Friday 28th October 2016

Reps Hinge Approval for $30bn Loan on Funding for Constituency Projects FG commits $500m of planned Eurobond Releases N2.5trn of budget’s N6.08trn Omololu Ogunmade and Damilola Oyedele in Abuja Members of the House of Representatives have hinged their approval for the $30 billion external borrowing plan request of the federal government and the Medium

Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) on a firm commitment by the executive to the release of funds for their constituency projects.

President Muhammadu Buhari early this week had written to the National Assembly, seeking approval for the loan to address critical

infrastructure deficit, and for virement of N180 billion in the 2016 budget to fund capital and recurrent items.

Even as the request for

external borrowing and MTEF is pending before the legislature, Reuters yesterday quoted the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, as saying

Power: Discos’ Revenue Remittances to Market Drop to 30%... Page 12

that the federal government already had commitments for $500 million of the planned $1 billion Eurobond.

Her statement coincided with her Budget and National Planning counterpart, Senator Continued on page 9

Friday 28 October, 2016 Vol 21. No 7862. Price: N250

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ExxonMobil Discovers One Billion Barrels of Oil in Nigeria...

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Buhari to Launch $10bn Niger Delta Reconstruction Fund Says Nigeria's survival still depends on oil Industry Kachikwu predicts Nigeria’s JV review will lead to oil investment boom

Tobi Soniyi and Chineme Okafor in Abuja The federal government under the watch of President Muhammadu Buhari plans a $10 billion infrastructure development fund for the oil-rich but restive Niger Delta, the Minister of State for

Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, said yesterday in Abuja.

“We are launching $10 billion infrastructural rebirth investment programmes in the Niger Delta region. This is not money that is going to come strictly from the Continued on page 8

Senate Amends CCT/CCB Act, Transfers President’s Power to N'Assembly

Subjects CCT chair's appointment to Senate confirmation Again, Appeal Court dismisses Saraki’s appeal over tribunal trial Tobi Soniyi and Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja The Senate yesterday amended the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act (CCB/CCT Act) tinkering with Section 18(1) & (2) of the extant law by transferring the president's regulatory power over the bureau and tribunal to the National Assembly.

The parliament also reintroduced a provision which authorises the CCB to invite anyone found culpable in asset declaration to make necessary correction as against being charged to the tribunal for trial. This provision had earlier been expunged from the extant law.

Continued on page 8

GROWING NIGERIA'S OIL & GAS…

R-L : President Muhammadu Buhari; Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu; Chairman, Nigerian Governors Forum and Governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari; and Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Upstream, Hon Victor Nwokolo; during the public presentation of the "7 big wins to grow Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry, 2015-2019" at the State House in Abuja…yesterday state house

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ExxonMobil Discovers One Billion Barrels of Oil in Nigeria Ejiofor Alike Barely a week after it sold its downstream subsidiary in Nigeria, United States’ oil giant, ExxonMobil Corporation, has announced the discovery of up to one billion barrels of oil reserves in the Owowo field, offshore Nigeria.

The development is a boost to Nigeria’s efforts to increase her crude oil reserves from the current 36 billion barrels to 40 billion barrels target, which was set for 2010 but could not be

achieved as a result of lack of investment in exploratory activities.

The Owowo field spans portions of the contract areas of Oil Prospecting License (OPL) 223 and Oil Mining License (OML) 139.

In a statement posted yesterday on its website, the Texas-based oil and gas company said the huge discovery has a potential recoverable resource of between 500 million and one billion barrels of oil.

The world’s largest publicly

traded international oil and gas company stated that the Owowo-3 well, which was spud on September 23, 2016, encountered about 460 feet (140 metres) of oil-bearing sandstone reservoir.

According to the statement, the Owowo-3 extends the resource discovered by the Owowo-2 well, which encountered about 515 feet (157 meters) of oil-bearing sandstone reservoir.

Commenting on the discovery, the President of ExxonMobil

Exploration Company, Stephen Greenlee, said: “We are encouraged by the results and will work with our partners and the government on future development plans.”

The company further added that the Owowo-3 was safely drilled to 10,410 feet (3,173 metres) in 1,890 feet (576 metres) of water.

The well was drilled by ExxonMobil affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria (Deepwater Ventures) Limited and proved additional

resource in deeper reservoirs.

ExxonMobil holds 27 per cent interest and is the operator for OPL 223 and OML 139.

Joint venture partners include Chevron Nigeria Deepwater G Limited (27 per cent interest), Total E&P Nigeria Limited (18 per cent interest), Nexen Petroleum Deepwater Nigeria Limited (18 per cent interest), and the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) Limited, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) (10 per

cent interest).

ExxonMobil had recently announced the sale of its 60 per cent stake in Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc to NIPCO Plc, thus exiting from the Nigeria’s downstream oil and gas sub-sector.

Before the sale of its downstream subsidiary, the company had three affiliates operating in Nigeria: Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPN); Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Ltd. (EEPNL); and Mobil Oil Nigeria (MON).

region, but that its implementation would be on instalment and its funding not exclusively from the federal purse.

He said that the Niger Delta state governors would have to meet to decide which cross boarder infrastructure the fund would be expended on.

According to him, “What is more important is not the number but the conceptualisation of the process. It is a fact that governors will have to come together from the region to begin to look at cross-state investments whether there will be railways, whether there will be power facilities, whether there will be specialist hospitals or whatever.

“But right now, there is a slowing down of investment in the region and that is not helping the region. So, we are going to be pulling in NNPC and groups like that and ensure that we look at cross boarder investment in the region,” he stated.

He said Buhari would also seek to review the way 13 per cent derivation allocation to the oil producing states is applied by beneficiary states.

According to him, the government would be appealing to the state governors, who have now taken the allocations as their main budgeting tool, to channel the funds to the core areas where oil is produced.

He said: “The president is also

reviewing the proposal we gave him to look at how the 13 per cent derivation is applied. Right now it is a budgeting tool for state governments. We are going to be appealing to them to begin to put that into the core areas of the oil producing communities.

And not just see it as a budgeting number.”

On transparency in the oil sector, he said that the adoption of Treasury Single Account (TSA) had assisted to tackle corruption in the industry by bringing all its funds into one account.

The minister also spoke on the expected impact of the new roadmap and said that investments in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, which took a downturn in the recent past would soon pick up following the conclusion of a review of the country’s Joint Venture Cash Call (JV) framework.

According to him, on the back of the review, a lot of oil and gas investors are pushing to come back and invest heavily in the country’s oil and gas sector.

He said that there would be an explosion of investment in the sector soon.

Kachikwu also said there were plans by the government to review the mechanism of securing oil and gas installations in the country to conform with standard practices as obtained in other oil and gas producing climes.

The launched policy document

is couched in ‘The 7 Big Wins,’ theme, which borders on policy and regulation, business environment and investment drive, gas revolution, refineries and local production capacity, Niger Delta and security, transparency and efficiency, as well as stakeholder management and international co-ordination.

He said each time he projected a rise in the country’s oil production to 2.2 million barrels per day (mbpd) and 3mbpd, they were based on the fact that the JV structure had been reviewed and funding issues sorted out.

“On the issue of JV cash call.

We have done a yeoman's job.

We are nearing completion of those negotiations, it would go to the FEC and it does not require a law. Those things are basically MoUs,” he said, adding: “We are going to structure the MoUs to enable them find the funding they require. There is even a budgeting process in terms of what we approved should be done, but how you now sequence the distribution of the funding is where the catch is.”

He said the government had made a lot of progress on funding, explaining that over $1.2 billion would be saved.

The minister projected an explosion of investment, saying oil companies were planning to make a big splash with projects and backed by huge money as they return to the country.

by Aboki who resolved all the eight issues formulated for determination against Saraki.

While affirming the earlier ruling of the CCT Chairman, Mr. Danladi Umar, that the CCT had power to prosecute the Senate president as charged, Aboki held among others that contrary to Saraki’s contention, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) has the power to institute charges against him before the tribunal.

The appeal court also held that under the constitution, the CCB was not under any obligation to invite the appellant to enable him to make written admission of breaches in his asset declaration forms before charges could be initiated against him.

The court held that the tribunal had rightly departed from its earlier decision in which it wrongly discharged a former Governor of Lagos State and National Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Bola Tinubu, on account that he was not invited by the CCB and was not confronted with allegations levelled against him.

Aboki said that the CCT erred in law when it discharged Tinubu on the ground that he was not invited to make a written statement before he was charged to court, adding that the CCT had in subsequent judgments after Tinubu’s case corrected itself.

The court also held that the fact that the charges were initiated against Saraki 13 years after the offences were allegedly committed was immaterial and could not be

a ground to invalidate the charge.

Aboki said that the contention was sentimental and that no court would go into sentimental issues that had no bearing on the law.

This was the second time the appeal court would deliver judgment on the same subject matter of jurisdiction of the CCT to try the Senate president.

The court had last year ruled against Saraki on the jurisdiction of the CCT and asked him to proceed to face the 16-count charge preferred against him.

The judgment of the appeal court was validated by the Supreme Court in February this year prompting the resumption of his trial at the CCT.

BUHARI TO LAUNCH $10BN NIGER DELTA RECONSTRUCTION FUND federal government. It is going to come from investors, individuals who are ready to do private sector infrastructure, obviously states and federal governments as the case may be and international organisations who have shown interest to help,” he said at the unveiling of the Roadmap for the Petroleum Industry tagged "7 Big Wins to Grow Nigeria's Oil and Gas."

Before Kachikwu’s revelation of the mouth-watering goodies for the long suffering region, Buhari had, while launching the roadmap, said notwithstanding his administration’s much talked about diversification as the main tool for putting the economy on the path of sustainable growth, Nigeria would have to depend on oil and gas revenue to get out of the current economic recession, contending that despite the fall in oil price, oil and gas resources remained the most immediate and practical keys out of the country's present economic crisis.

"As important as it is to ensure that agriculture, solid minerals and other critical sectors of the economy are supported to grow and contribute more to the nation’s economy, we still need a virile and efficient oil and gas industry to take care of our foreign exchange requirements," he said.

According to him, an efficient

oil and gas sector remains a national imperative and a core thrust of his economic policy, adding that the petroleum industry remained critical to the Nigerian economy of today and the future, despite current challenges.

The president also admitted that oil and gas still remained a critical enabler for the successful implementation of his budget as well as the source of funds for laying a strong foundation for a new and more diversified economy.

The president said the task before the Ministry of Petroleum Resources was to maximise the potentials and opportunities across the whole range of the oil and gas industry to stimulate the economy in spite of the current challenges.

He said: "There is also a dire need to instil a new culture of transparency and efficiency in the industry, streamline operations along best practices by championing and implementing strategic reforms at every layer of the industry.

"This will help us improve oil and gas production, explore our frontier basins, improve our local refining capacity and above all build sustainable partnerships with the oil producing communities."

Buhari said that if Nigeria was able to plug the leakages, and tighten loose systems that

characterised the industry in the days of high oil prices, the country could do more with the little that it is getting at the moment than in the time of plenty.

The president noted that recent developments in the Niger Delta had temporarily limited the nation's oil and gas production and supplies.

He however reaffirmed that, "whatever challenges we are currently facing in the region, our resolve and capability to work with all stakeholders to restore normalcy will guarantee success."

The president acknowledged the importance of the public, the media, local and foreign investors and other critical stakeholders in the oil and gas industry and appealed for their support and cooperation.

Buhari said creativity, innovation, technology and robust partnership amongst various stakeholders were required to get the best from the industry.

He said: "This Roadmap reflects the vision and aspiration of this administration for this sector and urge you all to deliver on the expectations contained in the Petroleum Industry Roadmap."

Speaking more elaborately on the plan for the Niger Delta, Kachikwu said the federal government would be launching a $10 billion infrastructure rebirth programme for the Niger Delta

SENATE AMENDS CCT/CCB ACT, TRANSFERS PRESIDENT'S POWER TO N'ASSEMBLY It was the deleting of this provision in the extant law that paved the way for Senate President Bukola Saraki, whose appeal on the jurisdiction of the CCT to try him for alleged concealment of assets was for the second time dismissed yesterday in Abuja.

The new amendment contained in Section 3 (e) of the bill provides that "upon complaint(s) of any breach or where it appears to the Bureau that there is a breach of the provisions of this Act, the person concerned shall be given particulars of such non-compliance or breaches to explain before any reference to the tribunal".

The Senate also amended Section 1(4) of the current CCB/ CCT Act which stipulates that the chairman of the CCB and members shall vacate their seats upon attaining the retirement age of 70.

The new amendment now prescribes a renewable fiveyear tenure for the chairman and members of the Bureau following their appointments by the president and subject to Senate confirmation. "The chairman and members shall serve for a term of five years subject to renewal for one term only," the new amendment states.

The passage of the bill, which was at concurrence with the House of Representatives' bill that had earlier been passed, followed the adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions presented by the

committee Chairman, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

However, the Senate rejected an amendment to Section 4(2) of the extant law which had also sought to transfer the power of appointment and discipline of chairman and members of the CCB to the National Assembly.

Section 4(2) of the Act, which the committee amended to be the exclusive preserve of the National Assembly, states that: "The power to appoint member of staff of the Bureau and to exercise disciplinary control over them shall vest in the Bureau and shall be exercisable in accordance with the provisions of rules and regulations as may from time to be made by the president."

But this amendment was rejected. If the Senate had accepted this amendment, the National Assembly would have stripped the president of the power of appointment and disciplinary control over the CCB. The Senate also rejected an amendment to Section 1(2) (b) of the CCB/CCT Act, which provides that anyone who shall be eligible for appointment as the Chairman of CCB, must have attained 50 years of age.

The amendment prescribed by the committee had reduced the age of eligibility for appointment for CCB chairmanship from 50 to 30 years but this amendment was rejected while the provision of 50 years as contained in the extant Act was retained.

But the Senate succeeded in stripping the president of the

power of total control over the CCB by amending section 18(1) & (2) of the CCB/CCT Act and simultaneously transferring such powers to the National Assembly.

Section 18(1) & (2) of the extant Act provides thus: "The president may by order exempt any cadre of public officers from the provisions of the Act if it appears to him that their position in the public service is below the rank which it considers appropriate for the application of those provisions.

"The president may by order confer on the Bureau such additional powers as may appear to it to be necessary to enable it discharge more effectively the functions conferred upon it under this Act." The "president" in the above provisions has now been substituted with "National Assembly" which implies that the National Assembly will now determine the power of the CCB. Also in the amendment, the National Assembly will now determine who should be exempted from asset declaration or not.

Whereas Section 20(4) of the current CCB/CCT Act authorises the president to appoint the chairman of the CCT based on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC), the new amendment passed yesterday makes such recommendation and appointment invalid unless it is approved by the Senate.

Also Section 20(2) of the extant act, which states that members of the tribunal shall consist of the

chairman and two other members, has been amended to provide that "the tribunal shall consist of a chairman and four others and three of the five shall form a quorum."

However, the amendment retains the retirement age for CCT Chairman as contained in Section 22(1) at 70.

The Senate also passed the Sexual Harassment Bill, which prescribes five years imprisonment for lecturers found culpable of sexual harassment yesterday. The bill was sponsored by Senator Ovie Omo-Agege (Delta Central).

Appeal Court Dismisses Saraki's Appeal Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, yesterday turned down the appeal of the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, to stop the CCT from prosecuting him for alleged infraction of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.

The appellate court affirmed the ruling of the tribunal to the effect that the CCT has the jurisdiction to try him on charges of false assets declaration brought against him by the federal government.

In the lead judgment delivered

by Justice Abdul Aboki, the court held that the major issues raised

by Saraki had been overtaken by events.

Four other members of the panel unanimously agreed with the lead judgment delivered

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NEWS

INEC Lists Jimoh Ibrahim as PDP Candidate in Ondo Governorship Poll Onyebuchi Ezigbo and Alex Enumah in Abuja and James Sowole in Akure The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has listed the candidate of the Senator Ali Modu Sheriffled faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Jimoh Ibrahim, as the party's candidate for the November 26, 2016 governorship election in Ondo State.

The electoral body, at the end of its meeting last night to approve the list of governorship candidates for the election, resolved to substitute the name of Prof. Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) for Ibrahim in obedience to an order of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The decision of INEC, however, ran contrary to the decision of an Akure High Court, Ondo State, presided over by Justice Williams Olamide, which restrained the commission from substituting Jegede yesterday morning.

The spokesman to the

INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, who confirmed the decision of the commission to THISDAY yesterday evening in a telephone interview, said that Ibrahim's name is prefixed 'Court’ indicating that it came through a court order and that it is also subject to further changes based on any superior court ruling on the matter.

Before the verdict of the commission, there was an air of apprehension and anxiety yesterday among supporters of rival factional governorship candidates of the PDP as all awaited the release of the list of approved candidates by INEC. According to the official list of candidates released yesterday by INEC's Secretary, Mrs. Augusta C. Ogakwu, the candidate of the Sheriff-led PDP faction, Ibrahim, is to be the PDP governorship candidate for the Ondo election, while Chief Rotimi Akeredolu will contest on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Other candidates include,

Jimoh Adeuti Stephen Taye who will fly the flag of Labour Party, Francis Adeyemi Alao (APGA) and Olusola Alex Oke is to represent the Alliance for Democracy.

The replacement of the PDP candidate, Jegede, with Ibrahim followed the ruling of a Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice Okon Abang.

The court had ordered INEC to accept Ibrahim as the candidate of the PDP in the governorship

election in Ondo State.

Abang also gave the order in a ruling on an application for the enforcement of his earlier judgment delivered on June 29 this year, in which he ordered INEC to only accept the names of the candidates sent by the faction of the Ondo State Executive Committee of the PDP led by Mr. Biyi Poroye and Mr. Ademola Genty, which has the backing of the Senator Sheriff-led National Working Committee.

Poroye and Genty, who applied to the court for themselves and on behalf of the Ondo State chapter of the PDP, said the post-judgment application was informed by INEC’s refusal to accept their candidate, as directed by the court in its June 29 judgment.

Abang also refused an application brought by the governorship candidate of the Ahmed Makarfi-led faction, seeking permission to appeal the court’s earlier decision.

The candidate, Jegede, had approached the court, presided over by Abang,

for permission to appeal its October 14 judgment.

The judge said section 31 of the Electoral Act only allows the party and not the candidate to contest the judgement.

“The only case where the applicant would have been considered as having a locus standi to contest the October 14 judgement is if he had taken part in the August 29 primaries conducted by Mr. Sheriff’s faction,” said Abang.

Earlier yesterday, an Akure High Court had restrained INEC from removing the name of Jegede as the candidate of the PDP for the governorship election.

Olamide had ruled sequel to an ex parte motion brought before his court by the Clement Faboyede-led PDP faction in the state.

In his ruling, Olamide said that it would be out of order for INEC to replace Jegede's name, pending the determination of the motion on notice as it would contravene the principles of equity, justice and fairness.

He directed the PDP to ensure service of the order herein granted, which is the motion on notice and originating summons on INEC before the next date of hearing fixed for the November 7, 2016.

The judgment read in part: "The defendant/respondent is hereby restrained either by itself, chairman, commissioners, agents and servants, officers or privies or through any person or persons, howsoever from changing, replacing, removing, substituting or in any manner tampering with the name, Eyitayo Jegede SAN as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the governorship election slated for November 26, 2016 pending the determination of motion on notice.

"In the interest of justice and fair hearing, the claimant/ applicant is hereby ordered to ensure service of the order herein granted, the motion on notice and originating summons on the defendant/ respondent before the next date of hearing."

exploring all sources of revenues with a view to ensuring accountability, adding that the federal government was contemplating amending the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 in pursuit of the agenda.

Udoma said the government had come to the National Assembly with the request for N180 billion virement to take care of critical issues such as personnel expenditure, adding that the government chose the option of virement instead of supplementary budget because of inconsistencies in revenue generation as a result of economic downturn.

In her submission, Adeosun disclosed that the government would secure N900 billion foreign loan once the National Assembly approved the request for borrowing before it. She also disclosed that in no time, the nation would be restored to the level of its N2.2 trillion budget projection in the 2016 budget.

The minister further disclosed how the government had discovered a number of leakages in the revenues of ministries, department and agencies (MDAs). She listed such discoveries to include huge capital expenses, huge medical expenses and staff training that were not under budgetary control, among others.

According to her, a mechanism would be put in place to compel the MDAs to make full disclosures of their revenues and expenses including the number of assets they sold.

She said the agencies' managers would be made to answer such questions.

She bemoaned lack of accountable spending among the agencies, citing instances of how some agencies have 20 drivers to only one vehicle, adding that a measure was being conceived to ensure that agencies put all their revenues "on the platform so that we can ask questions".

Furthermore, she said the budgetary process would be

tightened ahead of the next fiscal year as she disclosed further that the use of treasury single account (TSA) did not place any limitation on the agencies' spending, saying they have access to their monies as the only difference is that the accounts are no longer in commercial banks while the signatories to the accounts remain the same.

Adeosun revealed further how some revenue-generating agencies inflated their expenses, vowing that the directors of such agencies would soon be handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for investigation and possible prosecution.

She also explained that looted funds being recovered were coming into government purse daily but added that she did not know the actual amount recovered so far. Adeosun also told the committee that the federal government was facing some obstacles in its bid to recover the loot stashed in foreign accounts in Switzerland and United States.

She also said the federal government was still in the process of finalising the realisation of the loan it sought from China's NEXIM Bank to fund rail projects.

In his closing remarks, the Chairman of Appropriation Committee, Danjuma Goje, said he was encouraged to hear from the ministers that the releases made so far were cash-backed.

Goje also expressed optimism that with the level of releases, the 2016 budget could be fully implemented, threatening that nothing but 100 per cent implementation of the budget would be acceptable to the committee.

He also tasked the ministers to be fair to all MDAs in the release of funds, noting that a situation where some agencies have 10 per cent release while others have 1 per cent would be unfair.

REPS HINGE APPROVAL FOR $30BN LOAN ON FUNDING FOR CONSTITUENCY PROJECTS Udoma Udo Udoma, deposition at the Senate yesterday that only N2.5 trillion of the N6.08 trillion of the 2016 budget had been released, two months to the end of the year.

A possible stalling of the loan request approval emerged yesterday as the scheduled debate on it was aborted. THISDAY gathered authoritatively that the leadership of the House took the decision to postpone the debate, following vows from members that no request from the executive would be honoured, until a commitment was secured for the funding of their constituency projects.

Alarmed by the looming defeat to the request and other Executive Bills, Speaker Yakubu Dogara and the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, had to meet with Adeosun, Udoma and the Director General of the Budget Office, Mr. Ben Akabueze, yesterday evening in the speaker’s office.

Adeosun and Udoma were expected to have taken the message of the lawmakers to Buhari and report back as soon as possible.

Execution of constituency projects are crucial to the lawmakers, who usually make such projects part of their campaign promises to their people.

THISDAY gathered that debates on the requests and MTEF would be suspended until a favourable response is received from the president.

Sources told THISDAY that the lawmakers might have finally found a way to commit the executive, particularly as several members of the executive had maintained that there were no funds for the constituency projects.

Some members of the executive had openly called to question, the legality of the constituency projects also known as the Zonal Intervention

Projects.

"It is a simple matter, we can simply say no to the borrowing.

Why does he want to make us debtors? We know there are conditionality attached to most foreign loans? What is he giving in return?" a member asked off the record.

Another member who is of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the same party as the president, admitted that no lawmaker was willing to rise up at plenary and say the requests were being rejected due to the refusal of the president to give approval for funding of their constituency projects.

"That would seem selfish, but the truth is these constituency projects are for the people who elected us, they elected us to better their communities. Most of them suffer exclusion from the government, the constituency projects are closer to the people, we consult and know exactly what our people need," the lawmaker said.

"Does he want us to lose elections? Many of us already have our constituencies upset at us, but there is a limit to what you can do with your personal funds. Some members no longer go to their constituencies as often as required because of this. It is very unfair, this government seems bent on generally starving the legislature of funds. We are tired of playing nice, without benefits," another lawmaker said.

But as the House stalls on the approval, its senior chamber, the Senate yesterday agreed to start debate on the matter next week.

The president in his letter to the two chambers last week had indicated that the $29.960 billion would be for proposed projects and programmes loan of $11.274 billion, $10.686 billion for Special National Infrastructure projects, Euro Bonds of $4.5 billion and federal government Budget Support of $3.5 billion.

The president also noted that the projects and programmes

in the external borrowing plan were selected based on positive technical economic evaluations as well as contributions they would make to the socioeconomic development of the country, including employment generation, poverty reduction and protection of the nation's vulnerable population.

Nigeria Has Commitments for $500m of Planned Eurobond Meanwhile, Nigeria already has $500 million of commitments from its planned $1 billion Eurobond it intends to issue before the end of the year and any decision to increase the size of the offer will depend on pricing, Adeosun said yesterday.

"At the moment, I am focused on the $1 billion," Reuters quoted the minister to have said in a video recording to an investor conference in Lagos.

Adeosun said the country was "further along" with the African Development Bank (AfDB) for a $1 billion budget support loan than the World Bank due to scheduling issues.

"We have pushed World Bank funding into next year's budget," she said.

She said Nigeria was also interested in tapping funds at concessionary rates to develop its infrastructure and that most of the funding it was seeking would carry concessionary terms.

Adeosun said expected taxes collected as a percentage of GDP which is currently at five per cent is to hit seven per cent within three-years and further up to 10 per cent within five years.

The federal government recently expressed optimism that it would sell Eurobond worth around $1 billion to be issued before the end of the year. Adeosun had said the government was in the process of appointing managers

for the sale.

The Eurobond is part of Nigeria’s plans to borrow a total of N1.8 trillion ($5.8 billion) from abroad and at home to fund an expected budget deficit of N2.2 trillion this year.

“We are appointing parties this week, we are hoping to come before the end of the year,” Adeosun said at an investment conference at the London Stock Exchange recently.

She gave no details.

“We have headroom and we are very fortunate in that regard, we have very low debt to GDP ratio,” she told the conference.

Adeosun informed her audience that Nigeria had started a journey, which would take its economy from being dependent on oil as a primary commodity, to a more productive economy.

She said the Nigerian economy had moved from spending 90 per cent of its budget on recurrent items and only 10 per cent on capital expenditure, to 70 per cent on recurrent expenditure and 30 per cent on capital expenditure.

N2.5trn of N6.08trn Budget Released At the Senate yesterday, Udoma disclosed that only N2.557 trillion of the total N6.08 trillion 2016 budget had been released as at August.

Udoma, who made this disclosure while appearing before the Senate Committee on Appropriation in the National Assembly along with Adeosun, gave a breakdown of the releases so far.

According to him, N753.6 billion of the sum was for capital expenditure, N117.8 billion was for statutory transfer, N135.4 billion as service wide votes, N108 billion released for overhead, N142 billion as consolidated pension and personnel cost of N1.299 trillion.

Udoma further told the committee that the federal government was diligently

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FRIDAY OCTOBER 28, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

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

North-east: Presidential C’ttee Begins Work, Says $9bn Lost to Boko Haram Destruction

Buhari to launch strategic framework N12 billion appropriated, FG releases N10.5 billion Probing diversion of funds, relief materials not our mandate, says committee

Paul Obi in Abuja The Presidential Committee on North-east Initiative (PCNI) yesterday commenced work on the rehabilitation of the region following its destruction by Boko Haram insurgency.

According to the committee, a substantial amount of resources estimated at $9 billion had been lost to the destruction of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States and other states within the region by Boko Haram insurgents.

The committee further explained that a strategic framework which has been developed through a document would be launched very soon

by President Muhammadu Buhari, his pet project, in line with his determination to rebuild the region.

The Vice Chairman of PCNI, Tijani Tumsah, told journalists in Abuja at a press briefing that the mandate of the committee is to harness resources in the rehabilitation and provision of humanitarian intervention in order to bring about succour to victims ravaged by the insurgency.

According to Tumsah, “The focus of the meeting was to discuss the mandate given to PCNI to arrange a way that would be most direct in terms of delivery of that mandate; analyse the enormity of the task and fulfill the presidential mandate to deliver succour to the people

of the region.”

Conversely, he stated that the committee was not given the mandate to investigate and prosecute the people who allegedly participated in the diversion of relief items meant for victims of insurgency in the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp.

Tumsah said: “We are not investigating anybody; there are people who are investigating such diversions. I’m glad you mentioned the Senate, House of Representatives, police and EFCC. Our mandate, going forward, is to provide strategic framework of implementation of all interventions going on in the North-east in terms of humanitarian, resettlement and eventual rebuilding of the North-east.

“In terms of the cost, there is an immediate, short term and long term view. The entire rebuilding of the North-east, of course, will keep changing. But we do know that a substantial amount of resources has been lost to destruction put at over $9 billion value of resources in terms of destruction.

“We are going to channel this strategic framework through a document that we have developed that is going to be launched very soon. It is the plan of President Buhari for the rebuilding of the North-east. That is the strategic implementation going forward.”

FG Moves to Plug Revenue Leakages, Review Agreements with Port Operators Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt The federal government has said it was working seriously to resolve the issues of revenue leakages at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to bring it in line with the federal government’s Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy.

Government also said it would review the terms and conditions in the agreements it entered into with operators and service providers at NPA. The Managing Director of NPA, Hadiza Bala Usman, who stated this yesterday during inspection of facilities and inauguration of a 3.5 MVA, 33/IIKV Injection Substation at Onne Port in Rivers State, said the moves became necessary because government was worried that some operators have been involved in sharp practices.

She also said instituting transparency in the system had been the most challenging issue confronting the current management of the authority.

The NPA boss said: “On this visit, we have seen a lot of challenges and the important one is the issue of electricity in Onne ports. That has been addressed because we have just inaugurated the connection of Onne port to national grade.

“That solves the problem of electricity in Onne port. We believe that this marks the begging of 24 hours power supply at the port. We also will ensure that the payment of indebtedness by the operators, to ensure that our lease agreement for the landed property that NPA leased are done more efficiently.

“It is not acceptable for any terminal operator not to comply with the provisions of the concession agreement. We are working to have all revenues that are meant for the federal government to go into the TSA. “We have commenced that programme so that all revenues will be remitted to NPA as an entity.

And NPA will review provisions of those payments and will issue invoice and lead on collection of those revenues.

She noted historic provision where a service provider is leading payments made through a service provider that is not acceptable to us to move forward as NPA. This is one of the steps to ensure that revenue leakages are blocked.

“We are looking at every agreement we have entered with service providers. On the issue of African Circle, we are going to look at the deployment of infrastructure.

We will want to know if African Circle has done the deployment.”

Speaking against the backdrop of the funds earmarked for the rebuilding of the region, Tumsah said it was donated for a particular purpose rehabilitation of victims of terrorism.

“The PCNI will oversee that programme and it is a key component of our intervention,”

he emphasised.

Another member of the committee representing the Senate, Ali Ndume, stressed that its members were representatives of the North-east caucus, because of the peculiarities and the objectives for which PCNI was set up.

He said: “It is our

constitutional responsibility to back the course, especially in terms of appropriation. We have earlier on appropriated N12 billion. So far, I think N10.5 billion have been released out of that money.

“In fact, it is in view of the situation of the mandate that are so divergent and are not really

achieving that the government is so worried to get through that gave birth to the presidential committee.

“As the vice chairman said, that is what led to the collapse of the three committees; we are here to form the committee. We are to give it the constitutional backing.”

HOW WE HAVE IMPLEMENTED THE BUDGET

L-R: Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma; Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Isa Dutse; and Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, during an interactive session between the Senate Committee on Appropriation and the ministers, Accountant General of the Federation and Director-General, Budget Office on the level of implemeentation of 2016 budget in Abuja... yesterday Julius Atoi

Finally, Senate Begin to Debate on PIB Next Week Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja The Senate has scheduled next week for the commencement of debate on Petroleum Industry Governance Bill, otherwise known as PIB, as well as the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP).

The Senate will also commence debate on a bill to amend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Act, among 24 other bills slated for debate next week.

According to information obtained by THISDAY on Senate’s Notice Paper for next week, the report of the Senate Committee on INEC will be laid by its Chairman, Senator Abu Kyari, on Tuesday, while the debate on MTEF will take place on Wednesday.

During consideration of INEC Committee’s report, the Senate will take a decision on amendments to the law setting up the commission which also guides the activities of the commission.

However, THISDAY learnt that Senate’s major attention

would be concentrated on the PIB whose debate had been suspended since April as a result of power struggle between the National Assembly and the presidency.

Tagged: ‘A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Governance and Institutional Framework for the Petroleum Industry and for Other Related Matters, 2016,’ the debate for second reading of the bill will be led by Senator Tayo Alasoadura, Chairman of Senate Committee on Petroleum (Upstream).

The PIB which had been in the National Assembly for almost a decade has now been broken into different bills with the aim of addressing various aspects of the oil industry and also ensure that aspects of the old laws that are not controversial are quickly passed while other areas that require more consultations are meant to be considered later.

It was learnt that besides the power struggle between the executive and legislature on the bill, senators from the Niger Delta had advocated the suspension of consideration of the bill some months ago because

of fears that non-inclusion of host community fund in the first phase of the bill might aggravate the existing tension in the oil producing areas.

Against this background, such senators had resolved to hold a meeting on Monday to deliberate on the return of PIB and how to ensure that the process of passing the bill is not hindered.

On MTEF, debate on the document was suspended last week following a letter written to the executive by the Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, demanding that missing information in the document sent to the National Assembly.

THISDAY learnt that the MTEF debate would now resume next week following the provision of the required information by Ministers of Budget and Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma, and his counterpart in the Ministry of Finance, Kemi Adeosun.

Some other bills meant to address the economic crisis confronting the nation had been slated for second reading next week. They include: “A bill for

an Act to Repeal the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act. The bill is aimed at establishing a foreign exchange market and also to provide for the control, monitoring and supervision of the transactions conducted into the foreign exchange market.

It will also consider “A bill to Repeal and Re-enact the Customs Act.” Also slated for consideration next week are: “A bill to Establish the Public Private Partnership Regulatory Commission,”; “A bill for an Act to provide for a Legal Framework for the Cassava Inclusion Policy of the Federal Government to Encourage Cassava Farming and Other Matters’ and “A bill for an Act to provide for the Establishment of Federal Entrepreneurship Centres at Local Government Area.”

Eight other bills sent to the Senate by the House of Representatives for concurrence have also been slated for consideration next Thursday.

Thirteen reports from various committees have also been planned for consideration.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 28, 2016 T H I S D AY

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FRIDAY OCTOBER 28, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

Power: Discos’ Revenue Remittances to Market Drop to 30% Market operator to escrow their accounts, enforce security bonds Chineme Okafor in Abuja The monthly revenue remittances of the 11 electricity distribution companies (Discos) to the Nigerian electricity market have dropped further to 30 per cent from about 58 per cent that it was in the early part of the year, the Market Operations (MO) department of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has said.

The MO also linked this sharp

drop in revenue remittance levels of the Discos to their disregard for market rules approved for the Transitional Electricity Market (TEM).

MO’s acting Managing Director, Moshood Saleeman, said yesterday at the 2016 fourth quarter workshop for participants in the electricity market which his department organised in Abuja, that constant disregard for market rules by all segments of the industry had

Abdulsalami: Grazing Reserve Solution to Herdsmen-farmers’ Clash Laleye Dipo in Minna

Former military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), has joined the call for the establishment of grazing reserved in the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), saying this is the panacea to frequent clashes between nomads and local farmers.

Abubakar also said the fight against Fulani herdsmen clash and farmers should not be left to the state and federal government suggesting that “all hands should be on deck to check the menace.”

The former head of state who spoke at his Maizube Farms, Minna, Niger State, yesterday after hosting the state Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello; his Kebbi State counterpart, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, and the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, blamed the escalation in the clashes on the increasing rate of urbanisation and attendant reduction in availability of grazing

land for livestock.

“The solution to the persistent clashes between farmers and herdsmen requires that all hands should be on deck. This should not be left to the government alone. We have to join hands with government to resolve the crisis.

“The animals need grazing field and water points but the rapid rate of urbanisation has grossly affected this,” he stated.

He therefore called on the governments at all levels to provide grazing reserves with adequate water points to stem the face off, destruction and un-wanton killings by the warring farmers and herdsmen.

“In providing the grazing reserves for these herdsmen, government should endeavour to build schools for the children of the herdsmen. This is very important,” Abubakar advised.

The former military ruler however told his guests that clashes between farmers and herdsmen had never been limited to the country saying: “The crisis in not limited to this country, it occurs in virtually all the countries in West Africa.”

Miss Anambra Scandal: Pageant Organisers Disown Beauty Queen David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka The scandal rocking the exit of the winner of Miss Anambra Beauty Pageant, Miss Chidinma Okeke, has assumed a different dimension with the organisers of the pageant washing their hands off the actions of the queen.

The video which was released in two batches, has the 2015 winner of the pageant in a video that has gone viral on the cyber space, with the queen involving in lesbian act with another lady who has so far not been identified.

A statement signed by the Chairman, Chief Executive of Anambra Broadcasting Service(ABS), organizers of the pageant, Nze Uche Nworah disowned the queen for her action in the video, saying that the pageant was set up to maintain high moral standard and to empower young ladies from the state.

Part of the statement read: “The attention of the management of the Anambra Broadcasting Service, organisers of the Miss Anambra Beauty Pageant has been drawn to a video with lurid contents purportedly showing former Miss

Anambra, Miss Chidinma Okeke (Miss Anambra 2015).

“We wish to make the following clarifications; The said Miss Chidinma Okeke who is allegedly linked to the lurid content in circulation has served-out her term as Miss Anambra 2015 and handed over the crown in line with the terms and conditions of The Miss Anambra pageant.

“We condemn in clear terms any amoral behaviour/conduct as suggested by the alleged lurid content in circulation and do not condone such. It is on record that The Miss Anambra Beauty Pageant has been a platform to empower Anambra women and celebrate our rich culture and heritage.”

The organisers said the winners of the pageant are bound by contracts to be of good conduct and moral behaviour and to uphold and maintain the honour in their position as queen. It also said winners of the pageant also have a contract to refrain from any personal relationship that could appear to hinder their ability to perform the duties of their office as queen and role model and we do not expect any less.

resulted in its poor financial status.

Saleeman said the MO had in this regard intimated participants, especially the Discos, of its decision to begin enforcement actions against their recalcitrant behaviours.

He stated that going forward, the MO would have to escrow the accounts of defaulting Discos or activate their security bonds to make up for their market failures.

“The average remittance is not too impressive, we are talking about less than 30 per cent collection and we expect that if we can go a little bit higher, it will be better for the industry and that is why we are insisting that people respect the rules.

“This meeting essentially is to awaken all market participants to be disciplined and comply with market

rules because without discipline and compliance, we may not be able to achieve much in the sector,” said Saleeman.

He further stated: “We try to emphasise on liquidity and how the market participants especially the Discos can ensure that they pay on time for the entire value chain because it is the Discos that need to bring money to the market to service all these service providers.”

“The Transitional Electricity Market (TEM) has been declared and we stand by it, and it is supposed to be based on contracts.

People should comply with their contract terms and that is why we are here.

“We have the enforcement that can come into play, but because we are still on a journey and don’t

want a situation where some of these companies will go under, we try to be careful so that we don’t enforce it totally but the signal we are giving now is that we will enforce the penalties which is to enforce the security deposits and even escrow the accounts of Discos concerned,” he added.

Similarly, the acting Managing Director of TCN, Dr. Atiku Abubakar, who was represented by the acting Managing Director, Transmission Service Provider (TSP), Mr. Tom Uwah, said the plans and activities of the TSP were being impacted by the poor remittance and compliance levels of the Discos.

He explained that plans to grow the transmission capacity of the country from its current 5,500 megawatts (MW) to 6,000MW

by December 2016, and then 20,000MW by 2022 would be determined by the market’s respect for existing rules in the TEM. “The most critical impact of the non-compliance is that of financial liquidity as it affects service providers who are not covered by any payment guarantee in the market.

“In particular, payments to TSP have been so low that it cannot carry out its network maintenance, reinforcement and expansion of the grid. You are all aware of the transmission bottlenecks currently affecting power evacuation that are requiring urgent attention.

This becomes critical and a sort of mismatch in view of the steady growth of generation capacity in the industry,” said Abubakar.

AN ELDER STATESMAN AT ASO ROCK

President Muhammadu Buhari (right), receiving former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), during an audience with the president at the Presidential Villa in Abuja....yesterday State House

FG Targets Zero Militancy in Niger Delta by 2017 Says FG will intensify oil quest in Lake Chad Basin Tobi Soniyi in Abuja The Minister of State for Petroleum resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, has said the federal government has set a timeline of 2017 as a period of zero militancy and drastic reduction of violence in the Niger Delta.

The minister spoke at a press conference held in the Presidential Villa after the launch of the Oil and Gas Industry Roadmap tagged ‘The 7 Big Wins’ by President Muhammadu Buhari in the Presidential Villa.

Kachikwu also hinted that the government would intensify quest for oil in commercial quantities in the Lake Chad basin by encouraging private sector to invest in the sector.

He said “We are targeting to raise $5 billion in short term funds for this and over $20 billion in medium to long term funds.”

He said the Buhari administration would ensure maximum security in the Niger Delta by engaging stakeholders from that region.

He disclosed that the president

would next Tuesday engage stakeholders from oil producing areas in Abuja.

Kachikwu said: “Niger Delta security is key. On Tuesday the president will be meeting with the NIger Delta stakeholders of oil producing areas. It is important that we continue to sustain the institutional engagement and negotiations that are key to do this work.

“Our target is to have an incident reduction by 90 per cent by 2018 and to target zero militancy and shut down by middle of 2017.

“Whatever shutdown experienced by the middle of next year we expect it to be production slippages and not militancy issues. We must resolve current militancy problems and bring back production to 2.2million barrels per day.

“We are currently at 1.8million.

We will like to begin the year once Exxon Mobil brings back their production this week with 2.2million barrels per day.

“But the reality is that

2.2million barrels do not represent at all the capacity of this nation. We have the capacity to increase to 3million barrels per day, the problem has been funding.

“We are working with the oil sector players to begin to find solutions to our cash call problems. We need to create stability incentive schemes, jobs and investment opportunities in the Niger Delta zone.

“We need to look at the security and incentives for states government to begin to look at and we need to set up a robust security apparatus involving the oil companies and security agencies to ensure that there is stability in this region.

“Above all, transparency and efficiency is key and we know the president’s mantra in this is zero tolerance for corruption.

We have to install transparency process in the oil and gas industry.”

The minister added that the government would enthrone transparency in the oil and gas

sector thereby cut production cost by 30 per cent.

“We are introducing a joint account with oil companies so that everybody understands the monies that are coming in. We are targeting 30 per cent cost savings in which we can link to transparency,” he said.

Kachikwu added: ‘Stakeholders’ management is also a key area. We are going to be working with all those and increase communications and structures across the agencies in the ministry of communication.

For a country that has lost so much in recent years, it is an opportunity to review, retool and revive our oil and gas industry and our nation as whole.

“Already we have signed MOUs close to $80billion in China and we are in the process of finalising $15billion worth of crude with India.

There is a Gulf roadshow in January and an American road show by the middle of next year. So we have been able to open up our frontiers with solid spectres of investments to finance infrastructure.”

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COMMENT

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

THE SEARCH FOR A SCAPEGOAT Godwin Emefiele, CBN’s governor, is working for a better future, writes Adeyemi Jimoh

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ike every other day in the Nigerian socio-political system, the past few weeks have witnessed a number of protests and counter-protests. Some Nigerians flooded the National Assembly to ask that the assembly be scrapped; some urged President Muhammadu Buhari to rejig his cabinet. We see nameless groups springing up every now and then, seeking attention or demanding, legitimately, for a course of action.

The set of groups I have found very laughable in the past few weeks are a bunch of faceless groups calling for the sack of Godwin Emefiele, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group (NDMG) and Advocates for Social Justice for All (ASJA) have continually called for Emefiele’s sack, claiming he is responsible for the failure in Nigeria’s economy. “We have seen Mr. Emefiele converting the central bank into the personal bank of his business friends which he used to raise dollars for them to execute projects not just in Nigeria but also in other African countries without a thought for how this would affect the nation’s economy,” one of the groups said in a statement. “The CBN has also largely abdicated the bank’s regulatory roles to the commercial banks under the Bankers’ Committee, which has consequently created a situation where a clique takes decisions to the detriment of 180 million Nigerians so long as their bottom line is met.”

These statements show, literally, how ignorant these groups are, about central banking and simple economics. How does one man convert a 58-year-old institution, belonging to the Nigerian people, into a personal bank in the face of law and order?

The central bank has seen a bloody civil war, numerous military juntas, and a good number of coup and counter coups. Never in those relatively lawless times did the CBN become a private property, not even to the “supreme leader” Sani Abacha.

Another group says the CBN governor is responsible for the country’s recession, and must be fired. This is all the evidence we need to know that these men are living in absolute denial of the most present realities in the global and local economy. Nigeria’s economy has been built over the years around oil. We are a mono-product economy. The prosperity of oil is the prosperity of Nigeria, and a decline in oil prices also spells doom for the Nigerian economy. Of the five recessions Nigeria has experienced in its 56-year history, four of them were due to low oil prices, and only one was due to the civil war. So, to say Emefiele is responsible for recession is to say the CBN governor is responsible for the fall in oil prices.

The most recent oil slump, which began in 2014, has seen oil prices fall by more than 50 per cent, and Nigeria’s revenue has tumbled in the same fashion. As if that was not enough, militants in the Niger Delta region, began blowing up pipelines in 2016, reducing Nigeria’s oil production, and consequently its revenue generation capacity.

As Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo clearly puts it, if not for the activities of the vandals, Nigeria may have avoided the worst recession in nearly three decades. Speaking after the last meeting of the Economic Management Team, Osinbajo said if Nigeria did not have cases of vandalism, it would not be in a recession. “It is important for us to understand the nature of this recession in which we have found ourselves. In discussing this issue

THE PROSPERITY OF OIL IS THE PROSPERITY OF NIGERIA AND A DECLINE IN OIL PRICES ALSO SPELLS DOOM FOR THE NIGERIAN ECONOMY. OF THE FIVE RECESSIONS NIGERIA HAS EXPERIENCED IN ITS 56-YEAR HISTORY, FOUR OF THEM WERE DUE TO LOW OIL PRICES. ONLY ONE WAS DUE TO THE CIVIL WAR

of recession there is tendency for people to generalise; a lot depends on what sort of recession and how we got here. If we did not have vandalism in the Niger Delta as we are currently suffering, we will not have this recession today. Moreover, in looking at the solutions, we should try to focus on the type of problem we have and what instigated it. Then we can begin to come up with better solutions.”

The vice-president, as the head of the country’s economic team, clearly opposes the claims made by these groups that Emefiele is responsible for recession. In an op-ed for Bloomberg in September, President Muhammadu Buhari corroborates Osinbajo on the cause for Nigeria’s recession.

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

In Africa, when a child falls, he stands up and continues on his journey. When an adult falls; he looks at the place where he stumbled and moves on, watching out for such obstacles in the future. But when a fool falls, he sits at the spot, blaming everything and everyone around for his own fall.

With Nigeria’s recession, we, as a nation, should act like adults, see why we fell and move forward, learning not to fall to such obstacles again. This, in my opinion, is exactly what Godwin Emefiele has been doing. Emefiele sees Nigeria’s import dependence, and over-reliance on oil, and has tailored many CBN programmes to ensure we drive our economy away from one that depends on oil for survival.

The central bank, under Emefiele, has given small scale loans to youths and entrepreneur to foster non-oil growth in economy. The bank has intensified its anchor borrower scheme for farmers, to make Nigeria capable of feeding itself, while implementing a sound inflation control mechanism for short term spike. It is common in Nigeria for such groups to look for a scapegoat at any time the country is facing one challenge or the other to blame for our collective age-long failures, but we consistently miss the point for scapegoats. The idea of scapegoats dates back to the old Jewish culture, where goats were used as sacrifices to take away sins, and guilt from the Israelites camp. In this culture, two goats were got; one is killed and the other is sent into the desert to die, after carrying the sins of the whole nation. Once this is done, it is believed that the sin of the whole nation is gone, and there’s a new guiltless year ahead.

In Nigeria’s case however, getting someone to take the fall for a recession does not end the recession. In fact, in Emefiele’s case, it only worsens our economic woes. It brings uncertainty, it breaches the flow of economic progress, and it would only plunge the nation into deeper economic uncertainty – and uncertainty is good for no man’s business.

Emefiele’s plans and programmes are yielding results: inflation is abating, the currency crisis is getting behind us, inflow of forex is on the increase, and most recently, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimated Nigeria as the largest economy in Africa. It is only wise to hold on to the team that steers a country through its worst economic situation in three decades.

Jimoh, an economist, wrote from Lagos

AREWA AND 2019 PRESIDENTIAL RACE

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The north is in search of a candidate who will earn the confidence of all, writes Mudi Gambo

he issue of who the next President of northern extraction will be has become more and more topical among concerned northerners. This development is also positively indicative of the sobering fallouts of the Buhari Presidency that cast a cloud of uncertainty and even pessimism on the feasibility of another election tsunami powered

by Buhari and All Progressives Congress. It has also given consideration of candidature to galvanise a resurgent victory of an Arewa factor in 2019 a tone of urgency, if not desperation. There is no question as to the political entitlement of the North to produce the next President of Nigeria but the identity of the candidate which should be an assured Buhari second term is triggering serious second thoughts across the North and Nigeria as a whole.

Evidence of turbulence in Arewa’s political firmament has been sustained by the hasty compromises of diametrically opposed political ambitions fabricated solely to capture Nigeria’s Presidency rather than producing a president. With power once secure but now fading fast, the APC itself has been agog with emergent 2019 presidential explorers plainly provoked by the serially-shattered but irrepressible presidential ambition of Atiku Abubakar.

The generational aberration of a post-Buhari Atiku Presidency has dawned nation-wide and Buhari surely knows who will not succeed him in 2019 should he excuse himself from re-contesting.

The line up of other northern presidential explorers is not encouraging if indeed all we have to present are the likes of Rabiu Kwankwaso, Sule Lamido, Bukola Saraki, Modu- Sherrif, Ahmed Makarfi, Nasir el- Rufai, et al. Northern Presidency has ceased being at the mercy of the old brigade.

Invariably these power rangers have been lording it over their parties and people at state level with arrogance, opulence and impunity which make them non-starters for seeking the Presidency of Nigeria as

the confluence of our complexity. Even without the resurrected threat of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s prosecution and consequent public indictment and infamy, the territorial limitations and geo-ethnic context of their gubernatorial antecedents constitute abominable recommendations for the nationalistic president Nigeria now desperately demands.

By now the settled equation subjecting the legendary national political prowess of the northern elite to the enabling endorsement of the southern constituents as conspicuously exhibited in the epic emergence of the thrice-defeated Buhari presidential bid should be recognised and embraced. In terms of constructing a pan- Nigerian political coalition for the realisation of electoral consensus on the Presidency, the APC insoluble mixture of conflicting convictions was a melodramatic milestone. The precarious balance of edgy egos and vaulting ambitions was maintained by the allure of opportunities to recoup, re-strategise and rebound in the corridors of the Presidency which have now fizzled into a mirage.

Very soon the roosting chicken will be on the loose and in pecking condition, especially in the north in whose court the egg must remain until 2023.

The clincher will not be so much determined by the acceptability of the northern nominee among Northerners but rather the emergence of a northern nominee who can earn the confidence and cooperation of the southern politicians and power brokers. This preposition is informed and activated by a gut feeling that the Buhari Presidency, far from redeeming the northern presidential entitlement, has actually truncated it with the excruciating experience of mis-governance, inflexibility and unpopularity overtaking the initially ecstatic expectations of change. Coupled with the visibly evaporating physical and fiscal competences of the Buhari Presidency, the inevitability of a replacement candidate to complete the entitled tenure of the north is a looming

if not forgone conclusion.

It is therefore realistic politics devoid of heroworshipping sentiments for the northern political elite across party lines to gather round the presidential drawing board once again but this time with a commitment to salvage the power and prestige of northern politics from national devaluation and possible rejection brought about by the shortcomings of its elected preferred candidate. In this reflective mode due consideration should be given to the new factor of enabling endorsement of the southern politicians and power brokers necessary for the successful election of the next northern nominee. The north must not run the risk of taking its reputed political invincibility in presidential politics for granted but initiate and maintain a proactive engagement process with southern politicians for the formation of a new virile coalition for the salvaging and endorsement of what remains of the northern entitlement tenure in the interest of peace, unity and our democratic dispensation.

The need for a robust pan-Nigerian political consensus with the potency and credibility of a doctrine of necessity should not be underrated in moderating the process for the desired objectives to be attained against the background of potential geoethnic tensions and tribulations tragically triggered in the past by deviations from agreed power-sharing schedules and denials of entitlements to presidential tenures. The 2019 scenario is a crucial indicator of the prospects of achieving yet another ‘miraculously’ amicable but longer lasting negotiated consensus and cooperation towards defusing the escalation of animosity and conflicts of interests in transiting to a post-Buhari northern presidency.

Recent expressions of concern and interest over the ominous uncertainty of the future of the Buhari Presidency in particular and the sustainability of the northern entitlement beyond 2019 in general provide pointers to the positive potential of capturing the

political composition and nationalistic disposition that characterised the National Assembly under Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal as the preferred template for kick-starting the proposed New Deal for pan-Nigerian consensus and endorsement of the imperilled northern entitlement for a second term. The composition and disposition of the membership of that National Assembly was fortuitously marshalled and navigated onto a nationalistic non-partisan agenda for remarkably vigilant oversight and checkmating of policies and practices of the Jonathan Presidency, notwithstanding a shared political affiliation.

With hindsight those were our democracy’s glorious days upholding the desired hallowed principles of separation of powers and independence of the legislature; the same standards and qualities now so appallingly lacking in the current dispensation.

There can be no better congress of tried and tested politicians from different political parties but sincerely loyal and devoted to upholding the national interest at all times. They should summon themselves and rise to this national challenge as a reserve body to resuscitate and replicate the spirit of nationalism and legislative vigilance that won the enthusiastic confidence of a cross-section of Nigerian political and economic stakeholders and the masses.

Indeed this was the fundamental political foundation for the groundswell of popular and patriotic affirmative action that culminated in the wind of change in the 2015 election outcome and it is just what Nigeria needs to facilitate a realistic national resolve and agenda to salvage and safeguard the endangered northern entitlement to second term in 2019. Verily, it can also salvage and safeguard the drifting ship of state with its proven capacity for statesmanship and responsive political leadership.

This proposal should be seen through nationalistic political lenses for best results.

Gambo wrote from Kano

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

EDITORIAL BEFORE INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES GO EXTINCT Government must take concrete steps to enforce the learning and teaching of mother tongue

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n an attempt to preserve Nigeria’s indigenous languages, the federal government enacted the National Policy on Education (NPE) in 1977. Section 1 (8) of the policy emphasises that the federal government “shall take official interest in, and make policy pronouncements on the teaching of the indigenous languages, instead of concerning itself solely with English Language’’. However, in many Nigerian schools, what you find written boldly is “vernacular speaking is prohibited”, a repudiation of that same policy.

That perhaps explains why most of the studies that have been carried out revealed that majority of Nigerian children cannot speak the language of their parents. This, as we have stated on this page several times, has nothing but dire consequences for the country because as our indigenous languages face extinction, so are other aspects of our culture, including history, traditions and values. One of the ominous signs of danger today is the incremental loss of our rich arts forms, particular in music, dance and fashion as our youths have taken to the Western genre, threatening AS OUR INDIGENOUS our cultural identity LANGUAGES FACE as African people.

EXTINCTION, SO ARE Since embedded OTHER ASPECTS OF OUR in our indigenous languages is our CULTURE, INCLUDING HISTORY, TRADITIONS AND rich culture, history, traditions, and values, VALUES government must take deliberate and concrete steps to protect them by enforcing the national policy on education with regard to learning and teaching of mother tongue. That must be the starting point because education is the base of the future of every society.

Accordingly, the policy stipulates that every pupil must in the course of primary school education (which lasts six years), study two languages, namely, his/her mother-tongue, if available for study, or any other indigenous language of wider communication in his/ her area of domicile alongside English Language.

The policy also requires that students in Junior

Letters to the Editor

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

Secondary School (JSS), (which is of three-year duration) must study three languages, namely, mother tongue, if available for study, or an indigenous language of wider communication in his/her area of domicile, alongside one of the three major indigenous languages in the country, namely, Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba, provided the language chosen is distinct from the child’s mother-tongue. In Senior Secondary School (SSS), which also lasts three years, a Nigerian child, according to the policy, must study two languages: an indigenous language and English Language.

However, there have been challenges implementing this policy. Many schools are unable to offer these indigenous languages because of lack of teachers, a cumulative effect of several years of indifference.

Obviously, the policymakers were aware of this acute shortfall when they used the phrase “if available for study” in the policy. This optional nature of the policy undermines its implementation.

Indeed, several studies have shown a relationship between level of development and language with the attendant result that those countries that use their indigenous languages, called Mother Tongue, as their lingual franca have a faster rate of development than those that use a second (foreign) language. The reason is that people learn and comprehend best in their indigenous language since it is ingrained in their blood.

For instance, countries like China, Japan, Taiwan and South Africa that use mother tongue to teach Science and Technology are higher on the United Nations Human Development Index than Nigeria and others that use foreign languages.

We therefore urge the federal government to institute an intervention programme that will facilitate the learning and teaching of indigenous languages in our training and tertiary institutions with a view to producing teachers that would not only fill up the gap but would help in developing those languages to their fullest potential. It should also produce a definite format for all states to follow in the implementation of the national policy on education with regard to mother tongue.

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

MAI-GASKIYA LIVING UP TO HIS NAME

W

ith the recent release of 21 Chibok girls by the Boko Haram insurgents, President Muhammadu Buhari has lived up to his popular alias ‘Mai-Gaskiya’ which is translated to mean, “someone who keeps his words”. In the entire Northern Nigeria, Mr President is synonymous with the nick name, and across the country he is also acknowledged as a man of fidelity. Most Nigerians have implicit faith in President Buhari as a man of honour and integrity. What this translates into is that though reticent, he keeps his promises.

During the 2015 presidential campaigns, it was obvious that President Buhari was flabbergasted that some 219 school girls were kidnapped under the watch of the previous administration and we still carried on as if things were normal. One could easily sense how disappointed he felt about the ugly development; hence he made an irrevocable promise to rescue the girls on assumption of office.

Since May 29, 2015, when he was sworn in, President Buhari left no one in doubt about his desire to quickly rescue the Chibok girls from the pangs of Boko Haram. He strategised behind the scenes with the Nigerian military and the result is the safe return of the 21 of the Chibok girls and a clear possibility that the remaining will soon regain their freedom and rejoin their families.

It is needless to recount here the horrendous trauma which enveloped the nation since the abduction of the Chibok girls, yet it should matter to us that on this issue, Nigerians of different political, religious and ethnic divides were united that the act was reprehensible and regrettable.

Before President Buhari assumed office, it seemed as if we were merely scratching the surface as far as locating and rescuing these girls,

as all efforts including pay-outs to would-be negotiators yielded little or no result.

Therefore, in celebrating the return of the 21 Chibok girls, we must reflect soberly and appreciate President Buhari’s single-minded determination, but quiet efforts towards the eventual release of the Chibok girls.

From all indications, it can be seen that while criticisms have been heaped on the government for the non-release of the girls, especially coming from the Bring Back Our Girls Group (BBOG), President Buhari was ahead of everybody, as he worked tirelessly until this particular mileage in the search and eventual release was realised to the consternation of all.

It is not surprising that Nigerians and the international community will expect quick fixes in rescuing all the Chibok girls, but matters like this are more complicated than the ordinary eye can see. It must be acknowledged that President Buhari has brought his military tactics and experience to bear in the rescue efforts, as well as in achieving the overall security goals of his administration.

In retrospect, we can easily conclude that before President Buhari’s came to power, the security agencies were running in circles over the rescue of the girls as no meaningful clue was available. Of course, while the rigmarole lasted, the agony of the parents, relatives and most well-meaning Nigerians and foreigners knew no bounds. Perhaps it can be said that the whole world was taken aback that such reprehensible act happened in the 21st century. Our collective psyche was hurt and dehumanised, but with the release of the 21 girls, Nigerians have a reason to cheer up and support the president in the efforts to bring back the remaining girls.

Chukwudi Enekwechi, Abuja

HOPE FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE

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he coming together of some political parties in 2014 to form the All Progressives Congress (APC) could not have been possible without divine intervention and it is for this reason that the reference to Atiku/Tinubu as plan ‘B’ to Buhari/Osinbajo on page 43 in Daily Trust edition of Tuesday, October 25, 2016 should be seen as a dangerous trend that may negate the good intentions of the change mantra and consequently spell doom for Nigeria. There is no doubt that the widely acknowledged singular efforts of Tinubu in the actualisation of CHANGE in Nigeria through the emergence of Muhammadu Buhari as the

winner of the December 10, 2014 presidential primary for APC and the eventual winner of the presidential election on March 28, 2015 will fade way if it is indeed true that a plan is in the offing to challenge Buhari/ Osinbajo, come 2019 should PMB, as it is being speculated, decides not to run for second term in office.

The laudable successes so far achieved in the fight against corruption in Nigeria and the laying of the template for good governance in our country remains the magic wand that will continue to endear Nigerians whether at home or in diaspora now and in the future to the Buhari/ Osinbajo administration.

Odunayo Joseph, Mopa, Kogi State

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FRIDAY OCTOBER 28, 2016 T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

POLITICS

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

PERSONALITY FOCUS

Is It the Fear of Obiano?

Politicians and political parties in Anambra State are currently acting as if though the 2017 governorship election in the state is already conceded to the incumbent, Governor Willy Obiano, following the lull on the political space. Charles Onyekamuo writes

S

ince the return to civil rule, some three months to the election year in Anambra State are usually replete with activities. It is the time political parties open their doors to aspirants who want to fly the flag of their parties as candidates in the election proper. It is also a period meetings are held from one location to the other in politicians’ houses and hotel halls. In these meetings, aspirants moot their ambitions in a bid to consult with their constituents.

You needed not be told that something was about to happen as posters of aspirants from different political parties adorn the nooks and crannies of the state. But barely a year to the conduct of a governorship election in Anambra State, mum is the word.

The incumbent Governor of the state, Chief Willie Obiano was sworn-in on March 17, 2014.

By March 17, 2017, he would have spent three years in office, and given the constitutionally allowed 90 days to the termination of his first term in office, it is expected that elections into the office of the Governor of Anambra State would be conducted between the last quarter of November and second quarter of December 2017, either for a second term in office if he won re-election or hands over to a successor on March 17, 2018.

As it is now, Obiano who was elected on the Platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) appears to be the only aspirant of the 2017 governorship election in the state, who is sure of his candidature. This is because even as he has not officially kicked off campaigns for a second term in office, his body language and activities in government since he clocked two years in March suggest that he had already coveted the APGA ticket to run for a second term in office.

These days, his foot soldiers mobilise different group of people and associations including but not limited to the Transport Unions, Traditional Rulers and opinion and church leaders from different communities in the three senatorial zones of the state.

Just recently, the governor, in his response to the national economic recession abolished the payment of taxes and levies for certain categories of low income earners, who push barrows, vegetable sellers, Okada riders and the like who hitherto were weighed down by the burden of heavy and multiple taxation.

The state commissioner for Information and Communication strategy, Mr. Tony Nnaecheta, who gave a post analytical breakdown of the governor’s radio broadcast to the people of the state, said though the state government would be losing a whooping sum of N200m annually by taking this policy initiative aimed at cushioning the effects of recession, it was not bothered.

The state government was quick to point out that the measure was temporary and though didn’t say when the grace would lapse. Its implication a few months to the election year was not lost on analysts, who quickly said it was to woo the support of this social category prior to the governor’s re-election bid.

About a fortnight ago, traditional rulers from what is known as Old Aguata Union (OAU) comprising Aguata, Orumba North and South Local Government Areas gathered at the Ekwulobia Township Stadium in Aguata to bestow the Chieftaincy title of “Aqunechemba” Aguata on the governor, who couldn’t point at any project he had initiated and executed in the zone in the last 30 months.

All the same, the Traditional Rulers had

As it is now, Obiano who was elected on the Platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) appears to be the only aspirant of the 2017 governorship election in the state, who is sure of his candidature. This is because even as he has not officially kicked off campaigns for a second term in office, his body language and activities in government since he clocked two years in March suggest that he had already coveted the APGA ticket to run for a second term in office

Obiano...riding on popularity strength

during the ceremony allegedly packaged by an APGA Chieftain and Hotel proprietor in Ekwulobia, Aguata Council area of the state managed to tell him before an assemblage of opinion leaders from the area which included the Second Republic Vice-President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, a one-time Governor of the state, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, town union presidents and the youths that all the roads in the old Aguata Union were impassable. The governor, however, pledged to look into the matter after the rains. That, in itself, was not a promise.

Outside this, there are many politicians aspiring to occupy Obiano’s seat in 2018 from the different political parties. In the Labour Party, the name of Chief Ifeanyi Ubah, the publisher of Authority Newspaper and Businessman has been ringing a bell. Although Ubah himself has repeatedly said he was not interested in contesting against Obiano next year, however would like to be his campaign manager for his re-election, yet his political associates say he was only flying a kite and would most likely contest the governorship on the Labour platform.

As at now, no new name has come up as a likely contender for the party’s ticket except Ubah. The chairman of the party in the state, Mr. Luke Ezeanokwasa although evasive on the issue told THISDAY that his party does not believe in zoning its governorship ticket and would likely throw it open for contest by interested aspirants during the party’s primaries in line with the democratic process of selecting a popular candidate to fly its flag.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State appears to be the party with the highest number of aspirants jostling to fly the party’s ticket in the election.

In the fold of aspirants whose names re-occur like a decimal are the present Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, a National Officer of the Party, Chief George Moghalu, former candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2013 governorship election in the

state, Comrade Tony Nwoye, the candidate of Chief Maxi Okwu faction of APGA in the same election, Dr. Chike Obidigbo and a stalwart of the party from Igboukwu in Aguata council area of the state, Chief Barth Nwibe, an Engineer.

Moghalu, it was learnt will most certainly contest the primaries of the APC whenever it is fixed. A close associate of his who spoke to THISDAY on the condition of anonymity said the APC strong man, who contested the 2007 governorship election in the state on the platform of the All Nigerian People’s Party (ANPP) has not made his ambition public yet because he is consulting and reaching out to many people within the party and outside, as well as critical stakeholders across the political divide.

He described Moghalu as one of the most experienced among the aspirants outside Ngige and had remained steadfast without having to move from one party to the other. “He has been very consistent from the All Peoples Party (APP) to ANPP and to APC today,” he said.

Similarly, Obidigbo, who joined the APC from APGA after his botched 2013 governorship ambition because it is the political mainstream of the moment and would better serve the interest of the Igbos within the context of Nigeria confirmed to THISDAY that he would again contest the 2017 governorship primaries on the APC Platform.

He, however, said the final decision to run does not rest with him, but with the party. At the moment, he said he was still consulting with critical stakeholders within and outside the party.

“This being the case, the decision to run for the governorship of Anambra State on the platform of APC does not rest with me.

The decision is for the party to take and if I am found worthy, I will be very grateful to carry the flag.

“I know that with God on my side and the people of Anambra State giving me their support,

I will win and I will deliver something very tangible and beneficial to the state,” he said.

For Ngige, although he has not officially said he would run for the 2017 governorship election in the state, his body language speaks volume of his intention. Even in his absence, his associates and APC women in the state have been meeting in his country home and elsewhere in the state on his behalf, strategising on how best to sell the man, whose first stint at governorship for 34 months brought a lot of glory to the state and opened the eyes of the state’s citizenry to good governance.

To many, Ngige is generally regarded as the harbinger and pathfinder to Anambra’s infrastructure development especially in the area of roads development. But there is a school of thought that though he is eminently qualified to lead the state once again, he should make a detour and stand behind upcoming, promising and experienced associates within the APC, who would tow his footsteps and recue the state from manifest mal-administration.

Comrade Tony Nwoye may be seen as a new entrant into APC to pick its ticket for the election, political analysts contend that he is one politician, who can reach out to northern power brokers in the party and pull the strings in the state chapter even from outside.

To this school of thought, it is argued that to the extent that the APC will conduct a free and fair primaries in the state, without giving any of the aspirants undue advantage, and considering that he has as it were a wealthy sponsor and financier in the Person of Arthur Eze, a business mogul from Ukpo in Dunukofia local government area of the state and given that about 4000 delegates would be attending the APC state primaries, then, he would be taken seriously.

The story of the PDP in Anambra is like one told on a perky weather. The party is stuck in leadership crisis – factionalised as it were. One part is led by Chief Ejike Oguebego, while the other is led by Ken Emeakayi. It is CONT’D ON NEXT PAGE

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

POLITICS

PERSPECTIVE

Again, the Abia North Jigsaw It is about time former Abia State Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu gave up on his senatorial ambition, writes Mike Nwachukwu

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n an article I wrote late last year under the title “The Needless Quagmire in Abia North”, I pointed out that the bid by a former governor of Abia State, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu, to represent the people of Abia North puts the latter in a quandary.

That article was informed by my worry over Kalu’s case at the Supreme Court in which he asked the apex court to free him of corruption charges by the nation’s anti-graft agencies.

At the time I did the article, the people of Abia North were preparing for a re-run for its senatorial seat following an Appeal Court ruling, which upturned an earlier one by the lower tribunal upholding the election of Senator Mao Ohuabunwa in March, 2015. But since after the re-run, the Supreme Court has ruled on Kalu’s case, refusing to let him off the hook. The case is now back in full throttle.

Before the Supreme Court ruling, Kalu and another contender, Bourdex Onuoha, of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, had filed a petition at the National Assembly and Governorship Election Tribunal, challenging the election of Senator Ohuabunwa at the re-run. In a ruling that lasted between eight and nine hours, the tribunal upheld the election of Ohuabunwa for a second time.

The high point in the ruling was the subtraction of over 4,000 votes from the total number of votes earlier recorded in favour of Kalu by the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Interestingly, Ohuabunwa’s other opponent, Onuoha, had conceded defeat in the spirit of the general decision of the Abia North electorate to rally round Senator Ohuabunwa.

Now, Chief Kalu has again challenged the ruling of the tribunal at the Court of Appeal. That is where the people of Abia North are now, a re-enactment of an earlier scenario. Put differently, the Abia North electorate in back to the same dilemma as they were before: what to do with a fellow who seeks desperately to be their representative but who still has a case to answer with the authorities.

The question that readily comes to mind is: should Kalu continue to subject his people to such an ordeal? Differently put still, should Kalu not respect the verdict of his people for now and seek an opportunity next time, after hopefully clearing himself of the charges against him in court?

My answer to the first question is “No” and to the second “yes”. My fear on Kalu’s legal recalcitrance is that he is repudiating the goodwill he has among the people of Abia North. Yes, Kalu is held in high esteem by his people but for reasons that are not farfetched, they have simply decided that as far as the senatorial seat is concerned for this season, they prefer Senator Ohuabunwa.

That is where the people are now and there is almost a certainty that they will continue to express their preference in

From his posturing, Kalu seems to suffer a mindset, namely that since he got a favourable ruling last time, the Appeal Court will give it to him again. This is most unfortunate because it shows that he does not understand that no two elections are the same and that the Judges look at the merit of each case…Apart from what looks most certainly like chasing a mirage, Chief Kalu is fast making himself vulnerable through his utterances and posturing while pursuing this case Kalu...time to let go

favour of Ohuabunwa even if the election is conducted ten times over. Kalu should therefore respect the verdict of his people and save both the people and the Senator the distraction from his legal abracadabra.

From his posturing, Kalu seems to suffer a mindset, namely that since he got a favourable ruling last time, the Appeal Court will give it to him again. This is most unfortunate because it shows that he does not understand that no two elections are the same and that the Judges look at the merit of each case.

Apart from what looks most certainly like chasing a mirage, Chief Kalu is fast making himself vulnerable through his utterances and posturing while pursuing this case. For example, during a recent television interview, he had posited that he would not stop playing politics because if he does, “fools” will rule him.

As expected, that statement has been seriously frowned at by every well-meaning citizen of Abia State. By that statement, Chief Kalu went off guard to insinuate that only fools have been elected or appointed into offices in Abia State since he left as governor since 2007.

That is most unfair and unfortunate.

Such unguarded utterances is an assault on the collective psyche of the people of the entire Abia State who, as far as I know, take full responsibility over every mandate they have given out to all Abians currently holding elective offices. To insinuate that outside him, only fools can emerge as political leaders of the good people of Abia State is to totally repudiate every modicum of brotherly love that could have existed between him and the people who once

gave him their mandate to preside over their affairs for eight years.

In my view, the current trend could lead him to a tragic end of a once vibrant political career. Personally, I am an admirer of Chief Kalu and even as things are, I believe there could still be a lifting up for him. But that is dependent on how he handles the current situation. If he continues to sound desperate and in disdain to the verdict of his people in Abia North, he will certainly sink into further political abyss.

After all, it is not for noting that the Abia North electorate not only elected Senator Ohuabunwa first in 2005 and went ahead to re-elect him at the re-run.

Before the Appeal Court ruling that led to the re-run, Mao, as he is more fondly known among the people, had represented Abia North for more than six months. That was enough time for the highly discerning Abia North electorate to determine whether or not he merits to be sent back to the senate. That they did renew his mandate is a clear testimony that they saw that he still deserved the mandate they earlier gave him.

Of course, Mao’s election into the senate in 2005 was merely graduating him into the next class, given that he had earlier been elected twice by his people in the House of Representatives between 1999 and 2007. During the same period, he served as speaker of the ECOWAS parliament.

In the Red Chambers, Mao has leveraged on his experience as a two time legislator to become one of the most vibrant senators in the entire country. Earlier this year, even as he was grappling with his re-run

challenges, he bagged the prestigious BV Nigeria Democracy Man of The Year Award, an internet live screaming media awards in Africa styled after the CNN Heroes awards. Apart from being a vibrant legislator, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa confers an advantage to the people of Abia North more than the other top contenders to the seat.

For example, Kalu is contesting on the ticket of the Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA), a rather moribund political party.

There is not a single PPA member in the entire National Assembly. There is not even a PPA member in the Abia House of Assembly. So, with whom will Kalu associate politically in today’s Nigerian political space, where competition among the various people has become very keen.

Kalu has proved that he is by nature a lone ranger. That might have worked for him in the past but certainly not this time around. Needless to say the good people of Abia North are not unmindful of the type of baggage a fellow like Kalu would carry to the political setup of Nigeria of today.

If Chief Kalu should tell himself the truth, he would agree that his only saving grace today is his involvement in newspaper publishing. To be sure, he has done quite well there and we commend him for that. But he has also seen that newspapers do not elect people into offices, or sustain them in office. Kalu is no doubt a successful man but in my view, the best way to sustain his success is to learn to respect the verdict of his own people especially on this matter of Abia North senatorial seat.

IS IT THE FEAR OF OBIANO? believed that with the ongoing reconciliation effort between the Ahmed Markrafi committee and the Senator Ali Modu Sheriff faction at the centre, the effect may trickle down the state to usher some sanity.

Although some analysts believed that ultimately the mantle of leadership of the chapter may fall on the former governor of the state, Mr. Peter Obi, who prior to the 2015 presidential election, defected to the party, the assumption may not be fully correct given the popularity standing of the incumbent, especially one anchored on performance, others reckoned.

Even at that, names like Senator Andy Uba, Senator Stella Oduah, Mr. Henry Obaze and Senator Uche Ekwunife keep popping up as

notable contenders for the party’s ticket for the 2017 governorship election in the state. While Uba hails from the state’s southern zone, Oduah, Obaze from the Northern zone, Ekwunife hails from the central zone.

A source however told THISDAY that Obi though in a good political relationship with Uba, Oduah and Ekwunife, he may Prefer Obaze from the state’s North zone, an international diplomat, who served as secretary to his administration; and would want him to pair Ekwunife from the central zone as his deputy. But all these r will depend on which side the leadership pendulum of the party will swing in the long run.

The People’s Progressive Alliance (PPA) has Chief Godwin Ezeemo, a publisher and

international businessman as its sole contender.

He contested the 2013 governorship election in the state on the same party platform.

Now, even with these people known to be brushing up to do battle with the incumbent, Obiano, next year consulting and strategizing, the political environment in the state appears dull with a lull in vibrant political activities quite unlike in the past when a year to the election witnessed some boisterous activities with the atmosphere charged and aspirants discussed publicly.

The lull has variously been attributed to uncertainty in the political space, and the economic recession leading to lack of direction. Again, it is reasoned in political circles in the state that a

great many of the aspirants don’t want to get kicking and be praised by sycophants, who will come to tell you how good and suitable you are only to shift base to another aspirant the moment they discover that you had exhausted yourself financially, buying booze, cooking and providing transport money after meetings even before the primaries proper.

“Many of them have gone through the terrain before and are now experienced. I think with the recession in place and minimal cash to throw about, cooking and drinking and transporting people, no sane politician would like to embark on an uncertain journey without being circumspect”, a political analyst in Awka, who pleaded aninymity told THIS DAY last week.

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S NIBOR OVERNIGHT 1-MONTH

A S

NIBOR

16.625% 19.8021%

A T

3-MONTH 6-MONTH

O C T O B E R

20.2709% 23.0356%

NITTY 1-MONTH 2-MONTH

Group Business Editor Chika Amanze-Nwachuku

Email chika.amanzenwachukwu@thisdaylive.com 08057161321, 08033294157

2 0 ,

16.9846% 17.1103%

3-MONTH 6-MONTH

2 0 1 6 17.3967% 17.805%

EXCHANGE RATE N304.75//1US DOLLAR* *AS AT LAST FRIDAY

Quick Takes Leadership Tussle Hits NCMDCA

NPA BOARD VISITS LADOL

R-L: Managing Director of LADOL, Dr. Amy Jadesimi; Chairman, Board of Directors of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mr. Emmanuel Adesoye; Directors of NPA, messrs Emukowhate Charles and Suaib Umar; when the agency’s airectors visited the LADOL-base at Apapa port...recently

Workers Threaten Showdown With FG over Planned Airport Concession Chinedu Eze Workers of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), who were aggrieved that the federal government did not carry them along in the planned concession of airport facilities, have vowed to scuttle activities in all the 22 airports.

The workers are insisting that if government must go ahead with the concession of the facilities, it must meet their (workers’) condition of service-their welfare, which must include severance package, gratuities and pensions, failing, which they would ground activities in all the airports.

The workers’ intransigence stems from their scepticism that government would protect their interests in the concession plan.

A senior official of the Air

AVIATION Transport Service Senior Staff Association (ATSSSAN), FAAN branch, who would not want his name in print, told THISDAY on Wednesday that workers were shortchanged in all the concessions carried out by government in different sectors of the economy; from the sale of NITEL, ports, Mtel as well as the liquidation of the Nigeria Airways Limited (NAL).

“The workers are worried that the previous concession and sales of government assets were not done in transparent manner.

A handful of people ganged up with top government officials to buy over those assets; so we don’t have fate in government and from the way they are going about this planned airport

concession, it won’t be different,” the labour official, who is also a senior official of FAAN said. The official however said that if the government follows due process and carries the workers along, they (workers) would support the plan, adding that so far there is nothing to suggest that the government would do anything different from what it has done in the past.

“What we are asking for is our gratuity, our pension and our severance pay. They should come to us so that we discuss, if they insist on selling these national assets or they want to concession them; we know that it is not right to sell national assets during recession because government will lose money, but if you allow these assets to appreciate government will earn more. What they will get from

the concession now will not even be enough to settle the workers,” the official said.

He noted that “passenger traffic grow gradually and not overnight, so even if the airports are given out in concession it does not mean there will be passenger surge and the concessionaire may not even be able to recoup his investment at the stipulated time.”

“FAAN is self-sustaining. It pays its workers; it manages the airports and pays money to government despite government’s interferences. What we are asking government is to allow FAAN to operate on its own. All the projects carried out in FAAN were funded from internally generated revenue, except the remodelContinued on page 20

Nigeria, Seven Others to Make Special Policies on Micro-insurance Ebere Nwoji In a deliberate effort to harness the estimated N60 billion annual premium opportunity currently lying dormant in micro insurance market in Nigeria, Nigeria is joining other seven countries in Africa in considering special policies for micro-insurance in order to speed up its development.

The other countries are Ethiopia, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa and Zambia.

INSURANCE These countries are currently experimenting on special and people oriented policies that will drive the micro insurance market in their countries.

An insurance expert, Professor Festus Moboluwaji Epetimehin, at the 6th Inaugural Lecture of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State, said some African countries are already making efforts to reel out measures and policies

that will speed up the wide acceptance of micro-insurance.

Epetimehin in a paper titled: ‘Small But Big: MicroInsurance and the Reduction of Social Risk of Poverty’ at said: “Currently, some African governments, such as those of Nigeria, Ethiopia, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa and Zambia, are in the process of considering special policies and regulatory frameworks to spur micro-insurance market development.”

The Commissioner for

Insurance, Alhaji Mohammed Kari, had a recent visit to the Corporate Head office of THISDAY Newspapers in Lagos, revealed plans to scale micro insurance operators in Nigeria into local, state, regional and national operators to ensure adequate coverage of Nigerians in insurance services provision.

He said each scale would be required to provide only the capital that suits his area of coverage, a major shift from Continued on page 20

A faction of the National Council of Managing Directors of Customs Agents (NCMDCA) has been hit by leadership tussle 18 days after the former president of the body, Chief Festus Osaji Ejiofor, who died in July was buried.

The late Ejiofor had issues with some leaders and interested parties in the association over the delay in conducting a fresh election to produce new management for the association.

This time, however, the leadership tussle is between the Deputy President, Administration, Mr. Ben Ndee and some members of the board of council, led by Chief Raufu Ladipo.

Ndee was said to have immediately assumed the leadership position in the NCMDCA, a development that was not pleasing to some of the board members and interested parties.

A source told THISDAY that Ladipo had invited Ndee for a meeting which main agenda was to call him to order.

He was said to have allegedly rebuffed the invitation, a development that angered the board who wrote a letter to the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria, CRFFN. In the letter which was aimed at hitting back at Ndee, the BOT Chairman, Ladipo told the council that nobody has been elected or chosen on acting capacity, adding that information regarding that would be communicated at the right time.

A copy of the letter to the CRFFN was copied to the Minister of Transportation, customs controllers and other agencies of government in the ports.

Experts to Discuss Aviation at Akwaaba

With the dwindling fortunes of Nigeria’s aviation industry and the myriad of challenges facing both international and domestic operators in the country, the aviation sector would be put on the spot light at the 12th Akwaaba Aviation Day Conference on the 31st of October 2016.

With the topic, ‘Aviation in Africa and Why Airlines Fail’, the 2nd Aviation Day at Akwaaba would draw on the experience of major players in Nigeria’s Aviation sector.

The most Influential players in the industry between 1999 and 2010 would be sharing their experience at the event.

A statement from the organisers of Akwaaba said leading the pack would be Richard Aisuebeogun, former Managing Director, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the former Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Overland Airways and ADC would be joined by other speakers to discuss and proffer solutions on how the sector could come out of its current dilemma.

The former FAAN boss would be joined by other notable speakers such as, former Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demuren; former Managing Director of Virgin Nigeria, Captain Dapo Olumide; former Managing Director of Nigeria Airways, Edmund Yomi Jones and a search and rescue expert, Captain Mike Omokore.

Others include Kenyan Female Aviator, Dorcas Aketch, formerly of Kenya Airways, Virgin Nigeria and lately Rwandair would be pointing the way out of the Miasma.

Cronos Launches Lagos-Doula Flights

Malabo-based leading carrier, Cronos Airlines has partnered a subsidiary of Nigeria’s Peacock Group, Peacock Aviation and Allied Services to open a new travel gateway-Lagos-DoulaMalabo flights.

Business and pleasure travelers would have the opportunity to fly the new travel gateway, which will begin with grand and special inaugural and maiden flight on October 26.

This would continue in an uninterrupted manner with a twiceweekly flights scheduled on Mondays and Wednesdays. The flights will connect passengers in a direct non-stop flight between Lagos, the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria, and Doula, the Capital of Cameroun and Malabo, Equatorial Guinea’s busy capital.According to the management of Cronos Airlines and Peacock, the airline is bringing to bear its upscale service by giving passengers the best of flight services.

“Africa has high expectation of Nigeria and the continent wants us to be in the lead in the aviation industry and we should ensure that we don’t disappoint them,”

Aviation Consultant and CEO of Belujane Konsult,

Chris Aligbe

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD WORKERS THREATEN SHOWDOWN WITH FG OVER PLANNED AIRPORT CONCESSION

ing programme. We took loan from China. By the way, what is government giving out in concession? What is pressing to us now is the building of second runway in Abuja. Let government give out that in concession and then get an investor to build modular terminal and compete with us under the build, operate and transfer (BOT) arrangement, like what they did with Bi-Courtney and MMA2,” the unionist said.

He expressed concern that government wants to concession the most lucrative airports instead of the ones that are sustained and serviced from the revenues generated from the four major airports in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano, which they now plan to concession.

NIGERIA, SEVEN OTHERS TO MAKE SPECIAL POLICIES ON MICRO-INSURANCE

what is currently obtained in capitalisation of micro insurance operation by the commission.

But Epetimehin urged African countries to come up with policies that will ensure mass spread of insurance services to the people at the grass root in place of current trend which only recognises city dwellers.

He also urged African governments to learn from policy approaches at the global level and design their own to suit their markets.

“Across the globe, many governments particularly finance ministries, financial sector regulators and insurance supervisors have recognised that expanding the insurance sector to include broader population segments can spur economic development and welfare.”

“The creation of a financial sector characterised by competition, market efficiency and outreach is on the development agenda of numerous governments in Africa”.

Enabling policies and regulations, along with effective supervision, facilitate the growth of private-sector involvement and enhance the distribution and quality of micro-insurance, he added.”

NEWS

Niger Partners Chevron, Others to Boost Rice Production Laleye Dipo in Minna

Niger state government is partnering oil giant Chevron and some other private organisations in the country to improve rice production in the 25 local government areas of the state.

Chevron and its affiliates under the arrangement are providing the technical knowhow and capacity building for fresh graduates across the local government areas to attract them to the farms and the use of modern method of rice cultivation and production.

Apart from reducing the massive unemployment facing graduates in the state, the partnership would also “enhance the performance of the agricultural sector in the state to meet the food and employment needs of the people of the state and the country as a whole.”

The programme has already brought on board 200 private extension agents all of them graduates, while 300 units of small scale equipment including power tillers and threshers have been acquired.

Speaking at the launch of the programme in Minna on Wednesday, Niger State Governor Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello expressed delight that Chevron and its partners

had chosen the state to pilot the programme, saying that the decision was not unconnected with the policy of the administration to make youth employment one of its priority projects. Bello, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government Alhaji Jibrin Isah Ladan said the partnership would check rural urban migration and promote poverty alleviation and youth empowerment.

“Niger state is naturally endowed with one of the largest land area in the country of which more than 70% is arable, in addition to the rich commercial deposits of viable solid minerals. It is therefore no doubt that we continue to attract partnership from different corporate organisations in this direction.”

The Governor also disclosed that not less than 9500 people in the state were already directly

or indirectly benefiting from the International Funds for Agricultural Development IFAD programme while the Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Programme of the African Development Bank was already operating in seven of the 25 local government areas of the state.

A Director of one of the affiliate companies involved in the partnership, Alhaji Ribadu Umar in an address said the

scheme will attract 1000 small holder rice out-growers through training and encourage integration of local resources organic manure to reduce over reliance on chemical fertilizer thereby reducing the cost of product.

Some of the products from the Agriculture Graduates Association of Nigeria, which included bags of processed rice, tillers and threshers and inorganic fertilizers were on display at the launch.

70 YEARS ANNIVERSARY

L-R: Sales Manager Nigeria, Ethiopian Airlines, Mr. Elias Omerenna; Senior Sales Rep. Nigeria of Ethiopian Airlines, Mrs. Adetola Alabi and General Manager Nigeria, Ethiopian Airlines Mr. Begashaw Solomon, cutting the 70th Anniversary cake of Ethiopian Airlines in Lagos ... recently

NAAPE Urges FG to Empower Domestic Carriers to Operate International Routes Chinedu Eze The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), has called on the federal government to provide the needed incentives to domestic airlines to be able to grow the capacity to operate international destinations.

The president of NAAPE, Isaac Balami, who made the call on behalf of the association in Lagos, said there are indications that more foreign airlines may

leave Nigeria owing to the economic downturn.

Balami said the departure of these foreign airlines should prompt government to take drastic action to empower Nigerian airlines to forestall the difficulties Nigerians will face when the foreign carriers leave.

“I see it as an opportunity for our airlines to come up so government should help Nigerian airlines to acquire more aircraft so that they will

become competitive. Local airlines must take advantage of foreign airlines pulling out of the country to step up their game and government must encourage strong local airlines to take over their slots and before they come back we have already taken our shares,” Balami said.

On the domination of the country’s aviation sector by expatriates, Balami said the government must enact laws to protect indigenous pilots

and engineers’ jobs by not allowing expatriates to take over their jobs.

Balami noted that the absence of maintain, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities has negatively affected the operations of airlines in the country but expressed the hope that the maintenance hangar in Uyo, built by the Akwa Ibom state government, would soon start operation as arrangement was on top gear to put it into use.

He explained that Nigerian

engineers can now carry out maintenance checks on aircraft in the country, from A to d checks. The NAAPE president expressed worry over the absence of the facility, which has affected their operations, and called on the government to support the establishment of MRO facility in the country.

Balami also urged the government to make the operating environment friendly to enable Nigerian carriers operate efficiently and profitably.

Firm to build 300km transmission line in Cross River

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 (Maritime) Ejiofor Alike (Energy) James Emejo (Nation’s Capital) Obinna Chima (Money Mkt) Reporters

Nume Ekeghe (Money Market) Nosa Alekhuogie (Capital Market)

The quest by the Cross River State Government to have uninterrupted power supply especially in the Calabar metropolis by December has received a major boost as a Nigerian firm, Buoshishi International limited is set to build a 300 kilometer transmission line in the state.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), of the company, Ambassador Yahaya Abdullahi Mohammed, disclosed this when he led a delegation of the company on a courtesy call on the state governor, Senator Ben Ayade in Calabar, yesterday.

Speaking about the special attraction the state holds for investment, Mohammed said: “We were attracted to Cross River State because of the investors’ friendly environment the state offers, which is near

zero crime rate as well as the governance style exhibited by Senator Ben Ayade.”

According to the company’s CEO, “We are ready to build a 300kms transmission lines spanning from the southern to the northern part of the state under a Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) agreement. We are to provide the required technical knowhow and funding and in doing this, we will prioritize our recruitment of both skilled and unskilled to favour Cross River indigenes.”

Offering insights into how the project will be funded, Mohammed asserted: “We have already secured 500 million USD and another $5billion from the Bank of Scotland to assure you of our budgetary capacity, outreach, pedigree and our integrity.”

He also stressed their com-

mitment to the partnership and willing to work with the state to bring development to door steps of the people of Cross River.

On the commitment of Buoshishi, Mohammed added: “We are optimistic and serious about executing this project to the latter because of the absolute confidence in your state. Not only will we partner you on power, but we are intending to fill the gap in developing the deep seaport too.”

Responding, Ayade enjoined the company to explore the use of current technology in hydro power to generate electricity, as the state boast if 126km of Atlantic coastline stretching.

He stated the readiness of the state to explore the generation of power from hydro carbon because it is less

expensive and environmentally friendly.

“You have no business going outside Cross River State because the state has the right environment, it has the right character, it has the right people, and it has the governor who comes from a business environment.”

The Governor further disclosed that “As a state, we actually have 182kva transmission station from Odukpani to the northern part of the state.

However, the transmission route is going through the new 260km superhighway and our concept is to gradually shift the entire state into the superhighway route because that is where all the factories, new cities are being built, so what you will do is to build this transmission lines knowing that most companies are

planning to relocate to Cross River.”

Ayade said the importance of the transmission line cannot be over emphasized, hinting that “Our business with you is to create a synergy that can enable you to evacuate power from Odukpani to the northern part of the state.

However, the national power plant transmitting power to northern part of Cross River State from Abakiliki has been dysfunctional with most of the conductors weak and poor, substations not working, resulting in huge loss of power across the transmission circuits, and so the people of northern part of the state have for the past seven years not been having light. This new line will indeed be a great boost to the socio-economic live of the people.”

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Controversy Trails NCAT Failed Aircraft Contract Stories by Chinedu Eze The Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria may be mired in controversy over alleged failure to abide by the agreement reached with Diamond Aircraft of Vienna Austria for the supply of 20 trainer aircraft one year after the deal was struck NCAT ordered the said aircraft from Diamond Aircraft of Vienna Austria, which had already produced the first batch of five aircraft. It was gathered that the school has yet to take delivery of the airplanes due to its failure to complete payment for the aircraft.

THISDAY learnt that the Nigeria’s representative of the aircraft manufacturer, Interjet Nigeria Limited, through which the contract was sealed, has threatened to sue NCAT if it fails

to take delivery of the airplane in line with the contract terms.

The Managing Director of Interjet, Mr. Seun Peters, said the aircraft, DA42-IV has not been delivered because NCAT was yet to meet the conditions of the agreement, although the aircraft had been manufactured and as they are yet to be put into use they have to continue to undergo maintenance 14 months after they have been produced.

However, the company said out of the five aircraft in the first batch manufactured solely for NCAT, four had been sold to another company, remaining one that could be delivered to NCAT it if meets its payment obligations. Peters told journalists in Lagos that the airplane was one of the five aircraft the aviation college had ordered for but reportedly paid less than 15 per cent of the contract sum.

He also said the aircraft maker had written a letter to the management of NCAT on the need to complete the execution of the contract or face a legal action.

“What we want is the specific execution of the contract; pay us what we are due, which is over 85 per cent of the contract sum. We may be forced to take a legal action if the contract is not executed. The delivery was meant to be June 2015 but NCAT just went blank,” Peters said.

He said although all the five trainer airplanes (three units of DA40 NG and two units of DA42-VI) had been produced, but the money which NCAT paid in naira when the exchange rate was about N180 to a dollar, could not meet the agreed sum of money in dollars when the local currency began to plummet in value.

w

AIR WATCH

Of Ethiopia Airlines and Nigeria Lagos Airport domestic terminal, MMA2

Stakeholders Commend ACI-Africa for Recognising Nigeria Aviation stakeholders have said that it is in recognition of the pivotal role Nigeria plays in aviation development in Africa that made Airport Council International, African region (ACI-Africa) to elect the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Saleh Dunoma as its President.

Dunoma was elected last week during ACI-Africa conference in Maputo, Mozambique.

Speaking on Dunoma’s election, industry consultant and CEO of Belujane Konsult, Chris Aligbe said that his election signifies the high rating and confidence ACI-Africa has on the FAAN boss and their acknowledgment of the pivotal role Nigeria is playing in the air transport industry in Africa.

“The election of Dunoma signifies that Africa still have hope in Nigeria. It is not because we have some of the highly rated airports in Africa, but Africa still believes that Nigeria is in a position to make a difference, so the election is an incentive to Nigeria to contribute more to the development of aviation

in Africa,” Aligbe said.

The aviation consultant also observed that it is due to the strategic position of Nigeria that Nigerians are heading very important organisations in Africa and beyond, noting that Dr Bernard Olumuyiwa Aliu is the President of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Council; a Nigerian is the Secretary General of Africa Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), Iyabo Sosina, the President of Afrexim Bank, Dr Benedict Okey Okoroma and now the election of Dunoma as the President of AFI-Africa.

“Africa has high expectation of Nigeria and the continent wants us to be in the lead and we should ensure that we don’t disappoint them. The continent has inspired us so we can no longer stay behind,” Aligbe said.

The media consultant to FAAN on ACI-Africa, Yakubu Dati, in his reaction after the emergence of Dunoma said, “By this election, Dunoma has made history as the first Nigerian to preside over the body made up of 62 members, operating 250 airports in 47

countries throughout the African continent.”

Also, the former Managing Director of FAAN, Richard Aisuebeogun, said that besides the well-horned experience of Dunoma and his personal contribution to Nigeria’s aviation sector, that his election was also enhanced by the fact that Nigeria is a major player in the Council.

“When many countries in Africa are showcasing one international airport each Nigeria is showcasing four and now it has become five because Enugu has been added where Ethiopia Airlines, the best airline in Africa operates. Nigeria should be recognised for the role she plays in Africa. Nigeria has not delayed in paying its annual levies to the organisation and in terms of human resources and in terms of capacity Nigeria has produced more airport professionals than any other country in the continent.

“In 2010 under my watch Nigeria hosted ACI-Africa conference in Abuja despite security fears and since then Nigeria has been highly rated

Emirates Reinstates Commitment to Serve Nigeria Despite pulling its operations from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, the Dubai-based and world’s fastest growing airline, Emirates has said that it is committed to Nigeria and would continue to serve the country at all times.

Emirates said it recognised that the present economic downturn is temporary and would continue to support Nigeria despite the forex challenges the airline and others are facing, noting that it has always shown commitment to the country, which has some of its loyal customers in the world.

It said that it cannot abandon its teeming customers, only that those who used to operate from Abuja would make

adjustment to suit the airline’s new schedule, adding that the suspension of its Abuja operation is temporary and in the near future the airline would review its decision.

Sales Manager of Emirates Airlines, Eghe Ekhator in a recent public hearing at the National Assembly in Abuja reiterated the commitment of the airline to Nigeria and said it values its Nigerian service and would continue to serve the country.

Meanwhile, Emirates has undertaken a massive investment to ensure premium passenger comfort as the airline said it has completed a major makeover of its Business Class lounge at Concourse B of Dubai International Airport.

The airline said the $11 million refurbishment project took two years to complete and is part of the airline’s continuous investment to improve and upgrade its products for a seamless and enjoyable travel experience.

Emirates’ premium customers can now look forward to an enhanced lounge experience with three new distinct concept areas within the Emirates Business Class Lounge. The latest food and beverage concepts cater to diverse tastes and include a barista experience in partnership with Costa Coffee, a Health hub with Voss water featuring healthier options, and an exclusive Moët & Chandon champagne lounge.

I

n 1964, the United Nations Flight Unit established the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, known then as the Nigerian Civil Aviation Training Centre.

About the same time, UN also established similar training centres in Dakar, Senegal, in Nairobi, Kenya and in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Today the training centre established in Addis Ababa has metamorphosed to a great aviation school that caters for students all over Africa and beyond. During this time there were almost 20 years hiatus NCAT was left in the doldrums or it was literally abandoned before the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo Reports had it that the college was being funded by the UN, but one Nigerian military head of state had told UN that instead of funding the college directly the money should be giving to the Nigerian government. That was how the UN withdrew from funding the school.

This writer learnt from a veteran Ethiopian aviator that most Nigerian Air Force officers of old trained along with Ethiopians at NCAT or the school in Addis Ababa. But today, the school in Ethiopia has grown to become a big institution dubbed as one of the best in Africa, while NCAT still offers only Private Pilot License (PPL).

It is the same with the defunct Nigeria Airways and Ethiopia Airlines. Ethiopia Airlines was established on December 21, 1945, while Nigeria Airways Limited (NAL) was established a year later as West Africa Airways Corporation, and in 1958 it became known as NAL. Today NAL is defunct, while Ethiopia Airlines is the biggest and most profitable airline in Africa. With its code-share and Star Alliance partners it connects to the whole world.

Travel expert, Ikechi Uko said the success of Ethiopia aviation is “a combination of many things: History, processes adopted, succession plan, continuity and discipline. Then you also look at the people involved in running the airline, you will see a lot of commitment and passion for excellence.

Today Ethiopia Airlines operates to four destinations in Nigeria. Uko said that it is the airline that understands the Nigerian market, its idiosyncrasies and has high regard for Nigerian travellers, “because it is an African airline that understands us as Africans and shares our aspirations.”

On Monday, the airline marked its 70 years of existence in Lagos with journalists and disclosed that it started operating to Nigeria seven days after Nigeria’s independence, which means it has been operating into the country for 56 years both during the good and the bad times.

The airline reaffirmed its commitment to

the Nigerian project and as an African airline, it shares the aspirations and developmental goals of Nigeria, where it operates to four destinations.

Ethiopian decided to reassert this commitment at the time other international carriers are contemplating leaving Nigeria due to the current economic recession and the attendant forex difficulties, while others have cut back their operations in the country.

The Country Area Manager Nigeria, Mr. Solomon Begashaw remarked: “As a veteran Pan-African carrier Ethiopia Airline has always been our source of pride to serve our beloved continent, Africa, both in good and bad times. Our presence in Nigeria dates back to the 1960, same time the Federal Republic of Nigeria got independence from foreign colonisation. Ethiopian has been part of Nigeria’s historic growth and always considers itself as a partner in the history and growth of Nigeria as a country; hence, the management of Ethiopian Airlines wishes to clarify its stance of pursuing its operation to Nigeria and keep Nigerian travellers connected to five continents around the globe.

“As an indigenous Pan-African carrier, Ethiopian airlines will remain with the Nigerian public in good and bad times like it has always done in the past 56 years. Ethiopian has been in the highs and lows of Nigeria; all through the crisis periods of Nigeria and also during the last Economic crisis, providing the link between Nigeria and the outside world there by showing its African solidarity.”

Currently, Ethiopian serves the Nigerian traveler from four Airports of Lagos, Abuja, Enugu and Kano. To reinforce its support to Nigeria; Ethiopian is offering to hire Nigeria pilots for its ever growing fleet of Boeings: B777, B787, B737 and Dash 8 Q-400 Aircraft, train more Nigerians in its aviation academy, which is the largest in Africa.

Besides, Begashaw said Ethiopian Airlines has always served Nigeria with the best aircraft in its fleet like the A350 Airbus, B787 Dreamliner and the B777 wide body aircraft.

“In the spirit of African brotherhood, Ethiopian Airlines does not wish to be in Nigeria only when the going is good, rather, it is willing to make sacrifices along with Nigerians in this trying time, knowing that Nigerians are resilient and resourceful people and will soon come out of the temporary recession. As the Airline celebrates 70 years of existence, it has extended free tickets to Nigerians who liked Ethiopian Airlines Nigeria Facebook page,” Begashaw said.

The Nigeria aviation sector has so much to learn from Ethiopia aviation. While Nigeria has so much in abundance, it lacks the discipline and commitment to harness its possibilities to grow its aviation sector to the enviable heights, which the Ethiopia Airline has attained.

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AVIATION

Deplorable State of Airport Facilities

Political interference, lack of funding and bureaucracy have impinged on the performance of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, leaving the nation’s airports in a deplorable state, writes Chinedu Eze

New terminal under construction at MMIA

One of the reasons cited by some of the foreign airlines that left Nigeria was the poor airport infrastructure. Both the airlines still operating in Nigeria and the ones that have left, express concern about the runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Rehabilitation works have been carried out on that runway and a lot of money has been expended on it; yet, it is still in very bad condition, threatening the safety of aircraft that land and take off there.\ On December 4, 2013 a Saudi Arabian cargo plane damaged its landing gear in a major incident at the Abuja airport runway, which led to the closure of the airport for several hours, from the night of December 4 to the evening of the following day. This resulted in flight disruptions and huge revenue losses for both domestic and international airlines.

There was also another major incident involving South Africa Airways flight that got damaged when it landed on the same Abuja airport runway in early August 2016, which forced the airline to cancel the flight and lodged the passengers in hotels for four days. Only recently, reports indicated that Emirates aircraft was also damaged when it landed on the same runway.

This encapsulates the harrowing experience of airlines that operate in Nigeria due to the collapse or near collapse of airport facilities. While many put the blame on the incompetence of FAAN management, others blame it on government interferences and not allowing the agency to have breathing space to do its job.

Abuja Second Runway

In 2009, the then Vice-President of Nigeria and later President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan signed a contract for the building of a four-kilometer runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The cost of the project was put at N65.5 billion by Julius Berger, which was to handle the project. However, when the contract was taken to the National Assembly for debate and approval, it became mired in controversy, as the legislators said the cost of the project was outrageous.

Efforts were made by Julius Berger and the then Minister of Aviation, Babatunde Omotoba to justify the cost but the legislators stuck to their guns and the contract was nullified. Although the contract was a FAAN project but the agency did not have much to say and neither projected or defended the project. It was the same when the concession to rebuild the domestic terminal at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos was done. The old terminal was gutted by fire. The concession was literally snatched from Royal Sanderton Group to BiCourtney Aviation Services Limited by government when the former was unable to start the project at the stipulated time. Directives were said to

have come from the Presidency to FAAN to allow the second company to start work.

This shows that government always interferes with the affairs of FAAN and so it does with the other agencies. Agency insiders say due to these interferences, FAAN management has to always kow-tow to the whims of government officials, from the Minister to the Presidency.

This has created a room for malfeasance by top FAAN officials. With such interferences, FAAN top officials allegedly create loopholes to exploit the agency that according to inside source, over 35 percent of the agency’s revenues are diverted to private pockets.

Airfield Lighting

FAAN’s failure to develop modern airport infrastructure has negative bearing on airline operation. Airlines lose huge resources because they are forced to curtail their operations due to inadequate facilities. Out of 22 airports under the management of FAAN only six have airfield lighting. So airlines cannot operate into these airports after 6:00 PM because of inadequate airfield lighting. The consequence is that the aircraft are underutilised, the airlines lose huge revenues put at over N30 billion per annum.

Part of the poor infrastructure is the inability of FAAN to provide adequate and uninterrupted power supply to the terminals that many of the airports in the country close by 6:00 pm because they could not run their generators after that time. The consequence of this is that in case of emergency a flight in distress that desperately wants to land at the nearest airport may not find any to land under such emergency.

Security

Aviation security expert and the CEO of Scope Centre, Adebayo Babatunde once told THISDAY that airport security apparatus is porous when aviation security officials compromise by soliciting or accepting inducements. In other words, no matter how sophisticated and IT savvy security equipment is if those who enforce security at the airports compromise their positions, the system is porous and compromised.

It has become a sing-song complaining about how aviation security officials solicit for money from passengers. An official who works at the international terminal of the Lagos airport alleged that most of the security operatives are involved in the extortion racket, from FAAN’s security officials to other security operatives at the airports: Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). There had been failed efforts in the past to end this illicit activities but most of the security officials that come to the airport regard working there as a privilege because

of the money the make there.

Concession and Commercialisation

Many industry experts believe that FAAN is not maximising its potential; that if allowed to operate on its own and take advantage of all the opportunities at its behest, it could be generating revenues 10 times what it is generating now.

Aviation expert and the CEO of Aglow Limited, Tayo Ojuri said if maximised advert placement alone could generate over N30 billion annually for FAAN as part of non-aeronautical revenue because people who come to the airport could be attracted by the adverts and they have the resources to patronise the products and services advertised. “There could be product launch, advert placement on boarding passes, on the road, at the terminals and other parts of the airports.

When you look at the passenger traffic and other opportunities, including non-aeronautical, cargo, leases and other services, including concessions and without the bureaucracies and interferences, FAAN could generate huge revenues,” Ojuri said. But he noted that FAAN cannot afford to fund the establishment of a second runway at the Abuja airport because it no more receives subvention from government; rather, it now pays money to government and the cost of runway, which would include taxiways, airfield lighting and other facilities could by up to N50 billion.

“If FAAN is commercialised it could maximise its potential and could take loans to develop infrastructure at these airports. For example, Ghana commercialized its airports as Ghana Airports Company Limited and ECOBANK gave them $250 million loan because the bank knows it will pay back. They have used the money to extend the runway. They are building new terminal now and they know they will generate the money and pay back the loan.

“FAAN cannot build second runway on its own but if there is concession or commercialisation through the right process the agency would be able to take loans because it has great potential in the passenger throughput, aircraft traffic and all other indications,” Ojuri said.

According to him, FAAN is currently operating at 55 percent of its full potential but he noted that government interference cannot be solely blamed for the lackluster performance of the agency, noting that FAAN management has to show commitment and create for themselves core performance indicators, which the management should strive to meet and when it cannot meet these indicators, it should not turn round to blame government.

Challenges

A former Chief Operating Officer of BASL,

Christophe Penninck, in a recent presentation said Nigeria need well developed airports, noting that airports must develop for airlines to grow. He remarked that major airlines in Africa have well developed airports and these include South Africa Airways, Air Seychelles, Air Mauritius, Ethiopia Airlines, Kenya Airways, TAAG Angola Airlines and Mango.

Penninck said the challenge in Nigeria is that the country lacks both strong airline and a good airport.

“The airports are beset with many problems, which include no constant electricity, legal issues tampering development, high taxes on importation of equipment and spares, unavailability of foreign currency and too many airports,” he said. But he noted that Nigeria has a great future in aviation development because the country has huge population, so domestic travel is important and as the largest economy in Africa there are a lot of economic activities with a large Diaspora population, which is important.

The Future

Penninck believes that with successful concession the country should aim to have a private sector driven airport management with constant electricity, landing and navigational equipment upgraded and that the fiscal environment must change and that domestic airlines must get some level of protectionism, adding that agricultural good must be transported by air to boost aviation and also to improve food distribution in the country.

But many Nigerians doubt that government can carry out successful concession without controversies and there is the question of how the workers of the agency would be settled. Inside source told THISDAY that beyond media reports and public assertions about government’s intension to concession the airports, there is no concrete plan to effectively carry out concession plan that will benefit the country and also amicably settle the interest of the workers.

“What government should do is to comemercialise FAAN, just as Ghana and South Africa have done their airport management agency. I bet you, we have skilled workers that will turn the airports around. The alleged lack of commitment may be due to the fact that you may not know what government will do next to the agency. Recently they just recruited about 400 workers without due process and these workers were just imposed on us. That is not the way to have a good performing airport managing company. They should give us a chance before talking about concession,” said an official of Air Transport Service Senior Staff Association (ATSSSAN), FAAN branch.

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Uko: Poor Policies Stunting Aviation Growth Travel expert and organiser of Akwaaba African Travel Market, Ikechi Uko, in this interview with Chinedu Eze, expressed concern over the federal government’s failure to take advantage of Nigeria’s huge market to boost the nation’s economy. Excerpts: for the industry, a vision that is detached from personal interests?

Yes. None of them has Chief Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan’s kind of mindset that don’t care if you make money, once you are contributing in upgrading Nigeria.

Do you think that Ghana is really a threat to Nigeria’s aviation industry?

I don’t see Ghana actually competing with Nigeria. They don’t have the capacity. It is Nigeria that is failing itself. Nigeria is failing in its ability to perform. Ghana does not have the capacity to compete with Nigeria. Nigeria was naturally given opportunities but she is failing itself. We have airports that have the capacity to convey between five to 10 million passengers per annum; Ghana is at two to 2.5 million per annum. Maximum that Ghana airport can reach is four million, so it is not in any way a threat to Nigeria. It is just that we lack the ability to do what we are supposed to do normally. That is our own problem. We just bungle things.

But do you think foreign airlines may be looking up to Ghana actually?

Where are the passengers? But the success of South Africa Airways from Accra to Washington and Ethiopian Airlines from Lome to New York means that it is easy for them to stay outside Nigeria and carry Nigerian passengers.

Ethiopia Airlines is doing it successfully from Lome and South Africa Airways is doing it successfully from Accra. This will continue if we continue bungling our opportunities.

I just wrote an article where I observed that African World Airlines (AWA) has beaten all the Nigerian carriers and somebody was angry and said I was insulting Nigeria. Why should an airline that has just about five small aircraft, Embraer 45 crowd out Nigerian airlines with Boeing 737s and 70 percent of the passengers are Nigerians from the Accra-Lagos route? How is that possible if it is not incompetence? That is the problem that Nigeria is facing; that our incompetence is helping others to do very well.

And it does not look like we are going to stop.

There is no response to this. Nigeria seems to have gone to sleep. AWA is planning to fly three times a day to Lagos from Accra. This was an airline that could not survive daily flights sometime ago, losing money for more than a year in the route. Now their consistency and good scheduling have made them the winners of the route.

Other African airlines like Rwand Air are making inroads into the Nigerian market. Are you aware that the airline just launched a new Airbus A330-200 on the Nigerian route?

Rwand Air will take that aircraft to as far as Guangzhou and they will have another to New York. They have only nine aircraft at the moment, which means they are smaller than Aero Contractors, smaller than Air Peace, smaller than major Nigerian carriers, but now it is the fourth most powerful carrier in the continent.

In the speech I made recently I explained that it is also the power of Ethiopia Airlines to foster.

The Chairman of Rwand Air is the former Managing Director of Ethiopia Airlines. It is shameful that a country like Nigeria is not able to get either airport or airline right; the money is there, the capacity is there and the passengers are there but we cannot do it.

Looking at the situation, would you say Nigeria got it wrong from the government angle?

First, the policies that create problems are government induced. In my analysis of five types of airlines, I said the first one is the orphanage type where an airline makes itself an orphan and gets foster parents. Ethiopia Airlines started as orphanage airline. It was TWA that helped to establish it, but now Ethiopia Airline is thriving but TWA has disappeared. Now, Ethiopia Airlines has fostered Asky Airlines and it may be the only profitable airline in West Africa. Ethiopia Airlines has fostered Malawi Air, British Airways has fostered Com Air in South Africa and it is thriving. So there are successful fosters, orphaned airlines have thrived while others have failed. Virgin Nigeria and Virgin Atlantic arrangement was an orphan-

A lot of people are interested whenever the idea of national carrier is raised, but many others feel that it is not workable.

But the present administration, which muted the idea of establishing one doesn’t seem to have headway over it beyond its pronunciations?

No. Government does not have a concrete plan because in the past 16 months it has not done anything. But Nigeria needs a national carrier of any kind. I don’t know how they want to arrange it. There are different models they can adopt but Nigeria needs a national carrier. A country of over 170 million cannot rely on one or two airlines. We can actually have up to three major airlines.

Uko

age type but it failed. Fast Jet and Easy Jet is an orphanage type that is failing. There are orphanage models that failed and there are ones that succeeded but the most successful arrangements have been orphanage models. ]There is the sepulcher one whereby an airline dies and they give it another name and launch it back into operation. That is how Ghana Airways became Ghana International Airways, Nigeria Airways became Air Nigeria; you have Air Senegal and Senegal Airlines, you have Cameroon Airline and now Camairco and they are all going exactly the same way. All those sepulcher kind of airlines die.

If the difference between Nigeria and most of the countries in Africa is that Nigeria has the passengers then why are her airlines going under?

It is true that we have the passengers but it is also because those sepulcher airlines have a weak environment that will not allow them to thrive. The third one we can do something to change in Nigeria is the one called the premature type of airlines. We have Overland Airways, which is the most successful Nigerian airline but they have not been able to grow their fleet because of funds so they need to be incubated and helped to grow.

This is where government and policies need to come in. How do we make Overland add to its fleet and grow skills? It is not about giving them money but to help them get more aircraft. With the success they have achieved; successfully operating for over 10 years, they need to have grown better than what they are now. These are known as premature airlines.

When you have premature babies you incubate them and help them to grow.

So government needs to help these airlines to grow; Aero, Medview Airline and others that have lasted over five years need a boost.

This is because many of them cannot grow in size unless the government comes in.

What do you think Nigerian government should do to ensure that more airlines do not go under?

First, you find out why Nigerian airlines don’t make profit. Once you find out why

they don’t make profit and these include high cost of operation, aviation fuels, cost of spares, access to fund and high exchange rate. So is it possible to say, once they are operating in this environment should we declare the sector infant industry as Chris Aligbe had suggested?

Government could say, don’t bother to pay us any tax for 10 years, don’t pay us any of these charges; just employ people and grow skills.

This is because once you are employing people it is good for the country. Aero that is dying has 1,300 workers and those people are now going to be unemployed. So if it is possible to employ that number then government should ask itself, how do we enable these airlines to grow skills? These airlines are strategic to our economy so they should not be treated as one-man business.

Yes, they are owned by individuals, but individuals also owned the banks and government is giving banks foreign exchange to sell and the banks do round tripping and make money. Once you have been institutionalised you are supposed to make money. For me, government can do without the money they make from the airlines; instead they should encourage them to employ more people and grow skills.

Most of the time government is nonchalant about Nigerian airlines; it pays more attention to foreign airlines. Why is it that way?

It is because the foreign airlines are impersonal.

They don’t know the owners, but they know the people behind the Nigerian airlines and the policy makers in government compare themselves with the airline owners in Nigeria.

This is what I have learnt from my own personal experience. People see it as me; not the role I am playing; not the service I am rendering.

In Arik, they see Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide, not what the airline is doing for the country.

What is in their mind is that Arumemi-Ikhide is making money. So they could actually be envious of the man. That is the daily problem in our country.

Can you conclude that the leadership or those in government do not have vision

If you look at the market now you will notice that Nigeria’s operating aircraft for the domestic routes have depleted. Aero Contractors has gone down with about 10 aircraft in its fleet, so the aircraft available for domestic operations may not be up to 50 presently. When you remove those on maintenance, aircraft on ground (AOG), the country may have about 35 aircraft for 170 million people. What do you think will happen in the long run?

We have had that cycle of boom and burst.

When the boom comes there will be surplus passengers but during the burst there will be empty seats and airlines will start introducing very funny pricing. Then there will be scarcity and the scarcity creates a need, the need makes people go to invest. One person invests, another person thinks, oh that person is making money and goes to invest too. So first, there is no entry level. That is the first problem. We keep having the same cyclic thing over and over again until two or three airlines become as strong as Arik. So there is a big crisis in the system.

Nigerian airlines find it difficult to access credit from international financiers. The defunct Afrijet Airlines had access to such funding and Arik Air has support from American Exim Bank, Afrexim Bank, Export Development, Canada (EDC) and others, don’t you think that more Nigerian airlines need such support as it is becoming more difficult to secure credit from local banks?

Arik is able to secure such financiers because it has the necessary infrastructure. They have Lufthansa Technik as their maintenance company and they finance through American Exim and that shows that it is a serious company. Those organisations can look at your books and they can see the movement of your funds. Arik knows that and that is why it does not care about what they think of the airline in Nigeria because they can relocate to Ghana or Togo and still do very well. It can relocate anywhere. But I insist that Arik and other airlines should be helped by government to survive. Government should do everything possible to ensure that these airlines become stronger. There is nothing wrong in asking them not to pay taxes or any other charges in the next three years. This will enable them reinvigorate financially. Just as Aligbe suggested, Nigeria can designate the airlines as infant industry and give them support and ask them not to pay charges for the next five years to sort themselves out.

Anybody they owe should wait and at the end of the day if they cannot pay the debts they sell them. But it is a shameful thing that people are talking about Ghana taking over from Nigeria. Ghana is far from that, although their airport is way more than our own in terms of functionality, it is still a very small airport. It has no avio bridges; it is not like a modern airport.

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Daibo: Right Policies Can Attract Investments to Niger Delta Executive Director, Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta, Sam Daibo spoke with Eromosele Abiodun on the role of the foundation in ensuring equitable economic development in the Niger Delta, as well as the impact of militancy on the maritime sector, among other issues The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) is a Nigerian non-profit foundation established in 2010, tell us more about the organisation.

The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta is a Nigerian non-profit organisation engaged in building partnerships for peace and equitable economic development in the Niger Delta. Our strategic priorities centre on economic development, peace building, capacity building, analysis and advocacy. We leverage our extensive local knowledge of the Delta, market driven approach expertise, access to market and peace actors, technical expertise, data resources and network of partners to bring real value to development in the Niger Delta.

Our readers would like to know some of your achievements as they relate to the goals you set out to achieve from inception.

Certainly; there are a few different ways to look at it-from a 10,000-feet point of view where you look at the sum of all that we have been able to achieve and the programme-toprogramme perspective. Let me start from a 10,000-feet perspective.

In five years, we have completed successful pilots of over 20 different interventions focusing on empowering those we work with, with information, knowledge, technology to help them better deliver on their respective objectives. We are also catalysing new entrants into the region. To date, we have 511 organisations in our direct network – 406 of which are local, grassroots organisations. These 406 local organisations also represent the pool of organisations throughout the region that have benefited from trainings to improve their institutional capacity and ability to

We need to raise awareness on the long-term impact of destruction of national assets. I think awareness is key, because when you attack national assets you are not just harming government’s ability to make money, you are also harming Nigerians’ ability to access power, endangering the employment of those whose job it is to maintain the pipelines, and diverting government funds that could potentially have gone to investments in other things to rebuilding these key infrastructure

Daibo

deliver on their respective mandates. The Niger Delta was long deemed a no-go area for international development organisations to put in place any programs for reasons of safety and access to local organisations, but our presence has changed that. Through the presence of our Economic Development Centres first in Warri and in Port Harcourt, we have been able to provide the resources and security from which international development partners can foster needed collaborations for development. That’s a key part of the reason we have been able to catalyze more than $92 million (N1,579,566,200) in new investment in both monetary and in-kind resources, as well as more than $730,000 (N123,300,000) in new loans for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) from financial institutions in the region.

So that’s the 10,000-feet appraisal. Let me give more programme-level achievements.

Beginning from 2012, we worked with market actors to build three sustainable market systems that produce widespread, long term opportunities for the poor rather

than dependency on donor funding.

Our interventions focused on aquaculture, cassava and palm oil value chain development and their access to finance and financial services. PIND’s partnerships with private companies in the cassava, palm oil and aquaculture value chains have allowed for increased access to local markets, while improving farmers’ agronomic, harvesting and processing practices. Our demonstration pond project has resulted in improved practices and profitability for over 3,000 farmers in the region since the pilot in 2013. Improved linkages with input suppliers have resulted in 10 new partnerships between farmers associations and private companies.

Our work on technologies to improve efficiency in production in agricultural value chains began in earnest in 2013, and there we targeted promotion of the mechanical adjustable harvester to reduce climbing to harvest palm fruits and the small-scale palm oil processing machine to increase efficiency and improve quality of palm oil. 592 farmers

are now using the mechanical adjustable harvester to increase their output to 140-200 bunches of palm fruit in six hours without the dangers of climbing, improving profit by 30 per cent as a result. So confident are PIND’s private company partners that they on their own have committed resources to our interventions by fully covering costs of inputs such as herbicides and fertilizer in the cassava demonstration pilot project, fish feed in the aquaculture demonstration pond project and demonstration of harvesting technologies in the palm oil pilot project. Private companies understand that these projects improve their access to markets, while farmers get better inputs and profitability -a win-win.

It wasn’t until 2014 that we figured out how to effectively support small businesses in the Niger Delta. Thankfully we always start small with pilots and increase the reach and resources of our work when we find out what works.

After some trial and error, we now work on a model based on thorough diagnostics to identify specific market opportunities and the related constraints impeding the Small and

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DAIBO: RIGHT POLICIES CAN ATTRACT INVESTMENTS TO NIGER DELTA

Medium Enterprises ability to competitively address the opportunities, and then facilitating targeted customized capacity building activities that would enable them to exploit the opportunities. By supporting SMEs and entrepreneurs, we have seen an increase of business revenues in excess of N132 million and creation of about 73 new jobs.

Starting small and taking the time to figure out what works also served us well with our work on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH). We took a unique approach to WASH in two ways: we established targeted intensive pilots in specific communities and interweaved entrepreneurship into the pilot by training social entrepreneurs close to communities where the filters are most useful to promote, sell, build and fix locally-made bio sand filters.

These filters are made with locally-available materials and can filter up to 99 per cent of water impurities. In addition to the filter making clean water more avordable and improving the health of households from better access to clean water, our empowerment of social entrepreneurs aimed to ensure local buy- in and ownership, which is key to long-term sustainability. Between the pilot in 2013 and 2015, the simple water filtration technology has been adopted by 270 households, and is driven by the 21 local social entrepreneurs we trained to promote it. With recent partnerships with organisations like Rotary Club International and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), we hope to continue making strides in improving WASH in the region.

We also launched the Partners for Peace (P4P) Network, a network of peace builders in each of the nine Niger Delta states, in August 2013. This network grew from 120 to 3,800 members by the end of 2015. The skills we impart to these peace actors enable them ease conflict in communities, and the working groups we organise has given them a platform to exchange ideas and network. We expect the Network to grow to 138,760 members by 2020, and will continue to empower local actors to build peace, a necessary pre-condition for economic development.

What is the relationship between the Niger Delta Development Forum and PIND? We started the Niger Delta Development Forum (NDDF) in 2012. NDDF is a key part of our analysis and advocacy programmes, which focus on knowledge sharing and providing data for Niger Delta development to support evidence-based development approach in the Niger Delta. Quite early on in our work, we noticed that one of the things that was missing in the region is an avenue whereby different stakeholders in the region can share information, understand what others are doing that is working and not working, and even provide an avenue where state and federal level government officials can hear directly from key stakeholders in the Niger Delta on economic development issues affecting them.

By creating a multi-stakeholder forum like this one, we help foster the kind of collaborative environment that we believe is important for the Niger Delta to succeed.

To truly have the kind of far-reaching impact you need to have, you need to have as many people feel a sense of ownership of the Forum and a willingness to take on some of the policy recommendations.

This is why we were quick to open NDDF up and include partners in the planning of the forum. In fact, the 2016 forum was the first in which a state government -Imo State in this case -worked with us and our partners on planning. Because the Forum takes place towards the end of the year, it is easy for many development partners to come away from it with ideas to follow up on with their programs in the coming year, and we have found it gratifying to see the influence NDDF has had in influencing economic development practice in the region. Additionally, by partnering with international donor organisations who have economic development in the Niger Delta as part of their mandate, we make it easier to reduce replication and possibly even build on ideas that have been found to work elsewhere.

The Nigerian economy is in a recession following the decline in oil prices and militant activities are rising meaning that

Daibo

government revenue is becoming leaner.

What is the way out for Nigeria?

We need to raise awareness on the long-term impact of destruction of national assets. I think awareness is key because when you attack national assets you are not just harming government’s ability to make money, you are also harming Nigerians’ ability to access power, endangering the employment of those whose job it is to maintain the pipelines, and diverting government funds that could potentially have gone to investments in other things to rebuilding these key infrastructure.

Rising militancy hinders investment, both local and foreign. Stakeholders in the region must demand for peace and an enabling environment for investments. You cannot ask that government spend our money better, then destroy infrastructure that we already have -it is counterproductive and helps no one.

An organisation or a company that ordinarily would have done business in the country may decide not to because they perceive the region as not stable. What we need to do is have this awareness of the impact of militant actions so that we do not cut our noses to spite our faces. We must come together and address issues peacefully and bring stability to the country, so that we will develop economically. If we do not attract the investment to develop our economy, we will continue to see anger and frustration, which will then fuel even more militancy.

What we have currently is a vicious cycle that we must stop.

som. What is the best way to resolve this problem? Also, poverty, neglect and underdevelopment are some of the problems fueling the Niger Delta crisis, what immediate steps can the government take to resolve this?

Poverty and underdevelopment are symptoms of a larger malaise we have in this country with respect to governance and creating an enabling environment, and even developing policies that actually address the challenges before us and not make things worse. This is why we emphasise evidence-based policies in our advocacy work at PIND. In the Niger Delta Development Forum of 2015 that held in Asaba, we discussed the importance of inclusive economic development, and how we must ensure that our economic policies work for all regions, all Nigerians including youth and women, all aspects of value chains, small and large businesses. Bringing all stakeholders to the table and developing policies that make life better for all will go a long way towards stabilising the country and fostering peace. Peace is the key to addressing poverty and underdevelopment, because no progress can happen without it. Just like every other asset, you must create stakeholders for peace. We must foster a peace that we all see as in our collective best interest. When you’ve got peace and stability, and we have policies that work for the benefit of all, we can attract investment and begin the work of rolling back poverty and underdevelopment.

These things go hand in hand.

Militancy in the Niger Delta is also affecting the maritime industry as ships, sailors are regularly kidnapped for ran-

Why is it that the focus of the NDDF is on ‘Self-Sustaining Development in the Niger Delta: Narrating and Showcasing a Re-imagined Niger Delta?

We chose the focus out of our awareness of the goings-on in the region. I don’t need to tell you that the Niger Delta states are experiencing crises on many fronts – politically, economically, socially, and environmentally.

The collapse of global oil prices has taken its toll the hardest on the nine states of the Niger Delta, resulting in the re-emergence of violence by new militancy groups. It is fair to say that there has been little headway in forging a firm way forward for the region, in spite of some efforts from the federal and even some state actors.

In order to create a way forward, though, we must first re-imagine a possible future for the region. We have to do this by changing the narrative of the Niger Delta to include one that focuses on: inclusive citizen participation in governance; governance that practices transparency, accountability, and effectiveness at the forefront; economic diversity championed by state governments and executed

The Niger Delta was long deemed a no-go area for international development organizations to put in place any programs for reasons of safety and access to local organizations, but our presence has changed that

openly; and, of course, peace. How do we move the region in this direction, towards action and accountability on the part of all stakeholders, not just government? At NDDF, we asked some foundational questions that got to the root of these, and included Niger Delta stakeholders from state and federal government, civil society, and private sector.

What do you want to achieve with this programme?

The NDDF just finished and we’re still doing post-event surveys so I can’t say just yet what the programme achieved, but the hope is that NDDF helped shape awareness and shared understanding among stakeholders on the critical steps needed to move the region towards a re-imaged Niger Delta. We are also hoping to see an increase in actionable opportunities for sustainable development initiatives and activities in the Niger Delta region and facilitate commitment of key actors (government, private sector, civil society, donor community) through dialogue, collaboration with diverse stakeholders and ongoing engagement activities with various partners for more inclusive pro-poor development initiatives in the Niger Delta.

What is next after this?

The NDDF is not just about the two days of the forum that is just to bring people together to spur needed action. The most important thing is what happens afterwards, and I am excited to see what partnerships follow this edition. Following previous NDDFs, we have seen BRACED Commission progressed some of the agriculture and investment policy recommendations directly with the commissioners of the six states they are mandated to work in; Abia State Government organized their own Forum, like ours, this time on Aba Urban Development; and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) MARKETS (Maximizing Agricultural Revenue and Key Enterprises) II programme provided equipment support to women and youth farmers in Cross River and Delta States addressing the constraint of access to finance. And that’s just some good examples as to what NDDF has helped achieve.

Following this forum, we are evaluating the responses to the forum to see what really resonated with people, and keeping up with civil society and international donor partners on their key takeaways. We are also closely working with our partners and monitoring for any follow-on actions and partnerships that occurred as a result of the forum. We will take on some of the recommendations ourselves, and reach out to various partners as we plan for 2017.

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NPA Urges Operators to Collaborate for Greater Efficiency

Eromosele Abiodun

The management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has called on operators at the nation’s seaports to collaborate towards ensuring a boost in the power generation at the ports.

Doing so, the NPA added, will ensure that there is enough power to sustain operation and bring about greater efficiency.

The Chairman of the board of directors of the NPA, Mr. Emmanuel Adesoye gave the advice during the directors’ facility appreciation tour of locations in western ports of the organisation. s0He added that it is important for operators to collaborate and think out of the box in the area of Independent power generation at the ports.

According to him, ‘’our nation is facing a hard time and we all have to work together to help the economy’’.

He added that power is a major ingredient for n ational development adding that, “We have to deploy it.”

Specifically, he said the NPA would aim at maximising the dividends of concession in order to handle grey areas in a holistic

Maritime Nations Cut to Pollution from Sulfur Fuels The world’s leading maritime nations are leaning toward setting rules next week to cut the sulfur in oceangoing vessels’ fuel by more than 85 per cent in 2020.

The rules are aimed at reducing the air pollution from burning high-sulfur fuel oil—a viscous refining by-product—that health officials blame for respiratory and heart diseases.

Shipping executives said it would cost around $40 billion for the industry to meet the new rules, with some of the outlays starting soon, during one of the sector’s worst-ever downturns.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the regulation also could catapult the price of cleaner-burning marine diesel fuel sharply higher if the deadline isn’t extended to 2025, giving fuel producers time to adjust, some shipping and

energy executives say.

“Even at the later date, some ship operators say they doubt there would be enough of the fuel to supply the industry, “it stated.

The International Maritime Organisation, the United Nations’ shipping regulator, is scheduled to begin meetings in London on Monday where member countries will decide whether to require the change in 2020 or push out the deadline by five years.

“The IMO will seek a consensus decision and many major shipping nations have expressed their intention to adopt the 2020 deadline,” said one person involved in the matter. “But it’s one country-one vote and if objections are raised it will go to a vote. In that case, it will be close and can go either way.”

The regulator, it was reported,

might choose to allow the rules to take effect gradually between 2020 and 2025 for certain ship types or geographical areas, or postpone a decision altogether.

“Effective enforcement measures are necessary in order to ensure real environmental progress as well as a level playing field for all shipping lines internationally,” said a spokesman for Maersk Line, the world’s biggest container carrier. “An IMO decision should reflect this.”

Ships contribute about 13 per cent of the world’s total sulfurdioxide emissions according to the IMO—much less than other industries like electricity production. The pollution from burning high-sulfur fuel causes respiratory ailments, and can aggravate existing heart disease, according to the World Health Organization.Implementing the

manner so as to engender a common harmonious result for stakeholders.

Furthermore, the chairman told stakeholders that the federal government is desirous of stimulating agricultural produce export through the nation Seaport.

This, he stated, would amount to more generation for the nation.

He added that it is critical to reduce berthing, waiting and

turnaround time of vessels in order to improve revenue generation for the nation which would in turn impact positively on the living standard of the masses.

The NPA chairman stated that the management would encourage the enabling environment for all parties to operate positively whilst appreciating the magnitude of local content achieved already by operators

across the board.

The facility tour is an on-going activity by the board members of the organisation who were accompanied by the top management of the NPA during the facility appreciation.

Amongst the board members who were with the chairman were Mr. Charles Efe Emu, Kowhate Sylvester, Mrs. I. J. Uche Okoro and Umar Shu’iaibu.

Hyundai Marine, Hanjin Shipping to Rank 38th Globally after Merger A possible merger between South Korea’s container liners, Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM)and its larger local rival Hanjin Shipping appears to be not so lucrative, as it is expected to create an entity ranking only 38th out of 5,000 global vessel operators, according to data from VesselsValue, a UK-based shipping valuation firm.

“If HMM & Hanjin merged, they would have a combined fleet value of $2.1 billion even though this sounds a lot, the merged Hanjin & HMM company would only rank 38th in the world in terms of the fleet value, ” said Claudia Norrgren, head of public relations at VesselsValue.

The estimate is not impressive, considering the market status of HMM and Hanjin as South Korea‘s two main flag carriers at sea, local industry watchers

also noted.

Hanjin Shipping, which is under court receivership, owns 56 vessels worth $1.31 billion as of Oct. 20, according to VesselsValue. HMM operates 33 vessels that are valued at $818.43 million. The combined assets of Hanjin and HMM would amount to 89 vessels worth $2.13 billion.

“The global ranking of the merged entity would be challenged due to the low percentage of company-owned vessels, as opposed to chartered ships, for both Hanjin and HMM that lost many of their vessels during the 1998 Asian financial crisis,” said an analyst from local brokerage Shinyoung Securities, declining to be named.

Other experts opined that HMM would not be too willing to take over Hanjin’s debt,

and therefore would settle for acquiring key assets, such as its US-Asia route that is up for sale.

“It seems highly unlikely for HMM to merge with Hanjin when it has to take on all of Hanjin’s debt. A takeover limited to assets seem like a more plausible scenario,” said Lee Dong-hyun, a professor of international trade and logistics at Pyeongtaek University.

Hanjin Shipping is currently saddled with 6 trillion won ($5.3 billion) worth of debt.

Meanwhile, Hanjin’s main creditor Korea Development Bank is also pushing for HMM to acquire just the core assets of Hanjin. “Hyundai Merchant Marine is considering entering a preliminary bidding for Hanjin’s US-Asia route,” said Cho Seongwook, a spokesperson for KDB.

WEEKEND WEEKLY PULLOUT

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

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MAAFA EXHUMES THE GHOST OF SLAVERY

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

28/COVER

28.10.2016

Maafa Exhumes The Ghost of Slavery The play Maafa recently staged by the National Troupe of Nigeria, in collaboration with Eda Theatre International to commemorate Nigeria’s 56th Independence, did not only bring back disturbing memoirs of oppression by marauding colonialists and their African collaborators during the era of slavery on the continent, it also brought to the fore the unpleasant but necessary lessons of the slave trade while also highlighting the need for Nigerians to speak with one voice, writes Mary Ekah In line with its objective of encouraging live theatre performances that identify with national aspirations, the National Troupe of Nigeria (NTN) collaborated with Eda Theatre International to present MAAFA: The Point of No Return”, a stage play written by Segun Olujobi and directed by Makinde Adeniran to commemorate Nigeria’s 56th independence anniversary recently at the National Theatre, Lagos. Maafa tells the story of liberation and of change, while at the same time draws the attention of the society to the need for peace, love, the need to have a united Nigeria. It is deliberately staged to highlight the disunity that existed amongst the different communities and settlements that helped the slave merchants and traders to have successful expeditions not just in Nigeria, but also in Africa as a whole.

The western world in Maafa first introduced by the coming of the white Slave Master to Africa. Using lucre as a tool for barter, he is able to convince the African King to arrange a group of slaves for him. Unfortunately, black African slave drivers, working in concert with the slave master, brutalised the chained black slaves as they match them forward to slavery, flogging relentlessly and shouting, “Apes Obey!”

As far as the white lord is concerned, the manacled blacks are like mere toys on his hand, which explained why he thundered at them: “I bought you; I bought your identity.” He, thus, forcefully grabs the wife of one of the enslaved Africans, raping her to his like. The husband’s effort to protest the ill treatment meted to his wife sees the enraged white man almost strangling him to death. The melancholic song of the slaves from their customary abode of a cage is a reminder of the failed attempt to muffle the distressed African voices by the western establishments.

Subtitled, “Point of No Return”, Maafa tells the story of a superhuman warrior (Osusu), as told by his own very son (the narrator).

It is the story of man’s inhumanity to man and the story of an untold truth. Invoking the harsh realities of slavery, Maafa centres on the experience of Osusu, a warrior prince who was enslaved alongside his wife and many other people. Although it was at a time the slave trade had been abolished, the white slave master slaps and kills his captives at will. He boasts that he is more important than God because he can do and undo, without any complaint from the sky.

Maafa is the story of underserved suffering by descendants of a continent, who were taken away to foreign, strange lands to work in European and American plantations. For Osusu, a warrior prince, who was enslaved through the intrigues of his own people, and the other slaves, it was pain all through, right from the Middle Passage to their destinations.

While the people lived in fear of the excesses of the white man and what he stood for, some local slave traders connived with the invaders to hunt and harass their people. Even when the brave ones among them made efforts to resist these maltreatments and forceful enslavement of the able-bodied men and women, the hatred emanating from the local people themselves did not help progress and growth.

With Sobifa Dokubo as Narrator and the son of Osusu (Kunle Omotesho), action starts on an African coastline and the slaves being taken away even at a time when the trade had been prohibited in Europe. But a defiant Captain Alex (Omosehin) and his mean crew would not be persuaded to stop the illegal and inhuman trade in African peoples. His wife back in England, Araminta (Ginika Chinedu) is strongly against her husband’s business; when she threatens to report him to the police, Alex throws her in among the slaves in the enclosure as well.

Through sustained beatings and punish-

ment, the slaves undergo serious physical and psychological trauma in the hands of their tormentors, who drive them like animals to breaking point. Alex and his two black assistants, William (James Femi) and Johnson (Ademuyiwa Asewale) are brutes of no mean repute, who obey their master’s orders to the

letter. In their hands, the audience experiences firsthand the brutality slaves underwent.

Maafa is an intense dramatic performance that took the audience through the anguish associated with the infamous trade in human cargos over a period of 400 years. Such huge despoliation is unprecedented in human history.

Maafa was therefore chosen with the aim to inform and re-educate the Nigerians on the need for unity. It was to highlight the ingredients of progress where the people work with one mind and with the sole purpose of achieving greatness for all.

Sold into slavery with his pregnant wife, and son, through the deception of his own people, the Warlord, Osusu, soon discovers that his destiny lies in uniting the warring tribes of his nation to achieve their muchawaited freedom. However, the task seems impossible, especially when the tribes fail to see who exactly the enemy is.

Osusu is able to inspire his people to fight till the racial chain breaks. The battle seems lost when the infuriated master orders the killing of all the freedom fighters. But a swift dramatic surprise saves the day: Osusu rises from death, snatches a loitering gun and kills the oppressor - That done, he slumps back into a victorious death.

Osusu stands out as the hero in the whole scheme of things. He stood up for his people and was faced with the task of defending his people even when it seemed he would not be able to go far. Osusu was not deterred.

Through the narrator of the play in the person of Soibifa Dokubo (Waka), it was easier to understand the mission, which Osusu set out to accomplish. He was like a godlike warrior in the throes of deep-rooted hatred and acrimony not just from the white overlords, but also from their local agents who stood between the people and their destinies. It was while Osusu worked hard to liberate the people and set them on the path to freedom that those who collaborated with outsiders also worked assiduously to ensure that that unity was shattered and broken.

The director of the play, Mr. Makinde Adeniran, said the play tells Africans, through the slavery story, how we had wronged one another and the essence of peace and unity in our continent. Adeniran said that the play was educational theatre and commended the playwright and the actors and actresses that participated, noting that they were diligent in bringing the play to fruition.

Former General Manager of National Theatre and professor of drama, Ahmed Yerima, was so overexcited about the play. Speaking soon after the stage play, he said, “It is a wonderful play, fantastic play and I think it is ready for Broadway. When I see a good play and I am impressed, I always give the cast, a bow.”

Yerima who is presently with the Department of Theatre Arts, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, said the play entitled ‘Maafa’ will be shown in Broadway, London soon. Yerima who said he was impressed, noted that such plays would “preserve history and educate our grandchildren about occurrences of the past.

“I am thankful to God for this kind of production. It shows that playwrights are still relevant in passing useful information through the theatre arts. This play should be neatly packaged and taken round the country starting from Abuja for all to see,” he said. He commended the National Troupe of Nigeria on its supportive role in encouraging the development and production of the play.

While on his part, the host and Artistic Director, National Troupe of Nigeria, Mr. Akin Adejuwon, said the play was wonderful and concise but needed sponsorship to be shown in other states and eventually, worldwide. “The play is relevant today because the trauma of slavery and slave trade is still on - the power tussle and the people that suffer from the outcome. We still have them going on in Africa today. That is why the play is relevant in educating the people on the importance of unity,” he said.

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28.10.2016

Next Titan Unveils Season 3 Top 16 Contestants Peter Uzoho The season 3 of the Next Titan, an entrepreneurial TV reality show has entered another defining moment as top 16 contestants were finally unveiled which ushers them into the Next Titan Academy where they will be jostling among themselves to grab the covetous five million naira cash price and a brand new car.

Sixty young Nigerian entrepreneurs made it to the Premiere Night after the audition challenges at different locations-Abuja, Port Harcourt and Lagos, but only 16 were fortunate to progress to the next stage of the show.

Delivering his welcome address, at the Premiere Night held last weekend in Lagos, where the 16 top contestants emerged, Executive Producer, Next Titan, Mr. MideKunleAkinlaja, said the importance of the show laid in igniting entrepreneurial spirit, and showcasing the potentials of entrepreneurship in transforming lives, with just an idea that can be scaled to greatness with a market, and with Nigeria’s population.

Akinlaja noted that the show, by scouting for young talented people who have entrepreneurial acumen, grooming them through a rigorous task and boardroom process, and eventually funding the winner’s idea, leading to an opportunity to create jobs for themselves and others, is indeed, a big contributor to the socio-economic development of Nigeria.

“The Next Titan is designed to sharpen and ignite the entrepreneurial spirit in young Nigerians, and it represents opportunity,

A cross section of Next Titan Season 3 top 16 contestants

inspiration, and more importantly recognises ordinary Nigerians that have determination and a ‘can-do’ attitude with some of the best business ideas.

“Sixteen top contestants that will be unveiled this evening will have very real street smarts in order to make it through the challenges, and the contestants will prove their entrepreneurial flair through various business challenges in the course of 10 weeks, but the effects of educating and involving

Nigeria’s budding entrepreneurs who are watching the show will hopefully be far reaching.

“The show will bring the reality of pains and gains of entrepreneurial journey into the living rooms of millions of Nigerians, and viewers will be given opportunity to vote for which they believe has the composite of a successful entrepreneur.

“Just like the two previous seasons, each week, tasks will incorporate various aspects

of business: sales, marketing, promotions, charities, advertising pitches and others. The contestants will also experience the importance of philanthropy and community service by initiating such campaigns on the show,” he added.

Also speaking, Executive Director, Heritage Bank Plc, Mrs. Mary Akpobome, said Nigeria needs more of such motivational initiatives which are directed to contributing effectively to the empowerment of the growing youth in the country.

“At Heritage, we’re committed to supporting this sort of programme as long as it’s targeted at igniting the youth of this country.

And so, we confirm our commitment to be a generational bank by excellent service we give to our customers to create, to preserve and to transfer wealth across generations.

That’s actually what we set up Heritage Bank to do.

“I wish to affirm our partnership with this programme which seeks to empower young men and women poised to drive economic growth and potential, and cease to be dependent on the imported goods in Nigeria.”

She urged the organisers of the Next Titan to expand the show beyond one winner, saying “we need to be able to showcase the 60 youth that you have already profiled, even if the funding that they require is not coming out of your primary sponsors, it will be important that you can showcase them, because I believe there are a few very well-meaning Nigerians that would like to put capital in each of their businesses.”

Inspiring Chefs in Central, West Africa to Create Healthy Meals on International Chefs Day Chukwuemeka Okezie Nestlé Professional and Nestlé Healthy Kids united again this year with the World Association of Chefs Societies (Worldchefs) to celebrate International Chefs Day 2016 on October 20.

This year’s theme ‘Art on a Plate’, aims to educate children in Central and West Africa and worldwide about the importance of healthy eating by creating edible artwork on a plate, and teach them about healthy habits for life.

Art on a Plate To mark the event, an Art on a Plate toolkit was created to help chefs teach children how to turn everyday recipes into fun, appetising

food that is not only enjoyable to make, but also healthy to eat. It contains recipe ideas, inspiration, tips and a checklist for different age groups.

Nestlé Ghana has teamed up with the University of Ghana Basic School in Accra, and chef Ali from the Mövenpick Hotel, who led the workshops using the toolkit to show about 200 children how easy it is to make five healthy recipes into Art on a Plate.

A complementary toolkit were given to the youngsters to take home to encourage their parents to provide nutritious meals and boost healthy diets at home and at school.

Healthy lifestyles Nestlé’s commitment to promote healthy

diets and lifestyles is part of its 39 pledges highlighted in the Nestlé Central and West Africa Region (CWAR) – Nestlé in society report 2015 that covers nutrition, water, rural development, environmental sustainability and compliance, which it aims to fulfill by 2020 or earlier.

The company also aims to enhance healthy lifestyles by addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goal 3, which seeks to ensure health and well being for all, at every stage of life.

Nestlé Professional and Worldchefs have been partners since 2014, making more possible in the foodservice industry, and helping to bring nutrition, health and wellness to chefs and the people they serve.

NGO Empowers Members to Reach out to the Less-Privileged Peter Uzoho In line with its philosophy of touching the lives of the less-privileged in the society, Touching Lives International, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has empowered its members to reach out to the poor and the needy in Nigerian society.

At the Second Car Award and Top Achievers Recognition ceremony held last weekend in Lagos, seven members of the organisation who had distinguished themselves through their hardwork and excellent achievement were awarded with exotic cars, and electronic items comprising refrigerators, television sets, washing machines, laptops, tablets and phones.

On their part, the car awardees who also received$1000 for car maintenance, and about $2000 each, as facility for their outreach programmes, donated cash money and food items to the less-privileged guests at the occasion.

Speaking at the event, Country Manager, Touching Lives International, Nigeria, Mr. Moses Durodola, said the essence of recognising and awarding its members with the

Country Manager,Touching Lives Internation (Nigeria),Mr. Moses Durodola (4th from left), flanked by the car awardees at the event

items was to empower them, make them comfortable and put them in the best position

to be able to reach out to the less-privileged in the society, noting that the philosophy

of the organisation was to first empower members who would in turn, touch the lives of others.

He further explained that the organisation was built around welfarism, saying that to be part of the NGO, one needs to buy into its vision and then register by donating the sum of N7000 to the organisation as contribution to the welfare scheme.

“Today happens to be our second car award ceremony to reward some of our members that have qualified for certain incentives in the month of September.”

Giving more insight into their outreach programmes, Durodola said: “As an NGO that is welfare sensitive, we’ve been doing a lot of medical outreach. We’ve visited a lot of orphanages. Most of our members have various programmes. They organise seminars; they organise free trade, skills acquisition- soap making, perfume making and the like. By first week of November, we’ll be organising a mega skills acquisition programme here in Lagos, and we’re urging our members from Abuja, Port Harcourt and Calabar to replicate these outreach programmes in their own localities,” Durodola added.

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28.10.2016

October Rain Comes with Surprises Mary Ekah The Lagos chapter of the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) is coming up with another edition of its annual exhibition, ‘October Rain’ this year. The exhibition is coming with a whole lot of surprises.

One of such surprises is that for the very first time, SNA Lagos, will be collaborating with members of SNA Rivers State chapter for this year’s exhibition. ’October Rain’ is a usual programme on the calendar of the Society of Nigerian Artists. The exhibition has been on for several years and has been able to achieve various developments through it.

Scheduled to hold from Saturday, October 29 to Friday to November 4 at the Nike Gallery, Lekki, Lagos, with an opening by 4:00 pm on Saturday, October 29. This year’s edition tagged, ‘October Rain and New Frames’, is specifically dedicated to a late renowned visual artist and member of the group, Mr. Samuel Olagbaju who lived from October 15, 1939 - September 23, 2016.

“This year we are having a combined exhibition with the Rivers State chapter of SNA. This year exhibition will feature some new artists as well as renowned artists on the same stage,” the Chairman SNA, Lagos Chapter, Dotun Alabi said.

Another surprise to this year’s event

Members of the exhibition committee and the executives of SNA Lagos; L-r: Biodun Badmos (member), Idowu Sanya (Treasurer SNA), Omoligho Udenta (Vice Chairperson SNA Lagos); Aminu Oborien (member) and Dotun Alabi (Chairman SNA, Lagos).

will be the infusion of performance art in the visual art exhibition. So this year’s exhibition, Alabi revealed is going to feature performances by members of SNA that embrace performing art.

Coming with the theme, ‘Perspective of Change’, this, the SNA Lagos chairman said was purposely chosen to reflect the present situation of things in the country. “When we came up with theme, we wanted to see the different views that artists were going to exhibit as regards to the way they see the society and how they perceive change that has always been the hallmark of every

government that comes on board, most especially for the present government. Is this change for better or a change for the worse? Because the change right now as we have witnessed in Nigeria, has affected us not just from the political point of view but also from the economical point of view. So, different people have different perspectives to change. For the common man the change might be for the worse while for the rich it might be for better and that is what we expect to see in various arts works that will be displayed at this year’s exhibition,” Alabi noted.

Voices for Change Holds All-Men Conference on Gender Inequality Mary Ekah In line with the goal of reinforcing men’s commitment to take actions for women’s rights and gender equality and share tools they can use for doing so, Voices for Change (V4C) is organising a two–day conference for 300 men drawn from the four V4C focal states. Billed to hold between November 2-3 at the Golden Tulip, Festac Town, Lagos, the conference meant to be an encounter by men of different backgrounds, age and varying levels of influence, also aimed at sharing and analysing experiences of personal transformation and of influencing change in others within the family unit, school/college, workplace and community.

Speaking at a press conference to announce the event, the Output Lead and Key Influencer for V4C, Mr. Denis Onoise, said, “You would be wondering what is the role of men in gender inequality and why should men be interested in issues that have to do with gender inequality targeting men. I think that is something relatively innovative and very new in this environment. “ He explained further that over the years, it has been noted that once issues that have to do with gender inequality are mentioned, women readily come to mind, adding, “So if you are going to do

Celebrated bread seller turned model, Olajumoke Orisaguna with on-air-personality, Yaw of Wazobia FM at the Qtaby second edition of Boat Cruise in Lagos recently

Qtaby events held the second edition of their signature boat cruise business and networking event for celebrities, media icons and CEO's last weekend at the Prest Cruise Lekki Phase1, Lagos. The exclusive star studded event was hosted by eccentric VJ Denrele Edun and world famous Olajumoke Orisaguna.

Music was served by DJ Nana and a business talk by Onimisi Adaba, Coordinator of the Men's Room Project/ GM Cool FM, Wazobia FM and Nigeria Info.

The highlights of the high profiled event included green carpet, barbeque, music performances, comedy, Belly dance by Egyptian model Eissa and the official launch of the Three Thrones Mega Concert with a thematic dance and fireworks.

Guests at the event included: GM Sony Music West Africa, Chairman of 1960 Bet, Alhaja Suleiman Adeitoro, C.E.O Right Entertainment, Mr. Tony Prest, owner of Prest Marine, Orezi, Daddy Freeze of Coolfm, Bassey of BBA, Egyptian Model Randa Eissa, Jennifer Eliogu, Alex Okoroji, Mrs. Okoroji, Wife of Tony Okoroji of COSSON, Funny Bone, Yaw of Wazobiafm, Lolo1 a.k.a Adaku, Dr. Amir, Mc Icewater of Ekofm/Traffic Radio, OTB of Naijafm,

Dancehall Star, JKL4Real Teams up with 2Baba, MI

L-r: Critical friend to Voice for Change, Paul Osayande; Output Lead, Key Influencer, Denis Onoise and State Coordinator, Ruth Okonya during the briefing

anything that has to do with gender, people think men have got nothing to do with that. And because of those women have continued to organise series of programmes for women where they only dialogue with themselves without men really coming in and the women go back home to meet men who have no ideas of what they have discussed and this has really been the challenge because the understanding over the years has been that gender is about women, so people are not looking at the fact that when you talk about gender, it is actually saying two sexes are involved, adding that this we have missed over a

very long period of time.”

Therefore, the forthcoming all-men conference, Onoise stressed is purposely to draw attention to the fact that gender issues also affect men and that both sexes have to work together to solve the challenges that women face. “We need to change the debate, we need to create more awareness about the fact that gender is not the same things as sex. Sex is biological attributes of who we are whether men or female while gender are what the society dictates and so when you talk about gender inequality all people think about is that women want to take over but that is not it.

Osinbajo, Ambode to Speak at 8th ARISE Women Conference Convener of the Arise Women Conference, Pastor Siju Iluyomade, is set to host the wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo and other first ladies at the 8th edition of the ARISE Women conference scheduled for Saturday, October 29 at the RCCG City of David Sanctuary, Victoria Island, Lagos. Thousands of women will gather at this year’s ARISE Women Conference themed ‘Grace to Grace’.

Guest ministers are Pastor Mrs. Grace Okorede and Pastor. (Dr.) Becky Enenche of Dunamis International Gospel Church.

“The conferences since 2009 till date have been testified to be positively changing lives and improving the quality of life of the everyday woman,” Iluyomade said.

“Last year’s edition was one of the major highlights for ARISE Women conference; we heard testimonies from women who were diligent in serving God now in leadership positions in government. With our theme this year being ‘Grace to Grace’, we want to discuss how women can improve their

Celebrities Storm Cruise and Chillz Second Edition

Pastor Siju Iluyomade … All set for Arise Women

relationship with God and excel in their different works of life.”

Other guest speakers include Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, the First Lady of Lagos State; Mrs. Omolara Ahmed, the First Lady of Kwara State amongst others. There will be free medical treatment, cervical cancer screening skin care consultation, free eye tests and glasses, free services

on blood sugar Level and blood pressure checks. Attendance to conference is free with shuttle buses available in the listed locations by 9:00am while the event starts at 11:00am.

Arise Women is a faith-based nongovernmental organisation committed to accelerating nation building through the empowerment of women in the society and has impacted, inspired and encouraged over 15,000 women to achieve their God-given potentials, by the words and teachings of carefully chosen and proven speakers. In the last seven years, Arise has established three mobile clinics to bring primary health care to neglected communities, medical needs for over 15,000 women in different areas. Through partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, ARISE has been able to train many women in various skills like fashion designing, hat making, soap making, hair dressing and so on.

JKL4Real

International dance hall star, JKL4Real is currently counting his blessings and breaking new grounds. The talented musician’s mission and determination is to spread great African music around the world with soul lifting and inspiring messages. Ghana-based JKL4Real, who recently gave a sterling performance at the Founder’s Day (Kwame Nkrumah’s birthday), is currently working on collaborative efforts with two top Nigerian musicians - 2Baba and MI, respectively. He strongly believes that the time has come for African and Black Musicians to take the bull by the horns and impact mankind positively with their lyrical contents and vocal prowess.

“My journey so far is impressive. My management is currently in a fruitful discussion with 2Baba for a remix of my hit single, 'Whatever'. In the same vein, we are also in talks with MI, for collaboration on my fresh single - Chineke. In the next couple of weeks, we will be making official and categorical statements on these historic and laudable collaborative projects,” he noted.

The music star cum philanthropist who was recently honoured with an award at the glamorous International African Achievers Merit Awards, Ghana, for his immense contributions to the growth of music on the continent, said the honour was well deserved. “God has been so good to me and we thank Him for the award and other milestones in my career. My award was presented to me by the deputy governor of Oyo State, and that for me and my team was a huge honour.”

Amazingly, JKL4Real and his team recently secured a mouth-watering contract, which allows them to host a celebrity Karaoke party every Friday night at the prestigious Vienna City Nite Club, in the heart of Accra.

The leading entertainer, who was among the foreign stars that thrilled at the Independence Day Bowler Hats Bash (BHB) organised by Daylight.ng, recently, is billed to embark on a global music tour that is expected to kick off from Malaysia.

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28.10.2016

Management Fastrack to Promote Best Work Place Attitude In his resolve to promote positive work place attitude that builds excellent business managers at all levels, Oladapo Akinloye, a management and development expert with over 16 years experience has launched a book, titled, ‘Management FasTrack’, into Nigerian market. The book launch and signing event, which took place at the Laterna Ventures in Victoria Island, Lagos, was indeed a gathering of business experts. Some of the guests in attendance include, Managing Director – (Geocycle Projects) Lafarge Plc, Mrs. Adepeju Adebajo, Human Resources Partner Mrs. Mosun Enilolobo, Mrs. Ngozi Adebiyi, Lead Consultant –OutsideIn HR, Mr. Nathaniel Shofarasin, Head of Customer Services, Lafarge, Directors and Senior Managers of various sectors.

Speaking at the event, the author, Akinloye, disclosed that, the book is designed as a compendium of work place best practices and attitudes that can give quality edge to those who sincerely want to be excellent managers.

He also added that, Management FasTrack is a perfect reference material for experienced and upcoming managers, for the experienced player, Akinloye explained further, the book serves as a quick reminder of what it takes to be a quality leader besides providing support for the mentorship of young and upcoming leaders.

This special package for upcoming managers who desire guidance on proper workplace attitude and values need to excel unveils Management FasTrack as a perfect guide to a successful career path in any organisation.

L-R: Reviewer of the book, ‘Management FasTrack’, Nathaniel Shofarasin, author, Oladapo Akinloye, wife of the author, Funke and Publisher, Samson Iyayi at the launch of the book

Akinloye who has been actively involved in people management and development for over 16 years in different sectors like manufacturing, sales and consulting, also observed that many business players desire accelerated development in the workplace but do not have the appropriate attitude to support it, while a number of them sincerely do not know how to make it right.

This, he revealed, motivated him to make the book an easy read, profusely garnished with

important tips on best work place practices and attitude.

One of the reviewers of the book, Mrs. Fidelia Osime, Country Organisation and Human Resources Director Lafarge Africa Plc, commented Management FasTrack, noting that the book is a simple but highly instructive reference tool for entry level and experienced managers who truly desire to win in their careers through constant hard work and dedication to the tenets

of management.

Her words: “This is a book loaded with nuggets for those who want to fast track their growth of knowledge, intuitiveness and initiative in the workplace. It is a compendium of the A to Z of what a manager must know if he must succeed.”

Another analyst Olufunke Akinloye commented that, “Management FasTrack is an amazing book that is packed with a collection of effective guidelines on getting through everyday work life. It is useful to spur oneself on for continuous development in order to constantly achieve great results either as an individual or as a team. It is also fascinating to have access to notable quotes from various great leaders/ thinkers through this book.”

One of the reviewers at the event, Tina Shobola, Trade Marketing and Brand Manager with Lafarge Africa Plc, stated that, the depth of research gave reference to African environment as well as the global circle, which cut across different ages of world renowned writers to bring about best ideas sharable for everyone at any level of his/ her career to understand the tricks behind being a successful manager of people and resources. The book which addresses management essentials with practical tips and insights for all managers is published by KVR Publishing and it is currently available at Laterna Bookstore and soon to be available at all bookstores Nationwide.

Heineken Presents Nigeria’s Fashion Industry in Different Light Buyers to Win Heineken Inspired Collection Globally, the fashion industry is worth an astounding three trillion dollars and accounts for over two per cent of the global gross domestic product. This is an industry that has often been overlooked but has stood the test of time, created employment opportunities and generated revenue for both government and citizens. Although the fashion industry in Nigeria is still in its nascent stage, statistics show that the industry contributes about 0.48 per cent (N380 billion) to Nigeria’s GDP. There are a lot of young talented Nigerians creating amazing and innovative fashion designs and products, brilliantly fusing commerce and fashion. While there are many unsung talents within this industry, there are still a lot of fashion entrepreneurs who are leading the way and making great impact in Africa’s fashion space, by exporting their fashion products/ideas to the world and bringing global recognition to the industry.

Last year on the fifth anniversary of the Lagos

Fashion and Design Week (LFDW), Heineken came onboard as a sponsor for the four-day event to promote the best of Africa’s fashion.

This year, Heineken is also the official sponsor of the Lagos Fashion and Design Week (LFDW) as the brand is working hand-in-hand with the organisers to grow the platform that has over the years accelerated the growth and development of the fashion industry.

The Heineken LFDW, which began on Wednesday, October 28 and will last till Saturday, October 29, will take over the city of Lagos as it presents fashion designers an opportunity to showcase their designs to buyers, media and fashion lovers within and outside Nigeria.

This year’s Heineken LFDW is themed 'Connecting the Dots’ and is expected, as always, to showcase the works of famed fashion designers and upcoming designers from across Nigeria.

There has been a continuous acceptance and boom in this industry over the past few years,

so this year’s edition of the fashion week is another important milestone to grow the industry to relevance.

The Heineken LFDW has become an integral part of Africa’s fashion industry, making it a platform to not only showcase fashion designs but also an avenue to expose Nigeria’s booming fashion industry, export domestic fashion products and also educate, support, inspire and mentor young designers.

Heineken, a global brand, is sponsoring the event as part of its effort to promote Nigeria’s rich creative industry through fashion, boost fashion-related commerce and also push for the global recognition of Nigeria’s fashion industry that has produced a large number of designers with great local and international appeal.

As always, through this year’s event, Heineken is aiming at spotlighting the talents within the fashion industry, reaffirming Heineken’s continued support for Nigerian entrepreneurs and the

creative industry. Meanwhile audience at the Heineken Lagos Fashion and Design Week 2016 can win any of the Heineken inspired pieces

by Mai Atafo and Ejiro Amos Tafiri.

Samson Oloche, Portfolio Manager, International Premium Brands, Nigerian, said, “The Heineken Inspired designs by both Mai Atafo and Ejiro Amos Tafiri are a reaffirmation of Heineken’s position as an innovative brand and a firm supporter of local businesses. The designs will reflect Heineken’s exceptional qualities which have made it a notable leader around the world.”

To stand a chance to win any of the Heineken inspired pieces by the designers, guests are expected to buy a Heineken six-pack can from the Heineken display bar at the Heineken Lagos Fashion and Design Week. The Heineken Lagos Fashion and Design Week is a 4-day event that is aimed at boosting the fashion industry in Nigeria and also promote fashion business by bringing together fashion enthusiasts, media and buyers together.

King Sunny Ade: ‘My Best is yet to Come’ Rebecca Ejifoma As renowned juju music legend, King Sunday Adeniyi, joins the club of septuagenarians, he has debunked the rumour that he is retiring from music. He said rather that his best is yet to come as he takes music to be the air that he breathes.

Speaking during a press briefing organised by the Association of Friends in Lagos recently to kick-off activities to mark his birthday, which came up on September 22 this year and is still being celebrated nationwide and around the globe the music legend said that although he doesn’t appear regularly on stage that does not mean he is quitting music.

"No musician can retire from music. Music is in the blood. And whenever I am called to perform, God gives me the grace to give the people what they desire. I have the blessings of God and I believe my best is yet to come,” he noted.

Known for his jigs and twists of the 80s, KSA (King Sunny Ade), as he is popularly known, remains evergreen even after many years of music. His age and looks stand firm even as he clocked 70 years of age last September.

The Fuji music artiste who revealed that he has written a book titled, ‘My Life, My Music’, added, “I’m still singing and even though I

KSA on stage duirng one of his recent performances

may leave the stage soon, I will continue to record music.” Speaking further, KSA said, “It was rumoured that I was retiring. To my fans that false news was like a time bomb. I received over 3000 letters, asking me to explain what I meant by retiring.”

KSA whose church parish, the Redeemed

Christian Church of God, Head Quarters, Ebute-Meta, Lagos, had held a special vigil to commemorate his 70th birthday, had his children hold a special party on September 22 while his wives also organised a special fiesta for him on September 24.

The highpoint for this celebration will be a

special mass where 70 children will sing and play varying kinds of instrument with a blend of creative dance at the RCCG Head Quarters, Ebute-Meta, Lagos come October 30.

KSA also revealed that as the celebration continues, the Oni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, will hold a special lecture for him at the University of Ife after which the music legend will dine with the king at his palace on same day while his birthday will be celebrated on October 30 across the world. The association will celebrate him as a member of ASSO on December 11 in Lagos during which over 30 Nigerian gospel artistes will sing the Fuji artiste special songs.

The President of ASSO, Prince Isiaka Adedeji, said KSA’s endowment, jigs, twists, strength and stamina have no duplicate. “We are happy to be associated with him. In this club, he is determined to do whatever is necessary to help both members and non-members and has contributed immensely to the association,” he added.

While KSA turns 70, his band, The African Best, will turn 50 on December 10. Also he has plans to regenerate Fuji music into young minds. Part of his efforts to achieve this he said was the launch a radio station, Music and Culture (M&C) FM two months ago, adding that he would establish an archive, where all his hits can be found.

32 /PERSPECTIVE

28.10.2016

Hausa Domination of Nigeria is a Myth Reno Omokri When we in the South say that the Hausa people of Northern Nigeria are our enemies we really ought to be aware that we are just playing into the divide and rule strategy of the oligarchs who have been the powers behind the throne in Nigeria for decades and who want the North and the South to be suspicious of each so they can play one side against the other and continue to dominate us to our detriment.

Now if you are a Southerner, ask yourself who are these so called Hausa people that are dominating us?

Of the 13 Prime Ministers, heads of state and Presidents that have either ruled or led Nigeria since her independence from Great Britain in 1960, not one of those leaders have been Hausa by tribe.

Tafawa Balewa, our first Prime Minister was from a small minority tribe called Gere in Bauchi State, known in the singular form as Bagere.

Johnson Aguiyi Ironsi was Igbo by tribe from Abia State. General Yakubu Gowon is Angas by tribe from Plateau State.

Murtala Mohammed was Fulani from Kano State. President Olusegun Obasanjo is Yoruba from Ogun State. President Shehu Shagari is a Fulani from Sokoto State.

President Muhammadu Buhari is a Fulani Katsina State. President Ibrahim Babangida is a Gwari from Niger State.

Ernest Shonekan is Yoruba from Ogun State. Sani Abacha was Kanuri although he claimed Kano as his state because he was brought up there.

Abdulsalami Abubakar is the only Hausa leader we have ever had. Yet was he a dictator? Was he domineering?

Capital no. In office he was a God-fearing ruler who treated every part of Nigeria equally and ushered in the Fourth Republic which has been our longest democratic experience ever. Abdulsalami is and was a good man.

Does his image fit the stereotype of the mean and monstrous Hausa man?

No. Abdulsalami is more humane than some people who even call themselves clergymen! If he had wanted to stay on in power you and I would not have been able to stop him. More than President Obasanjo, General Abdulsalami Abubakar is our own Mandela!

After him we had the second Olusegun Obasanjo administration which was succeeded by the Umaru Musa Yar'Adua administration. President Yar'Adua was a Fulani from Katsina State.

He was succeeded by President Goodluck Jonathan, a minority Ogbia (a minority clan within a minority tribe).

He has been succeeded by President Muhammadu Buhari who is a Fulani from Katsina as previously noted.

From the above, some persons may want to adjust Hausa domination and make it Fulani domination, but that again is another Myth!

Of the four Fulanis who have either ruled or led Nigeria, two of them were reluctant Presidents. President Shehu Shagari, who I have met physically, never wanted to be President of Nigeria.

That is what he meant by the title of his own autobiography, 'Beckoned to Serve'.

All he wanted was to be a Senator.

He was prevailed upon by the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) to run as their flag bearer. He was a reluctant President.

Ditto for the late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua. He never wanted to be President. He wanted to retire as a chemistry lecturer in Katsina. He was persuaded by former President Olusegun Obasanjo to be the flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and even during the Presidential campaigns of 2007, President Obasanjo campaigned for Yar'Adua more than Yar'Adua campaigned for himself!

Now of the remaining two Fulani leaders, President Muhammadu Buhari tried three times to be Nigeria's President and three times he failed because he largely depended on the Hausa-Fulani (there is really nothing like Hausa-Fulani, it is a creation of the Lagos-Ibadan press. You are either Hausa or Fulani).

The fact of history is that in 2015, the then candidate Buhari's victory depended on God who used two South-western Yoruba men, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

In other words, what the North could

not do for President Buhari was done for him by two South-westerners. So ask yourself who is dominating who?

And in fact, Hausa is more of a language than it is a tribe. It is a language that connects the people of Northern Nigeria. A lot of these people that we in the South view as Hausa are not Hausa.

They have their own individual ethnic nationalities.

But when we in the South resist them and band them all as Hausa, they have no choice but to fall back on that identity and unite on it to also resist us in the South.

You cannot expect people you do not like to love you. And government cannot force us to love each other. Government cannot legislate patriotism.

You and I must learn to understand each other and grow to love each whether we are from the North or South.

When the oppressed people of Nigeria unite against their oppressors it is then they will know that the masses are the only dominant power bloc in Nigeria.

Until then, enjoy your imaginary Hausa enemies! .Omokri is the founder of the Mind of Christ Christian Centre in California

‘For 60 Years, We Have Reasons To Thank God’ The New Lagos Baptist Church Surulere is clocking 60 this month, in the interview with Sandra Ukele, the Senior Pastor of the church, Adegboyega Manasseh Adetunmibi, talks about the ministry’s journey so far involved in many projects. So for 60 years, we have many reasons to thank Godand for this anniversary, we want to have educational project in commemoration of our 60th year.

How long have you been with the New Lagos Baptist Church Surulere?

I have been here only for seven years but we are celebrating the 60th year existence of our church this month. God has been faithful to the church and we want to recognise the work of our founding fathers and we want to continue to build upon their good works.

This is the bottom line of our celebration. We know that everything in this world is by His Grace, nobody can accomplish anything by his own strength so we tagged our theme for this celebration as “60Years Of God’s Grace.”

In this theme, we celebrate His goodness, mercies and grace. The church was founded on October 28, 1956 but was organised on the January 20, 1963. Organisation in Baptist context means that the Church has become a full-fledged Baptist Church.

Can you talk more about the growth of the church in the last 60 years?

One of the things we know about the church is that it is an institution of transition where people come in and go out. By the grace of God, the church attendance is around 400 members. Initially it was more but because of relocation of members to their personal houses which has affected church membership a little bit. However, we thank God that the church keeps growing. Spiritually, we are moving on,

Adetunmibi

What does this educational project entails?

There are two ways of looking at it. First of all, we want to have primary school education as an effective medium of evangelism. This is because education is costly in this area. In fact, from our statistics, this church charges the minimum rate in terms of school fees. This is because we want the low-income earners in this vicinity to sponsor their wards to school.

For this reason, we are considering having a good structure to provide quality education and to complement government’s effort in providing basic education. Secondly, we would be using this building for our Sunday school classes, discipleship, membership class and other areas to empower the teaching ministry of the church.

financially God is helping us and morally we are making progress. We depend on God’s grace for all these things and we are trusting God for more. As I mentioned earlier, we are building upon the foundation laid down by our forefathers. Presently we are planning to add more values to the lives of worshippers and our community. The church has been

Speaking about education how can you describe the Nigerian educational system?

Nigeria is trying its best but it is not like the original intention of the missionaries. The missionaries brought education to Nigeria; they were not charging an exorbitant fee in the past, which was the reason why many people were able to afford good education. Presently,

even churches charges for school are too high for many people to pay. To me, I do not see progressive means of education here now because of the cost. The federal government is doing its part but federal government cannot do everything, the church should be able to collaborate with the efforts of the government and those who enjoyed free education should be able to contribute their own parts so that the less privileged would be able to have access to qualitative education.

How would you compare the church in the 50’s and the present day church in terms of training and education?

I am a trained Baptist pastor from The Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso. I attended the University of Ibadan for my first and second degrees. I also went to Holland to study Reformed Theology. In those days, I could see the zeal for righteousness but now it is the zeal for prosperity. The church has become a kind of social club where people talk more of socialisation without consciousness of heaven. In those days people valued rapture, heaven, holiness and characters are been molded but presently it is the issue of prosperity theology. The disparity is wide. In our church, we tell members that heaven is the ultimate; whatever you accomplish in this world if you do not make heaven it is a waste.

33/ TRAVEL, LEISURE & TOURISM

28.10.2016

Buhari, Tinubu, Others for the Coronation of Emir of Borgu Laleye Dipo All roads lead to New Bussa the headquarters of the Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State and the seat of the Borgu Emirate Council this weekend for the coronation of the new Emir of Borgu Alhaji Mohammed Sani Haliru Dantoro Kitoro the 1V. Dantoro will be the 315th Emir of Borgu Kingdom.

President Muhammadu Buhari who has been a long standing friend of the Dantoros and that of the emirate is expected to lead the federal government delegation to the coronation.

Several other dignitaries especially All Progressives Congress (APC) governors are to join the chief host and Governor of Niger State Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello at the epoch making event.

Governor Sanni Bello of Niger State will present the traditional staff of office to Barrister Mohammed Sani Haliru Dantoro at the emirate grounds in New Bussa on Saturday.

One person who is not expected to be missing in the line-up of who-is-who at the historic event is the APC National Leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who by the traditional title of Jagan Borgu is expected to play very prominent role in welcoming and receiving dignitaries at the ceremony.

The title of Jagaban Borgu was bestowed on Asiwaju Bola Tinubu by the immediate past Emir of Borgu Senator Haliru Dantoro to cement long standing personal, political and religious friendship which spanned more than two decades. This relationship continued even after the transition to the great beyond of the monarch because the Jagaban Borgu usually associates himself with anything that has to do with the Borgu Kingdom.

The making of the New Emir of Borgu Recent history has put the Borgu Emirate among one of the oldest emirates and traditional institutions in Nigeria and even Africa as a whole. It is said that the emirate’s history spanned over 1000 years. Some traditionalists even equal the Borgu Kingdom with the Old Oyo Empire and the Benin Kingdom.

So far according to records not less than 314 kings have reigned in the emirate which has maintained its customs and tradition especially as it affects ascension to the throne.

From available records, it was only once in modern times that the appointment of the Emir of Borgu was characterised with crisis as a result of influence by politicians. This was however resisted stoutly by the traditionalists in the emirate. A long and tortuous legal battle followed the attempt to circumvent the views of the Kingmakers and the popular wish of

Emir of Borgu, Barrister Mohammed Sani Haliru Dantoro

the people but in the end the people had their say leading to the maintenance of the customs and tradition of the people.

However the government had to amend the Borgu Emirate chiefs appointment and deposition law which was partly the cause of the crisis because as at the time Musa Mohammed Kigera joined his ancestors the King making body was not properly constituted.

Immediately after the period of mourning the demise of the last Emir Senator Haliru Dnatoro who passed on at the age of 77 years lapsed, all the Princes began to angle to replace the monarch.

At the end of the day five Princes were to finally contest for the single stool among them were Mohammed Sani Haliru Dantoro first son of the late emir and Marafa Borgu, Alhaji Mamman Musa Kigera who contested the last election with the deceased monarch, a onetime Commissioner for Information in the administration of former Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu, Alhaji Yussuf Gunu who is also the Maganjin Rafi Borgu and Alhaji Baba Ilori, a one-time member of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Adamu Isa and Alhaji Abdullahi.

Unlike in the previous contest when the

emirate did not have the full compliments of the kingmakers this time around, the kingmaking body was fully constituted with all the five members available to perform their traditional role.

The five kingmakers are Musa Kaarade, the Bar karabonde of Borgu and chairman of the king making body, Saidu Abdulhamid, the Waziri Borgu, Mohasmmed Shehu the Chief Imam of Borgu Alhaji Aliyu Turare the Batafu of Borgu and Zara Isah the Yun-maga of Borgu.

There are five ruling houses in Borgu Emirate, the Kigera, Kitoto Funli-gijin Kpandara and Kisante ruling houses. The Princes who aspired to succeed Senator Dantoro were shared in between these ruling houses.

All the king makers including the representatives of the local government council and those of the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs who served as observers assembled at the Borgu Local Government secretariat on November 7, 2015 to commence the process of electing a new Emir of Borgu.

The process was not acrimonious as it was when the late Senator Dantoro was elected.

Also it was said that a level playing field was provided for all the contestants and the state Governor Bello or the government reportedly

showed little or no interest because “the government had no preferred candidate for the exalted stool.”

At the end of voting Barrister Mohammed Sani Haliru Dantoro emerged victorious. Other aspirants were said to have immediately congratulated him and prayed for a peaceful and long reign for the new emir.

As is the convention the name of Barrister Mohammed Sani Haliru Dantoro was forwarded to the state governor for approval and announcement on 9th November 2015.

This was done on November 15, 2015 when the instrument of office and appointment was also presented to the new traditional ruler by Governor Bello at government house.

“I dedicate my election to God and the good people of Borgu emirate,” Dantoro said after receiving the instrument of office and promised to build on the good legacies left by his predecessor.

Born on February 2, 1966 the new Emir Barrister Mohammed Sani Haliru Dantoro attended the famous Ahmadu Bello University Zaria where he read Law and was subsequently called to the bar. He had a little stint in politics during which he was appointed a Senior Special Assistant in the administration of former Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu.

He later quit politics to face his legal practice before being elected the Emir of Borgu.

He is married to two wives and is blessed with seven children.

Already New Bussa the headquarters of the emirate is already in joyous mood as the countdown to the coronation of the new emir begins.

Several organisations have acquired attires that they would adorn on the coronation day.

Security has also been beefed up within and outside the emirate to avoid any emergency.

Police Public Relations Officer Niger State Police Command, DSP Bala Elikana, said not less than 1000 regular and plain cloth policemen have been deployed to the emirate to maintain law and order.

Elikana warned anyone that try to perpetrate trouble that such person will meet with stiff resistance from law enforcement agencies on the ground.

Days to the event all hotels and other recreation centers have been fully booked with some well-wishers reserving their hotel accommodation in Mokwa some 65 kilometres to New Bussa.

“We are expecting an unprecedented large number of people,” a member of the publicity committee of the local organising committee told THISDAY but assured that “we have tried to make provision for everyone that will come.”

Aviation Experts to Discuss Current Issues at Akwaaba Travel Market With the dwindling fortunes of Nigeria's aviation industry and the myriad of challenges facing both international and domestic operators in the country, the aviation sector will once again be on the spot light at the 12th Akwaaba Aviation Day Conference on the 31st of October 2016. With the topic ‘Aviation in Africa and Why Airlines Fail’. The second Aviation Day at Akwaaba will draw on the experiences of major players in Nigeria's Aviation sector. The most influential players in the aviation sector between 1999 and 2010 will be sharing their experiences at the event. Leading the pack, Richard Aisebeogun, former Managing Director, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the former COO of Overland Airways and ADC will be joined by other speakers to discuss and proffer solutions on how the sector can come out of its current dilemma.

The former FAAN boss will be joined by other notable speakers such as, former DG, NCAA, Dr. Harold Demuren; Capt. Dapo Olumide former MD of Virgin Nigeria, Edmund Yomi Jones, former MD of Nigeria Airways, Capt Mike Omokore a Search and Rescue expert and Kenyan female Aviator Dorcas Aketch formerly of Kenya Airways, Virgin Nigeria and lately Rwandair will be pointing the way out of the Miasma.

The Chairman of the Day will be the Director General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Usman Muktar. CEO Belujane Konzult, Mr. Chris Aligbe and COO, AWA, Samuel Thompson will also be among the

Director General, NCAA, Capt. Usman Muktar

panelists for the event. Akwaaba African Travel Market is a three-day travel expo in its 12 year now. It will be holding from the 30th to the 1st of November at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos. Thirty speakers have been lined up to discuss Aviation and Tourism in Africa. Already Exhibitors from Kenya, Bahrain, Dubai, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Benin Republic, Liberia, Namibia, Zimbabwe are booked for the three-day expo.

Obviously these are not the best of times for Nigeria's sector as foreign and domestic airlines

are being affected by the economic situation in the country. While some have pulled out their operation from the country, others have scaled down their operations. Some Nigerian airlines have also close shops owing to the crisis in the sector. It is hoped that policy makers in the country will draw from the wealth of experience of experts that are lined up to discuss the issues facing the sector and take appropriate action to get the industry on the right track.

Last year, the 11th edition of Akwaaba featured rated experts like Seyi Olusanya of Once Upon a Destination, who delivered a paper on Planning a Destination Wedding, Adefunke Adeyemi of IATA Regional Head, Member and External Relations Africa and the Middle East, lectured on Transforming Intra-Africa Air Connectivity and Captain Ado Sanusi, Deputy Managing Director, Arik Air, also delivered a lecture at the Aviation Day that attracted travel agents and tour operators in Nigeria and the West- African Coast, local and international airlines operational in Nigeria, aviation ministries and agencies in Nigeria, aviation analysts and travel, aviation and tourism journalists.

The Hospitality Day featured workshops and presentations by notable individuals in the industry, and topics like Innovation and Payment for the Modern Hotel, Online Booking in Nigeria-How does it Work, Standardising Hotels across West-Africa were looked into. And finally rounded up by Wine Tasting lecture,

titled ‘How to know Your Wine’, delivered by Chief Jerry Rowland of Westlog Nigeria Limited.

African Travel Market is the only international Travel Fair in West Africa, a population of 270 million people with 15 countries, numerous airports and the largest number of travellers in Africa. The event takes place in Lagos, Nigeria and held at the end of October each year.

Over the years, Akwaaba Travel Market has grown to become the most important travel marketing platform in the region drawing attendance from over7,000 to 10,000 visitors from 20 countries. This Travel Fair not only boasts of a large amount of visitors but also excels in the promotion of the exhibitors from the region's leading hotels, airlines, travel agents, tour operators and similar industry suppliers who participates in the event.

A vibrant must attend three-day business to business event presenting a diverse range of destinations to Africa and international travel professionals, it is a unique opportunity for African travel trade market to meet, negotiate, network and conduct businesses with players from elsewhere. AKWAABA, approved by the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) as the official travel exhibition in Nigeria, is listed by UNWTO, a partner event of ATA and the only member of ITTFA in West Africa.

Tour Operators Union of Ghana, the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agents, African Business Travel Association and the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators have all endorsed Akwaaba African Travel Market.

34/ETIQUETTE

28.10.2016

THE ETIQUETTE FORUM ADEKANMI OLUSANYA

email mretiquetteonline@yahoo.com

tel. 08112661635, 0809285 4855

How To Gracefully Accept Critisism Last week, I published an article titled ‘a case for etiquette as a GST in our varsities’.

In the article, I suggested that all our varsities should have etiquette as a GST as it would make for more polished and employable graduates and even a better society. I also made reference to the fact that President Barack Obama of the U.S. made a very disappointing gaffe at Buckingham palace when he gave a roast when all he should have done was make a toast. (Many people I have observed do not know the difference between a toast and a roast. While a toast is just an acknowledgement of a person and an event, a roast is a short story telling of a person and or event.) However, I also added that if etiquette was a compulsory GST at Harvard University, President Obama’s alma mater, he may have made a better show of himself and would have saved his whole nation the embarrassment it got by performing so poorly at Buckingham palace. I must state here that it was really a big deal as his faux pas was aired on CNN who also made an issue of it even consulting the services of Britain’s youngest etiquette expert William Hanson to give his opinion on what Obama did wrongly and what he should have done.

I was criticised by the people who read the article and I thought that I should write a

piece on how to gracefully accept criticisms.

I see one or two positives in their comments and I don’t necessarily agree to everything they have said and how they have said it.

However, I am grateful for their comments and I will use my response as a case study in this article on how respond to criticisms.

This was what the two readers had to say.

“Olusanya why bring Obama into your etiquette business? USA has no exclusive respect culture brush up your world knowledge.” -Victor “Please when you write on a topic stop beating around the bush without cutting the weeds. You did not make a point on what President Obama did wrong and the way he should have behaved appropriately. You need to go back to school and learn how to write well may God help you and please leave President Obama if you don’t know how to make a point.”-Mr Perfect Now I get feedbacks and responses to my articles on a regular basis – both positive and otherwise. Most are positive while the others are not so positive. Some come as constructive criticisms, some come as insults, some in my opinion are objective and hugely beneficial while others are not. We would all be criticised at some point in our lives we clearly cannot escape it - in our families, at our places of work, in our surroundings and

in our capacities as leaders in one sphere or the other. However one hallmark of a lady or gentleman is the way they react to criticisms. Sadly, many in this country do not accept criticisms gracefully. Politicians especially are the guiltiest in reacting to criticisms unwittingly.

Here are useful tips you should bear in mind in accepting criticisms gracefully. ·

·

· · ·

EXAMINING CRITISISM First make sure you are actually being criticised as the news of you being criticised could be false, fabricated, whittled, disjointed or a rumour.

Once you attain the credibility of a criticism as much as possible thank the critic – especially when you think their criticism was beneficial.

View every critic as a friend even if some may actually be enemies and detractors.

View every criticism as a pushing you forward. That way you’ll find it easier being more objective and less biased.

Never take criticisms personal. Criticisms are made for different reasons. Some are justifiable others are not. Some criticisms are informed others are not. Some critics

criticise out of a pure motive others do so out of impure and ignoble motives. · Always try to see the good in every criticism. Ask yourself what good thing can I draw from this? How can it make me a better person? Could the person really be making a point? From the criticism made of me by Mr. Perfect I thought to myself I could have been more explanatory.

CRITICISM AND YOUR COMPOSURE Never insult a critic, never. It shows a gross lack of manners and finesse. · Never lose your temper when responding to criticism. It shows lack of composure self control and poor anger management skills. · Never physically assault a critic. It is totally barbaric to say the least. ·

RESPONDING TO CRITISISM. You don’t have to respond to every criticism. If there is nothing to say, do not say anything at all. If in doubt leave it out. · When criticised, if you can explain yourself to smoothen out tension do so. · When responding to criticism, make sure your reply is well thought out. Words once spoken are impossible to take back. ·

I was impressed with President Buhari’s calm response to his wife comments on his politicking. Contrary to some comments I have read, I do not at all see it as chauvinistic

Obama culture of gracefully accepting criticisms is commendable

Never lose your temper when responding to criticism. It shows lack of composure, self control and poor anger management skills

We would all be criticised at some point in our lives and we clearly cannot escape it.

Recently, many youths took to social media to criticise Pastor Adeboye’s position on the type of women men should marry

35/ENTREPRENEUR

28.10.2016

‘Affordable Housing is Attainable through Holistic Gov’t Intervention’ Managing Director, Wiser Estate, Mr. Nasir Suleiman in this interview with Mary Ekah, says better days are ahead for Nigerians in the area of affordable housing cutting edge of service provision. We provide an integrated and holistic solution for our clients, providing access to sustainable and affordable housing project services in terms of flexible mode of payment. Our target audience is clients that can afford houses in medium and high-density areas of the cities. As one of the leading providers of housing project in Abuja, Wiser Estates key differentiator is our consultative approach to relationships, combined with executive management’s commitment to the conventional standards in the constructions business. We provide an electronic solutions using modern communications medium via our online channels like websites, etc. as we are open for business all round the year and for serious constructive engagements and consultations with relevant stakeholders for suggestive thinking and scenarios building of our vision, mission and objectives.

What is your assessment of the real estate and property industry in Nigeria?

The industry is still in its infant stage and all key sectors like banks, telecom companies, and federal parastatals should have policies that will provide accommodation for their employees rather than paying housing allowances. This will definitely provide staffs with a place to call his/her home upon retirement and also provide vast opportunities to existing and new real estate developers by providing affordable houses for the generality of Nigerians.

What in your own opinion can be done to develop the industry and attract investors?

The land use act should be revisited and government should work in partnership with private investors in building houses at affordable rates. Land allocation and acquisition should be done directly to real estate developers and not to politicians or friends of government officials who are not into real estate business leaving the genuine estate developers with no choice than to source for land from them as a third party at exorbitant cost.

What should government do to support private sector investment in the real estate sector?

Government should create a viable synergy with private sector as Public Private Partnership (PPP). Single digit interest rate to commerce repayment after one year of takeoff capital, encourage private investors with tax holidays for like five years, this will enable investors consolidates on his/her projects. Government bureaucratic processes should be revisited and

Suleiman, Managing Director, Wiser Estate

easy access to land allocation and acquisition.

What are the offerings of WISER Estate that distinguishes it from other operators?

We work with our clients alongside government officials to develop innovative solutions that meet modern housing designs. Our technical expertise and continuous investment in housing technology ensures we remain at the

In developing your estate, what are the key factors you consider?

Our leadership position in the market empowers us to drive and initiate market developments.

We consider the three rights of construction that is quality, pricing, and completion period.

Direct labour: we engage local artisans and expertise directly into our construction process as against contracting jobs out at high prices and ensures close monitoring of project from pre-construction stage to completion stage.

We are duty bound to give out having the right values and work hard to get what our clients want in record time. In Wiser Estates, we have learnt to keep our hands to ourselves,

respecting one another’s personal boundaries as much as possible within the space we live in as we hope to give our clients a choice for a better life, aiming at making our clients have that chance at greatness, success and endless possibilities.

The present economic situation makes real estate to be beyond reach of the common man, what is your take?

There should be holistic government interventions to affordable housing scheme for its citizens. Workers should know their status and their balance in the National Housing Fund and plan ahead like what we are experiencing in the pension sector.

There should be provisions of corresponding infrastructures like access roads network; provision of potable water and electricity in new layouts as these will reduces the burden and cost of construction drastically.

What is the way forward for real estate development in Nigeria?

Indeed, the future looks bright if there is strong political will to encourage mass housing scheme as the government is working on presently and the government should demonstrate a strong will in its fight against corruption. There must be an alternative source of construction as against the conventional means, we should look into the use of timbers, bricks, hydro foams and polyserine etc in building because it reduces the cost of construction drastically thus paving way for more middle class Nigerians to comfortably own a house.

LG Scholarship Beneficiary Tells Success Story “When I heard that I had been selected as one of the 10 beneficiaries of the LG Scholarship Scheme to Engineering students, I was overjoyed.

The scholarship grant from LG Electronics had a positive impact in my life; I used it basically to fund the course project I was working on at that point in time, which was on ‘Renewable Energy Powered Refrigerator’; and I must admit that the scheme supported me in expanding my robotics skills; the fund made it a lot easier for me to work on the project.

“Essentially, the LG UNILAG scholarship scheme comes up every year with an internship opportunity; I did my internship with LG Electronics and I really learnt a lot during my stay with them. I will urge LG to continue to drive the sustainability of this initiative. Other students can also benefit from this because I know it is open to the top five best students in the department with an internship opportunity in LG which I consider as a great privilege.”

That was how Ayeni Moses, a Mechanical Engineering student of the University of Lagos summed up the impact of the LG Scholarship Scheme for Engineering students. The top-ranking student cannot stop talking about the impact of the scholarship scheme to his studies. “The scholarship from LG Electronics made a positive impact in my life, I was able to utilise it in the funding of my course project. It made a significant different in my studies,” he added.

In line with its drive to immensely contribute to raising the standard of education in Nigeria, LG Electronics has continued to create the enabling environment for students by giving grants to deserving students who have distinguished themselves among their peers, this is designed to promote healthy competition among students.

For Olabiyi Samuel, a 25-year-old graduate Systems Engineering graduate from the University of Lagos, the scholarship grant from LG Electronics could not have come at a better time, as he was able to harness it in advancing his studies. When he learnt that he was selected for the grant he was so elated.

For two consecutive years he made the list of awardees for the scholarship programme.

His words: “I am privileged to be one of

A cross section of LG scholarship awardees

the beneficiaries of the LG scholarship scheme.

A wonderful initiative, I must confess, which is based purely on merit. With it I was able to equip myself by acquiring more relevant training and materials that will be useful in my future endeavours; I was also able to get a laptop which I still make use of till date.

This kind gesture spurred me to aim higher in life. For students who wish to enjoy this kind of privilege they must be ready to take their studies seriously and work very hard.”

Another beneficiary, Akin-Adeniyi James said his joy knew no bounds as he was listed among the students to benefit from LG’s scholarship.

“Personally as a student I was able to get several things needed for my studies, interestingly then, I was working on a course project at the time which required a lot of money which was not forthcoming not until the scholarship from LG Electronics; it was such a great relieve for me.

That was actually my first scholarship because I came in through direct entry, so I have not really had any opportunity like that. The whole idea is a beautiful one as far as I am concerned; this goes a long way to show LG cares about students”, he noted.

Also commenting on the scholarship award,

Anih John Tochukwu, a 500 level student of Systems Engineering Department, University of Lagos, said that as a student he has always believed in hard work knowing full well it pays. For him, gaining admission into the department was indeed a dream come true, as he had always wanted to be among the best students in his class. According to him, the scholarship was a reward for hard work, which has immensely impacted his academics; on the whole, he commended LG Electronics for the unique initiative.

LG has clearly shown its understanding of the principles of establishing air conditioning training academics across the world. It went further to offer free classes and vocational training to professional in the industry; this has helped technicians to familiarise themselves with the products as well as stirring the lives of students. The knowledge acquired from these training help to create value in the community and improves LG’s perception in the global market as well as helps it serve its teeming customers better.

Kadiri Damilola, a 500 level student of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Lagos, said the scholarship came at a time he

was in dire need of money to finance a project he was working on; it helped to hasten the work on his project and expressed his appreciation to the electronics giant, LG Electronics.

The scholarship scheme which is in its fourth year is conducted annually by LG as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities with the sole aim of empowering young people as well as developing the educational sector, ensuring that youths who are the future leaders are adequately empowered with the required funds and assistance to enable them achieve their dreams and aspirations. LG Electronics’ partnership with the University of Lagos has been longstanding, as the company has continually contributed to the growth and development of the university.

Life’s Good with LG, is more than just a slogan.

LG is committed to engaging local communities to improve quality of life around the globe, and the company has participated in a number of campaigns to make its vision of the good life a reality through various innovative ways.

Interestingly, LG Electronics has an outstanding record when it comes to CSR activities in and around Nigeria. On the whole, the company is wholly committed to leaving a positive impact in the markets it enters.

36/COLLAGE

28.10.2016

L-R: Spokesman, Okugbe Social Club, Nigeria, Edward Tanure;Internal Patron,Brightn Edefah; Adviser, Goodluck Onorienobohwo;Emmanuel Ibru;President, Dr. Jacob Otabuko;Christiana Ibru; Gloria Ibru;Auditor, Alex Egberughe;Mafor Ibru;and Adviser, Monday Esemuede,during a condolence visit to the Ibru family on the demise of Olorogun Micheal Ibru by members of club in Lagos... recently

Coordinator, Lagos/South West Zone of University of Liverpool Nigeria Alumni Network, Joy Duncan (middle), with other office bearer members cutting the Alumni cake, during the 2016 business & career fair in Lagos ...recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

L-R: Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti, Celebrant, Mrs Bolaji Makinde; and daughter Toyosi Ebiti during the 80th birthday of deaconess Maknde in Lagos... recently

L-R: Chairperson, Skills Center International Women’s Society, Nkoli Ogbolu; wife of the Vice Chairman, South Energyx Limited, Mrs. Elise Chagoury and her husband and Vice Chairman, South Energyx Limited, Mr. Ronald Chagoury, with other members of Skills Center International Women’s Society, during their visit to the Eko Atlantic City Sales Office, in Lagos….recently

L-R:Parents of the Celebrant, Tunde and Tiwalore Mogaji; Celebrant, Tamilowre Mogaji; and . Damilola Mogaji, during maiden birthday celebration of Tamilowre in Lagos... recently

R-L: Managing Director, Salus Trust Ltd/ Chairman of wedding reception, Olorogun Peter Oriavwote; The Couple,.

Aizehi and Paul Akhigbe; and Mrs. Dorean Oriavwote at the wedding ceremony in Ekpoma, Edo State...recently

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28.10.2016

Late Ikeazor

Ikeazor: The Poor Man’s Lawyer The altruistic life he led guaranteed thousands of poor Nigerians justice. The late Chief Chimezie Ikeazor, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria fought for an inclusive justice system in his time that fours years after his death, his legacy of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria remains unrelenting on his tracks. Chineme Okafor writes in memory of Oboli Obosi “Oboli was a man of the people, he stood for justice and fought against injustice,” Uju Ikeazor, widow of late Chief Chimezie Ikeazor told THISDAY when the paper called on his Gwarinpa home on a memorial visit.

“He was a crusader for justice; the underprivileged and downtrodden benefitted immensely from his works.

“He did many pro-bono cases for people who didn’t have the means to be represented at courts or pay legal fees; Oboli campaigned from university to university, organising seminars and conferences to justify why the poor who could not afford to pay for legal services should be assisted,” she re-counted to the paper.

Fondly called Oboli in reference to the hereditary traditional title he got from his hometown, Obosi in Anambra State, Ikeazor on October 12, 2012 passed on, leaving behind a very worthy legacy of standing up for poor Nigerians in courts across the country.

Oboli was well schooled. He obtained a prior Diploma in Divinity and Law from the University of Hull and Kings College, before eventually graduating with a law degree from the University of London and subsequently called to the English Bar in 1959.

As told by his widow and several records of his feats, he in his days pleaded the

cases of people who had no means to legal services. Along with a few like minds - the late Chiefs Solomon Lar, Debo Akande, and Edwin Ume-Ezeoke, he founded and financed the Nigerian Legal Aid Association in 1974 to do this. The platform later became the bedrock for an institutionalised legal aid service in the country.

The association which provided free and mandatory legal services to poor Nigerians also had as one of its founding fathers, Chief Felix Offia who is still alive.

Shortly in 1976, these efforts, through a decree - the Legal Aid Decree No. 56 of 1976 which the then military head of state, Olusegun Obasanjo signed, established the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria to take up from him the job he enjoyed doing - representing poor Nigerians in courts.

The Council has since then stood in courts for the poor in continuation of his ideals.

Four years after he died, its report card showed that it has not let down in the fight as it in 2014 alone completed 12,779 criminal, civil and police duty solicitor scheme (PDSC) cases.

Within Nigeria’s legal circles, it is known that the history of legal aid in the country will be incomplete without Ikeazor showing prominently as a faithful crusader for free legal aids to indigent Nigerians.

Besides being reportedly dogged in his

commitment to the poor, his desire to ensure access to justice for prisoners and awaiting trail inmates were accomplished without beneficiaries meeting him or his pockets not feeling the pinch.

“He sold his properties to the extent that some of his colleagues couldn’t understand his motive. They really didn’t understand the concept of free legal services for the poor but it was what he believed in,” Uju said.

Her claims were equally supported by that of a former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Alfa Belgore who in a book written

by Ikeazor before he died to record his experience providing free legal aid to Nigeria’s masses, said: “Many beneficiaries of his vision hardly know his name, much less his person but history will surely do him justice.”

Similarly, Obasanjo who wrote a forward for the same book attested to Ikeazor ’s good character when he said of the man who led as the first president of the Legal Aid Association of Nigeria that he had listened to and agreed with his arguments in 1976 of the need for a legal aid scheme to guarantee standard representation for poor Nigerians in courts, and decided to institutionalise his efforts.

The former president said he was proud to share the same history page with Ikeazor

on efforts they made to provide justice for indigent Nigerians.

Conferred with the SAN honour in 1984, as well as elected as the first African Director in the governing board of the International Legal Aid Association in Vancouver, Ikeazor was a man no other but himself alone can adequately describe the dynamism behind his commitment to social justice.

He received the World Legal Aid Award amongst several other international and local awards and was in 2007 recognised by the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria as its founding father, a fact no one can dispute.

It often said that from his sacrifices, a good number of young Nigerian lawyers have been able to hone their litigation skills working in the legal aid scheme. Through their constant engagement in the defence of poor citizens by the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, these lawyers have also continued to scale up the capacity of the Council to passionately stand in for poor Nigerians in courts across the local government areas that the Council operates in.

For the extraordinary life and contributions Ikeazor lived and made to Nigeria, Uju said the country owes him a good measure of gratitude, one she said can be redeemed with a dedicated memorabilia to his name.

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28.10.2016

Why Buhari Should Show New Interest in Edo State Imma Ekpe The Edo State governorship election has come and gone and the outcome has left sweet and bitter memories in the tongues of many. For those of us in the All Progressives Congress, APC, the outcome of the election has surely consolidated the hold of the party in the state, nay the country.

It has helped to reverse perceptions that your popularity may have sunk on account of the torments that the economy is passing through at the present time.

The election in Edo State showed that though the people may be passing through difficulties, the factors and good wishes that brought President Muhammadu Buhari to power have not been eroded.

We are in no doubt conscious of the bond that the president has for our state.

A reflection of the bond the president has for our Edo State is underlined by the fact that Edo State is the first state that the president ever came to campaign since his inauguration.

It is in the light of this strategic value that the president has for Edo State that we take time to address him on underlining issues that need to be addressed for the good of Edo State, for party unity and for the promotion of justice and equity and indeed, for the realisation of Mr. President’s long term objective of change in Nigeria.

Of course the fact that the APC won the governorship would seem to give the impression that all is well with the party in the state. This is far from so.

Mr. President ought to know that what happened was that many party members and elders looked at the bigger picture, looked at where we were coming from and also took into consideration your presence at the campaign. These were the

President Buhari

motivators that propelled the party to victory. It was not anyone’s solid work in the state as some have tended to canvass.

Yes, the comrade governor may have performed compared to his predecessors in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, but as we all know, things have been very challenging for the APC administration in the second term.

It is in the light of this that one would draw attention to the great injustice that has been directed to one section of the state; to wit, the Edo Central Senatorial

District.

There is no other way this injustice is seen than in the sharing of the stakes in our state, most pointedly as seen in the distribution of political offices both at the federal and at the state level.

It is easily recalled that it was not until the eve of the election that the conscience of those in power was stirred to give Edo Central the symbolic position of Speaker of the House of Assembly. Before then Edo Central was completely excluded from the principal offices of state. The

governorship and position of Secretary to the State Government were in Edo North, the positions of deputy governor and Speaker of the House were in Edo South.

In the civil service it would be interesting to note that of the about 35 permanent secretaries in the state, only four are from Edo Central leaving Edo North and South to share about 30 Even more, positions at the federal level have not been equitably distributed.

The Minister representing the state is from Edo South, the national chairman is from Edo South and the non-career ambassadorial position for the state has also gone to the favoured sections of the state. It is worthwhile to note that high level board positions and other positions of influence at both the federal and state levels have been so apportioned to make Edo Central look like an unwanted appendage of the state.

The people of Edo Central are certainly not so. It is in this light that we appeal to Mr. President to evaluate the situation in Edo State and cause justice to bear through moral suasion, through his leadership of the party and other influence at his disposal to bring the people of Edo Central into the power equation in the state.

One can say so on fact that our confidence in the present system to grant us a sense of belonging has long been frustrated and we call on the president to look beyond the current players and search out men and women of tenacity from Edo Central who have through thick and thin shown their connection to the people and have the capacity to bring about the long term change that brought you to power. The present arrangement in Edo will certainly not help Mr. President. .Ekpe wrote in from Lagos

Kogi Politicians Should Let Bello Work Odimegwu Onwumere The Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello may be in for another set of distraction after the Supreme Court on September 20, 2016 upheld his election as the rightful winner of the gubernatorial election in the state held in 2015. It is perceived that some politicians in the state are working round the clock in making sure that the governor suffers a setback in his administration.

Recently, they accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of keeping eyes right in their call to investigate Bello for whatever reason Nigerians are yet to know. This was coming after they had written series of petitions to the body. But the EFCC seemed to know better – that there might be the hand of Jacob but the voice of Esau in their petition – making their petitions null and void.

The other time, there were speculations that he was pelted with pure water sachet while coming out from the Mosque, after a day’s prayer. If true that he was pelted, political observers know who to hold responsible. And if he was not pelted, the same people know who to hold responsible for circulating the message of defame.

Most politicians hire crowd for an event, the same way they hire street urchins to cast aspersion before the public, on the personality of their prey. However, Nigerians of goodwill cannot sit down and watch Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the young and youthful Governor of Kogi State be brought to disrepute. We are yet to read that he associates with mischief, except as some politicians in that state want us to believe.

Unlike some persons who allow some heights they have attained in life to influence and control them, the last time we checked, Bello still respects elders and is ever ready to learn from people. While

Bello

he is doing his best to bring any person or group that has been politically squabbling to make peace with each other, some of the politicians are throwing tantrums. Sad! No matter what they might be doing to plunge Bello into the murky waters of disgrace, the governor seems not perturbed as he goes about his official duties to uplift Kogi State, putting much effort on rural and urban development.

He believes that after developing this area, it will attract a lot of potentials.

With his New Direction Blueprint, the

governor has vowed to take education to the next level in the state. Any doubting Thomas may ask the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Petra Onyegbule. With the state’s rich mineral and natural resources, although many are yet to be tapped, Bello has said he has the youths at heart in his development priorities.

While working to raise these youths, the governor has reiterated the need for technical education while people are pursuing the secular education. Nonetheless, many Nigerians might be crying over the lame-duck governance of the

All Progressives Congress (APC) at the federal level, but Bello has shown that he has a New Direction Blueprint: A promise he made when he went to pick Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms of the APC in company of chieftains of the party from the three senatorial zones in the state.

Governor Bello pledged to overturn the high level of crimes in the state. The party leaders conversely knew that he would not disappoint in carrying out his official functions when they stopped the thought of any other candidate as the party’s typical bearer. The unwavering Bello filled out the form, signed by a Commissioner of Oath, and returned to the APC National Secretariat, in what political pundits said was affixed to a letter of nomination sent to INEC on Friday November 27, 2015, by the National Chairman of APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

The party perhaps knew that Mr. James Abiodun Faleke might not do better than Bello, hence Falake was asked to be Bello's running mate. But Faleke refused that offer and insisted on Abubakar Audu/Faleke ticket, which the party gave the duo before Audu suddenly died on November 22, 2015. It will be pertinent to say that with the aggressive policking against Bello in Kogi, if the state fails, it will concern everybody in the state. But it will not fail with Bello!

So, Governor Yahaya Bello should be left without distractions to earnestly fix the state to attain his dream state, where there will no longer be pot holes in front of the Government House, educational system will never be horrible again, Kogi children will not be taught under the trees, teachers will not be discouraged; the potentialities of the agriculture sector will not be undiscovered, and infrastructure will not be in totters. .Onwumere can be contacted via: odimegwu@journalist.com

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CITYSTRINGS

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

A New Laboratory for Ugbuwangue Secondary School Hallmarks of Labour Foundation recently inaugurated a science laboratory at Ugbuwangue Secondary School in Warri, Delta State. Peter Uzoho who covered the inauguration, reports

R-L: Executive Secretary, Hallmarks of Labour Foundation, Mrs. Patricia Otuedon-Arawore; The Olu of Warri Kingdom, HRM Ogiame Ikenwolu; Prof. Grace Alele-Williams; Chief Yaya Pessu, and Dr. Tony Edozien, during the inauguration of the science laboratory at Ugbuwangue Secondary School in Warri

S

chool laboratory is one of the essential facilities that has to be present in a school to ensure quality teaching and learning as well as excellent output.

A well-equipped and functional science laboratory helps the teacher to go beyond theories; helping the students to be carried along, and also making them to verify what has been taught. A good science laboratory is the foundation for future scientists and engineers. It is through their early exposure to laboratory practicals that students are inspired. It is through their experience in laboratory functions that teachers discover the career part of a child.

It is against this backdrop that Hallmarks of Labour Foundation, a non-governmental, non-profit and philanthropic organization, found it necessary to identify with public schools in Nigeria where school laboratory is lacking in order to assist them to have one since it is passionate about the education of children, especially indigent ones.

Backing its words with action, the Foundation in November 2014, built and donated a well-equipped ultra-modern science laboratory to Egbokodo Secondary School in Warri, Delta State.

Just recently, on September 29, 2016, Hallmarks of Labour Foundation donated another ultra-modern science laboratory

equipped with modern facilities to Ugbuwangue Secondary School, Warri, Delta State, which was inaugurated by His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli 1, the Olu of Warri, and named in honour of Professor Mrs.

We are also very proud to inform you that this ultra-modern integrated Ugbuwangue Secondary School science laboratory is being donated in honour of Professor Mrs. Grace Awani Alele-Williams…As we celebrate her today with this science laboratory, it is our hope and expectation that many of you will read about her, admire her so much as we at the foundation do and work hard to emulate her even exceed her achievements

Grace Alele-Williams, for her commitment to the Foundation.

Responding to the kind gesture from the Foundation, Principal, Ugbuwangue Secondary School, Mr. Samuel Urowayinor while reminiscing on what the school had lost in the past for not having a science laboratory, noted that with the facilities available to them now, they can begin to get back all they had lost.

“Today, is one of the greatest days in the history of this school since its inception in 2007. This day marks the beginning of the process of registering the school as a centre for examination bodies like WAEC and NECO. It may interest you to know that our SS III students have been enrolled over the years for their WAEC and NECO exams through Yonwuren College Centres because this school is not a centre for those exams on account of non-availability of a science laboratory, amongst other factors.”

Appreciating the Hallmarks of Labour Foundation, he said “The science laboratory whose inauguration we are here to witness today, was made possible by the Executive Secretary of Hallmarks of Labour Foundation, Mrs. Patricia Otuedon-Arawore. This same body, Hallmarks of Labour, has graciously given scholarships to some of our students here. I therefore use this opportunity to express my utmost gratitude to her and her

team in Hallmarks of Labour for these acts of philanthropy. I pray that the Almighty God will reward you exceedingly.

“I would like to appeal to the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC), the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and other public, private and philanthropic organisations to help us with additional classrooms as our present classrooms are already over-stretched by the teeming student’s population. I also appeal for the provision of computer systems, physics, biology and agricultural science apparatuses to assist the students in their practicals.”

Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Hon. Chiedu Ebie represented by Dr. Tony Edozien started by thanking the management of Hallmarks of Labour Foundation for inaugurating and handing over an ultra-modern integrated science laboratory to Ugbuwangue Secondary School, Warri.

“This singular magnanimous gesture is highly appreciated by the administration of his Excellency, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.

Early this year, Delta State Government convened an Education Summit with the intention of scaling up education in the state. The summit which was well attended reviewed in details the programmes, progress, prospects and challenges of our schools. The recommendation contained in the communiqué

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CITYSTRINGS

The Olu of Warri Kingdom, HRM Ogiame Ikenwolu, others inspecting the science laboratory at Ugbuwangue Secondary School in Warri...recently

Mrs. Patricia Otuedon-Arawore (middle) flanked by students of Ugbuwangue Secondary School , at the event

The ultra-modern science laboratory donated to the school by Hallmarks of Labour Foundation

Inside the science laboratory

pointed out the need to explore and promote private sector support to the development and improvement of our schools. It’s in this regard that Senator Ifeanyi Okowa recently gave approval for the Support and School Programme (SASP). We want to use this opportunity to let this community and all Deltans know that there’s a platform upon which everyone can key in to add value to the school nearest to you.”

He said the objective of the programme was to provide a platform for well-meaning individuals, Deltans and friends of Delta State, corporate and community organisations and social groups to intervene and partner with the government in the development of the schools.

“We hope to galvanise the private sector to actively support schools in various areas with the ultimate goals to helping to breach the funding gap that currently exists in the education sector.”

The commissioner noted that the dedication and naming of the ultra-modern science laboratory to a renowned and accomplished Deltan was not a mistake, adding “to all of us, she’s an ultimate role model worthy of emulation.”

Speaking at the event, Executive Secretary and Founder, Hallmarks of Labour Foundation, Otuedon-Arawore stated that the objectives of the Foundation when it was set up two decades ago include, to identify Nigerians who have achieved success through hardwork, honesty and integrity in their fields of endeavour to project them to Nigerians as role models; to promote positive attitudes among the youths in particular- encouraging them to reject fraud, greed and impropriety as means to success, amongst others.

“With the central theme ‘positioning tomorrow’s leaders to achieve their maximum potentials’, the foundation has donated a range

of educational welfare facilities to deserving schools and students in Nigeria,” she noted.

“The HLF Secondary School Scholarship Scheme, which took off here in Warri in 2008 under the theme ‘Iwere Education Rejuvenation’ has yielded tremendous fruits.

To date, over 140 students have obtained the West African School Leaving Certificates under the foundation sponsorship, even as 60 of its scholars are currently enrolled in a number of post-primary schools in Delta and Lagos states. We urge parents and guardians to encourage their wards to pick up the forms and work hard to pass the qualifying examination as it is strictly on merit.

“As always, we give glory to God Almighty. We are also very proud to inform you that this ultra-modern integrated Ugbuwangue Secondary School science laboratory is being donated in honour of

Having a laboratory in my school is the most exciting thing in my life. I always dreamt of having a laboratory in my school for us to do our practical. Before now learning was not that interesting in my school because we only hear of names of chemicals but don’t see them

Professor Mrs. Grace Awani Alele-Williams (OFR), the first female PhD holder in Nigeria, first female professor of mathematics and first female Vice chancellor in the Sub-Sahara Africa. She is a woman we have tremendous love and respect for; a woman who at one time, was like any one of the children present here today, born and educated amongst us here in Warri, speaking the same language and brought up with the same kind of food as we eat.

What has distinguished her from many of her peers is that she took her studies seriously and obeyed instructions of her parents. As we celebrate her today with this science laboratory, it is our hope and expectation that many of you will read about her, admire her so much as we at the foundation do and work hard to emulate her even exceed her achievements.

“We seize the opportunity to thank our mother, Professor Mrs. Grace Awani Alele-Williams, for her commitment to the Hallmarks of Labour Foundation, for which she has been a strong pillar of support and a trustee for some 20 years.

“We are here today to inaugurate and hand over another science laboratory in Warri. In November 2014, we donated a similar facility to Egbokodo Secondary School, Warri, which is acknowledged as the best science laboratory in any government-owned school in Nigeria. We are profoundly grateful to His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli 1, the Olu of Warri for his encouragement. We thank the Delta State Government for finding time to be here, and the leaders and people of Ugbuwangue for giving us the opportunity to be of service and it is our prayer that the students here will find inspiration from this facility to motivate them to become great scientists.

“In creating this laboratory we are now

beginning to build up scientists. We want to look for science students who we can now send to school with the intention of giving them the opportunity to go into sciences and then we will take them up to university level,” she said.

Students of Ugbuwangue Secondary School who were overwhelmed with joy bared their minds. The Head Girl, Miss Deborah Akpowomano said, “I am so happy today because when we were in SSI, we were not able to make discoveries or experiments but now that there’s laboratory I believe we’ll be able to make experiments. So I want to thank Hallmarks of Labour Foundation for making this possible for us. I am so delighted.”

On his part, the Senior Prefect, Ugbuwangue Secondary School, Master Bright Igiagbe, said “having a laboratory in my school is the most exciting thing in my life. I always dreamt of having a laboratory in my school for us to do our practical. Before now learning was not that interesting in my school because we only hear of names of chemicals but don’t see them- we can’t identify them. For example, we have been told about acid, that it has a sour taste and that it turns blue litmus paper red, but we haven’t seen it with our eyes. I haven’t even seen a litmus paper with my naked eyes before, but now, I believe that with this science laboratory we would be able to identify them and learn more. We thank Mrs. Arawore for remembering us and we pray God to continue blessing her and the Foundation.”

The celebrant of the day, Professor Mrs. Grace Alele-Williams whose name the science laboratory was donated said, “I am very happy. Patricia has been a sister and a friend to me. She’s very interested in children’s education and she has been showing that in action. So I thank God for making this a reality.”

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INTERNATIONAL

email:foreigndesk@thisdaylive.com

EarlyVoting Shows Clinton’s Strength in Arizona, Other Battlegrounds

Hillary Clinton’s campaign has reason for optimism in several swing states -- and appears to have turned Arizona into a battleground -- as millions of Americans vote

early.

More than 7.3 million Americans have already voted. Democrats have improved their positions in North Carolina, Nevada and

IS Executes Dozens of Prisoners near Mosul Islamic State militants have in recent days executed dozens of prisoners taken from villages the group has been forced to abandon by an Iraqi army advance on the city of Mosul, officials in the region said on Wednesday.

Most of those killed were former members of the Iraqi police and army who had lived in areas under Islamic State control south of Mosul, Abdul Rahman al-Waggaa, a member of the Nineveh provincial council, told Reuters.

The militants forced them to leave their homes with their families, and took them to the town of Hammam Al-Alil, 15 km (9 miles) south of Mosul, where the executions took place, he said in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdish region, east of Mosul.

The men were shot dead, he said, quoting the testimony of remaining residents of the villages and people displaced from the area.

The executions were meant “to terrorize the others, those who are in Mosul in particular”, and also to get rid of the prisoners, he said.

“Daesh (Islamic State) was taking families from each village it left,” said Waggaa. Separately, Hoshiyar Zebari, an influential Kurdish

politician, told Reuters in Erbil that at least 65 people had been executed by Islamic State south of Mosul three days ago.

The militants started rounding up hostages in the villages of Al-Hudd and Al-Lazzaga, after a revolt broke out against them a week ago to aid the army’s advance, said Zebari, a former Iraqi finance minister and foreign minister.

More than 20 were put to death as punishment in two villages located just north of the town of Qayyara, he said. Families of the executed hostages are being held in Hammam al-Alil or in Mosul, he said. U.N. human rights spokesman Rupert Colville on Tuesday said Islamic State fighters had reportedly killed scores of people around Mosul in the last week.

Colville said security forces discovered the bodies of 70 civilians in houses in Tuloul Naser village south of Mosul last Thursday. Islamic State also reportedly killed 50 former police officers outside Mosul on Sunday, he said. Iraqi army and Kurdish Peshmerga forces on Oct. 17 launched an offensive on Mosul, Islamic State’s last major city stronghold in Iraq.

Arizona compared to this point in 2012, according to a CNN analysis of the latest early voting statistics.

Republicans, meanwhile, have good news in Iowa. Republicans have improved their position there over 2012 -- backing up the polls which suggest it could be the easiest state won by President Barack Obama for Trump to flip this year.

And in Florida, where the latest

Iskander missiles to Kaliningrad and suspended a weapons-grade plutonium agreement with the United States,” Stoltenberg said, also accusing Russia of continued support for rebels in Ukraine.

Those ballistic missiles can hit targets across Poland and the Baltics, although NATO officials declined to say if Russia had moved nuclear warheads to Kaliningrad. NATO’s aim is to make good on a July promise by NATO leaders to deter Russia in Europe’s ex-Soviet states, after Moscow orchestrated the annexation of the Crimea peninsula in 2014.

NATO’s plan is to set up four battle groups with a total of some 4,000 troops from early next year, backed by a 40,000-strong rapidreaction force, and if need be, follow-on forces.

As part of that, U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter announced a “battle-ready battalion task force” of about 900 soldiers would be sent to eastern Poland, as well as another, separate force equipped with tanks and other heavy equipment to move across eastern Europe.

“It’s a major sign of the U.S. commitment to strengthening deterrence here,” Carter said.

Britain’s Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said Britain would send an 800-strong battalion to Estonia, supported by French and Danish troops, starting from May. The

progressive candidates and advocacy groups, academics and think tanks, connects the data to voter records, allowing a deeper look at who has already cast a vote in this year’s election.

Across 12 battleground states where data are available, more than 4.6 million votes have been cast. Here’s a look at the early voting data from several of those battleground states:

Illegal Migration: 22,500 Nigerians Have Crossed Mediterranean Sea in 2016, Says EU Alex Enumah in Abuja The European Union (EU) has put the number of illegal migrants from Nigeria that crossed the Mediterranean Sea to Europe between January and September this year at 22,500, stating that the figure is not only worrisome but one that requires urgent attention by all.

The EU, while disclosing plans by the union to tackle economic factor which has been blamed for such suicidal mission by Africans and other nationalities, stated that over 3,700 people have drowned trying to cross the Mediterranean with a ratio of 1 in 50 people.

The Deputy Head of EU Delegation in Nigeria, Mr. Richard Young, who disclosed this yesterday during a seminar on how the EU works, organised for Diplomatic and Foreign Affairs Correspondents in Abuja, warned that if the activities of illegal migrant

Britain, US Sending Planes,Troops to Deter Russia in the East Britain has said tha it will send fighter jets to Romania next year and the United States promised troops, tanks and artillery to Poland in NATO’s biggest military build-up on Russia’s borders since the Cold War. Germany, Canada and other NATO allies also pledged forces at a defense ministers meeting in Brussels on the same day two Russian warships armed with cruise missiles entered the Baltic Sea between Sweden and Denmark, underscoring East-West tensions.

In Madrid, the foreign ministry said Russia had withdrawn a request to refuel three warships in Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta after NATO allies said they could be used to target civilians in Syria.

The ships were part of an eight-ship carrier battle group - including Russia’s sole aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov - that is expected to join around 10 other Russian vessels already off the Syrian coast, diplomats said.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the troop contributions to a new 4,000-strong force in the Baltics and eastern Europe were a measured response to what the alliance believes are some 330,000 Russian troops stationed on Russia’s western flank near Moscow.

“This month alone, Russia has deployed nuclear-capable

comparable data comes from 2008, Democrats -- buoyed by an increasingly diverse electorate -- have cut deeply into the traditional Republican advantage in early ballots cast so far.

These findings represent absentee ballots submitted and early votes cast through Tuesday across 35 states where data are available. Catalist, a data company that works with

United States wants its troops in position by June.

London is also sending Typhoon fighter aircraft to Romania to patrol around the Black Sea, partly in support of Turkey. “Although we are leaving the European Union, we will be doing more to help secure the eastern and southern flanks of NATO,” Fallon said.

Others NATO allies joined the four battle groups led by the United States, Germany, Britain and Canada to go to Poland, Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia.

Canada said it was sending 450 troops to Latvia, joined by 140 military personnel from Italy.

Germany said it was sending between 400 and 600 troops to Lithuania, with additional forces from the Netherlands, Norway, Belgium, Croatia and Luxembourg.

Stoltenberg said allies’ commitments would be “a clear demonstration of our transatlantic bond.”

Diplomats said it would also send a message to Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, who has complained that European allies do not pay their way in the alliance.

For the Kremlin, the U.S.-led alliance’s plans are already too much given Russia’s grievances at NATO’s expansion eastwards, although Stoltenberg denied going too far.

is not checked, it would adversely affect the chances of people who have genuine cause to travel into Europe.

Young expressed concern that the number of Nigerians taking dangerous adventure through Mediterranean to Europe within the last nine months in 2015 is higher than those who did in 12 months in 2015.

Apart from Nigeria, the envoy stated that there has been huge increase in migrants crossing border without the right travel document to Europe from all over the world.

He said, “In 2014 the number of people traveling irregularly into Europe clinched 280,000 people, in 2015 it rose to 1.8 million in 2015.

From January to September 2016 the number is about 420,000; we are expecting that the number will rise to 800,000 before the end of the year. ``Within this number people coming people coming from

Nigeria in 2012 was 800, in 2013 the number was 2,900, in 2014 the number was 8,700 in 2015 the number was 23,000. ``And between January and September 2016 the number is 22, 500”. While noting that the issue of illegal migrant is beginning to affect the political and economic configuration of Europe, he warned that the situation if not quickly checked would also have a long impact on Nigeria - Europe relationship.

He said to reverse the trend Nigeria needs to grow her economy and create an enabling and bright future for her citizens, adding that the EU on his part, through the 3Rs strategy – Returning, Re-admitting and Re-integrating has earmarked billions of Euros to provide manpower development for the illegal migrants.

The resources according to him are been put together to help African countries address root cause of migration.

Venezuela: Protests against Maduro Escalate Venezuela’s increasingly militant opposition stepped up its push to oust leftist leader Nicolas Maduro on Wednesday with protests that drew hundreds of thousands but also saw unrest leading to dozens of injuries and arrests.

In an incident sure to inflame the already polarized situation, a policeman died after being shot on Wednesday night in central Miranda state. The government blamed opposition activists clashing with security forces on a highway out of Caracas. The local police force of Miranda, whose governor is opposition leader Henrique Capriles, confirmed the death but did not link it to protesters.

Enraged by last week’s suspension of their push for a referendum to remove Maduro and determined to end 17 years of socialism in the South American OPEC nation, Venezuela’s opposition has sharply ramped up its tactics in recent days.

After launching a political trial against Maduro on Tuesday in the National Assembly, the opposition coalition held nationwide marches dubbed “Takeover of Venezuela” on Wednesday. “This government is going to fall!” crowds chanted, many wearing white and waving national flags as they congregated at nearly 50 sites across the country.

“This needs to keep growing so that the government understands once and for all that we’re doing this for real,” said two-time presidential candidate Capriles,

blaming authorities for what he said were over 120 people injured and some 147 protesters detained.

Clashes occurred in several cities outside Caracas, witnesses said, including the Andean city of Merida and the volatile western town of San Cristobal that was an epicenter of violence during 2014 anti-Maduro protests.

Opposition activists and student leaders said there were at least five protesters reportedly struck by bullets in Venezuela’s second-largest city Maracaibo and San Cristobal. Rights group Penal Forum said there were over 140 people detained nationwide.

The government gave no figures on injuries or detentions.

Coalition leaders called for a national strike for Friday, and a Nov. 3 march to the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, unless the election board allows the referendum. Maduro, the unpopular 53-year-old successor to Hugo Chavez who has presided over an unprecedented economic crisis, accuses the opposition of seeking a coup with U.S. help and has vowed there will be no plebiscite on his rule.

“They are desperate, they have received the order from the north to destroy the Venezuelan revolution,” he told a counter-march of red-shirted government loyalists.

Despite sitting on the world’s biggest oil reserves, Venezuela is in the throes of a punishing recession that has many poor families skipping meals amid scarce food and triple-digit inflation.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS FLORENCE OGHALE OGHENERUEMU IJOMONI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS FLORENCE OGHALE IJOMONI OBANO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS AKERELE OLUWASEYI MAGARET, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AKERELE OLUWASEYI MAGARET. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS FAITH OLUSHOLA OJO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OLANIKE FAITH ADEJUMO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ADAORA PAMELA ONOH, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADAORA PAMELA ALEX-UDE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

46

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Okonjo-Iweala: Financial Inclusion of Women Can Raise Nigeria’s GDP By 12% Obinna Chima A former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala yesterday called for policies that would ensure that more women are brought into the financial system. According to her, including more women in the financial system could add about 10 to 12 per cent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Speaking in Lagos at a Diamond Bank partnership programme with Women’s world banking counsel for Africa, an initiative focused on women’s economic empowerment, financial inclusion and gender diversity in Africa, the former minister said reports had shown that two billion people were excluded from financial inclusion. Furthermore,

she said it had been argued that including 1.6 billion of them can raise local GDP by six percent by 2025.

She pointed out that part of the number to be included, more than half (808million) of them are women.

“So, they have done a study to show that including women and people financially can actually raise growth. The study also shows that countries with low women inclusion for example Ethiopia, Nigeria etc it can even add more to the GDP growth like 10- 12 per cent higher than the global number.”

She added: “I think we should look at the opportunity women financial inclusion can bring.

We need to look at the barriers that we are going to remove to include more women because

they are going to make the economy grow and when you are struggling, you are going to look at any growth opportunity you have.”

The newly appointed member of the International Advisory panel of Asian Infrastructure stated that it was important to make a business case as to why including women, empowering women will greatly improve bottom lines. To this end she said, central banks have a key role to play.

In his welcome address during the session MD/ CEO Diamond Bank, Uzoma Dozie stated that since its inception 25years ago, Diamond bank has consistently sought to make a difference by making inroads into areas that have posed a formidable challenge to other financial institutions.

Bankers Urged to Imbibe Ethics, Professionalism The President/Chairman of Council, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Prof.

‘Segun Ajibola has stressed the need for bankers in the country to adhere to ethics and professionalism in the industry.

The CIBN boss said this during the 2016 Fellowship Investiture of the institute held in Lagos recently.

Ajibola said on the part of the institute, in the bid to further entrench ethics and professionalism in the sector, the CIBN has been collaborating with the Central Bank of Nigeria to ensure that all bank workers attested to and adhere strictly to the Code of Conduct in the

Nigerian Banking Industry.

“For instance, the conduct of some members, are currently being investigated while a member who was found guilty of violation was deregistered,” he disclosed.

According to him, there is no gainsaying the fact that the economic indicators in the country are already stretched as inflation rate remained at a stubbornly high level of 17.9 per cent as at the end of September, 2016, the highest since October, 2005.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) officially announced the country’s plunge into recession in August 2016

after two consecutive quarters of negative economic growth and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reviewed downward the 2017 growth prospects for Nigeria by 0.5 per cent. The pressure on foreign exchange still persists in spite of government and regulatory institutions’ efforts aimed at addressing it with the naira exchanging to a dollar at $465.

In addition, the level of non-performing loans (NPL) rose to 11.7 per cent from 5.3 per cent this year, exceeding the prudential limit of five per cent and resulting in a muffled low growth in the banking industry.

NB Plc Records Decline in Profit, Declares N7.9bn Interim Dividend Goddy Egene The Board of Directors of Nigerian Breweries (NB) Plc has recommended an interim dividend of N7.929 billion, which translates to N1.00 per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. This interim dividend is being recommended despite a decline in the company’s profit for the period occasioned by the current challenging environment.

The company said in a statement signed by NB Plc’s Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, Mr. Uaboi Agbebaku, that revenue rose from N214.

918 billion recorded at the end

of September 2015 to N222.716 billion in the same period in 2016. However, operating profit fell by 11 per cent from N42.766 billion in 2015 to N37.962 billion in 2015. The company’s profit after tax (PAT) declined by 23 per cent from N26.175 billion in the period under review in 2015 to N20.100 billion in 2016.

According to the company, the decline in operating profit was due to higher input costs as a result of rising inflation combined with the devaluation of the naira. The negative impact of scarcity of foreign exchange combined with the naira devaluation more than offset the lower interest costs

resulting in a 94 per cent increase in net finance costs.

“The company’s PAT declined by 23 per cent from N26.175 billion in the period under review in 2015 to N20. 100 billion in the same period in 2016. The macro-economic environment deteriorated further in the third quarter compared to the first half with continuous down-trading by consumers,” the company said. NB Plc said that although, the operating environment is expected to remain challenging for the rest of the year, it would “continue to focus on our twin agenda of Cost and Market Leadership supported by innovation.”

TEF Holds Entreprenuerial Forum The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) yesterday opened the second edition of the TEF Entrepreneurship Forum.

The Foundation described the forum as the largest gathering of African entrepreneurs.

According to a statement, the forum celebrates the 2016 cohort of Elumelu Entrepreneurs – selected from over 45,000 applicants in 54 African countries – and their completion of the programme’s innovative 12-week online training.

On completing the programme Elumelu Entrepreneurs become

members of the largest entrepreneurial alumni network in Africa.

“The TEF Forum is the centrepiece of the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme, and through it, we are giving from the perspective of empowering the recipient, instead of making them dependent on us,” the founder of TEF, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu said. “As a result, our entrepreneurs will change the face of Africa, creating a wave of dynamic African businesses, bringing wealth to their communities and countries, and

driving economic growth across the whole continent.”

As part of the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme’s 10-year, $100 million commitment, participants are now eligible to receive up to $10,000 seed capital to implement their business plans. Elumelu Entrepreneurs represent sectors as diverse as agriculture and fashion. Thirty-six per cent of those chosen were women, a significant increase on the first year’s twenty-four per cent.

Entrepreneurs range from 18 to 54 years old.

Okonjo Iweala

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, 26 OCT 2016 The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $47.75 a barrel on Wednesday, compared with $47.83 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

47

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY OCTOBER 28, 2016

Nigeria’s top 50 stocks based on market fundamentals

27-Oct-16

26-Oct-16

% Change

Capitalisation

EPS

P/E

P/S

Div. Yld

Price/ Book Value

01 Dangote Cement Plc

175.00

174.17

0.48%

2,982,088,795,875.00

9.56

18.30

5.51

4.57%

4.38

02 Nigerian Breweries Plc

146.00

146.00

0.00%

1,157,648,729,648.00

4.50

32.48

3.86

2.47%

7.11

03 Guaranty Trust Bank Plc

24.00

24.00

0.00%

706,348,301,376.00

4.90

4.90

1.76

7.38%

1.44

797.95

797.95

0.00%

632,500,056,283.40

19.41

41.11

3.82

3.63%

17.98

05 Zenith Bank Plc

14.95

15.00

-0.33%

469,377,582,100.70

3.91

3.83

0.99

12.04%

0.67

06 Lafarge Africa Plc

48.62

44.51

9.23%

221,459,326,002.20

-6.71

-7.25

1.00

6.17%

1.58

375.00

390.00

-3.85%

207,491,367,375.00 -14.43

-25.99

2.22

4.25%

0.55

08 Unilever Nigeria Plc

50.00

48.01

4.14%

189,164,812,500.00

0.69

72.24

2.85

0.10%

20.16

09 Ecobank Transnational Incorporated

10.00

9.73

2.77%

183,495,512,150.00

0.23

43.53

0.34

6.20%

0.31

10 Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc

17.00

17.00

0.00%

170,000,000,000.00

2.04

8.35

1.44

0.59%

1.51

11 Presco Plc

42.30

42.30

0.00%

167,951,179,003.50

0.03 1,446.66

2.35

3.07%

4.02

5.68

5.65

0.53%

164,310,878,864.08

2.56

2.22

0.48

9.68%

0.38

123.50

123.50

0.00%

160,856,416,220.50

3.31

37.35

1.04

2.79%

3.72

4.20

4.26

-1.41%

152,374,010,552.40

1.75

2.40

0.46

14.29%

0.35

15 Guinness Nig Plc

80.00

80.00

0.00%

120,471,055,040.00

-1.34

-59.76

1.18

4.00%

2.89

16 Total Nigeria Plc

319.72

290.00

10.25%

108,551,921,725.64

31.13

10.27

0.45

4.38%

5.14

3.00

3.00

0.00%

107,685,878,376.00

0.21

14.46

0.20

5.00%

0.17

159.90

159.90

0.00%

102,430,399,043.70

3.75

42.66

1.15

1.38%

3.97

6.50

6.50

0.00%

78,000,000,000.00

1.05

6.19

0.65

7.69%

1.31

190.00

190.00

0.00%

68,513,099,780.00

17.69

10.74

0.83

3.79%

3.99

19.40

19.40

0.00%

63,908,436,032.00

0.17

111.21

2.56

1.29%

5.18

5.19

5.01

3.59%

62,459,672,059.86

-3.46

-1.50

0.33

14.45%

0.45

23 Flour Mills Nig. Plc

19.31

19.50

-0.97%

50,674,020,080.97

6.81

2.84

0.13

10.36%

0.51

24 Julius Berger Nig. Plc

38.00

38.00

0.00%

50,160,000,000.00

0.24

156.96

0.48

3.95%

2.24

25 Okomu Oil Palm Plc

41.00

40.01

2.47%

39,110,310,000.00

4.60

8.92

3.18

0.24%

2.51

1.00

1.00

0.00%

38,720,997,425.00

-0.37

-2.68

0.86

0.00%

0.51

18.43

18.43

0.00%

35,401,530,652.41

2.44

7.55

0.49

5.43%

0.48

28 Sterling Bank Plc

0.95

0.95

0.00%

27,350,897,219.70

0.31

3.08

0.26

9.47%

0.33

29 Diamond Bank Plc

1.14

1.13

0.88%

26,402,843,423.52

0.11

10.33

0.13

0.00%

0.11

30 Fidelity Bank Plc

0.85

0.85

0.00%

24,618,197,838.20

0.39

2.18

0.17

18.82%

0.13

31 Cadbury Nigeria Plc

13.00

11.88

9.43%

24,416,626,520.00

0.50

26.04

0.87

10.00%

2.39

32 Cap Plc

33.75

33.75

0.00%

23,625,000,000.00

2.28

14.77

3.54

3.41%

13.80

33 Wema Bank Plc

0.59

0.61

-3.28%

22,758,934,987.79

0.06

9.90

0.44

0.00%

0.48

34 Custodian And Allied Insurance Plc

3.71

3.71

0.00%

21,821,716,163.45

0.76

4.88

0.65

3.77%

0.78

35 National Salt Co. Nig. Plc

8.00

8.00

0.00%

21,195,507,024.00

0.85

9.42

1.13

6.88%

2.87

36 FCMB Group Plc

1.06

1.09

-2.75%

20,990,873,427.86

0.61

1.73

0.13

9.43%

0.12

37 Mansard Insurance Plc

1.93

1.93

0.00%

20,265,000,000.00

0.27

7.11

1.05

2.59%

0.96

38 Glaxo Smithkline Consumer Nig. Plc

15.03

15.03

0.00%

17,974,023,614.64

-2.54

-5.92

0.62

2.00%

1.97

39 PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc

16.50

16.50

0.00%

16,500,000,000.00

5.69

2.90

1.15

0.61%

0.44

40 Continental Reinsurance Plc

0.97

0.97

0.00%

10,061,561,982.64

0.33

2.95

0.49

12.37%

0.52

41 Honeywell Flour Mill Plc

1.18

1.18

0.00%

9,357,633,236.44

-0.40

-2.92

0.19

13.56%

0.57

42 Skye Bank Plc

0.60

0.63

-4.76%

8,328,180,846.00

-2.93

-0.20

0.05

50.00%

0.08

43 Unity Bank Plc

0.62

0.65

-4.62%

7,247,389,524.04

-0.10

-6.05

0.11

0.00%

0.09

44 Wapic Insurance Plc

0.50

0.50

0.00%

6,691,369,126.00

0.11

4.62

0.88

6.00%

0.43

45 Cement Co. Of North.Nig. Plc

5.23

5.23

0.00%

6,572,424,716.18

0.44

11.81

0.59

1.91%

0.61

46 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

47 UACN Property Development Co. Limited

3.24

3.41

-4.99%

5,568,749,983.80

-0.05

-62.14

1.65

21.60%

0.16

48 Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc

2.70

2.68

0.75%

4,385,390,625.00

0.15

17.51

0.55

7.41%

0.71

49 AIICO Insurance Plc

0.56

0.57

-1.75%

3,880,914,508.80

0.26

2.15

0.12

8.93%

0.41

50 Fidson Healthcare Plc

1.33

1.38

-3.62%

1,995,000,000.00

0.31

4.34

0.29

3.76%

0.31

04 Nestle Nigeria Plc

07 Seplat Petroleum Dev. Co. Ltd

12 Access Bank Plc 13 Forte Oil Plc. 14 United Bank for Africa Plc

17 FBN Holdings Plc 18 7-Up Bottling Comp. 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

TOTAL

8,828,827,389,136.42

TOTAL MARKET CAP

9,355,296,206,310.92

% OF MARKET CAP Annotation - MA* = Simple Moving Average

94.37%

Table 1 Market Statistics Mkt Indicators

Open 26-Oct-16

NSE All Share Index NSE Market Cap (N'Trillion)

27,120.39 9.32

27,236.78 9.36

0.43 0.43

112.79 8.78

113.39 8.83

0.53 0.53

Thisday BGL 50 Index Thisday BGL 50 Market Cap (N'Trillion)

Close 27-Oct-16

Change %

Table 3 Top 5 Gainers Stock

Open Close Change 26-Oct-16 27-Oct-16 %

Total Nigeria Plc Cadbury Nigeria Plc Lafarge Africa Plc Unilever Nigeria Plc Oando Plc

290.00 11.88 44.51 48.01 5.01

319.72 13.00 48.62 50.00 5.19

10.25 9.43 9.23 4.14 3.59

Table 4 Top 5 Losers Stock

Open Close Change 26-Oct-16 27-Oct-16 %

UACN Property Development Co. Limited Skye Bank Plc Unity Bank Plc Seplat Petroleum Dev. Co. Ltd Fidson Healthcare Plc

3.41

3.24

-4.99

0.63 0.65 390.00 1.38

0.60 0.62 375.00 1.33

-4.76 -4.62 -3.85 -3.62

NSE ASI appreciates by 0.43% Market pulse on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) today – Thursday, October 27th, 2016 ended on a positive note as the stock market closed green today. This was further highlighted by positive performances from the NSE Sub sectors: Banking and Consumer Goods, Insurance and Oil & Gas. Trading activities decrease in volume as 155.59 million shares worth of N1.76 billion in 2,648 deals exchanged hands today. This is a decrease from the 159.99 million shares worth of N1.74 billion in 2,396 deals which exchanged hands on Wednesday.

Topping in volume terms were FBN Holdings Plc, Access Bank Plc and Transnational Corporation Of Nigeria Plc, while Total Nigeria Plc and Unilever Nigeria Plc ended trading as the most active stocks in value terms.

The All Share Index (NSEASI) closed positive with 0.43% (+116.39) increase to close at 27,236.78 from 27,120.39 the previous trading day. Market Capitalization appreciated in tandem to N9.36 trillion from N9.32 trillion of prior trading day. Similarly, the Thisday BGL 50 Index followed suit with an increase of 0.53% to close at 113.39 from 112.79 recorded at the end of the previous trading day, while its market capitalization stood at 8.83 trillion from 8.78 trillion of the previous trading day.

A total number of 13 stocks gained on the bourse today while 18 stocks declined, 68 leaving stocks unchanged. Total Nigeria Plc emerged as the day’s toast of investors as it topped the Thisday BGL 50 Index gainers’ list with a gain of 10.25% to close at N319.72 per share. It was followed by Cadbury Nigeria Plc with a gain of 9.43% to close at N13.00 per share. Others on the gainers list include: Lafarge Africa Plc, Unilever Nigeria Plc and Oando Plc; while on the decliners’ list, UACN Property Development Co. Limited with a loss of 4.99% to close at N3.24 per share. It was followed by Skye Bank Plc with a loss of 4.76% to close at N0.60 per share. Others on the decliners list include: Unity Bank Plc, Seplat Petroleum Dev. Co. Ltd and Fidson Healthcare 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

48

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

MARKET NEWS

Stockbrokers Task FG on Economic Recovery, Development

Goddy Egene and Nosa Alekhuogie

The federal government has been urged to ensure speedy implementation of measures aimed at reviving and further development of the nation’s economy.

The President of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Mr Oluwaseyi Abe, made the call yesterday at the 20th annual conference

of stockbrokers in Lagos organised by CIS. Abe, who expressed optimism in the potency of the government’s economic revival strategy, stated that growth should be equitable and inclusive for enhanced overall development of the economy.

According to him, the conference theme ‘’ Building New Pillars, Creating New Values for Sustainable Development,’’

T H E MAIN BOARD

DEALS

MARKET PRICE

was of particular importance, coming at a critical time when Nigeria’s economy is in a recession, with a threat of depression lurking around.

Abe said Nigerian economy is precariously supported by a single pillar with oil as the mainstay, accounting for 90 per cent of exports, 25 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 80 per cent of government revenue. He said as a result of this, when the global oil market

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

shakes, our economy quakes.

Abe noted that drastic change in global oil price destabilised government projections and depleted our foreign reserves because the structure of the economy is monolithic and not shock-resistant.

He therefore, stressed the need to build more pillars for variegation and fortification of the economy.

The CIS boss commended the Central Bank of Nigeria

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

(CBN) for the re-modeling of the floating foreign exchange rate.

“We commend the apex bank for the re-introduction and remodeling of the floating single foreign exchange rate . It is a bold and positive initiative which is in accordance with the tenets of democratic capitalism, which highlights market driven systems, free participation within individual limitations and the ‘’invisible hand,” Abe

said In his remarks, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema explained that the exchange had put in place many activities for enhanced sustainable growth.

He disclosed that the Premium Board Index was introduced to encourage listed companies to aspire to the highest standard of corporate governance.

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

49

FRIDAY, octobeR 28, 2016 • T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

Conoil Sustains Positive Results, Posts 54% Increase Profitability Goddy Egene Conoil Plc has sustained its impressive performance despite the economic headwinds, recording a 54 per cent increase in its profit before tax (PBT) for the nine month ended September 30, 2016.

The performance of the major fuel marketer indicated that it continued to withstand challenging operating environment in the downstream sector of the

nation’s petroleum industry.

According to the unaudited results of the company made available to capital market operators through the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), revenue rose by six per cent to N63.931 billion, from N60.157 billion.

The management reduced distribution expenses from N1.916 billion to N1.796 billion. Similarly, finance cost was reduced from N2.831 billion in 2015 to N1.634 billion.

Consequently, PBT improved

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

to N2.72 billion , showing an increase of 54 per cent over the N1.76 billion recorded in the previous year. Market operators said given the improved results, shareholders of the company are assured of another bumper reward at the end of the year. The directors had recommended a dividend of N3.00 per share for 2015 financial year.

Commenting on the nine months results, Conoil Plc management attributed it to efficient allocation of

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 13-Oct-2016, unless otherwise stated.

resources, its long term and pain-staking strategic business planning and its strict adherence and implementation of global operating standards in all its business processes.

Before the nine months performance, Conoil Plc had recorded a similarly impressive results for the half -year results to June 30, 2016. It recorded PBT of N1.566 billion, representing a growth of 196 per cent from N528.5 million recorded in the corresponding period last year.

It also posted an increase of 190 per cent increase in profit after tax from N359.4 million last year to N1.04 billion this year.

Conoil had assured its shareholders of its optimism to sustain and grow the impressive performance with improved returns for shareholders at the end of the current financial year.

Realising the fact that the years ahead portend greater challenges in the downstream petroleum sector, Conoil Plc stepped up investments in

the core segments of the downstream business with a view to consolidating its competitive edge and breaking new grounds to further boost its market share.

The strategic investment project entails upgrading and construction of facilities in the priority areas, such as retail, lubricants, aviation and specialised products, so as to provide additional capacity that will enable it to meet the long-term needs of its growing 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 124.34 Nigeria International Debt Fund 217.74 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 125.07 11.33% 218.72 8.78% info@acapng.com Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 0.69 10.52% ammf@aiicocapital.com Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

100.00

15.92%

enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Bid Price 12.39 286.76 22.40

Offer Price 12.76 295.41 23.07

Yield / T-Rtn 1.65% 2.60% 1.59%

1.00

1.00

12.86%

investmentcare@axamansard.com Bid Price -

Offer Price -

Yield / T-Rtn -

1.00 1.00 13.93% investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Bid Price 2.08 9.28

Offer Price 2.13 9.52

Yield / T-Rtn 2.18% -5.81%

82.70

84.82

1.96%

invest@fbnquest.com Bid Price 1,071.34 110.47 100.00 $101.81 $101.70 111.43

Offer Price 1,072.40 110.98 100.00 $102.53 $102.42

Yield / T-Rtn -1.00% 1.59% 12.56% 2.17% 2.06%

112.93

12.18%

fcamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Bid Price 0.92 2.51

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 0.94 2.20% 2.51 8.02% coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com

Bid Price 2,198.04

Offer Price 2,224.05

Coral Income Fund 2,049.93 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 1.05%

2,049.93 8.37% enquiries@investment-one.com Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund

1.00

1.00

10.99%

Vantage Balanced Fund

1.64

1.66

0.72%

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 1.00 11.19% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 990.66 990.66 -0.93% 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 9.56 9.65 -2.24% 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 1.05 4.64% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 10.29 10.33 3.07% 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 106.12 106.86 4.17% 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 8.09% 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 1,805.90 1,816.38 7.54% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 154.35 154.35 4.94% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.79 0.80 6.00% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 180.96 180.96 6.64% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 133.77 135.42 -1.15% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 15.85% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,633.20 7,734.60 6.20% 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 1.14 1.15 7.78% United Capital Bond Fund 1.26 1.26 16.14% United Capital Equity Fund 0.68 0.69 -8.03% 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 9.62 9.78 0.78% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.17 11.27 -2.51% Zenith Income Fund 16.64 16.64 3.72%

REITS

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

11.58 122.32

3.99% 5.58%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

8.75 77.37

8.85 78.84

-8.62% -7.03%

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

2.66 7.21 12.35 16.43 129.43

2.70 7.29 12.45 16.63 131.43

15.02% 12.75% -1.59% -14.40% -

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.

50

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

WORLD OF ISLAM

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

The Prayer of the Mind Tariq Ramadan

M

uslim spirituality, as we have said, is demanding and, through the Islamic teaching, touches all the dimensions of life. It begins, at the very moment when one becomes aware of one’s human responsibilities before God and among humanity, by finding in oneself “the need of Him” to which we have referred in part I. The return to one’s self gives birth to a feeling of humility that characterizes the human being before God. This humility should spread wide and deep through all the areas of life: at every stage of working on one’s self there will be a struggle against complacency, pride, and the pretentious human desire to succeed alone, using one’s own resources (on the social, professional, political, or intellectual level). This truly spiritual exercise goes beyond the framework of ritual religious practice or rare moments of contemplation, and its effect should be visible in every aspect of life—in the way in which one treats one’s body, manages one’s possessions, carries out one’s professional activities, lives with other people, and interacts with the whole creation: in everything, those who reflect on the signs and are indwelt by “the need of Him” are invited to distance themselves from forgetfulness and arrogance. In the West, practicing Muslims live uncomfortably with the disjuncture they feel between their religious and spiritual practice and the type of public or professional life into which they are drawn. Theoretical discussion about “the comprehensive character” of the message of Islam struggles to come alive in practice; it is here that a rupture takes place, and people almost lead two parallel existences—one their spiritual practice and the other their active life.

People do not understand very well how to make their spirituality truly active and effective in everyday areas. The environment these days seems to impose on us this division between private practice and entry into the public arena.

The opposition between them seems complete.

The beginnings of a response to this are to be found in what we have just described: indwelt by “the need of Him,” strong in that humility in action and at the heart of professional and social life, the Muslim consciousness should build a reciprocity between the state of the heart and the nature of one’s acts. The link, the connection between them must be intimate and personal: it is expressed in the way in which our action is inspired, lived, and undertaken—in the recollection of His presence or in forgetting it, in the sight of God or only of human beings, to please Him or to impress them, to be recognized by His love or only to be recognized by them? This is how active spirituality is expressed, and the division between public and private space in secularized societies does not prevent its being exercised, so that our spirituality is able in all circumstances to inspire our way of being and doing.

To this state of recollection and humility must be added another concrete dimension of spiritual teaching that requires the establishment of a constant link between the demands of conscience and life choices. As we have already intimated in part I, it is a matter of ethical teaching and its application. To ask ourselves, in every situation in life, the three fundamental questions (What is my intention in this action? What are the limits set down by my morality? What will be the consequences of the action?) will inevitably change not only our way of being but also our way of living. Our spirituality must be intelligent and question the ethical nature of all our activities, even those that appear to be the most natural and simple. This active, intelligent spirituality makes us attentive to the apparently “neutral” aspects of our life, which may sometimes have serious ethical consequence. It questions our approach to consumption: the source of the food, the way it was produced, the fairness of the commercial aspect, the way in which animals used for food are treated and killed, and the social and economic implications of our consumption. We need to be more and more, and more and more deeply, aware of all these questions: the way in which we answer them transforms spiritual energy, too often shut up in ritual and sometimes imprisoned by a practice that has become mechanical, into a radiant, responsible, active, and intelligent spirituality. If the message of Islam really does have a comprehensive quality, its spiritual message must extend to the horizon where the feeling of humility and the demands of ethics marry in action. The same applies in the exercise of one’s profession: to ask the same three questions means never to consider that any work is ethically “neutral,” however scientific it may appear to be. To work for a multinational

that plunders the planet, or in an armaments industry that produces death, or for banks that fuel a murderous economic order is not “to say nothing.” And beyond these basic questions, the way in which one goes about one’s work, and identifies with it and carries out one’s responsibilities to perform the activity and to follow the rules in the best possible way, is an active and consequential spiritual undertaking with which everyone’s conscience must engage.

The same can be said of the way we spend our free time and enjoy ourselves. To retain one’s humanity and dignity at times of rest is a sign of a lived and serious spirituality. The Prophet said to his Companion Handhala, who felt himself to be a hypocrite because he was not in a sort of permanent state of prayer, that he should match an hour of prayer with an hour of rest: he was implying that the quality of that rest would necessarily influence the spiritual intensity of his prayer. In the West, more than anywhere else, the use we make of free time and entertainment is a spiritual exercise that helps keep us in harmony. This comprehensive and multidimensional activity is bound to influence relations between human beings. At the heart of the community of faith, the practice of this spirituality should be visible. To foster humility in oneself and to keep one’s ethical awareness alive naturally means being attentive to human relations, even in their smallest details. This life, led with the constant intention to be in dialogue with God and with oneself, should lead us to learn to listen and to be in dialogue with others. The calls to brotherhood, solidarity, and companionship are all facets of the spirituality of daily life. Here again, we have to be spiritually responsible, active, and intelligent in learning to make the fundamental distinction between judging an action and judging an individual, between condemning a gesture and condemning a heart. We must have the clarity to engage in the first but resist the temptation of the second.

This way of being among people can be achieved only by working at allowing spiritual and ethical teaching to radiate into all our areas of activity.

This would naturally reform the kinds of relations that we too often see at work within Muslim communities—relations based on judgment and rejection of the Other, competition, and power struggles. There is little listening, little dialogue, little affective silence: Muslims know this, as they should know that there are not innumerable remedies.

We should add, to end this chapter, that on a broader plane, the spiritual teaching of Islam makes us open to human universality and by its nature creates bridges with men and women of other faiths, and even with all the humanists, agnostics, and atheists who are concerned about human values, ethics, and respect for the universe.

There is no doubt that many people, without being Muslims, will recognize themselves in the preceding lines, and it is on the basis of these fundamental considerations that we should try to engage in dialogue and shared action. At this depth, encounter is possible and fruitful, and our societies show us every day that involvement together is essential.

Far from fashions and temptations to reclusiveness, we have tried here to describe the demanding characteristics of Muslim spirituality.

It radiates out from the axis of tawhid and calls human beings, in addition to their religious practice and meditation, to allow the light of the sense of His Presence and His moral precepts to shine on all their areas of activity. This spirituality, which we have called responsible, active, and intelligent, inspires awareness at the heart of life and society and offers itself as an everyday mysticism, an applied Sufism, which leads individuals to learn to manage the direction and content of their actions rather than simply to be acted upon.

Humility, which feeds the heart, as well as ethics, which directs the spirit, both make it possible for the mind to be open to another order, a kind of continuous prayer, in which, aware of its limitations, it serves goodness as well as it can—the prayer of the mind.

Many women and men today are leaving the Islamic associations because they reach a point where they feel that something is missing, that there is a real lack of spirituality. This is often the case, and it is by a renewed and constant effort to apply the teachings we have just referred to that things will change. It will not always be a case of deciding to go it alone—all the more given that so many present their humble retreats with such pride and arrogance! On the contrary, Muslim spirituality teaches us fragility, effort, and service: to be with God is to recognize one’s limitations, know them, and serve people, among people.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 28, 2016 • T H I S D AY

51

NEWSEXTRA

House to Investigate AMCON’s Failure to Recover N2.4tn Debts Says N1tn with 20 persons

Damilola Oyedele inAbuja The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the circumstances leading to the failure of the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) to recover over N2.4trillion public funds used to rescue ailing firms.

This is as it lamented that N1 trillion of the funds is in hands of 20 Nigerians who continue to live lavish lifestyles, without repaying their debts.

The House therefore directed its Committee on Banking and Currency to investigate the failure of obligos/bank debtors

Court Adjourns Odili’s N6bn Libel Suit against Peterside to Nov 29 Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt A Rivers State High Court presided over by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Adama Iyayi-Laminkara, has adjourned to November 29, a hearing on a libel suit brought against the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside, by former Rivers State Governor, Dr. Peter Odili.

Odili had in the N6 billion suit accused Peterside, who was the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2015 general election in the state, of defamation of his character by a statement made after Governor Nyesom Wike’s thanksgiving service after his Supreme Court victory.

Odili said Peterside alleged in the press conference’s that Wike during his victory thanksgiving service, stated that he (Odili) helped him to secure the Supreme Court victory.

Odili stated that what the APC governorship hopeful said was false and malicious, as Wike never made such inference, but that Peterside twisted and misrepresented what the governor said.

At the first hearing on the suit on October 11, neither Peterside nor his counsel was in court.

But at the resumed hearing yesterday, counsel to the NIMASA boss, Rowland Otaru, who stated that they were not in court on October 11 because they were not properly served, prayed the court for an adjournment to enable them file their defence.

Lead counsel to Odili, Kanu Agabi (SAN), however did not oppose the prayer for adjournment but insisted that the defendant was properly served.

Speaking with journalists later, Otaru said: “We are not aware that the matter had been on because we were not served. It was sent to a wrong address and we will address the issue later.

“We are coming back on November 29 but before then, we are going to fill the necessary court papers. As I said before, this is a libel suit, so, we should be given a fair hearing.”

Speaking with journalists also, lead counsel to Odili, Kanu Agabi (SAN), said, “Well, the court obliged the defendant’s request to come back for defense. I am happy that the defendant is coming back to defend his actions.”

Buhari’s Nominee for Chairmanship of NERC Says He Has Not Rejected Offer

Seeks MIT’s permission to appear before senate Tobi Soniyi Prof. Akintunde Ibitayo Akinwande, nominated for the Chairmanship of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), has said he will honour an invitation for screening by the Senate after clearing with his current employer, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), U S A. The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said a letter dated October 26, 2016, to the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, Steel Development and Metallurgy, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, sent through the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Enang, quoted Akinwande as saying that he did not turn down the offer by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science explained that: ‘‘News reports in Nigeria that I have rejected President Buhari’s nomination to be Chairman of NERC

have been brought to my attention. ‘‘I have the greatest respect for President Buhari. I am fully behind the change he has brought and is bringing to the way government business is conducted in Nigeria. ‘‘I am deeply honored that Mr. President and his team thought me worthy for this important national assignment and sought me out for it. I am a tenured professor of electrical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. ‘‘As such I am contractually constrained to seek formally the consent of the university for a leave of absence before presenting myself to the Senate for screening and if confirmed take on the assignment.’’

Akinwande apologised to the Senate Committee for not showing up for the screening process scheduled for Tuesday, October 25, 2017, noting that it was not out of disrespect for the institution.

The academic said he would be available for the screening after clearance from the MIT.

to liquidate their loans in order to enable AMCON redeem the three years zero coupon bond it raised.

The lawmakers took the decision yesterday following the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Johnbull Shekarau (Plateau PDP) who identified banks to be the biggest culprits of the failure to repay the loans.

“The House is worried that six years after, AMCON is yet to recover over N2.4 trillion from obligos/bank debtors to enable her redeem the three years zero coupon bond she acquired.

“The House is concerned that the inability to recover this amount has serious implication on the

economy, especially now that it is in recession,” Shekarau said.

Arguing in favour of the motion, Hon. Hassan Saleh (Benue PDP) said the N2.4 trillion would make a huge difference in Nigeria’s current economic state.

“We are a country of over 160 million people. Now you have a situation whereby just 20 people owe as much as N1trillion of the debts. Imagine what this money will do to our lives if it is recovered and ploughed back into the economy,” he said.

Minority Leader, Hon. Leo Ogor contributing to the debate said some of the people whose businesses were rescued by AMCON, have abandoned the businesses and

embarked on other ventures.

“The common man cannot continue to bear the burden of these people while the government is still patronising them,” Ogor said.

The federal government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria, had guaranteed the bond to allow AMCON raise N5.67trillion to intervene in some troubled firms, particularly banks.

Meanwhile, the House has postponed the debate on the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), President Muhammadu Buhari’s requests for external borrowing of $30 billion, and virement of N180 billion fund in the 2016 budget, to next week.

The House Speaker, Hon.

Yakubu Dogara, had last Tuesday directed that the requests contained in separate letters, be scheduled for debate yesterday alongside discussion on MTEF. The spokesperson of the House, Hon. Namdas Abdulrazak, at a press briefing yesterday afternoon, did not give reasons for the postponement.

He noted that all the issues would receive the required attention next week, as they are critical to the economy.

THISDAY however gathered that the lawmakers were yet to receive full details of the breakdown of the expenditure for the planned borrowing, hence the postponement of debate.

RECOGNISING ACHIEVEMENTS

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, OVH Energy, Yomi Awobokun; Chairman, OTL Africa Downstream, Emeka Akabogu; Group Chief Executive, Oando Plc and recipient of the OTL Africa 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award,WaleTinubu; and former Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), Reginald Stanley, at the 10th OTL Downstream Energy Awards in Lagos... Wednesday

Dasuki Absent When Jonathan Approved N400m for Metuh, Says Defence Witness A witness yesterday told a Federal High Court in Abuja that the embattled former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), was absent when the former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh, was given N400 million.

Metuh is facing trial for alleged diversion of the N400 million he got from the office of the former NSA, Dasuki.

Richard Ihediwa, a 5th defence witness, stated his position while fielding questions from Metuh’s counsel, Emeka Etiaba, in the ongoing trial at the court.

Ihediwa, according to Premium Times, said Dasuki was not present when N400 million was given to Metuh, during a November 2014 meeting with former President Goodluck Jonathan.

He said Metuh was paid the money after a screening exercise conducted at the meeting of leaders of the party with the former president.

“Present at the meeting were national leaders like Doyin Okupe, Peter Obi, Liyel Imoke, Namadi Sambo, among others,” Ihediwa said.

Asked whether Dasuki was

present during the meeting, Mr. Ihediwa responded in the negative.

He added that the controversial sum of N400 million was given to Metuh, following the outcome of that meeting.

The witness also told the court that the ex-spokesperson used personal funds to run the affairs of the then ruling party.

Ihediwa said Metuh bought various equipment for use by the publicity department with his personnel earnings, ahead of the 2015 general election.

“Several equipment including still cameras, video cameras, laptops and other computers were bought by the defendant with his personal fund, to my knowledge,” said Ihediwa.

He said five new staff were recruited at the time who were under the payroll of Metuh.

“I had noticed that he was using his personal funds to finance major expenses for the party, so I asked why. He then explained that given the current circumstance, he would not allow the lack of funds to deter his desire to succeed as leader of the party’s publicity department.

“In many occasions, media houses covering the PDP were always owed money for adverts

that they ran for us, due to the lack of fund,” said Ihediwa.

Metuh’s trial continues before Justice Okon Abang on October 31.

Again, Fire Disrupts Activities at Lagos Airport Chinedu Eze There seems to be no end to the incessant fireoutbreak at the international terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, as another fire erupted at the E-wing of the airport yesterday.

Although the fire started before the peak of passenger movement at the terminal, it disrupted check-in and other activities at the departures of the E-wing but was quickly put out before it could spread to other parts of the facility.

Airport users and officials that have worked at that terminal for years insist that old cables, obsolete electric gadgets, uncontrolled and armature extension of power to new stalls, new offices and additions to the old terminal stretch the old cables, as demand for electricity increases with increased activities without adequate expansion of outlets.

Observers who spoke to THISDAY called for total overhaul of the

electric system at the terminal and replacement of cables, which can no more carry the high voltage of power that is now demanded at the airport because of increased activities.

However, the management of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), which confirmed the incident, explained that the fire was caused by a spark at the “Main Distribution Board at the E-Finger of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.”

The agency said in a statement signed by the acting General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu, that engineers “successfully corrected all faults and normalcy was restored at affected areas.”

“While assuring airport users of safety and security at our airports, FAAN wishes to apologise to passengers, airlines and the general public for the inconvenience caused by this interruption,” the statement said.

52

FRIDAY OCTOBER 28, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

FG Validates National Employment Policy US applauds Nigeria on efforts against child labour

Paul Obi in Abuja The federal government yesterday validated the National Employment Policy (NEP) as part of the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari to job creation and provision of decent employment opportunities for Nigerians within the productive age.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige, speaking at a workshop on the

review of NEP stressed that the current high unemployment rate is unacceptable, as no nation can develop by leaving out a vast percentage of its productive human capacity.

The event which was organised by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment with active support from the International Labour Organisation (ILO), other social partners: Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, Nigeria

Again, Women Protest against EFCC’s Freezing of Patience Jonathan’s Accounts Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt

Women from the Niger Delta yesterday continued their protest against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the freezing of the accounts of former First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, saying she needed the money to attend to her failing health.

The women, who were clad in black attires, took to the streets of Port Harcourt in solidarity with Mrs. Jonathan.

They assembled at the premises of the anti-graft agency in old GRA, Port Harcourt, brandishing placards with various inscriptions condemning the action of the agency.

The women who came under the aegis of Voice of Niger Delta Women (VONDW) wondered

why the anti-graft agency would be unleashed on the family of former President Goodluck Jonathan when he was not the only one that had served the country in that capacity.

One of them, Chief Rita Onwunali who spoke to journalists, said they were not against the anti-graft war but it should be done within the ambit of the law.

She said it was not proper for the anti-graft agency to unleash itself on the family of former president Jonathan over mere allegations.

She said the commission should unfreeze the account of wife of the former President so she could give herself the needed medical attention, adding that the money was for her medicare.

A similar protest was carried out in Lagos on Wednesday against the EFCC for the same reason.

Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congres (TUC), seeks to streamline job creation as the centre piece policy of the administration.

According to Ngige, “There is urgent need to engage a larger percentage of the productive age in decent, fairly remunerated and sustainable means of livelihood either as wage earners or selfemployed, while preserving existing gainful employments.”

Speaking further, Ngige disclosed that towards ensuring inclusive national employment policy, the revised NEP addresses concerns such as employment of the physically challenged, international labour migration, decent work components, and higher education for employability including green jobs amongst others.

On efforts to surmount the current challenges facing Nigeria, he advocated objective and assiduous cooperation of all stakeholders and the entire citizens to the development of the country.

Ngige, explained that “the country is currently facing difficult times in the annals of its history requiring understanding and cooperation of employers, workers and other stakeholders.

“In proposing strategies to

overcome the current challenges, stakeholders must objectively and conscientiously be willing to make necessary trade-offs in the overall interest of the society.”

The Director, ILO Country Office for Nigeria, Ghana Liberia, Sierra Leone and Liason Office of ECOWAS, Mr. Dennis Zulu, expressed confidence that the reviewed employment policy will enhance coherent, integrated and sustainable multi-sectorial response to combat the challenges of unemployment.

Zulu appealed to the Federal Government of Nigeria to ratify the ILO convention 122 saying that the reviewed national employment policy is already in line with the objectives of the conventions.

In their various presentations, the representatives of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, NLC and TUC appreciated the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment for spearheading the review of the national employment policy in line with international standards that promote decent work agenda with emphasis on respect for labour and human rights.

Speaking, the Permanent

Secretary Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr. Clement Iloh, said that the reviewed National Employment Policy is an off-shoot of the first National Policy on Employment approved by the Federal Executive Council in 2002, with the objective of promoting job creation as a priority in national, economic and social policy, safeguard the basic rights and interest of workers, stimulate economic growth and development as well as eradicate poverty and improve the living standards of citizens.

Meanwhile, the United States Department of Labour (USDOL) has commended Nigeria for making significant progress in stemming the scourge of Child Labour and Human Trafficking.

In its 2015 Child Labour Report, which the Representative of the Department of Labour, Marlin Hardinger, presented to the Minster of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, in Abuja, Nigeria was commended for strengthening the framework that checkmate child labour and trafficking.

According to him, the reports reviewed Child Labour developments in 142 countries and found “moderate advancement”

in Nigeria’s efforts to tackle child labour.

“Significant update on the report covering 142 countries listed Nigeria as combating child labour and most of the efforts have to do with the good work Nigeria has made on legislations that work against child labour. This report has been applauded by policy makers all over the world,” Hardinger said.

Ngige commended the findings on Nigeria but disagreed on the accuracy, of some of its conclusions.

The Minister emphatically rejected the aspect of the report that blacklisted Nigeria as engaging in “child soldiering,” attributing the incident to the desperate activities of the Boko Haram insurgents who are terrorists and which cannot in any way be linked to the government of Nigeria.

Reacting further to other sectors such as agriculture, gold mining, construction as well as social malaise of begging and scavenging where the reports gave a thumbs-down to Nigeria, the minister restated that the involvement of children in these low occupation apart from arising partly from cultural practices is majorly the consequence of poverty and poor education which African countries are grappling with.

FG Hires Negotiator to Aggressively Pursue More Free Trade Agreements Nume Ekeghe

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah, has said as part of plans to attract more foreign direct investments (FDIs), the federal government has hired a negotiator from Geneva to facilitate more free trade agreements with other equally beneficial countries.

Free trade is the economic policy of not discriminating against imports from and exports to foreign jurisdictions.

Buyers and sellers from separate economies may voluntarily trade without the domestic government applying tariffs, quotas, subsidies or prohibitions on their goods and services.

This, he said, would increase investments, production and an increased inflow of alternative foreign exchange.

He said this yesterday at the FBN Quest investor conference 2016 in Lagos.

Enelamah said: “When we talk about free trade agreements, what we are trying to do is to go beyond just plan vanilla trade. We want to deal with countries were can give them whatever assurances they need so that the players of those countries can come and invest and actually produce here etc.”

“Trade is a big deal in the 21th century and the way must nations that are successful are going is this free trade agreement where they have strategic partnership with other nations and working together, they do what is mutually beneficial and that leads to immediate and direct benefits. Nigeria has very

few of such agreement. We just got a trade negotiator from Geneva and the goal is to do some more work there and work with dome specific countries to achieve results.”

Furthermore, speaking on the state of the economy, he said: “Some of the issues we have in Nigeria are poor macroeconomic performance, oil export dependent economy and low foreign direct investment inflows.”

On these issues, he said the government has set out five executive principles which are creating a favourable economic framework, MSME support, sector prioritisation, partnership and Joint ventures and immediate implementation.

He further said: “The number one responsibility we have to you is to create an enabling environment so your businesses and economic activities and succeed because when you succeed we succeed as a nation.

“The important thing we as a government should is partnership.

For example, if you think about infrastructure, the infrastructure we need is much that there is no way government has the resources to build it. We can’t have industrialisation without power.

“The nature of manufacturing is very cost sensitive, that is just the nature of the sector. So power supply is very important and all the other things they would need. So we need to collaborate with other ministries like power for success of the private sector.

“We have to have a coalition between monetary, fiscal structural policies. We need better coordination to get a defined result,” he added.

COURTESY VISIT

L-R: Chairman, National Planning Committee, National Association of Block Moulders of Nigeria (NABMON) Mr. Olusegun Banjoko; Director General/CEO, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Mr. Patrick Osita Aboloma; National President of NABMON, Mr. Rasheed Adebowale; General Secretary, Mr. Isaac Ibukun Aina; and Ex-Officio Member, NABMON , Mr. Musibau Makinde, during courtesy visit of the executives of the association to SON in Abuja... yesterday

Edo Govt Suspends Uromi Traditional Ruler PDP condemns suspension

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City The Edo State Government has suspended the Onojie of Uromi, Anselm Aidenojie, from office as the Onojie for seven days.

The suspension was contained in a letter signed yesterday by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, dated October 26, 2016, titled: ‘Suspension from office as Traditional Ruler.’

According to the SSG, “I write to convey to you, the decision of the Edo State Executive Council at its meeting on the October 26, 2016, suspending you from office for seven days as Onojie of Uromi.

The suspension from office was based on, among other reasons: ‘Your unprovoked attack, inflicting grievous bodily harm on one Mrs. Betty Okoebor on September 28,

2016 in full public glare to the embarrassment of those present and causing disgrace to your otherwise esteemed office.

“Your refusal, even after two weeks, to respond to a query issued by the appropriate authority within the stipulated 72 hours demonstrating total disregard and disrespect for constituted authority; and ‘travelling outside the country without appropriate permission in further demonstration of your disregard for extant regulations and laws.

“In the circumstances, the State Executive Council has arrived at a conclusion that these and other acts of misconduct of Your Royal Highness, the Onojie of Uromi are not only distasteful but also unbecoming of a traditional ruler of your status.

“Based on the above and convinced that your highness has

denied yourself of the opportunity of entering a plea against the charges against you that were duly conveyed in writing to you, and therefore in exercise of the powers conferred on the State Executive Council by virtue of Section 28(1) of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law (1979) and all other Laws enabling it in that behalf, has approved your suspension from office as the Onojie of Uromi with immediate effect for a period of seven days, that is, from October 26, 2016 to November 1, 2016.

“Consequently, within the suspension period, you shall cease to be recognised and treated as traditional ruler or as the Onojie of Uromi in Edo State and you shall not exercise any powers or function or enjoy any privileges provided for under the Traditional Rulers and Chief Law (1979) and all other relevant provisions under

the said law.

“Within the seven-day suspension period, you are required to tender unreserved apologies to your victim, Mrs. Betty Okoebor and the Government of Edo State.

However, if within the said seven days no public apology in tendered by your very self, you will stand deposed as the Onojie of Uromi.”

However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the suspension as “senseless, unconstitutional and anti-people”.

The state Chairman of the PDP, Chief Dan Orbih, said the action of the governor was a clear manifestation of what I said at that time.

“What Oshiomhole must come to terms with is that he has no power, under our constitution and law to take the actions he has just taken.”

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CRIME&PUNISHMENT Soldiers Raid Militant Camps, Discover 23 Human Skulls in N’Delta Creeks Arrest 44 pro-Biafra loyalists during initiation in Bayelsa Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa Troops fighting militancy and other criminalities in the Niger Delta, yesterday said they had discovered at least 23 human skulls and a full human skeleton in some of the shrines operated by militants in the Niger Delta.

The soldiers under the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), disclosed that they also apprehended 44 members of the outlawed pro-Biafra group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), during an attempt to establish a branch of the organisation in Bayelsa State.

Specifically, the acting Commander of the OPDS, Brigadier General Kevin Aligbe, in a statement personally signed by him, noted that the human skulls and skeletons were found in four shrines in Southern Cross River.

The leadership of the task force

headquartered in Bayelsa, noted that most of the raids were carried out in Ikot Ene Idem, Abakpa and Ikang Inam in Bakassi and Akpabuyo Local Government Areas of Cross River State. It noted that soldiers also found several decomposing human parts in some of the militant camps in the area, adding that the operation was in fulfillment of OPDS’ mandate to rid the Niger Delta region of all criminalities, crude oil theft, sea robbery and protection of oil and gas infrastructure.

“On October 26, 2016 troops of Sector 4 Operation Delta Safe in Southern Cross River State, acting on a tip off, carried out a raid in Ikot Ene Idem, Abakpa and Ikang Inam in Bakassi and Akpabuyo Local Government Areas of Cross River State.

“During the cordon and search operations, troops discovered four militant shrines with 23 human skulls in various stages of

decomposition, a complete human skeleton and several other human body parts.

“The shrines were destroyed as troops continue the search for the perpetrators of these heinous acts against humanity,” the JTF said.

The special security outfit noted that with the raid on the camps, it had effectively put an end to the activities of militants in Southern Cross River State. “ With the clearance of these shrines, the Bakassi Strike Force has effectively been smoked out from the areatheyusedtoholdsway.Itshouldbe notedthatthesenselesskillingofhumans for ritual purposes is sacrilegious and will not be tolerated in any form,”itsaid.

AccordingtotheJTF,troopsalsoarrested twosuspectswhileonpatrolatIdebeIfak Anam,Ikot Okon Edem and Abakpa of Bakassi Local Government Area in Cross River State, who were found to be agents of BSF militants who act as spies for them.

On the arrest of the Biafra

loyalists in Bayelsa State, the security operatives stated that the members of the group were being initiated when they were rounded up.

“Troops of Sector 2, Operation Delta Safe in Bayelsa State acting on intelligence, trailed a group of people which led to the arrest of 44 members of the proscribed IPOB. “They were apprehended at Lakeview Club along Mabinton Estate, Okaka road, Bayelsa State. This group was planning to establish Bayelsa State chapter of the banned IPOB and disrupt public peace within the Joint Operations.

Area of the Operation Delta Safe.

“They were duly arrested and have been handed over to relevant authorities for further investigations.

The unity of Nigeria is non– negotiable and it is sacrosanct.

Hence, any unlawful gathering that will cause mayhem, threaten the unity and sovereignty of the country will not be condoned,” the commander said.

In Brief Police Commission Dismisses 6 Senior Officers for Impersonation, Forgery

The Police Service Commission (PSC), yesterday, approved the dismissal of six senior Police officers for impersonation, forgery, insubordination, and disobedience to lawful order. The dismissals, the commission said, were part of the decisions taken by the body on 55 disciplinary cases brought before it. In the same vein, the PSC promoted four Deputy Commissioners of Police to the next rank of commissioners. The new Commissioners of Police are: Messrs Posi E Ajunwa; Akinsanmi Francis Ayo; Kenneth Ebrimson and Akpoebi Agberebi Egbuson. It also approved the promotion of 17 Assistant Commissioners of Police to Deputy Commissioners and 78 Chief Superintendents of Police to Assistant Commissioners of Police.

In a statement signed by the commission’s Head of Media and Public Relations, Mr. Ikechukwu Ani, said the promotion and dismissal were the aftermath of a two day meeting presided over by the Chairman of the commission, Sir Mike Okiro. The commission also endorsed the promotions of one Superintendent of Police to Chief Superintendent of Police; 12 Deputy Superintendents of Police to Superintendent of Police and one Assistant Superintendent of Police to Deputy Superintendent of Police. The statement read: “Two Chief Superintendents of Police were appointed Assistant Commissioners of Police on acting capacity, two Superintendents of Police to acting Chief Superintendents of Police, two Deputy Superintendents of Police to acting Superintendent of Police, six Assistant Superintendents of Police to acting Deputy Superintendents of Police and 12 Inspectors to acting Assistant Superintendents of Police. “The commission also rejected the recommendation for special promotion of one DSP and one Inspector and returned the recommendation for the appointment of a Deputy Commissioner of Police to Commissioner of Police on acting capacity for proper presentation. s“It also withheld the special promotion of nine other senior police officers for failure of the police to provide convincing reasons for such promotions.”

Missing Teacher Yet to Be Found

A 42 year-old-man, Olaoye Oyediran Nasiru Ajao, an Oyo State indigene is yet to be found since his mysterious disappearance since Saturday, October 15, 2016. Ajao, who is said to be a staff of the New Estate Baptist School in Surulere, was said to have been last seen at 12 p.m. that Saturday at his Omolola Street, Ijeshatedo at Surulere before his mysterious disappearance. According to the Principal of New Baptist School, Mrs. A. O. Arewole, who disclosed this to THISDAY yesterday, Ajao is a science teacher. He is married and has tribal marks on his face. She described him as a Yoruba man from Adoawaye in Oyo State. He is 5ft tall and speaks Yoruba and English fluently. Meanwhile, police report from the Ijeshatedo station made available to THISDAY confirmed that the case of the missing person was reported at the station on 17 October about 15:29 hours by the wife, Mrs. Taye Olaoye of 5 Igbeyinadun Street, Gbaranu Iremejo in Ibadan the Oyo State capital. The police report showed that search parties had been organised since the report was filed. However, all efforts to reach the Lagos state Police Public Relations Office, Badmus Dolapo, for about a week now through several phone calls and a text message proved abortive.

Sapele Community Pledges to Assist Police in Combating Crime

ARRESTED FOR CRIME

Suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) arrested in Bayelsa State...yesterday

EFCC Opens Case against Fayose’s Aide Alex Enumah in Abuja The prosecution yesterday opened its case in the trial of Abiodun Agbele, an aide to Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, with the testimony of its first witness Mr. Sunday Oluseye Alade.

Alade, a 54 year old bank official told the court how he, along with some other officials of a bank and others received N1,219,490,000 cash brought into Akure airport on 17,06/2014 by ex-Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro and two others.

The witness, who works in the Akure branch of the bank, gave details of how two aircraft brought the cash on two occasions, same day and how they moved the cash in a bullion van.

Agbele was arraigned before Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court, Abuja on August 3, 2016 on an 11-count charge of money laundering involving about N4,685,723,000,000

allegedly taken by former National Security Adviser (NSA) from the account of the office of the NSA domicile in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The prosecution alleged that the accused knew the N4,685,723,000,000 formed part of the proceeds of alleged unlawful activities by Dasuki.

It is part of the prosecution’s case that on June 17, 2014, Agbele, Obanikoro and other suspects (said to be at large), took N1,219,000,000 from the total N4,685,723,000,000, when they “reasonably ought to have known” that the money was part of proceeds of Dasuki’s unlawful activity.”

Alade, who was led in evidence yesterday by prosecution lawyer, Wahab Shittu, also gave details of how Agbele allegedly supervised the lodgment of the cash into different accounts including those allegedly belonging to Fayose, his company, Spotless Investment, among others.

The prosecution also tendered some statements made by the witness on June 2, 2016 and July 4, 2016.

Part of the statement of June 2, 2016 reads: “Sometime in the month of June 2014, I was informed by my colleague in Ibadan - Lawrence Akande, that a customer of the bank will be bringing cash for lodgment in their account, but since the cash involved may be what he cannot singlehandedly handle and conveniently/safely bring to the branch office, I should arrange for the bank’s bullion van to evacuate the cash from Akure airport.

“To this end, that one Abiodun Agbele had collected my number from him and will call me in respect of the lodgment. Later on that date, One Mr. Abiodun Agbele called that we should arrange to pick some cash from the Akure airport.

“He then came to meet us in the branch with Toyota Hillux

van with some security ‘Army’ personnel. We then drove to the airport. At Akure airport, we waited for sometime before the arrival of a medium sized aircraft.

“After the aircraft had parked, three individuals came down and Mr. Abiodun Agbele walked to meet them.

“They had a brief discussion and two of the three men walked away and entered a waiting Toyota Hillux, one of the two appeared to be Senator Musiliu Obanikoro.

“The remaining individual, together with Abiodun Agbele then invited my team to come to the tarmac with the bullion van. And we off-loaded the cash to the bullion van.

“We then drove to the bank in the town in a convoy with their security team made up of soldiers and Mopol officers. At the branch, we just bundle counted the cash and ascertained it was N724,500,000.”

The people of Sapele community in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State have resolved to foster better relationship with the Nigerian Police for effective community policing. The resolution was made at a stakeholders’ meeting on the need for the people of Sapele to continue their supports for the police. Speaking at the stakeholders’ meeting, a leader in the community, Mr. Kingsley Mene, while briefing journalists, said Sapele indigenes are law abiding and as such, would continue to maintain the cordial relationship with men of the Nigeria Police, noting that the people would disclose any useful information at their disposal as to the whereabouts of any suspect if the need arose. Mene said community policing is a collective effort since security is said to be every body’s business and a prerequisite to nation building.

NSCDC Arrests Two Suspects with N3m Fake Currency in Sokoto

The Sokoto State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) yesterday paraded two suspects with fake N3 million Nigerian currency. Its Commandant, Mr. Babangida Aliyu, told journalists that they were arrested on Wednesday night at the Tudun-wada area of Sokoto metropolis. He disclosed that the fraudsters came to Sokoto to spend the fake currencies , adding that they had already spent N300,000. “We got an intelligence report and swung into action. We luckily arrested the suspects and they have all pleaded guilty and we will charge them to court today,” he said. Aliyu gave their names as 50-year-old Aliyu Dahiru who hails from Potiskum in Yobe State and 30-year-old Adamu Abdullahi from Dandume in Katsina State. Aliyu appealed to the residents to be cautious while transacting businesses with unknown and suspicious persons. He said the command also arrested a 25-year-old man, Uzairu Abdullahi, for allegedly amputating all the limbs and arms of one, Shafi’u Ayuba.

According to him, the suspect, along with four other suspects now at large, committed the offence on September 27, 2016. ‘’He led the gang and committed the offence only 16 days after he was released from the Sokoto Central Prison,” the commandant added.

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T H I S D AY •FRIDAY OCTOBER 28, 2016

FRIDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

‘Why African Players Must Emulate Toriola’

Duro Ikhazuagbe African table tennis players have been urged to take a cue from Segun Toriola’s discerning qualities if they are to be anywhere near the feat the Nigerian star has attained in the game.

Toriola who joined the elite Hall of Fame of athletes who have attended seven Olympic Games at Rio 2016, remains an ambassador of table tennis in the continent.

President of ITTF Africa, Khaled El-Salhy, recalled Toriola’s sterling qualities while presenting an award to the Nigerian at the 2016 ITTF Africa Senior Championships holding in Agadir, Morocco yesterday.

The Executive Council of ITTF Africa paid glowing tributes to Toriola for putting the continent’s table tennis on the world map as the first athlete in any sport in Africa to attain that height in the history of the Games.

The ITTF Africa boss revealed that the decision to honour Toriola was taken by the Executive Council of ITTF Africa for his giant stride in the world.

“It was the decision of the Executive Council to give such

award to Segun Toriola, who is a legend of table tennis not only in Africa but also in the world following his great achievement of being the first African to make seven appearances at the Olympic Games from 1992 to 2016.

“We also we believe that he has the chance to break his own record by making it to Tokyo 2020 with the quality he still possesses,” El-Salhy observed with enthusiasm.

El-Salhy believes Toriola would serves as a role model for young players in Africa with his 100 per cent commitment to the sport on and off the table.

“Toriola commitment to table tennis is 100 per cent and this is why he will remain an inspiration to young players in Africa.

He is also an ambassador of table tennis when it comes to fair play. His excellent performance at every competition, couple with his humility, are traits that singled him out among other players in Africa,” ITTF Africa boss concluded.

Meanwhile, ITTF Africa has unveiled the list of qualified teams for the 2018 World Team Championships holding in Sweden.

In the men’s team list, Egypt and Nigeria qualified based on their performance at the Perfect 2016 World Team Championships held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in which they finished among the top 36 countries in the world.

Togo also secured its place after finishing second in the fourth division at the Perfect 2016 World Team Championship in Malaysia.

Others like Algeria, Congo Brazzaville, Tunisia, South Africa and Senegal qualified based on their results in the team event at the 2016 ITTF African Senior Championships.

However, in the list of qualified team for women, Nigeria was missing following the absence of its female team at the ITTF Africa Senior Championships, with Egypt also topping the list based on the performance of her female players at the Perfect 2016 World Team Championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in which they finished among the top 36 countries in the world.

South Africa, Tunisia, Algeria, Congo Brazzaville and Morocco qualified based on their result in the team event of the 2016 ITTF African Senior Championships.

Segun Toriola shortly after receiving his award …yesterday

NCC Tennis League Returns Bello Buba Hails Keffi Ponys’ Patrons Cup Victory with Coca-Cola Support Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The NCC Tennis League will resume this weekend with a high-stake tie between Team Lead Way and defending champions,Team Tombim, at the National Stadium Surulere, Lagos. There is also a second tie in Ilorin between Team Goshen and Team Offikwu at the Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin.

Team Tombim has national champion Moses Michael and highest ranked ATP player Christian Paul as the leading players and they are backed

by Sarah Adegoke, national No.4 as the women’s singles player.

The defending champions will however have to contend with Joseph Imeh, a Nigerian top 10 and ATP ranked player as well as Ronke Akingbade ranked No.5 in the ladies.

The Lead Way team is also expected to have the edge in the men’s doubles and mixed doubles as it has Monday Igbinovia, a doubles expert to lead the doubles teams.

In Ilorin, tennis fans will have the opportunity to watch the skills of Sylvester Emmanuel National No.2 and Aanu Aiyegbusi the women’s No. 3 who will likely face a tough challenge from fast improving Bunmi Aare, the Goshen team top player.

Meanwhile soft-drink giants, Coca - Cola have thrown their weight behind the tennis league. Coca- Cola will be offering refreshment to all the players, officials and spectators at all the venues beginning this weekend.

Director of the International Tennis Academy, Godwin Kienka, who is coordinating the league said: “This is a massive addition to the tennis league and takes us closer to our our dream of becoming the most spectator friendly event in Nigeria. In addition to snacks and refreshments to all spectators, there will be raffle draws for state-of-the-art phones, tee shirts and other gift items.”

Three Kazakhstan Lifters Stripped of London 2012 Gold Medals

Three weightlifters from Kazakhstan have been stripped of Olympic gold medals won at London 2012 after new tests found them guilty of doping.

Zulfiya Chinshanlo, Maiya Maneza and Svetlana Podobedova were all caught when samples from 2012 and the 2008 Games in Beijing were retested.

Chinshanlo won at -53kg, Maneza at -63kg and Podobedova at -75kg and all tested positive for steroid

stanozolol.

It has not been confirmed if their gold medals will now be re-assigned.

Eight athletes were sanctioned yesterday, with Marina Shkermankova of Belarus losing her London 2012 bronze medal in the -69kg class.

All Kazakh and Belarusian weightlifters could now be banned for a year from all international weightlifting competitions.

Keffi Ponys of Nasarawa State have continued to relish their sensational triumph at the recent MTN African Patrons Cup which they won at the expense of traditional high-goal polo outfits.

Nigeria’s highest ranked polo player, Bello Buba, was one of the players and followers that lauded the Hon Ahmed Wadada kitted outfit.

The +4 handicap player, whose brother, Hamisu, was a member of Keffi Ponys that dispatched formidable sides like Fifth Chukker,

Lintex Kano and the Abuja Rubicon in the tournament held in Kaduna, said Keffi triumphed and hit the height because of the commitment of the owner.

“They (Keffi Ponys) have always been a very good side and are now a massive threat to the older teams like Fifth

Owner of Keffi Ponys, Hon. Ahmed Wadada (centre) flanked by his players, relishing the MTN African Patrons’ Cup won by the team in Kaduna… recently

Chukker and Rubicon as seen in their victories over both sides.

Their owner is very supportive and is the backbone of their success,” Buba said.

Buba’s assertion was reinforced by another leading polo player, Ali Hassan Hadejia, who reckoned that Keffi’s recent victories would impact on performance and boost confidence which will make them a force to reckon with in the country.

Keffi Ponys’ march to the Patrons’ Cup was eased by deft investment in efficient horses imported from South Africa in addition to professional players including Buba and South African jockey, Leroux Hendrix.

For Muazu Sani, a polo enthusiast who has followed the sport for over a decade, Keffi Ponys rise is refreshing as it brings a new element to the ‘conservative’ party. According to Sani, teams likes Fifth Chukker have dominated for years and it’s high time another side gave them a good run for their money.

Organisers Set to Announce Nigerian Sports Awards Nominees The list of nominees in the various categories of the forthcoming Nigerian Sports Awards (NSA) is slated to be released on Wednesday, November 2nd.

Organisers of the Nigerian Sports Awards have been getting ready and making illustrious additions ahead of the 5th edition of the prestigious awards set to hold on December 2nd at the Banquet Hall of Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island Lagos.

The yearly awards ceremony was birthed to reward excellence in and

around Nigerian sports by rewarding athletes, individuals and stakeholders who have reigned supreme during the course of the year representing themselves and the country locally and also internationally.

According to the Managing Director of Unmissable Incentives, Mr Kayode Idowu : “The 2016 Nigerian Sports Awards – the 5th in the series, will experience new innovations and the organisers will give awards to personalities, who have impacted positively in Nigerian sports in the last

20 years.”

“This is in a bid to remember and appreciate national sports heroes who were successful in recording maiden trophies, and individual wins for the country on the international stage,” Idowu said.

Meanwhile, various categories are up for grabs with outstanding Nigerian athletes nominated in several categories. Some of the categories include; Coach of the year, Footballer of the year, Special Sports Person of the year, Sports Journalist of the year (TV/Radio/Print,

Photo) and Team of the Year.

Sports lovers and the general public have also been urged by the organisers to be on the lookout for billboards representing the awards ceremony as new partnership with the Lagos State Signage & Advertisement Agency (LASAA) will see the awards being portrayed in the mainland and island locations of Lagos.

The organisers also assured stakeholders that there will be live television broadcast of the 2-hour awards ceremony on cable network channel Super Sports.

Friday, October 28, 2016

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MISSILE APC to Nigerians

“We are only trying to clear the mess of the past. But we must take responsibility and we must never shift the responsibility to anyone. As APC, we are responsible for everything happening in Nigeria, we are responsible: the good, the bad, the ugly. But we are promising Nigerians that we shall fix it” – The All Progressives Congress (APC) accepting responsibility for the dire economic situation in the country.

OKEYIKECHUKWU Nigeria: Beyond Buhari and Jonathan GUEST COLUMNIST

okey.ikechukwu@thisdaylive.com

A

s actors in a crisis-ridden political environment, Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari are not solely responsible for our present national problems. The PDP, the APC, or the two together, also do not bear exclusive blame for everything wrong with Nigeria today. They have their real and imagined shortcomings, of course, but they are also victims of generations of leaders and followers brought up on impunity, consumption and arbitrary use of state power. The many powerful people whose interests differ from the national interest are partly responsible for the trajectory of the two presidents and of most past regimes and presidents. So let us first calmly admit that our crises have had long gestation. To fail to do so is to ignore history, particularly the essential elements of our own history, and replace it with hysteria.

As my friend, Bishop Kukah, said during a recent joint television discussion programme, and during which I agreed completely with him: “The Nigerian nation has been run as a criminal enterprise for too long”.

We have been building a mansion on quicksand and with pillars of straw. The soil, quicksand as it is, is further infested with two species of ants, called presumption and nepotism. These ants, which feed exclusively on straw, have been nibbling away for decades. They have left us with a hollow and painted frame that conceals a lie. This lie has been on parade for decades. It is described as an architectural masterpiece by casual observers. An architectural masterpiece that is not designed to withstand the wind? Now that the whirlwind has come, and the elements are in their element, radical modifications (in design and material) have become necessary.

It is not right that a nation should be undergirded by untruth. It is also not right that a nation should be under a political economy of decay and corruption, warehoused and propagated by a business and political elite that lives in denial. When old lies are told afresh by those who know they are lying, a time comes when even the liars themselves won’t be sure whether they are lying anymore.

Reason? Others would be repeating the same lies with great aplomb everywhere.

Now that we have brought up children who have seen shielded criminality as leadership, we have a nation wherein hiding under the instruments of state to violate natural justice, equity and good conscience makes you not guilty of any crime. Look at Nigeria today, 56 years after independence! The dominant motifs are (1) skewed values, (2) a flawed national psyche and (3) an aberrant leadership recruitment process. These motifs have given us several national ‘leadership pseudopodia’, or “false feet”. Just as happens with Amoeba, the jelly-like microorganism that pops out part of its shapeless body in any direction it wants to move, Nigeria’s leadership pseudopodia (or new regimes with insular notions about nation building) usually spring new agenda, new national ideals and new aspirations on everyone without warning and without consultation. They have since replaced National Development Plans with limited regime goals,

Buhari and often without plans or strategy. And it all vanishes without trace with the demise of each regime.

A major misdirection of the State and people occurred on January 15, 1966, when Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu announced his military coup d’etat. That coup saw a junior officer issuing instructions to his superiors. It saw murder as an instrument for leadership recruitment and transformation. It saw an officer peremptorily informing the nation (by mere announcement about ‘Extraordinary Orders’) that all local administration in the country was now under the ‘local military commander’, who would mete out any punishment he ‘deemed appropriate’ to anyone who disobeyed him. It left right and wrong in the hands of individuals of, sometimes, questionable antecedents. It violated Service Discipline and set new paradigms for the collapse of esprit de corps in the armed forces. It also created a dilemma in diplomatic circles, for which even Ambassador Jolaosho’s experience as a diplomat did not prepare him when the Germans asked: “Why did your people kill your prime Minister, instead of voting him out of office”?

It is not right that a nation should be undergirded by untruth.

It is also not right that a nation should be under a political economy of decay and corruption, warehoused and propagated by a business and political elite that lives in denial

That coup sidetracked the existing crop of leaders and their ‘replacement generation’. A generation groomed along ideological lines in leadership recruitment stagnated for 12 years, until 1979. The trio of Zik, Awo and Aminu Kano, who would since given way to the likes of Tafawa Balewa, Michael Okpara, Bola Ige and others before 1979, turned up as presidential candidates, because of the 1966 coup.

This created the backlog of two generations of leaders that we are still unable to deal with today. The average age of party youth leaders, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM) says it all.

The Nzeogwu coup was ushered in by a series of murders. It laid the foundations for subsequent murders and abominations. It set the tone for the eventual replacement of professional military service and responsible national leadership with personal and ethnocentric desires, misuse of office and titles, political illiteracy and petulant idealism and exuberance.

Everything forbidden by our traditional values the popular religions eventually became normal.

Many “Excellencies” emerged from this murk, filling our post-1966 nationhood with sporadic and spasmodic declarations of new national goals, new federating units and much more.

These were the off springs of the high yielding ‘seeds of death’ sown with fertilizer on January 15, 1966. The discerning could see no deep personal maturity, no national grand vision, little real wisdom and no enlightened patriotism on the part of many of the principal actors.

Do we know, for instance, that the Armed Forces Remembrance Day we celebrate every 15th January affronts us all? That date bespeaks impropriety and is inappropriate accolades.

Nzeogwu’s action, disguised for decades under the mistaken notion that “patriotism” excuses immaturity and unmitigated arbitrary exercise of discretion, birthed many institutional and axiological horrors that we are living with today.

It was on January 15 that some highly respected senior citizens, and some of our best senior military officers, were murdered in cold blood.

One major further aftermath, over decades, is the epidemic of prematurely retired military, many of who have passed on, or are living today, as frustrated and unfulfilled professionals. Others were last seen, or heard, as failed politicians, owners of failed banks and failed airlines, failed philanthropists, failed traditional rulers and much more. Yet they initially joined the armed forces to become military professionals, unlike some of their later colleagues who joined during the triumph of military regimes as a short cut to wealth.

So let us ask ourselves whether we should be celebrating Armed Forces Remembrance Day on the day families of some of Nigeria’s greatest leaders are in mourning. We have several military exploits, including the final triumph of ECOMOG, or the day Buhari rallied the Nigerian military to route Chadian incursion during the Shagari Presidency, to make our Armed Forces Remembrance Day. That will save us from holding up a day that blights our collective dignity as decent people to salute the gallantry of our armed forces.

No nation develops by having its high quality human capital and professionals, military or not, routinely swept out of service. Not after so much had been invested in training them!

Now that events have come full circle on all fronts and we are seeing the impossibility of sustaining untruth with layers of mud, there is no good news out there. Look again: there is only, perhaps, the dawning realization that the nation is a grand scam perpetrated and facilitated by public and civil servants and their private sector allies. Look again! A dismantling of Nigeria’s ‘false legs’, or pseudopodia, is afoot.

We should not continue to project a day that reminds us that a civil war ended in Nigeria with the complete economic disenfranchisement of a section of the country. The South East was not really rehabilitated, reconstructed and reconciled to the rest of the country after the civil war. It is perhaps still not reintegrated, even today. Chief Adeniran Ogunsanya and others protected properties of Igbos in Lagos while the civil war lasted and returned same to the owners after the war. But the same Igbos lost their belongings in another part of the country as “abandoned property”. It was all taken over by their fellow countrymen to whom they were allegedly reconciled after the war. The nation’s ill-fated leadership trajectory has been a consistent violation of the cardinal principle of sustainable leadership and national development.

The nascent 16 years old democracy, has thrown up leaders with sudden stupendous wealth. That wealth has impacted only their immediate and extended families, of less than 15 persons, and a few friends. Their local communities, members of their religious congregations, most of their friends and even members of their extended families know how poor or rich they were a few years earlier. Some envy them even. The priests, traditional rulers and other supposed custodians of public conscience ask no questions. They honour them, instead.

Meanwhile, almost everyone, including their kith and kin silently regard them as thieves who got away with their loot!

As the nation reels, let the friends and admirers of Presidents Jonathan and Buhari pull themselves together and stop thinking that any criticism of the government, or person, of President Muhammadu Buhari is an automatic endorsement of the tenure and performance of their man. It cannot be. The Jonathan Presidency could have done much better than it did, but allowed itself to be ruined by avoidable blunders, indecisiveness, image deficits, and a consistent failure to present an inspiring comportment.

Friends and admirers of President Buhari, too, should note that it can do much better than it is doing at the moment. Insularity, with the risk of crippling itself is the real danger. Let us realize that there is mourning in the land and across all divides. Nigeria’s flawed and overlooked fundamentals have come back to haunt the nation. It all boils down to the absence of truth, deep knowledge, nobility of soul, propriety in public office, dignity in self-presentation, graceful ambience, competence and decency in leadership; for which neither Buhari nor Jonathan are solely responsible. Let us pray!

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