Sunday 11th December 2016

Recession: FG Unveils 10-Point Roadmap to Reset Economy Kunle Aderinokun in Lagos and Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The federal government has unveiled a 10-point fiscal roadmap, designed to stimulate the economy and set it on the path of recovery and growth.

Highlights of the roadmap

were rolled out by the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, who represented the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, at the annual dinner of the Lagos Business School. Adeosun itemised the fiscal policies and actions being taken to tackle the key barriers to economic growth.

A major component of the

roadmap is to replace administrative measures on the list of 41 items with fiscal measures to reduce demand pressure on foreign exchange (forex) at the parallel market. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in its wisdom, had barred importers from assessing forex, particularly the United States dollars, for the 41 items via the

official window, a measure, which had generated intense controversy. Though the measure was applied in good faith by the monetary authority, it pushed importers to sourcing forex from the parallel market, which led to forex shortage and inadvertently affected the value of the naira and the economy.

But with the federal government’s decision to reconsider its policy on the 41 items, the expectation, according to the roadmap, is that there would be a reduction in the demand for US dollars to ramp up forex supply.

Speaking at the session, which was attended by industry leaders across key sectors

of the economy including oil, banking and telecoms, Adeosun said, “The Federal Government’s Fiscal Roadmap is addressing barriers to growth that will drive productivity, generate jobs and broaden wealth creating opportunities to achieve inclusive growth.”

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EFCC: More Bank CEOs to Appear in Court for Money Laundering ...Page 11 Sunday 11 December, 2016 Vol 21. No 7906

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Gov Udom Escapes Death as over 50 Die in Church Building Collapse Madagali bomb blast death toll rises to 45

Okon Bassey in Uyo and Daji Sani in Yola

Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel came within a whisker of being killed yesterday in Uyo, the state capital, when a church building in which he was worshipping collapsed, killing more than 50 people. Emmanuel was among the top government officials and other dignitaries at the Reigners Bible Church along the Uyo village road when the tragedy occurred about 11am, leaving hundreds of worshippers

trapped inside the church.

Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency said yesterday that 45 people had now died and 52 others were injured following Friday’s twin bomb blast in Madagali, in Adamawa State. The state coordinator of NEMA, Saad Bello, confirmed the new figures. Bello said many of the wounded were being treated at the Michika General Hospital.

A twin bomb blast had rocked Madagali market about 12 noon on Friday, reContinued on page 8

Rivers Rerun: 1 Killed in Ogoniland, as APC, PDP Trade Allegations Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt One person was killed yesterday in the rerun election in Rivers State after what started as a peaceful election degenerated into a violent exercise in Ogoni area of the South East Senatorial Zone.

The police have however denied knowledge of violence while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for the cancellation of the exercise in Khana Local Government Area, alleging connivance of the police in ballot snatching

and attacks on PDP chieftains.

The legislative rerun elections in Rivers State had proceeded peacefully in most polling units across the state. Unlike the situation in the March 19 rerun, there were no incidents of gunshots or snatching of ballot boxes in most of the areas.

Security was tight in most of the places where voting took place while there were road blocks in strategic areas of the state.

It was also gathered that some officials of the IndepenContinued on page 8

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TRAGEDY!

Scene of the collapsed Reigners Bible Church building in Uyo ...yesterday

Okon Bassey

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PAGE EIGHT GOV UDOM ESCAPES DEATH AS OVER 50 DIE IN CHURCH BUILDING COLLAPSE sulting in the death of 30 people on the spot and injuring of 67 others. Bello said out of the 67 that were injured some later died at the hospital while receiving treatment, which raised the number of the dead to 45. Eyewitnesses said two suspected female suicide bombers had detonated themselves at the grains and second-hand clothes sections of the market.

THISDAY learnt that the Saturday service in Uyo during which the building collapse took place was a special programme organised to mark the Archbishopric ordination of the founder of the church, Akan Weeks, as Bishop. The Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Udoh, and the chief press secretary to the governor, Mr Ekerette Udoh, were among

those injured and taken to the hospital.

At the time of filing this report, cranes from the construction company, Julius Berger, were still at the scene of the building collapse lifting debris in search of bodies and possible survivors. Government ambulances, medical personnel, the Red Cross officials, and security operatives were mobilised to help in rescue operations.

Eyewitnesses said the church building, which was undergoing renovation, was filled beyond capacity when the tragedy occurred.

A member of the church, who was visibly shaken and preferred anonymity, told THISDAY that he was in an adjoining building to buy water when the building collapsed. “I heard a loud bang

and the next thing I saw was that the building just collapsed with worshipers trapped inside,” he stated.

Another member of the church said, “Pastor Akan Weeks was being consecrated today (Saturday), so the programme was holding inside the church when, suddenly, the whole building collapsed.

“Many people are buried under the debris, as emergency workers continue rescue exercise.”

The Police Public Relations officer in the Akwa Ibom State, ASP Cordelia Nwaiwe, said the number of casualties could not be ascertained immediately as rescue operations and evacuation of victims was still on.

“For now, we are not talking about death, but seriously involved in reviving some of

RECESSION: FG UNVEILS 10-POINT ROADMAP TO RESET ECONOMY

She stated that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration was determined to convert Nigeria to a productive economy from the one that is consumption driven. To do so, she pointed out, the federal government would tackle the infrastructure deficit to unlock productivity, improve business competitiveness and create employment. The minister stated that the government would actively partner the private sector to achieve this by use of a number of new funding platforms. These, according to her, include the Road Trust Fund, which will develop potentially tollable roads, and the Family Homes Fund, which is an on-going PPP initiative for funding of affordable housing.

In addition, Adeosun detailed a revision to the tax provision that allows companies to receive tax relief for invest-

ment in roads on a collective basis. She explained that the existing provision that enabled companies to claim relief for road projects had only been taken advantage of by two companies, Lafarge and Dangote Cement. This was because few companies were large enough to fund roads alone.

The revision, she noted, would now allow collective tax relief such that companies would be able to jointly fund roads, subject to approval

by FIRS and the Ministry of Works, and share the tax credit. This would be particularly attractive to firms in clusters such as industrial estates, many of which are plagued by poor road conditions.

She emphasised the role of infrastructure in creating inclusive growth, explaining the current barriers to growth in agriculture, solid miner-

als and manufacturing. She stated that the drivers of inflation were structural and were being addressed through the focus on power, rail and road infrastructure.

Adeosun also outlined measures planned to deal with the problem of hidden liabilities, which were affecting the banking sector and efforts to revive the economy. The minister explained that the conversion from cash accounting to IPSAS (International Public Sector Accounting Standards) had unveiled unrecorded debts owed to contractors, oil marketers, exporters, electricity distribution companies and others. These liabilities were estimated at N2.2 trillion and would be addressed with a 10-year Promissory Note Issuance programme in conjunction with the Central Bank of Nigeria. This measure would be subject to a rigorous audit

the victims and taking them to the hospital for medical attention. The police commissioner will talk on the deaths in future,” Nwaiwe said.

She said men and officers of the state police command had been deployed to the scene of the accident to secure the place and check the activities of hoodlums who might want to exploit the situation to steal.

President Muhammadu Buhari and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria have offered their commiserations to the church and victims of the Uyo tragedy.

A statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu, said the president had spoken with the Akwa Ibom State governor by telephone to commiserate

with him over the collapse of the church building.

The statement said, “The president also conveyed to the governor and the people of Akwa Ibom State the deep sorrow of his family, the government and the entire people of Nigeria over the many deaths and injury recorded following the incident.”

Buhari prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and the quick recovery of the injured. He implored the people of the state, especially those within the vicinity of the incident, to rally round the victims of the tragedy to help ease their sorrow and pains.

The Akwa Ibom State chairman of PFN, Dr. Sylvanus Ukafia, said in a statement, “The Pentecostal Community shares the pain of

Reigners' Bible Church on the sad event of the collapse of its building during the Bishopric Ordination of its presiding pastor, Bishop Elect Akan Weeks, and stand with them in prayers and support.

“The PFN urges all Pentecostal churches in the state in particular and Nigeria in general to hold special prayers for the Church in their services on Sunday, December 11, 2016.

“Furthermore, the PFN urges all churches to take special offerings for the medical assistance of all those injured and send same to the Reigners' Bible Church. Church members who can are also urged to donate blood, where necessary, to those in the hospital and make other donations as may be required in the course of the treatment of those injured.”

process of all claims to ensure validity and mitigate fraud and the impact of past corrupt practices.

Henceforth, the minister said that measures would be put in place to prevent recurrence of such a problem by ensuring that contracts are managed in a manner that firms have assurance over when they would be paid. She cited the fact that many contractors were owed as a reason that many of those recently paid by government were slow in remobilising to site. According to her, “Some contractors had not been paid in the past 4 years and in some cases the banks they were owing, refused them access to the funds released, causing delays.”

She explained further that those receiving the Promissory Notes would be expected to provide a material discount to government. The issuance

was a solution to a long term problem that was ‘a drag on economic activity’.

Adeosun gave assurances that, despite the current challenges facing the Nigerian economy, the outlook is positive due to the strong fundamentals and the on-going

reform programme. She reiterated that the federal government was determined to create an enabling environment and put in place supportive policies to return to growth in 2017 including greater alignment of monetary and fiscal policies.

RIVERS RERUN: 1 KILLED IN OGONILAND, AS APC, PDP TRADE ALLEGATIONS dent National Electoral Commission (INEC) last night ran away from the Rivers South East Senatorial Collation Centre at Bori following pressure from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to write results in its favour.

The INEC officers who spoke on condition of anonymity alleged the APC officials invaded the INEC collation centre at about 7pm in the company of security officials , locked the gates and demanded that the INEC officials accept the results they had brought in about elections in Gokana Local Government Area An INEC official, who did not want to be named, told THISDAY that he had to disguise to escape from the Bori Centre having known that some security agents snatched ballot boxes in the area earlier in the day.

If we allow this to happen we will be sowing a seed that will ultimately destroy this country," he said.

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has alleged that the Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, led soldiers to beat up Ikwerre Caretaker Chairman, Hon. Samuel Nwanosike, and also invaded the INEC Collation Centre at Isiokpo.

A statement by the party said Thousands of Ikwerre people have besieged INEC in Isiokpo following the invasion of the Local Government Collation Centre.

It claimed the Minister stormed the INEC Collation Centre with over 200 soldiers and Armoured Personnel Carrier and was also accompanied by the Commissioner of Police in charge of Election, Mr Da-

vid.

According to the PDP, "The soldiers and the Commissioner of Police forcefully gained entrance where they drove away the live crew of the African Independent Telecision(AIT) Live crew, other print and broadcast journalists, agents of political parties and observers.

"The Commissioner of Police in charge of elections, Mr David beat up the Caretaker Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Mr Samuel Nwanosike before dragging him on the floor."

The INEC has in the meantime confirmed that elections would hold on Sunday at Akukutoru Local Government Area of the state as elections could not hold there on Saturday because of late arrival of materials.

The state Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the commission said the commission would return to conduct elections in the area on Sunday.

In Buguma, headquarters of Asaritoru Local Government Area, the waterways were patrolled by the police and the navy. While the area was peaceful, materials did not leave early and there was low turnout of voters.

The same apathy was witnessed in parts of Eleme Local government Area and Ikwerre Local Government Area, home of Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi.

In polling units in Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor and environs, accreditation and voting started at about 9am while in other areas it started between 10 and 11am.

The APC candidate for the Rivers South East Senatorial District, Senator Magnus Abe,

voted at about 11:55am at Ward 16 Unit 10 Bera in Gokana Local Government Area.

Addressing journalists shortly after, Abe commended the conduct of the state and national assembly re-run elections in Rivers South East Senatorial District particularly in Gokana Local Government Area.

He said although he had got reports about few cases of late arrival of materials and ballot box snatching, which he said was promptly responded to by security operatives, so far the conduct appears impressive.

He commended the law enforcement agents for their vigilance and also used the opportunity to commend President Mohammadu Buhari and Service Chiefs for providing adequate security for the election.

His words: “Well, first of all, I want to express my sincere appreciation to President Mohammadu Buhari, InspectorGeneral of Police, Chief of Army staff, Chairman of INEC, the people of Rivers South East Senatorial District and most importantly to Almighty God. “Since this election started, this is the first time I am actually casting a ballot; this is the first time many of the people here are actually voting. Well, it is not a perfect exercise, there are cases of late arrival of materials and security challenges like we are getting report of hoodlums still having the audacity to come out to attack and try to hijack materials in some areas. But in all, the security responses have been prompt and adequate.”

But shortly after the interview, there were reports of police invasion of a polling station at St. Pius X College, Bodo,

where Units 2 and 3 of Ward 3 were voting.

When THISDAY visited the scene, voters had dispersed but there were tell tales of destruction left behind: destroyed ballot boxes, already thumb-printed ballot papers and empty shells of bullets.

There were, however, some people who came back to look for their missing items at the centre.

One of those persons was a lady who gave her name as Barituka. She told THISDAY, “I was in the queue to vote in Unit 2 at about 11.45am when some men in SARS (Police Special Anti-Robbery Squad) uniform came here to disrupt the peaceful election.

“As they drove into this place in three white Hilux vans, they started shooting. They came to scatter the election because we are voting for PDP. Barituka also informed THISDAY that the same team of SARS operatives attacked Ward 2 in the same Bodo City where they killed one Mr. Meebari Kormaga in their (SARS) attempt to disrupt the election and cart away the ballot boxes.

Addressing journalists at the Ward 1 polling centre, Bodo, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon. Kenneth Kobani, lamented that SARS operatives, attached to the APC House of Representatives candidate for Gokana/Khana Federal Constituency, Hon. Morris Pronen, invaded the St. Pius X College, Bodo polling station and killed Mr. Meebari Kormaga and took away the ballot boxes.

See the concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com

THE FISCAL ROADMAP 2017 Fiscal Policy Initiative 1. Recognise inherited debt profile after a robust audit process:

•Introduce promissory note program to finance verified liabilities

•Issue debt certificates to contractors, Ministries, Departments & Agencies

(MDAs), and State Governments

Expected Impact • Improve cash flow of businesses • Improve Banks’ NonPerforming Loans (NPLs) • Free up Banks’ balance sheet for lending to private sector • Improve Government’s business interaction with the private sector

2 Mobilise private capital to complement Government spending on infrastructure:

•Roads Trust Fund

•Family Homes Fund

•Extend infrastructure tax relief to a collective model to attract clusters of corporate entities

• • •

Expand the provision of infrastructure Drive growth of non-oil sector.

Drive economic growth

• 3. Strengthen fiscal/monetary handshake:

•Replace administrative measures on list of 41-items with fiscal measures to reduce • demand pressure in parallel market

•Encourage domestic food production through specific incentives e.g. accelerated depreciation on food manufacturing equipment and Zero (0%) duty on green houses

•Planned revitalisation of refineries

•Increase Diaspora remittances via participation in the buyer support scheme for the Family Homes Fund

Reduce demand for US Dollars Increase supply of US Dollars

• 4. Incentivise exports:

•Restructure the Export Expansion Grant • (EEG) to a tax credit system

•Rationalise tariffs and waivers in key export sectors

Encourage/incentivise nonoil exports Drive import substitution

• 5. Encourage investment in specific sectors through fiscal incentives:

•Accelerated depreciation on equipment in strategic sectors e.g. food processing, mining and power

•Rationalise tariffs and waivers in priority sectors

Drive investment in strategic sectors

6. Continue expansion of fiscal space • through revenue enhancement and cost • consolidation:

•Customs Single Window (being implemented through a Private Public Partnership (PPP) scheme)

•Template for non-allowable expenses for Government Agencies.

•Overhead cost control by the Efficiency Unit

•Continuous risk based audit by the Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit

Revenue enhancement Cost containment

• 7. Improve fiscal discipline at Sub-National level:

•Extension of efficiency unit at Sub-National level

•Fast track municipal bond issues to deepen the bond market

•Conversion to International Public Sector Accounting Standards by all State Governments.

Improved fiscal position at Sub-National level

8.

Enable and accelerate Recoveries process: •Whistle-blower scheme •Centralised database on recovered assets •Asset tracing •Professional management of recovered assets

• •

Increased efficiency of Recoveries process Increased budgetary funding availability from Recoveries

9. Rebalance debt portfolio to extend maturity • and optimise debt service cost:

•Rebalance public debt portfolio with increased external borrowing (60:40 target)

•Extend maturity profile of public debt portfolio

•Deploy long-term debt instruments including Infrastructure and Retail Bonds

•Maximise use of concessionary loans

Rebalanced debt profile with improved debt service to revenue ratio

10. Catalyse Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise • (MSME) growth through specific measures to improve capacity and access to finance:

•Development Bank of Nigeria (US$1.3bn)

•Increase share of business awarded to MSMEs from Government contracts

•Tax harmonisation and tax incentives

•Accelerated depreciation

Acceleration of MSME growth

T H I S D AY SUNDAY DECEMBER 11, 2016

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DECEMBER 11, 2016 • T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R

SUNDAY COMMENT

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

GHANA KEEPS FAITH, REVERSAL IN GAMBIA The Gambian strongman, Yahya Jammeh, must not be allowed to damage his country’s democracy

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n a day the presidential election in Ghana was concluded with concession by the defeated incumbent President John Mahama, The Gambia chose to do great damage to its democracy. The defeated country’s dictator, Yahya Jammeh, who had only a week ago waxed lyrical about the “the most transparent, rig-proof elections in the whole world,” is now singing a new tune. “I am rejecting the results of the presidential elections in totality,” he said. “I will not accept the results based on the IEC recent changes of the results without the IEC explaining how the changes were made. All the parties were called to the IEC on Monday, to tell them that there was a mistake made, which was In case he is unacceptable”. oblivious of recent Meanwhile, following history, we will like the presidential election to remind Jammeh in Ghana, the initial apof the tragedy that prehensions turned out to be befell Ivory Coast misplaced when President when President Mahama conceded defeat, Laurent Gbagbo thus keeping faith with the refused to accept democratic tradition in the the reality that the West African country. “A market was over, few minutes ago, I received a following his defeat call from President @JDMaat the November hama congratulating me on 2010 election. In winning the 2016 Presidential the end, it was Election,” Mr. Nana AkufoGbagbo who is now Addo, the victorious opposisitting in the dock tion candidate posted on his of the International Twitter handle before the Criminal Court national television announced looking, for that the president had indeed all intents and conceded. purposes, like a While we commend common criminal President Mahama for being gracious in defeat, we must condemn in very strong terms the desperate attempt by Jammeh to lead his country into avoidable chaos. Clutching at straws one week after he voluntarily admitted losing the election is most reprehensible. We therefore call on President Muhammadu Buhari and other leaders within the sub-region

Letters to the Editor

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to prevail on Jammeh to back down from his ill-advised move and begin the process of handing over power to the victorious opposition candidate, Mr. Adama Barrow.

It is particularly important for West African leaders to step in quickly, especially in view of the irresponsible statement credited to Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang, chairperson of the country’s new coalition that won the election, who vowed that Jammeh would be prosecuted after leaving office, including for corruption and crimes against humanity. With a man like Jammeh still holding the levers of power, it is naïve and reckless to make such a threat against him at this most delicate period of transition.

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S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR TOKUNBO ADEDOJA DEPUTY EDITOR VINCENT OBIA 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 DIRECTORS 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

n a recent editorial, we explained how the promise of African reawakening has not materialised, essentially because the primary desire of many leaders within the continent is not to serve but to exercise absolute power aimed at self enrichment. However, the new political wave sweeping across the continent gives fresh hope of a renaissance. By enthroning democracy, anchored on free and fair elections, it will be easier to work for the economic prosperity of the people on a sustainable basis. That is why the attempt to reverse the election in The Gambia must be resisted.

However, it is noteworthy that Ghana has been a force for progress in the democratisation process on the continent. Elections in the country have always been relatively peaceful with the outcomes not subject to the kind of disputations that we see in most other countries. President Mahama therefore deserves accolades for sustaining that tradition. But The Gambian dictator must be asked to step back from his disastrous path as he is inviting grave trouble for himself and the small West African country.

In case he is oblivious of recent history, we will like to remind Jammeh of the tragedy that befell Ivory Coast when President Laurent Gbagbo refused to accept the reality that the market was over following his defeat at the November 2010 election.

In the end, it was Gbagbo who is now sitting in the dock of the International Criminal Court (ICC) looking, for all intents and purposes, like a common criminal. To compound his woes, the ICC recently made public an arrest warrant for his wife, Simone Gbagbo, for alleged crimes against humanity, the first time the court has charged a woman. Meanwhile, his erstwhile opponent, the man he tried to deny his victory, Allhassane Quattara, is the president.

It is our hope that Jammeh can learn from the book of Gbagbo and retrace his steps before it is too late.

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 (950- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive.com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer.

ANAMBRA CENTRAL’S LONG-DELAYED RERUN POLL

t the end of the Anambra Central Senatorial poll held during the 2015 general elections, Mrs. Uche Ekwunife, the then candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission. On December 7, 2015, six months after she was sworn in as the Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, the Court of Appeal sitting in Enugu nullified her election and ordered that a rerun be conducted within 90 days from the date the judgment was delivered.

The ruling was given consequent upon an appeal filed by the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, against the earlier verdict of the

lower tribunal upholding Ekwunife’s victory at the poll. Convinced that Ekwunife was wrongly declared winner, Umeh, who came second in the election, had gone to the tribunal to challenge the decision of the electoral umpire.

The rerun poll which ought to have held on March 5, 2016 was postponed indefinitely by INEC, after an Abuja High Court suddenly gave a ruling compelling it to include the PDP, against the judgment of the Court of Appeal that disqualified the party and its candidate. The Appeal Court had barred Ekwunife from participating in the rerun election it ordered for the Anambra Central Senatorial zone on the ground that she was not validly nominated by the PDP through a properly conducted primary.

What that meant was that PDP

had no valid candidate for the initial election and so cannot be part of the rerun ordered by the court.

The INEC refusal to allow PDP or accept new contestant from any party for the rerun poll was based on an already decided case where the Supreme Court ruled that only candidates and political parties that were part of an annulled election can participate when a repeat of the exercise is ordered.

The same scenario had played out in Kogi East and Kogi Central senatorial districts, where the two senators elected on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) had their elections quashed by the Appellate Court and they were disallowed from being part of the ordered rerun, due to the same reason for which Ekwunife was disqualified.

INEC has since conducted the rerun

elections in those two senatorial districts (Kogi Central and Kogi East) without APC participating. The two reruns went in favour of the PDP. But the same PDP which profited from a similar judgment elsewhere is insisting that it must be allowed to present a candidate for the Anambra Central rerun and has instituted different cases that are delaying the conduct of the exercise. Former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, who was not an aspirant in the first election, is the man PDP wants to field as its candidate for the rerun.

Ekwunife who had left PDP and attempted to secure APC ticket to no avail for the rerun poll is currently in Supreme Court asking for the reversal of the Court of Appeal judgment that sacked her, even when by the law of the land, National Assembly election matters end in the

Appellate Court.

Unfortunately, in all of these calculated moves to unnecessarily prolong and frustrate the conduct of rerun in Anambra Central, the people of the senatorial district are being denied representation in the highest legislative body of the country. The seat of the district in the Red Chamber became vacant exactly a year ago. As a result, there has been nobody speaking for the people of the zone in the Senate. The 2016 budget was passed without a senator from Anambra Central pushing for the inclusion of developmental projects and programmes for the benefit of the senatorial district. 2017 budget would soon be presented to the National Assembly. What is the fate of the Anambra Central people?

––Michael Jegede, Abuja

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • DECEMBER 11, 2016

SUNDAYNEWS

News Editor Abimbola Akosile E-mail: abimbola.akosile@thisdaylive.com, 08023117639 (sms only)

Ondo, UNICEF Re-launch Scheme for Women, Children Rights Protection Abimbola Akosile

CONGRATULATIONS L-R: Mr. Okey and Barrister Mrs Juliet Mbadugha with their daughter Nneka Mbadugha on her successful call to the Bar in Abuja ...recently

EFCC: More Bank CEOs to Appear in Court for Money Laundering

• Anti-graft agency expresses preference for plea bargain in resolving corruption cases Dele Ogbodo in Abuja

The Head of Media and Public Affairs, of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, yesterday disclosed that the commission would drag more bank managing directors and chief executives of banks to court over allegations of money laundering.

Speaking as guest in a radio programme monitored in Abuja, the EFCC spokesperson averred that all investigations regarding the CEOs of the banks had been concluded as they will soon appear in court to defend themselves for economic sabotage.

According to him, EFCC recently arrested a top executive of one of the banks for money laundering and the case went to court for prosecution.

He said: “We are still going to take some of them to court because EFCC has concluded investigation with those cases and so it is no longer going to be

business as usual with some of the bank MDs who want to aid and abet money laundering in the country.

Uwujaren said some of the banks had failed in terms of their reportage obligation to the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), on the minimum benchmark of transactions they should handle.

He said: “Some banks have been found sometimes to aid corruption in terms of reporting obligation. The Money Laundering Act, actually stipulates that banks should report certain transactions to NFIU, cash transaction of between N5 million to N10 million by individuals and corporate bodies.

“But you know that in this clime, it is one thing to make a law and another to enforce it. We have found out, that sometimes, banks do not report some of these transactions to the NFIU.” On plea bargain by Nigerians found to have enriched themselves at the expense of the state,

he added: “Where suspect is willing to plea-bargain, you have the opportunity of achieving conviction and also recovering the proceeds of crime.

According to him, recovery of proceeds of crime is paramount in all prosecutions to the organisation than the tenuous trial which will take years to accomplish.

“For instance if you are able to recover what the person stole what is the essence of that...as plea bargain actually speeds up the trial process to enable EFCC achieve conviction and recover the proceeds of crimes thereby avoiding other prosecutorial processes.”

He said the commission had achieved a lot in its 13 years of operation especially in its antigraft war, adding that one way the agency’s achievements can be bench-marked is through the number of convictions of offenders.

Uwujaren said: “One way that our achievements can be

benchmarked is through the conviction rate and I can tell you that we have achieved about 1,200 convictions in 13 years.

Beyond that, in terms of enforcing the law, the political will of the leadership matters a lot and we didn’t have that until very recently.

“But under the current dispensation, the will is there and we are doing all within our power to ensure that all the laws that the commission is set up to enforce are done adequately and you will agree that a lot of stolen monies and assets have been recovered back to state treasury.”

On challenges facing the commission, he said: “It is not until recently in 2015 when we had this administration of Criminal Justice Act, part of the challenge was the penchant for defence counsel to stretch the judicial process in court with all kinds of frivolous applications which delays prosecution. But with the ACJ now it is difficult to come up with those applications.”

Non-OPEC Members Join Production Cut, Agree to Slash 558,000bd Chineme Okafor in Abuja with agency report

Member countries of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and non-OPEC producers yesterday reached their first deal since 2001 to jointly curtail oil output and ease a global glut after more than two years of low prices that overstretched many national budgets and spurred unrest in some countries.

A Reuters report on the development stated that with the deal finally signed after almost a year of arguing within the OPEC, as well as mistrust in the willingness of Russia, a non-OPEC member to play ball, the market’s focus will now switch to compliance with the agreement.

Last week, OPEC agreed to slash output by 1.2 million barrels per day from January 1, 2017, with top exporter Saudi Arabia

cutting as much as 486,000 barrels per day (bpd).

While no official statement was released by the OPEC Secretariat in Vienna venue of the meeting as the time of filing this report, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu however confirmed the development on his twitter handle @EIK where he noted that the total volume to be cut by non-OPEC members would be 558,000 barrels per day (bd).

Kachikwu noted that within the deal, Azerbaijan will cut its daily production by 35,000bd, Bahrain – 10,000bd, Brunei Darussalam – 4,000bd, Equatorial Guinea – 12,000bd, Kazakhstan – 20,000bd, Malaysia – 20,000bd, Mexico – 100,000bd, Oman – 45,000bd, Russia – 300,000bd, Republic of Sudan – 4000bd, and Republic of South Sudan – 8000bd.

He said that amounted to 558,000bd of oil production cut

from the non-OPEC member countries, with the Russian Federation taking the biggest cut of 300,000bd, followed by Mexico which has agreed to shelve 100,000bd of its production volume.

OPEC has a long history of cheating on output quotas. The fact that Nigeria and Libya were exempt from the deal due to production-denting civil strife will further pressure OPEC leader Saudi Arabia to shoulder the bulk of supply reductions.

Russia, according to Reuters had 15 years ago failed to deliver on promises to cut its oil production in tandem with OPEC, but was now expected to perform a real output reductions this time.

Reuters also stated that market analysts were beginning to question whether many other non-OPEC producers would be attempting to present a natural decline in output as their contribution to the deal.

It quoted OPEC’s SecretaryGeneral, Mohammed Barkindo to have said before the agreement, that: “This is a very historic meeting ... This will boost the global economy and will help some OECD countries to reach their inflation targets.”

Similarly, the President of the OPEC Conference and Qatar’s Minister of Energy and Industry, Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada, said before the meeting that the decision of OPEC to cut its production by 1.2mbpd last week was a collaborative timely action to address the prevailing market realities and prospects, and that it expected non-OPEC members to complete the picture.

“It was a commitment to the global community to help restore and sustain market stability with positive and broad implications on the world economy, the oil industry and oil producing and exporting nations.

As part of efforts aimed at safeguarding the rights of women and children in the state, the Ondo state government at the weekend reinaugurated the state Social Mobilisation and Technical Committee (SSOMTEC) in conjunction with the United Nations Children Social Mobilisation Fund (UNICEF).

While inaugurating the Committee, the State’s Commissioner for Information, Mr. Kayode Akinmade said the government has rendered services in consonance with the Child Right Act, aimed at enabling every child to develop his or her talent and full potential in a climate of peace, equality and respect for human dignity.

The Commissioner, who observed that children and women everywhere in the world were vulnerable and so largely depend on government for protection and survival, explained that the caring Heart programme of the Dr. Olusegun Mimiko’s administration was to fulfil

this responsibility.

According to him, the free medical care for pregnant women, free health care and immunisation for children from age 0-6 years, the mega schools, the Mother and Child hospitals, free shuttle buses for both Primary and Secondary school students and Abiye programme among others were all to ensure the well-being of the child.

He commended UNICEF for its continued support and assistance towards promoting the survival, protection, development and participation of children and women in matters that affect them.

Akinmade challenged all the Focal/ Programme officers involved in the scheme, to come up with new strategies that would enhance the performance of the Committee, emphasising that SSOMTEC was re-launched, to among other objectives, identify and provide appropriate outlet for child survival, protection and developmental information for action in the interest of women and children.

Senate Proposes Special Tribunal for Arrested Vessels’ Crew, Maritime Criminals • Seeks increased budgetary allocation for Navy Chiemelie Ezeobi To tackle incidences of maritime crimes in the nation’s waterways, the Senate Committee on Nigerian Navy, yesterday said it had proposed a special tribunal to handle any arrested vessel and its crew.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, Isah Maisau, made this disclosure at the one-day oversight visit to the Western Naval Command (WNC) and Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), in preparation for the 2017 budget.

Maisau was reacting to the reports by the Flag Officer Commanding, WNC, Rear Admiral Ferguson Bobai, who had during his briefing lamented that harbouring arrested vessels and catering for their crew was tasking the navy.

He said, “We are looking at a situation where all these arrested vessels within three months are taken care of. We shall have a special tribunal to handle cases of arrested vessels so that within three months, all the exhibits are handed over to the appropriate agencies and prosecution is concluded.

“At the end of the day, we will put a legislation whereby such vessels are forfeited to the Federal Government to deter the sponsors of maritime crimes because if you auction them, they will go behind and buy it and still continue the illegality. But if you put it for government use, it will deter the criminals from venturing into criminality, given the fact that they will forfeit their vessel to the government.”

On the essence of the oversight visit and the expected outcome he said, “You should expect so much. We are preparing for 2017 budget and we are expecting the president to lay the budget on Wednesday or Thursday next week. That is why we came out for oversight function, so that we can see where we can assist during the 2017 budget.

“Navy needs so much than the government is approving in the budget. About 75 to 80 per cent of the resources coming to government coffers lie within the maritime domain and the Navy is in charge of protecting the facilities.

“With the kind of budget we are approving, the nation cannot perform its function effectively. We are trying to see how we can make a special presentation and appeal to the president in collaboration with the National Security Adviser (NSA), finance minister and budget office to get intervention from other sources for the navy.

“As a committee, we would ensure that this time around, the navy has enough funds to perform its duties. If the resources are availed to the navy, the activities of militants in the Niger Delta will reduce, because the discipline, capacity and well trained officers to do it, but no equipment.

He added, “Only budgetary allocation of about N25 billion cannot do anything for a capital intensive agency like the navy.

That money cannot even fuel all the ships they are using in one month, because, one vessel takes as much as 24 tankers of 33 litres.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • DECEMBER 11, 2016

SUNDAYNEWS Armed Forces Retire 507, Train Military Retirees for Post-service Life Chiemelie Ezeobi

COURTESY CALL Executive Secretary Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), Sharon Ikeazor, with Commissioner of Police in charge of Pensions Nigeria Police, Sholla David , during a courtesy visit to PTAD office...recently

FG Wants Position of Chief Executive of Proposed NOC Tenured • Says KPIs to determine CEO’s continued stay in office Chineme Okafor in Abuja The federal government has proposed in the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) which is currently before the Senate for legislative consideration that a tenured term of office be established and legalised in the bill for the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Oil Company (NOC) that is intended to emerge from the process to replace the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu in his address at the public debate on the PIGB in Abuja, disclosed this. The PIGB is a private member bill sponsored

by Senator Tayo Alasoadura who represents Ondo Central in the Senate.

Kachikwu also said the government would want the office of the CEO of the NOC to be saddled with established annual Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) upon which the performance of

its occupants would be evaluated for either a sack or continuation on the job.

He noted that since the NOC would be established as a holding company for an integrated operation that would be commercialised, it must therefore be insulated from political interferences and all its governance structures clearly stated to allow it begin to apply the corporate governance ethics of companies listed in the stock market even before its eventual listing in the exchange.

“With respect to government’s role on the commercial side, the reforms that we commenced earlier on in the year need to be sustained through legislation. The critical issues here are governance, funding, efficiency and accountability of the commercial entities,” said Kachikwu.

He further explained: “A National Oil Company (NOC) needs to be created as a holding company for an integrated op-

eration that will operate on a fully commercial basis.

“A key plank of our reforms is to ensure that the national oil company is able to operate without recourse to the treasury such that funds that could otherwise be sequestrated for our upstream commitments can be deployed by the treasury to meet urgent needs in other social sectors. Ultimately, the national oil company needs to acquire an investment grade status if it is ever to achieve these objectives.”

The minister then stated: “This will require a new way of governance and a different type of national oil company than currently exists. For one, it must be insulated from political interference in its operations.

“It must also run commercially and efficiently if it is to be able to attract funding from debt and capital markets. The governance structure and terms of reference must therefore be clearly stated and legislation must provide it a pathway to independently and

sustainably raise its own funding.

“Hence, our recommendation is that there should be an explicit provision in the bill that clarifies that the national oil company shall cease to be funded from the federation account and shall have the power to raise funding for its operations from the debt and capital markets.”

The NOC, he noted, “should be structured as a holding company to be chaired by the minister, the NOC to be an integrated holding company comprising semi-independent upstream, midstream and downstream with their own CEOs and board of directors, CEO/GMD of NOC to be appointed by the President upon the advice of the minister.”

“Position of CEO/GMD of the NOC to be tenured but subject to fulfilment of annual Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and targets to be set by the board, the CEO/GMD of holding company may only be removed for failing to fulfill KPIs and for misconduct,” he added.

Condemnation Trails Jammeh’s Rejection of Election Results Demola Ojo in Lagos, Tobi Soniyi and Alex Enumah in Abuja with agency reports

Condemnation has trailed President Yahya Jammeh’s rejection of the results of Gambia’s election held on December 1. Jammeh had initially accepted the results and conceded defeat to his rival Adama Barrow, preparing to cede power after 22 years as the leader of the West African nation of less than two million people.

But in an announcement on state TV on Friday, Jammeh said he had changed his mind and wanted “fresh and transparent elections which will be officiated by a god-fearing and independent electoral commission”.

Jammeh said, “After a thorough investigation, I have decided to reject the outcome of the recent election. I lament serious and unacceptable

abnormalities which have reportedly transpired during the electoral process.”

However, in a unanimous statement, the 15-member UN Security Council called on Jammeh to “respect the choice of the sovereign people of The Gambia”.

The body condemned the latest statement from Jammeh and called on him to transfer power “without condition and undue delay”. They intend to review the situation tomorrow before deciding whether to hold a meeting, diplomats said.

AU chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma also said Jammeh’s latest statement was “null and void” because he had already conceded defeat in the election. “The chairperson of the commission strongly urges President Yahya Jammeh to facilitate a peaceful and orderly transition and transfer of power,” she said.

Senegal’s government urged President Jammeh to respect the election results.

Senegal, which has Gambia’s only land border and once sent troops there during a coup, warned Jammeh not to harm Senegal’s interests or its citizens in Gambia.

Also, the US State Department weighed in. “This action is a reprehensible and unacceptable breach of faith with the people of the Gambia and an egregious attempt to undermine a credible election process and remain in power illegitimately.”

Similarly, New York-based Human Rights Watch said it was “deeply concerned by reports of belated objections to the Gambian election results raised by President Jammeh”.

HRW called on the international community, notably the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union to “loudly

protest against any unlawful attempt to subvert the will of the Gambian people”.

President-elect Barrow accused the incumbent of damaging democracy. He told reporters in Banjul that, “The outgoing president has no constitutional authority to reject the result of the election and order for fresh elections to be held.

“I open up a channel of communication to convince him to facilitate a smooth transfer of executive powers in the supreme interest of this country,” he said.

ECOWAS chair, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, had hoped to put back on track Gambia’s first democratic transition of power in over 50 years. However, those plans appeared thwarted yesterday when her plane was denied landing access at Banjul.

(See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)

The military under the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), weekend said 507 military personnel of the Armed Forces, who have been trained in the centre, would be eased out of service to rejoin the civil life as retirees.

The 507 crop of military retirees will join the over 41,000 personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, who have in the past benefited from military sponsored vocational training courses between 1945, when the centre was established, and 2016.

Thus, to prepare them for their post service life, NAFRC has empowered 507 retired personnel, comprising 375 from the Nigerian Army (NA) and 132 from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), with skills for self-reliance.

The military retirees were trained for six months on crop and fish farming, craftsmanship and other small scale businesses.

According to NAFRC Commandant, Air Vice Marshal

Christopher Gudi, more than 40,500 retirees have benefitted from the scheme and were doing well in their chosen businesses.

He said the initiative was to enable the beneficiaries seamlessly adjust and appropriately blend with the envisaged peculiarities of retirement.

He said, “They are expected, while in retirement and active socio-economic activities, to continue to positively contribute to the achievement of national objectives. This is in fulfillment of the mandate of NAFRC, at inception in 1945. Available records indicate that more than 40,500 retirees who got re-educated in NAFRC are outstanding entrepreneurs and could hold their own anywhere.

“NAFRC has recorded some modest achievements in enabling wealth creation and hike in living standards among most retired personnel of the Armed Forces.

More concerted efforts are ongoing to expand the training scope in NAFRC through the participation of retiring commissioned officers.

Health Workers Petition Presidency, EFCC, ICPC over Indicted Director Paul Obi in Abuja

The Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) and Assembly of Health Care Professionals (AHCP) yesterday petitioned the Presidency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Nigerian Police and others over the decision of the Federal Ministry of Health to reinstate Medical Director of the Owerri Medical Centre (FMC), Dr. Angela Uwakwem.

The health workers who laid siege at the Federal Secretariat, Abuja chanting solidarity songs, carried placards with inscriptions such as ‘Mr. President Rescue FMC Owerri’ ‘Corruption is Killing the Health Sector’ ‘ Corruption Kills, Avoid It’ ‘Reinstatement or Cover Up of Dr. Angela Uwakwem?’.

JOHESU President, Biobelemoye Josiah and National Secretary, Florence Ekpebor while addressing journalists, explained that the reinstatement of Uwakwem was against the extant rules governing the civil service.

According to Josiah, “the Federal Ministry of Health handling of the matter as it affects the conduct of officers in sensitive areas and we wish observed that their acts are in tandem with President Muhammadu Buhari’s posture on corruption and his efforts to stamp out same in our public milieu.

“It is no longer news that FMC Owerri has been embroiled in crisis on corruption by Dr. Uwakwem. This situation led to her suspension and subsequent arraignment at Owerri State High Court II, by the EFCC on charges of corruption related matters.”

AEDC Defends Load-shedding in Niger, Nasarawa, Kogi and FCT Laleye Dipo in Minna The Abuja Electricity Development Company (AEDC) which is in charge of three states, Niger, Kogi Nasarawa and Abuja the Federal Capital Territory has defended the ongoing load shedding in the areas, blaming it on ‘recent drop in electricity generation’ The AEDC management said in a statement made available to newsmen in Minna yesterday that “the quantum of energy allocated to it from the national grid has fallen short of what it had been receiving some months ago”.

Consumers in the franchise areas had been facing epileptic supply of electricity resulting in the Niger state Government crying out that the organisation should explain the rationale behind the “sad development”.

Though the statement by the

AEDC did not say what was responsible for the sudden drop in electricity supply to the states and the FCT from the national grid it was learnt that reduction in the volume of water in the three hydro-electric dams in Shiroro Kainji and Jebba had caused a drastic drop in the generation of the three dams because of the low level of impounded water just as the increase in the activities of the militants in the Niger Delta region of the country had compounded the situation.

The three Hydro-electric dams contribute at least 20 per cent of power to the national grid.

The AEDC categorically stated that it had not deliberately stopped supplying electricity to the people in the franchise areas adding that “when there is limited power available to us load shedding to customers has become inevitable”.

T H I S D AY SUNDAY DECEMBER 11, 2016

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DECEMBER 11, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

OPINION

The Constitution, The Bible and The Quran

The bill seeking provision for Christian court of appeal highlights the ambiguity in the Nigerian Constitution, contends Emmanuel Ojeifo “The powerful potential of religion for good and peace will be enjoyed only if and when we find the courage to remove contention from religion as much as we can. A balanced and rational relationship between religion and the state will be in the overall interest of both the state and religion itself.”

– Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Statement on the National Dialogue Conference, April 2014.

T

oday, it has become urgently necessary to ask: where lies our allegiance as a nation, in the Constitution, in the Bible or in the Quran? I ask this salient question because on December 6, 2016, a bill seeking to amend the Nigerian Constitution to provide for the establishment of Christian court of appeal in the 36 states of the federation and the FCT scaled through second reading in the House of Representatives. Since the news went public, it has generated a lot of anxiety among Christians and non-Christians. This worrisome development has brought to the fore, once again, the obvious ambiguity in the Nigerian Constitution, with regard to the role of religion in a secular state. According to the bill, the Ecclesiastical Court of Appeal “shall complement the regular courts in adjudicating matters relating to the tenets of the Christian faith between individuals and groups that yield and submit to its jurisdiction.”

To any perceptive Nigerian, this matter borders on the relationship between religion and the Nigerian state. It is within this purview that the proposed bill should be read, because it seeks official legal backing for the establishment of a judicial court for Christians, just as Muslims have their own Sharia Court of Appeal.

For clarification sake, Article 10 of the 1999 Constitution states that, “The Government of the Federation or of a State shall not adopt any religion as State Religion.” This is what many people understand when it is said that Nigeria is a secular state. All religions are equal before the law. The secularity of the Nigerian state does not mean that the government has nothing at all to do with religion because the preamble of the 1999 Constitution declares that Nigeria is “one indivisible and indissoluble sovereign nation under God.” To put it mildly, Nigeria is not a godless atheistic state, but it is also not a theocracy. We are a secular democratic state.

The move for the establishment of a Christian court has been

long in coming. During the 2014 National Conference, a fringe group of Christian leaders started pushing this agenda. They argued that if Muslims in Nigeria have the Sharia Court of Appeal, which adjudicates on Islamic religious matters, Christians should likewise have their own Ecclesiastical Court to adjudicate on Christian religious matters. The matter was presented as a way of balancing the present lop-sidedness in the constitution, which recognises the Sharia law. For the pushers of this agenda, this religious favouritism does not augur well. Such a system is discriminatory on the basis of religion and seriously compromises Article 10 of the constitution. On the alternative, they called for the total abrogation of the Sharia law by the government, so that we can all owe our allegiance as Nigerian citizens to our constitution, and not to any sacred book.

In their position statement, “Religion and State in Nigeria” submitted to the 2014 National Dialogue Conference, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) spoke at length on this matter and others, which it termed “dangerous ambiguities and confusion.” The Bishops

The proposed bill appears to have been propelled by a kind of reactionary selfjustification, but instead of balancing the legal equation, it will dangerously balkanise the nation on the basis of religious differences and compound the already faulty legal foundation of our nation. It will simply be a case of correcting one mistake by making another new mistake

specifically looked at the place of the Sharia in the Constitution, and called for a jurisprudential surgery to rectify the ambiguity. “If we have been living with contradictions and ambiguities in these matters up till now it is about time that we decided to streamline our institutions for a more effective governance” (CBCN Statement, No. 7).

Going further, the Bishops said: “We are aware of the efforts of some people to make a case for the introduction of what they call ‘ecclesiastical courts’ as a Christian counterpart to the Sharia. The only purpose we can see such proposal serving is to forcefully bring home to our Muslim compatriots the lop-sidedness of the Sharia system in our Constitution, which has nothing similar for Christians. We stress that if Islam is a way of life, so also is Christianity. We are guided by Christian norms and rules which we administer within our respective religious communities, without dragging in the state. At the risk of appearing polemical, we sincerely urge our Muslim community to do the same” (CBCN Statement, No. 8).

From the above, it is obvious that the CBCN is not in support of the establishment of any Christian court. Its intention was to get Muslims and Christians to appreciate the fact that we cannot successfully live in peace as a nation if there are two sets of laws commanding two separate degrees of allegiance from citizens of the Nigerian state. “For the good of our nation, we make a passionate plea that Islam must now be ready to be just a religion like others in the country. Otherwise, the present and future unity and religious harmony in our nation will continue to be seriously jeopardised” (CBCN Statement, No. 9).

Against this backdrop, the proposed bill appears to have been propelled by a kind of reactionary self-justification, but instead of balancing the legal equation, it will dangerously balkanise the nation on the basis of religious differences and compound the already faulty legal foundation of our nation. It will simply be a case of correcting one mistake by making another new mistake.

We should not be surprised, therefore, if practitioners of Traditional African Religion wake up one day and ask for their own special court. In the interest of peace and unity, we should all be comfortable as Nigerian citizens to live and operate within the framework of the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, without dragging the state into religious matters or forcing religion into state affairs.

––Ojeifo is a Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Abuja

Deciphering The Value of The Infrastructure Loan Oseloka H. Obaze and Izu J. Okoye argue that Nigeria does not require a foreign loan that is likely to be mismanaged

G

reat value was lost in the skewed reportage of the keynote address delivered by Mohammad Sanusi, Emir of Kano in Abuja on December 2, 2016. Emir Sanusi, the federal government and Nigerians were ill-served by the media’s embellishing of a fiscal element of the address. The reality remains as Sanusi observed that Nigeria is heavily enmeshed in debts that “out of every one naira Nigeria makes, 40 kobo goes to debt and 60 kobo is left for salaries, health, education, power and infrastructure.” Proclaiming that Nigeria should borrow more in order to dig itself out of the present debt peonage seems counterintuitive. Yet such argument gains validity, if such borrowing is per se, for development. The redeeming caveat is ensuring “beyond financing established infrastructural needs...that aggregate expenditure is of such quantum and composition to enable exit from recession.”

The proposed $30 billion loan is tailored mainly to social infrastructure. It’s safe to assume implicit correlation between the $30 billion infrastructural development loan and reported plans to offer N20 billion to 36 states respectively, for infrastructural development.

The loan document, split into three parts – programmes and projects $11.247bn; special national infrastructure $10.686bn; and Eurobonds and federal budget support, $4.5bn and $3.5bn -- didn’t include the sectoral narratives, which made it hard to discern the benefiting geopolitical or economic sectors. But we know this much. Nigeria’s infrastructure is in bad shape and needs remediation. But the dismal state of our infrastructure is hardly by happenstance; they failed gradually, through poor policy articulation and implementation, wrong priorities and wrong utilisation of previous loans. Nigerians remain cognisant that past foreign loans dedicated to Nigeria’s steel sector yielded very limited results.

The value and amortisation terms of any loan are best assessed, if the loan is meant for hard infrastructure - power, housing, toll bridges and roads - that yield returns. Same is not always true of loans for soft and social infrastructure. Thus, it may be wise to borrow for hard infrastructure; yet not so wise to borrow for soft infrastructure. This position does not discount the overarching importance of soft infrastructure, needed to promote quality of life and human development, since rising youth unemployment, inequality, and poor healthcare delivery are corollaries of growing disenchantment and portend risks. Nigeria having only extricated herself from the sapping London and Paris Club debts just a decade ago, some heady questions arise. Will Nigeria’s borrowing outcome be any different now? Here is the challenge: Can an external loan - quick-fix, ad-hoc funding - couched in the attractive term of

“infrastructure fund” even if it serves as stimulus or bailout, begin to redress existing infrastructure deficit, if its utilisation is not properly handled?

Infrastructural deficit in Nigeria remains huge with sectoral infrastructure suffering major setbacks, which manifest in dismal electric generation and distribution; crumbling roads and bridges that are further exacerbated by a poor maintenance culture. The deregulated national air transportation system struggles, due to the existing oligopolistic market structures. Recent census shows that the national commercial air fleet shrank from a total of 60 to 20 planes in the past year alone. Prevailing operational challenges translate to air safety concerns. Nigeria is also underserved by its limited ports and waterways infrastructure. The sector is hampered by navigable, but yet to be dredged inland waterways totaling some 3,300km, and dearth of modern vessels. Nigeria’s housing deficit is estimated at 16-20 million, but Nigeria’s housing infrastructure is so laggardly that even 20% of its housing needs are presently unrealisable. The mortgage sector remains dysfunctional, given prevalent inefficacious mortgage policies and regiment.

Whereas real estate construction contributed $990 billion or some 6% of U.S. GDP in 2015, and 4% of GDP in Ghana, in Nigeria, contributions via mortgages is a dismal 0.5% of the GDP. Whilst Nigeria’s GSM system is much improved, Nigeria’s 97 million GSM users are still underserved with only 21% broadband penetration. With Boko Haram destroying most GSM urban furniture in the Northeast; the national landline systems have totally collapsed and are non-existent in most parts of the country. Such setbacks are worsened by high tariffs, lack of periodic maintenance, insufficient public sector funding and unavailability of stable bond and capital markets. Even as Nigeria’s ICT sector yielded N1.4 trillion in FQ of 2016, the nexus between the parlous state of Nigeria’s communication infrastructure and her inability to fully catalyse the “use of ICTs for different aspects of national development” persists.

Relatedly, Nigeria’s rating on the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness index, which assesses “countries’ ability to have good and steady electricity supply, road quality construction, air transportation, and port and rail infrastructures”, remains bleak.

Two consecutive surveys between 2014 and 2016 ranked Nigeria 133rd and 134th respectively, out of 144 countries.

Infrastructure funding and challenges were of lesser concern during the military era. Because democratically elected governments view infrastructure development as democratic dividends, the Jonathan administration prioritised infrastructural development via the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP),

which linked key economic sectors. The plan envisaged to last for 30 years, would guarantee sustainable economic growth and development and bridge existing infrastructure deficit, if fully implemented. Still Nigeria has suffered from the inability of successive governments to follow through on approved infrastructural projects. Hence, leadership change and politicians jockeying for preferential funding and siting of constituency projects, continue to impact negatively on infrastructure development.

The value of Nigeria’s infrastructure is relative to her historical realities regardless of whether the funding is borrowed or budgeted. Historical realities also reflect the federal government’s unending inability to leverage accruing oil revenue to develop national infrastructure fully. Resultantly, poorly funded and executed policies have contributed to awful deliverance or abandonment of strategic infrastructural projects. Meanwhile, states are increasingly averse to rehabilitating decrepit federal infrastructure, given extant policies prohibiting such repairs without prior authorisation and challenges in recouping funds expended by states on federal projects.

Funding infrastructure via budgets or loans is no longer as important as finding the political will for executing and delivering national projects fully. Not delivering on requisite infrastructure amounts to shortchanging the national population and retarding development. As Ejeviome E. Otobo, averred in the recent edition of Jeune Afrique, “The ability of all tiers of government to increase citizens’ access to pipe-borne water, public healthcare and of the federal government to increase electricity supply will be an important test of their commitment to inclusive growth.”

And as Abraham Nwankwo, Nigeria’s debt management czar observed; “If the economy does not succeed in converting the external borrowings to domestic productive capacity and selfsustaining economic growth, with substantial diversified export component, the resulting economic and social disruption will be unbearable.” Translated from our historical past to here-and-now, “unbearable” means recession, the new normal for Nigeria. Hence, advancing Nigeria does not require a foreign loan likely to be mismanaged, but a clear delineation of institutional structures and responsibilities for driving the deployment of critical national infrastructure. Such delineation will influence funding, resource and burden sharing among the three tiers of government, with a view to improving domestic productive capacity and sustainable development.

Obaze is MD/CEO Selonnes Consult Ltd.; Okoye is a Research Associate, at Selonnes Consult Ltd.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • DECEMBER 11, 2016

A

fter the return of Chukwuemeka OdumegwuOjukwu from England in 1957 after a 13 year sojourn for his educational pursuits, his wealthy and influential father wanted him to put his education to good use by joining the family business. The former rebel had other ideas as he had a brief stint in the colonial service and then headed to the army then known as the Queen’s Regiment.

The livid Sir Louis Odumegwu-Ojukwu tried to ‘talk some sense’ into the young man and enlisted the support of the then GovernorGeneral, James Robertson to ‘bail him out.’ The British colonial administrator told Emeka point blank that if he thought what happened in Egypt in 1952 when Colonel Abdel Nasser came to power through a coup could ever happen in Nigeria, he was mistaken. That statement turned out to be prophetic as it marked the pattern of Africa’s governance for the next three decades.

Military rule became the preferred mode of administration for many African nations.

Pan Africanism which was largely spearheaded by Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah hurriedly gave way to the spread of cult-like cold

LETTERS

Africa Truly Rising

Odumegwu-Ojukwu

blooded dictators.

The continent bred the likes of Mobutu Sese Seko, Idi Amin, Sani Abacha, Gnassingbe Eyadema, etc., whose brutality and visionless leadership saw the perpetual under-development of the world’s second largest continent.

No form of dissent especially from the impoverished intelligentsia and media was tolerated and the large wave of migrations especially for economic reasons started as a result of the incursion by the men in Khaki.

Corruption was another

sinister legacy that military rule in Africa bequeathed which is still haunting the continent till date. The practice of salting away billions of dollars in developed economies especially in Europe had its roots during the military rule. Sese Seko was allegedly far richer than Zaire where he ruled with an iron fist for over three decades. Dictators like IBB, Idi Amin, Omar Bongo, Teodoro Mbasogo, Jean Bedel Bokassa amassed obscene wealth appropriated from the commonwealth of their countries and so drove their people to destitution that they

longed for a return of their erstwhile colonial masters.

The 1990’s saw the wave of democratisations which swept through the continent like the harmattan’s bushfire.

A common occurence ran through as military dictators merely used democracy as a subterfuge to continue in office. Ghana led the way when Jerry John Rawlings became democratically elected in 1992 after being in power via a second coup for eleven years. He kept his word by handing over power after two terms. Gnassingbe Eyadema had no term limit as he kept tinkering with the constitution to have an indefinite stay in office till death took him away.

Late General Sani Abacha masterminded the formation of five political parties which all adopted him as their sole presidential candidate for the proposed 1998 elections until his tragic death. The agenda was to succeed himself.

Yahya Jammeh of the smallest West African state of The Gambia belonged to this category. As a lieutenant in the army, he ousted Dawda Jawara in a bloodless coup in 1994 and has ruled with an iron fist for 22 years. He bowed to the pressure to democratise but always put himself on the ballot in such a manner that the bid of any potential rival to defeat him

TONY OMILUYI AND THE HEROIC OUTBURST OF FEMI FANI-KAYODE

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recent article written by one Tony Omiluyi titled “Femi Fani-Kayode’s Outburst” was, in the end, nothing but the reflection of a writer whose mind is warped and cut the figure of a frustrated individual envious of Chief Femi FaniKayode’s soaring heights and unquenchable spirit of doggedness, indefatigability and effusive flow of commendations from millions of Nigerians across all ethno-religious divide in the country.

That article was full of nothing but the usual vituperation, jaundiced analyses and half-truths often associated with such banality, and a deliberate journey embarked upon by an obsessive voyeur of an author on an unholy mission to mislead the people by standing truth and logic on its head.

The depth of Omiluyi’s puerility in that article came to fore immediately he put pen to paper. Taking off with the overflogged but untrue issue of what was purportedly said by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo that if you give Fani-Kayode food, he would do anything including dance for you, Omiluyi confirmed that his sources of information and research are absolutely unreliable as even Obasanjo himself has since denied ever making such statement which was the

creation of an unimaginative journalist with an Osun State based online medium for which the journalist has since been sacked by his employers.

It is such blatant lie that the likes of Omiluyi would quickly believe and also peddle far and wide without double-checking the facts. Fact checks are actually not usually associated with lazy writers as it is a function and the exclusive preserve of writers with class and choice.

Furthermore, in a bid to vitiate the seriousness of Buhari’s autocratic rule, Omiluyi made reference to Fani-Kayode’s experience with Boko Haram inmates at Kuje prisons as he wrote in one of his essays, “Head Bloodied but not Bowed”. In that essay, Fani-Kayode wrote how, contrary to some expectations, the Boko Haram inmates at Kuje prisons were extremely nice and helpful to him. This much Fani-Kayode stated and there was nothing political in it, it was just a statement of fact. Omiluyi’s disappointment must have come from the fact that people like him did not see any sensational news headline like “Fani-Kayode Attacked in Prison”. Whatever the former minister of aviation must have written, it does not take away the fact that Buhari’s administration is not only autocratic, but also tyran-

nical and dictatorial.

Omiluyi took his ignorance further and adroitly exposed his hatred for Ndigbo when he made futile attempts to insult the collective sensibility of the Igbo by describing two of their greatest lifetime leaders, the late Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe and Chief Emeka Odimegwu Okukwu, in very uncomplimentary manners not worthy of repeating.

In all, rather than make jejune attempts at vilifying Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, Omiluyi and his likes should actually learn the principles of courage and tenacity from him. Despite all that has been thrown in his way, Fani-Kayode has remained steadfast and unperturbed in his views about the Buhari administration.

It was Fani-Kayode who predicted right before the 2015 presidential election that Buhari’s government would be autocratic and brutish. Just over a year after the election, he has been proved right.

It was Fani-Kayode who said at that time that Buhari’s government would usher in an era of hunger and hardship in Nigeria.

Just over a year after that, Nigerians are writhing in hunger and economic hardship. That, certainly, is not Fani-Kayode’s fault.

When the people are ruled with an iron fist, you do not expect a

Fani-Kayode to keep quiet! When the people are subjected to biting hunger as a result of government’s ineptitude, you do not expect a Fani-Kayode to keep quiet! When the people are attacked daily by terrorist Fulani herdsmen and the government shows no will to protect the victims, you do not expect a Fani-Kayode to keep quiet! When the people are killed in cold blood by security agents paid to protect them, you do not expect a Fani-Kayode to keep quiet!

The former minister of culture and tourism has since gone ahead to become the voice of the voiceless and the face of hope for the hopeless in our society that is fast ebbing away under the rudderless leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari. He speaks truth to power even at a great cost to his own personal safety and convenience.

He will never keep quiet no matter the intimidation, harassment and mudslinging thrown his way. If this is what Tony Omiluyi and his co-travelers refer to as Femi Fani-Kayode’s outburst, then it is actually a compliment for a man who has become more popular than Omiluyi’s paymasters in Aso Rock.

––jrndukwe@yahoo. co.uk; Twitter: @stjudendukwe

was dead on arrival. He didn’t set any term limit and constantly changed the rules in the middle of the game all in his rapacious bid to remain in power for life. He gunned for his fifth term this year after boasting that he would remain in power for a billion years if Allah willed it. He had earlier won in 1996, 2001, 2006 and 2011.

His old tricks still bared its fangs when he barred observers from the European Union and Ecowas from being accredited to observe the polls.

He also ordered a complete shutting down of internet services and international phone calls so as to prevent the free flow of communication of the irregularities that were sure to have been perpetuated.

He extended his crack down on the media when officials from the Gambian National Intelligence Agency arrested the Director-General of the state television and radio, Momodou Sabally and his colleague, Bakary Fatty when he felt their fair coverage of the activities of the opposition was an affront on him. Adama Barrow learning from the example of Senegal, Niger and Nigeria smartly formed a coalition of seven political parties which aided his victory of the uncouth dictator by over 50,000 votes.

It is indeed a victory for democracy that the autocrat who claimed he could cure AIDS and female infertility accepted the electoral verdict and even congratulated his challenger. Needless bloodshed was averted in this surprising show of good sportsmanship. We recall the bloodbath that greeted the hotly disputed elections in 2011 in Cote D’ Ivoire between Laurent Gbagbo and Alassane Ouattara. Gbagbo

refused to cede power after he lost to the latter and an unnecessary war erupted as a result. Even though its no big deal in the west for losers to quickly concede. It is cause for celebration in Africa with the ‘big man’syndrome that deifies the rulers. Despite his 22 year misrule, his last minute action will etch his name in gold in a way akin to how the robber got a last minute reprieve from Jesus Christ on the cross and was assured of paradise.

This should be an opportunity for him to explore his ‘feat’in medicine by devoting his time to acclaimed cure for the HIV scourge. Perhaps he may win the next Nobel prize.

The power of incumbency is fast becoming a myth in Africa as a new dawn of servant-leadership is fast catching up here. Power for its mere sake is giving away for accountable leadership with utmost respect for the people. The ‘Divine Right of Kings’cloaked under military or civilian dictatorships is now being replaced with democratic tenets and the leaders exercising power at the pleasure of the people in whom rests the ultimate sovereignty. The dark ages of the reign of the despots will soon find its way to the museum for the next generation to learn from their rise and fall.

As we expect the result of the polls in Ghana, we are guaranteed that the Heavens will not fall should in case John Dramani Mahama loses.

We watch with keen interest what the fate of the remaining despots like Gabon’s Omar Bongo and Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe would be as there is certainly no place for their antiquated ideology.

Tony Ademiluyi, Lagos

NIGERIA`S FISCAL FOLLY

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ers and even many neutrals he myriad of posit that the face of Abuja as it concerned citizens is today can be chalked up to who have painfully the courage and determination followed the bloody of the now Governor of events staged on the Kaduna State, who allegedly theatre of mindless slaughter tore down a house belonging that Kaduna state has steadily to his father-in-law to give become over the years were way to the Abuja Master Plan. hit with another sucker punch Many would also argue that when the Executive Governor Kaduna State today is being of Kaduna State and its Chief set on a path of irreversible Security Officer, Nasir Ahmad development. Razor-blunt El - Rufai declared that he had and confrontational, since he paid Fulani herdsmen money assumed the highest office in to stop their sacrilegious attacks Kaduna State which has in reon long-suffering indigenes of cent memory contributed large Kaduna State, especially the acres to Nigeria`s killing fields, Christian-dominated area of his penchant for controversy southern Kaduna. has found enormous fodder.

Given his eccentricities and To put it in proper perspective, insatiable thirst for controversy, the orgy of blood-letting which those who have followed his has convulsed Kaduna State colourful and enigmatic politifor years now did not start cal career from when he held the office of the Hon. Minister, with El-Rufai. Years of bloody Federal Capital Territory during internecine crises between the predominantly Christian which time countless buildings southern Kaduna area and the fell to rubbles and countless predominantly Muslim central families were rendered and northern parts of the state homeless controversially, to have reduced one of Nigeria`s implement the Abuja Master most iconic states to a valley Plan, to his current stint as Governor of Kaduna State, have flowing with blood. never been starved of drama –– Kenechukwu Obiezu, Abuja and unpredictability.

(See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com) Yet his most ardent support-

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 11, 2016

INTERNATIONAL Nigeria’s Foreign Policy and Strategy: The Challenge of Domestic and Global Environmental Dynamics

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he theme of the second national conference on Nigeria’s Foreign Policy, organized by the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), is entitled Stakeholders Conference on Nigeria’s Foreign Policy and Strategy: Responses to the Dynamics of Domestic and Global Environments in the 21st century.’’ By calling it a stakeholders’ conference, it means it was restricted to only people who have the relevant knowledge and experience and who have something to do with the business of foreign policy.

The conference was organised against the background of changing dynamics in the domestic and global environments.

For instance, it was the exertion of measurable impact of the nature and dynamics of the global environment on the content and direction of Nigeria’s foreign policy that largely informed the organisation of the first Kuru Conference on ‘All-Nigeria Conference on Foreign Policy’ in 1986.

However, in the thirty years between 1986 and 2016, the Directorate of Research of the NIPSS has it that ‘the global strategic environment is experiencing rapid technological and social changes, especially since the beginning of the new millennium.

This has accelerated interconnectedness and interdependence of peoples and countries. The boundaries between domestic and global affairs are increasingly blurred as policy making is now enhanced in a milieu of complex bilateral and multilateral mechanism... In these circumstances, Nigeria’s foreign policy would need calibration to respond to these changes in line with its national interests.’

As further considered by the NIPSS, the changes at the domestic level are such that Nigeria’s foreign policy must also ‘respond to the urgent need of building strong and efficient institutional frameworks for addressing the observed challenges.’ The challenges include intermittent polarization and instability, high level of unemployment and poverty, mono-cultural economy and low industrial and agricultural productivity. Additionally, there are the problems of institutional corruption, declining quality of education and ethical standards, as well as infrastructural deficit.

Another rationale for the second Kuru Conference is the need to complement the various reviews of public policy. Already, Nigeria has a comprehensive National Security Policy and Strategy, and a National Cyber Security Strategy. As NIPSS explains it, ‘what is remaining essentially is a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s foreign policy and strategy. Since the NIPSS believes that ‘the strategic vision for Nigeria’s foreign policy is to vigorously pursue a just secure, united, democratic and developed nation, which is quite arguable, the NIPSS as a policy research and leadership Institute, decided to play host to a stakeholders’ conference on ‘Nigeria’s Foreign Policy and Strategy’’ with special emphasis on how to respond to the dynamics of the domestic and global environments.

The Conference, organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was held at the Sheraton Hotel, Abuja on Wednesday, 30th November 2016 and Thursday 1st December, 2016. There were three sessions per day. In terms of methodology, papers and presentations emphasised historical and issueoriented approaches, which enabled reflections on conjectural foreign policy scenarios required to guide foreign policy. In this regard, the structure of discussions was three-layered: opening, working, and syndicate sessions. Besides, in terms of analytical scope, the foundations of Nigeria’s foreign policy, her bilateral, and multilateral relations were covered.

In his keynote address at the opening session, the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs (HMFA), Mr. Geoffrey J. Onyeama, mandated the NIPSS to review all aspects of Nigeria’s foreign policy and strategy in order to develop ‘an action plan for the

The second NIPSS conference on Nigeria’s foreign policy was good. It came at a time Nigeria was found frolicking around at a foreign policy junction of indecision and at a time the US president-elect, Donald Trump, was threatening to deal with Nigerians. The conference provided the necessary platform to anticipate scenarios and build counter scenarios for purposes of national survival in a changing world of globalisation

VIE INTERNATIONALE with

Bola A. Akinterinwa Telephone : 0807-688-2846

e-mail: bolyttag@yahoo.com

Onyeama, Minister of Foreign Affairs

realization of a new one’ and to redefine ‘our vital national interests to fully explore emerging domestic and global challenges by injecting new dynamics into Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture.’ More significantly, the HMFA requested the Conference to ‘elaborate on mechanisms capable of leading to the birth of a new foreign policy able to address and contain the crisis of underdevelopment, the challenges of poverty and other strata of socio-political developments.’ Such mechanisms, in the eyes of Mr. Onyeama, must address the current issues in international relations: diplomacy, globalization, human rights, terrorism, democracy and environmental challenges.

Matters Arising: The Governmental Challenges

At the level of foundations of Nigeria’s foreign policy, two main papers were presented by Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, former Chargé d’Affaires, Nigeria’s High Commission in India and current Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Dr. Shedrack Gaya Best, Professor of Political Science at the University of Jos. In his paper on the “Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Management of Nigeria’s Foreign Missions: Challenges and Prospects,” Ambassador Enikanolaiye indirectly raised the critical issues of perception, the changing nature of global questions and national interest, as well as attitudinal behaviour in the generation of conflicts and policy making as dynamics of policy making domestically and internationally.

Regarding perception, Enikanolaiye recalled when issues like human rights, refugees, etc were not regarded as ‘so relevant, rather as mundane issues of international relations, as opposed to decolonisation, anti-apartheid, and nuclear disarmament.’

Today, Enkanolaiye has submitted, ‘the table has turned as we see environmental issues, migration, terrorism, development cooperation, trade and investment and human rights and other relatively new issues taking the front burner of international discourse.’

Put differently, in the 1980s, human rights as an issue was not a big deal but it is today. Nigeria’s foreign policy interest was more about decolonisation and denuclearisation by then. Today, Nigeria is saddled with different questions. When Ambassador Enikanolaiye was Third Secretary at the Second United Nations Department, and was dealing with human rights questions, he was simply perceived as dealing with mundane issues and therefore dealing with irrelevancies. The implication was that he was not considered relevant to policy making. The truth of the matter, however, was that human rights remained a critical subject internationally but Nigerian policy makers simply did not take it so.

The changing nature of international questions, largely predicated by globalisation, partly explains the rivalry or misunderstanding between some Nigerian diplomatic missions and the headquarters. As explained by the Permanent Secretary, ‘while the Headquarters is largely responsible for policy formulation and design, Headquarters rely almost totally on their missions to carry out their directives.’ However, ‘officers at missions, rightly or wrongly, claim superior knowledge of the issues, especially as

it involves their country or organisations of accreditation and are sometimes not too disposed to adopting the position of Headquarters...’ In the thinking of Enikanolaiye, Headquarters is ‘in the vintage position to ... better understand government policies, programs and priorities to be projected abroad.

From this perspective, his paper focused on what should be done in the conduct and management of Nigeria’s diplomatic missions abroad in order to make them better. In this regard, identifying some of the main challenges as inadequate funding, flagrant disregard for laid down rules, regulations and processes, he suggested the need to put an end to impunity, ensure that missions are not run according to the whims and caprices of the Heads of Mission, prevent Missions from being run as a fiefdom, prevent officers from writing directly to the Permanent Secretary without going through their Heads of Mission, prevent the remittance of funds directly to Missions without the involvement of the Headquarters, prevent Chargé d’Affaires or officers in acting capacities from writing directly to the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs (HMFA), and most importantly, ‘on no account should and Head of Mission address their correspondence to Mr. President directly.’ It must be through the HMFA. If indiscipline is seriously addressed, foreign policy pursuit, which he sees ‘not to be in sync with the domestic policy focus of Mr. President (security, economic prosperity, corruption eradication, etc), inadequate funding cannot but be a thing of the past, especially in light of the many measures already taken and that are being taken: policy reviews involving the reconstitution of the Policy Planning Committee and Crisis Management Committee, Station Charters, re-introduction of regional seminars of Heads of Mission to be held at the Headquarters, in-house training seminars for Foreign Service Officers. For the specific purpose of financial solvency of the Missions, he suggested the need to allow them to keep a certain percentage of revenue generated from their operations, and the need to work out a Public-Private-Partnership arrangement for some government’s choice properties abroad.

A second foundational question raised by Professor Shedrack Gaya Best in his paper, Nigeria’s Foreign Policy-making Process in a Democracy, is ‘whether or not the national interest of Nigeria in foreign policy is equivalent to the foreign policy objectives identified in Section 19 of the 1999 Constitution.’ Professor Best has observed that, of the three forms of government in Nigeria (colonial, 1914-1960: 46 years; military, 29 years and democratic, 27 years), ‘the years of military rule have helped to militarise the institutions and agencies responsible for making foreign policy with the effect of alienating the citizenry from the process and making it an executive affair. This legacy has not been corrected by the democratic eras.’

More significantly, he not only observed that the 1999 Constitution provided only a broad framework and not at all precise and clear on Nigeria’s national interest, but also posited that ‘there has been no remarkable difference between the process of foreign policy making in a democracy and that under military rule in Nigeria.’

To be able to respond to global challenges in the 21st Century, he called for an unambiguous definition and operationalisation of the Nigerian national interest, a democratisation of the foreign policy making process, by particularly increasing citizen participation, responding to public opinions, encouraging professional associations to have input, as well as re-positioning and enabling the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs to provide research input into foreign policy formulation.

The Bilateral and Multilateral Dimensions

At the level of bilateral relations, discussions focused on Nigeria’s relations with China, India, United States, and France.

Professor W.O. Alli, of the University of Jos, examined the principles on which Nigeria’s relationship with China is based, the main issues involved, its dynamics, and why the ties should be specially sustained. China has a foreign policy predicated on a pentagon: non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations; non-alignment; win-win policy, One China, two systems policy; and South-South cooperation. The critical issues involved centre around how to make Nigeria-China relations more beneficial to Nigeria.

As argued by Professor Alli, Nigeria has a lot to learn from the Chinese, especially in terms of how to structure the economy and balance national development. He noted the ‘deployment of communist political structure to administer a clearly capitalist economy’ as ‘of great significance in the Chinese political genius.’

Without doubt, Professor Alli cannot be more right when he underscored the need to evolve strategies for sustaining the relationship. If the volume of trade was under $60m at the beginning of the Second Republic, increased to about $400 million on the eve of the Fourth Republic, and if the Chinese are not only involved in the establishment of free trade zones, but also in launching of Nigeria’s first satellite into the space, and perhaps more interestingly, if Nigeria is not only the number one engineering contract market for China but also the first African country to accept the Chinese currency, RMB, in its foreign reserve, as well as the first African country to establish a Cultural Centre in China, it is only logical to continue to sustain these elements of strategic partnership with China.

(See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • DECEMBER 11, 2016

BUSINESS QUICK TAKES Aviation

The President of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Council, Dr. Olumuyiwa Bernard Aliu, has said 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,” he said.

Borrowing Packets of US dollars

CBN: Foreign Reserves Accumulated $825 Million in November Kunle Aderinokun

There was an accretion of about $825, 149,623 to Nigeria’s foreign reserves in November, data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has revealed.

According to the figures obtained from CBN on the movement in reserves, which is a 30-day moving average, on November 1, the gross foreign reserves stood at $23,946,448,274 and by November 30, the level was raised to $24,771,597,897, representing an increase of $825,149,623 or 3.45 per cent in the review month.

The foreign reserves, according to the International Monetary Fund, consist of “official public sector foreign assets that are readily available to, and controlled by the monetary authorities, for direct financing of payment imbalances, and directly regulating the magnitude of such imbalances, through intervention in the exchange markets to affect the currency exchange rate and/ or for other purposes.”

Nigeria’s foreign reserves had been under severe pressure before the introduction of the flexible foreign exchange regime, which allows the exchange rate to be determined by supply and demand. As it were, before the

ECONOMY advent of the flexible foreign exchange regime, the unabatedly rising demands for the United States dollar had pushed the value of the naira southward and the CBN, in its wisdom, had intermittently intervened in the market, defending the national currency with the foreign reserves. The intervention had at various times eaten deep into the reserve, used to settle payment of the nation’s import obligations.

For instance, the external reserve was reported to have lost $1.5 billion in the second quarter (before the introduction of the flexible regime), which may not be unconnected with the response of the CBN to the falling value of the naira.

But the positive development in November, may be considered a reversal of fortunes or the beginning of a positive turnaround, giving the trend of activities in recent past.

Analysts at FBNQuest, an investment banking and research arm of FBN Holdings, have described the accretion in the month of November as “a rare increase in reserves.”

According to the firm, “CBN

data show that gross official reserves picked up by US$820m in November on a 30-day moving average basis to US$24.8bn. The monthly average movement has been an outflow of US$430m over the past 12 months.”

Recalling that, “This first sizeable increase since July 2015, when the FX holdings of public bodies were transferred to the CBN, is apparently due to the disbursement of US$600m by the African Development Bank (AfDB) in the On November 1, the gross foreign reserves stood at $23,946,448,274 and by November 30, the level was raised to $24,771,597,897, representing an increase of $825,149,623 or 3.45 per cent in the review month

form of budget support,” FBNQuest analysts argued that, “We do not see another inflow on this scale until Q1 2017, when the sovereign Eurobond is due to be launched.”

FBNQuest noted that, “The reserves may appear comfortable according to one traditional measure: on the basis of the balance of payments for the 12 months through to end-June, they provided cover for 6.6 months’

merchandise imports and for 4.6 months when we add services.”

But it pointed out that, the cushion is not wholly owned by CBN as its latest figures showed that it was the owner of only 73 per cent of reserves.

Given the oil price and allowing for the OPEC accord in Vienna last week, and seeing still robust import demand, the CBN is playing cautiously, observed the FBNQuest analysts.

“Since August it has sold just US$1.5m per day (to one bank according to a rota). In addition it has honoured four forward contracts since the devaluation/ liberalisation in June, and held a special FX auction for petroleum marketers this week.”

“In June we were told that a floating exchange-rate regime was imminent. We urge patience, however, since we cannot currently identify the large autonomous FX inflows which will prove the short-term, game-changer. We are content with our favoured piecemeal solution in which a series of transactions over time supplies the trigger (Eurobond, balance under the AfDB facility, World Bank support and oil-related transactions),” the analysts concluded.

The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udo Udoma, has said the borrowing by the Federal Government would be used to fund critical infrastructure projects across the country. He said this during a meeting with the Assistant Secretary for Multilateral Affairs of the Trade and Policy Department at the French Treasury, Mr. Guillaume Chabert, in Abuja. He noted that the government was working on a national economic recovery and growth plan, which would move the country out of recession and set it on a growth path.

“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,” he said. Udoma explained that while the government was exploring other means of generating revenue internally, it had to borrow, part of which had to be sourced internationally from sources that could give concessionary terms, like the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

Power

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has slammed N47.6million fine on the Transmission Company of Nigeria for various regulatory breaches. According to the commission, the fine was also due to the company’s failure to submit its 2013 and 2014 audited financial statements. This came as the 11 power distribution companies in the country have declared that the Nigerian electricity industry is on the verge of collapse as a result of the poor tariffs being charged consumers. Although they did not call for an increase in the electricity tariffs, the Discos warned that the sector was under grave threat on account of various operational challenges occasioned by the exorbitant and unstablenairatodollarexchangerate.

On the fine against the TCN, NERC stated that the company had up to two weeks from December 2, 2016 when the disciplinary order was signed by its acting Chairman, Dr. Tony Akah; and the General Manager, Legal, Licensing and Enforcement, Mrs. Olufunke Dinneh, to pay up.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • DECEMBER 11, 2016

BUSINESS/MONEY

As CBN Moves to Protect Beneficiaries of Intervention Fund…

Though recent happenings in the agriculture value chain may have necessitated a stern warning to Participating Finance Institutions, Olaseni Durojaiye and James Emejo report that compliance and enforcement remain challenges confronting the sector

B

arely a week after the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Audu Ogbeh, spoke on the fears of an impending famine in the country, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele’s warning to financial institutions participating in the CBN-guaranteed intervention funds to desist from granting loans with interests above nine per cent has further put development in the agricultural value chain under focus.

Emefiele gave the warning in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during an interaction between the Presidential Task Force on Agricultural Commodities and Production and young farmers at the Owowo Model Farm Estate.

He also assured the young farmers of the bank’s funding support through their respective PFIs, and asked them t*o report any bank that charg*es them above 9 per cent interest on loans guaranteed by the CBN. He also urged operators in the sector to report any erring PFI to the apex bank for possible sanction.

The warning, coming shortly after the alarm

by Ogbeh, that famine was imminent in the country if certain steps were not taken urgently, may have flagged some questions around the country’s agricultural value chain.

Keen observers would wonder -why a country with massive potential in the sector could not guarantee food security for its citizenry or, in the least, guarantee lower food inflation.

This appears to gain more traction considering that various interventionist funds have been put in place to galvanise potential in the Emefiele sector towards ensuring food security in the country and diversification of the country’s revenue base away from the oil and gas, of foreign exchange earnings,” among others. and services sectors.

The scheme, which is a sub component of the While the warning from Emefiele underscores Federal Government of Nigeria’s Commercial low compliance rating among the PFIs, some Agriculture Development Programme (CADP), observers opined that it is also a signal that the is financed through a N200billion Bond raised CBN is determined to improve on monitoring by the Debt Management Office (DMO). and enforcement of guidelines attached to intervention funds for critical sectors.

Reactions to the New Directive Speaking with THISDAY, Chairman, Nigeria Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme Agribusiness Group, Sanni Dangote, welcomed (CACS) the directive but noted that there was need for According to information sourced on the segmentation of the agribusiness. He added website of the CBN, one of the -*intervention that, while the nine per cent interest rate funds dedicated to the sector is the Com- favour operators in the agribusiness sector, mercial Agriculture Credit Scheme. The site it does not favour the primary segment of stated that, “As part of its developmental the agricultural value chain. role, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Dangote argued for a lower interest rate for collaboration with the Federal Ministry of operator involved in activities that require long Agriculture and Water Resources (FMA&WR) gestation period including tree and pineapple established the Commercial Agriculture plantation, land development among others.

Credit Scheme (CACS) in 2009 to provide He stated that, “it is fine for agribusiness finance for the country’s agricultural value because it is a short term window and brings chain (production, processing, storage and quicker returns; some activities require longer marketing). Increased production arising from period of gestation even with the moratorium the intervention would moderate inflationary in place.” pressures and assist the bank to achieve its He said: “It is a good development and we goal of price stability in the country.” welcome it. However, there is need for the The site also listed the primary objectives CBN to do a proper segmentation of the of the scheme to include, “Fast-track the agribusiness sector because nine per cent is development of the agricultural sector of still too high for the primary segment of the the Nigerian economy by providing credit sector. For those in the primary segment, at facilities to large-scale commercial farmers at best it should be six per cent.” a single digit interest rate; enhance national Besides, he argued that the call on sector food security by increasing food supply and operators to report erring PFIs would not effecting lower agricultural produce and work. According to him, the call would products prices, thereby promoting low have been more effective if it came with a food inflation; reduce the cost of credit in guarantee that the whistle blower will enjoy agricultural production to enable farmers some guarantee against blanket blacklisting exploit the untapped potentials of the sector; from PFIs. and increase output, generate employment, “Under the present circumstances, nobody diversify Nigeria’s revenue base, raise the level will report any erring bank for fear of being

Ogbeh

blacklisted by the bank. I would have preferred if the call came with assurance that the CBN will guarantee an operator a loan at another bank if he is refused a loan at the bank he reported as offering double-digit interest rate,” Alhaji Dangote said.

In his own submission, a former acting Managing Director, Unity Bank Plc, Dr. Muhammad Rislanudeen, recalled that, “Intervention funds were introduced as part of efforts towards strengthening the economy and financial institutions themselves after the stress test conducted in 2009. They were meant to bridge a funding gap especially for small and medium enterprises as well as agriculture financing.

“CBN initiated the power and aviation, small and medium enterprises as well as commercial agriculture credit facilities sometimes around 2009 with specific aim of providing more funding to real sector, income enhancing and employment creating sectors that have long-term benefit of supporting growth at single digit interest rate. It is even more relevant now with economy in recession and most of those critical sectors contracting due in large part to high cost of doing business inclusive of high interest rate charged by banks.

Rislanudeen noted that, “In the guidelines for those intervention funds, it is clear that banks will charge single digit interest rate of 7 per cent for SME, power and aviation loans and 9 per cent for agriculture loan inclusive of all charges. The central bank is therefore right to insist on single digit interest rate in compliance with extant guidelines.”

His view was shared by economist and ex-banker, Dr. Chijioke Ekechukwu, as he justified the need for the apex bank to closely monitor such funds which are aimed at reflating certain sectors of concern to the

economy. According to him,“Part of the core functions of the CBN is, occasional interventions to stimulate the economy, grow and regulate same. Depending on what sector of the economy that needs intervention. It could be aviation, power, textile or general real sector as experienced recently. Intervention funds therefore are aimed at reflating certain sectors of concern to the economy considered necessary to grow the economy. Intervention Funds are meant to provide cheap loans to the players in these sectors.

“When a loan is considered cheap in this context, interest rate should be between 5 per cent to 9 per cent (single digit) per annum.

CBN has recently deployed intervention funds in Youth Entrepreneurship Development Programme, Anchor Borrowers Programme; Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises; Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme and Development Funds.”

He added that, “These loans are availed through Participating Financial Institutions(PFIs) like BOI and some selected commercial banks.

CBN has mandated these PFIs to ensure that these loans are given at single digit interest rates. This is to be able to achieve the ultimate purpose of such interventions.

The higher the interest rate, the higher the risk of default in repayment by the debtors or beneficiaries and the higher the prices of their output.”

“Some other times, CBN cushions the loan burden of commercial banks by moving them out of their books as loans to the books of PFIs to save the lives of these ailing banks or to encourage them to extend more loans to certain sectors.

These are how relevant these funds are to the economy. They are indeed used to control some macro-economic indices” he explained.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • DECEMBER 11, 2016

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BUSINESS/TELECOMS

The Fuss about Data Price ‘Increase’ The directive on the interim price floor for data services, given by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on November 1, has continued to raise dust among telecoms subscribers, who perceived it as hike in data tariff, but the NCC has maintained that it never gave directive for data tariff increase, writes Emma Okonji

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everaging its statutory powers to review tariff for voice and data services periodically across networks in the telecoms industry, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the industry regulator, in October, reviewed tariff charges across networks and on November 1, gave directive to telecoms operators for the introduction of an interim price floor for data services across networks. Although NCC held stakeholder’s consultative meeting on October 19 to discuss the issue with telecoms operators, before communicating its intention to introduce a new price floor for data services, which was expected to take effect on December 1, the action of NCC, however, angered telecoms subscribers, who perceived that the new price floor meant outright increase in data tariff. Their fear was further heightened, when MTN sent short message service (SMS) to its over 61 million subscribers, informing them of its plans to increase data tariff with effect from December 1, 2016, going by the directive from NCC to introduce an interim price floor for data services.

At the instance of the SMS from MTN, subscribers from across networks became furious at the planned data hike and sent words and letters of complaints to the NCC and the National Assembly, protesting the perceived hike in data tariff.

Disturbed by the situation, NCC quickly announced the suspension of the new price floor and asked all operators to revert to the old price floor, and to maintain the status quo until the conclusion of study to determine retail prices for broadband and data services in Nigeria.

The Director, Public Affairs for NCC, Mr. Tony Ojobo, who announced the suspension, said it became necessary, following the general complaints by consumers across the country, who perceived that the interim price floor would lead to hike in the cost of data services across networks. He said the decision to suspend the directive was taken after due consultation with industry stakeholders.

But again, the suspension has continued to elicit reactions from telecoms operators, who felt aggrieved that the reversal to the old floor price for data services, would continue to eat deep into their revenues, a situation, they claimed, could affect the quality of data services across networks, since operators were running at a loss with the old data rate.

In all of these controversies, NCC has maintained that it did not give directive to increase data tariff. NCC insisted that the introduction of the interim price floor was only a template to guide operators in fixing data tariff, and not a licence to hike data tariff.

About price floor In telecoms parlance, price floor is one of the regulatory safeguards normally put in place by the telecommunications regulator to check anticompetitive practices particularly by the dominant operators. It is therefore a minimum price on a good, commodity, service etc., as stipulated by government or the regulator.

Without a price floor, the dominant operators can engage in predatory pricing to squeeze other operators which could create industry monopoly.

NCC’s Defence Contrary to the general perception that the NCC gave network operators the directive to increase data tariff, the commission has come out to say that it never gave such directive.

NCC, which made the disclosure at an investigative hearing organised by the Senate Committee on Communications at the National Assembly, Abuja, said all it did was to establish a price floor for all telecoms operators for the purpose of price regulation.

The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umaru Dambatta, who put up the defence before the Senate Committee on Communications, said the price floor was first introduced in 2014 to serve as a check against “anti-competitive practices particularly by dominant operators”.

According to Dambatta, NCC in 2014 imposed a price floor of N3.11 per megabyte for data services, but eventually lifted the price floor in October 2015 following the request by service providers to waive the price floor for data services, to enable a roll-out of infrastructure and growth of the data market segment.

He added that in accordance with its mandate to promote fair competition in the telecommunications industry and avert monopoly by major operators, it took a decision to re-introduce the price floor with effect from December 1, 2016 following the commission’s discovery that some service providers were actually pricing their services below cost, a situation, he said, could spell doom for the industry.

He described as rumour, the statement that NCC gave the directive for the increase in data tariff, and said such statement

to MTN subscribers, which was sent via Short Message Service (SMS) otherwise known as text message, raised a lot of dust among subscribers across networks, who started calling on NCC and the operators to rescind the decision on data tariff hike.

Following the complaints from subscribers, NCC decided to suspend any further action in that direction.

Dambatta

was borne out of pure misunderstanding of the intentions of NCC. Why NCC Introduced Price Floor Dambatta explained that the need to re-introduce the price floor was meant to avert a price war between major telecoms players and the smaller ones.

Corroborating Dambatta, Ojobo noted that the introduction of price floor for data services in the country was to address market distortions, unhealthy price wars and value erosion that could threaten the concern of the service providers.

In 2014, a benchmark study was conducted and a price floor of N3.11/MB was set for data services for the big operators, because the data market segment became very aggressive in price competition in 2014, thus posing risks of prices falling below costs, which could negatively impact sustainability in the industry.

According to Ojobo, NCC had to introduce data tariff floor that year in order to safeguard investment in the industry; to check and control anti-competitive practices by operators who were dominant in the upstream market; to prevent further value erosion in the industry; to create a level playing field for all operators and to maintain the integrity of the network.

However, in October 2015, NCC took a decision to lift the price floor for data services, having perceived that it would stifle pervasive broadband deployment, adoption and usage, in the country.

Statistics on Price Floor As at November 1, 2016, the industry average for data tariff floor for dominant operators including MTN Nigeria Communications Limited, EMTS Limited (Etisalat) and Airtel Nigeria Limited was N0.53k/MB, but the interim price floor as introduced by NCC, which was to commence with effect from December 1, 2016, seeks to increase the industry average for data tariff from N0.53k/MB to N0.90k/MB. Statistics of the old rate showed that Etisalat offered (N0.94k/ MB), Airtel (N0.52k/MB), MTN (N0.45k/MB) and Globacom (N0.21k/MB). It was based on these rates that NCC initially came up with an average data tariff of N0.53k/MB for dominant operators.

But the smaller operators/new entrants like Smile Communications, Spectranet, and ntel, charged different rates. Smile Communications charged N0.84k/MB, Spectranet charged N0.58k/MB and ntel charged N0.72k/MB. Considering the initial rate of N0.45k/MB, which MTN charged and the new rate of N0.90k/MB as contained in the interim floor price for data services, which was supposed to take effect from December 1, 2016, MTN, went ahead to inform its over 61 million subscribers that it would increase data tariff with effect from December 1, 2016, as approved by the NCC. The information

Operators’ Agitation Sensing that the action of NCC to suspend the interim price floor will continue to reduce their profit margin, telecoms operators, under the aegis of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), have expressed their dissatisfaction over the suspension. They have condemned in strong terms, the decision of NCC to suspend the interim price floor, which seeks to increase data tariff. In a statement signed by its Chairman, Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, and its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Damian Udeh, ALTON said the price changes for data services across all networks following any intervention by the NCC were not expected to have a detrimental effect on broadband penetration contrary to some sentiments being expressed in the media.

“ALTON wishes to emphasise that while it is imperative that telecommunications operators continue to explore opportunities to provide their subscribers with more value for their money, it is important that prices be set at realistic levels, which ensure that subscribers are not only able to afford services but that operators are also in a position to provide first-rate quality of service to their subscribers,” Adebayo said.

According to him, while ALTON fully understood the public sentiments that greeted the announcement of the introduction of interim data tariff, it should be known that if the situation is left unaddressed, could result in a sustained deterioration in the quality of data services across networks and the attendant poor quality of experience for users.

In order to justify their grievances over the suspension of the interim price floor for data services, the Chief Executive Officer of Etisalat, Mathew Willsher, told the Senate Committee on Communications that following the lifting of the price floor in 2015, data tariffs were forced down by 80 per cent. He, however, added that a situation where the price floor has now been suspended might not be in the best interest for the industry.

The CEO of MTN, Ferdi Moolman, said it was not true that MTN was behind the move for the data price hike, through the manner in which it announced to its subscribers of its intention to increase data price, based on the NCC’s initial directive, contending that the interest of Nigerians was the drive of the telecoms industry.

He added that an industry that is technologically-driven like the telecommunications, needs to apply new technologies, a trend he said was affected by Nigeria’s rising inflation rate.

But Airtel, which was represented by its Director of Legal Services, Sola Adeyemi, during the meeting with the Senate, said telecoms operators would abide by the suspension of the price floor, saying operators will adjust prices to fit the price floor fixed by the NCC. Senate’s Position The Vice Chairman of Senate Committee on Communications, Senator Adeola Olamilekan, who presided over the meeting, blamed the misconception of NCC’s price floor on poor consultations, adding that the ignorance on the directive displayed by the Communications Minister, Adebayo Shittu, was a testimony to the insufficient consultations before the announcement of the new price floor.

The committee, however, threw its weight behind NCC’s submission that it would engage in a scientific study before coming up with a price floor that will be acceptable to all stakeholders.

In his reaction, Shittu appealed for support to both the NCC and telecoms operators, arguing that whatever is necessary must be done to ensure that the telecoms industry, which he described as the most vibrant sector is sustained.

Subscribers’ Position Despite the suspension of the interim price floor, and the Senate’s position on the matter, telecoms subscribers have continued to kick against any plan that would make telecoms operators increase price of data services. The President of the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS), Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, told THISDAY that subscribers across networks would reject any increase in data tariff, insisting there is no justification for data tariff hike. According to him, he would mobilise subscribers to seek redress in law court, should operators make any attempt to hike data tariff. “Nigeria is in recession and any plan to increase data tariff, could worsen the situation. Network operators should be planning on how to improve service quality, rather than thinking of increasing data tariff,” Ogunbanjo said.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • DECEMBER 11, 2016

INTERVIEW

Okoigun

Okoigun: JV Partners’ $2.2bn Contract Financing Initiative will Boost Local Content Devt After the signing of an MoU of $2.2 billion contract financing agreement between Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCiN), its JV Partner - NNPC and eight Nigerian banks, aimed at providing loanable funds for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), a key player in the industry and MD/CEO of Arco Group Plc, Alfred Okoigun, spoke with Kazeem Sumaina on why he thinks this is a great leap into the future of local content development

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s a key player in the industry, how would you describe the recent MoU of $2.2 billion contract financing between SCiN, its JV Partner-NNPC and eight banks?

It is a leap into the future, a very commendable gesture on the part of Shell and NNPC. The amount to be managed by the banks is being set aside to provide loanable funds for Small and

Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to enable them to finance projects being executed for Shell Companies in Nigeria. Arco understands that the new scheme is an improvement on the existing method of loan disbursement to vendors working with Shell companies in the country. It is a far-reaching move by Shell and NNPC to reduce to the barest minimum, obstacles to credit that Nigerian companies regularly face in the process of handling contracts for an oil major like Shell considering

the high rate of interest accruing from bank loans making contract execution fees non-profitable at the end of the day. We have been in this oil and gas business for 36 years running and we have always advocated that policies like this would accelerate in-country capacity growth in Nigeria.

Could this be the first of its kind in the country?

It definitely is not the first of its kind

coming from Shell especially in terms of moving the oil and gas sector to the next level of development. As a matter of fact Shell has been undertaking several initiatives in recent years just to give effect and lend credence to the Nigerian Oil and Gas Content Development Act of 2010. For us in Arco this is a very strong indication of Shell’s support for local content law. It is an indication by Shell to genuinely develop local capability in the country. In an Arco sponsored

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • DECEMBER 11, 2016

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INTERVIEW Okoigun: JV Partners’ $2.2bn Contract Financing Initiative will Boost Local Content Devt

Cont’d from Pg.. 20

dinner speech during the 2014 oil and gas seminar held in Abuja, I commended Shell Petroleum for being active in supporting local content law in Nigeria.

As a matter of fact examples of what the company is doing on the growth of local capacity are all over the place in the oil and gas sector. We see this initiative by Shell as a commitment to identify with Nigeria at this critical period of recession.

Apart from Shell what are the other oil majors doing in this direction?

We expect all the oil majors in Nigeria to emulate this giant step by Shell and NNPC because such a move is a win-win situation for all the stakeholders in the oil and gas sector in the country. The indigenous SMEs in the sector would have been properly empowered to deliver on the contracts awarded to them and expectedly the oil major-Shell would be able to make realistic forecasts on execution of its contracts. The eight banks involved will be in brisk business with minimum risks.

Availability of funds for contract execution in the oil and gas industry would expectedly reduce the current financial stress being experienced in the sector with increased employment as the economy begins to accelerate its growth both in the short and long run.

How would the Shell template be an exemplary reference point to key players in the industry?

First, the parties to the MoU will need to make deliberate efforts to ensure that the initiative takes firm root and becomes a norm in the oil and gas business while the banks should play to the rules and live up to the expectation of a middleman.

They must deliver because so much is expected from it based on the letters and the spirit of the in particular and the objectives of the local content law in general. While all eyes will be on the banks, the beneficiary companies must also justify the confidence reposed in them by being diligent and timely in the execution of contracts awarded.

This initiative by SCiN and its JV Partner the NNPC ought to be the template for contract execution in the oil and gas sector. The Federal Government must borrow this template to expand in-country capacity building. The beauty of it is that if you are not doing genuine business you cannot have access to this fund.

The scheme will no doubt reduce the time spent on probes and investigations of people looting the nation’s treasury through phony contracts. It will also reduce the insecurity and tension generated by unemployment.

The nation should take advantage of this move to explore ways of supporting local entrepreneurs in large number as China and India have been doing consistently.

I have always emphasized through the activities of Arco Group Plc the need for the Federal Government to support the development of industrial parks around the country as being contemplated by the Ministry of Industry. We in Arco think that it is only when we embark on enduring business models that the nation can come out of her present economic predicament.

How would local content advocates add value to the policy?

The success of the local content policy must be built around indigenous skill acquisition which by the way is a trade mark at Arco.

For Arco, capacity building and human capital development are given and we believe that any company with a passion to deliver excellent service in a competitive industry like oil and gas must place personnel training and manpower development on top of its priorities.

A faithful implementation of the Local Content Law would help turn around the economy and empower Nigerians as the advantages accruable in the case of Nigeria, are reflected by the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act enacted in 2010.

How does Arco Group fit into the bill meeting the demands of its

Okoigun

deliverables?

Arco in spite of its modest achievements in corporate Nigeria remains a work in progress facing every challenge as it comes.

Today Arco Group Plc apart from playing its dominant role of repair and maintenance in the sector has a subsidiary, Arco Pipeline Solutions, involved in integrity tests, engaging over 200 staff, technicians and engineers as well as Arco Marine.

It is just a matter of commitment and you will get it right.

My take still is the fact that it is ridiculous that a once rebased economy that is leading the continent cannot fully reactivate to optimum production the Warri, Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries as well as the petrochemical and carbon plants. These production facilities call for constant maintenance and we must not shy away from this responsibility.

How would you justify your mantra that the fall in oil prices might be a blessing in disguise?

The fall in prices offers the opportunity to look inwards. An inward looking economy has been Arco’s stance since 1982 when we called the attention of government to the need to halt gas flaring when the company held the oil and natural gas seminar in the country. We have always explored the development of hands on indigenous engineers on key skilled jobs such as maintenance and provision of solutions in the pipeline sector of the industry.

Arco believes it is important for policy formulators to consider as high priority the grooming of local capabilities. I have always argued that if all the petroleum products consumed in the country were locally refined, we would be saving huge costs, conserve needed foreign exchange, eliminate the probability of fraud in subsidy payments and generate additional foreign exchange from the export of refined petroleum products.

Similarly with huge gas deposits, Nigeria has been endowed by nature to generate sufficient electricity for her

The most assuring news today is the outcome of the recently held OPEC ministers’ meeting on the cutting down of oil production, an announcement that shot up the price of crude oil but for us as a country that is not our salvation for getting out of an economy in recession.

It is true increased earnings in the oil and gas sector would improve our foreign exchange earnings and shore up reserves but our ultimate turnaround depends on our ability to tap on our latent possibilities through diversification as we move to the next level of an export, not import dependent economy

own use. I do know that some reforms are currently on-going in this sector.

However, government must demonstrate the political will to drive the process to a logical conclusion.

For too long, we have held onto the notion in this country that we are incapable of initiating positive change.

The country is currently in a recession but we can borrow a leaf from other countries that found themselves in our kind of situation and rode through it to even higher achievements in nation building. Massive inflow of resources and infrastructure development as well as investment in the housing sector were applied by such countries that spent their way out of recession The most assuring news today is the outcome of the recently held OPEC ministers’ meeting on the cutting down of oil production, an announcement that shot up the price of crude oil but for us as a country that is not our salvation for getting out of an economy in recession. It is true increased earnings in the oil and gas sector would improve our foreign exchange earnings and shore up reserves but our ultimate turnaround depends on our ability to tap on our latent possibilities through diversification as we move to the next level of an export, not import dependent economy.

Do you still subscribe to the idea of functional refineries that will save us from this tendency of selling and importing our crude oil?

I have always argued that Nigeria has not sufficiently invested in functional refineries and petrochemical industries, electricity and other infrastructure as well as local capability. The implication is that even the slightest downturn in the international oil market affects every sector of the economy.

There is the need for a new generation of policy makers to move quickly and halt this massive over-dependence on imports. Once this happens then we are set on the path to rapid economic growth.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • DECEMBER 11, 2016

BUSINESS/TRANSPORT

Addressing Perennial Cargo Delay at Ports With lamentations by members of the Senate Committee on Customs and Excise on the discovery of some overtime cargoes that have stayed up to 10 years in the ports, stakeholders have called for measures to address the issue and a review of the law applied by the Nigeria Customs Service on such goods, writes Francis Ugwoke

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or members of the Senate Committee on Customs, it is unbelievable that some goods could stay in the ports for years without their owners clearing them. But for those conversant with the port environment, it is not a big story. It is the traditional for a number of reasons. Some of the reasons could either be traced to the importers or the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and other agencies of government.

About a month ago, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Customs, Senator Hope Uzodinma and his members stumbled into a number of overtime containers in Ikorodu Lighter Terminal in Lagos. The senators were shocked by this discovery. They were on tour of the facility for an oversight function when they found goods that had stayed up to 10 years not cleared. The affected items were described as transformers, cars and electronics.

Angry over the discovery Uzodinma had raised alarm:“To see these numbers of containers with very valuable items in our various sea ports and airports not claimed for a period of over 10 years, is to say the least, very disappointing. This shows to some extent a sign of irresponsibility on the side of the authority. We are going to discuss with the hierarchy of the service.

“We will ensure that the Act that established the Nigeria Customs Service, which has also prescribed a procedure for disposal of overtime goods and seized cargoes, is respected and complied with. The only way to dispose these items or overtime cargoes is copiously captured in the Act and it is not going to be subjected to any further negotiation.

“Whatever that is defined in the Act is what should be done. Our responsibility as lawmakers who made the law is to ensure that it is followed forthwith. We are talking of economic recession in the country but you can see how many hundreds of billions of items of value that are lying at the Ikorodu Terminal for the past 10 years.”Few weeks after the discovery by the Senate Committee, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) took delivery of 218 stranded containers of electricity equipment in Apapa, Lagos.They were abandoned at the port for over eight years.

On receiving the consignment at the Duncan Terminal in Apapa, Fashola said the equipment would boost power supply in the country.

When Goods Become Overtime Until the ports were concessioned exactly 10 years ago, the issue of overtime cargo was common.

Under the law, the Nigeria Customs Service reserves the right to auction any cargo, which spends over 90 days in the ports without being cleared.

Such goods are described as overtime cargoes and the Customs has the right to auction them after necessary gazetting. Before the concession, such cargoes could be found in any port and they stayed as long as possible until the owners were ready to clear them. The amount paid on demurrage was not much then, and the owners could afford to play with time. Some importers could even bribe their way by making some falsification as to when the goods arrived the ports to reduce the amount paid on demurrage. But this trend has since changed with the terminal operators taking over the ports. Any importer, who delays in clearing his goods will pay heavily on demurrage. In some cases, some terminals have been accused of causing delays in order to create more room for the cargoes to stay in the ports and attract demurrage. But for the containers that the senators discovered, many of them are owned by government agencies, which could

RORO Port, Apapa, Lagos

be granted waiver on payment of demurrage on the intervention of those in government. A customs source said the failure to clear them after about 8 years may be as a result of bureaucratic bottlenecks always in government departments.

Other items like electronics belong to different individuals who were not able to clear them until the goods entered overtime. The importers may have lost interest in clearing them apparently because of the cost involved. Sometimes, an importer may decide to forget some goods if the clearance will lead to more losses for him.

This is when some trade goods enter overtime and accumulate so much demurrage that clearing them will be a nightmare. It would be recalled that following the congestion in the ports some years ago, the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan had ordered some overtime containers to Ikorodu Light Terminal from the Apapa, Tin Can Island and surrounding ports. Some of these containers may have been among those that shocked the senators. There is no doubt that the importers, particularly those who own the cars and electronics may no longer be interested in the goods apparently because they may have no market value.

This is what one could find in government warehouses, seizures that have lost their value as a result of time. Although, it is the duty of Customs to auction goods, the experience has always been that only items that are valuable were the ones sold off as quickly as possible to some highly placed Nigerians, including those in government, ministers, power brokers, monarchs, among others.

This does not appear to have been the same trend since the tenure of Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) as customs boss. And the reasons are obvious.

A highly placed source said Ali cannot carry out auction sales outright because he would need the approval of the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun. Incidentally, sources said the two of them are not in the best of terms as far as working relationship is concerned. And fraudsters have taken advantage to advertise auction sales by the Customs apparently to defraud innocent Nigerians. The Service had arrested some suspects involved in this racket.

Why Cargoes are Abandoned A good number of importers abandon their containers at the ports for different reasons.

Sometimes, an importer may run out of funds to clear his goods. This often leads to accumulation of demurrage to such an extent that he is not able to pay. Some importers are so fraudulent that they would want to cheat government on any consignment they bring into the country. In the process, some of them lose the goods as they are not able to settle the issue within the time allowed for them to clear the goods. Paying the amount on the Debit Note and the demurrage

on the goods could be a herculean task. Some of the importers would resort to bribing their way to buy the same goods on auction from the Customs. Now, it does not appear that such arrangement exists under the change mantra of the leadership of the Customs. Some importers even bring in prohibited goods which are seized and they rot away in the ports.

Customs sources said there is hardly any port in the country where there is no overtime cargo.

In Lagos, Ikorodu Lighter Terminal has over the years remained the home of such goods to save the terminals from congestion.

A good number of importers abandon their containers at the ports for different reasons. Sometimes, an importer may run out of funds to clear his goods. This often leads to accumulation of demurrage to such an extent that he is not able to pay. Some importers are so fraudulent that they would want to cheat government on any consignment they bring into the country

Moving Forward Worried about the increasing number of abandoned goods at the Ikorodu Lighter Terminal and other government warehouses, stakeholders believe that it was time for the Customs to do an audit of such items. A freight forwarder, Mr Laurence Ojoko, said the Customs should take stock of all such items in all the government warehouses throughout the country and auction them as provided by law. Ojoko said this will help decongest the areas where the goods are being kept. On the transformers at Ikorodu Light Terminal, he called on the Customs to reach out and find out which of the current companies that are in charge of power distribution in the country owns the equipment. According to him, the items should be handed over to them after they have paid the necessary penalties instead of auctioning them.

Another freight forwarder, Mr Emma Opara, advised importers to shun any fraudulent practice that is responsible for seizure of goods at the ports. Opara added that importers should always be on top of any situation when their goods arrive the ports to ensure that they are cleared in good time before entering demurrage and overtime status. Some stakeholders are also of the view that the new Customs bill now before the National Assembly should increase the three months period after which the Custom can auction an importer’s goods if he does not clear them, to at least six months with payment of necessary penalty. This, according to them, will check many cases of overtime cargoes.

23

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • DECEMBER 11, 2016

BUSINESS/TRANSPORT

A container-laden vessel

The Renewed Bid for National Shipping Line

With a staggering sum of $6.1 billion freight paid to foreign ship owners annually for crude oil transportation, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company now welcomes the idea of having a national carrier that will be involved in the affreightment of the wet cargo under CIF as against the current FOB trade terms, writes Francis Ugwoke

F

or decades, the nation’s shipping industry did not record significant progress.

This has made stakeholders to cry out to no avail. The matter was made worse when the only national carrier, the Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL), was liquidated about 21 years ago. Since then, the shipping sector has been dominated by foreigners. Government had moved about 13 years ago to address this by establishing the Cabotage Policy, which limited carriage of local cargoes within the territorial waters to indigenous operators. But this again failed to work.

The cargo owners, mainly the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), and the oil majors have not patronised the local operators adequately. The claim by the NNPC executives has always been that many indigenous ship-owners do not have the required capacity for the wet cargo job within the nation’s waters.

For the foreign companies, this was a good development and they were issued waivers by the Transport Ministry for most of the jobs. Only few Nigerian companies have been lucky. But no one has been discussing the carriage of crude oil by Nigerian companies because of the trade

terms that favour only foreign carriers.

But recently, the NNPC welcomed the idea of a national carrier to be able to participate in crude oil transportation.

Multiplier Effect on Economy At a gala dinner organised by the Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN) at Eko Hotel, Lagos, the NNPC Group Managing Director, Dr. Maikanti Kacalla Baru, made every stakeholder happy when he stated the readiness of his corporation to support the national carrier project.

Baru said establishment of a national fleet for crude oil affreightment would be of huge economic benefits to the country with multiplier effect on the nation’s economy.

Apart from earning billions of dollars which will address the nation’s foreign exchange nightmare, a national fleet programme will also increase capacity building as it will provide a training ground for the nation’s cadets from which Nigeria can earn foreign exchange like other countries.

Baru said that since Nigeria exports her crude oil on FOB basis, a national fleet programme for the country will make the nation transact her crude oil business on CIF basis. Under Free on Board trade terms, the buyers determine who carries the products as against Cost, Insurance

and Freight in which the seller will determine who carries the wet crude.

The transportation of the nation’s crude products has been in the hands of foreigners because those who buy the products nominate their own carriers for the products, most times their own liners.

Baru stated that the establishment of a national fleet for crude oil affreightment helps the country save some of the foreign exchange paid to foreign ship owners.

He said that, “The establishment of a National Fleet for crude oil affreightment helps the country save some of the foreign exchange paid to foreign ship owners. A total of 771,689,625bbl (197,179, 115mt) of crude oil was lifted from Nigeria in 2015.

The current freight rate for 130,000tonnes vessel from West Africa-UKC/med is $7.99/ tonne. Assuming that the total tonnage of the nation’s crude oil was freighted to UKC/Med using a 130,000 vessel (which could take 950,000bbl), it means that a total of about $6,165,800,104 was paid to foreign ship-owners. Some of these monies could have been saved if the nation had a national fleet for crude affreightment”.

Caution by NNPC For the national carrier to succeed, Baru gave his advice. He cautioned

that the establishment of a national fleet should not be considered solely as the responsibility of government, but should be private sector-driven like in other countries of the world. He also said there was the need to be very careful in the choice of the business model, adding this was very important for the success of the business.

He said,“The establishment of a national fleet should not be considered solely as the responsibility of government. Having a national fleet is about ensuring global presence of a nation’s flagged vessels. The shipping industry in Greece which is the largest in the world is mainly driven by private sector. The ship-owners association should thrive to grow the business of its members such that Nigerian flagged vessels are visible globally. The association therefore, should identify what government needs to put in place to make the shipping business of its members extremely successful.

Applauding SOAN for the efforts to have a national fleet, he advised everyone involved in the plans to learn from the mistakes of the liquidated NNSL. He warned about establishing a national fleet that will be operated by foreigners, adding that this will be against the provisions of the cabotage law.

He said,“Owning a ship is no mean feat, considering the amount of money involved in maintaining a ship, her crew, insurance, regulatory dues etc. The association should be applauded for its worthy objectives which are largely aimed at growing the shipping industry in Nigeria.

“I am sure that you all are aware that our country once had a National fleet under a company called Nigerian Shipping Line (NNSL). One cannot speak therefore on the benefit of establishing a National Shipping Fleet for Crude oil affreightment without referring to NNSL. Views by Stakeholders To open up indigenous shipping development in the country, SOAN wants the federal government to review some of its policies and programmes to drive the desired growth in the industry.

The President of SOAN, Engr. Greg Ogbeifun, called for a review of duties paid on imported vessels, corporation income tax for companies acquiring new Nigerian flagged vessels and port cost concessions. Others include a review of fines and penalties for offences as contained in the Maritime Agencies Act. Ogbeifun urged the federal government to amend the Act to support the Nigerian shipping fleet, adding that the Sea Protection levy for instance should be stopped. He also demanded that Nigerian ship owners should be allowed to carry at least 50 of government owned cargoes, adding that this was necessary for the development of the local industry. He called for the creation of priority berthing for Nigerian registered ships and a review of the “extant policy that traders should not earn foreign exchange to pay for product if that cargo is already on Nigerian waters”.

The association equally demanded for the amendment of the cabotage law to effectively enforce local content. The body also called for a review of the maritime law to permit the setting up of a Protection and Indemnity (P & I) Club in Nigeria.

Government’s Readiness As part of the efforts to establish a national carrier, Nigeria and Singapore has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the planned reestablishment of a national fleet. A delegation of the committee was in Singapore with the Transport Minister, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, to sign the MoU. Since then, there has been a follow up with members of the Ministerial Committee on national carrier committee headed by Hassan Bello who is also the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council. Bello and other members of the committee were in China last week to continue discussion with the authorities connected with the project.

The Chinese contact will handle areas of fish trawling in the national fleet and was referred to the committee by the Singaporean company.

24

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ DECEMBER 11, 2016

BUSINESS/MEDIA

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Group Managing Director of Genesis Group, Dr. Nnaeto Orazulike, in this interview with Raheem Akingbolu, speaks about the idea behind Project L.E.A.D, an initiative conceptualised by Genesis Cinema in partnership with Strategic Educational Advisory Services, to inspire Nigerian Children

G

the movie is that play captures within two hours, what is being thought in school for two years.

The movie opens our eyes to a lot of success stories that are abound in life.

That is why we want the children to watch this movie so that they can imbibe the values of resilience, good character and so on. For us, our plan is to reach a thousand schools by touching at least one child in each of the schools. If we succeed in doing that, we would have achieved quite a lot.

enesis has been around for over two decades, how is the brand doing now?

As a group, Genesis is almost 25 year old, having been set up in 1991. At the beginning, it was primarily into hospitality and entertainment, with interest in restaurants, industrial catering, food production, hotels and the cinemas.

The cinema is another division welcomed into the family about eight years ago. It is presently in about seven different locations.

In Lagos alone, we have at Oniru, Sangotedo and Lekki Mall. We are in Port Harcourt, Warri Mall, Abuja Ceddi Plaza, Maryland in Lagos and Owerri Mall. However, there is still plan to grow beyond what we have now. We also plan to do a couple of malls in Mainland Lagos.

Few weeks after rolling out, how far have you gone and how many school have participated?

We have recorded over 20 schools and still counting. Every single day, we are using our different platforms in various locations to connect young people so that they can watch the movie. So far, the feedback from them is unbelievable. We have gone back to interact with the kids on their experience and what we get to hear as learning while watching the movie has been quite touching.

We have done 20 schools with about 1,500 kids impacted. As we speak, we are working with different state governments so that we can get their buy-in into it.

Presently, we are in talks with Lagos and River state governments by ensuring that public schools students come to watch it even when they cannot afford it. As a matter of fact, we believe such support from government would help subsidise the cost involved in watching the movie.

What informed Project L.E.A.D?

Project L.E.A.D, which simply means; Live Everyday Achieving Dreams is something that has always been at the heart of the group, so we believe what is currently happening in Genesis is like a dream come true. Genesis Group was motivated by a book I read then. It was about two young ones who had a dream and were able to achieve that dream. It was at that time it first occurred to me to embark on an initiative that mirrors that particular scenario.

Today, we are glad to be inviting couple of children in Nigeria. When that opportunity came, we decided to use the platform of one of our businesses to promote people so that they can build their dreams most especially at this recession.

We jumped at it and saw the movie: Queen of Katwe as a vehicle to build and inspire the young people especially at this time of recession. By that, I mean what we needed to do to inspire the young people to achieve their dreams. We have put all our resources behind it but with cooperation of movie distributors, strategic education of our partners, we are using this to inspire people and we have named it Project L.E.AD. For me, it means using the platform to motivate the people.

Is this your first involvement in CSR focused initiative?

I have continuously done this in different ways without even capturing it well.

For example, I sit on the board of FATE Foundation, where I give entrepreneurial lecture for the young ones. I have always wanted to inspire the young ones.

Aside Project L.E.A.D, what other focused initiatives do you have?

Genesis group has a foundation that has trained thousands of graduates, as we speak, in different disciplines. Every year, we will be doing different things that will be utilising the platforms to motivate the young people in business and entrepreneurship.

Considering the economic situation in the country, can you say the entertainment industry has been fully explored?

Orazulike

Looking at the movie: Queen Of Katwe, the lead character exhibits traits of resilience, doggedness and determination and we see these attributes as something that one can buy into.

If you look keenly at the life of the

character and the movie itself, it tells a strong story of resilience, ambition and not allowing any obstacle to stop you from achieving your dream.

One of the teachers confessed after watching the play that the unique thing about

Like a lot of different sectors in the economy, it has not been fully explored.

There are still lots of virgin territories. For example, in the cinema, we have seven scattered around but there are still opportunities to make it 50 if the population density we have is anything to go by.

Not only that, our Nollywood movies are beginning to get fair presence in the cinema. We are now beginning to enjoy our movie. The best for me is yet to come.

I believe there is a future for the industry.

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M

edia Fuse Dentsu Aegis Network (MFDAN) has launched the Consumer Connection System (CCS), the Dentsu Aegis Network consumer, lifestyle and product survey that gives advertisers and communication experts deeper understanding of consumers and their relationship with media.

The CCS and associated tools were introduced at a launch event in Lagos to a select audience of industry stakeholders including advertisers, agencies, media owners, industry associations and regulatory agencies.

CCS marks a step-change in the way

consumer research is conducted within the Nigerian consumer landscape. It allows brands to find out crucial information about their consumers during the consumer journey. The bespoke smart tool addresses the media reach dimension of consumer behaviour and covers the reaction to this reach through an investigation into their notice and engagement experiences with different types of ads, ad formats and categories. It measures the usage, influence & effect of over 50 communication channels.

The survey, which is conducted across 57 countries that together account for some 90 per cent of global advertising expenditure has been successfully used by a very wide range of companies across the globe to drive more effective communication strategies and to deliver efficiencies in targeting and

budgeting.

Speaking about the launch, Byron John, Insights and Innovation Director of Dentsu Aegis Network Sub Saharan Africa, said: “Having a tool like CCS Planner in Nigeria has now put MFDAN streets ahead of their peers in the market. Not only is it now the most sophisticated media communications planning tool in Nigeria, but it has inherently future-proofed MFDAN against any changes in the media research landscape for some time to come. The CCS Planner has the ability to calibrate, not only the CCS Benchmark data but any other third party media data.”

Also speaking at the event, Emeka Okeke, Group Managing Director of Media Fuse Dentsu Aegis Network said: “CCS and associated tools derivable from

it is an absolute game changer in communication planning in Nigeria. Advertisers, the media and communication experts desire and deserve the level of details that CCS provides to follow and track today’s sophisticated consumer who, with modern technology, receive millions of messages every day and therefore have become very discerning in their choices of products and services. They no longer rely solely on raw messages from main stream media to make up their minds about brands.

They live in a connected world through multiple sophisticated devices and we therefore need systems like CCS to track changes in their lives and behavior. It is unequivocally another first by Media Fuse Dentsu Aegis Network in Nigeria and counting”.

25

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • DECEMBER 11, 2016

TRAVEL

Edited by Demola Ojo Email demola.ojo@thisdaylive.com

Tourism Master Plan, UNWTO and Lai Mohammed’s Aspiration

Nigeria’s Minister of Information and Culture will want to be remembered for making tourism a major contributor to Nigeria’s economy. To achieve this onerous task, he has enlisted the United Nations World Tourism Organisation for help, writes Demola Ojo

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t the risk of sounding like a broken record, it is worth repeating that Nigeria – considering its natural wonders and cultural diversity – is just a few good decisions away from earning significant revenue and creating tens of thousands of jobs through tourism.

Those within the industry have held this belief for years in spite of the cynicism and pessimism from both government and a section of the general populace. It has always been easier to talk about the challenges.

Weak infrastructure and porous security (which is more of a perception issue when one considers that some countries with worse security problems than Nigeria still attract millions of tourists) are two reasons usually seen as stumbling blocks.

Recently however, tourism has been mentioned in government circles as an avenue to help limit the effects of an economic recession brought about an overdependence on crude oil exports.

But the decision by the Federal Government to scrap the stand-alone tourism ministry and merge it with information - an action that has been emulated by many of the states - is at variance with the rhetoric.

It is certainly heart-warming then, that the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, is increasingly paying attention to tourism, and has gone as far as saying he would like to be remembered as the minister that transformed Nigeria from a country with tourism potential to a tourism economy.

Last week, on Tuesday to be precise, Alhaji Mohammed received the International Tourism Adviser of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, Mr. Jim Flannery, in Abuja. Flannery is in Nigeria to assist in the review of the country’s Tourism Master Plan.

The Minister waxed lyrical about his plans and minced no words regarding the legacy he wants to leave. “I want to leave a legacy as the Minister that came and transformed the creative industry to a creative economy,” he said, continuing that he believes Nigeria has all it takes to make it work. ‘’I am tired of Nigerians saying we have tourism potentials. I want us to start realizing those tourism potentials. I am tired of saying that tourism can create thousands of jobs in Nigeria; I want us to start creating those jobs,” Mohammed said.

He explained that the present administration has the political will to drive the process, particularly by removing all the bottlenecks hindering the active participation of the private sector in the tourism industry.

He also spoke about relaxing the rigid visa regime that discourages tourists from coming into the country and went further to state the vision of government.

“Our role really as government is more of regulatory and providing guidelines and protection, but the real jobs are within three groups of people; the states, the local community and the private sector,” he said.

According to Mohammed, Flannery’s visit has kick-started the process of actualizing the six-point agreement reached between Nigeria and the UNWTO during his visit to its headquarters in Madrid, Spain, in July.

“Today is the first concrete evidence that all that I said we were able to achieve at our July meeting with UNWTO is true and that’s why I am particularly glad that Mr. Flannery is here today and his presence here is the first step in actualizing one of the six promises and commitments that were made to us by the UNWTO,” he said.

Matsirga Waterfalls Kafanchan Revived Master Plan Flannery was one of those that helped to draft the Master Plan ten years ago, a fact Alhaji Mohammed acknowledged.

A few industry insiders raised eyebrows over his return, since he was one of those “that formulated the unworkable master plan in 2006”. If it did not fly then, they opined, why will it now?

According to the Minister, Flannery is in Nigeria to assist the Technical Committee set up to review the document and identify those areas that can be implemented within the shortest possible time.

Flannery shed more light. According to him, the Master Plan could not be implemented ten years ago because of the sheer volume of activities previous governments wanted to undertake at once. In the new approach however, salient areas can be identified for immediate implementation.

Speaking further, he explained that there is currently a renewed interest in tourism among the world’s leading economies due to its vitality and inexhaustible nature.

“Tourism worldwide is becoming recognized more and more as one of the great economic activities that is of major benefit to countries. …You don’t need major structured investment for tourism to be successful,” he said.

More Experts, Less Civil Servants Please Stakeholders in the industry have commended Alhaji Mohammed in his drive to review the Master Plan. However, they insist on the inclusion of tourism experts and the media in the Review Committee.

The Review Committee for the Master Plan is made up azof government officials, some tourism association heads and experts from UNWTO. However, the National President of

“I want to see our known experts get involved. We should not be afraid to involve them.”

The NATOP President also believes members of the Tourism Committee of the Vision 202020 that had earlier reviewed the document should be included for continuity.

“Civil servants alone cannot review the Master plan,” he opined.

Mohammed Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, himself a member of the Review Committee, made a call for the inclusion of local tourism experts and the tourism media to be part of the Committee.

“I have attended the meeting and I’m impressed with the documents presented, but I feel we should involve our local experts and tourism media in this review. These experts criticized the Master Plan and they were proved right with the failure of the plan so putting together another plan without them is a sure path to failure.

Leaving a Legacy Not so long ago, Ahlaji Mohammed was known as the mouthpiece of a Nigerian opposition party that successfully ousted the ruling party from power. He is certainly skilled at convincing a multitude.

In his current position as Minister of Information and Culture (and TOURISM) he is spreading optimism that tourism will rejuvenate Nigeria’s economy and empower the country’s poor.

“Tourism is so unique. It’s the only industry in the world that is pro poor. It’s the only industry in the world that is pro the rural area and it’s the only industry in the world where you do not need highly specialized skills or knowledge because nature in its mercy and bountifulness has created tourism sites.

“The Zuma Rock, the Owu Waterfall were put there by God. The Cross River Wild Park was not man-made. So it is one industry that if we harness properly, we can bring development right to the rural areas, create jobs and harmony,” he said.

These are words and ideas that previous Ministers and heads of tourism parastatals have stated in one form or the other in the past.

Alhaji Mohammed has shown a desire to go further and deliver on the promise. If he succeeds in his stated objective, his place in history will be assured, devoid of political affiliations.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • DECEMBER 11 , 2016

NIGERIA’S TOP 50 STOCKS BASED ON MARKET FUNDAMENTALS

AXA Mansard Insurance Plc: Investment income and profit on investment contracts greatly drive profitability

M

ansard Insurance Plc. is a member of the AXA Group, the worldwide leader in insurance and asset management with 157,000 employees serving 102 million clients in 56 countries. The company was incorporated in 1989 as a private limited liability company and is registered as a composite company with the National Insurance Commission of Nigeria (NAICOM).

The Company offers life and non-life insurance products and services to individuals and institutions across Nigeria whilst also offering asset/ investment management services, medical insurance solutions and pension fund administration through its three subsidiaries Mansard Investments Limited, Mansard Health Limited and Penman Pensions limited.

The company was listed on the Nigeria Stock Exchange in November 2009 and has Market Capitalization in excess of N31 billion thereby remaining the biggest insurance company on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

The company released its third quarter results, for the year period ended September 30th 2016, an impressive performance in both top-line and bottom-line earnings.

Increase in gross premium drives net underwriting income For the third quarter period ended September 2016, AXA Mansard reported an increase of 25.48% in gross premium written to N16.94 billion from N12.48 billion in the corresponding period of 2015, despite stiff competition in the Nigerian insurance sector with regards to the sales of various insurance packages and products. The significant growth in gross premium was driven by an increase of 22.04% in gross premium income to N15.23 billion in September 2016 from N12.48 billion in September 2015.

However, reinsurance expenses also grew by 31.09% to N6.78 billion from N5.17 billion over the period.

Despite the increase in reinsurance expenses, the strong growth in gross premium income resulted in a growth of 15.63% in net premium income to N8.45 billion from N7.31 year on year.

Furthermore, the company’s fee and commission income on insurance contracts decreased moderately by 1.87% to N728m in September 2016 from N742m in September 2015; however, net underwriting income for the period ended September 2016 grew by a significant 14.02% to N9.18 billion from N8.05 billion in the corresponding period of 2015.

NEVERTHELESS, AXA MANSARD INSURANCE PLC DELIVERED AN IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE DESPITE HARSH AND UNSTABLE BUSINESS TERRAIN

Increase in underwriting expenses wanes underwriting profit The company’s gross claims expenses increased massively by 28.07% to N7.11 billion in September 2016 from N5.55 billion in September 2015 while claims expenses recovered from insurers also increased significantly by 32.58% to N1.80 billion from N1.36 billion over the period. Expectedly, net claims expenses also increased by 26.61% to N5.30 billion in the period ended September 2016 from N4.19 in the corresponding period of 2015. On the other hand, underwriting expenses increased by 12.07% to N1.54 billion from N1.38 billion over the period.

However, due to the significant rise in claims expenses and claims expenses recoverable, net underwriting expenses grew by 20.25% to N6.90 billion in September 2016 from N5.74 billion in September 2015. However, due to the higher expenses, the company’s underwriting profit decreased slightly to N2.28 billion in September 2016 from N2.31 billion achieved in the corresponding period of 2015; reflecting a slight change of 1.47%.

Increased expenses fail to impede surge in earnings Finance cost for the period ended September 2016 rose slightly by 5.61% to N337m from N319m recorded in the corresponding period of 2015. However, other operating expenses increased by 7.93% to N1.47 billion from N1.36 billion over the period; despite the increase in operating expenses, pre-tax earnings increased substantially by 86.94% to N3.71 billion in September 2016 from N1.99 billion in September 2015.

Furthermore, income tax expense for the period ended September 2016 rose

to N673m from N209m in September 2015; net income also followed suit with a massive increase of 71.04% to N3.04 billion from N1.77 billion over the period.

Thus, the company’s net Income margin rose to 17.94% in September 2016 from 13.16% in September 2015 while pre-tax margins also rose to 21.92% from 14.71% over the period.

The company’s return on assets (ROA) grew slightly to 5.31% from 3.47% while its return on equity (ROE) also followed suit to increase to 16.95% from 10.21%%.

Strong asset quality The company’s balance sheet shows positive changes in total assets, net assets and total liabilities, as at September 2016, when compared to the corresponding period of 2015. Total assets grew by 11.78% to N57.24 billion in September 2016 from N51.21 billion in December 2015. The key drivers of the company’s total assets were a 127.15% increase in trade receivables to N1.56 billion from N686m, 48.70% increase in Reinsurance assets to N7.52 billion from N5.06 billion and a 42.18% rise in investment property to N13.09 billion from N9.21 billion in December 2015.

On the other hand, the company’s total liabilities shows a growth of 14.66% to N36.22 billion in the period ended September 2016 from N31.59 billion in December 2015. The key drivers of the increase in liabilities were an increase of 23.43% in insurance liabilities to N15.94 billion from N12.92 billion, and a 53.14% rise in trade payables to N2.51 billion from N1.64 billion during the year under review. Expectedly, the company’s net assets grew by 3.01% to N17.94 billion from N17.41 billion during the period under review.

We recommend a HOLD Nevertheless, Axa Mansard Insurance Plc delivered an impressive performance despite harsh and unstable business terrain. The potential of the insurance sector in Nigeria remain relatively huge.

We believe that the Company’s management put in place an admirable structure in terms of compliance, customer acquisition, retention and capacity building to take advantage of the identified opportunities in the sector and towards delivery of efficient performance which strengthens earnings, income generation capacity and growth in liquidity base. This creates an opportunity where the company can deliver high level of product innovation, operational excellence and create an opportunity for expansion, into other

Valuation Metrics 09-Dec-16 Recommendation

BUY

Target Price

1.65

Current Price (N)

1.58

Outstanding Shares (m)

10,500

Market Cap (N'm)

17,325

Rolling EPS (N)

0.28

Rolling PE Ratio

5.92

Forward EPS

0.33

Forward PE Ratio

5.02 Source: BGL Research

Q3 September 2016 unaudited Results Turnover (N’m)

16,942

Profit Before Tax (N’m)

3,714

Profit After Tax (N’m)

3,040

Pre-tax Margin (%)

21.92

Source: Company Data 2015 AC, BGL Research

2015 Full Year Audited Results Turnover (N’m)

16,574

Profit Before Tax (N’m)

2,023

Profit After Tax (N’m)

1,662

Pre-tax Margin (%)

12.21

Source: Company Data 2014 AC, BGL Research

Shareholding Information Shareholders

% Holding

Assur Africa Holdings Ltd

76.48

Public Float

23.52 Source: Company Data, BGL Research

markets would boost performance significantly beyond current results.

Based on our review of the company’s financials, we revise our projected gross earnings and Net earnings to N20.02 billion and N2.92 billion respectively for financial year end 2016. This leads to a forward EPS of 0.33. Using a relative Price to Earnings Valuation (PE) and (NAV) Net Assets Valuation method, we arrive at a 3-month target price of N1.58.

Since this represents a downside potential of 4.01% on the current price, we therefore place a HOLD recommendation on AXA Mansard Insurance Plc shares.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • DECEMBER 11 , 2016

NIGERIA’S TOP 50 STOCKS BASED ON MARKET FUNDAMENTALS

Sterling Bank Plc: Significant rise in net interest income aided by reduced interest expenses

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terling Bank Plc (Sterling Bank) is a full service national commercial bank in Nigeria with focus on consumer banking, trade finance, investment banking and capital market activities. It also provides wholesale banking services and offers banking products through its over 160 branches nationwide, 5,000 POS and 3,800 alternative delivery channels, 300 automated teller machines, telephone banking and other e-banking offerings.

In over 50 years of operations, Sterling Bank (formerly NAL Bank) has evolved from the nation’s pre-eminent investment banking institution to a fully-fledged commercial bank; and completed a merger with 4 other banks – IndoNigeria Merchant Bank, Magnum Trust Bank, NBM Bank and Trust Bank of Africa – as part of the 2006 consolidation of the Nigerian banking industry.

Popularly known for its “One Customer Bank” slogan, it evolved to a bigger bank upon its merger with the defunct Equitorial Trust Bank (ETB).

Sterling Bank Plc’s (Sterling) released their results for the Period ended September 30th, 2016 showing a modest decline of 2.64% in gross earnings to N79.65 billion from N81.81 billion in the corresponding period. Consequently, the Bank has kept up with its regular dividend payment, and has recommended a total dividend payment of N2.59 billion (on the basis of N0.09 per share) for every 50 kobo share.

Gross Earnings was driven by Interest income which grew by only 12.40% to N68.89 billion in September 2016 from N61.29 billion in September 2015, due to increase in the Bank’s loans and advances to customers. Conversely, interest expense decreased by 12.05% to N27.37 billion in September 2016 from N31.12 billion in the corresponding period of 2015.

Expectedly, net interest income for the period rose considerably by 37.62% to N41.52 billion from N30.17 billion in the prior year of 2015, due to the earlier mentioned significant decrease in interest expenses and an increase of 12.4% in interest income. Furthermore, non-interest income reduced by 47.6% to N10.8 billion in September 2016 from N20.5 billion in September 2015 largely due to a 34.2% decline in fees and commission income.

ALSO THE STRONG LIQUIDITY POSITION OF THE BANK AND POTENTIAL PROFITABILITY FROM INCREASED FOCUS ON LENDING WOULD CUSHION THE EFFECT OF THE LIQUIDITY WITHDRAWALS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF STERLING BANK

Increased operating expenses greatly impacts net income Total expenses during the financial period of 2015 increased by a modest 5.01% to N39.01 billion compared to N37.15 billion in the corresponding period of 2015.

The main reason for the modest increase in total expenses was due to inflationary pressures but moderated by the bank’s strategic cost control measures during the financial year. Further breakdown of the total operating expenses showed that operating expenses increased by 16.81% to N10.44 billion from N8.94 billion which was largely driven by inflationary pressures during the period, Personal expenses for the period declined by 0.33% to N8.69 billion from N8.72 billion which was due to the deployment of outsourced services while depreciation and amortization increased by 8.21% to N3.10 billion from N2.86 billion due to the on-going investments in a number of technology-led services improvement initiatives across core and subsidiary systems and channels optimization.

The aforementioned rise in total expenses greatly affected the company’s profitability, as profit before tax dropped massively by 26.89% to N6.07 billion in September 2016 from N8.30 billion in the corresponding period of 2015.

Net income also followed suit with a massive decline of 26.64% to N5.54 billion in September 2016, from N7.55 billion recorded in September 2015.

Good asset quality Sterling Bank’s total assets rose by 11.36% to N890.30 billion in September 2016 compared to N799.45 billion achieved in December 2015. The significant increase was caused by a massive rise in Pledged financial assets to N125.77 billion in September 2016 from N69.34 billion in December 2015; reflecting a change of 81.39% and rise in intangible assets to N1.88 billion from N1.00 billion, reflecting a 88.14% change.

On the other hand, total liabilities increased by 14.80% to N808.04 billion from N703.89 billion in 2014.

This was caused by a massive increment of 103.94% in debt securities issue to N9.31 billion in September 2016 from N4.56 billion in December 2015 and a rise of 20.28% in other borrowed funds to N72.51 billion from N60.29 billion in December 2015.

Furthermore, the banks total equity (shareholders fund) decreased by 13.93% to N82.25 billion in September 2016 from N95.57 billion in December 2015.

Modest decline in performance ratios The Bank’s Return on Equity (ROE) decreased slightly to 6.73% in September 2016 from 7.90% in the corresponding period of 2015.

Conversely, Return on Assets (ROA) decreased slightly to 0.62% in September 2016 from 0.94% in the corresponding period of 2015. Furthermore, at a capital adequacy ratio of 10.7%, the bank’s CAR remains above the minimum regulatory requirements of 10%.

HOLD recommendation maintained Despite the regulatory policies in the banking sector which threaten the Bank’s income generating capacity, we believe the management of the Bank will continue to focus its efforts towards strengthening income generation from financial intermediation. Also the strong liquidity position of the Bank and potential profitability from increased focus on lending would cushion the effect of the liquidity withdrawals on the performance of Sterling Bank.

The Banks top and bottom line performance narrowly missed our projection for the year modestly in FY 2015. Considering the above, we revise our revenue and net income projection to N107.73 billion and N8.28 billion respectively the full year 2016, leading to an EPS of N0.30 for the year. Therefore, using the price to earnings multiples valuation

Valuation Metrics 08-Dec-16 Recommendation

HOLD

Target Price (N)

0.44

Current Price (N)

0.69

Market Cap (N'm)

21,017

Outstanding Shares (m)

28,791

Rolling EPS (N)

0.29

Rolling PE Ratio

2.40

Forward EPS

0.30

Forward PE

2.33 Source: Company Data, BGL Research

Q3 September 2016 unaudited Results Gross Earnings (N'bn)

79.35

Pre-tax Profit (N'bn)

6.07

Profit After Tax (N'bn)

5.53

Pre-tax Margin (%)

7.65 Source: Company Data, BGL Research

Full Year 2015 Audited Results Gross Earnings (N'bn)

110.19

Pre-tax Profit (N'bn)

11.02

Profit After Tax (N'bn)

10.29

Pre-tax Margin (%)

10.00 Source: Company Data, BGL Research

Shareholding Information Shareholders

% Holding

Silverlake Inv. Ltd

25.00

State Bank of India

8.86

SNNL/AMCON

5.85

Dr Mike Adenuga

5.63

Public Float

54.66 Source: Company Data, BGL Research

method with industry PE of 0.59 consisting of peers companies in the same Tier II category (Fidelity Bank, FCMB, Diamond Bank and Skye Bank) in comparison to Sterling Bank’s PE ratio, we arrived at a 3-month average target price of N0.44 per share, which translate to a 36.56% downside potential on the current stock price of Sterling Bank Plc shares. We therefore revise our recommendation on Sterling Bank Plc shares to HOLD.

28

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • DECEMBER 11, 2016

TRAVEL

SAA Deploys New A330-300 on Lagos Route Stories by Demola Ojo

S

outh African Airways, SAA is set to deploy its latest A330-300 aircraft on the Lagos route. Speaking during a media launch at Renaissance Hotel in Ikeja Lagos, the regional manager North, West and Central Africa, Ohis Ehimiaghe, disclosed that the aircraft only arrived into its fleet penultimate Friday.

He stated that the deployment of the latest A330 -300 on the Lagos route when other airlines are leaving the country underscores the importance the airline attached to the Nigerian market.

“We are delighted to introduce the A330-300 aircraft on the Nigerian route, we want Nigerians to have a feel of the new aircraft and to have a feel of how a brand new aircraft smells like.”

The SAA A330-300 aircraft deployed to the Lagos-Johannesburg route is one of the five new state of-the-art, environmentally friendly, supercomfortable aircraft that the airline has acquired to improve its service offering for passengers’ memorable journey.

According to him, aboard the SAA new A330-300 aircraft, Nigerian travellers will enjoy 46 Premium Business Class and 203 Economy Class seats with warm, neutral colours and cabin furnishings which provide a comfortable, elegant, hospitable and relaxed ambience, leaving travellers feeling well rested after long flights.

For the Business Class travellers, the A330 is sure to make passengers feel right at home in their very own living space.

In SAA’s configuration, the aircraft has capacity for 249 passengers, with 46 in business class and 203 in economy class. Seating in business class cabins is in a staggered 1-2-1 configuration, offering increased privacy and providing all

L-R: SAA Sales Executive Stella Aghedo; Regional Manager, North, West & Central Africa, Ohis Ehimiaghe: and Head, Sales and Marketing Kemi Leke-Bamtefa, during the launch announcing SAA’s new A330-300 aircraft on the Lagos-Johannesburg route business class passengers with direct aisle access.

The A330-300s offer more business class seats than the largest aircraft in SAA’s current fleet.

Economy is fitted with 203 newly designed slim-line seats, all with extra personal space and legroom. Each seat is fitted with a 10.1 inch screen, individual USB charging ports and access to shared PC power points.

The A330s complement SAA’s existing Airbus long-haul and domestic/regional fleet, which

includes 10 A320s that were delivered last year.

In a related development, Ehimiaghe disclosed that Wakanow.com emerged the top agency in the country in the platinum award category organized by the airline to honour Nigerian travel agencies for their commitment to the growth of the airline in the country.

He said the airline felt it was good appreciating the agents every year in the country, adding that in that category, Flinchglow came second;

Quantum Travel came third while HRG Nigeria came fourth.

The regional manager North, West and Central Africa, of South African Airways said for the Abuja region, Topaz Travel agency came top in the gold category. He said the airline will be celebrating 20 years of flying into Lagos, stressing that this is an important milestone for the airline in opening trade, investment and tourism opportunities in the country.

TrekBuyFlyTM Social Travel App Launched

N

igeria’s first social travel application, TrekBuyFlyTM was launched last week in Lagos. The app is specifically built for the Nigerian and African market and helps users get off the beaten track or find the most pocket friendly trips, with student discount options and last moment sales, while keeping friends updated through social media.

“Today’s traveller wants immediate answers.

We want to know who’s in town when we arrive, what there is to do. We want to know the coolest places to hang out, the secret bars and see a little of the city too,” said Lola Adefope, General Manager of Business Travel Management Limited, developer of the app.

“We first came up with the idea when our classic clients kept calling us from their destinations after their meeting was done or shopping was completed. They would ask,

‘What else can we see, where can we just relax? What is outside the hotel?’ TrekBuyFlyTM app gives you these answers,” Adefope said.

The application is available for download in the Google Play Store and the Apple App store.

The app satisfies different trip cravings, including trips across Nigeria, experiencing its beaches by boat, climbing Olumo rock or splashing around one of Nigeria’s beautiful waterfalls.

It also caters to plan dream holidays around the world; glacier walking in Iceland, running with the herd in the Serengeti, tasting tea in China and much more.

“Let’s face it, Africans are social, we like doing things together or carrying each other along. It’s the African way; it is especially the way we are in Nigeria. So when we built this, we decided to make group trips and

hanging out doing other activities a lot less complicated,” Adefope explained.

Amongst the long-term goals of developing the TrekBuyFlyTM app is to encourage Nigerians to travel and experience the country and improve internal tourism development in Nigeria.

The TrekBuyFlyTM app was officially launched in two interconnecting waterside venues simultaneously. After a wine evening cocktail at Raddison Blu Anchorage Hotel Lagos, VIP guests were transported by luxury boat across the lagoon to an invitation only star-studded party at Tivoli Gardens in Ikoyi.

In continued celebration of the app, TrekBuyFlyTM will be running competitions to send lucky winners on fully paid holidays.

Contestants have to download the app from the Google Play store or the Apple App store and choose which holiday they want to win.

Lola Adefope and Kofo Asuni at the TrekBuyFlyTm launch

Delta Launches New Business Class Menu Dubai Airports Launches Unlimited Free Wifi

D

D

elta has launched a new onboard winter menu for Delta One business class passengers, partnering with Roman trattoria Maialino in New York City.

Created by Maialino’s executive chef Jason Pfeifer, the menu draws inspiration from rustic Italian cooking. Highlights include prosciutto e mozzarella, braciole di Manzo and cavatelli con calsiccia di Maiale.

Commenting on the new menu, Pfeifer said: “For me, Italian cuisine is about ingredients and I think we have really captured that cooking philosophy for Delta fliers. The simplicity of the dishes allow for the ingredients to become the star of the show, so we have been very thoughtful how each ingredient is sourced, using many of the local NewYork farmers and purveyors Maialino has collaborated

Delta Business Class menu with since the restaurants opening.”

Pfeifer’s creations will be prepared daily in Union Square Events Kitchen in New York, and paired with wines selected by Delta’s Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson.

The new menu will be offered until February 28 for breakfast, lunch and dinner on selected transatlantic routes

from New York JFK and transcontinental routes between JFK and Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Other Delta services will offer a separate winter menu including fresh black truffle and potato ravioli, olive oil poached halibut, and duo of chicken with fennel puree and haricots vert.

ubai Airports has rolled out an upgraded unlimited free wifi service at its Dubai International and Dubai World Central facilities. The upgrade follows a four-month pilot project at Dubai International’s Concourse D, which opened earlier this year.

The airport operator says that the new service “offers speeds that set a new benchmark in airports globally”, adding that it is “currently investing in over 6,000 new wifi access points to upgrade the entire wireless network infrastructure across both airports, and enhanced the internet links to over 5Gbps to provide the required bandwidth capacity, sufficient to power a

small city”.

Commenting on the launch Michael Ibbitson, executive vice president of business technology at Dubai Airports said: “As the world’s largest international hub we are the heart of many journeys across the world today. When our passengers arrive in Dubai after a long journey they now expect to keep in touch with friends and family all over the world.

“To enable this, Dubai Airports has invested heavily in developing a state of the art infrastructure to deliver industry leading wifi capability. It is just one of many initiatives we have undertaken to serve and delight the 83 million passengers that will pass through our airports this year.”

30

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • december 11, 2016

MARKET NEWS

NSE Suspends Resort Savings over Insider Dealings Goddy Egene The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) last week placed a full suspension on the trading of shares of Resort Savings and Loans Plc following investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) into allegations of corporate governance abuses against the management and directors of the mortgage banking firm.

The implication of the full suspension is that there will be

no trading on the shares of the company until the conclusion of the investigation.

“In compliance with the provisions of Section 35 of the Investments and Securities Act, 2007 and in order to give effect to the above directive, the Exchange will suspend full trading in the securities with effect from Tuesday 06 December 2016. The suspension will remain in force until further directives from the SEC,” NSE said.

It was gathered that

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

the regulators were investigating allegations of corporate governance abuses and insider dealings leveled against some directors and management staff of the company.

Specifically, SEC is investigating allegations of impropriety against the managing director of the company, Mr Abimbola Olayinka, who was said to have been forced to go on terminal leave.

The mortgage banking

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 8-Dec-2016, unless otherwise stated.

firm has been enmeshed in other sundry fraud allegations boardroom crisis in recent against Resort Savings. period. A member of the CPC said it was starting board, Senator Sunday Fajinmi, formal investigation of RSL claimed to be chairman of the because of the failure of the board of director and appointed company to respond to earlier a new acting managing director. complaints against it, vowing that The company has been the consumer rights agency would recording losses over the prosecute any erring official of years. It recorded a loss of the company.

N1.57 billion in 2013 and Director General, CPC, Mrs. N2.99 billion in 2014.

Dupe Atoki, said the council Before now, the Consumer was determined to investigate Protection Council (CPC) said the operations of the company it was investigating alleged as well as engage in other legal diversion of mortgage funds and steps in line with its enabling

law with a view to protecting the consumers of the services of the primary mortgage company.

According to CPC, consumer complaints bordering on alleged diversion of mortgage loans and consumers’ deposits had been lodged against RSL, prompting the Council to beam its searchlight on the primary mortgage bank’s operations.

CPC indicated that it has already notified the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) of the complaints against RSL.

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 122.78 Nigeria International Debt Fund 220.78 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 123.76 12.71% 222.11 10.33% info@acapng.com Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 0.70 13.06% ammf@aiicocapital.com Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

100.00

17.39%

enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Bid Price 12.20 285.61 22.14

Offer Price 12.57 294.23 22.81

Yield / T-Rtn 0.10% 2.19% 0.41%

1.00

1.00

16.07%

investmentcare@axamansard.com Bid Price 105.60

Offer Price 106.26

Yield / T-Rtn 5.93%

1.00 1.00 15.37% investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Bid Price 2.13 9.04 83.23

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 2.19 4.85% 9.28 -8.22% 85.36 2.61% invest@fbnquest.com

Bid Price 1,078.30 109.38 100.00 $103.29 $103.07

Offer Price 1,079.49 110.03 100.00 $104.07 $103.80

Yield / T-Rtn 5.21% 3.79% 14.46% 7.12% 6.88%

112.82

12.07%

111.32

fcamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Bid Price 0.91 2.55

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 0.92 0.55% 2.55 9.53% coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com

Bid Price 2,157.96

Offer Price 2,182.06

Coral Income Fund 2,088.95 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 -0.81%

2,088.95 10.41% enquiries@investment-one.com Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund

1.00

1.00

15.17%

Vantage Balanced Fund

1.66

1.68

1.66%

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 11.99% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,001.32 1,001.32 0.13% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: www.meristemwealth.com ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 9.31 9.39 -4.84% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 14.98% 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 5.68% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 10.40 10.48 4.39% 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 9.61% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 1,805.19 1,815.17 7.48% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 152.48 152.48 3.67% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.75 0.76 0.67% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 184.88 184.88 8.95% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 129.29 130.90 -4.45% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 17.06% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,382.31 7,479.82 2.71% 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 1.95% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.00 11.09 -3.98% Zenith Income Fund 16.99 16.99 5.87%

REITS

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

11.58 123.19

3.99% 6.33%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

8.89 74.01

8.99 75.40

-7.17% -11.08%

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.

A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

11.12.2016

AYENI ADEKUNLE

THE RISE OF A PUBLICIST

32

T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R • December 11, 2016

COVER

AYENI ADEKUNLE

THE RISE OF A PUBLICIST Arguably, Nigeria’s most patronised publicist in the entertainment industry, Ayeni Adekunle Samuel has built, in 10 years, a reputation that attracts both envy and warmth in good measure to his flagship shop, Black House Media, and himself. Having created a few thriving brands, he needed to wrap himself in an air of mystery which he ensured by wearing white apparels always. Nseobong Okon-Ekong and Vanessa Obioha report

Ayeni

T

oday, Ayeni Adekunle Samuel talks freely about his victory over a speech defect. He still stutters but it would have been worse if he allowed those who kept drumming into his head that being a stammerer, he should avoid getting into long conversations. But he loved a healthy exchange. So he talked more, perhaps more than necessary. One thing was sure, he was not going to let anyone gag him. This constant quest for self expression explains his love for the creative vocations, completely turning his back on Microbiology which he studied at the University of Ibadan.

Interestingly, Ayeni’s story reads like many of the successful entertainment personalities who have since become his friend and acquaintance. Like a couple of them, Ayeni emerged from a gritty part of Lagos called Okokomaiko. His ambition to find a space for himself on the Nigerian entertainment landscape was fired in the 1990s. His attempt to act was not moving him fast enough towards his ambition.

He turned towards music, not to sing or play any musical instrument. He wanted to help these performing artistes bring some kind of order and finesse into their affairs, which would lead to improvement in their finances. He wanted to represent them as manager. The best known of the entertainers out of Okokomaiko with who

Ayeni maintained a life-long relationship with until he passed in 2013 was the popular 90s musician Olufemi Mayomi better known as Father U-Turn.

He was not just fascinated with managing musicians, also sought to create a credible reward platform for appreciating the artistes. The platform was called YAFEM. However, the twin pursuits to manage and reward artistes took a back seat when he discovered writing.

Introduced to the world of literature by his parents, particularly his mother whom he described as a consummate literature reader in his adolescence, Ayeni decided to veer into the world of writing, even if he was a science student. He played with words, created vivid imagery with his description and kept on dreaming of the day he would have his own publishing company or at least, get published in the prominent newspapers and magazines.

The internet was a novelty at the time.

Starting at the lifestyle and human interest magazine, National Encomium, he completely dedicated himself to his assignment of reporting the Nigerian music industry. He had previously done a stint at Hip-Hop magazine owned by his long-time friend Ayo Animashaun.

Because his reports were often a compelling read and very incisive, his influence and reputation grew. And that was when he betrayed a hint of the weakness often noticed among celebrities: He chose an audacious moniker, even if it

came across as boastful in some quarters. It was a prophetic alias that positioned him as an icon of greatness working towards achieving his long-term dream. He called himself, ‘The Great’. It only showed that Ayeni was beginning to understand the name of the game. It is called show business.

Soon, Ayeni The Great, ATG moved to the mainstream national newspapers.

His sojourn in THISDAY Newspapers and The Punch was the strategic stamp of integrity he needed to enter a new phase of professional life.

At THISDAY, he worked under the wings of THISDAY Glitterati editor, Nseobong Okon-Ekong, a man he greatly respects. To show his appreciation of his mentoring skills, Ayeni penned down lovely thoughts about the editor on his 50th birthday. He created the Glitz Beats in that section of the paper.

By this time, Ayeni had creatively tweaked his name to elicit more envy.

A.Y.E.N.I. was uniquely interpreted by him to mean All You Need in Entertainment. A few friends like Darey Art-Alade, Tunde and Wunmi Obe, Sound Sultan and later 2Baba began to seek his help with managing their presence in the media and his work was evident. On the flip side, Ayeni was a terror to many artistes. His scathing critique of the work and sometimes, persona was misjudged as an attempt to bring them down.

By the time, he established the

INTERESTINGLY, AYENI’S STORY READS LIKE MANY OF THE SUCCESSFUL ENTERTAINMENT PERSONALITIES WHO HAVE SINCE BECOME HIS FRIEND AND ACQUAINTANCE. LIKE A COUPLE OF THEM, AYENI EMERGED FROM A GRITTY PART OF LAGOS CALLED OKOKOMAIKO. HIS AMBITION TO FIND A SPACE FOR HIMSELF ON THE NIGERIAN ENTERTAINMENT LANDSCAPE WAS FIRED IN THE 1990S. HIS ATTEMPT TO ACT WAS NOT MOVING HIM FAST ENOUGH TOWARDS HIS AMBITION. HE TURNED TOWARDS MUSIC, NOT TO SING OR PLAY ANY MUSICAL INSTRUMENT. HE WANTED TO HELP THESE PERFORMING ARTISTES BRING SOME KIND OF ORDER AND FINESSE INTO THEIR AFFAIRS, WHICH WOULD LEAD TO IMPROVEMENT IN THEIR FINANCES

DECEMBER 11, 2016 • T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R

57

COVER

Ayeni at a function with some friends

weekly newspaper and website, Nigeria Entertainment Today, NET, it was clear that he was determined to do some things differently. The early edition of the newspaper coincided with the death of the emerging rap musician, Oladapo Olaitan Olaonipekun, better known as, Dagrin.

Ayeni and his team at the NET feasted on the story. Another newsbreak which attracted attention, in the entertainment circles, to the NET and its publisher was the breakup of the marriage between 9ice and his Toni Payne.

For long, Nigerian Breweries had been a big player in the entertainment industry. Giving a tacit and apparent support to the NET through advertising support was a major turn-around for the publication. However, the best was yet to come as the brewery giant retained Ayeni’s BlackHouse Media as one of its Public Relations companies. It was a foremost corporate achievement which many old and existing PR companies did not see coming. Every masked spite and disdain for Ayeni turned to open warmth and friendship when BHM clinched the PR deal with VIACOM Network, owner of the international music channel, MTV Base.

This year, BHM celebrated its 10th anniversary while, NET turned seven years.

Ayeni wants to be great in everything he does. To a large extent, he has achieved it. But like any successful man, one success is a stepping stone to another success.

From working as a journalist to being a publisher and CEO of a PR agency and Digital firm, greatness for Ayeni comes in large droves. Having succeeded in creating a few thriving brands, Ayeni needed to create a mystique about himself. He ensured this by always appearing in public in white apparels. This preferred colour of his clothing has set tongues wagging.

Not a few think, albeit, without concrete evidence that he is a cultist. Laughing at the suggestion, he explained that a white cloth is easier to manage. “You can spot dirt on it almost immediately. And it reminds me of the high moral, professional and ethical standard I have set for myself. I aspire to be without blemish always.”

What’s more? Ayeni is the convener of the Nigerian Entertainment Conference, an annual conference that pools stakeholders and practitioners in the entertainment industry.

It is easy to conclude that Ayeni’s leap to greatness was just a day’s work. Far from it. In fact, if you ask Ayeni today how he started, he would regale you with a

L-R: Ayeni Adekunle, D’banj and Kelvin Orifa

thousand and one obstacles that stood his way.

One of the breakthrough stories he loves to tell is how he built his PR agency, BlackHouse Media. It was while working with Encomium that he toyed with the idea of setting up a PR Firm. With a layman’s understanding of PR, Ayeni with his wife founded what is now known as BlackHouse Media. It started as A.Y.E.N.I. Entertainment.

As a young reporter with a family, coughing out the sum of N15,000 required for business name registration in Corporate Affairs Corporation was a huge struggle. Eventually, he paid in several instalments and soon became a proud owner of a PR firm. It sounded so true in book, but in reality, a real tussle. He had no office, no employee, no client. It was just him and his wife.

Still, he refused to give up. He sharpened his skills and made plans to attend a PR school to gain more knowledge of the profession, but for that moment, he worked for the passion.

From his living room in Akute, Ayeni toiled day and night. He managed to get three clients but their loyalty was not assured. Sometimes, they patronised him, other times, he was completely forgotten in their list of PR agencies. He was only able to make an annual revenue that was less than half a million. Still, he persevered.

With his dedication and passion in journalism, he began to build contacts.

Gradually, things began to fall into shape.

From his little living room, he moved to Opebi where he shared offices with others.

Today, Ayeni occupies a whole building Off Allen Avenue, Ikeja.

Not only that, BHM has grown into a promising organisation with three businesses, good client base and a history of innovative work done in over seven countries. It is respected as an industry shaper, stirring conversations that will improve the industry. In 2014, it built Nigeria’s first PR App, creating a revolution in the industry. It also published Nigeria’s first-ever PR Report. The organisation crossed the $1m dollar mark four years ago.

Despite his humble beginning, Ayeni made it a duty to pay his workers regularly. Perhaps, this explained why it was listed as one of the only eight out of the 48 members of the Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN) that pay workers regularly by the Brand Journalists’ Association of Nigeria.

Recently, BHM achieved another milestone by being the only Nigerian agency verified on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter with 100,000 cumulative followers on social media.

Also, Ayeni signed up with a global organisation and one of the big four consulting firms in the world, Deloitte, to handle his company’s audit and tax activities.

Apart from his ability to pay his workers on time, he also made an enabling

HAVING SUCCEEDED IN CREATING A FEW THRIVING BRANDS, AYENI NEEDED TO CREATE A MYSTIQUE ABOUT HIMSELF. HE ENSURED THIS BY ALWAYS APPEARING IN PUBLIC IN WHITE APPARELS. THIS PREFERRED COLOUR OF HIS CLOTHING HAS SET TONGUES WAGGING and relaxing working environment for his workers. The BHM work environment is designed for work and play. One can see his staff playing games or taking naps during working hours. Even the CEO takes time out of his busy schedule to play draught. To a layman, the strategy will appear almost a failure. But the plan is all part of his adoption of the 3Cs system, an initiative that prioritise convenience, compensation and capacity. In furtherance of this initiative, he opened the BHM Lounge and launched complimentary lunch initiative for all members of his staff. He also organises trainings for his staff.

All these are part of his plans to make BHM a global agency in Nigeria.

Indeed, Ayeni has every reason to be a happy man, and a successful one too. That little company he created from his home is 10 years.

It will be limiting to conclude that Ayeni’s friendly reputation with the media was based on boardroom strategies alone. What gives BHM its shine today is the familial way they make their clients and other publics feel. From the cheery staff who never cease to call you ‘boss’, irrespective of your age, to the homely way they welcome you.

They give you the five-star treatment you never asked for. This is what makes BHM a darling to many in the media.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • December 11, 2016

entertainment

with nseobong okon-ekong 08114495324, nseobong.okonekong@thisdaylive.com

As Cast and Crew of 76 Tour Cinemas •It’s a Commercial and Artistic Success, says Princewill Nseobong Okon-Ekong

A

s part of the novelty to promote 76, the wave making Nigerian film built on a love story around the 1976 coup in which the Head of State, Gen. Murtala Muhammed was assassinated, the cast and crew have been on a tour of cinemas around the country. Drawn by the speed of information on their presence carried on radio and the social media, fans of the leading actors like Rita Dominic, Ramsey Nouah, Daniel K. Daniel, Ibinabo Fiberesima, Director Izu Ojukwu and Executive Producer Tonye Princewill throung the cinemas in their numbers to interact with their favourite stars.

At all the cinemas they have been to from Ajah to Abuja, from Palms in Lekki to Palms in Ibadan and from Cedi Plaza in Abuja to Filmhouse in Surulere, the reaction have been the same. The excitement from is indescribable as the stars give themselves to functions like getting behind the counter to sell tickets. Besides giving a helping hand with babies and posing for photographs, the fans were just overwhelmed to mingle with their favourite stars.

76 is still topping the charts and selling out audiences. There are reports of people waiting weekends to watch the film have been left disappointed as many arrived cinemas to find the movie completely sold out.

For the director of 76, Izu Ojukwu, the tour has served more than the intended purpose. “I have done my part. Now it’s time for audiences to do theirs and assess if we did our part well. Initial responses are encouraging I must say.

Going on tour has helped me see where next I should take my art of filmmaking.”

Executive Producer of the movie, Tonye T.J.T Princewill said “We are seeing here is simply mind blowing.

Selling out shows is one thing but selling them out when they are overlapping, I have never seen this before. There is no place like home.

You could not have asked for more.

Commercial and artistic success is hard to achieve together.

Usually you will do well to achieve either. We will continue to tour the country to engage with the fans and surprise Nigerians at their local cinemas through the holidays and into the New Year. In the next round of tours, we head to Kano, Owerri, Benin, Asaba, Warri and my beloved Port Harcourt. We have already made our money back with our Hollywood deal, but the best reward for

TISKIES FASHION LAUNCHES STORE TODAY A new fashion line Tiskies Fashion Global Nigeria Limited will be opening its flagship store in Lekki today. It is an afrocentric brand that projects the Nigerian fabric and style to the world by using African prints for contemporary designs for both

Rita Dominic and Ramsey pose for photos with fans at a cinema

Waiting to buy tickets for 76

us is a chance to see Nigerian eyes light up when they feel the impact of 76.”

This is How 2 Baba Sees Coke Studio Nigerian music legend, Innocent Idibia popularly known as 2Baba, has been one of the most influential musicians in the last decade and he continues to stay relevant with his art. Currently

enjoying massive airplay for his hit single “Coded Thinz”, 2Baba is back on set for Africa’s biggest and popular live musical collaboration show, Coke Studio 4.

Debuting on the show last year, the Idoma-born star definitely slayed on the show last season working with Tanzanian songbird Vanessa Mdee.

Their mash-up “All I need to Know” was Nigeria’s best of the best. The song even got to play on local radio and climbed charts.

Now on Coke studio 4, 2Baba has been paired with Ugandan R&B singer, RemaNamakula. Speaking about his time on Coke Studio 4 and what inspires him to produce beautiful music, 2Baba revealed that is it all about producing organic music.

“Inspiration comes from a lot of places. I like to create music that will still make sense, sound fresh, and be relevant to anyone who listens 20 years from now. Whatever style of music I produce, I do it in such a way that the music will last for ages. This is my second appearance on Coke Studio Africa and I enjoy it because it is all about organic music that is fresh and relevant” The 41 year-old Nigerian singersongwriter, record producer and entrepreneur is one of the most decorated and successful Afro pop artists in Africa. He is also one of the most bankable artists in Africa.

male and female wears. Customers can order in units or bulk, depending on their choice.

Owned by a fashion designer/ entrepreneur, Abiola Aluko, Tiskies pride itself in having its own branded fabric. The move to produce Nigeriamade fabric as explained by Aluko is to support Nigeria textile industry.

“Most of Nigeria textile industries are dead. But we want to help revive it. What we do is to design in-house and give it to them to produce for us.

We have to showcase Nigeria, we have to bring our country out again.

Nigeria is used to being called bad names. This is an opportunity to showcase what good can come from

our country.”

She continued:”We are particular about quality, the finishing, the pricing and style.”

Aluko has in her employment over 60 workers in her factory at Egbeda, Lagos, who are mostly youths. They are placed on different sections- depending on their expertise- and on a

Ibinabo and Ramsey sell tickets

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • December. 11, 2016

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ENTERTAINMENT flexible routine in order to have time for their studies, that is, for those still in school.

Also in her employment are Filipinos who are skilled in handling mass producing tailoring machines. She bemoaned the lack of skilled tailors in the country while urging Nigerians to patronise Nigerian fabrics.

GOSPEL ACT, DORCAS UWAGUE DREAMS BIG After being consistently rated on the top spot as a rising gospel musician in the Benin City, Edo State, current winner of the Dominion City Music Awards 2016, Dorcas Osariemen Uwague is now set to hit the world gospel stage with her new showpiece titled: Chai Love Dorcas is a Political Science/Public Administration Education student of the University of Benin. She is a gospel singer, songwriter and music teacher is now set to flaunt her much anticipated 8-song chart buster album to the amazement of all. One of the songs, ‘Take my Heart’ has already been making waves in the local radio stations and has even already gotten a top spot at the popular Benin KU FM in Benin city.

Dorcas who looks up to American born Priscilla “CeCe” Marie Winans said “I admire her. She fears God. She is humble and down-to-earth.”

Dare Art Alade To Host The Unveiling of GAC Motors’ Latest GS4 Brand in Lagos this December Tomorrow, Monday, December 12, China’s leading automaker GAC motors will be unveiling its premiere GS4 brand at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island Lagos. A delegation from China led by the General Manager of GAC Motors will be making their first visit to Nigeria for this high profile event. It will be hosted by the award winning musician Dare Art Alade who would also be giving a stellar performance at the event.

The GS4 brand has scored many ¬firsts. GS4 scored 80.68 points in the C-ECAP assessment and became the ¬first SUV vehicle model to receive the gold medal. This best-selling model has just made its debut to Lagos, Nigeria where it is currently been assembled. It has optimal fuel efficiency with a combined fuel consumption of 6.3 L/100 km (37.3 MPG) and only 36dB in idling noise to provide undisturbed driving space for car owners.

Speaking about the vehicle, Chief Diana Chen, Chairman of CIG Motors and Chief host of the event said “Applying sustainable and ecofriendly technologies in vehicle production and automotive decoration is one of our primary goals. All cars manufactured by GAC Motor follow the highest standards and use only the best quality and environmental friendly materials.” It would also be recalled that Chief Diana Chen is the first Chinese woman to receive a Chieftaincy title here in Nigeria.

No doubt this is a choice car for Nigerians and it has been said continuously in the automotive industry in Nigeria that the launch of the GS4 car is set to create a revolution in Nigeria’s automobile Industry.

The Unveiling is expected to be an event of pomp and pageantry as select stakeholders of Nigeria’s automobile industry, captains of industry, celebrities, political leaders and heads of corporate organisations have confirmed attendance. Some of the celebrities who will be gracing

devices and solutions, “Samsung will continue to bridge consumer expectations of what a premium mobile experience should feel like with a readiness to delivering the best-in-class solutions that combine the strengths of Samsung’s mobile innovations.”

The “Open Your Mind” campaign will feature celebrities such as popular Nollywood actresses, Joke Silva and Funke Akindele; celebrated radio personality, Tolu Oniru Demuren popularly known as Toolz; comedian, Ali Baba and a host of others. In the course of the campaign, Nigerians will be availed the opportunity to know and understand the inspiration, dreams and the place of innovation in the accomplishments of the respective careers of the celebrities. These celebrities inspire people every day and innovation is at the heart of what they do to remain engaging and inspirational to their teeming fans. This is similar to the nexus that exists between Samsung and its consumers.

Samsung’s culture of innovation transcends high-quality product offering; it includes services, which are geared towards making a difference in the lives of consumers.

“Samsung will continue to provide cutting edge technology enabling consumers realize their potentials through innovation and technology.

We hope to inspire progress and spur dreams to success through this campaign,” says Revmatas.

R-L Gov. Udom Emmanuel, Gov. Ben Ayade (m), Senator Godswill Akpabio

Akwa Ibom Ready for Carols Festival The ninth edition of the Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols Festival holds on December 17 at the Uyo Township Stadium. This event has over the years attracted some of the biggest names on the global gospel music circuit.

This year, Don Moen is making a second appearance at the event after headlining the 2014 edition. Also billed to minister is the classical singer Julius Nglass, Buchi, Sammie Okposo, Rev. Fr. Patrick Edet, Esther Edoho, Elijah Oyelade, and rave-of-the-moment Steve Crown. We will also host the Kenyan Boys Choir who performed at the Inauguration of President Barack Obama, The Kayamba Africa Orchestra from Nairobi and The PRM band from the UK. The AKSG choir will also sing, together with the Ibom Orchestra and Brass Band and a children’s musical ensemble known as the Uyo Girls Choir.

The Christmas Message on the Night will be delivered by Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams from the Action Chapel International, Accra.

His Excellency, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, who has continued this annual end of year thanksgiving, praise and Christmas Carols Celebration has extended an invitation to people across the state and beyond to be part of this unique and spectacular celebration of Christmas.

The event usually attracts thousands of people. Last year, over 45,000 people watched the event live at the venue and an estimated 70 million people watched the telecast on DSTV across the African continent. It was also shown live on Channels TV, AIT and AKBC and streamed over the internet. The event

this occasion are Stephanie Linus, who received a car from GAC Motors for carting away the Best Overall Movie In Africa Award at the AMVCA Awards 2016 and the award winning Movie Director, Kunle Afolayan.

NIGERIAN CELEBRITIES HEADLINE SAMSUNG CAMPAIGN Samsung’s commitment to producing innovative, life-changing products and services will be on display in its new campaign tagged, “Open Your Mind.” Samsung Electronics West Africa stated that the campaign will demonstrate Samsung’s commitment to innovation, quality and

Nathaniel Bassey will also be shown live on television across these channels this year and streamed over the internet.

Akwa Ibom State holds the Guinness World Record for the largest group of Carol Singers in the world, and a part of this group will be singing Christmas Carols during the Festival. There will be 10,000 Carol singers on the night to this event that attracts visitors and tourists from different parts of the world.

service to its consumers. campaign will also serve a reminder to consumers of Samsung’s unflinching support in the provision of world class devices that would help them in realizing their dreams and potentials.

Emmanouil Revmatas, Director and Business Leader, Information Mobile and Technology, Samsung Electronics West Africa, said that as the market leader in smart

2face

The as

Remanamakula

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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Despite Rejection, Beyonce Still Makes History Vanessa Obioha The Lemonade singer had just one more song to complete her streak of success in the Grammy but was turned down. She had submitted her controversial country song ‘Daddy’s Lessons’ but the song was rejected by the country music committee of the Recording Academy. According to the Associated Press, a source revealed that the committee didn’t find the song worthy of that category.

‘Daddy Lessons’ samples Houston native’s Southern music roots, incorporating horns, acoustic guitar and hand claps. The lyrics talks about lessons the singer learned from her father and former manager.

At the Country Music Association Awards last month, Beyonce performed the track alongside Dixie Chicks, and later released a version of the song featuring the country trio.

If the song had been selected, Beyonce would have had 11 nominations at the

PRESIDENT-ELECT DONALD TRUMP RETAINS HIS POSITION IN REALITY SHOW After weeks of diverse speculations on whether he will severe his ties with the reality show ‘The Apprentice’ that brought him to spotlight, LA Times reports that the president-elect, Donald Trump is still the executive producer of the show.

As NBC is preparing to launch ‘The New Celebrity Apprentice’, acquired

by Hollywood studio Metro-GoldwynMayer in 2014, it is yet unclear how much money the president-elect will receive as an executive producer of the show which was created by producer Mark Burnett.

Scheduled to air on January 2, 2017, former California governor and actor Arnold Schwarzenegger will fill in the shoes of Trump as the Boardroom judge who decides the fate of the contestants.

He will be joined by billionaire Warren Buffett, Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, model and TV producer Tyra Banks, actress Jessica Alba and Patrick Knapp Schwarzenegger who will all serve as boardroom advisors.

Grammy as she would have been eligible to contest in the ‘Best Country Song’ and ‘Country Solo Performance’.

Nevertheless, she made history by becoming the first artist to get nominated in the rock, pop, R&B and rap categories of the Grammys in the same year. Janet Jackson and Paul McCartney had been nominated in these categories but not in the same year.

Beyonce clinched a total number of nine nominations at the upcoming music awards. She is also the most-nominated woman in Grammy history with 62 nominations and has won 20 Grammy awards.

Some of the categories she is nominated in include Album of the Year for ‘Lemonade’ where she will be contending with Adele, Justin Beiber, Drake and Sturgill Simpson; Song and Record of the Year for ‘Formation’; Best Rock Performance for ‘Don’t Hurt Yourself’ with Jack White; Pop Solo Performance for ‘Hold Up’; Rap/Sung Performance for ‘Freedom’ with Kendrick Lamar; and Urban Contemporary Album Beyonce for ‘Lemonade’.

In an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, he described Dylan’s critics as a case of sour grapes and lauded the artistic flair of Dylan’s works. He also revealed that Dylan is the only musician that has had such an impact on popular culture or remained so influential for so long.

Dylan won the Nobel Prize for literature in October, a win the literary world had greatly criticised. He made history as the first musician to win the prestigious award.

Although he admitted he is yet to meet the musician, he however respects him since the age of 14. That respect has trickled down to his children and grandchildren.

STEPHEN KING DEFENDS BOB DYLAN’S NOBEL PRIZE Unlike his counterparts who have launched diatribes against the musician’s Nobel Prize, legendary fiction-horror storyteller is defending Bob Dylan.

LA LA LAND, THE AMERICANS, TOP AFI AWARDS Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling’s romantic musical comedy makes the list of the American Film Institute’s best 10 films of the year. The institute rewards culturally and artistically significant films and television programs every year.

Also making the list are Disney’s animated film ‘Zootopia’, ‘Sully’, ‘Arrival’ and ‘Manchester by the Sea’.

Meanwhile, ‘The Americans’, ‘Game of Thrones’, ‘Atlanta’, ‘Better Call Saul’ are among AFI’s best TV programs of 2016.

Trump

Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone in La La Land

Special recognition award will be given to the Fox crime series: OJ: Made in America.

The honorees will be celebrated on January 6, 2017 at the awards ceremony.

YOUTUBE TO PREMIERE THE KEYS OF CHRISTMAS In the spirit of Christmas, the online streaming platform will be releasing a holiday special ‘The Keys of Christmas’.

Starring Mariah Carey and YouTube star Rudy Mancuso, the musical narrative revolves round Mancuso who goes on an off-the-grid adventure to find the meaning of Christmas with the help of musical performances from Ciara, DJ Khaled, Fifth Harmony, Boyce Avenue and others.

Legendary boxer Mike Tyson will make a guest appearance.

Directed by Dave Meyers, the show will premiere on December 19, on YouTube’s subscription streaming service, Red. KANYE WEST GOES BLONDE Back from the confined rooms of the hospital, the rapper is bouncing a new blonde look. He was spotted rocking the look at an art exhibition in West Hollywood.

There have been rumours of divorce in his marriage following his hospitalisation. Three weeks ago, Kanye was rushed to the hospital after he launched an

acerbic rant on the stage and cancelled the remaining dates on his “Saint Pablo” tour.

He suffered from exhaustion, dehydration and temporary psychosis.

Since his release from the hospital, the rapper is said to be living separately from his reality show model wife Kim Kardashian, thus fuelling the rumours that their marriage is on the brink of a breakup. Both parties have debunked the rumours, claiming that they are still stuck as glue.

JOHN CENA IS TRAPPED IN ‘THE WALL’ In the psychological thriller of Doug Liman ‘The Wall’, John Cena stars with Aaron Johnson as two American soldiers who are trapped in a standoff with an Iraqi sniper.

Cena’s character is seen getting shot by the sniper while he’s on duty in the middle of a desert at the movie’s first trailer.

Johnson is also seen trying to help his wounded fellow soldier before the sniper shoot him as well. He tries to reach the military operating base to ask for help, but there is a catch.

A deadly psychological thriller that follows two soldiers pinned down by an Iraqi sniper, with nothing but a crumbling wall between them, The Wall is written by Dwayne Worrell and will premiere in the U.S. on March 10, 2017.

Stephen King

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • DECEMBER 11, 2016

Onoshe

airtimeplus98@gmail.com

Nwabuikwu COME AGAIN ‘Abuja Carnival: Residents attribute poor turnout to recession, inadequate publicity.”

-AIT news headlines, Sunday December 4, 2016, 6.20 pm-ish.

Which Abuja Carnival? The one from 2006? I am an Abuja resident and I could’ve sworn that there was no carnival this year. Let’s just blame recession then. Poor recession. It must have been responsible for the non-existent or ‘inadequate’ publicity. Even if residents had been adequately informed, how many can spare the time or money to ‘carnival-ise’ in this recession?

And you know who caused recession, right?

30 Days in Atlanta...one of hilarious movies by AY

I

Do Nigerians Just Want To Laugh?

’m not really sure why I am putting this as a question. Everyone knows things are a little tough right now in Nigeria, to put it mildly. Just the other day I was asking here if recession has affected your TV viewing habits. So it’s somewhat of a no brainer that people would gravitate towards anything that’ll give them relief (or perceived to have the capacity to give relief) from their daily stress. That daily stress has since increased since the advent of the R word, ’which is just a word.’

Today my attention has shifted to Nollywood. Have you noticed that comedy films are becoming more popular? And that comedians are turning to Nollywood almost as a last resort? Comedy has had its period of boom.’ However, the success of comedian AY’s (Ayo Makun) ’30 Days in Atlanta, directed by Robert Peters in 2014 appears to have reignited the comedy flame. ’30 Days…’ reportedly grossed over N137m at the box office and broke all kinds of records. Since then we’ve had a few noteworthy comedy films in between. Think ‘Wives On Strike’ which was said to have made N60m in 25 days. Now, ‘A Trip To Jamaica’ another AY produced

comedy movie directed by Robert Peters is already gaining momentum and millions of Naira at the box office. It was said to have made over N80m in two weeks!

Meanwhile, ‘The Wedding Party’ directed by Kemi Adetiba which comes packed with notable comedians is just around the corner as it opens in cinemas December 16, 2016.

With recession biting and famine in the horizon what are the options?

Nigerians obviously want to laugh so bad; so much so that many are willing to find humour even in otherwise serious situations. Some people think this may be one of the reasons our political leaders can say and do all sorts of crazy things. Soon enough, someone is bound to turn it into a joke. And that would be the end. Remember #TheOtherRoom?

While I was watching the movie ’76 last week, fellow cinema goers were straining to find something to laugh about. I don’t recall anyone advertising ’76 as a comedy or semi-comedy. Not even as a tragi-comedy. Yet, towards the end of the film when Capt. Joe Dewa (Ramsey Nouah), the film’s protagonist returns home, while I was trying to make sure it wasn’t his ghost or his wife Suzie (Rita Dominic) hallucinating, the

rest of the hall was more interested in his torn sweater. He’d been wearing that same sweater when he was arrested.

On seeing him, instead of clapping as ‘oyinbo’ viewers would’ve done, they burst into laughter with shouts of ‘coat of many colours’!

I haven’t tried to review/critique any of these movies barring Wives On Strike.

Even then, it’s usually not to tackle any ‘hard’ stuff . It’s a little tough after seeing a film with people laughing their heads off to focus on ‘technicalities’. But that may soon change though, just so I can add my opinion, for the record. Well, it’s safe to conclude that Nigerians like to laugh and comedy is winning. Laughter, as the cliche goes, is the best medicine, after all.

The flip of course is that we amy be seeing more comedy films in the near future. The funny and not so funny. But I won’t waste time discouraging anyone from joining the bandwagon. Although they may do well to remember what one wise person said of bandwagons: ‘If you can see one, it means you’ve already been left behind’ or words to that effect.

In any case, the average film viewer who’s not as buoyant as before will sooner or later vote with his/her wallet.

Hopefully.

NOTICE BOARD

Will Nollywood Embrace The “Berlinale Africa Hub”?

“The Berlinale Africa Hub is a new EFM platform for innovation and technology in the African film industry. For the first time, the 2017 Berlinale will provide a platform for innovative projects and ideas from the African film industry. The “Berlinale Africa Hub” is an initiative of the European Film Market (EFM) in cooperation with the World Cinema Fund (and the special programme it created in 2016, WCF Africa, with Berlinale Talents (and its sister programme Talents Durban), and the Berlinale Co-Production Market.

As Festival Director Dieter Kosslick says, “The Berlinale has long-standing relationships with numerous African filmmakers. Now,

due to the support of the German Federal Foreign Office, with the ‘Berlinale Africa Hub’ we can substantially intensify that commitment.

EFM Director Matthijs Wouter Knol also says that, “apart from functioning as a place for African filmmakers to meet up with the international film industry, the ‘Berlinale Africa Hub’ is focused first and foremost on changes in the industry triggered by innovations and technology .

The “Berlinale Africa Hub” is a communication and networking platform for the African film industry and all EFM participants who want to know more about

new distribution and marketing models, and virtual reality and 360° projects by African filmmakers and producers, about successful start-ups that are bringing audio-visual content to the African market, and about African VOD and SVOD platforms that have emerged in the last few years.

As part of the Hub, there will be networking events, featuring discussions of the most important issues in sales, distribution, marketing, project packaging, co-production, subsidies, and talent development in the African industry.”

The ball is in your court, Nigerian filmmakers.

“Wike alleges withdrawal of chief security officer.”

-Channels TV, Tuesday December 06, 2016, 4.36 pm-ish (all day).

Almost 48 hours after news of the ‘withdrawal’ of Governor Wike’s CSO broke, Channels TV, 10-time (or is it 11-time) winner of Nigeria’s Best TV Station award, was happily informing her viewers that Wike ‘alleges withdrawal…’and it ran all day.

You mean it’s that hard for a TV station like Channels TV, which specialises in news, to (help viewers) confirm or deny the veracity of the supposed withdrawal of Gov Wike’s CSO? And instead of a confirmation or denial viewers have to watch Channels TV saying Wike “alleges withdrawal of CSO” all day?

It would seem that Channels TV took a political not a journalistic decision in describing the withdrawal of Gov Wike’s CSO as an allegation.

Aday earlier, the internet was already buzzing with this withdrawal. If Channels TV decided to run this news by Day 2, the least it could’ve done was to enlighten its viewers. Or ignore the so called allegation.

“Fashola seeks return of toll on federal roads.”

-Channels TV, Tuesday December 6, 5.11 pm-ish.

I’m most interested in the word ‘seeks’. The Bible does say ‘seek and ye shall find’. It’s only a matter of time before triple minister (of Power, Works and Housing) Babatunde Raji Fashola (BRF) finds what he seeks which is that Nigerian motorists should return to paying a fee each time they drive on federal roads. This was abolished years ago but why shouldn’t we pay for using federal roads?

It is a great privilege. Especially at a time when Nigerians are so economically buoyant.

Unlike the NCC and the seeming confusion surrounding the data fee hike it (the NCC) had ‘commanded’ telecommunications companies to embark on, this time around, when we return to paying toll on federal roads, Nigerians will know just whom to give the credit. Well done, BRF. You’re Okunrin Meta, indeed.

AIT Launches “MADE IN NIGERIA” @ 20!

On December 6, 2016, Africa Independent Television turned 20! “From those humble beginnings with a single station in Alagbado, AIT has grown to reach 24-major cities in Nigeria and is also available globally via our satellite footprints across Africa, Europe, America and the Middle East.”

At a low key ceremony to mark AIT’s 20th anniversary, Chairman of DAAR Communications Plc, Chief Raymond Dokpesi Jr said: “After twenty years and at the threshold of analogue to digital broadcasting migration, we understand better today that…bringing people together to share ideas, aspirations and experiences whilst making meaning of everyday life locally and in the global context remains at the heart of what we do. Sharing the African Experience has therefore come to represent so much more than our station’s brand…”

To commemorate this milestone, DAAR Communications is also launching the ‘AIT “MADE IN NIGERIA” initiative granting media discounts and awareness campaigns as a “publicity subsidy” towards supporting indigenous products, services, brands and enterprises.” The idea being to “inspire a national consciousness about buying Made in Nigeria products (“Buy Nigeria”).

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • DECEMBER 11, 2016

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Remembering Ehisieme Alonge Funke Olaode

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ow would you feel losing an only child? What readily come to mind when you are putting on cloth but feel naked or with your two eyes wide open but you are partially blind? And the question that comes to mind is ‘God, why me? These are the experiences of Pastor Modupe Irele when on June 10, 2015 her world crashed when her promising 35 year old son, Ehisieme Osarieme Alonge died in faraway United Kingdom to pulmonary embolism (blood clot). For Irele, she thought the end had come.

It has been 15 months of sorrow and anguish. But on December 1, the day Ehi as he was fondly called would have been 37, Irele dropped the garment of mourning by launching a foundation in memory of her late son.

The solemn gathering held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos paraded who’s who. Among the guests of honour was the wife of the VicePresident, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, Founder, Vivian Fowler Memorial Girls School, Mrs. Leila Fowler, Iyalode Shade Ogunbiyi, Mrs. Jumoke Asiodu, Pastor Yeside Staveley, Mrs. Taiwo Taiwo, Mrs. Evelyn Oputu, Mr. Theophilus Ayeni, Yemisi Bunmi Adedayo, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo was ably represented amongst others.

The unveiling of Ehibam Griefshare Foundation (EGF),’ according to Irele is a voluntary driven foundation with the aim to guide those who are grieved to live a new normal life.

It is passionate forum that offers support to those in bereavement.

“When my son passed on in June last year, I didn’t think of setting up a foundation because I was very devastated in the very few months. I was very particular about how I was going to survive without a child who had grown up to be my confidant. I didn’t think of doing anything until I got this revelation that I should reach out to people like me who are in bereavement and in grief. I asked Lord how to go about it because my emotions were still raw. I got people to pray along with me and I realized it is an assignment. I said to myself I can’t go knocking from door to door, that I must have a structure. I shared the vision with people and they were excited about it and that encouraged me.” she said.

In her speech, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo commended the initiator of

L-R Mrs. Leila Fowler and Mrs. Dolapo Osibajo

this rare foundation and said it is a welcome development considering the fact that we live in an environment where expression of emotions are frowned at. She stressed that EGF as a platform will help in difficult times just as its effort in providing succor cannot be over-emphasised. “For the vulnerable and widows who don’t know where to turn to EGF will make a difference in their lives.”

While the pain of losing loved ones is a scar that remains forever, Osibajo noted that society attitude sometimes compounded the situation.

In her case, she mourned her maternal grand-father, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo for 20 years. “I remember when I lost my mother many people patted me on my back and made a sarcastic statement ‘oti pa iya eje’ meaning ‘you have killed your mother and they expect me to laugh. The EGF comes at the right time because there are people out their who need this platform to pour our their heart.”

For Pastor Yeside Staveley who had known Ehi since age of 10, it was a loss that cannot be easily forgotten . It was a solemn moment for those who have lost their lost ones as they rolled

Mother of the deceased and CEO Ehibam Griefshare Foundation, Ms. Modupe Irele

out their experiences and how they gradually overcame. For Mrs. Taiwo Taiwo who lost her daughter Abioye Aronke at age 24 in 2003, it was a scar that would remain for ever.

Mrs. Leila Fowler narrated an occurrence one wouldn’t wish her enemy having lost her daughter, Vivian in a car crash many years ago.

“Grief comes as a result of a loss and hardly can you find someone who has gone through a loss and still display courage. But I am happy that out of sorrow, Modupe has created a platform and forum for those in her shoes.”

Extolling Ehi’s virtues, Mr. Theophilus Ayeni said Ehi was a beloved son who would fight for the downtrodden anywhere. “If we now have a foundation that will help those in grief, it is a welcome development.

Ehi was a bundle of talent and lots of responsibilities were placed on him before he died.

Nozazee Alonge who grew with the late Ehi chronicled their journey through life and concluded that Ehi was a compassionate being who brought smiles to people.

At the end of four hours activities

A cross section of the invited guests

for the late Ehi, Mrs. Jumoke Asiodu joined with others on the podium launched the foundation.

Though she admitted that it is only God that can heal an infected and broken heart in the time of grief, she enjoined invited guests to be an agent of change by reaching out. According to her, nobody prays for an eventuality but one never knows when one is going to be at the receiving end.”

assistant editor nseobong okon-ekong senior correspondent funke olaode correspondent vanessa obioha designer ibirogba ibidapo CONTRIBUTORS onoshe nwabuikwu, temilolu okeowo, kelechi nduka THISDAY ON SUNDAY editor adetokunbo adedoja deputy editor vincent obia STUDIO art director ochi ogbuaku jnr THISDAY NEWSPAPERS editor-in-chief & chairman nduka obaigbena managing director eniola bello deputy managing director kayode komolafe

ARTS & REVIEW

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PUBLICATION

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TURNER PRIZE

A PANDORA’S BOX OF ODDITIES Helen-marten-portrait-760x760

EDITOR OKECHUKWU UWAEZUOKE/ okechukwu.uwaezuoke@thisdaylive.com

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ARTS & REVIEW\\VISUAL ARTS

TURNER PRIZE: A PAND BOX OF ODDITIES

UK’s Turner Prize continues its tradition of celebrating the absurd with the announcement of its late says Okechukwu Uwaezuoke

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or aesthetics, it has been an agonising fall from grace. Now, not even the most prestigious art prizes reckons with it any more. And the Turner Prize, numbingly predictable for courting controversy, preens itself on its not being an exception to this trend.

Yet, last Monday night’s live broadcast of the prize’s award ceremony on BBC World was hard to ignore. This, after all, is the UK’s most prestigious art prize! Even the quality of the audience at the Tate Britain gallery, which looked more establishment than avant-garde, attested to this fact.

Nigerian-born literary luminary Ben Okri, after his preliminary remarks, finally announced the winner as Helen Marten.

Marten’s eventual choice should no longer surprise anyone. Surprise has long ceased to be a factor. Not after she had come this far as one of the contenders for the prize. But who is she, anyway? Not so long ago, she had won the inaugural Hepworth Prize for Sculpture, worth £30,000.

If some among the clique of Turner Prize watchers had rooted for Anthea Hamilton (one of the artists in the shortlist), it was because Hamilton adhered to the prize’s long-standing penchant for arousing apoplexy. Her giant bare buttocks held by two hands, obviously, had the intention to irritate.

Yet, despite her statement that suggested she didn’t expect the win, Marten remained many pundit’s favourite. The Oxford’s Ruskin School of Drawing graduate is clearly the favoured one of curators and critics, what with her major show at London’s Serpentine Gallery and her winning the inaugural Hepworth prize for Sculpture last month.

The 31-year-old had, on being announced the winner of the inaugural prize, promised to share her winnings with her fellow artists. This gesture, she also later confirmed, would be replicated with the Turner Prize, worth £25,000. Indeed, this decision of hers to share the prize money with fellow shortlisted artists – “quietly” – could endear her to more people. But her magnanimity is really not the point here.

Rather, her winning work is under the spotlight here. The installation work has earned the reputation for not only confounding its viewers, but for also fascinating and delighting them. This is even when it edges the traditional notions of aesthetics further towards irrelevance. Aficionados are invited to contemplate and scrutinise her puzzling assortment of found objects as though they were an archaeological dig. Her cacophony of materials consisting of cotton buds, bicycle chains, shells, marbles, snooker chalk, fish skins and eggs with so much else are joined together as strange bedfellows.

This is what is expected of a typical

Helen Marten’s work Turner Prize winning work. Since its launch in 1984, the prize has stirred dissension among artists, critics and the art-viewing public. An anti-conceptual art group that call itself the Stuckists has been a leading opposing voice against the prize since 2000, deeming this year’s edition unforgivably dull.

The Guardian of UK quotes the group’s co-founder Charles Thomson as saying: “It is appalling that innocent victims expecting to see challenging art should end up bored to death. I have lost several friends in the last few weeks.

“There needs to be immediate action.

The Turner prize should be shut down before more people end up meeting their demise from sheer boredom.”

Nevertheless, its professed mission to promote contemporary British art makes it unarguably one of the biggest events of the UK’s cultural calendar.

Hence, The Guardian also quotes the

chair of judges, Tate Britain director Alex Farquharson, as endorsing the Marten’s work for having real longevity and for using objects, forms and images just like a poet would use language.

“The judges were impressed by the complexity of the work, its amazing formal qualities, its disparate materials and techniques and also how it relates to the world ... how it often suggests meaning, but those meanings are all in flux somehow,” Farquharson said. “One image, one form becomes another.”

A peek into the prize’s past winners reveal a Pandora’s Box of oddities.

This was the prize that dredged up the likes of Damien Hirst, Martin Creed, Mark Wallinger and Chris Ofili, among others, from the depths of anonymity.

The works of these past winners of the prize – awarded to a British artist, under the age of 50, who would have held the best exhibition of the past year – raised hackles among the newshounds.

Take Hirst, for instance. Not a few among the cognoscenti would have wondered what his winning work in 1995, which was a collection of animals pickled in formaldehyde, had to do with art. As for Ofili’s paintings made from elephant dung, which won in 1998, some critics were certain the artist was courting cheap publicity. Then for others, Creed’s light going off and on in a room in 2000 bordered on the ludicrous.

Now that new canons of aesthetics have become de rigueur in the art world, art purists might just as well bridle their sneers. That is, if they cannot play quietly play along with this trend like the obsequious courtiers in Hans Christian Andersen’s well-known The Emperor’s New Clothes. At least, playing along would make them not to be seen as unusually stupid.

There is, in any case, a draught in the realisation of higher art forms. This has been so ever since mankind bowed in

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est laureate last Monday,

reverential awe before the Golden Calf of material ephemerality. Art is rarely appreciated as a gift from Above and is rather applauded as the product of the artist. Little wonder its modern high-priests would rather degrade it from its lofty position as the work of the spirit. For them, the intellect – even with its limitations to the earthly conception of time and space – should call the shots.

Thus, the world’s most prestigious art prizes, biennales, triennials, art fairs and forums have become orchestrated dance orgies of obscurantism around this intellectual idol.

What passes for art in these events now takes on scarcely believable forms. Woe unto that “reactionary” who dares raise his voice in protest!

What does he know about art? Does he not realise that this is the 21st Century and not the Dark Ages?

ARTS & REVIEW\\VISUAL ARTS The Inverted Pyramid; Adapted from a novel by Emeka Dike

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ARTS & REVIEW\\ART-LOGUE LITERARY CAFE Inside 2016 National Art Competition Grand Finale Yinka Olatunbosun

Building Wrap by Laura Aldridge

BUILDING WRAP: LAURA AIDRIDGE’S EXPERIENCE OF ABUJA CITY Agwu Enekwachi

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here is something new in the Abuja skyline! It is different from the monochromatic wall coatings and the shimmering glasses of the city’s highrise concrete buildings.

The object of fascination is the iconic headquarters’ building of the Ministry of Women Affairs, currently under construction, on Ralph Shodeinde Street in Abuja’s Central Business District. The building is the venue as well as subject of a site specific installation art which was unveiled recently. It is one of the projects undertaken by British contemporary artist, Laura Aldridge which involved wrapping up the building in a display that even before its official opening ceremony had started eliciting questions and reactions.

The installation is a part of a project by the British Council’s UK/Nigeria 2015-2016 season, which aims to build new audiences, create new collaborations and strengthen relationships between the two countries. The building wrap was created following a visit by Laura to the Nike Arts Centre in Abuja and a textile workshop she had with 35 women based in the city as part of the “Go Woman Go” project. The building wrap project also enjoyed the support of Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Abuja. Earlier in September, a similar public art project, an exhibition of wind sculptures by a UK based artist of Nigerian origin, Yinka Shonibare (MBE) was exhibited at Ndubuisi Kanu Park, Ikeja, Lagos.

On the invitation of the British Council, Laura Aldridge’s first visit to Nigeria’s capital was in March, 2015.

The visit was an immersive experience that enabled her to negotiate the nuances of the city of Abuja. Through the visit, she was led organically, by the rhythms of the city to the right channels through which the collaborations for her project would be established. Prior to the installation of the public art at the Federal Ministry of women affairs building, Laura first had collaborations with the Nike Arts Centre-where she had the feel of the adire tie and dye fabrics (this would inspire the material for her installation). Second she had sessions with pottery makers in Giri, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory. She spent time working on these significant projects which are two art initiatives well known in Abuja and run basically by women.

Laura’s art project underscores two art traditions (Adire/Tie Dye and Pottery) of Nigeria that have been in practice in many Nigerian towns and cities as a method of fabric decoration, and an art form that has made home utensils for several decades, as well as a source of employment for many.

Laura found the Abuja cityscape an exciting environment, “On my first visit to Abuja, I was struck by how sculptural, large buildings could look around the city. In the UK, we tend to build densely-this often means that architecture goes unnoticed…But in Abuja there seemed to be much space around each building and this meant that you could see a building in its entirety-the front, side and back” One of such buildings happened to be the women Affairs Ministry buildingiconic, solid and cylindrical. For about two weeks, Abuja residents will enjoy the building draped in the rich colours of the Adire/tie dye as they pass through the Abuja Central Business

District. The colourful Adire patterns will surely be seen on some people’s dressings, including passers-by, as it is a common fabric pattern worn by many in Nigeria. This will translate to another form of interaction with the work. The colourful dressings of women generally reveal their colourful essences as a gender that adds a lot of colour to society and life. At the base of the wrapped building, women from the Nike Art Centre were ready with their dye baths. Interested guests went over, took a white Pashmina fabric which was instantly dyed in the guest’s preferred colours. Pashmina veils are common women dress accessory in Nigeria. Pots made from Laura and the Giri women pottery collaboration were also on display. The wrapped six-storey uncompleted building with a standing crane towering over it, is suggestive of the suspended work on the building, which one may allude to something about the openness of thoughts and the continuity of Aldridge’s creativity. “This work has my name on it, but it is the work of many hands. The nature of working at such a large scale means you have to open out yourself and your practice to others to enable a project such as this come to fruition. I see all those who are part of this project in the work” she said.

Laura Aldridge was excited about the possibilities of working in different contexts, which “Go Woman Go” project represents, “coming to a different country, responding to what is on ground and creating a new body of work. It is beyond just coming to Nigeria to wrap a building and make some pots; but more about the organic process involved in doing all of these and all the things that happen around it.”

-Enekwachi writes from Abuja.

It’s no longer news that the 2016 National Art Competition has come to a close. What a race! At the finishing line, 12 contestants made their mark at the 9th edition of this annual contest, which is a visual feast.

Organised by African Artists’ Foundation and sponsored by the Nigerian Breweries, the quest as usual was for participants to submit their art project to stand the chance of winning in three categories namely, the Outstanding Production, Outstanding Concept and Overall Winner.

After a special retreat for the artists, which took place between October 17 and 19, the artists develop their ideas into concrete forms and are presented to the public for the first time on the evening when the winners are declared. Some participants worked individually while others worked in duo or trio.

It was quite interesting to see a former winner of the competition, Erasmus Onyinshi again in this competition and when he appeared at the grand finale with his students with whom he worked on the art project; one could not help but wonder if he was going to win once more.

But the suspense lingered as the disc jockey and his itchy fingers dropped some party tracks and classics that were constantly punctuated by the compere, simply called Larry.

The little garden at the African Artists Foundation building in Victoria Island, Lagos provided the space but certainly not the comfort for a good view of the winners. Art audience is certainly growing in Lagos especially on a special occasion as such.

Soon, the winners were announced amidst clicking of cameras. Atonye Lamie walked through the applause as he was declared the winner of the Outstanding Production for his project, “On a Second Thought’’. A very pleasant surprise was the winner of the Outstanding Concept, named Ayinla Oluwajumoke. She is a young expectant mother who enrolled for the competition with the hope that she might make a good impression on the judges. Her joy at winning was unquantifiable.

“It wasn’t easy,” said the excited winner of N1 million. “Even if I wasn’t an expectant mother, it couldn’t have been any easier. I am not an artist. I work with fabrics and I work with paper. It is a new ground for me. I had never tried this before. I used compact discs and broken mirrors to make Moving Pieces. These pieces reflect colours, giving hope. I also used it to illustrate the thought that in everything you see a piece of yourself.

My friend Damilola Daniel sent the link to me because she knows that I love trying new things. I was discouraged at first because the requirements seemed so long. But one day I just looked into the mirror and I got inspired. So I gave the project a try and I know it is grace that I have won.”

The suspense around the identity of the winner lingered as attention began to shift to an anonymous artist, Black Fart, who arrived at the venue in a black mask. Though he didn’t win in any of the three categories, his unusual presence commanded some attention. Now the overall winner of the N2 million cash prize is the artist, Uzoji Godwin. By any judgment, he had the most interesting piece in “Homelessness, Despair and Hope”, which he assembled carefully using drilled coconut shells. His artist statement was also very lucid, with theme developed around the condition of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) “I see boundaries as the edges of ones’ comfort zone and any shift in this which is not voluntary, most often result in unpleasant conditions,” he explained.

“Hence there is a seeming shelter which cannot shelter one against the elements, the negative spaces created as the coconut shells lay side by side reveals the vulnerability of the IDPs.” The winner’s work is very topical as it addresses the harsh social reality in many places ravaged by war and insurgency such as north-eastern part of Nigeria.

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CICERO

Editor Vincent Obia Email vincent.obia@thisdaylive.com, SMS: 08054681757

IN THE ARENA

On the Low Rating of Nigerian Universities

Government should tackle the underlying cause of the poor ranking of the country’s universities, writes Vincent Obia

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he Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2016-2017 was recently released with a list of the 980 top universities in the world, and only one Nigerian university made the list. The country’s premier university, the University of Ibadan, was the only institution in the league of world class universities, which had 26 universities from nine African countries. UI placed a distant 801 on the list of the world’s best universities. They were graded on the basis of performance indicators grouped into five areas, namely, teaching (the learning environment); research (volume, income and reputation); citations (research influence); international outlook (staff, students and research); and industry income (knowledge transfer). Nigeria lagged behind South Africa, Egypt, Ghana, and Uganda.

Nigerian universities have maintained a pattern of consistent poor performance in international ratings. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for 2015/2016, UI was also the only Nigerian university in the rankings. It placed 601 then, and fell 200 steps lower, to 801, in the latest edition.

The poor performance of Nigeria in the global ranking of universities has aroused a lot of concern. The federal government, institutions, and individuals have decried the problem, with some attributing it to the attitude of the managers of the institutions. For others, the government is to blame for the low ranking of the country’s universities.

The contributory factors are legion, but the federal and state governments must take the blame for the poor placement of the country’s universities.

The university system in the country is plagued by multifarious problems. They include poor funding, inadequate facilities for learning and research, cultism, and corruption. The university system study, a report published in 2013 by a group set up by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the National Universities Commission, identified corruption in various aspects of the system. ICPC chairman, Mr. Ekpo Nta, said the study was motivated by petitions from stakeholders.

The study discovered various levels of corruption in the areas of admission, research, financial management, teaching, promotion, and discipline.

The blame for most of the problems with the university system can be laid at the government’s door. Poor funding and inadequate regulation are ostensibly the underlying causes of the low performance of Nigerian universities, and the federal and state governments are to blame for these.

Education is among the least considered sectors in Nigeria in terms of budgetary allocation. Despite the strategic place of education in the development of the country, and the recommendation by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation to especially developing countries to allocate a least 26 per cent of their annual budgets to education, Nigeria lags far behind in education funding.

P O L I T I CA L N OT E S

ezeibe.aguwa@thisdaylive.com 08093842953 On the average, less than nine per cent of federal budgets have been allocated to education since the inception of the Fourth Republic in 1999. In 1999, education was given 11.12 per cent of the federal budget; 2000, it reduced to 8.36 per cent; reduced further to 7 per cent in 2001; 5. 9 per cent in 2002; and 1.83 per cent in 2003.

In 2004, education got 10.5 per cent; it took 9.3 per cent in 2005; 11 per cent in 2006; 8.09 per cent in 2007; 13 per cent in 2008; 6.54 per cent in 2009; and 6.4 per cent in 2010. In 2011, 1.69 per cent was allocated to education; 10 per cent was allocated in 2012; 8.7 per cent in 2013; 10.6 per cent in 2014; and 9.5 per cent in 2015. In the 2016 budget, education got N369.6 billion, representing about 6.01 per cent of the budget.

Amid poor capacity to attract education grants, these paltry allocations are expected to cater for 40 federal universities, 21 federal polytechnics, 22 federal colleges of education, and 104 unity colleges. It is hard to see how the 187 institutions could be adequately funded from those budgets.

The same story of poor budgetary allocation to education applies in many of the states.

The federal and state governments must intervene urgently to ensure that the country’s 40 federal and 44 state

Senate’s Deferment of Magu’s Confirmation

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Magu

universities are well funded.

Following from the problem of poor funding is the issue of inadequate lecturers. The 152 universities in the country, comprising 40 federal universities, 44 state universities, and 68 private universities, are said to have only about 69 per cent of the required number of teachers for effective teaching and learning. Some estimates put the percentage even lower, considering the retirements of teachers without prompt employment of new ones and the explosion in admissions.

Besides, it has been widely observed that a good number of those who teach in the government institutions are the same teachers that the private universities rely on through part-time arrangements.

Regrettably, in the midst of this rather shambolic situation, the federal and state governments are still building new universities. And the federal government is still granting licences to private groups and individuals, many of who, apparently, have doubtful capacities to build and maintain universities.

The federal government must urgently address the funding and regulatory issues that have kept Nigeria on the bottom rungs of the world university system.

he Senate on Thursday postponed the screening of acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, and other member-nominees of the commission because of poor attendance of senators at plenary. This is an unfortunate develop-

ment.

Even the assertion by the senate deputy majority leader, Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah, that the senators were on oversight functions in different parts of the country does not explain why the upper chamber did

not have the right number of senators at the session to screen the appointees.

Oversight duties are not meant to disturb the plenary sessions of the legislature, and it is certainly unlikely that most legislators would be on such assignment at any one time.

The most plausible explanation for the senate’s failure to screen the EFCC nominees seems to be the usual levity with which legislators in the country approach the otherwise serious issue of attendance at legislative meetings.

– Vincent Obia

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Usani: We are Trying to Reposition Niger Delta Ministry for Accountability Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Usani Uguru Usani, recently spoke with journalists on the activities of his ministry. Bassey Inyang was there: Excerpts:

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are locally sourced, including labour. For me that is fraud.

n his first task in the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

Putting things in proper perspective became our first responsibility, which, so far, is beginning to take shape. It was just a situation before where people thought that the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs was a platform for collecting and sharing, and then incessant agitations that would suggest further sharing. There can be no better way to describe that. And that was why we had more than N420 billion disbursed in the ministry and the rate of project completion was just 12 per cent; so much of waste.

The ministry, as it is, has a very congested echelon of personnel. As a ministry that does not earn revenue, we have a minimum of 14 or 15 directors and deputy directors above that number, and assistant directors yet above the number of deputy directors. It was just nothing other than the conception that we had ascribed to ourselves of violent agitations or settlement at the detriment of the intentions of the setting up of the ministry. This was what I met.

On the numerous abandoned projects initiated by the ministry.

What we are trying to do is to reward contractors who have been diligent. Those who have shown due diligence in execution will be encouraged by being mobilised further to return to site, and those who are in liability against their resource mobilisation will be requested or advised to return to site until they get to the levels of project execution that is commensurate with what they have gained financially.

The nature of the ministry and the mandate suggests that there is no limitation in terms of its sub-sectorial social, economic and political engagements pertaining to the region.

This means, obviously, it is like an institution that is managing a regional economy about a quarter of the country. So, it is such a serious thing. But we have not appreciated what it is because we have attempted to look at it from the perspective that it is just militancy or persuasion or what I would call negotiation, whereas it is not really so.

So, of the much we have seen in all the sectors, of course, we are also involved in establishing some agro-processing plants here and there for cassava and palm produce. Out of all these we met on ground, not one was ever finished.

They kept becoming on-going and new contracts kept being awarded. Added to the on-going lot, we continued having different phases of on-going projects, which is what we are trying to check. If we get the ones such that the budgetary provisions can accommodate, we will finish those ones and hand over while the other mega ones are still on-going. I think it is a better way to deliver, especially on the principle of zero budgeting of the current administration.

On the current state of the East-West road project.

Maybe, you also need a good understanding of the history of the East-West Road. It was first awarded in 2006.

So, today it is one decade of a project that is not complete, yet it has so much social and economic importance to the region.

It is awarded in sections 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. All the other sections are in progress of work except section 5, being the one linking Akwa Ibom State from Oron to Calabar in Cross River State.

Several segments of the East-West Road are at various stages of execution, but obviously not at the same level.

But section 5 has not started at all. Why it was never started, I don’t know; but, maybe, on account of lack of funding. But one thing I know is that the section 5, which is still, in my view, at the level of award, has been encumbered with certain procedural considerations.

When the contract was awarded, it was awarded in US dollars. Even labour at local level was denominated in dollars, which means to buy sand and chips were in dollars.

And the earlier design made suggested the complex bridge to link Oron and Calabar. The award carried only first phase of the contract with a partial commencement of the second phase. And that means, if it had started or even if it had been completed, you will never know when the second phase would be awarded.

Besides, one discovers that the nature of the design was going to affect the social conditions of the two communities, Calabar and Oron, because the end route in Calabar was going to empty at the roundabout at Watt Market. So, if you imagine traffic coming from Edo State; and sometimes people are traveling from Lagos to Cross River to empty in the city centre, it means some days people would not even move from one point for hours and by my conception of

Usani transportation planning and management, it was a great defect.

It was done without even considering the fact of having to pass through Egerton, where you begin to negotiate compensation, which could take one or two years before people will agree to quit their locations, and so on. So, we held a confab inviting Akwa Ibom and Cross River State governments and community leaders in both states, and former technical consultants, who designed the road; and other consultants to run commentaries on their designs. At the end of it, we put together all our ministry engineers and engineers from the Ministry of Works in both states to go and work out alternatives which they did, and eventually all of them agreed.

By the new agreed design, the road is coming out at Adiabo and it would pass through some communities in Odukpani, including Creek Town, which is longer in distance, but lesser in cost. But, to suggest that we would go ahead and implement that contract denominated in US dollars would mean that at the unstable exchange rate, the contract would be open-ended.

So, at any given time, Nigerians would not know the naira equivalent spent on the contract, which is why I felt we must do a thorough thing once and for all because as it were, if they started or even if they were going to start on that condition, it would mean that until the end of the contract, nobody would ever know how much the project is worth financially.

Thank God we have got alternative designs. We have also got the contractor who signed in to do the job. We invited him to come and see the reality, and quote according to what this component design entails. That is the state at which we are. We them invited the contractors because we do not want anybody to insinuate that it is because we want to change contractors for ulterior motives that we are disagreeing with the first things they did. But, if they fail to do that, we must be more interested in the welfare of our people and the economy of our country than patronising people just on the basis of being contractors.

So, we hope that we get the response very soon. We are getting the president also to give his view on that. Once that is done, we would go ahead to the next phase of signing a proper contract. For me there has been no contract on that matter because I don’t see how a sovereign nation with its own monetary and fiscal policies will be denominating its contract awards in foreign currency when all the components

On the achievements of the ministry in the last one year.

Our achievements in the ministry, such as trying to shape the ministry and giving a new value orientation to the people, are quite important. When we said we were going to carry out a technical audit of all the projects it was vehemently resisted by all those you can guess to be concerned. But, with determination, we did. And it has shown that we have been unfair to ourselves in terms of the resource application and the outcomes. Because of the peculiar circumstances in the region, we find that the average period for completion of a project is five years, in spite of the nature of the project, and we have only 12 per cent project completion rate, then you have eight per cent impact.

Of course, in all these analyses we applied standard global performance indices, and you see that the only project that has been competed has been by us within the one year.

Whereas, in the past there was a façade of attempts to commission projects that were not completed, at all.

To Nigerians it may look meaningless, but without a good foundation there cannot be an established structure.

Like I said, the other works that are physical are continuing.

We are applying our funds to them. But we have within the period done something. The action plan of the ministry is being revisited, and reviewed. We have also, in collaboration with the UNDP, done a baseline survey and we have got their report, which was presented for ratification. When it is ratified, it therefore means it will be ready for submission at any level for us to secure assistance.

Again, the process of our procurement or anything to be done in the ministry is getting a new lease, and of course, you will expect that with all these we are trying to initiate, our regime would remain unpopular as long as we are doing what we are trying to do. The reason is because those who do not want accountability don’t see anything good. Theirs is that, this is not how it is done. But, I believe that by the time we finish, they will be happier because they will have more money to share.

On the ministry’s contribution in addressing issues of violent agitations in the Niger Delta.

Our attempts at intelligence and advise on security in the region has been paying off reasonably. To address the issue of insecurity and violence in the region, one needs to ask the first question; what is their reason? In the past when I was not involved, I couldn’t have known what the reason was.

But, I have always been a crusader of the fact that the rate of disuse of the environment in the region demands specific, peculiar, special attention. However, beyond that point, I am also aware that not much attention, since the time of oil exploitation, has been given to the region.

But we thank God that within the last one decade government started to look in that direction. In which case, our rational action should have been to wait and see how government progresses with us, not just this administration.

But instead, to find unprovoked violence is what evoked curiosity in our minds to ask, why? And our findings to this question suggest more sinister motives than just lack of development in the region. I would appreciate it much more if people came to me and say they would shut down the ministry until abc is provided for them. I will sympathise with that type of situation.

On the agitators’ calls on the Buhari administration to fix the development problems in the Niger Delta.

Even those who are saying the president is not doing well enough, in their hearts, know that they are not telling the truth. In spite of the UNEP report on Ogoni clean-up, who has ever initiated such action if not this president? And in spite of the fact that the amnesty programme was supposed to terminate in December 2015, did this administration not extend it, which is still on-going. It is one of the major programmes the president has even attempted to give express approval for money to be drawn from special accounts to fund. So, by what means should anyone suggest that the administration of the president in particular is not fair to the Niger Delta region?

By my special access to what is going on, a lot of what goes on is about 2019. They are determined that this administration must fail. They must not be allowed to have money to function so that they will be voted out in 2019. And the sponsors are big. If they hear this they will want to crucify me, but I own it up because I know. I am not speculating.

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Repositioning Ogun with N221bn Budget in 2017 Determined to consolidate on the gains of the previous years, Ogun State government has proposed an ambitious budget with spirited moves to bolster the revenue base with a view to supporting the aspiration, reports Kunle Aderinokun

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efore Governor Ibikunle Amosun took the rein of power in Ogun State in 2011, he was desirous of realising the huge economic potential inherent in the state, which is abundant in natural resources and replete with income generating business opportunities. As soon as he mounted the saddle, he swung into action with a view to ensuring Ogun, a next door neighbour to Lagos, is in the league of high revenue generating states and become successful economically. No wonder, with ingenuity of the team he leads, the state has moved from an internally generating revenue (IGR) base of N730 million per month in 2011 to the current level of about N5.5 billion monthly.

This, in addition to receipts and other revenue sources put the government in a comfortable position to deliver the goods to the people of the state.

According to the Commissioner for Finance, Wale Osinowo, who analysed the proposed 2017 budget and fielded questions select journalists recently in Abeokuta, the state achieved this feat over these years because of revenue harmonisation, which helped to plug leakages in ministries, departments and agencies.

With the harmonisation, he pointed out, the government also succeeded in avoiding multiple taxation between the states and local government areas (LGAs).

Besides, the administration, in its wisdom, created more revenue lines to increase income generation. For instance, the state government, since the first term of Amosun, has an initiative called residency tax law , which mandates Ogun state residents to pay their personal income taxes to the state’s coffers regardless of where they work. This initiative has significantly boosted the revenue base of the state.

Similarly, the implementation of Home Owners’ Charter initiative in which currently over 600, 000 applications are being processed for certificate of occupancy, the Land Use Act and introduction of Okada Rider’s Permit, which generated N1 billion in nine months as well as Treasury Single Account(TSA) and cashless payments in all Tertiary Institutions also raked in significant revenue to the treasury.

These efforts have given fillip to the state’s resource base, which according to Osinowo, has been soundly managed and made the state buoyant. Not done yet, the state government, in its 2017 budget has projected to raise the level of its IGR to N114.34 billion from the N105.67 billion targeted in 2016.

While presenting the 2017 appropriation bill, estimated at a total of N221.129 billion, to the House of Assembly, Amosun had expressed the belief that, “Ogun State is on the threshold of an important phase of its transformation journey and the expenditure plans that we seek to focus upon in Fiscal Year 2017 will be critical in repositioning our dear state.”

According to him, “This next phase of our journey will be unlocked by the provision of critical infrastructure alongside the

Amosun

facilitation of more inclusive economic growth for our people and this must therefore be our emphasis.”

The proposed budget titled ‘Budget of Repositioning’, he pointed, reflected the administration’s “resolve to further minimise costs and continually maximise and diversify our capacity to generate revenues.”

Stating that, the N221.129 billion budget represented an increase of 10.45 per cent over the 2016 budget, Amosun disclosed that, out of the whole size, a total of N118.306 billion has been proposed as capital expenditure while the remaining N102.82 billion was earmarked for recurrent expenditure, representing 53.50 per cent and 46.50 per cent of the total budget, respectively.

The recurrent expenditure comprises personnel cost, made up of salaries and allowances put at N62.73 Billion while pension and gratuities accounting for N11.2 billion, which is about 5.06

per cent of the total expenditure. The balance of N28.89 billion, which accounts for 13.07 per cent is set aside for the overhead costs.

Explaining why a greater portion of the budget was dedicated to capital expenditure, Amosun said, “Our intention to reposition the state’s economy requires us to continue to place greater emphasis on capital expenditure. This budget mix will support both the maintenance of existing infrastructure and allow the continued execution of more capital projects.”

Essentially, the governor pointed out that, the proposed budget was allocated to five cardinal programmes . According to him, the programmes are: Affordable Qualitative Education (N47. 054 billion), Efficient Healthcare Delivery (N15.105 billion), Agricultural Production/Industrialisation (N11.610 billion), Affordable Housing & Urban Renewal (N28. 575 billion), Rural & Infrastructural Development/Employment Generation (N44.201 billion) with others N74.584 billion.

On budget financing, Osinowo, the commissioner for finance, said the government planned to fund the proposed budget without depending on allocation from the federation account.

He explained that the on-going revenue drive in the state would be accelerated to ensure the government achieve the targeted level of revenue and even surpass it.

According to him, the government would in 2017, continue to generate more funds through the expanded revenue lines it had created with a view to meeting its obligations and aspirations of its people.

Apart from the N114.34 billion IGR, the government proposed to generate, which represents 51.71 per cent of projected revenue, it also envisaged to receive N41 billion from Federation Account (18.54 per cent). Besides, the government expected capital receipts of N65.78 billion, accounting for 29.75 per cent of the proposed total funding. In his concluding remarks at the budget presentation, Amosun gave assurances of “our collective responsibility to ensure the success of this budget.”

Besides, he said: “To the good people of Ogun State, let me also seize this opportunity to assure you of our unwavering resolve and commitment to deliver on our priorities and complete on-going projects.”

“While thanking our people for their perseverance and understanding, we are mindful of the fact that these are indeed hard times. That notwithstanding, let me assure our people that we will continue to walk our talk in the development of our rural road network across the State.

“We are convinced that, what we have been able to achieve in the past five and a half years will soon pale into insignificance when compared to what is yet to come. We will leave no one in doubt about our genuine intentions to work for the development of our dear state. I strongly believe that God willing, with determination and our collective effort, we shall succeed in the desire to sustain the growth of our dear state,” he added.

Soyinka, ‘Wolexit’ and Hero-bashing Tunji Olaopa

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n this article, I want to explicate on two significant assertions that has been at the heart of my confrontation with the Nigerian national project for a long time, and especially with the intellectual capital that I suspect is a very significant part of rehabilitating Nigeria to greatness. First, Nigeria has a fundamental problem with her intellectuals, and most especially her heroes and heroines. Second, Nigeria’s heroes and heroines have a fundamental problem with Nigeria. These two assertions may appear interchangeable, but they are not. This is because each carries a different weight and valence. In other words, the problem Nigeria has with her heroes is not the same as the problem the heroes have with Nigeria. On the one hand, Nigeria’s heroes and heroines are concerned with the urgent task of reconfiguring Nigeria for greatness. This task most often take a non-conventional but still patriotic modes that require these highly endowed Nigerians to challenge the Nigerian state from all sides and angles. We all still remember Ken Saro-Wiwa’s attempt at calling out the Nigerian state over the wrong treatment meted out to the Ogoni minority of the Niger Delta. And on the other hand, Nigeria resents almost all and every interrogation of her national dynamics, and especially of the kind of statecraft that bend the empowerment of Nigerians to the exigencies of national unity. And again, Ken Saro-Wiwa typifies Nigeria’s reaction to perceived “anti-patriotic” challenges.

Ken Saro-Wiwa died trying to make Nigeria stand up to what is right and just with reference to its own citizens.

Interestingly, Wole Soyinka captured this Nigerian angst against her hero at the burial of another hero, the late Professor Ojetunji Aboyade. With utmost weariness of his soul, he lamented: “Nigeria kills us slowly; one by one, but surely.” According to him, if Prof. Aboyade had given less of

himself to Nigeria in a thankless job, he would not have died when he did. Wole Soyinka is no doubt one of the redoubtable heroes that Nigeria has today. In fact, he represents in himself one of the few positive achievements the global community reckons with about Nigeria. In terms of intellectual outputs and national activism, he is committed to Nigeria in all senses. While most of us were still in our diapers, Soyinka was hijacking radio stations, writing stinging commentaries, staging satiric plays, crossing from Nigeria to Biafra to intervene in national tragedies, and paying enormous price, in jail terms, for his patriotic courage. But unfortunately, it is this same Wole Soyinka that is presently at the centre of a national uproar over Soyinka’s personal conviction.

What I call hero bashing is a fundamental issue which is neither here nor there in terms of value judgment. Heroes and heroines are humans with human frailty. They make mistakes, miscommunicate, are arrogant, fall short of expectations, make wrong decisions, have short visions, fall into temptations, just like every other human. The difference however is that they are heroes who must be held up to a higher standard of humanity than every other because they have a larger than life status. Hero-bashing therefore seems appropriate but sometimes most tragic, especially in proportion to the event or the persona involved. I remember the posthumous bashing that Chinua Achebe received for There Was a Country, his personal testimony about Biafra.

That was an issues that gave me serious concern given that Achebe was not a mean person (in both senses of that word). Achebe loved Nigeria, and that is clear from his many engagements with the concept of Nigeria. Yet, it turned out that he had to die before he would have died given the enormous bashing he received as a result of his personal understanding of the Biafra incidence.

But if Achebe’s hero-bashing came from a significant confrontation with the idea of Nigeria, the recent bashing of

Wole Soyinka leaves a more bitter taste in the mouth. This is because what is at issue seems so trivial in proportion to the outcry it is generating. Let me summarise. Wole Soyinka was so anxious about the possible electoral victory of Donald Trump that he served a “Wolexit” notice—He would tear up his green card if Trump emerges as the president of the United States. Against all odds, Donald Trump did become the president-elect, and Nigerians called out Soyinka on his threat. Not to be caught hanging, the formidable Soyinka offered a loud retort against those who, according to him, failed to understand a simple matter of figure of speech and a fundamental right to free speech. Soyinka fumed that it was illogical to think that “tearing up” his green card meant an actual card-destroying gesture. According to him, the United States is not the only country he had issued a “red card.” What then was the outcry about?

What actually was the outcry about? It seems to me that Soyinka has earned his right to free speech, and even his eccentricities. But it does not seem that it was eccentric for him to issue such a warning of suspending his citizenship of the United States. His statement was borne out of a deep conviction against all that Donald Trump represented.

Most of us also have our various anxieties about a Trump presidency, but most of us are not Wole Soyinka. Soyinka is global. And by that, I mean Soyinka’s voice has achieved such a global stature that his threats, approval, and even silence carry a stentorian weight that compels attention. This is no hero worship. I know Soyinka is human. If I were him, I would have offered my explanation and resumed my silence. But Soyinka cannot be silenced. What is most unfortunate is that agitated and aggravated responses can cross the bound of moderation and civility.

-Muogho, is the Director of Administration, Ibru Organisation.

(See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)

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Olanipekun: When Philanthropy Becomes a Way of Life Raheem Akingbolu pays tribute to former President of Nigerian Bar Association, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, who clocked 65 recently, and whose life has been dedicated to giving back to a society that has, in turn, given him so much

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o Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), a former President of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), life appears to be meaningless if one fails to touch lives. In the last 20 years, the story of how the legal luminary is impacting the society through philanthropic gestures has become like an obsession. In many ways, the Ikere-Ekiti-born lawyer has proved that life is not only about amassing wealth but leaving a resounding legacy.

Olanipekun’s humanitarian gesture, which began 20 years ago through a scholarship scheme in the ancient town of Ikere Ekiti, has spread to various communities and institutions of learning. At the beginning, the scholarship scheme began like a child’s play but today it has seen to the educational development of hundreds of students, who are now successful in their various fields of endeavour.

Beyond touching the lives of his kith and kin, he has taken it up a notch by moving beyond community development to donation of structures to schools and professional bodies.

For instance, few years ago, the lawyer in his magnanimity donated a well furnished Bar Centre to the Nigeria Bar Association, Ikere Chapter. To go with the centre was a multimedia platform, generator and air-conditioners. He moved further by paying practicing fees for the lawyers in the branch for three years.

At the Ikere State Specialist Hospital, Olanipekun built and equipped a health care facility in memory of his late mother, Madam Lydia Abosede Olanipekun. It is as a result of this that the general hospital now enjoys the full status of a teaching hospital as it was recently accredited by the Nigeria Medical Council for housemanship. He gave the facility a life of its own by providing ambulance, engaging five staff, including a cleaner, gardener and nurses with the promise that he would pay their salary for a year.

As a demonstration of his adherence to the Christian faith, the legal icon built and donated a vicarage to the Anglican Church on Ado Ekiti road in Ikere Ekiti in memory of his late father. Bearing in mind the place of information and communication technology in today’s school curriculum, Olanipekun, who was installed the Asiwaju (leader) of Ikere Ekiti, had few years ago moved to his alma mater, Amoye Grammar School, Ikere Ekiti where he donated an ICT centre for the students.

Maybe by coincidence, his footprints are today felt on all the roads leading to Ikere Ekiti. On Igbara Odo road, there is the Olanipekun Bar Centre; on Ise road is the Specialist Hospital where he built a ward in memory of his late mother, while Ado and Akure roads house the Vicarage and the ICT centre respectively.

Outside Ikere Ekiti, Olanipekun has also sowed the seed of giving. Few months ago, he changed the fortune of the Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, by inaugurating a befitting Vice-Chancellor’s Lodge for the institution. For eleven years, the institution’s vice-chancellors had been housed in a somewhat rickety bungalow built for the principal of the then St. Andrews College over 100 years ago. In a country, where funding has remained a burden for private institutions, the

Olanipekun

gesture was considered a good step towards solving one of the challenges facing the schools.

Prior to this, he had donated N10 million to the University of Ibadan, where he was once a Pro-Chancellor to reduce the effect of the flood disaster that wreak havoc in Ibadan at the time.

To Olanipekun, education is the only weapon with which poverty could be crushed. It was reported that during his tenure in UI as the Council Chairman, he never collected his statutory allowances which ran into several millions of naira.

Rather, he directed that the money be given as scholarships to students in Law, Medicine and Computer Science faculties. He also donated to the university a 350-capacity lecture theatre.

In return, the University honoured him with a honourary doctoral degree of Law (LL.D). As if that was not enough, he was also honoured by the Federal Government with the award of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, OFR, in 2012.

However, all these did not go unnoticed as well-meaning organisations have continued to shower him with awards and chieftaincy titles. The latest was the award of excellence recently bestowed on him by the NBA, Ikere Branch, during the association’s maiden End of Year Award Dinner, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the legal profession. Two others, Ola Olanipekun (SAN), an Abuja based lawyer and Mrs. Funmi Falana, wife of Lagos radical lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, were equally honoured.

According to the vice-chairman of the professional body, who also doubles as chairman organising committee of the chapter, Barrister Oludayo Olorunfemi, the legal giant was

not considered for the award for his contribution to the body of law alone but also for his contribution to humanity.

“Chief Olanipekun is a colossus and a gift to humanity and the best way to appreciate such a man is to honour him. To me, if one successful man from every community could rise up and contribute to their communities the way Chief Olanipekun is doing, the society would be better for it. Our decision to recognise him goes beyond his gargantuan contribution to the growth of legal profession in Nigeria but also as a result of his huge contributions to humanity, ” Olorunfemi explained.

Meanwhile, the NBA’s award was like a tip of the iceberg, when compared with the honour bestowed on him recently by his community. At the Ikere Day 2016, the Ogoga of Ikere, Oba Adejimi Adu, conferred the honorary chieftaincy title of the Asiwaju (the leader) of Ikere on Olanipekun and his wife, Princess Lara, as Yeye Asiwaju.

Oba Adu, who conferred four hereditary chieftaincy and five honorary titles on his subjects, said the honourees had proved to be people of integrity.

His words: “It is the usual practice when there’s a milestone, you bestow honours on those you believe are worthy of it. In July, we clocked one year in the saddle as the Ogoga of Ikere Kingdom. We were supposed to have conferred the honours then, but since Ikere Day celebration was close, we decided to wait and do them together. It is a milestone in our journey of life on the throne and in Yoruba land. We dig down into people’s backgrounds, personalities and their standings in the society to check their integrity before conferring chieftaincy titles on them. An honouree should be someone with compassion and philanthropic attributes as well.”

Continuing, the monarch added: “So, today, we made Chief Wole Olanipekun, who already has so many titles, the Asiwaju of Ikere Kingdom. Indeed, he was the Mayegun of Ikere, but because of the qualities we found in him, we gave him the Asiwaju of Ikere Kingdom. That’s the leader, the one in front, the head. He is highly worthy of that title.”

Born in Ikere Ekiti, Ekiti State, on November 18, 1951, Chief Olanipekun attended Amoye Grammar School, Ikere Ekiti between 1965 and 1969 where he obtained the West African School Certificate, WASC. His academic brilliance informed his appointment as the Senior Prefect. He proceeded to Ilesha Grammar School in 1970 from where he obtained the Higher School Certificate, HSC, in 1971.

At Ilesha Grammar School, the young Olanipekun manifested his innate leadership qualities, thus becoming the Editor-in-Chief of the school magazine, The Spike. He was also the chairman, Students Representative Committee in 1971.

In 1972, he gained admission into University of Lagos where he bagged the Bachelor of Law degree in 1975. He attended the Nigerian Law School, Lagos, from 1975 and 1976 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1976. He was a junior counsel in the firm of Messrs Oniyangi and Co, in Ilorin, between 1977 and 1979. In 1980, he became the Principal Partner of Messrs Wole Olanipekun and Co. As this legal icon clocks 65 few weeks ago, it is obvious that the revered lawyer will be pleased with himself that he has indeed given back to the society that nurtured him

Ezinne Amadi: Tribute to a Courageous Mother Martins Uba Nwamadi

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ading away like brief candle, life is but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets upon the stage and is seen no more. It is a tale told by an idiot full of sound and fury signifying nothing.” In the Holy Bible, the book of Ecclesiastes, reminds us that: “to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heavens; “A time to be born and a time to die; a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance”.

We mourn the passing to eternity of a rare woman of courage and industry, late Ezinne Matilda Chidinma Amadi who left this mortal world some weeks ago at the age of 86 years. Late Matilda was born in 1930 to the late William Njoku, an astute politician and councilor who represented Mbutu Okohia at the County Council. At a time when most girls were consigned to full time domestic chores and tending of farm crops in the village, young Matilda took to education. After completing

primary school education, rather than opt for nursing or the teaching profession that was the vogue at the time, she elected to acquire vocational skill as a seamstress, which today is known as fashion design.

She not only mastered the art over time, but also became very proficient in her chosen career. As providence would have it, in 1950, the late Matilda was betrothed to our late father, Ezinna Adolphus Adindu Amadi, then a teacher at St Patrick’s School Mbutu Okohia.

In 1951, that union was solemnized in holy matrimony. An entrepreneur and woman of repute, our late mother in 1960 ventured into soap making, an art, which at the time was the exclusive preserve of such industry giants like Lever Brothers, PZ and Equitable Industries all in Aba. She later established a sewing institute, soap making enterprise, even as she was also involved in large-scale production of oil bean cakes.

It was therefore not surprising that our family residence at Obehie in present Rivers State and Orisheze in Ngor-Okpala Local Government of Imo State became beehive of activities daily. In all this, Mama was cognizant of the fact that for

women to be successful, they must be empowered with relevant skills to enable them become successful mothers. Hence, she devoted her time in training many young ladies and women and equipping them with the skills to venture into the world.

It is of interest to note that despite her crowded schedules, mama never neglected the home front. Ever strong willed and protective of the family, she ensured that her children were trained as good Christians who walked in the ways of the Lord. Her enterprise and industry were brought to bear in the aftermath of the Nigeria civil war, when alongside her husband put their 10 children through secondary school.

No matter the trials and tribulations, mama never wavered, as evidenced in the past 20 years after the death of her beloved husband. For her untiring commitment in church and community development, the Bishop of Ahiara Diocese decorated mama in 2004, with the ‘Ezinne Medal’. That rare honour was testament to her undeniable service to humanity.

Mama, to live in the hearts of those you

love is not to die. You were everything to us and we will forever remember and cherish your personal sacrifices to see us through life’s tortuous journeys. You were a mother and friend who could be relied upon at all times. You were devoted to anything you set your focus on and this rare attribute you inculcated in us.

We are grateful you lived without hate or cant towards anyone and you admonished us to always be at peace with others no matter the provocation. You taught us humility, respect and courage in the face of adversity and above all to look up to God for guidance in all we do. Mama, today, you lie in this small measure. We are not sorrowing because death has not conquered you.

Rather, we take solace in the fact that you lived and walked in the ways of the Creator until the very end. We shall always miss your admonition and encouragement. However, we know you have gone the way of all mortals. Fare thee well great mother and rest in the Lord’s bosom until we meet to part no more. Ezinne, Ga nke oma.

-Nwamadi is a Lagos-based media consultant

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The Amazing Life of Olorogun Michael Ibru Henry Muogho

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hen the cold hands of death visited the home of the Ibru Family on September 6, 2016 and took away the patriarch, Olorogun Michael Christopher Onajirhevbe Ibru, an era formally came to a glorious end. For Chief was an extremely gifted and gracious entrepreneur who created a legacy that changed the ways Nigerians do business.

I first met Olorogun sometime in 1981, having worked as low-level clerical staff in the Ibru Organisation since January, 1979. After three years of working in the group at its Creek Road, Apapa head office. I was redeployed to assist Chief’s Personal Secretary on Louis Solomon Close, Victoria Island, Lagos.

While waiting to be assessed by the great man, I had my heart in my throat because I had been warned that I could lose my job. If Chief adjudged me to be unworthy. I counted on God to help me. The five minutes of waiting to see him were the longest in my life.

When I was ushered into his office, he asked two questions about my background. He also enquired while I was not in higher institution? I told him of my humble background and there and then, he promised to take care of my education.

I will for the rest of my days appreciate the kindness that he showed me and will always admire the scholarship of his person. I will also forever owe him for believing in me at a time when I wasn’t always able to believe in myself.

Chief Ibru taught us that “everyone counts, everyone has a role to play; and we all do well when we help each other. Give respect before you expect it, treat people the way you want to be treated. You must learn to follow before you can become a good leader”.

He was the salt of earth and spice of life. Chief’s life taught us that with perseverance and determination, a man could take the world as he found it, improve himself and be successful. From early age, he displayed depth and strength of mind rarely found in so young a man. For him, “success is not the money you make or the position that you attain, but how your family turns out. If your family is a success, you’re a success”.

Olorogun Ibru, the Otota of Agbara-Otor Kingdom, of Delta State had flair, panache, aspirations to great deeds and contagious confidence. He was a business leader with superior intelligence, imagination and curiosity. He wielded influence and power with grace, verve and civility.

For him, faith was a great living gift from God intended to sustain our lives on earth, to guide us in our activities and to act as a source of solace and comfort.

Olorogun Michael Ibru was the sunshine wherever he stood, there was warmth, gaiety and charm. He had a good heart. He was an extra ordinary man, well ahead of his time.

Like John Wesley of the Methodist Church, Chief’s aim in this world was to “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can”.

Chief attended the famous Igbobi College, Lagos, between 1948 and 1951 and distinguished himself in academics and in extra curricular activities such that in his final year in school, he was appointed the Head Boy, a position usually reserved for the best student with leadership traits. After leaving Igbobi College, he secured a job in the United African Company (now UACN), as a manager–in training. Between 1951 and 1956 he worked in various towns across the then Western Region.

He resigned from the company and at the age of 24, formed LAIBRU, in partnership with an expatriate, Mr. Jimmy Large, with whom he had worked with at UAC. In 1965, he founded the Osadjere Fishing Company in partnership with a Japenese conglomerate, one of the largest fishing companies in the world.

By the mid-1960s, fish trading had become the traditional money maker for the Ibru Organisation. Though, he had other

Ibru

profitable interests such as transportation and construction, fish trading helped him secure financing and other forms of capital to engage in large scale trading.

According to Chief Ebenezer Babatope, the Nigerian Tribune Columnist: “The Ibru Family is a wealth family that has built its wealth on genuine efforts of self development. No one can ever fault the Ibrus on their contributions to the socio-economic development of Nigeria. The industrial base of Nigeria will for many years to come reserve special place of honour to the Ibru Family which Olorogun Michael Ibru nurtured.

Chief was to business, what the late Mohammed Alli was to boxing, what Michael Jackson was to music and what Pele was to football. He was a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. While I was growing up in the village in the 60s and early 70s, the name Ibru was a myth. I used to think that he was a spirit, because he was larger than life. He was very articulate and meticulous. He believed in striving towards perfection in everything that had his name on.

My first take away from the amazing life of Chief Ibru, was

My first take away from the amazing life of Chief Ibru, was the fire incident that happened at the Glass Building on Solomon Close. While the fire was raging, every staff in the premises was panicking, panting and equally worried about his safety. When we eventually got to his office, he was at his desk unperturbed. He merely told us to calm down and ordered me to go and ask his long-term staff, Pastor Joseph Obere, to get him the Minet Insurance file on the building.

Another take away was the fact that before the age of 40 years, he was already a multi-millionaire, who had it all but he was still that epitome of humility. By 1963, he already owned Aero Contractors private jets, fishing trawlers, homes in London and various thriving businesses

the fire incident that happened at the Glass Building on Solomon Close. While the fire was raging, every staff in the premises was panicking, panting and equally worried about his safety. When we eventually got to his office, he was at his desk unperturbed.

He merely told us to calm down and ordered me to go and ask his long-term staff, Pastor Joseph Obere, to get him the Minet Insurance file on the building.

Another take away was the fact that before the age of 40 years, he was already a multi-millionaire, who had it all but he was still that epitome of humility. By 1963, he already owned Aero Contractors private jets, fishing trawlers, homes in London and various thriving businesses.

My third take away was that when the Apapa GRA was completed in 1962, he was approached to buy up the entire buildings in the choice scheme, but declined preferring to allow others the opportunity to buy into the neighourhood.

My fourth was that by 1983, he had together with the Lateef Jakande Government of Lagos State, put up an ambitious plan to build a fast train for the Lagos metropolis. He felt that the city cannot be truly modern without a Metro Line. But the next government that came on in 1984 cancelled the project. That was the only time I ever saw chief looking dejected. He told us that “the project would have been my greatest gift to mankind”.

My final take away was when the Junta constituted a Special Investigating Panel to probe the Shagari’s government, some money were found in the late, Minister of Finance, Hon. Victor Masi’s account. Chief was invited before the panel, but he was on the side of Masi saying that the money in question was a loan from him to Victor Masi and “I told him that the money was payable when able. He told us later that ‘if we don’t stick with persons who stick with us, who will ever respect us again?

We have to stick with our friends”.

I believe that his most singular contribution to humanity was education. He fervently contributed to education knowing that it was the key to empowerment and opportunity. By 1969, he had donated the Ibru College to his community, an action which speaks to his fundamental greatness when he was just 39 years old.

The Otota strived to be the rainbow in the cloud of those who came his way. I will forever be grateful for meeting, working for my long-time employer and second father, Chief Olorogun MCO Ibru. Megwo Olorogun, Megwo!

-Muogho, is the Director of Administration, Ibru Organisation.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • DECEMBER 11, 2016

PERSPECTIVE Great by Choice: Lessons from LBS and Singapore Okechukwu Enelamah

Oasis of Sanity: The pioneer class of the LBS Chief Executives program coined a term “oasis of sanity” to capture their commitment to individually go and build their companies using the values they espoused and shared in common (I might add this was also at a very difficult time).

The idea being that these oases can and will eventually come together to become an ocean!

Life is a marathon, not a 100 metre dash! In his book, Outliers, the story of success, Malcolm Gladwell, points out that it takes approximately 10,000 hours of practice to become world class in anything – this is roughly 10 years of effort and practice. We have to make the right investments and build the right habits over time and success will necessarily follow.

The Power of Compound Interest means if you do the right thing day in day out, year in year out, greatness will be the result. You have probably heard the expression: “First we form habits, and then they form us. Conquer your bad habits or they will conquer you.”

Build your life on habits of success.

W

e live in very interesting and challenging times!

This is not just true for Nigeria but across the globe. Many of the established traditions and ways we have come to expect things to work are being challenged. Today, however, I have chosen to challenge us to reflect on certain principles and practices that are time tested and work as well today as they did in the ages past, and I know will continue to work. For it is on such time-tested principles and practices that great lives, institutions and nations are built.

Today, I will like us to focus on important lessons we can learn from the founders and visionaries who built Lagos Business School (and Pan Atlantic University) and the small city State of Singapore. The reason I have chosen to reflect on LBS and Singapore is not just because they both beat the odds to succeed under very challenging circumstances, but I believe there is a common thread that runs across these success stories that we can learn some important lessons from.

In fact, it was on a recent trip to Singapore, that I read Not By Chance memories of Lagos Business School written by Professor Albert Alos – the story of how Lagos Business School was founded and how it came to be rated by the Financial Times as one of the top business schools in the world.

Singapore, itself, is a fascinating case study of how a small city state beat the odds to become a truly great nation – the story of Singapore is well told in Lee Kuan Yew’s book From Third World to First.

On a previous trip to Singapore in 2011, I picked up at the airport and read a book which had just been released at the time, Great By Choice by Jim Collins and Morten Hansen (Great By Choice is another way of saying Not

By Chance).

What do these three examples have in common? The success of Singapore; the emerging success of LBS/PAU; and the findings of Jim Collins (author of such great Business Books like Great By Choice, Good To Great and Built To Last).

My own observations and experience with top performing organizations like Arthur Andersen, Harvard Business School, Goldman Sachs and African Capital Alliance show clearly that there is a consistent thread (what you might even call a success formula) that runs through the evolving success story of LBS/PAU (as captured in Not By Chance by Professor Alos), the phenomenal success of Singapore and the research findings of Jim Collins – who probably more than any contemporary business writer has focused his work on what it takes to build great organizations and institutions.

Success Formulas on Which We Can Build Our Lives, Organisations and Nation: (1) Visions of Greatness - It was another

great business writer, Stephen Covey who said “All things are created twice; first mentally; then physically.” Lee Kuan Yew had a vision of a world class Singapore and under his able leadership they built the Singapore of their dreams.

Professor Alos, Professor Elegido and the other founders of LBS beat the odds to build a world class business school rated by FT as one of the top business schools right here in Nigeria (at a time when the overall higher education environment in Nigeria was declining).

Arthur Andersen & Co., where I trained as an accountant believed in “one firm concept” globally and against the odds, under the leadership of Dick Kramer and Nigerian partners he trained, they built Andersen into a world class institution right here in Nigeria.

The Bible says “without vision the people perish.” In other words, without vision and purpose, people’s careers and lives would flounder and institutions would lose their way.

Part of the reason we are propelled by vision

Enelamah is that there is great power in Desire. If we envision something and truly desire it, we have a real shot at such a thing becoming a reality.

As human beings, we are propelled by vision and we are propelled by what we truly desire.

We are driven by what we see! This is the realm of faith. Great institutions and great lives are built by visionaries who defy the odds and embrace their dreams.

In my own experience, every time I have mental clarity on a matter or project, I know that it is just a matter of time before the physical result or manifestation will follow. This is why it pays to spend quality time to envision, to plan, to dream: because all successful things are created twice, first the mental creation then the physical creation.

By way of illustration, my number one priority in government (what you might call my vision and mission in government) is for us to work together to create the right enabling environment for our people and businesses to thrive and reach their full potential.

Professor Alos, in the book “Not By Chance” repeatedly said they implemented with rigor and discipline what they had agreed with their supporters and donors – I believe the quality of planning and visioning that went into the various projects must have been superior!

Take time to plan your life, plan for your family and plan for your organization. Please do not believe the naysayers and doubters that say it is impossible to plan in Nigeria or in a world as uncertain as the one we live in!

The leaders and founders of great institutions like LBS/PAU and countries like Singapore, were not just dreamers, in fact they, in a counterintuitive way as we look back, actually benefited from and were propelled by adversity!

This leads me to the next pillar on which great lives and organisations are built: Propelled By Adversity.

growing body of work that shows our attitude to adversity, what we do with adversity, may well be the most important determinant of success in life!

You probably have heard the expression: a crisis is too great an opportunity to waste! We are currently going through a difficult time as a country – I pray we will not squander this opportunity.

Character is formed in the midst of adversity.

The bad times do more for our character than the so called good times! Whether as a nation, school, company or as individuals.

Here is how the Bible confirms what adversity can do for character. “Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete.”

As a student at HBS, I took a class on Business, Government and International Economies (which would be comparable to the LBS class on Business Policy). One of the most important takeaways from that course, is that every great nation we studied benefited greatly from and was propelled by adversity. We studied nations like Germany, Japan and Singapore.

I believe Nigeria is on the threshold of greatness – I believe we can be propelled by the adversity we are currently going through to embrace our destiny of greatness. In order for this to happen, we have to seize the opportunities created by the current challenging environment with both hands!

III. The Power of Compound Interest- It

was Albert Einstein that said “compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it … he who doesn’t … pays it.”

Lee Kuan Yew led Singapore to become great over a generation applying a consistent success formula that works.

II. Propelled By Adversity Dick Kramer used to tell us that if you apply “Uncertainty, chaos and luck – why some a success formula long enough in Nigeria you thrive despite them all” will succeed. Rome was not built in a day, the The above quote is from the book, Great saying goes.

By Choice. In the book, the authors posed the It takes time to build anything worthwhile. question: “why do some companies thrive and The story of the success of LBS and PAU as told become great in the midst of uncertainty (and all the ups and downs of life), even chaos, while by Professor Alos in Not By Chance dates back to the sixties and seventies when the foundation others do not?” was laid. Dick Kramer came to Nigeria in 1978 We are told that eagles ride the storm to soar to start the Lagos office of Arthur Andersen & higher. Singapore faced great adversity and Co. He retired in 1994 and the firms that came beat the odds; and with purposeful determined out of his work, KPMG Professional Services leadership emerged stronger. and Accenture, have grown exponentially and Professor Alos in his book recounted many great challenges LBS/PAU faced, some existential become great success stories. What is the lesson in this for us? Take time to build things the but here we are today celebrating a university right way so they would endure. that is waxing stronger and stronger. There is a

IV. The Joys of Service - Great institutions and organisations are built by those described

by Jim Collins as “Level 5 Leaders” who choose public service and making contributions to society over self-interest. (They also combine competence and character, humility and toughness etc.).

Lee Kuan Yew gave his life and service to Singapore. The builders of LBS and PAU are men and women who are deeply committed to public service and frequently gave up thriving and promising careers in business in order to give back to society.

Nigeria needs a critical mass of people who are genuinely committed to public service and building a great nation.

The great Apostle Paul said “his life had been poured out as a drink offering” and we are told he died empty! Here is the interesting thing: life teaches us that there is much joy and fulfilment in genuine service.

This is the higher life, this is the greater honor!

A little over a year ago, I was invited to join the Nigerian Federal Government as a minister.

I must say I feel highly honored and rather fortunate to be given such an opportunity to serve our country especially at such a time as this. And I intend to make the most of it! I am excited about public service, it is a great honour to serve one’s nation, to serve one’s people. My purpose is to build a few lasting reforms and initiatives which, like LBS/PAU, give lasting value to Nigeria.

We must rediscover the joys of service! The pleasures of giving. The Bible says “it is more blessed to give than to receive”. I believe the likes of Apostle Paul, Lee Kuan Yew, Professor Alos, Professor Elegido, Dr. Christopher Kolade, Professor Pat Utomi, Dr. Enase Okonedo (to name just a few) have discovered the joys of service! The Joys Of Giving! Make serving and giving a key part of your life and you will live the good life!

V. The Challenge of Stewardship and Custodianship - I recently visited our mentor, who until recently was the Pro Chancellor of PAU, Dr. Christopher Kolade. As we discussed, he threw a challenge to me and to our generation, including those of us at LBS/PAU. Here is the challenge – where are those who are ready to accept the responsibility of custodianship to continue the pioneering work done by people like Professor Alos? Are we ready to build on the work of those who came before us and take these great institutions higher and forward?

Lee Kuan Yew before his death threw the same challenge to the present and future leaders of Singapore. In his last book, “Hard Truths to keep Singapore going”, he emphasized the importance of continuing to produce and choose good able leadership to keep Singapore competitive, relevant and viable.

––Being an abridged speech originally titled: Great by Choice, delivered by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah, b delivered as Guest Speaker at the Lagos Business School Convocation (See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)

T H I S D AY SUNDAY DECEMBER 11, 2016

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • DECEMBER 11, 2016

PERSPECTIVE

With N813bn Budget, Ambode Moves to Change Face of Lagos

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Niyi Anibaba

or residents in Lagos, the year 2016 was by far a good year. Despite the nationwide economic recession, the State witnessed tremendous growth especially in the areas of infrastructural development and economic growth.

When the State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on December 17, 2015 presented the N662,588billion 2016 Budget, tagged ‘The Peoples Budget’ he was very optimistic that not only would the budget propel the state to greater development, but would also work for all Lagosians.

Two weeks after the House of Assembly passed the budget, precisely on December 31, 2015 Governor Ambode wasted no time in assenting to the document on the first working day of the New Year and immediately hit the ground running.

By all standards, this year’s budget lived up to expectation despite cynicism in some quarters who at the onset posited that the Lagos 2016 budget was overambitious and unrealistic. In the last 11 months, series of projects have dotted the metropolis including slip roads, lay-bys, segregated bus parks, pedestrian bridges rehabilitation and construction of road networks.

Little wonder, as at the end of October, 2016, the overall performance of the budget stood at 71 percent.

It was with this momentum that Governor Ambode on Tuesday, November 29, presented the Year 2017 Budget proposal of N813billion to the House of Assembly, so far the biggest ever by a state in the Federation.

Much as the size of the budget looks ambitious, the projects expected to benefit from it would certainly go a long way to improve the economy of the state and make life more comfortable for Lagosians.

At the brief but impressive ceremony, the governor assured thousands of Lagosians who had thronged the hallowed chambers of the House of Assembly, including former speakers of the House of Assembly including party chieftains, members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, religious leaders, among others that the budget would be judiciously implemented to continue the massive infrastructural renewal and the enhancement of Lagos as one of the foremost tourism and investment destination in Africa.

Christened “The Golden Jubilee Budget” as it coincides with the State’s 50th Anniversary, Governor Ambode said it would focus on physical infrastructure, while social sectors especially health, education, youth and social development would get adequate attention.

Giving the key components of budget, he said recurrent expenditure would gulp N300.535billion while N512.464billion would be dedicated to capital expenditure, representing a Capital/Recurrent ratio of 63 percent to 37 percent.

According to the governor, road construction, rehabilitation and maintenance would be one of the key focuses of the budget, adding that efforts would be geared towards roads that will open up the hinterlands, improve connectivity in the state and reduce travel time.

He listed some of the road projects to include Murtala Mohammed International Airport Road from Oshodi, Agric-Isawo-Owotu-Arepo Road in Ikorodu, IgbeIgbogbo Phase II- Bola Tinubu Way in Ikorodu, Ijegun Imore Phase II Amuwo in Ojo axis, Oke-Oso-Araga-Poka in Epe, Epe-Poka-Mojoda in the Epe axis and the completion of the Abule-Egba, Ajah and Pen Cinema flyovers.

The governor also said that within the course of the budget implementation, his administration would enter into a Public Private Partnership (PPP) to execute some road projects including Oke Oso-Itoikin dualisation Project in the Epe axis, Okokomaiko-Seme Road Project in Badagry axis and Ikorodu-Agbowa-Itoikin-Ijebu Ode Road Project in Ikorodu axis, just as he disclosed that the Phase II of the 114 Local Government Roads project as well as the construction of the Fourth Mainland Bridge would also kick off in 2017.

On the revenue expected from federal allocation, the governor said a conservative approach was taken owing to the falling oil prices, which according to him, was about $41.98per barrel at the time of finalising the budget.

He however expressed optimism that the state would get an increase in Federal allocation through the 13 percent derivation from Oil & Gas in 2017.

“In view of our financing gap, we shall continue to sustain deficit financing in the short-to-medium term; enhance revenue growth throughout the year on several initiatives including automation and efficient revenue administration.

Ambode Giving a sectoral breakdown of the 2017 budget estimates, Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akinyemi Ashade, said the governor earmarked N205.85billion for General Public Services representing 25.32 percent of the budget, N36.43billion to Public Order and Safety, representing 4.48 percent, while Economic Affairs received a lion share of N295.84billion representing 36.39 percent.

In other sectors, Ashade told journalists at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa Secretariat that Environment got 56.31billion, representing 6.93 percent, Health got 57.29billion representing 7.05 percent, while Education got N92.4billion representing 11.37 percent of the budget.

The Commissioner said the Budget would be funded from a total revenue estimate of N642.849billion while the balance of N170.150billion would be funded through a N100bn Bond Issuance program and a combination of internal and external loans.

On the N138.249b earmarked for road infrastructure, the fund will be used to complete the Abule-Egba overhead bridge, Ajah bridge, continued massive road rehabilitation in partnership with the Local Governments/ Local Council Development Areas, Murtala Mohammed International Airport Road from Oshodi, Agric-IsawoOwutu-Arepo Road in Ikorodu, Igbe-Igbogbo Phase II- Bola Tinubu Way in Ikorodu, Ijegun Imore Phase II, Amuwo in Ojo axis, Oke-Oso-Araga-Poka in Epe, Epe-Poka-Majoda in Epe and Pen Cinema flyovers, among others.

The N51.376bn budgeted for transportation has been earmarked for the Blue Rail Line, advancement of 10-Lane Lagos-Badagry Expressway, construction of jetties and terminals (especially at Epe and Marina with shoreline protection) and procurement of ferries to improve water transportation and encourage tourism.

“The government is also committed to the expansion of BRT Lanes in Lagos and we shall pay due attention to Oshodi – Abule Egba BRT Corridor. In the course of the 2017 Financial Year, we shall carry out fundamental reforms on all our modes of transportation – Roads, Water and the Walkways. In this wise, a Public Transport Infrastructure Bond will be issued in the course of the year,” Ashade said.

On housing, Ashade said the N50.290bn investment would allow government to focus on affordable housing units through rent-to-own schemes (Badagry, Lagoon View Topo-Idale and Imota), while the total sum of N15.291bn out of the allocation is committed to completion of on-going housing estates (Sangotedo, Odo Nasa Agowa, Ikorodu Ibeshe).

On health, N57.290bn earmarked is for the continuous upgrading/renovation of health facilities and completion of on-going healthcare infrastructure, including MCCs, upgrading / renovation of primary healthcare centres,

completion / equipping of Drug Quality Control Laboratory (DQCL), prevention of blindness / special health projects, construction of specialist hospital, construction of Medical Park, among others.

On education, the N92.4bn earmarked has been set aside for continued rehabilitation/ upgrading of public school buildings/facilities, continued provision of furniture for secondary schools, construction of new schools, schools improvement plan for secondary schools, provision of equipment for science laboratories, among others.

In the area of Science and Technology, Ashade said the sum of N11.006bn had been proposed for strategic information management, building and upgrade of IT infrastructure statewide, e-GIS land automation, single billing system and ease of payment for taxes, levies and other revenue items, as this would include Smart City project targeted at deploying technology to enhance security in the state and will also enhance our revenue generating efforts.

In the budget, the sum of N11.098bn has been proposed for spending in the area of governance, which Ashade said N1.250bn out of the amount would be spent on various capacity building programmes through the Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions to expose public servants to both local and international trainings in order to equip them for their role in actualizing the Lagos State Development Plan 2012-2025.

The commissioner explained further that the sum of N3.8bn had been set aside for the 7.5% government share to pension contribution and N7.15bn for Pension Redemption Bond Fund-shortfall.

On women affairs, Ashade explained that N2.193bn had been proposed for various initiatives, such as upkeep and maintenance of skill acquisition centres, special poverty alleviation intervention programme for women, construction/maintenance of skill acquisition centres and other poverty alleviation related projects at Isheri, Ibeshe, Eredo, among others.

The commissioner said the sum of N6.177bn has been proposed under Commerce for the on-going development of Lekki Free Zone, Industrial Park development, development of enterprise zones, Badagry Deep Sea Port, Eko Atlantic project and other areas.

However, the budget proposed a total of N9.457bn has been earmarked for the development of four mini stadia, upgrading of Teslim Balogun Stadium hostel, construction of 50 community youth recreation centres across the state and provision of sporting facilities in schools and Local Governments across the State. N18.181bn has also been proposed for advancement of Adiyan waterworks (phase II) and rehabilitation of mini waterworks all over the State and the improvement of water pipeline and reticulation.

The tourism sector, with the sum of N20.247bn will provide for the development of heritage centre for leadership (Lugard House), Centre for Yoruba Culture & History (Lagos House), J.K Randle Centre, transformation of the Onikan Museum, establishment of Museum for Art and Culture in Ikeja, development of tourism hubs in Lagos-West and Lagos-East and the construction of 5 Cultural Theatres in Alimosho, Badagry, Epe, Ikorodu and Ikeja.

More so, the N4.795bn earmarked for Agriculture and Food Security will cater for accelerated food expansion programme focused on rice production, animal husbandry and root crops as well as collaborate with other States in the Federation in the area of food production.

Receiving the budget, Speaker of the House, Rt Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, commended the governor for keeping faith with the 2016 budget in the area of implementation, adding that Lagos has witnessed a quantum leap in the last one year.

Obasa, while assuring the governor that members of the House would give the 2017 fiscal document due diligence for the benefit of Lagosians, called on the Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to furnish the House with all the necessary documents to enable it fast-track the budget approval process.

The Lagos Speaker also seized the occasion to call on the Senate to reconsider the Special Status Bill for Lagos State, saying there was no better time to accord the State such recognition.

With the Year 2017 fast approaching, there is a sense of optimism in the air among Lagosians that as the state gets set to roll out the drums to celebrate its 50 years of existence, Governor Ambode would yet again wield his magic wand and unravel the ‘Golden Jubilee Budget’ to consolidate on the modest achievements and propel the State to enviable heights.

––Niyi Anibaba is a public affairs analyst

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 11, 2016

PERSPECTIVE

For Travellers, End to 9th Mile Anxieties is Nigh this Yuletide Laurence Ani

A

s a child the name 9th Mile was seared into my consciousness by the tale of a traveler eaten up whole by a python as he went to relieve himself in the surrounding thicket away from other travellers’ view. Worried at how long he had tarried in the bush, went this grisly tale, the bus conductor and a few passengers launched a search party to seek him out. What they found rather was a large python rendered immobile by its human meal. Their scream drew a crowd and soon locals produced machetes, cut up the python from whose entrails emerged the lifeless body of the unfortunate passenger.

I’ve never ceased pondering that man’s cruel fate, coupled with the latter day fixation of trying to figure out the town from which the location 9th Mile is actually deemed to be nine miles, each time my journey took me through this popular transit point on the Enugu-Onitsha highway which is also a corridor for north-bound traffic via Nsukka. Those memories have more or less dimmed for some years now having not traversed the area after its roads fell into a deplorable state that gave motorists a torrid time traversing.

The roads in that axis are classed as federal but like many other such roads, the brunt of the public’s outrage over their poor condition is wrongly borne by the governors through whose states they cut a swathe - not the federal government that owns them.

Few things typify the unwholesome state of federal presence in the South-East as does the Enugu-Onitsha highway. This 105-odd-kilometre road, easily the most important highway into the region, has lately been a nightmare experience for travellers. So agonizing, in fact, that some recall spending hours at just a spot, leaving one to cringe at the mere thought of how grim the situation will be with the usual surge in traffic during the Christmas season. One such nightmare spot for travellers especially at this time of the year is the 9th Mile Corner.

Happily, the sordid tale is on the cusp of a turnaround with the Enugu State government’s mobilization of contractors to fix the many failed sections of this axis.

Rehabilitation is also ongoing at the the Oji RiverUgwuoba stretch down to the Anambra State border, a lengthy section of the old highway where motorists were routinely stuck for hours - and even spent the night - in their bid to avoid the more horrifying experience on the Enugu-Onitsha highway. But the attention such pleasant tale is receiving has been largely disproportionate to the ample time spent railing against the governor when the situation was grim.

Such muted response is typical of the cynical times we

Ugwuanyi live in. It’s a telling reminder of how the public mindset works: they want to see their leaders fix problems and not hear them offer excuses why a problem can’t be fixed just yet. This mindset brings out clearly the absurd details of the country’s state-federal roads dichotomy. When federal roads collapse, the federal government is usually spared the ire of the masses. Not so for any governor in whose state such road is located.

Such sentiments are understandable; but like most angst-fueled public outbursts the collapse of federal roads is hardly ever seen in its right context. To the public, it doesn’t matter whether the highway is designated a “federal road”. It’s immaterial too that the statutory obligation to fix the many so-called federal roads across Nigeria is among the reason the federal government gets 56 percent of national earnings as against 44 percent for the entire 36 states and 774 local government areas. And hardly does the public ever reckon with the fact that their governors may have earlier deployed funds to fix federal roads without receiving the requisite reimbursement from the federal government.

This has been the case in Enugu State where the government has yet to be reimbursed for the over N25bn spent fixing federal roads despite several reminders to

the federal government. Of course, the current rehabilitation has undoubtedly swelled the federal government’s indebtedness to Enugu State. Yet, it’s gratifying that Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s resolve to give public infrastructure in the state a constant makeover has not waned. For him, such obligations are the reasons that states exist. It’s a similar philosophy that shapes the diligent payment of public workers’ salaries in Enugu State in the face of dwindling resources and embarrassingly rising inability to do so across the federation.

Today, a substantial part of 9th Mile now wears a fresh coat of asphalt, a sight last glimpsed many years ago. Its current agreeable state did not seem conceivable about two months ago when the governor visited the gridlocked intersection with a pledge for a turnaround before Christmas. The pace of work so far suggests those traveling to their country home to spend this Christmas holiday with kith and kin will certainly have a smooth journey, thanks to the bold step by Governor Ugwuanyi to take on a clearly stated federal responsibility at this austere time.

But such gestures do not seem sustainable especially given that more than two years after Enugu State House of Assembly legislators wrote a letter to the federal government seeking a refund, none has been made. The pressure on states to take on additional responsibilities of the federal government intensifies, nonetheless. This is despite the sharp decline in allocation to states from the federal purse.

A logical path out of this dilemma is timely refund of funds so spent by state governments. This could be achieved if the federal government removes the red tape that frustrates a swift verification of claims and subsequent settlement acceptable to the parties. Even more sensibly, the ludicrous classification of roads could be stopped outright so a more realistic revenue allocation formula to our three-tiered government will emerge.

Only then would the frequent criticisms which governors endure on account of barely accessible federal roads in their states be truly deserved.

But for now, nothing other than plaudits is what anyone who has transformed the 9th Mile Corner and flagged off 35 major infrastructural projects simultaneously across Enugu’s 17 local government areas should get from the public. There’s no doubt, however, that his self-effacing nature will baulk at the likely buzz such might create. Yet, it’s worth saying as the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Reverend Calistus Onaga, told Governor Ugwuanyi recently, “we are not taking any of these things for granted. Keep it up and don’t relent.”

––Ani is the Senior Special Assistant on Research and Communication to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi

Will IBB Break His Silence Now?

O’Femi Kolawole

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radually, long-kept secrets and useful national information are finally coming to light even as the dramatis personae are opening up and telling their stories like Chief Anthony Anenih, former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Board of Trustees and former chairman of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP), just did with the presentation of his autobiography, My Life and Nigerian Politics, in Abuja last week! I’m excited.

For so long, I believe we’ve not been telling our stories enough as much as we should as individuals, as a people and as a country. It is why I’ve been a strong and passionate advocate of experience-sharing and documentation for years. For example, reading Gifted Hands, the celebrated autobiography and inspiring story of Dr. Ben Carson for the first time almost a decade ago, I came to realise how a single book can inspire millions of other people to pursue their dreams, make impact on humanity, and through it, achieve greatness.

Moreover, I know there are inspiring lives like Carson’s and even greater stories waiting to be told and written about here in Nigeria. Stories others can learn from.

Stories generations can be inspired by.

And so, when people, especially those in public leadership, understand that they will one day have to write their memoirs, I believe they will likelier give more serious thought to everyone of the decisions they make in public office because of the consequences on the country, on the future of their people, on their own families, the fact that they will someday give account of their stewardships, and above all, the consideration of the type of legacy they would want to leave for posterity.

In spite of the lamentations across the country concerning the type of change that the Muhammadu Buhari administration has brought upon Nigeria since voted into power last year, the reality is that some things are actually

changing for the better under this APC government. One of it is that more Nigerians are now writing their life stories. I’m sincerely excited.

In this country, we had an amazing soul like the late lawyer and human rights activist, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, who lived a great life of undeniable impact but died without eventually writing his comprehensive autobiography.

Unfortunately. In other climes, even young people in their 30s write the stories of their lives. But that also, is changing with the presentation in Lagos a fortnight ago of On Becoming, the autobiography of female radio personality, Toke Makinwa. The good thing also is that these works sell as people want to know the untold stories.

Now, to the key issue. In his newly-released book, Anenih reveals how Abiola, shortly before the annulment of the June 12 Presidential elections by General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida informed him the military general was trying to embarrass him. He also explains how Abiola stridently appealed to Babangida to allow him claim his mandate as President even if it was just for a single day.

Anenih even recreates a phone conversation Abiola had in trying to reach IBB and prevent the annulment: “We could hear Chief Abiola telling Akilu to tell his friend (IBB) that they are still friends, and that he should allow him to be President even for one day, and he would resign thereafter; that all the photographs they took together were still all over his house, and that he should not forget the past, and that God would bless him.”

Of course, there are other telling and interesting revelations which Anenih made in his book which space will not permit sharing here. However, the major point I’m trying to make is that Anenih’s autobiography as well as the revelations he made therein, offers Babangida another opportunity to respond to the many outstanding questions and issues concerning his leadership and stewardship as a former Head of State especially on the annulled June 12 elections. Babangida needs to confront his demons and tell his side of the June 12 story in his own words.

I believe Nigerians want to read what IBB has to say in explaining the decisions he took while in power in his own words. He owes it to himself, his family, but most importantly, to Nigeria and generations who will come long after we’re all gone. And he must be detailed, frank and honest about it.

Without doubts, when Nigerians put aside all religious, ethnic and other parochial sentiments aside and cast their ballots on June 12, 1993, what they were voting and hoping for was a better future. Regrettably, IBB’s annulment of that election, despite the effective system and mechanisms put in place for a free and fair elections by the electoral commission headed by Professor Humphrey Nwosu, with the introduction of the option A4 voting system and the open ballot system, as well as the innovative introduction of election observers who took part in the exercise, threw the country into chaos and confusion that it is yet to come out from till today, 23 years after.

Even though Babangida’s lame excuse as head of the Armed Forces Ruling Council, the highest decisionmaking body in the country at the time, was that the election was annulled in the best interest of the country, he has so far refused to give a straightforward and indeed comprehensive answer on the June 12 issue including the specific individuals in the military who didn’t want Abiola’s Presidency and wouldn’t mind annulling the wishes of the people and throwing the country into chaos.

That is why as he holes up himself in his hilltopmansion in Minna, the gap-toothed general is the only one who can unlock himself from the prison he has put himself in. Like Uthman Dan Fodio said, conscience is an open wound, only truth can heal it. Babangida needs to heal himself. Of course, there are many other people who will also find healing in his story. And our country, undoubtedly, will gain a whole lot from such account for its historic value.

––Kolawole, a journalist, author and biographer, writes from Lagos (ofemikolawole@gmail.com)

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • DECEMBER 11 , 2016

GAVEL TO GAVEL/ BILLS, MOTIONS, ET AL.

Travail of a Benue Lawmaker

GeorgeOkoh,inMakurdi, writesonhowafive–monthsuspension was imposedonaPeoplesDemocraticmemberofthe BenueStateHouseofAssembly,KesterKyenge, fordaringtoaskquestionsaboutthefinancesoftheAssembly

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or Hon. Kester Kyenge, member representing Logo Constituency of Benue State in the state House of Assembly, it has been a difficult experience following his suspension from the Assembly over his call for an inquest into some opaque dealings by some members of the All Progressive Congress- controlled leadership of the Assembly.

Kyenge, who is a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member, was suspended for raising issues over alleged financial impropriety in the House.

Trouble started for the lawmaker July this year at a session g of the Assembly, where Kyenge had raised dust over a contract awarded by the state government for the supply of 30 official vehicles for members at N13.9m each to MIA3, a company some members of the Assembly were alleged to have interest.

Rather than procure the said cars for members, some members of the leadership were alleged to have opted to shortchange members by compelling them to collect N10m each, N3.9m less than the contract amount for each vehicle, while they allegedly pocketed the remaining money.

FourmembersoftheAssembly,includingKyange, refused to collect the money, insisting on the vehicles.

However, failure of the leadership to address the issue forced the four members to report the matter to the state governor, Samuel Ortom. The governor, according to Kyange, “intervened only to discover they had on our refusal to collect the said N10m squandered our entire entitlement. “ In a bid to ensure calm in the Assembly, the governor was said to have offered to pay N10m each to the four affected lawmakers to procure pre-owned vehicles like their colleagues.

The cause of Kyange suspension wasn’t just entirely because of his call for a probe of the finances of the Assembly, also raised issues over the collapse of security in the state as at then. During the period, armed robberies and Kidnapping for ransom were taking place on a daily basis.

Outside the two issues he also sought clarification on how the state’s share of the N15.5 billion bailout funds were expended. His call for inquisition obviously did not go down too well with some members of the ruling party for obvious reasons.

Meanwhile, as the crisis was going on in the House, an unknown member of the public had

Kyenge

wrote a petition against the leadership of the Assembly to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC)whose investigation led to the detention of the House leadership and suspension of House activities.

Investigations by the anti-graft agency was said to have discovered transfer of N10m each from the contractor, MIA3’s accounts to members of the Assembly, except the four members that kicked against the move.

This soon became public knowledge, with the reputation of the Assembly put to question. Then a group of 14 concerned members under the aegis of Consensus for Change in a televised broadcast challenged the speaker of the House to speak up on the true state of affairs concerning the vehicle purchase scandal and sundry issues including the disappointing level of maladministration in Benue.

The APC-led House leadership, rather than explaining the discovery by the EFCC, slammed a five-monthsuspension on Kyenge without allowances and privileges.

Kyenge stated that his suspension came as a result of speaking truth to power on behalf of the masses, and his constituency.

“This is in crass violation of the House Standing

Rules which provides for necessary investigation by the House Committee on Judicial, Ethics and Privileges and a suspension for two legislative weeks where culpability is established. This was not the case, rather the Assembly deliberated in my absence without a right of fair hearing and arbitrarily suspended me.”

He revealed that the leadership of the Assembly had since accepted culpability in the car scam and were making huge refunds to the EFCC and wondered why he had not be recalled.

“Thus, most members of the Assembly except myself, Dominic Ucha and TerseerAdzuu who were initially denied our entitlement and hence did not receive any money from MIA3 averred that since we did not benefit from the said disbursemen,t we cannot make refunds. In addition, a fourth colleague Ngunan Addingi, whom though was reimbursed by MIA3 also did not make refunds to EFCC but pleaded that, since the money was received in lieu of official vehicle she had already procured same and can only make refunds to the EFCC after disposal of the vehicle, subsequently, the four of us on failure to refund money to the EFCC were unjustly remanded in EFCC cell for a week and later given bail on self recognition, only after collecting our International Passports, held to-date as we are still requested to make refunds.”

Despite, the fact that the vehicle contracts were fraudulently executed and refund are now being made by members, the Assembly leadership still stood its ground on Kyenge and his three other colleagues’ suspension which led him to institute a case at the Benue State High Court against the Assembly, seeking his recall over what he termed an unlawful suspension.

“My prayers for redress in court over the five months suspension which is illegal and unprocedural has dragged to date while I serve out the said suspension which terminates by 21st of December. Myself and the other three colleagues earlier detained at the EFCC have sought redress from court as well for unlawful detention and seizure of our international passports’ The Assembly while reacting to Kyenge said it followed due process in his suspension.

According to the Majority Leader, Benjamin Adanyi, the suspension was slammed on Kyenge because he brought the name of the House to odium through a press interview he granted Channels

Television, where he was quoted to have accused some House leadership of corruption, among other allegations. He also tried to impeach the speaker by mobilizing for his removal.

The House also accused Kyenge of attempting to disrupt legislative proceedings by defying the order of the speaker by speaking when he was asked to sit down.

Adanyi, stated that the issue that led to their invitation by the EFCC was not an issue of corruption but procedure, stressing that the amount meant for the purchase of the vehicles for the 30 members in the House was N375m and not N750m as published in the media.

He said, “The issue that involved the EFCC was the issue of procedure. Somebody had petitioned the supplier of the car about certain transactions that were being conducted, it was when investigations were going on that the EFCC discovered that certain monies were given to 22 members.

“The EFCC advised us to refund the money, thus I can categorically inform you that we have agreed to refund the money and we have started paying so that the money will be retired to the state government and it will be added to the initial sum and process the vehicles for members.”

He said the contract was awarded to a corporate entity and not the leadership of the House, stressing that there was no correlation between the N750m bandied in the media and the record at the Ministry of Finance.

Adanyi further stated that the decision by the members to collect the money to buy the vehicle of their choice was because they felt the contract could not be executed since the contract sum per vehicle was N12.5m against the market value of N14.5m.

Adanyi said, “Members did not want an upward review as that would take a longer time, more so considering the prevailing economic crisis, they chose to opt for smaller vehicles.”

The majority leader however said the refund option by the EFCC would favour the members as the state government would have no option but to procure the vehicle.

Pundits have criticized Kyenge’s suspension as his Logo constituency have been without a representative for the past five months for no just cause.

His ordeal has been viewed as vendetta because of his perceived closeness to the past regime in the state.

Towards Better Protection for Security Agents, Informants

Hon. Busayo Oluwole Oke (Osun PDP) recently sponsored a bill aimed at stipulating stiff penalties for deliberate disclosure of the identities of security agents and their informants.

The bill has passed second reading in the House of Representatives. Damilola Oyedele writes

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ecurity is on the front burner of the national discourse. It has become imperative that steps be taken to enhance security of lives and property, as constitutionally required of government. A crucial step towards achieving this is to ensure better welfare and protection for those in charge of security, the security agents, and those who assist them with much needed information in the execution of their duties.

It is therefore timely that the House of Representatives recently passed through second reading a bill seeking to guarantee the protection of national security agents, sources and informants from unlawful disclosure, as part of efforts to enhance security in contemporary Nigeria.

Sponsored by Hon. Oluwole Oke (Osun PDP), it is named “a bill for an Act to Provide for the Protection of the Identities of National Security Agencies Officers,Agents, Sources, Informants and Operational Methods from Unlawful Disclosure and to Protect their Establishments, Facilities and Equipment against unauthorised Access, as well as Provide for the Promotion and Engagement of Nigeria’s External Security and for other related matters.”

The bill prohibits the disclosure of the identity of an intelligence officer and criminalises any unlawful disclosures.

Oke, leading the debate, said information gathering is a key requirement of security agencies to wade off terrorism and other forms of insecurity, but their identities are not protected in the course

Oke

of their work.

He added that Nigerians are also wary of giving information to security agencies as the confidentiality of such disclosures cannot be guaranteed, therefore putting the informants at risk.

“The section equally proceeds to protect the facilities, installations and equipment of an intelligence agency. Some of the provisions contain prohibitions against taking unauthorised pictures or making sketches or models, or unauthorised

entry into premises of an intelligence agency,” he said.

He cited South Africa where the National Key Points Act 1982 was passed to prohibit taking of photographs or making of sketches or gaining unauthorized access into places designated as National Key Points.

The rationale for this law is that it is a tool for preventing sabotage, Oke said.

“It will without doubt address the unnecessary conduct within government circles of leaks of vital security and intelligence information to the media and to insurgents threatening the Nigerian state,” the lawmaker added.

More Objectives of the Bill Speaking further to THISDAY in a brief interview, Oke, who is also chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Procurement, said while security agencies usually reveal the identities of the agencies they belong to, in the course of carrying out an operation, the specific identities of the personnel must remain protected.

“The processes leading to practical operations are what we are talking about, they have done a lot of ground work, a lot of investigations, before they come for arrests. At that point, the name of the agency involved no longer matters. Besides they wear their jackets which bear the names of their agencies, not the names of the personnel,” he said.

Oke added that security agents, who reveal identities of informants, would also be subjected to stiff punishment, under the bill. This, he said, is to enhance confidence in citizens that any information given to security agents, would be handled with

the utmost confidentiality without jeopardising the safety of the informant, and his or her families.

“It is expected that this bill will strengthen the Nigerian intelligence agency and grant them protection, which is enjoyed by intelligence officials working in other jurisdictions, including the world leading intelligence nation, the US. In order for Nigeria to achieve the same level of intelligence efficiency, we must place the same protection and safeguards which is now the global standard,” Oke told THISDAY. Contributions Contributing to the debate at plenary, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha (Abia PDP), said even the families of the security agents and informants are at risk.

“Now we know everyone, officials of State Security Services, Criminal Investigation Department, and others who do covert or undercover operations. This should not be so,” she said.

Onyejeocha added that there should also particularly be stiff penalties against security agents who disclose the Identities of informants.

Hon. Aminu Shehu Shagari (Sokoto APC) also called for the criminalisation of the revelation of classified information, which is accessed in the course of the work of security agencies, for instance, contractors executing projects for security agencies, and other officials working with them.

Many in the security circles believe that legislations such as this one by Oke would go a long way in enhancing security in the country, as security agents and informants feel better protected.

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SUNDAYSPORTS

Edited by Demola Ojo Email demola.ojo@thisdaylive.com

Set for CAF Man United Face Spurs Test Lagos Beach Soccer

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he mood at Manchester United is one of frustration mixed with hope thatverysoonevents will take a turn for the better on the pitch with results matching performance.

United host Spurs looking for a first home league win since September, having drawn their last four top flight games at Old Trafford.

Tottenham have won their last two, returning to form with a 5-0 win over Swansea in the Premier

League last week, before a 3-1 win over CSKA Moscow in the Champions League in midweek.

The visitors are six points ahead of José Mourinho’s side in fifth place and given Mauricio Pochettino was of interest to United before hiring the Portuguese, each man may have a little extra motivation to deliver three points.

Toby Alderweireld is set to make his long-awaited return to the Tottenham first team at Old Trafford. Alderweireld has been out of action for eight weeks with a knee injury but came off the bench

Odoh Threatens to Sue Airline for E/Guinea Open Struggle From Olawale Ajimotokan, in Mongomo, E/Guinea

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igeria’s leading professional golfer, Andrew Oche Odoh has threatened to sue South African Airways for his disappointing play at the ongoing 3e Actuaries Equatorial Guinea Open in Mongomo.

Odoh has heavy odds stacked against him in his bid to successfully defend the tournament, despite shooting a six under par 66 last night which left him 10 strokes outside the lead after 54 holes.

The player, a member of South Africa based Sunshine Tour, said the non-arrival of his golf bag made him to resort to borrowing an unfamiliar set of clubs from local amateur golfers in Mongomo.

He told THISDAY last night that he would be left with no option than to ask for a compensation of $24,000 from South African Airlines being the value of the Equatorial Guinea Open winning prize money. ‘’The failure of the airline to deliver a golf bag containing my Titlist set clubs to the agreed destination, made me recourse to borrowing a wrong set of clubs, and this why I have not matched expectations in Mongomo. It is a clear of breach of contract and I will be demanding compensation that equals the exact prize to be won by the winner of Equatorial Guinea Open Golf Championship. The alternative clubs are made for amateur and not professional golfers,” Odoh threatened.

It was gathered that the golf bag was only delivered in Abuja, instead of Lagos, where Odoh joined the Nigerian contingent that flew to Malabo enroute Doula on Monday.

Odoh, who was on the verge of missing the cut after two poor rounds of 78 and 75, rebounded at the Presidential Golf Course, Mongomo, to occupy the 15th position and will be in the 31 players field that will compete the final round today.

Englishman Craig Hinton, took the lead in sterling fashion, with a course record round of seven under par 65 to take two shots lead over Zambian Zambian Muthiya Madalitso and Swede Peter Gustafsson, who are for tied for second place.

in Wednesday’s Champions League win over CSKAMoscow.

Erik Lamela is unavailable as he is still in Argentina attending to his brother, who is in hospital.

Vincent Janssen remains out with an ankle problem.

For United Michael Carrick, Antonio Valencia and Matteo Darmian come back into contention after being rested for the trip to Ukraine.

Manchester United have won only two of their last eight Premier League contests against Spurs (D3 L3).

Spurs’ 3-0 win over Manchester UnitedinAprilatWhiteHartLane was their biggest win over the Red Devils in the Premier League since January 1996 (4-1).

However, Tottenham have lost 19 times at Old Trafford in the Premier League (W2 D3), their most defeats at a visiting ground.

Manchester United’s players have covered just 1490.6km overall in the Premier League this season combined - lower than any other team in the competition.

Harry Kane has scored against 21 of the 24 different opponents that he has faced in the Premier League, but is yet to score against Man Utd in five appearances. The other teams that he has played but not scored against in the competition are Watford (2 apps, 0 goals) and Cardiff City (2 apps, 0 goals).

Kane has now scored seven goals in his last six Premier League appearances - this after failing to

Championship

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ithfewdays to the 2016 CAFAfrica Beach Soccer Cup of Nations /2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Qualifiers to be held at Eko Atlantic, the Lagos State Government has expressed its readiness to host a hitch free and glamorous tournament, from Tuesday 13 to Sunday 18 December.

The Africa Beach Soccer Cup of Nations is the main international championship for beach soccer in Africa, mirroring that of the Africa Cup of Nations in association football, aiming to

crown the best nation on the continent.

The following eight teams qualified for the final tournament. They are Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana, Libya, Ivory Coast, Madagascar, Morocco and Senegal.

TheStateGovernmentthrough Lagos State Sports Commission says it will leave nothing to chance not only to give the visitingAfrican teams, coaches, and officials of the Confederation ofAfrica Football (CAF) the best of Lagos hospitality, but also ensure that the competition meets up to the standard expected.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • DECEMBER 11, 2016

High Life

85 with LANRE ALFRED 08076885752

...Amazing lifestyles of Nigeria’s rich and famous

Bliss Eternally! Love Rekindles at Bukola and Toyin Saraki’s 25th Wedding Anniversary

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either cord nor cable can so forcibly draw, or hold so fast, as love has done in the lives of Senate President, Bukola Saraki and his beautiful wife, Toyin. To the stylish top politician, love and marriage so gladly combine, like Siamese twins born in the same clime. Bukola is head over heels in love with Toyin 25 years after his heart skipped to the sweet, soft drift of her smile.

Their story reads like a dreamy exposition to extraordinary verses of love. And unlike most husbands, Bukola hardly reminds his wife “of an orangutan trying to play the violin.” And unlike the late French writer, Honoré de Balzac, Toyin

has no reason to doubt or disdainfully analyze the character and depth of her husband’s love for her in such manner. And the reason is never far-fetched; Bukola does not only deploy great tact and ingenuity at his pleasing and beautiful wife, he showers immeasurable love on her at every opportunity. They celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary last Wednesday, December 7th. The couple have four children, among them Tosin, who turned 25 too. Toyin, the founder of Wellbeing Africa, took to Instagram to share a throwback silhouette photo which she captioned: “25 years...#loveontop #ololufe #obianuju”

TAG HEUER! REMI AJIDAHUN’S SECOND COMING...

Remi Ajidahun is back with a bang. Until he disappeared from the social scene, he rode roughshod like a kangaroo, in pursuit of the wild fleece. The former Special Assistant to exAviation Minister, Femi FaniKayode (FFK), lived out loud and quite extravagantly too. Prior to his appointment by FFK, he was a man about town registering his presence at virtually every social function and high-octane party.

Remi was unarguably invested with social connections and networks that opened doors in high places. He used to manage a popular club in Victoria Island, Lagos, called Hole 19 back in the days. He was also into the business of golf accessories and he was reportedly doing well

with it until he was invited by Fani-Kayode to be his SA as aviation minister. However, rather than keep a low profile and maintain official decorum, he started living large to the consternation of his colleagues in the aviation sector. He cruised about the Federal Capital Territory in choice cars and patronized the most expensive fun spots in Abuja and Lagos at random. However, things got awry for him when he was mentioned in a controversial case.

The incident thoroughly humbled and humiliated him, thus forcing him to keep a very low profile and live under the radar.

Just recently, he re-emerged on the social scene with a big brand, Tag Heuer, a Swiss luxury watch franchise opened at the prestigious lake mall in Abuja.

Perhaps this time around, he will shun the lure of the fast lane, for his own good.

Others include Marshall, Yusuf And OSA Asemota’s A-bar, Ahmed Uvwubettini’s 11.45, Folake Odutola’s Aqua 27, Louisa Priddy’s Bacchus, Murphy Okojie’s Genesis, Biola Adegoke’s Grotto and many others. These clubs are defunct now although there was a time that they were identifiable as very successful night clubs and bars. They reigned supreme and attracted the happening crowd. If you don’t visit those clubs back in the days, you haven’t arrived.

They hosted the nouveau riche comprising the dandiest guys in town and hottest babes around the city. But unfortunately, they have all closed down and the owners have gone underground.

How did they all get it wrong?

Was it bad management or were they over hyped?

GONE WITH THE WIND...WHERE ARE THESE NIGHT CLUB OWNERS NOW?

•CELEBRITY BLOGGER ADDS RANGE ROVER AUTOBIOGRAPHY TO LATEST ACQUISITIONS

•WAS IT HYPE OR BAD MANAGEMENT THAT RUINED THE COASTAL CITY’S BIGGEST CLUBS?

Remi Ajidahun

Toyin and Bukola Saraki

Night clubs come and go but the Lagos social scene has enduring spirit. Like jetsam and flotsam cluttering the paths of sturdier vessels on the Pacific, extinct clubs clutter the coastal city’s memories. Often times they elicit random sighs from the lips of the Lagos party crowd.

Such clubs include Nasir Ado Ibrahim’s Club Towers, Tony Sabat’s YNot, Larry `Onuegbo AutoLounge, Lanre Nzeribe’s Deuces and Dakova’s Aristotle.

HER POSH ‘SIMPLICITY’...LINDA IKEJI SPLASHES OVER N80M ON CARS IN EIGHT DAYS

Like the fabled goddess of verges, whose methodical tenderness fosters the vagrant croppers, Linda Ikeji, celebrity blogger, offers timeless inspiration to generations of ambitious bloggers, many of whom, strive to attain her lofty height. Linda no doubt inspires the hopes and optimism that attract many a Nigerian youth to the harsh, cutthroat world of celebrity blogging. This is because she currently cuts the perfect portrait of success and acclaim dreamed and coveted by too many of her peers and

Linda Ikeji

underlings. Linda has become filthy rich from blogging and this is no doubt the best inspiration for all and sundry. There is no gainsaying she achieved success through honest toil. And she never spares any expense in giving herself a treat. Just recently, she moved into a posh mansion in Banana Island. Some days ago, she bought a N19 million car for her mother. This was exactly two days after she took delivery of a brand new Range Rover Autobiography 2016 model, which cost $199,495, about N70 million. The popular blogger epitomizes the perfect role model for Nigeria’s teeming bloggers and social media entrepreneurs.

Having paid her dues over a time span that saw her pushing through intimidating economic, social and political realities to carve her niche in a media industry severely pitted to thwart

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HIGHLIFE

Ooni of Ife Vs Olugbo of Ugbo...Two Thrones, Two Kingdoms, One Giant Ego!

•Foremost kings, Oba Ogunwusi and Oba Akinruntan, in supremacy contest

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ike petty lovers of strife that shriek and sweat in pigmy wars, two popular monarchs in Yorubaland won’t stop bickering until either of them gives up and takes the moral high ground.

Sadly, war brews between the royal circuits of Ugbo and Ile Ife, like badly brewed beer. It gives a heady whiff, intoxicating the two kingdoms and goading them into a protracted and very dirty supremacy tussle and slugfest. The major characters are the Olugbo of Ugbo, Oba Obateru Akinruntan and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

Nobody knows what triggered it but echoes of bad blood and petty rivalry erupted between the duo recently as Oba Akinruntan told Oba Ogunwusi that he did not meet the requirement of a Yoruba king. As you read, Oba Akinruntan and Oba Ogunwusi are enmeshed in a supremacy battle

over which throne is the monarchical seat of power in Yoruba land and the origin of Oduduwa. In a thinly veiled attack on Oba Ogunwusi’s family background, Oba Akinruntan, in a statement issued by the Olugbo-in-Council said, “We ask that the Ooni should confirm his ancestral roots. It is also of importance to note that in the ancient custom of Yoruba, an incumbent king must have no living father.

Also, no man from a female lineage of a ruling house is qualified to sit on the throne.”

Oba Akinruntan also attacked the Ooni of Ife for describing Moremi Ajasoro as a heroine. The Ugbo monarch disagreed with the Ooni, who described Moremi as a goddess and recently built a 42-foot statue in her honour. But in a swift reaction, the Ife monarch said Olugbo did not have deep knowledge of Yoruba history.

the chances of the itinerant blogger and citizen journalist to progress, it is understandable and only justifiable that Linda encounter success for her hard work.

LEAVE ME ALONE! FARIDA WAZIRI WARNS NUHU RIBADU In January, Farida Waziri retreated from the social scene under the haze of a dark pall. Death plucked a precious fruit from her tree, it killed Jackie Ifidon-Ola, her beautiful daughter, leaving her heartbroken and shorn of hope.

After that sad brutish incident in Abuja, the former boss of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), took a wide berth from the social space.

Farida Waziri

Oba Obateru Akinruntan

Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi

She avoided it like a leech and scurried for the cover of grief and her private place in her home space. But after her hiatus from the social arena, Waziri is back with a bang. The former EFCC boss was recently forced to emerge from hibernation to issue a sharp riposte to her predecessor at the anti-graft agency, Nuhu Ribadu. Waziri was actually called out by Ribadu after being quiet for a long time. This is because Ribadu recently accused her of inflicting “serious damages on the EFCC from which the commission is still struggling to recover.” But, Waziri in her reaction, warned Ribadu against using her name any time he needs public attention or sympathy. “My first inclination was to ignore Nuhu Ribadu since I know he is always obsessed with dropping my name into his script any time he needs public pity or political relevance. But, on a second thought I felt I should advise him to leave me out of his frustrations and face life. There should be a life after EFCC,” she said.

SILENCE OF THE WOLVES...HOW DIEZANI MADUEKE CELEBRATED HER BIRTHDAY Silence troubles Diezani Madueke, the former minister of petroleum. It haunts her and twists her mind’s best strings into strains of discord and a non-melodic chime. She clocked 56 years old last Tuesday. In the silence, Diezani senses a ghost of impressions of her true worth.

reality of her fall from grace to grass, Diezani cuts the pitiful portrait of a woman whose days are blighted by betrayal and her nights are chilled by a gale of everlasting nightmares.

Unlike fictional Brutus, the former petroleum minister need not wait for the cock to crow before she experiences the lacerating slash of treachery; some of her business associates and friends whom she helped turn into billionaire oil magnates, brazenly flaunt and flash their deadly daggers stained with her blood, before her very eyes and the full glare of the world.

Diezani Madueke

Unlike the past, her birthday was markedly drab and shorn of the congratulatory adverts usually paid for in major newspapers by many of her underlings, business associates and lobbyists perpetually seeking her audience over one favour or the other.

Hence when she opened many major newspapers, there were no imposing pictures of her and accompanying well wishes.

She didn’t see profuse eulogies describing her as ‘a woman of substance’, ‘a woman of distinction’, ‘the amazon of the Oil Sector’ and many other superfluous plaudits that erstwhile made her day on her previous birthdays.

As she grapples with the sad

RECKLESS LIFESTYLE! IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH FELA KUTI’S DAUGHTER, MOTUNRAYO? INTRIGUES AS STORY ABOUT HER SEX VIDEO GO VIRAL When the proverbial apple falls very far from the tree, it ends up as food for random rodents or beasts of the wild.

Such fruithardly makes it to embroidered tables in royal kitchenettes neither does it become a part of the family diet in the cozy homestead. In a nutshell, stray fruit graces the throat of wild beasts. Many a silver spoon kid from enviable pedigree have been known to carry on in ways that contradicts the nobility and class of their forebears. Too many of them conduct themselves with the sensibility of a guinea pig and wit of a hyena. Fela Kuti’s kids cut no such hideous portrait. Except Motunrayo. Unlike her siblings,

T H I S D AY, T H e S u n D AY n e w S pA p e r • DECEMBER 11, 2016

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HIGHLIFE

The Perfect Goodbye... Otunba Kuforiji-Olubi Bids Farewell with Grand Birthday Anniversary

•How Lagos socialite hosted her last party, just before she died

O

tunba Kuforiji Olubi was a lucky woman.

Unlike her illfated peers, she did not evaporate without an eyewitness. She did not groan dying, twisting the sweaty sheet around her chest. She did not gasp for breath feeling as if her senses drowned while she thrashed alone in the dark.

Nobody has such terrible memories of Kuforiji-Olubi. When her time was up, the corporate Amazon died and departed the world, leaving priceless memories of her behind for her loved ones. KuforijiOlubi died at 11:30am penultimate Saturday, December 3, 2016, at Lagoon Hospital, Lagos. She was aged 80. She died soon after she celebrated her 80th birthday with family and friends at a high-profile

thanksgiving at the All Saints’ Church in Yaba, Lagos Mainland.

On her birthday, Kuforiji-Olubi was bubbly and full of joy. She made sure she greeted everyone present at her party, according to some of the guests present at the event. Among those who graced the occasion were former governors Peter Obi and Gbenga Daniels, fellow traditional chief Otunba Subomi Balogun, Senator Ben Obi and Bola Obasanjo, among others. The way she behaved that day clearly shown she was saying goodbye.

Otunba Bola KuforijiOlubi was reputed as a trailblazer, especially among the womenfolk.

She was a former Minister of Commerce and Industry, was the first female graduate Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAN).

Motunrayo Anikulapo-Kuti

the daughter of the late music legend betrays little elegance and affiliation to class. Recently, she took to her Instagram page to lambast and expose her ex-boyfriend turned alleged blackmailer. She claimed the latter was threatening to release hurtful (nude) videos and pictures of her while she was unconscious. ‘U see this nigga right by my side is a Traitor, A Liar And A Thief... He Is My Ex.. So I broke up with him then he stared sending me very hurtful videos he used to take of me while he would have drugged me to pass out.. He said I will regret the day I met him and that he will leak those pictures and videos.. Please friends family and foes, if you know him tell him I said he should go ahead and post them.. And trust me I ain’t,” she wrote.

ATOBATELES IMMORTALIZE LATE SON, MICHEAL, WITH A FOUNDATION Death has dealt the Atobalele family a mortal hurt. So deep is their wound that the fairest of tributes and most soothing psycho-babble cannot extinguish the pain that afflicts their hearts.

Of all the aged folks in their family, the grim-reaper decided to claim the life of Micheal, the son of Otunba Bola and Toyin Atobatele. Micheal yielded to death few weeks ago at the age of 22 and this has thrown the household into mourning.

Apparently pained and confused by his death, Micheal’s friends recalled that he was enviably realistic, generous, kind –hearted, active and altruistic in character.

According to them, he was an inspiration and source of joy to many of them hence their devastation by his premature exit

Micheal Atobatele

Otunba Kuforiji Olubi

from the world.

However, the Atobateles (Prince Bola and Toyin) have decided to immortalize him with a foundation tagged “Prince Michael Babatunde Atobatele Foundation (PMBAF).

The launching of the foundation will take place today, Sunday, December 11 at the Renaissance Hotel, Awolowo Way, Ikeja Lagos. Before coming back to the country for his Youth Service, the late Michael completed a degree in Business and Human Resources Management at the University of Hertfordshire, UK.

revealed that, he is in the country and added a year to his birthday on Friday, 9th December and this put a lie to the rumours of illhealth being spread about him.

The renowned philanthropist has an estimated net worth of $1.1 billion as of 2015, according to Forbes. Danjuma has put over $100 million of his own money into his charity, the TY Danjuma Foundation - making it one of Africa’s largest charities, and Danjuma, the country’s biggest philanthropist.

The retired military General was Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff in the 70s and served as the AMID SICKNESS RUMOURS, TY Minister of Defence during former DANJUMA CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY President Olusegun Obasanjo’s •CONTRARY TO REPORT, RENOWNED tenure between 1999 and 2003. He PHILANTHROPIST IS HALE AND HEARTY has always been one of Nigeria’s A swarm of high and low most influential people which agents of misdemeanor have makes every news and the flimsiest fallen on high society. They have rumour about him the subject of let loose their whole repertory of feverish speculations. lies, touting the most outrageous falsifications and manipulations of reality in desperate bid to bury society big wig, Theophilus Danjuma, before his time. Like sewer ants, they crawl out of their crannies to spread a malicious lie against Danjuma, claiming that the retired military officer is afflicted by a grave ailment.

According to the mischief makers, TY Danjuma’s ailment is so grievous that he had to be flown out of the country in search of an urgent cure to his sickness. However, contrary to the malicious rumour being spread about him, the Nigerian oil magnate and former Minister of Defence is actually hale and Theophilus Danjuma hearty. Danjuma is not afflicted with any sickness. Findings

Sunday December 11, 2016

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Price: N400

MISSILE

Fayose to FG

“If government does not have capacity to increase workers salary at this trying period, it should not also increase taxes that will cause decrement in what workers earn. It is wicked and inhuman for any government to increase taxes on workers’ salary at this period of economic recession.”

– Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, reacting to move by federal government to reduce workers salary

SIMONKOLAWOLE SIMONKOLAWOLELIVE!

simon.kolawole@thisdaylive.com, sms: 0805 500 1961

Rethinking the Definition of Waste

T

he middle-aged man sprinted in my direction, seized my suitcase and began towing me to his cab. I was startled by the aggression, but I played along, like a sheep heading for the slaughter. After all, I would still need a cab out of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and somebody would have to do the job.

“Oga, if they ask you any questions, tell them you called me from Lagos to come and pick you up,” he instructed.

“Why?” I asked, still wondering what this game was about.

“I will explain to you later,” he vowed, and as we entered his cab, he started thanking me.

“I’ve been here for three days, no passengers.

If you didn’t allow me to pick you this night, that means I would be here till tomorrow.

This N6,000 you’re going to pay me now, I will just hand it over to my wife when I get home. She will go to the market tomorrow and we will finally have food in the house.

Thank you, oga.”

I was downcast. This is a familiar story in Nigeria these days. It got me thinking for a long time, and I finally asked him: “By the way, why have you been here for three days?”

I was not impressed with his initial explanation.

“There are too many cabs at the Abuja airport,” he said, lamenting that “we are more than 800 waiting to pick passengers everyday”. It was affecting “market”, he said. So I asked him something similar to a rhetorical question.

“Let’s say there are 5,000 passengers landing in Abuja everyday, and 800 of them need to take airport cabs to get to town, would you still say 800 cars are too many?” I asked.

I knew where I was going.

“No. But when will 5,000 passengers start coming to Abuja again? These days, there are no events, no conferences, no seminars, nothing. It is affecting everybody,” he replied, hitting the nail exactly where I wanted. No events, no business. Simple.

Let’s do simple economic arithmetic, the type we were taught in primary school. Let’s say the ministry of trade and industry is organising a three-day conference in Abuja on, say, “Creating a Manufacturing Hub in Your Village”. And let’s say I want to come and attend. Now let us look at the chain of economic activities that the three-day conference can stimulate or generate — and how many jobs will be created, sustained or saved in the process.

First, I buy an air ticket. That is income for the airline. I take a cab to the Lagos airport.

Income for the cab driver (plus his wife and his children, and the market woman). I pay passenger tax to FAAN. Income for government.

The airline charges VAT on the ticket. Income to the federation account. The airline keeps flying and keeps people employed. That’s income for employees and employers, and income for the aviation fuel marketers. At the end of the month, the airline’s employees pay PAYEE and pension contribution, as well as income tax to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). You may also be aware that marketers have hundreds of employees and

Buhari pay all kinds of taxes too.

My flight touches down in Abuja. The cabman picks me up for N6,000. He has already paid N200 “gate fee” to FAAN to gain entrance to the airport, so that’s another income for FAAN. He takes me to the hotel.

I pay for three nights. That is income for the hotel, the employers, the employees, the government, and the entire string in Abuja. The ministry of trade and industry rents a conference hall from a hotel. That is another chain in the income trail. The ministry advertises the event in newspapers. Income for newspapers and advert agencies, who also have employees. The ministry engages event organisers, who hire ushers and bouncers.

Another link.

I’m not done yet. Somebody makes the banners and the backdrops. Income. Somebody prints the souvenirs such as T-shirts, conference bags, notepads and pens. Income. NTA dupes you to report the event. Income. After three days, the conference is over and I return to the Abuja airport. I take a cab to get there. I buy another flight ticket. I pay another FAAN passenger fee. The airline buys fuel again. The airline, I almost forgot to say, pays a caterer to supply snacks on the flight. I get to Lagos. Take another cab home. Income, income, income all the way. Income for small businesses.

Income for medium businesses. Income for big businesses. Income for government.

Ladies and gentlemen, to me as a villager, that is the economy at work. All the talk about job creation is not that government should set up a national carrier or a bakery

and employ people. It is not simply about dishing out N5,000 a month to “unemployed” graduates. It helps, sure, but to what extent? It is not simply about recruitment into the civil service. How many people can the government employ? The major focus should be about what the people can do by themselves. And how government can stimulate the people to do these things by themselves. Give Nigerians a space and watch them move the world.

I was flabbergasted a while ago when President Muhammadu Buhari banned government agencies from printing souvenirs because they are “a waste”. What??? He instantly dealt a heavy blow on many SMEs — the sort of businesses government should be actively encouraging with incentives and patronage. Every N1 spent by the government could end up generating economic activities worth N5, as I have illustrated in my fictitious three-day conference. The best thing the government could have done was to cut the budget for souvenirs or set standard prices to contain over-invoicing. With this “no souvenirs” decision, thousands of jobs were wiped out effortlessly.

I am fully with Buhari on cutting waste in government — in fact, I have been campaigning for this all my adult life and I am certain Buhari is the man to do it. But I would like to raise two points. One, we must define “waste” within an economic context. What “waste” is harmful? What “waste” in helpful?

When government officials hold a training programme in Paris, I would call that harmful waste. Most of the benefits will go to the French economy, not ours. But if a similar programme is held in Nigeria, that is not a harmful waste. Even if you want to call it a waste, we are at least creating economic value with the “waste”. I’d cheekily call this “waste to wealth”.

Two, there is something wrong with the notion in Nigeria that government expenditure that oils an economic value chain is a waste.

Even in many developed countries where the private sector is flourishing very well, government is still the largest spender and the stimulator of the economy. For instance, the single largest consumer of goods and services in the US is the government. One American economist put it this way: “If the government actually stopped spending, our economy would collapse.” In Nigeria, we take pride in starving the economy of public funds when there are uncountable life-changing, economy-stimulating projects to be done!

Back to my point: government has to rethink its definition of “waste”. Any spending that will positively stimulate economic activities should not be classified as waste. One day, I was shocked to see some “good” roads being repaired in the US, and someone explained to me that it is part of keeping people working and keeping income flowing.

Meanwhile, chartering flights with state funds to attend political rallies should be classified as “harmful waste” — not because economic value is not generated, but to what end? The money is better spent on “wastes” like giving uniforms to pupils and keeping textile merchants, button sellers and tailors, in business. Helpful.

And Four Other Things...

THE U-TURN Just as I was dancing “azonto” that Ghanaian president John Mahama had finally conceded to Nana Akufo-Addo, Gambian president Yahya Jammeh rained on my parade by making a U-turn after initially congratulating Adama Barrow. Why did Jammeh summersault? Barrow, according to reports, had been threatening to probe and prosecute Jammeh. This, I believe, is the major reason why many African presidents refuse to leave office — the fear of humiliation. They would rather be “late president” than “ex-president”.

Unfortunately, when you say probe should not be priority, you are accused of supporting corruption. I do really fear for Gambia.

Ominous.

ALMIGHTY LAWMAKERS The National Assembly has been having fun in recent times proposing all kinds of laws and seeking to wild all kinds of power. There is currently a bill that will allow them to insert their so-called constituency projects into the budget, even if these are not in the bill sent by the executive. Not so long ago, they sought to put the Code of Conduct Bureau and Code of Conduct Tribunal at the beck-and-call of the National Assembly — apparently in response to the perceived persecution of Senate President Bukola Saraki by President Muhammadu Buhari. Hopefully, these lawmakers will one day realise that you make laws for posterity, not for selfish reasons.

Foresight.

JUNGLE JUSTICE Generally, Nigerians love public lynching — both verbal and physical — as we see on social media everyday. However, the video of a young boy being lynched, recently, for “stealing” has raised, yet again, the issue of jungle justice in this animal kingdom that we live in. It revived the traumatic memories of the UNIPORT students who were lynched years ago following what turned out to be a false alarm. People say they don’t trust the police, so they take the law into their hands.

Just shout “thief” and the next thing is death — even if there was no stealing. In a society where government truly values the lives of its citizens, jungle justice would have ended long ago. Sadistic.

UNWISE SOLOMON On a second thought, it would appear President Buhari deliberately picked some characters as ministers in order to give us comic relief while we pass through this economic downturn. There are quite a number of entertainers in his cabinet. Comrade Solomon Dalung could well have been minister of youth, sports and comedy, given the kinds of things that come out of his mouth anytime he opens it. Speaking on government’s failure to pay the Falcons their allowances despite winning the African Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON), he said nobody expected them to win — as if failure was his target. Nigeria is killing the spirit of these ladies. Outrageous.

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