Friday 4th November 2016

NNPC Seeks to Import Crude Oil from Niger for Kaduna Refinery Reports N11.2bn operating loss for August 2016 Chineme Okafor in Abuja The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has said it is working on the possibility of importing

crude oil from Niger Republic to supply the Kaduna refinery.

It also said it will share geological data with the neighbouring West African country in its desire to improve

its ongoing exploratory activities in the Chad Basin and Benue Trough.

NNPC’s Group Managing Director, Dr. Maikanti Baru, made the disclosure after

a bilateral discussion with the Minister of Energy and Oil of Niger Republic, Hon. Foumakoye Gado, in Abuja.

A statement from the Group General Manager, Public

Affairs of the corporation, Mallam Garuba Deen Muhammad, yesterday in Abuja said Baru explained that there was an understanding between NNPC and Niger to

share data on exploratory activities in the Chad Basin and the Benue Trough and to tap into Niger’s experience.

Continued on page 8

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INEC Bows to Pressure Fixes Rivers Rerun Election for Dec 10...

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FG Tightens the Screws, Charges S’Court Officials to Court for Diverting N2.2bn NJC succumbs, judges being investigated must step down APC fingers Wike, Akpabio, Okowa, Emmanuel of being behind accusations against Amaechi Ruling party accuses governors of bribing Ngwuta, Okoro Tobi Soniyi in Abuja

The federal government has moved to tighten the screws around corruption in the judiciary, with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) filing a

nine-count charge against the outgoing Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Mr. Gambo Saleh, for allegedly diverting N2.2 billion.

Saleh has just been confirmed by the National Judicial Council Continued on page 8

Buhari: My Govt Not Responsible for Recession, I Almost Resigned

Senate terms MTEF shallow, to amend Fiscal Responsibility Act House members mount opposition to $30bn borrowing plan

Tobi Soniyi, Ndubuisi Francis, Omololu Ogunmade and Damilola Oyedele in Abuja with agency report

President Muhammadu Buhari has rejected the criticism that his administration’s handling of the economy led

the country into a recession, admitting, however, that he almost resigned due to the enormity of the challenges in the country arising from the fall in the price of crude oil.

Speaking at the State House Continued on page 8

Ondo Poll: S’West PDP Loyal to Sheriff Heads to S’Court... Page 12

CROSS RIVER JOINS THE RICE RACE...

R-L: Kebbi State Governor and Chairman, Presidential Taskforce on Rice and Wheat, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade; and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, during a visit to the Ugboru rice farm by the CBN governor in Bekwarra, Cross River State… yesterday

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016 • T H I S D AY

PAGE EIGHT FG TIGHTENS THE SCREWS, CHARGES S’COURT OFFICIALS TO COURT FOR DIVERTING N2.2BN (NJC) to take over as the secretary of the council, effective July 2017.

In the charge sheet filed by the ICPC at the Abuja High Court, Saleh has been charged alongside the Director of Finance of the Supreme Court, Mr. Muhammed Sharif, and one Rilwanu Lawal also of the Finance Department.

This came just as the NJC finally bowed to pressure, saying yesterday that it would no longer allow judicial officers under investigation for corruption to perform judicial functions.

Saleh, Sharif and Lawal were also accused by the federal government of obtaining gratification in the sum of N74.4 million.

The charge sheet was dated November 3, 2016 and was filed on behalf of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) by the ICPC. They were accused of illegally diverting the sum of N2.2 billion into a private account in the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc. The offences were said to have been committed between 2009 and 2016.

The charge sheet was signed

by Mr. Hajara H. Yusuf, Principal State Counsel in the Office of the AGF. Saleh was appointed the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court on November 24, 2014 by the incumbent Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed.

At the just concluded NJC meeting, he was appointed secretary of the council. However,

his new appointment will come into effect by July next year, before which he will understudy the incumbent secretary of the council, Danladi Halilu, who will be attaining the retirement age of 60.

Indicted Judges to Step Down But as the NJC came to terms with the knowledge that its new chief registrar has a case to answer, it finally succumbed to pressure yesterday on the indicted judges, saying that it would no longer allow judicial officers who are being investigated for high profile corruption cases to perform judicial functions.

This decision was taken at the 79th meeting of the council held on the 2nd and 3rd of November 2016.

A statement issued by the council’s acting Director of Information, Mr. Soji Oye, said: “Council also decided that judicial officers shall not be standing trial for alleged corruption related offences and be performing judicial functions at the same time.

“Council however decided that it will ensure that judicial officers who are being investigated for alleged high profile criminal offences do not perform judicial functions until their cases are concluded.”

The council also said that it had commenced implementation of specific aspects of the National

Judicial Policy, which came into force in April 2016 and was launched on Monday, October 24, 2016.

During the meeting, council also set up a Transparency and Anti-Corruption Policy Implementation Committee comprising Justice E. O. Ayoola (retired Justice of the Supreme Court) – chairman, Justice Kashim Zannah, Chief Judge of Borno State – member, A. B. Mahmoud (SAN), President Nigeria Bar Association – member.

The council stated that Section 6 of the National Judicial Policy aimed at putting in place multifaceted strategies and guidelines would ensure transparency and eliminate corruption in the judiciary.

The policy seeks, among other measures, to provide a platform and opportunity to citizens who profess factual and credible knowledge of information on the nature and modalities of corruption in the judicial system to ventilate them.

APC Accuses Wike, Others Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, his Delta and Akwa Ibom State counterparts – Ifeanyi Okowa and Udom Emmanuel – and former Akwa Ibom State governor, Senator Godwill Akpabio, of being behind the accusations levelled against the Minister of

Transportation Rotimi Amaechi by two Supreme Court justices.

Justices Sylvester Ngwuta and John Inyang Okoro, both of the Supreme Court, were two of the seven judges arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) for alleged corruption last month.

Shortly after the seven judges were granted bail, Justices Ngwuta and Okoro, in separate letters to the CJN, blamed their travails on Amaechi, whom they accused of trying to influence them into giving judgments that were favourable to the APC governorship candidates that contested the Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Ekiti gubernatorial elections between 2014 and 2015.

All the three states are currently held by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

But in a statement yesterday, the chairman of the Rivers State chapter of the APC, Chief Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, claimed that the allegations against Amaechi by Justices Okoro and Ngwuta had been linked to several top PDP leaders.

He alleged: “The governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, the governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel and the immediate past governor of Akwa Ibom State who’s now the Senate Leader, Godswill Akpabio (all PDP leaders), have been linked to the Supreme Court justices’ allegations against Amaechi.

“These big four PDP politicians

are said to be the biggest spenders who allegedly induced and bribed the Supreme Court justices with hefty sums of money to get favourable judgments.

“They are said to be the major sources of the money, wealth and properties that have been traced by the DSS to Justices Okoro and Ngwuta.

“These PDP bigwigs are said to have advised the justices to drag Amaechi into their arrest and investigation by the DSS. They believe doing so would muddle the waters, divert the media and public attention from the corruption allegations against them and make the whole arrest and investigations look like a political vendetta against the justices.

“Our findings indicate that they told the justices that the Buhari government is after them, wants to bring them down, and that they must drag Amaechi down as well.

“They deceived the justices to think and believe that Amaechi is the one behind their travails because of some state governorship electoral matters the Supreme Court handled, that the All Progressives Congress (APC) lost.

“Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Delta governorship election appeals were cited to hoodwink Justices Okoro and Ngwuta into believing that Amaechi orchestrated their arrest and investigation.”

APC further recalled that in the recent past, some media organisations had written

articles on the scandal and the link between Justices Okoro and Ngwuta and the four PDP leaders.

It said that an online news medium had specifically written about how huge sums of money in different currencies were channelled by these PDP leaders to induce the Supreme Court justices to influence courts’ rulings and get favourable judgments in the governorship election appeals of Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Delta States.

“Amaechi was targeted because the four of them - Wike, Akpabio, Udom and Okowa see Amaechi as a big threat to their political ambitions and calculations ahead of 2019 elections.

“All four are from the Southsouth region, just like Amaechi.

They are scared of Amaechi, his closeness to President Muhammadu Buhari, and they are afraid that Amaechi’s continual towering presence in the Buhari administration would truncate their plans and calculations for 2019.

“They want to damage Amaechi irreparably and destroy him politically. The ultimate target is President Buhari, and to get to the president, the conspiracy is to take out Amaechi first.

“Furthermore, our investigations reveal that all four PDP leaders hold one grudge or another against Amaechi. They desperately seek to destroy him.

But they will fail,” APC said.

increase in PPMC coastal sales and the significant improvement in NPDC’s revenue for the month under review.

“However, it is imperative to note that the existing force majeure declared by SPDC (Shell) as a result of the vandalised 48-inch Forcados export line is a drag on NPDC and the overall group performance.”

On crude oil production during the month under review, the report explained that the drop in production was due to the subsisting force majeure at the Forcados terminal, which accounts for 300,000 barrels per day (bpd).

“Other factors that negatively impacted on production include the force majeure at the Qua Iboe terminal following sabotage on the export loading line 2, sabotage of the Trans Niger pipeline, Claugh Creek-Tebidaba pipeline and Escravos terminal delivery pipelines,” it stated.

The report also noted that production from the deep-water assets, which are beyond reach of militants have remained steady, but onshore and shallow water assets, where government’s take

is high, were the worst hit by security breaches.

It added that securing onshore and shallow water locations also remained a top priority to restore production levels.

On natural gas supply to gas power plants, the report stated that it edged up to 469 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd), which equals about 2,083 megawatts (MW) of electricity generation in August 2016.

“The supply outperformed the last three months’ performance - May, June and July 2016 – but was 1,154MW or 35.64 per cent lower than the January 2016 performance, being the highest in the year,” it added.

It said that the spate of pipeline vandalism in the country dropped in August, following the sustained engagement by the federal government and NNPC with the Niger Delta militants, adding that in August 2016, there was 28.94 per cent drop in the number of pipeline vandalised points relative to July 2016 which had up to 311 vandalised points.

On refinery operations, the

payments for utility services are in arrears and worse still, we have to live with threats of litigation from numerous creditors.

“Operational vehicles in the institute’s fleet have aged and are a source of constant embarrassment. We have looked inwards and appealed to the generosity of individuals and corporate Nigeria for support and we are glad that some have responded positively.

“However, a decisive presidential intervention for sustainable funding of NIPSS is urgently required.”

For the institute to operate as an “apex institution” and be at the forefront of relevant research for national development, Juma said it must recruit and retain top level academics, very senior technocrats, and other experienced specialised experts.

government from not making the necessary structural adjustments that could have warded off the recession, the Senate, after Tuesday’s rejection of the president’s $30 billion borrowing plan, yesterday ripped into the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) submitted to it by the executive arm of government, describing it as shallow.

Raising a point of order at yesterday’s plenary, the Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, drew the Senate’s attention to an interview credited to the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma, in a national daily, where he allegedly told Nigerians to blame the National Assembly for any delay in the presentation of the 2017 budget.

The minister was said to have inferred in the interview

report said the combined value of output by the three refineries at import parity price for August 2016 amounted to N50.19 billion, while the associated crude plus freight cost was N39.77 billion, translating to a surplus of N709.21 million after overheads of N9.71 billion.

It stated that this was possible despite the challenges of irregular crude supply and vandalism of pipelines supplying the refineries.

On naira payments to the Federation Account, the report said NNPC transferred the sum of N35.05 billion into the account during the month under review from net domestic crude oil receipts and another N1.80 billion from gas receipts.

It added that its instalmental repayment of the backlog of debt to the Federation Account was N6.33 billion.

“The domestic crude oil and gas receipts during the month amounted to N96.15 billion, consisting of N1.80 billion from domestic gas and the sum of N88.01 billion from domestic crude oil.

“Of the N88.01 billion receipts from crude oil, the sum of N52.96 billion ($268.83 million) was transferred to Joint Venture Cash Call (JVCC), being a first line charge and to guarantee the continuous flow of revenue stream to Federation Account,” the report said.

NNPC SEEKS TO IMPORT CRUDE OIL FROM NIGER FOR KADUNA REFINERY Baru, the statement added, also explained that the plan to import crude oil from the country to the Kaduna refinery was being discussed by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, and his Nigerien counterpart, Gado.

“We plan to set up the technical team to review the possibilities of how crude oil will be supplied to the Kaduna refinery.

“Being bilateral, there are going to be two teams as discussed by the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources and the Minister of Energy and Oil of Niger.

“There will be steering committee comprising some ministers and a technical committee which will involve the NNPC and the Nigerien Ministry of Energy and Oil and their operators,” Baru said in the statement.

The statement also quoted Gado as saying that his visit to Nigeria was to discuss issues of interest especially in the area of the oil sector with NNPC. He said the procurement of crude oil for the Kaduna refinery and its practicability was being

worked out.

According to him, “One of the aims of this visit is to share geological information for us to draw the best profit out of the exploratory efforts.”

Nigeria’s move to explore crude oil exports from its Nigerien neighbour may not be unconnected to the persistent vandalism of the pipeline that is meant to inject crude from Escravos to the Kaduna refinery in the north.

Continuous attacks on the pipeline have been partly to blame for poor performance of the refinery.

NNPC Reports N11.2bn Loss Meanwhile, NNPC has reported a trading deficit of N11.22 billion for August 2016. It however indicated that it was able to cut down its losses by N12.96 billion when compared to July 2016.

According to the corporation’s monthly operations and financial report, which was released on Wednesday night, the loss was

recorded even though two of its subsidiaries – the Pipeline and Products Marketing Company (PPMC) and Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) – had a good outing during the month.

The report also stated that crude oil production in Nigeria for the period averaged 1.65 million barrels per day (mbpd), representing a 6.47 per cent production drop from the previous month.

The NNPC in May 2016 reported a profit of N273.74 million, thus reversing its reported average monthly losses of N35 billion.

The corporation, however, failed to remain profitable, recording trading deficits in subsequent months.

“The 13th publication of the NNPC monthly financial and operations report indicates a trading deficit of N11.22 billion as against the reported July 2016 trading deficit of N24.18 billion,” said the report.

It however stated: “This remarkable improvement in August 2016 was largely due to

BUHARI: MY GOVT NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR RECESSION, I ALMOST RESIGNED in Abuja yesterday during a meeting with the Senior Executive Course No 38 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Buhari said that it was not his administration that led the country into recession.

He said: “In the last one and a half years of this administration, the economy has experienced some tough times, particularly with the decline in oil revenues, which has had a harsh impact on Nigerians at the grassroots.

“It is also important to note that the economic recession is not the making of this administration, but rather a consequence of bad management of the economy in the past couple of decades.

Nor is the recession limited to Nigeria – there are far, far worse cases than Nigeria.”

The president, however, said that no matter the scale of the problems facing the country, the important thing now is how to tackle it.

He said his administration was committed to finding lasting solutions to the nation’s economic structural imbalance.

“Let us have faith in our great nation that we will come out of this recession vibrant and strong,” he added.

The president said it was impossible for his administration to ignore the poor who made great sacrifices to bring him to government.

He said: “Ours is more than any other government in the history of Nigeria. Ours is a people’s government.

We therefore must and we will keep faith with the people.”

He also declared his government’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, most especially to end extreme poverty in Nigeria.

“It is not going to be easy, but we are committed to dealing with the challenges in a decisive manner,” he added.

According to him, poverty

for decades had been a major challenge for Nigeria despite the country’s enormous wealth.

He noted that several policies and programmes implemented over the years had not broken the cycle of poverty in Nigeria.

Highlights of the meeting included the presentation of a report, “Strengthening Institutional Mechanisms for Poverty Reduction and Inclusive Development” to the president by the institute.

Buhari said the report showed that strengthening institutions was key to reducing poverty and engendering inclusive development.

He also noted that the report prescribed some concrete measures on how to reduce poverty in the country.

Responding, the acting Director General of NIPSS, Jonathan Juma, told the president that NIPSS was in a precarious financial situation.

He said: “The financial situation of the institute is precarious. The

Senate Terms MTEF Shallow But as Buhari exonerated his

Continued on page 10

TOP GAINERS NGN NGN HONYEWELL 0.09 1.23 MAYBAKER 0.04 0.88 LEARNAFRICA 0.03 0.79 NAHCO 0.10 2.70 DIAMOND 0.04 1.12 TOP LOSERS NGN NGN ASHAKCEM 1.19 11.07 NASCON 0.39 7.61 UNIPRESS 0.21 4.09 UPDC 0.14 2.80 UNITYBANK 0.03 0.61 HPE Nestle Nig Plc N795.01 Volume: 112.523 million shares Value: N2.359 billion Deals: 2,684 As at yesterday 3/11/16 See details on Page 46

% 7.8 4.7 3.9 3.8 3.7 % 9.7 4.8 4.8 4.7 4.6

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NEWS

Soyinka Promises to ‘Cut up' US Green Card if Trump Wins Nigeria's Nobel Prize laureate Wole Soyinka has said he will cut up his green card if Donald Trump emerges as winner of the US presidential election.

The green card is a permanent residence permit for the US - prized by many African immigrants to the US. According to the BBC, his comments emerged in the video of a conversation with

students at Oxford University in the UK. The famous author appears to be taking a swipe at Mr. Trump over his radical stance on immigration.

Soyinka is one of Africa’s most celebrated literary figures.

He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986 becoming the first African to be honoured in that category.

American voters go to the polls next Tuesday and latest polls show Mr. Trump and his rival Hillary Clinton are neck and neck.

Mr. Trump is famous for his promise to build a wall to keep Mexican immigrants out of the US if he makes it to the White House.

Under his hardline proposals, every illegal

immigrant currently in the US would be subject to deportation if he wins the election.

He has said there will be no pathway to citizenship or even legal status for them unless they leave the country and get in line with everyone else who wants to enter the US, subject to the normal immigration procedures.

Prof. Soyinka said he feared the Republican candidate would ask all green-card holders to reapply to come back into the US. “Well, I'm not waiting for that,” the Nigerian author told his student audience.

“The moment they announce his (Trump’s) victory, I will cut my green card myself and start packing up,” he added.

Soyinka

IG Sets up Panel to Investigate Alleged Abuses at IDP Camps Dele Ogbodo in Abuja The Inspector General of Police (IG) Ibrahim Idris has set up a dedicated investigation team to immediately commence a thorough investigation into all cases of alleged sexual abuses, exploitation, harassment, genderbased violence and professional misconduct against internally

displaced persons (IDPs) in some North-eastern states.

The damning report of sexual abuse and exploitation was released on Monday by a non-governmental organisaton, Human Rights Watch (HRW), which indicted IDP camp officials, vigilante groups, soldiers and policemen among others.

A statement yesterday by the

Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Deputy Commissioner of Police Don N. Awunah, said the IG who is irrevocably committed to the protection of all Nigerians most especially vulnerable groups such as the IDPs, had expressed deep concern over the report and had directed the special investigation panel to carry out a discreet and unbiased

investigation into all the cases of abuse and misconduct alleged in the report.

“However, the IG has called on Human Rights Watch officials to avail the investigation team more facts that will assist the police investigation team conclude the inquiry into the alleged forty three (43) cases mentioned in the report.

“The IG has also directed Commissioners of Police in locations where IDP camps are situated to beef up security and ensure adequate safety of all IDPs and ensure that all perpetrators of any criminal act are decisively dealt with in accordance with the law.

“The IG further urges all police officers and other personnel

deployed to the IDP camps to strictly adhere to the rules of engagement,” the statement said.

The police assured all Nigerians and the international community that it would not condone any act that violate the human dignity of the IDPs by individuals or group of persons at the IDP camps or anywhere in the country.

Act (FRA) has reached its final stage, with the submission of the report upon which the amendment would be predicated.

The report, which was presented to Saraki by Ndume yesterday, recommends that the annual budget must be presented in the first week of September.

The report presented by the Technical Committee on Budget Reforms also recommended that the budget be considered within two months and passed on the 30th of November at the latest, reported the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Saraki constituted a Technical Committee on Budget Reforms to produce a budget reform strategy paper and draft Budget Reform Bill.

The aim of the reform is to improve budget formulation, enactment, implementation, and monitoring evaluation with a view to improving budget performance.

Presenting the report, Ndume, who commended the Senate President for initiating the process, said the report would improve the budgeting system which has been incoherent.

He also expressed the need to repeal and re-enact the 1958 Act to check the anomalies in relation to the fiscal year.

Part of the report included the amendment of the FRA to enlarge the list of stakeholders to be consulted during the budget preparation process, as well as pre-budget consultation between the National Assembly, the executive and the public.

Also recommended by the committee included the enactment of an organic budget law that puts together all laws relating to the budget, including a fixed and realistic budget calendar and a pre-budget statement.

Speaking during the presentation of the report, Udoma said that the success of any budget depends on the collaborations between the executive and the legislature.

He said that the elements of the proposed reforms that could be immediately implemented would be implemented with the 2017 budget.

The Senate is now expected to sponsor a bill seeking to amend the Act in line with the recommendations contained in the report.

opposition to the federal government’s three-year borrowing plan, as opposition has started to mount against the proposal by the executive to borrow $30 billion from foreign sources from the House of Representatives.

Expressing their reservations to the borrowing plan yesterday, House Minority Leader, Hon. Leo Ogor, and the South-east Caucus in the House questioned the rational for the borrowing plan and Nigeria’s capacity to repay the loans inherent.

Ogor, speaking with THISDAY in an interview, accused the federal government of seeming to adopt a penchant for borrowing.

He cited the proposed $15 billion upfront payment for crude oil deal which is being brokered with the Indian government, and queried how the federal government intends to repay the proposed loans under the borrowing plan, with oil that has already been mortgaged to India.

“They want to borrow $15 billion from the India government using oil as mortgage, so we are looking at a loan profile that would be close to $45 billion.

How would we pay this back?” he asked.

“Mr. President was in China recently, and he signed some agreements bordering on infrastructure including the Mambilla project which had been costed by the BPP (Bureau of Public Procurement) to about $5.7 billion.

“The government is trying to borrow $4.8 billion for the Mambilla project. I am aware there is an agreement between the federal government and the Chinese government on that facility. We are supposed to pay 15 per cent as counterpart funding in respect of the agreement, and that is less than $1 billion.

“So what is the difference for, who are the contractors, and what is the interest rate on this money, what is the grace period like?” he demanded to know.

The minority leader argued that it would be foolhardy for the legislature to approve the borrowing plan that would not be expended on sectors that would facilitate prompt repayment, adding that it would become a liability for future generations of Nigerians.

“I am not going to be a party to such huge loans. These monies would be paid back at a particular time. Except the projects that we use them for would be able to pay themselves in the long run.

“But if they are to be paid from oil which the federal government intends to mortgage to the Indian

government, then I do not know how we would pay back,” Ogor said.

He however noted that the House was willing to debate the borrowing plan after receiving the details from the executive.

“People need to understand that we are asking for details because the devil is always in the detail. We would also look at the Debt Management Act, and look at our liability profile, but let nobody be deceived, nobody intends to give anyone $30 billion as a loan,” he said.

Similarly, the South-east Caucus in the House said any plan for foreign borrowing, which does not include an outlook for job creation and inclusive loans for all sections of the country would amount to short-changing some Nigerians.

Deputy Minority Leader of the House, Hon. Chukwuma Onyema, who is also the leader of the caucus, said the summary of the planned expenditure of the $30 billion which was included in the president’s letter to the parliament, did not include the South-east region.

“We consider it to be an oversight, else it amounts to shortchanging the region,” he said at a press briefing, adding that the South-east infrastructure deficit must be captured to ensure uniform development.

Onyema however clarified that the caucus’ position does not automatically translate to the caucus backing the borrowing plan, as it would examine the details alongside the entire House before taking a final position on it.

Despite the reservations expressed by some members of the House yesterday, the presidency expressed optimism that the lower chamber would approve the $30 billion external borrowing plan.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (House), Hon. Sumaila Kawu, in a statement, said his interaction with the leadership of the House indicated that the request would be approved.

“We have identified the need to furnish the members of the House with the detailed breakdown of the borrowing plan to enable them make an informed decision on the matter. We are confident that the Senate, which had in a way demanded for the details, would revisit its position on the matter once the details are made available,” Kawu said.

He thanked the leadership and members of both chambers for cooperating and approving all the requests forwarded by President Buhari in the last 17 months.

BUHARI: MY GOVT NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR RECESSION, I ALMOST RESIGNED that the National Assembly’s decision not to pass the MTEF and FSP, which usually precedes the presentation of a budget, was the factor slowing down the presentation of the budget to the legislature.

Ndume lashed out at the executive, saying the MTEF and FSP presented to the Senate was so empty that it could not be legislated upon.

According to him, the degree of the document’s shallowness and its inherent flaws were not manageable, thus prompting his decision to write the minister, pointing out the flaws and asking him to make certain necessary documents available.

Ndume added that even though he also scheduled a meeting with Udoma on Tuesday to serve as the platform for the resolution of issues arising from the MTEF, the minister ignored both requests.

Ndume therefore said it was uncharitable for the government to go to the press and start blaming the National Assembly for its (government) woes, observing that the executive submitted the 2016 MTEF on September 30, instead of September 1.

Ndume cautioned against laying the foundation for the preparation of 2017 budget with another blame game.

“The Sun newspaper of yesterday (Wednesday) on Page 6 has a report with a heading which says ‘Budget 2017: Blame National Assembly for Failure to Meet October Target’. And in that, it said the minister stated that the suspension of the debate on MTEF and FSP, which lays the foundation for the budget, has stalled the ministry’s plan to have laid the 2017 budget before the National Assembly.

“We received the MTEF on 30th September instead of submitting it according to law by 1st of September – not later than that. That is not even the problem. I have a copy, I went through and the copies that have been circulated.

“I talked to some experts. Even in this chamber, we have people we can call experts. If you look at this document that they call MTEF, it is empty; it is empty and it doesn’t contain anything.

If you have nothing, how do you consider nothing?

“Going through and knowing that it was empty, on October 19 – this is my letter – I wrote to the Minister of Budget and National Planning. In the third paragraph, I stated, ‘To enable the Senate objectively review the MTEF from a holistic fiscal perspective, we deem it necessary

to invite you to a meeting to brief the leadership of the Senate on Tuesday, 1st November.’ But the minister failed to turn up.

“Before this, I said: ‘You are requested to please send the following documents ahead of the meeting because that is what will make us to have something to consider.’

“I said: ‘(a) the Medium-Term Development Plan (even a draft copy) upon which the 2017-2019 MTEF is founded; you know that is important.’

“Secondly, I requested that a comprehensive report on the implementation of the 2016 budget (as of third quarter, September 30); that is also an important ingredient. (c) All fiscal rates, taxes, charges, etc., used to derive the projected revenue in the 2017-2019 MTEF, because we don’t know what is there and how they arrived at those figures.

“Finally, I have here also a copy of the request for approval of the federal government’s 2016-2018 external borrowing plan which was thrown out at last Tuesday.

“We asked for a report on the structure/composition of the debt, funding sources, how the borrowed funds are to be spent as well as a repayment plan and schedule. As I said, up till now, there is no communication on that.

“We cannot afford to start the 2017 budget process with his blame game. This Senate is the Nigerian Senate. This Senate, especially we have the opposition that is cooperating with us and we have the majority in this Senate.

“So it is not like we are working against the government. We know what we are doing and we should do it right. When they bring nothing and we ask for something so that we will do it properly, they speak to the newspaper to start blaming the National Assembly.

“I think it is important that we discuss this and advise ourselves properly,” Ndume said.

Reacting to the matter, the Senate President Bukola Saraki said he engaged the minister after reading the report but he denied making the remark, even as he echoed Ndume that it was not right to engage in a needless blame game.

He said: “I think it is important that I share some information on this because I too saw this article yesterday in the newspaper and I also took on the minister on why this was being done and he denied the article and promised that he was going to make a statement to debunk it.

“He sent me an email, saying that he never gave the interview.

Be that as it may, I think the matter is serious enough for the leader (Ndume) to have raised the issue.

“I have not seen it in the papers today but I will take him by his word. But again, when those kinds of statements come out, the denial is sometimes not seen.

“The leader has made the point that this issue of blame game is totally unnecessary. And if he has said he is withdrawing, that means he has said it as well that the National Assembly is not responsible for any delay.”

Also briefing newsmen after the plenary, the Senate Committee Chairman on Information, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, said the Senate was worried about the “careless statements” emanating from ministers, adding that the government was “padded with persons” who do not want it to succeed.

He said what was expected from both arms of government is a collaborative effort and not the blame game which he said was not healthy for the nation’s democracy.

Udoma Denies Snub However, in a swift riposte, the Minister of Budget and National Planning debunked the accusation

by Ndume that he (Udoma) snubbed the upper legislative chamber and refused to turn up for a scheduled meeting with the lawmakers on Tuesday.

Udoma’s rebuttal was conveyed in a press statement issued last night by his Media Adviser, Akpandem James.

According to the statement, while acknowledging receipt of the letter from Ndume inviting him for a meeting with the Senate leadership, the minister said the meeting was eventually moved by agreement, and wondered why Ndume would go on the floor of the upper legislative chamber to say he failed to turn up, when he was aware that the meeting was rescheduled.

“Senator Udoma was equally surprised that even after the newspaper that published the story, which quoted him as blaming the National Assembly for the delay in the presentation of the 2017 budget, has published that the reporter never spoke with the minister, Senator Ndume still went ahead to make an issue out of the matter on the floor of the Senate,” the statement said.

House Members Oppose Borrowing Senate to Amend FRA Plan In related issue, plans by the National Assembly to amend the 58-year-old Fiscal Responsibility

Meanwhile, it is not only in the Senate that the executive is expected to encounter stiff

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 4, 2016 T H I S D AY

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

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

Ondo Poll: South-west PDP Loyal to Sheriff Heads to Supreme Court Seeks dissolution of new Appeal Court panel Jimoh Ibrahim’s lawyer, Izinyon withdraws from case We have respect for judges, says party, disowns Poroye’s petition

Tobi Soniyi and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The states executives of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-west loyal to the Ali Modu Sherrif’s faction have filed an application at the Supreme Court to stop the newly constituted panel of the Court of Appeal from hearing appeals relating to the party’s nomination of candidate for the Ondo State governorship election.

They are also asking the Court of Appeal in Abuja to reverse the decision by its President, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, to constitute a fresh panel to hear these appeals.

In a motion filed yesterday by members of state executives of the PDP in the six South-west states loyal to Ali Modu Sheriff and led by Biyi Poroye, the factional Chairman of the Ondo State PDP, they also asked the court to disband the new appeal court’s panel comprising Justices Ibrahim Salauwa, Ignatius Igwe Aguba, and George Mbaba.

They said the new panel was allegedly set up in breach of their right to fair hearing guaranteed under Section 36 of the constitution.

Poroye and others equally prayed the court to order the return of the case files relating to the appeals and the application for leave

to appeal as an interested party (against the decision of the Federal High Court of October 14 2016 in suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/395/2016) - filed by Eyitayo Jegede (factional PDP candidate of the state PDP “to the Registry of the Court of Appeal to take its normal course and turn in the docket of the court.”

The affected appeals are: CA/A/551/2016 filed by Ahmed Makarfi and Ben Obi against Poroye and 10 others and CA/A/551A/2016 filed by Clement Faboyede and another against 10 others; CA/A551B/2016 filed by the PDP against Poroye and 9 others and CA/A/551C/2016 filed by Jegede against Poroye and 10 others.

They argued that not only did the President of the Court of Appeal act without hearing from them, the case, being a pre-election matter, did not warrant any urgency to require the constitution of a special panel.

They added that those who filed the appeals against the June 29 and October 14, 2016 decisions of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja, were not parties in the cases leading to the decisions.

The applicants also argued that no orders were made against any of them (those behind the new appeals) and that they (the applicants), who were plaintiffs in the suits, were

not informed when the President of the Court of Appeal acted solely on the request by the appellants to constitute the panel on the grounds of urgency.

They have also filed a motion before the Supreme Court seeking a stay of all proceedings before the Court of Appeal in relation to the appeals pending the determination of the two appeals they filed on October 31, which have entered and given number: SC/914/2016 and SC/915/2016.

The motion filed by two members of the party, Benson Akingboye and Ehiozuwa Agbonayiwa, seeks a stay of all further proceedings and further hearing in CA/ ABJ/402A/2016 filed on behalf of the PDP by a

lawyer engaged by the Ahmed Makarfi-led faction of the party’s leadership.

They based the application on the ground that it was wrong to allow the Court of Appeal to proceed with the appeals when they have valid appeals before the Supreme Court, which challenged the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal.

Other grounds raised by them are: “As the first and second respondents in the lower court, they (Akingboye and Agbonayiwa) challenged by way of preliminary objection the validity of the appeal which originated the appeal at the court below.

The appeal at the Supreme Court, filed on October 31, 2016, by Akingboye and Agbonayiwa, is against the October 29, 2016, decision

by the former panel of the Court of Appeal led by Justice Jumai Sankey in which it ordered accelerated hearing in the appeals.

No date is set for hearing of the appeal filed for the appellant by B.E.I. Nwofor (SAN) yet.

Meanwhile, counsel to Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim, the PDP governorship candidate in the state, Dr Alex Izinyon (SAN), has withdrawn his representation for the candidate.

Izinyon was representing Ibrahim as respondent at the Court of Appeal in numerous appeals challenging the judgment of a Federal High Court which ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to replace Jegede

with Ibrahim as the PDP’s candidate.

In a letter addressed to Ibrahim, Iziyon said he was withdrawing based on an allegation made against him

by Justice Jummai Sankey, that he must have had fore knowledge of the petition written against the justices of the Appeal Court.

Excerpts from the letter read: “You will recall my position was indicated by the presiding justice as having the foreknowledge of the petition written by the first respondent, despite my protest and innocence.

It is in this regard that I hereby withdraw from further appearance.

“This is to enable you brief another lawyer who shall take over the file. We

Cont’d on Pg 52

Blasphemy: Court Frees Five Suspected Killers of Bridget 10 REMARKABLE YEARS ON THE THRONE L-R: Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar in Kano III, at an international symposium organised as part of activities to mark the monarch’s 10th year anniversary on the throne in Sokoto...

Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano

A Kano Magistrate Court presided over by Jibrin Muhammad yesterday freed five suspected killers of Igbo woman, Bridget Agbahime.

The 74-year-old trader was killed at Kofar Wambai market for alleged blasphemy.

Muhammad’s decision was based on the directive of the Kano State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

The freed suspects, Dauda Ahmed, Abdulmumeen Mustafa, Zubairu Abubakar, Abdullahi Abubakar and Musa Abdullahi were challenged with a four-count charge of allegedly inciting disturbance, culpable homicide, joint act and mischief.

The woman who hailed from Imo State was murdered on June 2, 2016, at Kofar Wambai market over alleged blasphemy.

In his submission earlier, state counsel, Mr

Rabiu Yusuf, who represented the attorney-general of the state, told the court that they have no case against the suspects.

“We received the case diary from the police on June 8 and having gone through the case diary, the attorney- general of the state evaluated the facts in accordance with sections 130 and 150 of the criminal procedure code.”

“The legal advice presented to the court, dated June 24, states that there is no case to answer as the suspects are all innocent, and orders the court to discharge all the suspects.”

However, counsel to the suspects, Mr Abdulsalam Gambo, expressed happiness and commended the attorneygeneral of the state for the judgment.

THISDAY observed that relations of the suspects who gathered at the court, were jubilating over the judgment.

yesterday

You’ll Be Vindicated, Useni, Others Tell EFCC Four Shola Oyeyipo Solidarity visits to the former aides of former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, Senator Bala Mohammed, Dr. Reuben Abati, Chief Femi FaniKayode and Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja is growing by the day with notable Nigerians assuring them that they would be vindicated in the end.

Joining the fast growing list of dignitaries that have visited the four politicians who have been in the EFCC net yesterday were former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Jeremiah Useni; former Minister of Culture, Alhaji Abubakar

Mohammed, Ambassador Iliya Damagua; former presidential candidate, Chief John Dara; members of the House of Representatives, Halliru Ilea and Salisu Ningi Others were: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders from Osun State, Aremo Adekunle Alao and Chief Babatunde Ajala and Mr. Jonathan Asake of the Christian Information Network.

The dignitaries who arrived at the EFCC secretariat at about 4: 30p.m., encouraged the four detainees and prayed for them. They enjoined them to persevere that at the end, they would be vindicated.

The visitors were particularly elated that Mohammed, Abati, Fani-Kayode and Obanikoro were looking

very well and strong.

Sources hinted that the former presidential aides were appreciative of the visits and urged the visitors to inform the rest of the world that they are very well and will soon be vindicated.

On Wednesday, a delegation of the Ahmed Makarfi-led faction of the PDP had visited the four who are answering corruption allegations.

The PDP delegation comprised the National Secretary, Ben Obi; National Publicity Secretary, Dayo Adeyeye; and the National Organising Secretary, Abdul Ningi, who arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja at about 2:30p.m.

Just as the Useni delegation,

the Makarfi-led delegation also encouraged the four detainees and expressed solidarity with them assuring them that the PDP family is solidly behind them, and urged them to keep their heads up high and remain strong.

Earlier, the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Revered Father Matthew Hassan Kukah, had visited the four suspects.

During his visit, Kukah, who was received the by the acting EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, felicitated with the inmates, and particularly commended the agency for keeping them is comfortable cells.

He prayed for them and urged them not to be depressed.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 4, 2016 T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016

COMMENT

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

WHY IS TURKEY TARGETING HIZMET? Thomas Michel argues Hizmet involvement in the aborted coup is far-fetched

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uch of the world was shaken this past July by the attempted coup d’état by certain members of the Turkish armed forces. The coup, ineptly planned and carried out, was put down within 24 hours at the cost of about 300 lives. The coup attempt was universally condemned by Turkish political, business, and religious leaders, and Turkey’s President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who barely escaped capture or possible assassination. He was acclaimed a national hero.

In the early hours of the coup, Erdogan addressed the nation and blamed the coup attempt on a surprising source: the Hizmet community, a progressive Muslim group known and respected internationally for its work in education, disaster relief, publishing, and medicine. Members of Hizmet, which means “service” in Turkish, are inspired by the teachings of a traditional Muslim scholar, Fethullah Gülen, who was among the first to condemn the coup. How did Erdogan come to accuse the reclusive Gülen, who lives in the United States, of treason and masterminding the coup? A personal experience of mine points to the irony of this turn of events, since until recent years Erdogan was a supporter of Hizmet activities.

In May 2009, I received an award at the International Turkish Olympiad. The festival, essentially a cultural event consisting of Turkish songs, dances, and poetry recitals performed by students in Turkish schools around the world, took place in a modern convention hall in Ankara, the nation’s capital, with thousands of spectators in attendance.

The event was sponsored and organised by members of the Hizmet movement and most of the performers were students at Hizmet schools abroad. When I, together with a handful of other recipients, mounted the stage to accept our awards, there to shake our hands was the smiling prime minister of Turkey, Recep Tayyib Erdogan.

The incident underlines the fact that less than a decade ago relations between Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the Hizmet movement reflected attitudes of cooperation and respect. Foreign observers in Ankara even referred to Hizmet as “the religious wing of the AKP.” Although inaccurate even in those days, such a characterisation revealed a commonly held view among Turks and others that there was some kind of ideological link between the AKP and the followers of Gülen. There is no doubt that the Gülen supporters had great influence in Turkey. They ran the best high schools and college-prep institutions, and year after year students from those schools obtained the top scores in the standardised college-entrance exams. Hizmet members published Zaman, the most widely circulated and highly regarded newspaper in Turkey, referred to by Erdogan himself as “the guardian of democracy in Turkey.” Hizmet members published scores of professional journals and popular magazines and established associations of medical professionals, teachers, and business leaders. They set up hospitals and clinics, and in Turkey’s highly polarised society they conducted national “dialogues” that sought to build unity among Turkish thinkers and leaders: Right and Left, Sunni and Alevi, Turk and Kurd, and Muslim, Jewish, and Christian.

The first sign of tension between Erdogan and Gülen can be dated to the pro-democracy Gezi Park protests of June 2013, when Gülen criticised the Turkish government’s heavy-handed suppression of the protests. The real break came later that year when investigators reportedly associated

ERDOGAN’S ANTI-HIZMET CAMPAIGN HAS EVEN AFFECTED U.S.-TURKISH RELATIONS. THE TURKISH GOVERNMENT HAS DEMANDED GÜLEN’S EXTRADITION TO TURKEY, WHILE SECRETARY OF STATE JOHN KERRY HAS NOTED THAT THE UNITED STATES DOES NOT EXTRADITE RESIDENTS ON THE BASIS OF UNSUBSTANTIATED ACCUSATIONS

with Hizmet pursued charges of corruption levelled against the sons of various ministers of the Turkish government, implicating as well Erdogan’s own sons. Since then, Erdogan (president since 2014) has sought to destroy Hizmet and break its influence in Turkish society.

The July coup attempt was only a few hours old when Erdogan accused Gülen of masterminding it and his followers of carrying it out.

Since then, the government has undertaken a witch-hunt, resulting in the dismissal and arrest of university presidents, police chiefs, military officers, and newspaper editors; seizure of the property of businessmen sympathetic to Gülen; and imprisonment of an estimated 60,000 Turkish citizens. Then, on October 2, the government detained Fethullah Gülen’s brother, Kutbettin, in western Turkey, with the nation’s semi-official news agency reporting he had been sought in connection with membership in an “armed terror organisation.”

Erdogan’s anti-Hizmet campaign has even affected U.S.-Turkish relations. The Turkish government has demanded Gülen’s extradition to Turkey, while Secretary of State John Kerry has noted that the United States does not extradite residents on the basis of unsubstantiated accusations, even those made by heads of state. He invited the Turkish government “to present us with any legitimate evidence that withstands scrutiny.” Up to now, no evidence of the involvement of Gülen or Hizmet associates in the failed coup has been forthcoming.

For those who know Gülen personally or have had contact with the open-hearted and idealistic members of the movement, claims of subversive “terrorism” seem incongruous. I for one have known Gülen for more than 20 years and find the retiring, soft-spoken Qur’an teacher to be preaching and living a particularly attractive interpretation of Islam. His bedrock concept is that of ikhlas, which means doing everything, no matter how modest or unassuming, wholly for God’s pleasure. This spiritual principle, which is hardly original or unique to Islam, has motivated Gülen’s followers to commit themselves to administering and teaching in schools in places as diverse as Phnom Penh, Brussels, Accra, and charter schools in inner-city neighbourhoods in urban areas such as Milwaukee and Cleveland. They are digging wells in Somalia and Mali, running clinics in Kenya, and establishing interreligious dialogue programmes in more than 200 locations in the United States.

Many Americans have come to know the Hizmet movement personally through the well-organised cultural trips to Turkey sponsored by local dialogue associations. For many non-Muslims, the trips are their first direct encounter with an Islamic community that is not interested in violence or domination, but rather in being a living expression of God’s compassion and mercy.

I am full of admiration for these Hizmet members, of whom I know hundreds, and many of whom I count among my personal friends. I have been to their annual retreats, where they encourage one another to live up to their lofty Islamic ideals. I have heard the testimony of Turkish bishops, Jews, and Alevis that the Gülen followers are their partners and allies in striving to build a truly inclusive Turkish society.

I have talked with Christian students from Mozambique, Indonesia, and the Philippines, graduates of Hizmet schools, who are grateful for the excellent education they received and deny that they were subject to any form of proselytising.

Michel, SJ, is the author of several books on Muslim-Christian relations and Islamic thought in modern Turkey

THE TRAIN OF PROGRESSIVE CONTINUITY

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Godwin Obaseki, Edo State Governor-elect, is eager to do the necessary things, writes Oteghe Adams

new epoch in the chronicles of progressive continuity for the people of Edo State is about to commence. Consequent on a vigorously-prosecuted campaign and well-deserved victory for the All Progressives Congress on September 28, Godwin Obaseki is now focused on the philosophical framework and fundamental mechanics for the energised acceleration of the new administration effective November 12.

Right from the initial hours after he was declared the winner, Godwin Obaseki told some of his supporters that there will be no time for a prolonged celebration, rather he instructed that it was time for the conversion of the campaign manifesto into a blueprint for concrete actualisation of promises. As the incoming governor communicated in an immediate post –election meeting to his supporters,’’ we must strive daily to justify and reciprocate the trust and political faith invested in us by Edo voters with honest efforts at producing tangible life-changing economic results.’’ As he often repeated during the campaigns, the governor-elect continued with the theme for his team to embrace the obligation to move Edo State to the collective cherished location envisaged by the electorate within Africa’s leading economic and political power house, Nigeria.

The momentum being engendered by the in-coming governor is in synchronism with the aspirations of the voters who so vehemently rejected retrogression; rather they choose the journey of continuous leap on the road of progress. The voters were determined to avoid any diversion from the boulevard of Adam Oshionmhole’s

iconic achievements. The emergent trajectory of thought by the incoming governor is not in any way surprising to those who closely followed the journeys of GO as an aspirant and candidate: it was clear that the governor –elect was always from the onset genuinely engaged in intimate dialogue and profound conversation with Edo people during the campaigns; he unquestionably had his eyes on the ultimate prize as well as the welfare of the state. The unprecedented campaign travels undertaken by the governor-elect across 192 electoral wards of Edo State is bound to manifest benefits in the various policy directives immediately after inauguration. One fact among others that is absolute is that the in-coming governor will not be arriving Osadebey House as a clueless apprentice but an executive who is ready to ignite the engine of increased productivity in some critical aspects of the economy immediately following assumption of office.

In addition to his own formidable professional background in the world of finance and economics, Obaseki’s successful tenure as the Chairman of the State Economic Team along with extensive mutually enlightening interactions with voters during the campaigns is a huge credit for Edo State.

Any intimate study of the pre-inaugural contour of the road map being drawn by the incoming governor will reveal some quintessential elements of a far-sighted technocrat and pragmatist. The various memos on various aspects of the economic blueprint by Godwin Obaseki point to the nurtured imagination and sober reflection of a chief executive who will fuse the best ideals of classical political economy with exigent humane policy interventions

and enhanced public-private partnership initiatives.

So dedicated to the rapid evolvement of Edo State’s potential within Nigeria and the global economy is the governor-elect as he inspires a translatable vision of an exceptionally dynamic economic and industrial modern state in the heart of Nigeria.

The uniqueness of the detailed economic and political landmarks that is being constructed by the governor-elect illuminates a new pathway for the integrated mobilisation and expanded participation of an enlarged citizenry in the practical journey of progressive continuity.

From the successful commencement of the Azura-Edo Independent Power Plant in which the incoming governor played a key role to the idea of creating networks for local farmers around agribusiness hubs , Edo State is prepared for remarkable progress. The train of transition is in motion, the governor-elect is dedicatedly laying the foundation to fully accommodate the projected creative capacities and increased productivity of Edo people. There’s a genuine passion to the flourish in Godwin Obaseki’s development agenda; there’s indeed an undeniable realism in the paradigm of the incoming governor’s enthusiastic focus on the challenges and opportunities ahead for his administration.

In addition to other sectors on which Obaseki is focused, the instance of his strategy for agricultural revolution holds a premium place of urgency. The outline of the sector reveals an encompassing perspective of both ‘’ farm to table ‘’ endeavours as well as the vision of agriculture as a business-as an endeavour that is now central to the economic survival of our state and nation. With well -studied

perspective, the incoming governor is engaged in earnest re-orientation dialogue with critical segments of people regarding the three-pronged process that will be executed under his planned green revolution. Godwin Obaseki sees huge benefits for rural development, incubation and expansion of entrepreneurial capacities simultaneously with determined job creating initiatives from this sector.

Right from the campaign fields to the post-victory strategy sessions, the incoming governor has injected a persuasively articulate working narrative around the Green Agenda.

It is quite noteworthy that the governor-elect has actually begun the actual mathematics of generating 150-thousand jobs for Edo people within the agricultural sector. The speed energy for the agribusiness and jobs network will spur from the foundational principles of well-tested growth strategy. This includes Godwin Obaseki’s decision to incentivise agricultural development programmes around key crops’’ with natural adaptive advantage’’ to Edo State; the governor-elect reasonably projects the state as occupying frontlines of competitive advantage in such areas as oil palm, cassava, rubber, cocoa, plantain and fruits cultivation. In the implementation of the strategy relating to the key crops, aspiring and existing agribusiness entrepreneurs as well as small farmers can key into the promising idea of locations within the hubs of out-growers and internationally accomplished agribusinesses specific to the natural adaptive crops. With such arrangements, the farmers will thus be guaranteed proximity to well -endowed steady markets for their produce. www.johnmayaki.com

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EDITORIAL TACKLING INCIDENTS OF MISSING PEOPLE

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There is an encouraging signal from the authorities, but more may be needed

ames Olomo, a professor of Nuclear Physics at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, left his work place for Eket, Akwa Ibom State since October 18, 2013. “It was on his return journey to Lagos the next day through Calabar, Cross River State, that something went amiss. I am very sure about that,” one of his friends said. Three years later, his whereabouts is still unknown. Last month, the family and the university community turned the heat on security agencies to find him.

Olomo’s case highlights the often overlooked plight of people in different parts of the country who cannot be accounted for. But it is important to draw attention to all the people within our families and various communities whose whereabouts remain unknown.

For the affected families, living through the ordeal of having a relation missing can be a most traumatic experience.

The anxiety generated in such situation is far worse than in established cases of kidnapping, wherein the release of victims could be conditioned on the possibility of reaching a deal with the abductors. And at a time the nation is grappling with the challenge of human trafficking, it is worrisome that many Nigerians are IT IS IMPORTANT FOR leaving their homes EVERY CITIZEN TO and workplaces without BE THEIR BROTHER’S returning. Indeed, KEEPER. WE MUST COME the sheer numbers of hitherto unaccounted for TOGETHER TO ENSURE people emerging from THAT CITIZENS WHO territories reclaimed from REMAIN UNACCOUNTED the insurgents in the FOR ARE NEVER North -east is a pointer FORGOTTEN to the gravity of the situation.

Available records revealed that while some missing persons have been found after some days, weeks or months, sometimes in locations far away from home, others are never found, thus prolonging the anxiety of their family members who would forever wonder: Were they kidnapped or involved in road accidents? Were they victims of rituals? Did they suddenly miss their way? Did they step into a dangerous drain hole? Are they dead? Are they alive?

However, it is reassuring that the relevant authorities are

Letters to the Editor

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finally paying attention to this growing challenge of missing persons in our society. The federal government, under the auspices of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), recently established the National Technical Committee on Missing/Abducted Persons Database in Nigeria headed by Mrs. Maryam Uwais, Special Adviser to the President on Social Investments. The committee comprises representatives from the Nigeria Police, Office of the National Security Adviser, National Information Technology Development Agency, National Identity Management Commission, National Population Commission, Nigerian Red Cross Society, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, National Orientation Agency, the BringBackOurGirls (BBOG) coalition, National Bureau of Statistics and the International Committee of the Red Cross, with the NHRC serving as the Secretariat.

T 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

he committee is expected, among other things, to establish a platform for public engagement, as well as come up with a comprehensive database registry of missing and unaccounted-for persons in Nigeria. The idea is to enable integration with existing data, continuous updating, as well as for the collection, verification and sharing of useful information aimed at bringing relief and closure to families and the missing persons, in conformity with the standards on the protection of personal and sensitive information.

The committee is also expected to carry out other measures necessary to investigate and v erify pertinent information, including the recovery and identification of human remains; engage with relevant stakeholders for appropriate measures to be taken in resolving cases of missing and unaccounted for persons. That would necessitate follow up, assessment and clarification, as well as providing information to the relevant enquirers (families or authorities) relating to the fate of missing persons and, if found dead, the location of the human remains.

Meanwhile, for the managers of the database, their core mandate would be to come up with preventive mechanisms and practical measures, in order to reduce the likelihood that people would continue to go missing in our country. But beyond this commendable initiative, it is important for every citizen to be their brother’s keeper. We must come together to ensure that citizens who remain unaccounted for are never forgotten!

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.

THE QUALITY OF AFRICAN FOOTBALL

he quality of both the international and local football competitions in Africa are light years behind that of the rest of the world. The fact that the Africa Cup Of Nation’s best side over the years, Egypt (with seven titles) has qualified for just two world cups - the 1934 and 1990 edition says so much about the quality of the competition. Truth be told, the current Confederation of Africa Football champions league winners, TP Mazembe, would find it difficult to compete with their counterparts in other parts of the world, especially South America and Europe, not to talk of qualifying for such competitions as the UEFA champions league, were they a European side. .Thus, the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) founded in 1957, only three years after The Union of European Football Association (UEFA) has played a major role in the snail-paced growth of African football.

In the 2010 World Cup hosted by South Africa, Ghana played a quarterfinals’ match against Uruguay. It was a match watched by the whole of Africa. There was a ray of hope. This Ghanaian team, inspired by Asamoah Gyan was at the verge of breaking the quarterfinals jinx; but “almost” doesn’t count. It could be said that Luis Suarez’s hand was the only thing that robbed Africa of her first appearance in the world cup semifinals. How I wish that were true!

Talking about facilities, Africa football is really lagging behind.

As a matter of fact, the role of under equipped stadia in the crawling motion of African football cannot be overstated. In the 2013 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, CAF insisted on using the Mbolemba Stadium for a semifinals match. The pitch was

earlier used in the group stage for some matches which triggered complaints by players, coaches and administrators. CAF responded by saying ‘’plan A is Mbolemba, so is C and B...” showing their low level of competence. If that happened in AFCON, Africa’s major international football competition, what kind of pitch do you think are used in the local leagues? How can we call it the beautiful game even when played on such ugly pitches?

Even with these constraints, Africa has two of the four most successful teams in the history of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, Nigeria (with five titles, three-time runners up) and Ghana (with two titles and two-time runners up). Mali, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso also have their fair share of success in the competition. Also, in FIFA U-20 World Cup, Ghana, Nigeria, Mali and Egypt have at least reached the Semifinals. The question is why can’t this translate to success at the senior category? First of all, there is a case of fielding over aged players, and even when that is curbed, these young players do not get the right development needed for proper transition. Best case scenario is that a handful of them get snapped up by foreign clubs and we get to hear about one or two of them in the near future.

There has never been a dearth of talented players, with Africa producing the likes of Abedi Pele, Roger Milla, George Weah, Nwankwo Kanu, Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba, and so on. It has been the case of a faulty system, producing wrong results. In South Africa 2010, Asamoah Gyan missed that penalty and it was sad, but I fear we’ve seen the last bang as it hit the bar!!

Great Oriahi, Benin-City

KUDOS TO GOVERNOR EMMANUEL

I

write to commend and thank Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State on the recent training of about 2000 farmers on poultry farming.

As part of effort to generate employment through agriculture, the government of Akwa Ibom has trained 2000 farmers on production, processing, branding and marketing of poultry produce under the anchor borrower programme of the Central Bank of Nigeria. This is a step in the right direction.

However, I want to strongly appeal to the governor to make sure that the project is pursued to the end. The trained farmers are full of hope that better days are here. Farmers, especially poultry farmers are facing a lot of challenges when it comes to capital and marketing of farm products.

The anchor borrower programme of the Central Bank of Nigeria will really help farmers in Akwa Ibom State and much food will be produced.

Kudos to Governor Emmanuel for hosting a whopping 2,000 farmers for the capacity building training. We want more of this kind of initiative in the state!

Tony Kings, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

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FRIDAY NOVEMBER 4, 2016 T H I S D AY

17

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016

POLITICS

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

PERSONALITY FOCUS

Obiano’s Second Term Chase Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano’s re-election bid is not a walkover, writes Charles Onyekamuo

B

y November next year, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would have conducted elections into the office of Governor of Anambra State, preparatory to March 17, 2018 formal handover date to the winner of the election or swearing-in of the incumbent, Chief Willie Obiano.

Obiano was sworn-in as the 17th executive Governor of the state on March 17, 2014 at the Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka amidst expectations that he would pick the state’s developmental gauntlet from where his predecessor, Mr. Peter Obi stopped. His emergence as the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the 2013 governorship election was a thing of compromise so to say, considering that the then governor, Mr. Peter Obi had said his successor would come from Anambra North Zone.

This he said would be in keeping with the spirit of Anambra’s political configuration since the south zone had since creation of the state in 1991 produced Governors in Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, Senator Andy Uba, and Dame Virgy Etiaba, while the central zone had produced Dr. Chris Ngige and himself.

It was one idea that was timely and which he pursued with vigour making promises to the people of Anambra North during his second term campaigns, swearing at each stop to drum home the sincerity of the promise.

Thus, he charged the elders, traditional rulers and Town Union Presidents-General from the zone to discuss and give him an acceptable candidate, who would success him. This prompted the people of the area to set up a committee, comprising all the traditional rulers, stakeholders and presidents-General from the communities that make up the seven local government areas in the zone.

The committee which was chaired by the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe had after a painstaking search culminating in interviewing all the aspirants on the platform of APGA from the zone came up with the name of Dr. Chike Obidigbo, an industrialist and manufacturer, who was then the chairman of Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi States chamber of commerce and Industry as their choice candidate and submitted to Governor Peter Obi who accepted same.

In fairness, Chief Obiano, who was then in his home in Houston, the United States of America was not among those interviewed by the committee and was not in the picture.

But his name popped up in the run up to the primaries of APGA after the Chief Victor Umeh-led national executive of the party allegedly rejected the northern committee’s choice in a meeting with Christian leaders in the states and other stakeholders of the party in Awka, thus holding the meeting down for more than an hour to enable Chief Umeh call Obiano in the United States.

Chief Joe Martins Uzodike, Peter Obi’s Commissioner for Information at the time told THISDAY that when Obiano was contacted on phone, he said he was swimming in his compound in America and should be given some time to consult with his wife.

When he eventually called back to accept the offer to be APGA’s candidate in the election, he allegedly complained that he hadn’t enough money to immediately take a flight back home, much less prosecute the campaigns to which he was assured of ample assistance. And there and then, an arrangement was made through a businessman from Awgbu in Orumba North Local Government Area of the state resident in Lagos to transfer some money to Obiano to enable him come home. And the journey began thereafter.

Barely two years in the saddle as Governor of Anambra State and with an eye on his re-election, Obiano appears to be having multiple challenges that may derail and the threaten his chances of getting a second term in office. The discontents are a product of his activities in office in the last two years, coming from both his APGA and even the people of Omambala area comprising the contiguous local government areas bordering the Omambala River in Anambra North from where he hails

Obiano...a long walk to second term

THISDAY checks revealed that this last minute game that changed the Anambra North Committee’s choice of Obidigbo to someone who did not even participate in the screening and interviews later became a thing of disagreement between Obi and Igwe Achebe, who accused the former of betrayal and nonchalant treatment to his person prompting his resignation then as the chairman of Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council. He has since been persuaded back to his chair. The former governor, it was also learnt, had apologised to the Monarch and Obidigbo, expressing regrets.

Now, barely two years in the saddle as Governor of Anambra State and with an eye on his re-election, Obiano appears to be having multiple challenges that may derail and the threaten his chances of getting a second term in office. The discontents are a product of his activities in office in the last two years, coming from both his APGA and even the people of Omambala area comprising the contiguous local government areas bordering the Omambala River in Anambra North from where he hails.

The four local government areas are Anambra East, Anambra West, Ayamelum and Oyi. Even as Obiano hails from Aguleri in Anambra East Local Government Area, there is a growing discontent from his Omambala brothers that he is not doing enough for the people from the communities in these four local government areas other than his immediate Aguleri community.

He has been roundly accused of nepotism in both appointments and infrastructure development in favour of his Aguleri community to the exclusion of other communities, and that he is totally disconnected from the reality of the after-effects of his lopsided appointments and the grassroots.

For instance, there is this allegation that about 70 per cent of his Special Assistants and Advisers are either from his Aguleri community or Ogbunike in Oyi local government area from where his wife hails, making tongues wag as to whether these two communities alone ensured his victory at the polls. ThisDAY checks discovered that four of his first cousins from Ihiala, Ihiala local council are his Senior Special Assistants. It is understood that their mother is the elder sister to the governor’s mother.

Besides, members of APGA in the state, who worked for him during the elections are now

disenchanted with his obvious nepotism, which favored his former classmates and old Boys of Christ the King College (CKC), Onitsha as well as some Diaspora Anambrarians in the United States, who were with him while there to the exclusion of those on the ground. There were also former directors of failed banks, who worked with him previously in First Bank plc and other places.

“Let me be honest with you, the governor has shown disdain to APGA members in the state.

He didn’t remember them in his appointments and no sooner had he won the election than he abandoned the party structure. Imagine that out of over 200 political appointments he made, about 140 are either his kinsmen, in-laws or relatives. If that is not nepotism then what is it?

Johnson Emeh, an APGA stalwart in Orumba South told THISDAY. According to him, when the governor was picked as APGA candidate, in 2013, he had no campaign structure because he was in the Diaspora and not on the ground. Then his Kinsman, Chinedu Idigo, a lawyer and leading aspirant then offered him his campaign structure with which he campaigned and won the governorship election. But today, Idigo has been frustrated out of APGA, all because of the way the governor abandoned him.

Outside of nepotism in appointments, the governor has also been accused of nepotism in the citing of projects especially roads, or outright abandonment of the ones he inherited from the Obi administration to the discontent of the affected communities or diversion all the same.

Mr. Hycinth Obiudu from Nteje, Oyi Local Government Area in Omambia axis of Anambra North district told THISDAY in Nteje, Governor Obiano has been sectional in his road protects in Anambra North and that apart from some township and streets roads built in Otuocha and Aguleri town in Anambra East Local Government Area of the state, no new roads had been constructed and the ones he inherited in the area had been abandoned.

He gave instances with the Nteje-Odumodu road and the Awkuzu-Nando road as well as several other roads in Oyi, Anambra East and Ayamelum, which the governor inherited from the Obi administration but are now abandoned.

He said the state government’s claims on

Anambra rice are false because the rice had been on before his coming on board. He said he owns a rice farm in Omor, Ayamelum Local council of the state and that no access roads to the best of his knowledge had been provided for the farms. What is happening, he said, is that middlemen who are government agents come to buy the local rice from them and send to a milling plant in Amichi, Nnewi South Local Government Area of the state and package them in bags with Anambra rice inscription and sell to marketers in the state’s markets at very ridiculous prices.

“A bag of local rice in Anambra costs as much as N15,000. It is not even found anywhere because these middlemen hoard them. The loan the state government promised rice farmers could not be accessed, no assistance whatsoever. For the people of Anambra North, it is like wasted years and another election is fast approaching.

I just pray that he does something before the elections because people are not happy at all,” he said, THISDAY checks further revealed that despite the discontent from the people of Anambra North Zone, people from the central zone of the state are not amused either. An Awka indigene, who pleaded anonymity told THISDAY in Awka, that before Peter Obi left office, he had awarded the contract for the dualisation of both sides of the Umuokpu-Amansea end of Enugu/Onitsha expressway, which is in total disrepair. Amansea is the border town between Anambra and Enugu States.

It is being alleged he said the office of the Commissioner for Works under former Governor Obi kept aside the sum of N24Billion for the completion of the road which was on-going before Obiano came, adding that the moment the governor took over, he allegedly diverted the money to the construction of township streets in his native Aguleri community, abandoning the road till now. Nobody, he said, is against his building of roads in his area of the state but that he shouldn’t have diverted the money meant for projects in Awka elsewhere.

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

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016

POLITICS

PERSPECTIVE

Obasanjo’s Appalling Arrogance In due time, former President Olusegun Obasanjo will pick up his prize for resentful arrogance, writes Goke Omisore

I

am awed by such a gratuitous insult on the people’s intelligence. I have been restrictively held by culture and bottled-up, resisting the temptation to criticise an elder statesman. My Yoruba culture somewhat frowns on such audacious moves. But then, as a writer, one is answerable to a higher authority, my conscience and the sovereignty of the people supersedes culture. Trying not to injure the ego or self-gratification of the serially celebrated god of Owu Kingdom, Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Ebora of Owu, in his self-starring service calls of duty, accidentals by fate or favours by men – a mega starring role of all that is great and glittering accomplishments by virtues of misnomers in this clime – is it?

Sir, not too fast! You are, with all due respect of protocol in your fortified forte, are a recurring decimal in the worst social-ills of our times, in our disordered altered union called Nigeria. The measure of a man certainly should be beyond his cuffs. Pardon me sir, a few of us are not impressed with your diamonds studded cuff-links and sharp corner Greek-gifts to your anointed boys.

I once swore by you in the heydays of the Obasanjo collectives, under the debt of intellectual wisdom of Chief Femi Olopade, a most distinguished elder-statesman of towering repute. It was fun though, missions not particularly accomplished, we were shortchanged in our much higher expectation of you on marked changes in this wobbly union. You stood an incredible hunk of opportunity to make profound changes, but then as the saying goes, those who paid the piper dictated the tune or isn’t it?

A thousand and one portion of the gods of this land shall not wash thy hands clean of various weighty sins in this damn hell we are in now, nor will it cleanse thee, nor posterity reward thy many planted seeds or sins sprawling in the land like yam’s tendrils, proudly planted with best-of-selfish intentions now grown into formidable Oak trees in our desert of wants and starving minions in million.

Take a cursory second look in the mirror of reality and stop dancing on the mirror of tantalising mirages and barrage of self-importance. Your very humble pedigree and the degrees of opportunities that fate wrought on you run against the grains of expectations of your self-acclaimed successes and negate all your personal well-rounded accomplishments. Whichever way you throw the dice of people’s judgment, you aren’t Nelson Mandela of blessed memory yet. But to whom so much is given, much, much, more is expected. I reasoned.

“My delight is to be able to create Nigerian billionaires. I always say it proudly that my aim was to create 50 billionaires from Nigeria. Unfortunately, I failed because I only created 25 billionaires.” A friend reading over my shoulder credited you with the 26th billionaire. He posited that you should not be left out nor discounted and I concurred sir! However, you failed because you ego-tripped on a borrowed solution, veiled in self-righteousness and wrong timing.

You created an army of well-heeled individuals to buttress your ambitions and finest of selfish-intentions. Does the third term agenda sound familiar? Sir, e ma pe aja l’obo fun awa! (Don’t tell us a dog is a monkey!) Yours was wealth creation for a fraudulent few with marked exceptions, only one or two amongst them can be counted deserving in the interest of the nation.

You aided and propelled privileged goals of tiny few, that is, a back-door or reversed corruption you planted to reap abundantly from and you did. You somehow legalised corruption entrenched with subtle official seal in the background of political muddied water of Aso Rock. Sir, poor vision by you, for a limited visionless prospect of insignificant few, you could have grown 25 institutions that mattered most with equal opportunity for all and level playing fields in these valley

Obasanjo...arguably a major part of Nigeria’s problems

of economic despair – a greater tomorrow legacy beyond you.

That is, institutions grow nation, not individuals with obscene wealth that trickles down but dissipates into drought before reaching the “talakawas” – an indecent, obscene population in this intractable union, where millions live on less than one dollar a day. What you did was to aid some cancerous money spinners for a privileged few – selfish, boasting and bragging at the expense of our crawling economy, decades after independence! You are a living witness to such recklessness and that is the bane of our tooth-pick economy today.

For your information, such trickle down economic theory, apology to Professor John Kenneth Galbraith, a man best described as the tallest amongst the tall ones as an award winning economic professor and a renowned author of immense clout. His trickle down economic theory is a civilised approach to growing a developed economy, definitely ill-tailored for savages and bare-bone economic vultures and scavengers, devouring our already malnourished economy. But a healthy prescription of economic luxury for civilised, industrialised economies, definitely not our mono-based tooth-pick economy.

Such magic grows in developed economies, where the value of wealth creations meets head on with virtues, patriotism and discipline of corporate and well-honed, full-grown repercussions – sustained by conscionably disciplined men and institutions. Where, if you can’t do the time; don’t touch the crime. Such nation’s institutions are built on liberty, equity, education, human and varied natural and intellectual source and resources.

Above all, sound and sane justice system that has withstood the test of times for centuries, at all times. Thanks for your confessions, quite an eye-opener from the horse’s mouth. So, you are the culprit that powered the proliferation of private jets, hi-octane parties and such inanities in our land? Lord, have mercy! That singular deed of yours sir, created the proliferation of wealth super-lords – solid rent specie of super citizens, grandstanding and walking the land – freemen, but they belong in jail.

Definitely, that is not a fair deal to the generality. Not to mention sir, the humongous obscene budget on infrastructure, most especially billions voted by your government in all currencies on power but on your clandestine watch vanished into electioneering darkness, leaving the nation writhing in utter darkness. E jowo sir, e ma paja l’obo fun wa. Accounting time for the masses will soon dawn.

Ever since then our economy has been waning uncontrollably. Your idea of creating money-bags dictated the worst race and

spate of money making rivalries that aided reckless, uncensored corruption amongst this new generation of money braggarts. So, what else is left but immoral-hounded carcass and irredeemably poisoned to the last breath of insanity in a dog-eat-dog race you had set off unwittingly amongst today’s youth.

Nigeria is a great nation! Is it? Really! Please, let us stop counting on a diminishing value asset of oil reserves, cassava, onion, herds of cattle and cows in a new generation of intellectual domination in wealth generation in modern world. We are talking digital, sir, not analogue.

Any surprise in our country today, the clearly over sixties still call the orders, recycled and spent forces including yourself of very humble beginnings and in spite of flurries of privileges you’ve had, you still remain a constant factor in all things Nigeria, even though you are crowding towards your 80th birthday. Sir, please move over; pardon me sir, you are indeed spent and please stop glamorizing this Banana-Republic you have labored assiduously to create, sustained and prefer to maintain in your own measured dreams as presently constituted.

Legions are at liberty too to see their dream come through, that is a resounding definition of hope. The sky is the limit of our children’s generations, if and when we truly restructure and unleashed their potential on the nation. The world should watch out for greater tomorrow Nigerians.

Instead of your billionaire men in colored jackets, you could have favoured a silicon valley option or Africas’ largest hi-tech-hubs.

Thirty-six zonal world class states hospitals, furnished to the nines! A national carrier to boot, above all, custom and excise, police, banking, all regulatory bodies and agencies could have been infused with a degree of sanity on your watch, but you left and made sure our fifth-elevens are reigning and ruling but glorifying your highness.

That’s how not to grow a nation, sir!

What a waste in your ego-tripped investment on mostly hungry men dying for fortunes and selfish fame and trite recognition stamped with national honors contracted, purchased but dotted with a couple of deserving awardees for credibility of such hollow list. Such don’t grow a nation, but serves as a catalyst to retard a nation’s growth. That was a most cruel unilateral use of tax payers’ money and presidential favoured subsidies. Yes, all of them should be probed and thrown onto the forensic glare of public scrutiny to clearly establish the last upright man standing.

You are a living witness to a sea of unemployable graduates, products of our dying citadels of learning with fading glories that fill the ranks and files of unemployment amongst our youths in this land. Wither your

Take a cursory second look in the mirror of reality and stop dancing on the mirror of tantalising mirages and barrage of self-importance.

Your very humble pedigree and the degrees of opportunities that fate wrought on you run against the grains of expectations of your self-acclaimed successes and negate all your personal wellrounded accomplishments.

Whichever way you throw the dice of people’s judgment, you aren’t Nelson Mandela of blessed memory yet. But to whom so much is given, much, much, more is expected. I reasoned twenty-five disciples of wealth, manufactured by you in our children’s rescue mission, save for Aliko Dangote alone. Thank God Almighty, no mortal writes his or her own obituary. We shall edit your command sir!

Your wish or not your wish, you can bank on that.

Mark you Sir, the crumbs from the obscene wealth of those you manufactured, generated only able-bodied workforce of labourers mostly, but that wrongly spent funds on your 25 disciples of wealth buried many individuals’ numerous talents and dreams. A mind is a terrible thing to waste! With movements but no tangible futuristic road-maps of sustainable growth on our nation’s dream of greatness, with grossly underdeveloped infrastructure – all stands us sabotaged in the interest of less than 000.1% of us! Sir, silence in this instance will be most honorable, not braggadocio. I posit unapologetically!

Since the Amalgamation of 1914, our nation’s political roadmap appears implacably cursed by the stray specie of our men in uniform. A handful of patriots, whose nationalistic intentions and missions, appeared tainted with tribal coloration, whose missions were hijacked and bastardised beyond recognition. Since the army struck and diluted the spirit of patriotism with ethnic coloration from the First Republic, it got tainted by the compounding wishful thinking of an ethnic group and the myth aided by their domination in the armed forces and religious bent and preferences as programmed in the British selfish-interest.

They deliberately starve the northerners of the wealth of education but indoctrinated them with the wisdom of their dominance in power through the military forces. The die of ethnicity, corruption, god-fatherism in our economy, politics and culture, not sparing religious differences was irrevocably cast!

Now, see how we are wasting opportunities and waning at high-noon of maturity, crowding our country’s 60th independent anniversary but still heavily economically dependent and still talking in incoherent tongues amongst ourselves often like strangers, but atrophied as a toddler in the comity of nations, when we should be riding high with the “BRIC” nations. Shame on all of us!

-Omisore wrote from Lagos NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

19

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S NIBOR OVERNIGHT 1-MONTH

A S

NIBOR

A T

3-MONTH

9.6667% 17.874%

6-MONTH

O C T O B E R

19.539% 20.8243%

NITTY 1-MONTH 2-MONTH 3-MONTH

Group Business Editor Chika Amanze-Nwachuku

Email chika.amanzenwachukwu@thisdaylive.com 08057161321, 08033294157

2 7 ,

18.0333% 18.6745% 16.2693%

3-MONTH 6-MONTH 12-MONTH

2 0 1 6 18.7836% 119.3948% 22.4006%

EXCHANGE RATE N304.50//1US DOLLAR* *AS AT LAST FRIDAY

Quick Takes Airlines’ Profitability in Q3 Unchanged

FACTS AND FIGURES

L-R: Non-Executive Director, Heritage Bank, Adetola Atekoja; MD/CEO, Ifie Sekibo; Chairman, Akinsola Akinfemiwa and the bank’s Company Secretary, Olutomi Ojo at the Heritage Bank’s 1st AGM in Lagos…recently

‘New Governance Code will Stunt Economic Growth’ Goddy Egene

Shareholders under the aegis of Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), have said the National Code of Corporate Governance (NCCG) for the private sector released by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) will discourage the establishment of new business, kill existing ones and invariably stunt economic growth.

ISAN stated this after a review of the code. Stating the position of ISAN in Lagos on Wednesday, the National Coordinator of the group, Sunny Nwosu said its categorical position on the code mostly stemmed from perceived negative implications of over regulation of the nation’s corporate world, particularly the financial industry and the noticeable contradictions and conflict with the subsisting Companies and

ECONOMY

Allied Matters Act (CAMA), as amended.

According to him, a review of the code by ISAN revealed the suffocating effect of the code on entrepreneurial aspirations and initiatives of Nigerians and persons seeking to establish business in the country.

“This is based on the provision of the Code that companies shall have not less than five directors. This provision is seen by ISAN as unnecessarily expansionary and costly for micro small and medium scale enterprises (MSMEs) noted as engine of the nation’s economy,” he said.

He added that there are provisions of the code which directly conflict with existing laws governing certain sectors, which FRCN has included all in a bid to elevate itself to

another super regulator over and above existing sectorial regulators for some companies.

The shareholders pressure group stressed that FRC should and must provide leadership in the nation’s corporate world by constituting its board in line with its new corporate governance code.

Other grey arrear, he said, is the provision in the code which allows executive directors of the companies to be appointed board members of another company or companies.

They also contested the time frame provided or “cool off period” before former executive director is appointed chairman of the same company he served and the engagement of two auditing firms.

The group argued that contrary to the views espoused by government through the FRC, the appointment of substantive executive directors into board(S) of other companies

breached the whole essence of internationally accepted corporate governance and best practices.

The group argued that the prescribed 10 years “cool off period” before former CEOs assume the position of chairman in the same company amounts to serious setback in utilisation of limited experts, managerial proficiencies and scarce human capital resources.

The retail investors contested that the waste in human capital as portrayed by the code was a vivid dis-service as it remained very silent on the “cool off period” before former CEOs are appointed non-executive directors.

ISAN also suggested a comprehensive annual evaluation of all non-executive directors of companies under clause 6.7.7 of the code, adding suggested that the emerging character of Continued on page 20

Shippers Council Approaches ECOWAS Bank to Finance Trucks Transit Parks Eromosele Abiodun The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Hassan Bello has disclosed that the agency has approached the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) for the purpose accessing funds to finance the establishment of trucks transit parks across the country and major border posts.

He disclosed this when the Senate Committee on Marine

MARITIME Transport paid him a visit as part of its oversight functions.

Bello said the truck transit parks will help rid Nigerian roads of traffic gridlock and enhance the country’s economic activities. He told the committee that one of the major challenges facing the agency is the loss of $500 million annually to capital flights arising from avoidable storage charges, vessel and container charges.

“We also have the problem

of 28 days average container dwell time and the massive traffic gridlock around the port corridor, “he said.

Bello said the federal government has approved the implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.

He said the ICTN also known as Advance Cargo Declaration System (ACD) is a global initiative to monitor and verify cargo on transit from port of origin to port of destination.

He added that ICTN is a high tech tool that provides real-time monitoring of security plan of vessels; allow real time generation of advanced information on cargo, including type, origin, quantity and other shipment information.

The NSC boss added that the ICTN, “generates automatic information alert for the port of destination, enhances security and safety of ports and cargo, prevent under-declaration of Continued on page 20

TheInternationalAirTransportAssociation(IATA)hasannouncedthat surveys it carried out have indicated that projections on profitability of airlines have remained unchanged.

“When surveyed in early-October as part of our quarterly business confidence survey, airline CFOs (Chief Finance Officers) and heads of cargoreportedthatprofitabilitywasunchangedinQ32016compared to the same period a year ago; The results from October’s survey also showed that industry heads continuetoexpectverylittlechangeinprofitsoverthenext12months, consistent with signs that the industry profitability cycle may have peaked,” IATA said.

Onthedemandside,theworldbodysaidtheresponseswereconsistent with the modest moderation in passenger growth seen during most of this year to date, and were in line with an improvement in conditions for air cargo since early-2016, adding that expectations for volume growth over the year ahead remain positive for both the passenger and cargo businesses.

“The majority of respondents reported an annual decrease in operating costs in Q3 2016, helped in some cases by the recovery of currencies against the US dollar. But given that oil and jet fuel prices have trended slowly higher since bottoming-out in early-2016, most respondents expect input costs to increase over the next 12 months,” IATA said.

It noted that the outlook for input costs contrasts with expectations for yields and points to a more challenging profitability environment, adding that in a reflection of strong competition and the subdued economicbackdrop,over90percentofrespondentsexpectpassenger yields to remain unchanged or to fall further in the year ahead. On the freight side, ongoing increases in freight capacity are expected to continue to weigh on freight yields over the coming 12 months.

Customs Destroys Poultry Products

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operation Unit Zone C, Owerri, has destroyed 11, 315 cartons of imported poultry products valued at N90.52 million in Benin City, Edo State.

The Officer-in-Charge of the Benin Axis of NCS, Federal Operation Unit,ZoneC,MrDahiruUsman-Shehu,madethisknowninastatement in Benin. He said that the 11,315 cartons of imported poultry products (chicken and turkey) had a duty of N18.1 million and duty paid value of N108. 62 million. He said that the products were seized on Monday along the Benin-Ekiadolor axis by Lagos Expressway at 10:14 p.m.

According to him, the poultry products were conveyed in a Daf truck with registration number LND 641 XM. “The items were destroyed at the Customs House Destruction site on Tuesday in compliance with the Federal Government policies on importation of frozen products,” he said.

NUJ Lauds Nigeria’s Presidency of AMJA

TheNigerianUnionofJournalists(NUJ)hascommendedtheemergence of a Nigerian as the President of African Maritime Journalists Association (AMJA).The commendation of NUJ was conveyed by its President; Mr Waheed Odusile, who hailed the AMJA President; Mr Sesan Onileimo, for flying the flag of Nigeria among maritime media practitioners in Africa.

Odusile spoke ahead of the formal inauguration of the Executive Committee of the continental body on November 10, 2016 in Lagos.He expressed the readiness of the national leadership of NUJ to attend the historic event, which will also draw dignitaries and maritime industry stakeholders from across the African continent to Nigeria.‘’I am happy about this as a Nigerian and as the President of NUJ. I have no doubt that you will succeed. ASs the President of African Journalists Association, I a fair idea of the challenges ahead of you, but I am sure that you will succeed. It’s a thing of joy, I am about this, I will attend the ceremony, ‘’he said.

Also, the President of AMJA; Mr. Sesan Onileimo , has confirmed that, the Minister of Transportation; Mr Rotimi Amaechi will be leading government functionaries to the event, which holds on November 10, 2016 in Apapa; the hub of maritime activities in Nigeria. The official delegation from Nigeria includes heads of maritime agencies under the Federal Ministry of Transportation.

“The federal government will vigorously pursue the expansion of the nation’s port system through the development of Deep Sea Ports to be driven by the private sector.”,

Minister of Transportation

Rotimi Amaechi

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BUSINESSWORLD ‘NEW GOVERNANCE CODE WILL STUNT ECONOMIC GROWTH’ the nation’s economy makes it imperative for a three year cool off period for interested former CEOs of companies.

As part of the noticeable conflicts, ISAN insists that a serious lacuna and breach of the law has been triggered with the provision of article 5.4 of the new code of corporate governance on the size of the board.

Article 5.4 of the code provides a minimum of eight board members for companies while the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) in section 245(1) provides for minimum of two directors.

SHIPPERS COUNCIL APPROACHES ECOWAS BANK TO FINANCE TRUCKS TRANSIT PARKS Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of ship and prevents underdeclaration and concealment of cargo.

“ICTN will also help to improve revenue accruable to government, hasten Vessel Reception and Cargo Clearance Procedures, reduce cargo dwell time and ultimately reduction of costs of doing business, enhance the determination of freight cost and actual value of sea freight in the transport chain and provide credible data and statistics on oil sales, import and export volume, etc.”

Furthermore, he said the ICTN is important because it is estimated that 80 per cent goods imported to Nigeria are under declared, it is also estimated that there are a lot of concealment. He stated: “The system will assist customs to calculate their revenue from shipments being expected before they are shipped into the country. Another way of losing revenue is the understating of tonnage of ships that comes to our shores, once we deploy ICT all these will end. It will also accelerate cargo clearance because importers would have received their waybill in advance.

Bello said the agency has also introduced border information centre at Seme Border to provide trade information and formalise trade between Nigeria and Benin Republic.

NEWS

FG to Develop Inland Water Transportation to Boost Coastal Trade Eromosele Abiodun and Mohammed Habib The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has stated that the federal government is putting plans in place to develop inland water transportation so as to boost coastal trade.

He made this known in his key note address at the World Maritime Day Celebration in Lagos, where he called on shipping practitioners and other relevant stakeholders to invest in the sector.

Amaechi added that Nigeria’s coastline of about 853km offers opportunity for high economic activities for cargo and passenger transport as well as fishing activities.

He said water transportation requires increased involvement of the private sector because it is the most environmental friendly as well as the most cost effective mode of transportation.

Speaking on recent developments in the maritime sector, he said the sector is faced with myriad of challenges bordering on, non-competitiveness, low level of investment, absence of requisite funding, low implementation and enforcement of existing laws in the sector and high charges.

These, he stated, have placed Nigeria in a disadvantaged position compared with ports of neighbouring countries within the West and Central African sub-region.

According to him, “As

part of the comprehensive action to address these challenges and ensure efficiency and cost effectiveness of the shipping industry, a number of measures are being put in place, including the privatisation of the nation’s ports, while the various regulatory agencies are being repositioned for effective service delivery.

Government will vigorously pursue the expansion

of the nation’s port system through the development of Deep Sea Ports to be driven by the private sector. A case in point is the recent Federal Executive Council approval for the development of a Deep Sea Port in Lekki by private investors to complement those of Ibaka and Badagry, which are ongoing.”

Nigeria, Amaechi added, has also submitted itself Interna-

tional Maritime Organisation (IMO) voluntary audit to ensure transparency and accountability in the sector.

The minister also stated that government is not unmindful of the unwholesome practices by some foreign shipping companies and their local collaborators operating within the sub-region, who often impose additional surcharges on shippers without prior consultation

with the relevant government agencies.

“The need to mobilise resources to adequately equip indigenous service providers to provide services at competitive prices has been identified and would be vigorously pursued.

Additionally, since shipping services is derived demand in nature, it follows therefore that there will be no shipping without cargo, “he said.

BORROW ME DATA

L-R: Globacom’s Brand Ambassador, Chinedu Okoli; Brand Specialist, Nkiru Orji; Head, Usage and Retention, Sola Arowogbadamu; Brand Ambassador, Ego Ogbaro; Senior Manager, Devices and Partnership, Odafe Akerejola; and Brand Specialist, Mobolaji Agboola at the launch of “Borrow Me Data”, and the repackaging of “Double Free Tomorrow”, “11k per second” and “IDD Packs” products by Globacom in Lagos …recently

‘FAAN’s Sack of Directors, GMs Could Reverse Gains of Reforms’ Kunle Aderinokun The recent sack of directors and general managers at the Federal Aviation Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) by the federal government has been described as an action that could reverse the gains of reforms in the aviation.

In fact, the sack, which has also been criticised for being politically motivated, is said to be capable of returning the aviation sector to the

era characterised by airport underdevelopment against the defined international standards.

An aviation professional, who is privy to the inner workings of FAAN, contended that the sack was used as bait for the workers’ union to accede to the proposed concession of the airports.

FAAN recently sacked over 21 senior officials, who were engaged about four years ago and demoted others on

what the agency referred to as “proper placement.”

In the wake of the sack, a FAAN source had disclosed to THISDAY that most of the directors, general managers, assistant general managers and deputy general managers employed under the former aviation minister, Senator Stella Oduah, have been sacked.

“They said that the post of directorship is political appointment and when the minister that appoints them is

removed the directors should go with him or her. Among those removed are three acting directors and three substantive directors. One acting director was demoted and two substantive directors were also demoted, but the Director of Human Resources was retained.

“Meanwhile, two directors were appointed and they have started work. They are director of finance and accounts and the director of commercial and

business development,” said the agency source But the aviation professional, who spoke with THISDAY, condemned the sack and (in some cases) demotion of the staff , who were professional hires brought in from aeronautic engineering field (Boeing), the private sector, including the financial industry and engineering, amongst others, to turnaround the Nigerian aviation sector.

‘Only Two Operating Airlines May Survive Till End of 2017’ Chinedu Eze Group Business Editor

Chika Amanze-Nwachuku AgriBusiness/Industry Editor

Crusoe Osagie

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

Senior Correspondent

Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents

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

Nume Ekeghe (Money Market) Nosa Alekhuogie (Maritime)

Airline operators have estimated that there is about 30 percent reduction of passenger traffic in the domestic market despite the fact that few airlines are still in operation. They concluded that if no action was taken to save the airlines, only two may survive by end of next year.

The operators also said that with the passenger reduction, the high cost of aviation fuel and scarcity of FX which hinder the ability of the airlines to buy and import aircraft parts, “it has become inevitable that some of the few airlines which still operate today may go under before the end of next year.”

One of the operators who is a Chief Operating Officer of

one of the domestic carriers, told THISDAY on Tuesday that the situation was exacerbated by the fact that bankers are not extending credit to the airlines and that it is becoming increasingly more difficult to access FX despite the inclusion of airlines in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) forex window along with manufacturers.

The top airline official said: “At the moment, our airline has lost about 25 percent of the market, although there is passenger surge sometimes but that may be because some other airlines stopped operation or that one airline could not operate on that day.

“The major problem is the high cost of Jet A1. The marketers have been warning

us and telling us about low stock, which means very soon the product may become scarce again,” the official said.

He noted that it is true that CBN added the airlines in the forex access window “but they said that we would benefit from this in the next two months but we need the money now.

We had a meeting with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and we deliberated on how we could carry out some of the maintenance locally as it is becoming increasingly difficult to ferry aircraft overseas for maintenance because of the FX problem, but we still need to buy and import spares.

The truth is that people have stopped flying and this will get worse unless the economy

improves, so I agree with the projection that some of the airlines will stop operation by end of next year; unless government takes immediate action to help the airlines,” the official also said.

THISDAY learnt on Monday that some airlines do not take their aircraft away for maintenance anymore; rather, they park it as Aircraft on Ground (AOG), hoping that they could have access to forex at a cheaper rate or they just leave the aircraft there “till things get better.”

“So with this situation, if an airline that has about seven aircraft leaves four of its aircraft on AOG and when the maintenance dates of the rest approached what do you

think he will do? He will also abandon all of them. That was what happened to Discovery Air and we all know what is happening at Aero,” a source told THISDAY. At the recent public hearing on aviation organised by House Committee on Aviation, the Managing Director of Chanchangi Airlines, which stopped operation in 2013, Trevor Worthington said the airline stopped service because of hostile government policies and identified the problems hindering successful operation of domestic airlines to include low utilization of aircraft, “in other parts of the world aircraft fly up to 22 hours a day but in Nigeria you hardly fly up to 12 hours.”

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AVIATION

Arik Identifies Challenges of Air Transport, Marks 10th Anniversary Stories by Chinedu Eze Nigeria’s major carrier, Arik Air has said high cost and scarcity of aviation fuel, inability to access FX are the major setbacks to its operation in Nigeria as it turned 10 years.

The Managing Director of the airline, Chris Ndulue explained that its daily demand of aviation fuel, known as Jet A1 is about 500, 000 litres and this is difficult to source due to the fact that the product is imported and urged government to do whatever is possible to refine the product locally.

Ndulue said the high demand for the dollar by the aviation industry is partly because aviation fuel is imported, adding that because

Jet A1 contributes about 40 percent of the cost of airline operation, when the product is refined locally it would reduce the pressure on dollar demand and also reduce the cost of operation.

“Last one year has been challenging for the airline industry and for the nation’s economy.

But it is more pervasive in the aviation industry because it is dollar dependent. 40 percent of operation cost is spent on fuel because it is import dependent and while the cost of fuel is low elsewhere because of the general low price of oil in the world, it is high in Nigeria. We urge government to do something about this,” Ndulue said.

He said that the airline intends to expand its operation

farther in West and Central Africa, in Asia, including Middle East and South America, but noted that the airline is cautious about expansion because of the recession, so it would approach the programme cautiously.

“Next phase of our growth will be dependent on intercontinental routes and expansion in West and Central Africa. We will announce this later. We have to have a cautious approach to expansion because of the realities of the recession. Part of the impact of the recession is that expansion has to slow down, so we approach it with caution,” he said.

The Arik Air Managing Director said that safety and security are the hallmark of the airline’s operation.

House Condemns Slow Pace of Work at MMIA’s New Terminal The House Committee on Aviation has condemned the slow pace of work at the new terminal in the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, noting that indications are that the project slated for completion by the end of this year will not be completed on schedule owing to the slow pace of work.

The terminal is part of the four terminals being built at the nation’s major airports in Lagos, Kano, Abuja and Port Harcourt with a $500 million loan facility.

The House also directed that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) should improve facilities at the Lagos airport international terminal ahead of the huge passenger traffic during the Christmas festivities.

The House Committee on Aviation during its oversight,

on-the-spot inspection of facilities at the international terminal observed that the chillers were not working effectively and there were also reports of frequent power outages at the airport.

The House Committee on Aviation Chairman, Hon. Nkiruka Onyejeocha told THISDAY in an interview at the weekend that in carrying out its oversight functions, the House would ensure that the right things were done to improve safety and comfort of air travellers in the country.

“We came hard on FAAN on the issue of the new terminal being built by the Chinese at Lagos airport. This is because from the agreement between Nigeria and China that terminal is supposed to be handed over

by December, 2016 and from what we saw, no magic will make them deliver it by the end

of the year. So we directed them to make sure they improve the pace of work on the project.

This is because we know that the slow pace of work has nothing to do with the federal government budget appropriation,” Onyejeocha said.

She said that the motion raised in the House to carry out the inspection of the Lagos airport was prompted by complaints from Nigerians that facilities at the airport were degenerating and that urgent action needed to be taken to halt the decay.

“We inspected the facilities and from what we saw, the way they painted the picture to us before our inspection was a bit exaggerated. Most things are not functioning properly but not as bad as they painted.

It is good we went for that oversight.

Nigeria Can Overtake Kenya’s $1bn Per Annum Perishable Cargo Export Nigeria can generate over $3billion annually in the next two years from perishable farm produce export to Europe and other destinations with good freight system, recommended farm input and packaging.

The Managing Director/ CEO of ABX World Nigeria Limited, Captain John Okakpu, whose company is into export of vegetables and other farm produce to Europe through air freighting, made the remark.

Okakpu said currently Kenya exports about $1 billion worth of vegetables per annum to Europe but Nigeria has better climate, has variety of farm produce and can generate and export perishable goods than any other country in Africa.

According to him, this is the most viable alternative to the dwindling oil revenue adding that in farming more people are engaged so it would boost employment and in addition put money in the pockets of ordinary people. “So it is a

means of delivering grassroots people from poverty”, he added.

On how to actualise this objective, Okakpu said state governors should embrace agriculture programme and support their citizens, noting that for instance, Anambra State has embraced the agriculture programme and the state has started exporting pumpkin leaves and other farm produce overseas. He said the state government should empower their people who engage in agriculture and some states that have goods that are highly sought after like the special pepper from Nsukka, known as yellow pepper, should develop and grow them in commercial quantity for export.

“The bottom line is the leadership. We had a discussion with the governor of Anambra state. I gave them proposal and they approved it and we agreed to work together.

The agreement was that they

needed to train and empower their people. For other people to be attracted to come and do business, create some kind of subsidy. And the governor agreed to this proposal. We first had to train first to enable people meet up to some certain standards to enable them to export their products. The government needs to empower its people and look at their social needs based on the standards of the international community.” Okakpu said.

He noted that if every state government is willing to empower its citizens with N100 million, it will make positive turnaround in the lives of the beneficiaries because they will become exporters of farm produce that will generate huge revenues for them.

Okakpu narrated how the people of Enugu state are preparing to grow yellow pepper or Nsukka pepper all year round in order to meet its demand in Europe.

w

AIR WATCH

Incessant Fire Outbreaks at Lagos Airport Lagos Airport domestic terminal, MMA2

and th maintain t future, ad would co Lufthansa

“We are

S

ince this year there have been at least 11 fire incidents at the international terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.

Although the incidents disrupted activities and damaged facilities at the terminal, no life was lost. The fire incidents that sometimes lasted for hours threatened safety at the Lagos airport.

As the major speaker at this year’s Akwaaba Travel Market Aviation Conference in Lagos on Monday, Richard Aisuebeogun noted that one of the major setbacks to airport development in Africa is incessant power outages. Aisuebeogun who was a former Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), said that many airports in Africa rely on secondary power instead of primary power supply and remarked that it was one of the problems retarding air transport in Africa.

FAAN has critical problem with power supply.

In many of the airports under its management airlines do not operate after 6:00 pm. Only six out of the 22 airports under the FAAN management do night flight operations.

But the incessant fire outbreaks at the international terminal of the Lagos airports indicate that it is just a matter of time that a tragic conflagration would take place. The consequence of this is that airlines and other companies that operate at the terminal and at the airport would be paying high insurance premium. About two months ago, a bank branch at the airport was gutted by fire, but this happened in the night when the bank had closed for business, leaving only few officials, including security personnel. According to eyewitness account, the fire that gutted the bank sent smokes all over the terminal, emitting acrid smell and destabilised activities at the facility. The incident affected activities at the airport as passenger processing were paralysed.

This is the risk airport workers take every day at the terminal. Inside source said that what is painful about the incessant fire outbreaks at the terminal is that it has been happening for a long time and FAAN management has failed to find a permanent solution to the problem.

THISDAY learnt that there are always disagreements between the engineering personnel and the FAAN management over issues relating to rehabilitation of electrical equipment. While FAAN management alleged that the engineering department simply wanted to extort money from the management” the engineers often accused the management of unwillingness to provide money for the overhaul of the electric system at the airport terminal.

A senior official of FAAN who has worked for several years at the terminal told THISDAY that some of the electrical equipment needed replacement, disclosing that FAAN management planned to rehabilitate the electrical system at the terminal in phases.

“FAAN management wanted to do the rehabilitation in phases, but when you make the first changes and leave it for a long time it will rapture. The last fire incident was sparked off by fire interchange. The problem we have is funds. For us to improve the situation, there should be total replacement because all the equipment is ageing and you cannot replace one and leave the other. They should be all replaced,” he said.

The source admitted that some of the problems that gave rise to the fire were due to human error, which good supervision would have eliminated, adding that FAAN would have to prioritise the total rehabilitation of the whole electrical system at the terminal. He added that the matter is now being addressed by the FAAN management and expressed the hope that the problem would soon be solved.

THISDAY investigations however revealed that the problem might be far from over because FAAN said it could not afford the funds needed to carry out comprehensive rehabilitation of the power system at the terminal.

On the increasing demand of electricity due to expansion and increase of activities at the airport terminal, the FAAN source said the management had made provision for that.

“There is expansion to take care of the additional businesses that have come into the terminal but we have not finished the connectivity, so we still have hiccups. Caterpillar and Matric engineering installed six generators for us and we still have two older generators that are still working so we have enough backups,” the officials said.

He noted that contrary to what many people believe, the incessant fire out break at the airport was not caused by underground cables because the cables had been taken care of.

“The problem now has to do with the panels. For example, the spares to the equipment that supply power to the avio bridges cannot be sourced now because the company that produced them had since stopped production of such equipment. We have decided to change the sittings of that equipment.

We have applied for funds from the headquarters but we have not received their response yet. What is good about this is that we have the manpower to effectively carry out the jobs,” the official also said.

But there has been a protracted allegation in FAAN that engineering personnel sometime sabotage the electrical equipment so that money would be made available to replace that equipment. A FAAN official once told THISDAY, “These engineers bring bogus bills and when you protest they will abandon you, so when outages like this occur and it is reported, Presidency will be hard on FAAN and the agency will quickly sign the engineers request for funds. But what the engineers don’t know is that this incessant power outage and fire are part of what made government to consider giving out the airports in concession because almost all the time things don’t work well at these airports. When the concession takes place, the engineers will also lose their jobs,” the official from the agency headquarters told THISDAY.

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Of Labour’s Compromise and Aero Contractors’ Resurgence The aviation workers’ union would have to make more concessions to meet the conditions given by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria for the rebirth of Aero Contractors. Otherwise, labour’s intransigence could result in the re-enactment of the demise of Nigeria Airways, writes Chinedu Eze It was scheduled last week that Aero offices would re-open this week and workers would be admitted to the premises, as their umbrella union continues to negotiate with management of the company over workers’ welfare and severance package.

Although more compromise was expected to be reached this week, but there are indications that labour has conceded that the airline would lay off some workers, showing strongly their determination to ensure that the airline resumes operations, thus defying the believe of sceptics that the airline has gone for good.

The workers have agreed in part that Aero must have to downsize before it would be able to fly again, so the crux of the matter for labour is, what would be the severance package of the staff that would lose their jobs. Labour came to this inevitability when it was made to understand that that may be the only choice if the airline would resume operation again.

Background

Aero Contractors on September 1, 2016 announced that it would stop all schedule services until further notice, while it continues charter and rotor services, involving its helicopter operations.

THISDAY learnt that before that announcement, the management of the company had been negotiating with the workers on layoff and what would be their severance package.

The labour union during the negotiation insisted that advanced payment of rent and other advances made to the staff be repaid; rather, those workers would have to be paid their severance package by Aero. Negotiation came to a cul-de-sac when Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) through the Receiver Manager and in collaboration with the management stopped the airline’s scheduled services.

On September 1, 2016, the Chief Executive Officer of Aero, Capt. Fola Akinkuotu said the decision to stop scheduled services was part of the strategic business realignment to reposition the airline and return it to the part of profitability. The airline said this business decision, which was as a result of the current economic situation in the country, had forced some other airlines to suspend operation or out rightly pull out of Nigeria.

In the case of Aero, Akinkuotu said the airline had faced grave challenges in the past six months, which impacted on its business and by extension the scheduled services operations.

“These factors, according to him are both internal and external environmental factors that have made it difficult for the foremost airline to continue its scheduled services,” the airline said. He said during the period in review, Aero, which was hitherto revered for its safety, timeliness among other virtues witnessed epileptic operations and services to the external publics that are caused by nonalignment of fundamental issue of the business, which in some cases had been frustrating and embarrassing to all parties including staff, customers and indeed all stakeholders.

“As part of its resolve to ensure the airline survived unlike most other carriers that experienced short life span in the country, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) had appointed Mr. Adeniyi Adegbomire SAN as Receiver Manager in February 6, 2016, with the aim of turning the airline around. Since AMCON’s intervention in Aero Contractors in 2011, it has provided support for the airline to meet working capital requirements and fleet expansion. These were to ensure the airline remains a going concern providing services to various clients and the general public.

“Unfortunately, the operating environment

within and outside the airline have hindered any possible progress especially in the last six months when the Naira depreciated against the dollar thus making it impossible for the airline to achieve its operational targets,” Akinkuotu also said.

Public Hearing A fortnight ago there was public hearing on how to rebound the aviation industry organised by the House Committee on Aviation. The one-week event witnessed a lot of revelations. It provided a platform for officials of AMCON to state their position on the beleaguered 57-year old airline, Aero Contractors. AMCON among other things made it clear that the airline must downsize before it would consider moves to bring the airline back to normal flight operations.

Indications also showed that it was contemplating having a partner to help the airline re-fleet and possibly make funds available. But besides the present challenges besetting the airline, it has enviable safety record and invaluable goodwill.

The first step to reposition Aero is to unburden it of the huge overhead and salary emoluments by trimming down the workforce in tandem with the number of aircraft presently available for the airline. This means that over 60 percent of the 1, 300 workers would go.

Bloated Workforce It has been the position of the Aero management that the organisation has a bloated workforce, considering the fact that it used to operate over 15 aircraft in its fleet but when it resumes operation it may start with four Boeing 737 and possibly two or three small body aircraft, Bombardier Q300. The number

The workers have agreed in part that Aero must have to downsize before it would be able to fly again, so the crux of the matter for labour is, what would be the severance package of the staff that would lose their jobs. Labour came to this inevitability when it was made to understand that that may be the only choice if the airline would resume operation again

of workers ought to be compatible with the number of equipment in the airline fleet. This, the management said, would enable it to effectively management its meagre resources and maximise its revenue. The airline also stressed that those workers laid off might return to the company when it turns the corner and begins to operate profitably, as it would need more workers with the addition of more aircraft in its fleet.

“Of course, the airline will always re-absorb its old workers, which it imparted skills over the years, who know the tradition of the company than to go outside to seek new hands,” said an insider.

THISDAY spoke the Chairman of the Air Transport Service Senior Staff Association (ATSSSAN) in Aero, Lewis Emakpo, who confirmed that labour has continued discussions with Aero management and expressed optimism that they would reach amicable resolution and the airline would bounce back.

“Before that crisis that led to the suspension of scheduled services by Aero we were into negotiation. We agreed with management that the staff was too much and we were in the middle of negotiation when the airline stopped operation. The disagreement we were having then was that the management said some of the workers who had collected advancement of credit facility would part with some money as they are laid off. The severance package they wanted to pay the staff was considered inadequate by the workers, so we requested that the staff should be properly disengaged.

The workers are willing to leave,” Emakpo said.

Intervention of National Assembly The labour leader commended the National Assembly, both the House and the Senate for their intervention in what is happening in the aviation industry, saying that without their intervention AMCON and labour might not have made any headway towards bringing back Aero Contractors.

“Now the management of Aero, labour and AMCON are reaching a compromise.

AMCON is listening and they made it clear to us that they are determined to ensure that the airline is back. Last week we had a meeting with the Receiver Manager, Mr. Adeniyi and we told him that the severance package the management is giving the workers is very small but we agreed that they will open the place so that we will know those who will go and the ones that will remain. We are expected to also meet this week, Wednesday and Thursday.

We are confident about the airline because AMCON told us that the airline would not be allowed to go down.

Severance Package “We the union agreed that the workforce is over bloated so there will be downsizing,

but the management should give them what they deserve. How can somebody work for 12 to 15 year and he will be asked to refund money when you want to disengage him?

The management said they don’t want what happened in 2008 when it disengaged some workers to happen now because the company does not have money,” Emakpo said.

But a senior management official in Aero who spoke to THISDAY confirmed some of the things Emakpo said. He agreed there was a consensus that the office would be reopened this week and there would be “a meeting of minds on the issues. We have not finalised. We are going to finanlise the severance package next week (this week). Labour has agreed on the reduction of the workforce.”

“Negotiation is still on. Those who took advanced credit facility like house rent will have to pay but labour said they ought not to pay,” the official said.

On whether the airline would partner with international carriers, the official said the Aero was open for negotiations, “nobody would want to partner with the airline if there is industrial partisanship.

Labour has to shift so that we arrive at a compromise. That will give rise to the amicable resolution of the problem. There is no agreement yet but there is hope that everything will work out as planned,” the official also said.

Revamping Aero While fielding questions at the public hearing organised by the House Committee on Aviation a fortnight ago, an official of AMCON, William Ayodele said the government agency had the objective to turnaround and revamp the airline when it took it over in 2011. But according to the House members, AMCON has failed to realise its set objective because since it took over the airline its fortunes have been dwindling.

In fact, the House said AMCON has not made sufficient investment in the airline.

AMCON said its mandate was to buy and restructure the airline. The restructuring was to convert the debts to equity. The agency said it funded the airline to acquire aircraft and engines. It sent letters to lessors as shareholder that held 60 percent of the equity so that it would lease aircraft to the airline.

But a member of the House Committee on Aviation who was obviously dissatisfied with the role AMCON played in the airline since it took it over said, “The involvement of AMCON in Aero Contractors was a mistake. It does not have the capacity to handle aviation organisation like Aero,” he said.

Many industry observers are eager to see Aero resume operation. There is also a lurking fear that the demise of Aero may be augury of the collapse of indigenous airline industry.

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Onyejeocha: Lawmakers are Worried about the Future of Aviation Sector The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Aviation, Hon. Nkiruka Onyejeocha, has reached the conclusion that the aviation sector is bedeviled by sundry problems that are threatening the future of air transport in Nigeria. She spoke to Chinedu Eze on actions being taken to rejuvenate the industry. Excerpts: What was the purpose of the House Committee’s visit to the Lagos airport recently?

We went for the oversight of facilities because we had a motion to carry out on-the-spot assessment of some facilities at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and look at the issues, which we did. Those issues concern the new terminals being built by the Chinese and the criticism concerning the remodeled old terminal. Some people had complained about the facilities at the old international terminal, so we needed to ascertain the facts and we also looked at the chillers, which they also complained about. There was allegation that the roof at the terminal was leaking.

We inspected the facilities and from what we saw, the way they painted the picture to us before our inspection was a bit exaggerated.

Most things are not functioning properly but not as bad as they painted it. It was good we went for that oversight. For the chillers, we asked them to ensure they are improved because of the heavy traffic we will expect during the Yuletide and then the weather would be warner than it is currently. So we asked them to make sure that the chillers are working. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) promised to work on the chillers that were not working.

We came hard on FAAN on the issue of the terminal being built by the Chinese at Lagos airport. This is because from the agreement that terminal was supposed to be handed over

by December, 2016 and from what we saw, no magic will make them deliver it by the end of the year. So we directed them to make sure they improve the pace on the work. This is because we know that the slow pace of work has nothing to do with the federal government budget appropriation.

We went to the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and stressed on the importance of air safety and also commended them for meeting the expectation and sustaining the high safety standard. This is important because in aviation you don’t sleep; you work 24 hours and make sure that everything is kept to standard and that every facility is working. We also implored them to be proactive on the issues of safety.

Calibration (testing airspace equipment) should be taken seriously to make sure that all the equipment is working optimally.

We went to NCAA and we discussed issues concerning the capacity of the workers to make sure that they train and retrain their workers to meet best international practices in the industry. Aviation is a well-regulated industry and once you cut corners there will be a lot of consequences, which verge on safety and possible loss of lives. So our on -the -spot assessment in Lagos was very timely because having experienced recession, it is pertinent that everyone is kept on his toes to ensure safety is not compromised because these are challenging times. So no matter how much money we are losing; no matter the level of devaluation of our currency, you cannot compromise on safety standards.

We implored them to ensure they do not cut corners because of the economic issues we are facing. Recession is not an excuse to cut corners.

We should do the things we are supposed to do and that is it.

Are you worried that foreign airlines may leave the country because of economic recession and how do you see the challenges Nigeria airlines are facing over forex?

Honestly I am worried. That is why we are doing public hearing on how to rescue the industry from imminent collapse. We are facing issues of recession, inadequate supply of Jet A1 and airlines not performing optimally due to hindrances like lack of airfield lighting on some runways. And now some airlines may go under.

taking everything seriously to ensure that we don’t leave any stone unturned.

There is report that the Warri Refinery is producing about three million litres of both petrol and kerosene, but nothing was said about Jet A1 and part of the pressure on forex is the cost of importation of aviation fuel. I don’t know what the House is doing about this?

We are looking at it already. That was why we invited the Minister of State, Aviation. We also invited the Minister of State for Petroleum and the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) but they didn’t come and we didn’t hear from them.

We cannot discuss moving forward without hearing from these people. This is because Jet A1 is very critical to the whole problem and its availability will make a significant chance.

Hopefully they will appear in the next hearing.

What the stakeholders are proffering is that aviation fuel should be produced locally here so that they will stop its importation. Once they stop its import the issue of forex and the cost of the product will be resolved. With its local refining it will be available and cheaper and this will reflect on the cost of ticket and at the end of the day it will have positive multiplier effect.

Onyejeocha

Aero Contractors has already stopped operation.

IRS Airlines, Chanchangi and others have been out of business for a while, so I am worried.

As a Nigerian I am worried because aviation should be one of the sectors that should fund our budget. It should contribute to our GDP and if it is not, every right thinking person should be worried. This is more so when I am the Chair, House Committee on Aviation, so everything that is not working towards the upliftment of the sector should keep me worried.

What happened today (during the hearing) is that we were able to seat with the stakeholders and, of course, the local and international airlines and it was revealing. Emirates said they would leave Abuja operation because of, one, forex issues, and he buttressed the point very clearly that if somebody buys ticket for $1000 at the exchange rate of N300, 000, for example, by the time they will exchange the money from the parallel market to repatriate their money it will be devalued and they cannot get the $1000 ticket again; sometimes it devalues to $600. So they are losing money operating in Nigeria, so they said they could not continue because the exchange rate fluctuates. So the naira is not stable and the policy is also not stable.

How are you going to push these issues to the executive to make sure that they take action?

We are going to make recommendations.

The Ministry representatives were at the public hearing. The Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) attended the public hearing. Our recommendation will be based on what is obtained internationally. We must apply best international practices because there is no way Nigeria can be charging airlines VAT while in other countries airlines do not pay VAT. And in Nigeria it is only the airlines in that pay VAT in the transportation system.

As far as I am concerned, aviation is a global sector; while certain regulations could be localised but the mode of operation must follow that international standard because Nigeria is a member of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). So we must do everything in compliance with ICAO standard. The way to go is to do recommendation and we have seen everything and I did not see them fault those submissions concerning over taxation.

When we are talking about how to revive our local airlines we must take critical look at the services and the fees they are being charged.

You cannot charge them out of business and if you listened to the last submission by the Rector of the Nigeria Aviation College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, he said that all over the world that there is no way government does not intervene to help its airlines. This is because air transport plays catalyst roll in every nation’s economy. So government should intervene because of the invaluable services the airlines are rendering; they must intervene to waive some fees and charges just to encourage the airlines.

Most importantly is that we want CBN to come up with a policy that will have position impact in the aviation sector, moving forward.

So government cannot continue to rely on the flexibility of the naira. The consequence of that is not good on the airlines. You can see that some of them are already losing money. The reality is that Nigerian airlines do not have the capacity now. That is where government should assist the local carriers, so we cannot say that we should allow these foreign airlines to go so that our own airlines will start operating international destinations. Our airlines do not have the capacity yet, so we have to be realistic about this. We have to continue to encourage the movement of people and goods, so we must support these airlines both local and international carriers.

At the public hearing we told CBN that it ought to take concrete action to help the airlines to continue to operate in Nigeria by facilitating their access to forex. The airlines also pointed out that the Abuja runway, which is bad is one of the reasons why they decided to withdraw their services from Abuja. That runway issue borders on safety and it is critical item in flight operations. In consideration of that reason you cannot say, no, they must continue to fly until a solution is found. So we are not going to tell them to continue flying until the runway is repaired in the short term and another one built in the long term. It is good that the stakeholders listened to them; the officials of the Ministry also listened to them. What we shall do is to go back to the drawing board and look at our budget. We have to also examine the runway they are talking about and get it fixed. We are

What is your view about the industry and how it could be improved to have viable airlines and functional airport facilities?

My view about the industry is that aviation is critical to any economy. It is a sector that we should not treat with levity. It should be a priority of the government and any other government because of the critical role it plays on the economy. So moving forward, I believe that the recommendation that we will come up with from this hearing will lead to the solution of the many problems in the industry. We know that there is problem and we have agreed that there is problem. We are also looking at the issues concerning concession so when we put everything together we will be able to come up with solutions to these challenges.

We are going to have short term, medium time and of course, long term solutions to these problems. In the short term, government must intervene. One issue of Aero and Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), the airline has operated in Nigeria for 57 years.

AMCON took over the airline, but the critical question is, why did AMCON take over the airline and the airline is not yet back on its feet? My take on this is that everybody: the executive, the judiciary and the legislature should come together to move this sector forward.

The Minister during the hearing talked about transparency. There is no doubt about that, but when everyone is complaining what you should do is to pause and then listen. This is because if you carry everybody along and they understand what you are doing there will be less rancor. It is not that at the end of the day everybody will agree.

There is no policy of government that can appeal to everyone. But if you carry majority of the people, especially the labour, you will go a long way. The constitution of Nigeria said that government should provide for its citizens. This is a fundamental responsibility of government, so government should think if it wants to do anything that could remove food from the people’s table. But in doing that we must do it according to the law and we must do it according to the dictates of the constitution.

This means that we must obey the law. You cannot do it outside the law.

I am of the view that anything that should be done must abide by the act that established.

If it is in terms of law we are ready to assist.

This is because if you introduce policies that are not implementable you are back to square one.

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

MARITIME

NPA: Phase 4B of Onne Port Complex Ready for Operation Stories by Eromosele Abiodun and Mohammed Habib

The Managing Director of Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman has indicated part of the new capacity being added at the Phase 4B area of the Onne Port Complex development Area in Rivers State, will be put into commercial use soon.

The NPA boss dropped the hint after a tour of the facilities designed to handle

Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) integration and other construction and industrial activities.

The NPA boss expressed satisfaction at the high quality of facilities and services provided by Intels Nigeria Limited at Onne Port Terminal.

Bala Usman visited the Onne Port Terminal as part of her maiden tour of port facilities in the Eastern part of Nigeria.

“I have come to Onne and I have looked at the facilities.

Senate Committee to Exploit Legislative Tools to Support LADOL The Senate Committee on Marine Transport has pledged to exploit all necessary legislative tools in support of the Lagos Deep Offshore logistics base (LADOL), which is currently playing host to the biggest oil and gas fabrication yard in sub-Saharan Africa.

The commitment was made on behalf of the National Assembly in Lagos, when members of the upper legislative chambers led by the Committee Chairman, Senator Ahmed Yerimah Sanni, toured the Apapa port-based yard in Lagos.

Speaking with journalists after the tour, Sanni expressed delight at the state of the art yard which is currently hosting the fabrication of Africa’s largest Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) valued at over $3.8 billion.

The FPSO oil and gas platform otherwise known as Egina project is being handled on behalf of Total by the Korean-based Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) with LADOL as the Local Content partner led by Dr. Amy Jadesimi, its Managing Director who received the guests.

According to the committee Chairman, “I am highly impressed at what I have seen today. That such a project is being handled in Nigerian with an indigenous company playing a major role is highly commendable…and we need to encourage them in whatever legitimate ways we can.

“This is my first time of coming here…I just heard about LADOL through documents that come to my table. Our responsibility as National Assembly is to make laws. We do this with a view to providing the enabling environment for various agreements that are entered into by government and other stakeholders.

“We also carry out oversight functions and recommend to government on ways and manners that such projects can be supported for optimum performance to enable them achieve their goals in the overall interest of Nigeria…and I think LADOL falls under this category of indigenous organisations that

need supports,” he said.

Describing LADOL as a unique Nigerian indigenous investment, Senator Sanni added, “We will channel our legislative activities towards ensuring that activities such as this not only survive but progress in enriching the national economy.”

Earlier during the facility tour, MD, of LADOL, Jadesimi informed the legislators that the fabrication works being currently handled at LADOL base had never been done anywhere else in Africa.

“This yard was built by a Nigerian contractor by name Deux Projects. This is the real Nigerian success story built by Nigerians” she said.

Jadesimi went down memory lane to recall that the feat was achieved despite initial skepticism by some detractors who were vehemently opposed to having the job done in Nigeria for selfish reasons.

“Shortly before we embarked on building the yard, there were a lot of distractive stories…a lot of controversies some of which still continues till date.

We were told that it would take five years to build the yard, so forget it! We were told it would be cheaper to do it outside Nigeria, so we shouldn’t bother.

“Well, the fabrication yard you are seeing here today was built in one year by Deux Project-a Nigerian company.

So that shows you how easy it is to develop this kind of capacity…and how important it is that we don’t let people try to push us off the path of development, for their own selfish reasons, because these developments are very critical to economic growth”.

Explaining further, the LADOL boss pointed out that a number of factors make the base unique.“I like to let you know that some facilities here are unique in Africa. The crane capacity is the highest in Africa…the two cranes you saw at the site are the second highest in the world…and some of the facilities are only available here and are critical to global standard in offshore operations” she said.

The Port management and operations are very tidy. We have seen the deployment of infrastructure efficiently and effectively. I have inspected Onne 4B and we are thinking of what we need to do within the shortest possible time to ensure that whatever government has invested in the project will be put to commercial use,” she said.

She added that the federal government has deployed millions of dollars to the project which is about 24 per cent completed.

“That 24 per cent completion phase needs to be used commercially while decision is taken on the steps the government will take to complete the project. I have inspected Onne 4 B and we are thinking of what we need to do within the shortest possible time to ensure that whatever

government has invested in the project will be put to commercial use. So while we lease out land to developers we are not able to ensure that the developer takes access of the premises and that is one of the important take away from this visit, “ she said. In his presentation to the NPA boss, the General Manager of Deep Offshore Services Nigeria Limited, Mr. Tonye Apiafi, said the company as concessionaire and investor, is investing over $ 2.7 billion in Phase 4B of the Onne Port Complex’’.

He added that, “the project includes the dredging and reclamation of a total of 600 HA of swampland, construction of 2000M of Jetty for Berths 12-19 and construction of over 3500M Jetty for port facilities including fabrication & construction yards. In addition, the Phase 4B project includes

the construction of an inner channel and turning basin for vessels, stacking areas, a 6000 cubic meters capacity water distribution system and construction of roads networks in excess of 15,500 meters.”

Apiafi further stated that a portion of the jetty includes a 50 ton/SHLP (Super Heavy Load Platform) in preparation for fabrication, construction and FPSO integration activities, which he revealed, is available already.When completed, Apiafi said the Phase 4B project will also provide jobs for tens of thousands of Nigerians.

He added that the phase 4B project will effectively double the existing land size of the Onne Port complex and rollout unprecedented capabilities, including new facilities to support Deep

water operations.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of INTELS, Mr. Adrew Dawes said that the provision of high quality facilities and services in Onne was the result of huge investments running into billions of Dollars over the years.

“We (Intels and NPA) are partners in the public private sector. Our policy is to invest in concessioned terminals in line with what was issued in concession agreement by NPA and the Ministry of Transport in line with Federal Government strategy on infrastructure development, ’’he said.

He explained that it is the only facility ready to fully receive a FPSO alongside it.

Dawes further said that sufficient water depth, turning basin and heavy lift capacity already exist in the jetty for loads up to 50 tons.

WELCOME TO ONNE

L-R: General Manager, Deep Offshore Services Nigeria Limited, Mr. Tonye Apiafi; Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman; Executive Director, Finance, NPA, Mr. Mohammed Koko; Director, Special Duties of INTELS Limited, Mr. Damir Miskovic, during a tour of Onne Port Complex in Rivers State…recently

Tincan Island Port Generates N207.8bn in 10 Months The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tincan Island Port generated N207.838 billion between January and October 2016. This disclosure was made by the Area Comptroller Tincan Island Port Apapa, Comptroller Bashar Yusef while reviewing the general operational module of the command.

This sum, he said, represents a positive trend in consideration of the prevailing Economic Recession which has become a global phenomenon.

The comptroller had on assumption of office few months ago re-jigged the operational and revenue

generating capacity of the command through some far reaching measures aimed at blocking all identifiable areas of revenue leakages.

During a recent meeting with key stakeholders in the maritime industry, the comptroller had charged them to continually educate and sensitise members of their various organisations on the need to support the federal government and the Nigeria Customs Service through honest declarations in all their documentation.

“A major constraint which we have continued to address is the issue of

false declaration, deliberate misapplication of harmonized system code on items among other infractions. However, I am confident that with the measures which we have put in place, it will be practically impossible for anybody to manipulate or circumvent the process without being caught,” he said.

Speaking on the measures and plans to further enhance the capacity of the command to deal with some of the vices, the Controller pointed out that he is fully committed and determined to deliver on his mandate, promising to ensure that the various

operations in the value chain are compelled to key into the change ideology of the Federal Government.

He added that, “We will continue the strategy of stakeholder engagement, training and re-training of our personnel as well as collaboration and synergy with the critical agencies in line with the vision and mission of the Comptroller General, Col Hamed Ali. (rtd) and his management. We will continue to remain on top of our mandate through strict adherence with the extant laws for maximum Revenue Generation.”

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016

25

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

AXA Wins 1st Global Insurance Brand for the 8th Consecutive Time For the 8th consecutive year, AXA has been adjudged the no.1 global insurance brand according to Interbrand Best Global Brands 2016 ranking.

This recognition further affirms AXA brand’s strong ongoing reputation and value, which is the 1st insurance brand, the 3rd best brand across all financial services and 46th best global brand.

AXA has made remarkable progress with a brand value of over 10 billion USD, indicating a 14% increase from last year

and 49% increase since 2013.

The 2016 Interbrand ranking was centered on growth and AXA was rated for its performance in three major initiatives or drivers: the strengthening of its powerful innovation ecosystem, designed to serve customers; meaningful initiatives for corporate responsibility through the promotion of concrete, sustainable actions; and an expanded presence of the Group in Africa and the Middle East.

Commenting on the achievement, Chief Executive Officer, AXA Mansard Insurance plc, Yetunde Ilori said: “We are excited to be part of the AXA group, now recognised as the 1st insurance brand in the world for the 8th consecutive time. For us, we would continue to build a world class insurance company with global expertise and local competence.”

Group Chief Customer Officer, in charge of Customer, Brand and Digital, and Chief

Executive Officer of AXA Global Asset Management, Véronique Weill said: “We are very proud to be the leading insurance brand for the 8th year in a row. I would like to thank our 103 million customers who have trusted us once again this year. I would also like to thank our employees and our distributors for this new achievement. Their daily commitment towards our customers illustrates our new strategic vision: Empower people to live a better life.

The AXA brand reflects this mission and we are very pleased to be recognized for our continued efforts.”

According to Interbrand, “Each year we are impressed

by AXA’s transformation. This is a brand that is growing by having the confidence to disrupt its own status quo.

They have the ambition to change their category and the capacity to attract and retain the talent to make it happen. They are an inspiring brand that has humility and

conviction. When they set out a promise you can be sure it will be delivered on.”

Interbrand, a brand strategy and design consultancy, is recognised internationally for its expertise in brand assessment. The Best Global Brands ranking established

by Interbrand evaluates a brand’s value according to three criteria: its financial performance, the brand’s strength, and the band’s role in the purchase of its products and services.

IATA Pledges Review of Guidelines for Travel Agents in Nigeria Chinedu Eze International Air Transport Association (IATA), the global body regulating major aviation operation, has agreed to review guidelines that will enhance and promote the growth of travel trade business in Nigeria.

At a recent strategic meeting with the Executive of National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) let by its National President, Mr. Bankole Bernard, IATA promised to review the interest rates charged against defaulting travels agents who delayed remittal of funds to IATA and a faster updating of exchange rate on its BSP link to help discourage speculation and confusion among travel agents.

The Regional Director of IATA, Mr. Dusankostic, who received the Nanta delegation in Amman, Jordan regional Headquarter, of IATA, Africa and Middle East, also promised that the global aviation regula-

tory body would henceforth play more proactive role in the training and retraining of NANTA members, adding that IATA would back a possible presence of a second DIP Provider in Nigeria.

Dusankostic appreciated the visit of NANTA leadership to its Amman facility, and used the opportunity to introduce the Gen ISS Program, a global management process for travel agents meant to ease compliance with local trade laws.

Earlier in his presentation, Nanta President Bankole Bernard commended IATA for its progressive oversight of aviation business in Nigeria, but however called for more pragmatic approach to issues concerning Nigeria travel agents who are key players in the downstream sector of the industry, particularly with challenges posed by the Nigerian economy in recession.

GLOBAL RECOGNITION

L-R: Chief Technical Officer, Digital Encode, Oluseyi Akindeinde; Chief Operating Officer, Digital Encode, Obadare Adewale and Chairman of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucasus, Dee Dawkins-Haigler, during the conferment of Honorary Georgia Citizen on Digital Encode founders, held in Georgia, USA...recently

Airtel Lauded over Aso Rock Demo Day App Initiative

Students Display Dexterity Indigenous Cloud Accounting as Finalists Emerge in Solution Debuts at ICAN Conference Cowbellpedia

Sunday Okobi

The start of the semi-finals of the on-going Cowbellpedia Secondary Schools Mathematics Television Quiz Show lived to its billings recently as speed, accuracy and composure became tools in the hands of the twelve contestants fighting for honours in the first of the three semi-finals of the competition.

In the junior category, it was a fierce mental warfare that saw Oluwafunmbi Fakorede of BiboOluwa Academy, Ilesha, Osun State; and Dennis Balogun of Greater Tomorrow International College, Arigidi-Akoko, Ondo State secure the final tickets for their respective schools.

Maje Shuaibu of NTIC Kano Boys, Kano State; Oluwafunke Alabi of Scholars Universal Secondary School, Ota, Ogun State; Micah Gabriel of Evangel College, Gombe, Gombe State; and Toyosi Olorunfemi of Model Secondary School, Ilesanmi Village, Oba-Ile, Akure, Ondo State however, did not crash out without a fight, as

Three young entrepreneurs, who emerged winners in the Aso (Rock) Villa Day Demo (AVDD), a presidential initiative aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and innovation through the use of technologies, have commended Airtel Nigeria for promoting creativity.

Emmanuel Okena, founder of Tracology; Mazi Ukonu, founder of Recycle Points, and Damilola Olokesusi, founder of Shuttlers, were at the Airtel headquarters in Lagos recently to redeem their cash prizes.

They were awarded cash prizes of N3million each for creating apps aimed at enhancing service delivery and solving critical societal challenges. Director of Brand and Advertising, Airtel, Mr. Enitan Denloye, presented the cash prizes to the winners.

The three tech entrepreneurs emerged top among the 30 startups that featured in the Aso Villa

Demo Day finals, a presidential initiative to also encourage tech start-up and talented Nigerians in the technological domain.

Reacting to the telecoms firm gesture, Okena said: “The commitment showed by Airtel Nigeria is a huge motivation for us. Their support encourages us to remain focused.

The app will boost revenue generation for the government and utility companies while ensuring customer service satisfaction.”

Tracology is a patented process that deploys QR codes to residences serviced by utility/ waste management companies registered within their database.

This app enables the service providers to quickly verify customers who have paid or not, thereby eliminating challenges associated with verification.

“We appreciate a corporate body like Airtel Nigeria for being part of the initiative. What Airtel has done will enable us to improve,” Ukonu said.

the contest stretched into a tie breaker twice.

In the second round, the trio of Fakorede, Balogun and Alabi tied on one hundred points, while Balogun flew past Alabi and Fakorede in the first tie breaker. The second tie breaker eventually became a heart breaker for Alabi who could not match the superior firepower of Fakorede who joined Balogun on the final train.

Balogun and Fakorede expressed confidence in their abilities to do well in the final contest. “I feel great to get to this point, but the battle is not over. I will go and prepare well for the final battle, most especially, I will heed my teacher’s advice to improve on my speed,” an elated Balogun told journalists outside the studio in Lagos.

In the senior category, Blessing Udo of The Ambassador College, Ota, Ogun State and Hasanah Adeyanju of Ota Total Academy, Ota.

Participating accountants at the recent Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN’s) Conference in Abuja were held spell bound by the features of a new accounting application that debuted at the event.

Said to have been developed by an indigenous technology firm, belonging to a Lagosbased renowned management consulting company, ikooba Business Measurement and Control (BMAC) reportedly made its appearance at the 46th conference of the ICAN product exhibition to unveil it for the first time to the public and feel its reception by one of its key stakeholders, the professional chartered accountant. The ICAN delegates at the conference from across the country widely received it, describing the ikooba BMAC solution as an indigenous application that could enhance their ability to service their teeming clients from any location in the world and usher them much relief

from the highly priced foreign solutions that had dominated accounting practice in the country for decades.

Sam Afemikhe Jnr, the Project Director of ikooba Technologies, who unveiled the software application at the threeday conference, told the crowd of the highly excited chartered accountants that thronged their stand that his company was out to enhance transparency, integrity and collaboration in business by innovatively delivering excellent and seamless cloud-based processes. He described ikooba “as a bouquet of business and collaboration systems and tools that bring practical and effective solutions to help address the day to day business problems, particularly in the areas of accounting, performance measurement and control.”

Ikooba, Sam Jnr stated, “will encourage businesses, particularly small and medium scale Enterprises (SMEs) to keep accounting records.

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016

26

BUSINESSWORLD

ANALYSIS

Fresh Awakening for the Mining Sector With the slump in oil prices and a more compelling need to diversify the nation’s revenue base, the spotlight has shifted to the mining sector. Ndubuisi Francis reports on the just-concluded Nigeria Mining Week For decades, there has been what can best be described as motion without movement vis-àvis successive administrations’ sloganeering to develop the solid minerals sector.

Even when there has been a rather lethargic demonstration of the required political will to accord the desperately needed attention to the sector, the incontrovertible fact remains that it holds the ace to unlocking the nation’s latent technological potential.

However, the downturn in the nation’s economy has elicited fresh impetus on the desirability of taking the mining sector to the front burner.

The mining sector roadmap has been developed and the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, recently affirmed that the roadmap would catapult Nigeria from a mineralrich nation to a mineral mining and processing country, adding that by 2025, the sector could be adding up to $27 billion to Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2025.

There has also been a conscious effort to bring countries with rich mining pedigree into the mix through partnerships to develop the sector.

The minister recently declared that the federal government would understudy the Australian mining sector in a bid to reposition Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

The federal government is also currently negotiating a $500 million investment fund with the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), managers of Nigeria’s Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), to support a long-term development plan for the country’s mining sector.

Under the present administration, there seems to be an integrated approach to develop the mining sector in terms of stakeholder participation and packaging.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) had also recently approved a N30 billion intervention fund for mining exploration in the country.

In collaboration with PwC Nigeria and Spintelligent, the Miners Association of Nigeria has just concluded the inaugural Nigeria Mining Week in Abuja, which drew participation from within and outside Nigeria, including representatives of frontline mining nations in Africa and beyond.

The Nigeria Mining Week held alongside the second edition of the iPAD Nigeria Mining & Quarrying Forum.

The expectation of organisers of the Mining Week is that it will grow into an international event as it actually provided an all-encompassing melting pot for the mining sector, and comprised a grand opening, strategic conference, technology and services showcase, various workshops for artisanal and small scale miners, capped with a grand closing ceremony.

Hosted by the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, the mining week in deed assembled the entire mining ecosystem comprising artisanal and small-scale miners, junior mining operators, exploration companies, local and international investors, financial institutions, traders, solution providers as well as government bodies, to dissect the current state of the mining sector.

Speaking at the event, Fayemi stated that the mining sector would provide over 300,000 jobs and millions of indirect employment for Nigerians be¬fore the end of the year.

Represented by the Minister of State, Bawa Bwari, Fayemi noted that “in mining sector, our guiding principle is to re-position the sector to achieve our mandate of increasing contribution to Gross Domestic Product, GDP and deliver shared prosperity to stakeholders.”

The Roadmap The mining road¬map, he said, would provide a pathway for sustainable turnaround and growth of mining and met¬al sectors over the short, me odium and long-term, adding that the conference would ad¬dress some of the priority areas of the document.

“Yes, there are quick wins in the industry which we have already started achieving. The debate continues on how we missed the opportunities in the past to leverage the vast resources to industrialise and become a great nation.

Fayemi

“We have since 1999 begun to find our way out of the woods and the sector is wit¬nessing some positive develop¬ment and we are building on the efforts already established by ministerial predecessor’s.” the minister said.

According to him, government as an adminis¬trator-regulator, in partnership with the private sector would em¬bark on the reforms of extant legislations supporting body of regulation designed to give Nigeria a com¬petitive legal framework for the sector.

To rejig the sector, he said key challenges constituting roadblocks on its significant contribution to GDP had been identified with strategies and time¬lines to tackle them outlined.

Arrangements, Fayemi disclosed, are being concluded to sign a Memorandum of Under¬standing (MoU) between the Ni¬geria Geological Survey Agen¬cy and its Chinese counterpart on a geosciences data genera-tion programme.

“This is in addition to the for¬malisation and extension ser-vices being rendered by Arti¬sanal and Small Scale Mining Department of the Ministry for the purpose of making artisanal operations safer and sustainable in the country.”

Mineral Deposits The Managing Partner & Head of En¬ergy and Infrastructure Group, Advocaat Law Practice and panellist in the iPAD Nigeria Mining & Quarrying Forum, Mr. Ola Alokolaro, in his contribution, stated that there are 34 identified

There are quickwins in the industry which we have already started achieving.

The debate continues on how we missed the opportunities in the past to leverage the vast resources to industrialise and become a great nation.

miner¬als that can both be used dras¬tically in the construction sec¬tor and exported to earn the much needed foreign exchange.

“We need to look at quick win mining projects to showcase Nigeria as a mining destination. The forum must build on its success of last year to ensure the mining sector and the opportunities abound and remain in everyone’s consciousness,” he said.

He, however expressed the regret that lack of road and rail infrastructure constituted a hindrance to the mining sector.

In his opening remarks, Partner and Africa Assurance Leader, PwC Nigeria, Mr. Tola Ogundipe, who chaired the leaders’ panel of iPAD Nigeria Mining & Quarrying Forum, noted that PwC had in the last couple of years been in the vanguard of launching the nation’s mining sector into reckoning with a view to making it assume its prime place.

He noted that the expectations were that with the focus and commitment being channeled into the sector, the benefits would start kicking in in no distant time, and enjoined other stakeholders to remember PwC when the good times come.

On the theme of the panel discussion, “Towards a New Paradigm in Natural Resource Management,”Ogundipe noted that it was apt and spoke to the issue, noting that Nigeria was confronted by very serious economic headwinds, exacerbated by foreign exchange problems.

He argued that there was the need for import substitution to bridge the gap between what can be sourced locally and what is imported.

According to him the forex conundrum was thrown up by the nation’s import dependency situation, adding that while there seems to be a consensus on what the challenges are, “may be, what we disagree on is how we got here.”

Ogundipe stated that most people believe that a quick diversification of the economy was a desideratum, listing some sectors that hold the much-needed promise on diversification as mining, ICT, agriculture, and tourism, among others.

He pointed out that the significance and role of the mining sector in a period of recession cannot be over-emphasised, lamenting that in spite of the sector’s huge potential, it accounts for less than a paltry one per cent of Nigeria’s GDP. Ogundipe stressed that the time had come for the mining sector to take its pride of place, but admonished that focus should be on how to prioritise resource allocation in order to achieve

results at the shortest possible time.

Prioritisation of resources, leveraging on technology and other factors will get the mining sector and the nation where they should be, he added.

The Director, Mines Inspectorate, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Engr. Awojobi, who represented the minister, Kayode Fayemi, at the forum, noted that geological information was necessary for planning.

He disclosed that a memorandum of understanding had been signed with Australia and South Africa, to develop the human capital for Nigeria’s mining sector.

Awojobi, who equally spoke on plans to make the sector contribute 5 per cent to GDP by 2020, also hinted that a solid minerals development fund was being mulled to assist investors, adding that local industry growth through value addition was imperative as the case of Botswana depicts.

Providing perspectives on the South African mining experience, the King of the Royal Bofokeng Nation, Kgosi Leruo Molotiegi, whose 150,000- people strong community hosts one of the largest platinum deposits in the world, disclosed that a royalty of $77 million was paid to the community in 2010.

According to him, his community presents a valid example of community participation in mining, adding that mining is not sustainable as communities seek sustainability.

In an interview with THISDAY, Partner, International Tax Services, PwC Nigeria, Esiri Agbeyi stated that his company was very much involved in the development of the mining sector roadmap and had been very active in the extractive industry over the years.

She listed the areas of PwC’s involvement as structuring of deals as well as providing advisory services, and fiscal regime of the sector, among others.

Also in an interview, Senior Partner, Energy and Head, Mining Industry Business Development Utilities, PwC Nigeria, Mr. Habeeb Jaiyeola noted that his company had in the past three years played an active role in hosting the mining fora.

He stated that although the mining sector is not where it should be currently as the necessary enabling environment is not in place, there was hope that government’s strides would yield positive result in no distant time.

The Challenges He listed some of the challenges of the mining sector as absence of a reliable data on mining stock, infrastructure deficit, and the issue of local requirements (community support).

Others are the impediments created by fiscal and regulatory frameworks which are already obsolete.

Also in the mix of challenges are bureaucratic bottlenecks around ease of applying and collecting mining licences. This is occasioned by the fact that only the Mining Cadastal Office in Abuja serves the entire country vis-à-vis issuance of mining licences.

Many believe that besides known challenges, knowledge about Nigeria’s mining potential is very sketchy, and therefore the need to aggressively pursue the objective of showcasing what the nation can offer the world thereby growing the local economy in the process.

This appears to be one of the objectives of PwC Nigeria and the other organisers of the Nigeria Mining Week.

But there is no doubting the fact that adversity brings out the best in man. With recession bearing its fang, the government appears more determined to diversifiy the economy and the most likely sector to look to is mining.

The President, Miners Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Sani Shehu captured it this way: “The industry should know that with the renewed Government interest in mining development in Nigeria and the incentives such as tax holidays, removal of export duty for mining equipment and readiness of indigenous operators to partner with foreign investors, Nigeria is now a re-emerging mining nation worth exploring.”

WEEKEND WEEKLY PULLOUT

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

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IN HONOUR OF BENIN ROYALTY ACTING EDITOR CHARLES AJUNWA / charles.ajunwa@thisdaylive.com

28/COVER

04.11.2016

In Honour of Benin Royalty Benin Kingdom is famed for its outstanding history of centuries of remarkable art and culture, which has stood it out as one of the greatest pre-colonial nation-states in Africa and the recent coronation of its monarch, Oba Ewuare II, gave ample vent to the massive exhibition of the Benin works of art. At the commemorative art exhibition put together in Benin-City by the National Gallery of Art, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, spoke on policy issues regarding the promotion of art and tourism as a viable option in the effort to diversify the Nigerian economy, writes Omon-Julius Onabu who was at the exhibition. Additional reporting by Adibe Emenyonu As part of the elaborate programme of activities heralding the ascension to the throne of his forebears by Omo N'Oba N'Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, as the 40th Oba of Benin Kingdom, the National Gallery of Art organised an art exhibition in Benin-City, the Edo State capital. The event, which attracted a host of dignitaries and stakeholders in the art industry in Nigeria and beyond was unique in all ramifications. The country has witnessed many high-profile coronation of first-class traditional rulers or royal fathers across the land but never before had the National Gallery of Art been directly involved in the ceremonies.

In a fitting honour to the new monarch, Oba Ewuare II, and the ancient but dynamic kingdom of Benin as a people, Nigeria's Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, was around to have a real feel of the exhibition, tagged ‘The Art of the Benin Kingdom’. A visibly elevated Mohammed it was who was conducted from one stand to another in the museum-cum arena, which is worthily named after the famous grandfather of Oba Ewuare II, that is, Oba Akenzua II. In company with the minister for the more than 50 minutes he savoured the evident ingenuity of the brains behind the enthralling artworks was no less a personage but Chief Sam Igbe, the Iyase (traditional prime minister) of Benin Kingdom. The retired police commissioner and renowned educationist, like a premier historical guide, apparently complemented the art professionals present, including the local and national curators and the director-general of the National Art Gallery.

The minister, perhaps, showed that his interest was more than mere ceremonial sightseeing as he took pains to ask probing questions from the professionals and traditionalists who conducted him through the exhibited artworks once he rose with other special guests from the high table at the main arena where the opening ceremony took place.

Fielding questions from a large crowd of newsmen during the exercise, the Information Minister expressed readiness of the Federal Government to partner relevant stakeholders in the public and private sectors to enhance the viability of the art and culture and tourism industry in Nigeria. He noted that the government was exploring the Private Public Partnership (PPP) approach in developing the art and culture sub-sector owing to the huge financial outlay required. This he noted was in recognition of the crucial place of art in the nation's quest for social and economic rejuvenation especially at this time the government was wooing the citizenry to buy into the 'Change Begins With Me' socio-cultural mantra.

He acknowledged the importance of artefacts as well as intangible arts that abound in the country to the development of tourism industry, noting that many economies the world over have benefited greatly from the sector especially during periods of recession. "In times of recession like this, most countries diversify not just the tangible industries but also the intangible such as culture and creative industry.

Art and Craft have been explored to preserve and promote cultural and linguistic identities as well as for social re-engineering, and above all, if properly harnessed, are veritable tools for revenue generation, economic empowerment and job creation."

Stressing on the importance of art and tourism, the minister asserted, "The only commodity in the world which price never goes down is

Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, flanked by participants at the art exhibition organised by National Gallery of Art in Benin, Edo State...recently

An artefact displayed at the art exhibition in Benin, Edo State

A head crown bronze artefact displaced at the art exhibition organised by the National Gallery of Art in Benin, Edo State...recently

the works of art. A painting today which is worth one million dollars, in few years time can be worth more than two million dollars.

My ministry will leverage the arts and craft, culture and tourism for economic benefits in tandem with focus of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to explore and develop the non-oil sector."

Moreover, the minister assured that efforts would be intensified to repatriate the numerous Benin artefacts still scattered all over the world, which were illegally carted away particularly during the notorious British expedition and invasion of Benin in 1897. "Although, some of the artworks have been repatriated, some other choice works are till date still adorning exhibition spaces in museums across Europe and Britain. For instance, the Idia Ivory Mask, that is, the official symbol of the Second World Black Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC ’77) which took place in Nigeria in 1977, is still on display in a British Museum.

Mohammed took the opportunity to elucidate the establishment of World Intellectual Property Organisation’s External Office (WIPO) in Nigeria. "Our rich culture is a spectacle for the global world to behold! Nigeria has become an irresistible and important site of

culture, creativity and intellectual property.

The above fact is, therefore, significant to the establishment of WIPO’s external office in Nigeria. WIPO’s office in Nigeria will fulfill the three key objectives of providing the much-needed capacity building for Africa with Nigeria as regional hub; support local and regional information and technical assistance system; and, strengthen automated solutions

by IP system and public authorities for the country and the region."

The Director-General of the National Gallery of Art, Abdullahi Muku, said that the Benin-City four-day coronation show, with the theme, ‘The Art of the Benin Kingdom’, was in appreciation of Benin-City as "the home of arts and culture."Speaking with THISDAY during the exhibition, Muku said, "Definitely, Benin-City is the home of arts and culture. We have had so many coronations in this country, but I don't think the Gallery has featured in any of the coronation. However, today we are here in Benin exhibiting works of art. This is precisely to appreciate the fact that Benin has produced some of the greatest works of art in this country; indeed, all over the world it is recognised that some of the best artworks are produced here. So, we decided to play

our part to complement the coronation."

Muku, who conducted the minister and other dignitaries round the exhibition with the Deputy Director of Curatorial Services, Dr. Ajene Isegbe, told THISDAY that the exhibition of artwork comprised a variety of stylistic expressions by different artists across times and seasons. The National Gallery of Art boss disclosed that the agency had produced an exhibition brochure documenting the Benin exhibition to serve not only as reference source but to preserve the event for future generations.

On his part, the Iyasere (traditional prime minister) of Benin, Chief Sam Igbe, who chaired the occasion, described the Benin as the "home of arts and culture" and the people of the kingdom as "natural artists" for many centuries.

He commended the National Gallery of Art for organising the exhibition to spice up the coronation of Oba Ewuare II and urged the younger generation of Binis to sustain and preserve the culture handed down by past generations by taking keener interest in the tradition of creative and fine art.

Exhibited at the Akenzua II Cultural Centre, venue of the Art of the Benin Kingdom was a genre of art: paintings, vintage royal murals, decorative art, sculpture, carving/woodwork as well as iron, bronze and brass artworks. An undated painting on canvas with elaborate use of coral beads of Oba Erediauwa (measuring 60 by 90cm) by one Sunny as well as a giant billboard-size painting of a battle scene from the 1897 invasion of Benin-City by the British soldiers were among the great artworks.

A bronze casting depicting the boat with armed British guards undertaking the deportation voyage of Oba Ovonramwen to Calabar following the British invasion and massacre also stood out prominently as did the intricate bronze bust of Oba Akenzua in his regal splendour. A similar one of Oba Ozolua with a scepter-bearer sculptured by Alao Luqman and the 56cm by 14 cm fibre glass figurine of Uvbi by a Benin sculptor, Idufueko also drew large audiences for the duration of the exhibition.

A member of the House of Representatives and Chairman, House Committee on Culture, Mr. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, Professor Efemena Ononeme of the Fine Art Department, University of Benin as well as the Curator, National Gallery of Arts (Benin Branch), Mr. S.O.G. Owolabi, the Mr Oji Onoko, head of the gallery's media unit, traditional rulers, tourists, artists and stakeholders graced the exhibition.

Members of the Edo State cultural dance troupe did justice to treating the excited audience at the auditorium of the Akenzua Cultural Centre to beautiful rendition of traditional Benin songs and dances. There was the scintillating performance of the exquisitely costumed Benin cultural dancers, which left numerous visitors spellbound as they craned their necks in an apparent effort to ensure they missed nothing, from the graceful dance-steps and soulful melody to the accustomed rhythm of the traditional percussion instruments.

In all, the Art of the Benin Kingdom was a not just a carryover of the series of glamorous cultural displays and tributes to the monarchy and the Benin Kingdom that generously spliced and spiced up the coronation rites, which climaxed on October 20, 2016; the historic art exhibition organised by the National Gallery of Art was a remarkable icing on the cake for Nigeria's 'Home of Art and Culture' particularly at a landmark event as the coronation of Oba Ewuare II.

29/XTRA

04.11.2016

Oba Ewuare II and The Ascendance of a Diplomatic King Godknows Boladei Igali The Greek word ‘chronologia’ pertains to the order, sequence and time line in which historical events are appreciated. Indeed, from the cradle of human society, all events and measures of human reckoning are better appreciated in the order in which they occur thereby giving them proper significance in time and space.

It is in this context that the 20th day of the tenth month of the 16th year of the second century, anno domini, (20 October, 2016) will be remembered throughout history as one in which a new dawn birthed in the history of the Benin people, Nigeria and indeed the world. On that date, erstwhile Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa, the Edaiken of Uselu, after completion of the various time-tested rites, prescribed customs and ritualistic dictates, was formally crowned and invested as the 40th Oba of Benin under the Eweka dynasty. He now reigns as Oba Ewuare O’Ngidigan the Second.

The significance of the day and date lie primarily in the fact that another ruler has emerged to preserve and actuate one of the world’s richest cultural traditions sustained from 900s AD. This was when the first of the ancestral primogenitors of the new monarch laid the foundation of what has become the Benin (Bini) or Edo civilisation encompassing the royalty, the people, culture and language; and the greatly inspiring historical legacies. But the greater significance of that historical date of ascension, lie in the fact that the entire pomp, protocol and pageantry were symbolised in the personality of one man. A man who is not only meaningfully-bent towards the preservation of the Edo culture, but also, a urbane global citizen, a consummate diplomat, and an intrepid entrepreneur. In all, he is a very urbane and cosmopolitan personality with modernist outlook to life. The new monarch, therefore, enters the firmament of Nigeria and indeed the world’s monarchical circles shoulders high with alluring panache, etiquette and prompting.

What is again spectacularly important about the events of 20th of October, 2016 and the new monarch, is the fact that of all Benin kings before him, he represents a portentous watershed. A crossroad between the past cladded in resplendence of mystery with many high points of personal accomplishments by ancestral lineage on the one hand, on the other, a new world of the triumph of the nation-state, multilevel pluralism, and the immediacy of modern technology leading the force of globalism.

So many things could be said about the Benin people and the history which the person of the new Oba represents. Some may assume the Benin story with the modern-day nation of the Republique du Benin (Dahomey), Nigeria’s immediate western neighbor. However, the actual Benin Empire, the epicenter of which is the world famous Benin city, is located in the upper hinterland of the Niger Delta of Nigeria, and home to many other kingdoms and peoples of Nigeria. Although the word Bini refers to the people, it could and is also used interchangeably, with regards to the political structure, which is history emerged from there.

Oral tradition as particularly recorded by the leading authority Chief Jacob Egharevba (1893-1980,) has it that as far back as the 900s AD, a kingdom with the awe-stuck name, Igodomigodo, emerged deriving its name from its first king, Igodo. The Ogiso (King of the Sky) dynasty which Igodo formed had an unbroken succession of at least thirty-one monarchs. One of the outstanding legacies of the founders and rulers of the Ogiso dynasty was the foresight and strategic acumen in building the wall (moat) around the ancient capital city. This was a feat not seen before in this part of the world. Much later in history, about the 16th century, the Benin wall (moat) had become one of the most reckoned with of its type around the world and its relics are today listed as a UNESCO world heritage site.

From about the 12th century AD, a new kingdom emerged with the reign of one Eweka I. But Eweka is believed to have been the child of Oramiyan, who himself was the son of the epical and venerated founder of the Yoruba race, Oduduwa. History records that Oramiyan had come to Benin from Ile-Ife at his father’s behest for an artful diplomatic move to restore normalcy to a neighbouring sister state which had some level of internal political upheaval at the time. Oramiyan came to Benin at about 1170, and was able to establish his authority and laid the foundations of this new kingdom,

Oba Ewuare II

which in the process of time became an empire.

Needless here labour on the intellectually interesting and unsettled claims and counterclaims between the Binis and the kindred Yorubas on the actual origin of the great epochponous progenitor, Oduduwa. Neither need we get involved in weighing the worth of all the mythologies and inherited oral history about the rather shrewd and dexterous figure, Oramiyan. No, it suffices to note as a historical realism, that Oramiyan, the genius which he was, shuttled between Ile-Ife, Oyo and Benin and left his mark in punctilious political designing in all these places.

He enthroned his mild-mannered, insightful, and perspective son, Eweka, to found a dynasty which has maintained unbroken succession following a primo genitive tradition (that is from father to son), now for at least 1000 years.

It will therefore just be enough for now to quote Oba Ewuare11 himself during his coronation inter alia “Historians all agreed that Oduduwa sent his son Oranmiyan as requested by the elders of Benin, to return with them as ruler of their realm….”

In the course of time and history, a total of thirty-nine predecessors, who were all not only greatly revered potentates, but considered to a large extent as absolute and divine by their subjects and all other surrounding people. The deference and plenipotentiary worth of the Benin Oba are encapsulated in the official titles and accoladal appellations, Omo N’Oba Nedu Uku Akpolokpolo, which literally means a mighty and unassailable principal. With the advent of the Eweka dynasty came the title “Oba” which adumbrates the cross-cousin relationship with the Yorubas. Gradually, what had been a city-state and later a forest kingdom, became a wieldy and sophisticated empire. Its influence spreading up to the outer borders with Central Africa and on the westward direction, going into the heart of modern-day Benin Republic, Togo and even the Ga of Ghana. Far northwards the empire’s influence, attracted forms of allegiance and collaboration with the diverse Kwa language-speaking people, spread towards the Ibo, Igala and Nupe peoples.

Southwards for example, among the Ijaws, the concept of “Oba-ama” (Oba’s town) as the setting in all folklores, signals to social anthropologists the recognition of the existence of a great king in a big city where all manners of wonderful feats and events happen. For them, it was a kind of Lagos, London or New York of the time.

The 15th and 16th centuries, in particular, were times of great ascendency for the Bini people and some of its most outstanding monarchs held sway. For example, under Oba Ewuare the Great (1440-1473), Ozolua (1480-1504) and his son Esigie (1504-1547), remarkable territorial expansion took place. By 1472, the first sets of European explorers led by Ruy de Sequeira, the Portuguese, were navigating the Benin River and by 1485, they physically landed in Benin City in search of commerce and to spread the gospel of Christ. The period therefore also became a golden era and moment of massive economic prosperity of Ancient Benin. This, in turn, made Benin City center of regional and global activities. By the time contact with Europe

came, the Benin Empire was best positioned to deal with them in trading, diplomacy and cultural exchanges.

Indeed when the Portuguese first came to Africa at the end of the 15th century, they interacted with two main African empires which they met on ground. One of them was the Benin Empire and the other was the Congo Empire of Bantu speaking led by the supreme ruler (Manikongo). The Congo Empire covered most of Central Africa and extended even down to Angola. In both places, the rulers romanticised with a form of syncretic Roman Catholicism.

From that time, they also established full-fledged political and diplomatic relations with Lisbon.

Both royal houses in Benin and Congo ensured that their children and those of their nobles, nearly one thousand years ago, went to elite schools with European privilege classes in the courts of Lisbon. In the case of Congo, its ruler (Manikongo) Nzingaa Nkuwu, (became baptised as a catholic and took the name Joao I) succeeded by his son, Mvemba a Nzinga who took the name Nfonso I. On the Benin side, a young prince who later became Oba Orhogbua, was not only educated in Portugal as far back as 1604 but returned back a converted catholic. The catholic religion, the bastion of Christianity, from that time took a strong hold on the Empire and its impact till today can be noticed from the official dressing, regalia, paraphernalia and appearance of Benin rulers and nobility.

In the world of inter-state relations, ambassadors are only exchanged between royal courts of equal competence. Hence Iberian Kings of the States of Portugal, which at the time were the world’s super powers, saw their counterparts in Benin and Kongo as rulers of equal reckoning and had no problems to deploy full diplomatic retinue to these African kingdoms. Interestingly, by the time the British arrived in 1552, Benin town was described by explorers as a metropolis by all ways comparable to British towns of the time such as Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and London.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Bini civilisation which was noticed from the first contact with Europe was the complex and intricate political and social structure of the Empire. The institutions of administration and delineation of functions were intricate but were clear and functional. Another distinct feature was the role which the Obas played as patrons and masters of the arts, craft and literature. The entire historical traditions and cultural assuetudes were elaborated in oral poetry, dance, drama or the more, expressed in craft and sculpture.

Even prior to the British conquest of 1897, Benin sculptures on bronze, ivory and coral beads had become highly priced pieces in private collections and leading galleries all over Europe. In 2009, the new Oba Ewuare II, then Nigerian Ambassador in Italy, visited this author, as Special Guest of Honour at an Exhibition at the Swedish Ethnographic Museum, where never-seen pieces of arts from the 1600s from private collectors were on display.

The new Oba therefore, comes from the background of origins of warrior kings to empire builders, merchant kings, global players, and ultranationalists such as Oba Ovanramwen.

In 1897, Oba Ovanramwen, the great-greatgrandfather of Oba Ewuare II did not yield to summary British conquests without putting up an able fight, even if it meant losing the throne.

Gladly, the new Oba has very rich education from the University of Wales, following the footsteps of his father Oba Erediauwa I who was schooled at the prestigious Cambridge University in the United Kingdom. He later on proceeded to the Rutgers University, New Jersey in the United States of America. In the current unipolar world where Pax Americana holds sway, this is an added balance to the conservatism of British education. It needs added that Rutgers is one of America’s top listed Ivy league schools and a home to some of the most outstanding Nobel Prize winners including the famous economists, Milton Friedman and physicist and inventor Selman Abraham Waksman. Oba Ewuare II worked severally as an entrepreneur particularly in oil and gas which is the mainstay of the Nigerian national economy. As part of his self-actualisation, he also had some work experience with some international organisations dealing with issues of economic and social development.

It needs be noted though, that the greatest asset which Oba Ewuare II brings to the throne is his wide experience in international politics,

diplomacy, administration and strategy. He served for several years in some of Nigeria’s key diplomatic outposts as the country’s principal envoy. Appointed in 1996 by the intriguing military ruler, Gen. Sani Abacha, he was, at a time, Nigerian Ambassador to Angola. A fellow oil-producing country and an African state with which Nigeria shares great parallelism in dealing with the onerous challenge of state-building and national integration. This outing was therefore particularly important.

But shortly after that, under the watch of President Olusegun Obasanjo who ushered in Nigerian’s new democratic dawn, the new monarch in 1999 found himself deployed to head Nigeria’s diplomatic mission to the Scandinavia(Nordic countries), with a base in the picturesque town of Stockholm. There, he was able to relate at first hand with some of Europe’s finest remaining monarchs, that is, the Royal families of Sweden, Denmark and Norway with whom he shares the gift of blue blood.

This remarkable exposure provided him with no finer opportunity for acculturalisation with the dictates of modern monarchy as Europe in contemporary times is preoccupied with the debate as to properly balancing old monarchical order and modern industrialised statehood and republicanist predilection. To crown it all, similar to his forebears who had engaged in such world-class diplomacy, in 2008, Oba Ewuare II got appointed by President Umaru Yar’Adua to Italy as Nigeria’s Ambassador.

Due to long standing concordance between the Vatican and the State of Italy, Ambassadors to the later cannot be accredited to the Holy See. However, Rome, Oba Ewuare diplomatic station, provided him with ample knowledge and insight into the effusive discourse on state and religion, inter-faith dialogue and the global worth of the Roman Catholic faith, once adopted by his forefathers.

Coming with such broad diplomatic experience is the benefit of working with three Presidents, several Foreign Ministers, Permanent Secretaries and dozens of intrepid Nigerian career diplomats.

Some of these persons within the Nigerian Foreign Service apparatus are amongst the finest public servants the country has ever produced.

This would unarguably have left very positive imprints on the administrative temperance and instincts of the new monarch. It need mention that this cognate public service and bureaucratic experience is a familiar path, trodden by his departed father, Oba Erediauwa, who rose in the Federal Civil Service to attain the rank of Permanent Secretary. Back in the royal palace, he had amply fed from the great foundation of knowledge of both his grandfather, Oba Akenzua II and father Oba Erediauwa, both whose names he had born at various times in his life and at whose feet he had sat, as much as custom permitted.

It is against this backdrop of a kaleidoscope of academic, professional, personal experiences and established tradition coming down from many centuries; Oba Ewuare faces the certainty of a modern Nigeria which is diverse, heterogeneous and complex. Even within the relatively micro level of Edo State, South-South and other nearby neighbours, the fact that he is central puts him under the burden of ensuring that his royal swagger is used in a rather delicate and cautious manner to ensure that the bandwagon of respect and esteem for the throne remains enduring and unassailed.

At the larger Nigerian level, particularly at a time when our nation’s democratic consolidation and state building is undergoing moments of anxiety and demand for effective consolidation, the Oba’s experience will be needed to play the roles expected within the constitutional and established norms.

Of particular interest would be his role along with others of like calling to build a peaceful and stable country. No wonder, some of his peers of no less regal bloodlines whose forebears had also greatly impacted their times, were at hand to welcome, cheer and usher him into the vaunted club, one of their own. These include Sultan Muhammadu Abubakar III of Sokoto, Emir Sanusi Lamido II of Kano, Dr. Yahaya Muhammed, Etsu Nupe, King Godfrey Emiko, Olu of Warri, King Daneson Jaja V of Opobo, Oba Adeyeye Ogunusi - Ooni of Ife, King Edmund Daukoru - Mingi XIII of Nembe, Dr. Alfred Achebe -Agbogidi - Obi of Onitsha, NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

30/ NEWS

04.11.2016

Danny Glover, Bolanle Austen-Peters, Steve Gukas Grace 93 Days Screening in Chicago The much talked about movie, 93 Days premiered at the highly rated Chicago International Film Festival on Thursday, October 20 and the impressive turn out of cast, crew and audience at the festival in far away United State made the day a memorable one. Notable Hollywood actor, Danny Glover graced the event alongside executive producers of the film, Bolanle Austen-Peters, Steve Gukas and Dotun Olakunri.

According to Danny Glover who played the role of Dr. Benjamin Ohiaeri in the box-office hit movie, the movie, 93 Days reflects the never-say-die spirit of Nigerian people. “93 Days symbolises the spirit of Nigerian people and the vibrancy of the industry. From the moment we had the script; we knew we have something special,” he said. He promised to still keep in touch with Nollywood and said this is not the last the country will hear of him.

93 Days is based on the true story of men and women who risked their lives and made sacrifices to save us all from the consequences of an outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus in Nigeria.

When Patrick Sawyer a LiberianAmerican collapsed upon arrival at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos Nigeria, he was taken

Danny Glover, Bolanle Austen-Peters, Steve Gukas at Screening of 93

authorities. The Lagos State government and subsequently the federal got involved. The President declared a state of emergency on Ebola in Nigeria. The scare was palpable across the country. The doomsday scenario imagined was here.

Over a 93-day period from when Sawyer came in men and women from Nigeria, WHO and MSF did battle with this deadly disease. Lives were lost and heroes born.

At its core, 93 Days is a compelling human story of dedication, sacrifice, resilience and survival. The movie has been enjoying favourable showing at cinemas across Nigeria.

to First Consultant Hospital, where he was admitted with fever-like symptoms.

Against his denials of contact with any Ebola victim in Liberia, the team at First Consultant led by Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh quickly deduced there was more to his case than malaria. Their vigilance led to an early detection that Mr. Sawyer indeed had the Ebola Virus disease. Now it’s a race against time to contain a deadly disease from breaking out and infecting an entire city population and beginning what could be the biggest deadly disease outbreak the world has ever known.

The hospital institutes strict barrier nursing and notified the appropriate

Cellulant Emerged Best Payment, Transfer Company The agricultural sector and the financial sector are the two hot pitches in Africa of today. Merging the two sectors together with a pinch of technical flavour is what truly defines Cellulant, the company that has been elected as the Best Payments And Transfers Company across Africa at the 2016 African Fintech Awards.

The African Fintech awards endorsed by world’s leading technology company IBM and CFO, is the most coveted award for any financial technology company.

Cellulant towering above more than 100 other fintech companies to be awarded as the best fintech company for payment and transfers is quite an achievement given the commitment and the dedication that is sacrificially offered buy its entire team across Africa. Cellulant is the technology company providing the payment platform that has facilitated efficiency in provision of farm inputs across Nigeria and Liberia under Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GESS) and the agriculture transformation agenda of the African Development Bank – AfDB respectively.

Already in 2015, the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Nigeria Agricultural Awards had recognised Cellulant as an outstanding contributor as provider of technology platform that revolutionalised the agricultural

in digital financial services that specialises in mobile and other forms of e-payments. On the award, Akinboro said, “we are humbled and happy to be recognised as the 2016 Best Africa Payments and Transfers Company. This award is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the amazing team of people at Cellulant Group. He further stated that, as a value driven company, Cellulant would continue to innovate and transform businesses through our ecosystem. Cellulant is one of the most wide spread mobile commerce companies in Africa changing the lives of people.

American Singer, T-Pain Shines at Heineken’s "Live Your Music" Party The highly anticipated ‘Live Your Music’ party which was announced as the official after-party for Heineken LFDW 2016 delivered on its promise of providing the ultimate musical experience for music lovers as the party started in the last hour of 29 October and the music kept on blazing until the early hours of the morning of 30 October. Bright lights, blasting speakers, thumping feet, excited whistles and united chants were all prominent features of the ‘Live Your Music’ party hosted by multiple-award winning American R ‘n’ B singer, T-Pain.

One of the numerous interesting parts of the party was the music Takeover.

The Takeover is an interactive Heineken Live Your Music feature that involves a programmed system that proposes two songs for audience to choose from using a wristband. The crowd went into frenzy as they selected between green and red

T-Pain at the Heineken Live Your Music

lights on their wristbands to vote the song that eventually played. T-Pain performed some of his hit tracks ‘Buy You A Drink’, ‘Panda’, amongst others during his first session. Dotun of Cool FM kept the show rolling with his grand mastery of the crowd, and together with the DJs, he took the

Abiku inspired by Flavour

Sunday Okobi A fiction, 'Abiku: A Battle of Gods', which is inspired by Nigerian music superstar, Flavour Nabania, and written

by Elizabeth Salawu, would be launched on December 9, 2016, at the prestigious Park Plaza Hotel London Victoria 239 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London SW1V 1EQ, United Kingdom. Segilola Publishing Company has released a paranormal erotic romance Abiku, masterfully crafted by Salawu in celebration of African Fiction in London.

‘Abiku: A Battle of Gods’ fuses erotica, suspense and the paranormal in a cinematic adventure that would leave all fantasy fiction fans with sweaty palms and pounding hearts, a statement from the reviewer stated.

According to the event Publicist, Linda Dominguez, “Considering that most Nigerians are very conservative when it comes to talking about sex publicly, this book may well be a secret bestseller. It has explosive sex scenes that are bound to get the reader hot and bothered. The lead male character in the story, Lord Akin, God of Thunder, was inspired by Nigeria's own Flavour Nabania (Flavour of Africa). “Considering that Flavour is the dream man of most African women, it is definitely not surprising that he would feature as the man of Dayo's dreams in the book.”

This luxurious event will feature a stage play, fashion show, male candy auction, concert and dinner. Also, the event will offer the opportunity to honour, award and celebrate African fiction at its finest with surprise celebrity guest appearances, VIP 3 course meal prepared by a Michelin star chef.

Navy Underscores Pivotal Role of Warrant Officers in Management

Mr. Bolaji Akinboro and Mr. Ken Njoroge with the award

sector. The platform, Agrikore, which is popularly known in Nigeria, Liberia and other African countries as e-wallet platform, has enabled an ecosystem that connects governments, donors, financial institutions, merchants, mobile network operators and the consumer to create a single one-stop shop for a seamless digital payment experience. Merging financial technologies and agriculture made Cellulant stands out during the African Fintech Awards.

Co-founders of Cellulant Mr. Ken Njoroge and Mr. Bolaji Akinboro described the company as “a leader

‘Abiku: A Battle of Gods’ for Launch in London

audience down memory lanes with tracks that have ruled the airwaves over the past decade being churned out to the delight of the crowd. These include hits from artistes like Da’grin, 2face, 9ice, Eedris Abdulkareem, Awilo Logonba, Remedies, Styl Plus, Dr. Sid and many others. The grooving also got turned up a notch when T-Pain and his crew were challenged to show their dancing skills to Nigerian dance steps including; Galala, Shoki, Yahoozee amongst others. The crowd went into another frenzy as T-Pain hijacked the Shakiti bobo move and started dancing the move as vigorously and entertainingly as possible. The party kept on till the early hours of the day, and everyone was thoroughly entertained. The Live Your Music wasn’t just another party, but an ultimate musical experience that is only befitting a brilliant and fantastic fashion show like HeinekenLFDW2016.

Chiemelie Ezeobi Having understood the pivotal role of Warrant Officers in human resource management and administration, the Nigerian Navy (NN) for the first time in its 60 years of existence organised the first ever Nigerian Navy Warrant Officers' Convention. The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ibok Ette-Ibas, hosted the event, held at NN Dockyard in Victoria Island, Lagos. With this move, the navy made available professional training, which had hitherto been limited to only high ranking senior officers to the middle cadre of Warrant Officers.

While charging the personnel to exhibit a high level of professionalism and other core values of the navy in the discharge of their duties, Ibas said the convention themed: ‘Warrant Officers as Vital tools in Nigerian Navy Human Resources Management and Administration’, was organised to address topical issues that directly impact on work ethics, divisional system as well as security and personnel safety. Applauding the inputs of the Warrant Officers in the ongoing fight against illegalities in the nation’s maritime domain, Ibas said the navy has given a good account of itself with the support of other services, in the ongoing counter-insurgency operation, especially in the North East.

He said, “Suffice it to say that this cadre is an important link between the officers’ cadre and that of the junior ratings.

Hence it is important to emphasise that the operational and administrative goals of the Nigerian Navy cannot be attained without a well disciplined, knowledgeable and highly resourceful class of Warrant officers. I salute you for your inputs in the ongoing fight against illegalities such as crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, piracy, kidnapping, smuggling, militancy and pipeline vandalism in our maritime domain. These successes would not have been possible but for a proficient and professional human resource capacity, part of which the non-commissioned officers, mainly the WOs cadre, play a pivotal role."

The Chief of Policy and Plans, Rear Admiral Joseph Ajani, also said Warrant Officers were a repository for knowledge and experience, adding that they occupy a very important position in maintaining naval customs and traditions. He urged the participants to key into the government’s “change begins with me” agenda to promote the public image of the NN.

31/LIVING

04.11.2016

Contestants Meet Boardroom Judges at Next Titan Season 3

Judges and the 16 contestants in the boardroom

After the success of the Top Fifty Boot Camp of The Next Titan, which held from the October 19-21, following immediately was the Premiere night, which held in Lagos. The event which hosted CEO’s, leaders, celebrities and young entrepreneurs, gave room for the unveiling of the top 16 contestants, who were deemed fit

and qualified to officially begin the race to become the Next Titan.

Awaiting the top 16 contestants was their very first task of the week, which was going to test their marketing skills- one sure way to begin the journey to entrepreneurship with a star prize of five million naira and a brand new car. These contestants were

split into two teams/ groups, the male team (Alpha Consult) and the female team (Sheroes Alliance). This was the time to put their business skills to the test, to compete with each other and hit the target given them.

For the one who has never been exposed to the tactics and rudiments of marketing, this was their firsthand experience in The Next Titan Show.

Seeing that country has been experiencing economic setbacks over the last few months, the requirement for solution- oriented minds is on the rise. The top 16 contestants have to prove to the judges that they have all it takes to become The Next Titan. The Next Titan contestants finally come face to face with the Boardroom Judges – Kyari Bukar, Tonye Cole, Chris Parkes and Mrs. Lilian Olubi, who were on ground for the very first Boardroom meeting with the contestants as they had to defend the task they were given during the week. After putting both teams on the hot seat, the Judges were pleased to announce the winning Team for the week – Alpha Consult, giving the ladies (Sheroes Alliance) another opportunity to brace up for the tasks ahead.

Isoko Day for November 5 The President of the Isoko Development Union (I.D.U) Comr. Frank Alordiah, has said that the Isoko Day celebration coming up on November 5, 2016, at the National Stadium Surulere, will discuss the theme, ‘Niger-Delta Restiveness and the Way Forward’. The celebration, Alordiah said, would showcase the rich culture and tradition of the Isoko people. “The Isokos are an ethnic group in Delta State with 19 clans, making it the third largest ethnic group in Delta State.

The Isoko people occupy the eastern part of Delta State bounded in the north by Kwale; Urhobos to the west; Ndosimili/Aboh to the east and the ijaws to the south. The Isokos are peace loving and their main occupation include farming, trading and fishing. They are also gifted with crude oil, like other oil producing region in the south,” he noted He explained further that the Isokos, who migrated from Benin Kingdom around 1600 AD were of the Erowha, Uzere and Okpe extraction, while a second group, Iyede, migrated from Benin 50 years later from 1650-1700 AD during the reign of Oba Ozolua of Benin, adding that there were several migration exercises of the Isokos. Alordiah said further that the Isoko Day celebration is set to be a means of addressing key developmental challenges in that part of the country, a means to strengthen existing relationship among Nigerians.

Kanekalon Set for Crowning of another African Queen Mary Ekah All is set for this year’s edition of the Miss Kanekalon pageant where an African queen will be crowned for the second time. The show billed to hold on Saturday November 12 at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, promises to showcase colourful contents of entertainment by fantastic artistes, gifts to take home, and exclusive hair show of brand-new weave-on styles. Not just that, the event is also going to be a great opportunity for the ambitious, talented and beautiful African woman who has her mind set to becoming Miss Kanekalon 2017, to experience and pre-study what makes a lady Miss Kanekalon.

For an early Christmas present from Kanekalon to appreciate fan’s patronage of the brand, the brand is offering invitations to this pageant. So to be the winner of an invitation, all you need to do is log on to Kanekalon’s FB page. (https:// www.facebook.com/kanekalonafricapage).

The invitation campaign, which started on October 28, will last till November 4. This is an opportunity to enjoy the front-row experience and participate in making another classy page of Kanekalon history.

It will be recalled that Miss Kanekalon 2015 Finals was held last year, where Ms. Esther Chukwujekwu emerged as the very first Miss Kanekalon, taking home N2m, a 2015 brand new Toyota Yaris and a one year modeling

Miss Kanekalon 2015 Finalists pics

contract while the 1st and 2nd runners ups Ms. Abisola got N1.5m with a 60” LED TVC and Ms. Elma got N1m respectively. This year’s 20 finalists will include five finalists selected from the audition held in Accra, Ghana for the very first time, together with 15 finalists from Port Harcourt and Lagos auditions.

The finalists’ hairstyles will use Kanekalon‘s braids, styled with the creativity of the stylists, with the theme of ‘Bringing out the individual Natural beauty and Elegance of the African Woman’, a suitable theme to grace this hair and beauty pageant as ever since its introduction

in the Nigerian market in 1987 and 1990 in Ghana, and has maintained its attitude of contributing to the beauty of African women by introducing beautiful, high quality, and safe hair extensions.

It is also worthy of note that Kanekalon started its communication in Nigeria in 2010, the year of the 50th Anniversary of Independence of Nigeria and a milestone year for Nigerian women to re-evaluate and appreciate her African beauty. It also sets its eyes to establish its communication in sister African countries as well in coming years, and in fact, this year is

the maiden year where Ghana joined the Miss Kanekalon pageant platform with Kanekalon reaching out to sisters in Ghana via splash of eye-catching online and radio messages.

Kanekalon offers stylish and high quality products that meet the demand of today’s woman, complimenting each woman’s unique beauty, allowing her to feel great, not just in her appearance, but also in what comes from within; confidence in whom she is; and as a result giving her courage to open doors to new opportunities. The brand is one of the world’s finest fibre used to produce high quality braids, beautiful weave-on, wigs and hair extensions. It is cherished by women globally and thus enjoys the position of being the leading and dominant raw material in Nigeria and worldwide. For example, Kanekalon braid fibres are suitable for all types of braiding; from thick to the finest, from short to the longest, and from straight to wavy, curly or any other sophisticated or advanced styles. 100 per cent Kanekalon braids are hot water friendly, so it can be easily sealed and/or curled into desired styles by dipping in hot water. It is soft to touch, and it is tender to the fingers when braiding. This allows braiding faster and smoother. Kanekalon is also known for its innovative fibre such as AFFRELLE, AQUATEX and FUTURA. You can also find Kanekalon in your favourite brands, DARLING, NINA and X-Pression.

A New Vision - An Expository on How Africans were Enslaved to Western Life Mary Ekah From the onset, the black people were viewed as a possession and were never accorded the same rights and privileges as his white counterparts. Many black people set their foot on American soil via the forced journey from Africa by way of the slave trade. Many of those who were taken on the force mission are men and children who came from great kingdoms and dynasties in Africa, like the Oyo Empire, the Ghanaian Empire, the kingdom of Benin and many more great Empires.

After Europe had finally ended the Slave Trade in the 1800s, Africa was not given time to recover its real image as most of African countries came under colonial rules. Many Africans were influenced by western world neglecting our own culture and heritage. A black man serves as a slave to his white counterpart making him to assimilate and integrate into his own while culture.

These and more are what Bola Ogunkoya

The book, A New Vision

examines in his book, ‘A New Vision’. The book lays emphasis on racism, crime and law.

The author writes in the book that although progress has been made in the fight against racism, Africa still has a long way to go.

Ogunkoya pointed out in his book that of all the people that have come to America, the black man was the only one who arrived in chains. Not just the physical chain that we see but are still chained emotionally, physiologically and in so many other ways. A New Vision therefore examines the plight of the black people, the struggle, pain and the emotion of the black community. The effect and influence of slave trade is discussed in details. The book is also of the view that African communities are known to possess the best of culture but civilisation has taken its toll in our world today. The book is also of the view that blacks are brought up to be strong but the western world has weaken our strength as we no longer value what we have as culture and but have neglected the beauty of our own community. He laments that for centuries, the African people have been denied

access to education in that our children now seek pleasure in things that have no value.

The writer therefore lays keen emphasis on education, as the major tool to bring back culture and resurrect the image of the black people. ‘A New Vision’ talks about every issue about the black people and how we have enslaved their minds to the western things.

The writer made it known, that, today, the television, newspaper and magazines are no longer doing their duties, as many of the content do not portray educative programmes. The writer lays emphasis on discipline in family and society, our relationship with other people, our culture, decency and good upbringing amongst others. Lastly, the writer analyses how to get black people out of the present situation and what can really bring a change to the black people. He portrays education to be the only tool that can help us out. He advises that Africans should invest in every child’s education and await a better future for the child.

32 /XTRA

04.11.2016

ROCAAM Marks One with ‘Grace to Great Grace’ Mary Ekah As Rohi Compassionate and Apostolic Ministry (ROCAAM) began activities to mark its first anniversary on Tuesday November 1, the expectations were high as the congregation as well as the founder continued to dwell in the euphoria of celebration and expectancy for more anointing for great grace to forge ahead in their various endeavours.

The anniversary which kicked off with a 2-hour prophetic evening service last Tuesday, tagged ‘Night of Impartation for Grace’, continued yesterday, Thursday at 8am-10am with another power-packed revival tagged, ‘Morning of Harvest of Grace’, while on Friday, November 4, it will hold a ‘Night of 3 Prophets and Prophetic Night of Great Grace’, where anointed men of God will be prophesying into the lives of members of the congregation from 10pm to 5am the next day.

On Saturday, November 5 from 1pm, there will be ‘Blissful Marital Grace’ for the married and single. Sunday will be the grand finale of the celebration during which the church will witness, ‘Celebration and Thanksgiving of Great Grace’ from 9:00am, to further honour God for the Life of the Ministry.

RACAAM Founder, Pastor Oluwadamisi

Speaking during the opening programme on Tuesday, Mrs. Emmanuella Edun-Adedeji, a member of the church, testified on how God has been good to her and her entire family having joined the movement over three years ago even before it became a full-fledged church on November 1, 2015.

“It started out as an evangelical mission

and gradually it became a church last year November. And since in started operating as a church, we have experienced the power of God here. I have countless testimonies to tell about this ministry. The man of God is a true man of God and preaches the word of God with the power and anointing of God. He is a man of God whose word never falls to the ground because everything he said to me concerning my life and my family, has never cease to come to pass. He is an upholder of the true gospel of salvation and he is a man of God in all ramifications,” she noted.

As the anniversary service continues, her expectations are high. “The power of God will flow mightily than ever before. And just as the theme for the celebration says, “From Grace to Great Grace’, we shall not experience anything short of what the theme states. I know that I am going from grace to great grace, I know that there are greater expectations than what I have ever experienced in time passed.”

For elder Martins Omojola, his experience and expectations were not different. He said, “It was an apostolic mission before it metamorphosed into a church, which we started just one year ago and since then, God has been faithful. There hasn’t been any sickness among members and

we have not buried any one since we started last year and God is seriously moving amongst us. And whatever problem we have had, the moment we bring it to the altar here; we get delivered through our daddy in Lord, Pastor Oluwadamisi.”

He however advised that the church should intensify efforts towards evangelism, as that is the core call of every Christian, adding, “It is when we evangelise that we can win more souls and bring them to Christ and evangelism has been part of activities of this first anniversary as we have embarked on roads show as part of the avenue to win souls for Christ.”

Founder of ROCAAM, Pastor Emanuel Adebola Oluwadamisi, who was full of gratitude to God for keeping the ministry and its members, said that according to the name of the church, Rohi, which means the great shepherd. “Jesus is our great shepherd and in line with PSALM 23, our Lord Jesus Christ has been shepherd over the church, providing for their needs, protecting them from the enemies, guiding them into all righteousness so that they would not fall in the course of their journey on earth and also has been preserving their lives so that they would fulfill their days according to the word of God,” Oluwadamisi said.

God Will Bless Nigeria in Our Tenure, Says Osinbajo The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has assured that God will definitely bless Nigeria in the President Muhammadu Buhari-led dispensation. Osinbajo gave the assurance at the just concluded Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Church interdenominational crusade, held at the main bowel of the Abuja International Stadium, FCT penultimate weekend.

The Vice President, who arrived promptly at the crusade venue with a retinue of aides, expressed his delight with the theme of the crusade titled ‘God Has Sworn to Bless You’ while pointing out that God inspired it. This, according to Osinbajo, is an indication that God assuredly will bless this country, in spite of all the nation is passing through at the moment.

He said: “I am excited about the theme of the programme ’God Has Sworn to Bless You.’ Whenever God want to do something for mankind He will first speak His intention through the mouth of His servants.

“In this case God didn’t just proclaim His

Muoka and Osinbajo at the Abuja interdenominational cruse held at the international stadium

intention to bless us but He took an oath which is an indication of His seriousness to bring His promise to fulfillment.”

The VP buttressed his point with the scripture in the book of Numbers 23:19: “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man,

Tribute to FO Babajide Afolabi Afonja (Co-Pilot of ADC Airline plane crash November 7, 1996)

Dear Jide, November 7, 2016 will mark two decades since you passed on November 7, 1996...so full of life, love and many dreams for both of us.

With the unbelievable void and emptiness, my life changed forever. I'm sorry I waited 20 years to write you this letter...

The fact is I never knew I could survive this long after you died. I felt there was no reason to live anymore. After all, our dreams together were shattered when you passed on less than two years into our marriage at the age of 31.

I was just in my early twenties and had no bearing.... I felt lost. Sweetheart, I still remember that painful reality that was too devastating to comprehend. The hardest part of losing you, Jide, is learning to live without you.... your touch.... unfulfilled dreams. Your death will continue to stay with me ... the burden never goes away.

It was more tragic losing you in a plane crash because I had to openly mourn you with the public interest in plane crashes, which added more pain to the trauma.

The tragedy of your death was just too much for me to bear especially since I was just through with NYSC, without a job and eight and a half months pregnant for our second child, Mayowa.

You are my one true love.... Irreplaceable.

Sweetheart, I was angry with God for taking you away so soon and leaving me vulnerable and broken. I hung on to every shred of hope that the Julius Berger crane would pull out the body of the aircraft from the Itoikin swampy river at Ejirin and maybe, just maybe, you could be one of the survivors. That kept the fire of hope burning in me. I held on to that hope of a miracle from God. My family and friends let me hang on to

Late Afonja

that hope for my sanity sake. I was angry with ADC Airlines when they informed you were presumed dead. I wanted everyone to focus on getting the body of the aircraft out from the swamp…to save you.

When eventually the reality hit me... I wallowed in disbelief ... self-pity. My life became more focused when I got my job and concentrating on it thankfully kept me going. It has enhanced my confidence level and is an enjoyable source of diversion from my pains.

Sweetheart, I'm doing better now. Putting God first, being with the kids and love from those who care about the kids and I keep me going. I see you in the kids. I know you would be proud of how well they have turned out... amazing young adults now. I have a peaceful relationship with Mummy (your mum) who always gives me a listening ear and prays with me when life's frustrations become too much. I really don't know how she copes with her own pains.... I know God is on the throne! Daddy Ibadan, and his wife have the kids and me in

their prayers always.

Sweetheart, Your death has made me really appreciate the beauty of marriage and companionship. It goes beyond sex. I counsel my friends and all to enjoy their marriages and partners because life is indeed too short I wish you are here to see how well your fragile Uloma has grown...

So sweetheart, I'm sorry...

I'm sorry I didn't say I'm sorry that often I'm sorry I complained about you going without me to watch Lagbaja in Ikeja I'm sorry I complained about your demanding job. I have one now and I love it.

I'm sorry I didn't go with you to watch Yanni play Live I'm sorry I refused to relocate to the U.K I'm sorry.

I'm sorry I complained ........... About anything Sweetheart, I'm glad I met you. You indeed wooed me…were patient enough to wait for me to love you in return as deeply as you did...

You loved me my naivety and imperfections Njide and Emeka still play Yanni Live in the Acropolis in your memory. They are always there.... Faithful as ever.

Indeed, God has neither left nor forsaken our children (Jide & Mayowa) and me. He has been meeting us at the point of our needs. The children have your eclectic taste in music, way beyond their age. I do not compare. Rather, I have learned to count my abundant blessings.

This doesn't mean it's easy... no it's not. I still struggle and fall.... after all I am only human and still work-in-progress.

Most times people ask me how I cope. I try to live each day as I see it, and hold on to God when it's way too much to bear. I know He is always there.

that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

“But, when God swear then you know that there shall be abundance of different kind of miracles to be expected by everybody. I am expecting my own miracle today,” he affirmed.

Osinbajo also thanked God for His anointing on the General Overseer of Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Church, Pastor Lazarus Muoka, adding that he is glad to honour the man of God’s invitation to the crusade.

Giving his sermon, Pastor Muoka reiterated: “I want you to know that our God, the omnipotent, omnipresence and omniscience, has sworn to bless you and our nation.”

He, however, added that repentance from sins, both in our personal and national lives, is a necessary condition for God’s blessing. Muoka, therefore, urged Nigerians to desist from all forms of sinful behaviours and turn to God in total repentance for only on that blessing will come.

Nigerians Get Electrifying Experience at 'A Night At The Kazbah' The second edition of Smooth FM’s flagship event, ‘A Night At The Kazbah’ showcased the best of African live music. The event which took place recently in Lagos, awoken an atmosphere that was one of excitement as guests and music lovers from every walk of life came out in droves to experience what was going to be a night of electrifying performances.

Rising star and opening act, A’rese was in her element in what was in fact her very first live performance as a solo artiste. She thrilled the full capacity crowd, opening the show with a beautiful rendition of Fela Kuti’s Palavar. She then went on to perform original songs from her repertoire with the crowd cheering and dancing along. Her highlight was a soulful rendition of Alexandra Burke’s Hallelujah, a performance that showed just how talented and versatile A’rese is as an artiste.

Soulful house trio, Mi Casa, lived up to their reputation belting out song after song on stage.

Their performance of the hit ‘Jika’ was one of the highlights of the night as it got guests on their feet.

According to Mi Casa “Saturday night was absolute magic, it honestly felt like not only the first time performing in Lagos but it felt so new to us, the energy was real. Everybody was amazing, the production was insane, it was really a dream for us to be here and finally get to show Lagos.” Headliner and South African guitarist, singer-songwriter, Jonathan Butler thrilled guests with hits ‘Lies’ and ‘Fire’. According to him, ‘‘I had an awesome time in Lagos at Smooth 98.1FM’s ‘A Night at The Kazbah’.

33/ TRAVEL, LEISURE & TOURISM

04.11.2016

Uganda Debuts at Akwaaba Travel Conference in Lagos To spend $500m on New Uganda Airways With a beautifully decorated stand, Uganda Tourism Board took its place at the just concluded annual Akwaaba African Travel Market in Lagos.

Uganda Tourism Board, exhibitors for the first time, took a step further from the exhibitions to sensitise the audience of the tremendous tourism assets of the country.

Celebration of Uganda Day was one of the high points that was capped by a captivating presentation by Nelson Ocheger, the Ugandan High Commissioner to Nigeria.

Ocheger demonstrated passion and excitement as he held the entire audience spell-bound with a presentation for Uganda Tourism Board, one of the new entrants to this year’s tourism and travel exhibitions which holds annually in Lagos.

At the exhibitions the audience and delegates were held spell bound by the awesome landscape and numerous tourist attractions the country is endowed with, and breathe taking clips on

Ugandans displaying their products at the travel exhibition

display.

Meanwhile, the Uganda government could acquire up to six aircraft should it take up the recommendations made in an inter-ministerial

report concerning the proposed relaunch of a new national airline.

Quoting excerpts of the report, the Uganda Monitor newspaper said last week that Yoweri Museveni’s government may source upto UGX1.1 trillion shillings (USD331 million) from various financial institutions, one of which could be the Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank, more commonly known as the PTA Bank.

With leasing dispelled as a viable long term option given the accrued costs, the proposal has, instead, pointed to the acquisition of narrow- and wide-body aircraft suitable for regional and international services.

“Government will purchase the aircraft using loan finance sourced internationally at an interest rate of 5 per cent per annum and over periods of 7-10 years (One A330-200 cost is estimated at USD109.5 million (UGX372 billion). Two are required, while a CRJ-900 at USD27.96 million

(UGX95 billion), with aircraft needed under the plan,” the report said.

Aside from the USD330 million in fleeting costs, government also intends to contribute USD70 million as start-up and working capital for the airline.

Ethiopian Airlines has been touted as a possible adviser in the new venture although no known formal contracts have yet been signed.

Uganda has been without a de-facto flag carrier since the Ugandan Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) grounded the Aga Khan Foundation’s Air Uganda project in 2014.

However, despite the landlocked East African state’s eagerness to redress the situation, opponents of the project have pointed to government’s poor track record in running an airline. The original government-owned Uganda Airlines (QU, Entebbe/Kampala) collapsed back in 2001 under a mountain of debt which critics blamed on poor management.

Stakeholders Urge African Governments to Maximise Benefits of Air Transportation Stakeholders in the aviation sector have urged African governments to give priority to air transportation in order to maximise its benefits for the continent.

They said Africa was set to become one of the fastest-growing aviation regions over the next 20 years, with annual expansion averaging nearly five per cent.

According to them, this opens up incredible economic opportunities for the continent’s 54 nations.

The stakeholders gave the advice while speaking on the topic, ‘Aviation in Africa and Why Airlines Fail,’ at the 2016 Aviation Day of the Akwaaba African Travel and Tour Market in Lagos.

Those who spoke included: Mr. Richard Aisebeogun, former Managing Director, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and Mr. Chris Aligbe, an aviation expert.

Others were: Capt. Dapo Olumide, former Managing Director of Virgin Nigeria, Mr. Yomi Jones, former Managing Director of Nigeria Airways and Capt. Mike Omokore, a search and Rescue expert.

“By transporting some 70 million passengers annually, aviation already supports 6.9 million

Aviation experts at the 2016 Akwaaba Travel Expo in Lagos

jobs and.$80 billion of economic activity on the African continent.

“However, the growth of the sector is being constrained by the highly industry cost, inadequate infrastructure at several airports, and slow implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision.

“The potential of aviation are under-utilised.

This means that there are huge opportunities for the sustainable airlines to thrive.

“Therefore for the continent to realise its full economic potential, aviation – partiicular air transport- must be priotised, “Aisebeogun said.

The former FAAN boss therefore called on the African Union to fast track the implementation of a common passport for Africans to enable people travel across the continent for business and leisure purposes.

Aisebeogun further stressed the need for modernisation of African airports to be in line

with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards.

Also speaking, Olumide observed that nearly all the 37 airlines launched in the continent within the past 12 years, including 25 from Nigeria, had failed.

“The biggest problem with African aviation is lack of corporate governance. The financial models of the airlines are wrong and they also lack maintenance culture,” Olumide said.

He, however commended Ethiopian Airlines for breaking the jinx, stressing that the noninterference of the operations of the airline by the government had led to its success story today.

Speaking similarly, Jones said it was possible for Nigeria to have a successful national carrier, especially if there was political will by the government.

According to him, Nigeria with over 170 million population, remains a viable market for aviation with the right policies and a conducive environment for airlines to thrive.

On his part, Aligbe said the infrastructural deficits at most African airports could be addressed through concessioning and private-sector participation.

BON Hotels Hosts Official Launch in Nigeria, Showcasing Nine Hotels across Five Cities BON Hotels, a hospitality company that owns, manages and markets hotels throughout Africa, hosted their official launch in Nigeria, at BON Hotel Stratton Asokoro in Abuja, attended by VIP guests, members of the press, dignitaries, politicians, airline executives, hotel owners, stakeholders and government representatives.

BON Hotels has seen phenomenal growth since its inception in 2012 with hotels across Africa including South Africa, Nigeria, Namibia, Ethiopia and Uganda, and is primed for significant expansion throughout the continent.

The West African arm of the group, BON Hotels International West Africa, which oversees operations in Nigeria, is spearheaded by a formidable team. Founder of Protea Hotels and the doyen of African hospitality, Executive Chairman Otto Stehlik, Bernard Cassar, ex Africa Director for Protea Hotels who pioneered the expansion of Protea Hotels in Nigeria over the past 18 years, as well as Pieter Bekker, ex Protea Regional Director in Nigeria, and Director responsible for operations, who has lived and worked in Nigeria for over 10 years fostering relationships with hotel staff and owners.

The final board member is BON Hotels’ founder and CEO, Guy Stehlik, whose entrepreneurial nature and perceptive commercial ability has been the firm foundation of his success and for the strategic development of BON Hotels and its continued expansion throughout all of Africa.

BON Hotels is a strong contender in the African hotel management space. “With Nigeria being more than ready for tourism and economically

BON Hotels official launch in Abuja...recently

viable – the powerhouse of Africa, she offers huge potential in the hospitality landscape,” Guy Stehlik explains. The company offers expertise of an international standard in their approach to hotel management, property openings, new builds or the upgrade of existing properties, with the specific needs of hotel owners front of mind. BON Hotels has been embraced for its fresh perspective in the African hospitality sector.

Gregory Ozegbe, Chairman of Africa Alliance Group, who is engaged in a joint venture agreement with BON Hotels on new projects, shares the vision for Africa. “It is our primary

focus and we are positioned with the support of our shareholders and strategic partners across the world to embark on the most ambitious expansion in the history of any country in Africa, to build first class 4 and 5 star international standard hotels in thirty-seven (37) locations in Nigeria, and in at least thirty (30) locations in countries in Africa over the next 10 years.”

Over the past year, BON Hotels has undertaken an aggressive rebranding and refurbishment campaign of their hotels in Nigeria, with creative input from Delta Design Studio, a specialist hospitality interior design and procurement

company. The hotels will be positioned as international 4-star, boutique-style, full-service hotels, at affordable prices, offering personal, friendly and efficient service that is synonymous with BON Hotels’ operating standards.

The properties include: BON Hotel Grand Towers, BON Hotel Stratton Asokoro, refurbished & rebranded, BON Hotel Abuja, refurbished & rebranded, BON Hotel Delta, Protea Hotel Ikeja, refurbished & operated by BON Hotels and Protea Hotel Victoria Island, refurbished & operated by BON Hotels Three hotels under construction and due for completion in 2018, are: BON Hotel Apo, BON Hotel Ekiti and BON Hotel Owerri.

Commenting on the refurbishment plan, Guy Stehlik says, “Our strategy is to be competitive in our offering, service delivery and price – to create a four-star standard international Nigerian hotel chain, a tourism circuit if you will that caters to all markets – the inter-regional businessman, the international and Nigerian local traveller, tourists and the leisure sector, with alternatives, designed to meet their requirements.”

Stehlik adds that they have rolled out the upgrades with minimum fuss – the hotels are operating as usual with all staff and general managers remaining in place. The group is also committed to training and empowerment of local Nigerians and significant social investment with their BONangels platform that is focused on supporting local communities through charity drives and events.

Source: atq news

34/PERSPECTIVE

04.11.2016

Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar at 10: Leadership as Goodness

Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar

Issa Aremu Any deep reflection on Amirul Mumineen Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar the 20th Sultan of Sokoto who this week marks 10 years anniversary as the Sultan (and who on August 24 also turned 60!) must necessarily reopen a leadership discourse in Nigeria.

The spectre of leadership, we all know, permanently hunts Nigeria since Africa’s master story teller, late Professor Chinua Achebe and the author of the classic novel; Things Fall Apart observed in his 1983 reflection that “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership". Witness him; "There is nothing basically wrong with the Nigerian character. There is nothing wrong with the Nigerian land or climate or water or air or anything else." Certainly leadership still remains a naughty issue in Nigeria as rightly observed by Achebe. Very few countries parade a remarkable number and mix of leaders in Africa and indeed in the world; spiritual, traditional and modern, and temporal, active and retired alike. However even at that, we should not forget that both in the past and in the present, Nigeria and indeed Africa still harbour traditional and modern political leaders who in their respective rights personify the historic needs and aspirations of their peoples. It’s time we recognised and celebrated leaders who stand to live up to expectations of their communities and serve as worthy ambassadors of their people. Paris Hilton enjoins us to “live everyday like it’s a birthday”. A visitor to the palace of his eminence, Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, would bear witness to his daily value adding activities sustaining the great legacies of over 200 years old Sokoto Caliphate founded in 1804 by a great Islamic scholar, Usman dan Fodio.

Ten years anniversary of Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar LLD, CFR, mni, offers another important opportunity to acknowledge the unifying leadership role of the head of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (Society for the Support of Islam - JNI), and president-general of the Nigerian National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).

At 60, President Muhammadu Buhari in his tribute rightly singled out “...the uncommon leadership style, patriotism and wisdom” in Sultan’s “consistent advocacy for security, peace and unity of Nigeria”. Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, as President Buhari observed stands out as bridge builder at a time many “leaders” kept mute as sponsored critical national assets including the remaining few bridges are under attack. Sultan’s voices have been commendably loud on burning national issues; good governance, girl-child education, infant and child mortality, and agriculture. Recently the United States’ Secretary of State, John Kerry, visited Nigeria. It was not surprising that his destination for an historic lecture on diversity and tolerance was in Sokoto under the "Leadership as Goodness" by Sultan Saad Abubakar.

At the palace of the Sultan, John Kerry first Secretary of State to visit the seat of the caliphate, lauded the efforts of the Sultan in promoting religious tolerance and understanding among Nigerians.

He said that the Sultanate Council was building a community of tolerance for peace, progress and political stability in Nigeria adding that, the United States would continue to identify itself with the Sultanate in strengthening religious tolerance and understanding among Nigerians. The visit offered another opportunity for the Sultan to reaffirm the sultanate commitment to the promotion of peaceful coexistence among Nigerians

for the overall political growth of the country maintaining that "religious tolerance and understanding among Nigerians remained the principal objective of the Sultanate in mobilising Nigerians to tolerate one another for peace, progress and political stability of the country." It is worthy of recalling that both Sultan Saad and John Cardinal Onaiyekan, then Roman Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, were jointly nominated for the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize (“for their efforts at campaigning against the misuse of religion”) alongside former U.S. President Bill Clinton and the European Union.

Recently under his Chairmanship of the Heritage council of Alumni Association of the National Institute, AANI, there was a policy dialogue that involved the participation of seven ministers of the federal republic. The sultan's speech remains a timely food for thought for change for good governance. Some of Sultan’s observations pass for quotable quotes and worth being reproduced here; “....the burden is on the part of those in authority to appreciate that they hold power in trust for the common people of the country. Those in government must be open minded, flexible and receptive to new ideas as government is all about the people. If the mass of people are groaning and saying they are suffering economic deprivations, those in authority must listen and prepare to initiate policy changes for the betterment of all. In managing change government must be open to suggestions and even prepare to do a policy review for the security and welfare of all. Even change is constant in a change process! The country we all know is never short of robust policy measures including the ones contained in 2016 federal budget. The challenging and overreaching issue is policy implementation. No better institution is better positioned to assist the government

in policy implementation than NIPSS and AANI. NIPSS was set up in 1979 by the Federal Government to serve as a high level centre for reflection, research, and policy dialogue. Today, the National Institute has graduated over 1500 participants.

No topic of national importance that has not been researched upon whether in public finance, mining and minerals development, industrial development, power sector reforms, housing and road construction among others. Its time government gets committed to effectively utilise the huge enormous knowledge resources available at NIPSS. We are confident that this policy dialogue can share from the wealth of experience of AANI members with respect to implementation strategies for 2016 budget. We suggest that all the resolutions at the end of this historic Town Hall meeting should be forwarded to the office of the Vice President to assist in the realisation of the laudable objectives of the 2016 budget.

Lastly, we will like to emphasis that the effectiveness of this Town Hall meeting rests on its impact on the welfare of the citizens. According to the 1999 Constitution, the primary objective of governance in the current democratic dispensation is welfare and security of the citizens.

Shaykh Abdullahi Ibn Foduye, 1807, defined “Leadership as Service to the People.” According to him, “Seeing to the welfare of people is more effective than the use of force. It has been said that the crown of a leader is his integrity, his stronghold is his impartiality and his wealth is the welfare of his people.

Therefore all hands must be on deck to ensure that government delivers on its mandate for better life for the citizens.”

Wishing his eminence many more years of worthy leadership for humanity.

Aremu (mni) is Secretary General Alumni Association of the National Institute

35/ENTREPRENEUR

04.11.2016

‘Our Aim is to Bring Ease to Road Transport Users’ Bus.com.ng, a road transport solution provider, set out to create online ticket booking platform for travelers across the nation officially launched its operation on November 1. In this interview with Mary Ekah, the company’s Business Manager, Gloria Effi, speaks more about the company improve yourself.

What is Bus.com.ng all about?

Bus.com.ng is a company that deals with road transport solution. We have two solutions presently: one for the bus operators and one for the travelers. The first one is an electronic ticketing system where we empower the bus operators to be able to issue electronic tickets at their terminals so that when a passenger comes to the park, instead of using the manual tickets, the ticketer they would use the system to capture the passenger’s vital information, the destination and amount paid, after which an SMS is sent to the passenger. The other solution is an online platform where the passengers can buy their bus tickets online instead of going to the bus terminal. A day before your trip or even few hours before you embark on your trip you can go on this platform and book for your tickets online for any destination in Nigeria or in West Africa.

We don’t want people to start rushing to the park on the very day they are travelling, instead you can just sit at the comfort of your home and book a bus at any bus terminal of your choice and then go on your trip the next day without the stress of having to rush to the park and queue to buy ticket. We are trying to solve the issue of accessibility as well as convenience.

How long have you been in existence?

We have been in operation for six years but we came into the market in 2013 to actually run a test to see if the market was ready for the online bus ticketing. And then we ran the test for almost two years and we went back to re-strategise and do some restructuring to suit the findings we got and on November 1, this year, we came back again in full force. We can say that some of the top bus companies in Nigeria are working with us right now.

How ready are Nigerians for the kind of road transport solution you are bringing on board now considering how impatient Nigerians are?

What are your expectations for bus.com.ng in the next few years?

We want to get to a stage where every Nigerian that wants to travel by road will think first of bus.con.ng in the sense that when you want bus ticket, you just go online and get your tickets. Of course in everything we do even as humans, we always have challenges. What I would want more is to see bus operators embrace the use of technology as well as to see the average Nigerian who travels by road to also embrace the use of technology. And also for them to see these platforms we are making available to them as a way of making life easy. We are also looking at where we would have the network providers work with us to ensure that data can be available at very cheaper rates for the bus operators and for that we are looking forward to partnerships and all of that. And for the government, we want them to ensure that we have good road network in Nigeria and to have a country where the roads are constantly in good condition and all of that so that a lot more people will be encouraged to travel by road using our platform.

Effi, 2nd right with her Bus.com.ng team

Talking about the readiness of the market, we all know that almost every household in Nigeria has a smart phone now and if this is so, it is obvious that market is actually ready for this unlike when we started in 2013.

What impact will this new innovation have on the lives of the average Nigerians?

A large number of the population in Nigeria travel by the road and more so because of the economic situation we are in right now, a lot of people will like to cut cost and travel by road rather than spending so much on airfare.

So what we have done is to improve lifestyle

with the different kinds of solutions that we offer. We also give a card system payment, so that if you buy your ticket at bus.com.ng, you can make payment with your card at any bus terminal you are travelling with and with this, we will change the lifestyle of travellers in the sense that you are using one card to make payments at different bus companies across Nigeria, that is ease of life. And the fact that we are giving you an online system where you don’t have to go to the park be on queue and stress yourself to buy tickets for your trips, and thereby waste the time you would have used to do other things to

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I am someone who loves technology and I have been privileged to be in that sector for a while. I am actually looking forward to seeing how we can use technology to solve a lot of issues around collection and processes, especially in the road transport sector. I believe there are lots of solutions that can be used to improve the sector. And I am very passionate about the transport sector and that is why I am still there. I studied Economics at the University of Nigeria Nsukka.

And before then, I was also in the transport sector managing other kinds of projects that were technology inclined. So I have been in the sector for a while to acquire so much experience for this present project.

Dream Sports Africa Educates Nigerian Youth through Sports Dream Sports Africa recently launched its operations and announced plans to design and manage youth empowerment through sports programmes in Nigeria.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Dream Sports Africa, Chenfa Dombin, said during the launch; “Launching Dream Sports Africa is the start of something big in Nigeria that will grow across Africa. I am humbled and honoured to be able to impact young Africans through sports. I was in their shoes not too long ago and so for me this work is driven by passion and purpose and giving back to my community.”

Dream Sports Africa is a U.S.-based nonprofit organisation registered in Nigeria as a NGO with operations in Ghana and Liberia. Dream Sports Africa has a vision of an African continent where all youth can access education through sports to develop physical, intellectual and moral powers. Its goal is to create sport development initiatives that build skills and empower African youth for future professions. Dream Sports Africa was founded in 2015 by Chenfa Dombin, a Nigerian who moved to the U.S. in 2008 to get a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Michigan with a focus on developing skills to impact youth empowerment through sports in Nigeria.

The University of Michigan awarded him a full merit based scholarship into their MBA programme. After completing his studies in 2010 Chenfa worked at a Washington DC-based international nonprofit for five years where as the Director of Youth Empowerment he designed and managed three innovative

L-r: President, Nigerian Basketball Federation, Tijjani Umar, Deputy Director, Co-Curricular Secondary Education Board, Victoria George, Member of the Nigeria House of Representatives, Hon. Gaza Gbefwi; Deputy Minority Leader of House of Representatives, Hon. Chukwuka Onyema; Dream Sports Africa Founder, Chenfa Dombin; Member of Nigeria House of Representatives, Hon. Jones Onyereri, and Principal, Raberto School, Mrs. Ngozi Afam at the event

programmes that raised $3 million over three years for youth empowerment through basketball, athletics and peer mentoring programmes in Nigeria. These programmes have reached 15 Nigeria secondary schools and over 5,000 youth in the FCT directly and indirectly. They have also employed about 50 Nigerians as programme staff and coaches.

While speaking during the launch, the President of the Nigerian Basketball Federation, Tijjani Umar, said; “Dream Sports Africa’s model emphasises grassroots development of sports as a way to access and impact

Nigerian and African youth positively. This helps extend the impact of sports organisations like the NBBF and we look forward to partnering with Dream Sports African on several innovative youth empowerment through sports programmes in Nigeria.”

According to Mactabene Amachree, Dream Sports Africa Board Member and first Nigerian woman to play for the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), “Dream Sports Africa gives other young kids in Africa an opportunity to pursue their dreams using sports as a platform as well as I did.

Growing up in Nigeria, Basketball gave me an opportunity to travel the world, expand my horizon and play in the WNBA. I am a firm believer in the power of sports to impact our youth beyond the game and transform our communities.”

In 2017 Dream Sports Africa will be partnering with U.S.-based companies and individuals such as large US based African diaspora population in the U.S. These partnerships will be used to raise funds that support youth empowerment through sports in Nigeria and other African countries.

36/COLLAGE

Prince Tunde Omojuwa (left) and HRH Dr. P.O Kalejaye during the 40th anniversary celebration of Community Grammar School Alumni Association, lgboegunrn, Ondo State...recently

04.11.2016

L-R: Catholic Archbishop of Lagos Archdiicese, Most Reverend Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins; His Eminence, Cardinal Anthony Okogie; Lagos Metropolitan Grand Knight of St. Mulumba, Charles Mbelede; Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Right Rev (Dr). Gabriel Dunia; and Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Reverend D. Gabriel Abegunrin, at the 9th Annual Cardinal Anthony Okogie Lecture/ Foundation held at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Maryland in Lagos.. recently

Members of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), women fellowship, Ebute Metta District Church Council, during a visit to the Health Centre Maternity, Yaba, Lagos... recently

L-R: Chairman Administrative Committee, Okote Branch of the Church, God s Kingdom Society (The Church of the Living God} Mr. Felix Osifo; Station Minister Lagos Zone, Brother Kingsley Iriferi and General Secretary of the Church, Brother Michael Ekiseowei during the Celebration of Freedom Day Anniversary of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ , held in Olodi-Aapapa, Lagos... recently

L-R;,2nd Deputy President, Otunba Ayo Olumoko; ,Chairman, Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria[FTAN], Chief Samuel Alabi and,Zonal Vice Presisent,FTAN South West, Aare Biodun Odunsanwo at the Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria, Southwest Stakeholders Forum in Lagos...recently

L-R: Mrs Maria Igene, Mrs Elizabeth Emaku, Mrs Femi Okunola, Mrs Ronke Raheem and Mrs Toyin Popoola during the wedding of Doyinsola Niniola and Ademola Adeleke at the Prince and Princess Event Hall, Oyo State... recently

L-R: Member, Catholic Missiologists Association of Nigeria (CAMISAN), Sister Florence Oso Ehi; Director, Mission and Dialogue , Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Father Prof. Cornelius A. Omonokhua and Vice Rector Pontifcal Urban University, Rome, Prof. Lorella Congiunyi at the closing ceremony of Pan African Congress on Missiology in Lagos... recently

Mr. Kayode Eniolorunda of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and Mrs ldowu Eniolorunda of Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) at the wedding of their daughter, Mobolaji Olivia and Oluwaseyi Adeoye of NCS at Bola Memorial Anglican Church, lkeja, Lagos...recently

37/THISLIFE

04.11.2016

Orji

T.A. Orji: Celebrating an Achiever at 66 Charles Ajunwa Let’s celebrate Senator Theodore Ahamefule Orji, popularly called Ochendo, the senator representing Abia Central senatorial district at the Red Chamber of the National Assembly.

He turns 66 on November 9, 2016. We have to celebrate with him, even though he does not make a pomp and pageantry out of it.

He likes going out to reach the downtrodden in the society without clattering over what he shares with them. Ochendo would tell people around him that he is not a celebration man, not a party man; not used to throwing parties and inviting friends.

He prefers a gentle lifestyle, but this does not mean that he does not inform his friends, especially those around, of his birthday anytime it sets in. But he does not like people making a case out of his birthday like putting up adverts and what not. He prefers the quiet celebration with prayers to his God for His blessings to him.

He would say, “It’s not by inviting the whole world and buying drinks and cooking food, and getting every person dancing. Instead, you should be humble before God and thank Him, because He is the person that has made you what you are. If there is any offering you have, you offer to God. If there is anything you want to do for God for keeping you alive you do it.”

He said that part of example of the above is the churches he has built to appreciate his God. For example, the church that he built in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, which is a cathedral he built from base to the end.

He opined, “That is to appreciate God for what he has done for me in life. That is just one church, there are many of them. I built

for Catholic, I built for Church of Christ, I built for Anglican, and just like that, to say God thank you for all you have done to me.

And I believe that is the best way of thanking God and celebrating any good thing that has happened to you.”

On his influence as a senator, Senator Orji has sponsored seven bills at the Senate, by December last year, therefore sending traducers packing and to look for a better job than selling naughtiness against him before the people, since the 8th Senate was inaugurated on June 9, 2015, where he’s the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, a member of the Marine Committee, a member of the Air-force Committee, a member of the Police Committee and a member of the Health Committee.

Apart from his committee holding several meetings with the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh and stakeholders in agricultural sector in order to chart a new direction for this all important sector, Senator T.A.Orji recently attended an international seminar on agriculture in Turkey, where his presentation was applauded by experts from all over the world. He proposed a Bill last year for making food a necessity for every child in Nigeria, and he wants it not to go the way of other food programmes the country has had in the past.

The Bill, passed the second reading, and was first read on the floor of the Senate on the 8th of October 2015. His objective was for Nigerians to gain freedom from hunger with primary right to food. He believed that every child in Nigeria has a right to food security with its production as the fundamental need of every citizen.

On marine, the committee went to Lagos on two occasions. The first time of the journey

was spurred by a report by Senator Remi Tinubu over a supposed traffic jam experienced on Apapa axis of Lagos State. Senator Orji said that both the police and the Air-force authorities and the Senate had met over certain issues of national concern and appropriate measures were mapped out for tackling the issues raised.

Born on November 9, 1950, Senator Orji, who hails from Amaokwe-Ugba, Umuahia – Ibeku in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, had an eventful eight years as governor of Abia State. Abians cherish him because of the good works that were people-oriented he did in the state when he was governor, which he has increased in folds now that he is senator.

As a senator, he has given scholarship to many students; a scheme which was published in the newspapers. His aim was to make sure that at least, ten or more students from each of the six local government areas of Abia Central senatorial zone, were given the scholarship. For now, about sixty persons have received the scholarship, with a total unveiling cost at six million. Each student got 100,000 naira.

Senator T.A.Orji was able to give a facelift to a damaged Women’s Hall in Umuomainta in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of Abia State. This is apart from employments he has been offering to people of his constituency, of which some of them are working in his office.

During the last Yuletide he vowed to empower the nooks and crannies of his constituency with 20 units of 2.5 megawatts generator, 20 units of home grinding machines, 20 units of sewing machines, 100 bags of fertiliser, 14 units of motorcycles, 10 units of tricycles, 15 units of wheel chairs.

In one of his public presentations, Senator

Orji said, “There are also some schools within my senatorial zone that I have earmarked, personally, for renovation, because they are currently in bad shape. I will also renovate health centres that are in bad shape within my senatorial district. For skills acquisition, I have made arrangements for the youths from my senatorial zone, so that they can be trained in phone repairs, computer repairs and other things that can sustain them in life without looking for employment. So these are the things that I intend to do within this period and as we progress, what I promised my people of Abia Central was that before I finish my first tenure in the Senate, they will feel the impact of my being in the Senate. Employment is a priority to me.

“I can produce a file that I have filled up with applications, both from people at home and from people in Abuja, who are looking jobs. I’m using my connections to see how I can provide employment for these people. If you employ one person you have relieved a problem for that family. These are the things that we are doing and as we progress other ideas will come. The ones I can do, I will do.

The ones I cannot do, I will always direct them that this is the way to go about it.”

As a man with a great passion for the financially poor people in his constituency, while speaking during his visit to Ikwuano and Isiala Ngwa North council areas during the last Yuletide, Senator Orji said that the students and the reading public from Abia State should take their books seriously. He has a belief that education is the bedrock of the society and every student has to embrace this as a reality.

Given his glamorous antecedents at the Senate, let’s join hands and celebrate this enigma, lover of people and a gentleman to the core.

38/OPINION

04.11.2016

ADEOLAAKINREMI HOME TRUTHS

Email: adeola.akinremi@thisdaylive.com

Tel 08116759785(sms only)

Double ‘Wahala’ for the IDPs

I

t has been several weeks since I wrote about how internally displaced persons have had terrible times in the hands of their managers.

Specifically, starvation and deprivation of dignity have been the sad stories from these Nigerians who didn’t plan to live their lives the way they now live.

For instance, on September 2, I wrote that some foodstuffs meant for the IDPs, and clearly marked Not For Sale were found in the market place.

Now, the recent report of sex for food at some of the camps by the Human Rights Watch should not be treated in isolation.

There’s a bond between my article and the latest report by the Human Rights Watch. I tried to tally up everything and I decided I will have to repeat myself this week.

When I pressed my hands over the lines of testimonies in the HRW report, I reflected on what Ms. Sarah Makka, an international development expert, told me in August.

Ms Makka talked about the difficulty faced by the IDPs in accessing foodstuffs and how their food supply was being sold at different markets by their greedy caregivers.

She then handed me a petition sent to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in July by her group.

The content of the letter which I published before states that: “There have been several allegations of corruption in IDP Camps in relation to distribution of food and supplies.

“For several months, there have been citizens’ reports that food and supplies marked ‘NOT

The IDPs

FOR SALE’ or stamped with the logos of various international development agencies are offered as is, or repackaged and sold in markets in Borno State.

“This is clearly unacceptable and urgent attention needs to be given to ensure that supplies meet their intended beneficiaries in good time to meet their needs. If goods clearly marked ‘NOT FOR SALE’ are being sold, what happens to donations by citizens that are unmarked?

“In June 2016, there were reports of trucks of food being diverted from IDP camps. There was also a report of hoodlums taking over a food distribution event in Borno State and

stealing bags of rice. Also last month, pictures and a video surfaced online and the report stated that food allocated for IDPs were being re-bagged for resale.

“Furthermore, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), in their May 2016 Report, found that cases of ‘sex for food’ by women and girls in government-run camps had increased.

“In January 2016, the Chairman of the House Committee of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), Alhaji Sani Zoro (Jigawa, APC), announced that the Committee would investigate allegations of ‘sex for food’ in IDP Camps.

“Despite these allegations, there has been no published report by the Federal Government of the findings of any investigation.”

Makka and her team made passionate appeal to Osinbajo to use his office as the nation’s vice president and chairman of National Emergency Management Authority to act swiftly before things get out of hand.

And now that things have gone out of hand, I see a clear relationship between HRW report and this petition.

In the heart-wrenching report, the HRW said: “In some cases, men used their positions of authority and gifts of desperately needed food or other items to have sex with women.

A woman in a Dalori camp said residents get only one meal a day. She said she accepted the advances of a soldier who proposed marriage because she needed help in feeding her four children. He disappeared five months later when she told him she was pregnant.”

Here is the woman’s testimony on sex for

food that resonates with what Makka told me about the horrific situation in IDP camps earlier and I believe there’s a way everything adds up.

“The soldier showed his interest by bringing me food and clothes. He used to wear the green army uniform and carried a gun. I accepted him because I needed help to take care of me and my four children. Feeding in the camp is only once a day so you have to accept any help that comes. We started having sex in my camp tent – my sister who was sharing it with me left – or at night in the open field where soldiers stay in the camp. Five months later when I realised I was pregnant and told him, he stopped coming. I have not seen him since then. I feel so ashamed because my neighbours talk and stare at me. I cry whenever I think about him. I delivered the baby two months ago but he is also suffering – I eat once a day so (am) not producing enough milk to breast feed him well. Things are so bad in the camp, there is not enough water or food,” a woman mentioned to HRW That letter was sent out to Osinbajo by mid- July, but it is not clear whether Osinbajo acted on it just the same the issue was ignored in January this year, when the House of Representatives claimed it will act, but did nothing to investigate the bestial act of rape and starvation at the camps.

Honestly, after surviving the terror and horror of Boko Haram, it is a shame that this kind of story is coming out of the IDP camps. What do you think?

LEKANFATODU HEADS-UP

“T

Email lekantodun@yahoo.com

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Of Godfatherism and Nigerian Politics

hat is very important if you say he will disappoint me, I am not the state; I am only one out of about four million Edo people. So his obligation and his loyalty should be to the people of Edo State. The oath of office he is going to subscribe to says that he will defend the constitution of Nigeria, he will do everything to uplift the quality of life of Edo people. Nothing in his oath of office will include ‘I shall not betray my predecessor’ because I have no interest to be betrayed.”

Those were the words of the out-going governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole.

He was fielding questions from journalists who had asked him if he was not worried that he might fall out later on with the governor-elect of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, who is generally known as Oshiomhole’s political godson. The question obviously stems from the hostilities that have largely characterised, in recent times, the godfather-godson relationship in Nigerian politics.

For some apparent reasons, I do applaud people who are brutally honest to themselves. As they make critical and candid assessment of situations without giving to false and illusionary assumptions on the certainty of future events to gratify their self-importance. And Oshiomhole, with those words, has delivered a sacredly bitter-truth.

Two instructive points can be taken out of the governor’s statement. One, he has vocalised his resolve not to be expectant that Obaseki, who he (Oshiomhole) helped in no small measure to secure the seat of power in Benin city, eternally defer to him

Oshiomhole

in all political and policy considerations, either good or bad, as many godfathers are accustomed to doing. The reality is: failed expectations kill faster in Nigeria’s peculiarly intriguing and treacherous political landscape.

The other one, the most pungent verdict made by Oshiomhole, is that leadership should be accountable to the people and not to some self appointed political warlords seeking to perpetuate themselves in the corridors of power. And with such proclamations, the concept of godfatherism as we presently know it might just be nearing its end.

I believe that such a strong conclusion will bring sound tunes to the ears of many Nigerians, especially the masses, who have been agitating that the so-called practise of godfatherism in modern politics is one of

the main causes of underdevelopment in the land.

It is simply common sense that an idea that neither conveys a positive message nor favours the interest of the generality of the people should totally be abolished.

Meanwhile godfatherism, simply described here as a practice which allows an influential or experienced individual to act as the shaper of the trajectory of a beginner, is an age-long practice that is not only present within the political sphere but also alive in business life and even in religious settings the world over.

In many of the aforementioned instances though, godfatherism may not be the chosen term. That is why words such as mentor, role-model, etcetera are used to represent the people involved in the development phases of beginners in different circumstances.

But if there was ever anything positive inherent in this idea, what we have seen of it in Nigeria's political elite, some of whom still strut the landscape of the country as godfathers, has made a total mess of the whole concept.

Though some observers have informed that there was semblance of godfatherism amongst the leaders that contributed to Nigeria’s attainment of independence in 1960, theirs was essentially driven by the quest for a better life for all and for the rapid development of the country.

Indeed, in that era, leaders like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Sir Ahmadu Bello, to mention a few who could clearly be referred to as political godfathers not only presented themselves as outstanding leaders whose ways of life were desirable by their followers, but also institutionalised political ideologies

that remain reference points for good governance till date.

But since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999 following long years of military rule, what the nation has seen as mentorship for aspiring political leaders has been a variant of godfatherism that essentially seeks to serve personal interest, undermine development and consistently threaten law and order in the society.

Recently, from Kano to Akwa-Ibom states, several political unrest and development challenges have been attributed to godfather-godson squabbles. In times past also, several godfather-godson feuds have fuelled divisive politics and stoked ethnic tensions with resultant negative impact on governance in the society.

And these had impacted so negatively in governance. The feud between Governor Chimaroke Nnamani and Senator Jim Nobodo in Enugu State; Dr. Chris Ngige and the Uba brothers in Anambra State and that between Chief Lamidi Adedibu and Governor Rashidi Ladoja in Oyo State are examples that readily come to mind.

Thankfully however, the ceaseless rebellion by many godsons against the whimps and caprices of their godfathers, which has continued to trouble and sink the retrogressive practice can also be of benefit to the entire population, eventually.

And just as Oshiomole has said that he had defeated the godfathers in Edo State to reposition the state on the path of glory, an assertion that would be proven with time, efforts should be improved by all and sundry towards exterminating practices and tendencies that are hindering development and good governance across the country.

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016

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BUSINESSWORLD

ANALYSIS

Unlocking Nigeria’s Agriculture Value Chain through Innovation Given agriculture’s share of the country’s GDP, revolutionalising the sector has become imperative to trigger overall economic growth, writes Nume Ekeghe Agriculture has been projected as one of the major driving forces of Africa’s economic resurgence, complimented by a growing interest in the continent’s natural resources. Over 60 percent of the world’s available and unexploited cropland is located in sub-Saharan Africa. For Nigeria, agriculture contributes about 22 percent of its GDP and over 90 percent of employment.

However, about 90 percent of the agricultural output is accounted for by small scale farmers with less than two hectares under cropping.

This situation presents huge gaps that can be exploited for good and possibly put an end to the era of treating agriculture as a development programme, rather than business.

With the economic recession Nigeria is currently grappling with, there is consensus across board that there is no better time to leverage the potential of the agriculture sector, not just to pull out of recession, but to diversify the economy and place it on the path of sustainable growth and development.

The ban on importation of goods which can be produced locally is one step the current government has taken in demonstration of the renewed focus on agricultural development to ensure diversification of the country’s revenue source away from oil. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh, while speaking at the inauguration of the Technical Working Group of Agricultural Roadmap, emphasised that the decline in global oil prices has made it imperative for the country to diversify the economy, with agriculture as major anchor. “We have to diversify and that diversification holds a lot of promises through agriculture,” Ogbeh stated.

A factor bedeviling the industry is the lack of access to finance, a major impediment that prevents farmers from investing in basic inputs, such as good seeds, fertilizers and small-scale irrigation needed to raise productivity and generate sustainable income. As a result, yields have not increased significantly, leading to pervasive hunger and poverty. Similarly, with little or no commercial financing and other incentives available to entrepreneurs seeking to build businesses that could boost food production, agricultural production remains at a subsistence level.

“Regarding agriculture, the opportunity is immense,” said Jerry Gushop, Head of Agricultural Banking at Stanbic IBTC Bank.

“Though much is required, and a collective inertia still remains, there are increasing signs of how agricultural transformation can change the country’s fortunes. The current economic situation, especially with strong government

Several local banks have become quite active in the agric space, providing both financing and other support to the industry.

For instance, a few years ago, Stanbic IBTC Bank collaborated with Tata Africa Services and John Deere Financial, a division of United States-based John Deere, through which the bank is providing a range of financial services to customers of John Deere

David-Borha

backing, makes agriculture an attractive prospect for the country. Note also that the demand for upstream products linked to the broader agri-business sector will blossom, creating new economic opportunities for a wide range of local and international enterprises,” he added.

Hitherto, the various governments and the Central Bank of Nigeria have introduced financing initiatives to encourage local banks to finance agriculture and also help to reduce the cost of finance for investors/ entrepreneurs in the sector. Some of these initiatives include the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing Model for Agricultural Financing (NIRSAL), an initiative that provides guarantee on exposure to the financing institution while also providing interest rate rebate for the borrower. The other is the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS), a CBN initiative that provides single digit financing through commercial banks at nine percent annually for commercial farmers. The Real Sector Support Fund (RSSF), also a CBN initiative which provides single digit financing to the real sector, including the Agric sector for periods of up to 15 years at nine percent per annum interest rate. The Anchor Borrowers Programme, another CBN initiative, provides financing at nine percent per annum interest rate. The scheme was recently established to cater for small-holder farmers via an ‘anchor’ platform, by creating markets/offtake for the smallholder farmers.

It was largely in search of ideas and strategies to unlock the sector and stimulate growth of local production that the themes of the 22nd Nigerian Economic Summit and the 2016 Stanbic IBTC Business Leadership Series, which held in Abuja and Lagos recently, focused on agriculture.

‘Made in Nigeria,’ theme of the Summit, was derived from the need to achieve improvement in Nigeria’s local productive capacity which will find a ready market in its huge population, thus helping to unlock the country’s economic potential, according to Sola David-Borha, Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group NESG).

Innovation underscored the Stanbic IBTC Business Leadership Series, which had the theme, ‘Gems in the Field.’ It was no surprise that the event had as headliner Jason Drew, South African farmer who grabbed global attention by creating a multi-million dollar business by rearing flies. Drew teamed up with Ogbeh and Kola Masha, Managing Director, Doreo Partners, an agriculture-focused investment firm, to provide critical insight on transforming Nigeria via agriculture.

Drew showcased at the event, a forum designed to inspire the next generation of Nigerian business leaders and entrepreneurs through knowledge sharing capable of optimising growth of the

Ogbeh

Nigerian economy, the significance of innovation, doggedness and creativity to business success.

Having identified a huge and growing need - meat and protein - Drew set up an eco-venture through which he harvested soldier flies which are reared to produce millions of tons of maggots which are processed, pressed and dried into nutrient-rich fertilizer and shipped to chicken farms and aquaculture plants as food. This translates to more meat and protein for human consumption.

Drew’s quest is driven by a simple calculation.

The global population is projected to hit nine billion by 2050, an addition of two billion people from the current figure. Feeding the additional mouths will trigger a rapid demand for protein in the form of beef, pork, fish and chicken, which will be further buoyed by growing global prosperity and rising income levels in Asia and Africa. According to the World Health Organisation, global production of meat will have to increase to 376 million tonnes by 2030 if hopes of meeting the demand for protein from the developing world are to be met.

So far, the rearing of animals and fish that would provide the desired protein has relied largely on the seas, but this source is being increasingly depleted by over-fishing, while the quantum of catch is steadily declining. Besides, massive fishing threatens the entire marine ecosystem. On the other hand, the industrial farming of meat has become cumbersome, and, in more advanced economies, mostly abandoned as innovation and technology opened fresh options. New approaches needed to be explored, and this Drew saw as a huge investment opportunity.

Few years into the venture, Drew’s AgriProtein Technologies has built a sprawling factory in Cape Town, South Africa, where his flies are sustaining a multi-million dollar business.

The company’s growth is further fueled by the relatively cheaper rate of its animal feed which several studies have also confirmed are highly nutritious for livestock, especially chickens, fish and pigs. A global expansion has commenced with new operations planned outside Africa. In recognition of Drew’s ingenuity, the company received the 2013 Innovation Prize for Africa, backed up by a $100,000 United Nations support.

Drew’s uncommon insights into business, the environment and its future resonated among the audience, who truly agreed that the requirements of Nigeria’s economic renaissance includes the adoption of innovative strategies, appropriate policy directions and meticulous implementation.

Deploying the clout and resources of government to bear on such initiatives and projects was the thrust of Ogbe’s submission at the

event. Ogbeh, represented by the Lagos State Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Funmilola Olusanya, said the federal government is resolutely committed to partnering the private sector to drive growth of the agriculture sector. Agribusiness, he said, should be broadly embraced, including mentoring the youth to see the attractive prospects in practicing agriculture.

On his part, Masha harped on the need to practice agriculture as a business, and to encourage private sector participation across the value chain, which will enhance the drive towards restoring Nigeria’s place as a leading agricultural economy. He used Babban Gona, an agricultural franchise developed by Doreo Partners, to illustrate the transformative power of agriculture through adoption of the right tools, strategies and practices. The scheme, which aims at lifting one million smallholder farmers out of poverty by 2025, provides small holder farmers a full suite of agricultural and marketing services as well as access to investment capital, thereby boosting productivity, profitability, income levels and living standards.

Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Sola David-Borha, reflecting on the conference, stated: “We have recorded significant advances on our original vision for the series, which is to build business leadership in Nigeria. The enthusiastic participation witnessed so far is a positive feedback that will be instrumental in reinvigorating and expanding the initiative as we work assiduously towards achieving its stated objectives.”

With this year’s focus on agriculture, David-Borha stated that “the quest to unlock Nigeria’s agricultural sector, given its massive transformative potential, continues to gain interest and momentum from within Nigeria and abroad. Stanbic IBTC is poised to play a major role in making this happen. For us, the process commenced several years back.”

To move forward, experts say Nigeria must look inward for local financing solutions. Several local banks have become quite active in the agric space, providing both financing and other support to the industry. For instance, a few years ago, Stanbic IBTC Bank collaborated with Tata Africa Services and John Deere Financial, a division of United States-based John Deere, through which the bank is providing a range of financial services to customers of John Deere.

With better governance and policies in place, Nigeria will reap the economic benefits of having a greater proportion of the population in the economically active sector. The large share of agriculture in Nigeria’s GDP, according to experts, suggests that a strong growth in agriculture is necessary to trigger overall economic growth.

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016

CITYSTRINGS

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

Livid Bayelsa Residents Emmanuel Addeh writes on the many unexplained deaths in the last couple of weeks of some residents of Bayelsa in the hands of the police and the attendant anger the deaths have generated

Late Innocent Kokorifa...killed by the police

The corpse of innocent Kokorifa

“P

olice is Your Friend“, a phrase that is gradually assuming the status of an axiom in Nigeria, is written on the walls of most police stations, usually pasted on police vehicles and carved on many other police infrastructure.

Though it is believed that the Nigerian Police work under serious constraints, mostly funding-related, not a few also agree that many cops, top-down, would do with some training in the handling of deadly weapons and lessons in police/civil relations.

With a number of unexplained deaths in the last couple of weeks of some residents of Bayelsa in the hands of the police and the attendant anger the deaths have generated, concerned citizens have begun to question the “police is your friend’’ sing-song.

First, it was 17-year-old Innocent Kokorifa, who was ‘extra-judicially’ murdered by a team of policemen who accused the young man of being an armed robber.

Perhaps, in anticipation of a backlash, the police in a statement stated that the youngster, who hailed from Okpotuari community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, exchanged gunfire with its anti vice/ anti-kidnapping team.

The men who fired the shots that killed young Kokorifa, though said to be cooling off in a police cell in the zonal headquarters in Benin, Edo State, neither explained what he was stealing nor investigations that led to his culpability.

The reason the boy was shot seemed as

hazy as his death. It would appear that despite the adduced reasons for his shooting, no one has told the public why the young man would pick a gun at about 11am and attempt to raid the neighbourhood where he stays without any form of disguise, not even a face mask.

But a police statement signed by Asinim Butswat, the command’s Spokesperson, maintained that “on a tip-off, officers went to an uncompleted building along Airforce Road, Okaka, Yenagoa, to arrest a three man notorious armed robbery gang.

The command said that “On sighting the Police and in a frantic bid to escape, the robbers fired at the Police, the Police returned fire.

What they have done to me and the people of the Izon nation must not go unpunished…If the judge feels that how they killed my son is okay, they will go scot-free, but if the judge says no, definitely, that trigger-happy policeman will pay dearly for the murder

“One of the suspects sustained a bullet injury, while the others escaped, abandoning one locally made single barrel pistol, one live cartridge, one expended cartridge and wraps of substances suspected to be Indian hemp.”

It added, “The wounded suspect was arrested and taken to the Federal Medical Centre, for treatment, but died few hours later. The deceased suspect was later identified as one Innocent Kokorifa.”

The young man who just finished his West African Examination Council and was awaiting his results, died after a bullet pierced his oesophagus. He was buried last Saturday at the Ebebelibiri Cemetery, Yenagoa.

In a ceremony that was mostly characterised by crying and wailing, family members and sympathisers gathered to pay their last respects to the youngster, whom they described as essentially ‘innocent’.

The deceased, first of five children of Mr. Daniel Kokorifa, an official of the Federal Road Safety Corps, was reportedly on an errand for his mother, Pere Kokorifa, when he was allegedly killed by the police.

Father of the deceased, who managed to speak to journalists during the burial rites, said he was optimistic that the killers of his son would be brought to book.

“What they have done to me and the people of the Izon nation must not go unpunished,” he said sobbing, adding that “If the judge feels that how they killed my son is okay, they will go scot-free, but if the judge says no, definitely, that trigger-happy policeman will pay dearly for the murder.”

The devastated father told newsmen, “I

know the person that killed my son very well. He is a police officer who has been in the habit of killing people. In Abia State, he killed somebody and was locked up for nine months before he was released.

“The same person came to kill my son again.

The name of the policeman that killed my son is (name withheld). He is from Southern Ijaw (our local government). I have seen the man at Zone 5, Benin City. He is still in detention with six other policemen that were involved in the killing,” he said.

He said the autopsy on his son carried out by a team of pathologists at the FMC confirmed that he died from the bullets fired by the particular policeman, stressing that his son was not a criminal as claimed by his killers.

“Innocent wanted to read Law before he met his untimely death,” he reminisced, still trying to fight back the tears that were already obvious.

According to him, “Innocent was a loving son, the kind of child every father would pray to have.”

“He doesn’t smoke, neither did he keep friends or late nights. He had no criminal record whatsoever and until his death, he was not of a questionable character.

“He recently sat for the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) and he was awaiting his result before they killed him.

We need justice. Killers of my son must be fished out and brought to justice,” he declared.

At the funeral, a rights activist and former Secretary, Civil Liberties Organisation, Mr. Morris Alagoa, said it was sad the teenager died in the circumstances he was killed.

“The death is unfortunate. We try to understand the circumstances under which the security agencies are working in this country, we appreciate the situation, but then, we (the human rights community) are saying that the security agencies ought to exercise restraint at all times because therein lies their discipline.

“As arms bearing persons, who are meant to secure lives and property, the discipline they had during their training ought to prevail in all circumstances.

“As a human rights person, I am saying that the investigation so far is going on well.

Though initially it was very shady here in Bayelsa but for the intervention of Zone 5,” he said.

But on a day that the remains of Kokorifa,

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016

CITYSTRINGS

Godsgift, four-year-old boy killed during an alleged raid on cultists

Late Innocent’s mother inconsolable

We condemn the increasing spate of Police killings in the state and call on the IG to immediately probe the killings of the citizens and the indiscriminate arrest and extortion of huge amounts of money from the citizenry under the guise of bail

IG Ibrahim Idris...under his watch innocent Nigerians are being murdered in cold blood by the

were being interred, another team from the state’s Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) last weekend shot three persons in the Ekeki area of Yenagoa, the state capital.

While two of the victims, including fouryear-old Godsgift Odoki and 30-year-old Anayo, died from the bullet wounds, doctors at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa were battling to save the third.

The cops were said to have been on a raid on cult gangs engaged in violent battles along the Ekeki community, Yenagoa, when shots fired by them hit the three unsuspecting victims who were around the area at the time.

Admittedly, the police disclosed that in the latest incident, their men actually fired the shots, but said one person died immediately at the hospital, while the other two were still being treated.

“On the 22 October 2016, at about 1730hours, Policemen from the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, responded to a distress call of a cult attack at Ekeki Village, Yenagoa. The Policemen were ambushed by the cultists.

“Consequently, a police sergeant fired, the bullet ricocheted, and injured three persons who were unfortunately not among the cultists.

“The victims were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, for treatment and one of them later died. The sergeant who fired has been detained. Investigation is ongoing,” the release signed by Butswat, said.

The incidents have triggered anger in the state, with several groups and individuals questioning the role of the police in the protection of residents of the state.

The Bayelsa State chapter of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), led by Chief Nengi James in a statement called on the

Some residents of Bayelsa protesting the gruesome murder of Innocent Kokorifa by the police

Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, to set up a special probe panel into the rising spate of Police killings in the state.

“We condemn the increasing spate of Police killings in the state and call on the IG to immediately probe the killings of the citizens and the indiscriminate arrest and extortion of huge amounts of money from the citizenry under the guise of bail,” the CLO said.

To drive home their point during the week, protesters marched through several streets in Yenagoa, over the killings.

The youths, mainly of Epie-Atissa Kingdom in Yenagoa Local Government Area, called for the immediate prosecution of the errant cops.

Before finally reaching the State House of Assembly and the Government House, along Mbiama-Yenagoa Road, where they laid their complaints, the youths under the umbrella of the Oguan Youth Congress (OYC), displayed placards with various inscriptions, demanding justice for the victims.

President of the youth group, Ken Godswill, said the two police sergeants who had been fingered in the shooting of the little boy and other victims should be prosecuted and punished accordingly.

“We are demanding justice. All we are saying is that justice should be done. SARS should be brought to book,” he said.

At the state House of Assembly Complex, the angry youths were received by the Chief

Whip Tonye Isenah and Bernard Kenebai, the House Committee Chairman on Security.

The two lawmakers commended the youths for a non-violent protest, noting that the House was “upset by the killing incident.”

Isenah and Kenebai said the House was also aware of some illegal police operations, especially arrest-for-bail, in which victims were made to cough out huge sums of money to free themselves.

The lawmakers assured the youths that the House would address the incident adequately and “take it up with the police”, adding that the killing of the little boy was a serious matter.

Also, at the Government House gate, Governor Seriake Dickson’s Special Adviser on Security Matters, Boma Spero-Jack, who received the protesters said “no state government will condone the killing of innocent persons.”

Spero-Jack, an indigene of Atissa who addressed them in their dialect, said the government would also need the collaboration of the public to succeed in the effort to curb violence, criminality and insecurity in the state.

As the state continues to remain in the spotlight over the activities of the policemen, many are of the view that it is truly time to reassure the people of Bayelsa that the Police remain their friends and not their fiends.

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FRIDAY NOVEMBER 4, 2016 T H I S D AY

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 4, 2016 T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

NIBSS, CBN, Others Target 80% Financial Inclusion By 2020 Obinna Chima and Nume Ekeghe The Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS), the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN), banks and telecommunication firms in the country have entered into a partnership on the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) payment solution to further deepen financial inclusion.

The new initiative tagged ‘microCash (mCash) was unveiled in Lagos, yesterday by the lead promoter -NIBSS, with the CBN projecting that it would to facilitate 80 per cent financial inclusion in the country by 2020.

‘Mcash’ is a solution designed to facilitate low-value retail payments and growing e-payments by providing accessible electronic channel which is USSD. This would enable merchants and customers conduct transactions

instantly as fast as a cash transaction. This product is presently being operated by Wema, Zenith, Fidelity, Diamond, Unity banks, with other banks expected to sign up before the end of the year. Also signed up are Airtel, Mtn, Etisalat and Glo. Under this platform, transactions below N10,000 would be conducted at no cost.

Speaking at the launch of Mcash, the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer NIBSS, Mr. Ade Shonubi said: “With Mcash, the whole intention is to broaden the opportunity for people who today use cash to find a convenient means of making payments. The central bank has been pushing the cashless initiative for a long time and we have seen significant gains but a lot of the people who have benefited so far have the 27 million banking customers.”

“As we begin to deepen and reach out to a lot more people,

we biennial to make real the dream for financial inclusion as we begin to realised that a lot of government social programs would touch a different set of people so we have to start creating opportunities for them to have commerce that is not just lied around cash.”

He further added: “To achieve that, the banking industry and telecoms have come together to partner and find a way to deliver a service at a reasonable value point which is in terms of efficiency and price and addressing concerns of being able to attain that their transactions are made.” “The people we are trying to bring into this space use cash and the advantage of cash is that you can exchange it immediately. The ability to get your money almost immediately is the key. Secondly, if you are trying to move the. To something other than cash, it also has to be continent.”

Obasanjo Urges SEC to Restore Stability in Stock Market Sheriff Balogun in Abeokuta Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Thursday charged Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to work hard by ensuring stability, credibility and transparency are restored in the country’s stock market.

According to the former president, the present economic recession could only be fought successfully if confidence, stability, credibility and transparency could be guaranteed at the stock

market.

Obasanjo disclosed while receiving the Director-General of the Commission, Mounir Gwarzo at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.

He however, said Nigeria needed all-encompassing economic strategy to get out of the current economic recession, noting, “when we are in a situation we are now, situation of recession, I think it must be clear to all of us that we must do something quickly to get us

out of recession.”

He added: “There is no doubt that your own area of activity has a key role to play. You have to work on investment, you have to look for fund.”

He continued: “Our children should start to learn and understand the workings of stock market. In the Military, we were specially trained to know much about stock market and stocks exchange. It is important that our children should understand and know it.

Access Bank Partners Rivers State on Women Empowerment In sustenance of its objective to empowering Women in Business, Access Bank Plc through its ‘W’ Academy in partnership with the office of the Rivers State Governor’s wife recently organised a capacity building workshop for female business owners in the state.

The ‘Womenpreneur Business Workshop’ was the second edition of Access Bank’s empowerment program in line with the other unique offerings and initiatives that are deployed to the Bank’s female customers under the ‘W’ initiative.

According to a statement, the Port Harcourt edition was facilitated by the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC)

of the Pan Atlantic University.

The objective of the ‘Womenpreneur Business Workshop’ was to provide a discounted and practical capacity building program that will equip female business owners to thrive especially with the current economic realities in Nigeria.

The workshop also provided participants with essential knowledge and information whilst simplifying the processes required to grow their businesses given the present macro-economic headwinds.

In her opening remarks, the Governor’s wife, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike who sponsored 238 women under the RivEthics project, said: “When

women are empowered, more than half of societal problems would be solved. We have learnt a lot that will improve the businesses of our women, I commend Access Bank for giving women the opportunity to learn to be self-reliant and how to improve their lives and businesses.” On his part, the Group Head, Products and Segments of Access Bank Plc, Mrs. Ope Wemi-Jones, noted that the goal of the program was to further strengthen the economic contribution of women in Nigeria. It was also in line with what the Bank set out to do with the W initiative – the home for everything Access Bank has to offer women.

UBA Set to Recruit 150 Young Graduates Mohammed Habib Despite Nigeria’s economic downturn with attendant loss of jobs especially in the financial sector, the United Bank for Africa (UBA) is recruiting.

THISDAY gathered that the bank has commenced recruitment of young graduates into its fold.

When THISDAY visited the head office building of the bank recently, there were a number of young school leavers being tested and interviewed.

A similar trend was noticed in Abuja recently when a horde of young and unemployed

persons besieged one of the bank’s offices at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In recent times, UBA has embarked on a new drive for excellent customer service delivery.

This recruitment drive may not be unconnected with the bank’s desire to serve its customers better.

Since assuming office, the new GMD/CEO Mr. Kennedy Uzoka has been harping on customer service and the bank’s determination at placing the customer at the center of everything it does.

“As banking increasingly gets

commoditized, the Customer will be the sole determinant of banks’ growth and profitability” he stated recently.

He further revealed that the bank would build the revolution around people, processes and technology.

“Our human resource is undoubtedly our most valuable assets. Hence, we have made considerable progress putting in place an effective system for staff engagement, recognition, communication and performance management” said the UBA GMD when the bank released its third quarter results recently.

Shonubi

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, 2 NOV 2016 The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $43.12 a barrel on Wednesday, compared with $44.53 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

45

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY NOVEMBER 4, 2016

Nigeria’s top 50 stocks based on market fundamentals

3-Nov-16

2-Nov-16

% Change

Capitalisation

EPS

P/E

P/S

Div. Yld

Price/ Book Value

01 Dangote Cement Plc

172.43

175.00

-1.47%

2,938,294,691,844.15

9.20

18.73

5.17

4.64%

3.93

02 Nigerian Breweries Plc

142.86

145.00

-1.48%

1,132,751,352,859.68

4.03

35.41

3.75

2.52%

6.91

03 Guaranty Trust Bank Plc

23.50

23.60

-0.42%

691,632,711,764.00

4.90

4.80

1.72

7.53%

1.41

795.01

795.00

0.00%

630,169,646,902.52

8.81

90.22

3.65

3.65%

19.97

05 Zenith Bank Plc

15.10

14.81

1.96%

474,087,056,168.60

3.91

3.87

1.00

11.92%

0.68

06 Lafarge Africa Plc

49.80

49.80

0.00%

226,834,110,138.00

-9.39

-5.30

1.06

6.02%

1.12

380.00

380.00

0.00%

210,257,918,940.00 -44.58

-8.52

2.71

4.19%

0.53

50.00

50.01

-0.02%

189,164,812,500.00

0.69

72.24

2.85

0.10%

20.16

9.80

10.18

-3.73%

179,825,601,907.00

0.68

14.49

0.31

6.33%

0.29

10 Presco Plc

43.85

43.85

0.00%

174,105,418,423.25

0.03 1,499.67

2.44

2.96%

4.16

11 Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc

17.00

17.00

0.00%

170,000,000,000.00

2.04

8.35

1.21

0.59%

1.44

12 Access Bank Plc

5.68

5.65

0.53%

164,310,878,864.08

2.59

2.19

0.46

9.68%

0.37

13 United Bank for Africa Plc

4.30

4.26

0.94%

156,001,963,184.60

1.75

2.46

0.47

13.95%

0.36

119.70

120.00

-0.25%

155,906,988,029.10

3.31

36.20

1.01

2.88%

3.61

15 Guinness Nig Plc

84.00

84.00

0.00%

126,494,607,792.00

-3.06

-27.47

1.23

3.81%

3.21

16 Total Nigeria Plc

332.50

332.50

0.00%

112,891,010,802.50

38.02

8.74

0.42

4.21%

4.96

3.05

3.05

0.00%

109,480,643,015.60

0.21

14.70

0.21

4.92%

0.18

150.86

150.86

0.00%

96,639,462,162.18

-0.05

1.04

1.46%

4.35

6.20

6.20

0.00%

74,400,000,000.00

1.03

6.04

0.52

8.06%

1.19

190.00

190.00

0.00%

68,513,099,780.00

19.32

9.83

0.75

3.79%

3.70

19.00

19.00

0.00%

62,590,736,320.00

0.02

843.25

2.35

1.32%

5.71

4.46

4.47

-0.22%

53,674,400,267.24

-3.15

-1.41

0.21

16.82%

0.34

23 Julius Berger Nig. Plc

38.00

38.00

0.00%

50,160,000,000.00

-2.95

-12.90

0.43

3.95%

2.64

24 Flour Mills Nig. Plc

19.00

19.00

0.00%

49,860,506,553.00

-1.19

-15.92

0.12

10.53%

0.50

25 Okomu Oil Palm Plc

47.00

47.00

0.00%

44,833,770,000.00

4.82

9.74

6.82

0.21%

2.78

26 U A C N Plc

18.60

18.60

0.00%

35,728,077,598.20

3.37

5.52

0.47

5.38%

0.47

27 Transnational Corporation Of Nigeria Plc

0.92

0.93

-1.08%

35,623,317,631.00

-0.47

-1.97

0.68

0.00%

0.48

28 Diamond Bank Plc

1.12

1.08

3.70%

25,939,635,644.16

-0.29

-3.81

0.12

0.00%

0.11

29 Fidelity Bank Plc

0.89

0.90

-1.11%

25,776,701,265.88

0.39

2.30

0.17

17.98%

0.14

12.95

12.95

0.00%

24,322,716,418.00

0.50

25.94

0.87

10.04%

2.38

0.83

0.84

-1.19%

23,896,047,044.58

0.29

2.89

0.22

10.84%

0.29

33.75

33.75

0.00%

23,625,000,000.00

2.28

14.77

3.54

3.41%

13.80

33 Custodian And Allied Insurance Plc

3.93

3.93

0.00%

23,115,726,286.35

0.76

5.15

0.63

3.56%

0.81

34 Wema Bank Plc

0.57

0.56

1.79%

21,987,445,666.17

0.06

9.57

0.43

0.00%

0.46

35 FCMB Group Plc

1.10

1.09

0.92%

21,782,981,859.10

0.61

1.80

0.13

9.09%

0.12

36 Mansard Insurance Plc

1.98

1.93

2.59%

20,790,000,000.00

0.28

7.11

1.04

2.53%

0.99

37 National Salt Co. Nig. Plc

7.61

8.00

-4.88%

20,162,226,056.58

0.85

8.96

1.07

7.23%

2.73

38 PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc

18.00

17.75

1.41%

18,000,000,000.00

5.69

3.17

1.26

0.56%

0.48

39 Glaxo Smithkline Consumer Nig. Plc

15.00

15.00

0.00%

17,938,147,320.00

-2.98

-5.03

0.64

2.00%

2.04

40 Continental Reinsurance Plc

1.10

1.10

0.00%

11,410,018,743.20

0.42

2.62

0.52

10.91%

0.61

41 Honeywell Flour Mill Plc

1.23

1.14

7.89%

9,754,143,119.34

-0.40

-3.04

0.20

13.01%

0.29

42 Skye Bank Plc

0.59

0.60

-1.67%

8,189,377,831.90

-2.93

-0.20

0.05

50.85%

0.08

43 Unity Bank Plc

0.61

0.64

-4.69%

7,130,496,144.62

-0.10

-5.95

0.11

0.00%

0.09

44 Wapic Insurance Plc

0.50

0.50

0.00%

6,691,369,126.00

0.18

2.78

0.85

6.00%

0.41

45 Cement Co. Of North.Nig. Plc

5.23

5.23

0.00%

6,572,424,716.18

0.22

23.89

0.59

1.91%

0.61

46 Resort Savings & Loans Plc

0.50

0.50

0.00%

5,664,866,202.00

0.03

17.71

3.72

0.00%

1.94

47 UACN Property Development Co. Limited

2.80

2.94

-4.76%

4,812,499,986.00

0.30

9.36

1.14

25.00%

0.14

48 Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc

2.70

2.60

3.85%

4,385,390,625.00

0.15

17.87

0.54

7.41%

0.73

49 AIICO Insurance Plc

0.63

0.63

0.00%

4,366,028,822.40

0.22

2.83

0.15

7.94%

0.43

50 Fidson Healthcare Plc

1.20

1.21

-0.83%

1,800,000,000.00

0.24

5.10

0.27

4.17%

0.28

04 Nestle Nigeria Plc

07 Seplat Petroleum Dev. Co. Ltd 08 Unilever Nigeria Plc 09 Ecobank Transnational Incorporated

14 Forte Oil 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

30 Cadbury Nigeria Plc 31 Sterling Bank Plc 32 Cap Plc

TOTAL

8,752,346,026,324.16

TOTAL MARKET CAP

9,289,206,705,777.98

% OF MARKET CAP Annotation - MA* = Simple Moving Average

94.22%

Table 1 Market Statistics Mkt Indicators

Open 2-Nov-16

NSE All Share Index NSE Market Cap (N'Trillion)

27,223.08 9.35

27,044.36 9.29

-0.66 -0.66

113.17 8.81

112.41 8.75

-0.67 -0.67

Thisday BGL 50 Index Thisday BGL 50 Market Cap (N'Trillion)

Close 3-Nov-16

Change %

Table 3 Top 5 Gainers Stock

Open 2-Nov-16

Honeywell Flour Mill Plc Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc Diamond Bank Plc Mansard Insurance Plc Zenith Bank Plc

Close 3-Nov-16

Change %

1.14 2.60

1.23 2.70

7.89 3.85

1.08 1.93 14.81

1.12 1.98 15.10

3.70 2.59 1.96

Table 4 Top 5 Losers Stock

Open 2-Nov-16

National Salt Co. Nig. Plc UACN Property Development Co. Limited Unity Bank Plc Ecobank Transnational Incorporated Skye Bank Plc

Close Change 3-Nov-16 %

8.00 2.94

7.61 2.80

-4.88 -4.76

0.64 10.18

0.61 9.80

-4.69 -3.73

0.60

0.59

-1.67

NSE All Share Index sheds 0.66% Market pulse on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) today – Thursday, November 3rd, 2016 ended bearish as investors’ risk appetite wanes further due to unimpressive third quarter earnings announcement by some companies. This was further highlighted by negative performances from the NSE Sub sectors: Consumer Goods and Oil & Gas (Save Banking and Insurance). Trading activities decreased in volume as 112.52 million shares worth of N2.34 billion in 2,684 deals exchanged hands today. This is a decrease from the 202.71 million shares worth of N1.26 billion in 3,337 deals which exchanged hands on Wednesday. Topping in volume terms were May & Baker Nigeria Plc, Sterling Bank Plc and Transnational Corporation Of Nigeria Plc, while Nestle Nigeria Plc and Nigerian Breweries Plc ended trading as the most active stocks in value terms.

The All Share Index (NSEASI) closed negative with 0.66% (-178.72) decrease to close at 27,044.36 from 27,223.08 the previous trading day. Market Capitalization depreciated in tandem to N9.29 trillion from N9.35 trillion of prior trading day.

Similarly, the Thisday BGL 50 Index followed suit with a decrease of 0.67% to close at 112.41 from 113.17 recorded at the end of the previous trading day, while its market capitalization stood at 8.75 trillion from 8.81 trillion of the previous trading day.

A total number of 17 stocks gained on the bourse today while 20 stocks declined, 62 leaving stocks unchanged. Honeywell Flour Mill Plc emerged as the day’s toast of investors as it topped the Thisday BGL 50 Index gainers’ list with a gain of 7.89% to close at N1.23 per share. It was followed

by Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc with a gain of 3.85% to close at N2.70 per share. Others on the gainers list include: Diamond Bank Plc, Mansard Insurance Plc and Zenith Bank Plc; while on the decliners’ list, National Salt Co. Nig. Plc with a loss of 4.88% to close at N7.61 per share. It was followed by UACN Property Development Co. Limited with a loss of 4.76% to close at N2.80 per share. Others on the decliners list include: Unity Bank Plc, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated and Skye Bank Plc. REQUIRED DISCLOSURE This report has been prepared by BGL Plc. BGL Plc does and seeks to do business with companies covered in its research reports. As a result, the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this report. Investors should use this report as one of many other factors in making their investment decisions.

For more details go to www.thisdaylive.com

46

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016

MARKET NEWS

NSE Index Declines Further as Highly Capitalised Stocks Depress Market

Goddy Egene and Nosa Alekhuogie

The Nigerian equities market maintained a negative close yesterday driven by highly capitalised Dangote Cement Plc and Nigerian Breweries Plc. The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index (ASI) declined by 0.66 per cent to close at 27,044.36. But for the losses by Dangote Cement, the market would have closed in the

positive territory. Specifically, excluding Dangote Cement, the ASI would have ended 0.17 per cent higher.

However, the decline of 1.47 per cent decline in Dangote Cement drove the market to close lower. Also, Nigerian Breweries Plc fell by 1.48 per cent. Similarly, market capitalisation shed N61.4 billion to be at N9.3 trillion. Other highly capitalised stocks that depreciated included: Ecobank

T H E MAIN BOARD

DEALS

MARKET PRICE

Transnational Incorporated, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and Nestle Nigeria Plc. In all 21 stocks depreciated compared to 18 that appreciated.

Ashaka Cement Plc led the losers’ table with 9.7 per cent, followed by NASCON Allied Industries Plc and University Press Plc went down by 4.8 per cent apiece. On the positive side, Honeywell Flour Mills Plc led the price gainers with 7.8 per cent to close at N1.23 per

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

share. May & Baker Nigeria Plc trailed with 4.7 per cent, while Learn Africa Plc chalked up 3.9 per cent. Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc and Diamond Bank Plc appreciated by 3.8 per cent and 3.7 per cent respectively. Trading activity level was mixed as volume t fell 44.5 per cent to 112.5 million shares while value traded rose 87.4 per cent to N2.4 billion.

The most actively traded sectors were: Financial services (60.21

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

million share), Healthcare (24.27 million shares) and, Consumer Goods (12.03 million shares), while three most actively traded stocks were: May and Baker (23.42 million shares), Sterling Bank (8.79 million shares) and Transcorp (8.31 million shares).

In terms of sectoral performance, the NSE Banking and NSE Insurance indices gained 0.1 per cent and 0.5 per cent respectively. The banking index was bolstered by gains

in Zenith Bank (+2.0 per cent), United Bank for Africa Plc (+0.9 per cent), while the insurance index rose as result of was buy sentiments that lifted Mansard Insurance (+2.6%). Conversely, the NSE Industrial Goods Index slid 0.8 per cent to lead decliners mainly on account of sell pressure on Dangote Cement (-1.5 per cent). The NSE Consumer Goods Index trailed closely dipping by 0.6 per cent.

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

47

FRIDAY, NOVEMbER 4, 2016 • T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

Dangote Flour Mills Consolidates Performance with N9.5bn Profit Goddy Egene Dangote Flour Mills (DFM) Plc has consolidated its performance with an impressive bottom-line for the 12 months ended September 30, 2016. The company, which was sold by Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) to Tiger Brands of South Africa before it was re-purchased by DIL, had recovered from loss position at nine months ended June 30, 2016. The company had posted a profit before

tax (PBT) of N2.64 billion compared with a loss of N9.55 billion posted the corresponding period of 2015.

And when the company released its 12 months results, it showed a highly improved performance, showing PBT of N5.542 billion in 2016, as against a loss of N12.679 billion in the corresponding period of 2015.

An analysis of the results showed that DFM ended the period with a revenue of N78.1 billion in 2016, up from

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

N48.03 billion. Distribution and administrative expenses was reduced from N8.917 billion to N7.988 billion in 2016. Finance cost was also reduced from N3.891 billion to N3.184 billion. Hence, PBT improved to N5.542 billion from a loss of N12.679 billion.

Reviewing the results, analysts at Dunn Loren Merrifield, an investment banking firm, said the strong performance for the year and return to profitability was driven largely by several

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 2-Nov-2016, unless otherwise stated.

restructuring strategies adopted by the company, which include the reopening of the closed DFM in Kano with plans to grow wheat in the state, as well as reconstitution of new Board of directors and management.

“With the performance thus far, the company appears to be out of the woods. Overall, the strong 2016 performance showed improvement in the company’s underlying fundamentals and intrinsic business value. We will be

reviewing our valuation on the company and will communicate accordingly,” the analysts said.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of DFM, Thabo Mabe had attributed the return to profitability to strategies.

According to the return to profitability follows several strategies adopted by the company to increase market share and create value for shareholders. He said that the flour mill is driven by the vision of putting its products

on the table of every Nigerian.

Soon after the repurchasing the company, DIL made fresh efforts to reposition the firm, return it to profitability and deliver returns to shareholders like others in the group. The first move was ensuring a new corporate governance strategy.

In this regard, Aliko Dangote left the board, while Asue Ighodalo, a renowned corporate lawyer and Chairman of Sterling Bank Plc was appointed as its new chairman.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 1 270 1680 Fund Name Bid Price Afrinvest Equity Fund 125.01 Nigeria International Debt Fund 218.24 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 0.69 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 125.77 11.95% 219.27 9.03% info@acapng.com Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 0.70 12.00% ammf@aiicocapital.com Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

100.00

16.22%

enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Bid Price 12.72 291.71 23.11

Offer Price 13.10 300.51 23.81

Yield / T-Rtn 4.35% 4.37% 4.84%

1.00

1.00

14.36%

investmentcare@axamansard.com Bid Price 101.65

Offer Price 102.29

Yield / T-Rtn 1.97%

1.00 1.00 13.91% investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Bid Price 2.08 9.26

Offer Price 2.14 9.50

Yield / T-Rtn 2.43% -6.01%

82.74

84.86

2.01%

invest@fbnquest.com Bid Price 1,073.88 110.80 100.00 $101.96 $101.77 113.46

Offer Price 1,074.96 111.36 100.00 $102.64 $102.45

Yield / T-Rtn 4.81% 5.05% 12.92% 5.74% 5.55%

115.00

14.23%

fcamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Bid Price 0.94 2.52

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 0.96 4.40% 2.52 8.25% coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com

Bid Price 2,204.93

Offer Price 2,231.03

Coral Income Fund 2,056.53 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 1.37%

2,056.53 8.71% enquiries@investment-one.com Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund

1.00

1.00

15.13%

Vantage Balanced Fund

1.65

1.66

0.85%

LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 0.99 1.01 11.69% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 993.14 993.14 -0.69% 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 9.68 9.77 -1.01% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 13.95% 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 4.86% 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 107.20 107.95 5.23% 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 1.23 1.23 8.51% 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 1,828.98 1,839.77 8.92% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 152.12 152.12 3.43% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.80 0.81 7.33% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 181.59 181.59 7.01% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 139.13 140.87 2.82% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 16.19% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,731.86 7,835.11 7.58% 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 1.16 8.10% United Capital Bond Fund 1.26 1.26 16.21% United Capital Equity Fund 0.68 0.70 -7.53% 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 9.67 9.84 1.31% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.24 11.34 -1.89% Zenith Income Fund 16.69 16.69 4.02%

REITS

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

11.58 122.72

3.99% 5.93%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

8.96 77.47

9.06 78.49

-6.44% -6.91%

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 7.26 12.40 16.86 129.20

2.70 7.34 12.50 17.06 131.20

15.02% 13.53% -1.19% -12.17% -

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.

48

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 04, 2016 ˾ T H I S D AY

WORLD OF ISLAM INTERNATIONAL

email:foreigndesk@thisdaylive.com

Trump, Clinton Blast Islamic Schools: The Panacea? Each Other on Character Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

Tariq Ramadan

I

n order to win the struggle for a comprehensive education, many Muslims think that the only solution is the creation of private “Islamic schools,” subsidized by the state almost totally, partially, or not at all, depending on the systems in force in the United States and the various countries of Europe. For people who are dissatisfied with the educational methods and curricula, and deeply mistrustful of the atmosphere in public schools, which they consider to be lacking in morality, the answer seems to be to consider a parallel system that would integrate the fundamentals of Islamic education and its moral standards with the compulsory traditional and secular subjects from the national curricula. Schools of this type have been in existence for more than twenty years in Britain, the United States, Canada, Sweden, and the Netherlands, as well as in smaller numbers in other countries. How can we assess these experiments, whose achievements in terms of methods and curricula have undergone considerable evolution in recent years?

It is the intention here not to oppose Islamic schools in principle but to note what has been attained by these institutions and what they lack.

It goes without saying that offering children a body of teaching in which they have a sense of their Islamic identity through living their education in accordance with the rhythm of the daily prayers and the events of the Muslim calendar (e.g., the Ramadan fast, the feasts), while immersing them in a school program in which their religious education—learning the Qur’an, tradition, and Arabic—is integrated has an extremely positive effect. In an Islamic school, children understand the essentials of their Muslim identity and the priorities of their upbringing through their relationships with their teachers and fellow-pupils and also acquire the tools that will help them to succeed in the other disciplines. To judge from performance indicators, most Islamic schools produce excellent statistics and are often at the top of regional and national school tables.

However, this is not the complete picture.

The first comment to be made is that, taking the Muslim communities living in the West as a whole, these schools take in only a very small percentage of children, and so in this sense they can hardly be regarded as “the solution” for Islamic education in the West.

Other approaches have to be found for the other children. It must also be pointed out that in most cases (those in which the schools are not heavily subsidized by the state,—that is, up to 75 percent, depending on the country), only the children of affluent parents are able to enroll because fees are high, often above the very limited scholarships. And beyond these measurable realities, we should study the motivations that have often been behind the creation of these schools. In most cases, the purpose has been to protect the children from the bad influence of society, to distance them from an unhealthy environment, and make them live “among Muslims.” These motivations often make themselves felt in the way in which these schools are run, with their programs and educational activities all run internally. The result is that “artificially Islamic” closed spaces are created in the West that are almost completely cut off from the surrounding society. We comfort ourselves by asserting that the programs are in line with national requirements, but what is no less a reality is that these young people live in a society surrounded by adolescents who do not share their faith and whom they never meet.

The school puts forward a way of life, a space, and a parallel reality that has practically no link with the society around it. Some Islamic schools are in the West but, apart from the compulsory disciplines, live in another dimension: while being not completely “here,” neither are they completely from “there,” and one would like the child to know who he is . . .

Moreover, teaching staff are often not well educated, and many teachers have no pedagogical background; practice in some disciplines leaves much to be desired. The Arabic language, for example, is taught by women and men who know the language but are not always adequately trained.

With regard to Islamic teaching properly so called, there are some questions worth asking. By adding “Islamic” disciplines (e.g., learning the Qur’an and the traditions) and teaching them in the classical manner (that is to say, usually as it is done “there”), do we really give the pupils the tools they need to

live here, pious, self-fulfilled, and aware of their responsibilities? After more than twenty years of experiment, it is well worth asking the question. A scattering of Islamic teachings, verses learned by heart, and values idealistically passed on do not necessarily forge a personality whose faith is deep, whose consciousness is alert, and whose mind is active and critical. It is no argument to quote school performance indicators in self-satisfaction: the “success” of an Islamic school cannot be measured by success on examinations. If that were the measure, there would be no place for putting so much effort into these projects: it would be enough to look to the “good” public schools.

The legitimacy of an Islamic school should be evaluated by its ability to respond to the comprehensive objectives we have spoken of in the previous section and to provide syllabuses coherent with them. In most cases, we are still far from having achieved even a small part of these aims, and some schools continue to serve up an education that pushes children toward the development of two contradictory personalities—one within a school that tries to provide a happy environment and where Islamic teaching and behavior have been inculcated, and the other outside school, where they end up getting lost without knowing how to use ethical references to establish their own ethical guideposts because they have not really been prepared to face life in society and to interact with others in it. Having been given a solid education in an artificial environment, the students are deeply fragile in real life: how many young people live torn between the two, how many feel “bad” or “guilty” because, having received so much knowledge at school, they feel unworthy because of not knowing how to live an integrated everyday life? Whose fault is it? They have often been instructed in the ideal, but they feel so ill educated and ill equipped in the real world.

Even if we have not yet found an “Islamic” alternative to the crisis of educational systems in the West, we must still refer to some interesting developments and initiatives: a few Islamic schools (a small minority), particularly in Britain, Sweden, and the United States, have been founded in a totally new spirit. They are open to qualified teachers of any origin and are thought of as inner-city schools, so it is not enough for them to pass on ossified Islamic teachings in a protected, artificial environment. They are in touch with the outside and, through a variety of activities, make it possible for their pupils to get a better grasp of their surroundings and to interact with children of the same age and with their fellow-citizens and to put their ethical teaching into practice through visible acts of solidarity grounded in the society in which they live. Their programs have gone through a considerable evolution and allow for more contextualized teaching in step with society and with a culture that is Western and not imported from the East. These developments are extremely interesting and permit us to think that Islamic schools will be able to provide part of the solution to the problem of Islamic education in the West, if they avoid the mistakes we have mentioned and rise to the criteria of openness, contextualization, and interaction with the surrounding society. It is a long road, because mind-sets still have to undergo a fairly complete evolution: we often feel inclined to discourage some projects to establish Islamic schools because they are so far from a spirit of openness and are not ready to reform and encourage development in the field of education where too many Muslims behave rigidly and selfconsciously and hide behind copying old models (taqlid) to prove their faithfulness to principles. But, as we have seen, there is a great difference between historical models and universal principles, and today everything is proving that the formalistic imitation of models in an age other than one’s own is in fact the betrayal of principles.

In the area of education, this has serious consequences. The investment of time and money involved in establishing an Islamic school is huge, and often it touches only a few hundred children at most. Can these astronomical sums not be used to touch more children? Should we not be more creative in suggesting new initiatives? As I have said before, this is not to oppose the idea of Islamic schools in principle, but it would be better to avoid involvement in such projects if the conditions we have mentioned are not sure to be respected. And, in any case, the question remains: what is to be done for the other children?

Clinton rises in poll

Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump attacked one another’s character yesterday as they pushed their closing arguments six days before the U.S. presidential election, while the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll showed Clinton’s lead over Trump rising back to the margin she held last week.

Many national polls have shown Clinton’s lead over Trump narrowing since the re-emergence Friday of a controversy over her use of a private email while secretary of state. But the latest Reuters/Ipsos daily tracking poll released on Wednesday showed Clinton’s lead over Trump rising back up to 6 percentage points, the same advantage she held before the FBI announcement related to her email practices.

Signs of a tightening race have rattled financial markets as investors started to factor in the possibility that the New York businessman might pull off a victory on November 8. World stocks, the dollar and oil fell on Wednesday, while safe-haven

assets such as gold and the Swiss franc rose. Clinton has been regarded as the candidate who would maintain the status quo, an important factor to financial markets, which generally do not like uncertainty.

Campaigning in Pensacola, Florida, Trump predicted he would win, telling supporters at the outdoor rally,“It’s feeling like it already, isn’t it?“We’ve got to be nice and cool, nice and cool.

Alright, stay on point, Donald, stay on point. No sidetracks, Donald, nice and easy,”said Trump, whose campaign has at times been damaged by controversial unscripted remarks.

Trump argued that Clinton was unqualified to lead the country, calling her “totally unhinged.”

Speaking to supporters in Las Vegas, Clinton blamed Trump for pitting Americans against one another, citing his rhetoric on groups like Muslims and MexicanAmericans.Trump, she said, is“out of his depth,”and she called his proposals on foreign policy issues “incredibly dangerous.”

“He doesn’t have a clue,”Clinton said. Investor anxiety has deepened in recent days over a possible Trump victory given uncertainty about his stance on issues including foreign policy, trade relations and immigrants.Trump, who has never previously run for elected office, has run an unorthodox campaign, with policy proposals including reviewing trade pacts such as the North American Free Trade Agreement and imposing a temporary ban on Muslims seeking to enter the country.

Currency traders have sold the dollar this week in part because they suspect Trump would prefer a weaker dollar given his protectionist stance on international trade, and in part because the uncertainty surrounding a Trump win might lead to a more dovish stance from the Federal Reserve in the months ahead, instead of the interest rate hike that many expect by year-end. A rise in U.S. interest rates would make the dollar, and dollar-denominated assets, more attractive to investors.

Canada, Antigua and Barbuda Delegations toVisit Nigeria Zacheaus Somorin Delegates from the Government of Antigua and Barbuda as well as Canada will be visiting Nigeria between November 12 and 18.

According the Rachael Omologe, an immigration lawyer with Pace Law firm, Toronto, Canada, the focus of the trip would be to explore the

benefit of Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program. ‘’The program allows an investor in the islands to gain citizenship in that country which has the advantage of having visa free travel to most of Western Europe, Canada, the United Kingdom and Hong Kong amongst approximately hundred and thirty (130) countries in the world’’, Omologe stated in Press Statement made available to Thisday.

She pointed out that the firm is currently processing a number of Nigerians in the program, pointing

out that it would create ‘’great opportunity for persons who wish to invest in the Caribbean and gain the ability to travel freely through most of the world without the requirement for a visa’’.

During the 6-day visit, business people, government officials as well as entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to meet with representatives of the Antiguan government and real estate developers. The information session will also create an avenue for discussion between investors and the Chief Executive Officer of the Citizenship by investment program.

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016 • T H I S D AY

49

NEWSXTRA

Power, Defence, Transport Take Lion Share of Capital Releases from 2016 Budget Iyobosa Uwugiaren in Abuja The Ministry of Power has received the highest capital release of N209.246 billion (as of October 31, 2106) out of the total of N753.633 billion budgeted for 2016 capital projects for the ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) of the federal government.

Data exclusively obtained

by THISDAY in Abuja showed that the Ministry of

Defence came second in capital releases with N69.512billion, followed by Transport, N30,540,042,428; Agriculture, N29,578,929,050; Water Resources N25,201,857,951; Interior, N21,210,059,596; Health, N18,472,539,524; and Education, N16,743,672,981.

Others include Niger Delta, N8,161,196,486; Science and Technology, N6,681,349,721; Mines & Steel, N3,360,000,000; Petroleum, N2,413,847,044, and

Oil Prices Rise on Nigeria Attack, Weaker Dollar Oil prices edged up yesterday, supported by the news of an attack on a Nigerian pipeline and moving off a five-week low reached the previous session when United States crude stocks data compounded doubts that a glut in global oil supplies could be reduced.

Brent crude, according to Reuters, was up 25 cents, or 0.5 per cent, at $47.11 a barrel by 1200 GMT. US crude was up seven cents, or 0.15 per cent, at $45.41 per barrel.

Prices were underpinned by concerns about supply disruptions after militants in the Niger Delta attacked a pipeline operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on Wednesday.

Still, futures have not recovered to levels traded in October when market participants were cautiously optimistic that a preliminary agreement by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to cap or cut production would lead to a more balanced market.

After four days of falls, Brent and WTI contracts hit five-week lows after data on Wednesday showed stockpiles of oil in the US had risen by a record amount of 14 million barrels last week.

“Following a host of negative news, which culminated with another erratic US inventory report, oil has stabilised and moved higher, driven by

short-covering and the sense that it may have become too pessimistic about an OPEC deal being reached,” said Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank.

A softer dollar also buoyed prices by making dollardenominated oil less costly for importing countries.

The OPEC meets on November 30 to agree a production cut after two years of global oversupply and low prices that have hurt states’ budgets.

But many market watchers are skeptical that a concrete deal can be reached or enforced; doubts which have persistently put a lid on any longer-term price rally.

OPEC had hoped that major non-OPEC producers, particularly Russia, would join any deal to cut production.

While Russia has signaled this could be possible, crude output hit a post-Soviet record of 11.2 million barrels per day in October.

“There is a massive marketshare battle going on between Russia and Middle Eastern oil producers that sees Saudi oil ending up in Poland and Russian crude in traditional OPEC markets in the Far East,” London broker PVM said, citing reasons why it believes Russia will not participate in a deal.

“Last but definitely not least... Russia is in dire economic difficulty and needs cash.”

Buhari to Pay Two-day Working Visit to Edo Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City President Muhammadu Buhari will pay a two-day official visit to Edo State on Monday and Tuesday next week.

In a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, the president will use the occasion of his historic visit to pay a courtesy call on His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II and thereafter commission several key projects in the state.

The projects slated for inauguration according to Prof.

Ihonvbere include the new five-Star Central Hospital in Benin City; the Upper Siluko dual carriage road and the

Samuel Ogbemudia College (formerly New Era College, Benin City).

Also to be inaugurated are the Edo University, Iyamho and the Ugbegun-Ujiogba-EbudinIgueben-Ewohinmi road as well as inspect the reclaimed Queen Ede Erosion site, in Benin City.

He said party leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, public servants, market women, civil society groups, students, youth organisations, nongovernmental organisations and the general public are invited to warmly receive the President and join him as he commissions the projects as part of the “Finishing Strong, Finishing Well” agenda of Adams Oshiomhole.

others, N312,511,048,789.

The federal government stated recently that it had so far spent N3.577 trillion out of N6.060 trillion budgeted for the 2016 fiscal year, which translates to 79 per cent performance of the prorated budget for the three quarters.

The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma, said in addition to the total of N2,439.9trillion so far released for capital, non-debt recurrent and service-wide vote expenditure, a total of N1,137.7 trillion had also been paid out in domestic and foreign debt service expenditures.

This includes N44 billion transferred to the sinking fund to retire maturing obligations on bonds issued to contractors.

The national planning ministry

further stated that budgeted personnel cost and debt service obligations had been fully met on schedule till date.

“Additionally, the federal government has done reasonably well in the challenging circumstances with respect to capital expenditures.

It is noteworthy that the total amount of N753.6billion already released for capital expenditure in 2016 is the highest in the nation’s recent history, even in the era of high oil prices,” the Ministry of Budget and National Planning had stated.

The minister added that the capital that had been released to date exceed the aggregate capital expenditure budget for 2015 of N700billion, inclusive of capital expenditure in statutory transfers.

At an interactive session with members of the Senate Committee on Appropriation in Abuja recently, Udoma said in spite of the shortfall in revenue expectations, the federal government was committed to its debt obligations and had also made efforts in funding the critical sectors to enable government function smoothly, while seeking lasting solutions to revenue shortfalls.

The minister explained that although the 2016 budget was well conceived, with reasonably conservative benchmarks, it recorded unanticipated revenue shortfalls along the line due to militants’ activities in the oilproducing Niger Delta region, a development which seriously affected the budgeted production levels for the fiscal year.

He further explained that government adopted a targeted approach with respect to capital expenditure to ensure that releases are consistently made to those sectors whose activities have the capacity of driving economic growth and fostering job creation.

He said particular attention was focused on infrastructure, agriculture and other areas with high job creation potentials, saying that all the releases had been cash-backed.

THISDAY further gathered that the debt service, which has been implemented up 77 per cent as at September 16, 2016 covers domestic, external and transfer to sinking fund for maturing debts----full year budget provision for debt service was N1,475.3trillion.

PRESIDENTIAL PARLEY L-R: Acting Director General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), Mr. Jonathan Juma;

President Muhammadu Buhari; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Babachir David Lawal; Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari; and others, after the president’s parley with participants of the Senior Executive Course 38, 2016 of NIPPS at the Presidential Villa Abuja...yesterday GODWIN OMOIGUI.

Militants: N’Delta Leaders’ Abuja Visit Mere Photo Op with Buhari Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa The Ultimate Warriors of the Niger Delta (UWND), one of the numerous militant groups in the region, yesterday described Tuesday’s visit by some leaders in the area to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari as a mere photo opportunity.

The militants expressed doubt over whether the meeting would yield any substantial results, arguing that the federal government has not shown any commitment to resolving the Niger Delta question.

In a statement in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, spokesman of the group, Sibiri Taiowoh, maintained that a resolution of the problems in the region did not lie in unending meetings with President Buhari.

They insisted that it was condescending for leaders in the region to have visited Abuja, questioning why the Niger Delta would always agitate for something before getting it.

“It does not even need leaders of the region visiting Mr. President, like they have just done, which to us is like going cap in hand to beg, before critical decisions about the region can be included the budget.

“This is one of the reasons we had opposed this option right from beginning and had canvassed for the federal government to leverage on the ceasefire to come out and implement its blueprint.

“This kind of arrangement is the reason why in the Niger Delta, bombing of oil facilities would continue to fester because successive governments wait until there is renewed insurgency in the region,” it said.

It added: “OMPADEC, NDDC, Ministry of Niger Delta and the Amnesty Programme were all products of agitations and insurgency. The Nigerian government has never on its own volition, marshalled an executable plan for the region.

“What has the FG really given to us (Niger Delta) on its own? Nothing! We had expected the federal government to make a policy statement on November 1, but what we got is noncommittal on the part of the government.

“We are seriously dissatisfied with the federal government’s position and it will only bring us back to the trenches in the days ahead.”

The militants argued that the Niger Delta issue having been on the front burner for years, the president could not say there were no immediate solutions.

“How can Mr. President announce “No quick fix” on issues that have been on the front burner for months? It only portrays how unserious and non committed the government is.

“It shows this government is not prepared right from onset to do anything right for us. Their interest is to keep the crude oil running, to the detriment of our people.

“The meeting with the leaders of the region was planned for months. At a time, it was postponed for re-planning, yet it ended up being a mere courtesy visit, talk shop, handshaking and photo panorama with Mr. President,” the group posited.

It said the meeting would have afforded Buhari the opportunity to make policy statements, stressing that when it comes to the issue of Niger Delta, it has always been agitations.

“We want to know if the demand for the infrastructural development of the FCT made northern leaders lead their own delegation to Mr. President or before the North-east Development/Reconstruction Commission was set up?

“Why is the case of the Niger Delta region always different? Must we go cap in hand begging all the time before what we duly deserve is given to us?,” the militants queried.

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NEWSXTRA

Privatisation: NERC, DISCOs Mull Review of Performance Agreement Ibadan, Eko Discos lose N3.4bn unpaid bills monthly

Ejiofor Alike Following the refusal of the organised labour to allow the private investors have access to the power assets during privatisation, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the power distribution companies are planning a review of the performance agreement signed with the investors as it relates to Aggregate Technical, Commercial & Collection (ATC & C) loss, THISDAY has learnt.

This is coming as Ibadan and Eko distribution companies are losing an average of N3.4 billion monthly as collection losses arising from non-payment of bills by customers.

ATC & C is the difference between the amount of electricity received by a Disco from the

grid and the amount it invoices its customers plus the adjusted collections loss.

While the performance agreement stipulates that the Kann Consortium, which acquired Abuja Disco, will reduce the 35 per cent ATC & C loss it inherited by 36.5 per cent in five years; Vigeo Holdings, which inherited 40 per cent loss in Benin Disco, will reduce the loss by 30.4 per cent.

West Power & Gas inherited 35 per cent loss in Eko Disco and is contractually obligated to reduce it by 36.46 per cent; Interstate inherited 35 per cent in Enugu Disco with a mandate to reduce it by 19.14 per cent; Integrated Energy Distribution and Marketing Company met an opening loss of 35 per cent in Ibadan Disco and is obligated

INEC Bows to Pressure Fixes Rivers Rerun Election for Dec 10

to reduce it by 36.31 per cent.

The opening loss in Ikeja Disco was 35 per cent and NEDC/KEPCO Consortium is required to reduce it by 28.54 per cent; the opening loss for Jos Disco was 40 per cent and Aura Energy is obligated it to meet 45.23 per cent in five years, while Sahelian Power inherited 40 per cent loss in Kano Disco and will meet 32.55 per cent in five years.

In Port Harcourt Disco, the opening loss inherited by 4Power, according to the performance agreement was 40 per cent and this is expected to be reduced by 37.25 per cent.

But the worsening collection losses of the Discos forced their monthly revenue remittance to drop further to 30 per cent from about 58 per cent in the early part of the year, according to the Market Operations (MO) department of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

Though the MO blamed

the sharp drop in revenue remittance on the Discos’ alleged disregard for market rules approved for the Transitional Electricity Market (TEM), the Discos have linked their poor remittance to the debt owed

by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), which has accumulated to over N100 billion, as well as refusal of customers to pay bills.

Speaking to journalists on the occasion of the third anniversary of the privatisation of the power sector, the Chief Executive Officer of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), Mr. Oladele Amoda, stated that the company loses 30 per cent (N1.8 billion) of the N6 billion projected monthly revenue as a result of MDAs’ debt and non-payment of bills by other customers.

Amoda threatened to publish the list of power thieves who bypass meters and steal electricity without paying bills.

He argued that ATC & C losses should be re-calibrated to reflect the realties that the investors met on the ground after acquiring the assets.

According to him, the labour did not allow the investors to have access to the power assets during the privatisation.

“We are still discussing with NERC. During privatisation, investors had no access to the companies because they were not allowed by the labour. It was when they took over the assets that they saw the black box,” Amoda said.

Amoda said despite the challenges, the investors recorded huge achievements, which the government would not have achieved if the assets had not been sold.

Also speaking in a joint press conference, the Managing Director of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), Mr. John Donnachie and his deputy, Mr. John Ayodele

enumerated the various achievements of the Disco, despite losing N1.5 billion monthly revenue as a result of unpaid bills.

Donnachie stated that the company spent N4.5 billion for providing meters in 2016, while investment in network stabilisation initiatives, which was abandoned for 30 years billion.

According to him, the company has commenced under government ownership, has gulped nearly N1 the rehabilitation of its 122 substations at a cost of about N150 million each, with 29 substations already completed.

On his part, Ayodele said the Discos had no plan to increase tariffs, despite the liquidity challenges facing the companies, stressing that the owners of Ibadan Disco raised funds for network expansion and rehabilitation projects by “thinking outside the box.”

With commission’s disposition, Nigerians should brace up for electoral theft in 2019, says Wike Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

Nigerians should brace up for the theft of mandates in 2019.

The Independent National Addressing the National Electoral Commission (INEC) Executive Council of the Ijaw has yielded to pressures National Congress (INC) at mounted by the Senate to the Government House, Port fix date for the outstanding Harcourt yesterday, Governor re-run elections for National Wike said that INEC has Assembly seats in Rivers State. been manipulating the The continued delay in electoral process in Rivers conducting the re-run elections State because it was directed have attracted concern to favour the politician who from political stakeholders, diverted Rivers State funds especially the Senate and and used same to sponsor a the Peoples Democratic Party particular political party.

(PDP), which is presently He said: “If INEC goes on governing the state. with this type of electoral fraud, As a measure of its concern, then Nigeria is in trouble in the Senate had on Tuesday 2019. What type of country are threatened to suspend plenary we living in when there is open if the INEC failed to conduct electoral stealing? the remaining elections in “They want to allocate various parts of the country, seats to a man who took especially in Rivers and our money to sponsor their Anambra States. party. They said they don’t In a statement signed by want to embarrass him for Secretary to the Commission, giving them our money.”

Mrs. Augusta Ogakwu, INEC The governor berated said it had consulted widely INEC for attempting to before reaching its decision on smuggle in a concocted result of the matter. The commission Tai Local Government Area, said that it has approved the which was one of the eight conduct of the outstanding local government areas where National Assembly re-run elections were suspended by elections in Rivers State to INEC on March 19, 2016. hold on December 10, He said: “It is shocking “After months of and embarrassing that several intensive planning and wide months after INEC suspended consultations, INEC today elections in eight local approved the conduct the government areas, it has come following elections: Lagos up to concoct fake results for House Representatives election Tai Local Government Area. “ to hold on Saturday, December Wike, commended the 3, 2016, councilors hip election Senate for rising to the in the FCT to hold on Saturday, occasion in defence of December 3, National democracy as it concerns Assembly elections (Senate the rerun elections in the state. and House of Representatives) The governor declared fixed for December 10.” that it was important that Meanwhile, Rivers State Rivers State gets her full Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo representation at the Senate, Wike, has declared that with the House of Representatives the type of fraud that the and the state House of present INEC is involved in, Assembly.

BUDGET MATTERS

L-R: Senate Leader/Chairman Budget Process Reform Committee, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume; Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki; and Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, at the formal presentation of the Strategy Paper on Reforming the Budget Process In Nigeria to the Senate President in Abuja... yesterday JULIUS ATOI

Senate Seeks to Share Control of TETFUND with Executive Moves to amend Act, alleges diversion of N263bn

Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja The Senate yesterday resolved to amend TETFund Act in a way that will assign it some roles in the operations of the agency. The current Act makes control of the agency including appointments of officials the exclusive preserve of the executive.

The new amendment seeks to subject the appointments of managers of the agency to Senate confirmation as it alleged the diversion of funds generated from education tax for the rehabilitation of tertiary institutions by the immediate past administration to other uses.

The allegation was the

fallout of the adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and Tertiary Education Tax Fund (TETFUND) which had been mandated to investigate the alleged mismanagement of N1 trillion allocated to the agency since 2011.

The committee reported that whereas the agency received the sum of N507‚090 billion as against the allegation of almost N1 trillion between 2011 and 2015, the allocation for 2013 “was not remitted to TETFUND but was diverted.”

According to the committee chairman, Senator Barau Jibril, a sum of N273‚931 meant for TETFund project account in 2014, was diverted to other uses such as payment of

allowances of lecturers by the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. It further said N10 billion of the sum was lent to Petroleum Tax Development Fund (PTDF) which it said had been refunded.

The committee alleged that diversion of the funds were possible because the TETFUND Act gives vested control of the agency and disbursement of funds to only the executive without reflecting the principles of checks and balances.

The Senate therefore approved the committee’s recommendation that “in addition to the approval of Mr. President, the approval of National Assembly should be included in the process of

allocation and disbursement of funds belonging to Tetfund.”

It also resolved that “The appointments of the Executive Secretary and that of the Chairman and members of the Board of Trustees of TETFUND should be made by Mr. President and confirmed by the Senate.”

The Senate agreed to amend TETFund Act with a view to assigning roles to the National Assembly in the operations of the fund, adding that “the Senate should work to ensure the refund of all monies borrowed from the Education Tax Account as there are numerous infrastructural projects to be executed in our tertiary institutions around the country.”

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Osinbajo Blames Low Delivery of PPP Projects on Approval Processes, Unwieldy Project Appraisal Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The Vice President, Prof.

Yemi Osinbajo, has regretted

the low level of completed Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) projects in the country, blaming the trend on encumbrances

House Directs INEC to Delineate States’ Electoral Constituencies Damilola Oyedele in Abuja The House of Representatives yesterday directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to carry out the proper delineation of electoral constituencies in several states of the federation in line with Section 91 of the 1999 Constitution.

Section 91 of the constitution provides that “a House of Assembly of a state shall consist of three or four times the number of seats which that state has in the House of Representatives divided in a way to reflect, as far as possible, nearly equal population, provided that a House of Assembly of a state shall consist of not less than 24 and not more than forty members.”

The House noted that INEC has however failed to comply with the Constitution, leading to a shortfall in the number of seats allowed in respect of the required states.

Adopting the prayers of a motion sponsored by Hon. Kingsley Chinda (Rivers PDP), the House directed INEC to release all suppressed state constituencies and forward same to the National Assembly for ratification.

Chinda said there are 66 suppressed constituencies across 19 states: Akwa Ibom (4), Anambra (3), Bauchi (5), Benue (4), Borno (2), Delta (1),

Edo (3), Imo (3), Jigawa (3), Kaduna (6), Katsina (6), Kogi (2), Niger (3), Ogun (1), Ondo (1), Osun (1), Oyo (8), Rivers (7) and Sokoto (3).

He said under-representation in the various state Houses of Assembly due to INEC’s deliberate neglect, refusal and failure, has denied the people guaranteed right to adequate representation, and by extension, a denial of their rights to participate in critical issues deliberated by the Assemblies.

“In Rivers, we have 13 seats in the House of Representatives, and 32 in the State House of Assembly where we are supposed to have 39...some states have gone to Court on this matter,” he said.

Contributing to the debate, Hon. Hassan Saleh (Benue PDP) accused the electoral body to bowing to the whims of some state governors who do not want proper delineation of their states for political reasons.

“We have the case of the famous Otukpa State Constituency in Benue State, which the present Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, once represented in the state House of Assembly.

Today, that constituency is no more,” he said.

The lawmaker queried why INEC would be going to Court to stop its constitutional functions.

N1.4bn Arms Scandal: Banker Insists He Acted on Badeh’s Instruction The trial of a former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh and Iyalikam Nigeria Limited, continued yesterday before Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Abuja with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), presenting its eight witness, Eso Faleke, for cross-examination.

Faleke, a banker with Guaranty Trust Bank and account officer to Badeh’s company account (Iyalikam Nigeria Limited) had in her evidence on November 2, narrated how Badeh became a co-signatory to the company’s account in January 2015 and how he gave instructions to carry out several transactions running into millions of naira.

The witness, who was cross-examined by Akin Olujimi and Samuel O. Zibiri (SAN), representing Badeh and Iyalikam Nigeria Limited respectively, insisted that she received several instructions from Badeh through telephone and in writing, to transfer funds to several accounts especially naira

and dollar accounts.

The witness while commenting on exhibit E25 and E30 explained that though exhibit E30 carried a lone signature, it contained telephone instructions because the telephone number was on the mandate card of the authorized signatory.

According to her, the mandate card was not for instruction as to how to receive telephone calls.

Faleke insisted that she acted according to the standard procedure of the bank with respect to documentary transaction.

Speaking on exhibits E3 to E7 (the statements of account), Faleke told the court that payments can be made via deposit slip adding that the payments therein were made in cash via deposit slip, but that she did not come to court with them having not been requested to do so Justice Okon Abang, thereafter, adjourned to November 14, 2016 for continuation of trial.

arising from approval processes and unwieldy project appraisal.

He called for innovative ways to help reduce the time frame for delivering projects while still ensuring that only those of very high quality are delivered.

“The number of PPP projects that have been concluded in this country so far is quite low. This is partly because of unwieldy project appraisal and approval processes.

“One obvious solution is improved coordination between the different parties and institutions involved in project delivery,” he said in an address he presented in Abuja yesterday at a knowledge sharing forum organised by the African Development Bank (AfDB) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Finance.

The vice-president also pointed out that there is

very limited capacity within Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to deliver PPP projects.

“Yet at the minimum, MDAs should have in-house staff with requisite skills in financial, legal, technical, procurement and project management areas to be able to deliver on such projects.

“Capacity building efforts, including training and availability of resource materials would be inevitable. In the short run however, one tried and tested way is learning by doing which can be achieved by contracting consultants to assist but in a manner that ensures eventual transfer of knowledge to the public sector.

“In particular, public servants have to be involved in actual transactions and negotiations,” he said.

Commending the organisers

for the theme of the forum.

“PPPs as a Stable Financing Vehicle for Infrastructure Development in Nigeria,” Osinbajo noted that a forum such as that would undoubtedly contribute to finding solutions on how to raise the required finance for investment in much needed infrastructure.

“Empirical evidence abounds that there is a positive correlation between investment in infrastructure and economic growth. Infrastructure not only improves the quality of life of citizens but also has a multiplier effect on employment and productivity.

“However, the quantity and quality of our infrastructure is exceedingly low, mainly due to low levels of investment over the years and a poor maintenance culture. This has significantly hindered the

country’s economic growth.

“The National Infrastructure Master Plan states that Nigeria’s current infrastructure stock is at about 20 per cent to 25 per cent of GDP, which is way below the international benchmark of about 70 per cent.

“There are also various estimates about the impact of infrastructure on growth but the broad consensus is that the relationship is a positive one if the example of countries like China is anything to go by,” the VP said.

Accordingly, he noted that given its significant infrastructure deficit, Nigeria is most likely to experience growth if significant investment is made in the building of roads, bridges, railways, ports, airports, housing, dams, telecommunications facilities and electric power.

AUDIENCE WITH THE PRESIDENT

President Muhammadu Buhari (fourth left), flanked by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Solomon Dalung (left), leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) of the 19 northern states and Abuja led by Rev. Yakubu Pam (third left), during a visit by the CAN leaders to the State House in Abuja....yesterday PHOTO: STATE HOUSE

Kudirat Abiola: Lagos’ Appeal Challenging Acquittal of Al-Mustapha, Shofolahan Suffers Setback Tobi Soniyi in Abuja Hearing on the appeal filed by the Lagos State Government to overturn the judgment of the Court of Appeal which on July 12, 2013 discharged and acquitted Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, in the murder case of the late Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, the wife of the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief M.K.O Abiola, suffered a setback yesterday as a member of the panel disqualified himself.

Lagos is asking the apex court to uphold and restore the death sentence placed on the former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the former dictator and late Head of State, General Sani Abacha by a Lagos High Court on January 30, 2012.

However, when the appeal was called yesterday and after counsel had announced appearance, one of the fivemember panel of justices, Centus Chima Nweze asked

to be excused out of the case.

Justice Nweze said he participated actively in some aspects of the matter at the Court of Appeal and would be morally wrong and improper of him to participate in the same matter at the apex court.

All counsel did not object. Justice Bode RhodesVivour who presided consequently adjourned the matter till January 12 next year for a full panel to determine whether the court will allow the appeal to be heard, having been filed out of time.

Al-Mustapha and Lateef Shofolahan were arraigned before a Lagos High Court on a two-count charge of conspiracy to commit murder and the murder of the late Alhaja Kudirat Abiola on June 4, 1996 in Lagos State.

In the judgment of the high court delivered on January 30, 2012 by Justice Moji Dada, the accused persons were found guilty as charged and were

sentenced to death by hanging.

However, at the Court of Appeal approached by AlMustapha on April 27, 2012 for the review of the trial and the conviction, the three-member appellate court justices in a unanimous judgment of July 12, 2013 voided the decision of the high court, set it aside and discharged and acquitted the accused on the ground that the evidence against them was not strong enough to warrant the death sentence.

But in the new move to re-open the case, the Lagos State government has filed a notice of appeal out of the time at the Supreme Court asking for the permission of the court to allow it to challenge the Appeal Court findings of Justices Amina Adamu Augie, Rita Nosakhare Pemu and Fatimo Omoro Akinbami on ground of mis-carriage of justice in the matter.

The state prayed the apex

court to allow it to exercise its constitutional right to test the validity and correctness of the decision of the Appeal Court.

If the apex court grants the prayer, Mustapha’s fate hangs in the balance. The apex court might uphold the judgment of the Court of Appeal discharging him or may set aside the judgment and uphold the high court judgment which sentenced him to death by hanging. It may also order a re-trial Similarly, another appeal was also filed against the decision of the Court of Appeal freeing Lateef Shofolahan, the driver to the late Kudirat who was also sentenced to death by the high court.

An affidavit of support deposed to by an Assistant Chief State Counsel at the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Obafemi Adamson gave copious explanation for the delay in filing the appeal.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016 • T H I S D AY

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APC Disciplinary Panel Recommends Sanctions against Frank Deputy spokesman threatens to sue party leadership

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The disciplinary committee set up by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to investigate the alleged embarrassing actions and utterances of the Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Timi Frank, yesterday submitted its report indicting him of the offence.

The verdict of the disciplinary panel came just as the party gave reasons why Frank had not been empowered to speak for the party, saying the National Working Committee (NWC) found out that he lacks the capacity to do the job.

Although the Solomon Edoja-led five-man disciplinary merely said it found all the allegations to true submitted, to be true THISDAY gathered from sources privy to the content of the report that it actually recommended sanctions ranging from suspension to outright expulsion of Frank from the party.

The Solomon Edoja-led fiveman committee was recently constituted by the South-south zonal Vice Chairman of the party, Hilliard Etta, to investigate a petition written by a member of the party from Akwa Ibom State, Mr Aniekan Akpabio.

The petitioner had accused Frank of making disparaging comments against the party in the media.

Speaking while receiving

the report of the committee yesterday, Eta, said several factors counted against Frank being appointed deputy spokesman among which were his temperament, loyalty and capacity.

He said: “Let me let people know what is obtainable in our constitution and it is here in the house, it is not a seamless transmission from an active to a substantive office. You cannot.

In our constitution, you must be assigned that responsibility and you can be assigned that responsibility in two ways: it is either the substantive occupier or occupant of that office assigns you that responsibility or in his absence, the relevant executive committee of party will assign that responsibility.

“So when he wrote the first time that he be made an acting publicity secretary, that information was brought to the executive committee and we considered two things. We considered his temperament and loyalty, and we considered his capacity.

“And this informed not only the National Chairman, Chief Odigie-Oyegun, but the entire National Working Committee (NWC), saying we cannot assign him that responsibility,” he said.

Frank has faulted the NWC and Oyegun’s stance that he cannot speak for the party, arguing that the constitution has enabled him to so do.

Frank had also indicated that he would not appear before the disciplinary committee describing it is “kangaroo panel.”

“Some certain people cannot continue to oppress us. I want to make it very clear, I will not attend to any kangaroo committee because I do not know them. That is not to say that I do not respect party processes but I can only attend to a committee set up by responsible people.

“How can I go to a committee that will take their report to Oyegun to decide my fate? If tomorrow I do not go and they submit their report to Oyegun and then he suspends me, then that is the beginning of the struggle,” Frank had said The report of the committee

would be subject to deliberation by the NWC as well as the NEC of the party.

Meanwhile, Frank has said he will not only shock the NWC and those behind the panel but also deplore all legal means to fight for his right.

While responding to the report that the disciplinary committee has recommended his suspension and subsequent expulsion, Frank said: “I made it clear from the word go that I will not appear before any committee not constituted by respected party members and NEC because such committee lacks legality. Yes, I got invitation letter from the panel but I made it clear that I will not recognise any committee set up outside NEC.

“I did not appear before the committee because it is in our constitution that only NEC can suspend any national officer. Therefore, there is no way I would have appeared before a kangaroo committee set up by the zone.

“Again, the South-south Vice Chairman of the party lacks integrity to set up a committee to try me. He would have known that I am not a zonal officer and cannot be tried by the committee set up by the zone. My pain is that my party is not wise enough to realise that such move is illegal. Any decision from such committee is not binding on me.

“I want to say that the involvement of the vice chairman South-south in the purported committee to

suspend me was to cover up the hatchet and dirty job he has been doing of the party. As far as I am concerned, I am still the acting Publicity Secretary of the party.”

According to him, “The report is an effort in futility and inconsequential. I want to emphasise that I will not go outside the rule of law in proving to them that all they did was an effort in futility.

“I want to inform those behind this that I am going to come up with a shocking surprise at the appropriate time but for now, I am still consulting with the relevant stakeholders and those working with me. It is not my fight alone. I want to make it clear to them that I am not scared,” he said

Osinbajo Hails Sultan as Worthy Scion of his Forebear Mohammed Aminu in Sokoto Vice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday said the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Mohammed Abubakar III, is a worthy scion of his fore bearers, saying justice is key to societal progress and transformation.

Osinbajo made the remarks at an international symposium on the Sokoto Caliphate held at the auditorium of the Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic, Sokoto organized as part of the activities to mark the monarch’s 10th anniversary on the throne.

He harped on the need for social justice, stressing that injustice always lead to chaos and anarchy.

He urged leaders to always protect public treasuries and not to loot them, adding that corruption only destroy the future of the most vulnerable. ‘’Leadership is a privilege and the leaders must set moral and ethical tones for the society. It is the duty of leaders to protect and not to loot public resources.

“Nations thrive when they uphold values of honesty, integrity and hard work and disintegrate when they ignore these values,” he said.

According to him, the Sokoto Caliphate was founded over 200 years ago on the sterling principles of honesty, piety and good governance. ‘’The intellectual endeavours of the founding fathers of the

caliphate on theology and jurisprudence, among others, were relevant now as they were then.

“They had left legacies of wealth of resources in their books premised on the principles of good governance and social justice.”

He noted that the Sultan has continued in the path of his fore-fathers and that he came at a challenging time for Nigeria.

“Your 10 years on the throne has shown that you are in good standing with the people. You have worked hard to break down parochial barriers and your friendship with Christian leaders is worthy of note.

“You have witnessed perhaps some of the challenging times in the history of this nation and you handled them with pragmatism and wisdom,” Osinbajo averred.

In a remark, Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, described the Sultan as an intellectually-endowed leader.

Tambuwal also commended the Sultan for his sustained moral support to his administration, adding, “you are not only a bridge builder, but the bridge itself.’’

Also speaking, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, advocated a national security summit of all stakeholders to brainstorm on most of the contemporary challenges affecting Nigeria.

He said this include insurgency,

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ONDO POLL: SOUTH-WEST PDP LOYAL TO SHERIFF HEADS TO SUPREME COURT will forward the file and the processes to your Personal Assistant forthwith.”

He noted that further arrangements had been made by his team of lawyers to reach the terms of agreement as contained in the contract involving Ibrahim and himself.

Justice Sankey and other members of the panel hearing the appeals were forced to disqualify themselves following a petition written by a factional chairman of the party in Ondo State, Biyi Poroye, who is said to be loyal to Ibrahim.

Poroye had alleged that the justices collected bribes from the governor of Ondo State, Segun Mimiko. The justices denied Iziyon had also denied knowing about the petition when he was confronted by the court.

Jegede and other members of the Ahmed Makarfi

faction of the party were dissatisfied with the decision of INEC to replace Jegede with Ibrahim.

They are hoping that the Court of Appeal will rule in their favour.

However, the Ahmed Makarfi faction of the party has said it has said demonstrated high respect and reverence for the judiciary both while in office and now that it is out office.

The party in a statement signed by its spokesman, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, said that it was completely dissociating itself from the petition written by the factional chairman of the Ondo State chapter of the PDP, Mr. Biyi Poroye, against the Justice Jummai Sankey-led Appeal Panel set up to determine appeals against the ruling of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court.

“We find the petition to

be distasteful, offensive, indecent and completely out of keeping with the principles, ideology and ethos of our party to make such unsubstantiated allegations against members of an institution as important as the judiciary.

“Over the course of our 16 years in power and in our almost two years out of power, our party, the PDP has demonstrated respect and reverence for the judiciary. In this time, we have ensured that we never besmirched the integrity and reputation of the judiciary through the mud, even when we were not comfortable with the judgments and pronouncements that were given.

“It is important to stress that neither the Writer of the petition nor his sponsors are members of our party. They are a group of people with powerful backers within

and outside government who are determined to bend all institutions of democracy to suit their whims; and while failing, they are willing to resort to destructive tactics against such institutions. Even our party is a victim of their destructive tendencies. All their attempt is to pervert justice and stop the will of justice from rolling on.

“As a responsible political party, we reaffirm our faith in the Judiciary as the last hope of the common man.

We have faith that there are men and women of integrity in the judiciary who ensure that justice is not only done, but that it is seen to be done.

“We use this opportunity to encourage the judiciary to weather this storm of blackmail, harassment and intimidation currently being heralded by evil men in the country,” he said.

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

We Can No Longer Practise Our Faith, Northern Christians Cry to Buhari President says he will treat all Nigerians equitably

Tobi Soniyi in Abuja The Northern chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure an enabling environment for Christians in the North to freely practise their faith.

The Chairman of Northern CAN, Yakubu Pam, who spoke with journalists yesterday after a closed doors meeting with the president at the State House in Abuja, said members of the association also called on the president to put an end to abduction of children for marriage in the northern part of the country.

He also said they told the president to protect farmers from herdsmen’s attacks.

He said: “We came to present ourselves as the northern CAN chapter to the President and tell him some of the challenges that Northern Christians are passing through and one of those challenges

we are having difficulties in expressing our faith in the northern part of the country.

“We have also told him some of the difficulties we are paying through; the Fulani herdsmen and the farmers need to be protected and in fact we told the President that we have been encouraging our youths to go into farming and they need to be protected and when they come into the city, there is no employment, that is why farmers must be protected.

“We also talked on the issue of girl child abduction in the north. In some Northern states some young girls and children are being abducted at 12 years old and the parents will just hear that the girls have been married to traditional rulers and emirs.

“This is gathering a cloud of crisis already and if that is not taken care of it will lead to a serious crisis. These are the issues we told the

president.”

He said they also congratulated the president on the wedding of his daughter, the fight against corruption, the return of some of the Chibok girls as well as the onslaught against Boko Haram.

He said the president’s response was reassuring.

However, Buhari has said he will keep faith with the oath of office he swore to, and treat all Nigerians equitably.

A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina said Buhari made

the commitment while receiving the executive committee members of CAN at the State House, yesterday.

Adesina said the president equally pledged to restore peace to all parts of the country, noting: “Restoring peace is top priority. We will enable the law enforcement agencies to combat all forms of violent crimes, and ensure that our people live in peace.”

He said Buhari urged the clerics to promote religious harmony, by “enhancing understanding among different faiths.”

The statement said

the president also said his government would maintain the priority it had placed on agriculture and mines and steel development, “to kick-start the economy.”

The statement quoted the Chairman of CAN in the 19 Northern States and Abuja, Pam, said it was not a mistake that God chose President Buhari to lead the country at these challenging times.

The statement reads: “We are ready to support your administration to deliver good governance. You have good intentions for Nigeria, judging from the

programmes that have been outlined,” Pam said.

He also highlighted ethno-religious challenges in the country, freedom of worship, and herdsmenfarmers’ clashes in their discussion with the President.

The CAN leader commended the Buhari administration for the blow dealt Boko Haram insurgents, “leading to comparative peace in the North-east,” the return of 21 abducted schoolgirls from Chibok, and the anti-corruption war, which he urged “should be fought to the logical conclusion.”

FG: Nigeria to Remain in ICC The federal government yesterday said Nigeria has no intention of withdrawing its membership from the International Criminal Court (ICC).

This was contained in a statement by the acting spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jane Adams, in Abuja.

Adams stated that Nigeria was poised towards improving the working methods of the court for efficient delivery of its mandate in the service of humanity and equitable justice.

She said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs observed the recent developments on withdrawal of membership of the ICC by some African countries, describing the actions as national decisions.

South Africa, Gambia, and Burundi had in October announced their intent to withdraw from the ICC. According to the spokesperson, the ICC represents the hope and aspirations of millions of people around the world.

She said that Nigeria as a state party to the Rome Statute believed that the court represents an international mechanism for ensuring justice for all.

“Nigeria remains a signatory to the Rome Statute adopted on July 17, 1998 and which entered into force in July 1, 2002.

Nigeria deposited its instrument on September 27, 2001.

“Many members States of The UN, not just Africans are not yet signatories and state parties of the statute.

“Though non membership does not protect anyone from prosecution by the court as the UN Security Council can refer cases to the Court, the time has however come to call on all member states who have not yet signed the Rome Statute to consider becoming signatories to the statute.

“It is only by working together that we can ensure that the court effectively performs its functions and serves humanity faithfully,” she stated.

Nigeria, according to her, underscores the ideals and objectives which inspired the creation of ICC. Adams, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said this include fighting impunity and ensuring that perpetrators of crimes such as war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity are brought to justice.

“A strengthened, reinvigorated and finetuned ICC as a symbol of the International Criminal system has an important role to play to offer solace to victims of heinous despicable and dastardly crimes.

“It will also make the perpetrators of those crimes know that there is no rest for the wicked.

“We collectively owe it as a duty to this and future generations, to give voice to the voiceless,” she said.

BULLDOZER AT WORK AGAIN The remains of demolished shops in Jakande Estate, Isolo, by Lagos State Ministries of Enviroment and Physical and Town Planning .... yesterday

ETOP UKUTT

We Have Never Engaged in Contraband Importation, Nigerite Insists Crusoe Osagie Nigerite, a leading building material manufacturing company, has restated its commitment to the development of only legitimate business in the country insisting that it has never engaged in the importation of any contraband items.

The company dissociated itself in strong terms from the substance suspected to be cocaine that was reportedly found in one of the containers in which its imported raw materials were recently shipped from New Zealand to Lagos.

In a statement signed by its Marketing Communications and Research Manager, Victor Jolaoso, which the company issued following the discovery and disclosure of the contraband by the Nigeria

Customs Service (NCS), the company categorically stated that it was not involved in the packing and containerisation of the goods, and had absolutely nothing to do with the trafficking of cocaine, which is neither a raw material requirement for its operations nor part of its production processes.

Nigerite however expressed its readiness to cooperate fully with the police and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (“NDLEA”) in investigating this case, asking the media to let the Police and NDLEA conduct their investigations, while expressing confidence that the outcome of the investigation will completely vindicate Nigerite.

The company noted that it has kept the leadership in the Nigerian market as the largest

organisation in West Africa that engaged in manufacturing, marketing and installation of Kalsi Building boards and other fibre-cement ceiling and roofing products. The philosophy of the company has always been focused on excellent products, service and innovation to meet customer´s needs.

The statement stressed that Nigerite, a highly compliant and respected company that counts Odu’a Investment Company Limited and reputable international companies among its shareholders, has been operating in Nigeria for over 57 years and that during this period it had complied strictly with Nigerian laws and regulations.

Nigerite’s foreign partner, Etex, is an international group based in Belgium, manufacturing and marketing

high quality materials with extreme integrity for more than 105 years, with over 18,000 dedicated people and presence in more than 40 countries across all continents.

It reiterated its track record of good corporate citizenship which has earned it a fast track status from the custom service, adding that all its products and operations were certified by all relevant regulatory authorities, both at state and federal levels, including Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), FEPA, LASEPA amongst others; and that over the years both its products and production processes, especially their environment friendliness had received deserved commendations and attestations by those authorities, aside winning numerous local and regional awards of excellence.

54

T H I S D AY •FRIDAY NOVEMBER 4, 2016

FRIDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

2018 WORLD CUP QUALIFIER

Fennecs Test Run with Champions League for Eagles Akpeyi excited by late call up to Super Eagles

Femi Solaja Ahead of the Match-day two clash of the 2018 World Cup qualifying clash between Nigeria and Algeria in Uyo next Saturday, players listed for action by the North African country midweek gave samples of what to expect in the much-anticipated game.

Four of the 18 foreign-based Algerian players invited by new coach, Georges Leekens, were in the starting line-up of their various European teams as the UEFA Champions’ League group stage passed half way mark.

Nigeria had only Ahmed Musa in action for Leicester City against FC Copenhagen.

Musa’s Algerian team mate, Riyad Mahrez played all of 90 minutes for the English Premier league champions while his compatriot, Islam Slimani, was benched by the Nigerian assistant captain.

Another Algerian, Rachid Ghezzal played full 90 minutes for ambitious Lyon side that stunned home team Juventus with a late minute equaliser in the 1-1 scoreline that assured the French side an opportunity to nurse the ambition of reaching the knock out stage of the competition.

Also, Faouzi Goulam, filed out for FC Napoli against Besiktas and played full time in the useful 1-1 scoreline against the Turkish side on Tuesday just as Hilal Soudani made Dinamo Zagreb’s starting line-up in the humiliating 0-4 lost to host Sevilla on Wednesday.

The Algerian Fennecs who are not taking anything for granted moved swiftly yesterday to replace injured Bordeaux

forward, Adam Ounas, with Sofiane Hanni from Belgian club Anderlecht.

Hani is one of the two more foreign pros as well as four players from the country’s domestic league added to the squad heading for Uyo. Jean Mehdi Tahrat, the other foreign-based player features for Angers in the French Ligue 1.

The four local league players are two goalkeepers – Malik Asselah (JS Kabylie), Chemseddine Rahmani (MO Bejaia)– as well as defenders Houari Ferhani (JSK) and Mohamed Khoutir Ziti (ES Setif).

Meanwhile, newly invited Super Eagles goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi, has said he is 100 per cent ready for the

Akpeyi said he considers the late call up as a rare honour and privilege even though he was cocksure he merited the early invitation.

“Of course, I consider it always an honour and privilege to serve my fatherland, I’m happy with the call up as I’m 100 per cent fit and determined to justify my inclusion in the

game against the Algerian opponents, Desert Foxes.

“The truth is that I had looked forward to be named in the first list but when it did not come through I kept faith and focus on my club career.

“I should be arriving Nigeria on Sunday or Monday as the invitation specified to team up with teammates to prepare for the clash against Algeria.”

Fenerbahce players (in yellow and navy blue stripes) celebrating the 2-1 victory over Man United last night. They Istanbul club is now unbeaten in eight European home games

Europa: Man Utd Beaten

by Fenerbahce in Istanbul Fenerbahce last night claimed a famous 2-1 home victory against Manchester United in the Europa League, electrifying a raucous Istanbul crowd and adding to the woes of Jose Mourinho.

The visitors looked flat against a razor-sharp performance by the Turkish side, who took the lead early on with a staggering Moussa Sow overhead kick and added another with a Jeremain Lens free-kick in the second half.

A beautifully-judged longrange strike by Wayne Rooney late on led to a tense finale but could barely salvage United’s pride.

The defeat increased the pressure on Mourinho, whose side have been struggling for form in the Premier League and now sit third in Europa League Group A with two games to go after rivals Feyenoord drew 1-1 with Zorya Luhansk in Ukraine.

“It was like they were playing a Champions League final and we were playing a summer friendly,” Mourinho

World Cup qualifying clash against the Algerian opponents.

The Chippa United shot stopper was a late call up after being initially omitted in the roll calls by Eagles manager, Gernot Rohr, But injury on Wolverhampton Wanderers goal tender, Carl Ikeme ensured the immediate fall back on the former Heartland and Warri Wolves safe hands.

admitted at fulltime.

United enjoyed an easy 4-1 victory when the teams met at Old Trafford two weeks ago but they were thrust onto the back foot here inside two minutes as Fenerbahce went in front.

Sow met a cross from the left with a spectacular overhead kick that arced over a helpless David de Gea in the United goal and created an immediate cauldron of noise in the 50 000-capacity stadium.

United looked shell-shocked by the Senegalese striker’s early stunner while Fenerbahce were roared on by their ecstatic home support.

Riding out deafening whistles from the home fans every time they touched the ball, United tried to press forward as Mourinho, hands in pockets, cut a distinctly unimpressed figure.

With Paul Pogba limping off injured in the 29th minute, Mourinho brought on Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but the home side continued to look more dangerous up front despite

ex-United striker Robin van Persie being left on the bench.

A scuffle with Simon Kjaer aside, Ibrahimovic struggled to have an impact on the game in an increasingly hostile atmosphere and it was a foul by the Swede which gave the hosts the chance to double their lead just before the hour mark.

Ibrahimovic was penalised 25 yards out and Dutchman Lens stepped up to send the home faithful into raptures with a stunning strike that again gave De Gea no chance.

Fenerbahce grew in confidence and substitute Emmanuel Emenike should have made it three but was blocked by a brilliant De Gea reflex save when one on one with the ‘keeper. De Gea also tipped away a long-range effort from Emenike in the 75th minute.

Rooney’s superb long-range strike that arrowed past Volkan Demirel gave United brief hope but he then had a header cleared off the line as Fenerbahce held on for a famous win.

F E D E R AT I O N C U P F I N A L

Danladi: Nasarawa Will Be Too Solid for FC Ifeanyi Ubah Nasarawa United FC Chairman, Isaac Danladi, boasted yesterday that his Solid Miners will be too strong for FC IfeanyiUbah when both teams clash in the Federation Cup final on Sunday.

For the second year running, a new winner is bound to emerge for the oldest competition in the country when the Miners and Anambra Warriors tango for 90 minutes on the artificial turf of the Teslim Balogun Stadium.

“We are very focused on winning this competition.

For one week, we camped in

Ibadan to avoid distractions, and we have confidence that we are ready to go for it on Sunday,” Danladi told thenff. com.

The Lafia-based club will hope to benefit from their experience in playing in the continent this year, when they reached the second round of the CAF Confederation Cup before losing to CS Constantinois of Algeria.

FC IfeanyiUbah have some pedigree as well. The club is only two years old and after finishing 11th in the Nigeria

Professional Football League in their first season, finished in 4th place in the just –ended season, in addition to making it to the final of the Federation Cup. The Anambra Warriors are powered by billionaire industrialist, Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, and do not have problems of funding.

The roster of the Nnewi-based club reads like a global society, with Nigerians, Camerounians, Congolese, Senegalese and Brazilians to be found on the register.

24 FCT Schools Seek Basketball Crown Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The 2016 version of FCT Private Secondary Schools Basketball competition will begin on Saturday November 5 at the National Stadium, Abuja with 24 teams indicating interest.

According to the event organizer, Tony Ujadughele of Alpha Plus Mega Concept,

the schools will compete at the event sanctioned by the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF).

The competition will be in two phases, with first stage holding from November 5 to November 6 to be followed by the knock out matches billed for between November 19 and 20.

Ujadughele, who said his company was targeting talents

from the grassroots through the tournament, also disclosed that standout players will stand a chance to make the team that will participate in high school competitions in the United States of America.

He said the performance of players at the tournament will determine if they can attract scholarship to some of the top schools in the US for further education.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 4, 2016 T H I S D AY

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Friday, November 4, 2016

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& RE A S O

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Price: N250

MISSILE CJN to FG, Govs

“This provision clearly stipulates in Para 21(b) and (d) that the council may only ‘recommend’ to the president and the governors, the removal from office of judicial officers and to exercise disciplinary control over such judicial officers, which in effect is the extent of its power to discipline. Hence, the council cannot, suo moto (on its own) dismiss any judicial officer” – The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed, attributing the corruption in the judiciary to the failure of the executive arm of government to act on the recommendations by the National Judicial Council (NJC).

SHAKAMOMODU THIS REPUBLIC

shaka.momodu@thisdaylive.com

0811 266 1654

Revisiting Fashola’s Lagos I t is already one year since Mr. Babatunde Fashola assumed office as the Minister of Works, Power and Housing after completing an eight-year stint as the governor of Lagos State. For the avoidance of any doubt, this is NOT an assessment of Fashola’s one year in office. We would soon take a comprehensive stock of his stewardship as a minister to see how well he has fared. However, his scorecard so far isn’t looking so good. The past 12 months have been long on excuses and blame, but short on delivery of roads, power and housing.

His time in Lagos is the central focus here for one simple reason that Fashola at the Wilson Centre, Washington DC recently, in a lecture titled, ‘Leadership and the Politics of Reform in Africa: Lessons from Nigeria,’ tried very eloquently and persuasively so to justify this government’s legendary penchant for blaming the last government for everything that is wrong with Nigeria while refusing to accept responsibilities for driving the economy into recession.

He said: “For those who say that today’s government should stop talking about yesterday, with due respect, I disagree. Yesterday will remain relevant in understanding today in order to make choices that make tomorrow different and better.” He further stated that practices where the government chose to distribute cash, rice and imported kerosene in order to win votes, rather than invest it in the payment of contractors, got them to build roads, power projects, housing and real infrastructure, as some of the factors responsible for today’s economic recession. Really?

Was he kidding?

While Fashola would want to continue to dwell on the failures of the last administration, nobody dwells on his failings, or what he failed to do in Lagos. It is on this premise that I have decided to revisit Fashola’s Lagos to see what lessons can be learnt from how he superintended over it during his time as the governor.

He was largely celebrated by his supporters as the best thing to happen to the state in recent memory. But a few of us have always disagreed with that assessment and posited that when his performance was matched with the resources that were at his disposal, his cumulative grade assessment would be far less sterling than his supporters claimed. At best, Fashola was a below-average performer in a state that prides itself on excellence.

Unfortunately, many Nigerians have elevated this below-average performance to a measure of excellence. In a way, it reflects our poor appreciation of excellence, and feeds heavily on the saying that in the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king. So gradually, we have become accustomed to average grades as a mark of excellence.

While Fashola reigned with his nebulous strapline: Eko o ni baje, he benchmarked his performance against that of a horde of shortsighted, and corrupt governors. And for that, he seemingly shone like a thousand stars. That precisely is the reason we are where we are in the human community. He failed woefully to emulate great visionaries like Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore, Mahathir Mohamad of Malaysia, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of Dubai and such other transformers of this generation

Fashola despite the enormous resources he had. Well, by the very poor standards peculiar to us, he did well indeed!

But can anyone point to any landmark achievement of his eight years in office other than the scandalously expensive 1.358 km-long Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge that cost the taxpayers over N30 billion? He left a legacy of poor vision, huge debts, shocking mismanagement and waste of public funds, inflated contracts, outright corruption, and an abysmal failure to transform the state’s infrastructure into world-class standards befitting a mega-city he constantly mouthed. He handed over to his successor, a state that topped the shortlist of the world’s worst cities to live in.

The man who regularly talked about tourism and its potential to generate mouth-watering revenues failed miserably to harness Lagos’ water assets such as its coastline beaches for tourism.

If I may ask, what do we have in many of the beaches? Dirt, human faeces, polluted waters, etc. Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro is worldfamous for tourism because of the foresight of its leadership. There are so many more around the world that Nigerians travel to on vacation and spend a fortune. Had Fashola the foresight to envision this money-spinner and the creative

Even in Lagos, Fashola’s pretty mega-city, most of the federal roads and flyovers are in an unpardonable condition. The situation in Apapa shows the tragedy of hypocrisy of these change agents

imagination to replicate Copacabana in the state, Lagos would have been in far better financial shape than he left it. Instead, he allegedly raided the public vault - used N78.3 million to upgrade his personal website, and dug two boreholes for a whopping N139 million.

In 2013, Fashola as published by the official website of the state government spent N640 million on the reconstruction of a car park and other associated works at the Lagos House, Marina.

Wow! Anyone who has been to this property would laugh their head off at this claim. The truth is that it was just another clever way of breaking into the taxpayers’ vault and stuffing one’s pocket with cash and dashing across the expressway in broad daylight. What about the N510 million spent on “remodelling and equipping” the official residence of the state Chief Judge?

If remodelling cost that much, how much was the property itself? I am sure the judge would be shocked by the figure claimed.

These are just a glimpse into Fashola’s reign.

More rot was filtering through before the state government shut down the website to shield Fashola from further scrutiny of the objectionable nature of how he superintended over public funds.

Only God knows the full extent of the rot he left behind embellished in glittering make-believe performance.

His pretence to transparency and accountability is a hollow mockery of those virtues, and the height of hypocrisy. A full probe of his tenure will disgrace a nation of savages.

His record on education is a crying shame to his posture today. He inherited poor infrastructure in the primary and secondary school sectors and after eight years in office, he made little difference to the situation. In a great number of schools, many students still sat on bare floors to receive lectures in classrooms with neither windows nor doors. Some even took classes under trees in Fashola’s mega-city Lagos, believe you me! While he could not fix the schools for the children of the poor, his children attended private schools within the and outside the country.

Make no mistake, one must acknowledge Fashola’s small effort in Lagos. That is just what it was - small and lacking the radical bent of history’s transformers, even though it was embellished in glowing prose and superlative adjectives that have seen many people prostrate before him as the wonder boy of this generation. He represents neither the new age of ideas and radical vision we yearn for, nor does he possess the magical elixir to fix Nigeria. He is still struggling to find his bearing as the Minister of Works, Power and Housing. His agenda for delivering change is a lost cause.

In just one year, the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) poster boy for excellence has seen his famed magic wand unravel at the federal level.

The “Lagos golden boy and actualiser of Buhari’s change” is nothing but a praise-singer, steeped in laborious excuses and blame game for his inability to perform. This man who was in the habit of pointing an accusing finger at the then federal government for the failure to maintain the federal roads in Lagos never knew he would be made the minister directly responsible for the critical infrastructure in the country.

Federal roads across the country, according to The Guardian in its editorial recently, are in worst shape ever. New Telegraph ran pictures of the deplorable state of the Lagos-Sagamu road at the Ikorodu axis, the Enugu-Onitsha highway by Orji River, and Aba-Ikot Ekpene highway linking Abia and Akwa Ibom States.

What about the Uyo-Calabar road? What about Ogbulafor-Makurdi road and the Abuja-Lokoja expressway? What about Benin-Auchi road which has become a kidnappers’ highway? Of course there are so many across the length and breadth of the country.

Even in Lagos, Fashola’s pretty mega-city, most of the federal roads and flyovers are in an unpardonable condition. The situation in Apapa shows the tragedy of hypocrisy of these change agents. That all-important Ijora bridge leading in and out of the port city of Apapa is a tragedy waiting to happen; its structural integrity appears to be compromised on several portions and all the protective railings are gone. When descending the bridge, the roundabout right in front of Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc at Apapa is just impassable. The craters are so wide that they have become the graveyard of many cars and heavy-duty trucks. To show their displeasure, motorists have named them: Fashola’s craters.

Recall that he was particularly active on the campaign stump, urging Nigerians not to accept the excuses of vandalism from the last government for its inability to provide regular electricity.

Only recently, this same Fashola came out to tell Nigerians that so long as vandals continue to vandalise oil installations, we won’t enjoy steady power supply. He still blames Goodluck Jonathan for not making Nigeria a paradise. But his tenure in Lagos remains a sour debate. The question is: Did Fashola fix all the problems he inherited and transform the state into paradise? If he did, there would be no need for his successor to carry on with the development issues Fashola left behind, including uncompleted projects.

The 2015 electioneering saw our “hero” resort to scaremongering propaganda, and even to that base instinct ingrained in the average Nigerian politician: ethnicity, which has denied the country progress and development since independence.

I was taken aback, and probably in denial of the not-so-subtle ethnic colouration in the accusations he was reported to have levelled against the Yoruba leaders that their support for President Jonathan was a “betrayal” borne out of “blood money”, causing Yinka Odumakin to hit back saying that Fashola came to Alausa with a Mercedes Benz 200 flat boot and a Sagem handset when Tinubu appointed him as the chief of staff in 2002 but was now blinded with obscene wealth.

Obviously, Fashola has been morphing lately from the trumpeted “actualiser” of Buhari’s change, into an outspoken sycophant ostensibly to distract attention from his failure to deliver by his own standards - all the more so because he is the “prime minister”. But as he regales the public with tales of what the last government failed to do, or how its officials looted the treasury, housing is still unavailable, power supply is highly unstable, and the federal roads all over the country have become craters as motorists navigate them in pain and agony.

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