesterday that the pricing decisions were unrelated to those “complaints.”

The reductions take place as the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) — of which Nigeria is a member — attempts to cut its combined

T H I S D AY FRIDAY OCTOBER 21, 2016

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FRIDAY, october 21, 2016 • T H I S D AY

PAGE TEN

Nigerian Property Crash Attracts Funds Looking Beyond Recession A property market crash in Nigeria offers opportunities for brave investors betting that Africa’s most populous nation will deliver high returns when it climbs out of recession.

Rents for residential and office property in the commercial capital Lagos have dropped by around 20 per cent, year-on-year, due to a supply glut as projects planned prior to 2014, when oil prices started to fall, are now coming online.

Investing in Africa's largest economy requires a willingness to navigate opaque land laws, corruption and the prospect of having money held up in the bank due to currency restrictions.

The central bank has made it difficult to repatriate profits as it seeks to avoid a collapse of the naira due to a slump of oil revenues, which has pushed Nigeria into its first recession in 25 years.

But Nigeria has a fast-growing population that will require more housing and shopping malls in the long-term, and some investors believe the time is right to step in, particularly as banks are reluctant to grant loans to other potential buyers in the midst of the downturn.

Some private equity funds, mostly from South Africa, are investing in Lagos and the capital Abuja, betting the spending power of the country's 180

Actis, a private equity firm, has financed several high-end properties in Lagos and Abuja million people will grow.

“We believe Nigeria has massive potential in the retail area,” said Jan van Zyl, head of Nigerian property development at South African fund Novare Equity Partners. “The sector is in its infancy and will only continue to grow from a very low base.”

Investors face the risk of being caught in another devaluation as the central bank seeks to end a 30 per cent spread with the black market -- a goal it failed to achieve when it allowed a 40 per cent depreciation in June.

But investors can take advantage of their purchasing power as the country is desperate for dollars to replace oil revenues which account for almost all the hard currency income it needs to fund food and other imports.

“What you are offering as an investor is liquidity. In the country itself, there is no liquidity,” said Jonathan Millard, Lagos-based chief operating officer at Troloppe Property Services. “If you’re

looking at this on a five to 10-year cycle there are tons of opportunities.”

He said there were also opportunities in residential property, whose rents had, in dollar terms, fallen by up to 70 per cent since 2009, which was driving down prices. “Vacancy is about 30 to 40 per cent,” he said.

The megacity of Lagos has seen a building boom in the last few years -- real estate is a favourite destination for those who get their hands on oil money. Two shopping malls were completed within the last three months, bringing to eight the total of such retail hubs in the city.

With the central bank imposing hard currency curbs and construction activities slowing in a dollar-starved economy, foreign capital flows into Nigeria fell by 61 per cent, year-on-year, in the second quarter.

Some investors have shifted their focus to other West African

countries with a more favourable immediate outlook, such as Ghana, which has agreed a further loan tranche of $116 million from the IMF. Its power supply improved last year while Nigeria endures frequent blackouts.

Ivory Coast and Senegal are also seen as attractive investment destinations, property analysts say.

Property consultant Cluttons estimates that Lagos retail yields stand at around 7.5 per cent, compared with 8 per cent in Johannesburg, 9 per cent in Accra and 10 per cent in Nairobi but have the potential to rise once the economy improves.

In the last few months, it has become common for retailers and service sector tenants, squeezed by the economic downturn, to negotiate lower rents with landlords who are keen to sustain occupancy levels. Lower rents have pushed down yields in Lagos.

Lagos office yields have dropped to around 8 per cent from 9 per cent in 2014, making them the same as in Johannesburg and Nairobi, but less than the 10 per cent found in Accra.

But investors say Nigeria’s size, with one of the world’s fastest growing populations, means it has better long-term prospects than the rest of Africa.

Lagos has a population of around 21 million, whereas Ghana’s entire population is 26 million. The Nigerian city is vastly under-served by shopping malls, experts say.

“For now, we are aware that investors are still showing an interest in retail investments, driven purely by the strong demand-supply mismatch,” said Erejuwa Gbadebo, who heads Cluttons’ Nigeria office.

Novare was behind the construction of a mall that opened in upmarket Lagos district Lekki in August - an $83 million project with 22,000 square metres of retail space.

Construction on two projects in Abuja - a mall and an office park - began this year.

“We are continuing to build in the downturn so that we have malls that are open by the time the economic environment improves in late 2017 or early 2018,” said van Zyl, adding that the fund had reduced its debt component, using more of its capital, as a short-term measure during the downturn.

Funke Okubadejo, real estate director for Actis, a private equity fund, said Nigeria provided “a compelling market opportunity”.

Actis has completed two shopping malls in Lagos, another was completed in Abuja in December 2015 and construction is scheduled to

begin on a fourth, in Lagos, early next year.

A grade-A office building was completed in the last few months and Actis also raised more than $500m earlier this year for its Africa Real Estate Fund 3.

Anglo-South African financial services firm Old Mutual and Nigeria’s sovereign wealth fund in August signed an agreement to set up a $500 million fund to invest in real estate, mainly office towers and commercial real estate.

There is still no shortage of risk in a country famous for corruption. Nigeria’s land laws are opaque, with landlords in dispute with tenants often bribing police and local officials to demolish buildings.

And while a small number of funds -- taking a long-term view -- are unfazed by the difficulty in repatriating profits in Nigeria’s current climate, local businesses they hope will populate their malls and offices are struggling to stay afloat.

The FX restrictions mean retailers who cannot access the dollars needed to import a wide range of goods are closing.

Many that survive would struggle to pay the rent for a mall unit and companies across the service sector are laying off staff intended to populate offices.

• Culled from Reuters

involved in corrupt practices.

Justice Denton-West, in her valedictory speech, said she was also a victim of corruption in the judiciary.

Denton-West, who was the first female judge in Rivers State, said: “I would be failing in my duties as a senior citizen of this country, if I fail to comment on the recent goings in the judiciary.

“Indeed I know and believe that there is corruption, unfortunately, even in the folds of the judiciary.

I have personally been a victim of corrupt acts from the judiciary on some occasions.”

Without being specific on her allegation, she said that judges’ workload was quite heavy and called on the authorities to increase the enumeration of judges.

Dignitaries at the event included Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State.

that Amaechi tried to bribe him on February 1, 2015, to influence a ruling made four days earlier and nine months after to alert the public about the alleged bribery attempt!

“One does not need a soothsayer to see that Justice Okoro is very confused and thinks that by mentioning the name of Amaechi in his letter, he would deceive Nigerians and play down the gravity of his sins and crimes against Rivers State people and Nigeria as a whole,” Ikanya said.

Continuing, the statement said: “If we may ask Justice Okoro, why should Amaechi or anybody attempt to bribe him for an election upturned by both the Tribunal and the Appeal Court?

“An election widely condemned by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the international community and both local and foreign observers who monitored the shambolic exercise in the course of which over 200 of our members were slaughtered like chicken just to install Chief Nyesom Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in power at all cost?”

The Rivers APC drew Justice Okoro’s attention to the provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offence Act, which makes failure to report bribery or a bribery attempt a crime that attracts both a fine and a jail term.

“For failing to report the fictional bribery attempt by Amaechi, Justice Okoro has committed an offence that attracts up to two years imprisonment.

“We are hereby giving him one week to retract his worthless and satanic letter and apologise to Amaechi, or we may be forced to set in motion a machinery to invoke the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offence Act,” he warned.

NBA ASKS ACCUSED JUDGES TO PROCEED ON LEAVE, ANOTHER JUSTICE INDICTS AMAECHI A statement from the office said: “Our attention has been drawn to the allegations levelled against Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Transportation, by Supreme Court Justice, The Honourable Justice Sylvester Ngwuta. In response we state that: “The Hon. Justice Ngwuta’s allegation as it concerns Amaechi is nothing but pure fiction, a dubious diversionary tale concocted to muddle the very serious issues of his arrest and investigation by the Department of State Services (DSS).

“For emphasis, we want to state categorically that Amaechi did not and has never tried to lobby, induce or make the Hon. Justice Ngwuta to influence the outcome of any matter before the Supreme Court or any other court.

“The Hon. Justice Ngwuta’s narrative as it concerns Amaechi is simply not true, an unadulterated fallacy designed to deceive and distract from the real issues of DSS investigation of acts of corruption against him.

“It’s indeed very sad and most unfortunate that the Hon. Justice Ngwuta has decided to drag the name of the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), into his fabricated allegations.

“Again, We make bold to state that Amaechi did not and has never lobbied, approached or attempted to make the CJN or any other justice of the apex court to influence the Supreme Court judgment on the Rivers State and Ekiti State governorship elections petition appeals or any other matter before the apex court or any other court.”

The media office said within a space of 48 hours, it had observed a carefully planned and coordinated political attempt to drag Amaechi into the DSS arrest and investigation of judges in Nigeria.

“The aim of the plot is two-fold: to smear and politically destroy the image and reputation of Amaechi and deceitfully portray him as the person behind the arrest of judges. This is indeed most ridiculous and callous.

“We are aware of a well timed, heavily funded plot to ‘take out’ Amaechi politically, and it appears that Justice Ngwuta and Justice Inyang Okoro (of the Supreme Court, who had also made similar made-up allegations against Amaechi), have wittingly or unwittingly been conscripted into this devious politics of ‘destroy Amaechi by all means’.

“Amaechi is not and cannot be behind the arrest and investigation of the Hon. Justice Ngwuta. He should kindly leave Amaechi alone and face the issues he has with the DSS. “Amaechi is talking with his lawyers and will explore lawful channels to seek redress for this gross defamation against his character and person,” the media office added.

NBA Asks Indicted Judges to Step Aside However, as the accusations and counter-accusations continued to fly between the judges and chieftains of the APC, the NBA yesterday asked the affected judges to recuse themselves from further judicial functions or proceed on compulsory leave, until their innocence is fully and completely established.

NBA made its position known in Abuja at a valedictory court session held in honour of a retiring justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice Sotonye Denton-West.

The association also called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to take very urgent steps to restore the sanctity of the courts.

The President of the association, Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN), said

the NBA was asking the judges to step down in order to protect the sanctity and integrity of the judiciary as well as the judicial process.

“My Lords, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, permit me to digress a little. I am sure that many here will be expecting me to make further statements on the ongoing events affecting the nation’s judiciary.

“I have in the course of the last two weeks or so made several statements and remarks on these developments. Our position is therefore well known.

“We have emphasised our commitment to safeguarding the independence of the nation’s judiciary. We have also spoken firmly on our commitment to rid the judiciary and indeed the bar of all corrupt elements.

“I will like to say we remain resolute on these. In the course of the last several days, the NBA has continued to hold high-level consultations with all segments of the bar and other stakeholders and indeed the administration on how to address what has obviously become a major concern to all Nigerians within and outside the country.

“That is corruption in the judiciary. On Thursday, 13th of October at the meeting of bar leaders comprising past NBA presidents, past general secretaries and past Attorneys-General of the Federation, we reviewed very carefully the developments after listening to detailed briefings from both the Attorney General and Minister of Justice as well the Secretary of the National Judicial Council.

“One of the resolutions we took was to set up a task force to urgently review the current developments and come up with clear specific recommendations on how best to clean up the nation’s judiciary and rebuild confidence

of Nigerians in our law courts.

“I am expecting the report of that task force in two weeks.

In the meantime, we have continued with our consultations and engagements. We will be coming up with bold and clear recommendations, which we will pass to the National Judicial Council and the government.

“In the interim, however, particularly having regards to what appears to be an ongoing accusations and counteraccusations between some of the judges and other personalities or agencies, it appears to the NBA that it is extremely important that the NJC takes very urgent steps to safeguard the public image and sanctity of the courts.

“We therefore strongly recommend that, without prejudice to the innocence or otherwise of the judges involved in the ongoing investigations, they should be required to recuse themselves from further judicial functions or required to proceed on compulsory leave until their innocence is fully and completely established or until the conclusion of all judicial or disciplinary proceedings.

“We believe this will be necessary in order to protect the sanctity and integrity of judicial processes that may involve the judges concerned and safeguard the public image of the institution,” he said.

Other than Justices Okoro and Ngwuta, other judges whose homes were raided by the DSS included Justices Ademola of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Kabir Auta of the Kano High Court, Mu’azu Pindiga of the Gombe High Court, Mohammed Tsamiya of the Court of Appeal in Ilorin, and the Chief Judge of Enugu State, I. A. Umezulike.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is also probing some judges allegedly

Ultimatum for Justice Okoro Meanwhile, the APC in Rivers State has given Justice Okoro one week to withdraw the bribery allegation he made against Amaechi, or be ready to go to jail for contravening the Corrupt Practices And Other Related Offence Act. The demand was contained in a statement issued yesterday in Port Harcourt and signed by the state APC chairman, Dr. Davies Ikanya.

The statement berated Justice Okoro for his “wild and baseless allegation as contained in his letter to the National Judicial Council, following his recent arrest by the Department of State Service for alleged corruption”.

The party noted that while the judgment in the Rivers State governorship election dispute was given by the Supreme Court on January 27, 2015, Justice Okoro in his letter to the NJC claimed

T H I S D AY FRIDAY OCTOBER 21, 2016

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016 • T H I S D AY

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NEWS

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

Benin Kingdom Crowns New Monarch, Oba Ewuare II Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Prince Eheneden Erediauwa was yesterday presented with the staff of office and crowned the 39th Oba of Benin Kingdom in a colourful ceremony witnessed by thousands of people from near and far.

With his ascension to the ancient Benin throne, he adopted the royal title His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, which according to him could be traced to the time of Oranmiyan who came from Ile-Ife to rule the kingdom after the Ogiso dynasty.

The new Oba Ewuare II took his title from one of his forefathers, Oba Ewuare the Great, who ruled Benin Kingdom between 1440 and 1473. He was credited with expanding the thriving city-state in the 15th century into an empire.

The new Oba was crowned at about 2 a.m. yesterday by the Usama N’ Ihiron, also known as the Edion, led by Chief Edionwe Oliha, the Oliha of Benin, before the formal presentation of the staff of office by Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State at Urhokpota Hall.

Other members of the Edion are Edohen, Ezomo, Ero, Eholo N’Ire, Oloton and Edaiken.

Upon his crowning, there was great jubilation and fireworks to

mark his ascension to the throne.

The crowning proper was done at a private ceremony inside the Usama Palace, a temporary building erected for the coronation ceremony.

During the coronation, the rich tradition and cultural heritage of the kingdom was on display, when the Oliha of Benin immediately after the presentation and unveiling of the royal crest by the new monarch, announced his title to the public.

“He will bear His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, One of Benin,” said the Oliha of Benin.

The pronouncement was greeted with a loud ovation by the crowd that witnessed the ceremony.

Before the pronouncement by the Oliha of Benin, a source said after the coronation ceremony was performed in private that the new Oba was presented to the people outside.

The crowd, which had gathered at the Usama Palace, then accompanied the new Oba through Isekhere to Urhokpota Hall.

Among those that escorted the Oba were Chief Omohor of Benin Kingdom, bearer of the ancient sword carried by

the Oba; the Ikpakohen group (royal drummers) from Ikpema; the Ekassa dance group; and the Isienmwenro guild, among others.

The Oba and his escorts passed through a bridge constructed at the now dried up Omi River and was received

by Chief Omoruyi Isekhere who was waiting to take him across the bridge.

On his way to Urhokpota Hall through Isekhere, the group performed some ceremonies at Iwehen Street under the watch of Ewaise N’Iwehen before proceeding to cross the bridge to Urhokpota.

Speaking at the presentation of the new Oba, President

Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, described the royal kingship of Benin as a source of pride not only to the Edo people but to Nigerians and the African people.

He said the royal house of Benin had thrived on a tradition of resistance to colonial oppression to egalitarianism and was built on superior administration.

He also described the ceremony as not just ceremonial, noting that the rituals the new Oba had to undergo before his coronation was an obligation.

He recalled that when Buhari was the Minister of Petroleum Resources in the 1970s, the

late Oba Erediauwa served in the same ministry as a permanent secretary, adding that he remained one of the most principled and forthright Nigerians that the president ever met.

Osinbajo said: “President Muhammadu Buhari has asked me to convey his special felicitations to you to remember your great father who under the president as Minister of Petroleum served the federal government as permanent secretary.

“The president told me that your great father was one of the most principled and forthright Nigerians that he ever met.”

He also congratulated

Governor Adams Oshiomhole for being the first Edo man in the history of the kingdom and the first indigene to hand over the staff of office to a new Oba. “Your Royal Majesty, the history of the Benin people is not just a source of pride to the Edos, but to Nigerians and indeed the African people, because of its tradition of resistance to the colonial oppression to egalitarianism, and its superior administration.

“We are gratified that with your meritorious service as ambassador to the nation and your sterling work in the oil and gas sector stand you out in fulfilling the obligations of your

Cont’d on Pg 56

Monthly Allocation Drops

by N90.2bn, FG, States, LGs Share N420bn Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja In spite of the recent appreciation of crude oil price in the global market, quantity shock has impacted negatively on allocation to the three tiers of government for the month of September as the spate of attacks on oil installations and pipeline vandalism showed no sign of abating.

From N510.270 billion shared by the three tiers of government for August allocations, the sum of N420 billion was approved for sharing at the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting in Abuja yesterday, indicating a decline of N90.2 billion.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Dr. Mahmoud Isa-Dutse, who addressed journalists at the end of the meeting, stated that there was a decrease of oil for export in the month of June by 1.15 million barrels due to attacks on oil assets.

The decrease in revenue cuts for September allocations also affected both statutory revenue, Value Added Tax (VAT) and customs duty collections While net statutory allocation was N315.045 billion in August, it declined to N250.947 billion in September,.

VAT, which was N75.962 billion in previous month, also came down to N64.265 billion in September.

Of the net statutory allocation, the federal government got the highest sum of N120.351 billion,

states N61.044 billion while local governments received N47.062 billion.

The sum of N13.729 billion went to oil producing states as their share of 13 per cent derivation.

Balance in Excess Crude Account stood at $2.454billion.

In another development, the Permanent Secretary and the Accountant- Generation of Federation, Alhaji Idris Ahmed have endorsed the recent position of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that Nigeria’s economy is the largest in Africa.

“That Nigeria is back again as the biggest economy on the continent is a welcome development. When it started sometime ago and South Africa took over the lead as the biggest economy, I’m not surprised at all that Nigeria has taken over her leading position given what the federal government is doing to get the economy from recession.

“We have the potential of growth to move higher. It will put us in rightful position as a major destination for investors,” the permanent secretary said.

The Edo State Commissioner for Finance and Chairman of Commissioners of Finance Forum Mr. John Inegbedion, said the cost of collection deducted by both FIRS and Nigeria Customs Service and Department of Petroleum Service was unconstitutional.

But he however noted that it was unanimously agreed by all stakeholders that the cost of collection be effective.

BACK TO LAND

L-R: Chairman Coscharis Group, Dr. Cosmas Maduka; Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele; Minister of Agriculture and Rual Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh; and Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, during a tour of the Coscharis Farms in Anaku, Anambra State...yesterday

Lufthansa: No Plan to Reduce Nigerian Flights France Airbus group to open office

An international carrier, Lufthansa Airline, yesterday said it had no plan to reduce its flight operations in Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the airline’s Media Consultant, Mr. Hakeem Jimoh, made the disclosure to aviation correspondents in Lagos.

Two foreign airlines, Emirates and Kenya Airways , recently announced the suspension of their flights to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

While Emirates Airlines said it would stop flights to Abuja from October 22, Kenya Airways said its flights to the nation’s capital would be suspended from November 15.

Both airlines attributed the decision to the economic downturn in the country, foreign exchange challenges, and the shrinking passenger traffic.

Jimoh said Lufthansa Airline, which operates flights to Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt International Airports, would not be following a similar path for now.

“Yes, there has been challenges, particularly with the issue of forex, but I can tell you that Lufthansa has no plan for now to reduce flight operations in Nigeria,” he said.

Jimoh said Lufthansa had been operating in Nigeria for over 50 years, adding that the country was important to the airline’s operation, especially in West Africa.

The efforts of the current administration in the aviation sector have received a boost with the coming in of Airbus Group of France to set up an office in Nigeria.

The Ambassador of France in Nigeria, Mr. Denys Gauer who led a delegation of the Airbus Group to the office of the Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika in Abuja yesterday, confirmed the coming in of the Airbus group to Nigeria.

Gauer informed the minister that the largest aircraft manufacturers and leasers in the world, the Airbus Group, have concluded plans to open an operational office in Nigeria as a mark of confidence in the

government agenda for the aviation industry in Nigeria.

Similarly, the Vice President of the Airbus Group for Africa, Mr. Vincent Larnicol, informed the minister that Airbus Group had expanded upon its strong European roots to move forward on an international scale with fully-owned subsidiaries in more than 150 field service offices around the world.

According to him, “Airbus, in its desire to get closer to its customers, is also actively developing engineering, manufacturing and service capabilities in Europe, China, India, Russia, the Middle East, Singapore and the United States.”

This, he said, also informed the decision to establish its presence in Nigeria with the opening of an operational office.

Larnicol expressed the group’s interest in the federal government’s plan to concession major airports across the country, as well as the establishment of a national carrier, while also commending government’s plan to establish an aircraft leasing company in view of the inherent difficulties in acquiring

new aircraft.

The Airbus Group also promised to collaborate, through its co-operation programme, with the Nigerian government in the establishment of an Aviation University to which the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is largely committed.

Sirika informed the ambassador and the Airbus delegation that the vision of the government for the aviation sector included repositioning domestic airlines to make them competitive and profitable, establishment of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities and development of human capital for the anticipated expansion of the sector.

According to the minister, “The plan of the Preisdent Muhammadu Buhari government was to gradually reposition the Nigerian aviation industry in such a way that would turn the nation into a regional hub for air transportation, given the ICAO forecast of a quadruple growth for the nation’s air travel in the next ten years.”

T H I S D AY FRIDAY OCTOBER 21, 2016

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

COMMENT

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

A NEW DAWN IN EDO

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Edo State crowns a new Oba while a governor-elect is waiting in the wings, writes John Mayaki

nly yesterday, October 20, 2016, the ancient kingdom of Benin and indeed the good people of Edo State made history. A new dawn beckoned as the 39th Oba of Benin was crowned. Twenty days from now, November 12 precisely, a new governor, elected after the fierce gubernatorial election of September 28, will be inaugurated to steer the ship of the state for the next four years.

By all standards, the two events, with their promises of new beginning, are as historic as they are auspicious. While both Erediauwa and Godwin Obaseki are coming to office in the atmosphere of great expectations, the good news of course is that both, being young in age and at heart, possess not just the vitality, but also coming fully prepared for the burden of service to the good people of Edo State. It is truly a new dawn for the people of the state.

Talking of answers to prayers, the emergence of Godwin Obaseki as governor-elect, could only have come as personal testimony to the countless prayers offered by the new monarch to his ancestors – prayers for a peaceful poll and the emergence of a credible individual to pilot the affairs of the state for the next four years.

In the heat of the tension that enveloped the governorship election.

We recall the Oba saying: “We all went down to our knees…

We prayed harder and honestly, our ancestors and God Almighty answered all we prayed for, the gift of a peaceful election and a governor that will keep food on the table for our people and respect the traditional institution”.

Today, it is unlikely that anyone still doubts that the prayers have been answered. Hence the Oba expressed his gratitude in his statement, “I am thankful to God and our ancestors for hearing the fervent prayers we prayed before the election and for bringing out somebody that will uplift our people and respect the tradition”.

Never one to miss the import of the mandate and the burden it carries, the Oba would not fail to admonish the governor-elect: “I will tell the governor-elect, keep to your promises, keep your words, put food on the table of our people, respect the traditional institution and ensure you build on what Oshiomhole has done”.

In this, the Oba of Benin is not alone; it was the same refrain from other traditional rulers from Edo Central and Edo North who, aside from offering their unanimous support for Godwin Obaseki have also expressed their willingness to partner with the government, to safeguard investment that will improve on the economy and

THE EMERGENCE OF GODWIN OBASEKI AS GOVERNOR-ELECT COULD ONLY HAVE COME AS PERSONAL TESTIMONY TO THE COUNTLESS PRAYERS OFFERED BY THE NEW MONARCH TO HIS ANCESTORS – PRAYERS FOR A PEACEFUL POLL AND THE EMERGENCE OF A CREDIBLE INDIVIDUAL TO PILOT THE AFFAIRS OF THE STATE

well-being of their subjects.

Not that Obaseki’s loyalty to the royal family and the Benin tradition has ever been in doubt. For guidance and advice, Obaseki has stated that he would be counting on the Oba to succeed. Just as the governor-elect has spoken of his vision for Edo State where the famous cultures and traditions will be reinvigorated as part of the economic growth strategy harnessed to the greater benefit of our people, Obaseki also stated, “I see an Edo state where our people will leave in peace, equanimity and where social justice, equity and fairness shall prevail at all times”.

The two great men not only have reasons to celebrate each other but together with the entire people of Edo State, they have enough reasons to be proud of the new dawn. For Obaseki in particular, it must come as something of pride not only to witness the milestone in the Great Benin Kingdom, but also to be a major participant.

Moreover, the import of the partnership between the palace and the in-coming government can only forebode greater strides in a state ordinarily hungry for development.

For the good people of Edo State, it is time to tap into Obaseki’s formidable personal and leadership skills garnered in the course of a sterling career in private and public life – a factor which has now propelled him to become the first banker to be governor in the state. Surely, the people cannot wait to see him deploy these managerial skills to end the socio-economic gridlock that the opposition PDP has plunged the country and to build a better, prosperous and economically sustainable Edo State based on cultural cohesion and ethical values.

Little wonder the mood, across the state is one of great excitement. The city centre and its environs are wearing a new look while all traders and drivers carrying out commercial activities around the Urhokpota Hall have been found a new arena for their business as they welcome their new monarch. Visible on the horizon is the huge tent – the temporary abode for the Crown Prince erected at the Urhokpota hall premises - the place called Eko-Ohae (bachelors’ camp) where Prince Erediauwa is expected to stay for three days immediately he leaves his Palace at Uselu.

Edo people have shown that we can never be more hopeful about our future; indeed, we’ve never been more hopeful about Edo State and the progressive government and virile traditional institution as we are about to experience.

WHAT’S PETER OBI’S LEGACY IN ANAMBRA?

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hat is Peter Obi’s enduring legacy in Anambra State?

He did not build a befitting stadium for Anambra, a leading sporting state. He did not build a single institution of higher learning. He did not institute a credible infrastructure for mechanised agriculture. In fairness to him, he constructed roads. He also built the Jerome Udoji State Secretariat and the Ministry of Lands’ headquarters. But he needs to explain why the roads constructed under his watch are in pieces while the ones built much earlier by his predecessor remain in good conditions. Was it to save money that he littered the state with substandard roads?

Is it also the reason why the Lands Ministry headquarters he constructed has been evacuated, liable as it is to topple almost anytime soon? Was it in the name of financial prudence that a crony of his was awarded the contract for the construction of the State Secretariat that now exhibits monumental cracks? How long before the secretariat is abandoned to prevent it from crashing to the death of innocent civil servants?

There is a saying that if you dug deep into any anus, you encountered faeces. But Saint Obi is lucky to have as successor a peace-loving man who, even in the face of endless and misplaced media pummelling by Peter Obi’s errand boys, has refrained from letting the wind blow so that the public will see the fowl’s rear. That aside, let’s now address what appears like the most fundamental of Peter Obi’s entertaining story. He repeated his old claim that he “saved over N75 billion for Anambra State before he exited office.” As a retired civil servant who served through three governorships, I qualify for the Igbo saying that, “a polygamist or a woman twice married is in an excellent position to determine which of their spouses was the most adorable. I can say without fear of contradiction that Mr. Peter Obi has inflicted so much needless hurt on Governor Obiano. Mr. Obi claimed that he had spent billions of his own money to make Obiano governor, meaning that his government had made scant preparations for his successor. He demanded a refund of the said billions, this advocate of cost cutting. Had Governor Obiano acceded to his demands, it would have been left to conjecture

Udodi Amalunweze argues the former governor could have done more

the vast sums usable for social services that would have ended up in the unfathomable pockets of our apostle of financial prudence.

Even though Governor Obiano has continued to endure Peter Obi’s provocations with equanimity, Obi and his hack writers have continued with the story that he saved up N75 billion for Anambra State before leaving office, and that Governor Obiano had misappropriated the money and put Anambra in debt peonage. Nothing can be farther from the truth. Given my exposure, I was stunned from the first day I started hearing this falsification of facts. I, therefore, decided to subject Peter Obi’s claims to forensic scrutiny. Last November I had to postpone a trip to India for a live-saving surgery, just to listen as Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, the Secretary to the Anambra State Government, debunked Obi’s N75 billion claims. The document the SSG distributed on that occasion remains extant. I proceed with its contents to re-present the arguments. At the end of the exercise people should determine for themselves, which, between two tortoises, is male and which, female.

Peter Obi claimed to have saved the sum of $155 million in various Nigerian banks for Anambra State. This so-called saving was in Eurobonds.

According to Prof Chukwulobelu, “During the final months of the last [Obi’s) administration, the State invested a total of US$155m (N26.5bn) in Eurobonds and other foreign denominated securities held with Access Bank, Fidelity Bank and Diamond Bank. These funds are still intact and have not been liquidated. Given the current decline in Nigerian capital markets, this portfolio of Eurobonds had a market value of approximately US$132m (N26.4bn), reflective of prices dated September 21, 2015. If ANSG were to liquidate the portfolio, the State would incur a US$ loss of $32 million (14.8 percent) and a Naira loss of N 100 million, respectively. The current administration has appointed a reputable investment banking firm named Afrinvest West Africa Limited to optimally manage the investment portfolio.”

Based on the above, does it make sense to claim as Obi’s crew has been doing that the money has been frittered away by the Obiano administration?

Let’s look at Obi’s local currency investments. There are 19 different listings in this category termed

“Investments”, and totaling N27 billion. However, four of these – (1) Investment with Bank of Industry to Support SMEs in Anambra State (N500m); (2) Investment to Support Micro Credit Bank in Anambra State (N500m); Counterpart funds (with BOI) for SME facility; (3) Investment with Bank of Agriculture to Support credit to Anambra Farmers (N480m), and (4)Commercial Agriculture Scheme (N1 billion); Funds borrowed from the federal government for on-lending to farmers in the state via the Ministry of Agriculture and All Farmers Association of Nigeria (ALFAN), Anambra Chapter – were no investments.

The real investments included the Nigeria Independent Power Projects (N9 billion), Orient Petroleum Resources Plc (N4 billion) invested at specific periods by Governors Ngige, Virgy Etiaba and Obi; Onitsha Hotel, Onitsha (N1 billion).

What to note here is that not a single one of these investments has been liquidated by the Obiano administration. Not one of them has been cancelled.

Not a single one of them has been sold off. Work continues at each of them at various stages. For instance, on the Agulu Lake Hotel in which the last administration invested N1 billion, the Obiano government has settled certificates totaling N891 million, while management agreement is being finalised with an internationally renowned reputable hotelier. Again, on the Awka Shopping Mall, the Obi administration invested N900 million. Under Governor Obiano’s watch, a further N1 billion has so far been paid to the contractors on the project.

Indeed, the project design has been amended to include a cinema in the shopping mall while agreement is being finalised with Genesis Deluxe Cinemas and Spar to serve as anchor tenants. For the Nnewi Shopping Mall, the previous government paid some N600 million as initial mobilisation fee to the contractor. Since then the Obiano administration has settled contract certificates to the tune of N700 million, while discussing with Spar and Dubai-based entertainment arenas as anchor tenants. It should be noted that not a single one of these contracts awarded by Peter Obi was revoked. Not a single one of the projects has been abandoned.

Nothing in all these suggests the embezzlement of any funds or the abandonment of any inherited projects by the Obiano administration. But, every

so often, Peter Obi claims that he bequeathed N75 billion to his successor, while his amplifiers take up the chorus, magnifying the lies that theN75 billion had been embezzled. This is neither politics nor patriotism. It is deceit, pure and simple.

It is important to read from Professor Chukwulobelu again: “… to provide a true and fair picture of the State’s net position on March 17, 2014, (ex-Governor Obi’s) Investments Handover Notes ought to have captured current liabilities and contingent liabilities also borne by the previous administration as at the time of handover. To put this in context, the total portfolio of inherited projects valued at approximately N185bn was however not captured in the breakdown of the handover notes. Nonetheless, given the fact that the true test of good governance lies in a government’s ability to ensure policy continuity and consistency irrespective of perceived political differences, the current administration created a strategic plan titled “the 4Cs strategy” to achieve this. Key components of this strategy are 1) Continue, 2) Complete, 3) Commission all inherited projects and 4) Commence the implementation of a comprehensive economic blueprint centered around achieving sustainable and inclusive economic development.

“To this end, since March, 2014, Governor Obiano has paid a total sum ofN46.8bn to contractors on inherited projects; this figure represents over 50% of total FAAC revenues received between March, 2014 and August (2015). It is also pertinent to note that the foreign currency investments totaling US$155m have not been liquidated to fund any payments of certificates arising from inherited projects.

Indeed these investments are presently showing an unrealised (book or notional) loss of -14.8% in US$ or 0.003% in Naira.”

One more point. Peter Obi’s handover notes state that the sum of N10 billion was listed as the total federal approved refunds due to Anambra State for reconstructed federal roads. Well, the figure since jumped to N44 billion, as Federal Works Minister Babatunde Fashola will testify. The extra N33 billion was expended by the Obiano administration to keep vehicular locomotion unimpeded in Anambra State.

The man deserves every praise for diligence.

Amalunweze, a retired civil servant, wrote amaluagunanya@gmail.com

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

EDITORIAL AGAIN, A CASE FOR POPULATION CONTROL

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An idle and largely illiterate population is a disaster waiting to happen

he Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) recently urged member states to sensitise communities on the need to reduce the number of children in a family in order to enhance economic development and reduce migration.

Mr. Marcel de Souza, President of the commission said in Abuja that the demographic growth in the sub-region was not beneficial to economic development. “Our sub-region is under pressure, migration is increasing and the same goes for terrorism. We need to change this situation and for us to change, we need to create conditions for the youths to stay home. We need to take a step and sensitise people on the need to have a good control of our families. We must sensitise women in our subregion to make sure that there is a limited number of children that can be taken care of”, he said.

We agree with the ECOWAS president on the need to control our population within the sub-region essentially because a bulging population that is not backed by developNIGERIA AND OTHER ment is a disaster SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN waiting to happen.

COUNTRIES CURRENTLY It is all the more ACCOUNT FOR HALF OF THE instructive that GLOBAL POOR, BASICALLY while the number AS A RESULT OF PEOPLE of poor people continues to decline THAT ARE NOT PLANNED in other regions of FOR the world, Nigeria and other sub-Saharan African countries currently account for half of the global poor, basically as a result of people that are not planned for.

According to a recent World Bank report, East Asia, in 1990, accounted for half of the global poor, whereas some 15 per cent lived in sub-Saharan Africa. But by 2015 forecasts, this was almost exactly reversed: sub-Saharan Africa accounted for half of the global poor, with some 12 per cent living in East Asia. “Poverty is declining in all regions but it is

Letters to the Editor

M

becoming deeper and more entrenched in countries that are either conflict-ridden or overly dependent on commodity exports,” the report said.

Experts therefore warn of the dire consequences of this uncontrolled population growth. The prognosis is that there may come a time when it would be difficult for us to feed the ever increasing number of people, hence the need to avoid the type of crisis recently witnessed in some African countries. At the current annual growth rate of 3 per cent, the United Nations projection is that in 20 years’ time Nigeria’s population could reach a staggering 300 million from the present estimate of 180 million. In fact Nigeria is today rated among the fastest growing countries of the world. Ordinarily this should be a plus for us but with the way things are, it is not.

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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

e understand that there are those who would, especially for religious reasons, not want to hear any argument about population control. And there is also a compelling argument as to how population could be a positive force but in our context today in Nigeria, it is not. While we therefore respect the position of the religious lobby, we must reiterate our stand that an idle (and largely illiterate population) such as we breed in Nigeria today is a disaster waiting to happen. It is a simple economic fact that population over-growth that is not matched with commensurate development in the socio-economic sector and education for the citizenry can only breed chaos.

Much as we do not wish to engage the nation’s two major religions on the issue of population and birth control, it is nevertheless appropriate to warn of the danger ahead. There is no doubt that a sustainable society is the one with moderate population growth that enables its members to achieve a high quality of life in ways that are ecologically sustainable. Unless policy makers begin now to focus their attention on how to avert this ticking time bomb the consequences could be devastating and very difficult to reverse.

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WHEN YOUR COUNTRY IS A SECOND CHOICE

alala Yousafzai said: “I want people to remember that Pakistan is my country, it is like my mother and I love it dearly.

Even if it’s people hate me, I will still love it.” Her words survived through years to become a timeless reprove to many Nigerians whom in their trendy frenzy are forcing their children on the glorious name of America; leaving a hilarious lash on their nation, our Nigeria, our own America.

It is called birth tourism. Birth tourism, says Wikipedia, is to travel to another country for the purpose of giving birth in that country for the purpose of obtaining free schooling, free medical, citizenship for child and parents. The practice of birth tourism is greatly and secretly on the rise among rich Nigerians.

According to the 14th amendment, a baby born in the United States, and “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” (i.e. excluding children born to foreign diplomats, and perhaps excluding hypothetical children born to an invading army) is automatically a citizen of the United States. There are no exceptions. There is no such thing as “requesting” U.S. citizenship; it is automatically and involuntarily imposed.

However, the 14th amendment didn’t guarantee that the lives and future of those born under such laws would be indiscriminately protected. If so, indeed, the plight of the many black Americans would long have ceased. The amendment did not tell us the implication of borrowing a nation to secure the future of our children. Neither did my fellow countrymen weigh the consequences, upon clear conscience, of building a castle on a borrowed block. Permit me to ask, therefore,

whether a rat kept under the custody of cat can truly celebrate genuine freedom? The spot-on answer to these questions resonates in the timeless struggle for the relevance of black lives in the states: The Black Lives Matter Movement which seems a crucible of the struggle that Martin Luther King Jnr. championed many years ago.

Yet many rich Nigerians see the craftiness in planting their seeds in alien soil. The rulers are not guilty- free as much as the ruled. After all, the ruling class loot and dump the yield of the collective struggle of their fellow countrymen abroad.

As I scribble this, we must therefore equip ourselves with the knowledge that by our actions and inactions, we can create or recreate a world where our children would become slaves instead of masters of their destiny. As we craze over forcefully becoming Americans, selling out the men and women who would bear the glory of this nation on eagle’s wing let’s not distance our thoughts from unreported experiences of our brethren scattered like seeds across various countries in the world . Daily we want another nation, just like the founding fathers had, in their errors, assumed that having political freedom was the end of captivity or having wealth the end of lack or that political independence can deputise for patriotic and patient sacrifice that deliver a prosperous nation.

I am tempted, so irresistibly, to recast history into our hearts. Few years ago, precisely 1983, Nigeria sent away thousands of Ghanians, swiftly reminding them that there don’t have an alternate nation or better still, there is no place like home. They swallowed the insult as much as they faced their future. Ghanaians have, today, created a nation that they can proudly pass to their children. Why not Nigeria?

We owe this noble duty for the future generation that may never meet us, know us, appreciate us.

Barely, 56 years after independence, we are all nearly weary of being free. We are drifting to the same white men we lost our lots chasing away from this nation. We, afresh, seek the latest version of freedom.

But except we change our attitude towards the nation, except we see Nigeria as our first mandate, except we resolve to collectively redeem this nation from the claws of unfriendly leadership, in vain, our dreams would be.

That nation we run to was built on people’s sacrifice - so I saw while I watched the American Veteran’s Day. I discovered that the builders of America nearly had no benefits in its current prosperity.

Those who threw their lives into her freedom, the American civil war, her unity without which nothing would be left of America to desire.

For a nation that was once as unrepentant as Nigeria, they offered their cheerful unregarded sacrifice. Lessons, a lot, abound in the words of J.M. Barie: “Dreams do come through, if only we wish hard enough, you can have everything in life, if only you will sacrifice everything else for it.”

That’s not all. The move is not economically beneficial. The Medical Tourism Association research statistics, disclose that “23 per cent of Nigeria’s population has access to a combined buying power in excess of US28 billion dollars, mostly made up of professional and middle-class Nigerians whose desire to seek privileges such as better health care services or simply dual citizenship options for their child/ children is on the rise”.

Orji Sunday Sylvester, University of Nigeria, Nsukka

16

FRIDAY OCTOBER 21, 2016 T H I S D AY

17

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

POLITICS

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

PERSONALITY FOCUS

The Word is Honour By returning home and turning himself in to answer to alleged financial impropriety by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Olatunde Obanikoro has walked the path of honour, writes Shola Oyeyipo

A

t the tail end of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s first tenure, certain individuals assumed the face of his campaign for re-election. In the South-west, for instance, Governors Olusegun Mimiko, Ayodele Fayose and a former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro were the faces for Jonathan’s re-election.

Given the intensity that characterised the rivalry between the former ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) that fielded President Muhammadu Buhari as well as the roles played by some of the major actors on both sides, not a few of Obanikoro’s supporters had feared that if the APC won the election, the former junior minister and erstwhile High Commissioner to Ghana was going to be under the search light of the APC government.

The general belief was that Obanikoro smartly fled the shores of Nigeria for America the moment Buhari won the election to quietly enjoy the loots garnered during the electioneering period.

This is more so when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said through a couple of its media platforms that it has evidence to establish how money was siphoned from the account of the office of the embattled National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) and expended for the purpose of prosecuting the Ekiti State election for the PDP. The anti-graft body had alleged that the scam took place between April 4 and December 15, 2014, when a total of N4.745bn was paid into the Diamond Bank account of a company linked to Obanikoro’s sons, Gbolahan and Babajide. The company’s name was given as Sylvan McNamara.

A detective with the EFCC alleged that out of the N4.745bn, “$1m was delivered to Obanikoro and he acknowledged receipt of the cash and we have recovered evidence. Also, about N2bn from the money was withdrawn by the Obanikoro sons and then flown to Ekiti State”.

There was also the allegation that on June 12, 2014, barely 10 days to the Ekiti State governorship election, Obanikoro and his ADC, A. O. Adewale, chartered a private jet belonging to OAS Helicopters. About N724.5m was allegedly conveyed on the plane with tail number N638MA. The plane was a HS125 jet, operated by Okin Travellers, a subsidiary of Elizade.

Not only did the EFCC give an account of how the money was allegedly transacted between Fayose, Obanikoro and his sons, the commission had even gone ahead to interrogate his wife, Alhaja Moroophat Onikoro who was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Thursday, July 14 in front of their house located on Layi AjayiBembe Street, Parkview Estate, Ikoyii, Lagos, in connection with funds believed to have been diverted from the office of the former NSA. About the same time, his first daughter, Monisola was also invited for questioning.

Earlier, in June, the EFCC had sealed houses belonging to Obanikoro’s sons, Babajide and Gbolahan, in Banana Island and sources in the EFCC had hinted that the body was processing the extradition of Obanikoro and other politicians, who shared from the Dasukigate loot to force them to return home

There is no doubt that Obanikoro has distinguished himself as far as this matter is concerned. Despite having the option of staying away pending the time this administration finishes its tenure and embracing the legal option at a time the rule of law would be better respected, he chose to dare the consequences and walked the path of honour by turning himself in. This is not a common choice amongst Nigerian politicians, but he dared to be different, misgivings notwithstanding. He may not be who they think he is after all

Obanikoro...simply exemplary!

to face questioning for money laundering and other related offenses.

That same June, the anti-graft agency also raided Obanikoro’s house, where it said it retrieved some documents purported to have linked Obanikoro to the alleged N4.7bn.

Obanikoro’s wife, who was at home during the raid later accused the EFCC of abusing her rights and she sued the body for N100m.

Also denying the allegation of his involvement in how the money in question was disbursed, one of Obanikoro’s sons, Gbolahan, claimed that he was not part of how the money was shared, stating that he has never been a director at Sylvan McNamara and neither was he a signatory to its account or any other account related to the entity.

“My involvement with this company ended as far back as 2013 before all these incidents and before my father was even appointed as a minister, so any dealings that transpired after that is of absolutely no concern or business of mine.

“The bank is available to confirm who the signatories to the account are and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is also available to confirm, who the directors of the company are. I am positive that the authorities, if at all they are investigating this matter, will discover this.

“I built my home in Nigeria in 2010, and I opted to buy a town home in the United States in 2014 during which period my wife had our third child. My focus for almost a decade has always been on business and

the private sector and not politics. I have been working hard and fortunate to run a successful business. So, it is definitely not out of place for me, and it is most certainly not a crime to buy a house,” Gbolahan narrated.

Debunking insinuations that he fled the country in order to evade the ongoing $2.1 arms probe by the EFCC, Obanikoro himself has maintained that the reports were mere speculation. He had stated shortly after the 2015 election that his decision to travel to the US was to pursue further education and he recently graduated with a Master’s degree in History from Oglethorpe University, Atlanta, USA. Presenting his position on the matter, Obanikoro stated: “To begin with, no allegation has been made against me officially that I know of. Therefore, I have no reason to run.

I know for sure that all the accusations in the media are in the realm of speculation.

That’s politics for you; you win some, you lose some. And there’s life after politics. I’m going to the US to pursue a degree,” he had said.

Despite denials, arguments and protests by the Obanikoros, who have sustained their claim of innocence in the allegation and condemned the ill-treatment meted out to them during investigation, the EFCC and some members of the public had challenged the Lagos PDP stalwart to return home to face the allegations against him, if only to set the record straight.

Convinced that the best way to go was to face the EFCC once and for hall, Obanikoro

returned to Nigeria last Monday, boldly surrendered to the EFCC and he is currently being interrogated at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja by some senior operatives of the anti-graft agency. At this point, there is no longer room for speculations. The truth about the matter should be made public so that interested persons can take a more informed position on the matter.

There is no doubt that Obanikoro has distinguished himself as far as this matter is concerned. Despite having the option of staying away pending the time this administration finishes its tenure and embracing the legal option at a time the rule of law would be better respected, he chose to dare the consequences and walked the path of honour by turning himself in. This is not a common choice amongst Nigerian politicians, but he dared to be different, misgivings notwithstanding.

He may not be who they think he is after all.

Although he was still at EFCC’s custody as at the time of going to bed with this report, there are indications that as presently constituted, the EFCC as a leopard is incapable of changing its spot and would continue to display the largely perceived impunity in the discharge of its duty. But whichever way it chooses to handle this very one, they could reproduce Obanikoro as just another star of the allegedly trending victimization of the present government.

Either by omission or commission, Obanikoro might have set an unintended example with his action. This, perhaps, would further stoke a different kind of debate about him and ultimately, change the perception that politics has stuck on his personality. This has upped his rating, no doubt, and how further handled could help situate in him in a better stead.

18

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

POLITICS

TRIBUTE

Fani-Kayode’s Indomitable Courage at 56 Even at 56, former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode remains unbreakable, writes Musa Simon Reef

H

e was born 15 days after Nigeria was granted political independence from British colonialists on October 1, 1960. At birth, the heavens did not blaze the commencement of his earthly sojourn but the young child, who was later to be christened David Oluwafemi Adewunmi and born to the family of Chief Remilekun Adetokunboh Fani-Kayode, carried the genes of astounding scholarly and cerebral greatness often associated with the family.

His great grandfather, Rev. Emmanuel Kayode, studied theology at Durham University in the United Kingdom in the late 1800’s and was one of the earliest and most distinguished Anglican Priests in Nigeria. His grandfather, Justice Adedapo Kayode, studied law at Selwyn College, Cambridge University, called to the English bar in 1923 – a brilliant lawyer – he was the third Nigerian to be appointed as a judge.

His father, Chief Remi Fani-Kayode, was a distinguished and respected nationalist and elder statesman and one of the most brilliant lawyers that Nigeria has ever known. He studied law at Downing College, Cambridge University.

He was called to the English bar in 1943, the second Nigerian lawyer to be appointed Queens Counsel (Q.C.) in the UK, and was the third to be appointed Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

He was a Member of the Federal Parliament from 1953 till 1958 and the MP that successfully moved the motion for Nigeria’s independence in 1958. He was leader of the NCNC opposition in the Western Regional House of Assembly from 1959 till 1963, Deputy Premier of the old Western Region and Minister of Local Government Area and Chieftaincy Affairs from 1963 till 1966.

He was the National Vice Chairman of President Shehu Shagari’s National Party of Nigeria (NPN) from 1979 till 1983 and was a member of the elders caucus of the National Republican Convention (NRC) from 1991 till 1994. This is the lineage and heritage that Chief Femi Fani-Kayode comes from and bears.

I first met with him in 2003 when reporting for

Fani-Kayode

The Punch newspaper as the Chief Correspondent of its Sunday title at the Abuja Bureau. Before meeting him, like many journalists and members of the public, I saw in FFK the picture of “an arrogant fellow” whose upper class British accent attracted more envy than admiration.

As Special Assistant (Public Affairs) to then President Olusegun Obasanjo, he faced the arduous task of replying stone throwers of the government. Obasanjo, who was then seen as a lackey of the North, had turned against those who arranged for his emergence on the throne. The consequence was a backlash from the angry core north, as the roof was almost brought down on the government.

After granting an interview, where he explained the President’s views on some key issues, he later called to express gratitude when it was finally published. From then, he became a constant source of response on issues concerning the government. Convinced that the public perception about his person was misplaced, I arranged with

some colleagues from other media to have an interaction with him. Further to that, I convinced him to be a guest at a forum organised by the Correspondent Chapel of the FCT NUJ in 2003, where he really proved his mettle.

Unlike other government officials, FFK has an uncanny way of striking relationship with reporters. He does not allow the tight schedules of office to keep him away from media practitioners.

As former SA to Obasanjo, he has learned the virtue of keeping the media at close quarters and influencing media perspectives on contemporary issues. Realizing that information remains key in influencing people’s opinions, he reads a lot and seems to have answers to all questions on his fingertips.

As the armour bearer of the Obasanjo administration, he came under fire from critics opposed to the brashness of the Ota farmer in undermining democratic institutions like the National Assembly. In the Nigerian society that places much premium on hypocritical respect for elders, FFK never shied away from speaking the facts and allowing Nigerians make up their opinions.

After serving as SA to Obasanjo for three years, he was nominated for a ministerial position.

He scaled the hurdle despite protest from some senators, and he was later appointed Minister of Culture and Tourism. Few months later, incessant air crashes made the government to redeploy him to the Aviation Ministry, where he returned safety to air transportation.

Knowing FFK in the last 13 years has revealed to me the awesomeness of his character. When convinced of a course of action, he puts all his energy to achieving the set objectives. When he was convinced to join the Obasanjo regime, he worked so hard to ensure that he was not merely a number in the cabinet.

Afraid of what I described as his then “blindfolded loyalty” for Obasanjo, I once cautioned him against following the Ota Farmer on all issues, but he responded, “I am loyal to President Obasanjo and shall do everything to

discharge such loyalty for the interest of my country.” I was worried when his name came up on the N5.6 billion Aviation intervention fund scandal during the early months of the Yar’Adua government.

When I finally met him, he dismissed my apprehension and said he was not guilty. Seven years or so later, the court would dismiss the charges and set him free. Fani-Kayode was later to part ways with the PDP to join the APC in a rainbow coalition against the then ruling party. His appointment as Director of the Jonathan Campaign Organisation and his roles in the campaigns are too well documented to warrant a repeat.

As he celebrates 56 years on earth today, FFK is being accused of spending government funds for campaigns. His constant bashing of the Buhari government, which initially was considered as the trait of an irredeemable opposition figure, is slowly attracting a cult-like followership. He is certainly the only Nigerian politician that has, in almost equal measure, the oratorical and written prowess in advancing national discourse.

With these traits, his articles on social media and newspapers enjoy tremendous readership.

My Muslims friends and brothers have had cause in the past to call my attention to his anti-Islam posturing in some of his writings.

“Please tell your friend FFK that he is too much for this anti-Islam posturing. Please he should stop it. Advise him to speak and write on national issues”, a few advised me. When I later met him on the matter, he replied, “But Simon, you know that I am not opposed to Islam. I have friends among Northerners and Muslims, and I believe they mean well for this country. No one can accuse me of being anti-North or anti-Islam. I stand for the truth and state it as it is.”

-Reef, a media practitioner, wrote from Abuja NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

PERSPECTIVE

National Security and Politics of Election Postponement The place of national security in the conduct of elections across the country cannot be overemphasised, writes Yushau A. Shuaib

I

t is no more news that national security and security threats have been cited to justify postponements of elections under former President Goodluck Jonathan and the current President Muhammadu Buhari. However, the postponement of the last governorship election in Edo State has been labeled by some people, notably, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as having political undertone, as the party doubted the sincerity of the security agencies and playing to the gallery.

Section 26(1) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (As Amended), which supports postponement of elections states that: “Where a date has been appointed for the holding of an election, and there is reason to believe that a serious breach of the peace is likely to occur if the election is proceeded with on that date or it is impossible to conduct the elections as a result of natural disasters or other emergencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may postpone the election and shall in respect of the area, or areas concerned, appoint another date for the holding of the postponed election, provided that such reason for the postponement is cogent and verifiable.”

While justifying the postponement of 2015 general elections at a Press Conference on February 7, 2015, the then INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru M. Jega stated that he received a letter from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), then

INEC National Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu

under Sambo Dasuki drawing attention to four Northeast states of Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Gombe, that had experienced the challenge of insurgency. The letter stated that security could not be guaranteed during the proposed period in February 2015 for the general election.

Jega added: “This advisory was reinforced at the Council of State meeting, where the NSA and all the Armed Services and Intelligence Chiefs unanimously reiterated that the safety and security of our operations cannot be guaranteed, and that the Security

Services needed at least six weeks within which to conclude a major military operation against the insurgency in the Northeast; and that during this operation, the military will be concentrating its attention in the theatre of operations such that they may not be able to provide the traditional support they render to the police and other agencies during elections.”

In September 2016, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police, citing security concerns, had advised INEC to shift Edo gubernatorial election. The advice was sequel to a meeting of the Director-General, DSS, Mr. Lawal Daura, and the Inspector General of Police (IG) Ibrahim Idris Kpotun, where the security situation in the country was reviewed.

In a joint statement by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), DCP Don Awunah, and Garba Abdullahi of the DSS said that ‘“Credible intelligence report with the agencies indicate plans by insurgent/extremist elements to attack vulnerable communities and soft targets with high population during the forthcoming Sallah celebrations between 12th and 13th September, 2016. Edo State is amongst the states being earmarked for these planned attacks by the extremist elements.”

But in a swift response, INEC expressed surprise at the advice and said it was unaware of any security threat to the election, particularly when it had been assured on the same day by the Inter-Agency Security

Committee on the ground in Benin City that all was well. At the end, INEC bowed to pressure from the nation’s security agencies when its National Commissioner, Voter Education and Publicity, Prince Solomon Soyebi announced the postponement.

While the public might have reservations on the excuses put up by the security agencies for the postponement of elections, the outcome may serve national interest and not necessarily political interest. After the postponement of election in 2015, the Jonathan administration deployed acquire sophisticated weapons and funded MultiNational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) involving neighbouring countries to confront the menace of Boko Haram terrorists.

Undoubtedly, average Nigerians can be forgetful. Before the handover to President Buhari on May 29, 2015, the previous administration liberated towns and cities from terrorists in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States, where elections were successfully and peacefully held.

Meanwhile after the postponement of Edo gubernatorial election in September 2016, there was peaceful Sallah Celebration throughout the federation while the election in Edo State, the main issue was also peaceful without any casualty.

-Yushau A. Shuaib wrote from Abuja NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

19

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S NIBOR OVERNIGHT 1-MONTH

A S

NIBOR

14.8750% 19.7872%

A T

3-MONTH 6-MONTH

Group Business Editor Chika Amanze-Nwachuku

Email chika.amanzenwachukwu@thisdaylive.com 08057161321, 08033294157

O C T O B E R 7 ,

20.5590% 21.4160%

NITTY 1-MONTH 2-MONTH 3-MONTH

21.4160% 18.0333% 16.2693%

2 0 1 6

6-MONTH 9-MONTH 12-MONTH

18.1358% 20.5689% 22.4006%

EXCHANGE RATE NN311.62//1US DOLLAR* *AS AT LAST FRIDAY

Quick Takes Firms Partner to Boost Market Research

CONGRATULATIONS

R-L: Area Manager, South-West Africa, International Air Transport Association, (IATA) Mr. Samson Fatokun, presenting IATA Certificate (Aviation Safety Rated Certificate) to Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, (MD/CEO), Med-View Airline Plc, Alhaji Muneer Bankole; Head, Flight Operations, Med-View, Capt. Godfrey Ogbogwu and Executive Director, Technical, Med-View, Lookman Animashaun, at the Company’s Corporate Headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos ... recently

Foreign Airlines Demand Standard FX Rate Threaten to Leave Nigeria

Chinedu Eze

International carriers that operate to different destinations in the country have called on the federal government to give them standard exchange rate for the repatriation of revenues earned from ticket sales or they would be forced to leave Nigeria.

The Sales Manager of Emirates Airlines, Eghe Ekhator, issued the threat, why explaining the reasons why the airline decided to stop operations to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from October 22, 2016 during the on-going public hearing on how to revamp the aviation industry organised by the House Committee on Aviation.

Ekhator explained that due to the flunctuating value of the naira, when they sell ticket in the local currency, by the time they

AVIATION

will exchange it to the dollar, it would lose its value. He said that the airlines have decided that the only way they could continue to operate in Nigeria would be for government to peg the naira for the airlines.

The House Committee Chairman on Aviation, Hon. Nkiruka Onyejeocha said the House was worried about the suspension of flights to Nigeria by foreign airlines and the number of domestic carriers that had gone under, noting that there are indications that more might stop operation.

Asked why Emirates decided to stop its operations to Abuja, Ekhator said: “The challenge we are facing is not unique to Emirates. The major point is forex. Another problem is the

runway at the Abuja airport.

The runway issues may be addressed but for now it is still a concern.

“Another problem is aviation fuel. There is no long- term assurance, which means that a flight can come and it won’t have fuel to depart. Emirates is losing money running into millions of dollars. The delay before we exchanged the ticket sales reduces its value because the naira is not pegged. For example, if you sell ticket for $1000 and collect its equivalence in naira by the time you exchange it you may have only $600 dollars because of the floating exchange rate. So the foreign airlines are losing millions of dollars this way. That is why some are considering pulling out their operations,” he said.

Onyejeocha however sug-

gested that the government should introduce and implement policies that would enable airlines both foreign and local have profitable operation in Nigeria, noting that the foreign airlines are requesting for fixed rate of the naira for them so that they could exchange their money without losing any value.

At the public hearing, the Managing Director of Chanchangi Airlines, Trevor Worthington identified the challenges facing airlines in Nigeria and noted that the one of the major problem of the airlines is low aircraft utilisation due to poor infrastructure.

According to him, while aircraft in other parts of the world could operates for 22 hours, in Nigeria airlines hardly get up to 12 hours. He also Continued on page 20

Adesoye Promises to Ensure Speedy Passage of Port and Harbour Bill Eromosele Abiodun The new Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mr. Emmanuel Adesoye has said that the NPA will ensure the speedy passage of the Ports and Harbour Bill by the National Assembly as well as address the recurring issue of gridlock in Apapa.

Adesoye, who spoke in acceptance of the offer of his appointment also promised to pursue a solution to the poor

MARITIME access roads in the ports.

He explained that these issues, once addressed, will aid port development. He noted that the passage of the Ports and Harbour Bill into law will go a long way in providing enough ground for rapid port expansion.

The NPA chairman said there was the need for a truck-holding bay to accommodate some trucks for the ports.

“Our board in the coming

days or weeks will be addressing along with the local management, the perennial Apapa gridlock, poor access roads – leading to the ports and absence or should I say non-functional truck holding bay – all of which had made port business a tasking venture.

“In addition, the board in collaboration with the management and the Federal Ministry of Transportation will also explore common strategies to ensure the speedy passage into law

“the Ports and Harbour bill” by the National Assembly. It is hoped that the bill when passed into law will provide appropriate framework for rapid port expansion and development including capacity building,” he said.

Adesoye also expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for the appointment of the board members.

According to him, “The Continued on page 20

Pierrine Consulting and Research Rockstar USA, have announced a partnership to revolutionise market research landscape across Africa. According to the two firms, Market Research’s relevance is growing rapidly across Africa, with increasing number of both suppliers and buyers seeking to raise the bar continuously in terms of available expertise + quality of outputs.

To accelerate this, the research bodies thought it is important to make available world class market research skills and best practices available to anyone interested in planning, managing or using market research. The new partnership now brings to the continent easy access to best in class trainings and networking opportunities with other researchers across the globe.

According to the Managing Partner, Pierrine Consulting, Mr Oluwaseyi Adeoye; the plan is to reach out to the whole continent progressively over the next few months with offices set in key Sub Saharan commercials hubs of Lagos, Nairobi and Accra. No business community in Africa will be left out as advanced and creative digital advertising will be deployed to ensure every one interested or involved in planning, managing or using market research have access to required trainings regardless of their current location or whether they work with the big multinational research agencies or not.

“Nigeria is experiencing an interesting period right now – the economy is officially in recession, there is huge pressure on consumers’ available income with resultant impact on propensity to consume, we’ve seen shifts in patterns across categories/ industries and the forex situation is forcing companies to rethink their overall strategies.

Bosch Committed to Nigerian Consumers

Promoters of Bosch Group, a global supplier of technology and services in Nigeria, have emphasised their interest to redefine Nigeria technology space through provision of says it is committed to delivering durable and quality products to its teeming consumers.

Speaking during the company’s innovation and technology day held in Lagos recently, to further support their customers, consultants and end-users in Africa, the Chief Executive Officer, Robert Bosch West Africa, Ghislain Noumbessy, stated that quality has always been the most important thing for the company and that its aim is to improve peoples’ quality of life and spark enthusiasm,” said.

He also disclosed that the company has established a new facility; “The Bosch Experience Center”, located in Casablanca to empower and fully equipped with products comprising the Bosch Security Systems solutions. “Both an education and interaction hub, the center offer customers, trade professionals and influencers the opportunity to learn about Bosch solutions, while serving as an African-class gathering spot for discussions on security and safety solutions. Featuring a host of interactive exhibits, the Experience Center showcases the extensive portfolio of Bosch’s security, safety and communications products available for small to large project applications,” he said.

Entrepreneur Wants Security Tightened

An Entrepreneur based in Ilorin, Kwara state capital, Mr. Winfred Ogbudinma has urged the federal government to intensify efforts at waging war against insecurity so as to attract more investors into the country.

This, he said would go a long way at assisting them to contribute their quota towards the economic development of the country.

Ogbudinma who is also the managing director of Woopet Ogbus Ventures, Limited, Ilorin made this submission in Ilorin during an interview with journalists over the weekend.

According to him, such step would also assist the nation to be out of its current economic recession.

He said: “Security is equally paramount in everything; where there is adequate security, people will come and invest, if there is fire somewhere, nobody will come and put his resources there.”

If Nigeria spends $1billion to import tomato paste, I have an idea that can help stop that. We are open and determined to help revive our economy

Chief Executive Officer, Erisco Foods Limited

Mr. Eric Umeofia

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD FOREIGN AIRLINES DEMAND STANDARD FX RATE

noted that multi-taxation, high cost of aviation fuel and the fact that international operators are allowed to operate to many airports in the country, thereby discouraging code-share between foreign carriers and domestic operators.

Worthington urged the federal government to make a policy that foreign airlines should code-share with Nigeria airlines that meet their safety standard.

Speaking in the same vein, the Director of Engineering, Medview Airline, Lookman Animaseun said that many Nigerian airlines are now in the International Air Transport Association (IATA) registry as they have become certified after going through the stringent IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), which qualifies them to code-share with any airline in the world.

Animaseun urged government to stop the multiple designation of foreign airlines and to facilitate the establishment of a major Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Nigeria.

ADESOYE PROMISES TO ENSURE SPEEDY PASSAGE OF PORT AND HARBOUR BILL

news of the appointment was received with great enthusiasm and humility as the appointment offers us a unique platform to make our collective contributions to further the advancement of the nation through one of the prime drivers of the economy-the NPA. “Indeed the role of NPA in the industrialisation and growth of Nigeria’s economy particularly at this period of economic recession cannot be overemphasised when it is realised that the maritime sector is one of the most important revenue earners after the crude oil sector. It therefore behoves on our Board in the performance of its oversight functions to come up with concrete policies capable of rejuvenating the Authority with a view to confronting and overcoming its present challenges.

NEWS

NPA to Partner Navy on Security, Safety Eromosele Abiodun The Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala Usman has reaffirmed the commitment of NPA to improve on the existing synergy with the Nigerian Navy and other relevant stakeholders in the maritime sub sector particularly security of the nations’ waterways.

She stated this when she hosted the Flag Officer Commanding the Western Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Ferguson Dukas Bobai who was in the company of senior officers on a working visit to the NPA Corporate Headquarters, Marina, Lagos.

She said securing the nations’ waterways would impact positively on revenue generation for the nation through effective monitoring of vessels vis-à-vis improved operational efficiency.

According to her, the NPA would ensure that the enhanced relationship with the Navy is sustained through information sharing.

Concerning the berthing space for the Navy ships anchored at their jetties and the on-going repairs therein, Hadiza informed the Naval team that the management of the NPA would work towards granting the Navy a temporary berthing space pending the rehabilitation of its facilities.

She charged the Naval Authorities to immediately reconvene the committee set up to facilitate the dredging at the Takwa Bay turning base and proceed with the implementation of the earlier recommendations

and positions as agreed. She promised that NPA management would make available financial support to the project via budgetary provision and allocation in the next fiscal year.

The NPA boss called for maximum use of the Command, Control, Communication and Intelligence (CCCI) of both organisations through the swift deployment of its personnel aimed at collaborating on information sharing towards operational security efficiency.

Earlier, Bobai had informed Usman of the need for a sus-

tained synergy equally between the Navy and the NPA most especially in view of the sensitive role both organisation’s play in the life of the nation alongside other government agencies concerning security.

The Naval chief solicited for a space at the Takwa Bay for the swift response to security challenges from Naval personnel whilst on patrol of the Nigerian Waterways.

He affirmed that the position of the NPA in the life of the nation’s economy is essential and strategic through the swift and safe facilitation of import

and export business on our Waterways.

Hence, all hands must be on deck at ensuring that the nation’s harbours are protected at all cost by the relevant agencies through the collaboration with the Navy in order to facilitate maximu m revenue generation for the nation through shipping activities.Bobai was of the opinion that the Navy was willing to improve on the partnership between relevant agencies such as the NPA and NIMASA in the area of information sharing and collaboration.

This, he said, would be through the monitoring of ships on the nation’s Waterways before being allowed to anchor on the Nigerian Waters. ‘’This would enhance maximum safety and security of lives as well as cargo on Nigerian waters,’ he said.

He further observed that the turning base on the Nigerian waterways was narrow and sharp for RoRo vessels coming into the country and urged the NPA management to see to the quick dredging of the environment in view of the danger it portends.

A NEW OFFERING

L-R: Head of Retention, MultiChoice Nigeria, Kemi Omotosho; Brand Manager, Tope Oshunkeye; General Manager, Marketing and Sales, Martin Mabutho and Public Relations Manager, Caroline Oghuma, during a press conference to announce the introducing of additional content across DStv packages in Lagos…recently

Countries Urged to Ratify London Protocol Eromosele Abiodun Governments have been urged to ratify the London Protocol treaty, which regulates the dumping of wastes at sea in order to ensure the universal application of its precautionary approach towards protection of the marine environment.

The London Protocol, which currently has 47 Contracting States and has been in force since 2006, prohibits all dumping of wastes and other matters at sea, except for those on an approved list, which may be assessed and considered for dumping, such as dredged

material, fish wastes and inert, inorganic material such as rocks and gravel from excavations.

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in a report on its website noted that since its adoption and entry into force, Parties to the London Protocol have adopted amendments to extend permitted wastes to cover activities related to climate change mitigation.

“These include the issuing of permits for carbon dioxide sequestration in stable geological formations in the seabed to ensure permanent isolation of carbon dioxide and strong controls to regulate marine geo-

engineering activities - which can involve the introduction of substances or organisms into the sea in order to stimulate carbon dioxide uptake and reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. In line with the precautionary approach, marine geoengineering activities such as ocean fertilization, are limited at present to research activities only, “IMO said.

Referring to the 20th anniversary since the adoption of the London Protocol, IMO Secretary-General, Kitack Lim said the ”mandatory waste assessments” and ”precautionary approach” principles adopted

into the treaty had now been fully embraced.

“But there was still work to be done, which would support the global aspirations set in the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals. I will continue to urge all IMO member governments to ratify the Protocol. This will extend and complete the task that the Parties set out to achieve and to enhance the protection of the marine environment for current and future generations. We need to work together to make sure that the London Protocol achieves

a truly universal membership and becomes the preeminent regulatory regime, not just in spirit but also in terms of actual number of Contracting Parties,”Lim said.

He added, “IMO, which acts as the Secretariat for the treaty, has produced a brochure - The London Protocol: what it is and why it is needed - which outlines the activities regulated under the treaty and the benefits of ratification. The London Protocol updates the earlier “Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter 1972”, known as the “London Convention.”

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 (Maritime)

CDHR Calls for Probe of Customs, Smugglers Clash Eromosele Abiodun The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has called on the federal government to ensure a thorough investigation into the alleged killing of an automobile mechanic in Alagbado, Lagos State, by some officials of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

The human rights group stated this during their protests at the Customs office, Ikeja and the Lagos State House of Assembly, Alausa.

The CDHR Chairman, Lagos

Chapter, Alex Omotehinse, who expressed disappointment at the incident said: “The long hand of the law can catch up with anyone. The Customs officers will be brought to book and justice will be done. In a bid to cover up their shame and lack of competence, they abducted a relation of the late Saheed Omotosho, named Rasheed Oyedeji, who attempted to raise alarm over the killing of his brother. The masses are now afraid to move peacefully within the community.”

The chairman demanded,

among others, “immediate and unconditional release of Oyedeji in the custody of the men of the Nigeria Customs Service.”

He called for justice for the deceased, adding that adequate compensation must be paid to the family of the deceased by the NCS.Omotehinse also called for immediate investigation and arrest of all Customs officers involved in the criminal act.

An official of the NCS, Adamu Turaki, promised to forward the group’s petition to the Comptroller-General of NCS.

Turaki said the petition would be looked into and justice would be done after investigation.

The protesters, who later proceeded to the State Assembly, also presented a petition to the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, calling for laws to restrict operations of Customs officers to the border areas.

Dayo Saka-Fafunmi (APCIfako Ijaiye I) while addressing the protesters on behalf of the speaker, said the House had condemned the killing of Omotosho during a plenary session.He said:“We empathise

with you on this loss. It was a loss for the entire state and the nation. We strongly believe that the strength of democracy lies with the people. The Lagos State House of Assembly being a responsive and responsible arm has tabled the matter and has decided to take the matter up. We will ensure protection of the people. We are not leaving the people of Ifako Ijaiye and family of Saheed Omotoso in this struggle, the House will ensure justice is done. Every allegation will be treated accordingly.”

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AvIATION

Medview Bags International Safety Certification Chinedu Eze After a very rigorous process that lasted for almost two years, Nigerian major carrier Medview Airline was on Monday admitted by International Air Transport Association (IATA) into its global safety registry; after passing the International Operations Safety Audit (IOSA) certification.

The admission of Medview into the IOSA registry of the global airlines regulator, according to the carrier, was a confirmation that it has notched up its safety operational procedures to worldwide standards.

Speaking at a presentation ceremony of the IOSA certificate in Lagos, the Regional Director, West Africa, IATA, Mr. Samson Fatokun said

Medview met the required safety standards set by the global body.

He said the safety endorsement has catapulted Medview into the league of global players in terms of operational safety and procedures required for global carriers.

According to Fatokun, the airline had fulfilled all the conditions and met all the requirements for it to be given IOSA certificate and with that safety endorsement, Medview has joined the league of other domestic carriers to be enlisted in the IOSA registry that include Aero Contractors, Arik Air, Overland Airways, First Nation Airways and Allied Air, a cargo airline.

He said IATA would continue to monitor the operational activities of Medview Airlines

to prepare it for the validation of the certification in the next two years before pursuing the enhanced IOSA, which is an advancement in the safety status.

Fatokun said with the certification, Medview Airlines could negotiate code share and interline agreements with global carriers like Lufthansa, Delta Air Lines and others to enhance its operations.

Fatokun commended the carrier for meeting the stringent conditions for IOSA, stressing that it is good for all carriers in Nigeria to be IOSA certified.

He explained that IOSA became imperative for carrier after African leaders met and agreed that all carriers operating on the continent must be IOSA compliant by end of 2017.

IATA Projects 7.2 Billion Passengers by 2035 The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said it expects 7.2 billion passengers to travel in 2035, a near doubling of the 3.8 billion air travelers in 2016.

IATA said the projection was based on a 3.7percent annual Compound Average Growth Rate (CAGR) noted in the release of the latest update to the association’s 20-Year Air Passenger Forecast.

“People want to fly. Demand for air travel over the next two decades is set to double.

Enabling people and nations to trade, explore, and share the benefits of innovation and economic prosperity makes our world a better place,” said IATA’s director general and CEO Alexandre de Juniac,.

The forecast for passenger growth confirmed that the biggest driver of demand would be the Asia-Pacific region. It

is expected to be the source of more than half the new passengers over the next 20 years.

IATA said China would displace the US as the world’s largest aviation market (defined by traffic to, from and within the country) around 2029. India would displace the UK for third place in 2026, while Indonesia enters the top ten at the expense of Italy. Growth would also increasingly be driven within developing markets and over the past decade the developing world’s share of total passenger traffic has risen from 24percent to nearly 40percent, and this trend is set to continue.

The international aviation body said the 20-year forecast puts forward three scenarios.

The central scenario foresees a doubling of passengers with a 3.7percent annual CAGR. If trade liberalisation gathers pace,

demand could triple the 2015 level. Conversely, if the current trend towards trade protectionism gathers strength, growth could cool to 2.5 percent annual CAGR, which would see passenger numbers reach 5.8 billion by 2035.

“Economic growth is the only durable solution for the world’s current economic woes. Yet we see governments raising barriers to trade rather than making it easier. If this continues in the long-term, it will mean slower growth and the world will be poorer for it. For aviation, the protectionist scenario could see growth slowing to as low as 2.5 percent annually. Not only will that mean fewer new aviation jobs, it will mean that instead of 7.2 billion travelers in 2035, we will have 5.8 billion. The economic impact of that will be broad and hard-felt,” said de Juniac.

SAA Bans Use of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Phones in Its Flights South Africa Airways (SAA) has joined a number of international carriers to ban the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Mobile Phones onboard its flights. The decision, according to the airline was based on safety considerations in the interests of passengers, crew and property. It said that the decision would become effective on all SAA flights from all stations globally from Wednesday, 19 October, 2016.

This means, the Galaxy Note 7 device is prohibited completely and may not be carried by travellers on their persons, in carry-on baggage, in checked in baggage or as cargo.

“We initially placed a restriction on the use of the device where we prohibited the charging of this specific model on board our aircraft.

However, the recall of the device by the manufacturer based on safety considerations and the announcements made by regula-

tory authorities in some key markets we fly to, have left us with no option but to comply,” said SAA Spokesperson Tlali Tlali.

Subsequent to the announcement by the manufacture to recall the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 regulators in various jurisdiction and countries have announced a ban on the device in respect of air transportation. The announcement by the regulators obligates SAA as an airline to implement and comply with such a ban.

Further SAA is enjoined by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) general provisions on safety to take steps to ensure safety of its operations as and when goods and/or products have not met safety requirements.

IATA’s position is stated as follows: “Lithium batteries that have been recalled by the manufacturer for safety reasons must not be shipped

by air”. The Galaxy Note 7 is powered by lithium batteries and has since been recalled by the manufacturer.

“In the interests of standardising and maintaining operational safety and compliance with regulatory requirements it has become necessary to prohibit this specific model on board our aircraft. We are aware that Samsung remains one of the most popular brands worldwide and the decision is not an outright ban of all Samsung mobile devices – it is limited to Galaxy Note 7 only,” added Tlali.

SAA apologises to all its customers for the inconvenience this decision may lead to. The airline had to align in order to maintain the safety of its operations and to mitigate risk associated with non-compliance.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had earlier banned the use of the phone on Nigerian airlines.

w

AIR WATCH

What Hope for Domestic Lagos Airport domestic terminal, MMA2

A

s the fastest means of moving from one place to another, air transport industry plays pivotal role in any country as a critical springboard to economic development.

But the confidence of the public and government officials has been eroded over the efficiency and reliability of Nigeria’s domestic airlines; not just because of safety fears, but because of their precarious existence.

Last week, when the House Committee on Aviation, in line with its oversight function toured the facilities at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, it was the same anxiety about the survival of the airlines that resonated.

The legislatures wanted to know what should be done to ensure that more Nigerian carriers did not go under. They also expressed worries that some foreign airlines had left the Nigerian routes as well as why airfares to international destination have been on the rise.

They literally closed in on the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Murtar Usman and queried him about all these, ventilating their worries as they expected him to provide all the answers. They wanted to be assured that the worst in the aviation industry was over; that henceforth things would be better.

In a way, the Director-General of NCAA allayed their fears but at the same time put the realities on the table. For example, he told them that the fares to international destinations are high because international airline operators sell their tickets in dollars and as the value of the Naira is nosediving, it is expected that the local currency equivalent of the dollar fares would continue to rise.

Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation, Hon. Nkiruka Onyejeocha, who encapsulated the fears of the members seemed apprehensive about the future of air transport in Nigeria and even asked whether more Nigerian airlines would go under.

“We want to know the lasting solution to funding of domestic carriers. How can we fund the industry? We gathered that the government bailout given to the airlines in the past was mismanaged. How can the airlines get forex?

How can the regulatory body, NCAA ensure that there is corporate governance in the industry?

We know that certain issues that border on the ownership syndrome of the airlines play important role in the funding of the airlines but what actions can government take through NCAA to alleviate the problems of the airlines under the present economic recession. Are there measures being taken by NCAA to solve this problem. What of Aero Contractors; when is it coming back?” Onyejeocha asked Captain Usman.

The House members expressed the fears that many people (about 1, 3000) will be out of job if Aero fails to come back. They also got assurances from NCAA Director-General that Arik Air, which stopped operation for a

day due to insurance issues and First Nation Airways, which could not continue to operate when its aircraft were due for maintenance and later resumed would not have any cause to stop operations again.

Industry observers said that the House Committee on Aviation was apprehensive because the members knew that there was nothing on ground to suggest that the airlines could not stop operation any time “and they also know that government is not doing anything particularly to assist the airlines, despite the challenges they face in operating under this adverse economic situation.”

But the argument is that if other sectors of the economy are struggling to remain in business, why not the airlines? But an airline operator noted that airlines record tiny margin of profit at the best of times and with the Nigerian harsh environment many of them operate at a loss.

“But aviation is not what you can ignore. If the airlines withdraw service now it will ground the whole economy, so you cannot treat it like any other business.The Director-General of NCAA who responded to questions asked by the House Committee on Aviation allayed their fears and called on government to continue to give support to the airlines and the industry.

“One of the major challenges of both the local and foreign airlines is non-availability of foreign exchange. It was difficult for the foreign airlines to repatriate their money back to their countries.

That was one of the reasons why some of them stopped operating to Nigeria. In the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) which Nigeria signed with the countries where the airlines come from, it was agreed they will repatriate the revenues from the sale of tickets. So government should allocate forex to the industry.

Domestic airlines need foreign exchange for aircraft maintenance, for purchase of spares and training.

“What is happening is also affecting us because if the airlines do not operate and record revenues they may not be able to pay us our 5 per cent charge.

That is the way NCAA is financed; we do not get money from government,” Captain Usman said.

He noted that airlines operations are also hampered by high cost of aviation fuel (Jet A1) which are not always readily available.

He also assured the House Committee on Aviation that airline operation in Nigeria has improved significantly in terms of safety and noted hopefully that none of the existing airlines would go under because “airlines are no more disappearing like before but there should be effective economic regulation and that is what we are doing to ensure that airlines have money to carry out their operation activities.”

The Director General informed that the Minister of State, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika has secured tariff waiver for aircraft importation, including spares and now facilitating the inclusion of airlines in special foreign exchange allocation.

The House Committee members’ apprehension could be understood. Industry observers still insist that government is not doing enough to assist the airlines.

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BUSINESSWORLD

AVIATION

As Mixed Feelings Trail Local Airlines’ Inclusion in FX Market

Although domestic airlines have expressed satisfaction over their recent inclusion in the interbank FX market, they have however argued that its implementation is a totally different ballgame. Chinedu Eze reports It was an elated Minister of State, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika that conveyed the good news last weekend that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had included domestic airlines in the Interbank Foreign Exchange Market.

This came after many months of agitation by the domestic carriers through the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and after series of meetings with concerned government agencies, spearheaded by the Minister.

Since last year the airlines had been appealing to the federal government for this inclusion because everything about aircraft management and repairs is imported, including training and even manpower engagement.

“This is after much intervention on behalf of the airlines both foreign and domestic. The Central Bank has yielded and we are happy because this means a lot to the airlines and us. They have been going through a lot and we are so happy that this is will be a huge succour to their operations”, Senator Sirika said.

In a circular sent by CBN to the concerned sectors it said, “In order to further engender market confidence, ensure access to FX by end users and sustain the integrity of the Nigerian Inter-bank FX market, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has resolved to intervene in the Inter-bank FX market through forward settlement”.

The inclusion of airlines in the interbank market was designated as Special Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS).

CBN explained that the exercise was to clear backlog of the sectors concerned, adding, “This is an important one-off exercise dedicated to the clearance of the backlog of matured FX obligations for: Raw materials and machineries for manufacturing companies; agricultural chemicals; and airlines”.

Since early this year, Sirika had facilitated meetings between AON and the CBN, Nigeria Customs Service and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources on how to enhance airline operation, secure forex, tariff waiver and access to aviation fuel at cheaper prices.

The new forex window is also expected to benefit the foreign airlines that operate in Nigeria and this is expected to create the opportunity for them to repatriate funds from their ticket sales after government allowed them move 50 per cent of their earnings before now.

Apprehension While the airlines expressed happiness over this development, they seemed sceptical about its implementation, because beyond the announcement, they are yet to see the sign of the implementation of the new decision.

As the policy is yet to be implemented, world’s fastest growing carrier, Emirates and the East African airlines, Kenya Airways announced the suspension of their operations to Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, citing their inability to repatriate their revenues and the difficulty in getting aviation fuel, known as Jet A1.

Emirates, which is one of the biggest foreign airlines operating in Nigeria said it would stop flights from October 22, 2016, while the East African carrier Kenya Airways, has also announced that it would suspend flights to Abuja with effect from November 15, 2016 as part of its restructuring and loss saving efforts.

Reports indicated that Emirates had since written the Minister of State, Aviation over its intention to stop flight operations into Abuja, indicating its inability to buy forex.

The letter was said to have been received by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation Emirates was reported to have said if after weeks of the Abuja suspension, no drastic change happened, it would also suspend Lagos operations indefinitely prior to its exit from the Nigerian market.

Emirates like many major international carriers operating in Nigeria, has huge money in naira at the bank that it could not exchange to dollars and repatriate.

Hope Rising However, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has applauded the CBN window and urged the airlines to take advantage of it.

The Director-General of NCAA, Captain Muhtar Usman explained that the Special Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS) – Retail is an important one-off exercise dedicated to the clearance of the backlog of matured forex obligation for airlines.

“It is however worthy to note that other sectors were similarly availed priority in the inter-bank forex market. These are raw materials and machineries for manufacturing companies and agricultural chemicals,” a statement from the agency said. NCAA said Muhtar facilitated AON delegation to hold meetings with the Ministers of State for Aviation, Finance and their Petroleum counterparts including the CBN Governor.

“As a result of the meeting, Honourable Sirika was able to extricate for the foreign airlines 50 per cent clearance of their forex obligations.

This present success is another step ahead in seamless operations in the aviation industry.

“It is expected that this is a major window for those airlines which had earlier ceased their operations to recommence in earnest.

Therefore, with this intervention comes a landmark incentive for both local and foreign operators to carry out safe, secure and lucrative operations in Nigeria,” NCAA said.

It further explained that in addition, all scheduled and mandatory checks, which are done in the Diasporas, would be undertaken with this leverage at a reduced cost.

“The Director General of the Regulatory Authority therefore expects the foreign operators to carry out their operations with renewed vigour,” NCAA said.

According to the Director-General, all problems associated with repatriation “is now a foregone conclusion”. He advised all airline operators to take full advantage of this laudable gesture of the federal government of Nigeria and adhere strictly to the provisions of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) with Nigeria.

THISDAY spoke to the Managing Director of Arik Air, Mr. Chris Ndulue, who confirmed the inclusion of the airlines in the interbank forex market and said Arik was notified about the change last weekend.

“Our bank told us yesterday (last Friday) that airlines have been included in the interbank forex market and they asked us to now make new request for forex because all the ones we had made in the past did not receive positive response, so we are going to make a new request,” he said.

He applauded the Minister’s efforts and noted that the airlines have been begging for this and it was good government had made it possible.

“We have been applying. We need to see it happen. We have been agitating for this for a long time. The banks told us that both manufacturers and airlines have been included so we need to reapply. But this is still a promise until it happens,” Ndulue said.

Pivotal Role The Managing Director of Medview Airline, Alhaji Muneer Bankole in reaction to the new policy commended the federal government but urged it to give more support to the airlines because of the pivotal role they play in the economy of the country.

“Airline is the backbone of aviation anywhere in the world. Air transport in Nigeria is dollar denominated and the non-availability of foreign exchange is not helping the situation.

You are all aware of what is going on. We have cried out to the government to create an environment and window in Central Bank of Nigeria for airlines to have access to forex so that the airlines would have dollars to do their business.

Challenges “Everything we do in this industry has nothing to do with Naira. We carry out maintenance at the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) organisation overseas.

In most cases we do D-check for a minimum of $2 million. In D-check we change a lot of components on the aircraft and bring the aircraft back home for the next 18 months.

You are also aware that some of the aircraft are on dry lease (leased aircraft operated by the airlines crew and maintained by the airline).

The airline needs to pay lease rentals. It has to be fulfilled because it is a contract obligation.

Such payments are done in dollars. We pay insurance in dollars; it is not paid in local currency because the Nigerian insurance

companies do not have the capacity to carry the risk alone. That is why most of us go back to the foreign insurance brokers and underwriters,” Bankole explained.

He said that what government ought to do was to open the forex channel first where airlines have access to that in order to sustain their operation; otherwise, “I don’t wish any negative thing to happen to anybody but the way we see our airlines going down, it can be anybody anytime. So this is one area we are telling government to look at.”

Bankole said the airlines had spoken to government to source Jet A1 (aviation fuel) locally in order to reduce the pressure on the foreign exchange.

“At the beginning of this administration we thought they were going to dedicate one of the refineries to produce Jet A1so that the product would no more be imported and that would reduce the pressure on dollars. Currently fuel supply is at the mercy of marketers. They are now selling aviation fuel N204 per litre. This product in January last year was N101 per litre; some sold N98 per litre, but today, it is N204 per litre. Up to Maiduguri and Yola the price of Jet A1 can go as far as N240 per litre. The fuel marketers say they are looking for the same dollar to get the product for us. I wish those of us remaining in the industry that we continue to pray to God Almighty,” Bankole said.

He however commended the Minister, Senator Sirika for the invaluable support and assistance he has given the airlines.

“We went together to the Nigeria Customs Service and we succeeded in getting his support on the waiver on tariffs on the importation of aircraft and spares. We need to commend the federal government on this. So we want government to continue to support the industry,” the Medview MD said. On the inclusion into the interbank forex market, Bankole said, “I wish to say that I also heard the report, just as you did, but for now there is nothing on the table. We are hopeful that this would materialise very soon. I have spoken to the banks and they said there is nothing yet on the table. The airlines may be apprehensive because of the rigour and the challenges they have gone through to obtain forex. When this new window is implemented their doubts obviously would turn to optimism and graciousness.

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BUSINESSWORLD

MARITIME

Between Customs and Rice Smuggling Cartel

Eromosele Abiodun posits that claims by the Nigeria Customs Service that it is fighting rice smugglers may not be entirely true as recent investigations have revealed that some customs officials are actually accomplices Last week, THISDAY reported that rice worth over $3billion destined for the Nigerian markets were stuck in various warehouses in Benin Republic due to federal government’s refusal to allow its importation through land borders and fierce customs anti-smuggling drive. The report has elicited reactions from concerned Nigerians, who have urged the Comptroller General of Customs, Ahmadu Ali (rtd) to take urgent steps to curb illicit activities of his men and officers at the various borders.

Sources at the Seme border told THISDAY that contrary to claims that these Customs officials are waging war against smuggling, they “actually aide smuggling and only arrest a few persons who could not meet their demands”. A Nigerian, who resides in Benin Republic and imports rice into Nigeria, told THISDAY that the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) officers posted to checkmate smuggling are their accomplices.

According to the women, who did not want her name in print, “Customs claims that they are fighting smugglers or smuggling are not correct. Go there and do a private investigation. They collect between N2000 and N4000 as bribe, for a bag of rice. People, who can afford it, don’t have any problem as they are allowed to go with their goods.

But those who cannot afford it or try to play smart game with them are often arrested and paraded before the press as smugglers.

She said: The only language these corrupt officials understand is money. The quantity of rice that comes into Nigeria through the land borders illegally is huge and could even be more than what comes in through legal means. The federal government should set up a combined special task force to man our borders. This is the only way to curb the menace of these corrupt customs personnel.”

Customs Clash with Police, Smugglers Only last week, some yet-to-be identified operatives of the NCS reportedly shot three people dead at the Alakuko area of Lagos State.

According to the report, after shooting the three persons while allegedly chasing some suspected smugglers, the operatives then clashed with some policemen who wanted to arrest them.

It was gathered that the Customs officers, who were from the Federal Operation Unit (FOU), were chasing the suspected smugglers conveying rice, when they shot at the vehicle, killing three persons. When alerted, policemen from the Alakuko Division were said to have attempted to apprehend the customs officers, who shot sporadically to scare away the police and other passers-by, who tried to arrest them.

When they successfully evaded arrest, sympathisers and onlookers were said to have taken to the streets in protest. However, hoodlums hijacked the protest and started molesting motorists and passers-by, with windows of some vehicles smashed. The incident, coupled with the protest, expectedly caused a major traffic gridlock along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway as the hoodlums barricaded the road. A witness, John Ogbu, said: “It was around 7a.m. while I was standing in front of my shop to observe the sanitation, two vehicles drove recklessly as they were being pursued by a customs patrol vehicle. The custom officials were firing at the vehicles and the passers-by were hit by stray bullets.

I also saw some policemen trying to block the Customs from escaping and there was an exchange of gun fire between the operatives.”

Meanwhile, a senior Customs official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity said: “We were doing our job of arresting some rice smugglers and the police jumped into the fray by aiding and abating them. In the process, there was a shootout between us. I can’t say what transpired, three persons were shot. I cannot say who fired the shot but all I can say is that we were doing a legitimate job when the police obstructed us.”

Confirming the incident, the state Police

Smuggled items

Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, however said only one person was allegedly shot dead by the Customs. She said: “What happened was that this morning, at about 7a.m., some Customs officials were on the trail of a vehicle, in the process, they went berserk and started shooting and killed one Saheed Omotosho.

His brother Rasheed was taken away to an unknown destination. The identity of the Custom men is not known. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Alakuko mobilised his team to the scene to maintain peace.”

However, the spokesman for FOU, Jerry Attah, an Assistant Superintendent of Customs (ASC) said: “We have no problems with the police. It was a problem between smugglers and the customs officers. We have arrested one suspect and the exhibits are with us.”

Although there are was still palpable tension in the area as at press time, the operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), led by its commander, Tunji Disu, and policemen from Alakuko Division were still at the scene to maintain law and order. $3 Billion Nigeria Bound Rice THISDAY had reported that Rice worth over $3 billion meant for the Nigerian markets were stuck in various warehouses in Benin Republic due to the federal government’s policy banning importation of the commodity through land borders.

THISDAY findings revealed that the annual routine of importing rice into the neighbouring countries from July to December to make massive sales in Nigeria during yuletide has hit a brickwall as the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) has insisted that his men tighten the borders.

Nigeria shares major borders with Benin Republic at Seme Border (Lagos), Idiroko (Ogun State), Shaki (Oyo State),Chikanda (Kwara State) and other smaller openings.

Prominent among them is Seme where the highest volume of trade and largest smuggling opportunity exists because of its easier access to Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital city.

Seme border, which hitherto was a major transit point for foreign rice importation and

smuggling also became a no go area for the commodity as almost daily seizures of 50kg bags of it have taken a good portion of the government warehouse .

A competent source in Benin told THISDAY that most of the warehouses where the bagged rice were kept before shipment into the country are now battling for space.

According to the source, who does not want his name in print, “some consignments of imported rice into the small West African country that had no space at the usual and popular stores were moved to makeshift storage areas and are exposed to rains, weevils and other unhygienic forms of storage.

The source said: “Popular warehouses no longer receive rice shipments as thousands of bags earlier delivered to them since July could not be evacuated into Nigeria as planned and as the usual case in previous years. Popular Cherika warehouse in Akpakpa near Cotonou with a capacity to hold 25,000 bags is fully loaded with Thailand rice with no hope of evacuating them into Nigeria except government relaxes its policy disallowing rice imports through border or customs softening their round the clock enforcement in Seme.

“Defezi warehouse close to the Cotonou Port with is filled with over 40,000 units of 50kg bags of Indian and Thailand rice. Defezi got occupied earlier due to its proximity to the port but was not evacuated as the owners could not risk entering Nigeria with it. Cica warehouse in Missebo area of the Cotonou outskirts that suffered lack of patronage in the past due to distance from Seme border and bad road presently have over 15,000 bags.

Some are getting moulded, caked with their bags torn and quantity reduced while under storage in several odd arrangements endlessly awaiting shipment into Nigeria.”

THISDAY checks revealed that while hope of smuggling them into Nigeria gets dim by the day, there is a conscious efforts at attempting the smuggling of the commodity without using bags.

The unwholesome methods, our findings revealed, require pouring grains of rice into various compartments of vehicles like the booths, bonnets, inner part of the doors, under the seats and other spaces meant for

spare tyres and tools.

Sources disclosed that attempts to try bringing in some hundreds of bags failed as the smuggling bags ended up inside the customs warehouse in Seme and Idiroko as seizures.

The seized rice, some of which are closed to expiring and unwholesome for human consumption have become bad and unqualified for donation to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps as was done in the recent past.

Numbers made available by the NCS revealed that over 37,000 bags of rice have so far been seized in Seme and Idiroko between January and September 2016 with a recent clamp down on 13 vehicles at a go in the Ogun State area all laden with smuggled rice.

Nigeria Customs had in an October 2016 press statement reiterated government’s ban on rice importation through the borders. The statement signed by customs spokesman, Wale Adeniyi, reinforced its resolve to protect government’s attempt to improve local rice capacity.

According to him, ‘’We like to reiterate the position that importation of Rice remains banned through our land borders, and we have the commitment of partner government agencies and stakeholders to enforce this restriction. While this restriction is in force, Rice imports through the Ports are still allowed subject to payment of extant charges.’’

“It is equally important to restate the confidence of the NCS in the ability of Nigerian rice producers to fill the existing sufficiency gaps in the supply of the product.

The Service has noted with satisfaction the ongoing rice revolution undertaken by many state governments, and strategic interventions by federal government agencies.

The service is convinced that the bumper harvests expected from these efforts will address the supply gap in 2017. It is our belief that continuous waste of scarce forex on a commodity that can be produced locally makes no economic sense, most especially at a period of recession. The Service will therefore advocate a total Ban on Rice Importation into Nigeria with effect from 2017. There are loud Continued on page 24

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

MARITIME

BETWEEN CUSTOMS AND RICE SMUGGLING CARTEL

Adeosun

cries in Benin over what is going on at Seme and other borders.

A respondent simply identified as Mr. Sewanu said things have taken a turn for the worse as their opportunities tied to bringing rice into Nigeria have stalled. You can see we are idle here because rice is not entering Nigeria through Seme border. We can’t work. Each day we come here, it is in prayer that the customs should cooperate with our bosses so we can have jobs to do to survive.

“By this time of previous years, thousands of bags of rice enter Nigeria from here and more ships will be discharging at the Cotonou Port on daily basis. But this year is different, nothing is working. Seme Customs people have spoiled the business for us. We don’t want to take the risk of transporting rice through any other border because Lagos is the largest market. Once you enter through Seme, you are already in the market. If this continues, we may die of hunger. Benin customs in Krake cooperate with us but the Customs in Nigeria are our only headache. We want the Controller removed. He is making things difficult.”

Impact of Smuggling Smuggling severely harms the economy of a country in multidimensional ways. It undermines the local industry, discourages legal imports and reduces the volume of revenues collected from duties and levies by the state.

Unfortunately a parallel underground economy has taken roots in Nigeria.

A major proportion of the revenue to be collected by the federal government is being lost, over and above the adverse impact that the smuggled items cause to local industry.

Obviously this cannot be done without connivance of the corrupt officials including those in the law enforcement agencies and everyone is aware of it but no action is being taken.

Markets and shops across the country are flooded with smuggled goods of any and all descriptions. Smuggled items through the Seme, Idiroko, Katsina, and Yobe borders form a major part of the informal economy volume of which ranges between 50 to 60 per cent of the formal economy. Smuggling has assumed an alarming proportion and turned out to be a parallel economy, which is depriving the country of its rightful levies including excise and customs duty worth hundreds of

Alli

billions of naira.

As a result of the activities of smugglers, thousands of industrial units have been rendered sick, due to the availability of smuggled goods in open markets. Smuggling has now become a routine part of all economic activities in Nigeria which hardly raises any eye brows nor stirs the slightest fear of the law. Nigeria is facing the challenge of measuring and countering enormous revenue leakages and black money — its size estimated to be three time the regular economy.

Illegal Importation of Goods Meanwhile, a report by the World Bank on the level of illegal importation of goods into Nigeria from neighbouring Benin Republic and other West African countries showed the alarming rate of smuggling and the impact on the nation’s economy.

Experts believe this should be a major concern to the federal government and the agencies responsible for management of the nation’s economy. According to the World Bank, an astonishing $5 billion (N1.45 trillion) worth of assorted goods are smuggled into Nigeria through Benin Republic alone every year.

This amount represents about 15 per cent of total smuggled goods through that border. The World Bank report also claims it has enough evidence that over $400 million (N116 billion) representing about 25 per cent of the total current annual revenue collected by the Customs Service is lost through nefarious smuggling across the sub-regional borders.

The report, which was prepared by two of the World Bank’s leading experts on the African Transport Unit, also noted that smuggling into Nigeria will further hamper the operational efficiency of the Customs service and cause more revenue losses if urgent steps are not taken by government to tackle it. It advised a liberalisation of trade policies which encourage smuggling across the borders.

Experts told THISDAY that the report is troubling but not surprising, considering the increasing rate of smuggling across our borders, especially along the Benin republic axis.

“A combination of factors account for this unhealthy trend. One of them is the high cost of clearing goods in our ports and the laxity of enforcement of anti-smuggling laws by those charged with responsibility in the country.

It is not unkind to say that the integrity of some of the customs and immigration officials

statutorily charged with policing our borders is suspect.

Many compromise their positions. Bad eggs among them are more concerned with lining their own pockets than checking smuggling activities, thereby denying government muchneeded revenue.

“Therefore, the World Bank report should not be ignored. It should be treated as a wake-up call to address systemic difficulties in checking smuggling through the Benin Republic borders, and others in the region. In this regard, information exchange is vital. This has become crucial because available statistics reveal that 13 per cent of traffic of goods from the port in Cotonou, the capital of Benin Republic, is destined for Nigeria, while about 75 per cent of the containers that land at the Cotonou Port are headed for our country.

“We also believe that the current rate of smuggling through the West African sub-region is encouraged by tariff differentials. This has made it more economically viable for importers to patronise other ports in the sub-region rather than Nigerian ports. Government should seriously look into the problem with a view to formulating better policies to redress the situation, “said a top player in the maritime sector who do not want his name in print.

He added, “Also, government should take a hard look at some of the treaties of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Some of the se treaties encourage free movement of people without addressing its harmful effects. Often, this freedom of movement undermines the economy of other countries through unbridled smuggling of goods.

“All in all, the World Bank report should be seen as a roadmap for designing new strategies for our country’s trade policy initiatives with neighbouring countries. This is crucial because inability to adequately check smuggling into Nigeria can undermine both national and economic security of the country, with attendant broad political implications.”

Mis-invoicing of International Trade It is not just smuggling that is destroying developing economies. Terrorism, human trafficking, and drug smuggling have long painted a gritty picture of crime in the developing world. However, new details are coming to light about another much less visible form of crime and its adverse effects on developing

countries. Fraudulent financial transactions, in particular the mis-invoicing of international trade transactions, are having a significant impact on most African economies.

According to a report published by Global Financial Integrity (GFI) on mis-invoicing and the impact of revenue loss, the mis-invoicing of international trade transactions has allowed for the fraudulent movement of at least $60.8 billion in and out of the five African countries alone between 2002 and 2011.

Mis-invoicing is a form of trade-based money laundering that includes the over and understatement of import and export values on official forms and records. Firms engaging in international trade in developing countries often conduct these fraudulent transactions in order to evade tariffs and taxes, collect additional export-related tax credits and subsidies, or move large amounts of capital in and out of countries illegally.

Mis-invoicing can typically be as simple as altering the values on the books for a given transaction. For example, a firm may understate the value of an import shipment in invoices and records in order to pay lower tariffs or overstate the value of an export shipment in order to gain more export credits and subsidies than the shipment actually earned. Experts believe catching those that engage in misinvoicing is typically difficult for developing countries.

“Often times misinvoicing can be performed effectively by making very small augmentations to the prices of common goods. If a firm augments the value of its goods by only one or two dollars per unit, even the best customs officers would be unlikely to notice it, and the benefits of such an augmentation could still add up significantly in large volumes.

“However, this is only trade misinvoicing in its mildest form. In many cases, firms engaging in misinvoicing and other forms of money laundering send their transactions through anonymous shell companies in tax havens and developed countries in order to further disguise their activities, allowing them to augment values much more as the important details of the transactions disappear without a trace behind a shield of secrecy and anonymity, “said National President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), Lucky Amiwero.

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

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INTERVIEW

Umeofia: About $150m is Needed over Three Years for Self-sufficiency in Tomato Paste The chief executive officer, Erisco Foods Limited, Mr. Eric Odinaka Umeofia, in an exclusive interview, reasoned that Nigeria can be self-sufficient in tomato paste production only if the government provides the necessary financial support and other incentives to genuine local manufactures and also stamps out importation of fake products He also shed more light on his recent disagreement with the CBN over forex allocations. Excerpts: Some people describe you as a controversial person; yet others say you are among the few genuine local investors and a successful businessman. May we meet you sir. Erisco Foods has become a household name today in Nigeria and beyond; when did the company commence operation and where was it operating, prior to its establishment in Lagos?

Erisco Foods Limited is a member of Erisco Bonbet Group, which has been operating in this country for years. We had earlier introduced Erisco Bonpet fire extinguisher and we were frustrated out of the country and as God would have it, we went to Angola and succeeded there. We then came back in 2009 to help and invest in the country in a bigger way since we had made more money, became more experienced and more tenacity to come back into Nigeria.

So we established the tomato paste line to help our people. Our original intention was to source our raw materials from Nigeria and help Nigerian farmers to grow. Our intention was not just about making profit because if that was the case, we are making more money in Angola and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). As we speak, I have more investment in Angola than in Nigeria and our Dubai business is also successful. But we as a company have committed ourselves to helping our nation. We have the urge to think home, that is why we came back.

Some describe me as controversial because I don’t allow them deceive Nigerians; by this I mean some unpatriotic Nigerians and some foreigners. We have better experience in how to better the economy because of our vast experience outside the country. Some people would and can never like me but after a while, they would realise that I actually have good intention for this nation.

Right now, what we are asking the government to do is to give us the same level playing ground. Don’t come and deceive me to invest big amount of money here whereas you give foreigners better services.

If I like easy money, I would have turned my machine to do the same thing as these importers or even worse for my people to eat but I believe it would kill me earlier and also because I have a good Christian background and conscience. I do not want to kill because of money.

Also, because I have sacrificed and invested over $150 million in this factory, for years I stayed in this factory supervising things to ensure this tomato project is going well while my family stayed in Dubai.

If Nigeria spends $1billion to import tomato paste, I have an idea that can help.

We are open and determined, and with the belief that President Buhari’s standard of ‘eat what we produce’ is what the entire government agencies would adhere to. But what I am experiencing is not so. Some are greedy and some don’t want to learn. I have advised that government should select some Nigerians and give them targets. For instance, one should focus on vegetable oil, as I have taken up tomato and then insist they make the country self-sufficient. I can make this country a major exporter of tomato paste by 2017 if I am given the right support. It is not just me playing in this space so imagine the impact we would have. However, now the government has left the economy open without control and scrutiny.

I have been in Angola doing business and

Umeofia

they do constant checks. If you don’t adhere to their rules, they would jail you. They have sent away about 21 Indian companies for not paying taxes and other illegal activities, but they do these illegal things freely here in Nigeria.

What these foreigners and importers are

It is cheaper for us to produce here and safeguard the economy than for us to import poison to kill our people. I have made publications on newspaper inviting them to come so we can deliberate on how to move this sector forward. Or rather, if what I’m saying is not right, let us go to television to argue it. They said Nigeria tomato cannot be produce here but I have done it

doing is to import sub-standard products into Nigeria. They import tomato mixed with starch and chemicals into our country.

Are you saying they are still importing substandard tomato paste?

We don’t need to deceive ourselves; there are more in the market.

There are agencies that regulate foods we consume here. You have mentioned in the past that NAFDAC is one of the agencies that aiding these foreigners that import harmful tomato paste into Nigeria. What is the role does the Standards organisation of Nigeria (SON) play in all of these?

I believe SON monitors what is being produced here to make sure it meets international standard. This is what I have been told. But I know SON has power to stop all the fake products coming in while National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) focuses on food.

NAFDAC’s role should be reorganised because and the agency doesn’t want to perform its duties.

I have come in contact with some of these importers who have complained that you are just de-marketing them because you want to have a lion share of the market.

The Nigeria market is big. What I have been campaigning for from day one is that we should have the same level playing ground to produce goods here. It is cheaper for us to produce here and safeguard the economy than for us to import poison to kill our people. I have made publications on newspaper inviting

them to come so we can deliberate on how to move this sector forward. Or rather, if what I’m saying is not okay, let us go to television to argue it. They said Nigeria tomato cannot produce here but I have done it.

Also when there were talks about banning tomato paste into the country, six foreign companies approached me to do a joint venture but once they discovered they could still import and smuggle it into the country, they reversed their stand.

They said I want monopoly. Now I don’t want monopoly again because I want to take my factory outside the country; let us see if I would not be the biggest importer. I would import more than all of them put together.

Just watch in nine months’ time.

There is this allegation that your company imports that most of the materials you use for the tomato production. Please clarify?

In tomato business, there are items like tin. If I ask anyone to finance it, they would run away. To do the tin alone is about $150 million project so I import it. Is it not better to import 20 per cent of your materials than 100percent finished product?

Are you then saying you do not import the Tomato concentrate?

I would take you to our factory and warehouse to see things for yourself after that I have spent over N4billion buying off tomato from farmers in the north. Those saying Continued on page 26

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

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Those saying I import concentrate use that to cover their own illegalities. I challenge CBN to bring out documents because if I have imported, it must have gone through the bank for Form M. I don’t do anything illegal. As we speak, I have over N13billion worth of raw materials in my warehouse and N6billion worth of goods in my store I import concentrate use that to cover their own illegalities. I challenge CBN to bring out documents because if I have imported, it must have gone through the bank for Form M. I don’t do anything illegal. As we speak, I have over N13billion worth of raw materials in my warehouse and N6billion worth of goods in my store.

Recently you said the CBN is frustrating your business by not granting you FX. The CBN argues that it no longer gives out FX and that manufactures should approach their bank. What really is the crux of the problem?

The CBN approves form ‘M’ for any amount that is approved for foreign exchange. It also banned 41 items from accessing FX, yet some banks are giving the importers FX steadily and their Managing Directors have not been fired. It is the CBN that is giving out the FX. Don’t mind them, they are just deceiving us.

One day, $15 million was given to an Indian man at N280 to $1 and I am buying at black market at the rate of N470 to a $1; it is inhuman and no one can survive under this situation.

Is it not unfair to accuse the CBN of frustrating your business giving that in the past you had been granted some loans?

CBN gave me only N3billion.

We also learnt that you do not service your account?

Let them bring the accounts I do not service let us see. I was bringing in money from overseas to service my account but this month I said no. unless I am supported by CBN before I can service my account. I have lost N3.6 billion already and nobody is listening. My bankers are Stanbic IBTC and Keystone, go to them and ask.

How much have you collected so far from the CBN and why is this outcry against the apex bank?

All I received was N3billion and I want to tell you that some foreign companies get up to N8 billion in different names. So if I am given N3 billion from an investment of N45billion it does not go far. For example, if an aircraft is $10 million and you give me $100,000, do I cut the aircraft into 10 parts. I would move out of this country and my move would make this country change. I came here to help and create jobs for Nigerians and not to make money for myself, I am a contented with what I have.

Some days ago, CBN introduced an intervention fund for manufacturers and airline. Are you going to benefit from it?

That is another big hoax. But I believe what we are saying has affected this decision by them. Last Friday, I received a letter by 10.29am requesting us to bring in all request for FX and it must be submitted to the bank before 12 noon. They said what they want to clear all bills pending in CBN. They gave us a circular at 10.29am and the bank said you must submit before 12noon and by then they had informed the foreigners maybe two week ago and whereas we were very short notice.

They had opened the door for 2 hours and closed it back because people have already entered. I didn’t get any Kobo from what they

Umeofia

said. It is still the same economic ‘Abakadabra’ (hoax). Most Nigerian businessmen are committed to banks one way or the other or to government, so they don’t want to talk; they don’t want trouble to themselves. For me, I have no reason why I should not be supported as a Nigerian.

In 25years from now, no tomato company would succeed here if we still condone importing. If I produce outside the country, I would produce at half the price. My factory here can build me 10 of this factory overseas with just 10percent contribution which means I can make 10 times profit.

I have finished setting up my factory before CBN knew I was existing. I brought in CBN just as running cost.

Recently, they had promised manufactures 60percent in the past and on the papers today, and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) said that the money didn’t get to anyone. How can an institution like that be deceiving people? The money businessmen have overseas is much compared to what Nigeria as a country is going around asking as a loan. If they make manufacturing a viable business, we would be clamouring on each other to develop here. To change this is simple; it would take government’s determination and policies.

Why do you think government agencies prefer to favour the foreigners?

Corruption! Like this import cabal I always talk about, How can the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah, after several letters, refused us an audience and this same minster easily grants Indians audience.

We want foreigners to come into Nigeria and I strongly believe they favour them due to the incentives they get from them.

How much have you invested in Nigeria so far?

I have invested $150 million. Now in Katsina where I intended to do a bigger investment, CBN refused to support me. This factory here in Lagos, I have two and half bigger the size in Angola. I have a bigger business in UAE, yet I decided to come to my country to be loyal and now my country is suffocating me.

Before they succeed in suffocating me, I must succeed in exiting. If I cannot be allowed to succeed in my country, I don’t need to be here.

My intention was to revolutionise farming in Nigeria. We have a new seed that can yield 90 metric tons per hectare in Katsina. We have a new basket for transporting waste. We have a system to produce with Nigerian tomato.

All these we have the capacity but nobody

cares to listen.

You are talking tough about exiting, don’t you think there should be some sort of dialogue with government. Have you approached the presidency, have you made your intentions known to his office?

I have notified them, but till now, the Minster of Labour, who is in charge of creating jobs has never asked what is happening. The Governor of Lagos state here has not said anything. So far, only the Katsina state governor told me he would support Nigerian companies equally just as they would support foreigners. That is a good, the same as the speaker of the House of Representatives.

The issue is that I am not closing my company; I am going to where I am going to make more profit since my country has refused to support me.

In specific terms, what are your demands?

How much grant do you need to thrive in this business?

To make tomato industry to be self-sufficient in this country, government has to spend a minimum of between $100 million and $150 million every year for three years and this will to end these importations. I am not asking that it comes directly to me; I am suggesting this aggressive approach to save this country from importing this product with over $1 billion yearly. We cannot continue to import what we have (tomato) to the tune of $1 billion yearly and this figure would continue to increase over time.

Please understand that we already have tomato but we need this investment for us

Some people can never like me but after a while, they would realise that I actually have good intention for this nation. Right now, what we are asking the government to do is to give us the same level playing ground. Don’t come and deceive me to invest big amount of money here whereas you give foreigners better services

to process because we have tomato that is wasting and we would be self-sufficient with the necessary support from the government.

With what Erisco foods has, we would need only $50million to meet our production process.

But we are not just talking about funds, if tomato paste importation is not banned, this sector cannot grow.

If Nigeria can invest $300 million in processing in strategic places in the north, which is about 6 lines, tomato would be wasting.

There is enough for everyone to benefit from in this business. There is tomato farming, tomato processing and there is tomato packaging. The money I’m talking about is for processing and part for packaging.

This $50 you are talking about, are you saying they should give you immediately or in tranches?

I have sent an application already which they rejected. I had asked for N7 billion only to make a lot of impact. The issue is that if you don’t have a bigger production capacity, you can succeed. With this amount, we can crash the price comparing with the Chinese importers. If we succeed in crashing the price, they would find out that it is cheaper here and they would have no choice but to run away. If I keep producing higher, how can I sell? That is the issue.

I have other businesses I am doing, I do not complain about them. I have garri milk and sugar, milk cubes, seasoning etc. My initial target was to employ over 50,000 people.

Now that the system is encouraging importation, I would help them import. I must also clarify that I believe in President Buhari, but however some MDA’s are not sharing his vision.

Sir are really bent on leaving?

I most leave, only President Buahri can stop me.

If you are given this $50 million would you still leave?

Maybe I would reconsider my stand, but tomato paste importation has to be banned.

On a lighter note, what informes your code- suit made with ankara (Nigerian made ) fabric? Some say it is eye service If that is what they say, Nigeria needs eye service to succeed. When IMF’s Christine Largarde came to Nigeria, she commended me for dressing like a true Nigerian and even took pictures with me. I have been promoting made in Nigeria products.

I wear these ankara suits anywhere I go to and they appreciate me. (He laughs) if that is eye service I want the person to please join me in the eye service.

WEEKEND WEEKLY PULLOUT

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

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PUSHED TO INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION

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ACTING EDITOR CHARLES AJUNWA / charles.ajunwa@thisdaylive.com

28/COVER

21.10.2016

Pushed to Inspire the Next Generation Joshua Ajitena, UK-based Nigerian, world-renowned motivational speaker and chief executive of Genero Living, had a terrible upbringing and went off the rails at some point in his life. But he picked up the pieces and moved on. Today, he is a success story and role model for thousands of young people around the world. He was recently in Nigeria and spoke at a seminar powered by the Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe (HOW) Foundation, where he inspired youths with a personal testimony of his life. Mary Ekah writes Born in Kano State, Nigeria, Joshua Ajitena through divine intervention relocated to the United Kingdom (UK) in the mid-nineties, where he lives presently and works as a motivational speaker. He runs Genero Living, a network that inspires, educate and challenge individuals to be creative. He holds a BA degree in Marketing; and a Masters degree in Marketing Communications and Consultancy. As a successful motivational speaker, who had a staggering childhood, Ajitena is well able to show young people how they can come from nothing and really make something of themselves. Today, Ajitena does it all– He’s a motivational speaker, TV host, author and the list goes on and on and most importantly, he is so passionate about changing lives for better. Today, he focuses basically on working with teens a lot and one of the reasons for that is that he had a wild upbringing and wouldn’t want any young person to go through same.

Having had a terrible upbringing, Ajitena was forced to go off the rails at a point in his life but by God’s divine leadings, he was able pick up the pieces of his life and forged ahead. Today, he is a success story and role model to thousands of young people around the world. No wonder the Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe (HOW) Foundation, saw him as the appropriate person to speak at it’s just concluded seminar tagged, ‘Be the Best’, held recently in Lagos.

Ajitena who is presently regarded as the perfect mentor that young Nigerians need to realise their full potentials, during the ‘Be the Best’ seminar, powered by The Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe Foundation, shared with young Nigerians how he rose from a hopeless situation to emerge as the best motivational speaker in the UK. Talking about his mission to Nigeria, he said, “My name is Joshua Oluseyi Ajitena. I came all the way from the United Kingdom to inspire young Nigerians at a seminar with theme ‘Be the Best”, organised by the Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe (HOW) Foundation, founded by Dr. Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank.”

He described the ‘Be the Best’ seminar as amazing saying that the concept behind the seminar is to inspire the next generation.

“We are teaching them the importance of believing in themselves and how they can be the best in what they do; how they can be the best in their education, in community around them and to their parents and in life in general and simply just enjoy what they are do in life,” he said.

Ajitena believes that when we teach young people, giving them the right tools and the right mindset to be the best, their future will be blessed.

On what inspires him generally, the young motivational speaker said, “I love young people and being that when I was young myself, I was one of those kids that went off the rails because I didn’t have a good start in life but after growing up and going into a few things, I started to realise that if only I had what I am giving to them now, life would have been a little more better earlier than it is with me today.

“So I want to be a role model, something positive because it is not enough for me that young Nigerian people are looking at celebrities, especially the Americans, as their role models, rather, I want them to have as roles models people that look like them, sound like them and talk like them, people that they can have access to and that they

UK-based Nigerian, motivational speaker, Joshua Ajitena_ Founder HOW Foundation, Dr. Herbert Wigwe and Chief Executive Officer of HOW, Ms. Antonia Ally during the event

Ajitena with a few of the students

can listen to and understand where they are coming from. So I have a passion for young people and I believe they are leaders of tomorrow and to all the parents, I believe that your children are your best pension.

So I believe in inspiring them and adding value to their lives and that is one of the things that pushes me just to inspire the next generation,” Ajitena added.

Ajitena, who described the Nigerian youths as being so passionate, noted however that they lacked the right resources. “They have the ideas, they have creativity, in fact I think Nigeria right about now entering into a phase of extreme creativity in the sense that people are coming out with great ideas and Nigerians are discovering more of their own creative edge, which is a beautiful thing. However, what they lack is a platform on which they can actually show off their creativity. And I believe what HOW Foundation stands for is giving these young ones the platform where they can be as creative as they want and I believe that in another few years, the Nigerian youths are going to be a stronger force even in Africa and the world over,” he said.

He expects that after the seminar, young people who attended will be on fire for achieving greatness. “I expect a change and difference in attitude towards their lectures, education and life generally. I expect them

to have attitudes that are more optimistic, more challenging and more inspiring towards life,” he noted.

He specifically advised the youths to be themselves in everything they set out to do.

“Be yourself, be comfortable in your own scheme, never try to be like anyone else, and don’t run someone else’s race. Know what is good for you and know your own strength.”

He specifically told the youths to accept their weaknesses “but never allow them to weigh you down. Most importantly, be yourself. Be comfortable in yourself and be happy for being you.”

Interestingly, young and intelligent Ajitena had a few words for President Muhammadu Buhari: “If I were to meet Mr. President, I will tell him that he has answers to every problem weighing down the nation in his hands. The young people are the answer. It is all about innovation. Innovation for me is doing what we would normally do but in a more relevant way. So if you want to know the best way to lead these people, speak with them. Innovation is doing what we have done back then but doing it in a different way. Let’s talk to the young people, ask them how they would have faired if they were Mr. President and then listen to them in return and how they want to rule and be ruled. Mr. President, you have the

answers in your hand. These young people are the answers. We are going to lead them but let’s understand them and nothing is better than that.”

The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank and founder of HOW Foundation, Dr. Wigwe, said the event was just a starting point to mentor young children and teach them to be the best they can be in whatever they chose to do.

“One of the problems we have is that we have children coming up but who are not being well mentored and whose values are not in place and all of that. This is different from our own generation and I thought that one of the things we could do to change that is to reach out to as many children as possible, mentor them, try to shape their value system and encourage them to be the very best they can be.”

Wigwe explained further that his responsibility, basically, is to continue to provide support and get people to mentor these children and instill in them the value of working hard and all of that.

“Today’s event is just the first of several events, we intend to have it in much larger platforms in future where several thousands of children would be reached but more importantly, we would look for events that are fun that children enjoy so that we can actually speak to them while they enjoy themselves. It is about development of children and teaching them about value of hard work, ethics and helping them to determine how they can shape their future and letting them know that they can be the best that they want to be,” he said.

“It is for all of us to mentor these children for the future of our country and things have changed fundamentally over time, and except we go back to the basics of building capacity and all of that, we may not get it right.”

Talking about one of the things that HOW Foundation will do at a later stage, Wigwe said was to support them to universities by perhaps also owning its own university to build children and also create strong educational backgrounds for them as they truly hold the future of the country.

“We grew up in certain circumstances and at a different time, obviously. It was a time when there was unity. It was a time when you have children getting into school on the basis of merit. It was a time when you have children put together from diverse culture and they learned how tolerate and live together as one. I grew up in an environment where several people influenced me. If I misbehaved outside, my uncle could discipline me in the same manner as my parents would. So the entire system and the environment in which I was brought up influenced me, although obviously, my parents were the determining impact”, the Access Bank boss noted.

He said that although the Foundation is barely nine months, that it has started so well, adding, “I think it is a good start and what I can let you know is that in about four years time, you would see it all over the place, many people will know about the Foundation and several children would have benefited from it.”

Wigwe had one more wish even as one at the helm of affairs at Access Bank. “I wish I had more time for HOW foundation,” adding, “If you understand how Access Bank has evolved and the fact that volunteering is a natural part of all of us, perhaps you would know me a bit better. This is just like an extension of the things we normally do at Access Bank.”

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21.10.2016

Something Instructive Happening in Eleme The federal government decision to cede 7.5 per cent of the equity share of the Eleme Petrochemicals Company Limited to host communities during the privatisation exercise by former President Goodluck Jonathan can serve as another way to addressing the unending agitation for resource control in the Niger Delta region, Shola Oyeyipo writes Until recently, Nigeria was Africa’s leading oil producing country, with the production capacity of 2.2 million barrel (350,000m3) per day and an oil reserves estimated to be as much as 35.3 billion barrels (5.61x 109 m3), which is largely concentrated within the Niger Delta region of the country and it accounts for almost 95 per cent of the country’s foreign exchange earnings, about 65 per cent of the budgetary revenues, 83 per cent of her national wealth and 80 per cent of the country’s GDP. But instead of blessing, the product has plunged the country into socio-political logjam as a result of oil politics, due to the questions of who owns or should own the product, how surface access to production sites should be facilitated, in terms of ownership of land resources; and the effect which production and exploitation of the product has had on the lives of the people living in the region and the environment.

For people in the host communities of the petrochemical industries, the widespread perception has been that the communities that lay golden and silver eggs for the country are living in criminal neglect while just a few people live large on the income from those resources. Hence, the monumental backwardness, poverty, and especially government policies and attitude towards the region has been the factor behind agitations for economic autonomy, which sometimes lead to sporadic armed conflicts and other forms of violence, thereby creating instability in the Niger Delta region.

But in what seems as capable of solving the problem of agitation in the region, an initiative of the federal government during the tenure of former President Goodluck Jonathan is working wonders in quelling the agitations known with host communities.

During the privatisation of Eleme Petrochemicals Company Limited by the federal government, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the federal government and Indorama, created room for the host communities to own 7.5 per cent equity shares of the company (Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Limited), which can only be accessible by the communities’ representative through a Special Purpose Vehicle; Elano Investments Limited, where Chief Gomba Okanje is the chairman of the board.

During a brief encounter with journalists at the Sheraton Hotel, Lagos when an award of Outstanding African Entrepreneur Man of

Chief Gomba Okanje (2nd right), receiving an award as Entrepreneurship Man of the Year by the Pan African International magazine in Lagos

the Year 2016 by Pan-African International Magazine, Okanje noted that the decision to cede the 7.5 per cent to the host community is a wise decision because it has created a sense of ownership of the company among the people who are now ready to protect it as theirs.

Speaking about how his organisation, Elano Investments, has managed the 2.925 billion worth equity, which was bought with the support of Stanbic Bank, in trust for the people and how the proceeds have been used for improving the host communities, Okanje said it is an initiative that would contribute significantly to bringing peace to the Eleme area and that if extended to other areas where there are oil reserves, it would achieve same result.

“I think federal government in its wisdom decided to assuage the 7.5 per cent equity share of Elema Petro-Chemical Ltd to the host community. So to assuage the agitation within the Niger Delta region, we are all aware of what is happening all over. What we have done is to show the people that in the midst of all these confusions, agitation and whatever, there are still some capable hands that if given the opportunity in so many areas, they can make the difference.

“It is a wonderful programme. If federal government in its wisdom can give the communities whatever is on their land, it will

go a long way to assuage those agitations, because when you know that this business is yours, you will protect it.

“For instance, when the militants struck at Eleme Petrochemical Company, they actually kidnapped many of their directors. It was the community; because of the interest that we have as stakeholders, that came out to give the state government a matching order that they must make sure they bring these people back, and we are on our road for three days. And because of that alone, peoples’ confidence was reinvigorated. I can remember the managing director of Eleme Petrochemical Company telling us that the only reason why they are still in the region is because of the support they have from the community. That is the best way to assuage the agitation in the Niger Delta; giving them part ownership of what they took from their land,” he stated.

But really, it is not just that Elano is operating the shares and running it for itself alone, the MoU signed during the acquisition of the shares had already spelt out how the people in the communities will benefit from the investment and within a short period of time, the company has made some considerable impacts.

After paying off the loan obtained from the bank to buy the equity shares in just one year, instead of the agreed five years with the creditor, Elano Investments Limited has

executed several developmental projects to the benefit of the host communities which include: nine quality road constructions with drains covering six kilometres across the seven host communities.

It has awarded scholarship to 12 scholars to study Master’s degrees in Information Technology, Management Sciences and Human Resources at UK, provided free-quality healthcare insurance scheme with over 900 families currently benefiting from it and in the area of skills acquisition programme, 12 women from across the host communities are being trained in catering and hospitality management at the University of Port Harcourt Centre for Entrepreneurial Education while 52 youths have been enrolled into Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Akwa Ibom State to study Computer Appreciation, Petroleum and Diesel Engineering Maintenance, and Electrical Works.

The company has also embarked on the construction of a police station and barracks, provision of security vans and donation of support funds to virtually all security agencies as well as Eleme Youth Council, to boost the security system in the area. These are among many more achievements of Okanje as Board Chairman of Elano Investments Limited.

“If you go to our community you can see network of road, not just a road, durable road. Roads that have all the features; you will see a standard drainage and a standard culvert where necessary. These are things that speak for themselves; it is not something you can just brag about. They are things that we have done that attracted people from far and near to recognise our hard work, diligence and how we are able to carry on.

“It is an ongoing thing that we are still very much on. As we know that the economy has affected all the sectors, but we are making use of whatever we are getting from the investment to ensure that we spread development to our people. And you know that governments have failed us but with this corporate social responsibility coming from within, it is something that we need to encourage so that we can replicate it wherever you have companies or investments like this.

“We need to encourage the government to keep giving back to the community through mediums like this and we are hoping and believing that we have capable people too that can ensure that whatever the dividends are they don’t forget the downtrodden”, he added.

Maltina Teacher of The Year Gets Honoured at Home It was a rising wave of emotion, gratitude, and excitement recently, as Roseline Nkemdilim Obi, winner of the maiden edition of Maltina Teacher of the Year finally became a prophet who was honoured at home. The occasion was when Nigerian Breweries Plc donated a block of staff quarters to the Federal Government Girls College, Onitsha in honour of Obi, who teaches Mathematics and Chemistry at the school. Days after the Minister of Education, Professor Anthony Anwukah led other important dignitaries to inaugurate the staff quarters at a grand ceremony at school located at the outskirt of Onitsah, in Anambra North Local Government Area of the state, the excitement and the emotion of the event still reverberates around the area. Obi, who beat nine other finalists to the coveted prize last year, also got a one million Naira cash prize plus another one million Naira to be paid to her annually for five years. The building of the quarters in her school was part of the prize for emerging as the 2015 Maltina Teacher of the Year. Obi

Roseline Nkemdilim Obi, winner of the maiden edition of Maltina Teacher of the Year being interviewed by journalists

went emotional, describing the day as her day of success and an end to her wilderness journey of 14 years. She revealed that the

award has opened a lot of doors for her and that she had resisted several attempts by many corporate organisations to pull her

out of the teaching profession. She praised Nigerian Breweries for the gesture, adding that it takes a greater sacrifice on the part of the company to appreciate the great sacrifice and contribution of teachers to the development of the nation.

The principal of the school, Mrs. Margaret Enonuya, expressed great appreciation and thanked Nigerian Breweries for what she described as an unparalleled support for the cause of education in the country. Chief Chukwuemeka Oseneman, who represented the Obi of Onitsha at the event, gave kudos to the winner for adding another feather to the cap of Onitsha and Anambra State. She also praised Nigerian Breweries for counting Onitsha worth of the initiative. Managing Director of Nigerian Breweries, Mr. Nicolas Vervelde, who was represented on the occasion by Mr. Kufre Ekanem, the Corporate Affairs Adviser, explained that the idea of the school-based project was to ensure that when a teacher won, the community where he/she teaches also wins.

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21.10.2016

Baring It All at Strugz

Baptist Cleric Bags Doctorate Award

Mary Ekah It was all white and bare foot event at Strugz, themed, ‘Letting Go of Your Inhibition in: Entrepreneurship, Relationship and Career’ aimed at creating a platform that enables individuals let go of their inhibitions in the areas of business, entrepreneurship, relationship and marriage where guest speakers shared their experiences and daily habits that hinder and restrict self growth. The Strugz event, organised by Amaka Orakwe and held at The Garden, an exclusive open-door relaxation spot in Lekki Lagos, was actually a perfect opportunity to network in a relaxed and fun filled setting. The tranquil ambiance of the garden bordering the Lagos Lagoon provided the right venue for the event organised by Strugz.com.

The event had experts who drilled the guests on how to really let go on any inhibition they may have had in the past across all spheres. However, the intrigues of the event were the all-white dressing and bare foot by the guests. The unique outing and, especially the non-resistance by the guests at the request by the female ushers to remove their shoes marveled all, some onlookers and residents where The Garden is situated.

Yet, after a seeming shoe removal ritual,

Host, Amaka Orakwe (middle) with guests at the Strugz all white event

the guests proceeded to the well-laid mat on the green grass; some sitting, some squatting and others in leisure positions they fancy. But the fact is that they all paid full attention, participated in the interactive and audience-friendly event, while the organisers marvel at the high level of compliance to the ‘rules of engagement’ of the event.

While sitting leisurely and listening, clapping, cheering or contributing to the several discussions at the event, the guests were effortlessly relishing on small chops and food courtesy of Savory Delight, while the fresh sea breeze from the Lagoon kept

caressing their bodies, relaxing and further indulging them on a roller coaster postIndependence Day outing. Amid all these, the guests were, especially empowered through various coaching, business and entrepreneurial insights, work, relationship and life experiences of two wonderful guest speakers.

The first to mentor the guests was Victor Okigbo, a coach/mentor. But you can hardly distinguish Victor, who also bared his feet and decked on all-white attire, from the crowd save for the fact that he had the microphone and all eyes glued on his direction.

Lagos State Engages Sabo Market Traders in Ikorodu The Lagos State government innovative interactive market activation otherwise known as Ibile aimed at strengthening its relationship with the Lagos market community has berthed in Sabo Market in Ikorodu. Sabo Market in Ikorodu activation last week became the first in the pilot, which will also include Aiyetoro Market, Epe; Sura Market; Lagos Island, Oke-Odo; Alimosho and Alaba International/Rago markets. The event attracted hundreds of traders in Ikorodu where several issues bordering on street trading and hawking, market sanitation, market security and payment of taxes were discussed.

Addressing the traders, the Special Adviser to the governor on Community and Communication, Kehinde Bamigbetan, said the event is about bringing Lagos State government closer to the Lagos traders. “It is a form of interaction between Lagos state government and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode educating them about the works and achievement of Lagos state in this past one year in office,” he said.

According to him, “the governor is trying to establish a relationship with the traders via this platform. The impact at the end of the day is that these people

L-r: Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Communities and Communications, Hon. Kehinde Bamigbetan; Iyaloja General of Ikorodu Division, Alhaja Taofikat Abiodun Allison; Market Woman, Faidat Adejoke, and National Coordinator, Traders’ Rights Protection Initiative, Comrade Christopher Okpala at the flag off of Lagos State Market Activation

will go back home to their wives, friends and relatives and spread this wonderful experience and information they’ve got from here, so that our target to use the market as a point of celebration would have been achieved.”

Bamigbetan added, “We are also using this medium to educate the market men and women about things they should not

be doing in the Lagos market.” One of it according to him is to always keep the market clean, and that peoples should not be sleeping in the market. “Another one is the use of electrical appliances in the market; they should make sure they switch everything off before leaving the market, because a lot of market get burnt because of this simple negligence.”

Muoka Takes Prayers To Aso Villa The General Overseer of The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries, Pastor Lazarus Muoka, last week led other senior leaders of the church to the office of the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in Aso Villa, Abuja, for prayers. Muoka who was accompanied by his wife, Joy Muoka, the chairman of the church council Pastor Sam Obijiaku, spokesman of the church and head of press Pastor Louis Chidi, the pastor in-charge of FCT Pastor Raphael Oloyede among other pastors said that they visited the Vice President who is a co-worker in the Vineyard of the Lord to passionately appeal to the leadership of the country to lookup to God for solution to the current economic, political and social problems that are threatening the coexistence of the citizens. The cleric pointed out that God is the creator of all things and only He can change situation. “Therefore, we must see our help in God and not in man.”

He said that the solution to our problem does not lie in the accusation and counter accusation ongoing among the elites but in the hand of God Almighty who created and allowed the amalgamation of this country called Nigeria.

(l-r) G O of The Lord's Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries Pastor Lazarus Muoka, Vice President Federal Republic of Nigeria Prof. Yemi Osibanjo and Joy Muoka 1

Speaking further, the man of God known for holiness preaching used the occasion to announce his plan to hold an international crusade at the Abuja National Stadium with the theme: ‘God Has Sworn To Bless You’ scheduled on October 22 and 23. He said the crusade offers all Nigerians the opportunity to come together and pray on the blessings of God upon the country.

He said that he has watched keenly the

precarious economic and political situation as it unfolds in recent days, and has come to the conclusion that this time demands from real Christian’s fervent intercessory prayers for the country and her leaders.

According to him, prayers open closed doors and heal human, political and economic sicknesses. “And through prayers, we can bring the enemy of this country unto subjection and under our control.”

Rev. Akanbi

Peter Uzoho The Pastor in-charge of Good Shepherd Baptist Church, Igando, Alimosho, Lagos, a member of the Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC), Reverend John Oladapo Akanbi has received an award for Doctor of Ministry (D. MIN.) The award conferred on the cleric recently by the United Church of Africa Theological College (UMCTAC), Ilorin, Kwara State, an affiliate of the University of Ibadan, is another milestone in his life, which he said would add value to his apostolic work.

Speaking on the sideline of his thanksgiving service, Akanbi noted that the journey to his recent award began in January, 2014, about 12 years after completing his Master’s Degree programme, adding that the journey had not been easy as he did the programme in a time when the country was experiencing serious economic hardship, saying his family and church members fully supported him spiritually, morally and financially, during such a challenging time.

The cleric who described God as his ‘ultimate support’ noted that serving God was worthwhile. “It wasn’t easy because the age is there, the economic situation of the country, coupled with the activities of the church, but finally I’m happy because I’ve received my Doctor of Ministry, and I’ve achieved my aim which was to reach the peak of my profession. “I’m happy that my God has been answering my prayers. At school, it was not easy financially and academically, but whenever I called upon God he would answer me. He has been my ultimate support, and this gives me the confidence that whosoever that calls upon God and asks him anything in faith he will answer.”

US to Showcase American Contemporary Films at Eko Film Festival Alex Enumah in Abuja As part of activities aimed at strengthening cultural ties with Nigeria, the United States Consulate General Lagos, in partnership with the Eko International Film Festival, will showcase contemporary American films highlighting secrets behind the many successes of American producers at the 7th edition of the Annual Eko International Film Festival in Lagos. The Showcase which is being slated for October 21 and October 24, present documentaries by independent filmmakers that uncovers powerful stories of American youth overcoming social, cultural, business and inner growth challenges.

US Consulate General, Lagos, Public Affairs Officer, Darcy Zotter in a statement said, “The American Film Showcase is a rare opportunity for all Nigerian film enthusiasts to watch great documentary films by independent American producers and directors, and hear from Nigerian and American film industry experts.”

Zotter noted that the films insightfully portray diverse cultures in America, adding that, “They connect to common challenges for youth who yearn to achieve great things in the United States and Nigeria.”

During the programme, the participants will share their experiences and expertise while leading Nollywood artists, Nigerian academics, and students will discuss approaches to addressing common challenges specific to the filmmaking industry in Nigeria. According to the statement, the films scheduled are: Keepers of the Game

by Judd Ehrlich, CodeGirl by Leslie Chilcott, Generation Startup and I’m Not Racist…Am I? They films which would be screened across cinemas in Lagos also features virtual dialogues with the American filmmakers. The American Film Showcase is the U.S. Department of State’s premier film diplomacy programme, connecting foreign audiences to film screenings and workshops with American filmmakers.

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21.10.2016

Travelex Donates N1m to Save Child Anayo Okolie The family of Mr. and Mrs. Solomon Innocent will remain thankful to Travelex, foreign exchange company for donating the sum of N1 million for treatment of their son, who was born with severe birth defects. The affected child with the serious birth defects, Master Great Innocent, was delivered with severe birth defects. The delivery came with three unexpected baggage. Not only was the baby delivered through a Caesarean Section (CS) but also came with additional health challenges. Master Innocent came with a hole in the heart and a blocked anus, such that he cannot pass waste normally. This baby has been living with this pitiable condition for the first nine months of his life. The parents could not help but run to the Travelex, who took up the challenge in line with the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility philosophy, to save the life of the newborn.

The baby’s father, Mr. Innocent, a driver with an insurance company in Lagos and his wife, Hope, a student of Abia State University, had in August this year solicited for help from Travelex among other Nigerian companies and individuals but within three weeks, Travelex Nigeria responded positively to their plea with the donation of one million naira in aid of the boy’s medical treatment.

The General Manager, Travelex Nigeria, Mr. Anthony Enwereji, who presented the cheque to ensure that the baby is brought back to normal, said the assistance was in line with the company’s philosophy of giving back to the society, particularly the more vulnerable.

According to him, “as soon as management got the couple’s request on August 29, 2016, it was forwarded to the directors, who after a careful look at all the medical papers associated with the child’s case, confirmed the authenticity and quickly decided to make the donation.”

According the parents of the baby Mr. and Mrs. Innocent, Travelex gesture is God sent at a time all hope was almost lost. “We say

General Manager, Travelex Nigeria, Mr. Anthony Enwereji (first right) presenting a cheque to the parents of Baby

a big thank you to Travelex. Actually, we did not expect this much from them when we put up the request. We are grateful and urge them to keep up the good work.”The couple called on well-meaning Nigerians and corporate organisations to follow Travelex example to save the life of Master Innocent.

Recounting their ordeal, the couple from Obingwa Local Government Area in Abia State stated that it all begun with the birth of Master Innocent on December 22, 2015 at

R Jolad Hospital in Gbagada, Lagos through a Caesarean Section operation.

After 24 hours of birth, the baby stopped taking breast milk and he was taken to the pediatrics department for observation. It was there and then that a medical test revealed that Master Innocent’s anus was blocked.

“The hospital promptly referred us to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) where a further medical examination did not only confirm the blocked anus, but a cardio-logical

test also revealed that the baby has a hole in the heart. ”The medical advice to them was that two surgeries would have to be performed on the baby at the same time. The simultaneous operation to correct the two anomalies could not be performed in Nigeria, hence a referral to an Indian hospital. An Indian hospital was contacted and it was established that the two cases could be treated simultaneously at the cost of N6 million comprising medical cost, airfare, accommodation and ancillary costs.

Coal City Rocks as GOtv Customer Fair Hits Enugu State Enugu city was erupted in jubilation last Saturday, as GOtv held a customer fair to celebrate its subscribers as part of activities to mark its fifth anniversary in Nigeria.

The city rocked under heavy sound of music, jokes and dance, with top entertainers, including Mr. Ibu, Daddy Showkey, Oritsefemi, Aki and Pawpaw, Helen Paul and DJ Kentalky thrilled subscribers and fans. Also in attendance were fun lovers, GOtv dealers and sales agents. Headline acts of the day were musicians Oritsefemi and Daddy Showkey. Showkey registered his presence at the venue with his new song One Day and ever green Diana and Showkey hits, leaving the audience spellbound. The fair started out with comedy from Helen Paul,

who left the audience in stitches. Top mix from DJ Kentalky held the crowd captivated as he set the tone for what was to come. Mr. Ibu, Aki and Pawpaw took over, providing jokes, which provoked high-wattage laughter.

There was a dancing competition and the giving out free GOtv decoders and other freebies to lucky winners. Oritsefemi rocked fans with his hit songs, which threw the fans off their seats to the dancing floor to catch ecstatic fun. Subscribers who had difficulty with their hardware or service were attended to by the GOtv Clinic set up at the venue for that purpose. The next installments of the customer fair will take place in Ibadan on October 22, Abuja on October 29 and Lagos on November 5.

L-r: Akinola Salu, General Manager GOtv; DJ Kentalky; comedienne Helen Paul and Johnson Ivase, GOtv Marketing Manager at the event

Remmy T: I Get My Inspiration from FelaKuti, Bob Marley Fabian Ehiarekhion Popularly known as Remmy T., he says has he draws inspirations for his songs from late world music legends in the likes of Nigeria’s Fela Kuti,Bob Marley, 2Pac, amongs others. Remmy T who is also the CEO of a record label known as Upper G entertainment revealed that the music business has not been easy due to major challenges, saying “I keep thanking God because it has not been easy starting a record label and also being an up-coming artiste. I started my musical career at a tender age, singing in the church and also playing around with some musical instrument in the church, and today, I’m happy because being in choir in the church helped to build my musical life. Basically, the mercy of God is what keeps me going. My

own kind of music is Afro-pop fusion of Fuji and this enables me to relate with my fans, friends and family.

“Presently, I’m working on a song with Oritse Femi titled 'ORI MI' a song dedicated to my fans. Basically, I get my inspiration from legends like Fela Anikulapokuti, Bob Marley, 2pac because listening to them when I was growing up has really played a great role in my music today, so I will say ‘long live the kings who sing good music. I Love my life and the entire up-coming artistes who are trying to make it big. I will say keep coming because nobody knows what will happen next, just keep calling God, He will pick up your call 'Amen'.

Lastly, watch out for my new single on MTV BASE and other stations, and big shout out to God Almighty.”

Remmy T

32 /ENTERTAINMENTRAVE

21.10.2016

eraveonline@gmail.com

Drizzle: Why Music No Longer Last More Than 3 Months Gifted Nigerian artiste, Idris Mustapha, popularly known as Drizzle (formerly Drizzlelomo) is one of the few fast rising singers that has got lots of attention of recent. An indigene of Kwara State, the artistic singer’s recent single, Igbedu has been generating lots of buzz. Speaking concerning the new release, he said, “Igbedu is a hit song. “I titled it ‘Igbedu’ because it’s a unique sound feel for me. I’ve been getting good reviews about the song.”

He also speaks on what he intend to do with his music. “What I intend to do with my music is to make a difference in the industry. I’ve got a different sound from the street music that’s out there. I believe the industry is choked, so I’m just trying to stand out and make a difference along the way. I’m just trying to create my own sound. “Obviously, people are making money singing about different things but I don’t I have to go the same direction with my music. So when I write and record, I try to make sure my songs make sense and I try to make people connect to my song in different ways.”

Drizzle also commented on the future of his career. “My aim is to make it to the top of the chain. Obviously, slow progress but once I’m there, then I can try to implement a few things that I’m trying to do with the sound, because I’m trying to create a legacy and it’s hard to build a strong

Drizzle

one. You have to get people’s attention first as they have to get familiar with you personally, then you can try to implement what you’re trying to do.” If you look at the industry right now, music doesn’t last more than three months as everyone keeps dropping new songs, which majorly do not make sense. The songs do not have any meaningful lyrics and by the time people are tired dancing to the beat, the artiste will need to release another song.

Artistes like Beyoncé, Jay Z and others record so many songs and take time to sit down with people and select their top songs but the industry here; anyone can just record a song and pop it out there, go to any studio, record and because there’s so much backing, good music doesn’t have the chance to get much airplay. It’s about who’s got the money to pay any DJ or

give any radio station, they don’t really care about the talent. That’s why songs that don’t make sense overtake songs that make sense. At the same time I get different advice like do street music and what others are doing but I just want to stay in my own lane. I just want my sound to be as different as possible.”

Drizzle who read ICT with Business at the University of Bradford said music is his number one priority. “My degree for me is just there. I did placement over there in the UK, I have work experience but I haven’t used it yet to get salary but it’s like a backup plan for me because even before I went to the university, I’ve always loved music. The degree is just like the Nigerian culture, to be educated regardless of who you’re going to be.” He also gave reasons on why he changed his name from Drizzle Lomo to Drizzle. “I think Drizzle sounds more commercial.

So if I decide to do foreign collaborations, it will be easy for people to familiarise and pronounce the name. For what to expect next, Gbedu is still new as I’m still pushing it. People should expect my new single to be a hit song as it’s a new feel, a mature song and a groovy song as you can dance to it and I think I’m going to feature two artistes on the song to diversify the audience, one from Nigeria and another one from another country.

@eraveng

www.eraveng.com

FUNKE AKINDELE

Actress Funke Akindele is currently working on a new TV series titled ‘Industreet’. The forthcoming TV series will focus on survival in the entertainment industry, and on the hustle in the ghetto. Industreet will feature K-Switch, Charles Okocha, Mo-Easy, Freeze of Cool FM, Lydia Forson, Linda Ejiofor, Tina Mba, Kunle Coker, Akah Nnani among others.

Segun Arinze Says New Actors Lack Knowledge Veteran actor, Segun Arinze has criticised the new set of Nollywood actors who he termed as pretentious and lacking discipline. The veteran actor commented about this in an interview with Hip TV News, where he added that the new entries only show proficiency in phonetics.

“Today’s set of Nollywood actors are not grounded. What they know how to do is to speak phonetics. Most of these guys are pretentious. They are

only interested in who has the highest number of likes or followers on their social media platforms. Most of them are not even disciplined and they lack the knowledge; they only want to be popular, am sorry to say this but the truth is that today’s crop of Nollywood actors are not grounded. Talent is not the only thing you need; you also have to be grounded."

Arinze

Sammy Davids: I’m Out to Make a Difference Sammy Davids is that new kid on the block who is about to go places with his unique style of music. Born 20 years ago to parents who hail from Ogun State, Sammy disclosed his desire to take to music was influenced by his attraction to American R & B star Chris Brown and ever since then, the young lad hasn't looked back. Now signed on to Tse-Yeezy Records, Sammy is destined for greatness in the Nigerian music scene and hopes to become the next rated star in the entertainment scene.

Sammy who describes himself as a young music artiste charting his own course in life, added, “I am easy going and out to make a difference in life.”

The 20 years of chap who started doing music professionally four years, in the last three years has released singles and has shot a couple of music videos in South Africa with the likes of Clarence Peters while his hit song, ‘Down’ has been making waves

Sammy Davids

since he dropped it. “Rikado Banks of Marvin Music heard my song and asked my management if we could do a remix and like you know, the rest is history as the remix itself has gone on to become a success,” he added.

Sammy also had another track ‘Story’ shot by Clarence Peters, which just dropped and is also making headlines

on music charts across the country.

Although he is yet to drop his album, this young singer has many songs to his credit. “I have five songs to my credit and I am working seriously hard to have more tracks in the coming weeks so as to have the right number of songs for my final album,” adding, “My debut album will be hitting the stands and stores by mid next year as my management and record label is doing everything possible to ensure it comes out a success.” He has done songs like: Find You; Banger; Down Down Remix Ft Reekado Banks, Story and Baby (freestyle). Sammy who says he wants to be a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment scene in Nigeria, noted, “I want to produce good music that will sooth minds in Nigeria and that will translate into successful albums and a music career that will conquer Africa and bring a sense of pride to my country Nigeria.”

PAWSTUDIOS Presents ‘Shattered’ In honour of International Day for the Girl Child, the Performing Arts Workshop and Studios (PAWSTUDIOS) in conjunction with Eko Hotel and Temple Production Foundation presents ‘Shattered’. Scheduled to hold on October 22 and 23 at the Presidental Suite, Eko Hotels, Lagos by 3pm and 7pm, ‘Shattered’, a stage play, which is based on Bode Asiyanbi's entry for BBC story writing competition portrays the culture

of silence and the society's complacency on the issues of rape. It examines the series of events that happen after a rape has occurred while encouraging the community and victims of sexual assault to break the silence. The story was adapted into a play by Kenneth Uphopho, a critically acclaimed theatre director and festival director of the Lagos Theatre Festival. First premiered at the British Council Lagos Theatre Festival in

2013, the award winning play provoked widespread advocacy to #BreakTheSilenceon social media and other news platforms. Starring Jide Kosoko ,Tomi Odunsi, Goodness Emmanuel, Patrick Diabuah, Bola Haastrup and AMVCA award-winning actress Bikiya Graham Douglas, the performance will kick start PAWSTUDIOS’ national tour in six geopolitical zones starting this October in Lagos.

ICE PRINCE Ice Prince’s third studio album, Jos To The World will be released this October.

The singer announced via social media that his third studio album would be released globally on October 28.

Three singles from the project have also been released, Chike, Excellency and Trillions. The project will be the first the rapper is releasing under his new record label, Super Cool Cats. His previous full-length albums such as Everybody Loves Ice Prince released in 2011 and Fire Of Zamani released in 2013 were both released under his former record label, Chocolate City.

MI M.I Abaga just took on a new signee during his stage performance at the Star Music Trek concert in Abuja.

The Chocolate City Music CEO offered the new act, Young Incredible, a one-year internship deal on his label. Young Incredible was introduced to the rapper at the event holding at the Old parade ground, Garki.

Midway through M.I's performance, the upcoming rapper was invited on stage to rap by the MC of the event, Gbenga Adeyinka, and he succeeded in winning the Choc City Boss' heart. The budding act would be considered for a full signing contract, which depends on his performance after the one-year period.

33/ TRAVEL, LEISURE & TOURISM

21.10.2016

FTAN Prepares for Tourism Investment Forum Peter Uzoho The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) is set for the 2016 Nigerian Tourism Investors Forum (NTIFE) scheduled to hold on the 29 and 30th of November. The theme for this year’s edition is ‘Tourism: Tool for Economic Recovery and Development’.

The NTIFE will bring together experts in the travel and tourism trade to deliberate and make recommendations to both the private and public sectors. Federal and state governments agencies involved in travel and tourism are also expected to participate in the deliberation.

The forum, according FTAN, offers opportunity for the promotion of Nigeria as a tourist destination. Through the opportunities for exhibition during the two-day event, private sector practitioners, states and agencies of the Federal Government are offered opportunities to showcase their tourism products, potentials and be able to meet with potential investors

FTAN President, Chief Tomi Akingbogun

in tourism.

Cross River Reappoints Ikechi Uko as Consultant to Carnival Calabar

Uko

The Governor of Cross River State, Prof.

Ben Ayade, has reappointed travel expert, Mr. Ikechi Uko as the consultant for the international aspect of the carnival. This is in line with the re-positioning of Carnival Calabar as the number one event in Africa.

Uko the team leader of The TeamAfrica is also the organiser of Akwaaba African Travel Market. He was appointed last year by the Governor to help birth the international version of the carnival. Eleven countries participated and it was deemed successful. Based on the success of last year's event, the Governor has reappointed Uko to grow the event in 2016 with a mandate to bring more countries to the biggest street party in Africa.

The 2016 edition of the Carnival Calabar is expected to be bigger and better as last year's event was the first carnival organised by the Governor. The dates for the events are the Bikers day on the 27th of December and over 10,000 bikers are expected to participate in the major biking showpiece in West Africa. The 28th of December is the

main draw which is the Street Carnival. Last year's event had over 2.5million visitors in the city for the party. The International Carnival will hold on the 29th of December and is expected to grow bigger than last year's maiden edition. Already the Carnival Commission has inked an MoU with the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) to promote this year's event globally with 3 and 5 day packages for tourists. The Chairman of the Carnival Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah said that this arrangement with NATOP would complete the product and make it available to more families to visit and enjoy the fun, pointing out Nickelodeon will be debuting this year at Tinapa to further excite the children.

Mr. Nkereuwem Onung the President of NATOP praised Carnival Calabar for reaching out to professionals to market the biggest tourism product in Nigeria to the world.

He promised that NATOP members will soon launch packages for people to sign on for this year's carnival.

Also during the event, issues affecting the growth and development tourism in the country are brought to the fore, with experts and practitioners offering solutions on the way forward.

It will also bring together investors in travel and tourism, policy makers from the public sector a platform for meaningful discussions on the development of the sector.

According to FTAN, NTIFE has become even more important now that the Federal Government has identified domestic tourism as one of the avenues towards poverty alleviation.

This, it says, has become imperative given the fact that tourism is one of the world’s largest industries generating an estimated 11 per cent of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The industry employs about 200 million people and annually transports nearly 700 million people. This, the organizer says, is what the NTIFE would help in achieving for the government.

NTIFE, organisers say, will help the government in harnessing the full tourism potentials of the country in the quest to diversify the economy.

Speaking on the this year’s NTIFE, the chairman of the committee for the forum, Otunba Ayo Olumoko, said this year’s event would be an improvement on the past editions as it was the first time FTAN is setting up a committee with a mandate to organize the forum. He said this gesture has brought a certain level of professionalism the committee has the duty of sources for fund, bringing in corporate participation and reaching out to different states. He said this year’s NTIFE would witness greater participation for the public and private sector.

On the format that the forum would take, Olumoko said participants would have opportunity to exhibit their products and services.

There would also cultural presentations from states and groups.

Obiano, Citizens Brainstorm on Tourism Recently, sons and daughters of Anambra State gathered at Awka, the capital of the state to mark the state’s 25 years of existence. The meeting gave room to brainstorm on how to move the state forward through tourism.

No doubt, tourism presently, is one of the fastest growing sectors in the world. And the need for every state to adopt tourism as one of the major key of economic driver and job creator is paramount.

Based on this, Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano is desperate to ensure that Anambra is turned to tourists’ state.

Speaking at the event, Obiano said the state government plan to host a Special Anniversary Award Ceremony on December 16. “It will be a great day to honour Anambra’s galaxy of pre-eminent achievers,” he said.

According to Obiano, a cultural carnival has also been scheduled to take place in the three senatorial districts during this period with a grand finale of the festival billed for December.

In order to ensure that his tourism mission is successful, the governor said: "There will be a special lighting of the Christmas tree on November 25 and an Interdenominational Service on November 26. We shall visit spectacular tourist sites on December 22nd and host a colourful Christmas Carol on the same day."

This second phase of the four-month long anniversary celebration programme, according to the coordinator of the Anambra, Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe (Agbogidi), Obi of Onitsha ,the event is fashioned to draw attention to the "rich tourism potentials of Anambra state, especially in this period of economic difficulty which calls for diversification and creativity in the revenue drive of the state." This is line with Governor Obiano's plan to make Anambra less dependent on monthly federal allocation from Abuja.

Coordinator of Anambra Anniversary, Enema Okonkwo, while addressing the traditional rulers of the 179 communities in Anambra State, at the Government House, Awka, said; "the Anambra @25 Committee wants to use this historic silver

Obiano

jubilee of our dear state to showcase not only our rich cultural heritage, natural endowments but also our unique tourisms potentials.

"Tourism all over the world is a big business.

Many countries around the globe derive huge revenue from tourism and Anambra with its diverse tourism endowments, should rightly be on the front role of tourism sector in Nigeria if the sector is well developed, essential as government has provided the enabling environment for it to thrive."

Speaking further, he said: "We are grateful to the government of His Excellency, Governor Willie Obiano, for the decisive manner it fought against criminality and insecurity in Anambra State in the past two years. Now with a secured Anambra, we will no longer be afraid to invite our brothers, sisters, friends and other tourism enthusiasts from within and outside the shores of Nigeria to come and have a feel of tourism in Anambra State."

He added that developing and harnessing the tourism potentials in Anambra will not only earn the state extra revenue but also stimulate economic activities in the regions that host the numerous tourism sites in the state.

Ethiopian Wins Rising Star Carrier of the Year Award Ethiopian Airlines, the fastest growing and the largest cargo operator in Africa, has won the Rising Star Carrier of the Year Award, for the second year in a row, at the 5th Payload Asia Awards 2016 held in Hong Kong on 29th September 2016. Payload Asia 2016 honours the very best in the air cargo industry; confronting and overcoming the manifold challenges in the air cargo sector by creating innovative products and services and delivering real value to customers. Ethiopian has pulled off a repeat performance by winning the Industry Choice Awards, where 90 nominees competed with over 31, 500 online votes cast in 20 award categories.

Ethiopian Group CEO Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam, remarked, “We are proud that

Payload Asia has once again recognised our cargo services. Ethiopian Cargo is one of the seven strategic business units of the Ethiopian Group, established to progress as an independent profit centre as per our 15 years growth map, Vision 2025. To pursue our position of being the largest cargo service provider in Africa, we have been investing millions of dollars on our cargo services; deploying the best freighter fleet in the world, the B777-200 LR freighters; expanding our cargo destinations across the globe; building one of the largest cargo terminals in the world with 1.2 million annual capacity; and automating our entire cargo business process with one of the best cargo IT systems (SITA Champ Cargo Spot) with the aim of providing

one of the most efficient air cargo services within, to and from Africa.”

Ethiopian Cargo currently operates to 35 destinations in Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe using six B777 and two B757 freighters. The Airline also carries freight in the belly of wide body passenger aircraft, B777/B787, to 94 destinations across the globe.

Some of the major cargo destinations are: Belgium (Brussels and Liege), Hong Kong, Shanghai, Bombay, New Delhi, Dubai, South Africa, Lome and Lagos.

Meanwhile, Ethiopian Airlines, the fastest growing and most profitable African airline, has said would add a 5th weekly flight to Seychelles as of 16th December 2016. Group CEO Ethiopian Airlines, Mr. GebreMariam,

said, “Air transport being a vital component of the tourist appeal and the driving factor for economic growth in general, we have been serving our beloved continent for seven decades, offering convenient connectivity options to more than 52 African cities.

Seychelles being Africa’s premier tourist destination, with the natural attractions of the archipelagos, we have now added a fifth weekly service to provide more options for passengers flying from any part of the world to the Seychelles and vice versa through our strategic hub at Addis Ababa. As per our growth strategy, vision 2025, we shall continue to increase our presence in Africa, so as to better promote and facilitate growth in the business and tourism sectors.”

34/ETIQUETTE

21.10.2016

THE ETIQUETTE FORUM ADEKANMI OLUSANYA

email mretiquetteonline@yahoo.com

tel. 08112661635, 0809285 4855

A Case For Etiquette as a GST in Our Varsities

A lot of graduates are unemployable partly because they lack basic poise and etiquette and are socially uncompetitive. We need graduates who have proper Interview Etiquette, who can dress impeccably, who can dine with decorum even if it means doing so with the Queen of England. Who have a good sense of politeness, who have great carriage and comportment, who can make a good show of themselves in public places

In the US, yoga has made its way into the boards of corporate America and its HR programmes.

As it enhances attention span, reduce stress, better health and increase work effectiveness.

In schools across the US, children as young as four years of age are being thought to practice yoga. If America accepts an offering from Buddha because it works, why then should we slow down on an issue as vital and universally acceptable as etiquette?

Last week, I had the honour of speaking to students of the Redeemer’s University on proper manners and etiquette. As I prepared in meditation for the talk it became heavily impressed on me that I should and challenge the university to make a case for etiquette becoming a GST in universities. I will give you my reasons. I would have loved to talk about Dining Etiquette topics like basic dining etiquette, tea etiquette, buffet etiquette, restaurant etiquette. I would have loved to talk about communication etiquette topics like, how to make a good first impression, body language, how to remember names, how to handle embarrassing situations, phone etiquette, phrases and topics to avoid, communication habits to avoid. I would have loved to talk about Dress etiquette topics like, how to dress for any occasion, dressing for your body type, dress habits to avoid, grooming, perfume etiquette, the etiquette of wearing shoes, watches, bags, tie, shirts and other accessories. Public place etiquette topics like, Cinema Etiquette, Supermarket Etiquette, Office Etiquette, Airplane Etiquette, Staircase Etiquette, and topics in Politeness such as politeness with emotional gestures, politeness towards women, politeness in sports and games, politeness towards elders, peers and even servants. First, I knew I would not be able to say all that there was to be said or should be said with the speech duration given to me. Secondly, I speak with a lot of graduates and their need for etiquette is dire. So for these two reasons I felt since I cannot teach them all they need to know on etiquette and since it is so essential, why shouldn’t etiquette become a GST in our varsities? If etiquette becomes a GST in our varsities, graduates would come out more polished, well packaged and hence more employable. Especially since the competition is getting stronger nowadays with companies retrenching workers, increased automated processes leaving the need for manpower superfluous. Just peep this! People can check into their hotel rooms just by pressing on their smart phones. In the US, robots are performing operations and are doing it better than doctors. True. Farms are making use of drones with monitoring cameras rather than human beings to detect areas of the farm land that need more nitrates in the soil.

True. Arsenal FC manager, Arsene Wenger has predicted that in the future computers, not soccer coaches would be able to select the best players to start in a soccer game!

boards of corporate America and its HR programmes. (It’s been given another name Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction - MBSR) Staff is being trained to practice yoga as it would enhance attention span, reduce stress, better health and increase work effectiveness.

In schools across the US, children as young as four years of age are being thought to practice yoga to bring about the same results in children! If America accepts an offering from Buddha because it works, and serves it to all in the corporate place, why then should we slow down on an issue as vital and universally acceptable as etiquette? If a university is truly a citadel of learning, then the graduates from such universities should come out being able to compete socially with their peers anywhere in the world. As things stand right now, we need graduates who have proper Interview Etiquette, who can dress impeccably, who can dine with decorum even if it means doing so with the queen of England. Who have a good sense of politeness, who have great carriage

Not too long ago, an alumnus from Harvard made himself and his country a public spectacle by performing poorly at a toast to the Queen of England at Buckingham Palace. His name is Barack Obama. Perhaps if Harvard had etiquette as part of its curriculum President Obama would have performed more gracefully True. A Silicon Valley guru has predicted that very soon large organisations would have just two employees the CEO and the COO! All this boil down to one fact, that in the future, what would make the difference in who gets the job or the deal would just boil down to little things like etiquette that make the difference! A word is enough for the wise they say! Universities can stand out by inculcating etiquette into their curriculums. If it would make for better graduates, why give it a second thought. I think ingenuity should be the hallmark of universities more than in probably any other sector in the world. We cannot keep doing things in the same way and expect to be on the cutting edge. Most of what is dished out in our universities are stale and desirous of an overhaul even some of the courses that are being offered should give way for others such as event management, photography and filmmaking.

I know of a fact that Innovation is a course offered in a University in Switzerland. In the US, yoga has made its way into the

and comportment, who can make a good show of themselves in public places from an office reception to an international airport.

Do not say Harvard do not have etiquette ingrained in its curriculum therefore why should we have it? Not too long ago an alumnus from Harvard made himself and his country a public spectacle by performing poorly at a toast to the Queen of England at Buckingham Palace. His name is Barack Obama. Perhaps if Harvard had etiquette as part of its curriculum President Obama would have performed more gracefully. Let’s take the bull by the horns, it’s time to exalt authenticity over perception and substance over façade.

You could purchase a copy of my book on etiquette titled PROPER MANNERS AND ETIQUETTE IN ANYTHING AT ANYTIME AND ANYWHERE at the price of N3,500 at our corporate head office at 340 - 344 Ikorodu Road, by Idi-Iroko Bus Stop, Maryland, Lagos.

Or call 0811 266 1635 or 0802 312 6010 to have a copy sent to you.

35/XTRA

21.10.2016

Through the Fire, A Guide Not Just for Widows Mary Ekah Inspired by the need to console and help a friend who suffered a loss over five years ago, a group of women under the name, Addo Project, came up with the idea to go out and speak to as well as gather helpful information from women who had similar experience like their bereaved friend. This exercise, afterwards, resulted in collections of stories from 31 women who had lost their husbands, their challenges afterwards and how they had coped. The stories from these widows did not just help their friend, who had just lost her husband then, but was also able to inspire her to carry on with life.

The book titled, ‘Through the Fire’, which was launched recently in Lagos, is today not only a source of solace for widows but also serves as a handy tool book and guide for every man and woman out there.

A member of the group, Dr. Pamela Ajayi, who said the group is out to provide support for those who mourn and offer needed voice for the right and privileges of widows who are denied of their rights after their husband passing, added, “One of the things we have agreed to do is to comfort those who mourn and unfortunately in Nigeria, widows are not given the kind of priority that they really should have because there is a lack of social security system in our country, widows are often left to themselves and so a lot of ordeals befall them.”

Ajayi explained further that it takes a lot of strength for widows to make it through, which is where the name, ‘Through the Fire’, actually came from. She said the book is basically to provide, comfort, encouragement and to give a lot of knowledge not just to those who have passed through the fire but also to everyone in the society.

Speaking during the book launch, the Coordinator of the project, Mrs. Sandra Oyewole, who revealed that the idea for Addo Project came into being in 2010, when a friend lost her husband and needed support. It was at that period that Oyewole, and few other friends agreed to write

L-R: Former, Secretary to State Government and Head of Service Lagos State, Professor Aba Omotunde Sagoe, Coordinator Addo Project, Sandra Oyewole, Senior Special Assistant to Kebbi State Governor on New Media, Aisha Augie-Kuta and a Legal Practitioner, Jackson Etti and Edu Law firm Norma Jackson -Steele at the event

an inspirational book for widows.

“We were looking for a way to help her and we felt that if we have inspiring stories of other widows, that might help her and true enough when she did hear one or two inspiring stories, it actually helped her. So we decided to come up with a book that widows can read and get inspired. So in course of our research, we went out there and spoke to 31 widows and in reading their own stories, we decided to turn it around from a book that inspire to a tool book and a guide,” she said.

Oyewole said the purpose of the book was to inspire widows; alert the general public on the challenges faced by widows and ultimately make a difference in the society in general.

She explained further that the team agreed that it would focus on inspirational books to tackle various societal issues the first of which was the widows’ project. The team settled on the

name ‘Addo’ which in Latin means ‘to inspire’ and added the word ‘project’ which would convey the mission – ‘Inspirational Projects’.

Through The Fire, the group’s first project, tells the stories of 31 women who have lost their husband and their challenges thereafter.

The book, amongst other things, addresses emotional and financial challenges of the widows as well as offers advisory to men on how to make adequate preparation for their family prior to death.

‘Through The Fire’, Oyewole said, is a tool book and a guide, not just for widows but also for the general public. “There is something in the book for everybody - women, men and even the unmarried; whether you are bereaved or not,” she noted, adding, “We have a chapter that deals with the emotional impact of the lost of a loved one. We have a chapter that deals with the financial issues before and after. We got

another chapter that deals with the legal issues. We have chapters that deal with what I will describe essentially as a notice to husbands, advising and guiding them and I dare say, pleading with them to take care of their properties and assets prior to death. It is a very sensitive subject but we thought that the message is so important that we should talk about it.”

However, the most important elements of the book for Oyewole, is the aspect that has the stories of the widows. “Very graciously we have 31 women agreeing to share their stories with us and what we have done in the book is to arrange their stories in the different chapters and so we have between five and seven stories per chapter. And each story is important as each tells its own peculiar story of the woman in question. There are mirages of experiences that these women have chosen to share with us. It is an incredible and an eye-opener read and it is in some instances very sad and what we are hoping is that anybody who reads the book, will learn something, get a piece of advice and understand how to manage situation. For me personally, when I was reading some of those stories, what it did for me was to allow me to know how to talk to friends of mine who were in that position because it is not something that all of us know about.”

Stressing further, the project coordinator, said, “With regards to the ladies that make up this group, whilst they describe themselves as project members, the truth is that each of them brought something integral to this project. It wasn’t one person that brought it together but it was a team effort of all of us here. Each of us brought our different skills to the project.”

The books, it was further revealed, would be handed out to different widows’ organisations that have supported Addo Project as well as to churches, all in a bid to create awareness about the plight of widows and also to prepare other women’s mind for such eventuality. Also, some percentage of money raised from the sales of the book will be given back to organisations that support widows.

Turning Heads: Kenya's First Start-up for Natural African Hair After ditching synthetic hairstyles and embracing her natural hair, one Kenyan entrepreneur is making it possible for many Africans to wear their hair any way they like. Michelle Ntalami started Kenya's first quality natural hair care line, Marini Naturals, in response to the lack of organic products on the market specifically catering for natural, Afro-textured hair. Since opening shop in Kenya in 2013, Marini Naturals products can now be found on the shelves of beauty stores and supermarkets across East Africa, South Africa and even France.

"I have a vision to make Marini Naturals the leading hair care line for all women in Africa and beyond," Ntalami told CNN in an interview.

I feel very accomplished to have -- in the time frame of just a year -- to be able to move Marini Naturals from Kenya beyond borders."

Magic in moisture Marini Naturals 100 percent organic products include a sulfate-free shampoo, moisturizing spritz, and potent hair growth oil. One of Marini Naturals' most popular products however, is

a curling butter containing oils from avocado, strawberry and coconut as well as various butters like Shea butter and mango butter. "African hair naturally needs moisture to be able to be maintained properly so butters tend to seal in the moisture very well," explained Ntalami.

Success with a price tag But creating these products came at a cost, as Ntalami was initially tasked with getting research laboratories, formulators, chemical engineers and cosmetic scientists. "Some of our challenges in the very beginning was raising that start-up capital," said Ntalami. With the help of her family and an investment club, Ntalami was able to raise between $70,000 to get Marini Naturals off the ground. "I got a lot of support from my family, my mom, my brother, who came through for me and we were able to collect all the finances we could to set up shop." As Marini Naturals continues to spreads its wings, so more and more African women are encouraged to let their natural hair loose.

Culled: CNN

Michelle Ntalami turning heads with natural African hair

Supreme House Montessori Holds Cultural Day As part of commitment to promote and teach children the beauty of Nigerian cultural heritage, Supreme House Montessori School Lekki recently held its 8th Cultural Day with the theme ‘Strength In Our Unity’. The event which took place at the school's premises in Lekki, Lagos, gave the pupils and parents an opportunity to experience and enjoy the exciting display of cultural activities.

The pupils dressed in their colourful beads, beautiful earrings and trendy traditional attires, as well as expressing themselves in dance, songs and other activities associated with various cultures in the country.

Speaking at the event, the Proprietress of the school Mrs. Ebele Okereke expresses delight over the cultural presentation by different classes, adding that culture is a way of life, a set of attitude, values and beliefs of people,

which is passed from generation to generation.

She noted that cultural programme such as this will help students learn more about different cultural practices in Nigeria. "Our children have been introduced to culture of food, dance, food, clothing and they are able to learn each other's language where our Yoruba children learn Igbo, the Igbo children learn Hausa and it has been fun.” Okereke also cautioned parents who always deny their children speaking their local languages to desist from such act. Adding, “A man without his ethnic language has no identity."

The Proprietress used the occasion to call on

Nigerians to embrace their culture with pride, come together in strength through unity and rebuild our nation, Nigeria.

36/COLLAGE

The couple, Mr. Adesina Ademola and his wife,. Esther during their wedding ceremony at the Union Baptist Church Ekotedo, Ibadan.. recently

21.10.2016

Engr. David Omonibeke handing over a cheque to the Vice Chancellorof the Niger Delta University (NDU), Prof.

Humphrey Ogoni as part of DOK Engineering Services Ltd's Corporate Social Responsibility to the university Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, Bayelsa State....recently

L-R: Kofya Brown, Deborah Blankson Oniah, Elizabeth Okogun,Catherine Ayim, Mr. Ayim, Olufunke Akagbosu Jones, Sharon Ogunleye, Benedicta Ogar, Wumi Jubril-Raji and Patience Obilor during the 1st African Women Honors and Empowerment programme..in Lagos .recently

Mr. Patrick Onyeka Ndupu and formner Miss Chiamaka Ifeatu Ezekwe during their wedding in Lagos... recently

L-R: Mrs. Bunmi Popoola; Mrs. Laide Johnson; Celebrant, Mrs. Lola Sule; and Pastor Ayoposi Olateju, during the birthday celebration for Mrs. Sule in Lagos‌recently

L-R: John Odafe Asiemo; Efe Obiomah, Public Relations Manager, GOtv; Akinola Salu,General Manager, GOtv; John Okafor; and Johnson Ivase, Marketing Manager GOtv during GOtv 5th year anniversary Customer Fair held at AZtech Arcum, Stadium road, Port Harcourt, Saturday.

L-R: Participant, Power oil pay with calpries3.0, Miss. Uche Nwoye; Public Relations Manager, Power oil, Miss.

Tayo Azeez; and Fitness Instructor, Mr. Seyi Olusore, during the Power oil pay with calories 3.0 event in , Lagos... recently ETOP UKUTT

37/THISLIFE

21.10.2016

Ikpeazu

Ikpeazu: Abia Equity Governor Clocks 52 As the Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, celebrated his 52nd birthday on October 18, 2016, Peter Uzoho writes on the need to reflect on the life of this servant-leader who has shown commitment to work for the common good of his people in spite all odds When on that fateful day, women of Umuobiakwa, in their traditional way of heralding the birth of a new child, were making their joyful noise, singing and dancing, swirling and twirling, and thanking God for blessing Pa Ishmael and his darling wife, Bessie Ikpeazu with a bouncing baby boy, little did they know that someday, that child will grow to become not only the servant of the small village, but of the entire people of Abia State. Of course, the people of Abia South Senatorial District, who have long been disconnected from the political equation of the state with its attendant ‘marginalisation’, may be never believe that a day will come when they would have their own son emerge as governor to give them a sense of belonging.

However, mounting on the saddle as the Governor of Abia State on May 29, 2015, after emerging winner of the gubernatorial election in the state, Ikpeazu has not seen himself as one who has come to fight for just the interest of a particular segment of the state, but rather, for the interest of all Abia people, irrespective of differences in LGAs and senatorial districts. Although, he emerged as a product of the Abia State Charter of Equity, which was initiated by the founding fathers of the state to ensure fairness in the power sharing formula, and to solve the age long cry of marginalisation by the people of Abia South, he has refused

to be tempted to focus his programmes on one district at the expense of others. Instead, he ensures that equity really prevails in all he does as governor.

Beyond being an equity governor, Ikpeazu is indeed, an embodiment of good vision, hard work, excellence, peace and ingenuity.

These have continued to play out in his leadership style. Under Ikpeazu, Abia State right from Umuahia, the state capital, to Aba, the commercial nerve centre of the state, down to all other parts, have witnessed tremendous transformation. He has continued to build on the legacies left by his predecessor, Senator T.A.Orji, to give Abians true dividends of democracy.

Although, every leader in one way or the other faces some challenges which would slow the pace of his performance, Ikpeazu remains focused and consistent in his developmental pursuits. Unlike some leaders who would hide under the guise of being weakened and made to under-perform by the countless oppositions and attacks, Ikpeazu brushes all that off and moves on, as he is determined to fulfill his promises to Abia people. No wonder even Abia citizens who are in the opposition party are throwing their weight behind him for his laudable achievements in the state.

For Director-General, Abia Interest Group and Former Commissioner for Information,

Dr. Eze Chikamnayo: “The first thing you will notice in everything Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu does is a touch of class and excellence. Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu is a man imbued with excellent spirit and it manifests in everything he does. Whatever he touches turns to gold.

If you come to the Government House, Umuahia; if you go to the ministries and parastatals; if you take a look at the quality of the projects he delivers, you will see a touch of class and excellence. The truth is that Dr. Ikpeazu is focused, calm and has a calculated personality.”

Celebrating Ikpeazu on the occasion of his 52nd birthday is never a charity done to him, but a reward of an excellent performance which will no doubt inspire him to do more for the people of Abia.

Born on October 18, 1964, to the family of late Pa Ishmael and Deaconess Bessie Ikpeazu of Umuebere in Umuobiakwa village, Isialaukwu, Mbato Autonomous Community in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria, young Okezie attended Amaise Central Primary School, Umuobiakwa. Owing to his extraordinary brilliance and hard work, in 1973 while still in primary five, he gained admission into Eziama High School, Aba and later moved to Ihie High School, Isiala Ngwa, where he took his School Certificate Examination in 1979. In 1980, at the age of 16, he gained

admission into the University of Maiduguri to study Clinical Biochemistry and graduated with a B.Sc. (Hons.) Second Class Upper Division in August, 1984.

From August 1984 to August 1985, Dr. Ikpeazu served as a clinical biochemist in the medical laboratory of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt for his National youth service. He returned to the University of Maiduguri for an M.Sc. degree in Biochemical Toxicology and graduated in 1990. In 1994, at the age of 30, he obtained a doctorate degree, PhD in Biochemical Pharmacology from the University of Calabar.

Before becoming the Governor of Abia State in 2015, Ikpeazu had served in several capacities in the state’s public service. He was the first Deputy General Manager, Abia State Environmental Protection Agency, from May 5, 2003 to October 10, 2014. He was the General Manager, Abia State Passengers Integrated Manifest Scheme (ASPIMS) from 2007 to 2009 and from March 2011 to May 5, 2013. From June 2010 to May 29, 2011, Ikpeazu served as the Chairman, Governing Council, Abia State College of Health Technology. Between 2002 and 2003, he was the Chairman, Obingwa Local Government Council.

Governor Ikpeazu is happily married to his darling wife, Nkechi, and both are blessed with four children.

38/OPINION

21.10.2016

ADEOLAAKINREMI HOME TRUTHS

Email: adeola.akinremi@thisdaylive.com

Tel 08116759785(sms only)

Nigeria’s Drone Generation

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care stories. It feels so dark that we‘re all horrified and pretty heartbroken.

From everything that went wrong with a biography commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari to his wife’s open accusation of him as being an ineffective leader. And that brickbats from the president saying his wife is good for “the kitchen and other room.”

Yes, the president spokesperson, Garba Shehu has called it a joke. But whose report shall we believe? Shehu’s or Buhari’s?

And from the story of invasion of private homes of judges labelled as corrupt by the men of the Department of State Services (DSS) to the new allegation of graft by one of the judges against the Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi. Did Amaechi really give bribe? This will be an October surprise, if the claim by the judge comes with evidence. Last October, When Amaechi was screened by the Senate for the position he now occupies and question on corruption was posed to him by the Senate, I remember Amaechi didn’t say he never gave a bribe, he said: “I have never collected a bribe in my life.” True or false?

From the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike’s obstruction of the men of the DSS from arresting a judge in Port Harcourt to the “gallant” and forcible entry of a bank by the Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, to release the allegedly detained Femi-Fani Kayode’s wife, Precious, and her eight-month old baby in a bank on the order of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), it appears governors are now in a position to force their way to anywhere. Immunity or Rascality?

From Senator Musiliu Obanikoro’s confession to participating in the unending alleged money laundering saga by the former National Security

Ayoola with his drone

Adviser, Col. Dasuki Sambo, to the killing spree by herdsmen. No man to the rescue!

From the release of 21 Chibok girls by Boko Haram militants to the Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) disclaimer on President Buhari’s daughter’s initiative that used its logo for a fundraiser, the headlines have been pictures of gloom and doom.

And that Rueben Abati’s intervention on the spiritual side of Aso Rock that has increased the fear in the land by 360 degrees. It feels like the enemy really grabbed Nigeria by the throat this past week.

The fascination of the abomination has undoubtedly made the newspapers a must read for many people nowadays. The online merchants of news have been equally busy with promotion of the many of the ugly stories. Imagine the growing regrets and the forlorn faces of our dear citizens about this very government. Like Nehemiah, even those who are in the Diaspora are weeping.

But the other side of the story should cheer us.

From the Nnamdi Azikwe University, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Kwara State University to several others, engineering students are taking up the challenge. These students with no resources and motivation are using existing technology to innovate.

Many of them have built drones, buses, powerbikes and projected other signs that should make them to attract significant attention.

Interestingly, little attention is given to these geniuses by the media and the government.

I watched the locally crafted quadcopter, a piece of drone, built and flown by undergraduate engineering students at the Nnamdi Azikwe University recently and I had a mixed feeling of joy and sadness.

I was stupefied by the bunch of talents in our universities on one hand and I was heartbroken by government unpreparedness for the future for our nation on the other hand.

For instance, in March this year, around the time Nigeria’s Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonaya Onu, was focusing government policy on producing pencils, 23-year-old Ayoola Olaoluwa, a Computer Science graduate of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) has built a working camera drone and a flying car from scratch.

One thing Ayoola said in an interview should help us to rethink our curriculum and place emphasis on maths, science and technology as a nation.

“I initially wanted to study aeronautical engineering, but it wasn’t available in any Nigerian university at the time, so I settled for Computer Science which is somehow a branch of aeronautics… Most of the things

I know, I learnt myself. Reading up online, trying and failing till something is achieved.

I wish there was an educational structure for people passionate about innovative pursuits to gain hands-on knowledge in those areas.”

While the United States Government is advancing and encouraging solar energy in a country that sees sunshine only for a period of the year, Nigeria that has sunshine, almost on a year-round basis and faced with epileptic power supply is not pushing such policy with vigour.

We like to wait for crisis before we act. It took the glut in oil market and this economic recession for us to start a strong push for agriculture. And the agriculture policy push itself has been criticised as lacking in component.

Last week, at the same time President Buhari was talking about “kitchen and other room,” the United States President Barack Obama’s speech about America’s giant leap into space by 2030 went viral with a new phrase of “space generation.”

According to Obama, science and technology “represents an essential part of our character -- curiosity and exploration, innovation and ingenuity, pushing the boundaries of what's possible and doing it before anybody else.

The space race we won not only contributed immeasurably important technological and medical advances, but it also inspired a new generation of scientists and engineers with the right stuff to keep America on the cutting edge.”

I’m eager to know, if Buhari will tap into the army of young scientists across the country too to create his own space generation.

Follow me on Twitter: @adeolaakinremi1

LEKANFATODU HEADS-UP

Email lekantodun@yahoo.com

Tel 07058069255

Aisha Buhari, the Chibok Girls and the Road Ahead

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learly, many Nigerians have been mesmerised by the “blood feud” brewing in the household of President Buhari, particularly between the President and his somewhat taciturn but now fire-spitting wife, Aisha.

The explosive interview Mrs. Buhari granted the BBC (Hausa) on the perceived deformities in her husband’s government, his less-than-inspiring effort to clean up the anomalies as well as the man’s widely adjudged “anti-feminist” response to his wife’s concerns has been a hot topic within and even beyond the country’s shores.

That said, the President’s wife has openly expressed her fears on the dangers that lie ahead should the President continue to conduct national and political affairs in the manner she had observed, and given the implications of such on the political future of President Buhari if he resolves to seek re-election in the 2019 presidential contest.

Since that outburst, not a few have affirmed that though the matter should have been privately impressed on the President and confined to the rooms in the house, it was in fact a glimpse into the burdens that Buhari would shoulder in his presidency.

But I think much as this situation places a massive weight on governance, it remains largely the president’s personal concern and his need to prepare a suitable ground for himself ahead of 2019.

Truthfully, such early preparation isn’t wrong in politics. But when that is being placed alongside other issues that border on the livelihood of the generality of Nigerians,

Aisha Buhari

vulnerable citizens especially, it becomes more than wrong.

It is quite instructive to note that the First Lady’s outburst came at about the same time we got the heartwarming news of the release of 21 of the over 200 girls abducted in Chibok over two years ago. But the news of the first family’s fued didn’t let the country as a whole fully digest the much-awaited breakthrough in the quest to secure the release of the abducted girls.

Expectedly, Aisha had acknowledged the relative peace in the North-east of Nigeria, where the nefarious Boko Haram sect had taken over before now, as one of the achievements of her husband’s presidency in the BBC interview.

She has also continued to demonstrate commitment through advocacy to the re-building of the region from the ruins brought upon it by the insurgency.

Evidently though, a lot more needs to be done towards bringing perpetual peace and sustainable development to the region. And this

I believe is a difficult task that should remain in the front burner of the Buhari-led government, and one that is expected to take preeminence in the lists of the support Aisha can possibly offer her husband beyond the mere political manipulations geared towards strengthening political advantage.

This is even more telling when one is reminded that it was the failure of Jonathan’s government, Buhari’s predecessor, to stem the growing threats of insurgency before it got out of hands; and the embarrassing lethargy of same government that allowed the Boko Haram to easily capture and escape with over 200 girls from a school in Chibok, North-east of Nigeria, that largely contributed to the ouster of Jonathan by Buhari in the 2015 presidential election.

The Buhari government may at this time be basking in the euphoria of an effort that has been described as remarkable - the release of the 21 girls, the on-going negotiations for securing the release of the rest of the girls and improved action towards total elimination of Boko Haram - but the country still faces security concerns which can actually drown whatever achievement we have already.

For instance, on the girls that have just been released, the government typically has made promises to rehabilitate them through provision of necessary needs to improve their well-being and arrangements to return to school. While this may sound uplifting to hear, there are usually stumbling blocks when it comes to implementation, judging by precedents. Governments (past and present at various levels) are well known to be good at making pledges with little or no plan for effective delivery.

That trait came to the fore yet again in the

story of the alleged abduction and forceful marriage of the teenage girl, Ese Oruru, by Yunusa Dahiru. Oruru’s parents have requested that the governments of Delta and Bayelsa states facilitate the release of their daughter, who has been in “protective custody” since the police took over her case. Their reason for the request is simple – Ese and her new baby, delivered in custody, are being kept in deplorable conditions.

Similarly, ongoing efforts at raising funds for the Chibok girls by President Buhari’s daughter, Hadiza Buhari-Bello, which has pitched Hadiza’s organisation against the famous #BringBackOurGirls group, suggests that the government had no plan in place for the return of the girls. While Hadiza’s step is quite credit-worthy, it underscores the utmost need to have a separate plan from that of the government which may never see the light of day It is high time the government realised that the art of terrorism is presently being peddled in the most dangerously ingenious ways. Vulnerable people like the young girls are now used to perpetrate evils and sell the heinous ideologies of terrorism.

Hence, the earlier we realise that those who have been held by Boko Haram will endure long and difficult process to rebuild their lives, the better several transformational interventions, which include unique academic programmes, are made for them to forestall the return to a life of crime.

This certainly takes priority over any other internal political wrangling that the first family wants to work out which, on the long run, would be to their own benefit.

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

39

BUSINESSWORLD

PERSPECTIVE

Facilitating Trade with National Single Window Francis Ugwoke writes on current moves by the transport ministry to join over 70 countries in implementing the National Single Window at the nation’s ports to facilitate trade

Amaechi

For Nigeria, the world of automation is beginning to give rise to the National Single Window. This is as the agencies of government in the Transport sector embark on automation projects that are targeted at easing operations at the ports. With what appears like songs of automation by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NSC, as the ports economic regulator, every stakeholder is making frantic efforts to key into the port community system. This is the first leg of preparation for the National Single Window, NSW that is being spearheaded by the Transport Minister, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, for the country. Few weeks ago, the Executive Secretary of the NSC, Mr. Hassan Bello, had explained that what is on board now is the aggregation of all the automation that will lead to a NSW for the country. All the agencies of government under the Transport Ministry, including, the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA and the NSC have embraced automation as a global trend in trade facilitation.

NSW as a Global Project National Single Window is advancement in trade facilitation efforts at the nation’s ports. It is in keeping with the demands of the World Trade Organisation, WTO, World Customs Organisation (WCO), among others in the efforts to make trade easier for nations. Under the single window, there will be a single portal for all to access, which makes cargo clearance simple. NSW has been implemented by many advanced nations.

Ghana and Republic of Benin have also implemented NSW. In Ghana for instance, the single window project is managed by the Blue West Consulting led by Ms. Valentina Mintah. She has been in the forefront for national single window for all the countries in ECOWAS. In Nigeria, there is an inter-ministerial coordination on national single window which includes the Ministry of Transport and Finance Ministry.

However, the Ministry of Transport was given the approval to initiate and drive the project. NSW is a project of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). It was developed in 2005 as part of the moves to “simplify, harmonise and standardise international trade procedures”, as well as associated information on trade.

So far, over 70 countries have implemented the project because of its capacity to improve trade efficiency and competitiveness among trading nations.

Hassan

Benefits of NSW The world is advancing towards a paperless society in such a way that even clearance of goods is moving towards a simple touch of the button instead of the hassles that Nigerians go through in the ports before their goods are released. A visit to advanced countries has always shown how backward Nigeria has remained. In Singapore, Sri-Lanka, UK ports, US, among others, clearance of goods does not require physical presence at the ports. Everything is automated in such a way that personnel you find at the ports are simply security staff. Everything is done online. Here in Nigeria, it is a different ball game as even officials of government agencies, such as the Customs may not be able to do without the presence of customs brokers who would monitor their entries from table to table and also settle appropriately before their goods are released. The truth is also that there is hardly any importer in Nigeria that would not like to cheat on government, one of the reasons why the personnel of the Customs would extort them. Automation through the NSW would check this trend, a development that would be a big task for such innovation to work. Just recently, freight forwarders had frowned at the NSW under the Customs Service, apparently because of corruption. The former President of National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, NAGAFF, Dr. Eugene Nweke had written to the Presidency and the Transport Minister, Rotimi Amaechi that the NSW project should not be under the Customs Service.In a report, the Economic Development and Globalization Division (EDGD) of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) has identified the benefits of NSW, adding that the idea is to “provide a platform and processes for a paperless (electronic) exchange of trade information between participants in the trade process, largely accomplished through a single electronic lodgment”. ESCWA explains further that a single window is “made up from an organic mixture of the collaborative efforts of all of the parties involved in a nation’s international trade activities. It uses the latest ICT techniques; international data and messaging standards together with simplified, harmonised and remodeled information systems for data exchange, in order to replace traditional paper-based information”. According to the report, the idea is for a single submission for customs brokers clearing goods. It brings all parties together in a single platform so that the customs broker clears his consignment through one source of information feed.

Nigeria and ECOWAS Efforts on NSW Apparently because of its benefits, Nigeria and other African countries are making efforts to have a national single window.

At a recent African Ports Evolution (APE) Conference and Exhibition held in Ghana, NSW dominated discussion by participants drawn from other West and Central African region. During the event, the Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi disclosed that his Ministry would resume discussion with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on the need to deploy the National Single Window which the Service had suspended some years ago. Amaechi said this was part of the efforts of the Ministry to facilitate trade. The ministry and the Customs had disagreed on who should implement the project that was abandoned by the West Blue Consulting during the past administration over bureaucratic bottlenecks, undisclosed differences with government officials, including the Customs. In fact, in July, Amaechi had lashed at the Customs for frustrating the NSW project. Amaechi had said: “The Comptroller General of Customs has to agree and the Customs needs to be connected to the NSW to make our ports more effective. All we are doing now is manual; it will not last for long.

Very soon Nigerians will protest against the seaports. People are already importing through Benin republic. Everyone has a single window.

Niger which used to import things through Nigeria is doing so through another country.

This is because we are charging both official and unofficial charges. Goods in Nigeria are too expensive.”

At the Ghana conference, participants drawn from Nigeria, Ghana, Gabon, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Benin Republic, South Africa, Togo, had opted for the introduction of NSW. The Managing Director of Ghana’s Shippers’ Authority, Dr. Magnus Addico, had expressed concern over the stagnation of the region in trade and maritime growth as a result of inconsistencies in policies, apparently in reference to the nonimplementation of NSW and other recommendations at the regional level. This was made clear by the Director General, Port Authority of Cotonou, Benin Republic, Madame Amelie Amoussou Kpeto, who said his country has set up NSW. He recalled that the national single window had been recommended for all in the region, yet some countries were yet to implement it, in apparent reference to Nigeria.

While supporting NSW, the Transit Manager, GCNet, Ghana, Mr. Jimmy Allotey was said to have called for collaboration among states.

He however recommended a separate single window network for states within common

standard. The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barr. Hassan Bello, had during the occasion while supporting NSW said that one of the reasons why there is problem with Niger on transit cargo in Nigeria was because the Customs wants to escort goods being delivered to the country on truck.

Bello said with advanced information system, there is no need for this, adding that this issue can be addressed by the use of technology.

He said: “The deployment of the appropriate technology will solve a lot of these problems.

This is where the National Single Window also comes in”. Bello said the Minister of Transportation, Amaechi has made every agency to realise that the National Single Window has become the ultimate in trade facilitation.

He said that following this, these agencies, have got substantial projects that could drive the national single window. He said NPA, NIMASA and his council all have projects which could be components of the single window. Bello also disclosed that the Ministry of Transportation was in the peak of driving the single window concept so as to bring the transparency in the transaction at the port. He explained to this writer that the idea of the national single window was to make sure that the nation’s ports were more efficient and achieve clearance of cargo within 48 hours and for the nation’s ports to operate just like airport, 24/7. Besides, he said the nation needs the national single window to block revenue leakages. He said with integration of systems, the agencies of government would provide the national single window. “I am sure NPA will provide substantial input to Nigerian national single window, As a matter of fact, NPA has port community system which contains a lot of platforms. Shippers Council will contribute same thing, NIMASA will also contribute same thing”, Bello said.

On whether the economic recession would not affect the project, the NSC CEO described the recession as a temporal thing which would not last long. “As a matter of fact the recession is lifting now. We have more ships coming than last month, the worst is over. There are indications and we have seen how cargo is flowing through Nigerian ports. It is not like it was before. So recession is a temporal thing.

We have learnt lessons from that and I am sure there would be economic boom for Nigeria and the port. Now, the port must restrategise to make sure that the ports are efficient and able to attract cargo”, he said.

• Ugwoke, a journalist, wrote from Apapa

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

CITYSTRINGS Auchi Honours Prominent Sons

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

During the Muslim festival of Eid-ul-Adha, the Otaru of Auchi, Aliru Momoh, Ikelebe III, honoured prominent sons of the kingdom who have excelled on the home front, writes Adibe Emenyonu

L-R Mrs. Usman Abudah, Alhaji Abudah, Chairman and Vice Chairman of Edo NUJ, Roland Osakue and Mrs. Roseline Imonikhe, at Abudah’s turbaning ceremony...recently

L-R Edo State House Majority Whip, Pally Iriase_ Prince Tony Momoh, others at the turbaning ceremony

A

uchi is a town in Nigeria on the northern part of Edo State.

It is a commercial town with several thriving businesses owned by indigenes and non indigenes alike. The town, which is the administrative headquarters of Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, was the administrative headquarters of all Afemai District from 1920 to 1963 and now the commercial nerve centre of all Afemailand.

The area falls within the Guinea Savannah belt with a location that is hilly with pockets of valleys and flat plains.

There are two versions to the origin of the name Auchi. One version has it that Auchi is an adulteration of Aya Uchi meaning Uchi’s people. While another version says Auchi is an adulteration of Ebvho Uchi, meaning Uchi’s town.

Whichever way it is looked at, both versions reinforce the fact that Auchi was founded by Uchi, a man who according to oral tradition, migrated from Udo, a town near Benin City about 14th Century A.D. because of the wars, acts of brutality, intimidation and dehumanisation which then was found unacceptable.

The town is made up of five grand quarters which are Utsogun, Akpekpe, Aibotse, Igbhei and lyekhei. Utsogun is the royal Quarter from which the Otaru (king) of Auchi is chosen and enthroned. Within each of the grand Quarters, there are small Quarters and kindreds with clearly demarcated lineages.

The people of Auchi speak yekhei/Etsako version of the Afemai language. It is essentially a Muslim town as the indigenes are predominantly Muslims as a result of their early interaction with the Nupe Fulanis. Being a cosmopolitan town, most other religions like Christianity and Polytheism are also being practiced in the town.

Most festivals in Auchi have their roots in Islam like the Eid celebrations (Eid Fitr, Eid Kabir and Eid Molud). Recently, the people celebrated Eid-ul-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice), an important occasion celebrated by Muslims globally to honour the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience.

Among the activities that added colour to the just concluded Eid-ul-Adha celebration in the kingdom was the turbanning of 12 prominent sons of the area, including four princes among whom is Alhaji Usman Dagash Abudah as the Dania of Auchi Kingdom; by His Royal Highness, Alhaji H.A. Momoh, the Otaru of Auchi Kingdom.

The ceremony took place at the palace of the Otaru of Auchi.

The new Dania who was full of joy, thanked God for using the Otaru to elevate him to such a revered position of the Dania, and pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him.

According to him, the title of Dania in Auchi

Usman Abudah being turbaned by Otaru of Auchi, HRH. Alhaji Aliru H. Momoh, Ikelebe III

Kingdom is next in hierarchy to the Daudus.

The bearer of such title is one who is dear and close to the Otaru. The Dania is thus an office reserved for the Otaru’s confidant, who has the intelligence, the wit and the guts to dispense justice without fear or favour.

Dagash as he is fondly called by his admirers is from the Abudah wing of the Ikelebe ruling house of Auchi. One striking thing about the turbaning which usually goes with a title is that there is no price tag on it. If it was so, persons like Dagash will not be qualified because where on earth will a veteran journalist, retired civil servant and cultural promoter get the money to pay. Though it is free, it is not entirely so because it is meant for those who have made

All my actions are divine directives towards the spiritual and general upliftment of the sacred Kingdom of Auchi. To you the princes, it is a clarion call to hold in upright behaviour to the expectations of the Ikelebe ruling dynasty as established by our forebears

immense contributions to the kingdom.

Abudah was once the correspondent of Punch newspaper, where he worked with personalities like Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu, publisher of the Vanguard Titles; Joe Igbokwe, husband to late songstress, Christiana Essien Igbokwe, and now Publicity Secretary of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State.

He is a man of gentle mien, unassuming in spite of his priesthood. A promoter of culture, especially the preservation of the Afemai culturally heritage, which the Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka in 2010 unveiled. All these and more may have been the motives behind the recognition bestowed on him and others by the Auchi monarch Little wonder in his address during the turban ceremony, the Otaru of Auchi, HRH Alhaji Aliru Momoh Ikelebe III, said all his actions are divine directives towards general upliftment of the sacred kingdom of Auchi.

The move according to him, is a clarion call for those found worthy to continue to uphold upright behaviour to the expectations of the Ikekebe ruling dynasty established centuries back.

Strikingly, the Auchi monarch also disclosed that he does not turban on price tags, but on individual merit, adding that to other recipients, it was based on their immense upright behaviour and tidy contributions to the development of the kingdom.

His words: “All my actions are divine directives towards the spiritual and general upliftment of the sacred Kingdom of Auchi. To you the princes, it is a clarion call to hold in upright behaviour to the expectations of the Ikelebe

ruling dynasty as established by our forebears.

“I don’t turban on price tags, but on individual merit. To the other recipients, it is your immense upright behaviour and tidy contributions to the development of our great kingdom based on justice and equity as Almighty Allah passed to humanity.”

Also speaking, the Yerima and former Minister of Information, Prince Tony Momoh, urged the recipients to maintain their uprightness and service to humanity especially people of the kingdom which remained the major reason why they were turbaned.

Momoh who is also a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, therefore urged believers irrespective of their faith and denominational background to thrive more harder and seek the face of God in anything they do.

There was also cultural display such as masquerades dances and reception for guests during and after the ceremony. The occasion also afforded the people the opportunity to launch a security fund raising for the area.

In his address, Alhaji Sule Yesufu, chairman of the fund raising ceremony, said the essence is for them to internally contribute to security situation in the area which occasionally had experienced robbery, kidnapping and other social vices.

The ceremony was graced by dignitaries from all walks of life including the Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Senator Francis Alimikhena, representing Edo North; member representing Owan Federal Constituency and Deputy Majority Whip, Pally Iriase; Edo State governor-elect and his deputy, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and Phillip Shaibu respectively.

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

CITYSTRINGS

Lagos Community Imprisoned by Floods For 12 years, the Araromi-Odo community in Bariga, Lagos has suffered immeasurable losses to the poor drainage and flooding in the area. Its residents are calling on the government to save them from their plight. Funmi Ogundare writes

Flooded Araromi-Odo community in Bariga, Lagos

A house taken over by weeds

D

erelict facilities, overgrown weeds, lack of good drainage system compounded by flooding pervade the sleepy community of Araromi-Odo located in the heart of Bariga under the Shomolu Local Government Area of Lagos State, with an estimated population of 100,000 majority of whom are pensioners, civil servants, artisans, unemployed youths and hawkers.

Entrance to the community is through Palm Groove Bus-stop, University of Lagos or Pako, as well as through the Third Mainland Bridge.

For a first time visitor to this community, a flooded road stairs one in the face which had been made worse by poor drainages that breed mosquitoes and houseflies that have become a nuisance to the people both day and night.

When this reporter visited the community on a very hot afternoon, on a fact finding mission, it was a bumpy ride on a motorcycle popularly called Okada, and at a point she had to alight and waded through the flood that has taken over major streets such as Odukoya, Ogunleye, Fagbemi, Ifeanyi and Isale Oshifolarin and have been rendered impassable.

Even children who had just closed from schools at that time, had to be helped by adults through the flood as the water had risen to knee level.

Self-help project by members of the community

The Community Development Committee Chairman, Mr. Bili Akindele who explained the cause of the flooding, told THISDAY that the water usually comes from the canal from adjourning Third Mainland Bridge, adding that the flood causes buildings to sink and impedes on the movement of children and adults in the community.

According to him, “the flood makes the sewage reservoirs to overflow as fecal waste runs into the flood which consequently causes sickness and diseases, and also contaminates food. Businesses are also affected during the season as there is low patronage.”

The volume of the water he said, keeps rising daily with the high ocean tide and the community members are threatened by the flood coming through the drainage, adding that the residents have been suffering from this in the last 12 years.

“All along the streets have been submerged in the water and anytime it rains it usually worsens it.”

Akindele affirmed that the community members had also resorted to self-help work to repair the drainage, adding that four years ago, the former chairman of the local government council had donated one million naira as part of his contribution to enable them repair the road and make it more motorable.

The Chairman of the Community Development

Association (CDA), Mr. Peter Adeola John, said when officials of the Ministry of Works and Environment came to inspect the area three years , they discussed on how the government could provide help but up till now, nothing has been done.

“We have written letters about six times to the government through the ministry, they received the letters from us and even asked us to come that they would work on it, but up till now, nothing has really been done except when they came for survey.”

Residents of the community have however expressed their sadness about the situation saying the suffering is too much. They are appealing to the state and local governments to look into their plight and ensure that good network of roads and drainages are constructed in a shortest time to prevent collapse of buildings and loss of properties in the community.

A resident who sells provision in a small stall, Mrs. Monsurat Yusuf said the water usually comes early in the morning and evening when the water level from the canal is high, adding that it is affecting their businesses and children sometimes are unable to go to school.

“We want the government to come and assist us to do the drainage and also reconstruct the road,” he said.

A food seller, Mrs. Sikirat Saheed said aside

affecting her business, the flood is also affecting her health.

The Pastor of Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), Ileri Oluwa, also in the community, expressed concern that the flood has made him lose membership saying, “the water is our problem here, there is nothing we can do about it, as it enters into the church compound, it is affecting the population, people cannot come in to worship with us again.”

Mr. Daniel Ugbaja said throughout the rainy season and high ocean tide, the community is over-run with flood and all roads in Araromi Odo are impassable.

“The flood makes the sewage reservoirs to overflow as fecal waste runs into it which consequently causes sicknesses and diseases; as well as contaminates food. Businesses are also affected during this season as there is low patronage.”

As a result of insufficient electric poles in the community, he said the few poles available are overloaded and as such, light trips off and there are constant spark on the poles which affects everybody in the community with danger of electric shocks.

“The fluctuation of electric current destroys appliances such as fridges that are used by traders in the community to cool drinks and store perishable food items which adversely affects income generation,” he lamented.

42

FRIDAY OCTOBER 21, 2016 T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY FRIDAY OCTOBER 21, 2016

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FRIDAY OCTOBER 21, 2016 T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY FRIDAY OCTOBER 21, 2016

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FRIDAY OCTOBER 21, 2016 T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY FRIDAY OCTOBER 21, 2016

ADVERTORIAL

48

FRIDAY OCTOBER 21, 2016 • T H I S D AY

INTERNATIONAL

email:foreigndesk@thisdaylive.com

Trump May Not Accept Presidential Election Result Zacheaus Somorin in Washington DC with agency report

Republican candidate Donald Trump may not accept the outcome of the November 8 US presidential election if he loses, challenging a cornerstone of American democracy and sending shockwaves across the political spectrum.

Trump’s refusal, which his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton called “horrifying,” was the standout remark of the their third and final debate and ratcheted up claims he has made for weeks that the election was rigged against him.

Asked by moderator Chris Wallace whether Trump would not commit to a peaceful transition of power, the businessman-turnedpolitician replied:“What I’m saying is that I will tell you at the time.

I’ll keep you in suspense. Ok?” Trump’s statement may appeal to his anti-establishment followers, but it was unlikely to reverse opinion polls that show him losing, including in key states that will decide the election. “That is not the way our democracy works,” Clinton said during the debate. “We’ve been around for 240 years. We’ve had free and fair elections. We’ve accepted the outcomes when we may not have liked them. And that is what must be expected of anyone standing on a debate stage during a general election.”

Later she told reporters:“What he said tonight is part of his whole effort to blame somebody else for where he is in his campaign.

A CNN/ORC snap poll said 52 percent thought Clinton, the former U.S. secretary of state, won the debate while 39 percent said Trump, making his first run at public office, was the victor.

Mexico’s peso currency, seen as a measure of Trump’s prospects, rose to its highest level in six weeks at the end of the debate, suggesting growing investor confidence of a Clinton victory. Trump has vowed to build a wall on the border with Mexico to keep out illegal immigrants and has said he would make Mexico pay for it.

Mainstream Republicans were quick to denounce the comment.

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, a former Republican presidential candidate who has never warmed to Trump, said: “If he loses, it will not be because the system is ‘rigged’ but because he failed as a candidate.”

Neoconservative Bill Kristol, editor of The Weekly Standard political magazine, tweeted: “I deplore what Trump said and refused to say about accepting the election results. Confirms one’s judgement he shouldn’t be president.”

Ben Carson, a retired neurosurgeon who also ran for the Republican presidential nomination and now supports Trump, defended him. He said Trump’s message was that “if there’s some kind of obvious fraud going on, he’s going to say something about it.”

“He didn’t say he wouldn’t accept it,” Carson told Reuters.

“He said he would evaluate it at the time.”Trump’s running mate, vice presidential nominee Mike Pence, said Trump“will accept the outcome”because he is going to

win. But Republican strategist Ryan Williams found Trump’s statement “deeply concerning.”“You have to accept the results of the election unless there are grounds for a recount and at this point it does not appear that we’re heading for a close election,” he said.

In a debate that for the first time focussed more on policy than character, the two candidates nonetheless lashed out at each other. Trump, 70, called Clinton “such a nasty woman,” accused her campaign of orchestrating a series of accusations by women who said the businessman made unwanted sexual advances and said that both she and President Barack Obama, her fellow Democrat, were behind disturbances at his rallies.

He said the Clinton Foundation was a criminal enterprise and as a result she should not have been allowed to seek the presidency.

Clinton, 68, said Trump himself had incited violence, belittled women and posed a danger to the United States. She said Trump, a former reality TV star, had in the past also complained that his show was unjustly denied a U.S. television Emmy award.

“I should have gotten it,”Trump retorted. Trump said all of the stories of sexual misdeeds were “totally false”and suggested Clinton was behind the charges. He called her campaign “sleazy” and said,

“Nobody has more respect for women than I do, nobody.”

Clinton said the women came forward after Trump said in the last debate he had never made unwanted advances on women. In

a 2005 video, Trump was recorded bragging about groping women against their will.

“Donald thinks belittling women makes him bigger. He goes after their dignity, their self-worth and

I don’t think there is a woman anywhere who doesn’t know what that feels like,” said Clinton, the first woman to win the nomination of a major U.S. political party.

LEADING THE POLL

Hillary Clinton waves to her supporters as she walks off the debate stage…yesterday CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as AKINTOMIWA EMMANUEL AKINGBESOTE, now wish to be known and addressed as OLUTOMIWA EMMANUEL OLUMUYIWA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

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CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as OGUNDELE SUNDAY OLAJIDE, now wish to be known and addressed as OGUNDELE OLUMIDE OLAJIDE. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

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CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as QUEEN IZEGBE OGBENI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS QUEEN IZEGBE OGBENI AKABUNWA. All former documents remain valid. EBSU, NYSC and the general public should please take note.

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T H I S D AY FRIDAY OCTOBER 21, 2016

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

CBN, Heritage Bank Disburse N774m to Young Entrepreneurs James Emejo in Abuja The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in collaboration with Heritage Bank Plc yesterday commenced the actual disbursement of a total sum of N774 million to 310 of the Youth Innovative Entrepreneurship Development Programme (YIEDP).

The beneficiaries were youths whose business proposals were found worthy for the initial disbursement.

CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele launched the YIEDP scheme in March as part of the apex bank’s efforts to reduce the country’s unemployment rate, which had increased to 13.3 percent in the second quarter and currently 13.7 percent.

The programme seeks to ensure that the creative energies of the over 64 million Nigerian youths are harnessed to stimulate growth, address restiveness and promote economic development.

The CBN is partnering the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and Heritage Bank in the pilot scheme, which started seven months ago, to inspire and harvest the entrepreneurial abilities of Nigerian youths towards creating over 1 million direct jobs by 2020.

Speaking at the disbursement ceremony in Abuja, Emefiele said YEDP had the potential of becoming the stimulus for job and wealth creation, growth and economic development through improved access to finance by these young entrepreneurs.

Some of the beneficiaries who received N3 million each planned to invest in leather, poultry and fish production among others.

Represented by CBN Deputy Governor, Corporate Services, Alhaji Suleyman Barau, Emefiele further congratulated the young entrepreneurs who had been screened and successfully submitted bankable projects that were being currently funded.

He commended Heritage Bank for its painstaking effort to buy into the vision of job creation and piloting the programme to a successful stage.

He urged them to make judicious use of the loans to grow their businesses towards realizing the objectives of the programme as well as pay back at single digit interest rate so others could also benefit from the scheme.

Also speaking at the occasion, Managing Director, Heritage Bank, Mr. Ifie Sekibo said

beneficiaries would get the fund as soon as certain concerns over the stringent conditions for accessing the loans by beneficiaries are addressed.

THISDAY gathered that the apex bank will be meeting with officials from both the NYSC and Heritage Bank to fine-tuned existing conditions which appeared to constrain the ability of beneficiaries to access the facilities.

According to Sekibo, who was represented by Group Executive Director, Lagos /South-West Corporate and Banking of Heritage Bank, Mrs. Mary Akpobome, a proper process of disbursement would be done to the young entrepreneurs.

He said:”They will get the money as soon as all those issues they raised are addressed.

The money is available. They have been disbursed. CBN has disbursed to the banks. It is now about sorting out whatever the challenges are, and then the funds are now made available.”

Nevertheless, NYSC Director General, Brig. Gen Sule Kazaure commended the CBN for the historic initiative and urged the entrepreneurs to remain focused and ensure that loans are laid back to give other Corp member similar opportunities to benefit from the scheme.

FG Seeks Private Sector Partnership to Boost Agricultural Sector Nume Ekeghe The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh has said that the federal government is currently looking to partner the private sector to boost agriculture value chain.

Also, Stanbic IBTC has also restated its commitment towards advisory and financing all components of the agricultural value chain.

Ogbeh said this yesterday at 2016 Stanbic IBTC Business Leadership Series, were the discussion was based on reforms in Nigeria’s agricultural sector with emphasis on improvements in infrastructure, agro-industrial zones, financing and an enabling policy environment crucial for the full exploitation of the agricultural value chain, attainment of food security, employment generation and

wealth creation.

Ogbeh who was represented by the the Lagos State Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Funlola Olusanya said: “There is need for so much change in the agriculture sector.We would always collaborate with the private sector, we are ever ready to go into partnership were necessary.

“Also the agric transformation agenda we started some years back that looks at the value chain, we also would start looking at not only production but look at processing and preservation. Those are the areas Nigeria also needs intervention,” she added.

On her part, the Chief Executive Officer Stanbic IBTC Holdings at Stanbic IBTC, Mrs Sola David-Borha said: “Agriculture for Nigeria is a

game changer. I don’t think anybody in today’s Nigeria is disputing that. We all know the story about the enabling effect of agriculture on our economy the fact that it creates million if jobs across the entire value chain and it can drive export and much needed foreign exchange.

I think the real challenge for us is unlocking the opportunity in agriculture and the execution of it, making everything we talk about a reality.”

She further said: “For us at stanbic IBTC, we consider agriculture a keg sector and we play across the entire value chain, financing advisory, machinery, partnership to help drive export. We believe that the platform we present would certainly help in supporting the federal governments drive towards diversification of the economy.”

MTN Shares Hit by Report of Higher Nigeria Money Transfers The amount of money which South Africa’s MTN Group was alleged to have illegally moved out of Nigeria could be “outrageously higher” than an originally estimated $14 billion, Bloomberg reported on Thursday, sending its shares to more than six-year lows.

MTN officials, Nigeria’s trade minister and four lenders were to appear at a hearing in Nigeria on Thursday over the alleged illegal transfer of money out of the country.

Nigeria’s upper house of parliament agreed last month to investigate whether Africa’s top telecoms company unlawfully repatriated $13.92 billion between 2006 and 2016.

Initial investigation findings

had revealed the figure was “actually outrageously higher”, Bloomberg reported, citing senator Dino Melaye, who first raised the allegation last month.

MTN had denied the allegation. The company plans to present a comprehensive response to the latest accusations on Thursday, spokesman Chris Maroleng said. The chairman of Nigeria’s senate investigative panel on alleged illegal repatriation of funds, Rafiu Ibrahim, said on Wednesday that a team of international and local accountancy experts and lawyers had been assembled to look into the matter.

Shares in MTN dropped as much as 3.2 percent levels

last seen in mid-2010, before recouping some of the losses to trade 2.4 percent lower at 107.38 rand.

“Investors are nervous with what’s happening with Nigeria purely because the past history has shown us that typically the government tends to move the goal posts,” Independent Securities trader Ryan Woods said.

The allegation is the latest setback for the South African company in its most lucrative but increasingly most problematic market.

MTN this year agreed to pay a greatly reduced fine of 330 billion naira ($1.08 billion) to end a long running dispute with the Nigerian government over unregistered SIM cards.

Broad Street

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

MARCH 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

5,004,677.26

---- 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 - 13%

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT, WEDNESDAY, 19 OCT 2016 The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $49.06 a barrel on Wednesday, compared with $48.24 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

51

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

Nigeria’s top 50 stocks based on market fundamentals

20-Oct-16

19-Oct-16

% Change

Capitalisation

EPS

P/E

P/S

Div. Yld

Price/ Book Value

Table 1 Market Statistics Mkt Indicators

Open 19-Oct-16

NSE All Share Index NSE Market Cap (N'Trillion)

27,478.04 9.44

27,598.34 9.48

0.44% 0.44%

114.14 8.89

114.67 8.93

0.47% 0.47%

01 Dangote Cement Plc

183.00

183.00

0.00%

3,118,412,855,115.00

9.56

19.14

5.76

4.37%

4.58

02 Nigerian Breweries Plc

145.00

145.00

0.00%

1,149,719,628,760.00

4.50

32.25

3.84

2.48%

7.06

03 Guaranty Trust Bank Plc

24.49

23.30

5.11%

720,769,579,195.76

4.20

5.56

1.92

7.58%

1.52

800.00

800.00

0.00%

634,125,001,600.00

19.41

41.22

3.82

3.63%

18.02

Thisday BGL 50 Index Thisday BGL 50 Market Cap (N'Trillion)

14.75

14.69

0.41%

463,098,283,343.50

3.10

4.76

1.11

12.20%

0.75

Table 3 Top 5 Gainers

368.00

361.00

1.94%

203,618,195,184.00 -14.43

-25.02

2.14

4.41%

0.53

Stock

07 Lafarge Africa Plc

43.01

43.00

0.02%

195,906,326,848.10

-6.71

-6.36

0.87

7.03%

1.39

08 Ecobank Transnational Incorporated

10.13

10.53

-3.80%

185,880,953,807.95

0.23

45.83

0.36

5.89%

0.32

09 Unilever Nigeria Plc

45.90

45.90

0.00%

173,653,297,875.00

0.46

99.26

2.85

0.11%

19.49

10 Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc

17.00

17.00

0.00%

170,000,000,000.00

2.04

8.10

1.40

0.61%

1.47

127.30

127.30

0.00%

165,805,844,411.90

3.31

41.70

1.17

2.50%

4.16

Table 4 Top 5 Losers

5.63

5.55

1.44%

162,864,480,282.53

2.56

2.16

0.47

9.96%

0.37

Stock

40.25

40.25

0.00%

159,811,701,061.25

0.03

2.24

3.23%

3.82

4.29

4.25

0.94%

155,639,167,921.38

1.75

2.42

0.46

14.22%

0.35

15 Guinness Nig Plc

80.00

78.91

1.38%

120,471,055,040.00

-1.34

-59.10

1.17

4.05%

2.86

16 FBN Holdings Plc

3.01

3.00

0.33%

108,044,831,303.92

0.30

9.87

0.22

4.98%

0.18

17 7-Up Bottling Comp. Plc

159.90

159.90

0.00%

102,430,399,043.70

3.75

42.66

1.15

1.38%

3.97

18 Total Nigeria Plc

290.00

290.00

0.00%

98,461,332,730.00

31.13

9.76

0.43

4.61%

4.89

6.26

6.40

-2.19%

75,120,000,000.00

1.05

6.19

0.65

7.69%

1.31

187.00

186.00

0.54%

67,431,313,994.00

17.69

10.51

0.81

3.87%

3.90

19.95

19.00

5.00%

65,720,273,136.00

0.17

114.59

2.64

1.25%

5.34

5.10

5.03

1.39%

61,376,556,359.40

-3.46

-1.47

0.33

14.71%

0.44

23 Julius Berger Nig. Plc

40.00

40.00

0.00%

52,800,000,000.00

0.24

165.22

0.51

3.75%

2.35

24 Flour Mills Nig. Plc

20.00

20.00

0.00%

52,484,743,740.00

6.81

2.90

0.14

10.12%

0.52

25 Okomu Oil Palm Plc

40.50

40.50

0.00%

38,633,355,000.00

4.60

8.81

3.14

0.25%

2.48

0.99

1.00

-1.00%

38,333,787,450.75

-0.37

-2.68

0.86

0.00%

0.51

19.40

19.40

0.00%

37,264,769,107.80

2.44

7.95

0.52

5.15%

0.50

28 Sterling Bank Plc

1.03

1.03

0.00%

29,654,130,669.78

0.31

3.34

0.28

8.74%

0.35

29 Diamond Bank Plc

1.15

1.15

0.00%

26,634,447,313.20

0.11

10.33

0.13

0.00%

0.11

30 Cadbury Nigeria Plc

13.82

13.82

0.00%

25,956,752,192.80

0.83

17.13

0.96

9.19%

2.14

0.85

0.84

1.19%

24,618,197,838.20

0.39

2.18

0.17

18.82%

0.13

33.75

33.75

0.00%

23,625,000,000.00

2.36

14.10

3.35

3.46%

15.94

33 Wema Bank Plc

0.61

0.61

0.00%

23,530,424,310.02

0.06

9.99

0.49

0.00%

0.52

34 FCMB Group Plc

1.13

1.09

3.67%

22,377,063,182.53

0.61

1.83

0.14

8.93%

0.12

35 Custodian And Allied Insurance Plc

3.71

3.80

-2.37%

21,821,716,163.45

0.76

5.26

0.70

3.50%

0.84

36 National Salt Co. Nig. Plc

8.00

8.00

0.00%

21,195,507,024.00

0.89

9.03

1.17

6.88%

3.07

37 Mansard Insurance Plc

1.93

1.95

-1.03%

20,265,000,000.00

0.27

7.36

1.09

2.50%

0.99

38 Glaxo Smithkline Consumer Nig. Plc

15.78

15.78

0.00%

18,870,930,980.64

-2.54

-6.54

0.68

1.81%

2.18

39 PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc

18.40

18.40

0.00%

18,400,000,000.00

4.14

4.44

1.39

0.54%

0.55

40 Continental Reinsurance Plc

1.00

1.00

0.00%

10,372,744,312.00

0.33

3.04

0.50

12.00%

0.54

41 Honeywell Flour Mill Plc

1.26

1.26

0.00%

9,992,049,049.08

-0.40

-3.12

0.21

12.70%

0.61

42 Skye Bank Plc

0.64

0.65

-1.54%

8,883,392,902.40

-2.93

-0.22

0.05

46.88%

0.09

43 Unity Bank Plc

0.70

0.68

2.94%

8,182,536,559.40

0.54

1.25

0.12

0.00%

0.09

44 Cement Co. Of North.Nig. Plc

5.50

5.50

0.00%

6,911,727,713.00

0.44

12.42

0.62

1.82%

0.64

45 Wapic Insurance Plc

0.51

0.51

0.00%

6,825,196,508.52

0.11

4.62

0.88

6.00%

0.43

46 UACN Property Development Co. Limited

3.41

3.41

0.00%

5,860,937,482.95

-0.05

-65.40

1.74

20.53%

0.16

47 Resort Savings & Loans Plc

0.50

0.50

0.00%

5,664,866,202.00

4.68

0.11

0.02

0.00%

1.89

48 Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc

2.92

3.05

-4.26%

4,742,718,750.00

0.15

19.78

0.62

6.56%

0.80

49 AIICO Insurance Plc

0.59

0.59

0.00%

4,088,820,643.20

0.26

2.26

0.13

8.47%

0.43

50 Fidson Healthcare Plc

1.52

1.59

-4.40%

2,280,000,000.00

0.31

5.19

0.35

3.14%

0.37

04 Nestle Nigeria Plc 05 Zenith Bank Plc 06 Seplat Petroleum Dev. Co. Ltd

11 Forte Oil Plc. 12 Access Bank Plc 13 Presco Plc 14 United Bank for Africa Plc

19 Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc 20 Mobil Oil Nig Plc 21 International Breweries Plc 22 Oando Plc

26 Transnational Corporation Of Nigeria Plc 27 U A C N Plc

31 Fidelity Bank Plc 32 Cap Plc

TOTAL

8,928,631,892,109.11

TOTAL MARKET CAP

9,479,486,457,417.55

% OF MARKET CAP Annotation - MA* = Simple Moving Average

94.19%

Close 20-Oct-16

Change %

Open Close Change 19-Oct-16 20-Oct-16 %

Guaranty Trust Bank Plc International Breweries Plc FCMB Group Plc Unity Bank Plc Seplat Petroleum Dev. Co. Ltd

23.30 19.00 1.09 0.68 361.00

24.49 19.95 1.13 0.70 368.00

5.11% 5.00% 3.67% 2.94% 1.94%

Open Close Change 19-Oct-16 20-Oct-16 %

Fidson Healthcare Plc Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc Ecobank Transnational Incorporated Custodian And Allied Insurance Plc Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc

1.59 3.05

1.52 -4.40% 2.92 -4.26%

10.53

10.13 -3.80%

3.80

3.71 -2.37%

6.40

6.26 -2.19%

Upward trend resumes as ASI gains 0.44% Market pulse on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) today – Thursday, October 20th, 2016 ended on a bearish note as the stock market closed green today.

This was further highlighted by Positive performances from the NSE Sub sectors: Banking, Insurance, Oil & Gas and Consumer Goods. Trading activities decreased in volume as 111.90 million shares worth of N4.01 billion in 2,699 deals exchanged hands today. This is an increase from the 81.91 million shares worth of N592.52 million in 2,520 deals which exchanged on Wednesday.

Topping in volume terms were Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, FBN Holdings Plc and United Bank for Africa Plc while Ecobank Transnational Incorporated and Total Nigeria Plc ended trading as the most active stocks in value terms.

The All Share Index (NSEASI) closed positive with 0.44% (+120.30) increase to close at 27,598.34 from 27,478.04 the previous trading day. Market Capitalization appreciated in tandem to N9.48 trillion from N9.44 trillion of prior trading day. Similarly, the Thisday BGL 50 Index followed suit with an increase of 0.26% to close at 114.67 from 114.14 recorded at the end of the previous trading day, while its market capitalization stood at 8.93 trillion from 8.89 trillion of the previous trading day.

A total number of 13 stocks gained on the bourse today while 27 stocks declined, 59 leaving stocks unchanged. GTB Plc emerged as the day’s toast of investors as it topped the Thisday BGL 50 Index gainers’ list with a gain of 5.11% to close at N24.49 per share. It was followed by International Breweries Plc with a gain of 5.00% to close at N19.95 per share. Others on the gainers list include: FCMB Group Plc, Unity Bank Plc and Seplat Petroleum Dev. Co. Ltd while on the decliners’ list, Fidson Healthcare Plc with a loss of 4.40% to close at N1.52 per share. It was followed by Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc with a loss of 4.26% to close at N2.92 per share. Others on the decliners list include: Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, Custodian And Allied Insurance Plc and Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc.

REQUIRED DISCLOSURE This report has been prepared by BGL Plc. BGL Plc does and seeks to do business with companies covered in its research reports. As a result, the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this report. Investors should use this report as one of many other factors in making their investment decisions.

For more details go to www.thisdaylive.com

52

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

MARKET NEWS

Fidson Healthcare Shareholders Approve N75m Dividend

Goddy Egene and Nosa Alekhuogie

Shareholders of the Fidson Healthcare Plc have approved the N75 million dividend proposed by the directors for the year ended December 31, 2015. The dividend, which translates to five kobo per share, was approved at the 17th annual general meeting of the company held in Lagos on Wednesday.

Addressing the shareholders, Chairman of Fidson Healthcare, Mr. Felix Ohiwerei, explained that dividend was reduced compared to the previous year in order to conserve more capital to run the business as the economic situation especially shortage of foreign exchange, which is affecting smooth running of business in Nigeria.

He said the company’s turnover for 2015 declined by 15.52 per cent to N8.210 billion

T H E MAIN BOARD

DEALS

MARKET PRICE

from N9.719 billion recorded in 2014, while gross profit stood at N4.351 billion compared with N5.433 billion made in 2014, showing a decline of 19.9 per cent.

However, there was an increase of 5.69 per cent in the net assets to N16.67 billion, from N15.772 billion in 2014.

He, however, promised the shareholders of continuous profitability saying: “The company’s production capacity

N I G E R I A N QUANTITY TRADED

STO C K

VALUE TRADED ( N )

Daily Summary as of 22/02/2016 Printed 22/02/2016 14:36:10.010

Daily Summary (Bonds) No Debt Trading Activity Daily Summary (Equities) Activity Summary on Board EQTY AGRICULTURE Crop Production OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Crop Production Totals Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals AGRICULTURE Totals CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals CONGLOMERATES Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals Food Products DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. TIGER BRANDED CONSUMER GOODS PLC Food Products Totals Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. Household Durables Totals Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household Products Totals CONSUMER GOODS Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. Banking Totals Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. AXAMANSARD INSURANCE PLC N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Micro-Finance Banks NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UNITED CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC

has tremendously increased and we are optimistic that we would be able to meet the growing need for quality pharmaceutical products in the country. However, ugly constraining factors in 2016 such as declining value of the Naira, high inflation and increasing cost of production needs to be taken into consideration.”

Speaking on the challenging operating environment, Ohiwerei added that one of

6 6 12

30.00 34.00

12,629 11,640 24,269

374,530.15 421,345.20 795,875.35

19 19 31

1.25

1,078,511 1,078,511 1,102,780

1,358,964.30 1,358,964.30 2,154,839.65

5 68 13 86 86

0.77 1.13 20.47

33,500 6,740,423 65,995 6,839,918 6,839,918

25,070.00 7,635,453.96 1,344,425.15 9,004,949.11 9,004,949.11

13 13

41.50

31,970 31,970

1,409,214.78 1,409,214.78

5 5 18

5.20

28,901 28,901 60,871

154,716.48 154,716.48 1,563,931.26

6 24 7 98 135

2.85 118.85 20.00 99.00

190,900 53,000 15,200 429,541 688,641

528,079.00 6,201,924.95 293,757.00 42,728,789.84 49,752,550.79

9 9

168.50

166,476 166,476

28,285,937.95 28,285,937.95

54 38 6 12 1 29 140

5.61 19.00 1.37 6.86 6.65 1.27

2,120,306 314,421 40,000 119,863 433 3,285,739,119 3,288,334,142

11,610,520.13 5,953,792.96 55,716.00 842,442.48 2,736.56 4,074,348,894.07 4,092,814,102.20

11 54 65

17.86 700.00

18,825 98,360 117,185

329,518.50 68,567,962.00 68,897,480.50

11 11

4.46

99,050 99,050

420,455.00 420,455.00

13 21 34 394

21.90 28.00

36,887 133,117 170,004 3,289,575,498

820,034.75 3,737,067.92 4,557,102.67 4,244,727,629.11

82 51 21 25 200 41 16 147 11 15 67 676

4.10 1.49 15.60 1.21 16.70 1.07 1.76 2.95 5.30 0.63 0.98

3,962,506 2,163,396 278,470 790,900 4,847,312 1,969,858 1,204,932 8,586,418 39,752 501,617 5,920,564 30,265,725

16,210,255.82 3,314,106.88 4,136,459.40 958,864.34 80,963,793.44 2,115,552.11 2,087,767.85 25,302,954.71 205,645.40 316,018.71 5,813,502.17 141,424,920.83

14 8 2 3 7 10 1 1 46

0.80 0.90 0.50 0.50 2.06 0.76 0.50 0.50

200,107 276,500 5,004,000 1,000,000 351,540 327,285 37,708,135 10 44,867,577

160,838.67 251,350.00 2,502,000.00 500,000.00 720,728.80 245,325.31 18,854,067.50 5.00 23,234,315.28

1 1

1.08

4,760 4,760

4,950.40 4,950.40

31 7 105 7 20 170 893

2.46 4.00 0.85 14.15 1.31

1,149,464 27,041 31,257,120 38,035 708,255 33,179,915 108,317,977

2,830,722.84 104,002.06 26,613,309.20 537,985.34 931,556.31 31,017,575.75 195,681,762.26

27

2.69

614,065

1,572,223.05

the biggest challenges is the high exchange rate has put pressure on the procurement of raw materials and the importation of finished goods.

He added that the implementation of the Common External Tariff (CET) in Nigeria has equally placed a higher tariff on the importation of raw and packaging materials than on finished good, thus putting local production at the advantage against importation.

He, however, noted that despite the challenges, Fidson Healthcare Plc has remained one of the leading companies in the industry which he attributed to the strict and prudent management of operating cost.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Stock Exchange All Share Index (NSE ASI) appreciated by 0.44 per cent to close at 27,598.34 points as the bulls returned to the market after two days of a bearish trading.

E XC H A N G E

MAIN BOARD GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC Pharmaceuticals Totals HEALTHCARE Totals ICT IT Services TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC. IT Services Totals ICT Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals Packaging/Containers BETA GLASS CO PLC. Packaging/Containers Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Energy Equipment and Services Totals Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL PLC ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals OIL AND GAS Totals SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals Printing/Publishing LEARN AFRICA PLC Printing/Publishing Totals Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Transport-Related Services Totals Support and Logistics CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC Support and Logistics Totals SERVICES Totals EQTY Board Totals Daily Summary (Equities) Activity Summary on Board ASeM CONSUMER GOODS Food Products MCNICHOLS PLC Food Products Totals CONSUMER GOODS Totals ASeM Board Totals Daily Summary (Equities) Activity Summary on Board PREMIUM FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals Other Financial Institutions FBN HOLDINGS PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials DANGOTE CEMENT PLC Building Materials Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals PREMIUM Board Totals Equity Activity Totals

DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

32 4 6 69 69

25.33 0.94 0.69

551,998 16,020 597,000 1,779,083 1,779,083

13,903,164.18 15,299.40 412,110.00 15,902,796.63 15,902,796.63

1 1 1

1.69

500 500 500

805.00 805.00 805.00

16 9 4 6 10 31 76

24.00 9.30 35.78 8.62 3.36 80.50

110,727 40,229 26,700 142,300 299,900 14,373,223 14,993,079

2,707,053.97 362,501.29 992,680.00 1,227,076.00 966,480.00 1,157,057,077.16 1,163,312,868.42

6 6

1.51

134,500 134,500

204,240.00 204,240.00

5 5 87

50.00

24,529 24,529 15,152,108

1,165,135.50 1,165,135.50 1,164,682,243.92

2 2

0.50

24,262 24,262

12,131.00 12,131.00

90 90

3.47

3,827,573 3,827,573

13,288,632.05 13,288,632.05

21 7 8 21 7 64

18.34 1.84 342.00 150.00 145.00

81,125 100,300 20,300 16,295 13,699 231,719

1,505,034.50 182,832.00 6,595,470.00 2,396,080.60 1,959,692.96 12,639,110.06

33 33 189

318.00

389,934 389,934 4,473,488

124,037,602.56 124,037,602.56 149,977,475.67

1 1

0.50

941 941

470.50 470.50

5 5

3.80

32,870 32,870

127,756.40 127,756.40

13 13

0.89

624,500 624,500

538,430.00 538,430.00

1 22 23

2.29 4.00

4,588 251,094 255,682

10,001.84 1,001,583.80 1,011,585.64

1 1 43 1,811

1.68

10,000 10,000 923,993 3,428,226,216

16,000.00 16,000.00 1,694,242.54 5,785,390,675.15

2 2 2 2

1.21

270,464 270,464 270,464 270,464

327,261.44 327,261.44 327,261.44 327,261.44

306 306

11.45

13,929,679 13,929,679

159,605,439.23 159,605,439.23

278 278 584

3.74

10,438,552 10,438,552 24,368,231

39,515,087.18 39,515,087.18 199,120,526.41

35 35 35 619 2,432

139.83

38,770 38,770 38,770 24,407,001 3,452,903,681

5,304,666.00 5,304,666.00 5,304,666.00 204,425,192.41 5,990,143,129.00

2 2 2 2 2 10 10 10

2,330.00 2.33 6.02 11.09 18.07

3,000 20 20 20 15 3,075 3,075 3,075

6,986,000.00 46.70 120.20 221.80 270.65 6,986,659.35 6,986,659.35 6,986,659.35

Daily Summary (ETP) Exchange Traded Fund Name NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF) VETIVA BANKING ETF VETIVA CONSUMER GOODS ETF VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF VETIVA INDUSTRIAL ETF Exchange Traded Fund Totals ETF Board Totals ETP Activity Totals

53

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

MARKET NEWS

FBN Capital, Market Stakeholders to Discuss Economic Recovery Goddy Egene FBN Capital Limited, the investment banking and asset management subsidiary of FBN Holdings Plc. will host its annual investor conference on October 27, 2016 in Lagos, in line with its commitment to provide a platform that will facilitate interaction for identifying sustainable growth opportunities in Nigeria, The theme of this year’s event ‘An economy at a crossroads: thriving in the

face of new realities’ will be explored through a combination of presentations and interactive sessions with some of the foremost reformers in government, business leaders and senior executives in both the public and private sectors of the economy.

According to FBN Capital, through the conference, it aims to contribute meaningfully to the discourse on how to return the Nigerian economy to growth, temper inflation, boost job creation, and

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

increase awareness on how the government is responding to on-going fiscal and monetary challenges.

Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, FBN Capital, Lolade Sasore, said: “Over the past five years, we have hosted the annual conference in line with our commitment to facilitating the debate on developing our market, and promoting Nigeria as one of the leading investment destinations in sub-Saharan Africa for both

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 19-Oct-2016, unless otherwise stated.

domestic and foreign investors.“ “We will discuss the subject of fiscal stimulus and an expansionary posture; Nigeria’s stance on attracting foreign investment, and explore the workings of the liberalidsed foreign exchange markets.

We will also examine some identified success stories in this challenging environment.”

She explained that the annual conference, which is now in its sixth year, provides a forum for investors to interact with leaders of the economy, key

policy makers in government and senior executives of leading corporate institutions.

“Over the years, the conferences have hosted several ministers covering various portfolios including finance; industry, trade and investment; communication technology; and petroleum resources; as well as representatives from the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Nigerian Pension Commission, amongst others,” she added.

FBN Capital noted that the conference has also featured distinguished international speakers such as Mr. Jim O’Neill(former Chairman Goldman Sachs Asset Management & Chief Economist, Goldman Sachs); Professor Anil Gupta, international expert on strategy, globalisation and emerging markets; and Mr. Daniel Altman(Associate Professor of Economics at New York University’s Stern School of Business).

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 123.62 Nigeria International Debt Fund 217.29 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: +234-1-2792974 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 LIMITED Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name AXA Mansard Equity Income 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 124.48 10.75% 218.18 8.54% info@acapng.com Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 0.69 10.27% ammf@aiicocapital.com Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

100.00

15.34%

enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Bid Price 13.01 299.86 23.31

Offer Price 13.01 299.86 23.31

Yield / T-Rtn 3.61% 4.15% 2.62%

1.00

1.00

12.51%

investmentcare@axamansard.com Bid Price 100.92

Offer Price 101.56

Yield / T-Rtn 1.24%

1.00 1.00 11.21% investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Bid Price 2.08 9.28

Offer Price 2.13 9.52

Yield / T-Rtn 2.18% -5.81%

82.75

84.87

2.02%

invest@fbnquest.com Bid Price 1,066.21 110.26 100.00 $101.64 $101.53 110.40

Offer Price 1,067.26 110.75 100.00 $102.31 $102.21

Yield / T-Rtn -1.47% 1.39% 12.47% 1.97% 1.87%

111.90

11.15%

fcamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Bid Price 0.92 2.51

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 0.94 2.20% 2.51 7.80% coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com

Bid Price 2,207.15

Offer Price 2,233.54

Coral Income Fund 2,043.80 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 1.48%

2,043.80 8.05% enquiries@investment-one.com Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund

1.00

1.00

11.08%

Vantage Balanced Fund

1.64

1.65

0.38%

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 0.99 1.01 11.48% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 988.74 988.74 -1.13% 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 9.67 9.76 -1.12% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 14.16% 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 1.03 1.04 4.25% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 10.26 10.29 2.76% 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 106.46 107.20 4.50% 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 1.22 1.22 8.03% 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 Balanced Fund 1,799.64 1,810.12 7.16% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 151.72 151.72 3.15% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.78 0.79 4.67% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 180.38 180.38 6.30% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 133.60 135.17 -1.30% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 15.81% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,612.60 7,713.91 5.92% 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 1.15 1.16 8.50% United Capital Bond Fund 1.25 1.25 16.32% United Capital Equity Fund 0.74 0.75 5.17% 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 9.65 9.81 1.09% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.21 11.32 -2.11% Zenith Income Fund 16.58 16.58 3.38%

REITS

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

11.43 122.32

2.69% 5.58%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

8.82 77.76

8.92 79.23

-7.89% -6.56%

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

2.64 7.24 12.49 16.68 -

2.68 7.32 12.63 16.88 -

14.16% 13.22% -0.32% -13.10% -

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.

54

friDAY, OCTOBEr 21, 2016 • T H I S D AY

WORLD OF ISLAM

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

Words of Wisdom by Luqman – 2 Continued from last week

(Quran and Ibn Katthir’s Book) IqraSense Luqman’s wisdom in the Quran Luqman’s wisdom in the Quran is described in the context of him explaining it to his son. It is described in the Quran in the following verses.

• Regarding not to associate anyone in the worship and oneness of Allah – And (remember) when Luqman said to his son when he was advising him: “O my son! Join not in worship others with Allah. Verily! Joining others in worship with Allah is a great Zoolm (wrong) indeed. (Quran: Luqman: 13) • Being dutiful to ones parents – And We have enjoined on man (to be dutiful and good) to his parents. His mother bore him in weakness and hardship upon weakness and hardship, and his weaning is in two years give thanks to Me and to your parents, unto Me is the final destination. (Quran: Luqman: 14) • Being dutiful to ones parents except where they tell you to deviate from the Right path – But if they (both) strive with you to make you join in worship with Me others that of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not, but behave with them in the world kindly, and follow the path of him who turns to Me in repentance and in obedience. Then to Me will be your return, and I shall tell you what you used to do. (Quran: Luqman: 15) • Every person is accountable for everything that he does – “O my son! If it be (anything) equal to the weight of a grain of mustard seed, and though it be in a rock, or in the heavens or in the earth, Allah will bring it forth. Verily, Allah is Subtle (in bringing out that grain), WellAware (of its place).

(Quran: Luqman: 16) • Enjoining Prayers “O my son! perform AsSalat (prayers), enjoin (people) for Al-Maroof (Islamic Monotheism and all that is good), and forbid (people) from AlMunkar (i.e. disbelief in the Oneness of Allah, polytheism of all kinds and all that is evil and bad), and bear with patience whatever befalls you. Verily!

These are some of the important commandments ordered by Allah with no exemption. (Quran: Luqman: 17) • Do not be arrogant and proud “And turn not your face away from men with pride, nor walk in insolence through the earth.

Verily, Allah likes not each arrogant boaster. (Quran: Luqman: 18) • Be humble and lower your voice “And be moderate (or show no insolence) in your walking, and lower your voice. Verily, the harshest of all voices is the voice (braying) of the donkey.” (Quran: Luqman: 19)

Other words of wisdom from Luqman (not narrated in the Quran) [ibn Katheer] • Luqman on being granted respect and honor Narrated Ibn Wahb: I was told by ‘Abdullah Ibn ‘Ayyash Al-Fityani after’ Umar, the freed slave of ‘Afrah as saying: “A man came to Luqman, the wise and asked: Are you Luqman? Are you the slave of so and so? He said: “Yes!” The man said: You are the black shepherd! Luqman said: As for my black color, it is obviously apparent, so what makes you so astonished? The man said: You became frequently visited by the people who pleasingly accept your judgments! Luqman said: 0 cousin! If you do what I am telling you, you will be like this. The man said: What is it? Luqman said: Lowering my gaze, watching my tongue, eating what is lawful, keeping my chastity, undertaking my promises, fulfilling my commitments, being hospitable to guests, respecting my neighbors, and discarding what does not concern me. All these made me the one you are looking at.”

Lowering of the gaze usually refers to not looking at men/women (other than your spouse) with a bad desire and to look at them only for valid reasons as prescribed in the religion. Refer to Islam-qa.com for detailed explanation on this topic.

• Luqman on the value of Wisdom Narrated Damurah after As-Sariy Ibn Yahia as saying: Luqman said to his son: “O my son!

Verily, wisdom has brought the indigent to the courts of kings. ” • Luqman on propagating wisdom to others and to take it seriously when given by others I was told by my father after ‘Amr Ibn ‘Uthman after Damurah Ibn Hafs Ibn ‘Umar as saying: “Luqman placed a bag of mustards beside him and started to advise his son, giving him with every piece of advice a mustard till it all ran out. He said: O my son! I gave you advice that if a mountain was given, it would split………”

• Luqman on the need to have a pleasing tongue and sound heart Yazid Ibn Hamn and Waki’ told us after Abul AShhab after Khalid Ar-Rab’i as saying: “Luqman was an Ethiopian slave who worked as a carpenter. One day, his master ordered him to slaughter a goat and bring him the most pleasant and delicious two parts thereof. Luqman did so and brought him the tongue and heart. The master asked: Did not you find anything more pleasant than these? Luqman said: No! After a while, the master ordered him to slaughter a goat and to throw the most malignant two parts thereof. Luqman slaughtered the goat and threw the tongue and heart. The master exclaimed and said: I ordered you to bring me the most delicious parts thereof and you brought me the tongue and heart, and I ordered you to throw away the most malignant parts thereof and you threw the tongue and heart, how can this be? Luqman said: Nothing can be more pleasing than these if they were good, and nothing can be more malicious than these if they were malignant.”

• Luqman on “Speech is silver and silence is golden” Luqman said to his son: “O my son! I have never regretted because of keeping silent. If words are silver, silence is golden.”

• Luqman on the need to have kindness, mercy and love for others Abu Mu’awiyah told us after Hisham Ibn ‘Urwah after his father as saying: “Wisdom dictates: O my son: Let your speech be good and your face be smiling, you will be more loved by the people than those who give them provisions.” And, he said: “It is stated in the wisdom - or the Torah –: “Kindness is the head of wisdom.” And, he said: “It is stated in the Torah: “As you show mercy (to others), mercy will be shown to you.”

• Luqman on giving And, he said: “It is stated in the wisdom: “You will gain what you give (or, harvest what you grow).”

• Luqman on friendships And, he said: “It is stated in the wisdom: “Love your friend and the friend of your father.”

• Luqman on patience, knowledge, and goodness `Abdur Razzaq told us after Mu’amir after Ayyub after Abu Qulabah as saying: Luqman was once asked: Who is the best one in terms of patience? He said: It is the one who practices no harm after observing patience. Those who asked him said: Who is the best one in terms of knowledge? He said: It is he who adds to his own knowledge through the knowledge of others. They asked: Who is the best from among the whole people? He said: It is the wealthy.

They said: Is it the one who has properties and riches? He said: No! But, it is the one if whose good was sought, he would not hold it back or prevent it. And, it is the one who does not need anything from others.

• Luqman on the need to keep good company and to consult scholars ‘Abdullah Ibn Ahmed said: I was told by Al-¬Hakam Ibn Abu Zuhair Ibn Musa after Al-Faraj Ibn Fudalah after Abu Sa’id as saying: Luqman said to his son: “O my son! Let only the pious men eat your food, and consult the scholars over your affairs.”

Finally, wisdom in matters is one of the blessings that Allah grants to His creation. The Almighty says in the Quran: “He grants Hikmah to whom He pleases, and he, to whom Hikmah is granted, is indeed granted abundant good. But none remember (will receive admonition) except men of understanding.” (Quran: Al-Baqara: 269) • Note: Hikmah here refers to “Wisdom”

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016 • T H I S D AY

55

NEWSXTRA

MTN Admits Non-compliance with Extant Law on Repatriation of $13.9bn Trade Minister, Enelamah, ignores directive, walks out of public hearing Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja At the commencement of investigative hearing into the alleged illegal repatriation of $13.9 billion out of the country

by MTN yesterday, the company told the Senate Committee on Banks, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, that circumstances compelled it to move funds without observing the law.

The Senate had on September 27, 2016, alleged that MTN in connivance with the Minister of Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah, and four commercial banks exploited the porous Nigerian financial system to move the money out of the country without the required authorisation.

The upper legislative chamber according to a motion moved

by Senator Dino Melaye (Kogi West) on September 27, alleged that MTN smartly beat Nigeria’s financial regulatory laws by failing to obtain a certificate of capital importation (CCI) as authorised by CBN Financial and Miscellaneous Act within 24 hours between 2006 and 2016 before moving the money out of the country.

It further alleged that the repatriation was done through four banks, viz: Standard Chartered Bank, Stanbic IBTC, Diamond Bank and Citi Bank.

However, why MTN and other stakeholders, inluding the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Financial Regulation Council of Nigeria (FRCN), summoned by the committee to testify on the allegation stated their own sides of the story, Enelamah defied the committee’s directive not to leave before testifying as he instead walked out of the meeting venue before its commencement.

This resulted in insinuations by some individuals present at the meeting that the minister might have done so because he had something to hide moreso that he had earlier given excuses for his failure to appear before the committee on October 12.

However, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTN, Fedi Moolman, admitted that the company moved funds without complying with the 24-hour order for the issuance of CCI, saying it was practically impossible to do so.

Nevertheless, he stated that the action was taken without any deliberate intention to flout Nigerian laws but was rather compelled to do so because of circumstances which he said made it impossible for it to observe the 24-hour provision in the Act for issuance of CCI. He said: “There was no intention to flout the rule and regulation. The 24-hour rule is not in all cases practicable and it is almost impossible to comply with.”

The CEO further told the committee that MTN faced acute challenges when it got to Nigeria in 2000 as it found out that necessary facilities for business transactions were not available, a situation he said compelled it to import

equipment to Nigeria.

He, however, attempted to justify his claim that MTN meant well for Nigeria through his submissions that MTN solely contributed 3.4 per cent of Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP) in the first quarter of 2006 and had since its advent in Nigeria employed 500,000 Nigerians directly and indirectly.

He also claimed that besides generating 80 per cent of the electricity it uses, MTN had committed N16 billion to various projects in Nigeria through its MTN Foundation and paid N1.6 trillion tax in 14 years. He further claimed that funds moved out of Nigeria were MTN’s dividends done in line with due process.

But Moolman’s submission was in contradiction to the presentation of Mr. Pascal Dozie, Chairman of Diamond Bank, who denied the allegation of illegal repatriation by MTN, arguing that MTN had invested $16 billion in Nigeria within 16 years.

He said the money imported to Nigeria was done in three tranches as he insisted that the allegation by the Senate “was completely false.”

According to him, when MTN came to Nigeria, it offered 40 per cent shares to Nigerians while it took the other 60 per cent only to find out that it was difficult to get Nigerians to invest 12 per cent of the 40 per cent offer. He added that MTN had to bring other investors before it could secure 25 per cent of the offer.

Dozie further said it was these Nigerians who constituted Celtelecom adding that a conversion of Celtelecom investment was done in 2007 through its bankers with CBN approval as he exonerated Enelamah, saying he was not a shareholder in MTN but only a director of Celtelecom and CEO of Capital Alliance which he said midwived the Celtelecom.

But Melaye countered him as he displayed a form signed

by Enelamah on February 7, 2008 for repatriation of funds, with a CCI form attached the same day investment was said to have been made in Nigeria, as he queried: “Is it possible to invest in Nigeria same day and repatriate funds same day?”

Melaye also confronted Dozie and MTN CEO with evidences that whereas CCI was supposed to have been issued within 24 hours before repatriation, such CCIs were not issued until five years later as he dismissed Dozie’s claim that Nigerian laws were not flouted in the process.

“The law says CCI should be issued in 24 hours but CCIs were issued five years after. Is that not a contravention?” he queried.

Melaye also said he had information that whereas CBN approved only 13 CCIs, Stanbic IBTC only had issued over 300 CCIs without containing the necessary information it ought to contain.

But CBN in its submission said it only approved CCIs beyond the 24-hour stipulation when it was obvious that banks could

CAPACITY-BUILDING

L-R: Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Mrs. Sola David-Borha; Eco-entrepreneur and Managing Director, AgriProtein, Jason Drew; Lagos State Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Funmilola Olusanya; and Chief Executive Officer, John Deere Financials, Jason Brantley; at the Stanbic IBTC 2016 Business Leadership Series in Lagos....yesterday not issue the document within the stipulated time.

In his submission, Managing Director of Diamond Bank and son of Dozie, Uzoma, said the bank had issued some CCIs to MTN as he admitted that the bank had been involved in repatriation of funds by MTN but added that such repatriations were “carried out with appropriate documentation,” adding: “None was repatriated without genuine CCIs.” Also speaking, the CEO of Stanbic IBTC, Olayinka Sani, who evaded questions directly put to him, said his bank was ready to co-operate with the committee in its investigation adding that it had represented MTN in various capacities since the company opened an account with the bank.

Also, the Managing Director of Citibank, Akin Daodu, said the bank had never been involved in any illegal repatriation of funds as he disclosed that Citibank had issued 46 CCIs on behalf of MTN so far.

But in view of Daodu’s claim, Melaye drew his attention to the document his bank had earlier submitted to the committee where it had stated that “MTN didn’t request for CCI’s to be issued until more than the 24 hours,” required to issue the CCIs. Against this background, he could no longer

defend the claim he earlier made moreso that Melaye reminded him that he was making his submissions under oath.

In her own submission, the CEO of Standard Chartered Bank, Mrs. Yemi Owolabi, admitted that in most cases when they were contacted for issuance of CCIs by MTN, prevalent circumstances made such issuance impossible within the stipulated time frame.

According to her, such circumstances had always compelled the bank to contact the CBN to explain the difficult circumstances in which it found itself, pointing out that they only issued the documents after securing the go-ahead from the apex bank. “Until we get approval from CBN, we don’t issue CCI,” she added.

Towards the end of the meeting, Moolman reiterated that MTN had not claimed that it had complied with the 24-hour regulation for the issuance of CCI 100 per cent but explained that such developments were dictated by circumstances beyond its control.

At the end of the meeting, Chairman of the committee, Senator Rafiu Ibrahim, urged Dozie to educate Enelamah on how to behave as he warned the minister against getting on Senate’s nerves, insisting that if he thought he could dare the Senate,

the parliament would be forced to invoke its power to force him to appear before the committee.

“We want you to advise him. For him to tell us that he couldn’t wait, I think he was being audacious against the Senate. We as senators expect him to engage the Senate in a more civilised way or else, we ‘ll be forced to invoke our powers,” Ibrahim threatened.

Enelamah had upon his arrival at the commencement of the event, approached the chairman and requested for his leave to attend another engagement which the chairman turned down. But the committee was shocked that Enelamah opted to dare the committee by walking away.

While senators perceived Enelamah’s action to be insolent, some of the individuals present alleged that the minister might have deliberately opted to avoid making submissions before the committee.

However, Enelamah has reiterated that he is not involved in any wrong-doing, with regard to the MTN saga.

According to a statement from the minister’s office last night and signed by the Director of Press, Greene Anosike, the minister said: “Enelamah served as CEO of Capital Alliance Nigeria Ltd (CANL) between 1998 and 2015. CANL is a wholly

owned subsidiary of African Captial Alliance (ACA), an Africa focused private equity firm with investments in carefully selected companies within and outside Nigeria, including MTN Nigeria “A fund managed by ACA, alongside other minority shareholders, invested in MTN Nigeria through Celtelecom.

Enelamah was never the ‘owner’ of Celtelecom, neither was he ever a Celtelecom shareholder.

Instead, he was a director of the company representing the ACA Managed fund.

“Investors do not have responsibility for remittance of proceeds from the company they are invested in. Therefore, at no time was Enelamah in a position to transfer funds out of Nigeria on behalf of MTN Nigeria, and at no time did he transfer any funds out of Nigeria on behalf of MTN Nigeria. As it relates to Celtelecom’s investment in MTN Nigeria, it is important to note that the entire process for applying for and using Certificate of Capital Importation (CCIs) was done

by MTN Nigeria.

“All the allegations against the minister therefore, are baseless and without merit.”

Jonathan Congratulates Ekwueme at 84 Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has congratulated Second Republic Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, who clocks 84 today.

In a letter of felicitation to Ekwueme, Jonathan described the former vice president as a foremost architect whose professional footprints are etched on many monuments across the nation.

Jonathan further commended Ekwueme for what he described

as his focused and broad-based disposition to governance in the Second Republic.

In a statement issued by Ikechukwu Eze, Jonathan’s media aide, the former president said further: “Your Excellency, I wish to join your family and other well wishers to congratulate you on your 84th birthday. Long life in good health is an abiding grace from God, and I am pleased that His kindness is upon you.

“You deserve such favours because you are a national icon who have contributed so much to Nigerian’s development and the growth of democracy in our dear country. As a Vice President, your peaceful, focused and broad-based disposition to governance stood you out in the Second Republic.

“It is gratifying to note that as a statesman, you played a crucial role in the successful return of

our dear nation to democracy, after long years of military rule.

“You also made key contributions to the effort towards forging the pillars for Nigeria’s geo-political stability.

“As a foremost and distinguished architect you achieved international acclaim, but we are glad that your professional footprints are etched on many monuments across the nation.”

56

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

Mamora, Oguntade, Tallen Make Ambassadorial List Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja Former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly and twoterm senator, Senator Olorunninmbe Mamora, former Supreme Court justice, George Oguntade and former Plateau State Deputy Governor, Pauline Tallen, were among the 46 ambassadorial nominees whose names were sent to the Senate yesterday by President Muhammadu Buhari for confirmation.

The list, as read by Senate President Bukola Saraki, contained only non-career diplomats and thus bringing the number of ambassadorial nominees sent to the Senate so far to 93. The president had earlier in June sent the names of 47 career diplomats to the Senate for confirmation. However, even though the nominees

were screened in July, they are yet to be confirmed by the Senate.

The full list of non-career ambassadorial nominees as read by Saraki yesterday are Dr. (Mrs) Uzoma E. Emenike (Abia); Dr. Clifford Zirra (Adamawa); Maj. Gen. Godwin G. Umo (Rtd) (Akwa Ibom); Christopher J.N. Okeke (Anambra); Yusuf Tugar (Bauchi); Baba Madugu (Bauchi); Brig Gen. Stanley Diriyai (Bayelsa); Dr. Enyantu ifenne (Benue); Mohammed Hayatuddeen (Borno) and Dr. Etubom N.E. Asuquo (Cross River).

Others are Mr. Francis Efeduma (Delta), Mr. Jonah M. Odo (Ebonyi), Uyagwe Igbe (Edo), Ayodele L. Ayodeji (Ekiti), Maj. Gen. Chris Eze (Enugu), Alhaji Suleiman Hassan (Gombe), Amin Muhammad Dalhatu (Jigawa), Muhammad Yaro (Kaduna), Deborah S. Aliya (Kaduna), Prof.

Patience Jonathan Sues SERAP, Details How She Made $15m Former First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, has explained how she accumulated in 15 years $15million in several bank accounts linked to her by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The explanation was given in the court papers filed by a group that has sued Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) on her behalf.

SERAP had filed a suit in court to compel the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) to take a legal action against Mrs. Jonathan.

Union of Niger Delta Youth Organisation for Equity, Justice and Good Governance suing for themselves and on behalf of Mrs Jonathan filed a suit number FHC/L/CS/1349/2016 before a Federal High Court in Lagos, alleging “campaign of calumny by SERAP against her.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in the documents, the plaintiff said:“The funds in question were legitimate gifts from her friends and wellwishers over the last 15 years which she had been saving in order to utilise to upgrade family businesses and concerns which had been somewhat dormant by reason of the long period of her husband service as a public officer in Nigeria.

“The gifts were given in small contributions by several persons some of whom she cannot even now recall over this period of 15 years sometimes in as small a gift as N250,000. In order to preserve the value of these funds which she did not require for any purpose at the time she changed them into foreign exchange and kept them as cash for a long period in her home safe in Port Harcourt and Abuja.

“It was when the family home in Otuoke was burnt down by hoodlums under the instigation

of political adversaries in 2010 that she began to think about banking these gifts which had now grown to large sums in United States dollars. In 2010 she therefore summoned one of her husband’s domestic aides, Waripamo-Owei Emmanuel Dudafa to assist her in opening bank accounts into which the funds could be deposited.

“Unknown to her the said Dudafa in a bid to be discreet about the owner of the funds decided to bank the funds in the names of companies owned by him. When she discovered this she was constrained to continue with the names of the companies when she was advised that it did not make any difference as to the ownership of the funds since the director of the company would appoint her as sole signatory to the accounts in question.”

“When in 2016 Dudafa was arrested and detained she had no fear for the funds as she realized that the funds could not be attributable to him once it was discovered that she was the sole signatory to the said accounts. It was therefore a rude shock to her when she discovered that a no transaction order had been placed on the accounts by the EFCC in the belief that the funds belonged to Dudafa.

“She instructed her solicitors to further write to the EFCC to inform them that the funds belong to her and that they formed a part of her legitimate earnings over the last 15 years. It was this letter that was leaked by the EFCC to the media that became sensationalised and led to the plaintiff’s vilification and attack by ignorant persons who had no information about the matter.”

D. Abduikadir (Kano), Alh. Haruna Ungogo (Kano), Justice lsa Dodo (Katsina), Dr.Usman Bugaje (Katsina), Professor Tijjani Bande (Kebbi), Prof Y. O. Aliu (Kogi), Nuruddeen Mohamed (Kwara), Prof. Mohamed G. Yisa (Kwara), Justice George Adesola Oguntade (Lagos), Senator Olorunimbe

Mamora (Lagos) and Mrs. Modupe Irele (Lagos).

Also on the list are Musa Ilu Muhammad (Nasarawa), Mohammad Ibeto (Niger), Mr. Ade Asekun (Ogun), Mr. Sola Iji (Ondo), Adegboyega A. Ogunwusi (Ondo), Rtd. Major Gen. Ashimiyu A. Olaniyi (Oyo), PauIine Tallen (Plateau), Dr.

Haruna Bawa Abduuahi (Plateau), Orji Ngofa (Rivers), Justice Sylvanus Adiewere Nsofor (Rivers), Jamila Ahmadu-Suka (Sokoto), Hon. Kabiru Umar (Sokoto), Alh. Mustafa Jami (Taraba), Goni Modu Zanna Bura (Yobe), Alh. Garba Gajam (Zamfara), Cpt. Abdul|ahi Uba Garbasi (Zamfara).

However, after Saraki read the list, Senator Philip Aduda (FCT), protested the non-inclusion of any nominee from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), describing it as unfair as he insisted that the federal government must revisit the case of FCT in the spirit of fairness and equity.

GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY

Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade, performing the groundbreaking ceremony of the Nigerian Army Post Service Housing Estate in Ayade Mega City, Tinapa, Calabar...yesterday. With him are the state Deputy Governor, Professor Ivara Esu (first left)l and Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (third right) with other senior military officers

BENIN KINGDOM CROWNS NEW MONARCH, OBA EWUARE II ancestors,” the vice-president said.

He also congratulated the new Oba, saying: “All those who know you are convinced that you will discharge your responsibilities with great wisdom and integrity that your great ancestors have always displayed.

“On behalf of the president and Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria I congratulate you on this historic occasion and assure you of support, especially the Royal Destiny Forum for youth employment and poverty alleviation that you have set up.”

In his address, Oba Ewuare II said the event marked the end of activities prescribed by custom and tradition for his ascension to the revered throne of the ancient Kingdom of Benin.

He said he accepted with faith and humility the destiny which had been ordained upon him and shall be the embodiment and expression of the culture, aspirations and history of the people.

He noted that as the principle actor in the events of several months that led to this awesome position, he has had a unique opportunity to reflect on the values and essence of “our historical continuum, what royalty represents to our people as justice, peace and unity”.

These details, he promised, shall be reawakened, and would be sustained in the dispensation that would soon unfold.

“The time-tested, rancour-free succession process bequeathed

to us in our customs and tradition is a great tribute to the far-sightedness and wisdom of our forefathers and our people.

“This collective achievement is a veritable proof of our ability to manage our own affairs. It makes us proud of our heritage,” he stated.

Oba Ewuare II paid tribute to his late father and mother whom he described in glowing terms, noting that he enjoyed and benefited from the fatherly love and wisdom of his father more than anyone else, just as he paid tribute to his father’s visionary leadership, courage and dedication to the protection of the cultural heritage by ensuring that the legacy of several centuries were preserved.

On his late mother, who passed on before his father was crowned in 1979, he promised to immortalise her by bestowing her with the title “Iyoba” (Queen Mother), which custom allows to be conferred posthumously and would be conducted at the appropriate time.

According to him, since the Oba’s stool remains the channel through which the powers of the ancestors continue to guide and protect the kingdom and its people, he promised to discharge that sacred responsibility, as well as pay due attention to all matters of custom and tradition, while also focusing on the issues of security, welfare and development for the people.

He also pointed out the need to carry out reforms in the palace’s administration in order to be more responsive to

the people’s sincere and deep longing for justice, equity and stability by ensuring that conflicts are resolved between individuals, families and communities along the principles of social justice.

Oba Ewuare II promised to forge links with other traditional institutions in Nigeria, Africa and beyond, and initiate a cultural renaissance that would focus on tourism promotion through arts and crafts.

To drive this initiative, he said there were already in place two special purpose vehicles: the Benin Royal Dynasty Trust which will in collaboration with the Benin Traditional Council, establish a foundry or two in the Igun Eronmwon Quarters to enhance the productivity of the Bronze Casters’ Guild.

The other, he said, was the establishment of the Benin Royal Academy for Performing Arts that will train youths and develop their talents.

In this regard, the academy will reach out to international choreographers in different parts of the world to transform Benin dance drama into an international brand.

He pointed out that through these initiatives, he hoped to attract tourism to the land and provide jobs for the teeming youths, as well as seek partnership for the restoration of the Benin movement including reviving the creative and artistic talents on Bini, which according to him, are already acknowledged globally.

The monarch, who thanked those who played one role or

the other towards his coronation, also used the opportunity to unveil a new crest with his motto: “Amamieson Aimiuwa, Osakhue No Khuodin”, meaning: No reward without industry, God protests the defenceless.

Earlier in his address during the presentation of staff of office to Oba Ewuare II, Oshiomhole described the ceremony as a celebration of Benin and Edo State culture, saying that the new Oba has all it takes to fit into the big shoes left by his father.

Dignitaries at the event included the governors of Gombe, Osun and Oyo States; deputy governors of Edo and Imo States; and traditional rulers comprising the Sultan of Sokoto, Emir of Kano, Obi of Onitsha and Olu of Water, among others.

Also present were the representatives of the Queen of England, members of the diplomatic corps, Edo State governor-elect, Godwin Obaseki, Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and captains of industry.

Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has congratulated the New Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, on his successful coronation .

In a congratulatory message, Wike wished the new Oba of Benin, a peaceful and prosperous reign on the throne of his forefathers .

He prayed God to grant the Oba of Benin the good health and wisdom to lead the Benin Kingdom to greater heights.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016 • T H I S D AY

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NEWSXTRA

$406.75m Oil Theft: Absence of Judge Stalls FG’s Suit against Shell Davidson Iriekpen A Federal High Court Lagos yesterday fixed December 8 to hear a suit by the federal government, against Shell Western Supply & Trading Ltd, over alleged crude oil theft.

The suit numbered FHC/L/ CS/336/16, was filed by the counsel to the government, Prof. Fabian Ajogwu (SAN).

It has as defendants, Shell Petroleum Development.

Company of Nigeria Ltd and its subsidiary, Shell Western Supply & Trading Ltd. The suit is pending before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun.

The suit which had earlier been fixed for yesterday, could not proceed following the absence of the trial judge.

No reason was given for her absence.

A new date, December 8 was however, fixed as new date for hearing of the suit.

Meanwhile, the plaintiff has filed a motion to amend its statement of claim, and is yet to move same before the court.

In the suit, the federal government is claiming the sum of $406.7 million, from the defendants, representing the shortfall of money paid by it, into the federal government account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The money was said to be for crude oil lifted in 2013 and 2014.

In a supporting affidavit, the federal government had accused the Anglo-Dutch company of not declaring or under-declaring crude oil shipments during the period.

It said this followed forensic analysis of bills of laden and shipping documents, adding that Shell cheated Nigeria of the revenue.

According to the affidavit, the consortium of experts tracked the global movements of the country’s hydrocarbons, including crude oil and gas.

They identified the companies engaged in the practices that led to missing revenues from crude oil and gas export sales to different

parts of the world.

They also revealed discrepancies in the export records from Nigeria with the import records at US ports.

The plaintiff averred that the undeclared shipments between January 2013 and December 2014 brought the total value of the entire shortfall to $406.75 million.

The defendants were said to have failed to respond to a federal government letter through its legal representative, seeking clarification as to the discrepancies.

The federal government is therefore, seeking a court order to compel the two companies to pay $406.75 million, being the total value of the missing

revenue and interest payment at 21 per cent per annum.

In addition, the government is also asking Shell to pay general exemplary damages in the sum of $406.75 million as well as the cost of the legal action.

The federal government had also sued Chevron, Total and Agip, in a similar case before

the court.

It is asking for a total of $12.7 billion over alleged non-declaration of 57 million barrels of crude shipped to the US between 2011 and 2014.

They are among 15 oil majors targeted by the government for the recovery of $17 billion in deprived revenue.

Customs Boss Sacks 29 Senior Officers for Corruption James Emejo in Abuja Citing corruption and various acts of gross misconduct, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) yesterday said it has relieved 29 senior officers of their duties.

It said the dismissed officers are among 44 senior officers who were punished for actions capable of compromising national economy and security.

Ten other officers were retired from service, while the appointment of one officer was terminated.

Also affected in the purge were four officers who were however, given written warnings to be of better conduct while another four officers who were investigated and tried for some offences were exonerated.

THISDAY gathered that four of the officers who got the hammer were of the rank of Deputy-Comptroller of Customs, while five others were Assistant-Comptroller as well as seven Chief Superintendents of Customs and four Superintendents among others.

The move was in keeping with the warning of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hammed Ali (rtd) who had at his assumption of office made it clear that the service would not compromise on corruption and indiscipline among the officers corps.

Following his stance on corruption, the structure and process for investigation of offences was strengthened to handle cases reported promptly and professionally.

The CGC had at a management meeting convened to consider the report of the disciplinary committee which investigated the cases said: “We will give all officers fair hearing in line with the principle of natural justice. We will however

insist that sanctions be punitive, not only to match the offence committed, but to serve as deterrent to others.”

A statement issued by the Customs Deputy Comptroller/ Public Relations Officer, Mr. Wale The Students Association of Loyola Jesuit College, Abuja, during their visit to the Abuja Office of THISDAY Newspapers..... .Kingsley Adeboye Adeniyi, said all affected officers yesterday… were given fair hearing.

It said: “The process leading to the actions taken on the officers was painstaking in line with the Public Service Rules (PSR). All the officers were served with queries indicating offences Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja offshore.” committed, before they made creation policy, investment Berger and Exxon Mobil had It also frowned at the drive and economic recovery laid off over 10,000 employees. appearances before the Special The Senate yesterday expressed regulation of the sector by plans.

Investigation Committee. The In his remark, Senate grave concern over the Federal Airports Authority Committee’s recommendation He, however, expressed hope President Bukola Saraki continuous exit of some foreign of Nigeria (FAAN) in foreign that the current steps being emphasised the need for was discussed and approved airlines in Nigeria as well as currency as it charged taken by the government to the Central Bank of Nigeria by the customs management. the suspension of operations the agency to henceforth address the problem through (CBN) to avert the suffering “The recommendation by others, saying the trend will denominate all local charges its policy directives such of the masses by putting was thereafter referred to the further compound the plights in local currency in accordance as concession and special machinery in place to forestall presidency for ratification, in the of troubled Nigerians. with the laws of the land. absence of a substantive board arrangements would save further suspension of airlines’ The parliament therefore The resolutions were the the sector from collapse. for the Nigeria Customs Service. operations. said it supported the move aftermath of a motion moved All the officers affected in the He insisted that the Also yesterday, the Senate by the government to by Senator Dino Melaye (Kogi government was duty bound finally passed the North-east exercise have been communicated promptly intervene in the crisis West) in which he lamented to make the welfare of citizens Development Commission accordingly. bedevilling the aviation sector what he described as emerging its main priority through Bill which empowers the The Comptroller-General “with a view to saving the challenges in the aviation “sustainable warned officers that punitive programme federal government to set up traveling masses from greater sector as a result of the current of intervention and policy a commission to rebuild the sanctions would continue to be hardship and reduce the economic recession. used to discipline officers who direction that will put the North-east region following its ongoing suffering occasioned Melaye said the development industry back on the course devastation by Boko Haram refuse to embrace change.” by these challenges.” had resulted in foreign airlines of growth.”

Continuing, the statement insurgents.

It also urged the federal such as United, Iberia, Emirates said: “Officers affected in this Supporting the motion, The Senate also included government to ensure that it and Kenyan Airlines either Senate Minority Leader, Kano and Plateau States on exercise were investigated secures commitments from suspending or withdrawing Godswill Akpabio, blamed the list of states to benefit for involvement in improper the airlines billed to benefit their operations from the the situation on government’s from the rebuilding plans examination and release of from government’s special country. containers without proper poor monetary policy, arguing despite their locations in intervention that they will According to him, the that any policy that is not North-west and North-central documentation and payment of duties, illegal release of goods not indiscriminately increase crisis had the tendency to predicated on security and respectively. airfares and simultaneously make life more difficult for welfare of the people is a in advance before the arrival The decision to include ensure that ticket pricing ordinary Nigerians whom failure. of vessels, collection of bribe Kano and Plateau in the remains competitive “within he said had been grappling to release prohibited items, He warned against handling rebuilding plan followed the regional market indicators.” with the adverse effects of the the matter with non-challant a protest by Senator Rabiu release of export prohibitions, The Senate also advised current economic recession as attitude, observing that if the Kwankwaso (Kano Central) fraudulent sale of seized items, the government to scrutinise he blamed the suspension or matter is not promptly nipped that the two states were use of fake certificates and the currency management withdrawal of operations by in the bud, it will result in several times attacked by bribery to secure auctioned systems and consequently the airlines on their inability airlines’ inability to maintain the insurgents. goods.” save the country “from to obtain forex to fund their their aircraft and consequently Only last week, 17 Junior The bill provides that the officers were similarly dismissed further divestments and operations. resulting in air crashes. commission should be located business failures in order to Melaye said the implications from the service for offences Besides air crashes, he said in Maiduguri, the Borno State save Nigerian workers and of this development were grave the trend would result in mass capital and funded by 3 per like bribery, drug addiction, their families the implication on the economy especially loss of jobs as he recalled how cent of the federation’s value use of fake certificates and of Nigerian businesses going in terms of its impact on job organisations such as Julius added tax (VAT). absence from duty.

FUTURE LEADERS

Senate Laments Exit of Foreign Airlines, Asks FG to Live up to Its Responsibility

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

Power Sector Revenue Shortfall Now N809bn all is N38bn Debt to NIPPs now N105bn, Discos monthly shortf Banks reportedly shying away from lending to sector

Chineme Okafor in Abuja The total financial shortfall of Nigeria’s electricity market has reached N809 billion and may add up by the end of 2016, operators in the market yesterday disclosed.

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Chiedu Ugbo, and Executive Director of the Association of Nigeria’s Electricity Distributors (ANED), Azu Obiaya, said the country’s electricity sector is currently under a very serious liquidity crisis that could undermine its progress.

Ugbo and Obiaya spoke at the October edition of the Nextier Power Dialogue in Abuja. They explained that the sector was in a dire straits and needs urgent policy intervention.

Obiaya who spoke from the Discos perspective, stated that the combination of regulatory decisions taken by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on the deployment of a cost reflective tariff, huge debts owed by government agencies as well as customers’ push-back on the electricity tariff have contributed to the huge shortfalls recorded by the market.

He said the Discos now record an average monthly shortfall of N38 billion, while debt owed by the government for energy supplied to its ministries and departments had as at July 2016 increased to N53 billion.

According to him, the revenue shortfalls of the Discos could reach N309 billion by the end of 2016, and that high

demand customers like the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) do not pay bills based on the MYTO 2015 model.

He stated that the current situation of poor revenue collection due to prevalent payment defaults has been encouraged by Nigeria’s indecision on what economic philosophy it wants to adopt for the power sector, adding that the sector has continued to run on a tariff that is not cost reflective.

Obiaya also stated that with the current market situation, banks have been reluctant to lend funds to Discos for capital injection.

“From the period of November 1 to December 2014, MYTO 2.0 was not cost reflective and as a result of that we have a revenue shortfall of N298 billion as at December 2014.

“There has to be a boundary between economic efficiency and social welfare, either we elect as a government to be socialist or a capitalist,” he added.

ObiayaHe explained that the decision of NERC to freeze a class of consumers tariff in 2015, cancel collection losses amongst other regulatory decisions and the country’s economic challenges have also compounded the situation.

Speaking on the financial and operational challenges of the NDPHC in its eight power stations that generate and transmit about 1700 megawatts (MW) of electricity into the national grid, Ugbo said their challenges are quite similar to what other generation companies experience, and

House Frowns at Non-challance of Oil Firms to N’Delta Development Damilola Oyedele in Abuja The House of Representatives has frowned at what it said is lack of commitment from oil companies operating in the Niger Delta, to the infrastructural development of the region.

This is as it resolved to amend the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Act to ensure inclusion of representatives of oil companies in the board, for effective participation and enhanced remittances to the development of the region.

The House Committees on NDDC, and Local Content were therefore directed to liaise with oil firms operating in the region, and relevant government agencies to work out a framework for developmental partnership.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Ntufam Eta Mbora (Cross River PDP) who harped on the need for oil firms to help the region develop critical infrastructure.

He lamented that oil producing communities in the region were over-whelmed by the refusal of oil firms to execute corporate social responsibilities commensurate with the impact of oil exploration in

the region.

“There is blunt refusal of major oil ventures in the Niger Delta region, e,g. Agip, Shell Development Corportaion, Schlumberger, Samsung, Moni Pulo Petroleum Development, Addax Petroleum Development Nigeria Limited, etc to partner NDDC and Niger Delta Ministry in the development of the region.

“The convenient use of helicopters and service boats by these oil ventures to their area of operations and explorations may also be responsible for the lack of commitment in the discharge of their corporate social responsibilities thereby, having less concern to develop roads linking affected communities and operational locations,” he added.

The lawmaker lamented the state of the roads in the region, most of which he said become impassable during the rains.

He however conceded that there has been some skeletal intervention by the oil firms in education, agriculture, skill acquisition and health amenities, but noted that the impassable roads make it difficult for the people to access the interventions.

that up to N105.235 billion is owed to the NIPPs so far by the market as unpaid cost of energy supplied.

“Since Olorunsogo which was the very first to come into the grid in January 2011 to August 2016, the total energy invoiced by the eight operational power plants amounted to N235 billion, out of that about 55.3 per cent of the invoice is what has been paid because at the initial stage before the interim period we were getting significant payments and after the interim period, there was also significant payment by the Discos,” Ugbo said.

He gave a breakdown of the company’s transaction with the market, saying: “So, we have about 44.7 per cent total in debt. We got a tiny percentage from the CBN

intervention - N8 billion, that is why the oustanding debt is a bit reduced. But as I speak today, as at August which was the last invoice, we were owed by the market about N105 billion, and it is not imaginary but based on the invoice as settled by the entity saddled with the responsibility to do that and that is the Market Operator.

“The Market Operator settlement process shows we are owed N105.235 billion as at today. Just to take us back to history, in 2011, we invoiced N8.2 billion; in 2012, we invoiced N21.9 billion; 2013 - N46.9 billion; 2014 - N51.3 billion; 2015 - N62.4 billion and 2016 - N44.6 billion, and that is the total of N235.4 billion.

“Of these invoices, in 2011, we got 39 per cent, 2012 we got 26 per cent, 2013 we got

62 per cent, 2014 we got 72 per cent of the invoice, 2015 we got 62 and 38 per cents in 2016. It keeps going down in 2016, and for the June invoice, we got about 18.5 per cent and 19 per cent in July.”

Ugbo further said: “Very soon, we might run out of money and that means that about 500 people will not have jobs. For the legacy period, we received about N30.58 billion, for the interim rule period, w3 received N15 billion and for the Transitional Electricity Market period, we received N59 billion.

“When you compare this to our operational expenses, you will see that we are already in trouble. From the collections, our gas bill in January and February N3.8 billion, March was N3.4 billion. There is no month we have a gas bill less that N2.4

billion. The total we owe for gas now is about N42.207 billion.”

He said the liquidity affects the NDPHC such that it is not able to fully utilise its available generation capacities because of the lack of gas.

The managing director of the NDPHC also said because of the challenges, the company records significant plant idle time at their locations.

“We have low productivity and inability to meet obligations.

This company is owned by the three tiers of government and they have made investments and should expect returns on their investments but we are yet to post any returns to the governments because of the lack of liquidity in the sector. As a going concern, this is challenging us. Are we able to continue to do business in the sector?” he askeds.

TOWARDS A BETTER NIGER DELTA

L:R: Executive Director of Partnership Initiatives for the Niger Delta (PIND), Sam Daibo; Nollywood Actresses, Hilda Dokubo; and Monalisa Chinda; and the Programme Director of PIND, Dr. Dara Akala, at the 2016 Niger Delta Development Forum in Owerri, Imo State...Wednesday

Fani-Kayode Raises the Alarm over EFCC Threat to Rearrest Him Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Former Minister of Aviation and ex-spokesman of President Goodluck Jonathan’s campaign council in 2015, Femi FaniKayode, has again raised fears of his imminent re-arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a statement issued yesterday, Fani-Kayode said the EFCC was planning to arrest him probably at the premises of the Federal High Court in Lagos after he appeared there on October 21 in pursuance of his court case.

“I have been reliably informed by my sources within the EFCC that they are planning to re-arrest and detain me again for as long as possible even though I have been granted bail by the Federal High Court in Lagos,” he said.

Also, in another statement issued by Fani-Kayode’s Special Assistant on media, Jude Ndukwe, he took a swipe at the position taken by former spokesman of the defunct Congress for Progressives Change (CPC), Rotimi Fashakin, describing it as “nothing but a product of masturbatory ejaculation emanating from

his frustration of an unfulfilled desire and life-long fantasy of being in President Muhammadu Buhari’s government but was understood to be ignored by the president.”

Fani-Kayode’s statement reads: “Fresh charges were filed against me by the EFCC at the Federal High Court in Abuja on July 7. These charges border on baseless and false claims that I received N26 million from the NSA’s office in 2014. These are politically-motivated charges and there is no truth in or substance to them whatsoever.

“The case has been assigned to a judge and the date for arraignment has been set for November 10 before Justice Tsoho of the Federal High Court in Abuja. My lawyers were in court for the original date of arraignment on October 14 but for some curious reasons the EFCC did not show up on that day.

“The matter was therefore adjourned till November 10 and my lawyers have given an undertaking to the judge to ensure that I am in court on that day. They have also written to the EFCC to that effect and our letter was acknowledged

by them.

“Yet the EFCC is still planning to arrest me probably at the premises of the Federal High Court in Lagos if I appear there on October 21 to attend my trial on the trumped up and politically-motivated charges concerning the presidential campaign funds.

“If they do arrest me then they seek to detain me for as long as possible. Whichever way, they will come and I am ready for them. I am not running.

“The truth is that the EFCC is a ready, willing and able tool in the hands of the hawks and hardliners in the Buhari administration and they are apparently acting on orders.

They are desperate to keep me out of circulation and off the streets and I have been reliably informed that they were ordered to ensure that that is the case by the presidency.

“That is their stock in trade and they will feed the media with all manner of garbage knowing that I am not there to defend myself, to set the record straight or to expose their fabrications.

“That is their way. That is their style. They will say

and do anything to demonise, humiliate, destroy, convict me on the pages of newspapers and detain indefinitely (with the aid of questionable detention orders from equally questionable magistrates and judges) those that they hate and all their perceived enemies.”

According to him, “I urge all those who believe in me, read my essays, follow my posts and share my vision and views to stay strong, to keep the flag flying, to fight a good fight and to never give up or falter despite the tyranny that we face and the fascists that we are confronted with.

“They may have today but tomorrow belongs to us. In the end our God will rise up in His power and in His might and He will rid us of this evil and this terrible and accursed affliction.

“In the end, despite all their lies, falsehood, misrepresentation, malevolence, malice and vicious persecution, we shall prevail because our God is mighty. Therefore stand tall, stand strong and have no fear. For though the night may be dark, joy comes in the morning.”

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016 • T H I S D AY

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NEWSEXTRA

Buhari Condoles with Saro-Wiwa’s Wife on the Phone He was a patriot, humanist, says Atiku

Tobi Soniyi in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has consoled with the widow of the environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa Jr, assuring her that the family is not alone in mourning the passage of the illustrious son of Ogoni land.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said Buhari called the wife of the deceased on the telephone yesterday.

Adesina said while consoling the widow and her children, Buhari enjoined them to take solace in the knowledge that their late husband and father lived to see the beginning of the restoration of the devastated ecosystem of Ogoni land – a struggle which he had inherited from his late father, Ken Saro-Wiwa.

Buhari urged the widow to remain emotionally strong and resilient at this sad period in the life of the family, stressing that Ken Saro-Wiwa Jr did not die in vain, as his earthly exploits would remain evergreen in national consciousness.

The president’s telephone call followed his condolence message on Wednesday, in which he extolled the

achievements of the late author and journalist.

Meanwhile, former Vice President, Atiku Abubabar, has described the sudden death of Ken Saro-Wiwa Jr. as a loss of a cultured budding national future leader, patriotic global pen pusher and a humanist with a heart of gold.

Atiku, in a condolence message issued in Abuja by his Media Office yesterday, expressed shock and anguish at the demise of the cerebral activist at barely age 48.

“Ken Saro-Wiwa Jnr. was a suave, urbane and humane gentleman who fought injustice and inequity with scholarly augment and logical polemics. He chose the path of debate and jaw-jaw to

redress wrongdoings to his people, rather than recourse to violence,” Atiku says.

According to the Turaki Adamawa, Saro-Wiwa Jnr. was “a lettered-man whose lifespan though short-lived has evergreen achievements nationally and internationally; especially in the spheres of journalism and human cum environmental rights activism.

He dedicated his life to the service of the Nigerian nation.”

While praying for the repose of the soul of Ken Jnr. in eternity, Atiku also commiserated with bereaved Nigerians at home and abroad particularly members of his nuclear and extended family, and the government and people of Rivers State.

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

As Local Rice Production Booms, FG to End Importation in 12 Months Crusoe Osagie and Obinna Chima With the gradual extension of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) to 26 states in the country, the federal government yesterday disclosed its plan to end the importation of rice in the next one year.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, said this during an assessment tour to the Coscharis Farms Limited which has nearly 3,000 hectares of land cultivate different varieties of rice in Anambra State.

This is just as the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, confirmed that a total of N15.7 billion had been disbursed under the ABP. Continuing, Ogbeh stressed that unless Nigeria is able to feed itself, the country cannot be said to be truly independent.

According the food importation bill of the country which stands at between $2 and $3 billion which is unacceptable.

“This is amazing, I have seen similar things in Kebbi and I can see this big one (the rice farm), and I am very proud

of Coscharis and the effort the Anambra State governor is making to support him. In another one year, we will have no need to import one grain of rice into this country.

“In fact we may stop rice importation sooner than that. It is final word I am telling you, because Nigerians have proven that they can do it and I am proud that I can see this thing in Anambra State. Because people who don’t know the state do not even know what potential exist for agriculture.”

Emefiele however, said the central bank was spurred to raise its support to the agriculture sector because the country ran into a situation where its reserves had been badly depleted.

The central bank governor wondered why Nigeria, despite its vast arable land would continue to import rice, tomatoes, and even milk.

He said 26 states have shown interest in the ABP, adding that the Ministry of Finance as well as officials of the CBN are currently on assessment tour of the state that had shown interest in the project which is aimed at ensuring that Nigeria

becomes self sufficient in food.

Furthermore, he said the Kebbi State governor, the state where the pilot phase of the ABP was carried out, had been mandated by President Muhammadu Buhari to head all the state governors that would be involved in the ABP. Emefiele explained: “We have been importing milk for over 60 years. There is a company that has been producing milk for 60 years, and I say it is time those kind of companies began to produce our diary in Nigeria. We like to encourage and congratulate Coscharis. We are congratulating him because this is a man that for over 30 years has been in the business of machines, spare parts, and car importation.

To this end, Emefiele disclosed that the Committee of Governors of CBN on Wednesday gave approval

for Coscharis Farms to set up a mill as well as an irrigation project.

The Chairman of Coscharis Group, Mr. Cosmas Maduka, stated that Coscharis Farm Limited would provide full time employment for about 3,000 people as well as drive ancillary industrial growth in the state when all the phases of the investment are complete.

He said the farm phase of the business currently employs over 250 people, adding that the rice mill and irrigation components of the investment for which the CBN has given approval in principle to finance, will significantly enhance the capacity of the business to create more jobs and boost economic activities.

Maduka however called on other arms of the federal government to be more responsive to requests from the

private sector to enable them achieve their set business goals in good time.

He commended the CBN for agreeing to provide financing for its rice mill and irrigation, while also thanking the Federal Ministry of Agriculture for the decisions to allow the company use its silos for the storage of grains harvested from the farm.

Recalling how he took the decision venture into agriculture, Maduka said the plan began about 29 years ago but only became tangible two years ago, commending governor Willie Obiano for his intervention in the land dispute with the host community which had stalled the venture for almost three decades.

Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State said: “We are hoping to catch up with Kebbi.

We are currently doing 210,000 metric tonnes. We call on CBN

to support Coscharis Farms and other small holder farms because they are structured here. Through the agrointervention funds we got N1.5 million and disbursed it and now we want N5 billion. There is much money in farming- you feed yourself and sell others.”

His Kebbi State counterpart, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar Bagudu, who was also at the event said: “We are happy that since last year when the president launched CBN’s anchor borrowers scheme in Kebbi, the state governments have been keying into the project. This shows that the president’s call, with the support of the Minister of Agriculture and the Central Bank of Nigeria was heard.

With these developments, it is obvious that we are on our way to rice sufficiency.”

Buhari Meeting with N’Delta Leaders Likely to Be Flop, Says Militant Group Okon Bassey in Uyo The Opukurowari-led Niger Delta Avengers has warned that the planned meeting with the selected leaders of the Niger Delta with President Muhammadu Buhari will be a flop because of some of the elders who are closed to the presidency.

“We have discovered without any iota of doubt that so long as there are the likes of the Minister for Transport, Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Brig. Paul Boro (rtd)-, Presidential Adviser, Senator Ita Enang Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly, Dr. Ibe Ikachukwu, Minister of State for Petroleum, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, Hon. Timipre Sylva – former Governor of Bayelsa State at the corridors of the presidency, there shall be no end to this dialogue saga”.

A statement issued yesterday by the group and signed by Rightman Hudson Opukurowari, stressed that the Niger Delta misfortune is the gain of the elders of the region mentioned above.

Okpukurowari in the statement demanded to know those so called leaders who are going to meeting between the federal government and the Niger Delta leaders coming up on October 29, 2016, asking if it is “Selfaggrandizement? federal

government? or who?”

“We expect the federal government with all her inexhaustible wisdom make these Niger Delta leaders lead them to these boys in the creeks they are representing.

“That should be the first prerequisite of their qualification to dialogue on behalf of the boys in the creeks. They don’t represent us.

“Secondly, they should give government a satisfactory road map for a genuine dialogue representing all oil producing communities in Nigeria that may yield a permanent solution to such repetition of restiveness in the region.

“We are concerned because these same persons invited have become federal government dialogue contractors in dialogue matters.

“Niger Delta militancy affairs since the 1990s to date and President Buhari and his APC led Government are telling the world they are not concerned with the recurring trend?

“We hope federal government knows where they are leading us to?

President Buhari, shine your eyes o! o! oh! Nigerians say Fmr. President Jonathan was not in control. Now who is controlling and misleading you? You shall hear from us,” the statement stated.

DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Build Africa, Linda Edwards; former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi; and Chairman, Build Africa Trustees and Dean, Executive Education, Said Business School, University of Oxford, Prof. Andrew White, at the “Build Africa Ball 2016” in London...yesterday

Bi-Courtney Excoriates FAAN Over MMA2 Concession

FAAN has shown complete disregard to constituted authority and the law, says Babalakin The Chairman of the BiCourtney Group, Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN), yesterday said the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has violated and desecrated the principles of the rule of law, failing to comply with court judgments on his company’s concession of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2).

Babalakin said this during his presentation to the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation in Abuja, on ‘The Need to Rescue the Airline Industry from Imminent Collapse’.

In an explosive session that saw dramatic exchanges involving several stakeholders, including FAAN, the Ministry of Aviation and Airport Workers’ Unions, Babalakin insisted that the concession had been very transparent. Making reference to a memorandum earlier

submitted to the panel, titled: ‘The Need to Comply With The Laws of Nigeria’, the famous lawyer declared that “the time has come to bring into the open completely the issue of Bi-Courtney’s concession.”

Speaking on day three of the hearing, he flayed comments attributed at an earlier session to the Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, who has suggested that the concession was not transparent.

“That statement is totally false and anybody making such is not dealing with facts.

“The Minister of Aviation passed adverse statements when he appeared (at this hearing).

We want to state that that is his personal opinion,” Babalakin declared.”

Going into the history of the concession, originally granted to Sanderton Ventures Ltd

(SVL) and later taken over

by Bi-Courtney as reserved bidders after SVL’ failure to deliver, Babalakin accused FAAN of ineptitude in virtually all of its dealings regarding the concession.

“If FAAN is not embarrassed, we feel totally disgraced as Nigerians.”

He stated that FAAN pays N50million per month as damages to Sanderton, noting that this was due to the agency’s failure to defend itself.

Regarding MMA2, Babalakin observed that FAAN’s initial design was grossly inadequate, saying of the one executed by BiCourtney, “we daresay that this design is better than anything that has ever been suggested before. As it is today, we are only utilising 30 per cent of MMA2; 70 per cent is idle.”

He lamented that elements of

the design had so far not been approved, or blocked, including: Hotel and Conferencing facilities, a Mono Rail, Fuel Hydrant and a Power Plant.

This, he suggested, has not enabled the Nigerian Aviation industry to fulfill its potential.

He also reiterated that federal government owes Bi-Courtney N132billionn in damages, for which interests continue to accrue.

“FAAN has shown complete disregard to constituted authority and the laws of Nigeria,” said Babalakin, who noted that the concession has been subject to six appeals by various interests, all won by Bi-Courtney. “It is incongruous, it is primitive to have an operator as a regulator.

FAAN is a regulator competing with the concessionaire,” he declared.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016 • T H I S D AY

61

CRIME&PUNISHMENT Abia Police Nab Three Men for Raping 11-year-old Pupil

Emmanuel Ugwu in Umuahia The police in Abia State have arrested three men for defiling an 11-year-old girl in Amuvi, Arochukwu Local Government Area following the alarm raised by the guardian of the primary four pupil.

The Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, who paraded the randy men, said Chima Ochiabuto, 35, Immaculate Ogbonnaya, 25, and Uche Nwaokoro had “severally took turns to defile the victim” before nemesis caught up with them.

He said after the arrest of the amorous men, their victim was taken to the General Hospital Arochukwu for tests.

The guardian of the victim, Mrs. Chinwendu Ikechukwu,

told journalists that she has been living with her little sister for six months now only for the little girl to fall into the hands of the men who were defiling her at will.

She said one of the suspects had convinced the minor and urged her to be disobedient and provoke her guardian to beat her so that she could use the pretext to run to them any time they wanted to have amorous affairs with the pupil.

According to Mrs. Ikechukwu, her little sister even disappeared for two days while they were looking for their stayed dog and it was after she appeared that she confessed that the suspects had been defiling her Aside from the men involved in defiling a minor, the police

also paraded other suspects for various criminal activities including a gang that specialised in stealing cars parked by the owners, stealing of motor batteries.

The CP lamented the rising cases of university students who get involved in heinous crimes, saying the students no longer engage in just cultism but join criminal gangs that commit violent crimes.

He expressed this concern following the involvement of a university student, one Victor Eborgu, who is the leader of a three-man car-stealing syndicate which included a blacksmith, Chidiebere Nnamezie, who admitted that he had been fabricating “master keys” used by the gang to unlock and steal cars.

Oyebade said the involvement of university students in heinous crime had introduced a worrisome dimension in criminalities in Abia, adding that students had become recurring decimals in the criminal gangs that the police have busted in recent times.

According to him, the gang had stolen a Mercedes Benz 230E car with registration number UMA 134 HR which was stolen on October 9, 2016 at a hotel premises in Aba, adding that the arrest of the suspect also led to the recovery of another stolen Mercedes 230E car with registration number AE 926 AMB. The gang leader said he had stolen four cars which were sold to a buyer in Akwa Ibom State.

In Brief

Suspected Robbers Kill Mimiko’s Aide The Chief Security Officer (CSO) attached to the convoy of Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, Mr. Idowu Oyewole, was in the early hours of yesterday shot dead by suspected armed robbers.

Oyewole, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, 45 and a father of three children, was shot dead during a shootout with robbers around his house at Sango area along Akure-AdoI Ekiti Road in the outskirts of Akure, the state capital. The incident, which had thrown the residents, police authority and family members into mourning, was a subject of discussion around the area as the late officer was described as easy going. According to Dare, the son of the deceased, who narrated the incident to journalists, a neighbour came to their house around 7.30 p.m. when his father was eating and told him that armed robbers had entered their house. Dare said his father took his service pistol and followed the neighbour’s son to his house in order to dislodge the suspected hoodlums. He said the armed robbers on noticing his father with the boy that came to call him, exchanged gunshot with him. According to the boy whose story was corroborated by a neighbours, the officer sustained injury and ran for his live. The neighbour who did not want his name mentioned, said Oyewole ran to his house and told them to lock the door because armed robbers were on the street. The neighbour said they could not locate where the officer was until the morning when they saw his corpse on the ground.

She said it was likely that he was rushing to the nearby hospital and fell on the ground before he could get there as a result of the gunshot. Reacting on the incident the Police Public Relation Officer, Mr. Femi Joseph, confirmed the killing of the officer. Joseph, who said investigations had commenced on the killing of the officer attached to the Mobile Unit of the Force, described Oyeowle as a disciplined and hardworking officer.

Okowa Donates 10 Security Vans to Police

THESE WILL ASSIST YOU TACKLE CRIME

L-R: Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, presenting the keys to the 10 patrol vans to the state Commissioner of Police, Command, Mr. Zanna Ibrahim; in Asaba....yesterday. With is the Secretary to State Government (SSG), Mr, Ovie Agas.

Illegal Bunkering: Soldiers Raze Cars, Accuse Suspect of Bribery Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa Soldiers attached to the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, yesterday set ablaze two cars containing several jerry cans of diesel in Jeremi, Ughelli South.

The troops said they also arrested the culprit, one Mr. Kesiena Oloya, whom they accused of attempting to bribe them with N29,500.

Lt. Cmdr Thomas Otuji, spokesman of the security outfit in the Niger Delta, told journalists that Oloya’s arrest was sequel to the rescue of a kidnap victim, Chief Matron of Ughelli Central Hospital, one Mrs. Patience Abere, who was picked from her residence in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State.

The matron, the JTF said, was abducted by three notorious armed men in her Kia Soul car with registration number AS 609 UGH.

“One of the suspects, Mr. Innocent Egboboh was apprehended while two fled on sighting troops. Two locally made pistols and 3 live cartridges were recovered from the criminals,” Otuji said.

The spokesman added that the soldiers burnt the two vehicles in which the containers of petroleum were conveyed after the suspect attempted to bribe the men of the task force.

“Mr Kesiena Oloya was conveying 35 x 25 litres jerry cans filled with substance suspected to be illegal AGO along Jeremi junction in Ughelli South.

“Items impounded include 2x Vento cars with registration number GB 393 AA, BUR 151 AA and a Nokia mobile phone. The suspect attempted bribing troops with the sum of N29,500.

“He was arrested and handed over to Nigeria Police, ‘A’ Division Headquarters, Ughelli and vehicles set

ablaze,” he said.

Similarly, he said troops of Sector 1 also trailed and arrested suspected kidnappers, one Mr Simon Agbabule and his accomplice at Okwugbude Community in Okpe Local Government Area, Delta State.

“The criminals were on their way to kidnap a victim when troops monitored and swung on them. Items recovered include; 1 x AK 47 rifle, 2 x magazines and 49 x 7.62 millimeters (special) ammunition,” he noted.

The JTF disclosed that troops during ‘static operations’ also arrested one Mr. Salisu Mohammed Zayyan, a driver of a petroleum tanker marked Iveco with inscription of a major petroleum marketer (CONOIL) with registration number, Katsina KNK 151 XA containing 33,000 litres of substance suspected to be illegally refined diesel.

“The truck was intercepted at Otovwodo in Ughelli North

Local Government Area. The Suspect confirmed to have illegally loaded the product from Port Harcourt and was heading to Zamfara State. The way bill indicated CONOIL PMS whereas he was carrying suspected diesel.

During the operation, he said soldiers also intercepted two white Hilux vehicles and another marked WWR 24 AL carrying 8 x 300 litres and 12 x 60 litres of Plastic drums and jerry cans of suspected illegal refined diesel.

“The intention of the occupants of the vehicles as revealed was to evade being checked by troops because of escort tags on the plate number.

“However, troops’ diligence led to their arrest along Kwale Asaba Expressway, Ndokwa West Local Government Area, Delta State. The three occupants arrested suspects purportedly working with Ichoghe Resources Limited are being interrogated,” he said.

As part of activities to checkmate activities of criminals in the state ahead of Christmas celebration, Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has presented 10 Hilux security vans to the police in the state. Speaking during the presentation of the vans to the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Zaina Ibrahim, Okowa disclosed that the security vans were to assist the new special security unit codenamed, “Eagle Net” that was created by the police command in tackling special security challenges in the state. According to him, “We are donating 10 vehicles (Hilux Vans) in the first instance to enable you tackle the identified security flash points in the state.” “This is in line with our decision at the state security council meeting to create a special unit to attend to these security challenges and respond to the needs of our people,” he said, adding, “We will provide more as our finances improve.” The governor reiterated that the state is an investors’ haven and his administration would consolidate on the gains recorded in the area of achieving peaceful co-existence in the state. He asserted, “we are committed to ensuring the security and peace in our state; we thank God that all our security agencies are collaborating with each other to consolidate on the peace and security in the state; we will do more within our resources to ensure a more peaceful Delta State so as to allow investors to come and provide employment for our teeming youths.” The police commissioner for in the state, Ibrahim thanked Okowa for donating the vans stating, “this is an attestation to my conviction that security takes precedence in the Okowa administration. These vans will be used by the Eagle Net to check criminal activities, especially during these ‘Mber months,’” the commissioner said, disclosing, Eagle Net is a new unit created to complement the activities of existing outfits such as Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), SWAT, and others.”

EFCC Recovered N200m Looted Money in Borno The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday

revealed that it had recovered about N200 million in Borno State between November 2015 till date. In a statement, the Head of Operations Maiduguri zonal office of the commission, Ibrahim Bappa said the EFCC recovered N196.7 million for the federal government and about N3 million for individual that petitioned the commission on financial crimes. He said: “Since the office resumed operations in November, 2015, it has recovered the sum of N196,670,000 for the federal government of Nigeria and the same of N2,800,000 for individual victims as a result of petitions received and acted upon by the zone.” Bappa, in the statement made available to journalists in Maiduguri, did not however state the persons from whom the money were recovered. He said the EFCC opened its Maiduguri zonal office on March 22, 2011 but suspended its operations due to the security challenges. He said the resumption of operations by the commission now means it was poised to fighting corruption and financial crimes in the area. He urged the people in the area to report any public official “suspected to have used his/ her position to enrich himself or herself or any individual living above his/her known means” by writing petition to the executive chairman of the commission through the head of operation in the state. He promised that “no stone will be left unturned to bring such persons to justice” even as he solicited for the support of the people to carry out the commission’s mandate.

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016 • T H I S D AY

FRIDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

FIFA Rankings: Eagles Soar Four Places to 60th Duro Ikhazuagbe As a result of the two successes recorded by the Super Eagles against Tanzania and Zambia, Nigeria has climbed four spots to 60th position on the latest FIFA Rankings for the month of October released yesterday by the world football governing body.

In the African ranking, Nigeria is listed as 11th, just a place outside the top 10.

To achieve this under new Franco-German coach, Gernot Rohr, Eagles defeated Tanzania 1-0 in a dead rubber last African Cup of Nations (AFCON 2017) qualifier in Uyo. Eagles also kick-started their 2018 World Cup qualifier by upstaging hosts Zambia 2-1 in Ndola.

However, Nigeria’s World Cup rivals Algeria, who they will welcome to Uyo on November 12, stay put in 35th position in the world, but slipped to third in Africa behind Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal.

Another Russia 2018 foe, Cameroun, remains at 59th in the global ranking, while Zambia dropped two spots to 94th.

Meanwhile, Coach Rohr, has gone tough, insisting he will no longer call up players he describes as “vacation players” because they have failed to fight for first-team places after two invitations.

“Some players have been invited for two matches but have yet to push for a place in the first team and now we wish to invite fresh players to do what they could not do,” Rohr said.

“The time is gone when a player comes for two matches, collects bonuses, allowances and ticket refund and does not measure up.

“What we need now are players who can fight for first-team shirts and so make the team more competitive.”

The likes of Israel-based midfielder Nosa Igiebor, Kingsley Madu from Zulte-Waregem of Belgium, Rangers goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel and Jamiu Alimi from Kano Pillars could fall into this bracket of “vacation players”.

In the global rankings, Germany and Brazil moved

Super Eagles celebrating the victory against Chipolopolo early this month into second and third spots respectively.

A pair of wins for the current world champions, who saw off Czech Republic and Northern Ireland – just two of the 129 games played worldwide – means they have trimmed Argentina’s lead to just 156 points.

Belgium (4th) slipped out of the top three for the first time since March 2015, with Colombia slipping to fifth (down 1), while defeated UEFA EURO 2016 finalists France have leap-frogged European champions Portugal (8th) into seventh.

Spain return to the top ten, while fellow Europeans Poland (15th), Iceland (21st) and Kosovo (164th) have moved up to their highest-ever placings.

Siasia Flies out to Qatar for Coaching Job Former Super Eagles Head Coach, Samson Siasia, is now in oil-rich Qatar in connection with a lucrative top coaching post.

“Siasia flew out to Qatar Friday afternoon. He is there to discuss a coaching post,” a top source informed africanfootball. com.

Over time, Siasia has been variously linked with overseas coaching posts.

The former Nigerian coach led Dream Team VI to win bronze at the Rio Olympics in August.

His contract as Nigeria Olympic team coach ended with that tournament.

It was further gathered that he has already made plans to take some members of his backroom staff from the Olympics should he finally secure the job.

He was caretaker Eagles coach for an AFCON qualifier double header against Egypt in March.

Besides also coaching the Nigeria Under-20s, Siasia has also handled Heartland FC and now defunct JUTH FC of Jos.

Dream Team Players, Officials Get Share of Japanese Surgeon Reward Some officials of Nigeria’s Under-23 football team to the 2016 Rio Olympic Games have already received their cash from the $390,000 donated to the team by a Japanese admirer at the games. Each official is believed to have received $14,000.

Sources at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Glass House secretariat in Abuja hinted that

the cash backup for the cheques has finally come through more than two months after the donation and already a number of officials have received their payments.

Wealthy Japanese surgeon, Katsuya Takasu, was highly impressed with the performance of the Samson Siasia-led team to Rio 2016 despite the many hurdles they faced and wrote out

two cheques, one in favour of Siasia and the other for Chelsea star John Mikel Obi. The team agreed that the players be paid by Mikel, while Siasia sort out the officials.

The documentation for the cheque in Mikel’s name is expected to be completed this week for the players to also smile to the bank shortly.

Both players and officials had

earlier expressed fears after the long delay it took to cash the cheques.

Nigeria finished third at the Rio Olympics to complete a football Olympics medals set – Gold in 1996, silver in 2008 and bronze in 2016. The bronze was the only medal Team Nigeria returned with from the South American nation.

Odemwingie Set to Join Bolton Wanderers Osaze Peter Odemwingie was lined up for a medical yesterday evening as he prepares to sign for Bolton Wanderers.

The former Stoke City favourite has been without a club since leaving the bet365 Stadium in the summer, having spent most of last season on loan at Bristol City.

The Bolton News reported that the former Bendel Insurance player is due to train this weekend and could make his debut in League One at Bury on Monday.

“It’s tough being a free

agent but I’m in great shape and hopefully a move should happen this week,” he had said earlier this week.

“Mentally and physically I feel strong, when your body and heart is perfectly prepared then you wouldn’t lack the right motivation to succeed.

“As you grow older it becomes tougher in football, you only need someone to believe in you and willing to take a chance.

“I still have a lot to offer a team and I only need to show what I can do somewhere for

people to believe that.”

Odemwingie initially turned down a move from West Brom to Stoke in Mark Hughes’s first summer but arrived mid-season via a disappointing spell at Cardiff.

He turned out to be one of Hughes’s key signings, providing pace and energy and sparking a surge up the table that secured Stoke the first of three successive ninth-placed finishes.

According to papilonews. com, that summer he became the first Stoke player to score

at a World Cup finals – but he suffered a major set-back when he endured an awful knee injury at the start of the following season, in the second half of a win at Manchester City.

It was a long road back to fitness and he had to battle for a place in Hughes’s squad, extending his contract for another year but stuck on the fringes.

He scored twice in Bristol City’s 6-0 win over Bolton in March and was on trial at Hull in the summer when Steve Bruce resigned as manager.

63

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

FRIDAYSPORTS

Watford Captain Says Isaac Success Has a Lot to Learn Watford captain, Troy Deeney has outlined the recipe which Nigerian striker, Isaac Success must employ if he is to attain admirable heights in English football.

Success has impressed with his pace, power and end-product since his €15 million switch from Spanish club, Granada.

He netted his only Premier League goal till date in spectacular fashion against AFC Bournemouth earlier this month but Deeney believes there is still more in the locker room of the Super Eagles man.

“Everyone forgets he’s just a young man. He’s built like a big man but he’s definitely a young man.

“He’s got a lot to learn, a lot to offer,” he told www.wdsport. co.uk.

Success recently spoke highly of Deeney and compatriot, Ighalo, explaining that he learns a lot from the accomplished duo.

Denney corroborated his young teammate’s submission and predicts a big future for him.

“As the captain, you just try and guide him. We see the talent he possesses and the pace, we’ve just got to put the ball in the right areas for him and he can cause havoc.

“I’m happy for him and now it’s his job to keep in the team.

It’s the hardest thing to do: to stay in the team,” he said.

It is not only teammates who have been left impressed

by Success’ qualities as former Premier League stars now working as pundits have also taken the time to salute his qualities.

Matt Le Tissier and Jamie Redknapp both believe Success can go on to achieve big things in the English game if he keeps his feet firmly on the ground.

“Each time you see him you go, ‘Oh, hang on a minute. This boy has got something,’” said Matt Le Tissier on Sky Sports.

“He looks sharp and deserves his start (against Middlesborough on October 16) as Ighalo has been struggling for quite some time now,” Le Tissier said.

Pundits rarely appraise Watford

without talking about Deeney and Ighalo.

They now have another centreforward to throw into the mix.

“Deeney will enjoy having someone like Success running off him.

“He’s got real pace; he’s an exciting talent. He can travel with the ball and gets you up the pitch.

“They were so reliant on Deeney and Ighalo last year – this guy gives them a different option. You can hit teams on the counter with him in the side,” Redknapp said.

Success started his first league game for Watford on Sunday and was rewarded with the man-ofthe-match award for his troubles.

His performance was however by no means perfect according to the Watford manager, Walter Mazzarri.

“He did much better in the other games when he came on from the bench.

“It’s not easy to start a game.

It’s completely different but if he gets his full condition then he also needs to learn some things and he will be a great player,” Mazzarri said.

The 20-year-old Nigerian forward had one attempt on target, won 60 per cent of his 15 duels, attempted four dribbles and gained possession for his side six times in the 1-0 win against Boro at the Riverside.

He was therefore understandably delighted with his display at the Riverside Stadium, especially at the chance to make his first start in the colours of the Hornets.

“I’mhappytogetmyfirst90minutes with the team, we won the game so it’s a good start for me,” said Success.

Isaac Success

Lagos Basketball Training Workshop Gets New Date In order to allow for more participation across the state, the maiden Lagos Basketball Training workshop scheduled for next week has been moved to between November 15 and 18 at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre, Rowe Park, Yaba.

According to the Chairman, Lagos State Basketball Association (LSBA), Babs Ogunade, the postponement becomes necessary as invitations have been extended to public and private schools within the state.

“We have decided to postpone the training in order to allow for more participation from both private and public schools. We are hoping that the programme will achieve the desired purpose if the participants cover the six educational districts in the state.

“We believe the change in

date will help to ensure proper planning and logistics, while hoping that more schools especially private will use the extension period as an additional opportunity to register their coaches and PE teachers since they will no longer recognise any uncertified coach. “The programme will help to cover all aspect of sports including psychology, physiology, health and safety, child’s development in sports and practical training which will be anchored by season administrators and scholars,” Ogunade said.

Technical Director of LSBA, Gbade Olatona, said the exercise would provide an opportunity for schools to develop a relationship with the association to ensure genuine technical development of the sport.

Fenerbahce’s Robin van Persie (2nd left) got the consolation goal in the 4-1 defeat of the Turkish giants at Old Trafford… last night

EUROPA: MAN UTD HAMMERS FENERBAHCE 4-1

Manchester United closed out a comfortable 4-1 Europa win over Fenerbahce last night. A brace by Paul Pogba and another by Anthony Martial gave United a comfortable 3-0 first half advantage before Jesse Lingard grabbed the fourth in the second half. Returnee Robin Van Persie however got the consolation goal for the Turkish giants. Former Super Eagles forward, Emmanuel Emenike, gave the cross from the left and Van Persie could not miss from a few yards out. At 4-1 up, the home fans gave Van Persie a huge cheer when his name was announced. Mourinho’s men were confident, despite a second-half resurgence from the Turkish giants.

G OV E R N O R ’S C U P T E N N I S

Spanish Lopez-Perez on Course to Win 2nd Leg Tournament number one seed in the men’s category, Spain’s Enrique Lopez-Perez is justifying his rating in this year’s Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis Championship as he is cruising his way to winning the second leg (Futures 6) of the competition.

Lopez-Perez, who won Futures 5 last weekend, had a smooth ride to the semi final yesterday as he defeated number 8 seed, Maciej Smola of Poland in straight set of 7-6,7-5 to set up a clash against Moez Echargui of Tunisia today.

Moez defeated Sasi Kumar Mukund of India in 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 match.

Injured Egyptian KarimMohamed Maamoun could not complete his game against Gianni Mina of France as he retired in the second leg of the match that was stopped at 6-1,2-0. The French will battle compatriot Calvin Hemery in the semi final. Hemery beat Boy Westerhof from The Netherlands 6-2,7-6,6-1 game.

In the Women’s Singles, number 7 seed, Julia Terziyska from Bulgaria upset number 4 seed, Valeriya Strakhova of

Ukraine in straight set of 6-0,6-4 to set up a semi final tie against first leg winner, Tadeja Majeric from Slovakia who beat Omar’s Fatma AlNabhani in the quarter finals.

Conny Perrin of Switzerland beat Tessah Andrianjaftrimo of France in 6-4,1-6,6-4 game. Perrin, runner up in Futures 5 last week, will face number one seed, Valetini Grammatikopoulou from Greece who defeated Deniz Khazaniuk of Israel in 7-6,46,6-1 game.

Meanwhile, Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi

Ambode will be special guest of honour during the closing ceremony tomorrow.

While the women’s singles final will begin by 12:30pm, the men’s singles final will start by 3pm, a match the governor and his entourage will watch.

As expected, the final ceremony will be a colourful ceremony with the Local Organising Committee, LOC promising a glamorous event.

Secondary School Students across Lagos State and many tennis pundits will storm the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club for the final ceremony.

Etisalat U-15: Abuja, Kwara Shine at Ilorin Play-off FCT and Kwara State teams are dictating proceedings at the Ilorin centre of the ongoing season three of the Etisalat U-15 School Cup Football Competition.

The participating states include Kwara, Kogi, Nassarawa, Niger, Plateau, FCT, Benue and Cross River States with two states battling for the two slots available to qualify for the Lagos

National Finals billed to hold in November.

FOSLA Academy, Abuja and Socrates Secondary School, Kwara proved a handful to their respective opponents in the matches decided inside the main bowl of the Ilorin Township Stadium.

FOSLA Academy won 3-1 against Alhaji Azhan International College, Kogi,

while Kwara team got a 1-0 victory over Cross River team courtesy of Saheed Bakare who scored in the 36th minute.

The Abuja team continued their fine form with a 5-0 hammering of their counterparts from Nassarawa State, Mbagwa Commercial Secondary School while Niger defeated Plateau 2-0.

The national champion of the 2016 edition will receive the

Champions Trophy and a cash prize of N2 million educational award while its players will go home with N50,000 each.

The second-placed team will go home with N1 million with the players pocketing extra N30,000 each while the third-place winner will have the sum of N750,000.00 for its efforts with its players receiving N20,000.00 each.

Friday, October 21, 2016

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MISSILE Justice Okoro to DSS

“My Lord, as at the time of writing this letter, the DSS has not confronted me with any petition or complaint from any quarters whatsoever. Rather, they have grilled me, asking questions on some none existing properties around the country. They have also doubted the age of my children, alleging that they are toddlers. This is sad and unbelievable.” – Supreme Court Justice John Inyang Okoro alleging that he was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) because he refused to help the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) deliver judgments in the Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Abia governorship election appeals that were favourable to the party.

SHAKAMOMODU El Rufai’s One Small Step...

I THIS REPUBLIC

read a piece of good news in the newspapers recently that the Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, had finally made good his promise to enrol his children in public schools. His three-year-old son, Abubakar Al Saiddique, has just started his academic journey through life at Islamiyya Play/Early School. It is a step that may not amount to much in the eyes of many, but I tell you, it’s one small step towards saving public schools in this country.

Beyond the symbolism of the action, I commend el-Rufai for what he has done and for keeping his promise. Example, as they say, is better than precept. I hope he will find a way to persuade his commissioners and aides to emulate his example. Furthermore, he should undertake a needs-assessment tour of public schools in the state and start rebuilding them from the ground up. Nation rebuilding has to start from rebuilding the educational and health foundations of this country.

I wish our president showed this kind of example immediately he assumed power. Despite the dislocation it would have caused them, I wish he had withdrawn his children from colleges abroad and enrolled them in public schools in this country. It would have demonstrated his determination to do things differently and sent a powerful message of “change” to everybody. His reported statement that his children were in foreign schools because he could afford it was a kick in the guts of ordinary Nigerians, from which they are yet to recover.

I strongly believe that education is the most important thing after the gift of life and the joy of having children.

It liberates the mind, banishes ignorance as well as provides understanding of some of the mysteries of life and diseases. It is the greatest personal enabler that helps to release the incredible power of the human mind not only to create and innovate new products, but also to change the world for the better. Furthermore, it equips one with the tools to navigate life’s many complex challenges.

These are some of the reasons serious nations invest heavily in education, to ultimately gain a competitive advantage over other countries in the quest for knowledge to illuminate the dark crevices of our world and advance human civilisation through science and technology. Our world has changed dramatically in the past 20 years owing to the quantum leap in research, knowledge, discoveries and the dizzying speed of inventions, innovations and creative ingenuity. The pace of change and its impact on the world have simply been stunning and unprecedented. The clear evidence of human development, progress and advances in technology are all around us. From gravity-defying buildings to weapons travelling at hypersonic speed to hit targets with pinpoint accuracy, to incredible advances in medical science, humanity is bustling and bubbling with renewed confidence in its possibilities.

The internet has more than anything else changed our world and made it less vast and less mysterious.

From the way we communicate, interact, shop, learn, to everything imaginable - including the social media revolution - Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, etc, the internet has unleashed a vista of freedom, power and anonymity never before envisaged. With our smart phones and at the touch of a button, one is on the World Wide Web (should one say world wild web?). Man’s quest for knowledge has pushed him beyond earth’s boundaries to distant planets in search of the building blocks of life.

It is noteworthy that countries leading the charge knew from the outset the importance of education.

Their leaders invested heavily in education because they knew it was the greatest enabler that opens the doors to all other opportunities of life. It was their legacy to their societies and it is what has put their countries ahead of others. They built great schools, great academic institutions and great science and research

shaka.momodu@thisdaylive.com

El Rufai centres that have become icons of knowledge around the world. It takes great visionaries to envision the future; it takes an even greater leadership to actualise that future.

What is Nigeria’s contribution to the scorecard of human achievements? Can anyone point to anything of enduring value? Anyway, to put it simply, Nigeria has not been blessed with great leaders who can visualise the future, or leaders who attach great importance to the education of its people as the first building block of any successful society.

Our country’s education system is in a total shambles owing to decades of neglect, relegation, mismanagement and corruption. The system is rotten, completely rotten - the infrastructure is a disgrace. Any other description amounts to a dishonest appraisal and a wicked attempt to deny the reality of the terrible situation on the ground in our public schools.

Our schools have fallen behind in world rankings and are churning out low-quality graduates who can’t write nor speak good English. Our best schools can’t compete with second-rate schools in Africa and third-rate schools in the Western world. That is why some parents who still crave quality education and can afford it, now do everything in their power (even if fraudulent) to send their children to schools abroad to get quality education.

But President Muhammadu Buhari came out recently to tell Nigerians that the country could no longer afford to make forex available to pay the school fees of such students. While those who could afford alternative sources of forex should do so. With the value of the naira at a historic low to the dollar - the interbank rate ranges from N312/N315 to the dollar while on the parallel market, it is between N455 and N460 to the dollar, my deduction from the president’s statement is that anyone who cannot afford the parallel market rate should withdraw their children from schools abroad and enrol them in our dilapidated schools.

Now, is the president not aware that resident hostels in the University of Lagos as well as many others in various university campuses around the country are bedbug-infested, making students to have sleepless nights?

Is he not aware that in many of our teaching hospitals across the country, doctors now use lamps, torchlights and cell phone lights to treat patients due to epileptic power supply? It won’t be surprising if he is not.

These are hard facts, anyway.

A former president of the Association of Resident Doctors, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital branch, Dr. Oyinlola Oluwagbemiga once said: “Imagine that you are in an emergency where you have to resuscitate a patient and you resort to that. It is that bad. It even stretches to sanitation. We have reached the point where you are having a major procedure and all you can hear is ‘please we can only supply light for the next two hours, make sure you complete your operation’.”

0811 266 1654

This is a teaching hospital that trains medical personnel who will go out and compete with the best around the world. It’s little wonder that those who can afford it still rush abroad for minor ear infections.

So more than anything else, it was not so much about the insensitivity of what the president said as regards his financial capacity that irked many, it was actually what he failed to say about his immediate plans and urgent commitment to fix the education system in the country and restore it to its lost glory.

No doubt this is the panacea for discouraging parents wanting to send their children to schools abroad in search of quality learning.

I can bet a pretty penny that if Nigerian schools were in good shape and the system functioning properly and effectively, no one would want to send their wards to school abroad at great financial cost and at the expense of family bond.

Unfortunately, successive governments have failed to address the fundamental growth problems besetting the country’s education system. Why? If I might hazard a guess, I would say it’s because their children don’t attend these public schools since they can afford forex at any rate. Nigerian schools from primary to university levels are derelict, ill-equipped and are not conducive to learning; they are plagued of course by frequent strikes. It is amazing that any semblance of learning still takes place in these dilapidated relics of a lost era. Sadly, despite the fierce urgency the education sector requires, there is hardly any evidence policy makers understand the danger starring us in the face.

It is cheering that following public outcry, history has been restored to the school curriculum. But more fundamentally, I ask for the umpteenth time, what is President Buhari’s policy on the education of the Nigerian youth? Is he not aware of the state of the rot in this all-important sector? Is Buhari not aware of the scale of moral corruption in the education sector

actively encouraged by both parents and teachers? That parents now go to great lengths to help cheat for their wards: pay impersonators to help write examinations for their children while invigilators and examiners get all forms of inducements to play ball? Mr. President, a repugnant and an amoral culture of outright rape of female students by teachers entrusted with the task of grooming future leaders now has a firm footing in our schools. Lecturers harass and demand sex-for-grades and/or money-for-grades from students.

Some of the victims of rape bear the mortal scars and the indignity of harassment silently without sharing their experiences. What is President Buhari doing about this kind of appalling exploitation going on in our schools? We need to know.

Let me leave you with excerpts from Buhari’s campaign rhetoric in a speech to the Nigerian community in the UK on Saturday, February 21, 2015 and judge for yourself whether he has lived up to it since he assumed office as the president: “What is the difference between me and those who elected us to represent them? Absolutely nothing! Why should the Nigerian president not fly with other Nigerian public? Why do I need to embark on a foreign trip as the president with a huge crowd with public funds?

“Why do I need to go on a foreign medical trip if we cannot make our hospitals functional? Why do we need to send our children to schools abroad if we cannot develop our universities to compete with the foreign ones? Why and why must our people be servants to the foreigners in the midst of plenty?” The answer Mr President, is “blowin’ in the wind”. You see, the more they shout change, the more things stay the same or even get worse.

Where Buhari has so far failed to lead by example and inspire, it is gratifying that el-Rufai, despite his many flaws and propensity for mischief, has kept one small but important promise.

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