Saturday 5th November 2016

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SATURDAY NOVEMBER 5, 2016 T H I S D AY

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SATURDAY NOVEMBER 5, 2016 T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY, th e sat u r day n e w s pa p e r •SATURDAY, NOVEMber 5, 2016

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FG, Singapore Sign Historic Investment Pact Banking credit to private sector rises to N16.18bn in Q3 Crusoe Osagie in Lagos and James Emejo in Abuja The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah yesterday in Abuja signed a landmark investment guarantee pact, on behalf of the federal government with the government of Singapore.

It also emerged yesterday that the total banking sector credit to the private sector rose to N16.18 billion in the third quarter (Q3) of the year compared to N15.53 billion in Q2 and N13.08 billion in Q1 The Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA), which was endorsed by the Singaporean Minister of Trade and Industry Shabir Iswara essentially aims to among other things, ensure fair and equitable treatment for investors; compensation for losses arising from strife and expropriation;

and settlement of investment disputes under internationally accepted rules.

Although, trade relations currently exist between both countries, especially in commodities like soya beans, sesame seeds, groundnuts, cashew nuts, cocoa and some precious stones, the governments stressed the need to expand and strengthen their ties.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Enelamah said: "We have come to the conclusion that we need to do more than selling of our commodities in their raw state. We need to go into value addition before exporting. This we believe will lead to job creation and better value for our exports, as well as improve our economy.

“To achieve this, steps have to be taken to attract investment into Nigeria and to ensure that the investments are protected. The signing of the Nigeria – Singapore IPPA today therefore, I hope will

give you additional assurance that when you invest in Nigeria, your investments will be adequately protected.

“The government of President Muhammadu Buhari is committed to ensuring security and good governance in Nigeria as part of the ingredients for economic growth and stability."

A functional Bilateral Agreement between Nigeria and Singapore- – the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) for Cargo Services, which commenced in 2012 exists between both parties.

The minister, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communication, Ms Constance Ikokwu said once ratified, and put into effect, the IPPA will serve to build a better and more sustainable business and investment relationship between the two countries.

“As part of plans to diversify government's sources of revenue, the Ministry of Industry, Trade

and Investment is taking a number of measures including the implementation of the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan; improving our business climate to make it easy to do business in the country; building infrastructure; promoting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) for inclusive growth and trade facilitation for exports among others,” the statement said.

Already, President Muhammadu Buhari has set up the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), of which the Vice-President Prof.

Yemi Osibajo is the Chairman and Dr. Enelamah Vice-chairman.

PEBEC is charged with the responsibility of reducing the cost of doing business in Nigeria; and removing the impediments that are affecting the smooth operation of business.

Some of the constraints identified and currently being resolved

include entry and exit processes; lowering the cost of business registrations and reducing time and simplifying the procedures for registration.

Others are enhancing and expanding trade across borders; reviewing and simplifying land and property registration procedures; simplifying and facilitating access to capital; facilitating the transparency and digitalisation of operations of government agencies.

Banking Credit to Private Sector Rises to N16.18bn in Q3 The total banking sector credit to the private sector rose to N16.18 billion in the third quarter (Q3) of the year compared to N15.53 billion in Q2 and N13.08 billion in Q1, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) stated yesterday.

Of the total intervention, the oil and gas sector accounted for 22.53 per cent or N3.64 billion

share in Q3 from 21.66 per cent or N3.36 billion in the previous quarter.

The manufacturing sector represented the second largest beneficiary of banks' real sector financing with 13.16 per cent or N2.13 billion in the period under review, compared to N20.05 billion in Q2.

According to the Nigerian Private Sector Banking Credit by Sector, Q1 2015-Q3 2016, released yesterday by the statistical agency, the total Q3 figure was higher than the N13.01 billion recording in the corresponding quarter of last year.

It further showed the extent to which the banks had heeded to appeals to improve lending to the real sector which is seen as critical to economic rejuvenation.

Total lending to agriculture was 3.04 per cent or N491.28 million in Q3 compared to N480.63 million the previous quarter.

suspend all his ministers indicted in the bribery saga involving seven judges.

The NJC had this week announced the suspension of Justices Sylvester Ngwuta and Justice Inyang Okoro of the Supreme Court. Others are Justice Mohammed Tsamiya –Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Ilorin Division; Justice Kabiru Auta – Kano State High Court; Justice Adeniyi Ademola – Federal High Court, Abuja; Justice I. A. Umezulike – former Chief Judge of Enugu State and Muazu Pindiga – Federal High Court, Gombe Division.

The NJC said the suspension was based on the investigation of these Justices by the Directorate of State Security (DSS) on various allegations of corruption.

In a statement issued by its Spokesman, Dayo Adeyeye, PDP said if Buhari retains these ministers in the face of the serious allegations against

them, he would be confirming the fears that the action against the judges was a deliberate attempt to blackmail them.

"It is important to note that Justices Ngwuta and Okoro have alleged that they are the targets of a witchhunt because they refused offers of inducement and bribes made to them by the Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi and the Minister of Science & Technology, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu – to subvert the course of justice in appeals against the decisions of lower courts in election petitions in Abia, Akwa Ibom, Ekiti and Rivers States.

"In order to allow for a fair and independent investigation, it is incumbent on President Buhari to ask these ministers to step aside pending the conclusion of investigations into these issues. The Judiciary has set a very good example in its quest to fight corruption.

"It has proven that it is ready to reform itself and we commend the NJC for taking this bold step. Likewise, we call on the administration of President Buhari to emulate the decision of the NJC mandating the seven Justices to suspend the performance of their judicial functions pending the conclusion of investigations against them.

"Anything less will confirm the long held notion that President Buhari and his administration consider themselves to be above the law and not subject to the provisions of our laws and the institutions of our democracy.

"If President Buhari retains these Ministers in the face of the serious allegations against them, he will reveal that the entire judicial corruption saga is nothing more than deliberate attempt to blackmail the judiciary in order to subjugate it and make it a rubber stamp Institution of the administration."

Okowa, Wike, Emmanuel: We Have No Hand in Judges' Allegations branch of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

"Ordinarily we wouldn't have joined issues with a jobless party Chaiman like Ikanya, but in order to set the records straight, it is pertinent to state that Okowa has no hand in the latest scandals swirling around the Transportation Minister.

“As governor of Delta State, Okowa is too busy delivering on his SMART Agenda to be enmeshed in such petty accusations of orchestrating any accusations against the transport minister.

"How is it possible for anyone to imagine that two respected Justices of the Supreme Court were told to lie that Amaechi made attempts to influence their judgements in his party's favour?

"Rather than encourage the former Governor to defend himself, the Rivers APC is busy looking for people to rope into their inglorious adventure."

"We therefore call on the general public to disregard the said publication as there is no iota of truth in it.'' Statement added.

In his own reaction, Governor Emmanuel also debunked the APC allegation.

The spokesman of the governor, Ekarete Udo in an interview with THISDAY last night said the governor “is an embodiment of transparency and was overwhelmingly elected by the people and does not need further affirmation.”

He added that the APC should learn to handle Amaechi, “who is now the albatross on the party’s neck.”

Wike said it was a reckless and ridiculous statement coming after the APC had been exposed.

“The revelations underscore the desperation of the APC to take Rivers State and other states

under PDP controls.

“It is just ridiculous and laughable. Unfortunately, it is the APC that has been using state machinery to try to seize control and undermine PDP controlled states. Recall how the National Chairman of APC lamented after they lost at the Supreme Court. They claim Amaechi is a threat to us here. He is not. I defeated his candidate when he was governor and also defeated him in the rerun election,” said Wike.

‘Democracy in danger with orchestrated intimidation of the Judiciary’ Meanwhile, while speaking at the Government House, Port Harcourt yesterday during a courtesy visit by the Port Harcourt Branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), the Rivers State governor warned lawyers against allowing the “deliberate destruction of the judiciary under any guise.”

“Because of the harassment of judges by the ruling party, no judge will ever deliver judgments against the interest of the federal government and the ruling party,” Wike remarked.

According to him, the ruling party and her officials have elevated the art of frivolous petition writing against judges as a means of subverting the course of justice.

He said: "Our democracy is in danger. Our democracy has been threatened. What is happening to the judiciary is very deep. NBA must be careful of the deep implications of what it is also doing in the course of the present attack on the judiciary.

"All these actions are geared towards silencing everybody as we head to 2019. If anybody tells you that they are fighting corruption in the judiciary, tell the person that he is lying.

"They have empowered politicians to write frivolous petitions against judges. Whether or not the petition is true, the judge is compelled to step aside."

Speaking further, he said: "Any judge who delivers a judgment that is against the interest of the ruling party is hounded down by the DSS. They have intimidated judicial officers and put fear in them in a manner that is negatively affecting governance."

Wike also accused the APC of masterminding the crisis in the PDP for fear of losing power to the opposition party at the state and federal levels.

The governor particularly cited the ongoing Ondo PDP crisis as a point of reference “where frivolous petitions have been used to further the interest of the ruling party and destroy the judiciary.”

On the December 10, 2016 date scheduled by INEC for Rivers rerun elections, Wike said the fact that it was announced less than 24 hours after the Senate ultimatum was an indication that INEC had been lying to people that insecurity was behind the repeated postponement of the rerun elections.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Port Harcourt Branch of the NBA, Mr. Victor Briggs commended Wike for his commitment to the development of the state The Port Harcourt NBA thanked the governor for the construction of the ultramodern law centre for the branch.

He assured the government that lawyers would always support all development programmes.

Suspension of Judges: PDP Asks Buhari to Do Same to Ameachi, Others In a related development, the PDP yesterday urged Buhari to

Afenifere Chieftain, Olaniwun Ajayi, Passes on at 91 enrolled into a primary school in Ode Remo, Ogun State in 1937 where he completed his primary education. It was also gathered that due to his brilliance, Ajayi was engaged by the school authority as a teacher.

One of the nephews of late Olaniwun, Mr. Adebari Ajayi, described his death as a great loss, not only to his family, but Israra and the entire Remoland.

"Papa was a great catalyst to the development of his hometown, Isara and the entire Remoland. It will be difficult to fill the vacuum he has left behind here in Isara and Nigeria in general. He will be greatly missed", he said.

As the death of the octogenarian reverberates across the land, President Muhammadu Buhari has extended heartfelt condolences to the family of Ajayi and the entire Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, on the passage of one of its oldest surviving members.

The president, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said the president also commiserated with the government and people of Ogun State on the demise of their illustrious son, author, legal practitioner, elder statesman and nationalist.

Buhari paid tribute to Ajayi’s inspirational and dedicated work to entrench

and strengthen democracy in Nigeria through his passionate engagements in Afenifere, the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and The Patriots.

Guided by Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s principle, the president believed that the late revered Yoruba leader effectively combined his sharp commentary on the state of affairs in Nigeria with uncommon patriotism while working tenaciously to further unity, development and prosperity in the nation.

Buhari urged those mourning Ajayi to emulate his lifelong commitment to dialogue, democracy and development, which are key ingredients for national growth.

Osinbajo: FG Working to End Recession, Promises 200, 000 Jobs in Weeks There is no economy that can withstand that kind of shock.

When people say we should not talk about what has happened in the past, it is ridiculous. If you lose half of your foreign reserve, there is a shock on the economy", he noted.

He said as part of efforts at blocking leakages that allowed for wasteful spending of scarce resources, government is embarking on fiscal prudence methods, particularly with the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and the I-pay policy.

"With the fiscal prudency, we are controlling how government fund is spent for efficiency and that has saved billions. With the TSA, we are able to ensure that government revenue is well accounted for and to control how government expenditure is received and spent.

"You heard when they said a high placed military officer receives N585 million from others' salaries. With the electronic platform, I-pay, those kinds of anomalies are no longer possible.

Then government is working to increase tax compliance.

700,000 new companies have been registered.

"Now we are trying to improve Value Added Tax (VAT) compliance. We are still at about 5% while other countries like Ghana have about 10% and our coverage is only 12%. So, it is better to increase coverage for VAT so that more revenue can come in," he said.

He also noted that the federal government’s decision to deregu-

late the downstream sector of the oil industry was yielding positive results and uncovering the massive corruption in the subsidy regime.

According to him, while under the subsidy regime, Nigerians were made to believe that we consume about 55 million metric tons daily, but immediately after the removal, though shooting up the price of fuel, it became clear that only about 28 - 32m metric tons are consumed.

"The sharp drop shows the extent of subsidy fraud and the deregulation made us reflect more on what the actual cost of petrol is", he stated.

He however expressed great optimism that when the Dangote refinery in Lagos with the capacity to produce 650 barrels per day becomes operational, it will save the country about 30% of the much needed foreign being expended on the importation of petroleum products.

The Vice President also hinted that no fewer than 200,000 Nigerian job seekers will be engaged through the government's proposed 500,000 volunteer corps programme.

"We are working to create jobs.

Of course, the best way to create jobs is through the private sector but government must provide an enabling environment and that is what we are doing.

Through the 500,000 volunteer corps programme, we are creating opportunities for young graduates to enable them earn some money and they would have a device with a module that will allow

them learn.

"Close to a million people have registered and in 14 days, we would start with 200,000", adding that government is investing heavily on infrastructure.

Addressing the audience who expressed concerns over bill seeking to entrench the Sharia Law in all the 36 states of the federation and which seems to be getting favourable attention from the National Assembly, Osinbajo said it is erroneous to assume that government was interested in the bill.

"First of all, it is not right at all that the federal government is interested in any Sharia bill. Every bill that is a government bill must come from the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF). This Sharia bill was presented by somebody within the National Assembly and my understanding is that it has not even passed the second reading. But let’s even assume that it did, you cannot change a Nigeria law without a constitution amendment. Sharia is in the constitution since 1979 and it applies to Muslims on issues of marriage, inheritance and others.

Any change, whatsoever, cannot come by the way of amendment within the National assembly; it has to be by constitutional amendment.

"Aside from both the Senate and House of Representatives, amendment of Constitution must go to two-thirds of the states; 24 states must say they want it. So, it is not possible, we should not waste our time and energy on it", he argued.

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THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper • NOVEMBER 5, 2016

super saturday Debbie Collins

I’m Determined to Bring Smile to Kids with Cleft Lips and Palate

She has always loved to work with and care for kids, especially those who are disadvantaged and those who are grappling with one debilitating medical condition or the other. At the moment, her passion lies with kids who struggling to live with cancer and cleft lips and palate. Beautiful and brainy, Debbie Collins, the current Miss Universe Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, is blazing the trail in South Africa and Nigeria when it comes to reaching out to children who needs the world’s sympathy and love. As the ambassador of Smile Train in Nigeria, she has shouldered a responsibility to bring a soothing smile to the face of kids who discriminated against and sometimes abandoned for living with a medical condition that is not of their own making. The beauty queens shares with Obioma Ogbonnaya the fulfillments she finds as a beauty queen and an ambassador of Smile Train, what she is doing now and her plans for the future

What Being A Beauty Queen Has Taught Me

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ho’s Debbie Collins?

Debbie Collins is a 24-year-old lady, who is growing and experiencing life. She is a writer and a poet. She hopes to launch a couple of books she has written. I have a strong passion for children. I grew up in South Africa.

My family moved there when I was 11. I was there for about 13 years before I decided to move back to Nigeria. I studied Business Information System and hold an honours degree. I worked for about five years before the beauty pageant came. After working in South Africa, I started working at a hospital as a volunteer attending to children suffering from cancer. That was when the passion for kids began. Hence, I thought of bringing the passion for kids home to Nigeria.

You know in pageantry, there are pet projects. I started a company, Three Africa, with my brother.

It’s a mentorship organisation where we want to get the mindset of young Africans together to be the leaders of tomorrow. We have been doing that in South Africa and slowly we are bringing it to Nigeria.

When Smile Train came and I thought of how to bring Three Africa to Nigeria and make use of my crown, I was appointed to be an ambassador to spread awareness for children that suffer from cleft lip and palate. I’ve visited a few of them. In the coming months I’ll be going around Nigeria to visit some of them that suffer from this deformity; just to witness it myself. A lot of these children suffer from speech impediments; they cannot eat properly and some are shunned by the society.

Some parents kill them and others are thrown away. But I’m so glad I can come here to help and make people know that cleft lip and palate is not a curse but a deformity, which can be treated, especially with Smile Train that treats kids for free.

They are not charged for the surgery, it’s free. All they need is to meet with the doctor that works with SmileTrain. He will do everything for free.

Collins

What has been your experience as MBGN Miss Universe?

It has been interesting. It has been three months already. I still recall when I went to Las Vegas to represent Nigeria. It was a new experience – your eyes are open, the world is there and everybody is watching to see what’s happening to you. But then I have realised that other countries have passion for pageantry. They promote, love and celebrate their queens. But Africa seems not to regard them so much. We prefer our daughters going to school and getting married. They ask why you are a beauty queen and what for. But they don’t understand it can also be used politically.

There is a strong political tie you can have when you have a beauty queen from this country. With that, the world may say it’s interesting and that if a Nigerian girl can become Miss World, I’ll like to see what else Nigeria can offer. But in all, it has been an awesome journey. I’ve got to meet

people, learnt a lot about Lagos – because I’ve never lived in Lagos as an adult. But I’ll like to see what Nigeria has in store especially now that I live here. I’ll go around different places and people to see their way of life. Indeed, this journey has enhanced my character and my strength, too.

How did your parents to your decision to compete for MBGN Miss Universe?

I didn’t tell my parents initially. But once I was sure I would be part of it, I let them in on it. It was when I set to leave for Nigeria that I told them. All they said was if I was sure it was what I wanted to do I should go ahead. Hence, they gave me all their support, prayers and blessings.

Even after I left, they called me daily and checked on my wellbeing.

Did it ever occur to you that you would emerge the winner?

I came with the mindset that I was going to work as hard as possible. I did not want to come all the way from South Africa and I’m not at my best. Whenever we went on tour, which we had in Calabar, the facilitator would tell us every detail about artifacts and I would write down everything in my jotter. I always listened well.

We were instructed about our conduct and the way we carry ourselves and how we relate with ourselves – being friendly. So, I ensured I was positive; not getting involved in disturbance or gossip. I think that was what helped me. Several people said things about my personality and my character, that Miss Ebonyi is nice. I represented Ebonyi State even when I am from Anambra State. So, my personality spoke for me.

How would you assess your relationship with other girls on camp?

We were all friends. There was no fighting; we cooperated and helped one another. We all realised that we were lost, in a new environment and in a competition. So, instead of making an enemy why not be or find a friend or sister who will assist one.

How did you feel on the stage?

I felt very nervous. While we were still five on stage, I prayed really hard but was nervous too. I was even crying when I was called as top five. I was stunned. And then when we were just three, it was ‘Oh-my-God!’ So, I just relaxed and knew I would be among the finalists. I was really excited even when I called my parents.

Has this pageant changed your view about life?

I think it has because being in the hot seat, where you have a country, say Nigerian ambassador, questions like why you aren’t doing this. That is when you realise that pressure is real. But truth is, there is a lot of pressure that can be put on you to succeed, which is good. But my outlook on life has changed; now I’m no longer with my parents. I lived comfortably with them. They did

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NEWS

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper • NOVEMBER 5, 2016

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

Damaged International Airport Runways May Cause Major Accident, Warn Operators Foreign airlines pulling out of Abuja to stem accidents Chinedu Eze

Airline operators have called on the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to avert imminent tragic accident by urgently rehabilitating the runways at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, which have degenerated over the years and are now damaging aircraft gears on landing and take-off.

The latest aircraft involved is a private jet with registration number VQBRZ, which landing gear was damaged at the domestic runway of the Lagos airport, R18L yesterday and Nigeria Air Force aircraft, C130, which lost tyre while landing on the same runway on Thursday under heavy downpour.

According to a passenger who was in that flight, on the same Thursday, an Air Peace flight, which landed on R18L in Lagos, known as international runway, at 10:35 pm “started vibrating terribly on landing, prompting the pilot to announce to the passengers that the vibration was caused by the bad nature of the runway.”

The operators are miffed that the defects at both runways, R18L and R18R at the Lagos airport and the only runway at the Abuja airport had been there for a long time without any effort by FAAN to rehabilitate the facilities.

On December 4, 2013 a

Saudi Arabian cargo plane damaged its landing gear in a major incident at the Abuja airport runway, which led to the closure of the airport for several hours, from the night of December 4 to the evening of the following day. This resulted in flight disruptions and huge revenue losses for both domestic and international airlines.

In august 2016, there was also another major incident involving South Africa Airways flight that got damaged when it landed on the same Abuja airport runway, which forced the airline to cancel the flight and lodged the passengers in hotels for four days.

Recently, reports indicated that Emirates aircraft was also damaged when it landed on the same runway and it was one of the reasons the airline gave for stopping operation to Abuja airport.

Also other international airlines are considering pulling out of Abuja airport like Kenya Airways and Emirates because of the dangerous runway, which has become undulating and full of patches, as it had since past its life span about 10 years ago and there was aborted plan to build a second runway in 2010.

A source told THISDAY Friday that for the past three weeks the airline, which private jet was involved in that runway incident had been complaining about “the condition of Runway 18L to FAAN.” “Even during runway

fair to all...

L-R: Former National President of the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria he Association, Alhaja Latifat Okunnu; National President, Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN), Hajia Amina Omoti; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluranti Adebule during a courtesy visit to the Governor at the Lagos House, Ikeja, yesterday

inspection we noticed that that runway has become dangerous. If what happened to that aircraft happened to a schedule commercial airliner, the accident would have been tragic and because of the damage on the landing gear, it would have lost control and

How Akpobolokemi, Others Converted N496m from NSA to Personal Use – Witness Akinwale Akintunde

A prosecution witness, Orji Chukwuma, yesterday told an Ikeja High Court how former Director-General of Nigeria Maritime Administration Safety Agency (NIMASA), Patrick Akpobolokemi and others requested for N496 million from a former National Security Adviser and converted the money to his personal use.

Chukwuma, who narrated this at the resumed hearing of the matter before Justice Raliat Adebiyi, also alleged that he (Chukwuma) transferred N504 million to Arrow World Consultancy Services Limited.

Akpobolokemi alongside Captain Ezekiel Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Governor Amechee Juan, Vincent Udoye, Captain Adegboyega Sahib Olopoenia, and a company, Gama Marine Nigeria Limited, are standing trial on a 13-count charge bordering on stealing the money belonging to NIMASA preferred against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The anti-graft commission had charged the former NIMASA boss and others for allegedly stealing over N754, 740,680.00 million belonging to NIMASA. The defendants had pleaded not guilty to all the count preferred against them.

Led in evidence by the EFCC counsel, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, the witness (Chukwuma) told the court that the sum of N816,200 million was fraudulently transferred between 2014 and 2015.

Chukwuma, who is an investigating officer with the EFCC told the court that in the cause of investigation, it was discovered that defendants converted money meant for the purchase of things for NIMASA to personal use.

He said the Commission received an intelligence report of a monumental fraud going on in NIMASA under the leadership of Akpobolokemi who was the Director General of the agency as at that time.

The witness said the fraud was perpetrated by 1st defendant through the presentation

of documents to the Office of National Security Adviser and later presented to former President Goodluck Jonathan, which was approved.

He said an account was created in the name of VIMSAS which was operated by the 2nd defendants and some others.

When he was shown exhibit P9, he said it represent the fraudulent representation by the 1st defendant to NSA on May 15, 2015 and a reply from NSA dated October 15, 2015 and a payment voucher.

"Exhibit P10 represent a letter from NIMASA dated June 20, 2014 and a correspondence from ONSA on July 30, 2014 a payment voucher.

The NSA approved the sum of N498million but the investigation revealed contrary.

"A request of N318million was made and attached the list of things to purchase but investigation revealed that the money was converted as against the list. There was instruction to move N498, 200m from NIMASA account to VIMSAS account no 1013961926 domiciled in Zenith Bank".

entered the bush. Yesterday night (Thursday) NAF guys had a burst tyre on the runway when it was raining. The Air Force jet on landing picked metals on the runway, which is no more smooth so pebbles and metals can be wedged by rough asphalts, but FAAN

officials claimed they swept the runway twice before the flight,” informed source told THISDAY. THISDAY spoke to the acting General Manager, Corporate Affairs, FAAN; Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu who said the agency had plans to rehabilitate the

runway but has been waiting for the rain to stop before work would commence.

“You will soon receive a press statement informing you about the exact date work will commence. FAAN appreciates your concern,” Mrs. Yakubu said.

Lagos State won't Discriminate Based on Tribe, Religion, Ambode Assures Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has said that his administration would not discriminate against any resident of the state based on tribe or religious affiliation.

The Governor, who hosted the executive members of the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN), at the Lagos House, Ikeja, said as much as the State was home to a large number of religious organisations, the government would continue to respect the constitution of the country which allowed for freedom of association. He however urged all religious bodies to continue to exhibit tolerance and unity among themselves.

“In Lagos, it is very clear that there is heavy presence of religious organisations, Lagos is a cosmopolitan state, we do not discriminate, and we are set out to obey the constitution of this country.

And in doing so, free citizens of Lagos State should be given the chance to excel to where God has planned for them to be.

“We do not discriminate based on religion, we would

not discriminate based on tribe, we are not going to discriminate based on where you come from.

It is not the will of God and we would not practice it,” he said.

The Governor, who said Lagos was honoured to be chosen as the host for the 31st edition of the FOMWAN Conference, also commended the group for embarking on laudable projects just as he assured them of the readiness of his government to partner with them in executing the projects earmarked to be done in the state.

He said what the group was pursuing was not just for their own benefit, but for the purpose of positioning mothers for nation building and the future leaders of the entire country as a whole.

“I have read some literature about you, I am very happy to associate with this association because you have done things that government should ordinarily do. And it is not about women, it’s about you, and it’s about the future of Nigeria,” Governor Ambode said.

He said the group deserved

to be celebrated for promoting peace, unity and empowering of women in general as well as having 36 branches in the 36 states of the federation with about 2000 delegates together.

“It is not something we should overlook. This is something that we should celebrate, we just want other groups to emulate.

Not minding what government can do for us, but you are using religion to promote peace, promote unity and also promote what our children can actually do as well as empowering our women,” the Governor said.

Earlier, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule, who is also a member of the group, expressed appreciation, especially for the support the group and the entire Muslim family has been receiving from the Governor.

Also speaking, President of the group, Hajia Aminat Omuti, said they had come to visit the Governor ahead of their Conference and equally commended him for the giant strides he has done in the state in the last 16 months of his administration.

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NOVEMBER 5, 2016• THISDAY, The SATURDAY Newspaper

commentary

Amala Festival And The Gbegiri Economy Simbo Olorunfemi argues food is good business

I

had only just come in from ‘Iya-Oyo’ with a ‘take-away’ pack. I was just about settling down to commence the process of digging into this island dancing in an ocean of ewedu and gbegiri when my attention was drawn to the television. Toye Arulogun, Oyo State’s Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism was on TV. What an auspicious time to roll out plans for Amala Festival in Ibadan. I had to stop to first pay attention to the news and watch him unveil the logo of the festival before continuing with the important task at hand.

“Amala Fiesta, also known as Ajodun oka is not just a food and cultural tourism event, but a celebration of the Yoruba food culture and Oyo State’s foremost delicacy which has become a national pride with international presence and worldwide acceptance”, Arulogun said. Did he say worldwide acceptance? Well, it is the name you call your child that the public will take a cue from.

Listening to him, however, something told me this move was bound to be misunderstood and possibly ridiculed. I was going to immediately write but thought to let the Amala digest before hitting the keyboard lest I be guilty of writing under the influence. Or did someone not say something about not writing or is it speaking while eating? Before I could finally make it to writing, I noticed that some had already taken to the social media about the Amala festival.

Reactions were, as was expected, not so kind. Many did not waste time in laughing it off as a joke, derisively dismissing this as another hare-brained idea of a government rather short of quality in thought, given more to ewedu thinking.

Well, it is difficult to defend public policymakers on the charge that they have largely demonstrated an inability to engage in strategic thinking or generate the big ideas. But I doubt that they pitched the Amala Fiesta as that big idea to rescue Oyo from where it is stuck. It seems to me to be just one project by a department of government, in fulfilment of its mandate to promote tourism in the state, and that is as it should be.

What is disturbing to me though is not even the expected dismissal of the idea behind the Amala fiesta by the ‘elite’ on the strength of newspaper headlines but what I have come to see as a penchant for ewedu thinking when it comes to engaging in an understanding of the gbegiri economy by commentators. In other words, the thinking is often watery and simplistic once it comes to interrogating the economy of the poor by commentators. No thought for its peculiarities, needs and nuances. It is, indeed, that lack of understanding on the part of the ‘intellectual elite’ that influences a summary dismissal of the phenomenon known as ‘infrastructure of the stomach’ in politics rather than for it to engage in a sober and deeper interrogation of this hydra-headed issue. What has food to do with politics? What is the language of food? It is that lack of proper interrogation that made some to simply spurn the initiative to pay N5000 to a category of vulnerable Nigerians as of no economic value. One celebrated columnist wrote off N5000 as nothing but money for ‘recharge-card.’

Indeed, N5000 is absolutely nothing for some Nigerians. It won’t even buy a tea-spoon of their favourite drink. But we must recognise that it is not so for everyone. In the economy of the poor man, N5000 is something. A pot of ewedu made from a N100 pack is prayer

Food defines a people. Amala has taken a life of its own, defining the Yoruba people, even when it is only a section of the Yorubas who treasure or celebrate it the way it has been erroneously appropriated to define them.

Iyan, not Amala, has always been the king in other parts of Yoruba-land

answered for many of our people. A lot of those trading on the streets and in road-side markets barely have an inventory worth N2000.

Poverty is real. One only needs to see the faces of our mothers by the road-side light up with smiles over transactions of N100 only. They carry on with dignity, in spite of how society has failed them.

So, it is lazy to engage in ewedu thinking in rushing to disregard ideas that might positively impact on other people simply because they do not live in their world. Some of us find it difficult to make the connection between otherwise unrelated interventions and the effects on the poor man’s economy. Some might not understand the relationship between a functioning street light and how it powers the night economy of the poor man in Lagos, but there is a link for those who are able to trade for a few more hours in a more secure environment.

Back to the business of Amala, interestingly it is even now as much of the poor man’s business as that of others. By some calculation of mine, ‘Iya Oyo’ probably turns over nothing less than one million naira daily on a good day. Food has always been good business. Our people say hunger has to be displaced before other matters can be attended to. Food defines a people. Amala has taken a life of its own, defining the Yoruba people, even when it is only a section of the Yorubas who treasure or celebrate it the way it has been erroneously appropriated to define them. Iyan, not Amala, has always been the king in other parts of Yoruba-land. But Ibadan is undoubtedly the Amala capital of the world. I doubt that the Oyo State Government has gotten it wrong in seeking to create a buzz around it. Food festivals are popular worldwide and there is a huge economy around it. Some have asked how this would attract foreign tourists. It could, in the future, if wellpackaged. But it does not even need to, for it to hold its head up. Local tourism is even more important for Nigeria, right now. If only we can fix local tourism, we would have enabled another sleeping giant and foreign tourism will only follow the domestic footprints.

There is a whole lot that can be done around food. Again, the potential is there, as always. There is a lot we can do with jollof rice, even if we are to get the local production of that item fixed.

Edikan-ikong has transcended its origin and become accepted by many nationally. Suya and Kilishi have crossed borders. These are tasty tools that enhance soft power and can be deployed for winning minds. Tokunbo Odebunmi’s Obalende Suya must have been one of Nigeria’s first major cultural footprints in London, using food to carve an identity for us in the London plate.

If the Germans can bring in six million people for Oktoberfest, a beer festival, what can possibly be wrong with Oyo’s Ajodun oka or Edikan-Ikong festival? Halloween is estimated to be more than a six billion dollar business for Americans. It is even beginning to creep up on us in Nigeria. Japan has built a world/brand around its sushi; so what is stopping us? There is so much we can tap into locally with immense potential to catalyse the local economy. I am particularly interested in the Amala fiesta because of its impact on the bottom of the pyramid and what it can do for the local economy, if properly managed.

Olorunfemi works for Hoofbeatdotcom, a Nigerian Communications Consultancy

Team Lagos: One Year After

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The Akinwunmi Ambode administration has much to crow about, writes Adekunle Akinmosa

hen his name came up in 2014 as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2015 Lagos State gubernatorial race, many Lagosians outside the public service didn’t know who he was. He was merely dismissed as another candidate. Fast forward to the present, it’s a different story. Lagosians and indeed, many Nigerians now know who Akinwunmi Ambode is. Under his watch as governor, Lagos has continued in its stride to mega-city status.

When Ambode emerged as governor in May 2015, he took his time to assemble his cabinet. By October 2015, when he released the name of his commissioners he would work with, the assembled commissioners were ready to hit the ground running.

And just months into the Ambode administration, workers started constructing new roads across the state while existing roads received repairs and make-overs. Greater attention was also paid to major roads such as the arterial Ago Palace Way in Isolo. But the pattern was that each of the 57 local government areas and local council development areas had two roads constructed. The roads, many of which remained dark at night, also began to get lit up in an exercise rightly tagged ‘Light Up Lagos.’

Also, in a bid to strengthen its role of protecting the lives and property of citizens, Lagos State government gave equipment worth N1.85 billion to Nigeria Police in 107 police stations and 13 police commands in the state. Immigrations, Customs and even the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) also benefitted. Together, they got 140 brand new Ford Ranger Pick-Ups and 335 power bikes fitted with communication gadgets, helmets, bullet-proof vests and other kits. While these measures have helped to beef up security in the state, there is still more to be done, a fact the

government understands.

To prioritise the rescue of accident victims, the government launched the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Response Unit just months after the new administration settled in. President Muhammadu Buhari who was represented by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo at the event, described the facility as ‘world class.’ To equip the LASEMA unit, the government acquired 51 equipment including three forklifts, one crane, 13 trucks, 10 paramedic motorbikes, two fire trucks and ambulances, among others.

Knowing the state would not function efficiently if people cannot move around easily, Ambode and his team revamped the BRT system. Aside from getting 50 brand new air-conditioned buses into the fleet, the BRT lanes are also regularly refurbished.

Also, in order to improve water transportation in the state, the administration began clearing the state’s waterways of water hyacinth and debris.

And while some people have seen it as harsh, the clearing of some shanties around the state has helped improve security and the protection of lives and property of residents. For instance, in Orile, the Lagos State taskforce recently dislodged oil bunkers. Some unscrupulous people were engaged in adulterating petroleum products, a dangerous activity which puts everyone in such areas at risk.

In the area of education, the state government has also not wavered in its commitment to a better future. Since inception, Ambode’s administration has approved N380 million for bursary and scholarship payments to Lagos State students in tertiary institutions across the country. This figure includes a backlog owed by the previous administration. Mr Steven Oshinowo, the Executive Secretary of Lagos State Scholarship Board, disclosed that while N250, 523, 287 will be disbursed to 6, 368 beneficiaries as

bursary award, N130, 166, 386 in local scholarships will be disbursed to 573 successful candidates who took part in the 2015/2016 Local Scholarship Computer Based Screening test. With such investment in education, little wonder, the public primary school pupils in Lagos (Team Lagos) came third at the 56th Independence Anniversary Inter-SUBEB Schools Debate Championship held in Minna, Niger State recently while the executive chairman of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr Ganiyu Sopeyin, emerged best performing SUBEB Chairman in the South-West.

And in order to be an all-inclusive government, Ambode’s administration has inaugurated a N500 million disability trust fund. Recognising the importance of the contribution of everyone to the economy, the governor further clarified that, notwithstanding the N500 million Trust Fund, people living with disabilities are still eligible to access the N25 billion Employment Trust Fund (ETF). Already, the state sponsors all the students attending Vocational Training Centre of the Nigeria Society For The Blind, Oshodi. And regarding entertainment, Lagos has continued to blaze the trail. In December 2015, the state birthed the ONE Lagos, a high-powered musical concert whereby top-notch Nigerian artistes performed across various divisions of the state.

Also, as base of Nigeria’s film industry, Nollywood, the Lagos State Government leads by example by supporting the sector, and even sponsored films which showcased the city state at the recently held Toronto International Film Festival in Canada. This is in addition to other supports it lends in the arts, music and hospitality sphere.

A notable achievement of this administration within the past year will be the promulgation of a law to tackle harassment of land grabbers. The administration is also set to tackle builders and

developers against flouting building regulations.

And recently, Ambode disclosed the administration’s plan of building 187, 500 new houses to ease the state’s housing deficit of 2.5 million. Towards this, the state will use policies such as Rent-To-Own scheme, Public/Private Partnership and the Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme. These moves are necessary because of the state’s rising population of over 20 million due to urbanisation and influx of people to the state.

But one of the most ambitious projects which the Ambode administration has embarked on, will be the Badagry Deep Sea Port. Designed to sit on over 1, 000 hectares and estimated to cost $2.6 billion, the port and free zone includes a container terminal, oil and gas services and a liquid bulk terminal with general cargo and Ro-Ro facilities. It will be the largest deep sea port in Africa when completed. And ultimately, it is projected that the move will generate 500,000 direct and indirect jobs upon completion and see Lagos emerge as the fifth largest economy in Africa. That Lagos has continued its transformation to mega-city status since his emergence as governor is evidence that Lagosians backed the right horse in the person of Ambode. But a tree does not make a forest. It has been a synergy among every ministry in the Lagos State Government to provide a better Lagos. And one year into assembling the team, it is clear that Ambode picked winners into his cabinet. And though, he recently dropped three of his commissioners, it was to rejig the team for better performance.

Next year, Lagos celebrates 50. But a lot still needs to be achieved. But it is gladdening that steering Lagos’ wheel towards progress and development is a brilliant Captain, ably supported by a first class crew.

Here’s kudos to the Lagos Team.

Akinmosa wrote from Lagos

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NOVEMBER 5, 2016 • THISDAY, The SATURDAY Newspaper

insight

They need protection...

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Evils of Desertification and Deforestation

Keeping Hope Alive for Chibok Girls

here was a huge sigh of relief across the country and, indeed, beyond, as 21 out of the over 200 Chibok girls that were abducted from their school, Government Girls Secondary School Chibok, Borno State, were released by their captors - the Boko Haram sect.

After series of unsuccessful negotiations between the federal government and the sect, a breakthrough was finally recorded as 21 out of the girls, who had been in captivity for two years, were released. It was, without a doubt, an emotionally -charged atmosphere as family members and loved ones waited anxiously for the arrival of the fortunate girls.

After two years of waiting, longing, pains, anguish, expectations and hopelessness, it is understandable that emotion was at an all-time high as parents and loved ones waited to catch a glimpse of the lucky girls. Suddenly, especially for some of the distraught parents, all the pains and anguish disappeared at the sight of the girls. It was such an emotional reunion to behold as a father virtually carried his daughter on his back, jubilating.

The sight of the emaciated girls actually told the story of their troubled months and painted a picture of the hell they might have passed through while in captivity. At the same time, it impresses upon all the prevailing precarious circumstance of the remaining girls in captivity and the danger they are daily exposed to, while driving home the urgency and need for the speedy release of the remaining girls.

The abduction of the Chibok girls was one gory event that held the country by the jugular for a long time. Eventually, the federal government was left with little or no option but to negotiate with the sect. Unfortunately, the approach of the previous government to the issue did not really help matters.

Early dilly-dally of the previous administration on the matter was partly responsible for the complications experienced. To a large extent, it is not impossible that the approach that there was no abduction in the first instance, played a major part in the way and manner the previous administration handled the whole issue. The successful negotiation is, therefore, no doubt a major breakthrough for the Buhari led administration as it gives a lot of credibility to the government.

The release of the 21 girls should also be seen as a major victory for all groups and individuals that have been agitating for their release these past months. In this regards, a special mention must be made of the “Bring Back Our Girls” (BBOG) group for their relentless clamour for the release

of the girls. The group was so unyielding in its demand for the girls’ release that it almost became a ‘nuisance’ to the powers that be. But then, it is to their credit that their efforts eventually paid off.

One good thing about the release of the 21 girls is that it gives hope to Nigerians, and the parents of the remaining girls in particular that the girls will soon be freed. It is, however, important that the federal government, all agencies of government concerned and all major stakeholders such as the BBOG group must not rest on their oars in ensuring that this hope is not in any way dashed.

For the girls that were fortunate to be released, government must do all within its powers to ensure their wellbeing and up keep. Good enough, President Buhari was recently quoted to have assured that the returning girls would be given the best that can be obtained in any part of the world.

He must keep his words. The journey to recovery is still far ahead and it begins with a step. These girls have gone through physical, psychological, emotional and sexual trauma which will take time, patience and resources to heal.

Temilade Aruya, Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Lagos

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t a recent public policy forum aptly titled `Desertification and Deforestation’ which held at the Shehu Musa Yar’ Adua Centre, Abuja on Friday, October 25,2016, one chilling revelation trailed the other as panelists and participants projected a grotesque hologram of the slow, painful death nature is facing in Nigeria and indeed, all over the world at the hands of deleteriously reckless human activities and crimes.

When the Minister of Environment, Hajia Amina Mohammed and Chairman, Senate Committee on Environment, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, stated that about 1.5 million trees were being felled daily and about 351,000 hectares lost to desertification annually, an already grotesque picture grew even darker.

The chilling expose on the environment mirrored the very grave concerns which alarmed world leaders to meet in Paris in December, 2015 and iron out an agreement now known as COP21 or the Paris Agreement to cut emissions of greenhouse gases and keep global temperature increase well below 2C, thus protecting the environment .Since the agreement opened for signature at the United Nations headquarters in New York, over 180 countries have signed it while about 26 others have

TH E S AT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R

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THIS DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M IT 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

ratified it. That some countries have appended their autographs where others have appeared ambivalent certainly provides mixed news for environmental rights activists, humanity all over the world and unborn posterity. That the Paris Agreement is poised to go full throttle in a week’s time betokens hope and belief that the earth can be saved through our collective efforts.

But why, indeed, should we be bothered about what we are doing to the environment? Why should we be concerned that our unbridled thirst and craze for industrialisation and consumption injures nature almost irreversibly? Why should we all, without exception go to the coalface of environmental conservation and preservation. The answer is crystal clear.

Like our ageless interaction with and study of nature vis-à-vis the environment make clear, like damning statistics point out and like speaker after speaker at the Forum reiterated, the environment is not only humanity`s heritage, it is humanity`s protection, its very life and more than ever and incrementally so, it is in grave danger of losing its very life giving treasures.

The data make for particularly uncomfortable reading. Taking Nigeria as a case study in terms of the impact of Climate Change and Environmental Degradation on Food Security in Nigeria ,$1billion is posted as annual loss in non-timber forest products due to rapid deforestation,90% permanent loss is sustained in the natural habitat of pollinators critical to agricultural production,50,000MT annual loss is sustained in fresh water fish supply as a result of the drying up of Lake Chad,55 % estimated loss in pasture land due to desertification(posing a challenge to beef production),95 % drop in quantity of milk produced per cow as a result of poor cattle nutrition and massive reduction in crop yield in the past 20 years(45% in Tomato and 55% in Wheat).

The effects of climate change and environmental degradation in terms of loss of lives and property and grave injury to the fragile socio-cultural unity of the country is simply incalculable. The recent myriad clashes between alleged Fulani herdsmen and local farmers ostensibly for grazing and farming spaces bear violent testimony to that.

What appears even more shocking and portentous for the future of our environment is the fact that we have blatantly lusted after more industrialisation and consumption even in the face of overwhelming evidence that these activities consume our environment, and the cold apathy and clay footedness which inhibit us in this crucial quest.

Kenechukwu Obiezu, Abuja

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Polscope

with Eddy Odivwri eddy.odivwri@thisdaylive.com 08053069356

Waiting for Ibori’s Release

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NOVEMBER 5, 2016 • THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper

t was only last Monday that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) revived its nerves to revisit the case of former governor of Abia State, Mr Orji Uzor Kalu who was arraigned on a 34-count charge bothering on the diversion of over N3.2 billion from the Abia State Government’s treasury during his tenure as governor. He was charged along with his former Finance Commissioner, Jones Ude, and his private company, Slok Nigeria Ltd. Kalu was in the Class of ’99 Governors.

When that set of governors stepped down in 2007, after their two-terms, not less than fifteen of the governors were arrested, detained and arraigned at the time for various cases of fraud and barefaced looting of public treasury. The malaise continued with the next set of governors, many of who stepped down in 2007 and 2011.

The EFCC, it seems relishes in sensationalising the arrest and arraignment of politically exposed persons with the undeclared aim of demonising them before the public and after achieving the media hype that usually follows such arraignments, then the EFCC either settles down to investigate the cases proper, or realises that the evidence required to nail the accused persons is as elusive as virgins in maternity wards. Were it not so, how come since 2003/2007/2011, the EFCC has not quite succeeded in convicting a single former governor, despite the sometimes obvious cases of the rape of the public till by the former governors. The only person seemingly convicted in what looked like a slap on the wrist was Chief Lucky Igbinedion, then governor of Edo State who had to go on a plea bargain in a clearly warped “arrangee” judicial faux pas.

Till date, the Jolly Nyames (Taraba), Joshua Dariyes (Plateau), Saminu Turakis (Jigawa), Chimaroke Nnamanis (Enugu), Ali Modu Sherifs (Borno), Boni Ibori Harunas and Murtala Nyakos (Adamawa), Attahiru Bafarawas (Sokoto), Rasheed Ladojas and Christopher Alao-Akalas (Oyo); Gbenga Daniels (Ogun), Achike Udenwas (Imo) etc. etc., have continued to trudge on unhindered in the Nigerian political space with some having moved over to the senate to become distinguished lawmakers, or simply stayed back at home to be political regents of some sort. Today, they call the shots and dictate the political rhythm of the land. What happened to all the trailer-load of accusations against them? Were they frivolous? Or they just mastered the act of settling or stalling the judicial process?

In fact, one of them, Peter Odili, former governor of Rivers State had secured a perpetual injunction since 2007, forbidding anybody from questioning how he ruled the rich oil state for eight years. It is only now that the EFCC is mulling the idea of challenging that injunction.

But there was one unlucky (?) former governor: James Ibori, who governed Delta State for eight years. He was a charming governor, with great prospect for higher national service. The agitation for power rotation in the country at the time had silently triggered some undeclared war of intrigues among the leading political characters in the South-south geo-political zone at the time.

Like his colleagues, he too was accused of stealing plenty of government money for which he was arrested and locked up in Kaduna prison. He was prosecuted and an Asaba High court declared that he was innocent of the 72-count charge against him. Many did not believe the verdict. He was ordered rearrested.

Fearing that another trial had extra carbon input of political opponents, he fled the country, hoping that he would be better protected by the laws of strangers than that of his fatherland.

He was wrong. The conspiracy of the outside world ensured that his ensconced stay in Dubai was shattered. He was then and there arrested and the rest became history. It was one fall for the Ogidigboigbo that shook the political landscape in Nigeria. Like the fall of a Shakespearan hero, Ibori pulled several acolytes like his sister, wife, mistress and even lawyer along with him into the British prison.

But in about half a dozen weeks from now, that history will go into the second episode. He is almost done serving the term and so should be out of the prison shortly. But there is a snag: there is the yet-to-be-concluded asset-confiscation case.

Worse still, the British establishment has long realised that the Ibori case was more political than it was judicial. They have since found that even the so-called investigation that led to the arrest and prosecution and eventual conviction lacked in substance and evidence. They have found that even the prosecuting officers were compromised. So were the police. They received bribes to make the case against Ibori look so red. The British government now seems to be in a bind on the Ibori case. That also explains why for the third year running, the asset-confiscation case has not made any progress, unlike the “wash-and-take” speed of the money laundering case.

All the investigative and Prosecution officers in the case, led by the duo of Ms Sasha Wass (QC) and Esther Schutzer-Weismann were all dismissed from the Ibori case earlier in the year. Their offence: they misled the court of appeal, the Southwark Crown Court, the Administrative Court in taking wrong judicial actions and decisions. They also refused to disclose evidence of bribery and corruption against the British Police, presenting a blatantly false case against Mr Bhadresh Gohil, Ibori’s lawyer.

In fact, for helping to lengthen Ghohil’s detention in prison based on the unprofessional conduct of the prosecutors, Ghohil was awarded twenty thousand pounds damages recently.

Clearer and bolder, it is becoming almost certain that the British government put the cart before the horse by hastily jailing Ibori before looking for the elusive incriminating evidence against him.

As it stands, the British government is worried and even angry that the Fourteen Million pounds it spent in investigating and jailing Ibori cannot be recovered from the many alleged assets of Ibori.

The fact that the cases of corruption have been established against the British Police and the fact that the prosecuting team compromised ethical standards by withholding vital information, is helping those who have served their jail terms like Ibori’s sister, wife, mistress etc, to consider appealing their convictions, for a review of the cases. Indeed, a British judge was said to have declared that the wrong man (Ibori) was in jail. Corroborating, Gohil had declared that what happened was “egregious miscarriage of justice”.

So the question is if the British government did not have their facts against Ibori, why the wild hype that sensationalised the case to the high heavens? Pray, with what evidence was Ibori jailed if the British government is only now scouting for the incriminating facts? And this is why the asset-declaration case seems jinxed as there is no supportive evidence to drive the prosecution.

Nigerians, nay the judicial public is watching to see the tweak the British government will apply to this case.

All things considered, Ibori’s return or at least release from prison is being awaited with bated breath not only by his family, but by his many fans, hoping however that political studs are not thrown into the works hereafter by those who feel the return of Ibori will rework the political equations of our polity.

Canticles...

Niger Delta: 16 steps to Eldorado?

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urray! At last, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Which light? Which tunnel?

I am talking about the coming peace in the Niger Delta.

What gives you that confidence?

Did you not hear that the leaders of the Niger Delta region including the five state governors met with President Muhammadu Buhari and eventually agreed on how to move the region forward? Is that not reassuring enough to hope that peace and tranquility and progress are in sight?

My brother, you are merely swimming in the pool of assumption. It does not work that way. The leaders went to present 16 demands to the federal government, with the assumption that meeting the demands will achieve peace and development in the region.

But let me ask you, did the Niger Delta leaders consult the raging militants before going to the meeting? Or did any of the six militant groups in the region send any known representative(s) to the meeting so we can be sure that their demands or grouse were taken care of in the 16-point demand? And don’t be too excited about the coming peace.

We have travelled these roads before. Or did you not hear that the militants blew up another pipeline 24 hours after the supposed peace meeting? What does that tell you?

And if you understand the body language of Mr President, you will understand that the 16-point demand is a mere wishful shopping list. There is no guarantee that they will be met. Or what did you think when Mr President declared that there are no quick fixes to the problems?

Look, while I appreciate your critical analysis, I do not share in your pessimism.

The people who attended the meeting are respected leaders of the region. The militants cannot but defer to them. After all, agbero get oga.

Are you implying that the leaders who attended the meeting are the bosses of the militants?

Don’t put words into my mouth. I did not say so!

My brother, the sensation that followed the amnesty plan in 2008 was far higher than this. We thought with that plan, the final solution to the Niger Delta crisis had been found. Go and ask people like Timi Alaibe and he will show you the bigger picture of the sustainable peace plan at the time. But what did we see? Soon as government increased oil exports, they cancelled the other phases of the amnesty plan. Disarmament and rehabilitation of ex-militants was just one phase. The actual infrastructural development of the region, as well as institutionalising socio-metrics of growth in the region were ignored. And today, we are back to point origin.

But Timi Alaibe was in the team that went last Tuesday. And the quest to develop the region beyond infrastructural tokenism was mentioned as part of the 16-point demand.

So why are you scared that this move will not take us to the Eldorado of the region? Don’t you trust Buhari?

Why should I trust Buhari? Do you trust him Buhari yourself? But it is not a question of trust. Yes, demands have been made, what promises were made by the government? And did you also notice that the representation was skewed? Not many of the oil-bearing communities were well represented in the delegation.

I did not see any representatives from Ndokwa or Isoko in Delta State, or don’t you know they are huge producers of crude as well? And pray, why were the oil companies themselves not represented in the meeting? Are they not critical stakeholders?

It is called a representative meeting. Not town hall meeting. Did you not see Professor G.G Darah in the meeting? Is he not a respected leader from the Urhobo/ Kwale/Isoko axis? Everybody didn’t have to be there. I think what should worry us is how the leaders will put pressure on the government so they can implement some of the demands. Ibe Kachikwu, the Minister of state for Petroleum, himself a Niger Delta son, has assured that the discussions between government and the representatives were frank and it provides enough point to take back to the drawing board.

That is the problem: that drawing board! Why do they keep going back to that drawing board where no shape comes from? Who is in charge of that drawing board that keeps producing vexatious void? Let them stop going to the drawing board. They should go to the field. They should build the roads and bridges, build the schools, build the hospitals, build the business environment, train and employ our youths, provide water and make life worth living in the region. With a good disposition to solving these problems, the NDDC and the Ministry of Niger Delta should be better funded to deliver much more than these tokenistic droppings we see. No one who lives by the bank of the river is expected to wash his/her hands with spittle. That is the task. There is enough groundwork done in the past, like the Niger Delta master plan launched in 2007, that should form the basis of action.

So Kachikwu and his boss should find their way back to the field, not the drawing board.

That is the only way the 16 steps can lead to the region’s El Dorado. Anything short of this honest task guide will take us back to point origin.

But you must tell the militants to not only sheathe their swords but also give peace a long chance.

These militants don’t have swords. They have GPMG, bombs and technical arsenals.

They are human. They know when the government is sincere or not. They are watching and checking. I believe all shall be well.

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper November 5, 2016

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I Don’t Care What People Say About My Marriage Sublime, successful and scintillating, Ngozi Ezeonu, is one of Nigeria’s most respected Nollywood actress. Fair-skinned and with an effervescent countenance, a sparkling smile and graceful gait, she unmistakably lights whatever stage she is on. The rotund actress has squeezed at least 500 movies into her movie career that began in 1993. And she is not stopping yet. Her movie roles have been hilarious, epic and romantic. Versatile in delivery, methodical in approach, actress Ezeonu speaks the language of every movie lover – she appeals to the young, old, rich and poor. The actress exudes confidence that comes from her years of industry, creativity and consistency. She speaks with Oge Ezeliora about her life in the klieg light, her marriage, her view of sexual harassment in Nollywood and her dream of setting up a production company

W

hy did you choose acting?

I did not choose acting. I was a trained journalist; but out of adventure I am where I am today.

I joined Nollywood in 1993. Nollywood producer, Zeb Ejiro, actually introduced me to film makers in the industry in those days. I was offered a role in a movie – ‘Nneka the pretty serpent.’ I played a supporting lead role. The movie turned out to be a big hit. Thereafter, I starred in ‘Glamour Girls’ and other movies. I have a diploma in Journalism and worked as a journalist for some time before I joined Nollywood in 1993. I worked at Radio Lagos and Eko FM before

going into full-time acting.

Which would you consider first: acting or journalism?

Both of them are my first love.

But I started journalism first and it prepared me for my acting career.

I’m a journalist any time, any day, because I know how much both career work together.

How many movies have you starred in?

I have actually lost count. Let me guess: I have starred in over 500 or close to 1000 movies. I am the first set of actresses that Nollywood produced.

Most people don’t believe you are married with children. How

long have you been married?

I have been married for many years. I have grown-up kids who by the special grace of God are in higher institutions. Let me say, God blessed me with four wonderful children. I consider myself a wonderful actress and a proud mother.

Can you act nude in movies for a huge amount of money?

No. I will never act nude; no matter the huge amount of money I am offered; rejecting such offer doesn’t make me unprofessional. I cannot act nude for so many reasons. I cannot act nude because I have children and my children watch my movies.

Also, I can’t act nude because of my spiritual life. But I can play romantic roles.

I actually came into the industry already married with kids. Therefore, most producers have a lot of respect for me. Nobody disrespected me. All I hear from most producers I worked with is ‘Madam.’ I was addressed as ‘Madam’ while shooting. So, I never experienced sexual harassment from anyone.

Besides, I don’t see why anyone would think a married woman with four kids would make a great partner or whatever they call it. For me, I put the blame on whoever allows a producer or actor to harass her (sexually) for a role. Nobody forced anyone into it. One chooses to be harassed.

I’ve heard one or two people talk about it. But I think it is not as common in Nollywood compared to other sectors. Sexual harassment happens every day. It is more common in the force and banking sector. Bosses sleep with their customers, junior colleagues and the rest.

So, it’s in every industry and not common in Nollywood alone

19

November 5, 2016 • THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper

Plus I Want Rich Women to Beware of Gigolos Posing As Husbands

I am not talking about the celebrities alone. I am talking generally. What I mean by ‘talking generally’ is that as a young girl if you want to get married you have to make up your mind and as a young man if you want to get married, you have to tell God about the marriage. For celebrities, they shouldn’t forget they were not celebrities from their mothers’ wombs. The fact is, stardom easily gets into some celebs’ heads.

For me, I always put the blame on the men. Men of nowadays are gigolos

You seem to appear in few movies lately. What has changed?

It’s because I don’t act in all movies. I select my scripts and go through them properly to be sure it suits my taste of movie. I am choosy when it comes to scripts. A lot of young people look up to me and I wouldn’t want to do anything that will make them to be disappointed in me. I have my reasons for not acting in all movies and that has really helped my career.

Have you been nominated for any award?

Yes. In 2012, I acted a movie called ‘Adesuwa’ and it earned me the Best Supporting Actress nomination at the 8th Africa Movie Academy Awards in Lagos. I was shocked when my name was mentioned but I had no choice than to give thanks to God. How was growing up like?

Growing up was fun. My parents, Mrs. Ezenwanyi Joy Nonyelum Ikpelue, and Mr. D.O Ikpelue, really took good care of me. My mother died in 2014 and it’s so painful she has to pass away. I enjoyed every bit of my youthful age. I was really pampered by my parents, especially my mum. I actually lacked nothing as a child because my parents provided everything for me. I was born May 23, 1965. I am an indigene of Ogbunike in Anambra State, Nigeria.

What led to her death?

She died of natural cause. My late mother, Ezenwanyi Joy Nonyelum Ikpelue died at the age of 65 and was buried October 17, 2014.

She was a popular figure in her community – AzuOgbunike. She was involved in several humanitarian works before her death. I was shocked when I heard of her death.

It was even rumoured that I was dead at that period. She was a mother to everybody. We call her ‘Madam Go Slow’ because she very caring to everybody. She really influenced people positively within and outside her community, taking good care of both the young and old. God knows best and we can’t question him when things like this happen. She was an exceptional woman.

We heard you are divorced.

How true is that?

People can say anything they like.

I don’t care. Do you know most people live their lives on gossip? I believe gossips are for jobless people.

Nigerians like negative stories and I am not ready to say anything that will tarnish my image in the media.

Envy is a root of gossips. It must come from people that are jealous of one. But I don’t care. My God has lifted me above all my enemies. I am not afraid of scandals.

Do you think a female president will make a better leader in Nigeria?

I want to say women make great leaders. Women can multitask.

What would totally overwhelm a man might not overwhelm a woman – not because women are better than men. Women’s ability to multitask better than men indicates that women will actually make great leaders. Also, women are more industrious and compassionate by nature. They think with their heart most of the times. Because they are more compassionate, they would be able to feel more what the people need. I believe women play significant roles in the family, home, school, office and Nigeria as a whole. I think they will make great leaders if given

the opportunity. You know it’s a man’s world and we are Africans.

Nevertheless, women work hard to become great leaders.

What do you make of sexual harassment in the movie industry?

I actually came into the industry already married with kids. Therefore, most producers have a lot of respect for me. Nobody disrespected me. All I hear from most producers I worked with is ‘Madam.’ I was addressed as ‘Madam’ while shooting. So, I never experienced sexual harassment from anyone. Besides, I don’t see why anyone would think a married woman with four kids would make a great partner or whatever they call it. For me, I put the blame on whoever allows a producer or actor to harass her (sexually) for a role.

Nobody forced anyone into it. One chooses to be harassed. I’ve heard one or two people talk about it.

But I think it is not as common in Nollywood compared to other sectors. Sexual harassment happens every day. It is more common in the force and banking sector. Bosses sleep with their customers, junior colleagues and the rest. So, it’s in every industry and not common in Nollywood alone. Too bad, because we are in the limelight, people get to hear everything that happens to us. No private life anymore. Both the story that happened and the ones that didn’t really happen, they all get spread to the whole world.

Sometimes celebrities complain about burden of fame? Did you at any point experience that?

Fame comes with its good and bad sides. As a celebrity you are now exposed to the public. Everybody wants to know about you. Too bad, you can’t enjoy the good side of limelight alone. Everything one does is recorded. Bloggers are monitoring celebrities and journalists are watching there every step. So, as a star one has to be watchful.

Apart from acting, what else do you do?

I love travelling and I love (doing) business. I love empowering people

as well. As a mother, one is responsible for many people. When shooting a movie one is responsible for those one is working with; at home one is responsible to the children, relations and the less privileged.

One has to take care of a number of people for a certain period of time.

So during this process, you have to encourage people; give them good food and drinks and watch them carry out their duties properly.

Sincerely, I will love to set up a proper production company where we always have something going on.

So there would be people who can actually depend on me for 12 good months in a year. It’s not just about when we are shooting. What if we don’t have a movie to shoot? What if they don’t get any job with any other production company? I will love to create a place where people who are working with me for 12 months in a year need to be taken care of. They are part of this company and they get paid for their salaries.

What has motherhood taught you?

You can see everything about motherhood all over me. It has taught me not to scare my kids away from me. I and my children are very close and they understand me more than anyone else.

You have been married for years, what is your view about failed marriages in Nollywood?

I tell the younger ones to be ready.

A woman must be ready to be in a man’s house before she gets in there.

If not, at the end of the day, she will walk out of the marriage before anyone knows it.

Would you blame celebrities for failed marriages or their spouses?

I am not talking about the celebrities alone. I am talking generally.

What I mean by ‘talking generally’ is that as a young girl if you want to get married you have to make up your mind and as a young man if you want to get married, you have to tell God about the marriage. For celebrities, they shouldn’t forget they were not celebrities from their moth-

ers’ wombs. The fact is, stardom easily gets into some celebs’ heads.

For me, I always put the blame on the men. Men of nowadays are gigolos. They are looking for women to collect (money) from. Only few men are responsible. Most men prefer rich women to marry, so that they can depend on them. I will advise women to be watchful and consult God before settling down.

What are the problems facing Nollywood?

The problem facing Nollywood is finance and depth.

Do you think Nollywood is growing?

Nollywood is growing and will continue to grow by the special grace of God. At least, we are not where we used to be when I started. Everything has changed. We now have cinema movies and collaborate with international actors and actresses; Nollywood has developed greatly.

How do you relate with your secret admirers?

An admirer is an admirer to me; it does not matter if it is secret admirer or not. To me, I see people as very important in my life because they made me become who I am today How much do you charge for a movie role?

How can you ask me to tell you my fees? It is not possible because I am a journalist like you. I know what it takes. I can’t lie to you. I don’t want to talk about it.

Do you see yourself still growing in the movie industry?

Yes, I am still growing.

What is your advice for upcoming actors and actresses?

I will advise them to be patient.

They should not be desperate; to become a star is not easy.

What will tell your your fans?

I’m very grateful. After God, you are the reason why Ngozi Ezeonu is everywhere. I have a word for you all: by perseverance the snail reaches the ark. Never give up or sit down and grieve. Keep pressing on and the sky will be your limit.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • NOVEMBER 5, 2016

GLOBAL SOCCER

North London Derby: Spurs Stake Unbeaten Run at Emirate

Arsenal will host Tottenham on Sunday for the first north London derby of the season as Mauricio Pochettino's side are yet to lose a Premier League game but still sit three points and as many places behind their rivals on the table.

B

oth sides have been hard to beat in the Premier League and it should be a cracking contest between two good footballing sides. Arsenal are in supreme form right now and have been unstoppable since their opening day defeat against Liverpool. They have been unbeaten in their last nine Premier League games and have won seven of those.

Arsene Wenger’s men demolished Chelsea at home earlier this season and will be looking to do the same to Spurs. Furthermore, they have an impressive home record against Spurs and will be heading into this game with a lot of confidence.

However, Spurs are going through a rough patch right now. Although they are just three points behind bitter rivals, they have failed to win any of their last six matches in all competitions, which will put a lot of pressure on Pochettino who knows that his side cannot afford a defeat from Arsenal.

The away side have not won any of their last six visits to Emirates and on current form, that run is

likely to continue.

Meanwhile, Spurs are hoping talisman Harry Kane - out since the win against Sunderland in September will return to action while Toby Alderweireld may also step back into the fray following his time on the sidelines.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are unbeaten in all competitions since the first day of the season and have only failed to win one of their last 10 games.

Although Spurs have been pretty tight at the back this season, conceding few goals, that impressive defensive record will be subjected to its toughest test at the weekend against north London rivals Arsenal. Wenger's side are scoring freely and will present a formidable attacking threat, led by Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil.

Interestingly, Aaron Ramsey, who completed his return from injury as Arsenal beat Ludogorets to advance into the last 16 of the Champions League has Tottenham in his sights.

“Of course I’m ready,” Ramsey said when asked if he was targeting a start against Spurs.“I wouldn’t be out there starting last night if I wasn’t ready. It was great for me. Obviously I have been

out for a couple of months now and it was nice to be out there starting again and to get in 70-odd minutes, that has put me in good shape going into the weekend and hopefully I can stay fit.”

“They have been a tough challenge in the past couple of seasons. It is a derby game so we know what we are up against and what to expect. They are unbeaten in the league so far this season and it is going to be up to us to try and break them down. We are at home and I’m sure going into that game we will be full of confidence, we can get a win,” Ramsey said.

Today, Chelsea host Everton and the Blues will be looking to extend their fine run of form with another win here. The home side have won their last four league games in a row and have kept a clean sheet in all of them. Antonio Conte’s 3-4-3 has worked very well so far and the Stamford Bridge outfit have managed to make themselves very hard to beat.

An added boost for the home side is that Conte will have a fully fit squad to choose from. Even the likes of Marco van Ginkel and

Kurt Zouma have stepped up their return to first team action after featuring for the U23s.

Everton will have a considerable challenge ahead of them. The Toffees have struggled a bit lately and Ronald Koeman’s men secured their first win in four league games during their last outing. Considering Chelsea’s impressive home form against them, Everton will be in for a tough time.

Furthermore, the away side will be without two of their key players in Idrissa Gueye and James McCarthy. Both players are integral to Koeman’s defensive setup and their absence will expose the Everton defenders here.

After beating the 'best team in the world', playing lowly Middlesbrough on a November afternoon in the north of England should bring Premier League leaders Manchester City nicely back to earth.

Today's home game may look like three easy, if unglamorous, points after City's 3-1 Champions League heroics against Barcelona but midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is warning against complacency.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • NOVEMBER 5, 2016

34

GLOBAL SOCCER\\OTHER SPORTS

Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State prepares to take a shot at the tee-off spot of the Enugu Sports Club

Max Verstappen

Golovkin-Kell Brook Fight Motivated Pacquiao’s Comeback Manny Pacquiao has revealed how he was given fresh motivation to return to boxing after watching Kell Brook's world title fight with Gennady Golovkin.

The Filipino star retired from the sport after winning his rematch with Timothy Bradley on points in April, but the 37-year-old regained his hunger for success after

studying Golovkin's fifthround stoppage win over Brook in September.

Reflecting on his reasons for returning to boxing, Pacquiao told the Daily Mail: "I happened to see Triple G fighting Brook and suddenly I feel lonely. Sad. "I find myself thinking that I'm no longer doing the sport I love. I know I still

have the speed, the power and the hunger and I am asking myself: 'why didn't I continue?'

"I don't normally watch other fights. But for some reason I did this time. I am thinking I know what Brook should be doing to have a chance. Countering instead of taking on a big hitter.

"Golovkin is bigger,

stronger. He is not only a powerful puncher but he is heavy handed. There is a difference. A heavy-handed opponent can hurt even if he doesn't land clean. However they hit you, it makes you think.

"I'm fighting this fight in my mind. And I'm hooked, again.

In that moment my decision to come back is made."

UgwuanyiTees-off EnuguGolfTournament The Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has described golf as a sports that promotes leisure and professional bonding that could spawn useful business relationships.

The governor spoke while teeing-off the 042 Sports Golf Tournament tagged “Discover, Develop and Celebrate Sports,” was held at the Enugu Golf Course, recently.

He noted that apart from

the fact that sports "protects sudden death and illness, it also offers tremendous opportunities for economic growth, job creation, poverty alleviation and empowerment of youths and social development.”

He urged golfers to imbibe the virtues of sportsmanship by abiding with the rules as it would enhance their chances of win laurels for both self and country. The golf tournament

sponsored by Chief Eric Chime, chief executive officer of Rico Group of Companies, was organised to discover youths with both talent and interest in golf. The organisers hope to nurture them into professional golfers.

The Enugu State commissioner for Youths and sports, Mr. Ndukwe Charles Chuka, described Governor Ugwuanyi's support for sports development

as commendable, adding that the recent crowning of Rangers International FC as champions of the NIgerian Professional Football League after 32 years was proof of that.

"I want to encourage youths who were able to attend this maiden tournament to take active interest in sports, not only as a means of keeping fit but also as a means of national development," he said.

Skoolimpics: Lagos Craves for More Private Sponsorships for School Sports With the successful staging of the maiden edition of Heritage Bank-Lagos State Skoolimpics at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos State Sports Commission has charged corporate Nigeria to help develop school sports championships in the state.

For three days, Teslim Stadium and Mobolaji Johnson

Sports Complex, Rowe Park, Yaba, were a beehive of activities with students from all the educational districts in Lagos competing in five different sports which include athletics, swimming, basketball, table tennis and handball.

The three-day school sports championships, fashioned in the tradition of the Olympic Games, is sponsored by the

Heritage Bank with support from the Lagos State Sports Commission.

Director General of the Sports Commission, Mr. Ogunsanya Adewunmi commended Heritage Bank for sponsoring the games, just as he reiterated the commitment of the state government to providing the enabling environment for the youth

to showcase their talents in schools sports championships.

"Lagos is ever ready to create necessary platforms for the development of sports at the school level for our youths to develop their talents. It is our hope that the partnership with Heritage Bank would metamorphose to a bigger contents in the future, " Adewunmi said.

‘Nigerian Footballers Should Learn to Keep Possession’ Rebecca Ejifoma

Following the establishment of the FCBescola Football Academy in Lagos State, the technical adviser of popular Spanish club Barcelona, Bernat Villa, has suggested that if Nigerian players could improve on their collective skills and be with the ball at all times with the right methodology then they could win World Cup someday.

He said this during one of the trainings with the players of the FCBescola Football Academy at the Teslim Balogun Stadium Surulere, Lagos. "He described the football here in Africa as "so physique - so individual".

The players are good in individual capacities but not collective. We give a lot of

importance to all these things.

We are going to watch both collective and tactical aspects.

They have to improve on how to be on the field always with the ball and playing with the ball - the basic things people here do not do."

Villa stated further that the difference between football in Barcelona and Nigeria was that they didn't do anything without the ball. "Whether physical exercise or any training, we are always with the ball. That is what we are going to do here. So, these students can grow and play with the right methods for their local teams and national too."

"In Barcelona, we work not just to create a good player but also good people, infusing into

players respect for team mates and for coaches, fellowships and ambition.

He continued: "We are also very particular about the image of our players. We teach them to take their bath before and after training. We have Lamacia in Barcelona, where players study.

We may not do it this year but next year, we could send some people to go and study in our facilities."

Meanwhile, the Technical Adviser said there is no professional league here in Nigeria.

"Before I left Barcelona, I surfed the internet about Nigerian football. I realised that there is no professional league here.

We know that the infrastructure of football in Nigeria is not big.

So, my first impression was, 'Ok,

we are going to have a lot of work to do. First, we shall teach the kids our way of training, then if possible, introduce a structure to create a better league here in Nigeria and help, perhaps, the federation of Nigeria or institutions to create the league."

Meanwhile, on the way to achieve good team work in Nigerian football and possibly winning the World Cup, he suggested that the players must train with the ball at all times, whether exercise or not, and improve on their collective skills.

The academy in Lagos is the first FCBescola in Sub-Sahara Africa, among the 25 in the world. And it is set to admit students between ages six and 18 into the academy annually.

The 'Max Verstappen Move': A Rule Too Far? Following the historic occasion last Sunday when there were three different third-place finishers - Max Verstappen across the line, Sebastian Vettel on the podium and Daniel Ricciardo in the official results - there have been further calls for more consistency on driver penalties from race officials.

But consistency is not the core problem here. It's a combination of track limits and the attempts to enshrine every conceivable racing situation into regulation.

As soon as there is regulation wording about something, it creates loopholes. Obviously, wording is needed in the technical regulations, but within the sporting regulations the answer is less wording combined with a greater readiness to use the black flag in response to outright dangerous driving (such as that of Verstappen against Kimi Raikkonen at Spa).

At Mexico, Hamilton missed the first two turns after locking up into Turn One second after the race started but received no penalty. In the late stages of the race Verstappen did the same as he defended from Vettel but had five-seconds added onto his race time. In the first instance the race director (Charlie Whiting) saw no need to act as the safety car that came out a few seconds later wiped away the time advantage of Hamilton's short-cut.

By contrast, Whiting did report Verstappen's shortcut. Whiting had simply used his judgement: first-lap incidents, with the traffic packed tight on cold brakes and tyres, are treated more sympathetically than those later in the race. Furthermore, he judged that Hamilton had not been on the verge of being passed when he locked up, whereas Verstappen might have been. We can agree or disagree with his judgement - but it shouldn't matter. It's his call to make.

But in passing the Verstappen decision to the stewards (rather than simply demanding that the place be surrendered) it created that awkward delay during which Verstappen continued to thwart Vettel which in turn led to the controversy that followed (Verstappen brake-testing Vettel, Vettel moving across on Ricciardo in the braking zone).

These sorts of situations could be avoided if the track limits were defined by gravel rather than painted lines on the tarmac. At any corner where advantage may currently be gained - or a disadvantage avoided - by going beyond the track limits, why not install gravel beds? At those places where corner exits are defined by relatively flat kerbs that can be ridden with impunity, why not replace them with grass, then gravel? Then any racing controversies sort themselves out without the artificial input of an official deciding if a move or a piece of driving was legitimate or not.

The folly of trying to capture every conceivable situation in wording was seen with the recently-introduced 'Verstappen rule' that prohibits the driver ahead from moving across in the braking zone. What Vettel did to Ricciardo was hardly outrageous - especially given the context of him just having been backed up into Ricciardo by Ricciardo's team-mate, allegedly by means of a 'brake test' at the previous corner. But because the Verstappen rule was there, it was invoked. It could hardly not have been, given that it had only been introduced a week earlier.

Better by far to have the race director judge whether it was dangerous or not and simply make that call, popular or not. Even if he felt it might be dangerous but needed more time to review evidence, it would be better if there was no regulation pressuring him, almost demanding that he act. Verstappen's move on Raikkonen at Spa was lethally dangerous and should have received a black flag.

Vettel's on Ricciardo was hard and borderline unfair but not particularly dangerous, and the subsequent wheelrubbing between both drivers was wonderfully skilled as they each fought to avoid fully colliding. Moving in the braking zone should be understood by the drivers to be a possible invitation to a black flag, but in the knowledge that it won't automatically be invoked.

The combination of a track defined by painted lines and racing etiquette defined by words rather than in-themoment judgement will inevitably lead to where we are now.

236

16, 2011 • THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper THISDAY,JUNE The Saturday Newspaper • NOVEMBER 5, 2016

FAIRGROUND

Vlisco Celebrates 170th Anniversary

with

Azuka Ogujiuba

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

R

ecently, Vlisco celebrated 170 years of textile printing history with a special exhibition in Helmond, its birthplace, and with celebrations to honour the African women, who have contributed to its long success.

Founded in 1846 by Pieter Fentener van Vlissingen, Vlisco adapted its original batik fabrics to the markets of West and Central Africa where the business grew with the help of input on local tastes from its trading partners.

The secret of Vlisco’s remarkable longevity lies in the nature of the wax printing process where the irregular removal of the wax results in every yard of printed cloth being slightly different from the next. The differences are subtle but recognisable to the millions of African women who are connoisseurs in African prints. Every competitor tries to copy Vlisco designs; none achieve the true, natural beauty of the wax process.

Vlisco’s prints are works of art and its designs are customised by its consumers to create their own style and to tell stories about their personalities.

The original African traders of Vlisco prints were the dynamic women called ‘Nana Benz’, named after their preferred choice of automobile, bought from the profits of their hard work and their trading skills.

The African consumers and traders have handed down their Vlisco fabric and the myths around the designs to their daughters and grand-daughters.

Vlisco has asked eight of these women from six different countries to be the faces of the 2016 marketing campaign, including the world famous, Grammy winning, African singer, Angelique Kidjo. Vlisco is proud to honour these exceptional and inspirational women.

The exhibition in Helmond, called 1:1/UN a UN, opened on September 18th 2016 and highlighted the remarkable relationship between Helmond and Africa, between manufacturer and customer and between the Vlisco designs and the stories that are told around them. Alongside 1:1/UN a UN the Gemeentemuseum Helmond exhibited the work of the British/ Nigerian artist, Yinka Shonibare MBE, who often uses Vlisco designs for his stunning art.

Helmond is still very much the heartbeat of Vlisco, where its factory dominates the town’s landscape and where its workers pass down their knowhow over the generations and where its priceless archive of designs also resides.

The Vlisco celebration demonstrates how, over these last 170 years, art has come together with industrial manufacturing, Helmond has come together with Africa. These are faces of some of the guests at the grand event.

Hajia Zainab Umar(De Rock Boutique), Hajia Zainab Bako-Oriola(Dress Afrique), David Suddens(CEO Vlisco), Ayokunmi Abdul(LKA Fabrics) and Celestine Obasi(DumDum Global Concerns)

Bamidele Bentley Sharayi (CEO Elite Nails) and

Lanre DaSilva-Ajayi, Bamidele Bentley Sharayi(CEO Elite Nails) and Angelique Kidjo

David Suddens (CEO Vlisco)

Ejiro Amos Tafiri

Hajia Zainab Bako-Oriola

Ebele Arubalueze(Philethel & Associates)

Lanre DaSilva-Ajayi and Angelique Kidjo

Beatrice

Adebisi Yeye-Adekunle, David Suddens and Precious Adaeze Njoku

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper • NOVEMBER 5, 2016

37

FAIRGROUND

Cointreau Creative Crew Supports Small Businesses with €20,000 Grants

C

ointreau launched the Cointreau Creative Crew, CCC, philanthropic programme which encourages individuals to “dream, dare, create” in Nigeria in April this year. The grant was later launched in August and hundreds of applications were received. Nineteen businesses were selected by the Cointreau Creative Crew members during the eightweek application period.

Last week, a media briefing was held to introduce the finalists, whose businesses received the highest votes during the public voting phase, to the CCC who will be mentoring the finalists for a two-month period before the finale event in January 2017.

The finalists were given the opportunity to speak about their business and explain how the €20,000 grant will be put into good use to creatively advance and expand their business to the members in attendance; Betty Irabor, (Founder and Publisher of Genevieve Magazine and the Creative Curator of the CCC, Nigeria), Barbara Lawrence (Chief Executive Officer of Insolitus Nigeria) and Afua Osei (Co-Founder, She Leads Africa).

The10 finalists selected are: Ttysoon.com, Nigeria’s first retail web-to-print store. Launched on the 16th of January 2014, its flagship product was the online personalised greeting cards.

However, products have been expanded to include other print products, such as T-Shirts, Mugs, Canvas prints etc. The aim of this project is to solve the problem of unemployment by promoting creativity in graphics designing in Nigeria, utilising a commission-based crowd sourcing model to provide gainful employment for Nigerians all around the country, interested in graphic designs. The second problem this serves to solve is the dearth of personalised print products on a retail basis for Nigerians; ttysoon.com is an online platform that provides personalised greeting cards and other print products to Nigerians at the click of a button.

Cash Madam, a simple, innovative solution created to help women in particular, and other small and growing business owners in developing economies like Nigeria’s, who have largely remained undeserved in the technology boom, due to computer illiteracy and poverty, solve challenges in their businesses that affect revenue and business growth, and thereby improve their lives, using technology.

Workarena: 1850, an online platform which aims to change the way business owners find qualified apprentices and graduate apprentices for their businesses within Nigeria. Workarena allows business owners to directly search for and find the workers with the qualifications they are looking for. In addition to taking all the standard information in a CV, standardising it and search thoroughly for the right candidate, Work arena will benchmark people through the match algorithms that ranks candidates.

Vegetable and Fruit Processing, aimed at sourcing vegetables and fruits from local farmers scattered all over Nigeria. These sourced foods will be washed, dehydrated and package in a hygienic matter. The food will also be dehydrated to ensure that little or no food value is lost in the process. It will not contain additives or preservatives; this is to ensure that the food is as natural as possible thus promoting healthy feeding. This will improve farmer’s revenue encourage them, create employment in the farms and this project will also ensure that fruits and vegetables that are seasonal will be made available all through the year.

Introduction of Biotechnology, which helps in the production of a clean, nonexplosive and an environment-friendly gas called Biogas. The gas can be used to cook, power generators, and fertilizer can

Betty Irabor and the participants at the event... recently

Afua Osei, Betty Irabor and Barbara Lawrence

Oge Agu and Ngozie

Konnie Nnachetam

also be derived as a by-product. Biogas is a perfect alternative energy; it can help resolve the energy crisis, the incessant problem of waste management and most importantly a panacea to our dwindling natural resources. The system guarantees the sustainability of the client’s business as it helps reduce their energy cost, waste disposal cost and carbon footprints. The goal is to make as many people as possible energy independent and achieve

Zero waste in the environment.

I-Skills 42, an empowerment project with the aim of providing ICT literacy to tens of thousands of Nigerians using MELU. MELU, which stands for Mobile Electronic Learning Unit, is a state of the art citadel of learning on wheels. The main purpose of its creation is to offer quality practical ICT training and revolutionise the use of ICT tools right from the grassroots all over the country, geared towards

national and economic growth. The main tool of the I-skills literacy project is MELU. It is first of its kind in the world and can operate anywhere; certified safe on land in Nigeria.

Tanabio Environmental, is a start-up renewable energy production business that will convert organic waste such as animal waste and agricultural waste into cooking fuel (bio-gas) and organic fertilizer through anaerobic digestion. The business goal is to use the organic wastes from markets, abattoirs, municipals and similar places to produce clean, renewable cooking fuel for residents in rural communities at a relatively affordable price using community or institutional biogas plant.

Waste to Décor, makes creative works of art from waste products like bottles, newspapers, magazines, straws, plastic, wood, CD tapes, and the likes. For example, unused magazines are used to create exquisite table mirror finishing’s, discarded plastics are used to make Christmas tree ornaments and table decorations.

Products are affordable and cost effective compared to similar imported products and has also aided the employment of local artisans who depend largely on local production. This project will also aim to train more unemployed youths in rural areas.

Green Diamond, this project entails the development of a greenhouse- a building with glass walls and glass roof in which flowers and plants are grown.

Green Diamond will locally plant, grow and sell flowers in Nigeria. The idea was borne due to the lack of fresh flowers in Nigeria noticed by Diamond Ink events, a leading event/floral décor and production services company.

Nsaata Africa, a bespoke shoemaking business started in Lagos, Nigeria in 2016. Nsaata produces shoes for people who have difficulty finding shoes that fit perfectly in retail shops and require a bespoke service.

It also makes shoes for those who simply love to be involved in the design process and want something specially made for them or their loved ones.

The Cointreau Creative Crew remains committed to helping inspire young women move beyond maintaining the status quo by motivating and supporting advancement in their chosen career fields which is only achievable through the willingness to create and explore new avenues of self-expression.

November 5, 2016 • THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper

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THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper • November 5, 2016

Business Feature

How Banks are Driving the Financial Inclusion of Women BETA has helped me in many ways and I have introduced at least three people to the plan. Those three people have in turn introduced more people to the plan and the number continues to grow. I have actually lost count of the number of people that have been introduced to the plan from my network. Even my Sales Assistant indicated interest to join and I told her that even if she might not be able to meet up with the regular payments, she can still structure a plan which will still see her save comfortably. I encourage people to save with BETA because I have gained from the package and I know a lot of people that have also gained from it.” Above is the testimony of Mrs. Animasaun, a trader who suffered financial exclusion but through the rigorous efforts of Diamond Bank Plc is now enjoying the benefits of financial inclusion, writes Adedayo Adejobi

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hen the Central Bank of Nigeria launched its national financial inclusion strategy, it cited research from EFina that 36.9 million Nigerians are unbanked, majority of whom are women. Women, especially in Nigeria, want access to a bank account and a safe place to keep their money, but physical proximity to a branch, lack of trust, financial literacy, affordability and eligibility remain real obstacles.

Financial inclusion is increasingly recognised as a critical part of the global agenda to reduce poverty and boost prosperity. The World Bank and partners issued commitments to advance financial inclusion and achieve “Universal Financial Access” by 2020. Access to financial services is a critical enabler in several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Advancing financial inclusion is a priority for the government of Nigeria where we are seeing meaningful policy change under the 2012 National Financial Inclusion Strategy.

These goals are yielding promising returns as the number of people worldwide with a bank account grew 700 million between 2011 and 2014 according to the World Bank’s Global Findex report. However, the gender gap persists as women in developing countries are nine percentage points less likely to have a bank account.

In Nigeria, where nearly 73 per cent of all women are unbanked, the gap is even wider having increased from 7.3 per cent to 20.7 per cent between 2011 and 2014.

While the inequality is frustrating, it is also ironic, as research tells us that women are naturally better savers—especially in Nigeria where women set aside up to 60 per cent of their earnings. Women are more loyal customers, less likely to default on loans, and more likely to take advantage of multiple financial products. More importantly, women with financial access invest in their children’s education, better healthcare for their families and better housing.

“Establishing a financial inclusion division was not driven by a philanthropic mindset but with focus on serving lowincome segment (especially women). This is an important part of our growth strategy.

As a leading retail bank, when you see that many millions of people, you see a great opportunity to bank new customers” says Kayode Olubiyi, Financial Inclusion Divisional Head at Diamond Bank Plc. And that is why despite an impending economic crisis in the country, Diamond Bank is full steam ahead with its financial inclusion activities, launching its agent banking product Diamond Closa in August 2016, as well as planned rollout of KWIK Loan, a short-term, instant approval loan program based on the clients’ savings history.

Diamond Bank has been in the innovation business for many years. Apart from the only bank in the region with an explicit business line dedicated to the low-income segment, Diamond also pioneered the use of Mobile Banking App in Nigeria, 1st Bank to implement Mobile App Fingerprint technology in Africa, 8th in the entire world. So when the Central Bank set out its national strategy to bring more people into the formal financial sector in 2012, Diamond Bank was quick to recognize, and act on, the opportunity not just to expand their client base, but to be part of the national financial inclusion success story by being the bank that empowers low-income

Dozie

Nigerians.

Where is the good place to start? In many ways, the answer was sitting in front Diamond Bank branches all over the country: women in the marketplace. “In Nigeria, any time you see a market, there will be a lot of women there,” according to Mr. Olubiyi. The fact that women also made up the majority of the unbanked segment made it an easy decision with the bank to start their financial inclusion activities with women. It was at this time that Diamond Bank partnered with Women’s World Banking to develop BETA, a savings account that can be opened in less than five minutes and has no minimum balance and no fees. BETA was also designed as a convenient and accessible product to the market women — agents known as BETA Friends visit the customers at their stalls in the market to open accounts and process transactions (deposits, withdrawals, Bills Payment, etc.) using a mobile phone application.

The product (solely driven using Digital Financial Services platform) was a tremendous success: more than 35,000 accounts were opened in the first six months alone, 40% by women. Nearly three-quarters of the accounts were being used on a regular basis. And this was only the beginning.

Once the market women had access to a convenient savings account, they wanted more. According to Mr. Olubiyi, “We started hearing from our clients that they wanted a way to save for a specific goal like her child birth, child’s education, wedding, etc. Some had already started using the BETA Savings account like a current account and wanted another type of savings account, hence the introduction

of the BETA Target Savers account.”

Since then, Diamond Bank, together with Women’s World Banking has been building a robust and diverse set of product offerings to meet this segment’s growing financial needs. “After Target Savers, the same clients asked us, ‘don’t you have a loan product where you can give us credit or a small loan to expand a business or add a second shop?’ So we worked with Women’s World Banking to devise a way to use the client’s BETA savings history as a way to give them a credit score. The results of the pilot were profound; 100% repayment rate on the loans given out. We are getting ready to go live with this to extend credit as much as possible to this segment.”

Diamond Closa is the bank’s most recent initiative aimed at providing affordable and convenient products and services to the un(der)banked segment of the society.

Diamond Closa is a network of fixed agent locations attached to existing businesses in the community. “With Diamond Closa, we are making sure that a Diamond Bank client can take care of their financial needs, wherever they are.” And with introduction of Diamond Y’ello, a hybrid mobile savings account offered in partnership with MTN which affords customers a blend of banking services and telco benefits, Diamond customers can transact wherever and whenever they want.

“Our idea is to truly position financial inclusion as a real business,” revealed Mr. Olubiyi. The tough economic conditions facing Nigeria is actually proving this case: “at the end of the second quarter (2016), BETA accounts recorded a highest deposit volume since the launch of the product”.

The fact that women also made up the majority of the unbanked segment made it an easy decision with the bank to start their financial inclusion activities with women. It was at this time that Diamond Bank partnered with Women’s World Banking to develop BETA, a savings account that can be opened in less than five minutes and has no minimum balance and no fees. BETA was also designed as a convenient and accessible product to the market women — agents known as BETA Friends visit the customers at their stalls in the market to open accounts and process transactions (deposits, withdrawals, Bills Payment, etc.) using a mobile phone application Mr. Olubiyi surmises this is because the downturn has hit salary earners harder, while the basic economy of the low-income market endures. We had grown by more than 120,000 customers on BETA with deposit base growth from N3 billion to N4.5 billion; while Diamond Y’ello customers now about 7million with over 1million active.”

Mr. Olubiyi is thoughtful as he reflects on how far Diamond Bank has invested in financial inclusion. It is perhaps fitting that the head of this dynamic, growing division came from information technology, another industry used to ongoing change.

“Financial inclusion thrives mostly with collaborative effort, and we will keep on investing in this with our partners, Women’s World Banking, MTN, EFina and The Gates Foundation who have been key drivers in our success story. We want to build a platform to serve all customers in the society by making Diamond Bank the Bank for Everyone”.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • NOVEMBER 5, 2016

WITH

MARKET PLACE

OMOLABAKE FASHOGBON 08033621009

L-R: National Coordinator, National Heart Awareness Campaign,Abiola Awe; Executive Director, Nigerian Heart Foundation,Dr. Kingsley Akinroye; Category Marketing Manager, Mamador, Chioma Mbanugo; and Brand Manager, Mamador,Toyin Popoola Dania at a press conference in Lagos to announce the launch of the National Heart Awareness Campaign in partnership with Mamador

L-R: A retailer at Mile 12 market, Knorr Brand Ambassador and Celebrity, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde; and Customer Marketing Lead, Unilever Nigeria, Mrs. Folake Awe, celebrating World Food day by rewarding retailers at the Mile 12 market in Lagos recently

Atlantic Bond Inks Agreement with Badagry on Community Development The Atlantic Bond Initiative, ATBOND, has sealed an agreement with Badagry Kingdom towards socio- cultural and economic development of the community.

The deal which was concluded at an event organised by ATBOND recently, will further strengthen the bond between Nigeria and the United States of America through cultural cooperation.

Founder of the initiative and Human Rights activist, Mr. Rotimi Vaughan pointed out that the history of Badagry kingdom as it relates to slavery had been negatively impacting affecting

Power Oil Reaches Out to Ibadan Customers The Ibadan community has benefitted from the Power Oil Heart Health Initiative aimed at encouraging and promoting a healthy lifestyle among Nigerians.

The exercise which forms part of the corporate social responsibility of the organisation is meant to go round the country and has presently been established in 10 camps including Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, Owerri, Onitsha, Port Harcourt, Kano and Kaduna among others.

According to the company, the Heart Health Mission initiative was primarily aimed at bringing free basic health check-up closer to the public with the assistance of certified doctors, while also sensitising them on ways to keep a healthy heart and to maintain a low calories body system.

Speaking at the programme which held at the palace of the monarch of Moniya community in Ibadan, Public Relations Manager of the company, Omotayo Azeez, noted that specifically, the brand sought to educate and enlighten Nigerians on the connection between a periodic medical check-up and long life as well as bring their consciousness to live a healthy heart lifestyle.

“The activation is simply to promote healthy living by encouraging Nigerians to pay more attention to their body and be cautious about what they consume so as to enjoy good health and live long. As plans to cover a substantial part of the country, we have further extended our outreach to the hinterlands and we are happy about the huge turnout in this community,” she said.

The monarch of the host community, Chief Karimu Adigun, also lauded the program which he said was first of its kind in the community.

“Apart from the free checkup, we have also learnt a lot on how our choices of food determine our health status . I must commend power oil brand for this initiative which considered first, the well being of the public,” he said.

In addition to this programme, the company has also been sponsoring other projects with similar health objectives such as the annual Power Oil Walk-Heart -on as well as the annual Pay With Calories initiative which held its third edition in three locations recently.

its economic status, hence the need for the latest development which seeks to put an end to modern slavery.

“This marks the beginning of green achievement in Badagry, Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole. The whole idea was for economic and cultural advancement and in particular, to reconnect blacks in Diaspora to their root.

“We are working in connection with African Village in Sheldon, South Carolina, USA to bring this dream to fruition and it is expected that both economies will reap bountifully in this arrangement” ,Vaughan stated.

While receiving members of the organisation, the Akran of Badagry, Aholu Menu-Toyi 1, lauded the initiative and urged all to support and pray for the success of the project which would expose the environment to global investment and other opportunities.

The monarch added that, “This initiative, in addition to increasing our foreign exchange earnings will attract influx of the blacks in Diaspora to our community. I therefore give my total support; so also that the black in Diaspora will trace their root to Nigeria‘,’ he said.

Vaughan also disclosed that plans were

Investcorp Rebrands, Unveils New Identity Africa’s Leading health service provider, Investcorp Medicare Limited, has unveiled its new identity to be Wellness Health Management Services Limited.

The company revealed that the decision to rebrand followed its desire for better service delivery for the benefit of everyone.

According to the company’s Executive Director, Mrs. Adetutu Afolabi, the latest development was to reposition and excel in the role of providing quality healthcare solution that offered superior services which the company was known for and that the organisation’s new name came with a wide-range of improved healthcare services designed to meet the needs of every client.

“We work with our corporate partners to develop innovation and high quality healthcare solutions that offer superior service experience, more convenience and flexible which ensures that our customers derive maximum value for their money.

“Some of the benefits enjoyed by our

customers include but are not limited to: Flexibility-which ensures that clients can change their hospital/service providers and also upgrade their health plan benefits at any time during the policy period; convenience-which allows our registered client with a membership card to access, our national network of over 1200 bestin-class primary, secondary and specialist hospital even when they are outside their area of residence without stress.

“Also, with our seamless referral system, clients can take maximum advantage of the wide range of medical specialist available within and outside our network of service providers through our end-to-end referral system”, Adetutu stated.

She also introduced the company’s new structure which is clients’-focused.

According to her, the latest which is called ‘Client Engagement Programme’ permitted continuous engagement and interaction with clients while clients could also enjoy regular updates on their health plan and have access to general health information.

Mixed Reactions Trail New ‘Gala Mega’ The latest from UAC Foods Limited (UFL), ‘Gala Mega’ which was announced recently has continued to generate mixed reactions among consumers.

While the new product which sells for N100 has been well commended by some customers for its nutritional value as well as the extra size which makes it more filling than the regular sausage roll which still sells for N50, others have given it knocks.

Those not satisfied with the latest product pointed out that there was only a slight difference between the new product and the one sold for N50, adding that ‘Gala Mega’ was just a strategy to beat recession by the producer.

A motorist who simply identified himself as Akin said, “they claim it is more nutritional, meatier and weightier than the sausage roll but I can’t see all the

claims except that it is a little bit bigger in size but not in weight”.

Akin also blamed the company for reducing the sausage quantity which he said no longer gets to half size of the roll.

According to the General Manager Marketing, UAC Foods Limited, Mrs. Joan Ihekwaba the new product was come about as a result of the yearnings and desires of consumers across the country for a more filling and nutritional snack to keep them going in their daily hustle.

Mrs. Ihekwaba revealed further that Gala Mega was the first sausage roll in Nigeria to include micronutrients for the health and nutrition of its consumers, adding that the product was greatly enriched with vitamins and minerals such as Zinc, Iron, Folic acid and Iodine, as well as Vitamin B1 and B2, prepared from pure beef filling and rich pastry.

in top gear for the Lagos-Oyotunji Cultural Heritage Fiesta which will hold in Oyotunji African Village in Sheldon, South Carolina, USA ,later this year.

It would be recalled that the ATBOND team recently paid a visit to Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, where the governor pledged his support and commitment to the mission which was to establish a modern link between Lagos, Nigeria and South Carolina, USA, as well as endorsed the organisation as the custodian and promoter of socio-cultural relationship between the two economies.

Indomie Awards Scholarship to Msc Students No fewer than 12 students across Nigerian universities have benefitted from the 2015/2016 session of Dufil M.Sc Nutrition Scholarship Awards .

The initiative which kicked-off in 2009 is one of the numerous corporate social responsibility, CSR projects of Dufil Prima Foods Plc, aimed at supporting and training high level manpower in the field of Nutrition and Dietetics and strictly for Nigerian students studying nutrition and dietetics at the Masters’ degree level.

At the cheque presentation ceremony, Brand Manager of Indomie, Mr. Amber Yadav noted that the company was impressed to have associated with the initiative which afforded it the privilege to give back to the society, most especially, the field of Nutrition and Dietary which the brand was synonymous with.

“Dufil has always associated with the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN) and this is one of the reasons for focusing on students studying Nutrition and Dietetics as this discipline has a huge impact on our diets and overall health ”, he said.

Also, the Group Public Relations and Events Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju,pointed out that the firm was constantly poised to supporting programmes and ideas which has impact on the health of Nigerians.

He said, “We want to re-write the nutrition template of our dear country and as a brand, we are committed to raising seasoned professionals in this field that can be mentioned globally. We hope that in the nearest future, Nigeria would be able to boast of quality manpower in this field and a huge number of qualified and competent professionals.”

One of the beneficiaries, Ms. Yerimah Akintiyari, a post-graduate student at the Ahmadu Bello University, ABU, Zaria, Kaduna State, commended the support which she said was timely. According to her, the gesture would aid her pursuit for adequate knowledge and skill that would be relevant in fighting the scourge of malnutrition in the country.

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November 5, 2016 • THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper

Interview

Nigeria Not Properly Governed – Wole Olanipekun Chief Wole Olanipekun was ex-President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) . In an interview with a select group of journalists, including Ademola Babalola, Olanipekun bares his mind on the state of the nation

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hat is your view about the state of affairs in the country as Nigeria clocks 56 years?

The state of things is appalling and excruciating. Nigeria is blessed, but many people are not managing this country’s wealth properly.

Provided I don’t have money, can I stop my brain from working in order to repair my kidney? It is not a laughing matter because the brain controls all the other parts of the body; every system. Then if you sell your brain to repair your kidney, both the two are gone. Or, kneecap someone who needs a medical attention on his left kneecap, when the doctor says this left knee cap needs replacement and the man says I don’t have money; can you remove the right knee cap and put it on the left? And the doctor says, I will remove it. What happens? At the end of it, he ends up losing both. That is the case with Nigeria where some people are clamouring for the sale of the nation’s assets.

If some people have so much money that they want to buy the entire common wealth of Nigeria, why can’t they loan us money?

How did this thing start? The industrial mogul, Aliko Dangote: a very hard working young man whom I respect a great deal, is however not an Economist. He was the one who mooted the idea, saying let us sell our co-assets. Later on, the respected Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido re-echoed it. Then there was that chorus. Then there was the doxology by Saraki. Then, I kept asking myself: was it accidental? Was it incidental? Was it a script? And then on the pages of newspapers yesterday, the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was saying that you can sell. Yes. But don’t sell to cabals. That means the former President knows the cabals that hurt the national interest. The cabals that have been buying what belongs to you and I. Then who are the cabals? They owe us a duty to tell us who bought the national assets which they have been owing us years back.

But to me, the ones they want to sell now are not deteriorating. Those ones are not in deterioration; they are not in recession. We are still making profit from them. $2.25b or thereabout is being generated on the NLNG in Port Harcourt. So, how do you sell that one off? And you want to sell it off for how much? $30bn. Then why don’t you also take loans from abroad: from the Paris Club, from the London Club, from all the donor agencies and then use them as collaterals? Why don’t you do that either from within or without; either from those who want to buy them now; those who are so eager; those who have so much situated themselves to buy the national assets? Why should Nigeria not take loans from them because they are so rich?

If you are so sure that if you want to sell now, they would be willing to buy, then take loans from them. This is because the combination of three, four or five of them would be richer than Nigeria. So, let them give us loans. Then, when you want to sell, such sensitive institutions like that situated in sensitive areas of the country; those that are out in vantage and vintage of such locations, you don’t sell them without putting pens on paper. Let us be realistic. I am from Ekiti. Assuming now I am from Ikere and in my town, we have many tourist attractions. Assuming you discover gold in the Olosuta Rock or any others, like granite or whatever, and you want to sell, you have to give certain percentage to people from that catchment area. Has the government thought about that? It won’t be fair. And you want to dispose of these national assets, then you are saying that people from certain areas of the country, including me from the South West, to go to the Niger Delta Area and buy up assets. If you do that, you are not buying peace. Let me put it mildly: you are buying tremor. You are buying a future earthquake.

So, people should not treat us as if we don’t have common sense at all.

But they said if they would sell, there would be some modalities of doing that

Olanipekun

for future benefits. What do you think?

Yes, I read in the newspapers that if they sell, they would put purchasing clause.

What is the meaning of that? To me as a lawyer, I say that is nonsensical. You sell this building for example, and the buyer has given you money. Then in 10 years, you say you want to re-purchase. Do you think then there would be no law again? How do you re-purchase? It is just like the Yoruba adage that says, ‘Oruka ti wo owo Baba Oloosa. Lati bo, a disoro’. (a ring has been slipped into herbalist’s finger;to remove it will become difficult). So, they should stop treating us as if we don’t have common sense at all.

And to you my brothers, my friends in the Press, we have to keep on asking certain questions. This country needs a lot of debate.

Robust one; rugged one. One that will benefit all of us. The era of the king is divine and the kind does not do any wrong, has passed.

Leaders are subjected to questioning, not to bring them down, but for questioning on what is good for all of us. You and I know what is going on in America now: Clinton and Trump. Did you not enjoy watching them on on television? Here, we are making choices for America and we are not making choices for ourselves. And we must engage our leaders and our leaders must engage us.

We have to go to our roots. How have we got to this sorry path? When did we lose our morals? When did we lose our integrity?

Where did we lose fear of God? When did we lose working? When did we start to separate ourselves from the injunction of God as recorded in the Book of Genesis that men, including women also, that out of the sweat of the browse, you will have your food?

Nowadays, everybody wants to be a billionaire everyday. We no longer question people about how they make their money.

How did you amass your wealth? How did you become a millionaire or billionaire?

Most people in Nigeria now want to live on politics, live by politics; drink the wine of politics, take the air of politics. And everywhere, everything appears collapsing.

But I want to plead that those our God has blessed should contribute to the development of this nation. Why? You may say why do I have to donate a building to the Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo as a Pro-Chancellor? I was Pro-Chancellor at the University of Ibadan and God used us to do some things there, spiritually; I don’t know whether by spiritual fixation. But I am not from Oyo and I will never forget my roots.

But let me say this: Some people may be

And to you my brothers, my friends in the Press, we have to keep on asking certain questions. This country needs a lot of debate. Robust one; rugged one. One that will benefit all of us. The era of the king is divine and the kind does not do any wrong, has passed.

Leaders are subjected to questioning, not to bring them down, but for questioning on what is good for all of us. You and I know what is going on in America now: Clinton and Trump thinking that this family has so much. No! But we are satisfied in God. We are satisfied with what God has done for us. We are happy with what we have, but we are not unhappy with what we don’t have. We are so happy and appreciative to God for what we have.

I don’t do more than legal practice and that is what I will do till I will pass on. You cannot teach an old man how to use a left hand. I am not interested in any political office and I am not begging for any position, but I insist and I have a right to insist that Nigeria must be governed properly. And I am saying that today, Nigeria is not being governed properly. There is rudderlessness on the part of the government both at the Federal, state and local government levels.

They are leaving things that they should do undone. The other day I heard Mr. President saying he would support the National Assembly to make the Local Governments independent of the state government. What is the business of the Federal Government in that? Local Governments are under and belong to the state government. Why is the Federal Government that is overburdened not be concerned about its plights? We are not even running a federal system. What we are running is hydra- headed unitarism. So, why is the Federal Government not saying we have a lot of items on the exclusive legislative list like tourism, fishery, agriculture etc? What has the Federal Government got to do with that? So, why is the Federal Government not encouraging the States to be more independent? Why is the Federal Government not going to the real definition of real federalism? That is, donation of residual powers by the federating units through the Federal Government, and not the other way round?

They are now talking of Local Government. What is their business with that? Why is the Federal Government not talking about security, and to that extent, I’m talking of state police, strong police, University police?

Why is the Federal Government not talking about liberalising INEC and making it more independent? Why is Federal Government not talking about building institutions more than individuals? What we have in Nigeria today is powerful individuals, not powerful institutions. And the powerful individuals, if care is not taken, they are already becoming lions and when lions roar, they will lionlise, and you know what will happen. They will devour. And I hope those individuals who

are richer than Nigeria, (because now they are richer than Nigeria), they don’t devour us. A time will come when Nigeria will start borrowing from them to survive. A time will come.

But why is the Federal Government not listening to your pieces of advice going by your status in the country? In which way have you tried to reach out to the government to advise them?

Those who know me, know that at my level, I make interventions when the need arises. When you start talking everyday, at times you will see yourself as a nuisance and or like someone who is going gaga.

But occasionally, we make interventions, but ideally, let’s face it: in a country that wants revival, the leadership of that country will identify those who matter. They will identify people of substance who can give their all, not beggars. I don’t want anything from anybody. I don’t even want to be a minister.

I don’t pray to become a governor, I am satisfied with where I am. I have helped a lot of people in my areas and various other areas. So, it is not my duty to be going cap- in- hand to be going to any governors’ office or to any corridor of power to say that I want to advise them. A situation where you have legal issues in the country and people like us who have assisted many people to get to seat of power; a situation whereby my friend-governor who has legal problems do not contact me, I don’t think it is my duty to go and beg him to contact me. Who loses?

The country loses in such a situation.

In a situation where we are talking about economic recession, who are the people who are managing our economy? What do they know about economy and Economics? It is not everything about the past governments that are bad. For example, has anyone of us gone back to the archives to scrutinize those General Babangida appointed as ministers?

I believe leadership must not be intimidated by some people in the country, rather call them, use them and tap their brains, tap their resources.

I am not an Igbo man, neither am I from the Niger Delta, but when you are talking about economic revival and restructure and you are not calling someone like Pat Utomi.

(At least I have not mentioned a Yoruba name so that somebody won’t say I am tribalistic). But wherever you have a nation that is held captive, you have to use those you have.

Obasanjo was talking about cabals, who are the cabals? Let him mention. He is our former president, so there should be no cabals. I have noticed some things that successive governments and Head of States have been held captive by powerful individuals and those powerful individuals don’t have the interest of Nigeria at heart. They are narrow-minded and full of self-centredness.

That is what they pursue all the time. And where are we now? Sorry-path.

With your global experience, do you know some nations that have experienced this type of recession without selling their assets?

Did Ethiopia, that was ravaged by drought, the fastest growing economy in Africa today, sell off her assets? Ethiopia Airline is one of the few airlines in the world that are making profit. Ethiopia has about two to four multinationals that they are using to revive the economy. You want to partner with China, well China has a national company that is used to catch businesses everywhere in the world.

But sadly, Nigeria remains the only country that does not have its flag flying in the air. Above it all, let us start with this principle: ‘do as I do and not do as I say’.

And in that wise also, we need to plead with Mr. President. He needs to engage with Nigerians more. Me I don’t want to be hearing what the president says through the Aides every time, I want to hear the President myself. And my children and grand children want to hear what the president is telling them.

46

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper • November 5, 2016

Business Serminar

L-R: Tobi, TEXEM Ahmed Obadun, Ayobami Omopo; Rasheed Olaniyi; Omotola Akerele; kunle Elebute ceo kpmg; Eniola Bello, Managing director, ThisDay; Godwin Okolo, Base Director Energia; Arthur Efosa Asset Development Director Energia; Amadi Morgan Qhses Energia ; Ijeoma Nwogwugwu, Editor ThisDay; Ighure Ogheneveoke, Executive Director Digital, BusinessDay; Professor Nigel Nicholson London Business School,Dr Alim Abubakre, CEO,Texem, Prof Rodria Laline, Harvard, Insead and IESE, H.E. Ahmed Bashir,Felix Amieye-Ofori CEO, Energia, Mike Ezeaju, CEO Swiss trade, Kola Garuba, Executive Director Businessday, Bayo Ojo, SAN, Former Attorney General, Alice Bernice, Energia, Olusegun Awokoya Chair Kayode Obembe,segun olugboyegun ceo, Jof, Genco Sanli CFO, JOF,josephine-jane at a Strategic Leadership Risk Management and Effective Governance Masterclass which held at the British Deputy High Commissioner’s residence in Lagos recently

How Nigerian Executives can be Strategic During Recession

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Omotola Akerele -Senior roject Manager, TEXEM It is no longer news that our great country Nigeria is currently going through economic challenges. Economists have established the fact that Nigeria has officially entered a recession for the first time in more than two decades. Going by the figures released by the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Africa’s biggest economy has contracted for a second consecutive quarter in 2016. Companies are downsizing their workforce; staff morale is low and there is a lot of uncertainty within its political and economic landscape. This brings us to the question - Where do we go from here?

Following the 2008 global financial meltdown, Rahm Emmanuel, an American politician who served as President Barack Obama’s Chief of staff after the 2008 presidential election told a conference of chief executive, “You never want a serious crisis to go to waste”. He said “This crisis provides the opportunity for us to do things we could not do before”. As it is often said, History always repeats itself. This economic recession is not any different. The crisis itself isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Nigeria is presented with a “wonderful” opportunity to reinvent itself during this downswing. In fact, the country has been given an opportunity that few ever receive. There is a long list of countries in recession trying to attack the problems by trading blames and failing at it. Sometimes, companies and business leaders need a jolt, and low commodity prices- which led the recession - was a serious jolt. It gives us a chance to reexamine everything we know and do. However, there is a paradox in this logic. We know as stated earlier, during turmoil, great leaders seize crisis to remake organization – but how is this possible?

How can an organization seize the possibilities created by economic crisis?

TEXEM (These Executive Minds) - one of the worlds’s learning platforms for African executive and organisation – put together training with its central theme “Strategic Leadership, Risk Management and Effective Governance in a recession”.

The training was held on Thursday, October 27th 2016 at the British Deputy High Commissioner’s residence in Lagos.

The program had top CEOs and senior executives of organisations from different works of life in attendance. It was an exclusive master class that involved a lot of interaction, brain storming and networking.

Welcome address and Certificates were presented by His Excellency, Ahmed Bashir- the British Deputy High Commissioner and were handed over to the participants at the end of the master class.

The impact of development programs like this cannot be overemphasized. A criti-

cal look at most organisations today shows that its success does not depend only on implementing the right policies or employing skilled labour but on participating in continuous development programs that provide such organisations with methodology, advice, research knowledge and skills to drive better decision making and meet the challenges of the modern-day business.

However, the scope of this training was necessarily enlarged into the examination of the Nigeria’s economic system, the challenges organisations face and the necessary leadership, risk management tools and corporate governance required for business leaders to weather the storm of a recession.

The program exposed the participants to new insights on how to be a strategic leader while navigating the present economic recession. Strategic Leadership requires organisation to be malleable enough to create real fundamental changes.

Professor Nigel Nicholson from London Business School was one of the facilitators at the executive master class. He says that

The training also helped the participants broaden horizons and challenge assumptions with case studies from other companies and organisations.

Hence, delegates could compare their companies’ governance structure and leadership policies with those of others and make change where necessary.

At the end of the program, the delegates could also network with other top level executives, brain storm and share ideas with one another. The organisers of the event (TEXEM) received a lot of positive feedbacks from the delegates after the class concluded. Here are sampling feedbacks received from actual master class participants

he found the mood was mixed. “I was surprised” he said, “about the depth of anxiety about the current recession; and yet as always on visiting your country tremendous talent and determination to pull through”. His theme was: “what’s good about a recession”. It is easy to think of what is bad, but instructive to turn that on its head and think about what unique and special opportunities do you have. There are several, and all of them are around the opportunity it gives a business to declare its values, assert its priorities, reinforce its culture, and look after its people.

Nicholson noted: “Never waste a crisis.

Instead of sharing out the pain evenly, this is the time to make major choices about priorities – promoting the people with vision; removing the negative fold from critical areas; choosing your priority customers, suppliers, business involvements and the metrics we rely on and use for incentives.” He argues that the criteria and the tools that measure people and performance against them should be changed. Different things matter in a recession, says Nicholson. Lastly, as a business psychologist by training, Nicholson devoted a lot of time to staff’s state of mind in a recession, and the need for empowering, non-hierarchical, up-close and personal management engagement.

“It’s like being in a valley filled with fog”, says Nicholson. “You have to hold hands, stick together and keep moving. Leaders have to help people believe that they will find higher, safer ground, even if we don’t know when”. It is important for leaders to look after themselves and their state of mind. What’s needed is a positive mind-set – not deluded, but based on a firm belief in the resilience, capability and will to succeed of everyone.

The training also helped the participants broaden horizons and challenge assumptions with case studies from other companies and organisations. Hence, delegates could compare their companies’ governance structure and leadership policies with those of others and make change where necessary. At the end of the program, the delegates could also network with other top level executives, brain storm and share ideas with one another. The organisers of the event (TEXEM) received a lot of positive feedbacks from the delegates after the class concluded. Here are sampling feedbacks received from actual master class participants.

“The program is educative, it reveals a lot of things we oversee, it creates another dimension of innovative thinking. As a CEO, it gives you the opportunity to create solutions regardless of the environment.

Felix Amieye-Ofori, CEO Energia.

“The program has been very impactful for me, one of the things I like so much about the program is that it is very practical. It has given me the tools to be able to be hands-on. One of the take back for me is to create a culture within my

organisation that makes people know that we can be resilient and that we can go through this recession successfully” Alice Bernice, Financial Advisor Energia.

“I am very glad I came; we are learning and we will continue to learn. I have gotten some take home. Leadership is an embodiment of a lot of things, you know it, but after this program, you will know more about leadership”. Mike Ezeaju, CEO Swiss Trade.

“We have been thought some key ways on how to manage a recession and get out of it, I will definitely bring it to bear in my business. I have gained some more leadership skills here as well” Bayo Ojo SAN, Former Attorney General.

“What we have learnt here is enthusiastically mind opening and I have enjoyed it very much. I will be happy to implement in the best possible way at all levels what we have learnt here”. Genco Sanli, Chief Financial Officer JOF Nigeria.

Dr Alim Abubakre, CEO, TEXEM, UK said ‘These Executive Minds (TEXEM) prides itself on her ability to customize programs for their clients and TEXEM have a deep understanding of Africa. Also, TEXEM and its world class faculty partners have a very good grasp of contextual realities of Africa vis-à-vis fragile institutions, limited infrastructure, high cost of making decisions and the huge size of government. Thus, this programme offered practical and actionable insights that could help leaders to act strategically, integrate risk with strategy and achieve effective governance during this economic recession and beyond’ TEXEM has provided executive education to thousands of senior executives both locally and internationally and has consistently received praise for the outstanding quality and value of training delivered.

The impact of training and development programs in Nigeria today cannot be overemphasized. A critical look at most organisations today shows that its success does not depend only on implementing the right policies or employing skilled labour but on participating in continuous development programs that provide such organisations with methodology, advice, research knowledge and skills to drive better decision making and meet the challenges of the modern-day business.

The program exposed the participants to new insights on how to be a strategic leader while navigating the present economic recession. It also helped them broaden horizons and challenge assumptions with case studies from other companies and organisations. This way, delegates could compare their companies’ governance structure and leadership policies with those of others and make change where necessary.

In addition, the delegates were able to network with other top level executives, brainstorm and share ideas with one another.

48

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • NOVEMBER 5, 2016

POLITY

Media Roundtable Urges Collaboration with Anti-corruption Agencies There is mutual suspicion between the media and anti-corruption agencies that is counterproductive to the development of the country. There is need for improvement of this relationship for effective prosecution of the anti-corruption initiative of the federal government, according to participants at a media roundtable organised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in the implementation of the EU-funded “Support to Anti-Corruption in Nigeria”. Bennett Oghifo reports

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articipants at a workshop, drawn from the media, judiciary and anti-corruption agencies have resolved that the media should be familiar with anti-corruption laws and support their enforcement in line with due process.

They also said the media should advocate early consideration and passage of the Whistleblower, Justice Sector Reform and other relevant bills pending before the National Assembly.

This were among resolutions reached at a media workshop, organised by the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC), with support from the European Union, which held in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, recently.

Rising from a three-day brainstorming session, the participants recommended that Anti-Corruption Agencies (ACAs) should build trust and confidence in the media in the fight against corruption; ACAs should develop strategic communication plans for their operations.

Government, they stated should establish special courts to tackle corruption matters; the fight against corruption should not be limited to the federal level but should include states and LGAs; the media are encouraged to establish Anti-Corruption desks; the media are encouraged to forge a national consensus in the fight against corruption including the use of FOI Act, open data, e-governance and other transparency initiatives.

“Media managers and journalists are urged to uphold the ethics of the profession

Participants at the roundtable in Calabar...recently and maintain integrity; Media owners are encouraged to take the welfare of their staff as top priority. “Media should promote good governance by upholding its responsibilities in accordance with the Constitution; Participants emphasise the importance of value re-orientation of citizens in the fight against corruption; Participants recommend the need to curb institutional corruption through systemic reviews; ACAs should help build the capacity of the media in the fight against corruption.”

They also recommended that journalists should not only break anti-corruption news but must stay on the issue; Participants commend United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the European Union (EU) for their support to Nigeria in the fight against corruption.

These resolutions stemmed from deliberations that followed presentations by

some seasoned journalists, including Mr. Ayodele Akinkuotu, Editor-in-Chief, Tell Magazine, who discussed ‘The Role of the Media in Curbing Corruption’; Mr. Gbemiga Ogunleye, Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, who presented a paper ‘Anti-Corruption Agencies and the Media: Bridging the Gap in the Fight Against Corruption’, among others.

Earlier, in a welcome address, Sylvester Tunde Atere of UNODC laid the groundwork, stating that UNODC was the UN mandated agency to provide assistance in areas related to the prevention and control of transnational organised crimes, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, smuggling of migrants and arms trafficking, related crimes such as money-laundering and corruption as well as terrorism in line with the respective UN Conventions and universal instruments.

Atere said strengthening integrity and reducing corruption had been a priority for Nigeria for a number of years. “The anti-corruption sector in Nigeria currently has a reasonable quantity and quality of legislative texts, statutes and mandates to carry out its work and a number of anti-corruption institutions have been created.

“Since the start of its anti-corruption efforts, Nigeria has demonstrated resolve and has progressed with its policy goals, in particular with regard to adopting a legal framework, establishing anti-corruption institutions and signing international instruments, such as the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), to address this problem. The anti-corruption sector currently has a reasonable quantity and quality of legislative texts, statutes and mandates to carry out its work. Though the existing legal framework could be improved further (specifically in areas relating to preventive action, incentives for reporting, whistle blowing and witness protection), it provides a fair basis for anti-corruption agencies to conduct their work, if it were fully enforced.”

The Government of Nigeria, he said was also making efforts to addressing corruption both locally and internationally. The Federal Republic of Nigeria participated in the consultations leading to the adoption of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) in 2003.

VINTAGE

As Mama Bolaji MakindeTurns 80

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f you want to live a life of contentment you better take tips from Mama Bolaji Makinde. Simple, compassionate and humble. All these traits have endeared her to many including her children, grand children and numerous great grand children. She has also dedicated her life to serving God wholeheartedly. No wonder she is still strong at 80 as she ages gracefully.

So, Wednesday October 26, 2016 would remain evergreen in the life of Madam Makinde when she entered the octogenarian age-grade. And of course, she was well-celebrated in a simple but classy reception graced by her family members, children and grand-children and great- grand-children as they turned out in large numbers to celebrate a mother who is one in a million.

The ceremony began with a short thanksgiving at The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Ebute-Metta where prayer was offered for long life and good health. Prayers over, well-wishers moved to her 135, Ibadan Street home, EbuteMetta, Lagos where a reception was held. The event was rounded off with cutting of cake after which guests were treated to sumptuous meals. Some of the dignitaries that graced

L-R: Alhaja Adebisi Ebiti; celebrant, Deaconess Bolaji Makinde; her son, Mr. Kunle Makinde; and daughter, Mrs. Ronke Ewegbemi.

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo and his wife, Erelu Angela

MD Accurist Marine Limited Kunle Makinde and Chairman, Ogun State Internal Revenue, Mr. Kunle Adeosun

Dr. Samuel Babatunde Adejare and Alhaji Yomi Rufai

the occasion were Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti and wife, Hajia Adebisi; former Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo; and

Rufai, former Commissioner for works, Ekiti State, Mr. Sola Adebayo and brother, Yinka Adebayo, Managing Director,

wife, Erelu Angela Adebayo, Commissioner for Environment, Lagos State, Dr. Samuel Babatunde Adejare; and Alhaji Yomi

Accurist Marine Limited, Mr. Kunle Makinde and Chairman, Ogun State Revenue Internal Revenue, Mr. Kunle Adeosun.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • NOVEMBER 5, 2016

WITH

MARITIME BITS

JOHN IWORI 08057763164

R-L: Nigeria Customs Service (NCS),Customs Area Controller (CAC), Eastern Marine Command (EMC), Comptroller Usaman Kankara Bello exchanging pleasantries with the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Customs and Excise, Hon. Garba Chede when members of the committee paid oversight visit to NCS, Zone C, Port Harcourt, Rivers State…recently

Former Managing Director, Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Dr. Kingsley Usoh and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Port Notel Limited, Ibeno Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Victor B. Akpanika shortly after the unveiling of Usoh’s book titlled“Effective Transport Systems – A Catalyst for Nigeria’s Socio-economic Development” at Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIITA), Victoria Island, Lagos …recently

Terminal Operators in a Fix over FG Insistence on Dollar Payment Concessionaires in the nation’s seaports are in a fix over the Federal Government insistence that they should pay their outstanding dues and levies in the United States of America (USA) dollars.

The concessionaires took over the day-to-day running of the nation’s seaports following the conclusion of the port reforms during Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration. The exercise which was supervised by the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE) divested the management of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) from cargo handling.

Impeccable sources close to Dicharima House, the corporate headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Abuja told THISDAY that when the government wanted the payment in

USA dollar not a few of the terminal operators expected a change of heart going by the intensive lobby within and outside the corridors of power to make the top echelon of the Buhari administration to see reason with the terminal operators.

The insistence of the NPA Managing Director, Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman that the terminal operators must pay in USA dollar in her recent maiden visit to Eastern ports official has dashed the hope of the concessionaires.

Besides the insistence on USA dollar payment, the Federal Government policies since the emergence of the President Mohammadu Buhari’s administration nearly two years ago have further put the concessionaires under pressure.

The unfavourable policies of the Federal Government which have increased the woes of the concessionaires include the auto policy, rice policy, fish quota system and the forex policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) which place import restrictions on less than 41 items.

It is on record that more than half of these items are high on the number commodities most importers prefer to import into the country in order to make brisk business especially in the Yuletide.

Described as anti-maritime industry, the policies which have impacted negatively on the shipping sector of the economy long before the recession set into the Nigerian economy have helped in no small measures to worsen the woes of the concessionaires.

As if these are not bad enough, the terminal operators are also grappling with other challenges plaguing the efficient operations of the ports. These include the poor port access roads, significant reduction in cargo and vessel traffic into Nigerian ports and inconsistencies in policies formulation and implementation.

The umbrella body of concessionaires in the country said this much when the Chairman of the Sea Terminal Operators of Nigeria (STOAN), Princess Victoria Haastrup spoke recently in Lagos.

Haastrup who is also the Executive Vice Chairman of ENL Consortium Limited, operator of Terminal C in the Lagos Port Complex (LPC), Apapa stated that is a very challenging period for the maritime industry.

Amaechi: New Ship Usman Okays Onne Phase 4B Finance Model Underway Facility

NUJ Hails Nigeria’s Presidency of AMJA

The Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi has said that the Federal Government will adopt a new ship finance model to stabilise the shipping sector of the economy in the years ahead.

He explained that he new ship finance model will help in reversing the present poor fortunes in the shipping sector of the economy.

Amaechi stated this in Lagos ahead of the Nigeria Ship Finance Conference where ship finance experts and other critical maritime industry stakeholders will discuss and propose a suitable model for financing ship acquisition in Nigeria.

He expressed his willingness to present such resolution to the Federal Government for implementation.

Amaechi pledged the federal government’s commitment to courses that would drive progress in the maritime industry as the nation diversifies its sources of revenue to sustain the economy.

His words: “I assure you that whatever decisions come out of this ship finance conference, I will present it to the President and ensure that we progress with it to benefit the maritime industry in Nigeria”.

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and safety Agency (N IMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside in a goodwill message said the ship finance summit is at the heart of the agency’s operations, as discussions will focus on vessel acquisition.

He said the NIMASA appreciates the fact that the conference will establish a new perspective as it concerns one of its principal functions to boost shipping operations.

“This conference will constitute a roadmap to get more Nigerians to access funds for ship acquisition, and NIMASA is particularly pleased because it is about one of the critical things for shipping development,” he said.

The Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Seconte Davies said it will be well appreciated for the conference to come up with resolutions that will address the need for ships to fly Nigerian flag.

According to Davies, new business inroads are bound to open to Nigeria’s maritime industry if, and when Nigerians are able to acquire ships and fly the Nigerian flag.

On her part, President of the Shipowners Forum, Mrs. Margaret Orakwusi, called on banks and other financial institutions to play active roles in the drive towards a workable ship finance model.

The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has hailed the emergence 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 the continent.

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. As the President of African Journalists Association, I have a fair idea of the challenges ahead of you, but I am sure that you will succeed. It is a thing of joy. I will attend the ceremony’’, he said.

AMJA in a statement issued in Lagos and signed personally Onileimo , the association also 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.

Regional and global maritime bodies, such as the African Union, ECOWAS, the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMWCA) as well as the Port Management Association for Eastern and Southern Africa (PMAESA) have all confirmed their presence at the event.

Also being expected are other agencies that operate within the nation’s maritime sector, as well as members of the organised private sector and other players.

According to the statement, Amaechi will also inaugurate the four-member executive committee of the association.

The Managing Director of Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman has given her nod for the development of facilities in Phase 4B, Onne Port Complex, Rivers State.

The Phase 4B project area was designed to handle FPSO integration and other construction and industrial activities in the Onne Port Complex. It is a public private partnership Project (PPP) initiative led by the Federal Government that is aimed at upgrading port facilities in the Onne Port Complex and further positioning it as the foremost integrated logistics centre of world class standard in the country.

THISDAY checks revealed that when completed, 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.

Usman expressed hope that barring any unforeseen hitch, the facility will soon be put into commercial use.

Apparently impressed what she saw, the NPA boss dropped the hint after her maiden tour of facilities at the Phase 4B project.

Her words: “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. We (Federal Government) have deployed millions of dollars to the project which is about 24 per cent completed.

NSC to Partner ICS on Capacity Building The Nigerian Shipper’s Council has expressed it readiness to partner with the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS), Nigerian Chapter for effective training and capacity development in line with its set goals and objectives.

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NSC, Mr. Hassan Bello disclosed this in Lagos when he received the officials of ICS led by the Chairman, Captain S. Olarewaju who paid him a courtesy call in Lagos.

Bello said the working visit which is timely and appropriate came at the time when the Ministry of Transportation is taking stock to synergize all aspect of shipping.

According to him, NSC being the economic regulator of the ports has the role of advising government on macro-economic issues as it affects shipping and transportation. In order to achieve it, there is the need for the council to seek knowledge on types of ships, vessels, the configurations and trade routes which is very important to the council and hope the institution will be able to provide that.

Bello said the NSC need to know about

the different branches of shipping like freight forwarding, consolidation of cargoes and so on which will all help in advising the government especially now that Nigerian Shippers Council is the Chairman of the Nigerian Fleet Implementation Committee.

The NSC helmsman pointed out the need for awareness about the indigenous shipping operators in Nigeria.

His word: “If you control the means of transportation, you control the trade. There is the need for us to own and operate ships in order to boost our economy through the earning that we will get. It is not right to leave it in the hands of foreigners to control the shipping, make money in our country and go”.

Bello called on the institute to strategize and initiate efforts that will put Nigeria on a pedestal to control and own its ships and not leaving it in the hands of foreigners.

He also tasked the institute to be worthy partners for Nigerians to go and take over and restore shipping. He also advised that our insurance companies and financial institutions should also be involved.

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper • NOVEMBER 5, 2016

50

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Tosin Clegg

07062816737 e-mail: tosinclegg@hotmail.com

Chika Ike

I’m Still Work in Progress Chika Ike is an actress with exceptional and outstanding display of roles and characters. She has featured in several movies and grown to be a household name. With huge social media traffic, large fan base across Africa and lots more. In this interview with Tosin Clegg, she talks about her reality TV show, career at large, future projects and more Starting my reality TV show

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eing an actress gave me a platform, as I was already a known face and a brand. So, it was easy for people to trust me easily because they felt I have an identity. It was a bit difficult but this was another platform and adventure. It was quite challenging and it seemed I was chasing my tail at some point but you know as everything you start new and hope that it turns well that’s how it was for me.

And being an actress gave me a lot; I had doubts as well as encouragements. As an actress you have a clue on how to present.

This is because you have a lot of roles and put yourself in characters. Aside from doing that, Tyra Banks also helped me a lot with her America’s Next Top Model and all her shows, which encourages me and, I learn from her a lot. Being an actress helped, as well as doing research work and watching other shows helped me also. The Season one was over the top and my costumes were elaborate. Modela helped me with the costumes which were very African and it gave me prestige.

I knew I was sowing a seed...

I knew I was sowing a seed. One that would germinate and become a very big tree at that, but I also doubted myself at some point, not sure if I was going to do it, but seeing it as a big deal today, just gives me a pat on the back that well done for even trying and thinking about it. Thank you for not giving up and if you had, you would have given up on so many opportunities and other girls; I’m also surprised.

Season One was basically for Nigeria It was as a result of the Ebola crisis. It was shot that period and people were scared of coming to Nigeria. When I met with the African countries they were prepared to let their girls in at the time, but when we did Season Two, thank God, Ebola was out of Nigeria so it was easy to talk to them. It was a bit challenging, as it demanded a lot of trust; so I had to win their trust somehow.

Originality stands my show out That’s because I’m a very genuine about it; my track record as an artiste, as I have been in the industry for a long time; my drive also and, you can see I’m serious about it.

One could say that Season One came up and I was fully sponsored by friends and family but for the second season sponsors came around. If I didn’t have the drive or I wasn’t visionary, it would have killed the

vibe. It was different from other shows and will last more than two seasons.

I haven’t gotten to the peak of my career I’m still a work in progress, bound to do bigger and better things. Have I done well for myself? Well, in my own little way, but I still aspire to get to my zenith and I am still on my way there.

Tyra Banks is my role model This is largely because of what I do right now. She is my major role model as regards this show because I like the way she has helped a lot of young girls in America discover themselves and their modeling career. I also want to help girls in Africa do same.

An African Woman is strong She is intellectually smart, visionary, she is driven, she can multi-task, she can make things happen in her office, home and people around her. She is caring and compassionate. She is the woman of any man’s dream.

This Season, we have a cash price of $10,000 And that’s from my sponsor. We have a brand new car, a collection for a year and a movie contract for the girl for a year.

Last year I released a movie It was called Miss Teacher and was in the cinemas. Next year, I’m bringing out another one. The character I played in Miss Teacher was of a compassionate, loving and caring woman. Giving back and selfless, as she is the woman I want to become or I’m looking forward to be.

Juggling all I’m doing is quite hectic Sometimes I wake up in the morning and wonder how I can do this and how is it possible. But when you have a dream and vision, just pray to God about it. Honestly, nothing is impossible; you just have to push for it and draw a priority list. At the end of the day you just need to find your way around it. Aside me, it’s the grace of God. I love being simple...

I love bright colours and also embrace my feminity, as a woman. It’s what inspires what I wear.

I get a lot of complements from my fans Such as, “Chika you are very real” and, it’s

Chika Ike

like I’m not watching a movie, as I can see myself in that role. When an actress is able to break that boundary of acting and reality then I think you are a good actress.

I feel that I have been able to draw my audience by being warm and by making the make-believe believable. It’s what has set me apart.

the role the best way you can. Be original.

Chika Ike is reserved...

My job exposes me a lot, but when I’m in my house I’m quite laid back. I like the comfort of the people that love me and are around me. I’m calm and spontaneous when it comes to decision making and I’m your next door neighbour.

I count all my blessings everyday I think that, honestly, for being alive is a great achievement and also achieving your set goals. I have this board where I plan my achievements for the next five years and seeing them come to life is a great achievement.

I work out three times a week...

I watch my diet, take a lot of vegetables and drink a lot of water. There is no way you do all these and not stay in shape.

For acting, I would say be original...

Originality is the best thing you can ever do. Don’t try to be someone else or be another actress. Try to be you and interpret

There are two soups I like...

Efo riro and ofen sala. I love Efo riro because I can actually make it; and I grew up in Lagos. I have started eating amala too.

I listen to music and travel a lot...

If I’m not working, I’m travelling.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž Í˝Ëœ ͺ͸͚ʹ

MY STORY CELEBRITIES LINE UP TO BOOST HEALTH As the government prepares to finalise its 2017 budget, top Nigerian celebrities are urging the government to invest in health as stipulated in the National Health Act (2014) and to keep its commitment to the African Union’s 2001 Abuja Declaration.

Joining Waje at the launch of a new video by the ONE campaign titled “I AM IN ‌to make Naija Strongerâ€? was an all-star cast, including Yemi Alade, Desmond Elliot, Kate Henshaw, Ali Nuhu, Basketmouth and

Toolz.

The celebrities were speaking at the launch of the ONE campaign’s new public service announcement video, which features the stellar lineup calling for urgent action to invest in public health.

Despite being Africa’s biggest economy, Nigeria spends relatively little on the health of its citizens and is facing both a health and a nutrition crisis, as women and children continue to die from treatable and preventable diseases.

SONY MUSIC, TINNY ANNOUNCE EXCLUSIVE DEAL FOR YCEE

As part of Sony Music Entertainment’s expansion across Africa, the label has

announced an exclusive deal with Ycee of Tinny Entertainment in South Africa. The unprecedented deal will see the rapper’s first E.P, ‘The First Wave’ released under the Sony umbrella. With this move, Ycee joins the likes of Nigerian superstar Davido, as part of the Sony Music family.

General Manager, Sony Music West Africa, Michael Ugwu stated: “I’m extremely proud to welcome Tinny Entertainment and the amazing talent that is Ycee to the Sony Music Entertainment West Africa family . I’ve watched this team grow over the past few years and I am amazed at how they have navigated the industry

to reach this stage. Ycee is the future of Hip Hop in Africa and will be front and centre of SME West Africa’s strategy as we take Africa to the World.�

According to Arokodare ‘Tinny’ Timilehin, CEO Tinny Entertainment, “We are very excited about the future for both Ycee and Tinny Entertainment.

This is a stamp of approval on all the hardwork we have put in through the years and an indication of even greater things to come.�

Expressing his excitement at the deal, Ycee posted on Instagram “Great things happening, alongside Tinny Entertainment, I’m so proud to become part of the Sony Music family.�

AFRICAMAGIC IGBO, NEWTELENOVELA, BOLLYWOOD MOVIE CHANNELS LAUNCH ON GOTV Leading pay-TV provider, GOtv has introduced three new channels:AfricaMagic Igbo, Eva+, a new telenovela channel, and B4U Movies, a Bollywood channel.

Fans of AfricaMagic will get huge doses of entertainment via the addition of the newly-rebranded AfricaMagic Igbo on GOtv Value and GOtv Plus packages on GOtv Channel 11. The channel adds to the growing line-up of AfricaMagic channel portfolio on GOtv, including AfricaMagic Epic on GOtv Channel 9, which is rooted in culture and home to the best epic movies from the continent, AfricaMagic Family on GOtv Channel 2.AfricaMagic Igbo also joins two other indigenous language channelsAfrica Magic Hausa on GOtv Channel 4 and AfricaMagic Yoruba on GOtv channel 5.

Subscribers on GOtv Plus package will also have access to a new Bollywood channel, B4U Movies on GOtv Channel 24. The channel brings viewers the best of Bollywood films from the latest blockbusters to classic flicks.

B4U Movies offers a diverse range of films for Bollywood fans as well as an unprecedented access to the magic of Bollywood with star-

studded interviews, exclusive footage, behind the scenes and the making of films. B4U has an unmatched library of over 1000 films. This month, subscribers will enjoy Don 2, featuring Shahrukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra on 2 Novemberat7pm;NoProblemfeaturingAnil Kapoor, Sanjay Dutta and Akshay Khanna on 12 November at 7pm, the blockbuster Deewana with Shah Rukh Khan and Divya Bharti on 25 November at 7pm and more.

Starting November 1, Subscribers on the GOtv Plus package will experience the best of LatinAmerican telenovelas on Eva+ which airs on GOtv Channel 13. Eva+ offers high production value LatinAmerican telenovelas fully dubbed in English and Portuguese languages, and will be the first channel in AMC Networks International – UK’s (AMCNI UK) regional portfolio to be available on MultiChoice’s digital terrestrial television (DTT) platform.

Eva+ will air double bills of four telenovela titles every weekday and marathons over the weekend, including Buscando a Maria (Searching Maria) from Tuesday, November 1 at 10:20am every weekday then on Saturdays

at 5am and Sundays at 3pm. Cuando me Enamoro (Timeless Love) will go on air from Thursday, December 1 at 10:20am and 4:00pm on weekdays, Saturdays at 05:00am and Sundays at 3:00pm local time.

Louise Cottrell, Vice President, Affiliate Sales forAMCNI UK, said: “We are delighted toexpandourtelenovelaofferingsandpartner with MultiChoice in introducing Eva+ to the African market. Telenovelas are increasingly popular in the region, so it’s exciting that with Eva+ offered on GOtv in addition to DStv, we will now be able to reach brand new viewers with our top quality content.� “With our focus now on putting our customer first, we are delighted to be adding Eva+ on to our platforms.� John Ugbe, Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, explained that telenovelas have always been a hit with GOtv and DStv subscribers. “Telenovelas have always been a sensation with our subscribers and we hope this addition further demonstrates our commitment to bringing programming that will make viewers eager to tune in to DStv and GOtv,� he said.

GOTV CUSTOMER FAIR: DADDY SHOWKEY, HELEN PAUL, AKI & PAWPAW DELIGHT ABUJA RESIDENTS Abuja joined the fun train on Saturday, as GOtv hosted residents at its Customer Fair to mark the fifth anniversary of its operation in Nigeria.

The event which drew huge numbers of fun lovers from across the Federal Capital Territory to Top Rank Hotel, Utako, delivered fun aplenty, as top entertainers and celebrities delighted residents.

In action were GOtv brand ambassador, Daddy Showkey; Oritsefemi, Aki and Pawpaw, Helen Paul and MC Acapella.

The event started with Naija FM’s DJ Kentalky dishing out a heady mix of music.

The combination of MCAcapella and Helen Paul drew tremendous laughter from the audience.

Daddy Showkey and Oritsefemi also drew ecstatic dances from the audience with their hit songs. Daddy Showkey took the audience down memory lane with a performance of his old hit-songs, such as ‘Showkey’ and ‘Fire Fire’ Aki and Pawpaw augmented the event with their comedy routine. There was a dancing competition and the giving out of free GOtv decoders and other gifts to lucky winners. Subscribers who had difficulties with their hardware or service were attended to by the GOtv Clinic set up at the venue for that purpose. The next installment of the Customer Fair will take place in Lagos on November 5, 2016.

Speaking on the celebration, the managing director of MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe

said: “MultiChoice customers are at the center of all the organization does, that is why the company has put together a series activities to say thank you to all subscribers who have stayed with GOtv since its launch in 2011.�

Also speaking on the GOtv fifth anniversary celebration, Mr Akinola Salu, General Manager, GOtv said there are many reasons for GOtv to roll out drums to celebrate, going by the success the brand has achieved over the last five years. “Despite the fact that the country is going through a very challenging time, we have kept our prices. We have further gone ahead to ensure that everybody within different strata of the economy can afford GOtv. We recently launched GOtv Lite.

MICHAEL BABA

What Gives Me Joy is Seeing People Happy Michael Baba is the Founder of Foursight Productions, an entertainment company based in Lagos. In this chat with Tosin Clegg, he talks about his firm and his ‘End Sickle Cell’ campaign

T

ell us about what you do?

The nature of Foursight Productions is event planning, entertainment, music management and production. Also, we do Disc Jockey. I am also an artiste and my stage name is MIC L.

Tell us about your ‘End Sickle Cell’ campaign?

Aside entertainment, we also do charity work. We had an event recently which was an awareness party for Sickle Cell and that’s the course we focused on from the beginning of the year.

What’s your goal with this project?

What will give me joy is to see people happy and filled with joy. Also, to get people informed on the issue of sickle cell. So, the campaign is to mix entertainment with this health issue; giving joy to the patients. It’s scheduled to take commence in a few weeks time.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • NOVEMBER 5, 2016

POLITY

NigerDeltaAct:JasperJumboRecommendsAmendments Olaoluwakitan Babatunde

A

Leading Niger Delta Development advocate Professor Jasper Jumbo has made recommendations on amendment of some sections of the Presidential Amnesty in the Niger Delta Act now before the National Assembly.

Jumbo, also the traditional head of the 20 Jumbo Major House Committees/ Fishing House in Bonny L.G.A of Rivers State (landlords to Shell and NLNG) commended Oluwale Oke for sponsoring

the bill.

He also thanked the Chairman and members of the House Committee on Niger Delta Affairs for taking pains to look into critical aspects of the development of the Niger Delta. He observed that schedule 1 section 3 dealing with list of frontline states conspicuously omitted Abia State and that the oversight should be corrected.

He also observed that the NDDC, CBN Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture, the local content office and more directly

Ambassadorial Nominee: Adamawa Stakeholders Drum Support for Zira Daji Sani in Yola

A

damawa State stakeholders have drummed support for the ambassadorial nomination of Dr. Clifford Zira over his valuable contributions to the state.

In a rally on Friday in Yola, the Adamawa state capital led by Professor Vanduhe Apagu of Modibbo Adama University of Technology (MUATECH), the stakeholders said their support were informed by Zira’s intellectual prowess, wealth of experience and his contributions to the state .

Apagu who spoke on behalf of the stakeholders said the nomination of Zira was a welcome development following his contributions in politics, banking industry and development.

According to him, Zira had used his hard earned money to develop township roads in Bassa in Michika Local Government Area of the state when he was working with the defunct Standard Trust Bank.

He explained that the nominee also

with NAPIMS – NNPC which control the joint venture operation of the oil and Gas Industry should be specifically involved in the Legislation.

He recommended that the duration of programme for graduates of the Amnesty Program ought to be for a period of five years, subject to extension by the President for a further five years by an order published in the Gazette.

He further observed that the committee appeared not to have given enough funds to make any meaningful impact on the environment remediation, locational reconstruction, infrastructural development – inducement components of its mandate.

In addition he recommended that instead of approving the allocation of

5% of the Ecological Fund meant for the Federal Government to the Presidential Amnesty Programme, 10% of the Fund should be deducted at source and made directly payable to the Amnesty Program in view of the security situation posed by the Militants in the Niger Delta area.

It is his view that the National Security Adviser should be compelled to periodically grant the programme seed capital or Buffer fund from the Nation’s Security vote and also average soft loans for the programme graduates / beneficiaries in addition to standing surety for graduates and beneficiaries of the programme to access national privileges open to Nigerians from the IMF, ADB, CBN, National Planning Ministry etc through guided technical co-operatives.

contributed in mending fences between the Christians and Muslims in Michika who were having running crisis after the liberation of the town from the grip of the Boko Haram insurgency.

He stated that not only in term of development, Zira’s intellectual prowess and experience are attributes that cannot be put aside by any one.

His words: “Having spent five years in primary school instead of seven in those days and started in 1968, Zira went to GSS Ganye 1973 from 1977. He graduated with flying colours the WASC examinations and was in the University of Maiduguri for SBS in1978 and completed Bsc Agric Economics and Extension in 1982 with first class honours and got dean’s prize as the best graduating student.”

Apagu said Zira did executive post graduate diploma in management and graduated with distinction and was the best graduating student too even as he added that he also did his MBA International Business with distinction.

PHOTO NEWS L-R: Mr. Olumide Lawal presenting Senator Isiaka Adeleke letter of congratulations to King Sunny Ade on his 70th birthday celebation in Ondo, Ondo State...recently

L-R: Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) Director, Mr. Tony Ojobor; Principal Manager, Policy Competition Economic Analysis (NCC), Mr. Henry Ojiokpola; Chairman, Brand Journalist Association of Nigeria (BJAN), Mr. Goddie Ofose; and the representative of Lagos State Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Mr. Toro Oladapo at the 4th Annual Brand and Marketing Conference in Lagos...recently PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Treasurer, Association of Corporate Trustees (ACT ), Frederick Obodozie; Vice President, Tokunbo Ajayi; President, Funmi Ekundayo; Financial Secretary, Bolanle Oyelade; and Assistant General Secretary, Fatah Kadiri, at the 13th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of ACT in Lagos... recently

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) Mr. Ade ShonubI; and Principal Manager, Payment and System Policy and Oversight Office, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Joe Obogo, at the launch of M-cash by the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc in Lagos...recently

L-R: Specialist, Youth Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Michael Nwoseh; Winner of Cliqfest Star Prize of Hyundai i10, Oluwasunkanmi Ademilusi; Specialist, Merchandising and Communications, South-West, Etisalat Nigeria, Adefemi Adewuyi and Head, Youth Segment, Olayiwola Onafowokan, during Etisalat Cliqfest campus tour to the University of Ibadan...recently

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THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper • NOVEMBER 5, 2016

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news

In Brief

Lagos-Ibadan Express not Closed

Following the panic traffic build-up along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway as a result of alleged “closure” of the road, the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing has clarified that there was only a diversion on the road and not afullclosure.InastatementFriday,theMinistry,saidJuliusBergerNigeriaPlc, the contractors handling the road, only diverted the Lagos-bound side, from Shagamu interchange to Kilometre 37, to the Ibadan-bound side to enable it lay final layer of asphalt wearing course on the Lagos side.The Statement said contrary to the Traffic Advisory on a “closure” attributed to the Federal RoadSafetyCommission(FRSC),thediversionwasnecessarytoenableJulius Bergerusethedoublefinishersatthesametimetherebyavoidingcoldjoints.

Ahmed Sacks Council Chairmen

KwaraStateGovernor,AlhajiAbdulfatahAhmedhasapprovedthedissolutionof the16localgovernmentcouncilsinthestatewithimmediateeffect.Hetherefore directed the chairmen, vice chairmen, Secretaries to the Local Government, SupervisoryCouncillors,councilorsandotherpoliticalofficeholderstovacate their‎officeswithimmediateeffectandhandedovergovernmentpropertyto theDirectorofPersonnelManagementoftheirrespectivelocalgovernment councils.TheaffectedcouncilsareAsa,Baruten,Edu,Ekiti,Ifelodun,IlorinEastand IlorinWestlocalgovernmentcouncils.Othersinclude,IlorinSouth,Irepodun,Isin, Kaiama,Moro,Offa,Oke-Ero,OyunandPategi.Thiswascontainedinastatement issuedinIlorinonFridaybytheSecretarytotheStateGovernment(SSG)Alhaji IsiakaGold,acopyofwhichwasmadeavailabletoTHISDAYinIlorin.

partnering for progress...

Commercial Vehicle Install Speed Limiters

L-R: Marketing Consultant, The Bridge Concepts Nig.Ltd, Ms. Sola Salako; Technical Consultant The Bridge Concepts Nig.Ltd, Mr. Rufus Ohiwerei; Initiator Naija Green Card, Hon. Bimbo Daramola; Vice President/Chief Operating Officer, Yudala and CEO Yudala e Commerce Online and Retail Store, Mr. Dave Ibelegbu, during the Signing of Strategic Partnership Agreement between Yudala and The Bridge Concepts Nig. Ltd in Lagos...recently.

EFCC Releases Abati, Obanikoro, Quizes Banire Adedayo Adejobi

Muiz Banire, the National Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was the guest of Economic and Financial Crimes Commision (EFCC) , the crime bursting agency, on allegations that he allegedely bribed a judge N500, 000.000.00 This is as former minister of defence, Musiliu Obanikoro and former senior special adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Media and Communication, Dr. Reuben Abati were yesterday set free from the custody of the EFCC after a two week stint with the

anti-graft agency.

On their review of banking and other financial documents, EFCC agents said their forensic scrutiny of some judges’ bank accounts revealed suspicious payments made to numerous federal judges, including the one made by Muiz Banire, the National Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The agents disclosed that several of the judges had been questioned by the anti-corruption agency. They added that some of the answers provided by the judges were at odds with bank statements where investigators detected a series of

suspicious transactions involving senior lawyers.

Although details are sketchy, Muiz Banire was said to have denied the charge, even though he admitted assisting the judge, but he denied it was a bribe. He was however allowed to leave the agency's custody.

Meanwhile, a senior lawyer, Niyi Akintola, has denied information circulating in the media that he was summoned by the EFCC regarding allegations that he bribed some judges.

He denied involvement in any cases of bribery of judges, and insisted that EFCC agents had yet

to invite him. He added that he was not involved in defending any judges before the National Judicial Council Among Federal justices who have so far been questioned are Uwani Abba-Aji of the Appeals Court, James Agbadu-Fishim of the Industrial Court, Mohammed Yunusa of the Federal High Court, Nganjiwa Hyledzira of the Federal High Court, and Musa Kurya of the Federal High Court. Another Federal High Court judge, Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, was traced to a Lagos clinic where she falsely claimed she was admitted before she turned herself in last weekend.

Counsel Disagreement Stalls Trial of Suspected Kidnappers of Lagos Monarch

Include Benue State in North East Development Commission, Group Charges FG

Akinwale Akintunde

The trial of the four suspects involved in the kidnapped of a Lagos monarch, Oba Yushau Goriola Oseni, the Oniba of Iba, failed to commence yesterday, as scheduled due to a disagreement between two counsel over which of them would represent fourth defendant, Yerin Fresh.

The four suspects identified as Duba Furefo, 49, Ododomo Isouah, 52, Reuben Anthony, 43 and Yerins Fresh, 45 were arraigned on October 24, before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of the Lagos State High Court, Igbosere on an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy, murder, attempted murder, robbery, armed robbery, felony and kidnapping preferred against them by the Lagos State Government.

Apart from the kidnap of Oba Oseni, they were alleged to have murdered a security guard, Sunday Eniola Okanlawon and a commercial motorcyclist, Joseph Okeke and also attempted to murder the monarch’s wife, Olori Abosede Oseni.

The state said the offences contravened Sections 233, 230, 299, 297 (2) (b) and 411 of the Criminal

George Okoh in Makurdi

Following the inclusion of Kano and Plateau states as benefiting states of the North East Development Commission, a coalition of groups under the aegis of Stand Up For Benue Now, SUFBN, yesterday stage a peaceful match in Makurdi demanding that the federal government enlist the state among those to benefit from the intervention.

Members of the groups who carried placards some of which read "Benue is the worst hit by the activities of terrorists and herdsmen, if Kano and Plateau states can be included in the list of benefiting states why not Benue?, It is injustice to abandon Benue where 13 out of 23 local government areas were sacked by terrorists."

The aggrieved members who matched through Makurdi town later barricaded the entrance of the Benue Government House but were prevailed upon by the State Police Commissioner, Bashir Makama and the Chief Of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Terwase Orbunde to vacate the entrance.

Speaking to the agitating youths,

Law of Lagos State C17, Vol 3 Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

Justice Taiwo had reminded the defendants in Ikoyi Prison, Lagos following their plea of not guilty.

Oba Oseni was kidnapped from his palace on July 16 at about 8pm.

In the process, two persons were shot dead by the kidnappers.

The kidnappers had asked the Oba’s family members to pay them a N500 million ransom after almost a week of their kidnapping him.

At the last hearing on October 24, Fresh was represented by Chief Selowei Baidi, who is also the counsel to the 1st and 2nd defendants, while Mr. J. O Egwuaroje was counsel to the 3rd defendant.

At the resumed hearing of the matter yesterday, Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution (DDP), Mrs. Idowu Alakija announced her appearance for the state, while Baidi and Egwuaroje maintained appearances for the same defendants.

There was however mild drama when another lawyer, Mr. Anthony Onwueze, also announced appearance for the 4th defendant, Fresh.

Onwueze explained the trial judge that he had been commissioned to represent the 4th defendant.

the Police Commissioner cautioned them against doing anything that could trigger violence and break down of law and order in the state.

Makama said, "the essence of this match is for the good of the people of the state so if you do anything that could create a state of crisis in the course of this match, it then means that the purpose you want to achieve has been defeated."

Addressing the gathering, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, assured that the demands of the coalition would be forward to President Muhammadu Buhari

by Governor Samuel Ortom for necessary action.

Earlier, Coordinator of the coalition, Comrade David Idah said "this match is intended to persuade all Benue indigenes to prevail on President Buhari and the Senate President to do Justice to Benue people by including our state in the coverage area of the North East Development Commission because anything in the contrary will be an injustice to our people?

If Kano and Plateau states were included as beneficiaries why not Benue." He queried.

Over10,000commercialvehicleoperatorshavesofarcompliedwiththedirective oftheFederalRoadSafetyCorps(FRSC)thatallcommercialvehicleshouldinstall speedlimitingdevicebeforetheendoftheyear.TheCorpsMarshalofFRSC, Dr.BoboyeOyeyemimadethisknownatthe2016ZoneRS4AnnualRetreatof theFRSCinMakurdievenasheadded thatroadcrashesandaccidentsclaims over6,000livesannuallyinthecountry."Sofarover10,000commercialvehicle operatorshavecompliedwiththeinstallationofspeedlimitingdeviceandthere isnogoingbackonthepolicy.Dr.Oyeyemiwhoattributedthealarmingfigureof deathtorecklessdrivingandover-speedingsaidthedevelopmentnecessitated theintroductionofspeedlimitingdevisesinvehiclesinthecountry."

APC Accuses INEC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State yesterday accused the IndependentNationalElectoralCommission(INEC)ResidentElectoralCommissioner (REC) in the State of recruiting and training of ad hoc staff for the Ondo Governorship Election in Lagos State.The allegation was contained in statementsignedbyitsPublicitySecretary,Omo'baAbayomiAdesanyasaid.

"WehaveitongoodauthoritythatINECisrecruitingadhocstafffromOjokoro LCDA, which was created out of Alimosho Local Government Area in Lagos, andweknowthat,theelementsworkingwithsomeINECofficialsareclosely linkedtosomeofOlusolaOke'ssupportersinLagosandOsunState.Weknow that, ad hoc staff are usually officials of Federal Government agencies in the state,neighboringstatesandyouthcorpsmembers.

President Buhari Visits Sokoto

PresidentMuhammaduBuhariwillpayaonedayworkingvisittoSokoto,the SeatoftheCaliphateonSaturday,November5,2016.AstatementissuedFriday byMalamImamImam,thespokesmanofGovernorAminuWaziriTambuwal, saidwhileinSokoto,thePresidentwillofficiallyinauguratethe500unithousing estatebuiltbytheSokotoStateGovernmentforcivilservantsatKalambaina.

ThePresidentwillusetheoccasionofthevisittowitnesstheDurbarorganised aspartofactivitiesmarkingthe10thanniversaryoftheappointmentofSultan MuhammadSa'adAbubakartothethrone.

Reading Culture in Nigeria

TheFounder,IgniteAfricaLeadershipFoundation,Mr.KolawoleOyeyemihas advisedtheyouthstocultivateahabitofreadingsayingthatthiswillgoalong wayinshoringuplearningdeficitandboostthecountry’sleadershipcredentials acrosstheworld.Oyeyemiwhomadethiscall,recently,atthe2016editionof theIgniteAfricaReaders‘R’LeadersDestinyWalk,inLagos,affirmedthatno nation can grow, develop and lead other nations, if it is ignorant, “Once upon a time,ourgraduateswerebeingpoachedbythesuperpowersbecausewehad theknowledge,understandingandwisdominourrespectivefields.Today,we are no longer good enough in our own country. Jobs which Nigerians should ordinarilyundertakearenowbeinggiventoexpatriatesandifwecontinuelike this what kind of future is in store for our youth and our nation? We must all come together to create awareness for the youth of this nation to cultivate thehabitofreading,”theconvenerofthewalksaid.

Provoking Heaven for Nigeria

ComeSaturday,December10,2016,Christiansacrossthecountrywouldgather attheNationalStadiumSurulere,Lagos,topraiseandworshipGodaswellas PrayforNigeria.TheProgrammetaggedProvokingHeavenForNigeriaisbeing puttogetherbyNigerianAssociationofChristianJournalists(NACJThePrayer programisinformedbythecurrenteconomichardshipinthecountry.Webelieve our prayers for the country would turn the current situation around for good, becausethereisalwaysaspiritualdimensiontoeveryhumanproblem.TheBible saysweshouldprayforthepeaceofJerusalem,andNigeriaisourJerusalem.

Thereisnobettertimetoprayforourdearnationthannow.Inviewoftheabove, wecarefullyinvitedsevennotablemenofGodtoanchortheprogram. Weare specificwithseven,becausespiritually,sevenisGod'snumberofperfection.

Boska Unveils Pain Free Day

Apharmaceuticalfirm,DexaMedica,makersofBoska,hadorganiseditsOctober editionofpainfreedayinitiativeatAgege,Lagos. Thepainfreedayinitiative, the company said was aimed at improving peoples' health and driving the consciousnessofgoodhealth.TheBrandExecutive,Boska,Mr.TundeOjedokun, saidtheinitiativeprovidedconsumerswithtipsonhowtostaystrongalways aspeopleareconstantlyengaginginstrenuoustasksthateithercausegeneral bodybreakdownorbodypains. "Fromqualitativefindings,weobservedthat peopleneedtobeequippedwithnecessaryinformationandbettersolutionsfor bodypainsmostespeciallyintimeslikethis,wherepeopleworkmuchmorethan theyobserverest”, hesaid.HealsonotedthatBoskabrandbecomesrelevant becauseofitsquickandeffectivepowertostopachesandpains.

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THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper • NOVEMBER 5, 2016

newsXTRA Pa Olaniwun Ajayi… Pa Olaniwun Ajayi… Pa Olaniwun Ajayi

We lost a Rare Leader Says Afenifere The National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin, in a statement entitled: “We lost a rare leader,” said he dedicated 70 years of his life to the service of the late sage and nationalist, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

The statement read: Afenifere mourns the passing away of its oldest surviving member, Sir Olaniwun Ajayi who transited to higher glory in the early hours of Friday at the age of 91.

“We received his passage with mixed feelings, we are joyful that in a country with life expectancy of 53, Papa made it to 91, ageing graciously

and in good health till the last 24 hours of life when he had to be hospitalised for some health complications.

“We are however sad that his exit has robbed the group of the wealth of experience of a philosopher, prolific writer and memory bag that is irreplaceable.

“One remarkable trait of his life was his consistency in the Awolowo political family where he put almost 70 years of dedicated service as a lieutenant of the sage and one of his worthy successors after his transition.

“Pa Ajayi had a sense of history and lived his life deliberately to make

impact on his environment. Either in Afenifere, the National Democratic Coalition, The Patriots and the Methodist Church where he was a Knight, he left his indelible footprints on the sands of time.

“The last days of his life were spent in worries over the state of affairs in Yoruba-land in particular and in Nigeria at large. He was not just lamenting but he was taking practical steps to find verb for our noun in the syntax of human experience. It is hoped that all those involved in such intervention would keep those efforts on as a memorial for this worthy son of

Odudiuwa. “The great man of sound intellect may not have much good news for Awo as they meet in yonder but the seeds he planted in the last moments of his life must grow to trees that would bear the fruits of freedom.

“While waiting for burial arrangements from the family for the good man of sartorial elegance, it is a promise that we shall pay his shade the right due. Our heartfelt condolences to the good family he has left behind and it is our prayer that the Lord will take his place in their lives. Adieu, Papa. Goodnight to a worthy leader.”

Amosun Mourns Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has expressed mixed feelings over news of the death of Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, Afenifere.

“Although he will be sorely missed, we cannot but thank the Almighty for the eventful and highly impactful life that the late Sir Olaniwun Ajayi lived,” Governor Amosun said.

The governor described the late Ajayi, an associate of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, as one of the icons of Ogun State and architect of modern day Nigeria.

He added that the fact that the late elder statesman lived a long, fulfilled life in good health and made it to the gracious old age of 91 was something to be grateful to God for.

While commiserating with the Ajayi family, the good people of Ogun State and indeed the entire nation, over the loss of the elder statesman, the governor said his words of wisdom would be missed at this critical stage of the nation’s development.

“We will surely miss his wealth of experience at this time but we take solace in the quality of life he lived and the legacies he has left behind,” Governor Amosun said.

Exit of A DEMOCRAT..

Olaniwun Ajayi

greatness in general.

“Papa was a man of distinction, a compassionate and courageous leader, who contributed immensely to the enthronement of democracy, by working assiduously with other patriots in Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba Socio-political organisation and the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO).

The minister urged the children of the late elder statesman to be consoled by the good name and legacy of service he left behind.

“His was a life well spent”, he added.

“There is no doubt, Papa Ajayi’s death has robbed the Yoruba race, indeed Nigeria of a distinguished citizen, patriot and leader.

“We shall surely miss his wise counsel and generous spirit at this critical stage of our national life.” The statement added.

Daniel in a condolence message on the passing of the elder statesman, expressed his shock on the death of one of the few remaining titans which ended another glorious chapter and created a deep void in Nigeria’s politics.

According to the former

All Progressives Congress stalwart, Asiwaju Tinubu has mourned the death of Afenifere Leader, Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, describing him as a true Awoist who taught many of the younger generations of politicians including Tinubu the doctrines of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

In a statement on Friday night

by Tinubu Media Office, the former Lagos governor said the late legal luminary left behind his enduring legacies.

“The news of the passage of one of our foremost leaders in Yorubaland and a national icon, Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, on Friday, November 4, 2016 left me distraught. He was one of the very few we had left to guide our path with wisdom.

“Though Sir Olaniwun Ajayi passed on at 91, which can be said to be a ripe age, but we never ever want our elders to leave us.

He was a highly referred leader, a democrat irrevocably committed to constitutional democracy and who worked tirelessly for what he believed in.

He made tremendous contributions to true federalism and restructuring of Nigeria’s over-centralised federal system.

“Chief Ajayi was a true Awoist who truly believed in the doctrines of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and taught these doctrines to many of us new generation of politicians.

A great mentor, teacher, leader, he was a man who believed in his Christian values, such that he was honoured with the knighthood of Methodist Church.

“His commitment to the unity of the Yoruba race is perhaps unparalleled. Chief Olaniwun Ajayi was part of the entire leadership of Afenifere who honoured me with a visit recently in Lagos, where they renewed their call for unity and understanding among the Yoruba race and the entrenchment of progressive

Guinness, NYSC Sign MoU on Responsible Drinking Campaign

Fayemi, Daniel Mourn Also, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has mourned Ajayi as a forthright leader with a very rare generous spirit.

Also, the immediate past governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel, described Ajayi as a democrat of repute and an elder statesman who dedicated his life to the service of his people and the country.

Fayemi said the death of Ajayi came to him as a surprise, because the late Afenifere leader was full of life during their recent meeting, in spite of his old age.

The minister, in a condolence message signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, described the late Ajayi as a distinguished leader, nationalist, foremost Awoist and a thorough bred professional who brought a unique touch of excellence to whatever he did.

Recalling his relationship with the late leader, whom he described as a man of wisdom and leader with a huge sense of history, Fayemi said every encounter with the late Ajayi revealed his good nature as well as passion for the unity of the Yoruba in particular and Nigeria’s

He was a True Awoist Who Taught us Many Things, Says Tinubu

governor, Ajayi was “a very strong force in Nigerian polity and well respected in the political landscape over the years as he improved on the democratic ideals of the founding fathers and played his roles in the service to the nation in various capacities.

“He was a courageous personality noted for his frank disposition to issues and policies.

He remained principled when it mattered most and never compromised his stance even in the midst of challenges. His invaluable contributions to national development will be greatly missed”.

In the words of ex-governor Daniel, Sir Ajayi’s death was “a great loss to the country and particularly, Ogun State having served across borders during his distinguished career but we take solace in the solid legacies he left which will continue to inspire coming generations.”

Daniel then offered his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the family, relatives and those who share in the grief of the loss of the great politician and ask God to grant him a peaceful rest and fortitude for his bereaved family to bear the loss.

Dele Ogbodo in Abuja

The Managing Director, of Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Peter Ndegwa and the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps NYSC, Brigadier Sule Kazaure, yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to deepen the culture of responsible drinking among the youths and the Nigeria populace.

At the signing ceremony in Abuja, Ndegwa, who was represented by the Director of Social and Corporate Projects, Mr. Sesan Adebowale, said Guinness was committed to creating awareness on responsible drinking, while promoting the nourishment of the brand as part of a healthy balanced lifestyle.

While explaining that alcohol was not an ordinary drink, he stressed that its consumption therefore, must be done in moderate manner to enhance a balanced lifestyles in social occasion.

The MD said: "Guinness is also aware that misuse of alcohol can cause serious problems for the individuals and the society and this is why we have used a variety of programmers to promote a culture for adult for those who chose to drink so that they can do so responsibly.

"We have worked in partnership with government, NGOs and other companies to tackle alcohol misuse, drinking while driving and under-age drinking. We have also painstakingly taken measures to ensure that Guinness products are advertised and marketed responsibly before they are taken into the market."

According to him, the DrinkIQ, is one of the training platforms being deployed by the company to staffers of members of NYSC to train the corps members on the imperative to deepen the responsible drinking campaign at the grass root.

ideology in the country. “During that visit, we joked about Sir Olaniwun Ajayi aging gracefully and he and Papa Fasoranti said they would not want to die without continuing to push for unity and progress of Nigeria based on true federalism.

They enjoined us to continue to work for the attainment of the two ideals.

“He lived an exemplary life. He partly founded his education, paying for his college while teaching, until he proceeded to the United Kingdom to study Law. He attended the London School of Economics and Political Science.

“His’ was a life of service to his family, his people and the nation at large. As a legal practitioner, he used the instrument of the law in pursuit of what he believed in. His reputable law firm, Olaniwun Ajayi and Co., had a track record of handling and winning laudable cases in politics and economy. It was a pan-African law firm with offices in key African cities and lawyers versed in multiple jurisdictions. Over the years, the firm provided legal services to some of the biggest corporations in Africa and across the globe.

“I extend my condolences to the entire Afenifere family; to Baba Ayo Adebanjo, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, and others. May God Almighty spare their lives for us. I mourn the passing of Chief Ajayi, but I’m happy that he left us with his enduring legacies.

He remains our hero both in life and in death.

“A great father and family man, my heart goes out to his family, particularly his four children. I console them and urge them to continue to uphold the legacies of the late Chief Olaniwun Ajayi”.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as MOJOYINOLUWA OKOISOR, wish to be known and addressed as MOJOYINOLUWA OKOISOR DEKALU-THOMAS. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as LAWAL ISLAMIAT BUKOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as ODUTOLA BUKOLA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as RAHEEM OMOBOLAJI now wish to be known and addressed as AGBOOLA RUKAYAT OMOBOLAJI. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OLUBUSAYO PRISCA BABEM, now wish to be known and addressed as OLUBUSAYO PRISCA EDWARD. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OLANIKE FAITH OLUSHOLA OJO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OLANIKE FAITH ADEJUMO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as YVONNE OBIAGELI IKEMEFUNA, now wish to be known and addressed as YVONNE OBIAGELI CHIANUMBA. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper • NOVEMBER 5, 2016

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news

New Appeal Court Panelist Chides PDP for Failing to Observe Internal Democracy Tobi Soniyi in Abuja

Justice Ignatius Igwe Agube, a member of the new panel set up to hear appeals on the dispute over the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State yesterday said that the party was subjecting the judiciary to unnecessary headache.

Justice Agube, who currently serves in the Owerri division of the Court of Appeal, was speaking in Abuja at the first sitting of the new panel constituted on November 2 by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa to replace the former panel led

by Justice Jumai Sankey, which

withdrew from the appeals on November 1.

He noted that the inability of members of the PDP to imbibe democratic tenets and conduct themselves in accordance with democratic norms was the reason why the judiciary was being constantly invited to resolve what ordinarily should have been internal issues of the party.

The judge noted that the current crisis in the Ondo PDP, which resulted from the internal polarisation of the party, would have been avoided had members of the party allowed internal democracy.

“I have stressed this fact before

now. I did so in Kwara and Yobe that there is need for the PDP to internalise democracy. If they had resolved their issues internally, they would not be here washing their dirty linen in public. Ordinarily; the court has no business resolving your internal disputes,” he said.

Justice Agube’s intervention was informed by the open disagreement in court yesterday by some leaders of the two factions of the PDP over who should represent the party during proceedings.

While Adedayo Adeyeye and Ben Obi (from the Ahmed Makarfi faction) stood up and announced that they were representing the PDP, another set of people,

including Cairo Ojougboh (from the Ali Modu Sheriff camp) also claimed to be representing the PDP, a development that infuriated Justice Agube.

The panel headed by Justice Ibrahim Saulawa (Acting Presiding Justice of the Calabar division of the Court of Appeal) adjourned all pending applications in the appeals to November 7 for hearing.

The panel adjourned to Monday despite requests by lawyers to the appellants, including Wole Olanipekun (SAN) and Ahmed Raji (SAN) that their preliminary applications be heard promptly in view of the urgency required by the matter.

Agip Makes Case for Indigenous Technology

ness, and 120, in Vendors Exhibition, Amby Uneze inOwerri Gas Closure and Opportunities EnNigeria Agip Exploration Limited gagement. and provision of electricity has stressed the need to develop to the Oguta Oil and Gas Park.

Insulla, added further that the indigenous technology to drive the oil and gas industry to boost local company would continue to partner with the host communities, adding content.

It was sequel to this that it is that it would diversify into other areas partnering with about 120 indigenous of capacity building development in Technology companies in the 27 the Small and Medium businesses Local Government Areas of Imo and community content.

He said for two days, officials and State to showcase "their capacities stakeholders would brainstorm in and capabilities development".

The Vice Chairman /Managing Owerri, the following skills in Director of the company, Massimo manufacturing, fabrication, marine Insulla, who made the disclosure vessels, environmental services, at the opening ceremony of the would be exposed to their contractors, company's Indigenous Technology preferring the way forward.

The Managing Director said apart Forum and Exhibition for its Deep Offshore indigenous contractors held from pioneering the JV Independent at the Imo Concorde Hotels, Owerri, Power Project (IPP), and construction disclosed that the company recently of the Power Plant in Opkai and organised training programme for 90 delivery of 480 MVA, into national contractors in Yenegoa, Bayelsa State, grid to stimulate economy and create another training for 60 in the same jobs, the company would continue to category on Succession Planning in play a leading role in the provision of water, health facilities, education, Asaba, Delta State, among others.

He said that about 360 had been sociasl infrastructure, employment , trained by the firm under its Vendors capacity building, skills acquisition, Development Programme, and 250, micro credits and green river projects, under the Vendors Upgrade Aware- among others.

Buhari, Osinbajo, Sanusi for Oshiomhole's Send-forth Colloquium

auction debuts...

From left: Abi Akingboye, chief executive officer, 3A Auction House Limited, Mrs. Ayeesa Akingboye, Bola Aruna and Adekunle Adebambo, all directors of the company at the official launch/unveiling of 3A Auction House as Nigeria's first general auction house at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos...recently

Saraki Warns against Politicising Senate Rejection of Buhari's $30bn Loan Tobi Soniyi in Abuja

Senate President, Bukola Saraki yesterday in Abuja said the rejection of President Muhammadu Buhari's request for a foreign loan plan of $30 billion should not be politicised.

Saraki spoke shortly after he joined the President for Jumat prayers at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Speaking with State House Correspondents, Saraki said, "I

came here to pray, I have finished praying and I just had a general felicitation with the President. It didn't go beyond that."

On the relationship with the executive regarding the loan, Saraki said, "we should not look at that as a reflection of the relationship.

"Don't let us politicise very important issues. Our relationship is work in progress and has nothing to do with loans”.

The Senate had on October 25 rejected the request for external

borrowing plan of $29.96 billion to finance infrastructural projects across the country between 2016 and 2018.

However, the Minister of information and Culture, Lai Mohammed had last Wednesday said that Buhari would re-present the request to the senate.

Mohammed, while briefing State House Correspondents on the outcome of the Federal Executive Council meeting, explained that the government would continue

to engage lawmakers on need for the loan.

According to him, the senators would approve the request when the government further engage them and make more details available.

“It is not unusual for the government and the Senate to have some disagreements, they want more information.

“We will continue to engage them. We will give them all the information they need", he said.

Techno Oil, CAKASSA Target 20 months to Complete Nigeria’s Largest LPG Terminal Ejiofor Alike

Techno Oil Limited and CAKASA Nigeria Limited yesterday in Lagos signed a deal for the construction of an automated Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), better known as cooking gas terminal to be completed in the next 20 months.

The 12,000-metric tonne capacity terminal to be financed by Access Bank Plc, will be the largest of its type in West Africa.

Speaking during the signing of the agreement for the project, the Managing Director of Techno Gas and Power, Mr. Collins Onyeama, said the facility being built at the

Kirikiri coastline at Apapa, to boost LPG storage in Nigeria, would be completed in November 2018.

He said that the project would be handled by CAKASA in partnership with a leading European firm that had handled similar facilities in Nigeria and other African countries.

Onyeama said Techno Oil Group embarked on the project to boost the efforts by the federal government to increase the consumption of LPG, which is currently about 400,000 metric tonnes yearly.

He said that suitability approval for the construction of the plant had been granted by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and

that necessary environmental impact assessments (EIAs) carried out.

Onyeama added that the company’s LPG cylinder manufacturing plant being built in Lagos would also be inaugurated in February 2017.

According to him, the company would commence the installation of 50 units of digital LPG skids at some filling stations next month to make more Nigerians to have easier access to LPG plants.

He argued that relevant agency of the federal government should drive the campaign to deepen the use of LPG by encouraging the switch from firewood and kerosene to cooking gas.

“This will reduce the phobia and improve public awareness that LPG is clean, safe and affordable and also expose the danger inherent in long use of firewood and kerosene,” Onyeama added.

He argued that although the use of cooking gas had increased by about 36.8 per cent in Nigeria in the past three years, over 90 per cent of households still relied on kerosene, firewood and other dangerous fossils for their energy sources.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of CAKASA, Mr. Yaro Balami, stated that his company had the capacity to build the plant.

The South-south Zone of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will tomorrow celebrate the outgoing Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, at a colloquium and send-forth dinner in honour of his achievements in office.

Dignitaries expected at the event include President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, all state governors as well as all ministers from the South-south zone.

The dual event, which is scheduled for the Best Western Home Ville Hotel in Benin City, is coming one week to the end of the two-term governor’s tenure.

According to a statement by the organising committee chaired by a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Chibudom Nwuche, Oshiomhole deserved accolades for his monumental achievements, which include massive construction of roads, rehabilitation and building of schools, provision of potable water, health facilities and employment generation.

The committee said the comrade governor’s achievements and lega-

cies in governance would remain indelible in Nigeria’s political history, adding that through his excellent and all-inclusive leadership style, Edo people are happy with the APC on account of the governor’s outstanding performance.

It said the electorate demonstrated this in the just concluded governorship election in the state when they voted massively for the APC candidate, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, who had emerged as successor to the comrade governor.

Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor and Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, will deliver the keynote address titled: ‘Well Done Worthy Servant.’

The 10-member organising committee includes a former Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly, Hon. Thomas Okosun, a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Robinson Uwak, Hon. Pat Ineme and Mrs. Awele Van Nwoko.

Others are Mr. Gabriel Etukudoh, who is the secretary, Dr. David Okon, Chief Ayiri Emami, Mr. Preye Aganaba and Mrs. Maureen Tamuno.

APC South-South Zone Formally Suspends Frank Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The Zonal Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has formerly suspended the Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Timi Frank from the party.

The committee also made a recommendation to the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party that Frank be expelled from the party.

Adopting the committee’s report on Friday at the party’s National Secretariat, Ntufam Hilliard Eta, the Zonal Vice Chairman (South South) of the party informed newsmen that Comrade Timi had been suspended from the party in line with article 1 (d) and (f) of the party’s constitution.

"After exhaustive deliberations the zone has arrived at the confirmation of the recommendations

for the disciplinary committee which is to suspend Timi Frank from the party.

“In furtherance of satisfying the provision of the constitution of the APC, I had to call for this emergency meeting of the zone and after very exhausting deliberation, the zone has arrived at the confirmation of the disciplinary committee’s report that one, Mr. Timi Frank be suspended from the party forthwith in line with article 1 (d) and (f), having been accepted by this house, Mr. Timi Frank hereby stands suspended by this party.

“Number two, this zonal committee shall recommend to the National Executive Committee for the expulsion of Timi Frank from this party in line with Article 21 D H (2 and 3) of our constitution.

“This is the resolution of the South South Zonal Executive Committee.

Hilliard said