Friday 9th December 2016

India Seeks to Import 11m Metric Tonnes of Nigerian Crude in 2017 Ejiofor Alike with agency reports

Barely one month after the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, negotiated a $15 billion crude-for-cash swap deal with India that would see the Indian government

making an upfront payment to Nigeria for crude purchases, Indian refiners have indicated interest in increasing Nigerian crude imports from nine million metric tonnes in 2016 (MMTPA) to 11 million metric tonnes in 2017.

By the terms of the deal,

which are yet to be agreed, the $15 billion would be repaid on the basis of firm term crude contracts over some years and in consideration for Indian public sector (PSU) companies collaborating in the refining sector.

Other methods of repayment

include: exploration and production activities on a government-to-government basis by Indian PSU companies, and long-term contracts for the supply of crude to Indian PSU companies from Nigeria.

Successful bidders for

Nigeria’s crude oil term lifting contracts for 2017 will emerge by the middle of this month.

Indian refiners such as Indian Oil Corp (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) currently have crude oil lifting

contracts for 2016 with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

However, NNPC’s Group Executive Director, Refineries, Anibor Kragha, told S&P Global Platts in an interview Continued on page 10

Senate Constitution Review Proposal Outlaws Joint Local Govt Account...

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Court Okays Suit Seeking Amaechi, Onu’s Arrest for Alleged Perversion of Justice Tobi Soniyi in Abuja

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted leave to a group, Kingdom Human Rights Foundation, to initiate proceeding for an order

to arrest the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, and his Science and Technology counterpart, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, over the recent allegations levelled against them by two justices

of the Supreme Court.

The plaintiff, in its substantive suit, asked the court to make an order of mandamus compelling the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Economic and

Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to “perform their statutory obligations” by immediately arresting and prosecuting the two ministers.

The group also sought an order of mandamus compelling

President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately sack both ministers “in the public interest and public morality” based on allegations of attempts to influence court decisions, as recently alleged by the two

justices of the Supreme Court.

Journalists yesterday in Abuja were served with copies of the enrolled order made by Justice Ahmed Continued on page 8

Rerun Polls: APC Unleashes Full Weight of Federal Might on Rivers

This is election of our lives, says Transport Minister State govt declares Ganduje persona non grata Illegal withdrawal of my CSO has put my life at risk, Wike tells IG Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt The national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) admitted yesterday that it came to Rivers State with the full complement of the federal might to ensure the success of the party in tomorrow’s federal and state legislative rerun elections in the state.

This came as the Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, described the polls as “the election of our lives” and called on APC members and supporters to defend themselves if attacked on Election Day. Addressing an APC mega campaign rally for the polls at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt yesterday, the National Chairman of the party, Chief John OdigieOyegun, declared that the party brought the federal might to Rivers State ahead of tomorrow’s polls.

No fewer than 10 state governors, ministers, members of the National Assembly and other party bigwigs attended the rally.

APC state governors that attended the rally included Continued on page 8

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NEW U.S. AMBASSADOR MAKES THE ROUNDS...

L-R: U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Stuart Symington; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; and US Consul General in Lagos, Mr. John Bray, when the new U.S. ambassador visited the governor at the Lagos House, Ikeja… yesterday

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2016 • T H I S D AY

PAGE EIGHT RERUN POLLS: APC UNLEASHES FULL WEIGHT OF FEDERAL MIGHT ON RIVERS Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Simon Lalong (Plateau) and Mohammed Abubakar (Bauchi).

Also present were Governors Samuel Ortom (Benue), Godwin Obaseki (Edo) and Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), as well as Ondo State Governor-elect, Rotimi Akeredolu, and his deputy, Hon. Ajayi.

Odigie-Oyegun said: “As you can see, we came in full force; the whole federal might is here. We have the governors here today. Our senators and other members of the National Assembly are here today. Our women leaders are here today to pass one message.

“That is because we respect you, our members in Rivers State. We respect the courage of our members in Rivers State; we are behind you. We want to let you know that we have heard your cries; we have seen your anguish.

“The message is simple: enough is enough, enough is enough. This is the beginning of the rescue mission in Rivers State.”

He stated that the situation of things in Rivers State had degenerated under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led administration and said the APC would come to the rescue of the people.

“We now have a bloodthirsty regime in Rivers State.

I am glad with what I am hearing: if they push you, push them. If they snatch a result sheet, snatch it back,” he said.

Also addressing the rally, Amaechi called on members of the APC not to allow members of the PDP to intimidate them during the rerun elections.

He said: “This is the election of our lives. Before, I used to tell you, please, don’t fight.

What I will tell you today is do not kill anybody but do not get killed. My friend in the army says if you hear the sound of a gun, it is not meant for you. The implication therefore is that if you allow them to shoot, you will die.

“It is not only them that have the right to life, you also have a right to life. I don’t want to hear that they shot me and took away result sheets.

If they take result sheets from you, collect it back from them.

You know I have never said anything like this before.”

Also speaking, the Chairman of the National Legislative Rerun Election Campaign Committee of the APC and Kano Governor, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, described Rivers State as the most corrupt in the country, adding that the APC was bent on changing the status.

“There is no peace in Rivers State. Peace is lacking, peace is dead. Rivers State is the centre, nucleus of corruption in Nigeria. That is why you have to vote APC candidates to apply the brakes to the drama that is taking place in the Rivers State Government House,” he said.

He also called on APC supporters to defend themselves during and after the elections.

But in a swift reaction, the Rivers State Government declared Ganduje persona non grata and called on the Inspector General of Police (IG) to remove him from the state.

The state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dr. Austin Tam-George, condemned Ganduje for inciting violence in Rivers State, during his speech at the APC campaign rally in Port Harcourt.

He said Ganduje had charged APC supporters to resort to violence during the rerun elections in Rivers State tomorrow, quoting him as saying: “If they shoot you, take cover and shoot them.”

The commissioner added: “This is a shameful and egregious invitation to violence by the Kano State governor.”

He called on the IG to immediately remove the Kano governor from Rivers State in order to forestall the breakdown of law and order in the state.

He also blamed Amaechi for importing thugs and Boko Haram fighters disguised as APC supporters to cause mayhem in Rivers State.

The commissioner urged the people of Rivers State to resist any acts of electoral fraud by the police, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and APC before, during and after the elections tomorrow.

28,000 Police Deployed for Polls Ahead of the elections, the IG,

Mr. Ibrahim Idris, announced an increase in the number of policemen deployed in Rivers State for the exercise to 28,000.

Idris, who made the announcement in Port Harcourt while addressing security agencies in the state, said a total of 28 gunboats had also been deployed to secure the waterways in the state, while 20 police dogs, and 26 units of riot police had also been deployed.

He further said that a total of 350 patrol vehicles to be manned by riot policemen and the Rapid Response Team (RRT) were being deployed with a medical team in the event of emergency and checkpoints to check the movement of arms and fake officers during the election.

Emphasising that the deployment of personnel and logistics were meant to ensure peaceful polls, the police chief called for the collaboration of all sister agencies to ensure that the police succeed tomorrow.

While stressing the restriction of movement in the state from Friday midnight, Idris said: “We are coming out with a lot of enforcement to support the Rivers State Police Command. We are deploying over 28,000 police officers.

“On that day, we have to dominate the waterways by all means. We are reinforcing operations with 28 gunboats, we are deploying 18 extra Armoured Personnel Carriers which are going to be used to dominate the whole environment so that people can conduct elections in a peaceful manner.

“Twenty police dogs, most of these dogs will be stationed at the collation centres, both at the local government and state levels, to ensure that we protect INEC offices in each of the areas.”

He further stated that the three senatorial zones would be manned by a Police Commissioner each, while the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of Operations would be in charge of the whole operations in the state.

Idris, who warned police officers not to move out of their areas of operations, said to check abuse of the police force, all officers attached to politicians would be withdrawn and kept as

reserves.

He said: “No politician will go to the polling units with any police officer. Nobody should be allowed to carry money in his car, nobody should be allowed to move with arms.”

He also expressed regrets that politicians had brought the image of the police to disrepute.

He called on the people of Rivers State and all security agencies to ensure that the elections are concluded.

Speaking earlier, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Francis Odesanya, stated that Rivers State has a history of electoral crises, but quickly added that the police was doing all within its powers to ensure successful elections tomorrow.

Odesanya thanked Idris for the visit and the provision of massive logistics for the command to aid its operations on Election Day. Speaking on behalf of other security agencies, the Commander, 2 Brigade, Port Harcourt, Brigadier General Hamisu Hassan, assured the people of the preparedness of the security agencies towards a successful electoral exercise.

PDP Levels More Accusations However, the state chapter of the PDP again said it had uncovered plans by the APC and INEC, with the connivance of security agencies, to hijack and swap the original result sheets for fake ones during the elections.

The PDP, in a statement by its Chairman, Felix Obuah, and signed by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Jerry Needam, said the agreement was sealed in a secret meeting between the state leadership of the APC, security agents, and the electoral body at the residence of unnamed APC chieftains in Port Harcourt.

The statement claimed that no decision was reached at their first meeting owing to INEC’s insistence on the involvement of security agents to perfect the deal.

Elaborating on the alleged plot, the statement further said that certain persons hired and equipped for the assignment would cause a crisis in each of the collation centres to

Meanwhile, the Rivers State governor has told the IG that the surreptitious withdrawal of his chief security office (CSO) has exposed his life to danger.

He also asked the IG to transfer the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Steven Hasso, and the Commander of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Akin Fakorede, for deliberately compromising the security of Rivers State for partisan reasons.

Speaking when he granted Idris audience yesterday at the Government House, Port Harcourt, Wike expressed regret that without consultation, the IG took sides with an overtly partisan Assistant Commissioner of

Police, who attempted to invade Government House with APC supporters.

The governor said he was shocked by the inaccurate statement released by the office of the IG that his CSO was withdrawn for misconduct.

He informed the IG that contrary to his claim that his CSO was withdrawn for misconduct, his police aide had only stopped Hasso and an APC hired crowd from invading Government House, Port Harcourt.

“The moment you touch my CSO, you are telling me that you are ready for me.

As I sit, I am left bare, I have no protection.

“When people start to embarrass the governor, take his CSO without information, it is completely wrong. What you have done is the highest disrespect to the office of the governor.

“I am pleading with you, my life is very important. I will take any CSO you bring to me that I don’t know? This is a matter of security and protection, it is not what you do with levity,” he said.

The governor advised the IG against politicising the security of the rerun elections, because after the polls there would still be governance.

He told the Police High Command that the people of Rivers State would support an unbiased police force, but warned that the people would resist any attempt to use the security agencies for untoward electoral acts.

He said: “If the police want free and fair elections, the police will get free and fair elections.”

Wike also berated the police for declaring a statewide curfew without consultation with the Rivers State Security Council.

He reminded the IG that he had written several letters to his office without getting a response. He informed him that the state SARS Commander, Mr. Akin Fakorede, should be redeployed for distributing SARS uniforms to APC thugs.

Earlier, the IG said that he was in the state to ensure that the elections are peaceful.

He urged the people of Rivers State to support the security agencies to deliver peaceful polls.

arrest, investigation and prosecution by the third and fourth defendants (DSS and EFCC)”.

The group also alleged that the allegations were weighty enough “to warrant their removal from office without delay by the fifth defendant (Buhari), who was also accused to have sent the first defendant (Amaechi) on the mission to ensure that the All Progressives Congress wins all their governorship election cases at all cost and by all means”.

It asked the court to declare that the failure of the president to sack Amaechi and Onu “is grievous enough to conclude that President Buhari’s fight against corruption is a window-dressing, witchhunt, selective, high-handed, vindictive, malicious and prosecuted with gross disregard for the rule of law”.

It therefore sought an order

of mandamus compelling the DSS and EFCC “to immediately and without further delay whatsoever, arrest, investigate and prosecute the first and second defendants (Amaechi and Onu), based on the allegations of corruption and attempts to induce or bribe the Justices of the Supreme Court”.

It also sought another order of mandamus compelling Buhari “to immediately and without any further delay whatsoever sack or cause the first and second defendants to resign from offices as Minister of Transportation and Minister of Science and Technology on the grounds of the public interest, public morality and to enable the third and fourth defendants (DSS and EFCC) speedily carry out their statutory responsibility of arresting and prosecuting the first and second defendants”.

enable the security agents to come in under the pretext of calming the situation and while the melee lasts, the fake INEC result sheets would be substituted for the genuine ones.

Based on the allegations, Obuah warned against any attempts by the APC, INEC officials and security personnel to scuttle this last opportunity to settle outstanding election issues in the state by taking sides and, or indulging in any act(s) that would cause a crisis in the state.

According to him, all PDP agents had been asked to be peaceful, law-abiding, but must insist that the right thing is done and never to be intimidated by anybody.

“Let me restate that we are ready for the elections having campaigned adequately, and demonstrated that we have all that it takes to give our people quality leadership through Governor Nyesom Wike’s landmark achievements in one and a half years which our good people of Rivers State have seen and acknowledged and are willing to reciprocate by filing out in their numbers on Saturday to confirm.

“We will not therefore take it kindly with any act, overtly or covertly, aimed at ridiculing Saturday’s exercise,” he said.

He enjoined INEC and the security agencies to caution their personnel to allow peace reign in Rivers State by being fair and unbiased during the elections.

Wike Slams IG

COURT OKAYS SUIT SEEKING AMAECHI, ONU’S ARREST FOR ALLEGED PERVERSION OF JUSTICE Mohammed granting leave to the plaintiff to go ahead with the suit. The order was granted on December 1.

The former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed, was said to have informed the president of the attempts by his ministers to influence the course of justice in the election petitions pertaining to the Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Abia, Ekiti and Ebonyi State governorship elections held between 2014 and 2015.

Justices Sylvester Ngwuta and Inyang Okoro, both of the Supreme Court, had accused Amaechi and Onu of attempting to influence the Supreme Court decisions in some election cases between 2015 and 2016.

Ngwuta and Okoro levelled the allegations against Amaechi and Onu in separate letters addressed to Justice Mohammed in his capacity as the CJN,

after they were arrested by the DSS on allegations of corruption between October 7 and 8.

The justices had alleged that the DSS descended on them after they refused to perverse the course of justice on behalf of Buhari’s ministers.

Weighty as the allegations were, the president neglected to act on them.

Ngwuta had in his letter alleged that Amaechi delivered to him a purported instruction from Buhari asking him to help to sway the judgments of the Supreme Court on the Ekiti and Rivers States governorship elections in favour of their party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Supreme Court justice, who is now being prosecuted by the federal government on charges of corruption, also alleged that Onu sought his

help to influence the decision of the Court of Appeal in favour of the Labour Party candidate in the last year’s governorship election in Ebonyi State.

Okoro, on his part, also claimed that Amaechi told him that the president and the APC mandated him to inform him (Okoro) that they must win the governorship election appeals in Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Abia States at all cost.

Based on the allegations, the plaintiff on October 31 filed the suit through its counsel, Mr. Okere Kingdom, seeking various orders compelling Buhari to sack the ministers and also directing the EFCC and DSS to arrest and prosecute them.

Joined in the suit as defendants are Amaechi, Onu, the DSS, EFCC and Buhari.

After granting the plaintiff leave, the judge directed that

“the originating summons, affidavit in support and the motion ex parte dated October 10, and any other processes filed in the suit shall be served on all the defendants”.

Justice Mohammed fixed December 15 for mention and ordered that fresh hearing notices be served on all the defendants.

The originating summons was filed pursuant to the provisions of the Security Agencies Act and Section 6 of the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004, as Order 3, Rule 9 and Order 34, Rule 34 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2009.

The plaintiff, in the originating summons, stated that “the allegations made against the first and second defendants (Amaechi and Onu) by the two Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria were grievous enough to warrant their

T H I S D AY FRIDAY DECEMBER 9, 2016

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2016

STARTERS

Body of Dead Youth Corps Member NEWS to be Exhumed for Autopsy

Two-Minute Briefing Senate Constitution Review Proposal Outlaws Joint Local Govt Account A Senate’s fresh amendment proposal to the 1999 Constitution has abolished the joint state and local governments account and also limits the period within which the presidency can draw money from federation account before budget passage from six to three months.

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FRIDAY, DECEMB

NEWS ER 9, 2016

• T H I S D AY

Senate Cons Outlaws Joi titution Review Propos nt Local Govt al Reduces FG’s power to draw Account unappropriate d funds from six to Email davids

on.iriekpen@t

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News Editor Davidson Iriekpe hisdaylive.co n m, 0811181308 1

Omololu Ogunmade

in Abuja the amended A Senate’s defined the section clearly executive fresh amendmen fund for proposal to the and consequen t state governmen the tly Sections has abolished 1999 Constitution described t, which he give the legislature sufficient 134 (4) the joint state local governmen (5) and 225 had & (5), 179 (4) & when and generated as an “internally time to scrutinise the budget. no clear winner been amended On political also limits the ts account and a portion revenue from which emerges from the original parties and to provide for 21 days period within electoral matters, shall be paid Another for which the presidency conduct of into the local governmen amendmen he said presidential the a view to givingelection with empowers can draw t money from governorship and t allocation federation account account.” run-off elections sufficient time to INEC the political INEC to de-register before budget plan for the parties which election.

He also said passage from fail to to three months.

Section 162 six of the Constitution Cont’d on Making this had been Pg 58 disclosure amended with a proposal while presenting “provide to of the Senate the report 50 per for national savings of on Constitutio Committee the cent of oil revenues above bench mark for a particular the chamber, n Review to year President, Ike Deputy Senate non- and 10 per cent of any oil revenue Ekweremadu, said the committee paid into the Federation Account; adopted a proposal had also other percentage not Or such to create the seat of a mayor less than that Capital Territoryfor the Federal as theprovided in this section National Assembly Ekweremadu (FCT). may also disclosed determine in the Appropriat that Section 7 ion of the constitution Act of a particular had been amended year.”

The draft to provide for a uniform amendmen also provides that “any sucht for all elected three-year tenure savings local governmen as officials, pointing t section will stipulated in this be distributed “local governmen out that accordance in democratically ts without a revenue with the prevailing sharing shall not be elected council and in accordance formula revenue from entitled to any provisions with the the Federation of Account.” provided that the constitution He said the not be that the savings shall Sections designed to amendment was 122 of the Constitutio 82 and ensure effective service delivery n amended were and as well to reduce the rescue local period L-R: within which the president Chairman, Senate from strangulatigovernments a governor on by state Committee may authorise or Micah Gayja (rtd); governmen on withdrawal ts. of monies from the for the 2017 ArmedSenate President Army, Senator George He explained the President Forces Remembr, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Akume; National further that Consolidated Revenue the draft amendmen President of , Senator Fund Saraki; leader the absence of ance the Nigerian t makes an appropriati in in Abuja....yesterday.Ike Ekweremadu, whenDay celebration, Brigadier of the delegation it mandatory Legion, Captian on for monies meant act from six months the team decorated of the General for local governmen to three months.” the senators Garba Sani Abdullahi Planning Committee t councils to be paid ; and Deputy with the 2017 He directly Senate Remembrance respective accounts. into their this further explained that Day emblem amendmen t was meant Ekweremadu also said to compel early presentatio of budget proposal by n the Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja order paper) and removed.

The Senate Senate is normally The yesterday failed screen the acting to guided by is the day for the confirmatio Chairman of the time frame of the hearing of his Economic and work. We appointment.”n Amoke Oladepo, agreed that Financial who died in In today Crimes another developme Commission Kano NYSC (yesterday) George Okoh (EFCC), Ibrahim would be the apparently nt, Miss Elechi Orientation Camp; in Makurdi Magu. confirmatio dissatisfied hearing for Chiyerom who under the National with the EFCC actingn President Muhamma The parliament died Benue State Chairman, du Buhari’s in Bayelsa State Orientation Chief John Odigie-Oye order for said it had Chairman, Magu, but yesterday, Governor, opted Camp an to Samuel Ortom, postpone we received Dr governor gun. into the death investigation 2016 both on November 29, a lot of calls also believes The till December 15, the screening senators and Mr. Ukeme allegation that has denied the the from member, of a corps in observance that who leadership who died in he, along with Zamfara State Ifedolapo Oladepo, other governors provided by of the requests of some who believe are away and orientation Orientation Camp that they members of its of 16 states President Muhammadu camp in Kano, in on Thursday, 1St are involved Buhari yesterday who were absent participate and that want to Senate yesterday is what the “The Senate December, 2016. it is unfair a mega party in a plan to float overcomethe country needs mandated its Committee on to their desirebut had expressed for us to fix today when the current challenges that the death is deeply worried Youths and Sports from the rulingto rescue power and know they we to be part of is committed All Progressive is becoming of corps members the we look are not around. When to again commence investigation Congress (APC) to supporting screening exercise. s a recurrent decimal into the matter. at the demands in the 2019 Mr. President to succeed.” in almost all NYSC Deputy Senate election. and President, Ike the number, we felt He said the Camps across Oladepo died Ekweremadu, it would be wrong for in mysterious the country.

In a statement had on Wednesday applauding whole world was during us to proceed, circumstances following “The Senate President Buhari Secretary, Mr. by his Press for the plenary, is disturbed allegation that announced disregarding those calls. his an experienced that the governor Terver Akase, integrityanti-corruption crusade, that the acting Chairman she “Then, we said was medical personnel and discipline, EFCC would let us put it proper medical attentiondenied are practically of was not part stated that he that adding yesterday, non-existent by the be screened against Tuesday authorities of of such plan. what the in all National Youth our orientation camps In the statement, almost six months Again, we became (next week. Service president deserves across the governor stated to whether Mondaytoo unsure as camp. Corps (NYSC) in the country as fresh doctors the Nigerians is support from after his letter of confirmatio was sent to have not garnered and not who or n will be standard bearer that as the the Senate. declared public Tuesday any experience The governor distraction.

The of the APC are the However, Magu holiday federalSenate also called on who was popularly APC has brought said: “The at the had arrived by the federal governmen the treatmentsones administering governmen elected change Senate wing by the people real positive to the corps of National respect of the impending t in the deploymen t to ensure of the state in all ramificatio Assembly hoping members is still enjoying Malud t of essential and Eidwith health maximum the life of the country, ns of be screened but that he would now holiday. We said it is medical facilities and experienced challenges. support of so I do having even more not foresee had to leave, the people any other political convenient medical personnel to “The Senate as he party continues his hope on Wednesday handle such facilities. to is . The for yesterday and aspiration going It also observed that medical facilities worried governance. deliver good what coming to do half unfulfilled. to present the President is a minute of the governme at most orientation Addressing silence 2017 budget He noted journalists after before the National the late corps in honour of be desired camps leaves a lot that for these great party APC nt of our yesterday’s to reasons, he could member and the assumption Assembly graduated is already as one of the plenary, the Deputy deceased, not have been doing. Nigerians know Leader of the is that more with a first who Ifedolapo, called involved in than 80 percent Senate, it home that degree. is class easier any Bala five of the Na’Allah, denied clandestin to her death hours Ibn to destroy than plot to launch and told her an observation will be in attendance senators to by journalists Moving a another politicale build. President Muhamma sister, Mrs. Oyeyode older on that day. party.

If 80 percent that the Buhari is matter, Senate motion on the (a nurse) Abimbola rebuilding du of Magu’s screeningcancellation there and of the senators are Whip, Professor Ortom said he to start Olusola Adeyeye, the meditated they was predid not at any country and I stand Kano orientation coming to her time attend any the confirmatio are aware that the because it lamented solidly with camp alleging unfortunate n hearing is didn’t next the formation meeting where to him and will continue appear at all on Senate’s the the corps passage of poor care at the NYSC day which support him.” paper yesterday. order camp.

“The Senate member mega party of the said new “It means thatis Thursday. of her counterpar and two that is The governor was He insisted that the an orientation concerned said he should He added that discussed. ts in similar therefore it was a subtle somebody going to say idea of circumstances camp that houses that discussed such he had neither further be excluded from any protest by his colleagues in leadership of the Senate had the Zamfara States. Bayelsa and corps over three thousand an idea with were not available discussion who anyone nor members cannot or news report regarding yesterday that changed him from askingshort given it a thought.

Adeyeye prompted boast “Ortom is a the governmen lamented that if the of modern facilities party, adding the new mega disclosing the postponement, question he wants loyal to for cater member to ask t had chosen that he was the needs the APC and not be there. of with the that to call members of corps is in full support We agreed will youngsters to serve, selfless service busy had been chosenDecember 15 leadership of the leadership while it was its to state at the as the new meeting that at the responsibility the mandator undergoing moment and the date for the screening. of party to protect them let put it against not need any does Thursday. We us instead of wasting programm y orientation Na’Allah said: distraction have souls e.”

“Let me correct since written an official . like Oladepo. promising it. In fact, it The motion to the acting letter was listed (on was supported He said: “The chairman, giving the him that Senate notes by senators who lamented with sadness Thursday unfailingly negligence the death of

by NYSC corps members, three Miss Ifedolapo and called for a total officials overhaul of the scheme.

EDITORIAL As Rivers People Vote Again...

Less than 24 hours to the National Assembly rerun elections in Rivers, both Governor NyesonWike and hiss bothGovernorNyesonW keandh immediate predecessor and current mmed atepredecessorandcurrent Transport Minister, Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi have conspired to put the state on tenterhook in an election which neither of them issaa e ect on innwh chne therofthem candidate. Page 15

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POLITICS Oshiomhole’s Last Day in Office

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• FRIDAY, DECEMB

ER 9, 2016

POLITICS If there is anything that is constant, it is the fact that in every sphere of life, Osh omho e s Las there must be change. Change on its own can come in different ways. It I could be through movement, transition or transformation.Whichever way, chenge must occur.This in local parlance, signposts the saying that "soldier comes, soldier goes, the barracks remains"... Page 17 PERSON

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Group Politic s Editor Olawa le Olaleye Email wale.o laleye@thisda ylive.com 0811675981 9 SMS ONLY

ALITY F OCUS

Day n O fic e

Former Edo State Governor, session on his Adams Oshi omhole, held writes Adib final day in office. It was a valedictor e Emenyon an emotiona y executive u, who witn l f there is anything essed the sessi moment deserving of the council that is constant, is the fact that it in every sphere initiative, on there must of life,

be own can comechange. Change on its could be though in different ways.

It movemen or transforma tion. Whichever t, transition must occur. way, change This, in local the saying that parlance, signposts “soldier comes, barrack remains”. soldier goes, the In other words, ever remained constant according nothing has the Greek philosoph to Heraclitus, er of Yore.

On November 11, 2008, retrieved is mandate to Adams Oshiomhole become the of Edo State governor after 18 months the tribunal of legal battle and Court of at down the saddle, Appeal. Eight years it is time to and pave the quit the stage way for a worthy In accordanc e with this axiom, successor. general by virtue of the struggle the people’s movement, in the which led as President, he was privileged labour to have decided to his cabinet call members to of by reason of say though we are not as members death, it is time to say leaving goodbye of It was a sessionEdo State Executive Council. full of emotions as Oshiomho and nostalgia le presided Executive Council over his last State. At a stage, meeting as Governor State down in tears the outgone governor of Edo broke when he was aides and Deputy addressing his Governor, Dr. Two things, Pius Odubu. his bursting as was later learnt, precipitate into tears. One d his first wife, Clara, who was the absence of of his first term and the died before the end Private Principal death of his former Secretary, Olaitan Oye

WEEKENDFILE Survivors Surv vors of 21St Century S Slavery avery inn

Oladepo Tob Son y n Abu a The rema ns of M ss Ifedo apo O adepo a Nat ona Youth Serv ce Corps (NYSC) member n Kano State wou d have to be exhumed for autopsy n ne w th Pres dent Muhammadu Buhar s d rect ve for an ndependent nvest gat on nto her death M n ster of Youths and Sports So omon Da ung who d sc osed th s yesterday n Abu a n an nterv ew w th State House correspondents sa d a though the NYSC had carr ed out ts nvest gat on the pres dent s d rect ve superseded the ear er nvest gat on He sa d though the report g ven by the NYSC was norma and natura

the nvest gat on ordered by Buhar on Wednesday wou d requ re an autopsy of the ate corps member who had a ready been bur ed “After the nvest gat on they must present the r own report on what has happened But n v ew of the fact that there are many vers ons of what ed to the death of the NYSC member t wou d be fa r to ook at another vers on of what happened to be sure of what actua y transp red “It doesn t have to do w th not trust ng the process but t s meant to gauge the report a ongs de another op n on Then we w be ab e to te N ger ans that these were the c rcumstances that ed to her death “Don t forget that the report of

the NYSC has no autopsy and an ndependent nvest gat on w requ re an autopsy and now the autopsy a ongs de the report w ba ance t out and fort fy the conc us on that the government w make ” Buhar on Wednesday ordered an ndependent nvest gat on nto O adepo s death Pr or to the d rect ve the NYSC sa d ts nvest gat on nto her death showed that she d ed from an untreated ur nary tract nfect on The pres dent sa d the nvest gat on shou d unrave the true c rcumstances of her death He a so comm serated w th the fam es of the three NYSC members who ost the r ves recent y dur ng the 2016 Batch B or entat on programme n three states

INDIA SEEKS TO IMPORT 11M METRIC TONNES OF NIGERIAN CRUDE IN 2017 on the s de nes of the Petrotech conference n New De h on Monday that the Ind an state-run refiners were push ng for an ncrease n crude o a ocat ons from N ger a “Three Ind an compan es sa d that they were ook ng for a comb ned tota of 11 m on metr c tonnes n 2017 from n ne m on mt th s year ” Kragha sa d About seven barre s of crude make one metr c ton “Now what they w get s a ba ance between term contracts and (spot) sa es contracts ” he added “We ust came out of a meet ng w th key Ind an o compan es and they are push ng to get ncrementa a ocat ons for the term contracts We exp a ned to them that there needs to be a ba ance “Once N ger an output recovers t w ncreas ng y ook towards Ind a as the ma or buyer of ts crude Ind an demand s very pos t ve for us A v brant Ind an economy s good for us ” Kragha exp a ned Under the crude term contracts N ger a exports around 1 17 m on

bpd of N ger an crude out of the 2 2 m on bpd product on that s so d by contract ho ders to end-users refiners and other buyers The country s product on dropped n recent months to a 20-year ow as a resu t of renewed m tancy n the N ger De ta However Kach kwu a so to d ourna sts on the s de nes of the New De h conference that the tota product on was around 1 9 m on bpd nc ud ng 300 000 bpd of condensates Kragha sa d negot at ons were ongo ng and that f the dea s successfu and N ger an output recovers the country wou d “ ncreas ng y ook towards Ind a” as the ma or buyer of ts crude “Ind an demand s very pos t ve for us A v brant Ind an economy s good for us ” he added In 2015-16 Ind a mported near y 23 7 m on metr c tonnes of crude (near y 12 per cent of Ind a s overa mports) and over 2MMTPA of LNG from N ger a Fo ow ng the $15 b on negot at on the two countr es agreed to work on

a Memorandum of Understand ng (MoU) to fac tate nvestments by Ind a n the N ger an o and gas sector spec fica y n areas such as the term contracts part c pat on of Ind an compan es n the refin ng sector o and gas market ng upstream ventures the deve opment of gas nfrastructure and n the tra n ng of o and gas personne n N ger a The MoU s expected to be f rmed up th s month dur ng PETROTECH-2016 Accord ng to a source from an Ind an refiner “N ger an crude s a must have for most of our refiner es espec a y the o der ones wh ch have been des gned to run ght sweet crude “Desp te a the m tancy ssues we st buy N ger an crude as our refiner es need t We w cont nue to buy N ger an crude but we want them to supp y us w th more ” he sa d Ind a wh ch s one of the wor d s fastest grow ng econom es has seen ts gaso ne and gaso demand c mb sharp y over the past few years Th s has encouraged Ind an ref ner es to buy more N ger an crude

artistic Splendour Although Nyemike Onwuka’s exhibition, Exodus’ he held recentlyy exh b t on ttitled t ed ‘Exodus drecent at the Signature Art Gallery, Awolowo attheS gnatureArtGa eryAwo owo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, bas basically examined Road koy Lagos ca yexam ned the experience of victims of the 21st theexper enceofv ct msofthe21st century slavery and the effect of these experiences on the survivors, theseexper encesonthesurv vors it further exposed viewers to drawings... Page 27

BUSINESS UN Report: Africa Lost $580bn in Six

WEEKEND FILE

T H I S D AY

SURV VORS OF

• FRIDAY, DECEM

NTURY S AV ST BUCE SITN ESCSWORL ERY N AR ST DUR SP ENDO BER 9, 2016

Years to Gender Inequality The pervasive gender gap in economic activities is constrain- ing the African continent from achieving its full economic potential, averaging a loss of about $95 billion annually or $580 UN Report: Africa Lost $580bn in Si billion in sub-Saharan Africa since Inequality x Years to Gender 2010. Page 19 R A T E S NIBOR

OVERNIGHT 1-MONTH

A S

9.6667% 17.874%

NIBOR

A T

3-MONTH

6-MONTH

19.539% 20.8243%

Group Busine

H 2-MONTH 3-MONTH

18.0333% 18.6745% 16.2693%

CONGRATU LATIONS

CITYSTRINGS Celebrating the Obosi Culture

in Abuja

2 0 1 6

3-MONTH 6-MONTH 12-MONTH

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

18.7836% 119.3948% 22.4006%

Quick Takes

Air Fares to

SVP Operation s, iSON BPO Provider Company International Limited, Mr. of the year ATPN award night, in Lagos…reto iSON BPO InternatioManoj Mudgal (right); receiving nal from the cently Chairman, Africa the ATPN Best Call Center Managem ICT Alliance, Dr. Jimson Olufuye, ent Solution Service during the presentat ion of

Ndubuisi Francis

19

ss Email chika.a Editor Chika Aman ze-Nwachuk manzenwach u ukwu@ 0805716132 thisdaylive.com 1, 0803329415 7

D E C E M B E NITTY R 6 , 1-MONT

Remai

It has been projected n Flat in 2017 that there air transport patronage that would not be significan According to t change in airwise.com, could cause upheaval next year remains in the outlook for business fares. subdued and according to travel over airfares will a remain broadly the The forecast new report. static

by American said the geopolitic Express Global Business Travel al landscape are causing and increased (GBT) global economic security concerns The slowing uncertainty.

Chinese Union and security economy, the UK’ s vote to leave concerns to the uncertain the European in many countries have contribut In the United ty, the report says. ed States, airline between low overcapacity environment cost and legacy carriers and strong competiti on percent and with US short-haul ticketare creating a lower fare long-haul by prices forecast The forecast 1.5 to fall 3 for Canada percent in 2017. is a 3.8 percent percent for long-haul. drop for short-hau l and 3 Ethiop

ian

Africa’s largest Airlines Receiv Airline Group, es it has won Airline Ethiopian AirlinesAward has announce African Airlines of the Year Award, for d that the Assembly held Association (AFRAA) duringfifth year in a row, by the its 48th Annual The AFRAA on November 21, 2016, General annual awards in Victoria innovation and recognise excellence Falls, Zimbabw e. in service delivery, providers in competitiveness in airlines, the Ethiopian has African aviation industry. individuals and service performance, been applauded for technological its efficient fleet, leadership and outstanding financial significantly exemplary cooperation investment in modern fuel expanding route with other African cargo operation network in carriers, huge investmen s with the largest cargoAfrica and beyond, growing fleet t in MRO and Aviation. training facilities on the continent and to support the While receiving African GebreMariam, the award, Ethiopian Group remarked, “We by fellow sisterly are highly honored CEO, Mr. Tewolde for this award underscor airlines in Africa, for the fifth consecuti recognition es the continuou employees ve year.The s efforts who expectations. are striving day and and hard work of Ethiopian night giving us the Ethiopian is also grateful to surpass customer opportunity in great numbers, to serve them, to its loyal customers s’ for in turn, assisted for their continued for travelling on Ethiopian feedback us in enhancing He added: “Although the airline’s and support which, service excellenc growth,thisgrowth Africa is registerin e. g rapid economic isprimarily like to remind and travel fellow African benefitingnon-African very strong future carriers.Iwould Airlines that only if, we Africanswith vigorous fundamen African aviation holds a tals for aviation to available internal look inwards in the thrive, continent resources to partnerships create synergy to leverage on the in areas of training, through collaborat Most of all, realizing technical and ive managem one single unified for African airlines market without ent support. is no more an any restriction option.”

The pervasive ECON OMY gender gap Such steps economic activities in include addressis constraining the contradic ing the African continent from $95 billion annually, legal provision tion between country’s achieving peaking at $105 billion its full economic s and practice human in gender potential, averagin in 2014– or per cent of laws; breaking index by 0.75 development g a loss per cent. the region’s six down harmful about $95 The report billion annually of domestic product gross and social norms further observed $580 billion transform or (GDP). that According tory institutioning discrimina- only African women achieve to Africa since in sub-Saharan is al settings; 87 per cent jeopardising the report, this securing 2010. and developm of the human the continent This was contained efforts ’s social and women’s economic Africa Human in the human at achieving inclusive , and hold ent outcomes of men, political Developm 66 per cent The report participation. in the Report 2016 ent economic development and just non-agriculturalof all jobs deeply-rooted posited that sector growth.

United Nations released by the informal The 176-page but only Development structura obstacles Programme was released report, which distributio including unequall for each dollar make 70 cents (UNDP). made by men.

The report, n of resources, It also UNDP countryin Abuja by the and “Acceleratingwhich focused on the wealth, combinedpower between stated that only office, analysed seven and Air Freigh social institutio with cent and Women Gender Equality socialpolitical, economic 30 per of ns and ‘s all Empowe and drivers that private African carriers’ t in Africa Rises that sustain norms a in Africa”, rment the hamper female manager firms have inequality advancem observed compared to freight demand increased By 7.4% holding African gender inequalit are ent of . that the This year’s by 7.4% in October women, y is costing women and proposed African the rest of 24.7% on the same month last year. report on gender sub-Saharan 2016 the continent and equality reviewed However, capacity back policies Africa an average and concrete Airlines. Internatio of long-haul expansion , back. efforts Accordin the ongoing the gender actions to close estimated g to the report, , in particular surged by nal freight of African October, but gap.

by Ethiopian an accelerat countries to 42 1 per cent still remained demand for African airlines e the pace increase This was contained in gender inequality robust at 7.7% slowed in of assurreduces a Transport Associatio in the data released year-on-year. by the Internatio n (IATA) for global Continued 2016 showing on page 20 nal Air air (FTKs), rose that demand, measured freight markets in October 8.2% in freight tonne pace of growth year-on-year in October. kilometers available freightseen in 18 months. Freight T This the fastest Eromosele H I Swas D AY • FRIDAY, DECEMB Abiodun the same period. tonne kilometers (AFTKs),capacity, measured in ER 9, 2016 increased “Global The organised 3.6% over air freight MARIT IME Demand is growingmarkets look set said has been operators have private sector to end 2016 Acting at its fastest be seen how on a high note. importers and scaring potential Featur the present again attributed som pace in long this growth President es 18 months. exporters away Editor Charle Wike and peak period of PHCCIM It remains enced in the dilemma experi- stakehold trend will endure other critical from the state, while and to s Ajunwa A, Email other ports Dr Emi Membere after the year-end But there are we still face outside the ers in the charle across the various sea ports and Otaji, his maritime s.ajunw some encouragiheadwind region are s from weak country, especially organised a@thisdayli fairly the remark, undersco in global trade. the Rivers ng signs. private sector benchmarked in came red economic State port, ve.com rates. importance “We deliberate to the 4th to this consensus at stifling policies of the of Port are happy that the likes resuscitating the Quarter Council the federal sea ports in Harcourt Chamber Rivers state.

Meeting government. of of the NACCIM Commerc of Officials of A He said: “We When we were the National the Port Harcourt hosted by seriously e and NACCIMA are must Association Heritage make Port Chamber engaged in Harcourt ports Bank, we were Commerce advocacy in Port Harcourtof to ensure that at peace. We work so that Commerce, of Chamber of were small everythin a Speaking and AgricultuIndustry, Mines dinner, at the banquet. fected; I want to change is ef- to Lagos. g will not gravitate nobody and we threatened assure you re, (NACCIM that interfacin PHCCIMA has been Port Harcourt A), resented Wike, who was rep- the Rivers State Governm g with key Chamber Commerce stakeholdof Ipalibo by his deputy, Dr. Mrs. committed to partnerin ent is ers and we will strive g with ensure and AgricultuIndustry Mines shock Harry Banigo expressed you to achieve this objective our first love further to why ports Rivers State re (PHCCIMA), are , shipping in the area we also promised Governor, unfairly singled to exploit is reinvented as envisione the potential Nye- astronom our finding d by ical charges out for reviving the s of the ports in fathers.” which, he On his part, the governor state economy,” Managing Director/Ch NACCIMA said. ief Executive Officer

NACCIMA, Activities at PHCCIMA Blame FG’s Policies Ports for Epileptic

The Obiora Festival is one that follows the Iwa ji (new yam) festival of the Obosi people where the former Minister of Aviation hails from.The monarch of the community cuts the yam on a set date, and all the titled T men of the community would be expected to hold small ceremonies to mark the festival... Page 42

CITYSTRING S Celebrating

the Obosi Cu lture

Former Avia tion the Obiora festiv Minister, Osita Chid oka, recently could maximis al in Obosi, Anambra invited Dav State id-C e the numerou s festivals that, where he set a template hyddy Eleke to for how the abound to gene state rate revenue Mr. Ifie Sekibo

Chidoka slicing

Continued on page 20

the tubers of

of Heritage Bank

Plc

yam

he Obiora Festival Members of the Otu Odu the Iwa ji (new is one that follows women in their colourful attire the Obosi people yam) festival of during the new where the former Minister of Aviation yam festival hails from. The monarch of prominently the communi at the ceremony the yam on Araba and Ajugwu a set date, and ty cuts titled men of included the musical groups, the Igba great masquerad to hold small community would be all the as well as expected es like the Ajo ceremonies head flames in their respective to mark Ofia, from of fire were homes. Chidokathe festival who has a chieftaincy oozing out. whose man in Obosi Chidoka is communi of Obosi), maintaine title of Ike Obosi ty, and when a titled his, it turned (strength out d that since is our identity, used to teach as a huge ceremony, he held which he we must always our culture how the people’s improve on be used to preserve culture could it, irrespectiv generate revenue. religious e of how educatedand The event started we think we or are because him, “If we lagers and dignitarieslike a small one, according to allow our culture and vilalike trickled death, then entire arena to die we shall be in until the of wallowing in a natural like sheep without compound wasthe former minister’s the desert expansive shepherd. I whole idea of what was neededfilled to capacity. As if think that the that was for the event that we are culture and tourism is something masquerades to be kick started, taking for granted The state governme build surged of all sizes, shapes, height in the into the compound and nt should workSouth-east. establishing was in full and the event that event as towards swing a our culture.

If the colourful then.

Tourism is a significant portion of critical factor society and the event colour, display by masquerad the society itself to every to offer something nailed it. The then the entry of Chidokaes gave needs to improve finally looking former suave, debonair and The celebration valuable to the tourists.” youthful turned into with groups dressing, but FRSC boss jettisoned his a political and stakehold colourful event, appeared from utilising the opportunit with a wrapper ers in his inner room tied round y of the event attendance to join the race Chidoka (2nd red cap on his waist, a to call on him his head to right) blessing long position in 2017for Anambra State governors depict his traditiona title, with a guests the traditional sleeveless white so as to fix hip way who made capped it with the state. Speakers lace dress on. l festivities. What remarks at I think the governme He do is the event insisted Chidoka was shoulder, and a hunter’s bag hung to harmonise across the pomp that that the date, such nt should mountain. state and that ripe for the governors sent goose pimples followed his his will be a set time hip People had that there entry people for masquera on the bodies to eat their his sterling he should not deny the of the it all night Speaking with de festivals, even of attendants performance. state of journalists on and day when and it was only during way through . the country from outside the state in his mind, A political the following and the will Chidoka said, the place of culture stir when theyorganisation, G32 first is masquerad know that such period outside gone down thatpounded yam “mountai man, before “I am first an caused a I became a Nigerian, e festival n” had stormed of time people Igbo I am, I feel and anywhere they will troop in andof Anambra people, and and greeted their family on one side recognised sized banner announcin the arena with a live like g the entrance watch masquera former FRSC members on side of the colourful settings have a burning showcasing my culture dish for the boss in the Anambra the other of the des spirit to redefine first. first time.” race, and was and explain According “When it is from community to communitin the Igbo cultureI governorsh applauded it to Nigerians to Ofala or new Chidoka, ip y. of Igbo will also be called for the economy. “Everymayam is the centre Dozie Anambra Initiative by all. Another group, at a given time, yam festivals, it 50n ofin our own way.” He people rejuvenatio event announce who known by tourism in the Igbo culture n that is and that will to plan the size of d that no timewere also at the his barns of strong is Chidoka to urged AnambraSouth-east geo-political to boost they are comingtowards it, and as they help always the defining was join better yam. zone. the come, It is needed for government race with their money, ingredient between and poor. It traditional dances, to re-organis He eating our food to be salvaged than now that the state is they are e the sleeping and paying masquera from bad leadership interpret the Igboman’s identity. It the rich secretary of festivals in for it, they in our the helps various communide and new yam Igbo culture are is our doing revenue hotels and paying and which from to outside world. to interview with group, Mr. Obi Okpala . The estimation and ages have made ties of the state, journalists said in an is created. That by so It symbolises by creating “This is something Igbo culture the group was is what I mean You can see how unique FRIDAY DECEMB our richness. at the event to persuade revenue through rich. we have taken Chidoka to his hard stance the old and for long now, ER 9, 2016 • culture.” Chidoka Obosi community reconsider for granted explained. young in government T H I S D AY Anambra with and join the race to and pageantry are celebrating yam with events. This should re-establish He also salvage will help to his Midas touch. today. The New pomp the festival explained the significanc showcase our heritage to Okpala said Yam in Igbo society e of new yam therefore a celebration the outside cultural wherever depicting the festival is ship capacity Chidoka has proven world. It is we develop prominence his leaderthey may liveand among the Igbos of yam in the social-cultu significant both at FRSC Anambra to of Aviation, ral life of Igbo become also saying it has outside of Igboland, Chidoka affirmed. tourism. What and that he and as the Minister a centre of people,’’ chance email: become essential.

I think the governme should be given and among do is to harmonise During the ceremony, Across Igboland to fix the state foreig ndesk the all the festivals nt should the month the Igbo of Nigeria in the them out in the diaspora, of the Federal Road Safetyformer Corps Marshal said some of Chidoka’s once and for @thisd of August, and all. He such aylive.com advantages contenders, boost the revenuea way that they will make with the celebratio as it is now, is laddened and Ex-Aviatio Commission, over other include that n help FRSC Minister, n to base of proven himself he is young, a symbolic New Yam called ji and iri ji of the masquera feeding of 5,000Chidoka performed ohuru. This and has de festival of the state. There is framing Iwa Earlier in an beyond doubts to be an which holds all the communit children with of the ceremonyis best pictured in the roasted yams and two interview, Chidoka achiever. at five Anambra ies, work plates of garnished Yam festival various times, there is

by Chinua Achebe’s oil, similar to as far back admitted that State needed the Biblical feeding the New and there is palm as in a the with five loaves the 1950s. As Achebe’s Things fresh all the monarchs the Ofala festival state Chinua and two fish of 5,000 people in the off the hard times beinghand to steer , and these Fall Apart of “The pounded are very colourful (1958) describes: Chidoka giving country today. experienced out a piece by Jesus Christ. that was part of the partakers yam dish placed in he has severally He however admitted activities that of yam to a child front of the festival been prodded stakeholders marked his was as big of Obiora Ike Obosi by various in the annual view as a Some of the New Yam/cultural festival. to giving it state to join the race with “In the past purposeful dance troops a leadership, several days that featured admitting that he was while intensive document an city, has waiting his steps and been divided exchange would not hold for God to direct on the situation back if urged in Aleppo has government-controlledbetween continue fighting, taken place,”Ryabkov to. neighbourhoods the battle

INTERNATIONAL US and Russia ‘Close’ to Deal on Syria’s Aleppo “In the past several days an intensive document exchange on the situation in Aleppo has taken place,”Ryabkov was quoted as saying in the Interfax news agency onThursday. Page 50

SPORTS NFF Needs Urgent Overhaul, Says

INTERNATIO NA

L US and Ru Syria’s Alepssia ‘Close’ to Deal on po

Russia and Deputy Forei the United States are close to reach gn Minister ing Sergei Ryab kov has said. an understanding on

Syria’s Alepp

o, Russian

complicated in the is was quoted as saying in rebel-held areas city’s west and of fearful by tens of thousands 61 people in what’s left the Interfax of the Crescent, in the east since rebel-held areas. news 2012. agency on Thursday. civilians trapped the remaining it added. in Nearly 150 “We are close portions of the Speaking The disabled or in civilians, most Thursday, to Al Jazeera on seems to now rest upon understanding, to reaching an allied Syrian government and its rebel-held east. need of medical forces reportedly these two individual but I want And as winter ICRC spokesma warn against to least three-quar s in Hamburg” control at set in, siege care, were evacuated overnight Pawel Krzysiek n high Since it began . said:“The ters of formerly conditions are increasingl from a hospital Ryabkov added. expectations,” rebel-held in March in Aleppo’s Old were basically trapped people 2011, the war y desperate, exacerbated eastern Aleppo The Kremlin in Syria has there [in hundreds recent days].” by increasing City, the first major evacuation due numbers said on Wednes- to a massive military of thousands of killed from the eastern of displaced day that a potential assault on “The fighting residents people, made more than and food and sector, the US-Russia the besieged area. deal to allow water shortages. International Committe half of Syrians down starting kind of slowed homeless, Governme Syrian rebels “It’s true that from yesterday e of afternoon,” and the Red Cross safely leave Aleppo to important nt forces scored an Aleppo said will worst refugee created the world’s a he continued, win for us, but victory be was still on the agenda.

Among those on Thursday. that “it crisis. adding let’s be realistic when the rebels on Wednesday - it won’t Assad has ruled from Dar Al-Safaa evacuated carry was too dangerous” to retreated from mean the Russian Foreign out the posthe out an evacuation sibility hospital in Minister of Old City, the historic heart war in Syria,” Syrianend of the the Old City Sergey Lavrov earlier. with of a negotiated ceasefire “It’s Aleppo.

President first was taken Bashar due to meet and utmost rebel forces. over by the al-Assad told the Syrian governme US Secretary about They safety of al-W “If you look in Hamburg State John Kerry later extended their advances newspaper.“But it will be atan Tuesday - 118 nt forces on evacuated]of those people [being in the day, seizing later on Thursday a huge taken used elsewhere at previous tactics patients step towards and our priority after the two diplomats in the country, this end.” to three hospitals were ensure that the Bab is to besieging al-Nayrab, Al-Maadi the Evacuation they in the will be west of Aleppo of urban talks on Wednesda held brief neighbour and Salhin s and 30 people ... and safely transportehelped attacks and then areas, heavy hoods, according The Syrian Aleppo, Syria’s y. d to a to have an agreemen safer place.” to responder Civil Defence, a first were taken to shelters, also second largest state media. t fighters leave the west of the group in Speaking While rebels has been used city, the White Helmets,also known as said have vowed in a statement the ICRC tween Kerry of the meeting be- Al previously,” Denslow said air to and shelling told Jazeera. . and Lavrov, Middle The on Wednesdaystrikes killed jointly evacuation was conducted East analyst James Denslow, “If Assad wants with the Syrian said Arab Red of that “the fate of hundreds biggest city back, it’s to win his not much of thousands of Syrian civilians a victory if the city is destroyed if the population or is decimated.”

Downing Street Secretary Boris has said Foreign Mr Johnson’s Johnson’s comments were com- made ments on Saudi at a conference themselves.” represent “the Arabia do not last week in Rome government’s but only ‘Offending the position”. the The Guardianemerged after Mr Johnson Saudis’ Footage has told the Med published footage newspaper 2 conferenc an event last emerged from of the event. e: “There are In it Mr Johnson week at which “There the foreign secretary said: enough big characters not said UK ally Saudi twistingare politicians who are people, men or women,, big Arabia was engaging are willing to who and abusing in “proxy and wars” in the reach out beyond religion different strains Middle East. of the same their Sunni or Shia or The PM’s spokeswom religion an said own in order to further their group to the other side whatever these were the and bring political objectives people together personal views.foreign secretary’s . and to “That’s one of the biggest a national story again. develop BBC diplomatic political problems correspond “That is what’s lacking.

James Landale in the whole ent region. robust slapdown”called it a “pretty me - And the tragedy for that’s the tragedy,”he said, And and that’s why adding that “visionary for Mr Johnson. you have leadership” was these proxy wars being fought needed in the region. the whole time He went on:“That’s in that area that there is why you’ve is got the not strong enough Saudis, Iran, leadership everybody, in the countries moving in and puppeteeri ng and playing proxy wars.”

The BBC’s diplomatic correspondent James I formerly Landale said known addressed Mr Johnson and had JOHN, now as EMMANU EL of truth”, but spoken a “bit wish to be and addressed known awkward” for it was “clearly JOHN EMMANU as AKPAN which had the government, EL. All former documents led to No remain valid. “slapdown”.

10’s general The

Boris Johnson ’s Comment ‘No Saudi ‘Proxy Wars’ t UK’sView’

CHANGE OF NAME

public should take note. please

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as ALEX BADMUS, I to be known and now wish as formerly known and addressed SUNDAY JOE addressed as OJORA KAZEEM IJEH, now wish to be known ADEYINKA. All former and JOSEPH ONYEMA addressed as valid. The documents remain ELUEMUNOR NWAOKOLO. All should pleasegeneral public take note. remain valid. Theformer documents

Johnson

Pakistan: No Survivors in PIA PK 661 Plane Crash

I formerly known should please take general public All 48 people note.

ANTONIA BERI, and addressed as on I formerly known now wish to passenger plane, board a Pakistani investigatio known and addressed be which crashed EFOSA ADEBOLA and addressed as n,” he the country’s in BERI TCHOUAMB as ANTONIA The military saidsaid. mountainous wish to be known ADELANA , now 40 bodies were crashed near Havelian north, recovered have died, the former documents E NGONG. All at EFOSA ADEBOLA and addressed as has confirmed. airline’s chairman about and rescue efforts involved hours, 42 passengers, five 16:42 general public remain valid. The 500 soldiers, crew former documents UGBODAGA. All should please doctors and members and one Pakistan Internation paramedics. The take note. ground engineer general public remain valid. The al Airlines’ (PIA) PK 661 should please from Chitral aroundflight departed spokesperswere on board,” the I formerly known take note.

15:30 on said in a statement. domestic flightwent down on a (10:30 and addressed GMT) and was local time MISS ALILI H I S D AY • FRIDAY “RescueTefforts I formerly known Chitral to the from the city of land HOPE CHIKA, as are underway, DECEMB in Islamabad expected to and we wish to be known now as MR. KWERENACand addressed ER 9, 2016 on Wednesday capital Islamabad and addressed Al Jazeera’s around 16:40. extent of are ascertaining the .

MRS PETER SUNDAY as GOODLUCK, now HI KINGSLEY damage to life “There are no Group reporting from Kamal Hyder, CHIKA. All of those former documents Sports on board Islamabad, said and addressed as wish to be known the aircraft.” has survived,” survivors, no one badly Editor the MR. KWERENAC Duro Ikhazu Muhammad burnt bodies general public remain valid. The Hospital officials KINGSLEY CHUKWUM Email Azam the Abbottabad HI were taken Saigol told a should please agbe duro.ik to Jazeera told Al press conference take note.

A. All former Medical Complex. thathazua documents remain about five hours the bodies , gbe@t “Five valid. The general I formerly known public should please crashed near the after the plane but the bodies have been identified, badly burned and it was were hisday live.co m rest are unidentifiab difficult to identify very MISS ADEYEMI and addressed as in Khyber-Pak town of Havelian, correspond I formerly known take note. le,” ADEBIMPE TAIWO, them. our htunkhwa province.

Junaid was on ent said. now wish to be known MISS ANDRA and addressed as Saigol said the seat Junaid AKPOVETA OMAS, Jamshed rocketed as MRS FAJINGBESIand addressed had undergone ATR-42 aircraft singer-turnJamshed, Pakistan’s now wish to be known to fame in regular Pakistan in the ADEBIMPE ed-preacher, and addressed TAIWO. All and had in October maintenance wife as MRS. ANDRA 1980s and former documents his and were AKPOVETA EBOH. remain valid. The check”certification passed an“A- that came also on board the plane as the singer for the Vital 1990s All former documents Tobi Soniyi general Signs should in Abuja every 500 hours , conducted after Havelian down near the town of pop band. please take note. public The general public remain valid. of in Abbottaba He launched should please was nottake “I think that flight operations. d district. with done. a solo career later note.

A Minister for PIA there was spokesperson a string of chart-topp “And after Sports and Youth receive technical told Al albums the triumph Development, all their error or human errorno Jazeera it was too early ing was entitleme and hits. obviously to ascertain Solomon Therenot managed properly.it The Minister, the cause of Dalung, has there will nts. the...leadership He gave up music who be the crash. of the football governansaid that salariesare issues of pending company with NFF was ina proper Nigeria we in 2001 and “PIA aircraft Football Federatio announced that General it (AP-BHO)are indeed overwhelm n ATR-42 he was devoting country required ce in the coaches of the coaches. The Secretary, Dr. Mohamm but I felt is necessary his life to spreading the performan ed by to sort for me to come have not been Sanusi, met ed and sit surgical operationan urgent for ce of the team.” out their money Islam. with the players paid to discuss with Dalung is in incessant embarras to stop havea long time. The coaches too and officials at their in order for you and officialsurged the players process, and it will these grievances us to understan Agura ourselves be sorted sment to out eventuall the governme to be patient alongside, Hotel, Abuja yesterday d the governme I think it is a y. with better. The nt. .

“I had to make complex situation “But one The minister nt so that their time out to with the team date issues laudable achievem said this in but the entire governan meet all to know thing I want you Abuja while back to appreciate the All-Africa ent football ce of after with you ladies again Games, bothering d: “Personall can be procedure is that there are receiving inability of the explaining the surgery. deserves an urgent on Nigeria Football If that surgery in Lagos. In the you on arrival We allowances and bonuses. want this achievem y, I don’t monies s for getting such Federation (NFF) from are also aware done ent to be is not past rubbished Government. the Federal victorious Super to settle the the we will always live with have heard so muchfew days I coaches are that the challenge with whatever It is embarras about also Falcons team’s the sment. winning the grievances, challenge after “The point being owed. because s we are facing an ATM that you not like “I am talking Africa Women’s will just I want to go to and one thing that Cup of Nations about the and issues here and there. s make clear governan bring out cash. stand to will is that “I have also football competiti (AWCON) administrce of football discussed with competition which for this achievem the end is our Government has processes on ation how ents.” held this Cameroon. on in Nigeria. things are done. have participate team in Governm He concluded ent has to d in and won, Dalung, who by promising still processing and We are do the the Falcons spoke to State surgery because they pursuing House Correspo that the process the entitlements of the team,” ndent after been at the receiving have Dalung concluded a meeting end of the embarras . sment. We Muhammaduwith President be prepared to do this tomust until the NFF Buhari, said the save the football was overhauled, We future of football in Nigeria. must come governing body would continue solutions to together to find see how these the governme to embarrass issues can be He said thent.

On how thetackled.” issue of nonpayment of surgery could be done at the face the players the allowances to interferen and their coaches ce policy ofof nonwas not properly the FIFA, minister handled by the football interference said “The non has insisting thatgoverning body to harass and been used would have the footballers governme intimidate nt. But position of theunderstood the the government now that the NFF had government if embarrass is being properly engaged ed by their activities, them. don’t see anybody I Dalung said: talking about interferen can be compartm“The problem scandalisece. They used it the governme to two things: One entalised into the nt so man who is is the inability to approach at the receiving end government request for interventio with ensurehas the responsibility to that things must n because right what we need be done The budgeting is intervention. ensureso we must take steps to done by the of the sports is athletes that money meant for administration. gets to them Ours is interventi on time as at when when you have on, just like planned due. Football events are a fire disaster, properly and if they have requested executed according to plan.” in time, the process for funds Meanwhile, would been easier and I think have reassured AfricanDalung has that Super champions, Falcons that they will Super Falcons who won the 2016 AWCON in Cameroon have been told to exercise patience over owed allowance s Regarded as Bayelsa State prestigious one of the most to Governor host another , Seriake said.

Dickson, has Nigeria, thetournaments in competiti enticing their Port Harcourt on the back been given a pat on, the Tourname intention to Polo Club Several over the Samson Manager, Ibifiri nt be in Port Siasia Stadium football to host polohas said it is ready stated stakeholders Bobmanuel, Harcourt to showcase personali project teams within which is visited now nearing despite the who have outside their to grace ties were expected economic skills. the country and situation in the occasion. of the 2017 completion ahead Stadiumthe Samson Siasia its Bobmanuel the country, when annual polo soccer season.

He rated the stressed further have The Chief Executive tournament were working round they that in addition Port commen been takes clock to ensure to other side Polo Tournament as Harcourt the attraction of the firm handling Officer going ding the project 8 andplace between January the a successfu 14, 2017. event. l showing s that include kids hospitable, with the most Ebi Egbe, disclosed the project, president on there. NFF The allowing their skills on turf Pinnick unifying He said the yesterday that he is horses, competit for memorab during a recent Amaju had tournament, polo tournam annual polo entertainment, le ion amongst the clock to working round he which others, ent among visit said together brings to will live up the tourname clubs its billing as stadium is ensure that the playwould get the Eagles nt would various teams, in additionthe ready for Bayelsa a Grade A serve as part of activities serving as tourism to both Nigeria belonging to in Yenagoa to teams to use mark the celebration when the and Nigeria Polo Association category as no stone would to potential early next year. project is completed be left unturned Polo Federatio of Rivers for the state.

Egbe . Former will also Eagles in making State at 50. n, the event According feature teams Monimichellewhose firm only coach, Samson Siasia South to him, memorable and Also has Italy-base Africa, Argentina from that would last week one Captain, speaking, Polo tournament would “the Limota franchise expressed England d create investmen afford those coming Michael and UAE. , USA, opportunities to build delight over what Geo-technology for the state.t explained that all Ogolo state, to see to see Rivers Briefing newsmen pitches in at the arena namedhe saw The tourname Africa, said clubs in at the in his Port Harcourt honour. nt manager Nigeria have been invited how peacefulPort Harcourt, Dickson deserves commendation Polo Club disclosed that the take we are, to see on its plans All Bayelsa-b best of that part in the tourname to what Port Harcourt and readiness polo players within to see Bayelsa for taking steps over ased clubs nt is is open how and the teams return it is becoming to every outside Nigeria years and home. beautiful. outside their play football have signified player in the country, polo It will also base no thanks attract possible “As we speak, as he disclosed just that eminent investors and the state I am 100 to the non availability per cent sure suitable football of a would be better for won’t continue Bayelsa teams it. turf.

Yenagoa from to play outside theEgbe has assured that A massive Samson Siasia security operations next season.

The Samson Stadium involving over turf 300 operatives agency contingen turf is 90 per Siasia Stadium best would be one of cent ready. pitches in Africa the from the nation’s security of operatives of t comprised presence, Dickson wants Gov the LMC when agencies has be marshalle State Security Department of it is to see place completed. ready even geared towardsofficial said stated.

(DSS), by the League d Police, providing Management Nigeria Civil Nigeria safe football He (the go this December. Ye“What we are doing Compan Dr. D

Sports Minister Minister for Sports andYouth Development, Solomon Dalung, has said that football governance in the country required an urgent surgical operation to stop incessant embarrassment to the government.

Page 62

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FRIDAYSPOR

NFF Needs Urgen TS t Overhaul, Says Assures Super Falcon s on

Sports Minister

AWCON ent itlements

Plaudits for Dick Siasia Stadium son over PH Polo Club to Host Unifying Project Tournament Jan. 2017

NPFL Super4: LMC

Closes Ranks with

Security Agencies

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

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

Senate Constitution Review Proposal Outlaws Joint Local Govt Account

Reduces FG’s power to draw unappropriated funds from six to three months

Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja A Senate’s fresh amendment proposal to the 1999 Constitution has abolished the joint state and local governments account and also limits the period within which the presidency can draw money from federation account before budget passage from six to three months.

Making this disclosure while presenting the report of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review to the chamber, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, said the committee had also adopted a proposal to create the seat of a mayor for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Ekweremadu also disclosed that Section 7 of the constitution had been amended to provide for a uniform three-year tenure for all elected local government officials, pointing out that “local governments without a democratically elected council shall not be entitled to any revenue from the Federation Account.”

He said the amendment was designed to ensure effective service delivery and as well rescue local governments from strangulation by state governments.

He explained further that the draft amendment makes it mandatory for monies meant for local government councils to be paid directly into their respective accounts.

Ekweremadu also said

the amended section clearly defined the fund for the state government, which he described as an “internally generated revenue from which a portion shall be paid into the local government allocation account.”

He also said Section 162 of the Constitution had been amended with a proposal to “provide for national savings of 50 per cent of oil revenues above the bench mark for a particular year and 10 per cent of any non- oil revenue paid into the Federation Account; Or such other percentage not less than that provided in this section as the National Assembly may determine in the Appropriation Act of a particular year.”

The draft amendment also provides that “any such savings as stipulated in this section will be distributed in accordance with the prevailing revenue sharing formula and in accordance with the provisions of the constitution provided that the savings shall not be that Sections 82 and 122 of the Constitution were amended to reduce the period within which the president or a governor may authorise the withdrawal of monies from the Consolidated Revenue Fund in the absence of an appropriation act from six months to three months.”

He further explained that this amendment was meant to compel early presentation of budget proposal by the

Ortom Denies Involvement in New Mega Party George Okoh in Makurdi Benue State Governor, Dr Samuel Ortom, has denied the allegation that he, along with other governors of 16 states are involved in a plan to float a mega party to rescue power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2019 election.

In a statement by his Press Secretary, Mr. Terver Akase, the governor stated that he was not part of such plan.

In the statement, the governor stated that as the standard bearer of the APC who was popularly elected by the people of the state and is still enjoying maximum support of the people as he continues to deliver good governance.

He noted that for these reasons, he could not have been involved in any clandestine plot to launch another political party.

Ortom said he did not at any time attend any meeting where the formation of the said new mega party was discussed.

He added that he had neither discussed such an idea with anyone nor given it a thought.

“Ortom is a loyal member of the APC and is in full support of the leadership of party

under the National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun. The governor also believes that the leadership provided by President Muhammadu Buhari is what the country needs to overcome the current challenges and is committed to supporting Mr. President to succeed.”

He said the whole world was applauding President Buhari for his anti-corruption crusade, integrity and discipline, adding that what the president deserves is support from Nigerians and not distraction.

The governor said: “The APC has brought real positive change in all ramifications of the life of the country, so I do not foresee any other political party coming to do half of what the government of our great party APC is already doing. Nigerians know that it is easier to destroy than to build. President Muhammadu Buhari is rebuilding the country and I stand solidly with him and will continue to support him.”

The governor said he should therefore be excluded from any further discussion or news report regarding the new mega party, adding that he was busy with the selfless service to the state at the moment and does not need any distraction.

executive and consequently give the legislature sufficient time to scrutinise the budget.

On political parties and electoral matters, he said

Sections 134 (4) & (5), 179 (4) & (5) and 225 had been amended to provide for 21 days for the conduct of presidential and governorship run-off elections

when no clear winner emerges from the original election with a view to giving INEC the sufficient time to plan for the election.

Another amendment empowers INEC to de-register political parties which fail to

Cont’d on Pg 58

FOR THE SAKE OF FALLEN SOLDIERS L-R: Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, Senator George Akume; National President of the Nigerian Legion, Captian

Micah Gayja (rtd); Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki; leader of the delegation of the Planning Committee for the 2017 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, Brigadier General Garba Sani Abdullahi; and Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, when the team decorated the senators with the 2017 Remembrance Day emblem in Abuja....yesterday.

Again, Senate Defers Magu’s Screening Till Dec 15 Orders probe into death of corps member Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja The Senate yesterday failed to screen the acting Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu.

The parliament said it had opted to postpone the screening till December 15, in observance of the requests of some of its members who were absent yesterday but had expressed their desire to be part of the screening exercise.

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, had on Wednesday during the plenary, announced that the acting Chairman of EFCC would be screened yesterday, almost six months after his letter of confirmation was sent to the Senate.

However, Magu had arrived at the Senate wing of National Assembly hoping that he would be screened but had to leave, having his hope and aspiration for yesterday unfulfilled.

Addressing journalists after yesterday’s plenary, the Deputy Leader of the Senate, Bala Ibn Na’Allah, denied an observation by journalists that the cancellation of Magu’s screening was premeditated because it didn’t appear at all on Senate’s order paper yesterday.

He insisted that it was a subtle protest by his colleagues who were not available yesterday that prompted the postponement, disclosing that December 15 had been chosen as the new date for the screening.

Na’Allah said: “Let me correct it. In fact, it was listed (on the

order paper) and removed. The Senate is normally guided by the time frame of the work. We agreed that today (yesterday) would be the confirmation hearing for the EFCC acting Chairman, Magu, but yesterday, we received a lot of calls from senators who are away and who believe that they want to participate and that it is unfair for us to fix today when we know they are not around. When we look at the demands and the number, we felt it would be wrong for us to proceed, disregarding those calls.

“Then, we said let us put it against Tuesday (next week.

Again, we became too unsure as to whether Monday or Tuesday will be declared public holiday by the federal government in respect of the impending EidMalud holiday. We said it is now even more convenient on Wednesday. The President is going to present the 2017 budget before the National Assembly and the assumption is that more than 80 percent of the senators will be in attendance on that day.

If 80 percent of the senators are there and they are aware that the confirmation hearing is the next day which is Thursday.

“It means that the idea of somebody going to say that the leadership of the Senate had short changed him from asking the question he wants to ask will not be there. We agreed at the leadership meeting that let us put it against Thursday. We have since written an official letter to the acting chairman, giving him that Thursday unfailingly

is the day for the confirmation hearing of his appointment.”

In another development, apparently dissatisfied with President Muhammadu Buhari’s order for an investigation into the death of a corps member, Ifedolapo Oladepo, in orientation camp in Kano, the Senate yesterday mandated its Committee on Youths and Sports to again commence investigation into the matter.

Oladepo died in mysterious circumstances following an allegation that she was denied proper medical attention by the authorities of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in the camp.

The Senate also called on the federal government to ensure the deployment of essential medical facilities and experienced medical personnel to handle such facilities. It also observed a minute silence in honour of the late corps member who graduated with a first class degree.

Moving a motion on the matter, Senate Whip, Professor Olusola Adeyeye, lamented the unfortunate passage of the corps member and two of her counterparts in similar circumstances in Bayelsa and Zamfara States.

Adeyeye lamented that if the government had chosen to call youngsters to serve, it was its responsibility to protect them instead of wasting promising souls like Oladepo.

He said: “The Senate notes with sadness the death of three corps members, Miss Ifedolapo

Amoke Oladepo, who died in Kano NYSC Orientation Camp; Miss Elechi Chiyerom who died in Bayelsa State Orientation Camp both on November 29, 2016 and Mr. Ukeme who died in Zamfara State Orientation Camp on Thursday, 1St December, 2016.

“The Senate is deeply worried that the death of corps members is becoming a recurrent decimal in almost all NYSC Camps across the country.

“The Senate is disturbed that experienced medical personnel are practically non-existent in all our orientation camps across the country as fresh doctors who have not garnered any experience are the ones administering treatments to the corps members with health challenges.

“The Senate is worried that medical facilities at most orientation camps leaves a lot to be desired as one of the deceased, Ifedolapo, called home five hours to her death and told her older sister, Mrs. Oyeyode Abimbola (a nurse) to start coming to her Kano orientation camp alleging poor care at the NYSC camp.

“The Senate is concerned that an orientation camp that houses over three thousand corps members cannot boast of modern facilities to cater for the needs of corps members while undergoing the mandatory orientation programme.”

The motion was supported by senators who lamented negligence by NYSC officials and called for a total overhaul of the scheme.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2016 • T H I S D AY

12

NEWS

Nwankwo: Nigeria Robust to Service All Debts Senate committee moves to amend laws to strengthen DMO

James Emejo in Abuja The Director General, Debt Management Office (DMO), Dr. Abraham Nwankwo, yesterday said the country was currently in a position to service all its debts as and when due despite the fiscal shocks occasioned by the collapse of oil prices.

He maintained that Nigeria’s economic fundamentals remained strong and robust, adding that till date, the country has continued to service all its debts as and when due following the DMO’s debt sustainability analysis carried out yearly.

He disclosed that out of the N1.361 trillion appropriated for debt service in 2016, debts worth N1.094 trillion had already been serviced.

Nwankwo further said the DMO, working with other agencies was doing its best to mobilise additional resources from the proposed eurobond by end of the first quarter of 2017.

Speaking in Abuja during a presentation to the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, led by its Chairman, Senator Shehu Sani, which was on an oversight function to the debt management agency, Nwankwo also said of the total N1.818 trillion borrowing for 2016, the domestic component of N1.18 trillion had already been realised while the remaining dollar equivalent of N635 billion was expected to be raised from external sources.

To that end, he said the sum of $600 million had also been approved by the African Development Bank (AfDB) out

of the $1billion external loan expected from the institution.

The DMO boss said the success in raising the loans locally showed the country had been able to develop a strong domestic bond market to meet the needs of both government and private investors.

He added that the domestic bond market remained a major fallback for the country should external borrowing prove difficult.

However, he said Nigeria’s debt to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio was currently 20 percent compared to the 56 per cent prudential threshold.

He said though “we still have enough space to manoeuvre, and as much as we needed money, we’ve shied away from getting close to the threshold.”

Pressed by the lawmaker to expertly advise the federal government on its proposed $30 billion loan which had generated controversy, Nwankwo said the borrowing shouldn’t be a major concern rather the focus should be on ensuring that borrowed funds are guarded against leakages as well as ensuring that the funds are used for the purposes for which they are borrowed.

Specifically, he said budget implementing agencies including ministries, departments and agencies of government (MDAs) should be made to properly account for all monies spent on various projects.

He said efforts must be made to ensure nobody misuse borrowed funds.

According to him, the seeming massive fiscal expansion was inevitable if the country must exit the current

recession, adding that current efforts to diversify the economy from oil could only be achieved through massive investment in infrastructure.

The DMO boss further assured international investors and all stakeholders that with the country’s strong resource base and dedicated leadership, it was only a matter of time before the “temporary challenges” were overcome.

He further explained that there wouldn’t have been any need to borrow if government had the needed revenues to development critical

infrastructure, a situation which made it mandatory to resort to massive borrowing- though still within approved limits.

Nwankwo said it had become necessary to make massive investment in infrastructure in order to make the economy competitive.

Shehu, however, commended Nwankwo for the professionalism employed for sustainable debt profile for the country.

He said as government resorted to borrowing to rejuvenate the economy, extra care must be taken in order

not to jeopardise the future of younger generation.

He said DMO’s role at this critical time could not be overemphasised, adding that a robust debt management measures must be pursued vigorously at all times.

The lawmaker also said the committee was suggesting a holistic review of the debt management Act to address current challenges in debt management in the country.

Specifically, he argued that an accounting office who borrows money and misapplies such funds should be held

accountable.

There should be consequences for misdemeanor, he said.

The chairman further directed the DMO boss to make an amendment proposal on how to make debt management office more attractive and thus retain good hands in its workforce.

He also said the committee would henceforth pay attention to agreement on terms and condition of loans obtained by government to forestall a situation where Nigerians are unnecessarily shortchanged.

YOU ARE WELCOME Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (right), discussing with the Amir Nigeria Ahmadiyya Nigeria, Dr. Mashhud Adenrele Fashola (left) with some members of the Almadiyya during a courtesy call at the Presidential Villa in Abuja....yesterday STATE HOUSE

Dasuki Asks S’Court to Hear House Asks FG to Suspend Ban on Importation of Cars His Appeals Challenging DSS’ Through Land Borders To probe premium of N351bn paid to HMOs Refusal to Release Him Damilola Oyedele in Abuja of the populace live on less that border points,” Salame added. the outcome of the House probe.

Tobi Soniyi in Abuja

Former National Security Adviser (NSA). Col Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (rtd), has asked the Supreme Court to grant him accelerated hearing on his pending two appeal cases for bail in the criminal charges brought against him by the federal government.

Dasuki, who said he was dumped in detention by the Department of the State Services (DSS) since December last year, is praying the apex court to give his two cases on bail quick determination in order to stop government from further infringing on his fundamental human rights.

In a letter to the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, the ex-NSA claimed that his two appeal cases for bail were filed in compliance with the Supreme Court practice directions in August this year and have since been pending for hearing.

In the letter dated November 30, 2016, written by his lead counsel Mr. Joseph Daudu (SAN), and

received by the apex court on December 6, Dasuki asked the court to exercise its discretion in his favour by granting quick determination of the two appeals because of their peculiar nature.

Daudu in the letter recalled that his client was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on charges of breach of trust, criminal misappropriation and sundry offences before two High Courts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) between September and December last year.

The counsel claimed that following the not-guilty plea by his client, the two courts granted him bail and the conditions perfected by the appellant.

The letter explained that no sooner had Dasuki perfected his bail conditions than the DSS operatives swooped on him and abducted him at the Kuje prison gate and have since kept him in detention without trial at an unknown location.

The House of Representatives yesterday urged the federal government to suspend its proposed ban on the importation of used vehicles through the country’s land borders, as the policy would cause more hardships for Nigerians who wish to purchase used cars.

The proposed ban is expected to take effect at the end of December.

The House also directed its Committees on Governmental Affairs and Customs and Excise to ensure implementation and report back within six weeks.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Hon. Abdullahi Salame (Sokoto APC) who argued that already the percentage of Nigeria who can afford to buy cars: whether brand new or used, have reduced drastically.

This, he attributed to the declining value of the naira, rising inflation, unemployment and high cost of living, in a country where over 80 percent

$2 per day.

The lawmaker recalled that similar ban on the importation of rice through land borders in April 2016 has caused the price of the commodity to rise from N8000 per bag to between N20,000 and N23,000 per bag in just a few months.

“As it is now, the government has not put in place alternative measures to ensure that Nigerians have access to cars since it is cheaper to buy cars from neighbouring countries and still generate revenue by ensuring that our borders are secured to prevent smuggling, and also that there will not be job losses.”

“The ban will cause more harm than good as it will certainly lead to increase in smuggling, deprive poor Nigerians access to acquiring vehicles, skyrocket the prices of cars cleared at the Wharf, increase inflation and further mount pressure on the already weak naira and lead to idleness, insecurity and criminality at the

Hon. Linus Okorie (Ebonyi PDP) however opposed the motion, saying the minister had powers to make such restrictions under Section 18 of the Customs and Excise Management Act, which allows the government to restrict the movement of goods into and out of Nigeria by land or inland waters.

The motion was passed by a voice vote presided over by House Speaker, Yakubu Dogara.

In another development, the lawmakers resolved to probe the activities of Health Maintenance Organisations (HMO), which have delivered poor services to enrollees, despite receiving N351 billion in the last 11 years of its existence.

It therefore directed its Committee on Healthcare Services, to investigate the allegations against the HMOs, and probe their activities in the past eight years.

It also directed the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to suspend the quarterly releases of funds to the HMOs, pending

Hon. Chike Okafor (Imo APC) in a motion accused most HMOs of treating enrollees in degrading manners.

“They are treated like leprous people while trying to access the services, given that strategies have been adopted by the healthcare providers and HMOs to deprive the enrollees of their rights to qualitative treatment and attention,” he said.

Okafor added that despite the huge money paid to the HMOs, only four per cent of Nigerians are covered.

“The scheme’s benefit packages have many mouthwatering provisions from the primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare levels, but 11 years since their establishment, there has not been much difference because the beneficiaries/enrollees are being shortchanged, services denied, confidence in the scheme eroded and, above all, the core mandate of the scheme has not been achieved,” Okafor said.

T H I S D AY FRIDAY DECEMBER 9, 2016

MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM RESOURCES The Ministry of Petroleum Resources, in collaboration with the World Bank and the International Gas Union, is organizing a twoday workshop on gas flare commercialization with the theme: Towards Ending Gas Flaring and Unlocking Gas Potential in Nigeria’’. The workshop, which brings together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, is an initiative targeted at promoting options for the commercialization of gas flare in Nigeria.

Also at the event, Nigeria Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme, which aims at resolving the practice of gas flaring and harvesting flared gas for the diversification of the economy, will be launched.

The workshop is scheduled as follows: DATE: Tuesday 13th and Wednesday 14th December, 2016 TIME: 8.00 a.m. daily VENUE: Sheraton Hotel, Abuja.

Permanent Secretary Ministry of Petroleum Resources Abuja.

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9 2016

COMMENT

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

THE STORM OF RECESSION

I

Abraham Nwankwo uses his book, Through the Storm, to dramatise Nigeria’s ailing economy, writes Simon Ibe

t is not always that we find a work of literary art being used to dispassionately dissect contemporary economic and social issues the way Dr. Abraham Nwankwo has done, using his book, “Through the Storm.”

An accomplished Economist, Nwankwo found a way to use this well-crafted drama that was first published in 2011 (well before the phenomenon called recession became pronounced in Nigeria in its present excruciating form) to discuss the current crisis in the country’s economy as well as other nagging social issues.

The compact and gripping story that is told in seven acts, in 94 pages of excellent dialogue, opens with an apt explanation of recession which is causing consternation across the country: “… So if the economy is in recession, it could lead to distress in the banking sector, because companies that have borrowed are more likely to default. Inflow of new deposits will slow down and the banks will find it more difficult to meet up with cash withdrawals …” and ends with the sorry story of what can happen in a country where there is no functional health insurance scheme - a woman in the hospital that cannot go home after delivering her baby because her husband is in Police detention, waiting for money to be paid to secure his bail so that he can come out of detention to look for money to pay so that the hospital can discharge his wife.

The main character in the play is Jacob Ako, a poorly paid lecturer who needs a better paying job to be able to take care of his family. He contacts his old school mate, Chief Marinzo Uko, the owner of a group of companies that is into foreign exchange business and importation of spare parts. The business is in distress and in debts of N100 million and needs Jacob’s management know-how to turn it around.

When Jacob arrives Lagos to assume duty, he finds out the hard way, that restructuring an ailing organisation has its risks and that corruption always fights back. Sama, the face of corruption in Chief Marinzo’s company plans to kill him by bombing his hotel room, for using the restructuring exercise he embarks upon to block the avenues through which he, Sama, had been defrauding the company.

Though innocent, Jacob is detained, for the bomb blast in the hotel and later for a debt the company owes. He is detained under horrible conditions and recounts in graphic details what happens in police cells and detention facilities and confesses that: “These people… are heartless, soulless.”

Dr. Nwankwo, the Director General of Nigeria’s Debt Management Office (DMO) has written other celebrated books and highly acclaimed articles on the management of the nation’s economy, especially on how to tackle the consequences of overdependence on crude oil export revenue, which is the cause of the present recession being faced by the country.

That he highlighted the issue of recession in the opening lines of “Through The Storm” can be considered visionary, given that the book

THE MANAGERS OF THE ECONOMY MUST NOT BE INTIMIDATED BUT MUST, COURAGEOUSLY FORGE AHEAD WITH THE RESTRUCTURING AND DIVERSIFICATION AGENDA AS WELL AS THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION

was first published long before the wind of recession started buffeting the country‘s economy. That he used Chief Marinzo, whose company is into foreign exchange business and importation as a major actor in the play is also a way of communicating the fact that the country must de-emphasis importation and focus on production, especially agrobased production and export of goods manufactured in the country so as to earn foreign exchange.

Also very crucial is the point made through the engagement of Jacob by Marinzo to restructure his company using a ‘sophisticated management’ system. It is a message that when a company or country‘s economy has grown to become big or ‘complex’ or when there is economic crisis, there must be resort to economic experts who can apply what Marinzo called “modern management system that can neatly tie up and exploit our potential,” and who can plug loopholes created by fraudsters and corrupt officials as Jacob did in Marinzo’s company.

The reaction of Jacob’s wife, Adarly, when told by her husband that he had accepted Marinzo’s job and was going to restructure the company is also instructive: she expresses fear that such jobs are dangerous or risky because workers almost always see it as avenue to retrench them and therefore often fight back.

The current process of restructuring Nigeria’s economy away from consumption and import dependence to production and export, and the attempts being made to plug the holes drilled by corruption cannot be without stiff resistance. Corruption would surely fight back as Sama did and there would be hurdles erected by a system that has become used to the ease of importation and consumption of all manner of (luxury) goods, including those that can be sourced locally. Jacob, however, overcame the challenges through courage and perseverance.

That is one of the major messages being passed on by this loaded book. The managers of the economy must not be intimidated but must, courageously forge ahead with the restructuring and diversification agenda as well as the fight against corruption.

A critical issue that is not expressly canvassed in the book is the question of securing long term loans at concessionary rates to fund infrastructural development which would catalyse the diversification agenda and lead to prosperity. The book ought to have highlighted this necessity and warned against its politicisation.

Through the Storm, which is spiced with rich proverbs and other riveting techniques of play writing, also communicates the fact that alongside the restructuring of the economy, there must be the reformation of the education sector, the health care system and the justice system, among others, as well as an intensification of the fight against crime.

TRAVAILS OF GODWIN OBLA

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Kenneth Atavti argues that Obla’s case could damage relations between prosecutors and the EFCC

ne question which has emerged on the front burner of national discourse in the aftermath of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s apparent shoddy treatment of Godwin Obla (SAN) is: what is the fate of other prosecutors for the commission? This question undoubtedly flows from the supposition that a prosecutor who sees to the diligent, professional and unrelenting prosecution of economic and financial crimes against several politically-exposed persons at great personal expense, may eventually find himself on the receiving end of the EFCC’s ruthless use of power. If the allegation made by Godwin Obla in his widely-published Press Release of November 9, 2016 is anything to go by, the EFCC under the Chairmanship of Ibrahim Magu has not only refused to pay his professional fees and settle his expenses for the over 40 cases he had successfully handled for the commission, but has also proceeded on a campaign of calumny intended to discredit and embarrass him.

Already, a few of the commission’s external prosecutors who spoke under the cover of anonymity have grumbled about the unfair treatment meted to Obla and expressed grave concerns about their own fate. According to one source, the humiliation of Obla at the hands of the EFCC is an ominous foreboding to what lies ahead for persons who fall out of favour with the commission, irrespective of the enormous sacrifices and contributions such persons may have made to the fight against corruption. One of the possible fallouts of the EFCC’s recent posturing may be increased prosecutorial apathy amongst prosecutors who, being conscious of the penchant of the commission for using and ‘dumping’ prosecutors in such an ignominious fashion, may think twice about making personal sacrifices on behalf of the commission.

Another potentially dangerous outcome of the EFCC’s treatment of Obla case is the leeway it establishes for any person who was convicted of sundry crimes after a tortuous legal process to allege

prosecutorial misconduct. This prospect is likely to usher in an unprecedented wave of allegations that prosecutors now routinely invest themselves in the purchase of convictions for the EFCC, as ridiculous as that may seem; or that prosecutors are motivated by a personal desire to secure conviction against accused persons in exchange for the payment of bribes, even if grievous bodily harm would be caused to the accused persons. This will undoubtedly cast a pall of doubt over all the convictions the EFCC has recorded since its formation (all of which have come at a substantial cost to the Nigerian taxpayer), no matter how well-founded in law all such convictions might be.

One can only hope that the unfolding scenario will not damage the erstwhile fruitful relationship between prosecutors and the EFCC; and will not irredeemably affect the effectiveness of the anticorruption campaign of the current administration.

After detaining him for two weeks, a former prosecutor with the EFCC, Godwin Obla was last week arraigned before a Lagos High Court. His offence? He was alleged to have bribed a Federal High Court judge, Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia with N5 million to secure conviction in Charge No.: FHC/L/C/482C/10 between the Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Raymond Temisan Omatseye.

Curiously, the charge filed against Obla was silent in mentioning the names of the parties in Charge No. FHC/L/C/482C/10. Obviously, this may be because it would interest the public to note that it was an EFCC matter.

Obla was said to have committed the offence on May 21, 2015, by conspiring to pervert the course of justice with the sum of N5 million. The said sum of money was alleged to have been transferred to the bank account of one Nigel & Colive Limited which Ajumogobia is alleged to be sole signatory. The offence was said to have contravened the provisions of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

In counts one to four on the charge sheet, Obla was said to have offered gratification in the said sum, by transferring the money from his company’s

account Obla & Co., domiciled with the United Bank for Africa, to Nigel & Colive. The said transfer was alleged to have been made in order to restrain a public officer from acting in exercise of her official duties.

But Obla has since denied the allegation, saying that the payment of N5 million under reference was a payment he made on May 21, 2015 to a company named Nigel & Colive Nigeria Ltd, for the purchase of building materials for his construction site in Abuja. This position was conveyed in a widelycirculated press release issued by Obla and published in several national dailies on November 9, 2016. Obla further clarified that at that material time of the said commercial transaction and till date, he had no privy knowledge that Justice Ajumogobia had any interest whatsoever in the company.

He said when he honoured the invitation of the EFCC for an interview, the acting head of the STF team read incoherent portions of Justice Ajumogobia’s statement, alleging that the N5 million was part of purchase price of N40 million for a bungalow at Karshi, Abuja.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I have never purchased or made any payment for any bungalow in Karshi, Abuja or landed property, whatsoever from Justice Ajumogobia. On account of the foregoing, I was informed that the EFCC Chairman had directed that I be detained,” he explained. Obla said he was shocked to be confronted with the allegation of possible bribery payments to Justice Ajumogobia ostensibly in return for judicial favours. He insisted that there is no foundation or basis whatsoever for making any such payments. He acknowledged that Justice Rita Ajumogobia was his classmate 33 years ago and has always been his friend but added that he had only minimal professional contact with the Judge.

According to him, the records will indicate that in all her years at the Bench, from 2004 when she was appointed till date, the only matter he had before her was the case of Federal Republic of Nigeria v.

Raymond Temisan Omatseye, which commenced in 2010 and terminated in 2016, wherein he acted as a prosecutor for EFCC and which resulted in a

landmark conviction of a former Director-General of NIMASA on allegations of approving contracts in excess of lawful thresholds and other infractions under the Public Procurement Act. On May 27, 2016, the Acting Chairman of the EFCC, whilst speaking at the launch of the “Clean Hands Against Corruption Campaign” at the Eagle Square in Abuja alluded to the conviction of Raymond Omatseye as one of the “140 convictions the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured in six months.”

It is indeed curious that the same EFCC which lauded the conviction of Raymond Omatseye has now made a complete volte face to allege that the conviction was secured as a result of “perversion of justice”, moreso as no indication has been given as to whatever motivation Obla might have had to pay a bribe to secure a conviction on a supposedly watertight case presented by the EFCC. Yet another question which any sane mind would be inclined to ask is: are bribes no longer paid contemporaneously with the acts for which they were paid? In other words, even if it were true that the sum of N5 million was paid by Obla into Justice Ajumogobia’s account (which is not the case here, payment having been made to Nigel & Colive Ltd), how can the payment of the said amount more than one year before the date of delivery of judgment in the case of Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Raymond Temisan Omatseye constitute or be interpreted as a bribe? The payment in question was allegedly made on May 21, 2015 while judgment was delivered on May 20, 2016 - exactly one year after.

Obla in the same press release of November 9, 2016, alleged that notwithstanding the diligent and successful prosecution and conviction, the EFCC for whom he acted and which has deemed it a matter of public interest to make this bribery allegation has neither settled expenses he incurred over a six-year period in prosecuting this matter nor paid any professional fee whatsoever in respect of the said matter.

Atavti, the judiciary editor of Nigerian pilot Newspapers, wrote from Abuja

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2016

EDITORIAL AS RIVERS PEOPLE VOTE AGAIN…

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All the stakeholders must ensure that the election is peaceful, free and fair

ess than 24 hours to the National Assembly rerun elections in Rivers, both Governor Nyeson Wike and his immediate predecessor and current Transport Minister, Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi have conspired to put the state on tenterhook in an election in which neither of them is a candidate. The desperation between the two principal actors may have informed the decision by the Nigeria Police Force to deploy of 20,000 officers and men to maintain peace during and after the election. This is in addition to thousands of personnel from other security agencies. Yet except common sense prevails, even all this may not be enough in ensuring that the state does not end up in violence after tomorrow.

What is particularly disturbing is that notwithstanding the posturing by the two men, the reality of the Rivers State rerun election, which also is true with all past elections in our country, is that it is not being fought on any ideological pretensions. Neither the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state ( led by Wike) nor THE INDEPENDENT the All Progressives NATIONAL ELECTORAL Congress (APC) COMMISSION SHOULD DO that controls the EVERYTHING WITHIN ITS centre ( led by POWERS TO ENSURE A FREE Amaechi) can be AND FAIR PROCESS BEFORE, described as an ideology-driven DURING AND AFTER THE party by any stretch BALLOTS ARE CAST of the imagination.

It is even more unfortunate that in all that has transpired in the build up to the rerun elections, there is nothing to suggest that all the allegations and counter-allegations by the two groups are about the welfare of the people of Rivers State. For the two sides, it is all about capturing power, essentially for its sake.

Yet this is happening at one of the country’s darkest moments when majority of Nigerians fret reasonably over searing poverty and insecurity. But that does not seem to bother the political gladiators in Rivers State.

Letters to the Editor

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To the extent that the atmosphere of tension they have already created bodes ill for our democracy, we call on the authorities to be vigilant. We also believe that the procedure by which the votes are cast and counted tomorrow will be very crucial to the maintenance of peace. That is why we implore the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to do everything within its powers to ensure a free and fair process before, during and after the ballots are cast.

T T H I S DAY

EDITOR IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU DEPUTY EDITORS BOlAJI ADEBIYI, JOsEph UshIGIAlE MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOlA BEllO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOlAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OlUsEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOsA UWUGIAREN

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

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOlA BEllO, KAYODE KOMOlAFE, IsRAEl IWEGBU, EMMANUEl EFENI, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR OlUFEMI ABOROWA DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS pETER IWEGBU, FIDElIs ElEMA, MBAYIlAN ANDOAKA, ANThONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEh ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS hENRY NWAChOKOR, sAhEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOlA TAIWO, UChENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOsERI GENERAL MANAGER pATRICK EIMIUhI GROUP HEAD FEMI TOlUFAshE ART DIRECTOR OChI OGBUAKU II DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION ChUKs ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

he greater responsibility rests with Governor Wike who must ensure that his state does not, by acts of omission or commission, descend into violence. Making unfounded allegations against INEC and the police cannot in any way help the cause of peace in Rivers State. Meanwhile, the security agencies should also ensure that their legitimate duties of protecting electoral materials, INEC personnel and maintaining law and order are carried out in line with their rules of engagement and with the highest professionalism.

They must refuse the temptation from any quarters to undermine the integrity of the election.

However, it is nonetheless still worrisome that for all the killings and bloodletting that have led to the inability of INEC to conduct the elections in Rivers State these past months, we are not aware that any arrest has been made concerning the perpetrators. Yet the failure to fish out and deal decisively with these entrepreneurs of violence may have emboldened them and their sponsors.

They may have reasoned that they could successfully unleash mayhem on their fellow citizens and still get away without any consequences.

It is therefore our hope that the people of Rivers State will tomorrow be allowed to exercise their franchise without any form of coerc ion or violence while all trouble makers will be arrested and brought to book. Turning election into a matter of life and death, as it has now become a tradition in the state, is a shame that should no longer be tolerated by the authorities.

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

IGP AND THE RIVERS RERUN ELECTION

s a political observer, I am amused by the extreme partisanship of the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris. Though he is still wearing his uniform, all his actions are tailored towards the promotion of the ‘Chanji Dole’ politics.

Since his appointment, he has dragged the police several steps backwards because of his commitment to the political ideals of those who appointed him. He has forgotten the responsibilities that go with the office of the Inspector General of Police.

Mr Idris has failed to realise that his office is different from that of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) whose interest is to win at all costs, irrespective of the voting pattern of the electorate.

It is necessary at this point to highlight the statement credited to the APC National Chairman, Mr John Odigie-Oyegun after defeated Rivers APC Governorship candidate cried to him after losing at the Supreme Court. Hear Odigie-Oyegun: “We have lost very important oil-rich states to the PDP. No matter how crude oil prices have fallen, it is still the most important revenue earner for the country.”

In case Mr Idris is not aware, as a police chief, he is expected to be neutral. He has no business trying to assist the APC gain political advantage, because they appointed him into office. It is rather unfortunate that Mr Idris has allowed himself to be used by the APC leadership to create unnecessary political tension in Rivers State. This he has done in his

use of the police to manipulate the security infrastructure in the state.

His directive to the Rivers State Police Commissioner to reduce the policemen attached to Government House, Port Harcourt from 250 to less than 50 was the beginning of his recent assault on the security architecture of Rivers State. After that, the IGP ensured that majority of the Divisional Police Officers and Divisional Crime Officers from areas where key rerun elections would hold where transferred out of the state. Policemen compromised by the APC and used by the defeated party during the tribunal hearing were posted back.

Two senior police officers are now aiding and abetting crime in Rivers State. They are taking illegal actions that have further diminished the already ailing reputation of the police.

One of them led APC thugs and several armed policemen to invade Government House, Port Harcourt. During this failed invasion, he personally assaulted the Chief Security Officer of Governor Wike. The other on the order of the Inspector General of Police has assigned 500 SARS personnel to APC candidates and chieftains, without assigning any to PDP candidates. When Governor Wike raised alarm on this anomaly, it was the Rivers APC that issued a statement defending the Inspector General of Police.

When Governor Wike upon receipt of credible intelligence stated that there were plans to assassinate him, the police made no attempt to reassure him of his safety. Instead, IGP Idris broke all known principles of security administration.

He withdrew the Chief Security Officer of Governor Wike.

He also withdrew majority of the police personnel on the governor’s security convoy.

In his attempt to please those who appointed him, Idris forgot the established security protocol that you don’t withdraw the Chief Security Officer of a governor without informing him. The comedy of errors associated with the IGP calls to question his commitment to the security of lives across the nation. One wonders why the IGP is not disturbed that security is degenerating nationwide.

Since becoming the IGP, he has been at home with the conduct of questionable elections by an equally suspicious INEC. In Edo, he was changing Commissioner of Police repeatedly till he got the ‘right’ man for the ‘job’. We all know how protests trailed the aftermath of the Edo ‘job’. Under Idris, police has lost its neutrality.

It is important that I bring to the fore, Amaechi’s statement on behalf of the police concerning the rerun elections. He told reporters that the Presidency (APC) has mobilised security for the rerun elections and that the security agents will arrest anyone considered to be a trouble maker. I will take the liberty of informing Ibrahim Idris that Rivers State is not Kano State where he was Commissioner of Police during the 2015 election. As we await the outcome of that investigation, I plead with him to reduce the level of partisanship.

Simeon Nwakaudu, Port Harcourt

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FRIDAY DECEMBER 9, 2016 T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2016

POLITICS

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

PERSONALITY FOCUS

Oshiomhole’s Last Day in Office Former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, held a valedictory executive council session on his final day in office. It was an emotional moment deserving of the initiative, writes Adibe Emenyonu, who witnessed the session

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f there is anything that is constant, it is the fact that in every sphere of life, there must be change. Change on its own can come in different ways. It could be though movement, transition or transformation. Whichever way, change must occur. This, in local parlance, signposts the saying that “soldier comes, soldier goes, the barrack remains”. In other words, nothing has ever remained constant according to Heraclitus, the Greek philosopher of Yore.

On November 11, 2008, Adams Oshiomhole retrieved is mandate to become the governor of Edo State after 18 months of legal battle at the tribunal and Court of Appeal. Eight years down the saddle, it is time to quit the stage and pave the way for a worthy successor.

In accordance with this axiom, the people’s general by virtue of the struggle in the labour movement, which he was privileged to have led as President, decided to call members of his cabinet to say though we are not leaving by reason of death, it is time to say goodbye as members of Edo State Executive Council.

It was a session full of emotions and nostalgia as Oshiomhole presided over his last State Executive Council meeting as Governor of Edo State. At a stage, the outgone governor broke down in tears when he was addressing his aides and Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Odubu.

Two things, as was later learnt, precipitated his bursting into tears. One was the absence of his first wife, Clara, who died before the end of his first term and the death of his former Private Principal Secretary, Olaitan Oyerinde who was gruesomely murdered by assassins during his campaign for second term.

Oshiomhole looking back, recalled the love and attachment; how the late wife was always by his side during the labour unions days; that even when he was detained severally, Clara was there for him to the extent that he began to entertain fears that he might one day die, not knowing she would go before him.

On Olaitan, the Comrade Governor recalled how he brought him from Osun State to be his private secretary when he was sworn in as governor in 2008, and how the late Olaitan was dedicated to the struggle and governance before the cold hands of death snatched him away. At this stage, he broke down in tears and was joined by others who felt the pain of losing dear ones.

A minute silence was held in honour of these heroin and hero in Oshiomhole’s life.

Thereafter, the governor picked up his voice again, commending members of executive council for their steadfastness, commitment, industry and resourcefulness, which contributed to the success of his administration.

“Let me thank each and everyone of you for what God has used you to do for our people, for our great state. Let me say publicly that I do believe the evidence is there, that members of this state executive council are the least paid and work the hardest compared to any other state that I know of. I also know that we have had to work long hours.

“I recall a meeting we had, starting at 9.00 am, no adjournment and staying all the way to 7.00 am the following day. No break, no adjournment. We all agreed that we would do that and we would not adjourn until we had addressed the issue of the viability of this state so that we can deliver on our promises.

“I want to thank all of you. May God bless you; may God reward you. And we must have a sense of collective ownership of everything that happened while we were here. I want to apologise to those I harassed, and there is hardly anyone I didn’t, but it can be both

Oshiomhole hugs his Deputy, Odubu at their last exco as the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, watches

ways. I wanted everything to be perfect.

“The harder I strived towards perfection, the more I realise that it can’t be, and I am still striving. I was always afraid to fail; it has been in my nature. I didn’t design it.

Thank you for tolerating a lot of that and for appreciating that nothing was personal. I am proud of each and everyone of you, and as Odubu said, let’s see ourselves as members of a particular class, like you have members of an alumni association, a particular class.

May God preserve this class, and may the membership of this class continue to advance.”

Continuing, Oshiomhole had a word on his successor. “With Godwin, I think one of us is taking over. We have a sense that the man, who chaired our economic team with whom we had debates is going to continue. My prayer is that he will avoid our own mistakes and build on our strength and that the economic environment will be sufficiently enabling to enable him to do all of the good things I know he has in his heart, because what brought us together was the Edo project.

“I know he has passion; he has the commitment; he has the energy and he has the honesty of purpose, and above all, he has the competence. What he will need from us is the prayer for God to enable him to do so well

Two things, as was later learnt, precipitated his bursting into tears. One was the absence of his first wife, Clara, who died before the end of his first term and the death of his former Private Principal Secretary, Olaitan Oyerinde who was gruesomely murdered by assassins during his campaign for second term.

that this club of which he was a member, will be an example of how members of this club are performing and growing from strength to strength. Thank you so very much.”

Earlier, Odubu, recalled with nostalgia, the very early days of his relationship with Oshiomhole when they met in Abuja.

According to him, “The very first time we met with regards to this project was in Abuja, and it was as if we had known each other for donkey years. We bonded as brothers. I recall again the trying moment, the trying period when our mandate was stolen.

“You provided exemplary leadership. Mr. Governor, sir, to say that you have performed beyond previously established boundaries will be to state the obvious. To also say that you began well and ended well will also be to state the obvious. Mr. Governor, sir, you have changed the Edo narrative.”

Odubu added further: “Before now, many of us were ashamed to identify ourselves as coming from Edo State. Today, we hold our heads high in various places to say, we are bonafide Edo indigenes. I want to thank you. My association with you has made me a better man.

“In you, Nigerians have found a man who is worthy of emulation, a man that is selfless, a man that is dedicated not only to the course of Nigerians but the course of the common man. You have proved that tough times don’t last, but tough people do.

“You have taught us to fight; you have taught us to fight well. Rest assured of your place in history because you did the greatest good for the greatest number of people in the shortest possible time. It remains for me, therefore, with blessed assurance to wish you a blessed future. I wish you all that you wish yourself.”

Another member of the council, Osarodion Ogie, who was Commissioner for Works, went back memory lane his relationship with Oshiomhole for 18 month at the tribunal and Court of Appeal before the mandate was restored.

He spoke about how he worked with him as Chief of Staff for four years and Commissioner for Works till date, adding that in all these years, Oshiomhole has thought those of them who worked with him three virtues: loyalty, courage and humility.

Expatiating on these, he noted that working with Oshiomhole, they have learnt that no matter how difficult an assignment is, it is possible to solve it once there is courage.

“You gave us that courage in the midst of challenges to keep marching on”, he stated.

He also remembered the episode of the widow whom the governor out of anger, told to go and die because she was among those defacing the urban renewal programme of government but out of humility, apologised to her and gave her job which to me “is the highest display of humility”.

The outgoing Works Commissioner also recalled how the governor prior to the primaries which threw up Godwin Obaseki asked him to collapse his structure for the new governor and he had to obey because Oshiomhole thought him how to be loyal.

Although other members of cabinet took turn to speak and also pay glowing tributes to the governor, he took time also to address some of them especially those who started the journey with him in 2008.

To his deputy, Odubu, he said in spite of the rough time they had together before, during and after the primaries, they were able to reconcile, an indication that they are from one political family.

He thanked Clem Agba, his Commissioner for Environment for the zeal he displayed leaving his lucrative job at Chevron to work with him and displace erosion and flood in the state as well as his administration’s urban renewal drive.

His gratitude was also extended to Didi Adodo, the unionist from Steel Workers’ Union for coming to join him in the task of rebuilding Edo state from grand zero.

Lastly to Ogie, the Works Commission, Oshiomhole described him as his political son though by age he cannot be referred to as a biological son. He said it will continue to remain a reference point, Ogie’s loyalty to him and the party.

He spoke of his closeness to him through thick and thin; how he asked him to forget his governorship ambition and as a loyal son, acceded to the call. “This I will never forget to reward you for being with me when it mattered”, he said.

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POLITICS

PERSPECTIVE

Saraki: From Outcast to Beautiful Bride

After months of persecution, it is good to see Senate President Bukola Saraki become the toast of his party, the All Progressives Congress, writes Tope Ajayi

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hen Bukola Saraki’s trial opened at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) early this year, we all thought we were watching the premature end of an outstanding political career. If anyone had predicted back then that one year after, Saraki would still be addressed as the Senate President, no one would have believed. As court after court dismissed his attempts to stop his trial at the tribunal, it looked certain that Saraki’s political days were numbered.

As if that was not enough, he would soon be charged with another case of forgery, alongside his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu. With this second trial added, almost everyone was now convinced that those powerful forces that Saraki claimed were out to get him were not leaving anything to chances. The forgery trial appeared like a plan B. At the beginning of the CCT trial, Saraki claimed that his trial was political; that he was being persecuted for daring to emerge as the Senate President against the wish of certain individuals in the leadership of his ruling political party, the APC. His chief attorney, Kanu Agabi SAN, put it more dramatically.

He said what happened was like a group of boys were engaged in a street fight and after one of them had wrestled the others to the ground, those that were defeated then decided to go to court. He urged the tribunal not to join in the political brawl.

Saraki

Perhaps, not everyone agreed with Saraki back then. However, it is highly unlikely that anyone would still be left in doubt. The case at the tribunal continues. But the last time it came up in November, it was adjourned till January 2017.

Perhaps, more astonishing was that the Tribunal Chairman who had acted as if he had a personal grudge against Saraki, the same man who had insisted, against all appeals by Saraki’s lawyers, that the trial must proceed on a daily basis, was now the one giving this rather long adjournment, even without anyone asking.

Something, certainly, was beginning to turn.

Meanwhile, even before then, the federal govern-

ment had also withdrawn the forgery charges against the Senate President and his deputy. It is noteworthy that one of the party leaders that promptly issued a statement hailing government’s decision to drop the charges was Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the man whom most people saw as the unseen hands behind Saraki’s tribulation.

In the last two weeks, we have seen the Senate President come in and out of the presidential villa several times. Even State House Correspondents began to wonder what was happening. After all, this was the same man that was not even invited for the traditional break of fast with the President during the last Ramadan.

Many have wondered what to ascribe the growing romance between the Presidency and the erstwhile estranged Senate President to. The immediate speculation was that it has to do with the USD 29.9billion loan that the president needed the Senate approval for.

Saraki himself had denied that his rather frequent visit to the Villa of late had anything to do with the loan. This is most likely to be true, given that President Buhari is not particularly inclined to lobbying for anything.

Whatever it was, this growing rapprochement points to one thing: an increasing realisation within the presidential circles that the executive arm of government needs the legislature to function effectively in a democracy.

This can therefore only be a positive development for our democracy, especially at this very challenging time. We all witnessed how the 2016 Budget nearly became a victim to the

frosty relationship between the executive and the legislature, with all the dire consequences for the economy.

However, regardless of the policy engagements that might be going on, politics would appear to be the driving fuel of the relationship. It is no longer secret that the political marriage between President Buhari and Asiwaju Tinubu is now at the ‘separation’ stage. It may not get to the level of outright divorce as yet.

But like the celebrity husband, the Presidency had felt the need to deny on several occasions that there was any problem; even when it was glaring that the union is merely being held together by fear of public opinion because neither of the party is ready to say why the marriage collapsed.

In this context, therefore, it would be downright politically stupid, if not suicidal for the presidency to allow Asiwaju to make up with Saraki and form what would certainly be a formidable force. For a presidency still struggling to find its feet, it is unlikely that Buhari and his team would be able to withstand the onslaught that these two men working together could summon.

The smart move therefore was for the Presidency to get to Saraki first. And they did. What happened next? Saraki was in Ondo, engineering the APC victory alongside President Buhari.

In the end, Ondo was won. And by a cruel irony of fate, it was Asiwaju that is now facing charges of disrespect for the party and even outright anti-party actions.

-Ajayi wrote from Abuja, the nation’s capital

Between Trump, Mattis, Flynn and Ogunlesi With his three latest appointments of James Mattis, Michael Flynn and Adebayo Ogunlusi, President-elect Donald Trump has shown promising signs of a focused leader, writes Femi Fani-Kayode

G

eneral James ‘Mad Dog’ Mattis, the famous ex-Marine and the hero of countless conflicts and wars, has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump as his Secretary of Defence. What an extraordinary man and colorful figure Mattis is. Here are some of the things he has said over the years.

1. “I’m going to plead with you, do not cross us, because if you do, the survivors will write about what we do here for 10,000 years.”

2. “Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet. (Time Magazine).

3. “You are part of the world’s most feared and trusted force. Engage your brain before you engage your weapon.” (In a letter Mattis wrote to his Marines the night before the March 2003 Iraq invasion).

4. “I don’t lose any sleep at night over the potential for failure. I cannot even spell the word.” (San Diego Union Tribune).

5. “You go into Afghanistan, you got guys, who slap women around for five years because they didn’t wear a veil. You know, guys like that ain’t got no manhood left anyway. So, it’s a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them. Actually it’s quite fun to fight them, you know. It’s a hell of a hoot. It’s fun to shoot some people. I’ll be right up there with you. I like brawling.” (CNN) 6. “Demonstrate to the world there is ‘No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy’ than a U.S. Marine.” (Letter to First Marine Division) 7. “I come in peace. I didn’t bring artillery.

But I’m pleading with you, with tears in my eyes: If you fuck with me, I’ll kill you all.” (San Diego Union Tribune).

Mattis sounds like my type of man: a real warrior with the heart of a Viking. With him as Secretary of Defence, I have no doubt that America, and indeed the world, will be a better and safer place.

Trump has done well by cultivating the courage to nominate him. The President-elect has done equally well by appointing Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn as his National Security Advisor. This

Trump

is another interesting and colourful character, who appears to understand the monumental challenge that the world is facing today very well.

A well-experienced and extremely tough military intelligence officer, who served courageously and meritoriously in Iraq and Afghaniatan, he is undoubtedly the quintessential “brave heart”.

In his 2016 book titled: “The Field of Fight” he characterised U.S. counter-intelligence as “a world war against a messianic mass movement of evil people”. In a speech earlier this year, he called Islam “a cancer” and “a political ideology” that “hides behind this notion of being a religion.” He went on to say that given what is happening in today’s world, “the fear of Muslims is rational”.

Permit me to share his exact words: “We are facing another ‘Ism,’ just like we faced Nazism, fascism, imperialism and communism,” Flynn said. “This is Islamism: it is a vicious cancer inside the body of 1.7 billion people on this planet and it has to be excised.”

For the record, let me be clear, I do not believe that Islam itself is a cancer but I do believe that radical Islam most certainly is. I also disagree with his assertion that Islam is not a religion and I reject the notion that all of the 1.7 billion Muslims in the world today are violent extremists, jihadists and fundamentalists.

I believe that Islam is not only a religion but also a respectable and noble one and that most Muslims are decent, hard-working, God-fearing, law-abiding people. I most certainly do not share the view that ALL Muslims are terrorists.

However this cannot be said of the Islamic fundamentalists, the jihadists, the Islamists and the practitioners of radical Islam. I believe that they are indeed ALL terrorists and that Islamic fundamentalism itself is a dangerous, self-serving, cruel, primitive and vicious cult, which is fuelled and sustained by wahabbi and salifist hate and premised on an unrelenting and barbaric political ideology.

As a matter of fact, it is worse than that. It is not just a political ideology but also a deadly and violent tool of and vehicle for genocide, mass murder, tyranny, subjugation, political conquest and oppression.

It is the greatest evil that humanity has been confronted with since the slave trade, colonialism, fascism, communism, imperialism and neo-colonialism and it must be defeated and utterly crushed lest it consumes us all. The truth is that it is worse than cancer. It is a cultural and political nuclear bomb that is preparing to explode and destroy the entire world.

In spite of his sweeping generalisations and his inability to make a clear distinction between radical Islam and Islam itself, I believe that Flynn will still make an excellent NSA because he understands the nature and mindset of the enemy very well. He is also deeply courageous, utterly fearless and thoroughly forthright. By all standards, he is a man of immense discipline and unimpeachable integrity: a profoundly good man and a loyal and patriotic American.

When one couples this with Trump’s appointment of the rugged and highly combative Mike Pompeio as the new Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, there can be little doubt that Trump is assembling a great team of people that will make American foreign policy far more decisive, dramatic and virile, that will change the face of the world as we know it and that

will crush Islamist terrorism and radical Islam in an utterly profound and meaningful way.

That is what the world needs today and that is why I supported him and believed in him right from the outset. At least now the American people can say “merry xmas” again instead of having to say “happy holiday”.

At least American soldiers will be allowed to sleep with the Holy Bible under their pillows again. At least Christmas trees will be proudly displayed in shopping malls all over America again.

At least the name of the Lord will be glorified again and the good old fashioned Christian values upon which the United States of America was originally founded will be recognised, acknowledged and established again.

It is indeed “goodbye” to Barack and “hello” to Donald. It is the advent of a new and glorious era for America and indeed the rest of the world.

It is a golden era in which the misguided and discredited concept of political correctness and the wholesale acceptance of liberal values, humanist philosophies and strange pagan practices, all in an attempt to establish a new world order, is rejected.

That is the hope that this new dispensation brings: to lift up America and once again make her the shining light on a hill that will provide the direction and decisive leadership that the world so badly needs.

I am also excited by Trump’s appointment of the African American, Dr. Ben Carson, a man who, like the biblical Daniel, is blessed with an excellent spirit, as his Secretary of State for Housing and Urban Development.

Finally, it gives me great pleasure to note the fact that my old friend, Adebayo Ogunlesi has been appointed a member of Trump’s economic advisory team. Where are those that said Trump hates people of colour and that he loathes Nigerians? Congratulations Bayo and keep the flag flying!

-Fani-Kayode, a former Minister of Aviation, wrote from Abuja

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S NIBOR OVERNIGHT 1-MONTH

A S

NIBOR

A T

3-MONTH

9.6667% 17.874%

6-MONTH

Group Business Editor Chika Amanze-Nwachuku

Email chika.amanzenwachukwu@thisdaylive.com 08057161321, 08033294157

D E C E M B E R 6 ,

19.539% 20.8243%

NITTY 1-MONTH 2-MONTH 3-MONTH

18.0333% 18.6745% 16.2693%

3-MONTH 6-MONTH 12-MONTH

2 0 1 6 18.7836% 119.3948% 22.4006%

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

Quick Takes Air Fares to Remain Flat in 2017

It has been projected that there would not be significant change in air transport patronage that could cause upheaval in fares.

According to airwise.com, the outlook for business travel over the next year remains subdued and airfares will remain broadly static according to a new report.

The forecast by American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) said the geopolitical landscape and increased security concerns are causing global economic uncertainty.

The slowing Chinese economy, the UK’s vote to leave the European Union and security concerns in many countries have contributed to the uncertainty, the report says.

In the United States, airline overcapacity and strong competition between low cost and legacy carriers are creating a lower fare environment with US short-haul ticket prices forecast to fall 3 percent and long-haul by 1.5 percent in 2017.

The forecast for Canada is a 3.8 percent drop for short-haul and 3 percent for long-haul.

Ethiopian Airlines Receives Award

CONGRATULATIONS

SVP Operations, iSON BPO International Limited, Mr. Manoj Mudgal (right); receiving the ATPN Best Call Center Management Solution Service Provider Company of the year to iSON BPO International from the Chairman, Africa ICT Alliance, Dr. Jimson Olufuye, during the presentation of ATPN award night, in Lagos…recently

UN Report: Africa Lost $580bn in Six Years to Gender Inequality Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The pervasive gender gap in economic activities is constraining the African continent from achieving its full economic potential, averaging a loss of about $95 billion annually or $580 billion in sub-Saharan Africa since 2010.

This was contained in the Africa Human Development Report 2016 just released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The report, which focused on “Accelerating Gender Equality and Women ‘s Empowerment in Africa”, observed that gender inequality is costing sub-Saharan Africa an average

ECONOMY $95 billion annually, peaking at $105 billion in 2014– or six per cent of the region’s gross domestic product (GDP).

According to the report, this is jeopardising the continent’s efforts at achieving inclusive human development and economic growth.

The 176-page report, which was released in Abuja by the UNDP country office, analysed the political, economic and social drivers that hamper the advancement of African women and proposed policies and concrete actions to close the gender gap.

Such steps include addressing the contradiction between legal provisions and practice in gender laws; breaking down harmful social norms and transforming discriminatory institutional settings; and securing women’s economic, social and political participation.

The report posited that deeply-rooted structural obstacles including unequal distribution of resources, power and wealth, combined with social institutions and norms that sustain inequality are holding African women, and the rest of the continent, back.

According to the report, an estimated 1 per cent increase in gender inequality reduces a

country’s human development index by 0.75 per cent.

The report further observed that African women achieve only 87 per cent of the human development outcomes of men, and hold 66 per cent of all jobs in the non-agricultural informal sector but only make 70 cents for each dollar made by men.

It also stated that only between seven and 30 per cent of all private firms have a female manager.

This year’s report on gender equality reviewed the ongoing efforts of African countries to accelerate the pace of assurContinued on page 20

NACCIMA, PHCCIMA Blame FG’s Policies for Epileptic Activities at Ports Eromosele Abiodun The organised private sector operators have again attributed the present dilemma experienced in the various sea ports across the country, especially the Rivers State port, to the deliberate stifling policies of the federal government.

Officials of the National Association of Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, (NACCIMA), Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), Rivers State Governor, Nye-

MARITIME som Wike and other critical stakeholders in the maritime and organised private sector came to this consensus at the 4th Quarter Council Meeting of the NACCIMA hosted by the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce in Port Harcourt.

Speaking at the banquet dinner, Wike, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Mrs. Ipalibo Harry Banigo expressed shock why ports in the area are unfairly singled out for astronomical charges which, he

said has been scaring potential importers and exporters away from the state, while other ports outside the region are fairly benchmarked in rates.

“We are happy that the likes of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce and NACCIMA are seriously engaged in advocacy to ensure that a change is effected; I want to assure you that the Rivers State Government is committed to partnering with you to achieve this objective, we also promised to exploit the potentials of the ports in reviving the state economy,” the governor said.

President of PHCCIMA, Dr Emi Membere Otaji, in his remark, underscored the economic importance of resuscitating the sea ports in Rivers state.

He said: “We must make Port Harcourt ports work so that everything will not gravitate to Lagos. PHCCIMA has been interfacing with key stakeholders and we will strive further to ensure our first love shipping is reinvented as envisioned by our finding fathers.”

On his part, NACCIMA Continued on page 20

Africa’s largest Airline Group, Ethiopian Airlines has announced that it has won Airline of the Year Award, for the fifth year in a row, by the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) during its 48th Annual General Assembly held on November 21, 2016, in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

The AFRAA annual awards recognise excellence in service delivery, innovation and competitiveness in airlines, individuals and service providers in the African aviation industry.

Ethiopian has been applauded for its outstanding financial performance, technological leadership and investment in modern fuel efficient fleet, exemplary cooperation with other African carriers, significantly expanding route network in Africa and beyond, growing cargo operations with the largest cargo fleet on the continent and huge investment in MRO and training facilities to support the African Aviation.

While receiving the award, Ethiopian Group CEO, Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam, remarked, “We are highly honored for this recognition by fellow sisterly airlines in Africa, for the fifth consecutive year.The award underscores the continuous efforts and hard work of Ethiopian employees who are striving day and night to surpass customers’ expectations. Ethiopian is also grateful to its loyal customers for giving us the opportunity to serve them, for travelling on Ethiopian in great numbers, for their continued feedback and support which, in turn, assisted us in enhancing the airline’s service excellence.

He added: “Although Africa is registering rapid economic and travel growth,thisgrowthisprimarilybenefitingnon-Africancarriers.Iwould like to remind fellow African Airlines that African aviation holds a very strong future with vigorous fundamentals for aviation to thrive, only if, we Africans look inwards in the continent to leverage on the available internal resources to create synergy through collaborative partnerships in areas of training, technical and management support.

Most of all, realizing one single unified market without any restriction for African airlines is no more an option.”

Air Freight in Africa Rises By 7.4%

African carriers’ freight demand increased by 7.4% in October 2016 compared to the same month last year. However, capacity surged by 24.7% on the back of long-haul expansion, in particular by Ethiopian Airlines. International freight demand for African airlines slowed in October, but still remained robust at 7.7% year-on-year.

This was contained in the data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for global air freight markets in October 2016 showing that demand, measured in freight tonne kilometers (FTKs), rose 8.2% year-on-year in October. This was the fastest pace of growth seen in 18 months. Freight capacity, measured in available freight tonne kilometers (AFTKs), increased 3.6% over the same period.

“Global air freight markets look set to end 2016 on a high note.

Demand is growing at its fastest pace in 18 months. It remains to be seen how long this growth trend will endure after the year-end peak period and we still face headwinds from weak global trade.

But there are some encouraging signs.

When we were Heritage Bank, we were at peace. We were small and we threatened nobody

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Bank Plc

Mr. Ifie Sekibo

20

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD UN REPORT: AFRICA LOST $580BN IN SIX YEARS TO GENDER INEQUALITY ing women’s empowerment through all spheres of society –home and community, health and educational attainment, workplace, and in political participation and leadership.

The report noted that while significant progress has been made across numerous fronts in most countries, gender equality for African women and girls is still far from satisfactory.

To address the gender gap, the report adopted a political economy approach to gender equality and women’s empowerment in Africa.

A key message of the report is that giving more concerted attention to gender equality will be an important and long overdue stimulus to faster and more inclusive human development and economic growth for the entire continent.

NACCIMA, PHCCIMA BLAME FG’S POLICIES FOR EPILEPTIC ACTIVITIES AT PORTS President, Bassey Edem expressed gratitude to the Rivers State government for delivering its promise to provide a permanent trade fair site for the city chamber.

He also lauded the state government for creating an enabling environment for the organised private sector to thrive.

He said reviving Port Harcourt ports has become necessary as it will help stimulate the state economy and create strings of multiple employment opportunities promising to help in the advocacy. Speaking on the essence of the meeting, he said it was an avenue to review the economic situation of the country with a view to proffering lasting solutions that will position the country in good direction..

The meeting also witnessed a lecture by Prof. Bamidele Badejo, a onetime commissioner for transport Lagos State, on the topic: ‘Re-inventing Port Harcourt as a Port City’, where he reiterated that Nigeria as a country sitting on assets without taking advantage of it.

Group Business Editor

Chika Amanze-Nwachuku AgriBusiness/Industry Editor

Crusoe Osagie

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

Senior Correspondent

Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents

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

Nume Ekeghe (Money Market) Nosa Alekhuogie (Maritime)

NEWS

Aviation Security Accuses Baggage Handling Workers of Aiding Stowaway Chinedu Eze Baggage handling workers have been fingered in the stowaway incidents at the nation’s airports.

Security experts at the airport hinted that investigations into the recent stowaway incident involving an Arik Air aircraft revealed that insiders aid stowaways.

A man who stowed away in Arik Aircraft was found dead in the flight shortly after it arrived the Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg from Lagos last Wednesday.

Top security officials from different organisations, including Aviation Security (AVSEC) of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigeria Air Force (NAF), the Nigeria Police, after reviewing the security apparatus of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos concluded that the stowed man was assisted by baggage handling workers.

THISDAY learnt accusing fingers are being pointed at the workers of aviation handling companies of the Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited (SAHCOL) and the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (nahco aviance), the airline workers and the personnel who carry out cleaning services at the airports.

A senior security official at the Lagos airport reasoned that it would be difficult for an outsider to gain access to the airport sterile section, which is the airside insisting that those low cadre workers might be conniving with outsiders to arrange the stowaways.

The source said the handling company workers have access to every part of the airside, from the baggage hall to the foot of the aircraft and pointed out that those workers are lowly paid and many of them are disillusioned about their work and would want an escape overseas or assist others to do so.

“Majority of the staff of these companies who are into baggage movement are casual workers and are poorly paid and many of them are obsessed with the desire of travelling out of the country. That is a common thing in aviation. The security system here is multilayered. There is security at the

foot of each aircraft, whether the aircraft is airworthy or not, there are two guards at each end of the aircraft. This means that nobody can gain access to the aircraft without being a staff of the airline or from the handling company. The policy is that every aircraft must be guarded, so any possible stowaway must be aided by an insider.

“There are layers of security at these airports, including regular patrol of the airside side and the fence area, so it will be difficult for an outsider to enter the airport and gain access to the aircraft without inside assistance,” the source said.

But an agency official who has worked for several years at the Lagos airport said it was highly likely that those who sneak into the aircraft wheelwell to be airlifted out of the country are persons who stray into the airport premises.

“First of all, it is the primary responsibility of the airline to protect its aircraft and every staff of handling companies are checked by security when accessing and leaving the airside.

Stowaway usually happens when outsiders stray into the airport,” the source said.

Spokesman of SAHCOL, Basil Agboarumi told THISDAY that the staff of the company that carry out baggage handling

are profiled and monitored at regular interval and if there is any infraction, the person is relieved of his job.

“We get background information of every of our staff and we carry out regular profiling on them because of the sensitive nature of the work we do. There is no way any of our staff can be involved in breaching safety at the airport”, Agboarumi said.

Also a NAHCO official told THISDAY that the activities of the baggage handlers is strictly and closely monitored, adding that any of the workers who strayed from probity is given maximum penalty of discipline and subsequently disengaged.

WE APPRECIATE YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS

L-R: Head, Life Retail Division, Leadway Assurance Company Limited, Mr. Femi Adebayo; Annuity Business Development Manager, Miss.Olufunmilayo Balogun; General Manager Life, Annuitant, Mrs. Supo Adeyoola and Medical Consultant, Dr. Ahmed Balogun, during the company’s party for Annuitants in Lagos…recently kolawole alli

Senate, APCON Agree on Poor Budgetary Allocation Raheem Akingbolu Things may look up for the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), in the area of funding if the Senate Committee on Information fulfills its promise to pursue the possibility of increasing the budgetary allocation meant for the council.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Information, Senator Suleiman Adoke, who led other committee members to APCON Secretariat in Lagos, expressed concern about the way the council is being starved of fund. He advocated for an increased budgetary alloca-

tion for the regulatory body to enable it meet and deliver on its mandate as an industry watchdog, and also carry out more research into the sector.

While pointing out the contribution of effective advertising to healthy living and sane society, he said consumers would be at the receiving end if APCON is not well equipped to vet advertising materials before they are exposed.

“Advertising is important to economic growth because it is a platform through which brands and products can be built. As a nation, Nigeria needs advertising; both for destination branding and marketing of our

potentials. It is unfortunate therefore that things are this bad but we will table APCON’s case before the national assembly to address the issue, especially as it concerns the withheld allocation of the council and possibility of reviewing the current status of its funding.” Another member of the committee, Senator Dino Melaye, urged APCON to itemise its demand and send it to the national assembly. He argued that most parastatals are suffering because they don’t know the right way to channel their challenges.

“Many parastatals find it difficult to approach the national assembly because of the fiat

given by the office of the secretary general of the federation during the military regime that every financial issue should go through the office of budget and planning. Unfortunately, that does not work in a democratic certain.”

According to him, the national assembly has the power to pass a proposal from any government pararastal into law. He added that if the general house seems to be busy to handle the situation, it will then be forwarded to the committee that is related with the issues.

Earlier, Registrar and Chief Executive officer of the Council, Alhaji Garba Bello Kankarofi

had expressed displeasure over the council inability to function properly as a result of its withheld budgetary allocation by the federal government.

Kankarofi lamented that out of allocated N18million, the Council has only received the sum total of N7.8million in 2016. He stated that the council is heavily underfunded, a situation, which according to him has hindered its operation.

The registrar added that, APCON is planning to send a bill to the national assembly this week to itemise its numerous challenges over the years, which include; budget deficiency and breaching of APCON laws.

in China and in the Port machinery sector in China. We have maintained the number one position and have been controlling 50percent market for the past five years “We are not doing very well in Nigeria, we want to promote the Sany brand. Our other equipment are doing well so we didn’t have enough time and focus on this sector. ” Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the

Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Ms Hadiza Bala Usman said the Nigerian ports must lead in modernisation of equipment and infrastructure in Africa.

Usman, who was represented by the General Manager, Public Affairs, Chief Michael Ajayi said as the leading port in Africa, the federal government through the NPA had continually made efforts to reposition the Nigerian ports in line with global trend in shipping and Ports operations.

Chinese Firm to Invest $30m in Nigeria Eromosele Abiodun A leading manufacturer in ports equipment, SANY Group Incorporated has disclosed its intention to invest between $20 million to $30 million in Nigeria’s automobile industry.

The North and West Africa Manager of the group, Mr. Li Lei disclosed this at the Nigerian International Maritime Ports and Terminal (NIMPORT) business meeting.

The event, held in Lagos was tagged, “Improving Ports Operational Efficiency.”

Lei said the investment would also lead to providing jobs for about 800 Nigerians.

According to him, the company needed to identify local partners in other to set up the million dollar investment in Nigeria.

“We have to invest up to $20 million to $30 million in Nigeria. We need to have local

partners first. We need support from government; with this we can create job opportunities of between 500 and 800 for Nigerians,” he said.

Lei also stated that the company, as a leading Port equipment manufacturer in China is ready to penetrate into Nigeria’s Ports machinery market.

He said: “In the last 10 years, we have been producing heavy equipment for ports operations

21

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

AVIATION

Security Experts Alert on Cybercrimes at Airports Chinedu Eze Aviation security experts have alerted the federal government on the new and growing alternative to physical invasion of airport facilities by terrorists, which is cybercrime.

Speaking at the recent breakfast meeting organised

by Aviation Round Table (ART) in Lagos, an expert in Cyber Security, Ifeanyi Ogochukwu, who delivered a speech on Cyber Security and Hacking of Civil Aviation System by Terrorists, said this is a new area where terrorists are exploring all possibilities to do maximum damage on air transport system.

He expressed regret that Nigeria is not even planning to do anything to counter threats pose by it because the country is yet to grasp the danger and enormity of cybercrime, which needs an entirely different security apparatus to fight.

He said aviation has changed because airlines, passengers and agencies alike now use technologies because they want to maximise their

time, make it easy to issue tickets, facilitate passengers and minimise physical procedures in air transport services. So terrorists are taking advantage of these and noted that technology while improving life has constituted another problem; for example, the drone that is used to gather information, map large areas and do so many valuable things could be used by unscrupulous persons to attack airports.

Ogochukwu said terrorists are even now well advanced in technology than we expect and are tapping at the tech advances in aircraft development because aircraft are highly information technology based, as “any passenger can connect to the cockpit from the cabin using advanced technology.”

“Unfortunately, two months ago there was Cyber security attack but nothing was said about it in Nigeria’s aviation, no agency at the airport is actually talking about cyber security, it is an emerging threat, it is a major threat and risk to aviation and I wonder if our aeronautical Information Services (AIS) is

cyber security protected because there are insider threats, cyber security threat is real, it is not a question of where it exists, it is a question of when will it happen”, he said.

He said there is immediate need to establish a separate agency that takes care of Cyber security, adding that an intervention team should also be put in place.

The security expert recommended that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) should embark on education and awareness on the threat, develop a plan and compel other agencies to comply with it.

“This is an area we need to protect because aviation is adopting high technology, airlines are consolidating their systems, aviation is now a shared system, there are so many areas that are prone to hacking, the Automated Data Surveillance Broadcast (ADSB) is vulnerable, wrong information can be inputted into the system but how much awareness are we creating on this”, added.

ICAO Turns Focus on Aviation Infrastructure The President of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Council, Dr. Olumuyiwa Bernard Aliu has said that the international organisation is focusing on airport infrastructure in the next three years, 2017-2019 to ensure that member countries have developed airport infrastructure to enhance safety, security and comfort of passengers.

Aliu, who is a Nigerian, in an interview he granted after his re-election of President of ICAO Council, noted that as the industry continues to change, ICAO would ensure that it continues to support its member states.

“This is a dynamic industry and there will be dynamic challenges. We have to be ready to address all of this.

But like I mentioned under the No Country Left Behind campaign, the next situation in the next three years; there will be a lot of focus on aviation infrastructure development to assist our member states, whether it is for the airport, for air navigational services, capacity building, to enhance regulatory oversight capacity in the states, to provide them more training; training to meet the dynamic changes in technology.

“Technology systems are going to be installed. Our members have to be trained on this. There will be a lot of focus on that. I also have indicated to the Council, we have to fast-track the development of a global plan on aviation security. Recently, the

UN Security Council adopted a resolution to support ICAO in this effort to address aviation security. So, aviation security has become part of global security,” Aliu said.

He noted that at the national level in every country, aviation security now must be seen as an integral part of national security and address as such; because the security of every nation starts right there at the airport.

“So, we want to work with our member states to work with our member states to address aviation security. Whether it is in terms of cyber security, landside security, the use of IEDs (Improvised Explosive Device) against aviation; we are going to work with member states on this,” the ICAO Council President added.

FG Gives Airlines January Deadline to Automate Payment Charges to Agencies In order to stem the frequent indebtedness of Nigerian airlines to aviation, the federal government had given January 1, 2017 as deadline for the automation of payment system of the airlines.

This is to ensure transparency and automatic payment of charges immediately it is due, in order to avoid pile up as debts because of airlines’ reluctance to pay these charges.

Part of the charges is the 5 percent Ticket Sales Charge/Cargo Sales Charge (TSC/CSC) which are paid to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) which cedes some percentage of the money to other agencies like the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET), the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria.

Spokesman of NCAA, Sam Adurogboye said the automation system is being introduced to ensure transparency, accurate billing and prompt payments of charges due for NCAA in line with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations(NCARs) 2015, Vol.2, Part 18.12.5.

NCARs 2015 states thus; “all domestic and international airlines operating in Nigeria shall forward to the Authority through an electronic platform provided by the Authority, all relevant documents such as flown coupons, passenger or cargo manifest, air way bills, load sheets, clients’ service invoices and other documents necessary for accurate billing within forty – eight (48) hours after each flight”, the agency said.

It also observed: “It is

pertinent to point out that this directive has the full backing of the federal government for full implementation and strict compliance. It is now being handed down after due consultations with the airlines and other stakeholders on the desirability of the operators to join the automation platform for the collection of 5 percent TSC/ CSC on the airlines operations.

It follows therefore that the airlines are by this directive requested to join the platform on or before 1st of January 2017 or face appropriate sanctions in event of failure,” NCAA said.

In addition, the operators are further mandated to work with First Bank of Nigeria FBN / AVITECH (FG approved NCAA Consultant on the automation) for the purpose of immediate implementation.

AIR WATCH Nigeria’s Precarious Airspace Lagos Airport domestic terminal, MMA2

Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON), Lagos

A

fortnight ago, the Senate Committee on Aviation visited the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, where it held a stormy interaction with aviation agency heads on how to reposition the sector.

Led by its vice Chairman, Senator Bala Ibn N’allah who is also a pilot, the committee excoriated the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) for poor and obsolete navigational equipment and other landing aids.

Specifically, N’allah narrated a personal experience, how he manoeuvres his aircraft to arrive at his destination and the experiences of other pilots who go through similar challenges flying in Nigeria’s airspace.

Succinctly put, there is poor ground to air communication between pilot and air traffic control. In some parts of the airspace, there is no communication and these areas are known as blind spots. This is very precarious because when the pilot cannot communicate with air traffic control he may not know his whereabouts and he will just rely on his intuition and experience. This, industry experts say, is very dangerous.

There are also poor, obsolete and non-functional navigational aids, which do not provide proper guidance to landing and take off of flights. All these impede smooth flight operation in Nigeria’s airspace and also endanger safety of flights.

THISDAY spoke to air traffic control sources, who have firsthand experiences of guiding pilots to their destinations and they reinforced the importance of providing the necessary navigational aids to improve safety in the nation’s airspace.

Air traffic control sources told THISDAY on Monday that the eastern flank of Lagos, which include Enugu, Calabar, Owerri, Port Harcourt, Uyo has very poor communication system. The controller cannot talk to the pilots on that side of the airspace. A pilot once told ATC that he could not understand the controller’s words when he was about to descend to Abuja, as he flew from Lagos and that was because the communication was not clear. The source noted the danger is that aircraft are coming from Abuja and other places to eastern flank, as they are also coming from Lagos and when the controller is unable to locate the proper position of the aircraft due to poor communication with the pilot, he may not be able to guide the pilot properly on how to descend and land and this is very dangerous. In the Abuja experience, when the pilot did not get the message correctly from the controller, he decided to descend on his whim, using his experience.

“Recently we went to Khartoum (Sudan) for workshop.

We went to their control tower, which was as large as the departure hall of the international terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMIA). When we observed them work we noticed that the place was quiet because they were not shouting on the microphone as we do. This is because their communication system is very effective. They do not need to shout, but for us we need to shout in order that the pilot will hear us because our communication system is very bad. And such shouting is dangerous for our health. It affects our brain and makes the job very tortuous. Besides, it leaves you unsatisfied and frustrated because you

know you can do better and that the work tools are a handicap to efficient delivery of service,” the source said.

The source noted that the Aeronautical Information Service (AIS), which the management said would solve the problem of communication in the airspace has almost been completed but its presence is not being felt.

“To us, the AIS is a big fraud. It is a tiny part of the responsibility of NAMA, which is providing Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) services, but the management is touting this AIS project as if it is going to solve all our problems. There are a lot of things that should be done before this problem will be solved,” the source also noted.

One of the sources also observed that there is money to fund these projects that will improve communications in the airspace and provide efficient navigational aids but alleged that there is lack of sincerity and commitment by management and the concerned government authorities.

Senator N’allah during the brainstorming section with agency heads, during the Committee’s visit, also alleged the wastage of funds by past administrations and top officials of the agencies on elephant projects that were never realised.

Na’Allah observed that in the aviation industry contracts are inflated and when compared to other countries, a 10th of what is budgeted to execute a project in Nigeria is used to provide the best of similar project overseas, adding “The navigational aids we have in Ghana, Togo, Dakar, Senegal, we have spent five times of the money they spent, yet we are yet to have the kind of equipment they have.”

In response, the acting Managing Director of NAMA, Emma Anasi explained that paucity of funds has been the major factor for failure to execute and implement projects in the agency. He noted that NAMA has to power all its equipment located at different parts of the country with generators, spending huge resources on fuel and at a time where majority of the domestic airlines owe the agency.

He said that the problem of poor communication in the airspace would be solved when the Aeronautical Information Service project is completed by early next year.

“When the project, which we call Aeronautical Information Service automation was started it was designed to do two principal things: create a V-SAT network in double redundant mode to enable us establish more extended VHF coverage sites and those sites are Benin, Calabar, Yola, Kaduna and many more. We have issues like that in Lagos, but this project by the time we finish it you can file your flight plan from you bedroom or from your cockpit because the network is web based. The network will also enable us to cover all the routes with radio communication to flight level 100. That is our target,” Anasi said.

Government and its agencies in Nigeria always operate on promissory note. They always make promises and set targets but at the end only very little or nothing is achieved. Hopefully, airlines will continue to operate safely in Nigeria’s airspace, wishing that safety would not be breached before the AIS project is put on stream.

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Sekibo: We Have No Regret Acquiring Enterprise Bank Mr. Ifie Sekibo is the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Bank Plc. In this interview with Joseph Ushigale, Chika Amanze-Nwachuku and Obinna Chima, the bank CEO responded to all the allegations levelled against the financial institution. He also highlighted some of the programmes put in place by the bank to ensure its numerous customers get the best value for their investments. Excerpts: Heritage Bank used to be Societe Generale Bank of Nigeria (SGBN). That bank was dead for 10 years.

This same group of young men, turned a 10-year old dead bank to life and made it work. Now, before we could swallow that, we went and bought Enterprise Bank. So, suddenly you are seeing some people who were not able to revive one organisation that was dead, customers monies were lost and we were able to make customers get back their monies 10 years after. We now went into Enterprise Bank with the belief that we can do the same thing and leverage on the branch network. And we succeeded.

There was no rancor. Most times if you have merger of that nature you have rancour, but here there was none Sekibo

We have had this continuous negative news about your bank, that it is illiquid and that you can no longer meet your obligations to customers. What is the true situation of things at Heritage Bank?

The true situation is that it is not true that we are illiquid, we have always been liquid.

It is true that the whole industry faced some form of liquidity challenge when we all moved monies into the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

So, a customer makes a request overnight for N2 billion or N3 billion, and you tell him to allow you pay him over two days, and they shout, thinking it is illiquidity. It is not!

It has to do with the management of your liquidity position. But we dare to say that since June that this negative press started and till today, our doors have not closed one day. Every customer that comes in gets his money. Yes, there could be delays, but those are normal banking activities where you are managing your liquidity naturally, so that you gauge your inflows and outflows and know how to manage them. And if anybody would look at it, we have over this period, because of the negative press, not that the negative press are true, and people’s anxiety, we had flight to safety. That is some customers took their money away from the bank, and when they found out that nothing happened to the bank, they brought back their money. In that outflow period, over N300 billion left our system and came back into our system. It left and majority of that fund have come back in, because people have realised that it is all false rumours. Firstly, they said the next bank the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) would

take over was going to be Heritage Bank. It is not true! The central bank cleared that issue.

Again, some people believe that if you don’t sell foreign exchange (FX) to them, then you are illiquid, it doesn’t add up that way. FX is a general problem within the industry. If we can’t get it from the central bank and it is not available, we can’t sell what we don’t have.

So, for somebody to say if you don’t sell FX, that means you are illiquid, it doesn’t add up that way. Are my customers who have domiciliary accounts with me satisfied? Yes they are. Am I able to fund Letters of Credit (LCs) that are legitimate? Yes, I am. Am I able to open new LCs? Yes I am. Am I able to give credit to customers that need them? Yes I can.

So, if I am doing all these natural banking and traditional banking, where then is the illiquidity that anybody is talking about? Naturally, when people hear that there is a problem, they rush to the doors of the bank and even the slightest service failures could make people believe it is true. But when you correct the service failure and naturally everything is going on well, then you ask, where is this story coming from? We are a public institution and so members of the public react to the kind of news they get and the kind of news they are fed with. We are saying that there is no such thing as illiquidity and we are not insolvent. We are very liquid, we are meeting our obligations and we would continue to meet our obligations.

Let me put that in context. And this has to do with the entire industry. When we first had challenges with FX, we resolved either to bring down our past due obligations of our customers, to use some of our domicilary account position to be able to fund. It was a national issue. If you don’t pay down your past due obligations outside with your correspondent bank, they cut off your credit lines and everything you have. Your customers would be unable to open new LCs. So, you took the difficult decision to say let’s fund from our position, those LCs, believing that either the CBN, or you could have funds from export proceeds to be able to meet those obligations. Now, because the supply from those two ends is limited, there is a funding gap. That funding gap could cause delays here and there. Don’t forget that we have risk assets which are loans we have given to customers in dollars. They also pay in piecemeal. So, sometimes, a customer comes to say he wants to take $1 million and you promise to give him his $1 million in two days, because you have a shortfall. Another customer owing you pays back, and you then meet up that obligation. So, naturally, it revolves.

No bank today can say every customer that comes into their banking hall, they can pay them all. It is not possible. And when you have a challenging situation like we have today, the chances are that there would be gaps here and there, but in the long run, you meet your obligation and pay them, which is You touched on the FX issue. One of most important to the customers. There is no the allegations was that the FX in the where that it is written that if John gives me domiciliary accounts of your customers $1, I should keep the $1 and wait for him and had been eroded by the bank? whenever he comes, I should give it back to

him. When John’s $1 comes, I can use it to pay Peter. When James’ $3 comes and John request from his $1, I would take from the $3 to give him and then keep $2. That is cash management and in that process there could be gaps, which is why we have the interbank.

If I have a gap, I can call on Bank B, to say I have a gap and I need fund, and I would pay interest to Bank B for that gap to be filled.

The day Bank B also has a gap, it would call on Heritage Bank for support to cover its gap also. And that gap coverage might be one day or two days. It doesn’t make the bank insolvent or illiquid at all. The system is self funding and self correcting over time. So, you don’t just target one bank, when in truth every bank will do the same thing.

Another of the allegation was that your bank is now relying heavily on the interbank market and borrowing at very high interest rates?

There is what is called the interbank. In today’s market, if I have to take money from bank B, I would give them treasury bills in replacement. It is a treasury play. If I say Bank A, give me N1 billion, I must give Bank A N1 billion worth of treasury bills. That is in lieu of cash. When I get my cash, I return back the N1 billon and collect back my treasury bills and keep. When they don’t have, they would give me same treasury bills and give them cash. That is what the interbank market is all about. Now, some banks have relationship with other banks that don’t require them to give treasury bills, just the money. We call that clean lines. As a new bank, I don’t have

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SEKIBO: WE HAVE NO REGRET ACQUIRING ENTERPRISE BANK a clean line with any bank. So, every bank that gives me N1, I give them corresponding treasury bills, which means I must be strong.

So, while you call it borrowing, for us, it is a treasury play. Again, I might have a customer that wants to do a transaction. For instance, he wants to bring in goods and request that Heritage Bank should borrow him N2 billion.

And I say okay, rather than use my cash which I use in trading everyday, I can go to Bank A, give the bank treasury bills, I collect the cash and give to customers. The bank gives me at probably interbank rate, I top it up and give to the customer. The customer finishes, refunds me my money and I redeem my treasury bills.

So, how I manage my treasury is a function of what I see, what I read in the economy and how I view the economy. I might have tonnes of cash and I may decide to buy treasury bills and hold and take cash from interbank.

Sometimes, treasury bills rates are better than interbank rates. So, I will put the money in treasury bills and collect cash from the interbank.

What I now do is to go to the central bank, buy treasury bills at a higher rate, I take the treasury bills, I go to Bank A and say take treasury bills and give me cash, at a lower rate. I use that cash to trade. The net difference is profit to me. That is what is called trading in treasury and interbank market. And it is a continuous thing for every bank. And if while doing that, I have a shortage of cash, I then quickly unwind. So, doing natural banking shouldn’t be a problem. I have a balance that was published and everybody saw it.

We have only been one year as a national bank after taking Enterprise Bank, which was a loss-making bank, and we were over N1 billion profitable. That bank is not insolvent.

Our balance is there for anybody to review.

We have over N65 billion of shareholders’ funds. So, you are not talking of a bank that is small, even though we are new.

The other issue is that because of what is going on in your bank, FirstBank that is handling your international clearing is said to be very reluctant to deal with Heritage Bank and that your bank is indebted to them to the tune of about N5 billion?

Let me correct that impression. For every clearing you do, first you put what we call a collateral with the clearing bank. That is a basic minimum, that in the event my clearing cheques comes in and my inward clearing is less than my outward cheques, I must have enough to security to cover the difference. On one or two days, which happens anywhere, there was a difference and FirstBank said we should make up the difference, and we made up the difference. Now, when a bank comes under the type of bad press we faced, there is always the tendency of mass cash out. In that period of mass cash out, you then need to find a way to quickly unwind your securities to back it, which was what happened. That I was out of FirstBank’s difference by N3 or N4 billion is not new and not illiquidity. FirstBank would only say Heritage Bank should make it up by N5 billion. Then the question would be, how much is our clearing collateral with them? Probably, if clearing collateral is about

If you look at the shareholding structure of Heritage bank as at today, because Saraki’s group did not subscribe to new shares in the two rounds of capital raising, they now have less than one per cent of the bank. But whenever people go out there, they would say it is Saraki’s bank

Sekibo

N4 billion, then we need to send them extra collateral of N1 billion treasury bills. Once we give them, you are covered and you go to clearing the next day. Now, when you have the kind of bad press, it is possible that in three or four days, you may have more outflows than inflows. You have to be strong enough to withstand such shock. FirstBank being your clearing bank would want to know if you are able to stand it and our answer to them was “yes, we can.” And that “yes, we can” is a function of us moving treasury bills. So, we have to do that daily, we don’t do that monthly.

I would not want to give FirstBank, N1 more than what I am required to give them, which I will never know until the end of the day. It is only around 6pm of that day, that FirstBank would send me an e-mail, stating our net clearing position and they would inform us of the amount expected from us. And the first thing in the morning, Heritage Bank would move the money to FirstBank. The next day again, you do clearing and they (FirstBank) might say “Heritage in your net difference, you have credit,” and they will ask you (Heritage Bank) if they should return the money or they should hold it since it is a revolving process.

If you say hold it, they would and if you ask them to return it, they would return it.

So, whether you have a negative or positive position is a function of how much comes in and how much goes out. Have we been out of clearing? Not one day, not one minute and not one second. Is FirstBank anxious? Yes, FirstBank would be anxious. When there is a bad press, they know because bad press gives rise to possible more outflows than inflows.

There would be inflows quite alright, but there might be more outflows. So, they (FirstBank would be talking to you (Heritage Bank).

So, anybody who sees that talking to as a problem, then doesn’t understand banking.

Let’s say there is a worst case scenario that I don’t have bills to cover my position that is where the central bank comes in because it is the lender of last resort. If FirstBank says today, Heritage Bank what you have is N2 billion or N3 billion as negative, what we have as your clearing collateral is N1 billion, do you have N2 billion to give us? And we say no, I would tell FirstBank to hold on one more day and we would talk to the central, bank, so that we can borrow from the CBN and give you (FirstBank). So the CBN would give us the money at the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) plus five. While the CBN sets the MPR is that any bank that has that would come and take from her and use. So, if then I say because of the rush out of the door, I need N5 billion, to cover for the gap, the CBN would give me. But I must always tell the CBN when I am going to repay. In fact, they don’t need to ask me, the day they see credit in my position, they take it. It is a self-running

and self-balancing treasury system. But we must be talking to each other just to be sure that we know what is happening. So, when people said we are out of the clearing or that we are owing FirstBank, it is just a revolving situation. That was why the central bank can boldly come out to say every bank is okay.

Again, one of the allegations was that you have been frequent at the CBN discount window, which to some is also a sign of trouble?

If you have a kind of negative press which makes money go out of your system more than it enters, you will access the window so that you don’t cause systemic risk.

One of the things that exposed the situation at Skye Bank then was the frequency at which it was accessing the discount window...(cuts in) No. Let’s separate the two, and this is very important. The reason the CBN intervened in Skye Bank was very clear and the CBN also mentioned it. We are not in that situation and we cannot be part of that situation. Those things the central bank stated as reason why it intervened in Skye Bank do not apply to me. What we have here are normal interbank and banking activities. We are profitable; we are in the money market playing normally.

We are placing and we are receiving funds.

That one day my placing figures went higher than others, does not mean a problem. When there is a black swine effect where a negative press comes in and you have a more than normal outflow suddenly, the central bank and everybody would want to know what is happening. Somebody who gave you money for 90 days, from which you have planned and given loans, you bought treasury bills with the money, and the person comes before the 90 days that you give him back his money. That will surely reverse everything you planned for.

You have to quickly adjust your cash position to be able to address the situation.

There are also allegations that you and your directors are involved in insider trading and you laundered over N12.8 billion.

Also, that the EFCC has invited you for questioning over money laundering. What is your position on these issues?

I think the EFCC is still alive and is still there. Those kind of allegations are easy to find out. I have never been at the EFCC to discuss any such thing. They have never called me and we have never had any discussion on it. There is no day anybody has come to my office to have that type of conversation.

The only time almost all bank CEOs went to meet the central bank was because of the NNPC money. They mentioned our name in the press. And Heritage Bank had the least

I have said anybody can go to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), you can come to our office to ask for the register of shareholders.

We have an annual general meeting in which the register was made public. See, whether there is a pseudo or anything whatsoever, you can trace.

You can take each of the shareholders and trace them. Saraki is also alive, you can ask him if he has at any point in time added to his shares at Heritage Bank. But would I deny that they were the owners of the bank before we bought it?

It is true! I was a secondary school boy if not less, when SGBN was running. I wasn’t part of it, I am just an investor. Many investors had tried to buy SGBN over the years, but we succeeded.

If anything, I think we deserve commendation.

Rather than crucify us, we should be given national awards for bringing a dead bank back to life

of the amount owed - $85 million, which we inherited from Enterprise Bank. We took over Enterprise Bank, in 2012, NNPC gave Enterprise Bank $85 million. Today, it is not there, so we are dealing with it. And we have gone into an arrangement with the central bank and NNPC to tell them how we would pay back. I was not in that organisation when the $85 million was given. So, when somebody makes that type of allegation, I just wonder how you launder money that is in the bank’s position. As at 2012, I was not even a managing director of a bank and how can I launder money that I was not part of? So, I am saying it is not true.

So, what do you think is the cause of the continuous bad press?

You see, when we were Heritage Bank, we were at peace. We were small and we threatened nobody, we did our thing and we grew our business. We bought Enterprise Bank.

Apparently...(laughs).

So are you saying it was the acquisition of Enterprise that triggered the bad press?

I want to be very philosophical about that.

Why? As a business decision for Heritage Bank then, we believed it was one of the best decisions we took. Enterprise was an organisation that had about 160 branches; Heritage Bank had just 11 branches. To get one branch functionally running, could cost you on the minimum, N60 million. It’s a no brainier to say if you get those 160 branches, you can do more business, distribute your services across the country, than with 11 branches. Secondly, the financials with which we used in taken over Enterprise Bank was 2013/2014. It took us a year and six months to consummate that transaction.

So, by the time we finally consummated the transactions, the financials we used were far different with what we came out with. We are not making excuses; we did not go out to shout that that was wrong. We took it in and CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

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SEKIBO: WE HAVE NO REGRET ACQUIRING ENTERPRISE BANK

I am working towards having a bank where I have 10 million customers that have only N50,000 each. It is also the basis for my agency banking, my retail banking and SMEs’ banking. We didn’t hide that feeling when we said we would help SMEs into a funnel where if we have 50 of them, after two or three years, let’s have one or two of them that made it to the stock exchange. And we are committed to that

we believed we could turn it around. Don’t forget our history, Heritage Bank used to be Societe Generale Bank of Nigeria (SGBN).

That bank was dead for 10 years. This same group of young men, turned a 10-year old dead bank to life and made it work. Now, before we could swallow that, we went and bought Enterprise Bank. So, suddenly you are seeing some people who were not able to revive one organisation that was dead, customers monies were lost and we were able to make customers get back their monies 10 years after. We now went into Enterprise Bank with the belief that we can do the same thing and leverage on the branch network. And we succeeded. There was no rancor. Most times if you have merger of that nature you have rancour, but here there was none. We kept almost every staff. Then, we said let’s keep them for one year and that after one year, we would do an evaluation and then we begin to let people go. We were about to let the first set of people go when the first negative press hit us. So, we stopped and didn’t let anybody go again. Let me show you the coincidence, when again we decided to let people go, the next bad press hit us. What does that tell you?

I don’t want to speculate. I am the MD of the bank, I love my staff, I appreciate them because they work very hard, but not all of us work very hard. We have been told in our faces that some people like to be in a government bank rather than being a private entity, because we push too hard on targets and all that. Yes, we are going to exit people because of targets. We are going to exit those who have been docile for years. We are saying, is it worth the job of 4,000 people employed in the organisation? If your income is not able to sustain the business in the level at which you want, you need to rationalise. Now, in that space of rationalising the business, some people would get hurt and they could do anything. I am not saying they did, I am only saying the coincidence for me is just too much.

As a responsible organisation, we have never woken up and just fired people. We announce it, we meet as a team. The moment we make such conversation, we get a bad press.

So, do you have one house in the bank?

Even in a family where you have same father and same mother, they quarrel. But it is still one house. It is not two houses. I have been a student of banks working amongst each other.

The biggest challenge is always the people. Our merger was one of the fastest and seamless, but the people were the problem. Now you say people who were former Heritage Bank and people who were in former Enterprise Bank, there would be a culture clash. But we took time to educate ourselves that everybody must be equal on one platform. Now, is it possible that some people don’t believe in this dream? It is possible. Is it possible that

Sekibo

some of us see the new outlook as a threat to their own survival? It is possible. Now, as the MD, it is my responsibility to gather them and keep selling the dream to them and keep explaining to them that we are better off together than trying to say I was former Heritage Bank or former Enterprise Bank. Some of them are easily able to look at the new dream and run with it. Some find it difficult to run with it. Even those in the former Heritage Bank see the coming of other people to take their place as a challenge. So, culture is a challenge. We are working on it.

We are having conversation and engagement.

At our board meetings, we discuss. It would be miraculous for anybody to think that in one year you would be able to get a culture fit for both organisations. That is one of the core challenges of merger and I am sure that textbooks are filled with how to deal with such issues. I am in it and I am managing it. Am I successful 100 per cent? No! But I will not give up, I will continue to engage.

Now, some people might argue that maybe the MD understands where he is going, but what about those next to him? Every organisation has silos. We have had various engagements.

We have gone from place to place, point to point and we have clear service mandates.

We discuss these issues and try to explain why it is important for us to work hard to make it happen. You can never win 100 per cent with people. You can try.

Now, each time you want to take a decision about exiting workers, you have a bad press, so why do you keep putting forward a dooms day?

Managing crisis is a different thing from managing a smooth going organisation. Your decisions under pressure and under crisis are not you as an individual alone. As the MD, you might have what you want to do, your board might have a view and regulators might have a view. For a bank, the most important thing is depositors’ safety. So, if the regulators and every other stakeholders believe that if you continue with your course of action, you

may lose depositors and depositors may lose their money, you have to stop your course of action. The primary item on your agenda is safety of regulators. It becomes the most critical item of the decisions you must make.

You may not like it. But it is more important.

Today, I beat my chest, if I have not built a network of customers; at least we have supported 10,000 SMEs. We are worth our salt. We would grow, face challenges, bad press or no bad press. The customers that we have built are with us, bad press or no bad press because they know that when they had challenges like us, we stood with them. They have said to me that they know that those information are lies and that they are staying with us. Eight five per cent of my customers are in the retail space and my ambition is to make it 95 per cent and when we get there, anybody can publish anything he likes. If my customers are happy, I am good

It is not a private company where you can wake up, do things and walk away. Whether you are a private or public company, when it comes to a bank, you are automatically a public organisation. So, your decisions must always be mindful of that. Your business school solution might be don’t stop, just go, but if you do that and there is a run on the bank, the wider implication is financial system stability.

If it is something that you can contain, you might have to be paying somebody salary for inefficiency.

So, that is what you are doing now?

If we have to deal with salary for inefficiency, yes! You have to carry a level of inefficiency in other to protect customers’ deposits. Now, it is a choice that may be difficult for you to take, but it is an important choice to make.

The one person that can never lose his money is the customer. No matter what you do.

Another issue that keeps reoccurring is the relationship of your bank with the Senate President. What is Senator Bukola Saraki’s stake in Heritage Bank?

Yes, from the very first day we opened Heritage Bank and the press wanted clarity of this, I took out time to explain our relationship.

A group of us, young men and investors, put money together and approached the owners of Societe Generale Bank (SGBN). We held a meeting between SGBN, the new investors and the CBN. And a decision was made to say we the new investors should buy 80 per cent of the bank. Eleven per cent of the bank was given to depositors who had indicated their interest to convert their deposits to shares and the former holders which included Saraki; but it is important to note that Saraki was not the only owner of that bank. They were 19 other shareholders. Those old shareholders (Saraki inclusive) were given 9 per cent of the bank. My group that came in as new investors, bought 80 per cent with N10.2 billion cash, not N11 billion or N12 billion. That is why when they say I laundered N12 billion, I was just laughing at them. We paid N10.2 billion for a regional bank. The depositors who had

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2016

25

BUSINESSWORLD

INtERvIEW

SEKIBO: WE HAVE NO REGRET ACQUIRING ENTERPRISE BANK

We have changed how SMEs should be looked at. What we see essentially are the glitches in trying to get to the promised land, but we must get over it.

If we chicken out, then we are not tenacious their monies in the former SGBN wrote to the CBN that they want to convert their monies to shares and were allotted 11 per cent of the bank. The 9 per cent was allotted to the former shareholders. Thereafter, we raised new capital through a private placement that was publicly subscribed to, in which case we had about 56 new shareholders and the Saraki group did not subscribe to even one new share. So, they got diluted down to about 4 per cent.

When we now got into Enterprise Bank, in order to acquire the bank, we went to the capital market again and raised N11 billion from the market. That N11 billion was over 100 shareholders. Again, I repeat, the Saraki group did not subscribe to any new shares.

They got diluted to less than 1 per cent of the bank. And we bought Enterprise Bank.

If you look at the shareholding structure of Heritage bank as at today, because they did not subscribe to new shares in the two rounds of capital raising, they now have less than one per cent of the bank. But whenever people go out there, they would say it is Saraki’s bank. I have said anybody can go to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), you can come to our office to ask for the register of shareholders. We have an annual general meeting in which the register was made public.

See, whether there is a pseudo or anything whatsoever, you can trace. You can take each of the shareholders and trace them. Saraki is also alive, you can ask him if he has at any point in time added to his shares at Heritage Bank. But would I deny that they were the owners of the bank before we bought it? It is true! I was a secondary school boy if not less, when SGBN was running. I wasn’t part of it, I am just an investor. Many investors had tried to buy SGBN over the years, but we succeeded. If anything, I think we deserve commendation. Rather than crucify us, we should be given national awards for bringing a dead bank back to life. I dare people to go do a research of the whole world, whether a bank had gone down and come back to life.

We have done it. If nothing, as a Nigerian, I am proud of myself. Every press that tries to run us down tries to call a Saraki into it. The good news is that we turned SGBN around and people got their monies and are able to transact their businesses.

Do you regret buying Enterprise Bank?

No! I would never regret buying Enterprise Bank. Would there be challenges? You may choose to look for the easy way out. Even if you create a bank, you will still have challenges once you employ people from other places.

Where will I employ the people? Are they not in the same industry? Same Nigerians, same people and if they choose not to work hard, same challenges will happen. So, it is not because of Enterprise Bank, it is the people.

And if we, the people believe in ourselves to say we can make this work, then we can make it work. I tell my staff that we don’t have any reason to blame outside, but we have every reason to blame inside. We should take responsibility and work hard to make it happen.

What is your operation like in the northern part of the country, because they said over there, you are being sustained by just one company, Rano Oil, and that customers have virtually withdrawn their deposits from the bank?

Okay, all my children’s accounts are with Heritage Bank, including mine. Rano Oil is a

Sekibo

customer that trades in oil and gas. Does he have volume? Yes. Dangote is my customer.

I am not here to begin to list my customers.

But there is no, I repeat, and you can check, every big customer in this country has accounts in almost all the banks. As long as FX is involved, they put money in every bank and if you sell them FX, they come, if you don’t sell them FX, they move it to where the FX is sold. Today, I am happy. Heritage Bank from the onset, set out to be a retail bank.

The mix of retail to core business banking is 85:15. So, 85 per cent of my customers are retail customers. They are the SMEs. We have a youth scheme where we have about 1,500 customers on the NYSC scheme. On the National Youth Council Joint Programmer, we have over 50,000 customers. That is not Rano! On my SME platform, I have another 100,000 customers and that is not Rano. So, if one major customer is being advertised, then he must be satisfied to be advertised.

We have many branches in the north and Rano is not in most of them. I have a school feeding programme in Kaduna state and I have a position in every local government in Kaduna state as my pilot for the school feeding programme. I have a farming youth programme in Rivers State that caters for close to 50,000 youths. Are they Rano? You know it is easy to castigate. If I say I have a million customers and one of them is the richest, it would always be the richest. But I am not going to doubt that customer because it is important to me. Every filling station he has, I have to help him serve his filling station. Most of the trucks of Forte Oil were bought and funded by Heritage Bank, is that Rano? I am not here to name my customers because of competition. If competition says I have one customer and in my books I have over one million, I don’t have anything to prove. I am working towards having a bank where I have 10 million customers that have only N50,000 each. It is also the basis for my agency banking, my retail banking and SMEs’ banking. We didn’t hide that feeling when we said we would help SMEs into a funnel where if we have 50 of them, after two or three years, let’s have one or two of them that made it to the stock exchange. And we are committed to that. Today, we have the Next Titans, where we are looking at the next set of entreprenuers we are going to build. The winner would have his business established and we fund it. Meanwhile, the 16 of them that reached final would also be supported. If we can make just one of them a Dangote, or even a Rano, I would be happy for it. Rano has paid his dues and if he trusts me enough to hold his business, I should be happy. My core business is retail, Rano does retail and

I am happy to serve him. There is a network of supermarket, City Supermarket, which just came up and we are putting it together from the scratch. We nurtured from the corner shops and today it is planted in about five places.

We are building it to be what it can be. We have Shoprite, don’t you want a Nigerian company to compete against them? We are funding it. The big banks probably are banking Shoprite and we are saying that our business model is to support small businesses and grow with them. Today, I beat my chest, if I have not built a network of customers; at least we have supported 10,000 SMEs. We are worth our salt. We would grow, face challenges, bad press or no bad press. The customers that we have built are with us, bad press or no bad press because they know that when they had challenges like us, we stood with them. They have said to me that they know that those information are lies and that they are staying with us. Eight five per cent of my customers are in the retail space and my

We are strong as a financial institution, we have very good shareholders’ fund, N65 billion in shareholders’ funds, we are profitable and we would remain profitable. Customers’ deposits are safe and there is nothing wrong with the bank. We meet every obligation. We are a service company in the business of banking.

The customer is priority and customer safety influences our decision.

We may be young, but we have a large heart and we are destined for great things

ambition is to make it 95 per cent and when we get there, anybody can publish anything he likes. If my customers are happy, I am good.

It doesn’t have to be me, Ifie Sekibo as MD, we are building an institution. I happened to be the person who happened to start it. I have a tenure and at the end of my tenure, I will be out and another person will take over as MD. The first MD of FirstBank is probably dead, but the bank keeps going. Heritage Bank is less than three years old and you want to put me on same platform of the man that is over 100 years old. It is not possible! I will make my mistakes. I have a very professional board and I always tell people to go and check every member of my board, you won’t see a money bag. We are middle class persons, but what we all bringing to the table is our knowledge. That is one thing anybody can take away from any of us. It is a challenging time, especially when you see those that you think are your friends are walking away, because of some bad press, which are all false. Why? They are running to safety. But the ones you nurtured are standing with you saying that they know it’s all false. But we are tenacious and even stronger. We are used to challenges.

In fact if there is any challenge that I have met, Enterprise Bank was one. It is a challenge because when you swallow something bigger than you, like a big python, you don’t move from where you are standing and you have to be strong to do that. The money we used in buying Enterprise Bank was public knowledge, but they have said all kinds of things. Part of the process of buying the bank was that you declare where your money was coming from.

It was in black and white, that Afreximbank would give us certain amount of money and the letters were submitted to the CBN. The day we signed the bridge financing, it was public knowledge and Afreximbank’s agreement was that we were going to fund SMEs in Nigeria.

We have changed how SMEs should be looked at. What we see essentially are the glitches in trying to get to the promised land, but we must get over it. If we chicken out, then we are not tenacious.

Finally, what message do you have for your customers?

We are strong as a financial institution, we have very good shareholders’ fund, N65 billion in shareholders’ funds, we are profitable and we would remain profitable. Customers’ deposits are safe and there is nothing wrong with the bank. We meet every obligation. We are a service company in the business of banking.

The customer is priority and customer safety influences our decision. We may be young, but we have a large heart and we are destined for great things.

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2016

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BUSINESSWORLD

AVIATION

Nigeria’s Porous Airports Despite the seemingly tight security at the nation’s airports, incidents of stowaways and other illegal infiltrations to supposedly secure areas of the airports are on the rise, writes Chinedu Eze The report last Wednesday of a dead body found in the wheel-well of Arik Air aircraft on arrival in Johannesburg at the South Africa Airways Technical maintenance at the O R Tambo International Airport jolted the Nigerian aviation industry.

The incident among others in the recent past, brought to the fore the cry over the years of the inefficient security system at the airports, especially the gateway airports to international destinations.

The report of the incident attracted discussions by aviation security experts and other aviators who reviewed the security status of the airports and also the weaknesses of existing security apparatus at most of the nation’s airports.

In addition to rising incidents of stowaways at the airports, with more of such incidents recorded at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, there were other threatening incidents that had happened, which brought to question the much publicised security beef up at the airports.

Few years ago, there was an incident where the crew for the first flight of Aero Contractors from Lagos to Abuja arrived to ready the aircraft for the flight at about 6:00 am and they saw a woman in the aircraft cabin. No security personnel could explain how the woman accessed the aircraft cabin. The airline might have carried out investigation into the matter, but the question remained, how did she pass through the security barriers to the airport’s tarmac?

There was another incident last year where a man believed to be mentally ill was seen walking towards Arik Air aircraft that was poised to take off at the holding point of the Runway 18L at the Lagos airport. As he walked towards the aircraft the pilot quickly switched off the engine so that it would not suck him in and alerted air traffic control.

Aviation Security officials later came to the runway with a pick-up van and took him away.

But the question was, how did he get to the runway, the most sensitive part of the airport and strictly restricted area?

Last year also, there were about three incidents of stowaways. Aviation security experts blamed the airport security system. Security personnel at the airports are drawn from all the military and paramilitary institutions in Nigeria, including the Nigeria Air Force, the Police, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigerian Customs Service, Aviation Security (AVSEC) of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), who are the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) recongised security operatives. There is also the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which tackles narcotics issues at the airport.

Laxity

The major challenge at these airports is that it has been confirmed by incidents, investigations and observations that almost all these personnel at the airports come to make money for their private use every day. It has also been confirmed that some of these officials bribe their way to be posted at the Lagos airport and investigations indicate that all these security officials belong to syndicates and they have a way of watching their back, except the Nigerian police personnel who bring in the street attitude to the airports and unflinchingly extort money from the passengers at the gates during peak hours.

One of the speakers at the Aviation Round Table Safety Initiative (ARTSI) in a breakfast meeting held a day after the stowaway incident was reported, a US Transport Security Administration (TSA) attaché at the American Embassy, Gary Pleus said insecurity at the airport could lead to tragic consequences and loss of economic opportunities, including tourism.

Speakers at the event argued that if a stowaway could access the tarmac and a man deemed to have mental issues accessed the airside, it means that the airport is porous and terrorists and their sympathizers can use an insider who shares the same belief to gain access to the airport. Security experts also agreed that in any airport security system where the operatives

International Terminal, MMA, Lagos

solicit for money or accept bribes that system is already compromised.

Aviation security expert, Ayo Obilana at the ART breakfast meeting explained why there is laxity of security at the Nigerian airports and said that most of the security operatives extort money from passengers and other airport users and as long as security personnel ask for gratification, security would be impeded.

“An average traveller at the Nigerian airport goes through 15 checks. We are the only country that still operate “dash” table (security operatives use to open and check passengers’ luggage), which is table of extortion. The tables have no reason to be there. These 15 checks can be reduced to three. The tables are a big disgrace to the country. When the security personnel there are told to remove that section of checks they blackmail government officers by bringing prohibited goods they claim were discovered on that table,” Obilana said.

He suggested that there should be legislation on how to strengthen security at the airports, and then there should be procedures on how security operatives should work at the airports.

He also emphasised on training of personnel and putting the necessary equipment in place.

“They should rebuild intelligence gathering system. We have to also look at insider threat.

There is also cyber threat. We must have wellstructured programme to counter terrorist measures,” Obilana also said.

Inadequate Manpower

There are many reasons adduced to the poor security at the airports. Aviation security experts have warned that inadequate manpower in the AVSEC department of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria would create gaps that could threaten the total security apparatus of all the major airports in Nigeria.

For instance, one of those who were caught last year making his way to enter the wheel-well of Medview Airline aircraft scheduled to fly to Accra, Ghana when it was still at the domestic terminal of the MAA2 said he scaled the VIP fence into the tarmac of the domestic terminal and entered the wheel-well of Medview Airline aircraft that planned to taxi to the international terminal where it would take off to Ghana.

Industry observers noted that it was surprising that no one saw the 25-year old man, Festus Chikeluba when he scaled the fence in such a highly sensitive area of the airport. The VIP lounge located between MMA2 and the Air Force Base is under watch 24 hours, but he was able to scale the fence unnoticed. And the MMA2 tarmac, which ought to be under surveillance

by both CCTV and AVSEC officials were not watchful and as such did not notice when he scaled the fence and entered the wheel-well of the aircraft.

Over the years, there has been stoppage of recruitment of security personnel in FAAN. This has led to inadequate number of personnel manning the screening machines and conducting the profiling of passengers being checked to travel, a situation that gives rise to delays in processing passengers.

THISDAY learnt that many of the security officials work over time and those who monitor the x-ray screen spend hours on the screen against the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) recommended 20 minutes per officer.

It is believed that when an official spends more hours monitoring the content of passengers’ luggage he would lose concentration and inadvertently allow prohibited objects, including, possibly well concealed bombs, guns, knives and other dangerous goods and drugs to pass through.

Informed source disclosed to THISDAY that the number of AVSEC officers working at the nation’s airports with current recruitment earlier this year could be over 2,200, and that the department needs additional 2800 to make up the total of 5000 needed to effectively man the security posts at the airports.

Perimeter Fencing

Many airports in the country today don’t have comprehensive security fencing; the same with perimeter fencing, which barricades the airside of the airport from encroachers and other unwanted persons. They are known as inner and outer perimeter fencing.

In 2013, a 13-year old boy then, Daniel Oikhena sneaked into the airside of the Benin airport and entered the wheel well of Arik aircraft, which brought him to Lagos. Also few years ago people gained access to the Lagos airport and stole INEC computers imported for the 2011 elections. They gained access through the broken fence along the Akowonjo area of the city. About two months ago, Arik Air flight hit an antelope at the runway of the Port Harcourt airport.

AVSEC officials are recongnised by ICAO as responsible for managing airport security.

The experts said the support AVSEC is getting from the Nigerian police and Nigerian Air Force for the landside of the airports can only go to the extent that it controls the entry and exit of passengers and other airports users but it cannot help in the profiling of air travellers, which is the sole responsibility of AVSEC personnel, who are trained in accordance to aviation standards to do so.

They also warned that insider threat becomes high when operatives who are not trained in aviation are made to take significant roles in aviation security management, noting that either government makes it a permanent policy that the other paramilitary operatives would now work permanently with AVSEC officials which now requires they must go for aviation security training. In addition for the training, AVSEC officials should be profiled at regularly interval.

Stowaways

The story of stowaways is rife in the world. Besides the stowaway incidents in Nigeria, about a year ago another teenager in the US survived over an hour flight in the wheel well of a flight in freezing weather and the boy was described as being lucky to have survived and was unharmed after flying from California to Hawaii while he stowed away in a plane’s wheel well, surviving cold temperature at 38,000 feet and a lack of oxygen.

He was reported to have jumped a fence to gain access to the airport and that he ran away from his family after an argument.

Reports said when he was rescued; he could not even recall what happened.

Two factors made it possible. He escaped the scrutiny of the airport security, including that of Transport Security Administration (TSA) and the security around the airplane.

The airport is also porous to have made it possible for him to gain entry without notice.

In March 2010, a Nigerian, Okechukwu Okeke was found dead in the nose wheel compartment of the United States carrier, Delta Air Lines, Boeing B777 aircraft parked on the tarmac of the Lagos airport.

Also on September 19, 2010 another Nigerian man was discovered crushed to death in the wheel well of Arik Air flight, which arrived from Johannesburg, South Africa. Prior to Daniel’s incident, another Nigerian was discovered in the undercarriage compartment of Arik Air aircraft, after it returned from a flight to New York.

Industry security experts said anyone, who undertook the risk of stowing away is looking for greener pastures. Chikeluba said the same when he was caught last year. He said he was frustrated with living in Nigeria and wanted to escape. Chikeluba who was charged to court for attempted suicide did not show contrition for his action; rather, he was disappointed he was not allowed to escape, an attempt that might have consumed his life.

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

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SURVIVORS OF 21ST CENTURY SLAVERY IN ARTISTIC SPLENDOUR ACTING EDITOR CHARLES AJUNWA / charles.ajunwa@thisdaylive.com

28/COVER

09.12.2016

Survivors of 21st Century Slavery in Artistic Splendour Nyemike Onwuka’s 'Exodus', an exhibition of paintings, mixed media and installations, was not just about the survivors of the 21st century slavery or its perpetrators, but was also about how the artist feels the need to depict the ordeal of survivors, writes Mary Ekah Although Nyemike Onwuka’s exhibition, titled ‘Exodus’ held recently at the Signature Art Gallery, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, basically examined the experience of victims of the 21st century slavery and the effect of these experiences on the survivors, it further exposed viewers to drawings, paintings, mixed media, installations and performance art on the subject as the artist employs different media to drive home his message and feeling on the subject.

Onwuka, who holds an HND from the Federal Polytechnic Auchi where he majored in Painting, explores dynamism of eye pencil, liquid latex and oil bars in creating works with extraordinary aesthetic component and depth.

In his just concluded exhibition, he introduced the use of stencil in depicting patterns, words and symbols to tackle the social decadency affecting women and children around the world today.

Onwuka in his this exhibition exhumed this contemporary slavery narratives expressed in parts by his application of different techniques to distinguish the thought process. In the contemporary society, the artist’s new offering in his last exhibition, calls for a conversation on the rights and value of true freedom in such a way that it celebrates the women and children.

“This represents the survivor of the 21st century slavery, that is what this, is all about and like we all know, women and children are more vulnerable when it comes to abuse.

That is why I am using more of women and children in these works,” he explained.

The 21st century slavery, he said was often traced to the abuse of the rights of women and children in contemporary societies. “Uneducated children are often the targets and many are guilty as underage children were employed as house helps for whatever reason.”

The artist also sees trafficking as a form of modern slavery that thrives under a form of secrecy and a lost of human conscience and morality where the woman becomes a commodity, a property that yields returns to her owners in a systematic form of imprisonment.

These owners who have commoditised these women, he said, often put a brand of ownership on them. These brands are hidden in the form of tattoos and fashionable markings, which might often be a source of embarrassment to the women. He portrays this in the series called, ‘Oath Keepers’. With his new experiment, the artist introduces the ‘Hidden Brands’ used by sex traffickers in sophisticated societies.

His research on the subject has also informed the subtle placement of these hidden brands as signs and embellishments with coats of happy colours.

Oath Keepers is an argument on consent and pretense. Onwuka argues that it is a kind of rite passage activity for most traffickers in Africa where no one seeks to help you financially without asking you to swear an oath. He further submits that there is more unsaid by the victims than known, adding that testimonies abound of victims who have lost their lives when they break the oath in rebellion.

“The Hidden Brand series emanated from my personal encounter with an ex- branded prostitute in New York. There is a bar in New York where my friend and I used to hang out after we have done all the work for the day. There were a lot of ladies working in the bar but there was something about this particular one – beautiful aural, good-looking lady and well mannered. She just drew my attention and we became friends. Normally when I see guys and ladies with tattoos, I make comments, they are usually excited and want to talk about it but for this lady, she wasn’t excited about hers and was so reluctant to talk about it. But when we got more familiar, she now told me about the history of her tattoo.

She told me the secret behind some tattoos

‘Hidden Brands (Kept Within)’ 66 x 26 Inches, Latex, Oil, Oil Bar, Stencil on Canvas, 2016

‘Gridlock’ H-73 x B-48 x W-48 Inches, Iron Rod, Galvanized Square Pipes, Straps, Padlocks, Chains and Found Objects, 2016

Guests at Onwuka's Exodus

Onwuka and a guest duirng the exhibition

and she opened up a whole lot of things about branded prostitutes. That was like three years ago and that was when I started the research.

She told me that her boyfriend then deceived her into branding her to work for his gang, so that wherever she goes to, they can always fish her out. She went further to say that a lot of ladies who were so branded have tried to escape but as long as they remain in the United States or neighbouring countries, they would always fish them out because the logo they carry as tattoos are very well known among this gang. She said she can only be freed if she cleaned off the tattoo through a medical process which is usually very expensive,” Onwuka noted, adding however that his next

exhibition will be held in New York, where the proceeds from the exhibition would be given out to an organization in New York, which focuses on resuscitating such women who are so caged so that they can find a way to set themselves lose from such slavery.

Another series at the exhibition that focused on the plight of children in the 21st century slavery and also evoked so much emotion was ‘We see, We speak, We hear, We conquer’.

Here, the dark paints grated on Onwuka’s usual grungy canvas finish with close up figures of children expressive poses. This also throws light on the current global talks about child security and the Chibok girls readily come to mind with these works – the release of

the 21 girls and the hesitation of the other children to return home to their parents and loved ones because they have been scarred by force marriage, pregnancy and abuse, raises a concern for the future of the girl-child in developing societies.

In this exhibition, Onwuka take on the narratives of emancipation with a rather contemporary approach, lending new techniques to his already famous gritty patches on canvas. He tells his story of emancipation and metamorphosis in a very systematic way. First, a black cage as an installation piece, welcomes the viewers.

This cage house a number of found items such as school bags, children’s school sandals and shoes, strips of different colours hanging from the roof of the cage, articles of clothing to symbolise feminism. This exposes a metaphorical trap of cognitive freedom, infringed civil rights, political disenfranchisement, girl-child endangerment, denial of girl education and so many possible insinuations.

From this heavy–laden cage full of found objects and oddities, fossilised footprints pasted on the floor from the cage lead viewers to the artworks hung in display on the walls, which now represent the emancipated women and children once bound by grief and burden of slavery.

For Onwuka, combining the need to evolve as an artist with the need to express his feelings has brought about the body of works, which he calls ‘Exodus’. “In this collection, I have opted to explore a more colourful approach to painting, combined with my use of latex and figurative representation of the subjects and ‘Exodus’ has proven to be a different experience altogether in creation and in viewing,” the artist noted.

The need to further strengthen his message, prompted Onwuka’s extensive research which led to his use of bold texts, that is, alphabets, numbers and shapes patterns in his artworks with the major aim of entertaining and more especially, pleasantly sensitise his audience on the subject of 21st century slavery survivors.

Exodus is synonymous with Onwuka’s artistic evolution; from his experimental/figurative platform he sprouted the distinctively unique style of elegant urban decay. Once again, we see today a style driven on progressive transitional journey using text and patterns ingeniously to project his thoughts onto canvas and also to embellish. The evolution of art is a result of experimentalists of the art world, a mind class of artists, which Onwuka over the years has proven to belong to.

According to the Director of Signature Gallery, Chief Rahman Akar, Onwuka’s ability to tell stories with his expressionistic painting style exhibits a deep level of understanding of his crafts. “No doubt the combined mix of curiosity, art education and exposure are key contributing factors to his unique style as an artists,” Akar added.

For the Curator, Signature Gallery, Burns Effiom, the artist creates a stew of 3-dimensional installation and 2-dimensional paintings to height both his visual and colour language, resulting in an intense and powerful message.

‘Exodus’ therefore presented works that are pleasurable to look at as figurative, as urban realism yet symbolising struggles. This is an excellent application of a post-modern technique in arguing contemporary issues.

Through a skillful combination of neo-cubistic sensibilities, traditional painting techniques and new media technologies, Onwuka views his subject and contest, using installation to capture and represent their situation as a screen so that the viewers can explore the image and also access the path in which the artist has chosen. The materials and process of labour amounts to a kind of index of hope using letters scattered over the canvasses almost insignificantly as shorthand to achieve deep tooted aspiration of hope.

29/XTRA

09.12.2016

WARIF: A Safe Haven for the Sexually Abused In response to the high incidence of sexual assault, rape and human trafficking occurring amongst young girls and women across Nigeria, Women At Risk International Foundation (WARIF), recently opened its doors to victims of abuse. The centre is meant to be a safe haven for survivors of abuses, writes Mary Ekah To ensure that all young girls and women live in a society free of rape and sexual violence, an ultra-modern crisis centre, called Women At Risk International Foundation (WARIF) officially opened its flagship centre in Lagos recently.

Working in collaboration with Washington DC Rape Crisis Centre, USA to achieve its aims, the Centre’s recent opening is the first of many initiatives that will be set up by the foundation towards achieving its goals. Incorporated in 2016

by Dr. Kemi DaSilva-Ibru, a very well educated and influential doctor who has dedicated her life to working for the women of Nigeria. WARIF, a non-profit organisation, was established to raise awareness and advocate against the increasing prevalence of sexual violence amongst women and young girls of all ages and its consequences.

DaSilva-Ibru said that being a specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist with decades of experience had exposed her to the devastating effects of sexual violence especially among women and young girls whom she prefers to refer to as ‘Survivors’ rather than ‘victims’. The doctor who revealed that her youngest child (victim) treated is about two years of age while she also has a young mother who is just over 11 years of age, both of whom are survivors of sexual abuse by those close to them, noted, that in spite of inadequate data, the anecdotal figures are staggering which is why WARIF is set up with the primary responsibility to address this high incidence of this concern with the development and implementation of intervention and preventive initiatives; the first of which is WARIF Centre.

She stressed that there was a high incidence of sexual violence against women with only a few well-equipped centres to effectively offer survivors the physical and psychological attention needed especially within the first 72 hours as well as their long-term social support. “These effects are both immediate with health and psychosocial risks to the victims as well as in the long-term societal problems

Executive Director of the Washington DC Rape Crisis Centre, Indira Hernard in handshake with Founder of WARIF Dr. Kemi DaSilva-Ibru during a Press briefing to announce the flag off of WARIF Centre in Lagos

that subsequently occur such as poverty, illiteracy, unemployment and the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases,” she noted.

She explained further that the services rendered

by WARIF will add to the existing number of sexual assault referral centres already existing who are doing a thorough and commendable job in assisting these survivors in getting back on their feet.

“We are at the moment collaborating with the Ministry of Justice and I was privileged to have a conversation with the coordinator of the Lagos State Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence Response Team (DVSRT) and they have a wonderful structure in place where all the committees are well represented, including the law enforcement and the office of the public defender. So I think we all have work to do to address this problem, as it should be,” she noted. WARIF, she said, is bringing initiatives that will be effective, it is bringing a structure that can be added to the already existing structures to improve on the work noting that WARIF is here to stay.

Asked what the Foundation was going to do

to break the culture of silence on sexual violence and sexual abuse, DaSilva-Ibru said, “We have not broken it and so I think we need more dialogue, conversation, awareness and I think it should start with centres like WARIF where women can come knowing that it is safe haven, knowing that their confidentiality is assured and that they are safe from the public places and then this will give them that self-esteem to go out there to tell their stories and raise the awareness so that we can address this properly.”

The facility, she said, is basically meant for girl and women, while also expressing the hope that it will expand to encompass the boy-child and men as well who obviously are also suffering abuses.

“Presently, our focus is on the girl-child. From my personal experience, I have seen a two and five years old girls who were abused and the youngest pregnant child I have seen is 11 years old. So this centre is well equipped to deal with children as young as between 2-8 years old and above,” she noted.

From Psycho-socio stand point, she said there

was also training available by the Washington DC Rape Crisis Centre to handle cases of children as well as their mothers, adding, “When you have cases such as that, it is not enough to treat and care of the child, you also have to care and treat the mothers and caregivers.

“Children are the very heart of what WARIF is trying to do and what we are going to do from January next year with help from Dr. Indira Henard of the Washington DC Rape Crisis Centre, is to build a programme that goes to school to train teachers and even the children on how to call a spade, a spade –… because some of these things are lost because the children cannot express themselves with the right words. So education is key even from that stage and even for parents. It is so heartbreaking that even adults and teenagers are not able to come forward because they do not know what is happening to them. And in terms of infection and treatment there is a dedicated laboratory that would take care of that,” she said.

She noted further that one of the things that would be on the offering at the centre would be a 24–hour-7-day crisis call centre, adding, “so we hope that a child or young lady who has a rape issue would have access to these numbers and then call immediately and then we can tell them to come to the centre for treatment and counseling.”

She was quick to add that gender-based violence is not just about sex but that is about genderbased inequality. “It is about the way in which the boy-child is grown with entitlements while he brought up sitting and living in the kitchen; being grown not to talk back while he has the entitlement to do so.

It is about bringing up our children with that gender-based equality because rape is about struggle of power and domination; it is more than just a sexual act. So if we can bring up our children in that spirit of gender equality and love in a community that is more consenting, I think a lot more would be achieved,” she said.

Juju Music Legend, King Sunny Ade, Parts with AgeLong Guitar amidst Emotions Mary Ekah It was amidst strong emotion and reluctance that Juju music legend and king of juju music, Sunday Adegeye, popular known as King Sunny Ade (KSA) parted with his age-long classic Fender Guitar, which he fondly referred to as, “My Baby”.

Parting with this instrument of inestimable value, which the King of Juju has held so close to his heart for three decades was the only prerequisite for him to be inducted into the prestigious Hard Rock Hall of Fame, making him the first Nigerian and African to be so honoured. So on Wednesday, November 30, 2016, the Grammy Award-nominated icon officially became the first Nigerian musician to donate pieces from his personal reserve to Hard Rock’s world-famous memorabilia collection and so his 30-year old yellow guitar has to go as well as other personal items including an album cover and a pair of shoes, which he donated to the Hard Rock Café, Lagos.

KSA, who could not hide his emotion, reluctantly parted with the musical instrument, while describing the guitar as his baby, fondling and kissing it with so much emotion, before he eventually handed it over to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hard Rock Cafe Lagos, Mr. Sanjay Mathani.

The guitar, which he said was purchased in 1984 during one of his musical tours abroad, has earned him several hit records and awards.

He said that although he would really love the good-old guitar to be in his personal gallery, he had no doubt it would get better exposure and value in the Hard Rock Hall of Fame, where thousands of other iconic memorabilia are currently archived.

King Sunny Ade (middle) flanked by CEO, Temple Management, Mr. Idris Olorunnimbe (left) and CEO and CEO of Hard Rock Cafe Lagos, Mr. Sanjay Mathani (right) during the event

“I’m thrilled to be the first Nigerian musician to donate personal items to Hard Rock’s world-famous collection and to be showcased alongside other legendary artistes,” said King Sunny Ade. “For me, this is more than just a ceremony; it’s an opportunity to pass on a cultural legacy and inspire new generations of musicians around the globe,”, the legend noted.

King Sunny Ade’s donated personal items will join more than 81,000 pieces of music memorabilia that Hard Rock has acquired over its 45-year history. Other iconic pieces include Madonna’s wedding dress from “Like a Virgin,” John Lennon’s wireframe tinted glasses, Jim Morrison’s famous brown leather pants, and many more.

Speaking amidst excitement during the ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer, Hard

Rock Cafe Lagos, Sanjay Mathani said, “It’s a great honour to be able to pay homage to the rich and historic musical roots in Lagos with a memorabilia donation from King Sunny Ade,” adding, “Hard Rock embraces all genres of music, and we are proud to support such a talented and influential artist.”

The first-of-its-kind donation was brokered by leading talent agency and event management company, Temple Management Company, who are also putting together the highly-publicised grand concert for King Sunny Ade tagged ‘Sunny On Sunday’ scheduled for Sunday, December 11 at Federal palace Hotel in Lagos.

“Celebrating King Sunny Ade is something of a national assignment for us at Temple Management Company that must be carried out,” noted Director of Communications, Temple

Management, Terfa Tilley-Gyado. Speaking further, he said, “An induction into the Hard Rock’s famous memorabilia collection is just one of such responsibilities that will culminate at a grand concert that Nigerians have never witnessed come December 11,” he added.

Hard Rock Hall of Fame began in 1979, in London, with an unsigned Red Fender Lead II guitar from Eric Clapton, who was a regular at the first restaurant in London. Clapton wanted management to hang the guitar over his regular seat in order to lay claim to that spot, and they obliged. This prompted Pete Townshend of The Who to give one of his guitars, also unsigned with the note “Mine’s as good as his! Love, Pete.” While other celebrated artistes such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Brian Wilson and Elton John also had their personal belongings kept at Hard Rock Café.

Interestingly, leading video entertainment company, MultiChoice Nigeria, has concluded plans to broadcast live the ‘Sunny on Sunday’ concert on DStv Channel 198 and GOtv Channel 29 on Sunday, 11 December 2016. The world-class concert holding at Federal Palace Hotel and Casino, Victoria Island, Lagos, marks the grand finale of the 70th birthday celebration of one of Nigeria’s music maestros, King Sunny Ade. After decades of superlative performances as a Juju exponent, King Sunny Ade, who is understandably one of Nigeria’s music greats, turned 70 on September 22, 2016. For those that do not know, the Grammy-award nominee has been performing on stage for upwards of 50 years. He has under his kitty over 70 albums, including collaborations with artistes such as Steve Wonder, Many Dibango, Youssou N’Dour, Salif Keia, among many others.

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Rose of Sharon’s Tips for Successful Marriages Mary Ekah The Rose of Sharon Glorious Ministry’s University of Marriage Conference, held recently in Lagos was simply tagged, ‘Are You Enjoying Your Marriage Or Enduring Your Marriage?’ It was thought-provoking and insightful marriage conference that explored topics like God’s vision for your marriage, how marriages grow and die, the current state of marriage, keys to growing your marriage, role of sex in marriage and communication in marriage amongst many more.

The event held at The Marquee, Eagle Club in Lagos, was a source of divine revelation with a focus on equipping newly wedded as well as the already married and those yet to embark on marital journey with the skills they need to find their perfect match and also cope with the challenges of married life.

Various guest speakers including President and Founder of Single and Married Ministries, Pastor Chris Ojigbani; Founding/ Senior Pastors of Grace Family International Churches, Rev. and Rev. (Mrs.) Yinka and Deola Ojo as well as National Superintendent/ Resident Pastor Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), Maryland, Lagos, Pastor Femi Faseru, amongst others dealt extensively on the above theme.

Pastor Faseru who spoke extensively on

Founder of the Rose of Sharon Glorious Ministry International, Folorunsho Alakija

the need for couples to work in agreement and oneness of mind so that they can grow positively in their marriages, added that, working in different directions would only wreck the marriage completely. “…A man will leave his father and mother and they will become one and wherever she goes, he will go...” he quoted, adding that, “When you are hurting in your marriage, it is because the two of you that were joined together and were supposed to have the same vision and purpose, while walking in the same direction, have suddenly decided on your own volition to go the opposite ways and because in the spirit realm, you

are no longer joined together, your marriage is affected negatively,” he said.

Rev. and Rev. (Mrs.) Yinka and Deola Ojo who handled the podium interchangeably, were of the view that many people were enduring their marriages presently. They noted however that we could all enjoy marriages if we follow the plan of God. “Marriage is not the idea of any tribe or race, marriage is not any man’s idea. If you do not humble yourself and understand the plans of God for marriage, you may not enjoy your marriage,” Ojo noted. He quickly added that marriage is not designed by people who do not know God to enjoy.

Enumerating signs of a marriage that is being endured, he said, “Biter quarrelling with malice; abuse in various ways (emotional and physical); lack of communication amongst other negative attitudes exhibited by married couples indicate that they are enduring the marriage. He described a good marriage as being “Two forgivers living together” adding that to build an enjoyable life-long marriage, you must make God the centre of your marriage’s foundation, which means the two of you must give your lives to Christ. “Secondly you must learn to be compatible. You must have compatibility and thirdly practice the 3-Ps - Pray together, Play together and Prosper together,” the Ojos added.

Ambode Commends Nigerian Breweries at 70 Mary Ekah Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has commended Nigerian Breweries Plc for its commitment to the economic prosperity of the state in particular and the nation at large. Ambode, who was on a courtesy visit to the company last week, charged the management to remain focused on excellent business practices and outstanding corporate governance.

He congratulated the company on its 70th anniversary and emphasised that the company has been part of the development of Lagos since the creation of the state 50 years ago. “In the last 50 years, you have contributed to the growth and development of Lagos State. We are happy you have been part of the success story of this state,” he said.

The governor highlighted the company’s contribution towards job creation through direct and indirect employment of Lagosians. He also praised the company for being a responsible corporate citizen, adding that it has done more than any other company in terms of corporate social responsibility in the state. He pledged continuous co-operation and partnership between the state and Nigerian Breweries Plc. “We are part of this partnership and

Peter Uzoho The Landlords of Gojere Community, in Oriade Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, will on Saturday, 17 December, 2016 host eminent members of the society on the occasion of its First Distinguished Service Awards.

The ceremony put together by the Gojere Landlords Association, (GLA), an umbrella body of property owners in the community, is to recognise and appreciate certain individuals and organisations, who have made remarkable contributions to the development of the community. Speaking at press briefing in Lagos, the Secretary of the association who doubles as the 2016 Award Committee Secretary, Mr. Chike Uchime, said the Award which was intended to reward achievers, is also aimed at inspiring young and upcoming leaders in the society. According to Uchime, “some of the awardees include: His Majesty, Rufai AkanbiJubril, Baale of Gojere community, Mrs. Magdalene Okonne, Prince Abayomi Odus, Alhaji Abdulrahman Balogun and Alhaji Mohammed Adah. “Others are Chief Fred O. Efeomo, Chief Innocent Mbadike, Chief Peter Okorie and Mr. Vincent Akinrolabu. The post-humous and corporate category awards go to Pa Ade Badekale (Zipel) and Ibuolu Schools respectively. The secretary also explained that the Award ceremony is part of the association’s ‘2016 End of the Year Party Ceremony’ taking place at the Twinade Event Cenre, Ojo Lagos, noting that it would be chaired by the Minority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, representing Amuwo-Odofin Constituency II, Hon. Hakeem Bello, while Distinguished Senator Solomon Adeola Olamilekan (Iyayi) and Hon. Oghene Egoh, Senator and Member, representing the area at the National Assembly, are the Special Guests of Honour.

Reuben Abati, Cheta Nwanze, Ayokunle Odekunle, Others to Speak at Y! Human Rights 2016

L-r: Technical Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc.; Mr. Henk Mymenga; Chairman, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Chief Kola Jamodu, and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos, during the governor’s visit to the company, recently

we shall do all to support it,” he said, while assuring of his government’s support in creating an enabling environment for the company.

Chairman of Nigerian Breweries Plc., Chief Kola Jamodu said Lagos State occupies a special place in the heart of the company’s commitment to “winning with Nigeria.”

This commitment, he maintained, has driven its corporate social responsibility footprints over the years to make several outstanding contributions towards human and infrastructural development in the state,

especially in the areas of education, health and security.

During the visit, the Technical Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc., Mr. Henk Wymenga highlighted the company’s socio-economic impact in Lagos State to include job creation, prompt and full compliance in payment of taxes which run into several billions of Naira, local sourcing of raw materials including the company’s sorghum and cassava value chain as well as its long term sustainability agenda, “Brewing a Better World.”

YANDI, Nigeria’s Latest Online Mall Takes off in Grand Style Mary Ekah A brainwork of a set of young Nigerian entrepreneurs out to revolutionise the experience of consumers kicked off in a grand style last Friday with the Black Friday Deal, where everyone had an opportunity to buy anything they wanted at the most affordable prices. YANDI, according to the initiators represents the phrase Yo u & I (Y-AND-I), with the theme “connecting U and I to everything”. The recently launched platform is the first online platform in Nigeria that opens a larger inventory option to both buyers and sellers. Speaking on the mission of YANDI in the e-commerce space in Nigeria, Mr. Scott C. said customers are set to enjoy a whole new experience in shopping.

“We provide online store spaces for different stores, brands, companies and individuals, giving the buyers a large market to select from and opportunities to pick out the most favorable place of purchase for their desired goods or services,” he noted.

YANDI, Eneje said has a payment system

Gojere Landlords Holds First Service Awards

Guests at the YANDI launch

that assures one of the safest online shopping payment methods “which gives you full control of how you pay for your goods or services from your comfort zone and with ease.”

He listed out some of the beautiful and amazing services on offer at YANDI that cut across everyone to include ‘The Buy Naija Deal’, ‘The Transformers Deal’, ‘YANDENTITY Deal’, which give customers a platform to customize and design any product they

wish to buy as well as the ‘Bidding Deal’.

Another unique introduction is ‘The YANDI Used Platform’ - that support used product and connect buyers with sellers directly.

On his part, Mr. Eddy G. Udom explained why YANDI should be the first point of call for customers going forward. “Here at YANDI, the customers mean everything to us, and we make it our duty to truly connect everything to everyone.

Thus, you are assured of an online shop-

Abati

The Initiative for Equal Rights (TIERs) in partnership with Y! /YNaija.com has announced the speakers at the 2016 Human Rights discussion conference themed: Human Rights, Sexuality and the Law. The conference, which will take place on December 14 at Four Points

by Sheraton, Victoria Island, Lagos, will be an earnest inquiry into the issues of human right violations in Nigeria and it is organised to mark the 2016 International Human Rights Week.

Speaking on the selected speakers for the event, the Executive Director of TIERS, Olumide Makanjuol said, “Human right in Nigeria is an issue that requires a serious examination. It is an important discussion that we need to have as a society and as a country. Speakers at this year’s event were selected based on their long standing on the issues of human right violation, law and protection in Nigeria.”

Panelist at the event include Abayomi Shogunle, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) at Nigeria Police Force; Cheta Nwanze, Chief Executive Officer, SBM Intelligence; Latasha Ngwube, Founder, About That Curvy Life/Content Writer at Vanguard Allure Magazine; Joy Isi Bewaji, Writer, Lifestyle Editor, Presenter, Publicist, Scriptwriter, Author at Happening Magazine; and Ayokunle Odekunle, Associate, Kenna Partners (Barristers and Solicitors) & Director, Corporate and Legal at BBG Media Group; Osikhena Dirisu (Osi Suave), On Air Personality and TV host. Chioma Agwuegbo, Founder of TechHer, will moderate the panel while Dr. Ruben Abati, the former Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, will deliver the keynote address.

To confirm attendance for this event, interested persons can click on http://evite.me/PDtuD3F6BJ

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The Next Titan Season 3: The Heat Is On Heritage Bank’s sponsored entrepreneurial competition show, which is Nigeria’s foremost entrepreneurial Reality TV Show; The Next Titan is getting hotter week by week. The closer to the finish line, the hotter it seems to get for The Next Titan’s contestants as they battle their way up to the top for a grand prize of five million naira and a brand new 10 million Ford EcoSport by the official Automotive Sponsor, Coscharis Ford Motors.

It’s been six weeks of competition, six weeks of meeting targets, six weeks of mind drilling tasks for these contestants and six weeks of facing The Next Titan’s judges – Mr. Kyari Bukar, Chairman Nigerian Economic Summit Group; Mr. Tonye Cole, CEO, Sahara Group; Mr. Chris Parkes, Chairman/CEO, CPMS Africa; and Mrs. Lilian Olubi, CEO Primera Africa Securities Ltd; asides from other guest judges such as Mrs. Celine Loader among others have been shaping these contestants into the future entrepreneurs of tomorrow. With a license to judge, we have watched these judges execute their final decisions on the contestants weekly as their fate on the show is determined at the end of the day in a Board room where contestants tackle each other’s teams and critically scrutinise the task given to both teams to carry out during the week. As part of the road maps in becoming an entrepreneur, you must have a team of great minds that can see the big picture of the company and help the company win big, same goes for

Hajia Madinah Similola Lateef Adegbite The meeting was in Jeddah, in Saudi Arabia.

It was on a sunny afternoon. The controller of The universe denied no one of His benevolence, Allah reminded us of His superiority and magnificent.

The Late Secretary General for the NSCIA, Dr. Abdul-Lateef Oladimeji Adegbite, led the family team which was made up of himself, his two daughters and my humble self, his wife.

We were on Hajj exercise, and the call came to him that the new Sultan was waiting to receive him at a certain hotel in Jeddah.

The late Dr. Lateef Adegbite actually knew his ways like he did the nooks and the crannies of Nigeria. This made it very easy to locate our waiting host.

The building that housed the hotel was an architectural brilliance. An edifice, befitted The royalty.

A gentle, humble and an innocent good looking man opened the door to one of the suites on the fifth floor.

The exchange of the best greetings on the surface of the Earth was perfectly expressed.

All my anticipation, and all I wanted to see was the new appointed Sultan, who was then yet to be Coronated. Of course, my step daughters were also on this anticipatory mood. Though we're very tired because of the hot weather, but our solace was on royalty homage that we looked forward to paying. This we surely did, but with a shock.

The man with a gentle smile called out on late Adegbite, and immediately introduced

The judges at the Next Titan Season 3

the contestants of The Next Titan as they are paired into two separate teams, with a total of 48 to 72 hours to carry out their tasks, the contestants have to go all the way to ensure that their team emerges the winner at the end of the day.

What started out as a journey of 16 contestants was cut down to 14 as the first two evicted contestants bade farewell to their counterparts who remained in the house to continue the battle on who will emerge as The Next Titan.

Fourteen turned to 12 and now with top nine in the academy house of the show as we gradually

approach the finish line of this race and with the grand finale scheduled for 18th December 2016, where the winner will go home with five million naira, and a brand new Ford Ecosport courtesy of Coscharis Motors The heat is on, as the remaining contestants push their way through what seems like a bottle neck opportunity for who would emerge as The Next Titan in this year’s Season Three of the innovative reality show.

The importance of The Next Titan lies in igniting entrepreneurial spirit, and showcasing the possibility of entrepreneurship in transforming

lives with just an idea that can be scaled to greatness with a market and with Nigeria’s population. The show, by scouting for young talented people who have entrepreneurial acumens, grooming them through a rigorous task and boardroom process and eventually funding a winner’s idea, leading to an opportunity to create jobs for themselves and others, is indeed a big contributor to the socio-economic development of Nigeria.

The Next Titan is designed to sharpen and ignite the entrepreneurial spirit in young Nigerians, and it represents opportunity, inspiration and more importantly recognises ordinary Nigerians that have determination, gusto and a ‘can-do’ attitude with some of the best business ideas.

The show not only celebrates some of the nation’s best entrepreneurial ideas but also makes an attempt to provide a launch-pad to the most deserving of Nigeria’s budding entrepreneurs where people with ideas would dare to bid for their dreams and ideas. It is also telling the young unemployed graduates to take their destinies in their hands. The reality show’s platform aimed at practically engineering entrepreneurship among Nigerians youths through identifying the best business minds and supporting their entrepreneurial acumen through logistical assistance, informing training, knowledge and other requisite services needed to propel them into successful personalities.

The Pride of the Deen of Allah

himself as the Sultan.

The three of us went down on our kneels and the late Dr. Adegbite bow down in the presence of His Eminence. There and then, the cheerful servant of Allah threw the first joke on my husband, after he offered us seats.

The Sultan seized the opportunity of the fact that we are amazed at his simple and humble disposition. He therefore homourously threw an eggword to my husband thus: "Dr. Adegbite .... Hmmm. .

You worked with my father.......You worked with my Uncle.. Hmmm... ... You also worked with my late Uncle....

Hey. ..Hey...Hey... Baba'adinni. .."

After we laughed our heart out, Dr. Abdul-

Lateef Adegbite caught the eggword uncracked and replied His Eminence thus: "Do not worry Your Eminence, I am much older than you and I'm very sure you will live longer to outlive me."

This joyful encounter beggeth the bond of divine family relationships, made it very conducive to work in togetherness for the diligent propagation of Islam by these two indefatigable leaders.

His Eminence did not only sprout into action by touring all the states in this country, Nigeria.

He made his Allah given talents to bring the two religions together. Not only that, he worked on the time - table of his fathers and the elders he met in the office. He meticulously strive and introduced more unique substance and values towards the peaceful worship, co-existence, interaction into the development of the Deen of Allah's followers.

Since his ascension to the office, Muslims have been able to walk with their heads and shoulders high in easiness and voices confidently, anywhere across the country and beyond.

Sultan Sa'ad Abubakar III is not only humbly humane, but also very accessible. He leads with candor and respect. He never gives room to social opulence of the world. He is indeed a Pride of The Deen of Islam.

Typically, unlike some religious leaders, who allow frivolity to becloud their senses of leadership skills, and rule as an oppressor or worst still, tyrants over their subjects.

His Eminence operates an open door policy and gives a listening ear to anyone who approaches him for any assistance. So far you're

a law abiding citizen. In addition, he's also kind, generous and available leader. He's in the vanguard of peace across the country. He believes in fair play and distaste an unlawful and egocentric character.

Little surprise therefore, that his Ummah love and accords him due respect. He follow and act in conjunction with the rules and regulations laid down by the Prophet Muhammed (Saw) to His Successors, the four Caliph in persons of: Abubakar, Umar, Uthman And Alli. (May Allah be please with them).

Sultan Sa'ad is indeed truly sent by Allah and that is the reason the Muslims in the country have been giving each other the candid opportunity and support to know each other and jointly move the banner of the best religion of Allah, Al - Islam, to where it is truly ordained to be.

Your Eminence Sir, Someone asked me if I know you.

Yes I do... Because you're a Muslim. A just leader. A philanthropist. A man of honour and integrity. A nationalist. A selfless and God fearing man.

I also know you as a loving husband of a delectable Queen.

A good and responsible father off his beloved children.

Above all, a good family man who always care for the needs of his siblings, which I am proudly one of them.

I know you as a true messenger of Allah.

Congratulations as you celebrate your 10th year anniversary on the throne of your fathers.

Long may you reign.

Adegbite, the Amirah Of Egbaland

Life Progress Booster Rewards Another 30 Budding Entrepreneurs Life Continental Lager Beer, the brand that supports progress, has yet again rewarded 30 new entrepreneurs with 7.5 million Naira through the ongoing Life Progress Booster Show. Entrepreneurs were presented cheques of 250,000 Naira in an event held recently in Onitsha in Anambra State. Life Progress Booster Show, an entrepreneurial talent hunt and mentoring radio programme, is targeted at helping innovative businessmen and women in the Southeast. The initiative kicked off in 2015, and the brand has rewarded 150 entrepreneurs from Nnewi, Enugu, Owerri, Aba and Abakaliki with 37.5 million Naira so far in 2016.

The Assistant Brand Manager, Regional Mainstream Brands NB Plc, Josiah Akinola noted that Life Progress Booster Show is aimed at nurturing and encouraging entrepreneurs from the South East, while also creating a platform for budding businessmen and women to present their proposals and transform their ideas to realities. “The Progress Booster Show was initiated to raise more entrepreneurs and self-dependent individuals in

Brand Ambassador for Life Continental Beer, Flavour and Assistant Brand Manager, Regional Mainstream Brands, NB Plc, Akinola Josiah Olufemi, presenting a cheque of N250, 000 to Chima Ruby, one of the lucky winners of the Life Progress Booster Show in Onitsha

South East Nigeria. The average South-Easterner is driven by business and commercial opportunities, and the region is highly regarded as an excellent

environment for businesses. Throughout the year, the Life Continental Beer brand has focused on empowering our consumers, and we have shown

willingness and dedication to contribute to their successes and achievements”, he said. Singer and Brand Ambassador, Life Continental Beer, Chinedu Okoli popularly known as Flavour made a special guest appearance at the event to the delight of guests. Other participants at the event were also not left out as many went away with consolation prizes such as bags of rice, gallons of oil, courtesy of Life Continental Beer.

The Life Progress Booster radio programme airs on Hot 99.5 FM, Owerri every Saturday 7:30 – 8:30pm; Odenigbo 99.1 FM, Obosi every Friday 7:30 – 8:30pm; Family Love 103.9 FM, Umuahia every Saturday 7:30 – 8:30 PM and Solid 100.9 FM, Enugu every Friday 7:30 – 8:30pm.

During the liveprogramme, people call in to pitch their business ideas and the best 20 ideas are selected as winners. To make up the list of 30 winners, another10 ideas are selected at the venue of the cheque presentation ceremony after an on the spot screening of proposals of participants, as was also the case in Onitsha.

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Late Ajayi

Olaniwun Ajayi: Glorious Exit of a Humble Man One burial that will certainly remain indelible in the minds of the people of Isara in Ogun State, is that of Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, writes Davidson Iriekpen The sleepy town of Isara in Ogun State, came alive last Thursday when its most illustrious son, Olaniwun Ajayi, was laid to rest. The influx of personalities into the town was unprecedented. Literally, everywhere stood still throughout the day.

From all the six roads entering the town were sirens blearing to announce the presence of one personality or the other. From every part of the country, they all came to bid farewell to a great man who had at one time or the other, had an encounter with them.

The roll call was endless. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, his Lagos State counterpart, Akinwunmi Ambode, wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs. Abiola Ajimobi, Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, Ondo State governor-elect, Rotimi Akeredolu, and foremost industrialist, Chief Aliko Dangote, former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, Managing Director of Guaranty Bank, Segun Agbaje.

Others who graced the funeral were Afenifere leaders including Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Mrs. Bola Obasanjo, former Governor Gbenga Daniel, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Olusegun Osoba, Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Olusegun Oni, Chief Justice of Ogun State, Justice Olatokunbo Olapade, her Lagos State counterpart, Justice Funmi Atilade, Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga, national and state lawmakers, traditional rulers, captains of industry and lawyers.

The former President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church, Dr. Sunday Mbang, in his sermon at the Methodist Church in the town, described late Olaniwun Ajayi as the humblest man he had met, saying despite having "all the trappings of power and wealth, Ajayi remained a humble man and a true soldier of the Lord." He advised

wealthy people to learn to be humble so that even in death, they would be remembered and spoken well of.

Osinbajo in his tribute, hailed the deceased, saying his "life was all about service to Yoruba people and Nigeria." He said late Ajayi was a great author, devoting the last 10 years writing books, saying he also set up a flourishing law firm "with the best practice in the continent of Africa."

On his part, Amosun said Ajayi lived his life in the service of mankind, saying "we are one of Baba's children, today is not for long speech, Baba Ajayi lived a life of service to man and service to man is what owe to God." From the pallbearers to the hearse, everything was immaculately arranged and conducted in such a way as befitting of a king. Even the casket was carefully chosen for Ajayi’s status.

Ajayi, a chieftain of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, died on November 4, 2016 at the age 91. Of all the surviving Afenifere chieftains, Ajayi was the oldest and a strong pillar of the organisation. He was a staunch disciple of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and was known for his uncompromising principles on all issues private and public and lived a life dedicated to the upliftment of the common people.

Before his remains left Lagos for Ogun State, he was severally honoured in Lagos where his law firm, Olaniwun Ajayi LP rate one of the best, is domicile. At a session which was presided over by Justice Opeyemi Oke, representing the Chief Judge of Lagos State, had in attendance over 30 Senior Advocates of Nigeria and more than 15 judges of the Lagos High Court, including Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Federal High Court.

The Attorneys-General of Lagos and Ogun States, Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN, representing the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, NBA Lagos and Ikorodu branch

chairmen all showered encomiums on the late legal titan, whose law firm has produced two senior advocates of Nigeria and a judge of the Federal High Court.

Sir Ajayi KJW (Knight of John Wesley), a Barrister of the Inns of Court of England, a Barrister, Solicitor and Notary Public of the Supreme Court of Nigeria was born on April 8, l925 in Isara. He completed his education at Wesley College Ibadan in 1949 and thereafter taught at the Wesley School Oko, Sagamu between 1950-1952 and became the Headmaster of the Junior Primary of the school in 1953, where he served for two years. In July 1957, he left for the United Kingdom to further his studies and was admitted to the City of London College, Moorgate, London (now known as City University) where, he studied to qualify as a Chartered Secretary and became a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Secretaries and Administrators.

Ajayi gained admission into the London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London in 1959 where he obtained a degree qualification in Law, working his way through school. During that period, he enrolled at the Council of Legal Education; Lincoln's Inn, in 1959 and was called to the English Bar in July 1962. He was enrolled as Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria on November 2, 1962, the same day he began his outstanding legal career by joining the defence team in the treasonable felony trial of Awolowo.

On November 2, 1962, Sir Ajayi founded the law firm, 'Olaniwun Ajayi,' as a sole practitionership, which from the onset, was an international legal practice. Sir Olaniwun Ajayi was always impeccably dressed as a lawyer should. He was always distinct, always immaculately clean. A gentleman, Sir Ajayi was an embodiment of everything noble about the legal profession.

His law firm provided services in legal

advisory, arbitration and receivership. He handled two of the earliest cases on receivership in Nigeria - Intercontractors Nigeria Ltd v. National Provident Fund Management Board and Intercontractors Nigeria Ltd v. UAC of Nigeria Ltd both reported in the Nigeria Weekly Law Reports – (1988) 2 NWLR (Pt. 76) 280 and (1988)12 NWLR (Pt. 76) 303, respectively. Prior to that, the subject had only been dealt with by the Supreme Court in one case.

He was particular about the quality of work which emanated from the firm; he never condoned tardiness from any of his lawyers.

A stickler for time, he was never late, and every file on which Sir Ajayi worked on was up to date. From the onset, he invested in the latest technology to aid his practice. He was one of the first lawyers in that clime to use a computer.

He retired from active practice about 20 years ago, handing over the reins of his legal practice to Professor Konyinsola Ajayi, SAN, under whose leadership, the firm evolved into a limited partnership, Olaniwun Ajayi LP. To God's glory and his joy, Sir Ajayi witnessed in his lifetime the birth of two Senior Advocates of Nigeria, from his Firm; Prof. Konyinsola Ajayi SAN and Mr. Oluseye Opasanya SAN. The fact that the firm which he founded about 53 years ago is notable among the leading law firms in Nigeria; well-managed, internationally competitive, with specialised practice areas, is a testament to the foundation the Lord laid using Sir Ajayi. This foundation has grown the firm from a sole practitionership to one of the largest and open partnerships in sub-Saharan Africa and over the last five decades, (now) Olaniwun Ajayi LP has established a sterling go-to reputation particularly in the areas of commercial litigation, banking, finance and capital markets work and in advising government at both federal and state levels.

35/ TRAVEL, LEISURE & TOURISM

09.12.2016

How Royal Caribbean Cruises Named the Biggest Ship in the World ‘Harmony of the Seas’ Ikechi Uko who was onboard the ‘Harmony of the Seas’, the largest cruise ship in the world, reports that the expedition was a pleasurable experience One of the leading cruise companies in the world, the Royal Caribbean set a world record early November when it named and launched the biggest cruise ship in the world.

The naming of the Harmony of the Seas at Fort Lauderdale in Florida was a milestone for the cruise company. To celebrate the arrival of Harmony of the Seas, Royal Caribbean arranged a historic meeting at seas off the Coast of Florida of the three largest cruise ships in the world. Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. Before the arrival of Harmony these were the largest vessels on water. They actually occupy a class of their own called the Oasis-class of ship. After the historic meeting at Sea, Harmony settled into its port at Florida for its maiden voyage from the U.S. With media and executives from all over the world, Harmony sets sail for the Bahamas. With over 2,500 passengers and crew the 6,000 capacity vessels steamed through the Seas.

Hosted simultaneously in three different locations on board, the majestic ship the naming ceremony was coordinated by Ken Rush, Abe Hughes and Simeon Kirkiles.

It featured the 24 Grammy Award Singer Jon Secada singing the American National Anthem. There was a performance at the Royal Theatre beamed live throughout the ship of the very popular musical GREASE. And from the studio the Drum line of the Royal Caribbean supported Florida International University and the St. Andrews Pipe Band entertained the guests. The very exciting show came to a head when the Godmother Brittany Affolter named the ship Harmony of the Seas. To name the ship they released the biggest bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne bottle ever made. It flew through the air via the Zip line all through the Central Park and smashed against the wall on the 6th floor. An amazing experience.

In the words of the Chairman of the 46 years old cruise company Royal Caribbean the ship is the Biggest, the Baddest and the Sexiest ship ever made. He invited the guests to have fun. Touted as the most technologically advanced ship it's carbon footprint is so small that it is also seen as an environmental marvel. It rides on its own bubbles reducing attrition as it moves through water. Loaded with the latest state-of-the-art fast internet appropriately named VOOM the media enjoyed quick time and easy streaming of videos using VOOM. With 2,700 rooms or staterooms designed to the highest taste possible at double occupancy the ship can carry over 5,000 passengers. The scale of Harmony is incredible. Imagine 40 brands of beer, 340 brands of wine, 532 restaurant staff and a total of 1,056 culinary team members. 40 varieties of fruit and 80 kinds of vegetables served in eight specialty restaurants with 200 different dishes served on a daily basis.

Two hundred different types of spices and 30 varieties of Herbs, 40 types of bread and 100 kinds of Pastries, 127 specialty cocktails and 479, 304 gallons of fresh water consumed one each day. Of all things food the superstar are the two Robotic bar tenders at the Bionic Bar. The Captain Gus Anderson was proud of his vessel and the over 900 staff who work for about nine months at a stretch. He insisted that Harmony is the best place to be at any time. According the promotional material from the company "The Oasis-class ships are architectural and engineering marvels, boasting industry-changing and unexpected onboard experiences. Each ship features seven themed neighbourhoods – a distinctive feature of the Oasis-class ships – and a number of spectacular features, adventures and thrills, including the lush and tranquil Central Park with nearly 12,000 plants and trees, FlowRider surf simulators; a thrilling zip line 82 foot long that races guests nine-decks in the air, luxurious multi-level loft suites with expansive

Royal Caribbean Cruises

Ikechi Uko (left) with Captain Gus Anderson

floor-to-ceiling windows, the outdoor Aqua Theater that hosts dazzling high-diving, aquatic and acrobatic performances, a Boardwalk with a hand-carved carousel, and The Rising Tide Bar, the first moving bar at sea. The newest and youngest of the three ships, Harmony of the Seas, officially claimed the title of world's largest cruise ship, beating her sisters by a mere foot in length and nearly 1,700 gross registered tons. The ship features a bold line up of new thrilling experiences, imaginative dining, unparalleled entertainment and the latest technology, including VOOM, the fastest internet at sea.

Harmony combines the iconic seven neighborhood concept with some of the most modern and ground-breaking amenities and offerings that will appeal to guests of all ages.

From The Ultimate Abyss, a dramatic 10-story

tall slide, to unparalleled entertainment including Broadway's hit musical Grease, sophisticated dining in venues ranging from Jamie's Italian Cuisine by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver to Royal Caribbean's whimsical restaurant Wonderland, which is a unique culinary adventure for the senses, and robot bartenders, there is an adventure for everyone onboard Harmony of the Seas." Of all the attractions the most famous is the Ultimate Abyss a humongous tunnel that drops from the 15th deck of the ship all the way to the 5th deck a twisting screaming drop of over 20metres. It's an excitement only the strong hearted can attempt. At the cost of about $1.5billion Harmony is a state on its own. It generates its own power, recycles and manages its own waste and its own security. It produces its own water and has

excellent temperature control.

The President of Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), Nkereuwem Onung who was among the guests onboard the ship for its maiden cruise thanked Royal Caribbean for the opportunity to sample this world class product. In his words “as Royal Caribbean has opened an office in Nigeria, it is obvious that the world of cruising will be the way of travel for Nigerians especially families. Our members will market this product. It's a wholesome new travel experience." The Chief Executive of Tour Brokers International, Uloma Egbuna who represents Royal Caribbean in Nigeria and the leading promoter of cruises in Nigeria promised “as Nigerians are coming into the Cruise World Royal Caribbean is poised to provide for all their needs, that's why they opened a local office in Nigeria."

36/ETIQUETTE

09.12.2016

THE ETIQUETTE FORUM ADEKANMI OLUSANYA

email mretiquetteonline@yahoo.com

tel. 08112661635, 0809285 4855

Why People Get Hired (2) Last week, I commenced a series on why people get hired. I also introduced Lola Oyebadejo - a Human Resource expert whose views I promised to share on this column. As I spoke with Lola on the issue of employability she said three things that were absolutely poignant and every job seeker needs to be cognisant of these three facts.

“First, people say there are no jobs out there, there are jobs but just a few people are capable of filling in those positions.

Sometimes I got as many as 7000 CVs for a single position but only just about 10 people may possess the requisite experience for the job role being advertised "!”

“The second problem people have is that they can do certain jobs but they cannot articulate the fact that they can do those jobs.

“The least any employer can give you is your salary but the best you can make for yourself in any job is what you can learn and the experience you can gain while on the job.”

She told me of three instances where

she conducted interviews and where the interviewees left much to be desired. Hear Lola speak on each of those instances.

THE ARROGANT BRAND MANAGER I conducted an interview for the position of a Brand Manager. Though he was very qualified for the job, he had a demeanor that spoke of arrogance. The way he sat on the chair while getting interviewed was so carefree and indifferent. And I had to say to him you know you are very good at what you do however you are so proud and you appear full of yourself. I was shocked at the response he gave. He said “several people have told me that I am proud.” And I said if people have told you that you are proud then don’t you think it is time that you started to do things differently? My joy was that in all this he was willing to take advice and to learn. Eventually he got the job he applied for.

My Comment: Proper carriage and comportment is really crucial when job seeking

A man appeared at an interview and was asked to knot a tie and he could not and that was the end of the interview

“First, people say there are no jobs out there, there are jobs but just a few people are capable of filling in those positions. Sometimes I got as many as 7000 CVs for a single position but only just about 10 people may possess the requisite experience for the job role being advertised "!” – Lola Oyebadejo.

and influences impression assessment a great deal. I would advice those who may have issues with their carriage and comportment to read up books on body language, carriage, comportment and poise.

THE OVERWEIGHT FINANCE MANAGER I had to recruit a finance manager for a manufacturing company. One of the people I interviewed for that position was too fat.

He appeared at the interview sweating (he could have at least made use of a handkerchief or a face towel), he had a bad odour, he was breathing heavily and his colour combination was awful. Those on the interview panel were not even sure that he was suitable for the job - healthwise.

He did not look healthy at all and when a position is being filled the employer wants to be sure that the occupant would be available for the job.

My Comment: Obviously this man had a lot to work to do his weight, to his colour combination, down to his stench. I’ll advice

people who need to work on these areas to read upon body odour, colour combinations and healthy weight loss practices as not all the common practices are indeed healthy.

THE HIPPY FINANCE MANAGER I had to recruit for a Finance company who was seeking for a General Manager for their finance department. An applicant showed up for the interview with a chain on his neck. It seemed very out of place to me for him to be dressed in that manner for a job that required a good degree of formality. Needless to say I had to advice him to either remove the chain or conceal it by wearing a dress shirt and a neck tie.

My Comment: There’s a lot to say on how to dress for job interviews from the perfume you may choose to wear to the way you should knot your tie if you have to wear one. So I would advice whoever needs to know about dressing for interviews to read good book, articles and watch good videos on dressing for interviews.

Proper carriage and comportment is really crucial when job seeking and influences impression assessment a great deal. I would advice those who may have issues with their carriage and comportment to read up books on body language, carriage, comportment and poise

“One of the people I interviewed for that position was too fat …. he had a bad odour, he was breathing heavily and his colour combination was awful. Those on the interview panel were not even sure that he was suitable for the job - healthwise. ” says Lola Oyebadejo. I’ll advice people who need to work on these areas to read about body odour, colour combinations and healthy weight loss practices as not all the common practices are indeed healthy

37/ENTREPRENEUR

09.12.2016

ELP Grooms Young Entrepreneur with Basic Skills Godbless Eduviere Determined to tackle unemployment in Nigeria, Empowerment for the Less Privileged, ELP, has offered basic orientations to the seventh set of graduands on entrepreneurship, Tagged ‘Skills Acquisition as an Economic Development’, which held recently at Yaba College of Technology, YABATECH, Akoka, Lagos.

The keynote speaker, Mrs. Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, speaking on SOAR, a message which she extracted from Isaiah 40:31, she said: “S stands for Sense of Purpose and commitment to serve, O stands for Open and attune to opportunities that abound, A stands for Aggressiveness about achieving excellence and R stands for Remembering your responsibilities. “Commit to a life of service and fight hard against the tide of self-preservation that pervades the younger generation to think about the other. You must commit to figuring out your life’s purpose and why you were born and don’t waste too much time on computer and phone doing nothing because what will differentiate you from others beyond grades, is your ability to display life and leadership skills, and the practical experience that you have gained. I urge you to actively look for opportunities to learn and grow. “Grit, perseverance and courage lead to great achievements. Be aggressive about achieving excellence and always surround yourself with people who share your values. Nothing absolutely nothing can replace sheer hard work, tenacity, discipline, so be

ELP Patron and Founder, Bishop Mike Okonkwo

disciplined about how you spend your time and your resources. Always remember your responsibilities,” she said congratulating the graduands and commending the efforts of the Patron and Founder, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, and the Board of Trustees, for transforming lives of thousands of youths and families.

The Chairman, ELP, Mr. Alex Okoh, who welcomed guests who to the seventh graduation ceremony, said, “Today, the ELP foundation graduating 256 students and we are very proud that the seed of this foundation which was planted in year 2000 is giving a fresh lease of life, hope and limitless possibilities to thousands of souls. “Giving hope to the less-privileged and constantly empowering people across nations for self sustenance and alleviating their pains is our part of our

mission and this is taken seriously by the Board, hard working management and staff of the foundation. “Accordingly, the foundation offers formal and informal education including health support to the underprivileged. We have provided free tutorial classes for more than 2500 students preparing for WAEC, NECO and JAMB, raise scholarships for brilliant but financially challenged students with 51 beneficiaries today. “Beyond formal education, over 3000 students have been graduated from free vocational training in welding and metal works, computer soft and hardware training, fashion designing, hair dressing, hair barbing, soap making amongst others.

“With regards to our health programme, the foundation has donated 240 wheel chairs to various health institutions and health services including free diabetes test, genotype test, blood pressure test as well as offering free mobile clinics, free counseling and therapy for individuals at public events but all of these wouldn’t have been possible without selfless supports of generous well wishers and philanthropic individuals like Cakasa Nigeria Ltd, which has trained about 33 of our students in metal and engineering works, Exxon Mobil also donated 40 computer systems. Stanbic IBTC which has trained about 60 students in various skills acquisition programmes among the long list of other like-minded sponsors and of course the huge financial, material and time contributed by the patron and founder, Dr. Bishop Mike Okonkwo, Trustees and associates of the Foundation”, the chairman, Mr. Alex Okoh said, congratulating the graduands for

having the diligence and sense of purpose of going through the training and coming our successful and urged them to put the newly acquired skills into work.”

Okonkwo said he was grateful to God to be alive and see the vision of the foundation being unfolded every day. He thanked the Guest speaker for the great presentation and also commended efforts of the teachers for the sacrifices made to ensure that lives are being transformed. “For graduands here today, there’s much more that God has invested in your life. There’s nothing like accident with God. It doesn’t matter whichever way you were born, background or what anyone thinks about you. The most important thing, you must know is that God knows about you.

He has a colorful future for you and like our guest speaker rightly said, you are the leaders of today and tomorrow. “I want to let you know that in every day of your life, there will always be two invitations that will come to you and the choice you will make determines what will happen to your life because God respect your choice.”

Nigeria is a developing country and every challenge in this country is an opportunity.

Every problem we have in this country today is an opportunity to excel, so make up your mind not to join others in the society who doesn’t want to do anything. Ensure that you must be the best in the society and a shining example,” the founder, Bishop Mike Okonkwo said, urging graduands to be God fearing, hardworking and to empower others.

SweetTooth Confectioneries Opens in Port Harcourt Last weekend witnessed the entry in Port Harcourt of SweetTooth Confectioneries a catering outfit offering to the indulgencies of those who can afford it like frozen and baked deserts. Located at the Government Reserved Area in the heart of Port Harcourt, the confectionery shop look appeal to the high end of the society with its gelato, artisan iced cake, carefully selected ingredients to frozen yogurt as well as a coffee shop (Corner Store) that ensures that there is something for every age bracket of the young and old but active age.

Speaking at the opening, the Chief Executive Officer of SweetTooth Confectioneries, Mrs. Tejumola Arigbodi, said her desire in establishing the outfit was to have a competitive truly Nigerian brand that would answer to the sweet tooth in every individual. “SweetTooth is actually a combination of everything.

We have the frozen desert and we have the baked desert. When I say frozen I talk about gelato, artisan iced cake, carefully selected ingredients to frozen yogurt. More health, less sugar for some that have issues of diabetes and cholesterol that targeted to take care of them. We also have our baked section, our cakes, our desert cakes and all of that and not forgetting our candies,” she stated. She said the outfit it started as a candy shop because I am a lover of children. If not anything else, this business started on the fact that I want children to always have something to remember because the childhood memories will always stay. For me it started as just a candy shop and from there ooh some ice cream will be nice, and some cake and later I said okay, the fathers and the mothers will

L-r: Director Holy Ghost Vocation Movement, Mater Misericordiae Parish, Port Harcourt, Fr. Chinedu Ibearughulem, Parish Priest, St. Augustine Catholic Church, Nifor, Benin City, Edo State, Rev Fr. Raymond Ikoinmwoba; CEO Sweettooth Desserts and Pastries, Mrs. Tejumola Arigbodi and her husband, Mr. Richardson at the event

like to have something, they won`t stay at the candy shop without something to do so I conceived the idea of having a coffee or tea shop, or just where they can relax while they wait for their kids.

“For me I have always loved food and hospitality. I started with a catering company and I saw the need to actually provide more than just the basic Nigerian meals and all of that. So I conceived this dream four years ago.

I started going for training, started educating myself the more through trainings abroad and here in Nigeria as well. I started aiming to be the best and getting to know what to do and putting the right things into what we have today.”

She said the peculiarity of the Port Harcourt is her major motivation to site the business in the city despite the seeming challenging operational environment. Hear her; “Port Harcourt a very peculiar market, I will almost say it’s a virgin land. I have been in Port Harcourt for like quite a number of years, I have also visited other cities as much as people have a lot to say about the city, I have looked positives and negative about Port Harcourt and that’s why I decided to give it a short. If you look at the negative, you probably would not do anything. When you say the environment, am hoping for the best I am positive because I know Port Harcourt will not disappoint.

She lamented that the Nigerian economy doesn’t encourage a lot of investments, especially young entrepreneurs, for some of us coming into the industry people are like unwilling to teach you what they know, they are always very evasive, you have to learn on your own.

It`s not as encouraging as you would expect it to be. Arigbodi said that in order to remain ahead of the competition she would be very innovative. “Introduce new things every time; we don’t want to like settle. When you settle maybe you become complacent, maybe not.

But for us we hope to introduce new things, churn out new things from time to time.”

On his part an elated Richardson Arigbodi, Chairman of the company expressed joy and thanks to God for granting them grace to nurture the dream to fruition. He acknowledge that it has not been easy getting to realise the dream and opening shop but added that having got to this level the company can only grow stronger. He said that the company target is to go beyond our Port Harcourt branch, dominate the South South region. Rev.Fr. Raymond Ikponmwoba of the St. Augustine Catholic Church NIFOR Benini City, who conducted the opening ceremonies, described the coming of SweetTooth Confectioneries as an investment that must yield profitable dividend to the owners. He told them “it is a seed that you have sown today. You may not know the extent it will go but be assured that God will surprise you. It shall continue to grow and go places, spreading across Nigeria and beyond.” Ikponmwoba along with the Arigbodis and other guest officially opened the confectionery shop to the waiting public.

Fitness Festival Debuts in Lagos Mary Ekah FitFam Fest, a fitness fun festival for family friends, health freaks, foodies and fitness enthusiasts will be hosting the largest African comprehensive fitness event in Lagos come Sunday December 11 at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island Lagos.

The festival, which is first of its kind in this part of the world, is bringing this holistic campaign to Lagos, with the theme, ‘Healthy Fun for Everyone’. It is going to be a celebration of fitness and wellness attracting men, women and children of all ages. Top notch trainers and fitness

enthusiasts will converge in one place to throw out an array of fitness and beauty activities that would make Lagos the fitness capital of Africa. This well thought out event will gather over 7,000 fitness pundits and fans from different parts of the world, and also include international and local fitness celebrities, who will be readily available to share their experiences and wealth of knowledge regarding the ever-growing fitness industry. The Landmark Event Centre will for the first time be used to its full capacity, where activities and games will be held inside the centre, at the car park and the waterfront area.

For its first edition, FitFam Fest will have a showcase of more than 50 healthy food vendors, over 50 fitness exhibitors, well over 20+ fitness events, over 10 fitness and wellness speakers, above 50 fitness and wellness conference sessions and five nutrition chefs at the FitFam Nutrition Master class. The Festival will have an assortment of gears, kits, apparatus and equipment to demonstrate various physical activities. The activities will include live product launch and demonstrations on stage, FitFam Assault Obstacle Course, FitFam Strongman Car Pulling competition, Strength and Agility Training classes, Health checks, Fitness and Wellness Conference

sessions, VIP After party, Mr. FitFam 2016 and Miss FitFam 2016 competitions, FitFam Ultimate Frisbee, Pickup games and more.

There would also be something for the kids: a Kids Arena where age appropriate equipment and games will be available. Being a part of the Fitfam Fest, organisers said, is an opportunity to meet with consumers of all things fitness, fitness enthusiasts and industry professionals as well as a chance to reach the lucrative fitness market, expand your personal network and build meaningful business relationships that will affect your bottom line positively while you journey to fitness.

38/COLLAGE

L-R; Ambassador, American Women’s Club, Lagos (AWC), Mrs. Jameelah Sharrieff-Ayedun; Lifetime Member, AWC Lagos, Mrs. Doris Fafunwa; CRO Ruff ‘n’ Tumble, Mrs. Adenike Ogunlesi; and President, AWC. Lagos, Mrs. Patrenia Werts Onuoha, at the 55th Anniversary of the club held in Lagos…... recently

09.12.2016

.R-L; Acting Managing Director, Bank of Industry, Mr Waheed Olagunju; Executive Governor of Borno State,Hon. Kashim Shettima,and Senator representing Borno Central, Senator Babakaka Bashir Garbia,during the Firdau prayer for late Alhaji Sanusi Oyewale Olagunju in Lagos,..recently

L-R: Obafemi Agaba; Fola Olusanya; Uwa Ohiku; Lookman Durosinmi-Etti; Norma Jackson; Fola Arthur Worrey; Koye Edu; Chinyere Okorocha; Yusuf Asamah Kadiri and Taiwo Adeshina, at the 20th anniversary celebration of Jackson Etti and Edu at Claridge Mayfair, London.. recently.

(From back roll) L-R: Coordinator, Indomie Fan Club, Mrs. Faith Joshua; Brand Manager, Indomie, Mr. Amber Yadav; General Manager, Dulfil Prima Foods Plc, Mr. Girish Sharma; and Group Public Relations and Event Manager, Dulfil Prima Foods Plc, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju with some members of Indomie Fan Club, during the 2016 end of the year party of the Club at the Apapa Amusement Park Lagos... recently ETOP UKUTT

L-R ; Bishop, Diocese of Kwara, Methodist Church Nigeria, Rt. Revd Obafemi Adeleye; Bishop, Diocese of Lagos West, Methodist Church Nigeria, Rt Revd Sunday Ogunlere; General Overseer, Ewulomi Evangelical Church (C&S) , Maryland,, Prophet (Dr) Oluwademilade Omololu Akpata; Chairman of the Day, Mr Kenneth Sobola ; Bishop, Diocese of Yanya, Abuja, Methodist Church Nigeria, Rt Revd Samuel Nortey and the Bishop, Diocese of Remo Methodist Church Nigeria, Rt. Revd Titus Omoniyi at the 2016 Annual Adult Harvest Thanksgiving Service of the Ewulomi Evangelical Church (C&S) Arowojobe Estate, Mende, Maryland, Ikeja, Lagos....recently.

L-R: National Sales Manager, Nigerite Ltd., Mr. Abimbola Banjo; Managing Director, Mabuk Global Enterprise, Mr. Mauruf Adesina Alani, and Managing Director, Nigerite Limited, Mr. Frank Le Bris, during the Nigerite Distributors' Year End and Appreciation Day in Lagos..recently

Children of late Pa Isaac Folorunsho Ogunniyi, Funke Ogunniyi, Yinka Afolabi, Pastor Demola Oluwaniyi and Rolake Akinlade, during the final burial ceremony of their late father in Okenisa Ilahun, Ijesha, Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State... recently

39/THISLIFE

09.12.2016

Late Imudia

Imudia: The Demise of an Irreplaceable Leader Williams Eghebi Chief Julius Ekawuku Imudia may not have died young having had his final breath last month after over eighty fruitful years on earth. That he is dead is a pill too bitter to swallow by his children, family, kinsmen, friends and many other people who encountered the octogenarian while he lived. This is possibly because he remained active in many respects often doing things his peers could not dare to engage. He did not wish to be bedridden long in hospital writhing in excruciating pains to elicit private prayers for his exit.

And behold, he got his wish. He passed on quietly and happily.

He was a fulfilled man in many respects.

Though he was a man who suffered deprivation in his adolescence but he soldiered on until he became a successful businessman, charismatic politician, community leader and alternative dispute resolution expert.

His transparency, truthfulness and gentle mien turned him into a household name across the length and breadth of the Old Bendel State maintaining dignified links with first class traditional rulers and political gladiators in Nigeria.

Chief Imudia, born into Owa family in Alisimie, Agbor, was not a man whose kernels were broken by benevolent spirit.

He was trained by his uncle, Mr. Roland Owa, who was into bakery in South West Nigeria. It was from him, he got the skills in bread-making.

On returning back to Agbor, he ventured into bakery, plastic products, automotive merchandise, commodity brokerage and building materials. As old age sets in, he de-invested to concentrate on building materials and haulage though he retained his real estate investments.

He betrayed a major trait of self-made men who refuse to help others climb the progress ladder. Chief Imudia did not want parents to approach him to train their children or wards. It was the reverse. In his many building materials distribution outlets, young men were recruited with near absolute freedom of management.

Chief J. E. Imudia, though acquired only basic education probably due to financial constraints, ensured that he not only gave his children western education but invested in others who had no biological links to him.

He had unrepentant love for his people and by extension, Agbor Kingdom. He was the founding President-General of Agbor Community which was established in the early 70s. He joined his peers to attract several projects to the kingdom such that the then Obi had to encourage them to form Okiroro Association (pathfinders) who subsequently donated a large expanse of land to them in appreciation of their immense contributions to Agbor Kingdom.

He was a clean politician, who believed and advanced violence-free politics. He was one of the few who saw politics as a vehicle to advance the interest of the people as against his contemporaries who have taken it as a profession, trading off communal interest on the altar of personal aggrandizement.

At every political or social event, Chief J. E. Imudia, provided financial support.

Chief Imudia both in words and deeds was a fan of a united Ika nation. His relationship had no clannish barriers. He maintained dignified relationships with several Obis and clan heads.

In the struggle for the creation of Anioma State, Chief Imudia, was a proud partner in the project. He ensured he put his business schedules aside to travel with Anioma sons and daughters to campaign and lobby power brokers. And on such visits, he was always given opportunities to speak considering his charisma and unquestionable knowledge of traditional history.

Chief. J. E. Imudia, was not a man scared of standing on the side of truth and justice.

He had no ears for gossips. In the face of threat to personal safety and denials, Chief Imudia, never buckled. It was for this reason that many relied on him to resolve various forms of conflicts. His judicial pronouncements are hardly punctured because they are made in good faith.

As a father, Chief Imudia, was firm and in total control. Though he had a knack for consultations, his words are laws. He maintained links with his kith and kins. He was a genuine lover of his children, extending same to anyone who encountered him.

There is no gainsaying that Chief J. E. Imudia until his demise was about the most popular, loved and charismatic Agbor man.

This can be attested to by the kind words that poured out as soon as his exit was confirmed.

For Chief Benjamin Elue, a former Gov-

ernor of Delta State, "Chief Imudia played significant role in the Anioma agenda. In our efforts to ensure the creation of Anioma State or the emergence of Anioma son or daughter as governor of Delta State, Chief Imudia, was with us. When the need arose, he pulled on jean and fez cap before us. He preferred to be with us in buses, cracking jokes as we travelled the length and breadth of Nigeria. He never used his financial muscle to intimidate members. His heart was clean as he was handsome.

"I make bold to tell you that Chief Imudia was a man afraid of scandals. For this reason, he ensured he stood on the side of truth at all times. He was a good man; always interested in conflict resolution. I am aware that most people in Agbor metropolis depended on him to resolve disputes for them as they were sure of his impeccable decisions."

Prof. Wilfred Isioma Ukpere of University of Johannesburg, South Africa, said:" When we were kept in a state of suspense of a prominent and highly respected Ika Chief that transited, my heart went straight to Chief J E Imudia, because I knew there was no other prominent and very highly respected elderly Ika Chief in Ika land like him. Then I prayed that the sad news shouldn't be about him.

"However, the secret has been painfully broken to the contrary. Chief Imudia was a true legend from Ika extraction. He was a father to all. I have played with his children at his home as a little boy. Although a traditionalist, he was also a modernist. As far back as early 1980s he has all forms of children janglovers (playing implements) at his compound that is comparable to what one can find in current European playground/Gardens. Reflecting back, it seems to me that those playing tools at his compound were not really only meant for his children because his gate was always open that other children, including my very self, always sneaked into his compound to play with those playgames without his or his children consents.

"His level of honesty is incomparable.

When Matthew, my brother, was murdered in Ika land after advancing a deposit for some cement he was about to purchase from Chief Imudia's company, of which we were not aware of, the honourable chief called us and advised that our late brother, had paid

a huge deposit to him for some cement. He then refunded all the deposit back to us.

I have heard about his honesty but that action alone struck me and confirmed what I have heard about him. His smiles were genuine and contagious; he was an icon of community, an epitome of peace, a political juggernaut and a father to always behold.

As he transits to a new realm, I pray for his soul to rest in peace in the bosom of the Lord."

To Mr. Hillary Agholor, "Chief Imudia, a great Agbor son; you were one of the finest chiefs to come out of Agbor Kingdom, a likeable gentle man. I never saw you angry; with a wonderful sense of dressing and kind. You were a father to all. Those smiles of yours would surely be missed with your demise. It marks the end; the last great Agbor chief whose integrity cannot be doubted.

Rest in Peace Chief."

I remain in pains with the sudden death of Chief Imudia for many reasons. I had a passionate relationship with him. Few months ago, he invited me to his country home in Alisimie. After his usual welcome pleasantries, he gave me a detailed traditional history of Agbor.

Considering the importance of the oral history, he directed I acquire a video camera with which to produce a reliable and credible documentary that could stand the test of time. Sadly, the project was at its infantile stage when the man left.

I recall with nostalgia, a call he put across to me last year. "Where are you, Mr. Eghebi?

Are you not aware that Alisimie has no light for weeks? Come and see me with my son, Sunny Egede of The Pointer Newspaper".

After interviewing him on community issues, we expect the usual 'brown envelope'.

We dare not ask for we must contribute to develop our community. And we were available!

That Chief Julius Ekawuku Imudia , the Onye Won Ihian of Agbor Kingdom is dead is very painful but that he left a shoe too big for use by others is most painful.

Next month, Agbor sons and daughters, friends and all believers of truth will converge in Agbor to bid a man who lived and died for his people farewell. Many will not shed tears because he lived a fulfilled life.

Some of us will do because we cannot have another like him. He is truly irreplaceable.

Safe journey, Baba!

40/OPINION

09.12.2016

Wasting Insane Youths in the Streets In this report, Odimegwu Onwumere writes that a compassionate Nigerian rescued an insane young lady from the Abuja streets recently and admitted her to a hospital; while the Nigerian winks that many of the lady’s ilks are abandoned to their fate in the streets

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f not for Dr. Ray Ugba Morphy, a media expert from Cross River State based in Abuja, the anonymous insane lady in her middle 20s would have wandered the streets of Abuja without succour coming her way, at least soon.

On November 28, 2016, by 5pm, at the ECOWAS building, Asokoro, Abuja, Morphy saw the scintillating beauty laced in ebony black, walking and talking to herself, and decided to help her.

In a disclosure to this writer, Morphy was compassionately curious to know what was the matter with the lady who was actually dirty, but not in shreds, with a look suggesting that she needed help, but was not articulated to seek for the help that was written on her face.

“In the girl, I saw a soul crying for help. She could be my sister, your sister or even anyone's daughter. So I approached her. She spoke well, an evidence of good breeding. But, then, after being initially friendly, she became very hostile when I began to probe her,” Morphy narrated.

Morphy’s objective to approach the lady was borne out of his humanitarian gesture to save the downtrodden in the society. He was eager to know if he could reach out to the lady’s people, but the lady had loss of memory of who her people were or where she was coming from. When Morphy prodded her further, he could not get a tangible result. “All she would say is that she is from London and her name is Chika,” the puzzled Morphy said.

When he could not gain the records of her, he decided to leave her alone, because it was already late. The following the day, Morphy who had great enthusiasm to save the lady, sent out his team of workers to the Asokoro to look out for the lady while he went online to surf for best psychiatric hospitals.

“As my workers went in search for her in the street, I went online in search of a psychiatric hospital or unit. Luckily after physical visits to

next-of-kin for the lady; he was bent on making sure that the family of the lady was located.

On December 1, 2016, Morphy whispered that the lady’s mother was contacted, but she lives outside Abuja and was expected to arrive Abuja as soon as possible.

“It was the wide sharing of the lady’s picture on the social media that enabled someone to see the picture and then reached her mother,” Morphy informed. “However, she will be handed over to her people only when the doctors certify her fit.”

The lady rescued by Morphy in hospital

all government hospitals in Abuja, we finally found one at Karu,” the bemused Morphy said, adding that it took his workers up till 4pm before they found the lady, a journey they started in the morning.

“Meanwhile those searching the streets for her could only locate her at about 4pm in the evening being that she is mobile and ambulatory,” the baffled Morphy said. “To cut a long story short, I can now report that the lady is now safely admitted in a psychiatric hospital with me registered as her next of kin.”

Morphy showed the lady’s picture and was stunned that the gorgeous lady would have wasted in the street from a treatable mental health she had.

“She is simply suffering from treatable mental illness and no one should be abandoned the way our society seems to abandon the mentally ill. Sure, it cost me time and money, but it is worth every bit of it,” the fulfilled Morphy said.

Contact with her family Dr. Morphy did not just relax after signing as

Many youths getting insane The lady is one among millions of Nigerians, youths especially, suffering from mental illnesses that are abandoned in the streets. They go uncared for, drink and eat from dirt. Some are tagged witches and wizards and what not.

During the 2015 World Mental Health Day celebration in Rivers State, mental health specialists at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) Neuro-psychiatric Hospital, Dr. Chidozie Chukujeku and Dr. Nkpobu Kennedy raised eyebrows at the rate with which young people were going insane.

Some professionals are worried that many of the youths are into drugs especially those of the tertiary institute. Yakubu Kibo, a senior personnel fighting against illicit trade and use of drugs said, “Our records show that most of the mentally-ill persons in the state are young people who happen to be involved in abuse of illicit drugs."

Some authorities feared that some youths involve in terrorism activities like suicide bombing due to the imbalance state of their mental. "75% of suicides occur in low and middle-income countries. Mental disorders and harmful use of alcohol contribute to many suicides around the world," said a source.

Beliefs associated to mental health Medical specialists are perplexed about the misunderstandings and stigmas attached to mental ill health in the country. “Despite the existence of effective treatments for mental disorders, there is a belief that they are untreatable or that people with mental disorders are difficult, not intelligent, or incapable of making decisions,” said a source.

The source added, “This stigma can lead to abuse, rejection and isolation and exclude people from healthcare or support. Within the health system, people are too often treated in institutions which resemble human warehouses rather than places of healing.”

In 2015, Medical Director of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital (FNH), Yaba, Lagos, Rahman Lawal showed apprehension that 21 million Nigerians suffered from mental illnesses, among whom were youths. Prof. Oye Guruje, a psychiatrist with University of Ibadan, in a public presentation said that insanity outweighs the HIV/AIDs encumbrance.

“Mental illness is one of the major contributors to disease burden globally. It is the sixth largest burden worldwide and this is much more burdensome than HIV. In Nigeria, one out of seven persons will have serious mental illnesses, while one in four persons will have some form of mental disorder. And this is a conservative estimate,” Guruje said.

Factors contributing to insanity Checks, however, revealed that while some of the youths are taken to the hospitals, the medical experts are paid peanuts for their services by the government. They do not even receive the peanuts for months.

Evidence is that many of the youths do not take such drugs like codeine, tramadol, cocaine, hashish and others before they go berserk, but work pressure. This was found in a research conducted by connoisseurs.

LEKANFATODU HEADS-UP

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Email lekantodun@yahoo.com

Tel 07058069255

Need to Keep the Downstream Calm

f not for timely powerful interventions, the downstream division of the Nigerian oil industry would have boiled over. And this would have fuelled heated tension from the Nigerian masses already at a tipping point over the current hardship in the country.

Had the unrest come to be, it would have been a result of the obvious incongruity in the decision-making processes and relationships between the chief decision-makers in the Nigerian oil and gas industry - the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu and the Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru.

Of course, President Muhammadu Buhari, being the substantive Minister of Petroleum Resources, has the final say on the decisions of the aforementioned gentlemen who are appointees of his. But their failure to ensure mutual working relationship and inability to share a common ground on critical national issues in respect of the sector would definitely make mess of whatever authority the president holds or any idea the government has in improving the nation's oil sector.

For long, a lot has been said about the opacity that exists in the operations of the sector; and the lack of accountability and professionalism on the side of its leadership which is said to be responsible for Nigeria’s inability to reap the incredible gains inherent in the sector for the good of the nation.

Meanwhile, the necessity to correct these anomalies and overhaul the industry had informed the decision of the new government

Ikem-Obih

to introduce some changes in the structure and the management of the sector at various levels.

Though Nigeria may have given in to fate on the vagueness of activities at the upstream division of the industry - where the exploration and production of Nigeria’s crude takes place and billions of dollars are pumped in crude and shared by the privileged few, the downstream is one division Nigerians are never ready to completely hand over to the dictate of fate.

That's the reason the downstream is still a place where a commuter will direct his angst to when his daily fare is slightly increased. Even the pepper seller won't hesitate to point accusing fingers in the same direction when the price of her goods rise. And much as the climate change

crusaders are vigorously campaigning for clean and affordable energy, the majority of Nigerians who still cook with kerosene will know there is trouble in the downstream whenever there is a hike in the price of the product.

Therefore, it is imperative that authorities at that level work harmoniously in ensuring that there is peace at the downstream.

Because the discordant tunes that were put out weeks back by the Minister of State for Petroleum, Kachikwu and the NNPC, which Baru controls, can potentially throw the country in turmoil especially as the populace are actually enduring pains in paying for products from the downstream.

Following the announcement by the NNPC that it has increased the pump price of petrol at its retail outlets by N4 from N141 to N145, Kachikwu who was apparently caught unawares by the process taken by the NNPC in arriving at the decision couldn’t conceal his displeasure.

“First, I am not aware that the NNPC has increased price. I need to look into that. It is a bit of a surprise for me because there are processes for doing this. If they have done that, it means they are doing it wrongly. Let me find out what the facts are.

“Having said that, the reality is that what we did at the point where we did some liberalisation was to enable the free market float the price.

Obviously, as you look at foreign exchange differentiations, it would impact. The worst thing you could do is to go back to an era where we basically were fixing prices.

“What we ought to be doing is watching the prices; making sure they are not taking

advantage of the common man; making sure that the template is respected. One of the things I think we had hoped to do, which we should still do, before we embark on any price increase is to work on those templates,” the minister said.

Above all, the understanding of the pains of the common man, and the decency that they are not to be taken advantage of should dictate the actions of the government in the sector. And this should help to foster better engagements and a united front within the decision-making levels of the industry.

After all it was inferred that part of the reforms and the need to have competent hands at the helms of the agencies of the ministry that necessitated the appointment of a proven professional like Henry Ikem-Obih as the COO of NNPC, Downstream. And similar stride was stated to have been at work at the PPPRA amongst other attempts at advancing the industry.

So with these experts on hand, one would reason that there shouldn’t be any difficulty in forming unity of thought at the top management level and preventing issues that could have grave implications on the peace of the nation.

And one of the dangers of not managing decisions at the topmost hierarchy consciously and conscientiously is that it may not only incense the populace, the situation may equally be hijacked by another arm of government only to score a political point just as the House of Representatives is presently calling for the downward review of the current price template of petroleum.

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2016

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BUSINESSWORLD

MARITIME

Thompson: TCA Implementation Will Check Illicit Importation

Director of the Initiative for Public Policy Analysis, a public policy think-tank promoting the institutions of free society in Nigeria, Ayodele Thompson spoke to Eromosele Abiodun on how Nigeria’s porous borders fuel illicit importation and trade in tobacco in the country, as well as how the implementation of the Tobacco Control Act will sanitise the industry and the role of IPPA in ensuring that Nigeria is not short-changed. Excerpts: monitoring of leisure places to ensure that the law is not breached; national campaign targeting primary and secondary schools on the dangers of smoking; restricting access to cigarettes to only people above 18 years and enforcement agencies rising up to this national and global challenge, among other initiatives.

The Nigerian tobacco industry has been in the spotlight lately with many groups, including yours, holding strongly to divergent views. You have been accused by anti-tobacco campaigners as a major promoter of the tobacco industry. Why do you promote the tobacco industry so strongly?

The Initiative for Public Policy Analysis (IPPA) mission is focused on promotion of free enterprise in Nigeria. In this regard, IPPA supports and promotes policies that enhance domesticating the production of everything the country consumes.

Our mission also propels us to promote policies and initiatives that are geared towards growing Nigeria’s industrial capacity. IPPA sees this as vital because the nation cannot rely on crude oil exploration forever in the absence of developing the industrial base. The organisation’s purview therefore encompasses Nigeria’s industrial growth and policies aimed at accelerating the growth and jobs creation.

Tobacco consumption is generally considered to be dangerous to health, which the anti-tobacco campaigners have been highlighting. Are you not being paid by the tobacco companies to focus on the economic benefits of tobacco production and not the health consequences?

No one can deny the perceived health consequences of tobacco consumption. This is a point of agreement with the anti-tobacco groups. But what they fail to realise is that tobacco consumption is a lifestyle choice, similar to alcohol and sugar consumption. No legislation can completely eradicate lifestyle choices. A nation that tries to legislate against individuals’ lifestyle choices is trying to waste tax-payers resources. The greater challenge is restricting youth access to tobacco products and illegal trade. Since cigarette consumption can’t be banned, it is only proper for Nigeria to implement and promote policies that will ensure that the tobacco industry is well regulated so that the intended end-view is achieved while at the same time the country benefits from localising production.

Why is it so difficult for tobacco campaigners, whether pro or anti, and regulators, to come together to fashion out ways young people’s access to tobacco products can be drastically curtailed?

We have an open door policy and we are always willing to engage anybody or group on policies and practices that affect Nigerians and their businesses. What is clear from the tobacco campaign over the years is the level of foreign influence; the interest being shown in tobacco issues are mainly pecuniary. There is a lot of donor money floating around globally. It serves the interest of a few people to arrogate to themselves the sole preserve of championing anti-tobacco issues so as to keep attracting flurry of funds while ignoring the bigger issues such as youth access to cigarettes and illicit trade, which they should ideally focus their energies more on.

Thompson

is cash-strapped. If they are actually on the side of the public as they claim, their offices ought not to be in highbrow areas. How many campaigns against youth smoking have they undertaken in the last five years? How much of public campaigns have they carried out to sensitise Nigerians about the dangers associated with tobacco consumption? It is high time Nigerians question the true motives of the well-off sponsors of the so-called local anti-tobacco groups. If tobacco companies are closed down in Nigeria, cigarettes will be imported from the home countries of the sponsors of the anti-tobacco groups, contributing to their economies while depressing that of Nigeria.

Since you agree that there are health consequences associated with tobacco consumption, why don’t you join people campaigning for the closure of tobacco production in Nigeria in order to show that you truly care for Nigerians?

For us, tobacco is a legal product and the focus should not be on prohibition as agitated for by some groups. It should also be on ensuring regulation in place is enforced. Smokers will still smoke.

The absence of local, well regulated production ultimately opens the door to the illicit importation of cigarettes such as flavoured cigarettes that has been well communicated by the regulator, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and others in that category. These products have not been tested or approved locally and smokers still need to be protected. Since local production adheres to rules set locally, localising production makes it much easier to monitor and regulate the activities of tobacco companies, which wholesale importation will not allow. From public policy point of view, it makes sense to localise production rather than import.

The general perception in Nigeria is that majority of NGOs and lobby groups like yours including the anti-tobacco campaigners are simply profit-oriented fronts with a facade of promoting the common good. Why should Nigerians trust any of you?

To be honest, we would leave this to other non-profit organisations to answer forthemselves.

We are not their mouthpiece. IPPA is a policy research advocacy group with the sole purpose of promoting Nigeria’s interest. In the last decade, we have engaged with policy-makers, regulators and government at different levels in order to make Nigeria a country where investors flock to with ease of doing business in Nigeria. The bulk of our income comes primarily from advisory services and research that we provide to interested parties, not from donations. As a matter of fact, donation is a thing of the past for a group such as ours.

Because our operations are not tied to any one group, we are not beholden to anyone and our research is not directed or teleguided by anyone.

We believe Nigerians should assess the various advocacy groups based on their track records and affiliations. One thing Nigerians must know is that these foreign bodies’ have self-interest over Nigeria’s interests and we need to question the motive for any support received.

You raised an interesting issue about the anti-tobacco campaigners being sponsored by foreign bodies with special interest in Nigeria. Do you doubt that their campaign is not altruistic?

IPPA does not doubt that anti-tobacco campaigners love Nigeria and Nigerians. They simply do not get their facts right. What surprises many about their operation is the source of their funding.

One tends to reason that Nigerian government is not sponsoring them because government itself

Nigeria was praised for passing the Tobacco Control Act (TCA) last year. What is your assessment of its implementation thus far?

If there is anything that the National Assembly achieved, it is the passage of the Tobacco Control Act. The Act was passed after a long and rigorous process. As far as we have seen, the Act is balanced and could serve as a springboard to regulate the industry in such a way that Nigeria’s best interest is served. Although full implementation has not commenced, there is more awareness of what

is expected of stakeholders in the industry. The Act also frowns on engaging in illegal activities with such activities attracting severe penalties.

The onus is on the Ministry of Health and other concerned agencies to implement the law to the letter while being on the lookout for any infractions.

At the end, the TCA should not be just another textbook exercise with taxpayers’ money being used to run in circles. I should be a regulation that is brought to life and not just gathering dust in law libraries.

You say that the legislation is balanced and well thought out but your counterparts on the other side are calling for a review of the Act. Does that not lend credence to the view that the tobacco companies brought undue influence to bear on the public hearings and therefore had the bill tilted to their advantage?

The public hearings availed all interested parties opportunities to present their views. The anti-tobacco groups presented their views as well. No group was left out during the public hearings. In fact the public hearing at the Senate was overtly hostile to the tobacco companies; you can say the Act is tilted slightly against the tobacco companies.

What many failed to realise is that the lawmakers were elected to protect the interests of Nigeria and Nigerians and not a particular group. Moreover, the law-makers realised that Nigeria stands to lose big time if the legislation is not well balanced and thought out. It is disingenuous for these so-called anti-tobacco groups to be calling for a review of a law that has not been implemented since they had virtually all their recommendations adopted by the Senate Committee on Health. It is a waste of taxpayers’ money in this current economic state. Should we just keep churning out laws without implementing them first? It can almost be perceived as an abuse of the legislative process. The provisions of the law especially the sections that deal with flavoured cigarettes and wanton importation of cigarettes into Nigeria need to be tested for effectiveness before calling for a review.

Illicit trade is reported to be a bigger challenge fuelling youth smoking. What can be done to curb youth access to cigarettes?

Illicit trade is a global concern, not restricted to Nigeria. Curbing illicit trade in tobacco is almost impossible because of Nigeria’s porous borders and weak law enforcement. The first step is to ensure that only approved products are imported or produced in Nigeria; stricter

You mentioned the impossibility of legislating lifestyle choices out of existence and that people who chose to smoke will do regardless. How can the industry be made more responsible for their products?

The tobacco industry has a value chain, from farmers to producers and distributors to traders. If tobacco companies are made to account for how their products are distributed and who gets what, they will invest a lot more resources to ensure that the last mile of the value chain deals responsibly.

It bears pointing out that without a local tobacco industry, you cannot hold anybody liable for how the tobacco products are distributed in Nigeria.

The Minister of Health recently inaugurated the National Tobacco Control Committee which is seen as a major step towards stricter regulation of the tobacco industry. Do you see the committee as a game-changer?

It is appropriate to let the public know that the committee is a creation of the Tobacco Control Act. If the committee is made up of people who have the best interest of Nigeria at heart, then its impact will be felt widely. However, from what we are seeing, the foreign groups and their local appendages have infiltrated the committee so much so that members of the committee take directives from these foreign bodies and seem to rubber stamp what this group says. This portends a dangerous trend. For example, why is it focused on drafting new regulations and not the enforcement as directed in the Act? The committee will likely go the way of some others before it, whose members were more interested in sponsored trips to international conferences and other such inanities.

If we can’t stop people from smoking by fiat, how can Nigerians benefit from hosting tobacco production companies, beyond the contribution of the companies to government’s income?

One of the biggest benefits is that localising production ensures that you can effectively monitor and enforce rigorous standards. You can also make the producers to be more responsible for how their products are dispensed. Without the local producers, you simply can’t hold anybody responsible for selling cigarettes to people who are under the legal age. Therefore, localising production also creates thousands of jobs along the entire value chain. Without these tobacco companies, the pressure on scarce foreign exchange would have been greater.

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2016

CITYSTRINGS Celebrating the Obosi Culture

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

Former Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka, recently invited David-Chyddy Eleke to the Obiora festival in Obosi, Anambra State, where he set a template for how the state could maximise the numerous festivals that abound to generate revenue

Chidoka slicing the tubers of yam

Members of the Otu Odu women in their colourful attire during the new yam festival

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he Obiora Festival is one that follows the Iwa ji (new yam) festival of the Obosi people where the former Minister of Aviation hails from. The monarch of the community cuts the yam on a set date, and all the titled men of the community would be expected to hold small ceremonies to mark the festival in their respective homes. Chidoka is a titled man in Obosi community, and when he held his, it turned out as a huge ceremony, which he used to teach how the people’s culture could be used to generate revenue.

The event started like a small one, and villagers and dignitaries alike trickled in until the entire arena of the former minister’s expansive compound was filled to capacity. As if that was what was needed for the event to be kick started, masquerades of all sizes, shapes, height and build surged into the compound and the event was in full swing then.

If the colourful display by masquerades gave the event colour, then the entry of Chidoka finally nailed it. The suave, debonair and youthful looking former FRSC boss jettisoned his colourful dressing, but appeared from his inner room with a wrapper tied round his waist, a long red cap on his head to depict his traditional title, with a sleeveless white lace dress on. He capped it with a hunter’s bag hung across his shoulder, and the pomp that followed his entry sent goose pimples on the bodies of attendants.

Speaking with journalists on the place of culture in his mind, Chidoka said, “I am first an Igbo man, before I became a Nigerian, and anywhere I am, I feel like showcasing my culture first. I have a burning spirit to redefine the Igbo culture and explain it to Nigerians in our own way.” He called for the rejuvenation of Igbo culture to boost tourism in the South-east geo-political zone. He urged Anambra government to re-organise the traditional dances, masquerade and new yam festivals in various communities of the state, which from ages have made Igbo culture rich.

“This is something we have taken for granted for long now, government should re-establish the events. This will help to showcase our cultural heritage to the outside world. It is significant we develop Anambra to become also a centre of tourism. What I think the government should do is to harmonise all the festivals and make them out in such a way that they will help to boost the revenue base of the state. There is the masquerade festival of all the communities, which holds at various times, there is the New Yam festival and there is the Ofala festival of all the monarchs, and these are very colourful

Chidoka (2nd right) blessing guests the traditional way

festivities. What I think the government should do is to harmonise the date, such that there will be a set time for masquerade festivals, and people even from outside the state and outside the country will know that such period of time is masquerade festival of Anambra people, and they will troop in and watch masquerades in colourful settings from community to community.

“When it is Ofala or new yam festivals, it will also be at a given time, and that will help people to plan towards it, and as they come, they are coming with their money, they are eating our food and paying for it, they are sleeping in our hotels and paying and by so doing revenue is created. That is what I mean by creating revenue through culture.” Chidoka explained.

He also explained the significance of new yam festival in Igbo society and among the Igbos wherever they may live outside of Igboland, saying it has become essential. Across Igboland and among the Igbo of Nigeria in the diaspora, the month of August, as it is now, is laddened with the celebration of New Yam called Iwa ji and iri ji ohuru. This is best pictured in the framing of the ceremony by Chinua Achebe’s work as far back as in the 1950s. As Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart (1958) describes: “The pounded yam dish placed in front of the partakers of the festival was as big as a

mountain. People had to eat their way through it all night and it was only during the following day when the pounded yam “mountain” had gone down that people on one side recognised and greeted their family members on the other side of the dish for the first time.”

According to Chidoka, yam is the centre of Igbo economy. “Everyman that is strong is known by the size of his barns of yam. It is always the defining ingredient between the rich and poor. It is Igboman’s identity. It helps to interpret the Igbo culture to outside world. It is our estimation and symbolises our richness.

You can see how unique the old and young in Obosi community are celebrating yam with pomp and pageantry today. The New Yam festival is therefore a celebration depicting the prominence of yam in the social-cultural life of Igbo people,’’ Chidoka affirmed.

During the ceremony, the former Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC and Ex-Aviation Minister, Chidoka performed a symbolic feeding of 5,000 children with five roasted yams and two plates of garnished palm oil, similar to the Biblical feeding of 5,000 people with five loaves and two fish by Jesus Christ.

Chidoka giving out a piece of yam to a child was part of activities that marked his annual Obiora Ike Obosi New Yam/cultural festival.

Some of the dance troops that featured

prominently at the ceremony included the Igba Araba and Ajugwu musical groups, as well as great masquerades like the Ajo Ofia, from whose head flames of fire were oozing out. Chidoka who has a chieftaincy title of Ike Obosi (strength of Obosi), maintained that since our culture is our identity, we must always preserve and improve on it, irrespective of how educated or religious we think we are because according to him, “If we allow our culture to die a natural death, then we shall be wallowing in the desert like sheep without shepherd. I think that the whole idea of culture and tourism is something that we are taking for granted in the South-east.

The state government should work towards establishing that event as a significant portion of our culture. Tourism is a critical factor to every society and the society itself needs to improve to offer something valuable to the tourists.”

The celebration turned into a political event, with groups and stakeholders in attendance utilising the opportunity of the event to call on him to join the race for Anambra State governorship position in 2017 so as to fix the state. Speakers who made remarks at the event insisted that Chidoka was ripe for the governorship of the state and that he should not deny the state of his sterling performance.

A political organisation, G32 first caused a stir when they stormed the arena with a live sized banner announcing the entrance of the former FRSC boss in the Anambra governorship race, and was applauded by all. Another group, Dozie Anambra Initiative who were also at the event announced that no time was better for Chidoka to join the race than now that the state needed to be salvaged from bad leadership. The secretary of the group, Mr. Obi Okpala in an interview with journalists said the group was at the event to persuade Chidoka to reconsider his hard stance and join the race to salvage Anambra with his Midas touch.

Okpala said Chidoka has proven his leadership capacity both at FRSC and as the Minister of Aviation, and that he should be given the chance to fix the state once and for all. He said some of Chidoka’s advantages over other contenders, include that he is young, and has proven himself beyond doubts to be an achiever.

Earlier in an interview, Chidoka admitted that Anambra State needed a fresh hand to steer the state off the hard times being experienced in the country today. He however admitted that he has severally been prodded by various stakeholders in the state to join the race with a view to giving it purposeful leadership, while admitting that he was waiting for God to direct his steps and would not hold back if urged to.

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PERSPECTIVE

Nigerian Army and the Macabre Dance of Pythons in Igboland Jude Ndukwe Recently, the Nigerian Army announced the commencement of what it deviously termed Exercise Python Dance in the South Eastern part of the country commencing from November 27, 2016 to end on December 27, 2016. Since then, many groups and stakeholders, within and without the South-east, have raised issues with the said exercise, questioning the rationale behind such an operation at a time when the South-east is at its most peaceful state.

Not even the desperate explanation of Col. Sagir Musa, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Enugu, could douse the rising tension. Rather than douse the people’s suspicions, the army spokesman raised issues that elicited more questions than answers.

The people of the South-east have raised concerns that the Exercise Python Dance by the army is just a smokescreen nomenclature for the continued alleged genocidal atrocities committed by the army against Ndigbo for which the top echelon of the security outfit would answer at the appropriate time, no matter how long.

The Igbo cannot be fooled! They will not be intimidated!

It is said in some quarters that the period of the exercise proper has been carefully chosen to coincide with the time Igbo sons and daughters from all over the world converge on their motherland to celebrate the Christmas holidays with their kith and kin. It is this period that the army has chosen to send a message to our visiting brothers and sisters that the conquest of Igboland is not a fable as some of them must have only heard but not seen yet; it is an opportunity for them to see for themselves how conquered, subjugated and helpless the land of their fathers have become.

It is a way of sending a message to brothers and sisters based in the diaspora to, out of fear, request their kinsmen and women back home to surrender their will and their rights to the occupying army and their sponsors. Like Col. Sagir Musa said, “It is designed to, where necessary, dovetail into real time activities such as anti kidnap drills, patrols, raids, cordon and search, check points, road blocks and show of force.”

One then wonders when it has become the duty of the army to conduct raids, cordon and search, mount check points, road blocks and show of force in a region that is one of the most peaceful in Nigeria today? These are normally the functions of the police, but where South-east is the target, the army is detailed to do a “finish off” job for those who, after having dipped the South-east in the ocean, still want to ensure pepper is rubbed into their eyes even amidst the abundance of water.

It becomes even more curious when, in a facile attempt to justify their reasons for this inexcusable invasion, the Nigerian army gleefully reeled out the other regions where similar exercises had taken place in the past. It mentioned “EX SHIRIN HARBI which was conducted from 17 – 19 April 2016 in 3 Division Area of Responsibility (AOR) to take care of the insurgency and sundry crimes such as cattle rustling in parts of the North East Region.”

It also mentioned “EX HARBIN KUNAMA which was held in 1 Division AOR from 9 – 15 July 2016 to rid the general area of North West Region of banditry, insurgency and cattle rustling among others. Also, EX CROCODILE SMILE was conducted from 5 – 10 September 2016 in

Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai

the Niger Delta Region by a combination of 2 and 82 Divisions with an overarching aim of reducing incidences of illegal bunkering, oil thefts, piracy and other peculiar criminalities across the entire Region.”

It is instructive to note that while these similar exercises lasted only between 2 – 6 days in the other regions, that of the South-east has been planned to last one full month with the possibility of extending it.

One then wonders why similar exercises in the North-east and North-west where unprovoked violence by terrorist Fulani herdsmen against innocent citizens whose only crimes are that they are Christians and belong to what is dubiously termed minorities in our clime has escalated beyond rational imagination, lasted only few days but that in the South-east is lasting so long?

The arguments in some quarters that the operation might just be another way of providing cover for terrorist Fulani herdsmen to continue to unleash violence on innocent Igbo citizens simply because of their political choice in the 2015 presidential election, a sin for which the South-east is yet to be forgiven, may be true after all.

This same military was among the security agencies the governor of Enugu State where the famous 82 Division is located, informed ahead of time about an impending attack on the sleepy community of Ukpabi Nimbo in UzoUwani Local Government Area of the state sometime in April this year, yet, not

only that the terrorist Fulani herdsmen executed the attack, it was executed with the brutality of a hateful lot, the precision of a well-trained militia and the confidence of a well protected cannibalistic group.

Since then, right under the nose of the military and other sister security agencies who, sometimes, are tipped off, yet, always with ample time, the herdsmen have carried out with impunity even more daring attacks that have left a lot of people dead, raped, maimed and homeless in every imaginable corner of the Sout-east, yet, little or nothing is done by this same army showing bravado today against innocent people whose only crimes are the exercise of their rights to peaceful assemblies and associations.

There are visual and verbal testimonies of how the army purportedly massacred innocent pro-Biafra agitators in this same South-east, but they suddenly become powerless when the same region is invaded by weapon wielding terrorist Fulani herdsmen in what may be appropriately termed Operation Python Kill, for after the killings come the dance.

When they say they are bringing pythons to dance for us in the Southeast, we understand full well what they mean.

We get their message but we will not be intimidated. We will not relent. We will not give up our ancestral heritage to any blood thirsty agency, lest, we answer to our fathers when we eventually meet them on that Day why we gave up their heritage so cheaply.

Our people must arise, for danger is

nigh. Bullets may fly by night, but we must not take flight. The song is defend the land, the cry is do not give up our farmland. Brothers’ blood has wet the ground, let the seed of courage go round.

Let those in prison not lose hope; let the spirits of our fathers help them to cope.

The flag of victory shall soon be waved; our land shall soon be saved. Let the lovers of our land endure for victory is sure!

We are very much aware of the inconveniences needless multiple road blocks would cause us; the expected news of raids of entertainment centres at random in the name of looking for one non-existent criminal or the other; the sad news of brothers felled by “stray” bullets; the implicating of innocent indigenes with “planted” evidence in order to have them summarily executed. We are used to all this in the South-east but we will never be conquered. We will never surrender our land to anyone. Thousands may be extra-judicially executed but our land will remain that of Ndigbo.

No matter how beautiful the pythons you bring to the South-east are, your dance will be a dry one, without an audience and without anyone to cheer you up except those you have enchanted with filthy lucre and the promises of fame, power and pardon for corrupt practices.

And such men are extremely very few!

May the blood of our felled Igbo brothers and sisters wash away your footprints after your macabre dance. Iseeee!

---jrndukwe@yahoo.co.uk; Twitter:@ stjudendukwe

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INTERNATIONAL

email:foreigndesk@thisdaylive.com

US and Russia ‘Close’ to Deal on Syria’s Aleppo

Russia and the United States are close to reaching an understanding on Syria’s Aleppo, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has said.

“In the past several days an intensive document exchange on the situation in Aleppo has taken place,”Ryabkov was quoted as saying in the Interfax news agency on Thursday.

“We are close to reaching an understanding, but I want to warn against high expectations,” Ryabkov added.

The Kremlin said on Wednesday that a potential US-Russia deal to allow Syrian rebels to safely leave Aleppo was still on the agenda.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was due to meet US Secretary of State John Kerry in Hamburg later on Thursday after the two diplomats held brief talks on Wednesday.

Aleppo, Syria’s second largest

city, has been divided between government-controlled neighbourhoods in the city’s west and rebel-held areas in the east since 2012.

The Syrian government and its allied forces reportedly control at least three-quarters of formerly rebel-held eastern Aleppo due to a massive military assault on the besieged area.

Government forces scored an important victory on Wednesday when the rebels retreated from the Old City, the historic heart of Aleppo.

They extended their advances later in the day, seizing the Bab al-Nayrab, Al-Maadi and Salhin neighbourhoods, according to state media.

While rebels have vowed to

continue fighting, the battle is complicated by tens of thousands of fearful civilians trapped in the remaining portions of the rebel-held east.

And as winter set in, siege conditions are increasingly desperate, exacerbated by increasing numbers of displaced residents and food and water shortages.

“It’s true that Aleppo will be a win for us, but let’s be realistic - it won’t mean the end of the war in Syria,” Syrian President Bashar al-Assad told the al-Watan newspaper.“But it will be a huge step towards this end.”

Evacuations The Syrian Civil Defence, a first responder group also known as the White Helmets, said air strikes and shelling on Wednesday killed

61 people in what’s left of the rebel-held areas.

Nearly 150 civilians, most disabled or in need of medical care, were evacuated overnight from a hospital in Aleppo’s Old City, the first major evacuation from the eastern sector, the International Committee of the Red Cross said on Thursday.

Among those evacuated from Dar Al-Safaa hospital in the Old City - taken over by Syrian government forces on Tuesday - 118 patients were taken to three hospitals in the west of Aleppo and 30 people were taken to shelters, also in the west of the city, the ICRC said in a statement.

The evacuation was conducted jointly with the Syrian Arab Red

Crescent, it added.

Speaking to Al Jazeera on Thursday, ICRC spokesman Pawel Krzysiek said:“The people were basically trapped there [in recent days].”

“The fighting kind of slowed down starting from yesterday afternoon,”he continued, adding that “it was too dangerous” to carry out an evacuation earlier.

“It’s first and utmost about the safety of those people [being evacuated] and our priority is to ensure that they will be helped ... and safely transported to a safer place.”

Speaking of the meeting between Kerry and Lavrov, Middle East analyst James Denslow, said that “the fate of hundreds of thousands of Syrian civilians

seems to now rest upon these two individuals in Hamburg”.

Since it began in March 2011, the war in Syria has killed hundreds of thousands of people, made more than half of Syrians homeless, and created the world’s worst refugee crisis.

Assad has ruled out the possibility of a negotiated ceasefire with rebel forces.

“If you look at previous tactics used elsewhere in the country, the besieging of urban areas, heavy attacks and then an agreement to have fighters leave has been used previously,” Denslow told Al Jazeera.

“If Assad wants to win his biggest city back, it’s not much of a victory if the city is destroyed or if the population is decimated.”

Boris Johnson’s Saudi ‘Proxy Wars’ Comment ‘Not UK’sView’ Downing Street has said Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson’s comments on Saudi Arabia do not represent “the government’s position”.

Footage has emerged from an event last week at which Mr Johnson said UK ally Saudi Arabia was engaging in “proxy wars” in the Middle East.

The PM’s spokeswoman said these were the foreign secretary’s personal views.

BBC diplomatic correspondent James Landale called it a “pretty robust slapdown”for Mr Johnson.

Mr Johnson’s comments were made at a conference in Rome last week but only emerged after the The Guardian newspaper published footage of the event.

In it the foreign secretary said: “There are politicians who are twisting and abusing religion and different strains of the same religion in order to further their own political objectives.

“That’s one of the biggest political problems in the whole region. And the tragedy for me - and that’s why you have these proxy wars being fought the whole time in that area - is that there is not strong enough leadership in the countries

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themselves.”

‘Offending the Saudis’ Mr Johnson told the Med 2 conference: “There are not enough big characters, big people, men or women, who are willing to reach out beyond their Sunni or Shia or whatever group to the other side and bring people together and to develop a national story again.

“That is what’s lacking. And that’s the tragedy,”he said, adding that “visionary leadership” was needed in the region.

He went on:“That’s why you’ve got the Saudis, Iran, everybody, moving in and puppeteering and playing proxy wars.”

The BBC’s diplomatic correspondent James Landale said Mr Johnson had spoken a “bit of truth”, but it was “clearly awkward” for the government, which had led to No 10’s “slapdown”.

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The general public should please take note.

Johnson

Pakistan: No Survivors in PIA PK 661 Plane Crash All 48 people on board a Pakistani passenger plane, which crashed in the country’s mountainous north, have died, the airline’s chairman has confirmed.

Pakistan International Airlines’ (PIA) PK 661 went down on a domestic flight from the city of Chitral to the capital Islamabad on Wednesday.

“There are no survivors, no one has survived,”Muhammad Azam Saigol told a press conference, about five hours after the plane crashed near the town of Havelian, in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province.

Saigol said the ATR-42 aircraft had undergone regular maintenance and had in October passed an“Acheck”certification, conducted after every 500 hours of flight operations.

“I think that there was no technical error or human error ... obviously there will be a proper

investigation,” he said.

The military said 40 bodies were recovered and rescue efforts involved about 500 soldiers, doctors and paramedics. The flight departed from Chitral around 15:30 local time (10:30 GMT) and was expected to land in Islamabad around 16:40.

Al Jazeera’s Kamal Hyder, reporting from Islamabad, said the badly burnt bodies were taken to the Abbottabad Medical Complex.

“Five bodies have been identified, but the rest are unidentifiable,”our correspondent said.

Junaid Jamshed, Pakistan’s singer-turned-preacher, and his wife were also on board the plane that came down near the town of Havelian in Abbottabad district.

A PIA spokesperson told Al Jazeera it was too early to ascertain the cause of the crash.

“PIA aircraft ATR-42 (AP-BHO)

crashed near Havelian at 16:42 hours, 42 passengers, five crew members and one ground engineer were on board,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

“Rescue efforts are underway, and we are ascertaining the extent of damage to life of those on board the aircraft.”

Hospital officials told Al Jazeera that the bodies were badly burned and it was very difficult to identify them.

Junaid was on seat Jamshed rocketed to fame in Pakistan in the 1980s and 1990s as the singer for the Vital Signs pop band.

He launched a solo career later with a string of chart-topping albums and hits.

He gave up music in 2001 and announced that he was devoting his life to spreading Islam.

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WORLD OF ISLAM

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

Life is a Fitnah! (3)

Shaykh Saalih ibn ‘Abdil-’Azeez Aalish-Shaykh www.bakkah.net (continued from last week)

S

The Fitnah of Argumentation trength can also be a fitnah, just as dialogues and debates are fitnah in many situations. Today dialogues are commonly being propagated: debating with Christians, debating between people, debating between the religions, between math-habs, between sects, etc. This debating is a kind of fitnah!

Programs about this idea are currently being broadcast on television, since they have an effect on those with weak hearts. You see the different religions and sects - this one is worshipping something, and that one is worshipping something else. A person could become doubtful and be tried due to this.

But the true believer knows that this variety and assortment is only a further proof that the Truth is only one way, and that those other people are as Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, says [Q88v3-4]: “Laboring hard and weary, they will be put into a blazing hot Fire” They wanted to follow the path to Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, but they were mistaken.

But as for the subject of debating - does a man debate or not? Does he argue or not?

This is indeed a fitnah.

But who is the one who should debate them? The one who has knowledge, not just anyone! So it should be mentioned here that, as some of you know, some people that enter into debates with either the corrupt Muslims, the Christians, the Jews, or some other religion or stray ideology, they are occasionally defeated, or the opponent is stronger. So then the people are tried by this.

Allaah, the Mighty and Exalted, has clarified in this soorah that fitnah will spread if the dialogue is not done by the scholar arguing in a way that is better.

Allaah, the Mighty and Exalted, says [Q29v46-47]: “And do not debate the People of the Book (the Jews and the Christians) except in a way that is better, except the oppressors from them. And say: “I believe in what was revealed to us and in what was revealed to you, and our God and your God is one, and we are submitting to Him.” And thus we revealed the Book to you...”

Until He, the Mighty and Exalted, said [Q29v49]: “Rather they are clear proofs in the chests of those who have been given knowledge” So Allaah prohibits us from debating the People of the Book except in a way that is better. But who is to do the debating? The one who debates is the one who knows the Qur’aan, as Allaah says [Q29v49]: “Rather they are clear proofs in the chests of those who have been given knowledge” So based on this, whoever does not know the Qur’aan, the proofs found in the Qur’aan, the clear examples found in the Qur’aan, the evidences in the Qur’aan, how examples of debating have been given in the Qur’aan, examples of debating the wicked sinners, the people of arrogance, those who go beyond all boundaries, and all categories of people - whoever does not know all this, then he is not fit for debating.

So it is not for every individual to enter debates with them, using his own opinions and thoughts, rather this debating is to be done by the scholars. Hiwaar (debating), or mujaadalah as it has been named in the Qur’aan, is only for the people of knowledge, those who know the limits that Allaah sent down to his Messenger (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam).

So therefore fitnah could very well take place with argumentation. A man comes and says, “Debate with me! Why won’t you debate me!?”

So he begins by looking for a subject to debate about, what issue can he argue over… This is a way that the common people are destroyed!

So a man must look to his religion in a situation like this, and uphold and display the honor of his religion. He must know that the Qur’aan is the Truth, and whoever has it in his chest is upon the Truth, since the Qur’aan is the ongoing evidence against all the people!

It could be that a man does not know some of the proofs needed, and if that is the case, then verily he must say, as Allaah, the Mighty and Exalted, has said [Q29v46]: “And say: “I believe in what was revealed to us and in what was revealed to you, and our God and your God is one, and we are submitting to Him.” This is the general manner of debating them, and the specific and complete details are known to those who know the Qur’aan, and to those who know the Sharee’ah.

The Fitnah of the Dunyaa

Another fitnah from those mentioned in this soorah is that Allaah makes this life beautiful, with all of its vain pleasures and playing about, and all the things that are fun to enjoy in it.

A person may indulge in these things and forget about the Next Life.

Allaah, the Mighty and Exalted, says in the latter part of the soorah [Q29v64]: “And this worldly life is nothing but vain pleasures and playing about” So many of the people are put to fitnah because of this life, with its vain pleasures and amusement, thinking these things will last, but they do not know the reality of life!

Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic says after that [Q29v64]: “And indeed the Next Abode is the Hayawaan, if they only knew” Hayawaan is an extreme expression of the word hayaat (life), so the verse means that the Next Abode, Paradise and the Hellfire, is the truly complete and everlasting life. So whoever

wants true delight and complete enjoyment and satisfaction, then it is in Paradise in the Next Life.

Whoever wants to be free from harmful things, then all of the harmful things are in the Hellfire. So whoever wants to flee from them, then he flees from the Hellfire.

A number of scholars, including Ibn Al-Jowzee, have said, explaining this, “Whatever Allaah mentions in the Qur’aan about the delights of the dunyaa, that is for you to look at the delights of this world and contemplate over the delights of the Next Life.

For every example of an enjoyable thing or something the people indulge in, it is a proof against you if you have not reflected over the delights of Paradise.

And every example of a harmful thing in the dunyaa, even if it is something that causes a slight amount of grief, or even something as light as a slight fever, verily they are examples that Allaah is using to remind you about the things in the Next Life, the punishment, torture, and deprivation (of the Hellfire).”

So whoever seeks the real, true life and happiness, then let him look for the everlasting happiness.

This worldly life, with its amusement and playing about, is only just that - vain amusement and playing about. So it is a source of fitnah.

Look to the people today and how they are being tried by the amusement and play of the dunyaa! Why have the hearts become hardened and unreceptive? Because the people have turned to amusement and play!

Why have they turned away from the Next Life? Because they have turned to amusement and play!

Why don’t they have hardly anything memorized from the Qur’aan? Because they have turned to amusement and play!

The earnest, intelligent man is the one who looks into His Statement [Q29v67]: “And indeed the Next Abode is the Hayawaan, if they only knew”

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2016

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

RenCap: FG Has Substantial Deposits to Cover Loans from CBN Obinna Chima Renaissance Capital Limited (RenCap), a financial advisory and research firm has shed more light on the controversy surrounding the withdrawals of the account of the federal government domiciled at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), affirming that the federal government has substantial deposits in the account to cover its loans from the CBN. Rencap, which stated this in a report yesterday, however estimated that by the end of full year 2016, central bank lending to the federal government would exceed 50 per cent of the previous fiscal year’s revenue. This, it noted would be strikingly higher than the cap of five per cent stipulated in the CBN Act of 2007 (Section 38.2).

A former CBN governor and Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muham-

mad Sanusi II, last week stated that the CBN’s claims on the federal government now topped N4.7 trillion — equal to almost 50 per cent of the FGN’s total domestic debt, which he said was unhealthy for the economy.

But RenCap in the report yesterday pointed out that: “At the same time, the FGN’s deposits have been building up, which mitigates the contention of central bank funding. However, to us this raises the question of why the FGN is borrowing from the CBN when it has funds in its accounts. “A sharp fall in revenues compelled the FGN to increase its borrowing requirement. Governments have four sources to borrow from to finance their budget deficits: abroad; the central bank; domestic commercial banks; and the domestic non-bank sector (i.e., pension funds).

“Central bank financing tends

to be frowned upon because it expands money supply and adds to inflation. Nigeria’s narrow money year-on-year (YoY) growth has gone from a negative one per cent in October 2015, to 50 per cent a year later.

And in that period YoY inflation accelerated to 18.3 per cent in October, versus 9.3 per cent, and the naira weakened, against the dollar in the parallel FX market, from N227/$1 to N450/$1,” the report stated.

Furthermore, the report cited a research paper by Alagidede (2016), which stated that central bank lending is considered acceptable when used to smooth out revenue fluctuations, and when transitory. “We have established that Nigeria has the funds to settle the borrowed funds in the short term, unlike Ghana, where it took an IMF programme to reduce central bank funding,” it added.

Emefiele: Digital Financial Services Can Create Three Million Jobs by 2025 The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele has said that increased adoption of Digital Financial Services (DFS) in Nigeria has the potential to create three million new jobs in Nigeria by 2025.

Also, for financial services providers, Emefiele said DFS has been estimated to reduce the cost of providing financial services by 80 to 90 per cent compared to the cost of a traditional bank branch.

Emefiele gave the advice in a keynote address he delivered at the 2016 BusinessDay Financial Inclusion Summit in Lagos yesterday. He also advised ministries, departments and agencies of governments as

well as firms in the country to further digitise current cash payments.

He noted that the economy is presently going through a time of economic challenges, saying that Digital Financial Services have substantial potential to promote financial inclusion, increase productivity and support economic growth in our country.

Therefore, he urged all stakeholders to step up initiatives to successfully advance the movement in order to achieve the financial inclusion target by 2020 and boost economic growth in Nigeria.

“Digital financial services refer to financial services, such as pay-

ments, savings, loan or insurance products, which are provided through electronic platforms, such as mobile phones, the Internet, or electronic cards.

Digital financial services can promote financial inclusion, because they are capable of dismantling the existing barriers to financial inclusion.

“One key barrier to financial inclusion, as defined in Nigeria’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy, is the remoteness of access to financial services.

Several people do not use financial products because they live too far away from a physical financial access point such as bank branch, an insurance agent or ATM.

CBN Governor BagsAward for Banking,National Development The Institute for Service Excellence and Good Governance (ISEGG) has conferred on the Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele a Lifetime award for Banking, Finance and National Development.

Emefiele was given the lifetime award in Abuja yesterday, at the first Annual lecture, Awards and Induction ceremony of the Institute for Service Excellence and good Governance (ISEGG).

According to a statement, the CBN Governor, who was represented at the ceremony by his Special Adviser on Financial

Markets, Mr. Emmanuel Ukeje appreciated ISEGG for the award which he said was in recognition of the sacrifice undertaken by the CBN in the last two years in efforts to move the nation’s economy forward.

The Governor stated that CBN as an Institution was committed to the ideals of excellence in service delivery.

In his comments, the father of the day, a former Deputy Governor of the CBN and Former Minster of National Planning, Dr. Shamsudeen Usman said he was enthused by the fact that the institute

was being run by young people who believe that things can be done differently in the country and their programmes are targeting the youths. He however, expressed worry of the attitude of the youths and stressed the urgent need for a value re-orientation.

Delivering the keynote address, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reform, Dr. Joe Abah said for the country to develop, its public service must be one that is action driven, explains its actions to the public and allows for engagement and consultation with citizens.

Naira Depreciation Threatens Adoption of ECOWAS Single Currency Alex Enumah in Abuja The desire of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to achieve full integration of the region through the adoption of a single currency is currently under threat due to the steady decline of Nigeria’s currency, the Naira.

ECOWAS had set the year 2020 as the year to achieve the adoption of a single currency for the region. Although various policies have been

introduced and at various stages of implementation in member states countries, there are genuine concerns that economic challenges of member states particularly, Nigeria may threaten this ambition.

This was a consensus view by members of the Technical Meeting of the ECOWAS Macroeconomic Policy Committee on Multilateral Surveillance, during a two day technical meeting, yesterday in Abuja.

Out-going Chairman of the ECOWAS Macroeconomic

Policy Committee on Multilateral Surveillance, Ommy Sar Ndaiye, who noted that the commission has make remarkable progress in its macroeconomic policies urged the committee to chat the way forward for the economy of member states.

She said the depreciation of the value of the naira and other economic challenges facing member states are affecting the economy of the entire region and also the plans for the adoption of a single currency in the region.

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

MARCH 2016 Broad Money (M2)

21,684,965.22

-- Narrow Money (M1)

9,125,933.16

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,379,187.93

---- Demand Deposits

7,746,745.22

-- Quasi Money

12,559,032.07

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,105,663.47

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

14,579,301.76

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

24,318,143.03

---- Credit to Government (Net)

2,893,190.01

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

5,004,677.26

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

-2,111,487.25

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

21,424,953.01

--Other Assets Net

-9,738,841.27

Reserve Money (Base Money)

5,370,199.87

--Currency in Circulation

1,684,725.89

--Banks Reserves

3,685,473.98 • Source - CBN

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Price (N) Stanbic Balanced Fund

Buying Price(N)

Selling Price

1,660.29

1,685.29

Stanbic IBTC NEF

1,000.00

11,002.32

11,326.67.11

Stanbic SIBond

20

120.47

120.47

Stanbic IBTC Ethical

1

1.10

1.13

Stanbic IBTC GIF

142.90

143.38

UBA Balanced Fund

1.2563

1.2493

UBA Bond Fund

1.3443

1.3443

UBA Equity Fund

0.8205

0.8074

UBA Money Market Fund

1.1510

1.1510

ARM Aggressive Growth Fund

N13.0544

N13.4480

ARM Discovery Fund

N288.2515

N296.9425

ARM Ethical Fund

N22.5268

N23.2060

ARM Money Market Fund

13.1030 (Yield % ) • Monetary Policy Rate - 13%

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT, TUESDAY, 6 DEC 2016 The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $50.98 a barrel on Tuesday, compared with $51.25 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The new OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), Rabi Light (Gabon), Minas (Indonesia), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

53

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY DECEMBER 9, 2016

Nigeria’s top 50 stocks based on market fundamentals

8-Dec-16

7-Dec-16

% Change

Capitalisation

EPS

P/E

P/S

Div. Yld

Price/ Book Value

01 Dangote Cement Plc

158.16

160.00

-1.15%

2,695,126,651,174.80

9.20

17.38

4.80

5.00%

3.64

02 Nigerian Breweries Plc

144.00

145.00

-0.69%

1,141,790,527,872.00

4.03

35.46

3.76

2.52%

6.92

03 Guaranty Trust Bank Plc

23.10

23.00

0.43%

679,860,240,074.40

4.90

4.79

1.72

7.54%

1.40

805.00

815.00

-1.23%

638,088,282,860.00

8.81

93.06

3.76

3.54%

20.60

14.30

14.35

-0.35%

448,969,861,139.80

3.91

3.59

0.93

12.83%

0.63

342.90

342.90

0.00%

189,730,106,327.70 -44.58

-7.69

2.44

4.64%

0.48

07 Lafarge Africa Plc

40.90

40.90

0.00%

186,295,484,029.00

-9.39

-4.55

0.91

7.03%

0.96

08 Unilever Nigeria Plc

48.00

48.00

0.00%

181,598,220,000.00

0.69

69.35

2.74

0.10%

19.36

9.80

9.66

1.45%

179,825,601,907.00

0.68

14.59

0.31

6.28%

0.29

44.07

44.07

0.00%

174,978,923,373.15

0.03

1,507.19

2.45

2.95%

4.18

11 Access Bank Plc

5.50

5.50

0.00%

159,103,843,970.50

2.59

2.13

0.45

10.00%

0.36

12 United Bank for Africa Plc

4.32

4.32

0.00%

156,727,553,711.04

1.75

2.47

0.47

13.89%

0.36

04 Nestle Nigeria Plc 05 Zenith Bank Plc 06 Seplat Petroleum Dev. Co. Ltd

09 Ecobank Transnational Incorporated 10 Presco Plc

13 Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc

14.50

14.50

0.00%

145,000,000,000.00

2.04

7.37

1.07

0.67%

1.27

14 FBN Holdings Plc

3.32

3.21

3.43%

119,172,372,069.44

0.21

15.23

0.21

4.75%

0.18

15 Mobil Oil Nig Plc

323.31

323.31

0.00%

116,584,054,157.22

19.32

16.78

1.29

2.22%

6.31

16 Guinness Nig Plc

76.32

80.33

-4.99%

114,929,386,508.16

-3.06

-29.10

1.30

3.60%

3.40

17 Total Nigeria Plc

304.44

276.15

10.24%

103,364,028,056.28

38.02

6.60

0.32

5.58%

3.74

79.30

71.94

10.23%

103,286,751,467.90

3.31

19.74

0.55

5.29%

1.97

129.36

129.36

0.00%

82,866,769,357.68

-0.05 -2,832.18

0.89

1.70%

3.73

20 Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc

6.08

6.08

0.00%

72,960,000,000.00

1.03

5.65

0.49

8.62%

1.12

21 International Breweries Plc

19.00

19.00

0.00%

62,590,736,320.00

0.02

843.25

2.35

1.32%

5.71

4.56

4.70

-2.98%

54,877,862,156.64

-3.15

-1.38

0.21

17.20%

0.33

23 Flour Mills Nig. Plc

18.99

18.50

2.65%

49,834,264,181.13

-1.19

-16.09

0.12

10.42%

0.51

24 Julius Berger Nig. Plc

35.00

35.00

0.00%

46,200,000,000.00

-2.95

-11.88

0.40

4.29%

2.43

25 Okomu Oil Palm Plc

38.01

38.01

0.00%

36,258,119,100.00

4.82

7.88

5.51

0.26%

2.25

0.82

0.76

7.89%

31,751,217,888.50

-0.47

-1.52

0.53

0.00%

0.37

27 U A C N Plc

16.10

16.10

0.00%

30,925,916,630.70

3.37

4.80

0.41

6.17%

0.41

28 Cap Plc

34.00

34.00

0.00%

23,800,000,000.00

2.28

14.45

3.46

3.48%

13.50

29 Fidelity Bank Plc

0.82

0.79

3.80%

23,749,320,267.44

0.39

2.04

0.15

20.25%

0.12

30 Custodian And Allied Insurance Plc

3.70

3.70

0.00%

21,762,897,521.50

0.76

4.85

0.60

3.78%

0.76

11.15

11.30

-1.33%

20,941,952,746.00

0.50

22.05

0.74

11.81%

2.02

32 FCMB Group Plc

1.04

1.00

4.00%

20,594,819,212.24

0.61

1.63

0.12

10.00%

0.11

33 Wema Bank Plc

0.53

0.55

-3.64%

20,444,467,022.93

0.06

9.57

0.43

0.00%

0.46

34 Sterling Bank Plc

0.70

0.73

-4.11%

20,153,292,688.20

0.29

2.50

0.19

12.50%

0.25

35 Diamond Bank Plc

0.86

0.91

-5.49%

19,917,934,512.48

-0.29

-3.13

0.10

0.00%

0.09

36 National Salt Co. Nig. Plc

6.95

6.65

4.51%

18,413,596,727.10

0.85

7.83

0.94

8.27%

2.38

37 Mansard Insurance Plc

1.64

1.64

0.00%

17,220,000,000.00

0.28

6.17

0.90

2.91%

0.86

38 Glaxo Smithkline Consumer Nig. Plc

14.10

14.15

-0.35%

16,861,858,480.80

-2.98

-4.74

0.60

2.12%

1.93

39 PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc

15.20

15.20

0.00%

15,200,000,000.00

5.69

2.67

1.06

0.66%

0.41

40 Continental Reinsurance Plc

0.97

0.97

0.00%

10,061,561,982.64

0.42

2.31

0.45

12.37%

0.54

41 Honeywell Flour Mill Plc

0.97

0.97

0.00%

7,692,291,728.26

-0.40

-2.42

0.16

16.33%

0.23

42 Skye Bank Plc

0.50

0.50

0.00%

6,940,150,705.00

-2.93

-0.17

0.04

60.00%

0.07

43 Wapic Insurance Plc

0.50

0.50

0.00%

6,691,369,126.00

0.18

2.78

0.85

6.00%

0.41

44 Unity Bank Plc

0.52

0.52

0.00%

6,078,455,729.84

-0.10

-5.17

0.10

0.00%

0.07

45 Resort Savings & Loans Plc

0.50

0.50

0.00%

5,664,866,202.00

0.03

17.71

3.72

0.00%

1.94

46 Cement Co. Of North.Nig. Plc

4.05

4.05

0.00%

5,089,544,952.30

0.22

18.50

0.46

2.47%

0.47

47 AIICO Insurance Plc

0.57

0.57

0.00%

3,950,216,553.60

0.22

2.65

0.14

8.47%

0.40

48 UACN Property Development Co. Limited

2.13

2.17

-1.84%

3,660,937,489.35

0.30

7.45

0.91

31.39%

0.11

49 Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc

2.21

2.21

0.00%

3,589,523,437.50

0.15

14.62

0.45

9.05%

0.60

50 Fidson Healthcare Plc

1.46

1.46

0.00%

2,190,000,000.00

0.24

6.20

0.33

3.42%

0.34

18 Forte Oil Plc. 19 7-Up Bottling Comp. Plc

22 Oando Plc

26 Transnational Corporation Of Nigeria Plc

31 Cadbury Nigeria Plc

TOTAL

8,303,365,831,418.22

TOTAL MARKET CAP

8,855,113,806,377.24

% OF MARKET CAP Annotation - MA* = Simple Moving Average

93.77%

Table 1 Market Statistics Mkt Indicators

Open 7-Dec-16

NSE All Share Index NSE Market Cap (N'Trillion)

25,673.80 8.83

25,739.18 8.86

0.25 0.25

106.68 8.31

106.97 8.33

0.27 0.27

Thisday BGL 50 Index Thisday BGL 50 Market Cap (N'Trillion)

Close 8-Dec-16

Change %

Table 3 Top 5 Gainers Stock

Open 7-Dec-16

Forte Oil Plc. Honeywell Flour Mill Plc Wema Bank Plc AIICO Insurance Plc FBN Holdings Plc

87.42 0.97 0.53 0.57 3.42

Close 8-Dec-16

Change %

96.37 1.06 0.55 0.59 3.53

10.24 9.28 3.77 3.51 3.22

Table 4 Top 5 Losers Stock

Open 7-Dec-16

Total Nigeria Plc International Breweries Plc Mobil Oil Nig Plc Fidson Healthcare Plc Unilever Nigeria Plc

303.61 19.00 323.31 1.46 48.00

Close Change 8-Dec-16 % 276.05 18.05 307.15 1.39 46.00

-9.08 -5.00 -5.00 -4.79 -4.17

Upward trend sustained as ASI gains 0.25% Market pulse on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) today – Thursday, December 8th, 2016 ends on a bullish note as stock market closed green today. This was further highlighted by positive performance from the NSE subsectors: Banking and Insurance (Save Consumer Goods and Oil & Gas). Trading activities decreased in volume as 165.99 million shares worth of N1.27 billion in 2,485 deals exchanged hands today. This is a decrease from the 255.77 million shares worth of N2.08 billion in 2,480 deals which exchanged hands on Wednesday.

Topping in volume terms were FBNH Plc, Diamond Bank Plc and Zenith Bank Plc, while Mobil Nigeria Plc, Nigerian Breweries Plc and International Breweries Plc ended trading as the most active stocks in value terms.

The All Share Index (NSEASI) closed positive with 0.25% (+65.38) increase to close at 25,739.18 from 25,673.80 the previous trading day. Market Capitalization appreciated in tandem to N8.86 trillion from N8.83 trillion of prior trading day. Similarly, the Thisday BGL 50 Index followed suit with an increase of 0.27% to close at 106.97 from 106.68 recorded at the end of the previous trading day, while its market capitalization stood at 8.33 trillion from 8.31 trillion of the previous trading day.

A total number of 19 stocks gained on the bourse today while 20 stocks declined, 76 leaving stocks unchanged. Forte Oil Plc emerged as the day’s toast of investors as it topped the Thisday BGL 50 Index gainers’ list with a gain of 10.24% to close at N96.37 per share. It was followed by Honeywell Flour Mill Plc with a gain of 9.28% to close at N1.06 per share. Others on the gainers list include: Wema Bank Plc, AIICO Insurance Plc and FBN Holdings Plc; while on the decliners’ list, Total Nigeria Plc emerge with a loss of 9.08% to close at N276.05 per share. It was followed

by International Breweries Plc with a loss of 5.00% to close at N18.05 per share. Others on the decliners list include: Mobil Oil Nig Plc, Fidson Healthcare Plc and Unilever Nigeria Plc. REQUIRED DISCLOSURE This report has been prepared by BGL Plc. BGL Plc does and seeks to do business with companies covered in its research reports. As a result, the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this report. Investors should use this report as one of many other factors in making their investment decisions.

For more details go to www.thisdaylive.com

54

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2016

MARKET NEWS

NSE Boss Urges Entrepreneurs to Seek Capital Market Funding Goddy Egene and Nosa Alekhuogie Entrepreneurs and operators in the Nigerian entertainment industry have been urged to access the Nigerian capital market to raise long term fund in order to achieve the full potential of the industry.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema made the call yesterday

at the Music Week Africa event hosted by the exchange in Lagos. According to him, the NSE was proud to be associated with an event that seeks to explore and develop the various aspects of the African and global music industry, with a view to creating jobs and wealth accumulation through the capital markets.

He said the African music landscape has grown significantly in the past few years

T H E MAIN BOARD

DEALS

MARKET PRICE

while Nigeria’s entertainment and media market is the fastest-expanding major market globally. Onyema noted that by 2019, the market will be more than twice as big, with estimated total revenue of $8.1 billion, adding that annually, the Nigerian music industry produces thousands of albums of different genres of music.

The NSE CEO said substantial capital is required for the music

N I G E R I A N QUANTITY TRADED

STO C K

VALUE TRADED ( N )

Daily Summary as of 22/02/2016 Printed 22/02/2016 14:36:10.010

Daily Summary (Bonds) No Debt Trading Activity Daily Summary (Equities) Activity Summary on Board EQTY AGRICULTURE Crop Production OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Crop Production Totals Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals AGRICULTURE Totals CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals CONGLOMERATES Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals Food Products DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. TIGER BRANDED CONSUMER GOODS PLC Food Products Totals Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. Household Durables Totals Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household Products Totals CONSUMER GOODS Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. Banking Totals Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. AXAMANSARD INSURANCE PLC N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Micro-Finance Banks NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UNITED CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC

industry to achieve its potential in Africa, noting that the NSE has positioned itself as the African exchange of choice for African issuers and global investors looking to use capital markets to raise both equities and debt capital.

“With a total market capitalisation of N15.7 trillion ($49.88 million) across all of our product categories, we have implemented far-reaching

6 6 12

30.00 34.00

12,629 11,640 24,269

374,530.15 421,345.20 795,875.35

19 19 31

1.25

1,078,511 1,078,511 1,102,780

1,358,964.30 1,358,964.30 2,154,839.65

5 68 13 86 86

0.77 1.13 20.47

33,500 6,740,423 65,995 6,839,918 6,839,918

25,070.00 7,635,453.96 1,344,425.15 9,004,949.11 9,004,949.11

13 13

41.50

31,970 31,970

1,409,214.78 1,409,214.78

5 5 18

5.20

28,901 28,901 60,871

154,716.48 154,716.48 1,563,931.26

6 24 7 98 135

2.85 118.85 20.00 99.00

190,900 53,000 15,200 429,541 688,641

528,079.00 6,201,924.95 293,757.00 42,728,789.84 49,752,550.79

9 9

168.50

166,476 166,476

28,285,937.95 28,285,937.95

54 38 6 12 1 29 140

5.61 19.00 1.37 6.86 6.65 1.27

2,120,306 314,421 40,000 119,863 433 3,285,739,119 3,288,334,142

11,610,520.13 5,953,792.96 55,716.00 842,442.48 2,736.56 4,074,348,894.07 4,092,814,102.20

11 54 65

17.86 700.00

18,825 98,360 117,185

329,518.50 68,567,962.00 68,897,480.50

11 11

4.46

99,050 99,050

420,455.00 420,455.00

13 21 34 394

21.90 28.00

36,887 133,117 170,004 3,289,575,498

820,034.75 3,737,067.92 4,557,102.67 4,244,727,629.11

82 51 21 25 200 41 16 147 11 15 67 676

4.10 1.49 15.60 1.21 16.70 1.07 1.76 2.95 5.30 0.63 0.98

3,962,506 2,163,396 278,470 790,900 4,847,312 1,969,858 1,204,932 8,586,418 39,752 501,617 5,920,564 30,265,725

16,210,255.82 3,314,106.88 4,136,459.40 958,864.34 80,963,793.44 2,115,552.11 2,087,767.85 25,302,954.71 205,645.40 316,018.71 5,813,502.17 141,424,920.83

14 8 2 3 7 10 1 1 46

0.80 0.90 0.50 0.50 2.06 0.76 0.50 0.50

200,107 276,500 5,004,000 1,000,000 351,540 327,285 37,708,135 10 44,867,577

160,838.67 251,350.00 2,502,000.00 500,000.00 720,728.80 245,325.31 18,854,067.50 5.00 23,234,315.28

1 1

1.08

4,760 4,760

4,950.40 4,950.40

31 7 105 7 20 170 893

2.46 4.00 0.85 14.15 1.31

1,149,464 27,041 31,257,120 38,035 708,255 33,179,915 108,317,977

2,830,722.84 104,002.06 26,613,309.20 537,985.34 931,556.31 31,017,575.75 195,681,762.26

27

2.69

614,065

1,572,223.05

transformational policies aimed at strengthening and providing products that are aligned to investors’ requirements, improve market access, while ensuring a fair and orderly market. These deliverables have improved investor confidence and repositioned firms listed on the exchange as attractive investment opportunities,” he said.

Onyema encouraged the

entertainment industry to look seriously at leveraging the opportunities that abound in the capital market in Nigeria, stressing that globally, long term growth is often achieved through public quotation on an exchange.

“We believe that this growth and more can only be achieved by having companies in the entertainment industry listed on the NSE.

E XC H A N G E

MAIN BOARD GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC Pharmaceuticals Totals HEALTHCARE Totals ICT IT Services TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC. IT Services Totals ICT Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals Packaging/Containers BETA GLASS CO PLC. Packaging/Containers Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Energy Equipment and Services Totals Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL PLC ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals OIL AND GAS Totals SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals Printing/Publishing LEARN AFRICA PLC Printing/Publishing Totals Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Transport-Related Services Totals Support and Logistics CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC Support and Logistics Totals SERVICES Totals EQTY Board Totals Daily Summary (Equities) Activity Summary on Board ASeM CONSUMER GOODS Food Products MCNICHOLS PLC Food Products Totals CONSUMER GOODS Totals ASeM Board Totals Daily Summary (Equities) Activity Summary on Board PREMIUM FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals Other Financial Institutions FBN HOLDINGS PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials DANGOTE CEMENT PLC Building Materials Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals PREMIUM Board Totals Equity Activity Totals

DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

32 4 6 69 69

25.33 0.94 0.69

551,998 16,020 597,000 1,779,083 1,779,083

13,903,164.18 15,299.40 412,110.00 15,902,796.63 15,902,796.63

1 1 1

1.69

500 500 500

805.00 805.00 805.00

16 9 4 6 10 31 76

24.00 9.30 35.78 8.62 3.36 80.50

110,727 40,229 26,700 142,300 299,900 14,373,223 14,993,079

2,707,053.97 362,501.29 992,680.00 1,227,076.00 966,480.00 1,157,057,077.16 1,163,312,868.42

6 6

1.51

134,500 134,500

204,240.00 204,240.00

5 5 87

50.00

24,529 24,529 15,152,108

1,165,135.50 1,165,135.50 1,164,682,243.92

2 2

0.50

24,262 24,262

12,131.00 12,131.00

90 90

3.47

3,827,573 3,827,573

13,288,632.05 13,288,632.05

21 7 8 21 7 64

18.34 1.84 342.00 150.00 145.00

81,125 100,300 20,300 16,295 13,699 231,719

1,505,034.50 182,832.00 6,595,470.00 2,396,080.60 1,959,692.96 12,639,110.06

33 33 189

318.00

389,934 389,934 4,473,488

124,037,602.56 124,037,602.56 149,977,475.67

1 1

0.50

941 941

470.50 470.50

5 5

3.80

32,870 32,870

127,756.40 127,756.40

13 13

0.89

624,500 624,500

538,430.00 538,430.00

1 22 23

2.29 4.00

4,588 251,094 255,682

10,001.84 1,001,583.80 1,011,585.64

1 1 43 1,811

1.68

10,000 10,000 923,993 3,428,226,216

16,000.00 16,000.00 1,694,242.54 5,785,390,675.15

2 2 2 2

1.21

270,464 270,464 270,464 270,464

327,261.44 327,261.44 327,261.44 327,261.44

306 306

11.45

13,929,679 13,929,679

159,605,439.23 159,605,439.23

278 278 584

3.74

10,438,552 10,438,552 24,368,231

39,515,087.18 39,515,087.18 199,120,526.41

35 35 35 619 2,432

139.83

38,770 38,770 38,770 24,407,001 3,452,903,681

5,304,666.00 5,304,666.00 5,304,666.00 204,425,192.41 5,990,143,129.00

2 2 2 2 2 10 10 10

2,330.00 2.33 6.02 11.09 18.07

3,000 20 20 20 15 3,075 3,075 3,075

6,986,000.00 46.70 120.20 221.80 270.65 6,986,659.35 6,986,659.35 6,986,659.35

Daily Summary (ETP) Exchange Traded Fund Name NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF) VETIVA BANKING ETF VETIVA CONSUMER GOODS ETF VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF VETIVA INDUSTRIAL ETF Exchange Traded Fund Totals ETF Board Totals ETP Activity Totals

55

FridAY, december 9, 2016 • T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

Analysts Advise on How to Navigate Stock Market Goddy Egene As the stock market continues to feel the impact of the general economic headwinds, some investment analysts have given some tips on how to navigate the market in the coming year.

Speakers at a one-day Invest 2017 Traders and Investors summit organised by InvestData Consulting Limited in Lagos recently urged investors against buying to hold, or becoming greedy. They advised investors to define their investment objective

from the onset.

For instance, Mr. Meshach Ukpoma, an investment analyst with TRW Stockbrokers Limited said investors should aim to buy stocks at their lowest prices, and sell when there is a rebound afterwards.

He also took them through some technical aspects of determining when to enter and exit a stock for maximum returns and minimal losses, depending on the trend, including how to even down during stormy weather.

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

Similarly, taking participants through what investors should look for when investing in equities at this season of economic recession, Chief Research Officer, InvestData, Mr. Ambrose Omordion, spoke of the need to understanding how to interpret financial information.

“Financials are very important when analysing a stock, this component and the five factors that comprise it are weighted more heavily than the other,” he said.

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 7-Dec-2016, unless otherwise stated.

He listed them as: Debt-toequity ratio (or simply debt/ equity); price to book value ratio (price/book value or PBV); return on equity; price to sales ratio (price/sales); and free cash flow analysis.

“This is because they include the value metrics that investors like Warren Buffet use to find stocks that are both well priced and have potential for long term price appreciation,” Omordion explained.

According to him, these financial metrics are essential

in an overview of the financial health of a company and market perception, while identifying stocks with significant underlying value and those less risky.

“In any market situation, price movement and dividend payout is a function of earnings. This means that without earnings, no company can think of paying dividend,” he said.

Based on the identified parameters among others, Omordion said there are at

least 10 stocks that can be considered “recession-proof, that can help investors preserve the value of their assets.

As part of efforts to guide participants on investing between now and the first quarter of 2017, he noted that while investors in the 25 stocks are lucky to get any dividend at all, there are 50 others from which no payout should be expected at full year, except a miracle happens “in the course of their operations in the dying days of this year.”

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 1 270 1680 Fund Name Bid Price Afrinvest Equity Fund 122.95 Nigeria International Debt Fund 220.71 ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price ACAP Canary Growth Fund 0.70 AIICO CAPITAL LTD Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price AIICO Money Market Fund ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name ARM Aggressive Growth Fund ARM Discovery Fund ARM Ethical Fund ARM Money Market Fund AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund AXA Mansard Money Market Fund CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Nigeria Global Investment Fund Paramount Equity Fund Women's Investment Fund FBN CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.fbnquest.com; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name FBN Fixed Income Fund FBN Heritage Fund FBN Money Market Fund FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund FIRST CITY ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.fcamltd.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Legacy Equity Fund Legacy Short Maturity (NGN) Fund FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Coral Growth Fund

100.00

aaml@afrinvest.com Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 123.92 12.86% 222.03 10.29% info@acapng.com Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 0.71 14.36% ammf@aiicocapital.com Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

100.00

16.98%

enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Bid Price 12.21 285.70 22.13

Offer Price 12.58 294.32 22.80

Yield / T-Rtn 0.18% 2.22% 0.37%

1.00

1.00

16.03%

investmentcare@axamansard.com Bid Price 105.54

Offer Price 106.20

Yield / T-Rtn 5.87%

1.00 1.00 15.47% investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Bid Price 2.13 9.01 83.20

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 2.19 4.85% 9.24 -8.57% 85.33 2.57% invest@fbnquest.com

Bid Price 1,078.30 109.38 100.00 $103.04 $102.80

Offer Price 1,079.49 110.03 100.00 $103.84 $103.61

Yield / T-Rtn 5.21% 3.79% 14.46% 6.88% 6.64%

113.63

12.88%

112.12

fcamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Bid Price 0.91 2.55

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 0.92 0.55% 2.55 9.48% coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com

Bid Price 2,161.59

Offer Price 2,185.83

Coral Income Fund 2,087.95 INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price

Yield / T-Rtn -0.64%

2,087.95 10.36% enquiries@investment-one.com Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund

1.00

1.00

15.17%

Vantage Balanced Fund

1.66

1.67

1.47%

LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 0.99 1.01 11.92% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,000.23 1,000.23 0.02% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: www.meristemwealth.com ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 9.30 9.38 -4.93% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 14.31% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.04 1.06 5.73% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 10.38 10.45 4.19% SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 107.70 108.39 5.69% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.24 1.24 9.55% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 1,811.40 1,821.48 7.85% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 152.28 152.28 3.54% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.76 0.77 2.00% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 184.79 184.79 8.90% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 130.00 131.61 -3.93% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 17.01% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,412.90 7,510.94 3.13% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.14 1.15 8.34% United Capital Bond Fund 1.24 1.24 16.27% United Capital Equity Fund 0.68 0.69 1.18% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.00% ZENITH ASSETS MANAGEMENT LTD info@zenith-funds.com Web: www.zenith-funds.com; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 9.74 9.89 1.96% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.01 11.11 -3.86% Zenith Income Fund 16.98 16.98 5.82%

REITS

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

11.58 123.19

3.99% 6.33%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

8.96 73.94

9.06 75.33

-6.44% -11.16%

Fund Name FSDH UPDC Real Estate Investment Fund SFS Skye Shelter Fund

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS

Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697

Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

2.57 7.09 11.83 15.05 127.31

2.61 7.17 11.93 15.25 129.31

12.45% 10.89% -4.52% -21.54% -

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2016 • T H I S D AY

56

NEWSXTRA

Court Varies Obla, Ofili-Ajumogobia’s Bail Terms Akinwale Akintunde Justice Hakeem Oshodi of an Ikeja High Court yesterday varied the bail conditions of Justice Rita Ngozi OfiliAjumogobia of the Federal High Court and Mr. Godwin

Obla (SAN), a prosecutor with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The duo were arraigned by the commission on November 28, 2016 before Justice Oshodi on a 30-count charge bordering on perversion of the course

Emefiele, Uzoka, Dozie Bag Excellence Awards James Emejo in Abuja

the perilous economic times notwithstanding.

The Governor of the Central He said: “The award would Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. ginger us to work harder. It is Godwin Emefiele, was yesterday in recognition for sacrifices and honoured alongside Managing efforts in the last two years since Director, United Bank for Africa Emefiele mounted the saddle.

(UBA), Kennedy Uzoka and his “It is quite challenging to Diamond Bank counterpart, superintend over the service Uzoma Dozie by the Institute sector especially at this peculiar for Service Excellence and Good economic era. We all should work Governance (ISEGG) for their hard. Service excellence will lead contributions to the development to better and quicker recovery of the country. of the economy. Award is in Other top industrialists and recognition of CBN’s efforts in politicians were also honoured. moving the economy forward,” Speaking at the ceremony in Ukeje said.

Abuja, the father of the day Other recipients include: and former Minister of Finance, Boboye Oyeyemi, Corps Shamsudeen Usman, urged the Marshal, Federal Road Safety awardees not to relent in their Commission (FRSC) who was efforts in rebuilding the nation. recognised for road safety and He urged both private and regulatory excellence; Kenedy public office holders to live Uzoka, Group Managing Director, above board in all their dealings. UBA who bagged the Service Emefiele, who bagged the excellence and good governance award for service excellence award; Uzoma Dozie, Group and good governance and Managing Director, Diamond the lifetime award in banking, Bank who bagged the same finance and national development award. described the recognition as an Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora honour that would stimulate clinched the lifetime award for him to sustain his efforts in the national development; while development of the country.

Mobolanle Adesanya got the Represented by one of his Credit market development aides, Emmanuel Ukeje, the excellence award. Mrs Abimbola CBN governor assured Nigerians Alale of Nigcomsat bagged the that he would work hard to Information technology excellence steer the nation to prosperity, award.

Lai Mohammed: Newspaper Editorials No Longer Bring Down Govts The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said gone are the days when newspapers were so powerful that their editorials could bring down a government.

Speaking at a meeting with resident information officers (RIOs) in his ministry, Mohammed, according to The Cable, acknowledged the role of social media in the dissemination of information.

He claimed that the federal government was under-reported because its information handlers were not using the right and current communication channels.

“Government is doing so much, yet people keep saying they do not know because we are not communicating through the right channel,” he said.

“Gone were the days when the newspapers and the television stations were the major means of information dissemination.

Newspapers are no longer as powerful as they used to be.

Before newspaper editorial can bring down a government. Gone are those day when the Sunday

Times sold half a million copies in one day.

“But today the new media is the social media and unless you are there and show a very strong presence, you are not communicating to the world.

“We need technology to inform the world on what we are doing and with the new applications every person in the world will get to know what is happening in the country real time.”

He said an information dissemination App would be launched before the end of the month, and that it would bridge the gap by using the social media to “tell the world what the government is doing.”

He urged the RIOs to rise up to the challenge, adding that they would be the one to feed the App with stories.

He said government would organise workshops for the purpose, starting with 25 to 30 key ministries and parastatal agencies before others are brought in.

of justice, graft, unlawful enrichment, providing false information to the EFCC and forgery.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to all the charges and were granted bail on self-recognisance as prayed by their counsel, Mr. Wale Akoni (SAN) for Ofili-Ajumogobia and Mr. Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN), despite stiff opposition by the prosecution led by Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo on the grounds that they might interfere with investigation and prosecution witnesses.

The judge also ordered the defendants to deposit all their travelling documents and the sum of N20 million each with

the Chief Registrar of the High Court within seven days, failure of which their bail would be revoked.

But the defendants filed separate applications at the court, seeking that their bail conditions be varied.

Specifically, the first defendant, Justice OfiliAjumogobia, prayed the court to vary the N20 million bail condition because she cannot afford such amount since EFCC had closed all her bank accounts and she had no access to such money.

She also said the anti-graft agency was with all her travel documents, which the court corrected that they were with

the court and no longer with the EFCC. She, however, prayed the court to enter into N20 million bond as against the earlier N20 million cash deposit.

The 2nd defendant also made similar appeal on the grounds that the cumulative monetary value of the charge imposed on him was N5 million and requested for executive bail bond or insurance bond.

Ruling on the applications, Justice Oshodi granted the defendants’ prayer to enter into bond with the Chief Registrar of Lagos State in the sum of N20 million each within seven days and also depose to an affidavit of means to support

same.

According to the charge sheet, four of the charges which directly concerned Obla are centred on an alleged N5 million bribe given to the judge by the senior advocate, while the remaining 25 charges are on the huge amounts that passed through the accounts of Ofili-Ajumogobia and her alleged inability to explain her source of wealth.

The EFCC alleged that about $793,800 passed through the judge’s domiciliary accounts between 2012 and 2015.

The judge allegedly used the money to buy a house in London.

STRATEGIC BUSINESS FORUM

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Nominees Limited, Mr. Akeem Oyewale; Executive Director, Business Development, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr. Haruna Jalo-Waziri; Member, Governing Council, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Mr. Abdulrahman Yinusa; and Deputy Managing Director, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Dr. Demola Sogunle, during a forum on custody services organised by Stanbic IBTC in Lagos .....Wednesday

Saraki Won’t Save You, Frank Tells Oyegun Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The estranged Deputy National Publicity Secretary of All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has criticised the latest romance between the National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, and the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, describing it as a fruitless exercise.

Frank also said Oyegun’s acceptance that there was crisis in the party was enough reason for him to resign for helping to hasty the crisis.

Oyegun had invited Saraki to the APC national secretariat last Wednesday for the first time since his emergence as the Senate President 18 months ago.

In a statement issued yesterday, Frank asked the national chairman to convene a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting where all the leaders would sit at a round table and “tell themselves the truth.”

Frank urged the Senate President to be careful “and watch his back in the latest moves in order not to lose confidence of some Nigerians and party members who

believed in him when the likes of Oyegun did not.

“So, I believe that this party urgently needs a new national chairman that would set up a strong reconciliation committee to correct all the abnormalities Oyegun did to APC. “Until this is done, the ongoing re-alignment which I warned my party against might take advantage of the current crisis in APC and weaken it ahead of future elections.”

At the meeting, the national chairman agreed that some of the first steps taken by his leadership created problems in the party.

Frank said: “It is a shame for Oyegun to go back to his vomit, having been used to create the confusions earlier which are now beyond his capacity to redeem.

“This is a national chairman who did everything possible to ensure that Saraki, who is now a rally point, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, do not emerge what they are today when some of us believe in them.

“Again, God has vindicated me over most of these crises

which I have been talking about that Oyegun refused to admit as at that early stage, but finally, he has agreed, but it is too late.

“It is clear that most of these crises he’s personally responsible for, require a new competent hand to deal with before it is too late for the party.

“Instead of inviting Saraki for a romance, why can’t the national chairman call for a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting where all the

leaders would sit at a round table and tell themselves the truth. The year is going to an end and Oyegun does not see leadership meeting as important.

“It is bitter but I must say it that practically, all the decisions taken under Oyegun are illegal because majority of our national leaders are not carried along as it is stated in the party constitution that regularly leadership meeting where decisions are meant to be taken should be held.”

Eid-El Maulud: FG Declares Monday Public Holiday Dele Ogbodo in Abuja The federal government yesterday declared next public holiday to mark the Eid-El-Maulud celebration.

This was contained in a statement signed by the acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Mr. Muhamadu Maccido, on behalf of the Minister, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazzau (rtd), in Abuja.

The minister enjoined all

Muslim faithful and Nigerians in general to cooperate and join hands with President Muhammadu Buhari, as he works tirelessly to build a strong, united and peaceful nation.

Dambazau, also urged Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for peace across the nation, while calling on all to be patient and supportive of the present administration for the successful implementation of its programmes.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2016 • T H I S D AY

57

NEWSXTRA

Discos Warn of Imminent Collapse of Power Supply Due to FX Scarcity Label NERC as inconsistent, inexperienced regulator Chineme Okafor in Abuja The 11 electricity distribution companies (Discos) in Nigeria’s electricity industry have warned that the sector was under threat and could collapse anytime on account of various operational challenges, but mostly on the exorbitant and unstable naira to dollar exchange rate which they said was cripplingly their operations.

Speaking yesterday in Abuja,through the Executive Director, Advocacy of their association – the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED), Mr. Sunday Oduntan, the Discos also labelled the industry’s regulator, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), as being inconsistent and inexperienced at its job.

They alleged that the NERC contributed significantly to the current business difficulties of operators in the industry, especially the overall revenue shortfall of the market which they said was now N809.8 billion.

ANED’s warning of an imminent operational collapse and allegations against NERC came at a time the regulator fined the federal governmentrun Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) N47.6 million for various regulatory breaches including TCN’s failure to submit its 2013 and 2014 audited financial statements to it.

“The crisis is getting worse

and not getting better. The major part of the issue is the forex value in doing the business, as at December 2015, the naira to dollar value was N197/$, by June 2016, it became N293/$, as at now we are talking about N360/$.

“If you look at the difference as regards tariff, the same quantum of energy which may sell for N10 had by June increased to N18 from December 2015 to June 2016.

What that means is that the invoices to us for quantities supplied have increased, and that is why publications by NBET without explanation can be factual but misleading as they have not told Nigerians that costs have increased while the Discos have not increased tariff,” said Oduntan.

He noted that the Discos were not asking for any special considerations or making excuses for their inabilities to provide optimal services to their customers, but that the sector urgently needs help to stay afloat.

“We are not clamouring for an increase in tariff but government needs to come in and do something because the shortfall is now N809.8 billion.

If the Discos die, the sector will die as well.

“We are all in this together, and we are all in a desperate situation and need help. We will either swim or sink together.

We are allowed to sell electricity based on N197/$ which is what

is in the tariff. This cannot work,” added Oduntan.

Taking a swipe on the NERC, he said: “The NERC is very inconsistent and perhaps inexperienced. We have a set of regulator who fixed the tariff in December 2015 and in their wisdom decided that it will be effective in February 2016, leaving us a shortfall of N12.8 billion for the month of January that it was not allowed to operate and nobody is talking about it. What about the tariff they once froze?”

On poor gas supply which ANED also linked to the failures of the sector, Oduntan said: “The appropriate authorities should also be talking about how to help the gas supply situation.

There should be assurances of gas supply and then selling the gas for power in naira, if that will be the area the government will subsidise, then so be it because they will always say

that the IOCs (International Oil Companies) cannot take that.”

Meanwhile, the NERC in a statement from its Head of Public Affairs, Dr. Usman Arabi, has disclosed that the TCN was given up to two weeks from December 2, 2016 when the disciplinary order was signed by its Acting Chairman, Dr. Tiny Akah, and its General Manager, Legal, Licensing and Enforcement, Mrs. Olufunke Dinneh, to pay up the fine.

It also said the fine would attract a five per cent interest every day after the due date.

The commission provided a defence for the regulatory action against TCN, saying the TCN failed to submit its audited financial report, thus violating Section 63 (1) of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act, 2005 which stipulated that ‘a licensee shall comply with the provisions of its licence, regulations, codes and other

requirements issued by NERC from time to time.’

It said that other infractions by the TCN were contained in its ‘Directive 160’ which had to do with the conditions of TCN’s transmission licence.

“Consequently, TCN is liable to N10, 000. 00 fine daily on each of the three grounds of infractions beginning from April 1, 2014 for failure to submit 2013 audited financial report and April 1, 2015 for 2014 audited financial report being the dates those reports were due for submission till December 2, 2016 when Directive 160 was signed.

“This gives a total fine of N47, 670,000 which shall be paid by TCN within two weeks from the date of this directive.

Failure to pay the fines within stipulated time shall attract additional interest of five per cent per day until the total fine is paid,” said NERC.

NERC alleged that it reminded TCN several times of its obligations to submit audited financial accounting statements for year 2013 and 2014, but it persistently refused or neglected to comply with the requests.

“The commission, thereafter, issued a notice of Intention to Commence Enforcement (NICE) dated November 17, 2016 requesting TCN to explain why it should not be sanctioned.

“In its response, TCN said that the audit exercise has ‘since commenced and is reaching its final stage’ and that the documents would be submitted once the exercise was concluded. It however, failed to provide detailed breakdown of activities and time schedule for the completion of the audit exercise so as to guide the commission to decide on its request for extension of time,” it added.

Shettima Appeals for Reopening of Nigeria-Niger Highways Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri Borno State Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, yesterday appealed for the reopening of major highways in the state leading to neighbouring Republic of Niger to facilitate the return of over 85,000 Nigerian refugees.

Shettima made the appeal while hosting the Governor of Diffa Province in Niger Republic, Alhaji Mohammoudu Lawaly Dan Dano, at the Government House, Maiduguri.

He said the reopening of the highways linking Borno State with Niger by the military would reactivate and facilitate farming, trade and evacuation of those presently displaced by insurgents now living in Diffa.

He said there are presently over 85,000 persons from the state taking refuge at the Diffa resettlement camps, established by the Nigerien government in 2014.

Shettima said: “We have a lot of commonalities of history, culture, folks, religion and ethnicity with the people of Niger. It was the colonial masters of Britain and France that divided us with these artificial boundaries and divisions.”

He said the internally

displaced persons (IDPs) taking refuge in Diffa Province of Niger, are adequately catered for by the Nigerien government, without being discriminated against or abandoned, as Niger and northern part of Nigeria share the same historical and cultural backgrounds.

He said: “I will meet the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj-Gen. Lucky Irabor, next week; and discuss with him the possibility of reopening this closed border roads that lead to Niger Republic.

“The re-opening of this road will also facilitate the repatriation of displaced persons taking refuge in your province of Diffa.”

Shettima assured the visiting governor that the re-opening of the road, could activate and facilitate trade, farming and tourism, which had been affected by Boko Haram insurgency for over five years.

Responding, Dan Dano assured the governor that all the displaced persons in camps are being taken care of, including the provision of healthcare services.

He said all the female IDPs that gave birth to babies in the camps had been issued with birth and registration certificates.

NEW INFORMATION CHANNEL

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (second right), and Chairman/Chief Executive, Quest Television/ 93.1FM, Chief Gregory Edor (third right), during the official opening of Quest Broadcasting House in Ughelli....yesterday

Udoma: We’ll Make Provision for Social Housing in 2017 Budget Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, has disclosed that the federal government would make provision for social housing in the 2017 budget.

He stated that government’s intention was to make the private sector to drive the process.

Briefing the Assistant Secretary for Multilateral Affairs of the Trade and Policy Department at the French Treasury, Mr. Guillaume Chabert, in Abuja yesterday, Udoma explained that the stimulative effect of investing in infrastructure was enormous and was the surest

way of setting the country on the part of growth and sustainable development.

“Our intention is to make the private sector lead the way in social housing. We will kick-start the process and intend to make some provision for it in the 2017 budget.

“Then we are also looking at manufacturing. One of the ways is by developing export processing zones where we will have all the required infrastructure including power, rail and security, to encourage manufacturers to relocate to Nigeria,” the minister said according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Akpandem James.

He restated that Nigeria’s

borrowings are solely to fund infrastructure projects.

The minister told the Assistant Secretary, who was accompanied by the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Denys Gauer, that the Nigerian government is working on a National Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (NERGP) which is tailor-made to move the country’s economy out of recession and set it on a growth path.

According to him, “Our plan is that we should be able within that plan period (2017-2020) to achieve not less than 7 per cent growth.”

This, he said, involves a number of things, adding: “For one, to get out of economic

recession we will need to harness resources by plugging revenue leakages and by looking at new revenue sources in order to generate the resources required to spend our way out of recession, particularly focused on infrastructure.”

The Assistant Secretary, Mr. Chabert, while appreciating the economic challenges the country is currently facing said the French government would be willing to support Nigeria surmount the challenges, noting that “it is in our interest that Nigeria succeeds.”

He promised to make some inputs into the country’s economic plan once the framework is made available.

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Nigeria Saves N2bn Annually for Routing Data Traffic Locally Emma Okonji The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the telecoms industry regulator, has revealed that Nigeria is saving as much as N2 billion annually for ensuring that internet service providers route their data traffic locally, through the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN).

The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, who made the disclosure at the Telecoms Executive and Regulator’s Forum (TERF) organised by the Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) in Lagos, yesterday said since the establishment of IXPN, most Internet Service Providers (ISPs) now route their traffic locally through the exchange, instead of routing data traffic through servers hosted outside the country, thereby saving cost for themselves and the country.

According to Danbatta, “It is estimated that IXPN saves the nation above N2 billion annually, which would have been paid out to international carriers in US dollars if this facility was not available in Nigeria. It also reduces the delays associated with routing local traffic internationally; this drop in latency increases speed and better quality of service to end users.”

“For every internet content hosted locally it saves us foreign exchange which would have been paid to foreign companies, this ensures that local data centres flourishes, hence creating more jobs and increase technical competency for our engineers,” Danbatta said.

Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria is an initiative of the NCC that enables internet service providers, telcos, content providers and educational institutions to exchange internet traffic locally within Nigeria.

The NCC also provided the seed funding that set up IXPN as a not-for-profit organisation with the key objective of improving the ICT ecosystem.

The Nigerian IXP is now the second largest IXP in Africa, and it has become a very critical national resource that has made it possible for Nigeria to host

critical internet resources such as the E-Root, F-Root and J-Root Domain Name Servers (DNS).

Meanwhile, operators of interconnect clearing houses and value added services in the telecoms industry have decried the huge debt being owed by industry operators, which according to them, would continue to cripple businesses if not addressed.

Both the clearing houses and VAS operators complained of heavy indebtedness in their businesses and called on the industry regulator, the NCC, to come up with policies that would address the issue.

While the interconnect clearing houses accused dominant telecom operators of not passing enough traffic through their interconnect clearing exchanges, and for also owing them huge sums of money, the VAS operators accused telecoms operators for owing them huge amount of money from the money generated from services rendered, through content provisioning.

While blaming the heavy indebtedness on the sharing formula for revenue generated through the services rendered

by VAS operators, which stands at 70:30 per cent ratio, and most times 85:15 per cent ratio with telecoms operators having the lion share, the VAS operators said the sharing formula was putting them out of business.

“Aside the small amount given to us by telecoms operators, they also delay payment for as long as two years running even when they have collected the money from customers who pay for the services rendered by VAS operators, using the platform of telecoms operators. They called on NCC to go beyond intervention in handling the matter and suggested better policy formulation and implementation to actually address the issue.

Responding, Danbatta said: “Our approach to interconnect and VAS debts in the telecom industry is persuasive. The regulator is not interested in micro managing financial and relationships between, and among service providers, that have been substantially protected

Kalu Greets Danjuma at 79 Former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu, has congratulated the Chairman, Presidential Initiative on North East (PINE), Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), on his 79th birthday.

According to Kalu, the extra-ordinary qualities of the philanthropist should be emulated by other well-meaning people in the society.

These remarks were contained in a letter signed by the exgovernor and addressed to Danjuma.

The letter read: “I am highly delighted to join your family, well-wishers, friends and associates in celebrating the milestones you have achieved over the years.

“Owing to your selflessness, large-heart and patriotism, you have demonstrated to the world at large that you are indeed an iconic statesman.

“Sir, your enormous contributions to the nation in various capacities are remarkable and worth emulating.

“I am personally appreciative of your continuous fatherly advice and as such I will not relent in seeking your guidance in business, politics, leadership and philanthropy.

“As you clock 79, it is my prayer that God will continue to grant you sound health and uncommon blessings in the service of humanity.”

by subsisting commercial agreements.

Interconnect debts have not been really a big issue in the industry except in cases of disputes. But there have been cases of interconnect fees disputes between service providers. In such cases, the

regulator has intervened.

Danbatta said in the past one year, such intervention has resulted in payments of about N10.5 billion from about reported N17 billion disputed interconnect debts. Agreements have also been reached for the settlement of outstanding debts,

he added.

The President of ATCON, Olusola Teniola, explained that the purpose of the forum was specifically to create a veritable opportunity for key industry players to interact with the industry regulator, with the aim of building a continual

good working relationship between industry players and the regulator.

It is also aimed at creating a platform for the regulator to update the industry on the regulatory direction and plans for the industry in the coming years, Teniola said.

KEEP IT UP

Managing Director, UBA Foundation, Ms. Ijeoma Aso; Executive Director, Operations and Technology, UBA Plc, Mr. Chukwuma Nweke, winner of 2016 UBA Foundation National Essay Competition and student of Loyola Jesuit College, Abuja, Miss Felicia Amanosi Agbugui, Group Managing Director/CEO, UBA Plc, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka; and Felicia’s mother Mrs. Nkoyo Agbugui, during the grand finale and prize giving ceremony, held in Lagos....yesterday

House Steps Down Bill Enhancing Powers of FCT Sharia Courts Backs appointment of ministers, commissioners within one month Damilola Oyedele in Abuja The House of Representatives has stepped down a bill seeking to enhance the powers of Sharia Court of Appeal in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to include jurisdiction over criminal matters.

The bill had earlier passed through second reading and had caused controversy within

national polity, leading to rumours that Sharia law was being introduced in the country.

A group of lawmakers on Tuesday had also proposed a bill seeking the establishment of Ecclesiastical Court of Appeal.

The Sharia Bill was stood down despite being listed on the order paper.

It was stepped down as the

sponsor was not at plenary.

The implication however is that the bill, which is one of those scheduled for consideration at the constitutional review retreat happening in Abeokuta, Ogun State, this weekend, would be temporarily discarded.

Meanwhile, the House also passed through second reading, a bill seeking to mandate presidents and governors to

appoint their cabinets within a month of their inauguration.

Sponsored by Hon. Solomon Adaelu (Abia PDP), seeks to amend sections 147 and 192 of the 1999 Constitution to provide that the nomination for appointment of ministers and commissioners shall be made not later that 30 days from the date the president or governor takes the oath of office.

SENATE CONSTITUTION REVIEW PROPOSAL OUTLAWS JOINT LOCAL GOVT ACCOUNT

fulfil certain conditions such as a breach of registration requirements and failure to win either a presidential, governorship, local government seats or secure a seat in the National Assembly or state legislatures.

On financial autonomy for state legislatures, Ekweremadu said Section 121 of the Constitution was amended to guarantee a first line charge funding for State Houses of Assembly from the consolidated revenue fund of the state.

On status of the FCT, he said Sections 256, 299, 300, 301 and 302 of the Constitution were amended to create the office of an elected Mayor for the FCT with powers to administer the FCT by exercising all functions currently being administered by the Minister of the FCT. He said an amendment was also effected to regulate the nomination of ministers and commissioners

adding that Sections 147 and 192 of the Constitution had been amended to ensure that appointees of the executive are not assigned portfolios prior to confirmation by the Senate or State House of Assembly.

The amendment also provides for a period of 60 days within which such nominations shall be forwarded to the Senate or state House of Assembly after inauguration.

The deputy senate president further said the constitution was amended to remove the law-making power of the executive under Section 315 because “the extant provision is starkly contrary to Section four of the Constitution which confers law-making powers exclusively on the legislature.”

On judiciary, he said Sections 233, 237, 247, 251 and Part I of the Third Schedule of the constitution were amended to provide for all appeals from the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court to be by the

leave of the Supreme Court except in the case of interpretation of the constitution, death sentences and fundamental human rights.

He added that amendments of clauses on judiciary were done to allow two justices of the Court of Appeal sitting in chambers to dispose any application for leave to appeal court after considering the records of proceedings if the justices believe that in the interest of justice it does not require an oral hearing of the application.

He disclosed that an amendment sought to establish a criminal division of the Federal High Court to try electoral offences, terrorism cases, economic and financial crimes cases, among others.

The amendment also provides for appeals from the decisions of the National Industrial Court to go to the Court of Appeal.

Similarly, the judiciary provisions amendments provide

for 12 justices of the Court of Appeal to be learned in Labour and Employment Matters for the purpose of hearing appeals from the National Industrial Court.

The report also provides for devolution of powers, as Ekweremadu said the Second Schedule, Part I and II of the Constitution were altered to decongest the exclusive legislative list to give more powers to states.

According to him, this will enhance the principle of federalism and good governance, disclosing further that “it substituted Post and Telegraphs” with “Post and Telecommunications”, and moved pensions, prisons, railways, stamp duties and wages from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent list and added arbitration, environment, healthcare, housing, road safety, pensions, land and agriculture, youths, public complaints to the concurrent list.”

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US Urges Nigeria to Take Action on Overdue Economic Reforms Nume Ekeghe The United States Consul General in Lagos, Mr. F. John Bray, has urged the Nigerian government to take actions by creating economic reforms that will stir the economy out of its present crisis.

He said this yesterday during his presentation at the Hubert H. Humphrey fellowship programme 2016 annual lecture in Lagos.

Speaking on the theme of the lecture titled: ‘The Challenges and Opportunities of Managing a Recessionary Economy: The American Experience’, he said Nigeria could learn some lessons from America which experienced 47 recessions since its independence and has now emerged a strong a

stable economy.

Bray said: “Each time we are out of recession, the US government and the American people learned new lessons about the best way to get our economy to the path of recovery.

One of the best things that we have learnt is that recessions offer government an opportunity to make case for the people as well as take action for an overdue economic reform.”

The US Counsel General also said some initiatives taken by past American presidents to address recession were minimum wage law, social security retirement system and regulations on banks and the stock market as well as insurance on consumer bank deposits. Also, he emphasised on the need to spend out of a

recession and reduce interest rates.

Speaking further on what Nigeria can learn from US history in managing recessionary economy, Bray said: “Based on the American experience in dealing with exceptional economies, it is clear that there is no simple answer. There is not a one-size-fit-all solution. Different times, different circumstances require a unique set of fiscal and monetary policies.

“I am confident in saying that the solution to the current recession in Nigeria is both inside and outside Nigeria. I am also confident that policies

do make a difference; they can make things worse and also make things better.”

Furthermore, he stated: “A big lesson we learned in the wake of the Great Depression is that economies stand to gain more by being open rather than isolationism. As a consequence of this, the US continues to be the number one destination for foreign direct investment for all reasons. First, the confidence foreign investors have that they would be treated fairly.

Secondly, investors can repatriate profits. Thirdly, the rule of law is supreme, and contracts mean something. Finally, and most

importantly, it is easy to do business in the U S. “As the most populous country on the continent and the largest economy in Africa, Nigeria clearly stands to gain in increasing its attractiveness to foreign investors. I hope that Nigeria will use the current recession as an opportunity to adopt and implement effective economic reform.”

He further said: “The US remains committed to helping Nigeria realise its economic potential.”

Adding to the reforms suggested to the federal government, a renowned

economist, Mr. Ayo Teriba, during his presentation, cited the success of the telecommunications sector investment.

Teriba said: “The reality for Nigeria to attract more foreign investments is to reform its economy. The largest investment opportunity in Nigeria today is to build the infrastructures because we have a large infrastructural deficit.

“Unfortunately, most sectors in Nigeria are under government monopoly. So even if investors want to invest, they cannot because the government is monopolizing it.”

Court Dismisses Communities’ Suit against Superhighway Construction A Federal High Court in Calabar yesterday gave judgment in favour of the Cross River state government against two communities that dragged the government to court over the proposed 260km superhighway, one of the signature projects of the governor, Professor Ben Ayade.

The suit with no HM/191/2016 was initiated by the people of New and Old Ekuri of Akamkpa Local Government Area seeking to stop the construction of the superhighway.

But delivering judgement yesterday, Justice Maurice Eneji of High Court 3 dismissed the suit as an abuse of court process.

The judge similarly did not grant the prayer of the applicants

to stop the construction of the superhighway.

The judge further awarded a cost of a N100,000 against the claimants/applicants in favour of the state government.

The government was represented in the matter by Richard Akpanke Akwagiobe (state counsel ) while the claimants were represented

by James Oyi and Ikoi.

Reacting to the judgement, Akwagiobe expressed his delight at the judgement.

He said he was happy that the matter was resolved in his favor and that he further got cost awarded in favour of the state government.

Counsel to the claimants, were not immediately available for comments.

Ita-Giwa Commiserates with Bola Kuforiji-Olubi’s Family Former Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters and political leader of the Bakassi people, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, has condoled with the families of the late Minister of Commerce, Mrs. Bola KuforijiOlubi, who passed on at the ripe age of 80.

In a statement signed yesterday, Ita Giwa eulogises the late Olubi and described her as a consummate technocrat who has left her footprints on the sands of time.

According to her, it was barely two months that we celebrated her birthday but who are we to question God but I urge the families to take solace in the fact that she lived a good life and played her roles significantly as a leader, a wife, mother and grandmother.

Ita Giwa urged the womenfolks to brace up for life challenges and be

prepared to grow and aspire for great things which will afford them the platforms to impact on their societies.

Her statement read in parts: “Death is a necessary end.

But we always wish it comes when we are fulfilled and when we have impacted significantly on people around us.

“We will all miss her and I want to urge her family members to be grateful to God that mama lived a good life that is worthy of emulation.

“I pray for the repose of her soul and for the loved one she left behind to have the fortitude to bear the loss.”

The late Olubi was the first woman in sub-Saharan Africa to serve as chairman of a leading financial institution, United Bank for Africa (UBA); the first Chairman of Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority and Vice Chairman, National Conference on Nigerian Foreign Policy, among others.

OVERSIGHT TOUR

L-R: Member, Senate Committee on Power, Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi; Chairman of the committee, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe; and Chief Engineering and Technical Services Officer, Kaduna Electric, Mr. Bello Musa, during the committee’s visit to Kaduna Electric headquarters in Kaduna ....yesterday

Airtel Offers Customers N10m Weekly as Red Hot Promo Returns Over 360,000 Nigerians to emerge winners this yuletide season Telecommunication giant, Airtel Nigeria, has announced the launch of the fourth edition of its Red Hot Promo, an annual reward initiative and one of Nigeria’s biggest and most credible consumer promotion platforms, designed to delight, excite and reward telecoms consumers.

Announcing the launch, the Telco noted that the fourth edition has been repackaged to thrill as many customers as possible with exciting prizes up for grabs. Airtel said over 360,000 customers will win different prizes in this year’s edition, making it the biggest ever, since the launch of the Red Hot promo four years ago.

The 2016 Airtel Red Hot Promo would see Airtel give away N200million in cash prizes.

Eight lucky customers would win the weekly grand prize of N10,000,000 each while 60 customers would become instant millionaires, winning N1,000,000 daily.

About 600 telecoms consumers would smile to

the bank as N100,000 daily prize winners. Over the 60 day period, 6,000 participants would also emerge as N500 airtime winners, bringing the total number of winners in this year’s Red Hot promo to over 360,000.

To participate and win in the promo, Airtel said customers simply need to recharge their lines, buy any voice or data bundle or take the deal of the day by dialling *340# to enter into the daily draw.

The promo is point based and customers earn points based on the value of recharge or bundle they buy.

According to Airtel, multiple recharges earn customers more points, which in turn increase their chances of being selected in the daily draws.

Customers who take the deal of the day by dialling *340# also earn additional points, which increase their chances of winning.

It noted that points represent the number of entries a subscriber has in the promo and the more points a customer

has accumulated, the higher the chances of winning.

Participants accumulate and keep points they earn all through the duration of the promo. Customers’ numbers will, however, be in the draw only on the days they recharge, buy a bundle or take the deal of the day.

Customers can check the number of points they have accumulated in the promo by sending‘POINTS’ as SMS to the short code, 340. This SMS is zero-rated, completely without charge.

The promo will run till February 3, 2016.

Commenting on the Red Hot promo 4.0, Airtel Nigeria’s Chief Commercial Officer, Ahmad Mokhles, said: “The Red Hot Promo is designed to reward customer’s loyalty and patronage - it is Airtel’s unique way of showing appreciation to telecoms consumers, recognizing and rewarding them for their continuing commitment to the Airtel brand.

“We chose this period of the year to organise this big reward initiative as it is a befitting way to end the year on a winning and rewarding note for our esteemed customers.”

He said currently in its fourth season, the Red Hot Promo had improved the socio-economic status of many Nigerians and assisted others to achieve their aspirations.

The Red Hot Promo 3 saw 240 people winning all-expense paid holidays to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In Season 2, a truck driver, Abiodun Adio, emerged the grand prize winner, smiling home with a brand new Range Rover, while Danjuma Yakubu, a National Assembly correspondent with Radio Nigeria’s Precious FM in Lafia, Nasarawa State won the N10 million grand prize in Season 1.

The Airtel Red Hot promo is open to all new and existing Airtel subscribers. You can visit the Airtelwebsite at www.alwayson.ng to learn more.

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Presidency Says It’s Illegal to Charge Fees for Social Investment Schemes Tobi Soniyi in Abuja

The Office of the Vice President yesterday said no one should pay any fees to benefit in the N-Power or the Homegrown School Feeding programmes, and any such imposition or request for fees was uncalled for and illegal.

A statement by the Senior

Special Assistance to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande, said reports of such acts of extortion in some states where beneficiaries were asked to pay a ‘fee for registration’ had reached the presidency.

He said the presidency had given a firm instruction that such acts should stop.

IATA Calls for Improved Safety, Security in Air Transport Chinedu Eze in Geneva In reaction to the tragic air crashes in Colombia and Pakistan within one week, in which 118 people died, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Alexander de Juniac, has called for the improvement of safety and security in the air transport industry.

He also spoke on the need for government to collaborate and intensify efforts to ensure efficient security system at airports in the face of terror attacks and insider threats.

In his remarks at the IATA Global Media Day in Geneva, Switzerland, yesterday, de Juniac noted that the success of global aviation rests on safety, security, sustainability and in meeting global standards.

He said flying is safe, but not free from accidents, observing that in the last one week, “we have had two tragedies, one in Pakistan and the other in

Colombia,” adding that every accident makes the association more determined to make the industry safer.

The IATA CEO said along with the desire to improve safety in air operation, is also the desire to improve security at airports, noting that over the last year, two airports have been attacked; there was an attempt to bomb a jet airliner, which failed, and terrorists had laid claim to downing an aircraft and “popular tourist destinations have seen bloodshed.”

He said a recent United Nations Security Council Resolution should remind governments that keeping aviation secure is integral to a state responsibility for national security, adding that governments can and must do more by upping the game on intelligence gathering and sharing vital information among themselves and with the industry, “that is the only way that terrorists can be kept away from airports and aircraft.”

Speaking from Awka, Anambra State capital earlier today, the Special Assistant on Homegrown School Feeding Programme in the Office of the Vice President, Mr. Dotun Adebayo, said primary school pupils in Anambra were excited as the feeding started in their schools.

Adebayo who led a team of federal and state officials to some of the schools on day one of the Homegrown School Feeding Programme implementation, said they witnessed the feeding in three schools in Akwa: Community Primary School, Awka South, Central School Ameobi, and Central School in Nibo.

“The pupils were excited and enjoyed the meals,” he stated, adding that the cooks in those three schools, among the total 774 already recruited and trained for the feeding programme, served ‘Okpa’

a.k.a Moin-moin garnished with vegetables to the delight of the pupils who took the meals during their break time at about noonday.

All together in Anambra State, an estimated 76,690 pupils in 1,050 schools would be served every day of school.

The feeding programme caters to pupils from primary 1-3.

Having met the stated requirements for federal government funding for the Homegrown School Feeding, a sum of N53,687,900 had been released directly to cooks for the kick-off of the school feeding programme in Anambra, to last till the end of the current school term.

All the cooks were recruited from communities around the primary schools for the programme, verified and trained to provide the catering service in the 21 local

government areas in the state.

The Homegrown School Feeding programme, which is one of the social investment plans of the Muhammadu Buhari presidency, is driven through community participation where residents in the community are engaged as cooks to provide feeding services.

Also the programme leverages on the agricultural produce available within the communities.

“The programme will not only boost school enrollment and improve the nutritional status of the pupils, it would also stimulate local farming, while equally creating jobs including the 774 cooks now in gainful employment in Anambra State.”

While the 2016 Budget of Change made provision for funding of the feeding programme in 18 states, a total of 17 states have concluded

the designing of the school feeding models through statelevel multi-sectorial capacity building workshops, based on federal government’s stipulated requirements.

Those states will proceed in the planning and would soon get to the implementation stage.

The 17 states are Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Enugu, Sokoto, Kaduna, Borno, Zamfara, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Benue, Plateau, Taraba, Delta, Abia and Bauchi. Estimated figures from 15 of these states put the numbers of pupils to be feed at over 3.4 million.

Also the federal government has successfully conducted food safety and hygiene training for over 25,000 cooks in nine states (out of the 17).

According to the 2016 budget, provision was made for the feeding programme in 18 states of the federation.

Health Minister to Reverse $1bn Medical Tourism Capaital Flight PROJECT INSPECTION Minster for Works, Housing and Power, Babatunde Raji Fashola; Managing Director, NetConstruct Nig. Limted; Mr. Afolabi Oseni; Ugo Aliogo, Azeezat Abdulkareem and Ibukunoluwa Salami

The Minister of Health, Prof.

Isaac Adewole, has expressed concern over the huge capital spending on medical tourism

by Nigerians, stating that over $1 billion is spent on medical tourism abroad to countries such as India, Malaysia, China, Egypt, United Kingdom and others, with 60 per cent of the fund spent in four major areas of cardiology, orthopaedic, renal dialysis issues and cancer.

Adewole who disclosed this yesterday in Lagos at the fourth annual meeting of the Nigeria-America Medical Foundation (NAMFI) with the theme; ‘Overseas Consultations, Treatment Travel: SuperSpecialty Care in Nigeria: Sustainable Solution,’ noted that the development of a medical tourism destination should be a conscious effort of multi-sectorial collaboration as evidenced by the United Arab Emirate (UAE) experience.

He explained that the rising demand for international best practices and rapid growth

being experienced by the medical tourism industry has opened up some lucrative investment opportunities, adding that the health sector is capable of yielding four-times the revenue generated by the hotel industry for the same amount of investment.

Adewole expressed the commitment of the present administration to ensure that the health sector is repositioned in a manner that would strengthen the quality of service delivery and discourage medical tourism.

“In Nigeria, we need infrastructural development and human resource optimization.

We have to invest in high quality, specialized care, low cost, reduce waiting time, improve access, and international accreditation,” he added.

The minister who was represented by the Director of Public Private Partnership Initiative, Dr. Omobolanle Olowu, assured Nigerians that with concerted efforts of the public and private sector, the country could be a strong player in this contest.

Managing Director, Lechase Nigeria Limited; Mrs Lola Otegbola; and Managing Director, Bamicon Construction, Dr. Ayo Bamisile, during the minister’s inspection of NetConstruct’s Sunny Vale Homes and Rock Vale Manors in Abuja...recently

MADE Holds Workshop on Cassava Livestock Feeds The Department for International Development’s programme, Market Development for Niger Delta (MADE) yesterday started a two-day workshop to build the capacity of livestock feed manufactures in Ondo State to enable them produce quality feeds from cassava grits.

While addressing the press in Akure, MADE’s Team Leader, Mr. Tunde Oderinde, said the workshop which was organised in conjunction with HarvestPlus and International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) was expected to build capacity of processors to produce quality cassava grits which meet the requirement of feeds manufacturers.

Oderinde said the use of Cassava grits by livestock feeds manufacturers in the Niger Delta region would

cut the cost of production of the feeds.

He said Cassava was known to produce 250,000 calories/ hectare/day compared to 200,000 for maize, 176,600 for rice, 114,000 for sorghum and 110,000 for wheat hence the choice of the crop.

Calling on processors to embrace Cassava based feeds; Oderinde said cassava-based feeds were currently cheaper than the maize-based feeds especially in the face of escalating price of Maize in Nigeria.

“Amazingly, 1 metric tonne of maize sold for N35,000-N40,000 last year now sells for N140,000 (About 250 per cent increase),” Oderinde explained.

He however said that the 2million Metric Tonnes (MT) of annual maize requirement

by the poultry subsector of the economy could be substituted up to about 50 per cent by suitable cassava derivatives.

According to MADE’s Cassava Intervention Manager, Mr. Chyka Okarter , the preference for cassava grits by the poultry sub sector presents a potential opportunity for one million metric tonnes (MT) cassava grits supply into the poultry feeds sector.

Okarter said the opportunity offers market linkage to cassava farmers and processors in a sustainable manner.

He explained that the use of cassava peels and the under sized roots for livestock grit will present an additional income to the processors and thus offset the effect of high cost of cassava roots.

Okarter lamented that about 14 million tonnes of Cassava

by-products, including peels and under-sized tubers are thrown away as waste annually because of the dearth of information and knowledge of the proper technology to produce cassava products of guaranteed quality that will meet the procurement requirements of the mills.

“It is therefore imperative, based on the current demand from the poultry subsector for investors to explore and achieve the right product for the industry and also sustain their commercial interests as well,”Okarter said.

The workshop is a follow up to an earlier one, which held in October , 2016, with focus on feed mills, livestock farmers, processors and producers (farmers) and the opportunities that abound in the poultry subsector with particular emphasis on cassava grits.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2016 • T H I S D AY

CRIME&PUNISHMENT

Army to Deal Ruthlessly with People Threatening Peace in the S’East, Niger Delta

Amby Uneze in Owerri The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference ended yesterday in Owerri,

the Imo State capital with a vow to deal ruthlessly on those threatening peace and Nigeria’s ‘territorial integrity’ especially militants working

Police Arrest Suspect for Killing APC Chieftain in Lagos Chiemelie Ezeobi The Lagos State Police Command has arrested an armed robbery suspect, one Dolapo Olajiru, for stabbing and killing a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in his Ikorodu residence.

The deceased was said to have been stabbed during a struggle with the suspect and his own personal driver at his residence at Shakiru Oleko Street, Agric, Ikorodu.

The victim, Ogochukwu Nwosu, a one time candidate of APC for Abia North Constituency in the 2015 general election, also doubled as the Chief Executive Office of Idife Investment Limited.

Although he was rushed to the hospital afterwards, the victim died hours later in an undisclosed hospital in Lagos.

In his confessional statement, the victim said: “I never knew that the house belonged to a politician. I was not contracted by anyone to kill him.

“I came out that day around 2a.m. looking for any house to rob. I spotted the building, I was attracted to it by its big gate.

“I entered the compound by jumping over the fence, but unfortunately I landed on top of some empty plastic creates stacked by the side of the fence.

“It was the noise made by the fallen creates that woke the man

and his driver up. I sighted the man coming out of the house from the back door, I quickly docked behind the crates.

“I was thinking that he will go back but on the contrary, he came towards where I was hiding. I grabbed hold of him in the dark and we started struggling. I had a knife and I stabbed him on his hand.

“I thought he will let go, rather he held on to me tight. He was very strong and we continued to struggle. I stabbed him the second time, but he still held me down.

“At this point, a second man emerged from behind the crate and grabbed me. The two of them tied my hands and legs with a rope. The man later fell on the ground. I thought that he fainted.”

THISDAY gathered that it was the driver, identified as Obinna, that took the deceased to the hospital after the suspect had been handed over to the police at Owutu Division.

Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, said it was an armed robbery case.

She said the matter had been transferred to the homicide section of the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba and is currently being investigated.

Millions of Naira Go Down the Drain as Bullion Vans Burn to Ashes in Multiple Crash Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City Undisclosed amount of money was yesterday reportedly burnt when two bullion vans laden with cash had a head-on collision with a tanker carrying product suspected to be petrol at Abudu, Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State.

Also involved were, two commercial buses coming on top speed which rammed into the collision and got trapped beneath the heavy duty vehicles which resulted in flames.

Although the number of human casualties have not been ascertained, eyewitnesses say the impact of collision resulted in fire as the tanker and two bullion vans went up in thick flames.

Thick smoke billowed into the sky while the smell of fresh naira mint could be perceived by on lookers who maintained a safe distance from the scene of disaster.

The situation led to diversion of traffic, converting the dual carriage Benin-Asaba road to a single lane.

Passengers were stranded as the traffic continue to build-up on the single lane.

Meanwhile, stern looking security operatives were said to have

mobilised to the scene following reinforcement from nearby security formations, apparently to ward-off invasion of the bullion vans by locals.

Contacted, Sector Commander of the FRSC, Delta State, Mr. Rindom Kumven said that multiple vehicles were involved in the crash.

Kumven stated that although the accident occurred within the jurisdiction of Edo State, he has to mobilize his men at Issele-Uku unit of his command to join in the rescue operation.

He however stated that information about the tragic incident was still scanty, adding the number of human casualties was yet to be determined by rescue operators.

“Multiple vehicles were involved in the crash, and actually there was loss of lives but I can’t give you the figure right now. The tanker was carrying a product, and that was why it went up in flames.

“For now, I can’t give you a comprehensive report about the cause of the accident but even though it occurred in Edo State, I called men at Issele-Uku to mobilize to the scene for rescue operation,” Kumven said.

to engage in security threats in the South-east, South-South and the North-east.

The Army in a communiqué issued at the end of the Conference and signed by Major General LKJ Ogunewe, reiterated its readiness to defend Nigeria against “both internal and external aggression as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The Communiqué also noted that the strategies and measures adopted by the Nigerian Army in the discharge of its mandate were successful and in line with respect for human rights.

“The conference reemphasised the imperative for effective training, adaptive leadership, discipline, as well as operational responsiveness backed with functional logistics for sustaining the

enormous gains recorded by the Nigerian Army across the entire spectrum of its operations.

“The conference also commended the efforts of various states and local governments in facilitating peace initiatives like resolution of herdsmen/farmers conflict.

It noted with commendation the effort of the Nigerian Army at building confidence among the parties in dispute.

The importance of intelligence sharing among security agencies was also highlighted.

“The Conference noted the innovative efforts of the Nigerian Army to locally modify and re-fit some of its platforms which has aided ongoing operations. This innovation saved the country enormous foreign exchange as well as enhanced combat efficiency,” communique noted.

CAPACITY-BUILDING

L-R: Ogun State Commander of Vigilante Service, Commander Soji Ganzallo; state Director of Local Government Affairs, Mr. Adedayo Shomoye; and Acting State Deputy Commander of VSO, Mr. Adeniyi Oluwasanya, at a five-day training programme organised for the members of the service in Ilaro,... yesterday GOVERNMENT HOUSE

60-year-old Man Beaten to Death by Airmen over Prostitute

Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri

A sixty-year-old man, Ibrahim Bulama,was allegedly beaten to death by two AirForce men during a dispute over a prostitute at a red light zone of Maiduguri.

According to some residents of the town, who spoke anonymously, one of the AirForce men had a disagreement with the old man at the red light zone.

Some youths in the area supported the old man and beat up the airman, who subsequently went to reinforce, bringing another colleague of his.

They said the two airmen engaged the old man, beating

him to a pulp. He later died.

Briefing journalists on the incident yesterday in his office, the 105 Composite Commander, Air Commodore Charles Ohwo, said, “Preliminary investigation revealed that on Wednesday, December 7, 2016, an airman, Lance Corporal Kamal Usman, left his duty post at about 10pm, and on his way home, came across some gathering in Okona Hotel, and in an attempt to find out what was wrong, the crowd got scared and took to their heels. “ When he decided to check the surroundings to find out what scared the crowd, he entered one room and found a woman laying on a bed.

“Unfortunately, the deceased old man, Bulama mobilised

some people and came back to the hotel and attacked him from the back with matchets, inflicting serious injuries on his head and snatched his rifle.

“On sensing danger, the Lance Corporal left and mobilised his colleague for assistance. Upon arrival at the scene, they descended on the old man, and beat him to death in the process of recovering their rifle.

“The airman is now recuperating at the airforce medical facility in Maiduguri, while his colleague who was involved in the incident has been detained pending further investigation,” Ohwo said.

While appealing to the general public to be calm, Ohwo who said the Air Force was

not discounting the rumour that the injured airman was attacked while raping a woman assured that the case will be thouroghly investigated, and whoever is found guilty will be punished accordingly, as the “Nigerian Airforce is a credible organisation which does not want its name to be dragged through the mud .”

Ohwo disclosed that the injured airman was on admission at the Airforce base hospital and his colleague who attacked the old man alongside him was being detained.

When our correspondent visited the hospital, the injured airman, who was chained to the bed, was seen with various cuts on his head.

Navy Foils Attempted Vandalism of Oil Vessels The Nigerian Navy has stated that it has recorded another landmark success in the fight against oil bunkering in the Niger Delta region in line with the federal government stance on zero tolerance for corruption and oil bunkering.

According to the Navy Director of Information, Commodore Christian Ezekobe, in two different successful operations, the Nigerian navy personnel on patrol in NNS

PATHFINDER accosted two Cotonou boats loaded with suspected illegally refined diesel at Onne anchorage.

However, the boats were destroyed and no arrest was made as the suspect fled on sighting the Nigerian navy men.

In another operation, Ezekobe said, criminal elements attempted to vandalise and siphon oil product from one of the arrested vessels which was

foiled by the navy personnel in FOB FORMOSO. “The oil thieves however fled and abandoned the three Cotonou boats they brought for their criminal act. The boats are currently in the custody of FOB FORMOSO, while adequate security measure has been provided to prevent any unforeseen situation,” the navy stated.

Similarly, he said a patrol team of NNS DELTA also

recorded another success in its operation as four illegal refinery sites were destroyed with about 30 metric tons of illegally refined diesel and three Cotonou boats carrying about 40 metric tons of suspected stolen crude oil.

Five suspects and 40HP outboard engine were also arrested, while two pumping machine were recovered, the Nigerian navy director said.

62

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY DECEMBER 9, 2016

FRIDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

NFF Needs Urgent Overhaul, Says Sports Minister Assures Super Falcons on AWCON entitlements

Tobi Soniyi in Abuja Minister for Sports and Youth Development, Solomon Dalung, has said that football governance in the country required an urgent surgical operation to stop incessant embarrassment to the government.

The minister said this in Abuja while explaining the inability of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to settle the victorious Super Falcons after winning the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) football competition held in Cameroon.

Dalung, who spoke to State House Correspondent after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, said until the NFF was overhauled, the football governing body would continue to embarrass the government.

He said the issue of nonpayment of the allowances to the players and their coaches was not properly handled by the football governing body insisting that the footballers would have understood the position of the government if the NFF had properly engaged them.

Dalung said: “The problem can be compartmentalised into two things: One is the inability to approach government with request for intervention because what we need is intervention.

The budgeting of the sports is done by the administration.

Ours is intervention, just like when you have a fire disaster, if they have requested for funds in time, the process would have been easier and I think that

was not done.

“And after the triumph it was not managed properly.

There are issues of pending salaries of the coaches. The coaches have not been paid for a long time. The coaches too have these grievances alongside, I think it is a complex situation but the entire governance of football deserves an urgent surgery. If that surgery is not done we will always live with the embarrassment.

“I am talking about the governance of football administration in Nigeria.

Government has to do the surgery because they have been at the receiving end of the embarrassment. We must be prepared to do this to save the future of football in Nigeria.

We must come together to find solutions to see how these issues can be tackled.”

On how the surgery could be done at the face of noninterference policy of FIFA, the minister said “The non interference has been used to harass and intimidate government. But now that the government is being embarrassed by their activities, I don’t see anybody talking about interference. They used it to scandalise the government so the man who is at the receiving end has the responsibility to ensure that things must be done right so we must take steps to ensure that money meant for athletes gets to them on time as at when due. Football events are planned properly and executed according to plan.”

Meanwhile, Dalung has reassured African champions, Super Falcons that they will

receive all their entitlements.

The Minister, who was in company with NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, met with the players and officials at their Agura Hotel, Abuja yesterday.

“I had to make time out to meet with you ladies again after receiving you on arrival in Lagos. In the past few days I have heard so much about the team’s grievances, challenges and issues here and there.

“I have also discussed with

the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation but I felt it is necessary for me to come and sit to discuss with you in order for us to understand ourselves better. The issues with the team date back to the All-Africa Games, bothering on allowances and bonuses.

We are also aware that the coaches are also being owed.

“The point I want to make clear is that for this competition which this team have participated in and won,

we are indeed overwhelmed by the performance of the team.”

Dalung urged the players and officials to be patient with the government so that their laudable achievement can be appreciated: “Personally, I don’t want this achievement to be rubbished with whatever challenges we are facing because one thing that will stand to the end is our achievements.”

He concluded by promising the Falcons that the process

to sort out their money is in process, and it will be sorted out eventually.

“But one thing I want you all to know is that there are procedures for getting such monies from the Federal Government. It is not like an ATM that you will just go to and bring out cash.

Government has processes on how things are done. We are still processing and pursuing the entitlements of the team,” Dalung concluded.

Super Falcons who won the 2016 AWCON in Cameroon have been told to exercise patience over owed allowances

Plaudits for Dickson over PH Polo Club to Host Unifying Tournament Jan. 2017 Siasia Stadium Project Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has been given a pat on the back over the Samson Siasia Stadium project which is now nearing completion ahead of the 2017 soccer season.

The Chief Executive Officer of the firm handling the project, Ebi Egbe, disclosed yesterday that he is working round the clock to ensure that the stadium is ready for Bayelsa teams to use early next year.

Egbe whose firm Monimichelle has Italy-based Limota franchise to build Geo-technology pitches in Africa, said Dickson deserves commendation for taking steps to see Bayelsa teams return home.

“As we speak, I am 100 per cent sure Bayelsa teams won’t continue to play outside Yenagoa from next season.

The Samson Siasia Stadium turf is 90 per cent ready. Gov Dickson wants to see place ready even this December.

He (the governor) deserves plaudits for all that he is doing to turn things around in Bayelsa sports. The beauty of what Dickson is doing is that he wants to put sports facilities in place in every nook and cranny of the state,” Egbe

said.

Several football stakeholders who have visited the Samson Siasia Stadium have been commending the project going on there. NFF president Pinnick Amaju had during a recent visit said he would get the Eagles to play in Yenagoa when the project is completed. Former Eagles coach, Samson Siasia only last week expressed delight over what he saw at the arena named in his honour.

All Bayelsa-based clubs over the years play football outside their base no thanks to the non availability of a suitable football turf.

Egbe has assured that the Samson Siasia Stadium turf would be one of the best pitches in Africa when completed.

“What we are doing in Yenagoa is world-class.

It would be one of the best turfs in Africa when completed. Anybody who has seen the soft base and the amount of work that went into it, would agree that we are on course,” Egbe said.

Regarded as one of the most prestigious tournaments in Nigeria, the Port Harcourt Polo Club has said it is ready to host polo teams within and outside the country when its annual polo tournament takes place between January 8 and 14, 2017.

The unifying polo tournament, which brings together clubs belonging to both Nigeria Polo Association and Nigeria Polo Federation, will also feature teams from South Africa, Argentina, USA, England and UAE. Briefing newsmen at the Port Harcourt Polo Club on its plans and readiness

to host another enticing competition, the Tournament Manager, Ibifiri Bobmanuel, stated despite the economic situation in the country, they were working round the clock to ensure a successful event.

He said the annual polo tournament will live up to its billing as a Grade A category as no stone would be left unturned in making the event memorable and one that would create investment opportunities for the state.

The tournament manager disclosed that the best of polo players within and outside Nigeria have signified

their intention to be in Port Harcourt to showcase their skills.

Bobmanuel stressed further that in addition to other side attractions that include kids showing their skills on horses, entertainment, amongst others, the tournament would serve as part of activities to mark the celebration of Rivers State at 50.

Also speaking, Polo Captain, Michael Ogolo explained that all clubs in Nigeria have been invited to take part in the tournament that is open to every polo player in the country, just as he disclosed that eminent

personalities were expected to grace the occasion.

He rated the Port Harcourt Polo Tournament as the most hospitable, with the turf allowing for memorable competition among the various teams, in addition to serving as tourism potential for the state.

According to him, “the tournament would afford those coming to see Rivers state, to see Port Harcourt, how peaceful we are, to see what Port Harcourt is and how it is becoming beautiful.

It will also attract possible investors and the state would be better for it.

NPFL Super4: LMC Closes Ranks with Security Agencies A massive security operations involving over 300 operatives from the nation’s security agencies has be marshalled by the League Management Company (LMC), the Enugu State Football Association (ESFA) for the on-going Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.

Figures made available by Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in-house FIFA Security officer, Dr. Christian Emeruwa showed that the inter-security

agency contingent comprised of operatives of Department of State Security (DSS), Nigeria Police, Nigeria Civil Defence Security Corps (NCDSC), The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Stadium Stewards.

“We want to ensure ease of access to the match venue while not inconveniencing other residents of Enugu, hence we are working with the FRSC”, explained Salihu Abubakar, the LMC Chief Operating Officer.

On the huge security

presence, the LMC official said it is geared towards providing safe football experience for the fans, players and officials.

“In a gathering of over 20,000 persons, you cannot take chances and apart from the technical objective of providing our clubs the platform to prepare for their continental outings, it is also important that we create a secured atmosphere for fans to enjoy the games, family outings and friendly interaction”, Abubakar further

stated.

Dr. Emeruwa said he has received huge cooperation from heads of the security aencies and commended the officers and men deployed on Match Day 1, saying, “they exhibited high professionalism in their handling of the fans.

We had very friendly officers who were very civil in their management of the fans on the first day. We look forward to even better days ahead in terms of security as we expect more fans to show up”.

63

T H I S D AY •FRIDAY DECEMBER 9, 2016

FRIDAYSPORTS

Barcelona Invites Chapecoense to Play Friendly in 2017 Barcelona has invited Brazilian club Chapecoense to play them in a pre-season friendly next summer.

Nineteen Chapecoense players and staff were among 71 people killed in a plane crash as the team travelled to Colombia for the Copa Sudamericana’s first leg.

The friendly would be for the Joan Gamper trophy, which is an annual match between Barcelona and an invited team.

In a statement, Barcelona said they wanted to “pay tribute” to the victims and help Chapecoense recover.

Barcelona said they wanted to make the Joan Gamper trophy “a great tribute to the world of football through various activities around this match”.

“Along with the invitation to Chapecoense to the 2017 Joan Gamper Trophy, Barcelona would like to collaborate on the institutional and sporting reconstruction of the club, and help to recover the competitive level that it had,” they added.

“Barcelona has today sent a formal letter of invitation to the current board of directors

of Chapecoense.”

Three Chapecoense players were among six people to survive the crash.

One of the surviving players in the plane crash in Colombia is recovering and may be able to resume his career, his father has announced.

Helio Hermito Zampier Neto, a 31-year-old defender for Chapecoense, was in a stable condition, doctors said, after surgery on a lung, a knee, a wrist and his head.

Colombian officials say evidence is growing that the plane ran out of fuel.

Miguel Quiroga, the pilot of the British-made Avro RJ85 aircraft, had been warned by an official at Santa Cruz airport, in Bolivia, where the plane took off, that he might not have enough fuel, Bolivian Deber newspaper said.

But, despite the official’s concerns, he went ahead with the flight to Medellin.

The country’s authorities have not yet commented.

In a leaked tape, the pilot can be heard warning of a “total electric failure” and “lack of fuel”.

Chapecoense Players celebrating before the plane crash penultimate Monday in Colombia

World’s Best T’Tennis N C C T E N N I S L E A G U E Players Ready for Enugu Sports Club Throws its Gates Open to Students Action in Doha The top 16 men and women from the 2016 ITTF World Tour have assembled in Doha, Qatar for the Seamaster Qatar World Tour Grand Finals starting today through Sunday, December 11.

The world’s best players battled through 20 World Tour events across the globe to gather enough points to qualify for the $500,000 season-ending event.

As always, all eyes will be on World & Olympic champion Ma Long of China who will be the red-hot favorite to defend the title he won last year in Lisbon. The odds for the 28-year-old were slashed even more as he was drawn in the other half of his two other teammates, world number two Fan Zhendong and number three Xu Xin. This means Ma will not have to face his Chinese teammates until the final.

“I am very happy to avoid

my friend Xu Xin in the draw.

This is my last tournament of the year, so I want to finish the year of my dreams off in style, by winning the World Tour Grand Finals for the fourth time.”

Number two seed, 19-yearold Fan Zhendong, the man that Ma Long beat in last year’s World Tour Grand Final, will be out for revenge for his 2015 defeat, and will want to keep up his momentum from winning the Men’s World Cup earlier in the year.

Double World Tour Grand Final champion Jun Mizutani (JPN) is making his first international appearance since winning bronze at Rio 2016, so confidence will be high for the Japanese superstar.

Europe’s hopes rest with Dimitrij Ovtcharov (GER) and Vladimir Samsonov (BLR), who will be bidding for their first World Tour Grand Finals crown.

Kuchigoro’s IDPs Champion Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Karamajiji in Kuchigoro area along Airport Road of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have won the inaugural football championship organised by Greater Tomorrow Children’s Fund founded by ex international and US-based Paul Okoku.

In a game decided Saturday evening at the FIFA Goal Project Abuja, the boys from Karamajiji defeated their counterparts from Waru IDP Camp in Apo Village 3-2 in the finals to lift the trophy.

They also took home cash prize of N15,000 in addition to football donations from the foundation.

The full time had ended 3-3 after Isiaka Alhassan netted a

brace in the first half before the boys from Waru came from behind to draw level through another brace from Emmanuel Nwogu. Hashimu Musa made it three for Jaramajiji but Uche Duru from Waru levelled the scores at 3-3 close to regulation time.

Karamajiji then went ahead to prove the better side with a 3-2 penalty kicks scoreline.

For coming second, Waru Apo got N7,000, a trophy and some balls.

Speaking after the finals, Paul Okoku said he feels fulfilled to have put smiles on the faces of the IDPs. “I feel really honoured and fulfilled to put smiles and hope on the faces of the children who are looking up to the society for hope.”

Executive Chairman of the Enugu Sports Club, Obum Arum, declared at the weekend that the club will henceforth allow primary and secondary school students interested in tennis to use its facilities.

Obum who was impressed with the high level of tennis displayed by the national players at the first semifinals of the NCC Tennis League Cup hosted by the club said he was sad that Enugu State which used to produce national champions was no longer visible in the Nigerian tennis space.

“It is really unfortunate that we (Enugu) State is lagging behind in tennis but I am determined to reverse this

trend,” the executive chairman who had Nigeria’s tennis great Nduka Odizor beside him at the semi finals of the NCC League stressed.

He added:”Every child who comes here to practice consistently for one month will be given a complete set of tennis equipment to develop his or her skills.”

Odizor who was in Enugu as the special guest of honour said he came all the way from Houston Texas (USA) to support the league.

“The NCC Tennis League is a very good project for Nigerian tennis and I am happy to give it all the support I can muster.

Some of us who have benefited

from the sport are now ready to give back with our experience and our network to ensure that these boys and girls achieve higher goals than we did.”

The ‘Duke’ who achieved the highest ranking of 52 in the world and was in the top 100 for nine years, praised Mr Arum for the gesture and said he was also concerned that Enugu had fallen behind in tennis.

“So many great players like Tony Mmoh, Patrick Obi, Esther Onyekwelu, Cecilia Nnadozie, Nnamdi Ehirim and Kyrian Nwokedi all came out of the Enugu axis and I therefore commend the NCC for bringing the semifinals to Enugu even though there was

no team from the State in the League.” Odizor said.

Odizor said he would be at the second semifinals this weekend in Abuja and the finals in Lagos the following weekend.

“I would like to see these young players again and again and offer whatever tips I can to help them understand the game better and improve their tactical play.” he said.

The NCC Tennis League has introduced 42 weeks of tennis to the Nigerian tennis calendar this year with the winners getting N7 million, runners-up N5 million, third place N3 million and fourth place N2 million

Ambode for CAF Beach Soccer Nations Cup Opening Ceremony Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, is expected to grace the opening day of the African Beach Soccer Nations Cup on December 13 at the Eko Atlantic City on Victoria Island.

Lagos Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde, stated yesterday that the continental beach football tourney was uppermost on the mind of the state’s number one citizen.

Ayorinde said that Ambode would be present at the opening ceremony of the event slated to take place between December 13 and 18.

“Governor Ambobe is committed to youth development and this event involves other countries on the continent, hence, it is being accorded the seriousness it deserves.

“There will be plenty of fun in between because we are getting into the festive period and we want Lagosians to have fun at the AFCON beach tourney.”

Apart from Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana, Cote d’ Ivoire,

Madagascar, Libya, Morocco and Senegal are expected to compete for honours in the competition.

Ayorinde urged lovers of beach football and music to

storm Eko Atlantic to support Nigeria and also enjoy the competition.

“We are working hard to make this event great in all aspects. The LOC and the

sponsors have been wonderful because they are also aware that the governor would always go for the global best practices in all situations,” the information commissioner added.

Chairman, Enyimba FC of Aba, Felix Anyansi (left) presenting the club’s banner to the CEO, Kinetic Sports, Samson Adamu at the signing of a sponsorship deal for COPA Lagos between Enyimba FC and Hero Lager at SABMiller’s corporate office in Ikoyi, Lagos…yesterday kolawole olasupo

Friday, December 9, 2016

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MISSILE Amaechi to Wike, PDP

“Wike has not denied he did not kill people, he sponsored those who carried arms in the 2015 general election, even during the campaigns, our people were beaten, manhandled and others threatened, leaving many dead, but we will not continue to allow these things to happen like that. Members of the PDP were also responsible for killing APC members in Omoku” – Minister of Transportation Chibuike Amaechi accusing the Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of being responsible for the spate of killings in the run-up to the 2015 and the March 19 rerun elections in the state.

AKINOSUNTOKUN Yoruba Leadership: Post Olanihun Ajayi DIALOGUE WITH NIGERIA

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convergence of political events has, once again, conspired to make a re-examination of this subject matter — Yoruba political prospect, compelling. The least problematic of the contemporary chain of events is the exit of Pa Olanihun Ajayi (conscientious member of the Afenifere hierarchy) - he has answered the final call of nature; gone the way of all mortals and at a ripe old age for good measure. The only issue his death left outstanding is common to all societies. It is the universal question of leadership succession and recruitment.

Specifically, it is the reverberation of the Yoruba leadership question which he and his cohorts like Ajibola Ige, Reuben Fasoranti, Ayo Adebanjo and Abraham Adesanya responded to under the dispensation of the Afenifere political oligarchy.

Yoruba leadership is of course by no means limited to the Afenifere. There is, at the minimum, the residual socio political leadership of the traditional leadership institution. In order to guard against being superfluous, I have elected to discharge the obligation I owe to the memory of Ajayi by adopting all the encomiums and tributes that have accompanied his rite of passage.

And I do so with standing applause.

At the larger Nigerian level, one crucial deficiency of the political development of the country was the vacuum created by a broken generational leadership succession.

Political leadership succession and recruitment conventionally occurs as a cardinal role of political parties within the context and system of civil democratic rule. In Nigeria, the performance of this role was repeatedly broken by military rule abrogation of the political party system and civil democratic rule. This arrested political development is reflected in the apparent lack of preparedness and consequent poor quality of the post 1999 political successor class.

Spared of military rule disruption, the political party system has an inbuilt mechanism of self-regulating standards that preclude and forestall the degradation attendant on the all comers affair syndrome.

How many members of contemporary Nigerian political elite especially those in office are conversant with the meaningful knowledge of Nigeria’s fragmented political history? How many have read and digested the Nigerian constitution beyond the regularly invoked provisions on immunity, impeachment and remuneration?

Next in the chain of events is the recrudescence of the supremacist contention within the All Progressives Congress (APC) for superiority and dominance of Yoruba politics — as it played out, first, in the steamrolling of the APC Ondo State governorship primaries and inclusively in the subversion of the governorship election.

I am going to hazard a guess that we are going to look back with regret and nostalgia at the Nigerian political bequest of May 29th 2015. Politically and economically, Nigeria has been tottering down the hill since the commencement of that politically stable

Late Ajayi inheritance.

From the standpoint of Nigeria’s political stability and given that the status quo was already weighted in favour of the ruling party, why would anyone desire to upset the finely tuned political equilibrium of APC, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in control of 20, 14 and two states that obtained at the onset of the present four-year tenure? Why would the dominant Muhammadu Buhari faction of the APC not tolerate the live and let live latitude of the South-west faction under the leadership of Bola Tinubu? Why would the same dominant faction brazenly orchestrate the ‘capture’ (to borrow from the vocabulary of the hitherto elephantine PDP) of the governorship of Ondo State?

I recall an earlier statement of this misgiving ‘In tandem and against the spirit of fairnesswhich requires the expeditious dispatch of the appeal sought by the authentic candidate of the PDP, Eyitayo Jegede, two appeal panel of Judges, one after another, recused themselves and avoided pronouncement on the case — up onto the eve of the election…

Inadvertent or not, the behaviour of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary in this instance was quite suggestive of a mutual conspiracy to stop or irreparably damage Jegede’s candidacy… President Buhari has adopted the attitude of see no evil and may well not be personally involved in the machinations but there is no power in Nigeria that can compel the orchestration of a conspiracy of this magnitude other than the dominant powers of the ultimate political Nigerian office’.

Inevitably, the negative trend has given rise to a sense of déjà vu, of a typical power politics subversion that dates back to the pre-colonial legacy of Yoruba resistance against the imperial incursion of the Sokoto caliphate and, latterly, against the ruling party at the centre. Why is the federal government never able to resist the temptation of this

akin.osuntokun@thisdaylive.com

overreach? This expansionist tendency and the abbreviation of the multi-party system towards one party dictatorship is a recurrent trait to all the four Nigerian republics and it has proven the nemesis of the sustenance and stability of those republics. In these four recurrences, the South-west enjoys the dubious distinction of providing the theatre where the drama is given full throttle and the location where the push-back begins.

In the first republic, the political overreach played out in the partisan engagement of the Tafawa Balewa-led federal government in the factional crisis of the Action Group (AG) (the ruling party in the Western region) in 1962. Otherwise known as the Awolowo-Akintola feud, it degenerated into a protracted crisis spiralling from year to year until it climaxed in the termination of the first republic through the agency of military coup of January 1966 and thence the civil war. In the fullness of the power grab, the notorious 1964\65 general election served the phyrric victory of the acquisition of the Western region by the ruling party at the centre, the newly amalgamated Nigeria national alliance, NNA/NPC writ large.

In the second republic, the Shehu Shagariled federal government and the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) could not resist following suit. Unable to allow the South-west sleeping dog lie in peace, the federal alliance went for its jugular in Ondo and Oyo States in the NPN landslide victory of the 1983 general election. The ensuing crisis readily provided the foil for the opportunistic Nigerian military to strike and bring the second republic to its premature end. Incidentally, the major beneficiary of this political misfortune was none other than General Mohammadu Buhari.

From the ashes of the second republic, he emerged the military head of state in December 31st 1983.

The recurrence deviated in the respect that the ill-conceived third republic was aborted before the pregnancy was fully formed (in the womb of the crisis of transition from military dictatorship to civil democratic rule in 1993). In the 1993 presidential election annulment crisis, the legacy was nonetheless affirmed in the conventional role of the South-west as the harbinger of the demise of another Nigerian republic, the ill-starred third republic.

In the fourth republic, the PDP ultimately choked of its own gluttony after gobbling more states than it can chew in the 2003 and 2007 general election. The logic of controlling 26 states and the federal government is the definitive indication of a lurch towards one party dictatorship.

This political incontinence resulted in the creation of a peculiar and alternate locus of power called the PDP governors forum, which graduated to becoming an albatross on the neck of the federal government. It facilitated the implosion of the party into two factions — one of which broke away to play a decisive role in the formation of the APC. Again the beginning of the end for PDP was traceable to the controversial victories it recorded in five of the six states

comprising the South-west zone in the 2003 general election. And now another siege has been laid to the region to crowd out any tendency that does not conform to the unfolding Abuja script.

In Yoruba historical experience, one lesson that has crystallised is the obsessive focus on the role of individuals at the expense of giving contemplation to predisposing general factors; repeatedly seeking scapegoats and convenient targets to demonise and criminalise as traitors. Time is ripe to challenge this perspective as overly reductionist and contend that individual personality roles are ultimately of secondary importance; that if it is not Afonja or Akintola, there will always be another individual to fill the role vacuum generated by the dynamics of Yoruba political character and its situation within the complexity of Nigeria.

Yoruba politics tends to be riven with egomania, schism; and improbable and conflicting mythologies. It is this legacy of dysfunction that constitutes the primary and proximate causation of the Yoruba dilemma.

You can read it in the Alaafin Aole\Afonja; Alaafin Atiba\Kurumi; Awolowo\ Akintola; Awolowo\Obasanjo; Obasanjo\Soyinka; Bola Ige/Adesanya &co; Tinubu\Adesanya; Tinubu\Mimiko; Tinubu\Buhari protégés; Ooni\Alaafin schism and we can go on and on. Notwithstanding his commendable efforts to the contrary, the one year old reign of the new Ooni has been typically manoeuvred into another occasion for muscle flexing and ego massaging by brother Obas. A most perplexing manifestation of this baggage was the brand new fulmination of the flamboyant occupier of the hitherto obscured Olugbo stool. Turning on its head the little that we know of Oduduwa and Moremi role depiction in Yoruba antiquity he unloaded: “Our forefathers descended from heaven, that is why we are called ‘Ugbo Atorunwo.’…

To set the record straight, Moremi remains a traitor. She was a slave captured by Ugbo warriors during one of their many raids on IleIfe. She later became the wife of Osangangan Obamakin, the son of Oranfe, of who was the paramount ruler of over 13 aboriginal communities of ancient Ugbomokun, which later came to be called Ile Ife… Oduduwa came to Ugbomokun as a stranger and was welcomed in Ilero, the aboriginal palace of Osangangan Obamakin, which is still in existence in present day Iremo, in Ile-Ife. During the dynastic struggles, Osangangan Obamakin was directed by the oracles (Ifa and Osanyin) to leave Ile-Ife. Moremi betrayed her husband’s trust when she exposed the secret of the Ugbo warriors’ gallantry.”

Fractious ancestry is common to all societies in antiquity and left alone, the Yoruba would have conclusively resolved this universal ailment one way or another. Standing against the capability of the Yoruba to transcend this limitation is the coerced adaptation of the Yoruba into dysfunctional Nigeria; a country that seemingly thrives on exploiting the weaknesses rather than building on the strength of its hapless citizens. But it was not always like this…

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