Thursday 2nd March 2017 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

Buhari Rules Out Sale of Refineries, Approves New Investment Model NNPC meets Chiyoda, JGC to assess condition of facilities Govt officials giving divergent figures on Nigeria’s oil output

Chineme Okafor in Abuja with agency report The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) yesterday disclosed

that President Muhammadu Buhari has ruled out the option of privatising its moribund refineries. Instead, the president, who is rabidly averse to the

disposal of the inoperable and inefficient so-called “national jewels”, approved a new commercial model that would enable foreign and local companies to invest in the

restoration of the refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna. NNPC has an installed refining capacity of 445,000 barrels per day. However,

owing to the suboptimal performance of the three refineries for more than two decades, Africa’s largest oil producer has had to import refined petroleum products

at a huge cost. Under the new model, NNPC said Buhari approved the engagement of strategic Continued on page 9

Court Upholds Right of Nigerian Child to Free Primary Education...

Page 11

Thursday 2 March, 2017 Vol 22. No 7987. Price: N250

www.thisdaylive.com TR

TODAY'S WEATHER

ABUJA 16°C-33°C

MAIDUGURI 15°C-35°C

UT H

& RE A S O

ENUGU 22°C-34°C

KANO 11°C-33°C

LAGOS 23C-31°C

PORT HARCOURT 20°C-30°C

After Senate Confirmation, Justice Onnoghen is New CJN Says judiciary under his watch will be of unquestionable integrity

Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja The Senate yesterday cleared Justice Walter Samuel Onnoghen as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). Justice Onnoghen, who had been acting as CJN since November 10, 2016, was cleared after intensive

screening which lasted for an hour and 10 minutes in the Senate. With his confirmation, he emerged the first southerner to become CJN in 30 years after Justice Ayo Irikife. Answering questions from Continued on page 9

Osinbajo Gets Security Briefing, More Equipment Acquired to Fight Boko Haram Says briefing is routine

Tobi Soniyi in Abuja The Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali has said that the federal government has acquired modern equipment to enhance the combat effectiveness of the armed forces in the fight against Boko Haram. The minister disclosed this at the State House in Abuja

yesterday at the opening of a security briefing to afford the service chiefs and the minister the opportunity to update acting President Yemi Osinbajo on the security situation in the country. He said the new equipment would enable the armed forces to sustain the tempo of the Continued on page 9

Attempt by Senate C'ttee to Extort JUDICIARY NOW FIRMLY ON HIS SHOULDERS... Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, taking questions from senators during his screening and confirmation Money from LG Chairmen Exposed... Page 58 Chief as CJN at the Senate yesterday in Abuja Julius atoi

T H I S D AY THURSDAY MARCH 2, 2017

THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017 • T H I S D AY

PAGE NINE AFTER SENATE CONFIRMATION, JUSTICE ONNOGHEN IS NEW CJN

the senators on the rampant cases of corruption in the judiciary, the new CJN who admitted that the Nigerian judiciary was a product of a corrupt society, said he would preside over a judiciary that is strong-willed and of unquestionable integrity.

He also assured his audience that the judiciary over which he would preside would emerge from its present predicament and image crisis as a reformed and vibrant organ of state. “The judiciary is part of the society. There is corruption everywhere but efforts are being made to check it, in accordance with our rules. The judiciary under my watch will be strong-willed. “The judiciary under my watch will be of unquestionable integrity. I believe that the judiciary will come out of the present situation stronger,” he pledged. He also assured the senators that the judiciary under his leadership would not be compromised, explaining that once the judiciary of any nation “is politicised, that is going to be the end of that country”. Justice Onnoghen also warned against unfounded accusations against judges, stating that whenever that is done, “you are dealing with the privileges of men and women who have no privilege of talking back”. He also said the judiciary had no issue with calls for the

establishment of a separate court for the trial of corruption cases with a view to speeding up the course of justice. However, he said merely setting up a separate court for corruption matters would not solve the problem, if the handlers of the cases fail to dutifully carry out their responsibilities. According to him, there are three principal figures involved in every matter – the investigator, the prosecutor and the judge – pointing out that if any of the personalities fails to thoroughly discharge his/her responsibilities, it will lead to frequent adjournment of cases and prolonged trials. He cautioned that except the existing system is improved upon, the establishment of new courts would make no difference. Justice Onnoghen also spoke on the rampant cases of conflicting judgments in the courts, observing that the problem was not totally alien to the course of adjudication. However, he identified two factors responsible for conflicting judgments, saying a conflicting judgment may arise when a plaintiff files a suit on one matter in a state and files another in another state. According to him, the processes will not be the same, submitting that while the judge in the first state can reserve judgment, the other may dismiss it, depending on the existing processes in each state.

Second, he said conflicting judgments could also arise when several appeals emanate from a single case, pointing out that a conflicting judgment in such instance occurs when a judge does not thoroughly examine all the appeals before delivering his judgment. Justice Onnoghen also expressed concern over recurring cases of disobedience to court orders, noting that this could only be addressed by the legislature and the executive, adding: “The judiciary will welcome a day when a decision is handed down by the court and it is obeyed. That is when the judiciary will be independent.” Looking undeterred by the risk of losing his confirmation, he did not mince words when he slammed the senators along with other politicians, whom he accused of bringing cases to the Supreme Court when they actually know that such cases ought to terminate at the Appeal Court. He cautioned politicians, whom he said had cultivated the habit, and disclosed that a new arrangement was being evolved which would ensure that any lawyer who brings a case designed to terminate at the Appeal Court to the Supreme Court, would be made to fund the proceedings as penalty for failing to properly advise his client. His statement, however, prompted Senate President

BUHARI RULES OUT SALE OF REFINERIES, APPROVES NEW INVESTMENT MODEL investors who would come in with refining experience and funding capacity to partner with local investors who understand Nigeria’s downstream oil market, to revamp the refineries.

For decades, NNPC’s refineries have operated below

installed capacity, turning them into inefficient, loss-making entities that negatively impact on the state-run oil firm’s bottom line. The corporation however stated that under the new model, this would change with the investments provided

by investors who would be repaid from the incremental production of the refineries on agreed terms. It also explained that it would not sell the refineries to any of the investors, adding that the arrangement would be purely based on invest, operate

Bukola Saraki to end the screening session abruptly and asked the nominee to “take a bow and go”. But Saraki’s unilateral decision generated protests from his colleagues who said they were denied the opportunity to ask the acting CJN critical questions. Nevertheless, Saraki in his remarks, charged the new CJN to ensure that the judiciary is entrenched during his tenure as the last hope of the common man. Saraki also congratulated Justice Onnoghen on his confirmation as the CJN, describing it as another milestone in the history of Nigeria's democracy. Justice Onnoghen’s confirmation yesterday laid to rest the agitation that trailed the failure of the Muhammadu Buhari administration to send his name to the Senate for confirmation since last November when his predecessor, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, bowed out having attained the mandatory retirement age of 70.

Born on December 22, 1950 in Biase, Cross River State, he attended the Presbyterian Primary School, Okurike, between 1959 and 1965. He later proceeded to Accra, Ghana, to attend Odorgorno Secondary School, Adabraka, Accra, Ghana, between 1967 and 1972 for his West African

Examination Council (WAEC) exam. Onnoghen was at Accra Academy, Accra, Ghana, between 1972 and 1974 for his WAEC (A-Levels) before proceeding to the University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana, between 1974 and 1977 to obtain his Bachelor of Law Degree (LL.B (Hons) and graduated with 2nd Class Upper Division. He attended the Nigerian Law School, Victoria Island, Lagos, between 1977 and 1978 for his B.L certificate. The jurist served as a Pupil State Counsel, Ministry of Justice, Ikeja, Lagos, between 1978 and 1979. He later became a partner in the Law Firm of Effiom Ekong & Company, Calabar (1979-1988); and then Principal Partner/Head of Chamber of Walter Onneghen & Associates, Calabar, from 1988 to 1989. From 1989 to 1998, he served as a High Court Judge, Cross River State Judiciary and was Chairman, Cross River State Armed Robbery and Fire-Arms Tribunal from 1990 to 1993. Onnoghen was later appointed as Chairman, Judicial Enquiry into the crisis between students of the University of Calabar and Obufa Esuk Orok community, Calabar, in 1996, and Chairman, Failed Bank Tribunal, Ibadan Zone, in 1998. He was appointed a justice of the Court of Appeal in 1998 and left in 2005 when he was elevated to the Supreme Court.

A fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Justice Onnoghen has attended several conferences and seminars around the world and is a member of the Body of Benchers and Life Bencher. He made history on April 11, 2014 when he, alongside some of his colleagues, made a landmark pronouncement in the case of two Igbo women, Gladys Ada Ukeje and Maria Nweke, who argued that they should have equal access like men to the inheritance of their parents. In Igbo culture, women had been disinherited for ages as a result of tradition. The two women sued the men in their families – and finally got justice as the case moved from the lower to the highest court in the land, reported The Cable. He also upheld the death sentence handed to Chukwuemeka Ezeugo, known as “Rev. King”, the general overseer of Christian Praying Assembly, who was accused of murdering a member of his church in 2006. Furthermore, it was Justice Onnoghen, who annulled Yar’Adua’s election in December 2008 and called for a fresh one, after the then Gen. Buhari argued that the election was rigged. However, his ruling, alongside other colleagues, could not stand, as they were outnumbered by other Supreme Court justices who ruled in Yar’Adua’s favour.

for a period, and earn returns on investment, often known as the rehabilitate, operate and transfer (ROT) model under public-private partnership arrangements. NNPC said it has met with the original builders of the Kaduna and Port Harcourt

refineries – Chiyoda and JGC, both Japanese engineering conglomerates – to undertake a technical appraisal of the refineries, from which the final funding model for the new arrangement would be agreed. The Chief Operating Officer

(COO) of Refineries in NNPC, Anibor Kragha explained the funding arrangement when he spoke at the 2017 edition of the Nigeria Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition in Abuja yesterday.

inform us fully on that. “The president is a process person and certainly I am going to speak with him on developments here. So it is not an indication of anything. It is only an indication that we are committed to the security of the nation.” He said the primary duty of government was to provide safety to its citizens, adding: “That is why we have to be briefed regularly.” He stated that the troops were doing extraordinarily well in the North-east, adding also that the situation in Southern Kaduna had been contained. “The peace building process is also going on very well,” he said. Asked to put a time frame to when Boko Haram attacks would end, based on the briefings he had received, the acting president said: “As you know, Boko Haram, as a military force, has been degraded, they are not holding territory at the moment. “Our armed forces have been able to dislodge them from practically all territories they were holding in the past. What is happening now are just the odd attacks by suicide bombers. “By the nature of asymmetric warfare, we are not able to say it has ended now but I think that militarily they have been contained, there is no question at all that Boko Haram as a fighting force has been degraded. “But we are still vigilant because of their capacity to do damage with suicide bombers. I am very satisfied with what the military has done so far. “And the briefing has shown graphically that they are really on top of their game and that they are doing excellently well in the North-east.” Lending further insight into what transpired at the meeting,

the defence minister said: “We have thrashed most of the security issues that concern the country at the meeting including Southern Kaduna, the North-east and other parts of the country.” Dan-Ali was of the view that the country “is very safe and I believe with the concept of the security agencies, all the security challenges have been surmounted”. Those present at the security meeting held inside the Presidential Villa, Abuja, were the National Security Adviser, Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (retd); Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin; Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Abubakar Sadiq; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibas Ibok; Director-General of the Department of State Services, Lawal Daura; and InspectorGeneral of Police, Ibrahim Idris.

The Man Onnoghen

Continued on page 10

OSINBAJO GETS SECURITY BRIEFING, MORE EQUIPMENT ACQUIRED TO FIGHT BOKO HARAM counter insurgency in the North-east.

He listed some of the new equipment as mine-resistance ambush patrol vehicles, 20mm mortars and ammunition, and patrol boats. He said the patrol boats had been ordered by the Nigerian Navy for outpost at Lake Chad Basin while a contract for helicopters from Russia for the Nigerian Air Force had been awarded and approval for four more Mi 35M aircraft were being awaited. Also, 20 more unmanned aerial vehicles, better known as drones, from the United Arab Emirates, he said, had been procured by the Nigerian Air Force to support the operations in the North-east. He conveyed the appreciation of the armed forces to the administration for funding the conduct of military operations. He said: “This has no doubt impacted positively on the capacity of our armed forces and troops in fighting the Boko Haram terrorists in the North-east and other security threats across the country. “On behalf of the armed forces and other security agencies, we pledge our total commitment and loyalty to the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.” Dan-Ali said the ongoing operations in the North-east had recorded tremendous success, leading to the restoration of normalcy in most parts of the affected areas. He explained that the current strategy involves the simultaneous conduct of consolidation and stabilisation cases so as to enable civil authorities take the lead role as quickly as possible. “Our troops, in conjunction with the vigilante groups,

successfully conducted clearance operations in villages and Boko Haram camps which led to the recovery of weapons and communications equipment as well as apprehension of many suspects. “This is being supported by continuous aerial surveillance by the Nigerian Air Force so as to ensure that terrorists do not regroup,” he added. He also said that several high profile Boko Haram commanders had been arrested and over 20,000 persons, mostly women and children, held hostage by the terrorists were rescued. The minister further confirmed that a number of the terrorists had surrendered to Nigerian troops, adding: “Currently, the rehabilitation and deradicalisation process for this category of Boko Haram terrorists and other rescued persons are ongoing.” He said the armed forces are providing medical support and basic amenities such as food, clothing and water to most internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in the North-east. He also announced that several inter and intra roads and bridges that were impassable due to the security risks had been reopened and damaged ones reconstructed to enhance the movement of people and goods in the region. “The Nigerian Army Small Arms Competition will be conducted by 7 Division at Sambisa Forest to consolidate the gains achieved so far and further sharpen the skills of our troops,” he added. He also commended the present administration for showing tremendous concern for the welfare of troops particularly in the North-east through the prompt payment of salaries and allowances, as well as improvement in medical services.

He said government has continued to intensify international collaboration to defeat Boko Haram. “Last week, we had a meeting with Ministers of Defence from the Lake Chad Basin Commission and Benin member countries, hosted by Nigeria. The countries include Niger, Cameroon, Chad and Nigeria. “A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Multinational Joint Task Force(MJTF) of the Lake Chad Basin Commission to fight Boko Haram terrorists was signed during the meeting. “This was aimed at supporting the operations of the MJTF operation Gama Aiki II, nicknamed Rawan kada in the North-east,” the minister revealed. With regard to the situation in the southern part of Kaduna State, the minister said peace talks were ongoing to address the clashes between herdsmen and farmers in the communities. According to him, some religious leaders led by former Head of State, Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar, recently visited Southern Kaduna to mediate between the herdsmen and farmers. “As part of efforts to curtail this menace, Nigerian Army is in the process of constructing a permanent barracks in Kafanchan. Also, the Nigerian Army is expected to conduct exercise Harbin kunama II in Southern Kaduna, Falgore Forest in Kano and the forest in Bauchi to flush out the criminal elements. “The activities of cattle rustlers and armed bandits generally in the entire North-west have been significantly reduced. Efforts and peace talks to put an end to these cattle rustling and armed banditry in communities in Zamfara and Katsina States have successfully

resulted in the handover of various weapons to troops in the states. “Bandits from an area in Zamfara State handed over 234 dane guns, 94 locally made pistols, 25 locally made revolvers, 17 locally made multi-mural pistols, 10 locally made double barrel guns, 11 AK47 rifles, and five machine guns, in addition to the ones collected in Katsina recently,” he added. Also, dousing speculations over his meeting with the service chiefs and the defence minister yesterday, Osinbajo said there was no reason for the public to read any meaning in the security briefing yesterday. He also said that even though the Boko Haram insurgents might have been substantially decimated by the military, the government was still vigilant in order to forestall surprise suicide attacks from the sect. Answering questions from State House correspondents after the meeting with the service chiefs, Osinbajo said the briefing was instituted by President Muhammadu Buhari and he would still have to brief the president on the outcome of the meeting. According to him, the briefing was a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to end the various security challenges in the country. When asked if the security briefing was not an indication that the president may not return anytime soon, he replied: “No, no, no! Almost every month, these briefings are held. It is routine and it is the president who put in place this whole idea of regular briefings. “It is even more important that we do so because of some of the issues arising, like the cases of kidnappings and I wanted the Inspector General of Police to

TOP GAINERS NGN NGN VITAFOAM 0.08 1.80 NPFMFB 0.05 1.17 SEPLAT 0.08 1.72 NEM 12.00 0.83 NAHCO 0.05 2.50 TOP LOSERS NGN NGN CADBURY 0.75 7.80 GUINNESS 3.24 62.11 FCMB 0.06 1.17 ZENITHBANK 0.70 14.00 FBNHOLDINGS 0.14 3.02 HPE Nestle Nig Plc N570.00 Volume: 228.024 million shares Value: N2.391 billion Deals: 2,958 As at yesterday 01/03/17 See details on Page 42

% 4.6 4.4 4.8 3.0 2.0 % 8.7 4.9 4.8 4.7 4.4

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017

NEWS

Nigerian Engineer Handed Written Test at New York Airport A software engineer from Lagos, Nigeria, is claiming that he was made to sit a written test by US airport immigration officers because they weren’t convinced he was telling the truth about his skills. According to social networking site LinkedIn, Celestine Omin, 28, landed in New York’s JFK airport last Sunday after a 24-hour flight from Nigeria. Mr. Omin is employed by Andela, a tech start-up with offices in New York, Lagos, Nairobi and San Francisco. The firm says it recruits “the most talented developers on the African continent” and connects them with tech employers in the US for potential job vacancies. Facebook chief, Mark Zuckerberg visited Andela’s office in Lagos last year. Mr. Omin had reportedly been granted a short-term visa to work with First Access, a financial technology company in New York’s Manhattan

district. After being asked a series of questions by a US Customs and Border Protection officer, he was taken into a room for further checks. “Your visa says you are a software engineer. Is that correct?” an officer was reported to have asked Mr. Omin. He said he was then given a piece of paper and a pen and told to answer these two questions to prove he is actually a software engineer: “Write a function to check if a Binary Search Tree is balanced.” “What is an abstract class, and why do you need it?” Mr. Omin told LinkedIn it seemed to him the questions had been “Googled” by “someone with no technical background”. He said later on Twitter that he was “too tired to even think”, and told the officer they could “talk about other computer science concepts”.

JFK Airport, New York After he handed back his answers, he was told by the officer that they were wrong.

He said he presumed he was required to provide “the Wikipedia definition” for the

questions. However, he was even more surprised a little later when

the officer told him he was “free to go”. “Look, I am going to let you go, but you don’t look convincing to me,” said the officer, according to Mr. Omin. “I didn’t say anything back. I just walked out.” He later found out that border protection officers had phoned Andela to verify his story. The BBC approached the Customs and Border Protection department for a comment but was yet to receive a reply. Nigeria is not one of the seven countries included in US President Donald Trump’s temporary immigration pause. However, the African country has been struggling with the threat of terrorism in recent times, in particular from the militant Islamist group Boko Haram. Mr. Trump has repeatedly called for “strong borders” and “extreme vetting” since taking office on 20 January.

Ex-British Intelligence Officers Under Spotlight over Malabu Oil Deal Further investigations confirm no illegal conduct, says ENI Ejiofor Alike with agency report The role of two former MI6 officers employed by Shell in an allegedly corrupt oil deal is being investigated by Italian prosecutors, it emerged on Tuesday. The deal concerns the sale of an oil block in Nigeria to Shell and Eni, the Italian state company, for $1.1 billion in 2011. However, a statement from Eni yesterday said investigations carried out by an independent law firm have confirmed that there was no evidence of corruption in relation to the transaction. Italian prosecutors have alleged Eni and Shell knew

money paid to the Nigerian government for the exploration rights would be funnelled to other Nigerian individuals as bribes. The two companies have been charged in Italy along with 10 other individuals including Eni’s chief executive Claudio Descalzi, who yesterday vehemently denied wrongdoing. Shell and ENI also deny wrongdoing. It has emerged that two purported ex-MI6 men — John Copleston and Guy Colegate — were allegedly involved in the deal, reported British-based paper, Evening Standard. The alleged scam saw the Nigerian government transfer $1.1 billion of the proceeds for the oil block sale from a JPMorgan account in London

to bank accounts controlled by Malabu Oil and Gas Limited. It was subsequently claimed that Malabu’s beneficial owner was Dan Etete — the former oil minister who awarded the oil block in the first place. Etete denies the allegations against him. According to the Evening Standard, Copleston and Colegate worked for Shell as strategic investment adviser and senior business adviser respectively. According to the prosecutor, they were both ex-MI6 officers and were allegedly negotiating with the Nigerians over the deal. The prosecutor alleges they breached compliance rules. Neither could be reached for comment and Shell declined

to comment. Colegate was named in a Wikileaks cable as a member of Shell’s kidnapping crisis team in Nigeria, and the British diplomatic list for 2006 names Copleston as a “counsellor (political)” for the Department for International Development in Lagos. Alleged MI6 identities widely leaked online say a John Copleston was working for the secret service in Lagos in 1993. Anti-corruption organisation Global Witness has previously published a High Court document in which an email — reputedly from Copleston — discusses relations with the Nigerian leadership. One section states: “Meanwhile we are getting on very well

personally — lunch and lots of iced champagne.” Shell has strongly denied it knew the money it paid for the oil concession would be channelled to Etete. Also, a statement from Eni yesterday said investigations carried out by an independent law firm have confirmed that there was no evidence of corruption in relation to the transaction. The company said: “Eni’s Board of Directors today takes note of the outcome of further forensic investigations into the 2011 transaction between Eni and Shell and the Nigerian Government for the acquisition of the OPL 245 licence in Nigeria. “The investigations were

conducted by an independent US law firm. They were commissioned by Eni’s Board of Statutory Auditors and Watch Structure. “The investigations examined the new materials and further information filed by the Milan prosecutors as part of the closure of the investigation in December 2016. “The law firm confirms the conclusions reached by previous investigations in 2015, stating that there is no evidence of corrupt conduct in relation to the transaction.” Eni added that its Board of Directors confirmed its total confidence that neither the company nor Descalzi were involved in the alleged illicit conduct under investigation.

financiers,” he said. On the implementation schedule, Kragha added: “I need to first draw on funds latest by July, which is the only way we can meet the 24 months timeline. “What we are doing now is the evaluation of the technical stuff and we are going to engage financial advisers to start building a model,” he explained. He equally stressed that the government gave no approval for the sale of the refineries to any investor, saying: “I would like to clarify that there is no mandate to sell any equity in the refineries, we are not selling anything. “This is just a strategic investment for a defined period, after which they recover their capital negotiated under terms and that will help us ramp up very quickly in the next 24 months.” Meanwhile, a report by Reuters has indicated that Nigerian government officials have been giving diverging figures on how much crude oil the country – exempt from the OPEC production cut deal

due to the militant violence – is currently pumping. The Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, said on Tuesday that crude production had steadily increased to 2.1 million bpd “due to some strategic dialogue efforts” in the Niger Delta. Nigeria hopes to increase output to above 2.2 million bpd by the end of 2017, he added. Last week, Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun said that output was 2.2 million bpd. However, OPEC’s latest available secondary sources figures put Nigeria’s January output at 1.576 million bpd, up by 101,800 bpd from December. Also, Nigeria’s crude oil exports in April are expected to drop to 1.54 million bpd from 1.65 million bpd that will be shipped in March, loading programs compiled by Reuters showed on Tuesday. The biggest monthly decline in planned exports is expected at the Qua Iboe oil stream, Nigeria’s largest. Exports for April loading are set at 222,000 bpd, compared to 337,000 bpd for March, with

March loadings revised up after delays had postponed some loadings previously planned for February. According to Reuters, field operator ExxonMobil has adjusted the loading programs at Qua Iboe several times so far this year, although the reasons for the revisions have not been immediately known. Exxon has had to cope with closure of the main pipeline towards the export terminal, as well as strikes and a workers’ standoff in December when it had to shut its Nigerian headquarters after oil workers’ unions barricaded the office to protest the sacking of local staff. In April, Nigeria will export more Bonny Light, Escravos, Owkwori and Usan oil, but compared to March, fewer cargoes are set for Agbami, Amenam, Brass River and Erha, despite Italy’s Eni SpA lifting the force majeure on Brass River earlier this month. Forcados still remains under force majeure and is now the only Nigerian grade not exporting because of reasons other than field maintenance.

BUHARI RULES OUT SALE OF REFINERIES, APPROVES NEW INVESTMENT MODEL Also present were the former Managing Directors of the Kaduna Refinery and later Port Harcourt Refinery, Mr. Alexander Ogedegbe; NNPC’s COO, Downstream, Henry Ikem-Obih; and President, Nigeria Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association (NLPGA), Dayo Adeshina. Kragha said: “Because of what is happening and the global trend, President Muhammadu Buhari gave approval for strategic investments to be made in the refineries, so the investment model is basically this way – strategic investors who can bring refining expertise and funding will partner with local partners with downstream experience to actually go into the refineries, invest money over and within 24 months to get us to 90 per cent capacity utilisation. “We are in the preparatory stage. We had meetings with Chiyoda which was the original builder of the Kaduna refinery and JGC which built the Port Harcourt plant. “And the idea for going with them is that because they have

done this consistently, they have access and we expect them to open their supply access to us to enable us to get parts and pricing at better rates. “We are getting a lot of expressions of interest from a wide range of people. GE (General Electric) has a consortium they are bringing; there is ENI and Oando as well. “The ORB (original refinery builder) will sit with us and come up with an aligned cost that we will put into financial models. “The only way we are going to do this is that they will only get paid from incremental revenues that are generated from incremental production from the refineries. “So, essentially, they have to put their money where their mouth is and because we have technical expertise and funding, we can make these refineries work.” He stated that the revamp of the refineries would work hand-in-hand with other plans by the government to increase Nigeria’s domestic

refining capacity for petroleum products, disclosing that NNPC had 24 months to deliver on the new funding model for the refineries. “There are three things rehabilitation of the existing refineries, co-location, and Greenfield which include modular refineries, and they are all separate works. “Where we are right now is that there are some approved financiers by the president, but what I am looking at is what the financial backings of those guys are. “As you know, people express interest in doing something but I have to see their term sheets. We are going to have financial advisers that will work with us to evaluate those terms sheets to get the best deal for the refineries. “The numbers that we had as projected numbers were the old cost and we did not have current numbers, so what we are doing now is a technical study to actually get what it will cost in 2017 and that is when we will get definitive numbers. It is these numbers that will be presented to the

THURSDAY MARCH 2, 2017 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

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

Court Upholds Right of Nigerian Child to Free Primary Education

Tobi Soniyi inAbuja A Federal High Court in Abuja presided by Justice John Tsoho has declared that every Nigerian child has the constitutional right to free and compulsory primary education and free junior secondary education. The judge also held that the federal and state governments have constitutional duties to provide adequate fund for it. The court held that failure by any government to fund free primary and junior secondary education would constitute breach of the constitution. The court stated that even though

the right to free education in section 18(3)(a) of the constitution was ordinarily not enforceable being in chapter 2 of the constitution, the enatment of the Free Universal Basic Education Act of 2004 by the National Assembly had made that provision of the constitution an enforceable right. The judgment was delivered in a suit filed by the Legal Defence and Assistance Project (LEDAP) against the Federal Ministry of Education and the Attorney General of the Federation. LEDAP had asked the court to determine whether by the combined effect of section 18(3)(a) of the 1999 Constitution and section 2 (1) of

the Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act, (UBE) 2004, the right to free and compulsory primary education and free junior secondary education for all qualified Nigerian citizens are enforceable rights in Nigeria. The NGO also asked the court to determine whether the federal and state governments are under constitutional obligation to provide financial and institutional resources for free, compulsory and universal primary education and free junior

secondary education for all Nigerian citizens, and whether failure by any government to adopt and implement free, compulsory and universal primary education and free junior secondary education amounts to a breach of constitutional obligation of the government in accordance with its duty and responsibility under section 13 of the constitution. The court answered all the questions raised by the plaintiff in the affirmative, and stated

that in doing so, it relied on the Supreme Court decision in Attorney General of Ondo State and Others vs. Attorney General of the Federation (2002) 9 NWLR (Pt. 772) 222, where it was held that the provisions of chapter 2 of the constitution, even though they are not enforceable by virtue of section 6(6)(b) of the constitution, could be made enforceable or justiciable by legislation. Following this decision of the

Supreme Court, Justice Tsoho held that by enacting the UBE Act, the National Assembly has made the right to free and compulsory primary and free junior secondary education contained in chapter 2 an enforceable or justiciable right. Reacting to the judgment, the lead counsel to LEDAP, Mr. Chino Obiagwu, said Justice Tsoho had given life and hope to over 28 million Nigerian children who were out of primary and junior secondary schools.

Sheriff Backs Jonathan, Governors’ Peace Plan Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Barely 24 hours after former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, reached agreement with governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on using political solution to resolve the lingering crisis, one of the feuding parties, the Senator Ali Modu Sheriff-led leadership, has given support to the plan. Rising from a meeting of its National Working Committee (NWC) held yesterday at the newly re-opened national secretariat of the party in Abuja, the Sheriff leadership said it also accepts the stand of the body of PDP governors on the need to adopt a political solution in bringing lasting peace to the party. At the end of the meeting of PDP governors with Jonathan which lasted for about five hours, the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose told journalists that they have resolved to pursue a political solution to end the crisis. But in a statement issued at the end of their meeting, the reinstated National Secretary of the party, Prof. Wale Oladipo, said: “They commended the leadership role played by President Jonathan in

reaching the new peace plan. “The NWC commends the leadership role exhibited by Jonathan, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in finding a lasting solution to the PDP leadership crisis. “The NWC notes with satisfaction the stand of the body of PDP governors on the need to adopt a political solution in bringing lasting peace to the party. The NWC restates its readiness to fully participate in the peace process.” Despite the reinstatement of Sheriff as chairman of the PDP by the court and his re-opening of the national secretariat since last Monday, workers of to party have refused to resume work, thereby scuttling his efforts to kick-start operations in the place. However, Oladipo’s statement further said: “Sequel to the official re-opening of the national secretariat at Wadata Plaza, Abuja, the NWC hereby calls on all staff of the PDP national secretariat to resume duties immediately.” NWC also received and approved the request from Ebonyi State PDP for the approval of the timetable to conduct primaries for the local government elections.

Eight Killed as Suspected Herdsmen Attack BenueVillage George Okoh in Makurdi Suspected Fulani herdsmen yesterday continued their attacks on Mbahimin in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State, killing eight residents. The attack, which started on February 24, 2017, continued unabated yesterday. According to an eyewitness, the villagers in an attempt to prevent the herdsmen from grazing on their cassava farm led to the crises. “The herdsmen with their herds numbering thousands insisted on grazing on our land including our cassava farms and when we insisted on them retrieving from thefarms they attacked us. “Several people were killed and others wounded while our farms were massively destroyed,” he said. One of the leaders of the community, Mr. Tersoor Hwande, called for prayers for the people following Fulani herdsmen’s

attacks on the community. He said some of the people killed included Jimmy Angbian Ugon, Benjamin Iorcher Agah, (younger brother to John Agah, Prof. Ashiko’s driver) and Puusu, a visitor who came to the community for the marriage arrangements of his son. “The strange thing is that Jimmy and Benjamin all have their eyes plugged off,” he said Meanwhile, there has been a massive deployment of both the police and air force personnel to the crises spot. According to the Benue State Police Public Relation Officer, Moses Yamu, who confirmed the incidents, he said the police have stationed their men at the spot of the crises. He said the police got a report of a Fulani man that was killed during the crises but before they could intervene, there was a reprisal by the herdsmen which resulted in the killing of four other residents.

CRUCIAL SECURITY MEETING

Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, during a security meeting with Service Chiefs at the State House in Abuja.... yesterday State House.

Security Forces Clampdown on Nigeria Peace Corps, Parade Commandant, 49 Others Peace Corps is a breeding ground for terrorists, subversive elements, say police Dele Ogbodo in Abuja The police, Department of State Services (DSS) and the army yesterday clamped down on the operations of the Nigeria Peace Corps, saying the law does not recognise it as security outfit. According to the police, the Commandant of the Nigeria Peace Corps, Mr. Dickson Akoh, and 49 of his members will soon be charged to court for operating illegal quasi security outfit. Addressing journalists during the parade in Abuja, the Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Jimoh Moshood, who spoke on behalf of the DSS and army, said the joint operations for the dismantling of the illegal security outfits would be carried out throughout the country. According to the PRO,

intelligence reports at its disposal revealed that some of the illegal and unapproved security outfits have started acquiring weapons and conducting covert military training in different locations across the country. He said: “In 2013, federal government gazette dissolved and proscribed the Nigerian Maritime Security Agency (NMSA), Nigerian Merchant Navy Corps and the Nigerian Merchant Navy Petroleum Security and Safety, the Peace Corps of Nigeria and other quasi illegal security outfits.” Moshood said the outfits have been involved in illegal importation and smuggling of arms and ammunition which is outside their mandate as they were registered by CAC as non-governmental organisation (NGO).

He accused Akoh of operating illegal training camps in FCT, Kwara and Niger States where youths pay N50,000 without background checks expected of security outfits, adding that it has become apparent that subversive elements and terrorists have infiltrated the Peace Corps of Nigeria to cause havoc in the society. “The corps has unlawfully turned itself into a security outfit without authorisation of government and has deviated from the purposes for which it was established by CAC as an NGO” However, while fielding questions from journalists, Akoh said he was disappointed by the three security outfits for saying that it is operating illegally, adding that the organisation is duly recognised by the National Assembly as the

Senate has its bill for its formation. He said the money collected from the youths was for uniforms, shoes and hotel accommodation, during their recruitment, adding that the uniform is recognised by government, the African Union and the United Nations. Akoh said: “One of our functions is re-orientation of the youths for civility and character reformation. We have been unjustifiably arrested and brutalised in the course of our legal duty. As we speak, the EFCC and ICPC are currently investigating us on the money we collect from registered members. Also narrating her ordeal during the arrest, Mrs. Amao Aminat, said she is a nursing mother and was arrested without due regard to her baby and families since their office was shut last Tuesday in Abuja.

MTN Appeals to Subscribers over Woeful Services Emma Okonji MTN Nigeria yesterday appealed to its subscribers to remain patient over its network challenges and assured them that its engineers were working round the clock to fix the challenges. The telecoms company said although some affected areas had

been fixed, its network engineers were yet to cover all the affected areas. It therefore asked its subscribers to be patient, promising that all the affected areas would soon addressed. The PR and Protocol Manager at MTN Nigeria, Mr. Funso Aina, who made

the appeal, said: “We have fixed most of the downtime challenges, but it is still work in progress, as all affected areas are yet to be fully fixed.” For some days, MTN subscribers have encountered difficulties getting connected to the MTN network as a result of network downtime,

making it almost impossible for subscribers to make calls and browse the internet. The poor services are felt the most in Lagos, Abuja and some other cities. But as of yesterday, some subscribers said they were able to make some successful calls, while others said they were still encountering patchy data services.

THURSDAY MARCH 2, 2017 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

Attempt by Senate C’ttee to Extort Money from LG Chairmen Exposed Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja The attempt by the Senate Committee on States and Local Governments to fraudulently obtain money from local government councils in the country has been exposed. The committee chaired by Senator Abdullahi Gumel (Jigawa North-west) has been sending letters to council chairmen in different states that it wants to give awards to council chairmen who have distinguished themselves in grassroots development. A copy of the letter seen by THISDAY last night, with the title: ‘Nomination for Nigeria Local Government Development Award 2016/17,’ stated that the committee went on assessment tour of local governments in the country and in its bid to ensure accountability and healthy competition in local councils,had opted to give some

council chairmen awards. According to the letters signed by the committee clerk, Japhel Sagai, dated January 23, 2017, said the award ceremony was scheduled to take place at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja on March 23, 2017, without the knowledge of the Senate leadership. However, one of the councils which was aware of the ulterior motives of the committee decided to leak the letter to the National Assembly leadership. The letter read: “The committee on states and local governments of the Senate undertook an asessment tour of local governments in the country aimed at encouraging transparency, accountability and healthy competition of performance among various local government chairmen in Nigeria. “It is also aimed at challenging the various local government administrations to the tenets of good governance that is required to fast

tract (sic) grassroots development and to enable the committee initiate laws that will effectively strengthen local governments to function efficiently and stimulate grassroots development. “A major outcome of the assessment is the nomination of

deserving chairmen for Nigeria local governments development awards in each state of the federation. To this end, in recognition of developmental strides in your local government area as attested to by the impactful projects and programmes and the effort at

improving on states and local government administrations has found it auspicious to nominate you as one of the best performing local government chairmen in your state for Nigeria Local Government Development Awards. “The award present is scheduled

to hold on 23 March, 2017 at ICC, Abuja. Enclosed here are invitation cards for your guests. Please note that admittance (sic) to the hall is strictly by invitation cards. Further details are attached to this letter. Congratulations and accept committee’s highest regards.”

APC Leadership, Governors to Meet Today Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will today meet with all its serving governors at the national secretariat of the party to discuss various issues affecting the party and the country. Among the issues likely to come up are the crisis rocking the party at various levels, as well as the state of President Muhammadu Buhari’s health which is affecting plans for a national convention. THISDAY reliably gathered that the APC National Working Committee (NWC) has decided to consult with the governors as key stakeholders of the party so as to secure their confidence ahead of its planned national convention. According to the source, the meeting will try to consider the efforts being made by the party leadership to reconcile its feuding members and also help to strengthen the solidarity within governors’ forum which is witnessing some cracks in recent times. On the issue of the president’s

health, the source said: “The NWC members have expressed worry over their inability to visit the president who is on medical leave in London to see him and to convey their support. The source said: “Some NWC members actually wanted to visit the President in London three weeks ago but they were allegedly told by the cabal in the presidency not to go, saying the President won’t be allowed to see them.” Another source revealed that the progressives governors and the party NWC would also use the meeting to take a common position on whether to proceed with the mid-term convention or not in the event that President Buhari’s sickness prolongs his stay in London. When contacted for comments on the meeting, APC National Publicity Secretary, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, who confirmed the planned meeting with the governors, said “it is just a consultative one ahead of the party’s national convention.”

17-year-old Female Suicide Bomber Refuses to Detonate Bomb A teenager, Amina Yusuf, was yesterday paraded by the military in Maiduguri and said she failed to detonate her explosive because she did not subscribe to Boko Haram ideology. The 17-year-old told journalists in Maiduguri that she was abducted five years ago, alongside her parents, in Madagali in Adamawa, after a terror attack on the village. “I was abducted alongside my parents in Madagali in Adamawa after the terrorists attacked our village. We were taken to a camp in the bush where we were forcefully indoctrinated by the group,” she said. The suspected suicide bomber, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) alleged that her parents were killed after they had refused to be indoctrinated. “My parents were executed

because they did not join the group. “I was married off to a Boko Haram militant with whom I lived in the camp,” she said. “One day, I was asked to wear the bombs. I was brought to Maiduguri with an instruction that I detonate the bomb where there is large crowd of people,” the teenager added. She said she declined to detonate the explosive because she did not want to die. “They said I should press the button but I refused and allowed security men to capture me alive. “My four siblings are still with the terrorists in the camp,” Yusuf said. Maj-Gen. Lucky Irabor, the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole had presented her along with two unindentified girls to journalists during a weekly briefing in Maiduguri.

NIGERIA STARTS WITH ME

L-R: Executive Director and Co-Founder, Sahara Group; Tonye Cole; Chief Executive Officer, West and Central Africa, GE Oil and Gas, Doyin Akinyanju, and Chairman of Channels Television, John Momoh, during the launch of Sahara Group’s #NigeriaStartsWithMe initiative which seeks to encourage youth participation in Nigeria’s development in Abuja....yesterday

Court Strikes out Six Charges against Nnamdi Kanu, Others Alex Enumah in Abuja The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday struck out six out of the 11 count charges filed against the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu and three others for been incompetent. Kanu, and his co-accused, Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi are currently facing an amended 11-count charge slammed against them by the federal government. The charges range from treasonable felony, terrorism and illegal possession of firearms. The six charges were struck out yesterday by the trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako, in a ruling she delivered on objections filed by Kanu, Onwudiwe and Madubugwu. The judge held that the proof of evidence filed by the prosecution did not disclose prima facie case to support counts 3, 6, 7,9,10 and 11 of the charge. But, counts 1, 2, 4, 5, and 8

of the charge were sustained because according to the judge, the prosecution was able to place some elements of offences before the court. The judge in striking out the charges stated that the prosecution had not placed evidence before the court to show that Kanu and Onwudiwe are managing an unlawful society or that IPOB was unlawful. She also ruled that some of the charges against the defendants that bordered on intentions to commit crimes would be better handled at the magistrate court not federal high court. Therefore those charges cannot stand. Consequently, they were struck out. After the ruling, the four defendants took a fresh plea of not guilty when the remaining charges were read to them. Recall that the defendants through their counsel had in an application challenged the competence of the charge against them. Count one of the charge

read: That you Nnamdi Kanu ,’m ‘Onwudiwe Chidiebere ‘m’ Banjamin Madubugwu, David Nwawuisi ,’m’ and others now at large on diverse dates in 2014 and 2015 in Nigeria and London, United Kingdom, did conspire amongst yourselves to broadcast on Radio Biafra monitored in Enugu and other areas within the jurisdiction of this court preparations being made by you and others at large, for states in the South-east and South-south zones and other communities in Kogi and Benue States to secede from the Federal Republic of Nigeria with a view to constituting same into a Republic of Biafra and you thereby committed an offence punishable under section 516 of the Criminal Code Act CAP. C38 laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2000. Count two read: That you Nnamdi Kanu,’m’ being the leader of IPOB on diverse dates in 2014 and 2015 in London United Kingdom did broadcast on Radio Biafra monitored in Enugu and

other areas within the jurisdiction of this court preparations being made by you and others now at large, for states in the South-east and South-south Zones and other communities in Kogi and Benue States to secede from the Federal Republic of Nigeria with a view to constituting same into a Republic of Biafra and you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 41 (c) of the Criminal Code Act .CAP C38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. The judge however adjourned the matter to 20 and 21 March following a request for adjournment by the prosecution to enable him call witness. The judge also said she would entertain defendants’ fresh applications for bail but added that the application would however, not stop the trial from proceeding. Justice Nyako also promised the defendants that an earlier order which allowed at least four members of their families to attend and witness the trial would be enforced.

Lassa Fever Recorded in Borno Michael Olugbode

A case of Lassa Fever has been recorded in Borno State. Briefing journalists yesterday in Maiduguri, the state commissioner for health, Dr. Haruna Mshelia, said a 32-year-old female (name withheld), a resident of Zabarmari village in Jere Local Government

Area of the state had been diagnosed with the virus causing the deadly fever. Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness of 2-21 days duration that is transmitted to humans via contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or faeces. Lassa Fever was first discovered in Lassa town, Askira/Uba local

government area of Borno State about half a century ago. During, the news conference, Mshelia disclosed that the patient fell sick last week, and was admitted at a government hospital in Maiduguri, where a sample of her blood was taken to Lagos for test. A result was later to show that the patient, who was feeling

feverish, tested positive to the Lassa Fever virus. The commissioner who said even though the patient is responding to treatment, the ministry had to summoned all stakeholders including traditional rulers to sensitise the public on the need to ensure proper sanitation and avoid eating rodents, especially rats.

T H I S D AY THURSDAY MARCH 2, 2017

T H I S D AY THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017

COMMENT

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

YEMI OSINBAJO’S UNQUESTIONABLE LOYALTY The vice-president needs the support of all Nigerians, writes Yushau A. Shuaib

n September 2008, this writer published an article entitled “If Yar’Adua Doesn’t Die!”. It was a response to strong insinuations in the media on the plight of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua who was alive then but some commentators were already expressing views on expectations after his likely demise. We are currently witnessing a similar scenario as the national discourse has shifted to debates on the ailing or recuperating President Muhammadu Buhari who left the country on January 19, 2017 for medical vacation in London after handing over power to Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo to act as President. The media is awash with views of Nigerians as well as patriotic commentators over the transfer of power and the commendable progress made so far in the absence of Buhari. Meanwhile, spin-doctors and political manipulators, in their different shades, have joined the debate, mostly on cyberspace. In some cases, the issue is coloured in sectional sentiments, political undertones and religious undercurrents. In fact, there have been gossips on the motives behind recent fasting by some Christians in the South as well as speculations on massive prayers by some Muslims in the North over the ill-health of the president. Some scenarios are disturbing, as some comments attempt to create rift between Buhari and Osinbajo who have so far shown maturity, sincerity and respect in their mutual relationship. President Buhari does not only trust Osinbajo, he assigns the law professor and church pastor to oversee the economic sector as the head of the economic team. In fact, sensitive offices and strategic positions within that sector including the Chief Economic Adviser are domiciled under the Office of the Vice-President. In more than two occasions, President Buhari has officially, through legislative mandates, handed over power to Osinbajo to act as Nigerian President. Aside from the recent controversial and illegal disengagement of a female chartered accountant, Mrs Maryam Danna Mohammed from Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) and the replacement of the boss of the agency with an aide of the vice-president, Professor Osinbajo has demonstrated, to some extent, unquestionable loyalty to President Buhari in his utterances and actions. A politically conscious person, Osinbajo has not behaved otherwise. As a legal luminary, Osinbajo knows the implication of wilful disobedience to court orders by Buhari’s administration, especially on several bails granted to some personalities who are still being

AS A LOYAL PUBLIC OFFICER, OSINBAJO HAS EMBARKED ON LOCAL TOURS AND HOSTED SEVERAL MEETINGS TOWARDS ADDRESSING THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIO-POLITICAL CHALLENGES. THE DELIBERATE EFFORTS HAVE SO FAR STRENGTHENED LOCAL CURRENCY, THE NAIRA, BOOSTED OIL PRODUCTION AND STABILISE THE POLITY

detained illegally, he nevertheless refused to act or intervene professionally on the legal dilemmas probably to prove his absolute loyalty to the administration. In tandem with the style and language of his boss, Pastor Osinbajo has consistently re-echoed the message of the administration on the war on terror and the aggressive rhetoric on the anti-corruption campaigns. As a loyal public officer, Osinbajo has embarked on local tours and hosted several meetings towards addressing the economic and socio-political challenges. The deliberate efforts, in the absence of the president, have so far strengthened local currency, the naira, boosted oil production and stabilise the polity. In most occasions, he insists that he is a representative of the president. For instance, when he travelled to the heart of Niger Delta to appeal against militancy, Osinbajo said he was there as an emissary of Buhari to offer “a new vision” for the oil-producing region. There is all certainty that Professor Osinbajo would have sought the consent of his boss and/or members of the Federal Executive Council in taking some of the far-reaching decisions which are being commended. We should therefore encourage the administration to be focused without creating a division between Buhari and Osinbajo while making comparison. There is always the fear that political sycophants may feast on such divisive and distractive debates to create avoidable complications which almost consumed two previous administrations. The political imbroglio between President Olusegun Obasanjo and Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as well as cabal-infused impasse between President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan were triggered by reckless sentiments from supporters It is always painful any insinuation that questions the loyalty of a subordinate and doubts the strength and competence of the boss. Such a dilemma merely creates feeling of betrayal and instigates a crisis of confidence that can distract and derail a focused administration. In our clime, there is a thin line between sanity and insanity among political fans (fanatics) whose supports are based on ethnic, religious and sectional sentiments. We should therefore, support the brilliant strides of acting President Osinbajo in sustaining the tempo of progressiveness and pray for the safe return of President Buhari to carry on the task of nationhood. www.yashuaib.com

A REWARD FOR LEADERSHIP

Simeon Nwakaudu writes that Governor Wike of Rivers State has earned the confidence of his people

he transformation of Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike from ‘Political High Tension ‘ to ‘Mr Projects ‘ over the last 18 months is one of the most enduring narratives of this political dispensation.

From the very day Governor Wike took over the reins of leadership and showed the signs of performance, his detractors have been waiting for him to falter. They may have to wait for eternity as Governor Wike perpetually focused in taking the state to the next level. Those who monitored his swearing-in would remember that his inauguration address had clear-cut steps to be taken for the revival of Rivers State, which was damaged beyond measures by the immediate past All Progressives Congress administration in the state. With definite pronouncements, he opened the courts closed for two years for business and also granted autonomy to the Rivers State House of Assembly. These two profound actions restored democracy to the state. Eighteen months down the line, the Rivers State judiciary and legislature are operating independently without interference from the state executive. For Rivers people, this cannot be taken for granted in view of the deliberate attacks on institutions of government by the immediate past APC administration. Right on May 29, 2015, Governor Wike took concrete steps that have led to his emergence as Nigeria’s Best Performing Governor. He launched the “Operation Zero Potholes Programme” to address the decayed road infrastructure across the suburbs of Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor and Ikwerre Local Government Area. This project was handled by Julius Berger and CCECC. He went ahead to pay four months civil servants salary arrears and six months pension

arrears inherited from the immediate past administration. Ever since, Governor Wike has remained one of the three governors up to date in terms of payment of salaries and pensions. Nobody takes a tour of Rivers State without coming to the conclusion that the governor has transformed the state from developmental backwardness to the fast lane of progress. Anyone who visits Rivers State, promptly drops the narrative of insecurity and embraces the narrative of massive development. They even invite other governors to emulate Governor Wike. This appreciation of the governor developmental efforts transcends political lines. The Sun Governor of the Year 2016 conferred on Governor Wike was premised on very concrete achievements that spread across different sectors of the Rivers society. At the risk of sounding immodest, there is no single serving governor that can contend with Nyesom Wike. Though with several verifiable reasons why he should fail, Governor Wike chose the path of success because that is what he promised the good people of Rivers State. Governor Wike was the only governor who had no privilege of hand over notes. He had to put his administrative skills to use to get the damaged Rivers State Government re-started. Indeed, his predecessor, Rotimi Amaechi on May 27, 2017 predicted doom for the state when he declared that Governor Wike would be unable to pay salaries, let alone execute projects. Today, Governor Wike has proved the Rivers people right. He has lived up to their expectations through consistent initiation and execution of pro-people projects and programmes. Everywhere you turn in Rivers State, you see projects. The Wike administration has ensured that governance gets a human face. Governance has come to live with the people and the people are

glad. Most importantly, the world has noticed. In a country where governors are certified authors of excuses of why they are entitled to fail, everyone is eager to celebrate Wike. Everyone is eager to cite Wike as an example worthy of recognition and celebration. Everyone is asking the question: where is Wike getting the resources to perform? On Saturday, February 18, 2017, the nation stood up to celebrate Nigeria’s Best Performing Governor. All eyes were focused on the Eko Signature Hall where Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike was enthroned as Sun Governor of the Year, 2016. It was an event watched live by millions of Nigerians on national television and online. The consensus on the night was quite clear. Governor Wike deserved the award. He has worked hard to merit the recognition. He has judiciously applied the scarce Rivers resources to improve the living condition of the people. Former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku who presented the Sun Governor of the Year, 2016 award to Governor Wike declared that he deserved the Sun Governor of the Year 2016 award because of his outstanding performance. The international diplomat applauded Governor Wike for placing development projects on the priority list of his government. Speaking on the award to Governor Wike, Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio expressed happiness that Governor Wike is getting global acclaim for his outstanding delivery of projects. He commended the governor for being focused in his service to the people of Rivers State despite the false propaganda, evil machinations and political persecution. Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Banking and Currency, Mr Jones

Onyereri said that Governor Wike has set the right example for other governors to follow. He noted that such high level performance will attract more members to the party. Publisher of Sun Publishing Ltd and former Abia State Governor, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu lauded Wike for his delivery of projects and his enhancement of the standard of living of the people. Responding during a reception held in his honour in Lagos, Governor Wike assured the people of the state that the tempo of projects delivery will be stepped up. He said that he will continue to count on the support of the people, pointing out that he will never disappoint them. The governor said: “Without the support of the people, I wouldn’t have been governor. Based on projects, we will continue to win this award because we have increased the tempo of projects execution. I am always thinking of projects. When I talk with my wife, I talk projects. My wife has made today possible by giving me the desired peace at home, so I can concentrate on building a New Rivers State. When you have the entire political class in your state supporting you, you have no excuse than to perform. This award is a challenge to us to continue to perform.” Within the last two months, Governor Wike’s four awards have brought to the front burner the need for leaders to work for their people. These awards have helped to situate the relevance of the right leadership in the revival of Nigeria. Governor Wike has clearly shown the route to pragmatic leadership and the effective deployment of scarce resources. In celebrating Governor Wike, other governors would be encouraged to improve their respective states and plant a new narrative on the lips of the people. That way, the entire nation benefits.

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017

EDITORIAL THE ARMY AND 38 OFFICERS The army should act within the law

ith the release last week of Amnesty International Report 2016/2017 “The State of The World’s Human Rights”, the Nigerian Army has disputed the aspect touching on Nigeria which alleged extrajudicial killings and torture of 240 people in the North-east and 177 pro-Biafran agitators. In what has become the standard annual reaction, the acting Director, Defence Information, Brigadier General Rabe Abubakar described the report as a continuation of Amnesty International’s “series of spurious fabrications aimed at tarnishing the good image of the Nigerian military.” Unfortunately, while the army is quick to attack Amnesty International, evidence within depicted a gross disrespect for the rights of its own officers some of whom were last year retired without due process. The question then is: How do you expect an institution that violates its own rules to respect the rights of the ordinary Nigerians? AN ARMY THAT CAN The Nigerian Army VIOLATE ITS OWN RULES will have to do more WILL NOT RESPECT THE if it wants to regain RIGHTS OF ORDINARY the confidence of CITIZENS Nigerians and the international community in the area of human rights. Against the insinuation that the retirement last year had sectional and political undertones, the army released a statement to say that “only 38 senior officers were affected by the retirement exercise,” comprising of nine Major Generals, 10 Brigadier Generals, seven Colonels, 11 Lieutenant Colonels and a Major. The statement added that the army authorities were “aware that some mischievous elements are trying to whip up sentiments. This is quite unfortunate because all the affected officers were retired based on service exigencies and in line with the Armed Forces Act, CAP A20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.”

Letters to the Editor

However, that has not resolved the allegation of partisanship against the background that a Major General from a section of the country similarly retired by former President Goodluck Jonathan was reinstated by the same military just a few months before adopting the same approach against 38 officers, many of whom are from another section of the country. That may just be a coincidence but it is unhelpful in a plural society with delicate fault-lines such as ours. For instance, according to the letter given to the officers concerned, the reason for their premature retirement was given as being in pursuance of the provisions of Section 09.02c (4) of the Armed Forces of Nigeria Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service for Officers 2012 (Revised) which prescribed compulsory retirement on “discipline grounds i.e. serious offences”.

T H I S DAY

EDITOR IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU DEPUTY EDITORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, JOSEPH USHIGIALE MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN

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

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR OLUFEMI ABOROWA DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS PETER IWEGBU, FIDELIS ELEMA, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS HENRY NWACHOKOR, SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI GENERAL MANAGER PATRICK EIMIUHI GROUP HEAD FEMI TOLUFASHE DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

owever, the procedures for establishing what constitutes a serious offence within the armed forces, according to the rules, begin with reporting such alleged offence, arraigning the officer(s) concerned before a court of competent jurisdiction, and upon conviction (if found guilty), sending the report to the Army Council for review and confirmation as the case may be. In the case of the 38 officers, none of these procedures was followed before their retirement was announced in a most cynical manner that tarnished the reputation of many. Worse still, some of the officers were not queried or confronted with any allegations of misconduct levelled against them. In fact, one of the affected officers was on a national assignment outside the country when he read about his retirement in the media While we understand that some of them have sent an appeal letter to the president for a review of their case, we believe that the handling of the retirement of the 38 officers remains an important matter that the authorities cannot afford to ignore. An army that can violate its own rules will not respect the rights of ordinary citizens.

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

LESSONS TONY ANENIH TAUGHT ME

hen I wanted to write JAMB, I faced a big dilemma. I had always had an independent streak and I felt pursuing a career in journalism would make me live in my father’s shadow. I had caught the Charly Boy and Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu bug then and so as a compromise I chose law even though I knew before I entered the University of Lagos that I would never practice it. No doubt I deeply respected lawyers especially the radical ones like Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Femi Falana, Festus Keyamo, etc., but I had a near maniacal devotion to journalists and writers. One of my favourite pastimes during holidays at Kings College was to go to the National Library in Yaba and read the great writings of Dele Giwa, Pini Jason, Sonala Olumhense, Biodun Jeyifo and return to school with some mesmerising quotes to the irritation and amusement of some of my classmates. Politics had returned to the nation three years ago at the time and it became a source of attraction to me especially as my late grandfather who passed on three months after my birth was a prominent one before independence. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was the party at the centre and for some strange reason I was greatly attracted to it despite its unpopularity in the land of my birth and other parts of Yorubaland. I have always been attracted to underdogs and as I have the pain of nearly always being tagged as one. One of my favourite Biblical stories was that of David and Goliath and the thought of slaying the dragons drove me to frenzy. The most powerful politician in the country at the time was Chief

Tony Anenih and I carefully read his story and applied the lessons to my life. He has always swum against the current and shunned popular opinion. When he joined politics in 1978 after his 25 years in the police force, the natural thing to do was to pitch his tent with the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) which was the ruling party in the then Bendel State. He did the most unpopular thing by joining the NPN especially after veteran nationalist and fellow kinsman, Chief Anthony Enahoro lost the Chairmanship of the party in the state to Chief Tayo Akpata. In 1981, he took firm control of the party by sending Akpata packing and boldly declared that he would dislodge late Professor Ambrose Alli in the 1983 elections. Given the tribal sentiments that have crept into our politics, it made me the most hated man in Esanland as he was going against his own brother. One thing struck me: he put up his house for sale to raise the funds to finance the elections. Bread and butter politicians would have run to Lagos, the then nation’s capital to beg for funds to finance the elections. His sacrificial nature struck me. In 1991, when Edo State was created, Anenih had the easier option of backing the disaster that Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion later became. He instead backed John Oyegun-Odigie despite the huge financial overtures from the Esama of Benin. The role he played in the June 12 crisis was largely misunderstood. The Hope 1993 campaign was a sham and M.K.O Abiola wasn’t really going to be the Messiah that Nigeria needed apologies to Olusegun Obasanjo. He who comes to equity must come with

clean hands. You don’t rob Peter to pay Paul. You cannot acquire a fortune by taking advantage of the ignorance of the generality of Nigerians, dole out a few millions in the name of philanthropy and then expect to make a change. It is curious that the APC led phony change that the country has been cursed with was brought by the so called progressives who were all so called June 12 advocates. Anenih was pragmatic enough to see through the veneer and wisely disassociated himself from the fraudulent struggle powered by sinister stomach infrastructure. Despite my family’s association with the progressives from the Action Group to the current APC, I have refused to be swayed by the bandwagon and have stuck my neck for my desire to be part of the process to enthrone good governance in my dear country. The consistency of the Iyasele of Esanland is truly amazing. He has always stuck to one party despite the fact that politics in this country isn’t ideologically driven unlike his peers who take solace in cross carpeting at the slightest opportunity. His legacy is viewed by pundits with mixed feelings. Some opine that his loss at the twilight of his career was a great dent. I choose to view it differently. The legendary Napoleon Bonaparte lost the Battle of Waterloo after his brief hundred days in office. It hasn’t reduced his place in history. Consistency which is an element lacking in our debased polity is a key take-away, a lesson to be learnt from his political career that spanned nearly four decades. Happy Retirement Sir!

Tony Ademiluyi, Lagos

T H I S D AY THURSDAY MARCH 2, 2017

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2017

POLITICS

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

PERSONALITY INTERVIEW

Ihedioha: No Room for Contractual Politicians in PDP In this interview with Onyebuchi Ezigbo, former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives and governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the last election in Imo State, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, described the crisis in the former ruling party as an opportunity to weed out “contractual politicians”

he PDP has being having crisis since it lost election in 2015 but what happened recently has left people wondering if the party is going to die indeed as predicted by your opponents The dooms day is not yet here. You can notice in the last few months when we were jolted by the Sheriff phenomenon. We began to look inward to appraise our outings, situate where we got it wrong and tried to envision into the future where we are lacking and where we should be. The party put together a number of its committed members drawn from different works of life to draw a road map for the state of the party. Quite a lot have been achieved. It would appear that those gains would have been smeared by the unfortunate decision by the Court of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt but I then said that what has happened to us has only elongated our political vacation. But in a very short while that vacation would be over and in this period of vacation we would do more introspection and get ourselves further prepared for the real battle of the 2019 election. Do you support the party’s position to pursue the matter to the Supreme Court? It is very fundamental that the matter at hand is pursued up to the Supreme Court level so that we would test the veracity of our laws and constitution. It is also very imperative that we also put our democracy further to test to know whether we as a nation are ready to progress with democracy. The judgement delivered in Port Harcourt doesn’t reflect that true state of things. I would rather believe the minority judgement as was delivered by Justice Ojah Badua.

Some leaders of our party pushed for his appointment as chairman of our party at that time for a period of three months I don’t think they had a very good knowledge of him. Those of us who knew him and his antecedent didn’t take that very well. We were very convinced that he wasn’t the messiah we were looking for and knowing his antecedents, we knew that he is a contractual politician

Ihedioha...not in tune with Sheriff

He captured the essence of the situation today in the land. How do you view the Ali Modu Sheriff issue in the life of your party? Ali Modu Sheriff is well known to most of us but unfortunately when some leaders of our party pushed for his appointment as chairman of our party at that time for a period of three months I don’t think they had a very good knowledge of him. Those of us who knew him and his antecedent didn’t take that very well. We were very convinced that he wasn’t the messiah we were looking for and knowing his antecedents, we knew that he is a contractual politician and we also knew that he was hired in the hay days of Abacha regime to frustrate the gathering of political summits in the 90s. Again, you could recall when he was chairman of the Board of Trustees of the ‘All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP), he was sabotaging their efforts. You could have said it was to the advantage of the PDP but then we should have known better that he wouldn’t do any better for us. I don’t see and I have never seen Sheriff as someone that would further the interest of democracy or the interest of PDP or put the party in the mood of winning elections. You said your party will go back to vacation. Don’t you think this might affect the interest of the party in 2019? I talked about the introspective vacation. I said it is a time to further reflect and ask yourself questions, you interact with party faithful and members . So far, in my interaction with members of the party in my state where we have sections on Fridays and Saturdays everybody clearly says that we cannot, as Imo PDP, have business to do with Sheriff and his likes because we know he doesn’t believe in positive fortune for the PDP. We know that he is an agent for the destruction of the party. We know that he isn’t in politics to win elections and we are in politics to win

elections. So, we don’t share the same visions and ideas with him. Subsequently, for you to say that Sheriff is at the helm of affairs of our party is simply saying we have no party and by the way, like a friend of mine said, rather than working with Sheriff in the same PDP, that he would rather join APC because the Sheriff faction is like joining APC through the back-door. Would you and other party men support a peaceful settlement? Only a fool would say that he is averse to peace but before you engage a man in a dialogue you should ask yourself what are his antecedents and his past. Now my point is, from what you know about Sheriff and his past, is he someone that you can go into a dialogue with and to what ends? Like I said, he is not playing politics for electoral victory of the PDP and that for me it is very fundamental. I play politics to win. I play politics to serve our people. I play politics to further the growth of democracy. I doubt these are Sheriff’s intentions. If you play politics of merchandising that is not what I am for. The party summoned a meeting of stakeholders, NEC members and all the other leaders of PDP. What would you be advising the gathering to do under the circumstances? First is to reflect on where we came from, how we got to where we are and what we need to do to avoid the mistakes of the past. Nigerians look forward to the party to take them to the next level so we should holistically appraise these issues. And then of course, get our legal experts to take a deep look at all the court judgements that have come up and take the best decision that we can. We should take informed decisions based on these knowledge. People have shared various views about the impact of prolonged absence of President Muhammadu Buhari on the governance of

the country. What is your take on that? I read the letter President Buhari sent to the National Assembly. That is the second letter seeking for an extension of his vacation. As a Christian I wish the President well. I pray for his speedy recovery. I think in that letter he did say that acting on the advise of his doctor and based on the fact that certain tests are being awaited, it was imperative that he stays back to confirm it. I also heard the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House stating publicly that the president was in reasonably good health. Let’s hope so and we pray for him and we wish him well to get back to the country to continue the job for which he was elected and in good health too. As for the governance, I have said I am not very impressed with the governance that the APC administration is dishing out to the Nigerian masses. I have talked about the economy, I have talked about the decline of our economy, I have talked about the quality of life, the high cost of living, the cost of diesel, the cost of fuel, the cost of kerosene, almost lack of availability of power particularly when you appreciate the fact that Fashola who is today the Minister of power, Housing and Works was governor at some point. I remember him saying that if he was involved in government he would fix power in six months. I guess he has done this job for close to two years now and the results are what they are like. It is obvious that the APC administration needs to do everything possible it can to take Nigeria to better heights and so if the recovery of Mr. President would further that I think we wish him to come back early to work with his party and the government we entrusted into him to deliver the dividends of democracy to us. A lot of times the APC has blamed the economy down turn on the previous administration of PDP accusing the party of not making adequate plans for the future. Do you think that from what APC has said that there is really basis to put that blame of the PDP administration? What is the current policy of the APC led government? They said they want to reshape the economy and fight corruption. If reshaping the economy is getting the exchange rate of the naira to N510 to a dollar as against 200 naira to a dollar when we left office that would give you an idea of how well they are doing. If the way to measure the success of the APC administration is the quality of education in the land today you know better. If the power situation in Nigeria is a measure of how well they have done you will also situate it better but I think it is very important that they get their acts together and look at the import of the mandate given to them. i have also stated that the fight against corruption is sincerely being selective. What former President Olusegun Obasanjo said recently about Igbo presidency; how do you think the Igbos interest is best served as regards the quest for presidency? I have often said that I have a lot of respect for former president Obasanjo. He is a man who is deeply rooted in the politics of our country. He understands Nigeria perhaps better than anybody else. His statement shouldn’t just be waved away. It is a statement that needs to be taken with better understanding and better reflection. So, it is something that you take your time to look at. That is the way I am looking at it, reviewing it and if I have an opportunity of sitting with him I would better understand him and that will help guide the way forward. But obviously

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2017

INTERVIEW

Ibori was a Victim of Political Games, Says Fashanu Former international footballer, Ambassador John Fashanu, was a character witness in the trial of the former governor of Delta State, Mr. James Ibori, who recently returned to Nigeria after serving his jail term in London for corruption. In this interview with Damilola Oyedele, Fashanu explains why Ibori still has a larger-than-life image among his people

“hey, welcome back” with a hand shake and a cuddle hug because I have seen him in the prison. There is still a valid Court of Appeal order that he should stand trial for the 170 charges the EFCC brought against him. Would you be surprised now if EFCC goes after him again? I think the whole country would be disappointed, at a time where so many people are being charged and arrested, where does it stop? The man has just spent four and a half years of his life in almost solitary confinement in a difficult prison in London and I would think that we would now have to move on and let him have his life.

ormer governor Ibori is back and he is receiving a hero’s welcome. Why do you think that is? If a rally was planned for him, it would probably be bigger than that of Tuface, because he is very charismatic, he is very popular. Let me explain what type of person he is. Even when you want to dislike him, it is very difficult to dislike him. I think that is one of the reasons he has done so well. Prison? I was asked so many times about James. Well he is a convicted criminal, yes he is, but in that case so are Obasanjo, Buhari and Major Hamza Mustapha. These are all people who have spent time in prison. So on that mark I do not think I am taking it too far because if we really have to take all the leaders who have taken money, and they were tried in London court, I assure you we would not have any leader. I have known James Ibori since the 80’s, even at one time he was in London with

Do you think that the four and a half years he served in London is fair enough even though he may also have charges to face in Nigeria? Yes, he also has charges here to face, but of course, he has not been tried or convicted. I do not know how valid those cases are, it is quite easy to make accusations. Somebody has to stand up and say, this is what he has done, and prove it. If they can do that, then that is a different ball game. Then we have to open another chapter.

Fashanu...Ibori’s friend indeed

me. I know him as a Robin Hood type of fellow, because if he has taken money from institution, he has certainly given out a lot more than he has taken, because the stories and the wonderful changes of lives that he has been able to assist, not just in Delta state even in England, the stories are everywhere, I have been very proud of him. So I think it is a plus that James Ibori is now back after four and a half years. He has done his time and I think he has done his time very quietly. I am sure that he wants a little bit of time to have some rest but I am sure that the James Ibori which we saw four and half years ago will be coming back soon. You said James Ibori was like a Robin Hood character, several of his colleagues at the time who were governors have or had cases with the EFCC but are walking free, some are even in the Senate. So do you agree with the theory that he was a victim of political game We all know full well that he was a victim of political game. That is the game in Nigeria. If you are very influential and you are very popular obviously you are a threat to serving government. I just think he was very unlucky to find himself tried in London court, where they do not have the system as we do here in Nigeria. I don’t say he is a Robin Hood character, that is what people say. People talked about him as a Robin Hood type of person, but I assure you that the James Ibori I know is somebody who is a leader, who makes things

Well he is a convicted criminal, yes he is, but in that case so are Obasanjo, Buhari and Major Hamza Mustapha. These are all people who have spent time in prison. So on that mark I do not think I am taking it too far because if we really have to take all the leaders who have taken money, and they were tried in London court, I assure you we would not have any leader

happen. His popularity is unprecedented. When I was the character senior witness for him during his trial. I was happy to pay my own ticket and go to London, stay in a hotel and be a witness in his trial. And the only thing I had to say about James were good things. I talked about the sport facilities he has done in Delta State, the roads he had constructed, the mass houses that he has given for the poor and I am not from Delta State. I am just an outsider looking over the walls of Delta State seeing the marvelous things. I myself I have never benefited one penny, so I am not motivated by money. If you have not benefited then what influenced your decision to be a part of those of who stood for him in his trial at a time most people would have probably abandoned him? The truth was that most people had abandoned him. I think that when your chips are down and you have an angle of politics in it, they must make sure that nobody goes. I was brought up in England, so I have this loyalty thing and I treasure relationship over money. James Ibori has always been a dear friend and he is somebody that I treasure and I had to go there and protect him to the best of your ability as he would, if I was in the circumstances. And as I said, I have never benefited financially at all from James Ibori and I am happy to be able to come and say

Femi Falana, in a TV interview, commented on Ibori receiving a hero’s welcome, he described it as a subversion of national morality and of national values and an action that would ridicule us in the comity of nations. Do you agree with that statement? I think that James Ibori has not been tried or convicted in Nigeria, this is a different country completely and that is why I said if he was tried and convicted in this country, then it is a different ball game. But as of today James Ibori is a free man, he has charges but he has not been tried or convicted, so he is innocent until proven guilty in this country. At the moment James Ibori is somebody who has allegations on his head, that does not stop him from being liked, that does not stop him from being charismatic, that does not stop people wanting to meet him, or greeting people at home. Have you seen him since he came back or do you want to see him? No, but oh yes, I would be delighted to meet with him and give him a bottle of non alcoholic wine. At the end of the day even if he was convicted, that does not stop my relationship or friendship with him or anybody. I have people who have made mistakes and have been sent to prison and I still go and see them. I do a lot of counseling in prison, I go to see prisoners even in London and see ways we can straighten out when they come out of prison.

IHEDIOHA: NO ROOM FOR CONTRACTUAL POLITICIANS IN PDP there is no doubt that the Igbos are poised to play more significant roles in the politics of tomorrow. We have had our own fair share watching from the sidelines. We can’t wait for too long to now play deeply at the centre. Notable politicians from the South-east are moving over to APC and the fear is that it might come to a stage that you might not have a strong for PDP in the region. Does this worry you? What are you talking about? What do you mean by notable politicians? You are talking of business men; don’t mistake business men with politicians. If you are talking of business men and contractors that is a different thing. Their loyalty is hardly constant. You should understand it. They serve their business interest. Let’s talk about politicians and politicians are people like Emeka Ihedioha. People like Ike

Ekweremmadu. So, when you talk of politicians we should be able to distinguish between politicians and business men and contractors. Whatever name you give them their movement to APC has given the impression that APC is making a strong in-road in the South-east. APC today is the government in power and so people with these tendencies are likely to gravitate towards the man that would give them protection and towards the man that would give them contract and that is their purpose. The Imo State Governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha has said that about three of your governors in the South-east would soon join APC. What do you feel about this? What was the response of those governors he referred to in the South-east? Tell me one

governor that concurred to his position? That is governor Rochas for you. I don’t know why people take him very seriously. He makes postulations from time to time and talks like that and that is how he administers the state. But he remains popular in the state. Is he popular? He has been winning elections. Which election did he win? The first election was a revolt and you know how the second election went. He would tell you better and he has been speaking publicly that he knows how he got to where he is. But let’s live that for another day. I am simply a respecter of the system. I believe in authority so I had to accept our fate as determined by the court well we will make progress. Come 2019 what is your ambition?

The future is pregnant. There are a lot of political evolutions going on right now in the country. My situation and my ambition would be defined by the desires of my people at the appropriate point in time. Right now we are concentrating on building our party into a formidable opposition to respond to the misgovernance in Imo State. What is your position on the suggestion that the PDP might have to float a new mega party to confront APC? Like I said, there is a lot of uncertainties in the political space and I believe the actions of the party would be determined by the events that are fast unfolding. Our concentration right now is on putting our house together and also reaching out to other parties that share the same ideas with us to further democracy in Nigeria. Those are our immediate concerns and we are doing that.

THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017 • T H I S D AY

FEATURES

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

Ending Lagos' Housing Problems The administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has finally rolled out its rent-to-own housing scheme and rental housing programme, targeting the state’s low and medium income earners, Gboyega Akinsanmi writes

Igando Gardens in Alimosho, Lagos

ortnight ago, Lagos was admitted into the league of 100 Resilient Cities in the world. It was not an invitation for funfair, but purely a platform for cities with common challenges. And its essence, as the President of the 100 Resilient Cities, Mr. Michael Berkowitz said, centres on the need for the cities in the league to compare notes and work together to turn their concerns to opportunities. The mission of the league truly excites the state governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode. For him, the league offers Lagos opportunities to exploit the massive opportunities that come with the megacity rather than dwell on its challenges. So, at a workshop where the state was formally admitted in Ikeja, graphically, Ambode x-rayed some challenges, which he said, were created by the state’s rising population. By estimate, he said, Lagos now has a population of 23 million. At least, about 86 persons migrate into the state every hour. Consequently, according to him, this trend has created challenges of managing a daily increase in human and vehicular movement. Aside its transport challenges, Ambode said the state “is faced with ocean surge, high unemployment rate, growth of slums and huge housing deficit.” Also, Ambode pointed out the challenges of flooding, undue pressure on physical and social infrastructure as well as insecurity, which he said, had been the burden of Africa’s fastest growing megacity. Of these challenges, however, housing deficit is perhaps the most threatening due to what the governor ascribed to as its multidimensional implication for the state’s sanitation and security. Credible statistics attests to the widening gap between housing need and available housing in the state. In 2016, for instance, the Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Gbolahan

Lawal, said the state had a deficit of 2.5 million houses. The shortfall represents about 14.7 per cent of what the country’s total housing deficit, which the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) put at 17 million at the same period. Reflection on the past Obviously, the previous administrations had come up with diverse housing initiatives, though with insignificant impact. After he assumed office in 1999, the state’s former governor, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu opened

Ambode

We initiated a new regime of affordable housing scheme. From here, we can behold a future, which offers our brothers and sisters, either in public service or private sector, rare opportunities to own their homes. We have reviewed the old housing regime purely in public interest and created a new one that guarantees access to descent housing

up different housing schemes in Oko-Oba, Agege, Ikosi, Magodo, Lekki, Isheri and Ojodu among others. However, the schemes did not really meet the growing demand for housing in the state. But the administration of Mr. Babatunde Fashola believed in evolving an institution, which he argued, was imperative to make the state’s housing schemes sustainable. So, throughout his first term, Fashola performed poorly in housing sector. During his second term, Fashola came up with Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme and constructed some housing units in different parts of the state. But Fashola’s emphasis was more on sustainability than affordability and accessibility. Under the Fashola administration, allocation of housing units was purely by raffles, an option that denied those who were qualified access to the schemes. Aside some constraints raffles posed, those who got offers were required to pay 30 per cent commitment fees, a condition most allottees

could not meet. Then, a requirement to make a 30 per cent commitment fee was a huge challenge for those interested in the scheme. For most residents, the requirement discouraged them from buying into the scheme. Aside, they complained about the value of the housing units. Findings showed that a three-bedroom apartment cost over N15.5 million in Igando, N18.7 million in Ogba and N32 million in Gbagada. Although it was perhaps the lowest rate in the country, the mortgage scheme then attracted nine per cent interest rate per annum. Given these requirements, they said, most low and medium income earners, especially public servants, could not effectively fund the scheme with their salaries. Consequently, most residents, who could have applied for the schemes, said they had to back out from the process because they couldn’t meet conditions outlined for accessing the mortgage scheme. Peep into the future However, last week, it was the end of an era when the Ambode administration began allocating housing units under its rental housing policy and rent-to-own housing scheme. At least, 100 allottees were presented keys to apartments –from one-bed room to three-bed room – the allottees applied for. Also, it was the beginning of Ambode’s ambitious plan “to build 187,000 housing units annually.” Under the old regime, prospective home owners were required to pay a 30 per cent commitment fee. But Ambode had reviewed the regime pragmatically with a view to making housing more accessible and affordable to low and medium income earners. Under the new regime, Ambode introduced rent-to-own housing scheme, which he said, allowed prospective home owners make only five per cent commitment fee.

• T H I S D AY THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017

FEATURES Aside his rent-to-own housing scheme, the governor initiated rental housing programme, which he said, was designed for residents who were not interested in buying housing units in the state. Such residents, according to him, did not want to own homes in the state, but only planned to live in any of the schemes and later relocate to their own private apartments or move out of the state. As part of its review, the Ambode administration approved reduction in the prices of housing units across the state. The reduction ranged from 48.6 per cent in the case of twobedroom apartment to 53.48 per cent in the case of one-bedroom apartment. It, however, differed from location to location. Also, it differed based on the size of apartments under different schemes across the state. For instance, Ambode said the price for a two-bedroom apartment had been reduced from N7.2 million to N3.5 million, representing about 48.6 per cent. Also, he said the price of one-bedroom apartment was reduced from N4.3 million to N2.3 million, thereby accounting for 53.48 per cent. Similarly, though differed based on location, he said the price for room and parlour was crashed to N1.5 million. And the drive, according to him, is basically to make housing more accessible and affordable for low and medium income earners in the state. Ambode thus said the review was in tandem with his administration’s social welfarist programme, which he said, formed the essence of any government. “For us,” he acknowledged, “descent housing is a means of enhancing the welfare of our residents.” Unequivocally, the governor said his administration “has initiated a new regime of affordable housing scheme. From here, we can behold a future, which offers our brothers and sisters, either in public service or private sector, rare opportunities to own their homes. We have reviewed the old housing regime purely in public interest and created a new one that guarantees access to descent housing.”

L-R: Lagos Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, his housing counterpart, Mr. Gbolahan Lawal and one of the beneficiaries, Mr. Olatunde Willoughby, during the handover of the first batch of 100 housing units in Alausa, Ikeja…recently

Housing for all Categorically, Ambode explained his decision to review the housing policies, which according to him, “became imperative to reduce the effects of economic recession on its residents as a responsive government. The need to cushion the effects of economic recession brought about the new policies to make housing affordable to all residents in the state irrespective of their ethno-religious backgrounds.” The country’s prevailing economic condition was not the reason for the review of the housing policies. Ambode, also, cited the inability of people to actually process mortgage as a major challenge. At this instance, the governor said it was time for the state government to be more responsive, which he observed, was the core reason his administration adjusted the mortgage scheme to rent-to-own policy. He argued that it “is better that people can just come in; pay one month rent and continue to pay their rent on a monthly basis. These housing units are for the people. We want the people to have access to them. If residents are interested in owning, they do not need to make 30 per cent commitment. They should just come in and apply. They do not need to know anybody also. It is open to all.” Despite an extensive review of the state’s housing policies, Lawal lamented public indifference to the state’s housing programmes, which he said, was borne purely out of Ambode’s social welfarist policy. He thus said the need “to create a new face of accommodation for Lagos residents, especially the low and middle income earners has become imperative in view of the state’s increasing population.” On this ground, Lawal said the Ambode administration “has taken the bull by the horns through the implementation of its rent-to-own housing policy aimed at making housing more readily affordable and accessible. Under this policy, all prospective home owners only need to make a five per cent commitment fee; take passion afterwards and pay up the balance over a period of 10 years.” He explained Ambode’s housing initiatives, which he said, were unveiled three months in four locations comprising Epe, Ikorodu, Agbowa and Ojokoro. He therefore said the governor “has fulfilled this lofty vision with the delivery of housing units to 100 beneficiaries.

Chois Gardens in Abijo, Lekki

The housing initiatives were introduced in response to the yearnings of the populace for cheaper and more affordable shelters. “This quest prompted the state government to come up with some kind of innovation and amendment to the existing policy in order to meet up with the growing challenges of housing in Lagos State. The first batch of 100 rent-to-own allottees received keys to various apartments they applied for in five estates already earmarked for the state’s rent-to-own housing programme.” Aside the rent-to-own scheme, Lawal explained the rental housing programme, which he said, was put in place “to meet the need of the residents who may not be interested in ownership or may not be able to meet the requirement of 30 per cent equity

The need to cushion the effects of economic recession brought about the new policies to make housing affordable to all residents in the state irrespective of their ethno-religious backgrounds

contribution for mortgage or five per cent commitment fee for the rent-to-own housing scheme. Tenants can move in on payment of one-month deposit.” Mr. Dehinde Tunwashe, the General Manager of Lagos State Mortgage Board, revealed that 4,355 housing had been earmarked for the rent-to-own housing programme across the state. Of the 4,355 units, he said, only 100 were allocated. Aside, he added that the state government had resolved to allocate a minimum of 100 housing units per month, which he said, would go a long way to stem the deficit. Tunwashe, thus, disclosed that the rent-toown schemes “comprise a total of 12 estates spread across the five divisions of the state. Our estates, which are located in a serene and beautifully gated community, are usually equipped with facilities like water treatment plant, adequate parking space, healthcare centre, estate management office, street lights, recreational area and police post for security.” Testimonies of allottees Contrary to what is obtainable in other climes, the general manager observed that the housing initiatives “are implemented without bias or favoritism.” Different accounts of beneficiaries, who spoke with THISDAY last week, attested to Ambode’s disregard to prejudice on ethno-religious grounds. Rather, they confirmed, the schemes were allocated fairly irrespective of where the applicants came from. Mr. William Isebor, a chartered accountant from Akwa-Ibom, said a friend brought the state’s new housing policy to his notice. He said he was not from Lagos State, but just decided to apply because it only cost him an application fee of N10, 000. According to him, I just applied and went back home.

Isebor noted that he never thought anything good could come out of his application. Surprisingly, however, he received a message about four weeks after he applied that his letter of offer was ready. He thus said he never believed it would work. When he heard about the initiatives, Isebor simply thought it was one of those rhetorics politicians often rolled just for formality. But he said he was proved wrong after he received his letter of offer and completed the processing. In the case of Mr. Idowu Bamidele, his father brought the new scheme to his knowledge the morning after Ambode formally kicked off the programme. But he said he was not interested in the scheme. He thought it was a political propaganda. But his father sent him link to the Lagos HOMS website where he got additional information he acted upon. He eventually applied for a one-bedroom apartment in Epe. Afterwards, Bamidele called his father, asking if he could help lobby to enable him clinch one of the apartment. Sadly enough, his father did not have such connection. So, according to him, “I just resigned to fate”. After about three week, he got a message from the mortgage board that his application sailed through. He never thought he could get it; neither the process of the schemed could be that transparent. Beyond rhetorics, the Commissioner for Housing said the delivery of first batch would not be the end. As promised, he assured that the state government “will ensure the delivery of at least 100 housing units per month.” But the handover of keys, he said, is no doubt an eloquent testimony to Ambode’s integrity and commitment. He added that it was a way of “putting smiles on the faces of Lagos resident.”

IMAGES

R-L; FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello; Tunisian Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Jalel Trabolsi and FCTA Permanent Secretary, Dr Babatope Ajakaiye during the foreign envoy visit to FCT Minister in AbujaĂ&#x2013;recently.

R-L: Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu; his father, Sir. Kesington Adebutu and Olu of Owode land, Oba. Mathew Sunday Akindele, during the installation of Hon Adebutu, as otunba fiwagboye of Owode-yewa...recently KOLA OLASUPO

T H I S D AY â&#x20AC;˘ THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017

Photo Editor Abiodun Ajala Email abiodun.ajala@thisdaylive.com

L-R: Global Director, Mobile Partnerships, Facebook, Francisco Varela; Vice President, Product, Kampe Health Services, Odunayo Adekoya; Director, Digital Business, Etisalat Nigeria, Adia Sowho and Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher, at the launch of Etisalat Facebook Flex in Lagos... recently KOLA OLASUPO

L-R: Managing Director, Shell Petroleum Development Company and Country Chair Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor; Secretary General, Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, Mr. Muhammad Barkindo; and the Minister of State, Mr. Ibe Kachikwu, at the ongoing Nigeria Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition in Abuja...recently

L-R; Vice President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce & lndustry, Mrs Agness Shobajo; Media Strategist, Nigeria Teens Choice Awards, Viictor Atere and Project Coordinator, NTCA, Blessing Okoh at a press briefing on the Ngerian Teen Choice Awards 2017 in Lagos...recently Abiodun Ajala

L-R; CEO, Graeme Blaque Advisory, Zeal Akaraiwe; , Head, Structured Products, FBN Capital Ltd, Michael Okon and Managing Partner, Radix Legal & Consulting Ltd, Elizabeth Uwaifo at the Nigerian Structured Product Summit by the Capital Market Solicitors Association (CMSA), in Lagos....recently

L-R: Senior Development Manager, Internet Society, Michuki Mwangi; CEO, Venture Garden Group, Bunmi Akinyemiju; CEO, MainOne, Funke Opeke, and Principal Group Manager, Microsoft Corporation, Robert Di Benedetto, during the Nerds Unite 2017, organized by MainOne in Lagos...recently

Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (R) and Elder Bolaji Anani during the visit of Ediba community members resident in Abuja to Ndoma-Egba at his office... recently.

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017

BUSINESSWORLD NIBOR OVERNIGHT 1-MONTH

R A T E S 6.5000 18.0655

A S

3-MONTH 6-MONTH

A T

19.9078 23.1318

Group Business Editor ChikaAmanze-Nwachuku Email: chika.amanzenwachukwu@thisdaylive.com 08033294157, 08057161321

F E B R U A R Y

NITTY 1-MONTH 2-MONTH 3-MONTH

15.6268 16.8358 15.0170

6-MONTH 9-MONTH 12-MONTH

2 6 , 19.5941 21.3470 22.8256

2 0 1 7

EXCHANGE RATE N305.25 US DOLLAR AS AT LAST FRIDAY

Quick Takes NiRA May Shutdown DomainKing.ng

SUCCOUR FOR WOMEN

L-R: Group Head Public Sector, FirstBank, Mr. Timothy Arowoogun; a member of Oyo State House of Assembly, Mrs. Bolanle Agbaje; Wife of Oyo state Governor, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi; Chairman, Board of Directors, FirstBank, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika; and a member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Mrs. Olawunmi Oladeji at the Oyo State Women Empowerment Programme in collaboration with FirstBank’s FirstGem in Ibadan…recently

Facebook: Nigeria Has Become Technology Hub for Africa Emma Okonji With 8.6 million people in Nigeria currently using Facebook on mobile every day, out of 95 million sub-Saharan African people that are on Facebook on monthly basis, coupled with the fast-growing mobile technology sector in Nigeria and its vibrant film and music industries that are driven by social media technology, Nigeria, no doubt, has developed to become the technology hub for Africa. Chief Product Officer at Facebook, Mr. Chris Cox, made the remark when he visited Nigeria this week. Cox, who was in Nigeria to speak at the Social Media Week in Lagos, about the

ICT future of media, and to meet with Nigerian entrepreneurs and content creators, said the level of engagement with social media tools to tell the Nigerian story and the African story in the most unique way, using digital video, has placed Nigeria far above other African countries in digital technology. His statement confirmed that of the Founder and CEO of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, who noted during his first visit to Nigeria in September last year, that Nigerian youth would not just shape the country but will shape the whole world, based on their creativity and innovativeness in making the best use of

technology tools. Cox who also visited Nigeria for the first time, is billed to visit Ghana and Senegal, after leaving Nigeria. According to him, “Facebook is a great place for businesses to reach their customers and market their products and services. We are listening to our community of partners, developers, advertisers and content creators to understand what we can build to best serve their needs.” During his talk at Social Media Week, Cox highlighted Nigeria’s status as a hub for innovation and creativity because of its fast-growing mobile technology sector and its vibrant film and music industries. He focused on

how the world is moving to digital video, with formats such as virtual reality, live video broadcast and 360 video giving people new ways to tell their stories. “Stories matter, whether it is the stories of our lives or the stories of Africa’s growth,” says Cox. “We want Nigeria’s storytellers, such as the musicians, the filmmakers, the novelists, to take their stories to the rest of the world. The explosion in mobile video and live video, gives people a new way to share their story and perspective with the globe, and this is happening on Facebook.” Cox talked about how Continued on page 24

Britain Insists on Robots, AI to Boost Economy ...As Accenture Urges Nigeria on AI

Emma Okonji with agency report Britain is insisting that it will capitalise on the rise of robot machines and artificial intelligence (AI) to boost its economy, just as the country exits the European Union. Britain’s belief in robotics technology and artificial intelligence, is coming few weeks after Accenture’s report that was released simultaneously in Nigeria and other African countries, called for public and private sector participation in artificial intelligence in Nigeria. The report, which predicted five significant technology trends that Nigerians must apply to disrupt businesses over the next three years, has the theme: “Technol-

ECONOMY ogy for People”, which is a call to action for business and technology leaders to actively design and direct technology to augment and amplify human capabilities. The report states that the world is beginning to see the emergence of technology for people, by people, drawing a conclusion that what the globe needs in 2017, is technology that seamlessly anticipate the needs of the people and delivering hyper-personalised experiences, using artificial intelligence. As part of its strategies to champion robotic technology and artificial intelligence in specific industries, the UK government said in a statement

this week that it would invest 17.3 million pounds ($21.6 million) in university research on robotics and artificial intelligence. The government cited an estimate from consultancy Accenture that AI could add 654 billion pounds to the UK economy by 2035. According to Bloomberg report, the UK’s Culture Secretary, Karen Bradley, said in a statement that “We are already pioneers in today’s artificial intelligence revolution and the digital strategy will build on our strengths to make sure UK-based scientists, researchers and entrepreneurs continue to be at the forefront,” which he added, referenced AI’s contribution to smartphone voice and touch recognition

technologies. The announcement is part of UK Prime Minister Theresa May’s plan to identify industries worth supporting to help transform the economy and boost productivity. The government has said it intends to target areas where it thinks the UK could excel in the future, including biotechnology and mobile networking. The UK’s digital strategy proposal, set to be unveiled this week, also includes a review of AI to determine how the government and industry can provide further support. UK’s Business Secretary, Greg Clark, said: “Investment in robotics and artificial intelContinued on page 24

Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), may shutdown an Indian based ccTLD Accredited Registrar, DomainKing.ng, for not responding to escalated support queries and emails from its clients forwarded to it by the .ng Registry, since February 8, 2017. According to NiRA, the Registry had attempted severally since then and is still trying to contact this registrar via email, telephone, their online support system, social media platforms and postal services. January 24, 2017 was the last time this Registrar responded to the Registry via email. Failing to respond to the .ng Registry is a breach of the Registrar Agreement that DomainKing.ng signed with NiRA. Also DomainKing. ng’s failure to respond to its registrants is in breach of the obligation a Registrar owes its registrants. Some of the complaints via emails and phone calls from the clients of DomainKing.ng bordered on payments made via the DomainKing.ng website/platform without service being rendered by DomainKing.ng Whilst considering the plight of existing DomainKing.ng clients, the .ng Registry had taken a protective measure to ensure that the DomainKing.ng platform is temporarily not available for more Nigerians to make further payments. Further sanctions will be applied against DomainKing.ng by 2nd May 2017 should the company not reactive/attend/respond to queries/complaints raised by the registrants, NiRA said in a statement.

Masterpass QR Live in Seven Markets

Mastercard has successfully been able to introduce and roll-out Masterpass QR in seven markets in the Middle East and Africa (MEA). This momentum is part of the company’s commitment to delivering efficient and cost effective payment solutions to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the region. The significance of Masterpass QR and the contribution already made in these markets are being highlighted at Mobile World Congress that is convening the best minds from the global business and technology community in Barcelona this week. Insights will be shared on how to expand this model to other emerging markets across the globe. Front of mind will be recent research that reinforces how mobile financial services can potentially contribute $3.7 trillion to emerging economies in the next ten years.With mobile penetration figures on the rise and predictions that smartphone adoption in the region will jump to 65 per cent, which is about 467 million devices by 2020, it goes without saying that mobile-driven and supported solutions will have a significant impact on financial inclusion.

Dell EMC Launches Partner Program

Dell EMC has launched of the integrated Dell EMC Partner Program, built from the ground up while preserving the best of two world-class legacy programs. The program establishes an extraordinary new program that addresses the needs of partners today and into the future. The unified program embraces the entire Dell EMC partner ecosystem, inclusive of solution providers, cloud service providers, strategic outsourcers, original equipment manufacturers (OEM) partners, systems integrators and distribution partners as well as includes unique tracks with specific advantages and incentives that align to a particular partner type and attained tier designation. As part of this full ecosystem strategy, also included is the “Powered by Dell EMC” brand program for those businesses that embed Dell EMC technologies into the marketplace. Speaking on the program, the Country Manager, Dell Nigeria, Akin Banuso noted that global business is rapidly changing as more and more customers prioritise investment in digital transformation and Dell EMC and its partners are uniquely positioned to help customers through this evolution. “Dell EMC provides vast opportunities to our partners through an industry leading portfolio of innovative products, services and solutions, and now with the Dell EMC Partner Program, provides the support and programs for partners to excel,” Banuso said.

“Multitude of opportunities exist for the current generation of Nigerian youths to create and sustain new wealth in the 21st century, using technology tools” Chairman, Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh

T H I S D AY •THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

FACEBOOK: NIGERIA HAS BECOME TECHNOLOGY HUB FOR AFRICA

Samsung:TechnologyInnovationiskeytoCustomerSatisfaction

creators like Femi Kuti are using Facebook to bring fans into their lives and extend their presence beyond the stage and recorded media. He also discussed how innovators like Afrinolly - the creative hub where technology meets art, are using virtual reality and 360-degree video to create exciting and compelling new storytelling formats. Making some fresh announcements about the ease of using social media, Cox said Facebook has started accepting locally issued Nigerian Naira cards from new advertisers for payments on its ads platform, based on request by Nigerians, when Zuckerberg visited Nigeria in September last year. Cox also announced that starting from March 8 this year, Facebook will kick off ‘Boost Your Business’, a series of free training sessions designed to help thousands of Nigerian small business owners understand how to leverage digital platforms for growth. The sessions will be facilitated by trainers led by She Leads Africa in key cities including Lagos, Kaduna, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Ibadan.

Stories by Emma Okonji

BRITAIN INSISTS ON ROBOTS, AI TO BOOST ECONOMY ligence will help make our economy more competitive, build on our world-leading reputation in these cuttingedge sectors and help us create new products, develop more innovative services and establish better ways of doing business.” According to Accenture, the human-centered technology approach pays off for businesses, as leading companies would transform relationships from provider to partner and simultaneously transforming internally. The Accenture technology vision identified five emerging technology trends that are essential to business success in today’s digital economy. They include Artificial Intelligence as a new user interface, Design for Humans, Ecosystem as Macrocosms, Workforce Marketplace and The Uncharted.

Group Business Editor

Chika Amanze-Nwachuku AgriBusiness/Industry Editor

Crusoe Osagie

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

Senior Correspondent

Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents

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

Nume Ekeghe (Money Market) Nosa Alekhuogie (Maritme)

Samsung Electronics has reiterated its commitment to customer satisfaction in the area of technology innovation. Specifically, the company said it will continue to innovate in its products, especially its digital home appliances, in order to grow and maintain customer satisfaction. Samsung made the commitment during the Samsung Africa Forum 2017, which was held in Cape Town, South Africa, recently. Organised by Samsung Electronics, the company used the occasion to showcase its latest technology innovation in digital home appliances, majority of which have just been launched into the market, while others will be launched before the end of the year in various countries where Samsung operates. Regional Product Manager, Visual Display and Audio, Mr. Chaun-Paul Reddiar, who spoke to THISDAY in South Africa, said innovation is key to Samsung business and that the company would continue to innovate in order to grow and maintain customer satisfaction. According to him, “We will continue to innovate in our products design in order to maintain customer satisfaction, and our drive for innovation is based on customers feedback. It all depends on what the consumers want and how they want to interact with technology. With that in mind, we always develop new products that meet consumers’ needs.” Welcoming technology journalists from different parts of Africa to the 8thSamsung Africa Forum, the President and CEO, Samsung Electronics Africa, Yoo Young Kim, said the annual event was meant to showcase Samsung’s latest technologies designed with Africa in mind. According to him, “Samsung’s goal is to inspire the world and create the future

with innovative technology and creativity.” The Director, Corporate Marketing and Communications at Samsung South Africa, Michelle Potgieter, said “The annual Forum always helps us to achieve our goal of enriching our customer’s lives, while contributing to socio-economic prosperity across Africa and supporting a sustainable environment for us all.” Samsung’s motto has always been pride and passion. As such, the company is proud of its innovative, world-class products that feature innovative designs and technology created to benefit consumers. Samsung is passionate about a shared

vision to improve the lives of African customers and eager to drive positive growth for its partners across the continent, Kim said. With the expected continuous growth of the African market in 2017, Samsung Electronics aims to lead the continent’s development in the consumer electronics space. The Samsung Africa Forum 2017 is the ideal platform to demonstrate Samsung’s smart technology products and innovative designs for the year ahead, Kim added. Samsung Regional Product Manager, Digital Appliances, Mr. Sunil Gupta, said although there was slight drop in sales last year in the African

market, but that Samsung holds the Nigeria market to a very high esteem became of its huge volume of sales, year-in-year-out, occasioned by the large size of the country’s population. Speaking about grey market, Gupta called on African governments to rise to the challenge and protect the interest of Samsung as it carries out its legitimate business on the African continent, designed to boost customer satisfaction. “Innovation is our passion and quality is our commitment. When we innovate new products, we try to make them unique and we give as much as 10 years warranty on our products because we are very

confident of the quality and durability of the products. It will therefore be good if African governments can protect businesses like the Samsung digital home appliances business in their different countries to enable us do more,” Gupta said. Some of the innovative products that were on display at the Samsung Africa Forum, and were ready for launch into the African market before the end of the year, include: the Samsung’s wind-free air conditioner that offers better cooling at lower cost; the Samsung AddWash machine that comes with energy efficiency and cost effectiveness; the Samsung new QLED TV, and refrigerator, among other digital appliances.

CAPACITY BUILDING

L-R: Co-Founder and Executive Director, Falcon Corporation Ltd, Audrey Joe-Ezigbo; Executive Director, Personal Banking Division, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Victor Etuokwu; Managing Partner, Brandzone Consulting LLC and Convener, SME DIY Workshop, Chizor Malize; TV personality, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Today’s Woman Magazine, Adesuwa Onyenokwe at the SME DIY Brand Workshop in Lagos… recently

Saudi Group to Establish Agric City in NMEC Seeks NCC’s Intervention to Promote Mass Literacy Kwara Hammed Shittu in Ilorin A Saudi Investment Company, Zain Al-abdin group has concluded arrangement to set up an Agric City in Kwara State. The proposed Agric City, which is to be located along the River Niger in Kwara North will comprise a cluster of farms specialising in cultivation, processing and export of rice, maize and vegetables. Chairman of the investment group, Zain Al-Abdin Nafawi disclosed this when he and other members of the group visited the Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed at the Government House, Ilorin. According to the Chairman, the Agric city will also contain facilities such as schools, hospitals, shops and other associated services. He noted that the project is a multimillion dollar investment, which will commence

as soon as all paper work is completed. Nafawi said that the project has the backing of the Saudi Arabian government which is currently supporting Saudi investors to invest in agriculture across the world, especially Africa. He explained that the choice of Kwara for the project was because of its advances in large scale agricultural investment as demonstrated by Shonga farm initiative and its beneficial weather and arable land particularly along the belt of the River Niger. Responding, Governor Ahmed directed the officials of the State Ministry of Agriculture to meet with the investors to iron out modalities for the commencement of the project. The governor welcomed the project and expressed delight at the intention of the Saudi businessmen to invest in Kwara State, which he said has a large population of young

people who are hardworking and are available to work on the farms and also market the farm produce. He further noted that the proposed investment is in line with the government’s plan to broaden the state economy, feed the people and provide feed stock for industries. Alhaji Ahmed emphasised that the fact that oil-rich Saudi Arabia is encouraging its citizens to invest in agribusiness abroad demonstrates the timeliness of ongoing efforts to diversify the national economy through agriculture. Governor Ahmed however said the state has all the appropriate facilities including an airport as well as an incoming cargo terminal that has wet storage facilities. He assured that the government will continue to initiate policies and create enabling environment to attract investors and support businesses in the State.

Emma Okonji Worried about the mass illiteracy in Nigeria, the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non formal Education (NMEC), is seeking the intervention of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to spread mass literacy and non-formal adult education in the country. Executive Secretary of the NMEC, Prof. Abba Abubakar Haladu, made the call when NMEC paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta recently. The visiting NMEC team that was received by the Executive Commissioner in charge of Technical Services at NCC, Ubale Maska, on behalf of the EVC, listed the beauty of mass literacy and dangers of illiteracy. According to Haladu, “literacy education is the bedrock of development because it

assists in the improvement of the lives of the people through the provision of relevant skills, competences and knowledge which enable beneficiaries to take appropriate decision about their lives and families”. He said if quality education is provided to the citizenry, the impact will be obvious and society would benefit, it will fuel modernity, knowledge based economy and development. He listed dangers of illiteracy to include ill-health, population explosion, rural-urban drift, gang influence, ignorance, poverty and the culture of silence over sensitive matters among others. He acknowledged however, that progress has been made in literacy education in the country but there is more to be done. Haladu said: “There are estimated over 60 million adult and youth illiterates and 11.5 million out of school children and this is a major challenge to the country.”

T H I S D AY •THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017

BUSINESSWORLD

E-BUSINESS

Boosting ICT Sector’s Contribution to GDP Having realised the need to diversify the Nigerian economy in the area of ICT development, the government must come up with policies that will protect and further boost the sector’s growth, writes Emma Okonji

Danbatta

With the current challenges facing the Nigerian economy particularly in the past one year, which have plunged the country into recession, revenues from the oil sector have continued to drop, thus negatively affecting Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In order to salvage the situation, the federal government is seriously driving at economic diversification in the areas of agriculture as well as information and communications technology (ICT) as alternative to oil. But experts in the ICT industry have insisted that taxes and levies from the ICT sector could be huge enough to grow the country’s GDP and provide succor to the ailing economy, if there are right policies to protect ICT investments in the country. Others are, however, of the view that investments in technology startups could also boost small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the country and give rise to cottage industries that are known to be drivers of economies globally. Nigeria GDP growth rate The GDP in Nigeria expanded 8.99 per cent in the third quarter of 2016 over the previous quarter. GDP growth rate in Nigeria averaged 0.77 per cent from 2013 until 2016, reaching an all time high of 9.19 per cent in the third quarter of 2015 and a record low of -13.70 per cent in the first quarter of 2016. According to recent statistics, the GDP in Nigeria shrank 2.24 per cent year-on-year in the third quarter of 2016, following a 2.06 per cent decline in the previous period and compared to market expectations of a 2.58 per cent decline. Lower oil prices continued to hurt the oil sector which slumped for the fourth straight quarter while the non-oil sector was flat after shrinking in the previous two periods. Economic diversification Diversifying the Nigerian economy in the areas such as agriculture and ICT has been topmost on the agenda of the federal government, hence the 22nd Nigerian Economic Summit, organised by the Nigerian Economic Summit, Group (NESG) held in 2016, deliberated so much on growing made-in-Nigeria goods from agriculture and ICT. Speaking on the state of the economy and the need to diversify the economy in the area of ICT and agriculture, Chairman, NESG Board Committee on Research and Publication, Dr. Adedoyin Salami, said the current state of the Nigerian economy is in bad shape, but that it could be resuscitated if there is full support and patronage for Made-in-Nigeria goods and services.

Moolman

He went further to state that the ‘Made in Nigeria’ call is a call to create a productive and sustainable economy, and that the Nigerian economy needs to be productive, globally competitive, inclusive and must be able to add value to its citizens. According to him, “Our economy is far from ideal but offers us opportunity to revitalise. The economy has shrunk in size, capital flows have been poor and generally, the Nigerian economy has been negatively impacted by the external environment, mainly the price of crude oil. On the domestic side, there have been absence of a development plan for strategic framework, low global competitiveness and poor ease of doing business.” Current earnings statistics of the Nigerian economy are not ideal, as export earning was $97 billion in 2013, but this year, we will be lucky to earn $40 billion. This scenario presents an opportunity for us to revitalise the economy, Salami said. He said more than 50 per cent of young people in Nigeria between 15 and 25 years are either unemployed or under-employed, which he said, is not good for economic growth. Issues with Nigerian economy Several issues have been identified as militating against the growth of the Nigerian economy, among which, are the unfriendly business environment, high rate of unemployment, high interest rate on importation of equipment by investors, weak implementation of government policies, and the difficulties in accessing land by willing investors. ICT stakeholders have traced most of the challenges to over-dependence on oil. They have called on the federal government to begin the implementation of policies that will boost ICT development in the country, which they said, remained the sure way to go out of economic recession. Speaking at the 22nd Nigerian Economic Summit, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, noted that the enhancement of ease of doing business is very crucial. He talked about the initiative of the Senate known as the National Assembly Business Environment Roundtable (NASSBER) document, which seeks to address 11 key areas where laws governing business activities may need to be reviewed as a result of the country’s harsh business environment. The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who also spoke at the policy dialogue forum of the summit, revealed why Nigeria has not been successful in the areas of solid minerals and mining. According to him, the country has good policies for the mining sector, but lacks proper implementation of those policies that should

Adebayo

drive the economy. While faulting the legal and regulatory environment of the mining sector, Fayemi said several people are involved in illegal mining in the country and that they see nothing wrong in it, since the mineral resources are located within their farmlands. Promoting local content with tech startups Stakeholders in ICT industry have also identified the need to grow local content by supporting more technology startups in accessing funds to grow their businesses, which they said, would boost ICT contribution to GDP growth. According to them, Nigerian youths are beginning to maximise the power of technology to grow businesses that will contribute to GDP growth, but lacked access to funding. Chairman, Signal Alliance, an information technology (IT) expert, who is member of the Lagos Angel Network, Mr. Collins Onuegbu, told THISDAY that the best way to develop local content in ICT, is for government to invest in technology startups and make funds available for them to boost technology innovation and creativity. “Aside funding the startups, government must also consider giving tax rebate to investors who may have invested in startups that could not break even,” Onuegbu said. He explained that one major drawback about investing in startups, is that nine out of every 10 startups sponsored by Angel Investors or any other investor, may end up not being successful. He therefore said that government must begin to think of how to compensate investors by way of exempting them from taxes, until they recoup their investment on the failed startups. “If such palliatives are offered by government for investors who invest in technology startups, it will encourage them to invest the more and create opportunity for growth in the ICT sector,” Onuegbu said. ICT contribution to GDP Citing the current statistics in telecoms contribution to GDP, as released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in June last year, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta said telecoms contribution to GDP moved from $18 billion in private sector investments, including Direct Foreign Investment (FDI) in 2009, to $30 billion in 2014, to $32 billion in July 2015, and currently to N1.58 trillion as at June 2016, which represents an increase of 1.0 per cent, relative to the first quarter in 2016. Danbatta quoted the NBS, as saying: “This is the largest contribution to GDP made from the telecoms sector in the rebased period, which

emphasises that growth in telecommunications has remained robust when compared to total GDP.” Since 2001 when the first GSM licences were issued, telecommunications operators have continued to invest in telecoms infrastructure. The Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Mr. Ferdinard Moolman, while speaking on MTN’s investment in telecoms, said the company had contributed over N1.8 trillion to the Nigeria government, by ways of telecoms investments, taxes, levies and sundry regulation payments, since it commenced operations in Nigeria in 2001. Part of the N1.8 trillion investment details show that MTN has paid duties on equipment of over N87 billion; duties on stock of over N12 billion; VAT on revenue of over N299 billion; VAT on operating expenses of over N48 billion; employee tax of over N31 billion; company income tax of over N486 billion, among other taxes and investments, which include building of telecoms networks and expansion, totaling over N1.8 trillion, since it commenced operations in Nigeria in 2001. Aside the N1.8 trillion investments, MTN also invested over N18 billion in MTN Foundation in executing corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects across 771 local governments in the country, in the areas of education, health and economic empowerment in the six geo-political zones of the country, and over N10 billion has been invested to date to support SIM card registration exercise in the country, thus helping to build a national identity database for Nigeria. Protecting ICT investments Looking at the huge investments of ICT to the Nigerian economy, of which telecoms operators have played a major role, especially in growing the country’s GDP, the Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, has called on the National Assembly to expedite action in passing the bill before it, which seeks government intervention to protect telecoms infrastructure as critical national infrastructure. Adebayo, who spoke against the background of ICT contributions to GDP, said the telecoms sector, which is an integral part of ICT, has proved itself as a strong factor for enabling GDP growth in the country. He said government must therefore do everything possible to protect telecoms investments in the country. Should government heed to the call to protect telecoms investments in the country, the telecoms sector will continue to grow and sustain the country’s GDP in several years to come.

T H I S D AY •THURSDAYMARCH 2, 2017

BUSINESSWORLD

E-BUSINESS

Adegboye: Digitisation, Convergence Key to Business Growth

Managing Director, BCX, Mr. Ayo Adegboye, spoke with Emma Okonji on the importance of digitisation and convergence among businesses, as well as the value that the new brand identity of BCX would bring to its enlarged customer base. Excerpts: Last week, you announced a new brand identity for Business Connexion, which is now trading as BCX. What led to the change of name? We are currently undergoing transformation process in our line of business because Business Connexion, an end-end information technology (IT) solution company has been acquired by a telecoms giant from South Africa, Telkom. Before the acquisition, the acquired company was known as Business Connexion, but with the acquisition, Business Connexion now has a new brand identity called BCX. So as a result of the acquisition, we are shifting our business plan from Business-to-Business (B2B), to Human-to-Human (H2H), the reason being that the acquisition has made us to shift business plan from the B2B approach of business, to the H2H approach of delivering our IT services to customers who are humans and we deal entirely with humans in our type of business. The essence is to serve our human customers more than we had ever done in the past. So the two giants are coming together to offer digital solution to the same customers. So today we are best described as Africa’s end-to-end digital solution provider. What informed the acquisition? The acquisition was necessitated by the need for convergence in today’s technology world. Before now, Telkom was a telecoms giant, offering services whose contents were developed by IT companies, and Business Connexion was a giant in IT services delivery. So the acquisition is in itself, a big form of convergence between telecoms and IT, and what this means is that we now have a single organisation with expertise in IT and telecoms, delivering converged services, using 21st Century technologies. Has the acquisition in any way changed your business perspective and brand logo? The acquisition has further strengthened our business perspective to serve our customers better and it has also changed our brand logo to a new logo that represents the visions of the two companies, and the aspiration of customers, which is ‘Looking Into The Future’. How will the new BCX cope with market competition? Before the two companies converged their services to create a new brand identity called BCX, both of them were giants in their respective fields. While Telkom is a global player in telecoms services delivery, Business Connexion was a global and major player in the delivery of information technology services (IT). So the convergence will make us stay stronger in business and be on top of our game to further drive competition. Before now we had always stayed ahead of our competitors and we will continue to stay ahead of our competitors because we offer services, using modern technologies. Today the world is going digital and we have digitilised all our services, which makes us stay ahead of our competitors always, providing the best of customers satisfactory services. In today’s business world, a service provider needs to go digital in order to offer the best of services that will enhance customer efficiency and profitability and that is our focus in BCX. So what does the acquisition means to the BCX family and how will it address the concerns of its business growth? With the acquisition, we are able to offer our expanded customer base with a lot more services. Again, the acquisition has further strengthened the enterprise business of Telkom, as it has now moved it to join the Business Connexion, thus making the new group, bigger, stronger and better in service offerings. So we have a wider solution offerings from the new brand BCX, and we are now Premium African Digital

and convergence which cuts across businesses. What is the value of the acquisition to customers? The acquisition is a kind of integration that is opening up horizontal alignment in terms of our offerings. So the new BCX has more services offering for the customer. Before the acquisition, Telkom business is already selling in the Nigerian market, and what this means is that there is a combination of services from both giants to the same set of customers, thus increasing customer experience. So with the acquisition, we will be partnering some local telecoms service providers, to further boost customer experience.

Adegboye

Solution Provider. Prior to the acquisition, the customers have more than one vendor that they call when they have issues, but with the acquisition, there has emerged one big player that customers can call upon at any time to lodge complaints complain when there are issues. So it removes the challenges of dealing with too many vendors. The acquisition, no doubt, will increase the customer base of BCX. How will the new company effectively manage the enlarged business size? The old Business Connexion has been offering the enterprise business solutions to customers, which was the core offering of he enterprise arm of Telkom. Although the deal is about acquisition but it looks more like a merger between the enterprise division of Telkom and the old Busuness Connexion. So coping with the expanded volume of customers will not be an issue for the new BCX, because the service offerings are the same. Both the enterprise division of Telkom and Business Connexion were selling the same products and services to the same customers, but with the acquisition, both companies will now come together to offer a much more robust services to the same customers. Before the acquisition, Telkom had enterprise customers, which primarily, were the type of customers that Business Connexion was handling. So with the acquisition, BCX now has an expanded customer base, since BCX is now positioned to do the kind of enterprise business that Telkom enterprise division was offering. So with the new focus that the acquisition brings to the table, BCX is now positioned to shift from B2B to H2H, thereby bypassing the other form of business known as Business-to-Machine (B2C). Is it convenient to say that the acquisition was necessitated by the fact that Business Connexion was not doing well in business, or that Telkom, saw potential strength in Business Connexion, and decided to acquire it? I would rather say that Telkom saw potential strength in Business Connexion, hence they were willing to acquire it. Before the acquisition, Business Connexion was the major player in IT services delivery and Telkom saw that strength as a potential strength that can further boost its enterprise solution business, hence Telkom acquired Business Connexion and merged the enterprise solution business of Telkom to that of Business Connexion in order to have a stronger enterprise solution arm of the Telkom business. Before the acquisition, Business Connexion was

listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and we were doing well and excellent business, and that was one of the interest points of Telkom to buy into Business Connexion. So they bought into our strength in order to further strengthen the enterprise solution service offerings of Telkom. Remember that our strength lies in IT, while that of Telkom lies in telecommunications, and they needed to strengthen their enterprise arm of business from the stand point of IT, hence the acquisition. So what has changed in the acquisition is that the Telkom enterprise business moved into Business Connexion to increase capacity of doing business and the new brand name for Business Connexion changed to BCX, with a new brand logo to reflect our new strength and vision. So the bottom line is that Telkom wants to strengthen its enterprise business by leveraging on the capacity of Business Connexion and this resulted into a new brand identity for Business Connexion, which is now BCX. So that arm of business has been strengthened and BCX is now well over 20 billion Rand in market capitalisation, with over eight thousand employees globally and these are best-in-class employees. So BCX is now the latest and third subsidiary of the Telkom group. What is the strength of BCX in data centre operation and management? As a company, we have the largest number of data centres and our competitors are not in anyway near us. We play big in data centre operation management and our customers are very pleased with our services. Could you expatiate more on the convergence and what it portends for the two giants that have decided to converge their enterprise businesses? The scenario is simple. It is about having IT solutions that are running on mobile applications. The telecoms operators have the platform but the applications that run on the platform are provided by IT experts who we refer to as content developers or value added service providers. So the convergence we are talking about is the coming together of a core telecoms company, which is Telkom, and a core IT company, which is Business Connexion, to work together and offer a more robust and efficient service to the same set of customers that now have an extended customer base. In today’s world, technologies are converging and the essence is to provide seamless services that are digital and that will make the customer more efficient and remain relevant in business, even with the evolution of new technologies. So the new thinking in today’s world of business is about digitisation

Since technology solutions are fast evolving, what kind of technology solution should customers expect from the new BCX? BCX plays a strong role in the deployment of Internet of Things (IoTs) technology, which is now the in thing that talks about connecting devices and people in the new age of technology. So technology is evolving, and today’s business is shifting to the cloud, which means that BCX will be exploring the cloud computing adoption among its customers and ensures that cloud computing technology adds value to its customer base. So BCX will invest more in cloud technology and digitisation of existing infrastructure that will further enhance businesses. So we will be doing more by helping customers automate and digitise their businesses. What is the adoption rate of cloud technology solution by Nigerian businesses? The adoption rate has been high, given the situation about three years ago when the adoption rate was very slow. People and businesses are beginning to realise the importance of cloud computing in driving business growth. Most financial institutions are beginning to adopt the cloud technology solutions because of its high rate of business turnover and the ease of doing business that it offers. So in the last one year, there has been tremendous increase in the adoption rate of cloud technology and we will be focusing on cloud technology among other emerging technologies. Customer satisfaction in business is key. How will the new BCX offer services that will boost customer experience and satisfaction? Customers are the reason why we are investing in solutions that will help them manage their businesses in more profitable ways. So BCX will continue to deploy all its solutions that are geared towards customer satisfaction. Boosting customer satisfaction can only get better, following the acquisition. Today, businesses are scaling down as a result of economic recession in the country. How will this acquisition BCX remain relevant and sustainable? The vision of BCX is to grow businesses even in times of economic recession and we will continue to support and sustain business that we offer our best-in-class digital solutions. BCX is always looking ahead of its competitors and coming out with technology solutions that will help business survive even in times of recession. So the convergence between these two giants will add value to the BCX business, going by our vision that is propelled by the value of our new logo, which is ‘Welcome to the Future’, and that is the new slogan for the new BCX. Most times mergers and acquisitions fail after few years. What is the assurance that this acquisition will not go the same way like others? Far be it from failure because this acquisition we are talking about is between two giants in the telecoms space and the information technology space. So it will only get bigger and stronger.

T H I S D AY THURSDAY MARCH 2, 2017

9 T H I S D AY •THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017

BUSINESSWORLD

ANALYSIS

Nigeria Regains Spot as Africa’s Top Oil Producer A combination of external factors should help Nigeria maintain elevated oil production over the short term, with the government hoping to further enhance output through a longawaited overhaul of the sector’s regulatory framework. An exemption from OPEC’s decision to cut global production, along with a drop in incidents in the oil-producing Niger Delta, have helped sustain the increased output and allowed Nigeria to overtake Angola as Africa’s biggest producer. The Ministry of Petroleum Resources revealed earlier this month that crude production had reached the 2m-bpd mark. That figure is up from the first eleven months of 2016, when the country averaged 1.85m bpd, according to a December report by the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). Supply side A key contributing factor in Nigeria’s improved performance is its exemption from OPEC’s lower production targets, which come in an effort to shore up falling oil prices. The organisation agreed late last year to limit output, together with 11 other nonmember countries, including Russia, Mexico and Oman. Prices had reached a 13-year low of $26.05 per barrel early in 2016, averaging around $45 a barrel for the year. A number of OPEC members have curtailed their production accordingly, with Kuwait and Oman both cutting output by more than 4%. Nigeria was granted an exemption to the production cut due to the challenges it has faced maintaining output and broader economic headwinds, including its first recession in almost 30 years and a depreciating currency. Crude output had fallen from 2.1m bpd in the first three months of 2016 to 1.7m bpd by the second quarter, while GDP is estimated to have shrunk by 1.54% over the year, according to the Ministry of Budget and National Planning. Increasing production Equally important in achieving higher production is a decline in militant attacks in the Niger Delta. Violent incidents from local militias – including bunkering and infrastructure sabotage – increased in early 2016. This was partly due to uneven implementation of a 2010 amnesty agreement, as well as a move by the national government to deploy the army to guard the country’s pipelines – a role that was previously allocated to militants under the amnesty. The impact of the attacks on output varied, but they slowed the country’s production

An oil rig

noticeably – generally by between 100,000 and 300,000 bpd, although sometimes rising to as much as 500,000 bpd. Overall, they led to a revenue loss of $4.8bn last year, according to Maikanti Baru, managing director of the NNPC. However, a series of talks between militants and the government to review the amnesty agreement appears to have borne fruit, with the last major attack occurring in mid-November. More recently, the government announced that it will meet overdue payments to former militants under a 2009 amnesty deal. The impact of the decline in violence was immediate, and led to a 28% month-on-month increase in output to 1.8m bpd in November, which rose to 1.94m bpd by the close of the year. Energy reforms Continuing government efforts to reform the

energy sector should attract additional investment and further enhance output. Last year, top executives at the NNPC were replaced and the government initiated restructuring talks that could see the company relinquish policymaking and regulatory activities, with its constituent parts regrouped. This would leave policy and regulation to the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, while giving the new oil company the ability to raise finance separately – including via capital markets – in a model similar to Brazil’s Petrobras. In a move towards improved transparency, the company released its financial results in early 2016, the first time in 10 years. Perhaps of equal importance, in November a portion of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) – some 10 years in he making – passed a second reading in the Senate. The pending passage of the PIB,

Nigeria Hosts Africa As AAMA Beckons In a bid to continue to improve on her role as a global player in the comity of maritime nations, Nigeria would be hosting the 3rd Conference of the Association of Heads of African Maritime Administrations (AAMA Conference) in Abuja, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, from 19th -21st of April,2017. The meeting, which will be hosted by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in conjunction with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) according to the Director General NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, will bring together all the major Maritime Administrators and leading stakeholders in Africa to discuss various issues and ways of improving the maritime sector in the continent. Thirty two countries from

all parts of Africa are expected to participate at the continental conference and a number of maritime stakeholder organisations around the world. The IMO delegation of five will be led by Mr. Kitack Lim the Secretary General of IMO which is a United Nations specialised agency that regulates shipping globally. AAMA was formed following the signing of the African Transport and Maritime Charter in 2012 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and the aim of the association is to promote the Development of Africa’s maritime regulatory and maritime environment. Peterside said: “The hosting of this conference in Nigeria is in line with the economic diversification agenda of the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration, and the repositioning agenda of the

present Management to make Nigerian maritime industry a leading light in Africa and the global maritime sector”. He noted that it will open a new vista of opportunities to the teeming unemployed youths, as well as unlock the potentials inherent in the maritime sector. This is just as the conference could serve as a platform towards Nigeria’s re-election into the IMO Council seat later in November this year. AAMA, which brings together all players in the African maritime sector, is also an umbrella body of five African Maritime Stakeholders’ groups namely: Association of Maritime Administrations of Africa, Africa’s Ship Registry Forum, African Ship Owners Association as well as Africa Shippers’ Council and Seafarers’ Forum.

The NIMASA Director General stated further that “the benefits of hosting the conference cannot be over emphasised, it will equally avail stakeholders in the Nigerian maritime industry an opportunity to rub minds with their counterparts across Africa and the globe, and further chart a way forward for the African maritime sector. It will effectively signal the arrival of the country in the global maritime arena as a respectable global voice”. This would be the 3rd AAMA Conference as the inaugural and the second conferences were held in Mombasa, Kenya in 2012 and South-Africa in 2013 respectively. It should be noted that the 3rd edition which Nigeria is now hosting was earlier scheduled to hold in the country in 2014 but was called off.

and the policy uncertainty it has engendered, has been one of the key bottlenecks to spurring greater investment into the country’s upstream sector. Drafts of the National Oil Policy and the National Policy on Gas were also approved by the Cabinet and submitted to the National Assembly. These moves have not gone unnoticed. A total of 224 oil companies submitted bids for this year’s crude oil lifting contracts, according to the NNPC, which it said was a testament to its improved transparency. While that number was a substantial drop on the 278 bids received last year, the NNPC attributed this to more stringent bid requirements. Of this year’s bids, 39 were successful, with lifting to account for roughly 1.3m bpd. - Culled from Oxford Business Group

Abuja Run-way Closure: Conoil Reinforces Kaduna Operations Conoil has announced its readiness to beef-up its Kaduna aviation office to reinforce its operations on the heels of the federal government’s decision to shut down Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, for six weeks to carry-out repairs on its runway. According to a statement from the frontline oil marketer, the relocation will involve the movement of its high-tech bowsers, dispensers and human capital from Abuja to reinforce its Kaduna operations. This, the company believes, will ensure that the operations of airlines continue to run smoothly while travelers go about their journeys in a seamless manner. “The decision by the federal government to repair the runway is commendable. Safety in the aviation industry cannot be compromised. The move is in

tandem with Conoil’s commitment to strict safety standards in all areas of its operations”, the statement added. The statement therefore called on airline operators and travelers for their understanding and co-operation, adding that though it may be a bit inconvenient, it will serve the general good in the long run. The company also reiterated its determination to always strive to boost efficiency in the economy, support business growth and ease movement of people and goods. With an enviable comparative advantage in terms of spread, storage capacity, quality control, skilled personnel, round-clock technical support and efficiency in service delivery, Conoil remains the trail blazer in the aviation fuel sector of the nation’s oil marketing industry.

T H I S D AY THURSDAY MARCH 2, 2017

T H I S D AY •THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017

BUSINESSWORLD

ENCOUNTER

Akinwunmi: Most Businesses and Relationships Fail for Lack of Proper Counselling The Lead Counsellor at the Pasture Counselling Centre, Kemi Tony-Akinwunmi, in this encounter with Raheem Akingbolu, shed lights on why brand owners and people in relationship management should engage counsellors to strengthen their businesses To a layman, counselling is meant for students trying to identify their areas of studies or careers but to experts, everybody, whether in business or relationship, needs counselling to excel in their various fields. She told THISDAY during a recent encounter that the world is full of post marital issues, parental negligence, business failure and teenage pressure. The Lagos-born who attended her primary and secondary education in Lagos before heading to the Lagos State University where she studied English Language, said she had always desired to lend a shoulder to people, see them come out of their business relationship agonies and live a fulfilling and happy life. As a family life practitioner, counsellor and educationist, Tony-Akinwumi’s desire to reach out to people through counselling, emotional and psychological therapy, was born out of her background of verbal abuse from relatives and friends. “I grew up with a lot of verbal abuse from relatives and friends and I remember each time I tried to express myself as a child, no one was listening and no one cared about my feelings. So as a young girl, I wanted to be the shoulder of support to many because I didn’t experience it and I know how it feels to go through a lot but not allowed to express it. “As a young child, I discovered it was a vacuum and I was determined to fill it. I picked interest in talking to people. So, my love for counselling started at a very early age because I wanted to be someone people could run to. Someone people could trust to cry with and confide in while we both address the issue psychologically, even though I was ignorant of the study of psychology or counselling.” At the beginning On her journey to the counselling world, the Lead Counsellor at the Pasture Counselling Centre, Tony-Akinwunmi said she couldn’t opt for counselling as a career against her father’s wish, who had penned down political science for her because he was a politician. Though, she said the University of Lagos had twice offered her admission to study psychology but she turned it down due to the ignorance of what it entails and how it would lead her through her career in counselling. “After hoping for dad’s political science career and mum’s banking and finance choice to no avail for three years, I had to opt for English Language. But back in school, friends would refer other friends to me saying Kemi would listen to you and proffer help in this situation. And finally, I had to study psychology as a second degree few years ago and I also went back for counselling study professionally. This is what I love to do and do effortlessly. “My counselling life started about 13 years ago with a programme we started tagged ‘Just Talking Relationships’ where we talked to teens; but professionally, I would say I started counselling 7 years ago.” “My husband is my number one fan. He discovered my counselling gift before anyone else. His support and commitment towards my success in the field is enormous.” She said smiling when asked the role he plays in her career. Though, they got married 9 years ago, Mr Akinwunmi, a Chartered Accountant, supported her to commission the ‘Just Taking Relationship’ in 2004 and has been a financial pillar to the growth of her career and had supported in various teenage outreaches. “He also doubles up as my critic. He tells me when I go wrong and helps me find my path again.” Even though her counselling services cover many areas, the woman running the show focuses more on family life; pre-marital and

kemi tony-akinwunmi

post-marital counselling, and she has recorded countless homes which were at the verge of break-up but through her consultation such homes are back and strong together. “We have had people walked in to report marital abuses and some even think we are government agencies or social units, and in some cases, we have had to refer them to the

Pasture Counselling Centre though attends more to family life; the firm has handled teenage counselling, and has recorded lack of proper parenting as a major cause of teenage issues. She also explains that fresh starters in businesses often fail because they don’t consult widely on the dos and don’ts of their businesses

right authorities. There’s a lot going on in homes and until we go back to the basic, the future looks terrifying.” As she adjusts on her seat and squeezes both palms together, she firmly points out that marital abuse does not exclude men. “I have seen men walk in here to report physical abuse from their wives. They couldn’t express this to anyone because the society places more emphasis on female marital abuse and no one would believe them.” Sources of business failure But despite the efforts of counselling firms, one would wonder if business failure and marital cases are on the increase or decline in the country. “They are on the increase and people are beginning to see the need for counselling.” She said affirmatively. “These days, people want to talk to someone who feels them, someone who understands the reality on ground and would not be bias based on religion.” She added. She confirmed that most of the pre-marital counselling systems in churches are archaic and does not conform to the reality on ground. “We have had pastors tell women to stay in abusive marriages, saying it pays to die in it and make heaven other than divorce or separate as they would end in hell fire.” This is why Pasture Counselling Centre also collaborates with mosques and churches for counselling supports. She gave an example of a young man who was under societal pressure to get married. He travelled down from Canada under parental pressure, joined a church and married an innocent sister. On the night of their wedding, he confirmed to her that “this might be the only time they will have sex, until another 5 years, because he’s gay!” Kemi said. “The lady couldn’t go to church to address the issue.” “People don’t want to marry human beings these days; they want to marry a perfect being.” That was her answer when asked what singles should remember when making a marital choice. “Some want to marry culture, some want to marry religion and some want to marry societal expectations. And I always tell people that there’s no perfect being anywhere. Sometimes God

gives you a raw material to create or mould something from.” Pasture Counselling Centre though attends more to family life; the firm has handled teenage counselling, and has recorded lack of proper parenting as a major cause of teenage issues. She also explains that fresh starters in businesses often fail because they don’t consult widely on the dos and don’ts of their businesses. According to her, the firm places more emphasis on preventive than curative. In a city where most parents spend more time out of home to fend for their families, Kemi believes that spending time with children is about quality, not quantity. She defined the teenage years as the transition into adulthood and teenagers at this stage are moved by their emotions, not logic. At this point, parents must prioritise their children. “Parents think they have to spend 5 hours with their children. That’s why they keep giving time excuses when it comes to their family life. But the same parents have time for weekend parties. And I have always told people that there’s no time for anything in life, except what we create time for. Let everybody go back to being friends with their children and ensure strong and frequent personal communication in the home. “Using myself as an example, I could remember my parents sat me down several times and gave me cautions. But nowadays, if you ask teenagers when last their parents sat them down for close conversation, you will be shocked at their responses. Parents of today have failed in nurturing and have left their children at the mercies of social media information.” As lead counsellor of Pasture Counselling Centre, she has clients in other states of the country and renders her services using various social media platforms while some walk into the Lagos office when it’s convenient. In the next five years, she sees Pasture Counselling Centre training more counsellors, building more homes, collaborating with corporate organisations that are passionate about homes and the future of families and “I look forward to an international partnership.” she added as she ends the chat with a warm smile as she moves to the door to welcome a client.

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017

BUSINESSWORLD

DEVELOPMENT

Guinness Nigeria: Giving Back to the Society Abimbola Akosile looks at the ripple effect on host communities and overall socio-economic development, as manufacturing giant Guinness Nigeria Plc recently unveiled its 2016 Sustainability Report in Lagos and outlined future goals to make Nigeria a better place for all Expressing gratitude is not obligatory, but it sure makes the world a better place. For those in privileged positions across all sectors of the economy, giving back to the society is a noble way of appreciating the support and cooperation from others. When gratitude is practised by those in high government positions, it shows they appreciate the electorate which voted them into power in the first place. But not everyone in government does that; some leaders - past and present would rather clean their public treasury to make personal nest-eggs; reason for unbridled corruption in governance especially at the state and local levels. And when gratitude is displayed in the private sector, it is sometimes tagged as corporate social responsibility (CSR), which is equally voluntary. It takes a humane organisation to ensure CSR in its host communities; and it takes an act of responsible commitment to adequate development to give back during a recession period. During the landmark 70th General Assembly of the United Nations in New York, USA in September 2015, which this reporter attended and covered, the private sectors all over the world were enjoined to walk the talk and help their various governments financially to realise the 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensure adequate development in their countries.This scenario brings to mind the various efforts by Guinness Nigeria Plc to give back to the communities and countries that have helped sustain the private sector giant for decades. Sustainability Report Guinness Nigeria Plc, a foremost total beverage alcohol company, recently released its Sustainability Report for 2016, reporting its performance on various aspects of its operations, while outlining its sustainability targets for the future. The report was unveiled in Lagos at a formal ceremony attended by various stakeholder groups and partners such as the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Lagos Business School, WaterAid Nigeria, Institute for Industrial Technology (IIT) and Diageo’s Global Sustainable Development Director, David Croft amongst others. The 87-page Sustainability report, titled, Sustainability: From Grain to Glass, covered the company’s performance in the reporting year July to June, 2016, and focused on material issues critical to the sustainability of its business. Major highlights from the 2016 report include notable social investments in the Guinness Eye Hospitals, the flagship Water of Life scheme and the Undergraduate Scholarship scheme, which has opened doors of opportunity to many young Nigerians. Guinness Nigeria also continued to make notable economic impact in Nigeria. In the 2016 financial year, the company paid over N16 billion in taxes ranging from VAT, employee taxes, Corporate Income Tax, Excise Duties and other taxes Crucial Commitments Managing Director/CEO of Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Peter Ndegwa noted that the company’s overarching ambition is to become the best performing, most trusted and respected consumer products company in the world. He further observed that the attainment of this goal would be futile if a commitment to society is not at the heart of the business. “The Sustainability Report is one of the ways we measure our progress against the sustainability and responsibility targets we have set for our organisation. The report also serves as an expression of our continuing commitment to embedding sustainability into our daily interactions and operations,” he said. Ndegwa said Guinness remains committed to helping Nigeria meet her SDGs targets, especially in the area of providing access to water and sanitation for the majority of the people. In this regard, the company has made significant investments, he disclosed. “In keeping our commitment to be a force for good in the society, Guinness Nigeria has delivered many impactful programmes that have

Water, the elixir of life

transformed lives in Nigeria. But even with the successes we have recorded, we recognise that our world today still faces unprecedented social, economic and environmental challenges. Some of these challenges include: poverty, insecurity, climate change, air pollution, increasing inequality and a weakening of the earth’s eco system due to human activity. “We live in a world where 700 million people do not have access to safe drinking water and 2.4 billion people lack a toilet. About 57 million Nigerians lack access to safe water and 130 million Nigerians don’t have access to adequate sanitation. We also live in a world where the gap between the haves and the have-nots is widening at an alarming rate. These are just a few examples of the daunting challenges the world grapples with today. “To tackle the challenges, world leaders adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and tackle climate change by 2030. Although the SDG agenda is an unprecedented push to tackle the root causes of underdevelopment and environmental degradation, the SDGs will only succeed if governments businesses, the civil society and all global citizens pull together to actualise set goals: he added. According to him, “As a company, we are playing our part to ensure that Nigeria meets its SDG targets. Crucially, we have made significant

investments that advance Goal 6 of the SDGs (Ensuring access to water and sanitation for all). “Leveraging our signature Water of Life scheme, we have provided safe drinking water to over 1.5 million Nigerians. We have also adopted an integrated strategy (the Diageo Water Blueprint) that will help us manage our impact on water. Guided by this Blueprint, we are accelerating our efforts to address the global water challenge along our value chain – in sourcing of raw materials, within our operations, in the communities where we operate, and through advocacy. “Furthermore, we will sustain our ongoing drive to fully embed sustainability into our business operations. We recognise that our manufacturing activities generate carbon, waste and other effluents that could have a negative impact on the environment if not controlled. We are therefore implementing a sustainability strategy that is helping us reduce our environmental impact while increasing our positive social impact in the society. This sustainability strategy sets out very clear targets that help us to continuously assess our progress”, he added. Global Sustainable Development Director, Diageo Plc, David Croft, also said: “Guinness Nigeria’s Sustainable Development strategy which aligns with Diageo’s global strategy is underpinned by three main pillars: Leadership in alcohol in society, building thriving communities and reducing environmental impact. Delivering on these goals is an integral part of our long

Wealth to Waste The Lagos State Government has concluded plans to commence the crushing and recycling of over 4,000 impounded commercial motorcycles popularly called okada, in line with the provisions of the State Traffic Law 2012, which prohibits their movement on certain restricted routes around the metropolis. According to the State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, the recent clampdown on okada was due to the government’s resolve to address the security concerns posed by their operations, saying that criminals often use okada to commit crimes and get away. There are two opposing views con-

term business strategy and our commitment to making a real difference in communities where we operate.” Next Steps Moving forward, the company outlined strategic objectives the attainment of which will put it in better stead to serve its key stakeholders as well as help to strengthen corporate reputation and build a sustainable business. In the area of business performance, the company aims to optimise return on investment for its investors and shareholders through good corporate governance and by implementing plans that underpin its performance ambition. Product quality, it noted, will be sustained through unwavering commitment to providing consumers with beverages that meet the highest standard of quality. Its corporate social investment will remain focused on impacting lives positively while enhancing the wellbeing of host communities. The company also aims to sustain initiatives that promote responsible consumption of alcohol and prevent underage drinking. It is trite that private sector operators are more efficient than the public sector or government, and when the former apply their funds and their efficiency to help the latter achieve equitable development through community projects, the society benefits. Guinness Nigeria is blazing the trail; other operators would do well to follow suit.

RANDOM THOTS

cerning this action. The first is that okada operations are a major form of employment in Lagos and other states, providing income and livelihoods for thousands of resident-riders and their dependants. The other side of the coin is that the wayward and criminal attitudes of many commercial riders of these machines have often times put the lives of the passengers and others at risk, through accidents and as victims of robberies, car-jacking and phone snatching among others. Ironically, Lagos state, which is a pioneer of the waste-to-wealth scheme, is now converting the okadas, which help generate wealth, to waste through the

crushing process, to serve as a deterrent to errant okada riders and criminals. Even though the final products of the crushing and recycling process are not known yet, in this case, the law must be obeyed. It is expected that this move will also generate revenue through fines and sanctions. However, all those police and military personnel who ride okadas on same prohibited routes should also forfeit their bikes and be equally sanctioned at the mobile courts. A tough ask but no one is above the law and that should be the case in Lagos...not so? -Abimbola Akosile

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017

BUSINESSWORLD

DEvELOpMENT/ISSUESINBOx

Food products on display in Mushin, Lagos

ABIMBOLA AKOSILE

Can Nigeria Achieve Local Food Sufficiency in 2017? With the Federal Government’s renewed focus on agriculture as a viable alternative revenue source and greater involvement of young agri-preneurs in agri-processing, some analysts believe Nigeria can achieve local food sufficiency in 2017. However with problems of poor storage and influx of imported products like polished rice, packaged garri and yam flour, there are worries that local food sufficiency is still far from reality. To you, can Nigeria really achieve local food sufficiency in 2017? Abimbola Akosile * Yes, we can achieve local and quality food sufficiency in 2017 especially with the federal government’s renewed focus on agriculture as a viable alternative revenue source and greater involvement of agripreneurs in agri-processing at strategic locations and time. Government must however tackle the challenges of poor storage, processing, preservation and influx of banned imported products like polished rice, packaged garri, yam flour e.t.c. still leaves much to be done. The unfortunate issue is our porous borders that need patriotically genuine, timely, critical and genuine policing now. - Miss Apeji Patience Eneyeme, Badagry, Lagos * Whatever efforts we make towards food sufficiency, though increased agricultural output, would come to naught until we stop herdsmen moving their cattle at liberty into tilled farmlands. Let’s work towards providing the ranches, restricted grazing can suffice before the ranches take root. Then we can talk about food sufficiency, and then maybe export. - Miss Damilola Oyedele, Abuja * Food sufficiency can only be achieved in the country if all the tiers of government commit more to fixing the nation’s infrastructural deficits, especially as it affects agriculture. Considering the current poor state of our rural roads between farms and the markets; the near moribund state of our water and irrigation schemes across the country; poor storage facilities; lack of incentives and difficult access to credits among many other elements; the honest verdict on the possibility of the nation’s attainment of food security this year is emphatic NO! We can do well next year if the foregoing issues raise are addressed. Government should make agri-businesses more attractive to young Nigerians especially our army of unemployed graduates. The federal government should consider food insecurity as a critical national challenge and take drastic measures and decisions in tackling it. - Ambassador Rufus Aiyenigba, Director-General, Pro-Nigeria Group (P-NG) Abuja * Nigeria can achieve local food sufficiency in 2017, with the bumper harvest in the country. It is achievable but Nigerians must be sincere to the nation and not lose hope.

THE FEEDBACK Yes, Nigeria can:

No, she cannot:

Others:

Radical tip:

Check grazing first !

Total no of respondents:

Male:

Female:

Highest location:

Lagos (4)

-Mr. Yusuf Omotayo, Nda Aliu, Kwara State * Frankly, I don’t see Nigeria achieving maximum local food sufficiency and security in 2017. The arduous task of providing food through revamping of the agricultural sector is what every responsive and responsible government should embark on. Government must apply productive policies in the agricultural sector to enhance local food sufficiency. There’s need for substantial import substitution for rice, sugar and wheat coupled with provision of gainful employment, and need for a major shift from subsistence nature of agriculture to modernised agricultural production, processing and storage; endless provision of fertiliser to farmers at subsidised prices; provision of adequate power supply for processing and storage of products and perishable crops. Nigerians need to complement the government efforts by engaging in agriculture for the provision of adequate food and creation of jobs; and involvement of the private sector with the required support and incentives from government. - Ambassador Saviola Godwyn, Youth Vanguard for Good Governance, Abia State * We can if we commit to fighting the displacement of farmers, destruction of farmlands and insecurity posed by herdsmen nationwide, as well as appoint dynamic and highly skilled patriotic Nigerians to lead our agricultural affairs at all levels. - Miss Nkeiruka Abanna, Lagos State * It cannot achieve local food sufficiency in areas like the North-east and North-west especially

Southern Kaduna where farmers who cultivated food crops cannot harvest same this year as a result of Fulani herdsmen attacks. They set their cows to graze on the farm produce at will. The security forces need to further go into the bush and fish the attackers out, not by imposing 24 hours curfew on law-abiding citizens at home while the Fulani herdsmen are having a field day preparing to attack, kill and burn from the bush. Something must be done to address the ugly killing urgently before the rains set in. - Mr. Dogo Stephen, Kaduna * Yes, Nigeria can achieve local food sufficiency in 2017 but strict measures have to be taken to make this happen. Food imports must be discouraged with high tariffs and massive local production of key crops like rice, yam, cassava, beans and vegetables like tomatoes and pepper, and adequately stored. Farmers must be given improved seed varieties and fertiliser subsidies with access to market ensured through good road networks and removal of middlemen. Lastly, agri-processing to add value to the products and generate revenue must be embraced enthusiastically by the government and private sector players. With all these measures, food will be sufficient for both local consumption and export within a year. - Mr. Olumuyiwa Olorunsomo, Lagos State * The government desires that more and more Nigerians commit to agriculture but food sufficiency isn’t something that occurs overnight. Government has earmarked early March for the release of grains from national stock; this should be a one-off palliative. Let’s eat and buy ‘local’ too. - Mr. E. Iheanyi Chukwudi, B.A.R. Resources, Apo, Abuja * The government of PMB is working hard to make sure Nigeria has food sufficiency in 2017. All the states and local government areas should key into the agenda of PMB’s government on agricultural revolution. I don’t see any reason why Nigerians will be talking of hunger or hardship when we have enough land to cultivate agriculture. The so-called oils have made us too lazy to key into agriculture because of easy money making in the oil sector. It is time we change our mindset in governance so we can move Nigeria forward.

- Mr. Gordon Chika Nnorom, Public Commentator, Umukabia, Abia State * With Osinbajo (the Acting President), anything is possible. As the naira appreciates against other currencies, so will the desire for food exports depreciate. Nigeria is working. - Mr. Buga Dunj, Jos, Plateau State * No. The time is rather too short for a genuine result. Recession has taken us several steps backwards and so we must be wary of instant or miracle solutions. Porous borders and the security agencies in charge need complete overhauling. Banned items in the open markets leave much to be desired. We must process and store enough food to curb shortage. Cassava cannot be wasting away in our farms while garri is being imported from India for whatever reason. We need no rushing but time, patience and focus. - Mr. Apeji Onesi, Lagos State

Next Week: Leaders or Masses; Who Are More Culpable? Some analysts believe the past and present leaders are largely to blame for the poor rate of Nigeria’s development. However, others feel the masses or followers are more responsible for the current mess and that some leaders act with impunity to mismanage the country’s resources simply because the followers display apathy and instead turn on each other. In your own view, who is more culpable for Nigeria’s development challenges, leaders or followers (the masses), and what is the best remedy? please make your response direct, short and simple, and state your full name, title, organisation, and location. Responses should be sent between today (March 2 & Monday, March 6) to abimbolayi@yahoo.com, greatbimbo@gmail.com, AND abimbola. akosile@thisdaylive.com. Respondents can also send a short text message to 08023117639 and/or 08188361766 and/ or 08114495306. Collated responses will be published on Thursday, March 9

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017

BUSINESSWORLD

DEVELOPMENT

Alternative transportation mode in Lagos

ABIMBOLA AKOSILE

FAO Supports IDPs in North-east Nigeria to Return to Agric Production Abimbola Akosile Buoyed by the prospect of restarting life through agricultural livelihoods, many internally displaced persons (IDPs) in North-east Nigeria are returning to farms supported by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). Under the ongoing Restoring Agricultural Livelihoods of IDPs, Returnees and Vulnerable Host Families in North-east Nigeria project, FAO is reaching 174,400 people with vegetable seeds and irrigation support for the dry season. Ahead of the upcoming rainy season, FAO, according to a release issued in Abuja, is planning to considerably scale up its interventions in the region to ensure that those who return to farms receive the support they need to plant in time

and produce food to sustain themselves and their families. With more than 80 per cent of north-eastern Nigeria’s rural population depending on crop or livestock farming, investing in agriculture now is critical to tackling food insecurity, the release noted. “We are approaching a critical period in the agricultural calendar. This is our main opportunity to tackle these truly staggering levels of food insecurity by helping at-risk families to produce their own food. The rainy season begins in May-June. Farmers need to have seeds, fertilisers and tools in their hands by then so they can plant. If they miss this season, humanitarian costs are just going to keep rising and rising into 2018. Nutrition outcomes will worsen and this will affect today’s children for the rest of their lives,” Director

of Emergency and Rehabilitation at FAO, Dominique Burgeon, said during a high-level donor visit to a FAO project site Fariya recently. The delegates were visiting Borno State to see the impact of conflict and violence on civilian populations and the response by national and local authorities and international organizations. FAO is supporting 2,000 farmers in Fariya, a village in Jere Local government, just a few kilometres outside of Maiduguri town. With funding from the Governments of Belgium, Ireland and Japan, the intervention aims to enhance the self-sufficiency of returnees and vulnerable host families, women and youths through training and critical inputs including seedlings, water pumps and fertiliser for vegetable production. Minister Counsellor/Head

of Politics, Information and Communication Section at the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Pauline Torehall, stated: “I think that this [agricultural intervention] is exactly what is needed in this part of Nigeria where so many people have lost their sources of livelihood because of the crisis. Women and youths are very vulnerable here and they absolutely need a new livelihood.” Torehall observed that the IDPs in Fariya were warmly welcomed into the community, highlighting how that gave them a chance to restart their lives again. “I think it looks like a very good programme and a good alternative. It is not complicated to do. There are lots of lands here and there is water. With seeds and tools, it is possible to again start livelihood,” she said.

First Secretary (Economic/ Development Cooperation), Embassy of Japan in Nigeria, Gaku Sato, said: “I feel very honoured to be here because this project is partly funded by the Japanese government. The Japanese people will be very happy to see how their intervention has made a difference for local people and local community and also IDPs people.” “Our biggest challenge is funding. We know we can do more but we don’t have the resources to do it. Failure to intervene now with agricultural livelihoods support will have a broad negative impact – lack of economic and employment opportunities, and possible harmful consequences including increased rural to urban migration and youth radicalisation and enrolment in armed groups, resulting in

continued civil unrest”, said Burgeon. “This is my second visit in just a couple of months and I can see not just the tremendous potential for agricultural production in this areas, but also the resilience and strength of local populations who are determined to take this opportunity to build more prosperous, food secure futures,” he added. In 2017, FAO is asking for a total of $62 million under the Humanitarian Response Plan for Nigeria. Of this, $20 million is urgently required to reach 1.9 million people during the upcoming main planting season starting in June 2017. Missing planting opportunities during the next agricultural season will result in a degradation of food insecurity and, therefore, humanitarian costs will continue rising into 2018.

in several local government areas as well as provision of others through the intervention of the Australian government, and WaterAid Nigeria. The Permanent Secretary said part of the expenditure ensured support given to the Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering water works for supply to parts of North Bank, resuscitation of water supply at Modern Market,

Cabinet Office and Benue State University Teaching Hospital as well as maintenance of water pipes and procurement of chemicals. “The government has recruited 750 casual staff members and deployed them in street sweeping of Makurdi, Gboko, Katsina-Ala and Otukpo as well as enforcement of sanitation activities in the Makurdi metropolis,” Ode stated.

Benue Spends N1.4bn on Provision of Water George Okoh in Makurdi The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water Resources and Environment, Benue State, Mr. Agbogbo Ode, has disclosed that the Governor Samuel Ortom administration has spent over N1.4 billion on water projects in the state in the last two years. Ode made the disclosure at the ministerial press briefing

organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Benue State Council, at the NUJ house in Makurdi, recently. The Permanent Secretary stated that out of the amount N900 million was spent on payment to the contractor for the resumption of water supply in Otukpo and Katsina-Ala. “The State Government under the able leadership of Samuel Ortom has paid a whopping

N500 million counterpart contribution for the implementation of the Sanitation, Hygiene, and Water in Nigeria (SHAWN) project,” he stated. Ode stated that 523 of the boreholes obtained under the project were hand pumps while 36 were motorised. He gave a breakdown of the hand pumps’ location as 130 each in Obi and Buruku, 163 in Katsina-Ala, 49 in Konshisha,

45 in Oju and eight in Tarka local government areas, adding that 75 per cent of the projects have been completed. On the motorised boreholes he stated that six each were located in Obi and Buruku, 16 in Ogbadibo, and eight in Katsina-Ala local government areas while 95 per cent of the work had been completed. He said there were ongoing rehabilitation of 300 boreholes

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017

BUSINESSWORLD

DEVELOPMENT QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Time has come to bring down the cost of crude oil production and have the right incentives. There are still some challenges but work is in progress. We have set a target of zero militancy for 2017 and it is achievable due to lots of community-based activities and motivation” - MINISTER OF STATE, PETROLEUM RESOURCES, DR. EMMANUEL KACHIKWU, SPEAKING IN ABUJA

MacArthur Awards $5m Journalism, Media Grants to Promote Transparency in Nigeria Abimbola Akosile

UK, Others Spend £7m on Women Empowerment, GirlChild Education in Four States More states to benefit in second phase Paul Obi in Abuja The United Kingdom (UK), a United States based non-governmental organisation, Mercy Corps International and Coca-Cola have spent about £7 million to cater for women and Girl-Child education in four states across the country. Mercy Corps Country Director to Nigeria, Iveta Ouvry stated this in Abuja at the recent Close-Out Dissemination Forum on the project, Educating Nigerian Girls in New Enterprises (ENGINE). According to Ouvry, “Coca-Cola Company and the UK Department for International Development (DfID) have joined forces to bolster the educational and economic opportunities of marginalised girls and young women Nigeria through ENGINE programme. “ENGINE has improved the learning outcomes and economic status of 21,162 marginalised adolescent girls in Northern Nigerian states of Kano, Kaduna, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the metropolis of Lagos,” she said. Ouvry added that “together, Coca-Cola Company and DfID have invested £7 million in the implementation of ENGINE.” “The investment comes as part of the UK government’s Girl’s Education Challenge and the Coca-Cola Company’s 5by20 Initiative, which seeks to enable the economic empowerment of five million female entrepreneurs across the Coca-Cola global chain by 2020,” the Country Director stated. Programme Coordinator of Mercy Corps, Rabi Sani explained that the second phase of the ENGINE programme will involve more states across the country. Sani maintained that the inclusion of the four states was aimed at test running the project and also focusing on the critical areas that needed more attention in Girl-Child education. Legal, Public Affairs and Communication

Women and girls deserve empowerment, education too Director of the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Ltd, Sade Morgan and her Public Affairs Manager, Ifeoma Okoye also made presentations on the Coca-Cola company’s contributions towards the second phase of the project. The ENGINE project, according to officials was initiated in 2013 and has set up 1050 learning centres where young women receive academic support and entrepreneurship training over nine months period. Girl-child education and gender empower-

ment have been identified by analysts as crucial goals and targets towards achieving equitable development in Nigeria under the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The thinking among experts and analysts is that when a girl-child is empowered and educated, she grows up to help cater for her family and children, with the ripple effect being felt across social and generational divides. This also helps to tackle the issue of poverty and inequality, which are major challenges to Nigeria’s development process.

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation has announced $5 million in journalism and media funding to advance anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria. The grants are part of the Foundation’s On Nigeria grant-making, which seeks to create a new atmosphere of accountability, transparency, and good governance in the country by strengthening Nigerian-led anti-corruption efforts and reducing retail or “petty” corruption in key sectors. The nine grants announced in a release in Abuja seek to strengthen investigative and data-driven journalism in Nigeria and to reinforce the role played by independent media and citizens in revealing and documenting corruption. The grants will support a range of projects, including trainings for journalists on investigative field work and data-driven reporting, assistance for independent media organisations working to develop sustainable business models, and initiatives to monitor and report on Nigerian regulatory agencies in key sectors. Additional funding in 2017 will support efforts to increase the capacity of citizens to use social media as a driver of social change. “Media and citizens are playing an increasingly active and important watchdog role in Nigeria,” said MacArthur Foundation Nigeria Office Director, Dr. Kole Shettima. “With this support we hope to contribute to a culture of investigation and transparency, in which authorities are held accountable and independent voices are empowered to monitor, detect, and report on issues of corruption.” The grantees announced include: Bayero University, Kano (Kano); to enhance training, curriculum, teaching, and learning opportunities for the next generation of investigative journalists; Cable Newspaper Journalism Foundation (Lagos); to support investigative journalism in Nigeria and to educate the public and other important audiences about issues related to corruption, with a focus on the electricity and education sectors. Others include Daily Trust Foundation (Abuja); to strengthen the capacity of journalists, media professionals, and students to conduct high quality investigative and data-driven journalism; International Centre for Investigative Reporting (Abuja); to train journalists on investigative journalism techniques and to support in-depth field investigations. There are also Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism (Abuja); to conduct investigations on financing, security, and terrorism; to create a fact checking website for journalists; and to build civic technology for citizens and journalists to collaboratively learn and produce multimedia reports related to corruption; and Reboot (Abuja); to train Nigerian journalism and media organisations on understanding and engaging audiences, developing sustainable business models, strengthening investigative and data-driven reporting, and collaborating with advocacy groups.

T H I S D AY THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

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

A Medical Facility for Goats Peter Uzoho who visited the Primary Health Centre in Ohoba in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, reports that the centre has been reduced to housing stray goats due to years of neglect

he ultimate aim of conceptualising and setting up Primary Health Centres (PHC) in communities is to provide quality and affordable healthcareto the people as part of government’s mandate to them. Realising this, it is expected that while setting up these critical institutions, government will ensure that basic structures are put in place to meet the objectives. Specifically, it is expected that these PHCs will be made functional by equipping them with the necessary facilities, qualified medical personnel (doctors, midwives and nurses), ensuring seamless provision of standard drugs, and effective management system. Also it is expected that government will ensure the sustainability of these critical institutions by continuously monitoring them through relevant agencies. Unfortunately, the sooner these PHCs are set up, the sooner they are abandoned by the government. The deplorable state of the Primary Health Centre in Ohoba, in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, apparently shows the level of the state government’s insensitivity to the health challenges of the people of rural areas in the state. As pathetic as the condition of the Ohoba PHC has been for more than 10 years, successive governments in the state have never shown any sign of concern towards rehabilitating it. Built in 1981 out of community effort, and handed over to the state government for provision of equipment, operation and management, Ohoba PHC, the only one in a community of hundreds of thousands of people used to be the pride of the community owing to the structures and facilities in place at the time. During the glory days, the PHC had quality personnel and rendered quality services to patients. The quality of drugs dispensed at the time was nothing less than standard; and the confidence patients had coming there for any medical attention was high. With a spacious hall of about 20 bed spaces- one bed for one patient and one for her assistant, with good cabinet for storing food items and other belongings of the patients, there was much comfort. There were blocks for different sections of the health centre. Adjacent to the hall was the consulting room and the theatre. At the other end was a store where apparatuses and other important items were kept. There was the dispensary unit fully stocked with drugs. There were quarters for the chief dispenser, the midwives and nurses. There were toilets and bathrooms as well as kitchens for patients. The PHC used to have security personnel who worked on shift basis to maintain round the clock security in the centre. Water was never a problem as there was manual water pump in the compound. Fruit trees of different kinds were planted around the centre for patients, staff and visitors’ enjoyment.Sanitary was maintained as there were cleaners on ground who keep the environment neat and clean. Then people from within and outside thronged the PHC for quality healthcare. “People saw the health centre as a sure place to go”, Mrs. Angela Anyanwu, a member of the community revealed to THISDAY. Reminiscing on the comfort at the Ohoba Primary Health Centre in the past, Anyanwu said in those days, it was an edge over others for a husband to take her pregnant wife to the centre for delivery. “You could see the joy and the excitement that followed visiting the centre and being attended to by its pretty, efficient and competent midwives and nurses,” she said. Unfortunately, what used to be the pride of the community has been relegated to house of goats due to the neglect of the centre by

The abandoned health facility

successive governments in the state. With the PHC currently in deplorable state, members of the community have resorted to using Traditional Birth Attendants (TBA) as the only affordable option available to them. Once a busy place, the center no longer feels the usual inflow of people because no one wants to go close to the centre let alone seek medical care there. What came out of the effort of the community is now likened to horrible scenes in nightmares and films. Today, entering Ohoba Health Centre and Maternity, one is greeted with goats of various species with dungs littered all over the premises. From leaking roofs to broken walls, outdated-facilities, dearth of personnel, unavailability of drugs, down to lack of security, the centre has become a death trap and a source of concern. THISDAY’s investigation revealed that the centre at the moment cannot boast of four bed spaces as the main hall is no longer useable. Baring her mind on the horrible state of the PHC, Assistant Health Sister, Ohoba Primary Health Centre, Mrs. Annunciata Ijeomah, said they were using only two rooms for their operations- the dispensary office because the main hall has long dilapidated. “In these two rooms we have only three beds. So if patients are more than three some will spread mat or wrapper on the floor and lie on it. Here we don’t have good place for our patients, especially pregnant women coming for delivery. We don’t have toilet here- the latrines and bathrooms that were being used before have all collapsed. Our patients go to the bush to poo-poo. When they want to bathe or urinate they go to that

makeshift bathroom behind the dispensary,” Ijeomah told THISDAY. According to her, people have ceased coming to the centre because of the level of despair there. She said: “Even when government posts nurses here they will not come. We no longer received drugs the way we are supposed to. Sometimes we have to use our own money to buy drugs. The staff quarter is so bad. During rainy reason we start running up and down because the roofs are all leaking. So my brother that is what we are passing through here,” she added. She explained that due to the present state of the centre, organisations that intended bringing free medical services to them would divert to churches citing its poor state as reason for leaving. She said that has been affecting the community adversely. Ijeoma also revealed that they had written to the state government time without number for them to come and do something about the centre but had not seen any response from them. A member of the community and nursing mother, Mrs. Chioma Amadi, wondered why government has decided to abandon the only health centre in the community leaving the people, especially the poor women and children to suffer. “Each time I see this health centre, I feel like laying curses on the government. How can they be this wicked? Amadi said in anger. “I can never advise anyone related to me to go there for any medical attention. If you go there you can’t even see any patient because nobody wants to risks her life. How many nurses can you find there? Where are you going to stay when you go there? Do they have

common paracetamol to give you? The health centre has already collapsed and government officials are there watching,” she noted. When asked where she gave birth to the baby she was carrying, Amadi said she went to a private hospital in the community where she was billed huge amount of money for her delivery.“Had it been that our health centre was working, why I would go to a private hospital?” she retorted. One now wonders what would be the fate of the indigent women and children in the community who cannot afford to seek medical care in private hospitals like Amadi. Another member of the community, Mr. Mike Onuoha, while speaking to THISDAY, queried why past and present governments in the state have refused to hear their cry concerning the PHC in the community. According to him, during elections “the community becomes a political mecca that must be visited by those jostling for power right from the local government to the state level but when they win they desert the tree they perched on like birds. “The present government promised us heaven and earth during the election. But now which of those promises have they fulfilled. They promised us quality and affordable healthcare delivery. But look at our health centre. Our women can no longer go there. Our children can no longer go there for medical treatment. We’ve been complaining to them but they would never respond to our complaint,” Onuoha said. THISDAY’s investigation revealed that if urgent steps are not taken by government to address the deplorable of the health centre, the place will soon shut down completely.

T H I S D AY THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017

HEALTH

Adeoye: Women with Obstetric Fistula Can Access Free Surgery The Medical Director, National Obstetric Fistula Centre, Abakaliki, Professor Sunday Adeoye, is a seasoned obstetrician and gynaecologist with a bias for obstetric fistula repairs. In this interview with Martins Ifijeh, he speaks on the dearth of fistula repair surgeons in the country, lack of awareness on treatment, why no woman deserves to suffer the shameful illness when there is free surgery for the ailment, among others How did you come about championing intervention for Fistula Obstetric in Ebonyi State? I could trace it to when I was a resident doctor in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). My consultant then was into fistula repair and that is how I developed interest. Subsequently I took my leave, then went for Vesico Vaginal Fistula training in Akwa Ibom State. Subsequently, I was employed as a consultant in Ebonyi State Teaching Hospital here in Abakaliki because of the expertise I had in VVF repair. They then sent me on a further training in Katsina. On my return, with the assistance of the hospital management in 2002, a VVF unit was established in the hospital where we repaired over 150 patients before the wife of the then Governor, Josephine Elechi picked interest in it. So I told her what the vision was and what we need to do to achieve it, and that is how we got to where we are today. The South-east Fistula Centre was established. Years after, it was converted to the first National Fistula Centre in the country. Remember that we started as being a unit in ESTH, then became the South-east Regional Fistula Centre under the Mother and Child Care Centre by Mrs. Elechi, and then the National Obstetric Fistula Centre, as it is now. While you were doing your residency in UBTH, were there VVF issues back then? There were VVF cases, even though they appeared to me to be very complex, but right now they are not really as complex as I thought they were, having been in the job from then till now. But we didn’t have quite a number of VVF cases then at the teaching hospital. Most doctors prefer to major in lucrative specialties. Is specialty in fistula repair one of such? It is not a lucrative area at all. You must develop passion to help the women before you can major in this area. I don’t even have a private hospital as I speak to you now. That’s because I am committed to this intervention. One of the reasons why I took my leave and sponsored myself to Akwa Ibom for further VVF training was because of the plight of our women. They are the vulnerable and poor. I developed the passion to be able to help them. I transported myself, and facilitated my stay in Akwa Ibom financially because I knew these women needed help. The women are usually the poorest of the poor. Sometimes, after treating them, you will still be the one to pay for their transport home. Unlike other areas of gynaecology, like Invitro Fertilisation (IVF) where you make money. For me, am committed to this work 100 per cent, and that is because of the passion. You can imagine a woman leaking urine, and by the time you have succeeded in repairing her. Just the joy on her face that you have restored her dignity is more than any money anyone can give you. Since it’s not lucrative, do you have scarcity of doctors in this area? There is apathy on the side of younger doctors to go into this area. When I was supposed to go for training in Akwa Ibom, I spoke to some of my fellow colleagues doing residency to see if they will also be interested. They told me outrightly they were not. One reason they gave was that it will mean they will be working with the poor. How do you encourage young doctors to go into specialty in fistula repair? I remember when I came back from Akwa Ibom, a colleague of mine told me, Adeoye are you crazy, how can you go into this kind of area? I just laughed. But in retrospect, that same friend told me two years ago that probably my decision to go into the area of specialty

you don’t have the passion, by the time you go back, you may not continue. We have a number of doctors who have been trained. But only few are doing the work. What is the way forward to retaining trained doctors? We should look at selection criteria of those coming for the programme. There should be a career path development. Not just coming for training and getting a certification, there should also be a Masters degree or PhD in Neuro-gynaecology. We are working that out with universities. So that when the young gynaecology come, they are actually building a career path. It will encourage them. It’s not just giving to the patients, but they are equally being enhanced in their careers.

Adeoye

was divine. Young doctors do not want to go into this area as they will end up not only providing free treatment, but may also provide transport for the woman to go home. No patient will give you hamper or Christmas card. Working for these women is beyond material things. That is one thing we have been trying to get the younger ones to understand. Now that we have national centres, some younger ones are beginning to develop interest. That interest wasn’t there some years back. But now we have national centres and there seems to be some career path. Because the truth of the matter is that if you don’t have passion for this work you can’t work everyday in the midst of urine and faeces without any financial reward. Do we have shortage of fistula surgeons in Nigeria? There is an acute shortage of competent fistula surgeons in the country. They are very few. We are hoping the genuine interest of those who want to major in this area will not be dazzled by the razzmatazz of other areas. That is often times the challenge because we have trained a significant number of fistula surgeons. How many of them are still in the field. You don’t just do two months training and say you are a fistula surgeon. It is something you continuously learn on the job. It is something you get skilled on as you practise it. By the time you do the first 10, 50, 100, 500, 1000 cases, your level of competency increases by the day. That is only when you can actually refer to your self as a fistula surgeon. Fistula surgeons are very few in the country, though we have very few people anyway who are still in training. Could the dearth of fistula surgeons not be as a result of dearth of fistula centres in the country? Like I said, we have trained quite a number. The people who come here for training are already gynaecologists who are working elsewhere. But the problem is when they are done with the training and go back to their hospitals, most of them don’t continue. That is why we keep talking about criteria for selection of doctors for trainings. If you fund yourself, it shows how passionate you are. So what we see most times is that the selection criteria may be faulty. You find out that people who do not have genuine interest may be sponsored by organisations. Recently, we had a lady from Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, on her own sponsorship, and we commended her for that. But quite a lot of people get sponsored by one organisation or the other. So if you are being sponsored and

Since it is not an area of specialty for now, could that not be why people are discouraged to major in it? Seems you got it wrong there. It is an area of specialty. That is the neuro-gynaecology I talked about. The only thing is that for now there is no certification. That’ is why we are now talking about a career path, so that the doctor will emerge a masters or PhD holder in neuro-gynaecology. The discussion has gone very far at the national and West African level. Since NOFIC was converted from state owned to federal, what has changed? A lot has changed. I owe a depth of gratitude to the government for giving me the opportunity to express myself. One thing is to have the vision, another thing is to have the platform to express it. You can’t give what you have if the environment is not provided. Like I said, a lot has changed in terms of infrastructure. This place was bushy before. But now you can see what is on ground. We now have seven edifices on ground. A lot has changed in terms of equipment, capacity, quality of services, volume of what we are now doing, and even in terms of quality of service. Unlike before, it was just VVF repairs, now we have gone far into different areas of fistula repairs. I mean the smaller micro areas. What is the success rate of the VVF surgeries from this centre? We have done 2,287 obstetric fistula repairs since inception and we have had 84 per cent success rate. But this place is a referral centre so we have a lot of complex cases. People bring cases here that have been worked on without success before from other places. One thing we must discourage is fistula tourists. They make things difficult. You find some people going to some private hospitals where the doctors collect the money and do all manner of sorts on the woman in the name of fistula repair, forgetting that the best attempt to VVF repair is the first attempt. Yet, the doctor will do one without success, do another one, and when they discovered there is no success, they will now refer the patient to NOFIC, Abakaliki. Why didn’t they refer the patient here the first time, as it is free anyways. They do this for greed, because doctors are aware it is done here free with professionals on ground. Most Nigerians are still not aware of fistula repair and free treatment. What can be done on this? When I tell people some of the things we have done, the first response we here is that people do not know about what you are doing. If Nigerians know what is happening here, we won’t be having women suffering from the scourge. Awareness is powered by funding. One of our constraints is that we are unable to fund awareness on televisions, radios and newspapers. The hospital has no internally generated money

because treatments are free. So how do we fund such? We need media to help do this. I give you an instance of a woman who came from Lagos. She had gone to a private hospital that requested N700,000 to do VVF repair for her. She went back to her village, sold family lands, sold her properties, just to raise the money. The money just went into the pockets of some doctors. Yet, the surgery was unsuccessful. So she finally went online to seek help. She was then directed here, where we did the operation free and she went home dry. She should have come here in the first case. So the issue of awareness is a big issue. That is why we are appealing to the media. Sometimes, when we talk to the media, the outrageous amount they tell us is not what we can afford. But we tell them this is a hospital that caters for the poor. Like now, when PHCN come with their bill, they don’t care if patients pay for treatment or not. Once bill is unavailable, they cut our lights. These are some of the challenges in running an establishment like this. To me it is a joyful thing helping our sisters and mothers. That is our motivation. Since inception of NOFIC, has there been records to show fistula has reduced in Ebonyi State? Prior to when we started, I went to 12 local governments in Ebonyi State to screen women for fistula, and physically examined them to confirm if they actually had fistula. About 56 per cent of the women screened were clinically confirmed to have fistula. That was part of what motivated the wife of the former governor, Mrs. Josephine Elechi to champion what we have today. Mrs. Elechi did a massive work in the area of prevention. Fortunately, the present First Lady, Mrs. Rachel Umahi is also doing a lot in prevention. The number of old cases of fistula women before the civil war has drastically reduced. And generally, the numbers have greatly reduced, owing to the work by the former and present first ladies. A lot is being done to bring these women out for repairs. Here, the older cases are hardly seen now. What we are seeing now are new cases. Maybe patients who have had it for six months or one year. We are gradually getting awareness. But we need more awareness so that backlogs of persons with fistula can come forward and be repaired. Records show Nigeria does 5,000 fistula repairs yearly, whereas 12,000 new cases come up every year. How do you tackle the backlog? The federal government is doing a lot through this and other centres to cater for backlogs. For instance, apart from doing surgeries in NOFIC, we go for awareness so that women with the backlogs can cone out. I was in Akwa Ibom two weeks ago with my surgeons, and we repaired about 60 patients in one of the hospitals there. From time to time we get invitations when they gather up patients. We go there, repair and train their doctors. We go to those states where there are patients, repair them there and develop the capacity of the doctors there so that in our absence they can repair the simple cases under our supervision. What are the challenges in getting these women out for repair? The major challenge is awareness. We have previously written to various state governments to help us mobilise patients in their states so that we can come do free fistula operations for them, even with our consumables, but unfortunately only few states have responded. Some tell us their women do not have obstetric fistula, that NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

T H I S D AY THURSDAY, MARCH 2 2017

HEALTH NEWS

‘HMOs are Critical to Success of Health Insurance’ Martins Ifijeh The Chairman, Health and Managed Care Association of Nigeria (HMCAN), Dr. Babatunde Ladapo has stated that the role of Health Management Organisations (HMO) is very important and critical to the success of the National Health Insurance Scheme in Nigeria. He said when HMOs are provided with the enabling environment by the Federal Ministry of Health and NHIS management to perform its statutory role in the provision of healthcare insurance in the country, the present stagnation in the scheme will be a thing of the past. Stating this during the HMCAN-Media Engagement in Lagos recently, he said, “every problem we have in NHIS in the setting of the scheme is failure of regulation. The regulator wants to be the operators, they want to register HMO, they want to register enrollees, but the law did not state that. “The law is very clear that we the HMOs should be the keeper of the Premium collected, just

like the insurance industry and the banking sector. If this and other sundry issues are addressed, NHIS will achieve its desired aim,” he said. According to him, government need to put persons who are familiar with how health insurance work in the helm of affairs of the scheme. “The way forward is for someone who has been in the health insurance to man the affairs of NHIS. Like for example, Emefiele of the Central Bank of Nigeria was the Managing Director of Zenith Bank, Lamido Sanusi was also the MD of First Bank, so why can’t someone who have been on ground for 20 years man the affairs of the NHIS? Most of our members are qualified to hold the position of Executive Secretary of the scheme, because we understand exactly how this thing works. “This present Executive Secretary has been there for like six months now, and he has not grown the scheme by one person. Yet nobody is asking questions. He kept complaining that HMOs are

FG Supports Local Drug Manufacturers, Expedites Access to Cheap Medicines Kuni Tyessi in Abuja The federal government has reiterated it’s commitment to partner with local pharmaceutical manufacturing companies to ensure access to quality medicines by the Nigerian populace at affordable cost. The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, made this known in Abuja while meeting with members of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN). In his address, Adewole said that in line with the National Drug Policy which stipulates that Nigeria should aim at producing 70 per cent of its medicine needs, the Health Ministry was ready to support willing and capable groups to expedite action towards the achievement of that goal. In view of this, Adewole stressed that import duties on drugs would remain while waiver on tariffs would be sought on imported drugs yet to be manufactured in Nigeria. This, he added was one of the ways to encourage competitiveness and create the enabling environment for local drug manufacturers. Adewole inaugurated a committee of experts, headed by the Director, Food and Drugs Services, Pharm. Modupe Chukuma to come up with

a list of drugs that Nigeria was yet to have the capacity to produce, so that waiver on tariffs could be sought from the Finance Ministry. He advised the manufacturers to strive to reduce cost of locally manufactured drugs by as much as 30 per cent and create efficient systems to ensure that drugs get to the last person in need of them. Earlier in his presentation on the proposed Expedited Medicine’s Access Programme (E-MAP), the National President of PMG-MAN, Dr. S. Okechukwu Anpa, enumerated its benefits to include: improved access to medicine and affordability; assurance of quality drugs; sustainability of essential medicine needs and supply to Nigerians; employment of innovative techniques to absorb some local content cost and employment generation, amongst others. Anpa noted that the fiscal policy of the government was not responsible for the recent hike in cost of medicines witnessed across the country. He sought for the support of the federal government to assist the PMG-MAN by adopting the Expedited Medicine’s Access Programme (E-MAP) and ensuring access to forex for basic raw materials required for production.

the problem, and that if he has his way, they should have been removed. But he has forgotten that the role of HMOs is very critical to the success of the scheme,” he added. He accused the FMOH, which is a supervisory ministry for NHIS for not effectively doing the needful, noting that the

management of the scheme was making certain decisions which were beyond its powers. “Presently there is no council in place at NHIS. It is the duty of the council to make decision, and then give direction on the day to day running of the place through the Executive Secretary. That is what the Act setting

up the scheme says. That is when things can start working properly. But we have a sole administrator who can just wake up one day and decide on what to do without anybody monitoring him,” he said. On his part, a Health Management Consultant, Dr. Tarry Asoka said the expected roles

of HMOs within NHIS include collection of contributions from all eligible employers and employees; collection of contributions from voluntary contributors; render returns to NHIS council; ensure contributions are banked according to guidelines approved by council (NHIS Decree); among others.

VACCINATION AGAINST DISEASES

L:R: Director of Corporate Affairs, Pfizer Nigeria and East African Region, Margaret Olele; Medical Science Liaison Manager, Pfizer Vaccines, Deshnee Achary; South Africa & Sub- Sahara Cluster Lead, Pfizer Innovative Health, Rhulani Nhulaniki; Consultant Paediatrican/ Senior Lecturer, Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Dr Ayede Adejumoke; Professor of Medicine, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile- Ife, Professor Gregory Erhabor; and Sales Manager, Pfizer Innovative Health Nigeria & Ghana, Innocent Ekeleme at the West African Vaccine Summit in Lagos recently

FG Supports Local Drug Manufacturers, Expedites Access to Cheap Medicines

Sickle Cell Anemia: Gowon Urges FG to Step-up Interventions to Curtail Scourge

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

The federal government has reiterated it’s commitment to partner with local pharmaceutical manufacturing companies to ensure access to quality medicines by the Nigerian populace at affordable cost. The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, made this known in Abuja while meeting with members of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN). In his address, Adewole said that in line with the National Drug Policy which stipulates that Nigeria should aim at producing 70 per cent of its medicine needs, the Health Ministry was ready to support willing and capable groups to expedite action towards the achievement of that goal. In view of this, Adewole stressed that import duties on drugs would remain while waiver on tariffs would be sought on imported drugs yet to be manufactured in Nigeria. This, he added was one of the ways to encourage competitiveness and create the

enabling environment for local drug manufacturers. Adewole inaugurated a committee of experts, headed by the Director, Food and Drugs Services, Pharm. Modupe Chukuma to come up with a list of drugs that Nigeria was yet to have the capacity to produce, so that waiver on tariffs could be sought from the Finance Ministry. He advised the manufacturers to strive to reduce cost of locally manufactured drugs by as much as 30 per cent and create efficient systems to ensure that drugs get to the last person in need of them. Earlier in his presentation on the proposed Expedited Medicine’s Access Programme (EMAP), the National President of PMG-MAN, Dr. S. Okechukwu Anpa, enumerated its benefits to include: improved access to medicine and affordability; assurance of quality drugs; sustainability of essential medicine needs and supply to Nigerians; employment of innovative techniques to absorb some local content cost and employment generation, amongst others.

In a bid to reduce incidence of sickle cell anemia in the country, former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, has urged the federal government to as a matter of urgency, do all it can to step up interventions to tackle the sickle cell scourge. Gowon while lamenting the inability of his administration to do anything about the disease, stated that, had it been known to him back then, the devastating effect of sickle cell anemia, his government would have taken steps to combat the disease. The former Head of State while speaking recently to newsmen during the public presentation of two books written by a Senior Pastor of Foursquare Gospel Church, Asokoro, Babajide Olowodola in Abuja, said, “I hope the government will take it more seriously to assist in this particular case especially when you hear that 75 per cent of cases of sickle cell disease in the world occur in Nigeria. If I have known, I would have done something about

this during my time that there was that particular problem in Nigeria and I think this is what this government should do. But, let there be contribution from the general public in order to combat the disease.” According to him, it was sad to know that globally, 75 per cent of sickle cases in the world occur in Nigeria, I therefore urge the federal government to step up sickle cell interventions in the country. “I appeal for genotype education for intending couples in the country in order to prevent the complications associated with disease.” Speaking in same vein, former Minister of Health, Pro. Eyitayo Lambo, gave assurance that the disease would be managed effectively by medical practitioners within the country. “The government is paying attention to sickle cell. With time and with what many foundations are doing, with the work that is going on in research, looking at some of the drugs manufactured and used by these people, very shortly it will be possible to manage sickle cell.”

beginning on the 1st of March to the 8th of June, 2017”. Dr. Jide Idris added, “The first phase will commence on Wednesday, March 1st and will hold at the Ojo Town Hall for residents in Ojo Local Government Area, Oto-Awori and Iba Local Council Development Areas”. He said the service provided

will be free of charge stating that the health mission personnels will be professionals who are competent and committed to ensuring that that Mandate of the State Government is fully achieved. The Commissioner further highlighted the scope of service that will be provided by the medical mission.

Lagos Begins Medical Mission To All Local Governments In a bid to meet the growing health demands of a MegaCity, the Lagos State Government has kickstarted plans towards improving healthcare service delivery with the launching of the Eko Health Mission. The Eko Health Mission is a strategy designed by the Lagos State Ministry for Health to ensure that all citizens have

healthcare coverage irrespective of the teeming population of residents. Speaking at a briefing in Alausa-Ikeja, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris disclosed to journalists that the plan was achieved with the Health Policy Thrust of the State. ‘The challenge for the Lagos State Government has

been to continually find ways in improving the status of its everincreasing population. The plan for achieving this was based on the Health Policy Thrust which include: free Community Based Primary HealthCare, Provision of comprehensive secondary healthcare delivery system and upgrading equipments of all health institutions in the

State’, he said. Dr. Idris said the medical mission will be carried out across all Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas in the state. “The Lagos State Government will be carrying out the Lagos State Medical Mission across the 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas for 3-days every week,

T H I S D AY THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017

HEALTH MATTERS

goketakinrogunde@gmail.com

HEALTH

By Goke T. Akinrogunde 07036777348; 07029126776

Infertility: The Female Factors to provide a bridge to cross this infertility barrier of blocked tube etc. This is so, since the egg can be collected directly from the woman through special procedures and bring it to meet the sperm cells of the man outside the body; and after fertilization, the new embryo formed is then transferred into the woman’s womb through the vagina and the womb entrance – the cervix. IVF have provided succour to most couples that had been previously conditioned as permanently childlessness. hundreds of thousands of couples or women, worldwide, are now being treated yearly for infertility using the method of In-Vitro Fertilization or the newly improved IVF procedure called Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (I C S I) mentioned in the preceding edition of the column. It involves the direct injection of a sperm cell into the female egg with a specially formulated sperm injector under the guide of a high power microscope, through which the procedure is viewed.

s a follow-up to the last article on Male Infertility, we shall pick up the discussion from the angle of those things that usually go wrong in women, which can subsequently lead to infertility in such ladies. At first, a summary of the normal anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system will provide an appropriate lead with respect to this. The female reproductive system is made up of the ovary (one on either side), which is the place where eggs are nurtured to maturity in women; the fallopian tubes, which are the tube connecting the ovary to the uterus (i.e. womb); the womb’s cavity leads into the vaginal canal through its entrance channel called the cervix. The vagina is the collapsible tube where the male semen is deposited during sexual intercourse. There are other organs that also play some roles in the functional anatomy of the female reproductive system. Among the lots, the brain is the most significant, where the hypothalamus and pituitary gland play the conductor’s role in the functional anatomy cum physiology of the reproductive system in In summary, the normal function of the female reproductive system starts with the process of ovulation, which simply implies that the egg has been released from the ovary into fallopian tube leading to the womb. Meanwhile, ovulation usually occurs in ladies at about fourteen days before the first day of the next menstrual flow. However, it is the chemicals (hormones) that are released by the hypothalamus/pituitary gland axis in the brain that initiate the process of ovulation in the ovary. After the egg has been released, it passes into the fallopian tube where it is met by one of the many millions of released sperm cells originally ejaculated into the vagina, upon which fertilization take place from the union of the two. Meanwhile, after fertilization in the tube the product of the union – the zygote – develops into the embryo which is transported ‘back’ into the womb where it implants, thus resulting into a pregnancy. On the other hand, failure of fertilization leads to uterine shedding resulting in menstrual flow. Ovulation failure / Irregular menses In women, problems may arise when the

be producing eggs; hence, the procedure is done about the time of ovulation. With the advent of Artificial Insemination since 1790, the procedure had become more modernized and quiet popular in certain categories of infertility patients.

ICSI ICSI has come to solve the problem associated with the conventional IVF. This is with regards to IVF failure in women whose male partners have low or very low sperm counts. Since all it requires is for the man to produce at least one sperm cell, unlike in conventional IVF where treatment is not compatible low sperm count.

In-vitro fertilisation A major breakthrough in the struggle against infertility is the advent of In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) in the mid-1970s. This procedure involves the bringing together of the female’s egg and the male’s sperm cells outside the body, in a laboratory’s petri-dish, for fertilisation to take place. After fertilisation and the subsequent transformation of the zygote into an embryo, the embryo is now introduced into the womb (uterus) directly, where it gets implanted onto the wall of the womb, the resulting pregnancy then follows the natural sequence of growth. Since the successful delivery of the first test tube baby, Louis Brown, in England in 1978, it has heralded a new revolutionary era in the field of fertility medicine. It had proven beneficial in women whose fallopian tubes have been blocked either due to previous infection from common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or in some rare cases of in-born malformation or non-existence of the fallopian tubes. With the advent of IVF, it is now possible

And surrogate mothers This is another approach whereby the product of fertilization of patients undergoing treatment infertility, is transferred into the womb of another woman (the surrogate mother) during IVF procedure. This will be an aftermath of an understanding facilitated on legal terms, such that when the baby is born it will be transferred to the couple that originally supplied the sperm cells and the egg. This becomes handy in those ladies who have irreparable problem with their womb or are lacking in womb all-together as it is the case in those that have had their womb removed surgically -hysterectomy or in some congenital cases when the lady was born without a womb. On an ending note, one can assert, without the risk of contradiction, that for those who know and those who can afford the cost of treatment, the question of childlessness is now almost a non-issue for majority of women having infertility challenge; appropriate and numerous scientific cure-formulae available for almost all cases of infertility.

A pregnant woman

lady cannot produce egg – ovulation failure; in some ladies the sign of this might be an irregular menstrual cycle with the woman having her flow in a somewhat haphazard manner. She might, for an example, have had a 36-day menstrual cycle the previous month; a 14-day cycle this month and probably a 20-day cycle the next month. However, appropriate laboratory and ultrasound scan investigations can be made to estimate and confirm ovulation failure. Treatment option for ovulation failure will depend on the primary reason for the failure. If it is hormonal failure for an example, rectifying treatment might be hormone replacement therapy or the use of follicle stimulating drugs like clomid etc. Treatment options Artificial insemination Artificial Insemination is the oldest of such methods. It involves the process of artificially stimulating ejaculation and the subsequent storage / sorting of the semen; the improved semen is then introduced directly into the woman’s womb, thus by-passing the hostile vagina environment through special apparatus. On being introduced into the woman’s womb, the sperm cells then migrate toward the fallopian tubes for possible fertilisation of the released egg. For this procedure to result in pregnancy the female partner must

Inside the Hospital Arogundade’s Lamentation: Of LUTH, LASUTH and Our Failing Health System A recent posting in our mutual social medium of interaction by Lanre Arogundade, the former Lagos NUJ chairman and present Director at International Press Center, Lagos about the unfortunate experience that led to the recent demise of his father-law, Otunba Segun Ogunsanwo catches my attention as an electable entry into the maiden edition of this side-column - Inside the Hospital - a forum designed for patients and health workers (doctors, nurses, pharmacist, laboratory scientist, radiographers and other allied health workers) to feed the public back on the happenings in our hospitals and other health institutions. There is always a room here for a story (albeit verifiable) to share with our readers about our experiences with patients (ethically reportable ones) and at the interface of healthcare consumption. Hoping that such story told would have a positive impact on

how hospitals’ management and personnel handle patients in our health institutions subsequently. Back to the Arogundade’s story: “on February 13, 2017, the extremely kind hearted, highly social and fashionable, likeable and personable, very tolerant, very generous and handsome gentleman was gone for ever to be seen alive no more. “We got a call that he was ill but he said he had contacted his doctor who had recommended some medications. Two or three days later, he complained that he was not getting better so we arranged for him to visit a specialist hospital. We visited him on Saturday February 11 and he seemed to be improving but the following day we got a call that the illness seemed to have relapsed. “We were then advised to take him to LASUTH medical emergency. Entered

government magic. At LASUTH medical emergency we were told there was no bed space and they were strictly forbidden from treating patients that could not be admitted due to lack of space. So we got a referral to General Hospital, Ijaye, where again we were told they could not admit him again due to lack of bed space. It was finally at General Hospital, Ijaye, where as you can guess by now, there was also no bed space at the medical emergency, that we were finally advised to head for LUTH, where my-father-in-law died late Monday night. “Lest I forget. At a stage, we needed to get an ambulance to move my fatherin-law but it was all crazy. Calls upon calls only yielded fruit by 2pm yet the old man had been on oxygen since early morning. We got to LUTH late because we got an ambulance late. For five hours

or thereabout, the LUTH Doctors rallied and fought to save his life but obviously it was too late “So in the unfortunate death of my father-in-law, we see again aspects of the failure of our health care system in a country where rulers do not think of expanding hospital facilities and take good care of medical personnel, (how many times have Doctors, Nurses, etc gone on strike and got punished with sacks and salary seizures?); but are willing to loot up to the level of the peculiar madness of burying public money underground. Those who did not bury money underground but took it abroad and got caught and jailed are being celebrated because we are told they took good care of their people. “So in the macabre drama of today’s Nigeria, there are good thieves and there are bad thieves. When it comes to life, there

T H I S D AY •THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Report: Tier 1 Banks Have Sufficient Buffers to Overcome Challenges Obinna Chima Analysts at Renaissance Capital Limited (RenCap) have identified four Nigerian tier 1 banks under their coverage that are best placed to pull through the challenges in the economy as Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), Access Bank, Zenith Bank and United Bank for Africa (UBA). The research and investment firm in a report titled: “Nigerian Banks-Fantastic Four,” also held the view that the tier 1 banks have sufficient capital buffers in the event of naira devaluation and asset quality trends. It noted that although the industry’s asset quality had deteriorated, the tier 1 banks have been much better than sector-wide trends. “For the sector overall, we think the challenges are mainly around capital and asset quality. FX liquidity challenges should improve in the short term, and we think there is scope for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to improve naira liquidity if the need arises – the effective cash reserve requirement (CRR) is currently 27.5 per cent, and it

could be reduced if the banks are challenged for naira liquidity,” it added. The report noted that the sector’s non-performing loans (NPLs) were yet to bottom out and anticipated some deterioration in the sector over the next few months. “We estimate that in the event of a further 50 per cent devaluation in the naira, of the tier 1 banks only Access Bank and Zenith Bank would have capital adequacy ratios (CARs) above the regulatory minimum. “However, if we factor in revaluation gains from a devaluation, this should also provide GTBank and UBA with sufficient capital buffers,” it stated. It also held the view that a second Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) scenario was unlikely because: the country lacks the financial resources to fund such a programme; and the banking sector is in a much stronger position today than seven years ago, despite current headwinds. Commenting on the new FX actions by the CBN, the RenCap report which described

the measures as a move in the right direction, however stressed that they fell short of a full liberalisation. “The CBN plans to use the $5 billion in FX reserves it has built up (via a deliberate policy of building up reserves since November) to increase liquidity in the interbank market and make FX available for retail transactions (including travel allowances and school and medical fees). This will affect about 20 per cent of FX transactions,” RenCap’s economist, Yvonne Mhango. “The CBN has introduced FX flexibility with respect to retail transactions by allowing them to take place at an FX rate not exceeding 20 per cent above the interbank FX rate. We take this to mean that retail transactions can be settled at any rate in the N315-380/$ range. “While we think this will provide much-needed shortterm FX liquidity relief for the banks, it does not necessarily address all the current issues. FX policy remains interventionist, with the CBN still providing guidance on the FX rate,” it added.

Banking hall

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

OCTOBER 2016

CBN Releases Corporate Governance Code for Other Financial Institutions

Broad Money (M2)

22,275,512.54

-- Narrow Money (M1)

10,023,616.69

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,521,797.77

Nume Ekeghe

---- Demand Deposits

8,501,818.92

-- Quasi Money

12,251,895.85

In order to strengthen governance practices, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has developed distinct governance codes of corporate governance for Other Financial Institutions (OFIs) under its supervision.

These OFIs include primary mortgage institutions, microfinance banks, mortgage refinance companies, development finance institutions, bureau de change and finance companies. The central bank also explained in draft guidelines

for the OFIs on its website that the move was to ensure high ethical conducts and provide minimum acceptable governance standards. It has also resolved to engage stakeholders on the guidelines before it is fully approved.

FG Plans New Savings Bonds for Retail Investors Nigeria plans to target retail investors with a new savings bond that will go on sale this month, the Debt Management Office said on Wednesday. Two- and three-year maturities will be offered, with interest paid quarterly. The interest rate has yet to be announced, but the debt office paid 16.5 percent on a five-year bond sold to

institutional investors last month. The bonds will be “good for savings towards retirement, marriage, school fees, house projects,” Reuters quoted the debt office to have said. Savings accounts at Nigeria’s commercial banks pay up to 5 per cent in interest, but the country’s inflation is running at more than 18 per cent annually.

The bond offer will open on March 13 and end after five days, the debt office said. New issues will be sold every month. The minimum subscription will be N5,000 and the maximum N50 million. Nigeria’s government depends on local borrowing to fund more than half its budget deficit, which is expected to reach N2.36 trillion this year.

Customers Storm SMBC Micro-finance Bank, Demand Refund of Deposits Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City It was complete disappointment yesterday as customers of SMBC Micro-finance Bank were turned back when they stormed the bank to collect their money deposited with the bankv The customers numbering over 40 who stormed bank premises as early as 10am in Benin City, said the activities of the micro-finance bank became so suspicious since the building was taken over by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC). The building housing the financial institution has been earmarked with red by the EFCC for investigation. It however took the promptly

intervention of the police to salvage the situation. One of the customers of the bank, who identified himself, Samson Agidigbi, said he has deposited N800,000 meant for his cooperative with the bank and that he was about depositing more money when he saw customers gathering in clusters, discussing on how they could get their money back and that made him stopped depositing more money for the day. “We are an Association of Air-condition Practitioners. So we opened our cooperative account here. We always come here to pay in money. I am their treasurer. I always come here to pay in money. “Last week I was here to pay in money and even this morning, I am

also here to pay in money but I observed that the place looked so scanty. Then, I decided to ask what was going on; the cashier said nothing but gave me a form which i filled. “The other girl said she wanted to call the cashier later she said I should drop the money with her and come back for the deposit slip but I refused. So I decided to move on to inquire what was going on outside before I can pay in my money. “And when I got there I saw people gathering outside discussing on how to get their money and that made me to change my mind of paying in more money today. They are owing my cooperative N800,000 and we have been banking with them for over three years now”, he said.

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,612,243.68

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

14,654,268.86

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

26,774,684.47

---- Credit to Government (Net)

3,705,049.41

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

6,242,932.95

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

2,537,883.55

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

21,424,953.01

--Other Assets Net

-9,738,841.27

Reserve Money (Base Money)

6,580,594.55

--Currency in Circulation

1,825,664.51

--Banks Reserves

4,415,126.62 • Source - CBN

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Price (N) Stanbic Balanced Fund

Buying Price(N)

Selling Price

1,660.29

1,685.29

Stanbic IBTC NEF

1,000.00

11,002.32

11,326.67.11

Stanbic SIBond

120.47

Stanbic IBTC Ethical

1.10

1.13

Stanbic IBTC GIF

142.90

143.38

UBA Balanced Fund

1.2563

1.2493

UBA Bond Fund

1.3443

UBA Equity Fund

0.8205

0.8074

UBA Money Market Fund

1.1510

ARM Aggressive Growth Fund

N13.0544

N13.4480

ARM Discovery Fund

N288.2515

N296.9425

ARM Ethical Fund

N22.5268

N23.2060

ARM Money Market Fund

13.1030 (Yield % ) • Monetary Policy Rate - 14%

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT TUESDAY 28, FEBRUARY 2017 The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $53.40 a barrel on Tuesday, compared with $53.85 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela) SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

T H I S D AY THURSDAY MARCH 2, 2017

T H I S D AY •THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017

MARKET NEWS

NSE Partners DMO to List $1Billion FGN Eurobond Goddy Egene and Nosa Alekhuogie The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) will today list the $1 billion Federal Government (FGN) Eurobond issued under Nigeria’s newly established Global Medium Term Note programme. This 15-year domestic sovereign Eurobond priced at par and at a coupon of 7.875 per cent per annum is the first

foreign currency denominated security to be listed and traded in the Nigerian capital market. Commenting on the listing, the Director General, Debt Management Office (DMO), Dr. Abraham Nwankwo said: “The listing of domestic sovereign Eurobond reinforces FGN’s commitment to deepen and grow the Nigerian capital market. Developing the domestic market can help bridge the infrastructure deficit

constraining economic growth.” According to him, the Eurobond which was over-subscribed by 780 per cent, is part of FGN’s funding strategy for its 2016 capital expenditure and will be spent on key infrastructure projects, in line with its economic plan. “This huge oversubscription rate underscores a buoyant investor’s appetite for building exposure to Nigeria and demonstrates international confidence in the

economy’s long term prospects,” Nwankwo said. Speaking in the same vein, the Executive Director, Market Operations and Technology, NSE, Mr. Ade Bajomo commended the DMO for listing the Eurobond in the nation’s bourse. He noted that the domestic listing will diversify its investors’ base by giving Nigerian institutional investors access to the bond. Bajomo said:“The listing of

the dollar denominated bond on the exchange will boost price discovery and liquidity in the local market as well as help attract reliable long term foreign currency denominated funds into the financial market. It will also set the foundation for raising and listing more foreign denominated securities in Nigeria which will open up additional capital raising options for issuers and portfolio

diversification opportunities to investors.” “To ensure seamless trading and settlement of the Eurobond, the Exchange, working with Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) developed and presented to issuers and transaction parties, a framework depicting onshore and cross border trade and settlement process in line with robust market practices,” he added.

DAILY STOCK MARKET REPORT T H E

N I G E R I A N

STO C K

E XC H A N G E

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017

MARKET NEWS

SEC Seeks International Collaboration on Mergers and Acquisitions Goddy Egene The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has expressed its readiness to collaborate with relevant international agencies to ensure that the growth of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the country is sustained. Director General of SEC, Mounir Gwarzo stated this when he received a delegation of experts in M&A from the United States(US) and South

Africa led by Molly Askin in Abuja on Tuesday. According to Gwarzo, transactions in M&A are growing in the country, stressing that there is the need for proper training to ensure that the tempo of growth is sustained. He commended the team for their interest in assisting Nigeria in the area of capacity building. “Currently we are reviewing our laws to ensure that the areas that need to be

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

strengthened are given attention for the overall benefit of the market. Some companies have been escaping our radar due to capacity deficiency in M&A. But with the various training we have received, we have been able to perform better and this has led to an increase in mergers in the last four years,” he said. In her remarks, leader of the group, Askin of the Federal Trade Commission, US, expressed the need for the

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 28-Feb-2017, unless otherwise stated.

country to have an effective completion law regime in place that would be consistent with what is obtainable in other jurisdictions. Askin expressed the willingness of her team to assist in reviewing relevant laws that affect competition and consumer protection in the country. “Thank you for welcoming us and we will be able to go through Mergers and Acquisitions with Nigerians.

“We are happy to assist review whatever bills that are in the offing, we are committed to coming here to do our part in assisting to impact knowledge in that area,” she said. SEC recently reinforced its determination and commitment to the protection of investors and ensure that illegal operators are not allowed to operate in Nigeria’s capital market. In that regard, SEC sealed up the premises of Yuan Dong (YDEC), a company that

parades itself as an investment company thereby extending invitations to unsuspecting members of the public to subscribe in a scheme identified as a Resources Investment Account. While the commission reiterated its commitment to sanitise the Nigerian capital market of all illegal operators, it advised investors to exercise due diligence and caution in the course of making investment decisions.

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 aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 1 270 1680 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 127.33 127.62 0.18% Nigeria International Debt Fund 219.62 220.04 1.97% ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund 0.69 0.70 -0.72% AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 17.97% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 12.07 12.43 -2.24% ARM Discovery Fund 284.86 293.45 -0.81% ARM Ethical Fund 21.70 22.35 -2.87% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 16.06% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 105.35 106.09 0.26% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 16.06% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Nigeria Global Investment Fund 2.20 2.26 1.36% Paramount Equity Fund 9.42 9.66 0.63% Women's Investment Fund 86.57 88.79 2.33% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 17.32% FBN CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,114.63 1,115.74 2.22% FBN Heritage Fund 110.06 109.35 -2.01% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 16.64% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional $106.42 $107.23 2.33% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail $106.13 $106.94 2.75% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 111.87 113.41 -0.68% FIRST CITY ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD fcamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcamltd.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Equity Fund 0.93 0.95 0.00% Legacy Short Maturity (NGN) Fund 2.63 2.63 2.36% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund 2,168.82 2,193.86 -1.84% Coral Income Fund 2,167.22 2,167.22 2.99% GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 17.11% INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 16.93% Vantage Balanced Fund 1.68 1.69 -0.40% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 15.58%

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 1.00 1.01 0.90% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,019.94 1,019.94 1.70% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 9.57 9.65 -0.98% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 15.30% 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 1.07 1.09 1.51% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 10.42 10.46 0.17% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 14.18% 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 108.84 109.74 6.91% 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 1.26 1.26 1.56% 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 1,818.36 1,828.01 -0.72% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 152.88 152.88 -0.70% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.75 0.76 -1.95% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 190.46 190.46 1.91% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 126.71 128.36 -2.40% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 17.44% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,236.79 7,324.25 -4.55% 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 1.13 1.15 9.86% United Capital Bond Fund 1.27 1.27 15.68% United Capital Equity Fund 0.64 0.66 0.39% 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 9.64 9.81 0.21% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.06 11.16 1.37% Zenith Income Fund 17.16 17.16 3.85%

REITS

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

11.41 124.66

1.01% 0.56%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

7.57 70.44

7.67 71.76

-13.70% -7.05%

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

2.74 5.92 11.37 15.34 120.94

2.78 6.00 11.47 15.54 122.94

-0.36% -15.70% -5.16% -3.80% -6.83%

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.

T H I S D AY THURSDAY MARCH 2, 2017

THURSDAY MARCH 2, 2017 • T H I S D AY

INTERNATIONAL

email:foreigndesk@thisdaylive.com

Fillon Refuses to Quit French Election Despite Charges

French centre-right presidential candidate Francois Fillon has said he will fight on, as he announced that a judge was placing him under formal investigation. For weeks, he has fought allegations that his wife was paid for years for work she did not do. “It’s a political assassination,” Mr Fillon told reporters on Wednesday. He has now been summoned to appear before the judge, Serge Tournaire, on 15 March. The date is just two days before the deadline for candidates to submit their final applications. The first round takes place on 23 April, followed by a second-round run-off on 7 May. In a combative speech on Wednesday announcing the formal investigation, Mr Fillon called on his supporters to “resist”, saying it was up to voters to decide his fate. “It’s not just me that is being assassinated, it’s the presidential election. The voices of millions of votes have been muzzled,” the Republican candidate complained. He said he would respect the summons and tell the judge the truth. “I won’t give in, I won’t surrender and I won’t withdraw.” A former prime minister during Nicolas Sarkozy’s presidency, he was selected late last year in national primaries held by the centre-right Republicans that attracted some four million voters. For a time he was the favourite in the race to succeed Francois

Hollande as president, but then came the “fake jobs” allegations in satirical weekly Le Canard Enchaine. He has slipped to third in the polls, behind far-right National Front (FN) leader Marine le Pen and centrist Emmanuel Macron. His appearances have recently been accompanied by loud protests and he has accused the government of allowing the campaign to turn into “a climate of quasi civil war”. The allegations circling around the Fillon family focus mainly on his Welsh-born wife Penelope. Le Canard Enchaine alleged she was paid €831,400 (£710,000; $900,000) over several years for working as a parliamentary assistant but reportedly had no parliamentary pass. She was also alleged to have picked up €100,000 for writing a handful of articles for a literary journal. The family has consistently denied the claims. Initially Mr Fillon said he would stand down as a candidate if his case was placed under formal investigation, but recently he insisted that he would fight on “until victory”. Mr Fillon cancelled a key visit to an agricultural show at the last minute on Wednesday morning prompting speculation over the future of his presidential campaign. “It’s like symbolically giving up on your candidacy,” said Florian Philippot, close adviser to far-right

Anders Bering Breivik Loses Human Rights Case against Norway Norwegian authorities have not violated the rights of mass murderer Anders Bering Breivik, an appeals court ruled on Wednesday. The court overturned the ruling of a lower court which had said Breivik was being kept in inhumane conditions. He had argued that being kept away from other prisoners for 22 to 23 hours a day breached his human rights. The right-wing extremist killed 77 people in July 2011. Breivik’s lawyer said he would appeal the verdict. “Breivik is not, and has not, been subjected to torture or inhuman or degrading treatment,” the appeals court wrote in its verdict. Breivik set off a car bomb in the

capital Oslo, killing eight people, before murdering 69 people at a summer camp for young centre-left political activists on the island of Utoeya. The 38-year-old has been kept in solitary confinement since he was sentenced in 2012 to 21 years in Skien prison. The state argued that his detention was fair as he posed a danger, adding that it was compensating for his strict detention by providing him with three well-equipped cells. In April 2016, a Norwegian court upheld part of his claim, although it dismissed his argument that his right to respect for private and family life was violated by restrictions on contact with other right-wing extremists.

UN: Both Sides Committed War Crimes in Syria’s Aleppo Both sides in last year’s battle for Syria’s Aleppo city committed war crimes, including a “deliberate” bombing of a humanitarian convoy by the Syrian government, according to a new United Nations investigation. The UN Commission of Inquiry’s report released on Wednesday said Syrian government and allied Russian forces “pervasively used” unguided munitions to bomb densely populated areas in rebel-held eastern Aleppo between July and its fall on December 22, amounting to the war crime of indiscriminate attacks. These included aerial bombs,

air-to-surface rockets, cluster munitions, incendiary bombs, barrel bombs, and weapons delivering toxic industrial chemicals. But investigators could not say whether both Syrian and Russian forces had used them in Aleppo or only one had. Neither did they attribute any specific war crime investigated to Russian forces. “Throughout the period under review, the skies over Aleppo city and its environs were jointly controlled by Syrian and Russian air forces ... (They) use predominantly the same aircraft andweapons,thusrenderingattribution impossible in many cases,” the report said.

National Front (FN) candidate Marine Le Pen. One of Mr Fillon’s key allies, former agriculture minister Bruno Le Maire, has resigned from the

campaign team. However, other Republicans have expressed their support. Politician Bernard Debre said the investigation was an attempt

to thwart Mr Fillon’s presidential hopes, and said he was “doing the right thing” by staying in the race. Meanwhile, rival Mr Macron said investigators should be “allowed

to do [their] work as normal”. He added that even if Mr Fillon won the vote, he would not be automatically cleared of wrongdoing.

Mr Fillon’s poll ratings have been hit by allegations surrounding payments to family members AFP

ISILVideo Threatens China with ‘Rivers of Bloodshed’ ISIL fighters from China’s Uighur ethnic minority have vowed to return home and “shed blood like rivers” in what security experts said marked the first such threat against Chinese targets. The threat came in a half-hour video released Monday by a division of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) featuring fighters from China’s Uighur minority, said the US-based SITE Intelligence Group, which analysed the footage. China has for years blamed exiled Uighur “separatists” for a series of violent attacks in its western Xinjiang region - the Muslim Uighur homeland - and warned of the potential for them to link up with violent groups. In the video, a Uighur fighter issued the threat against China just before executing an alleged informant. “Oh, you Chinese who do not

understand what people say. We are the soldiers of the Caliphate, and we will come to you to clarify to you with the tongues of our weapons, to shed blood like rivers and avenging the oppressed,” according to SITE’s translation. The footage also showed fighters, including heavily armed children, giving speeches, praying, and killing other “informants”. Many Muslim Uighurs complain of cultural and religious repression and discrimination by China. Authorities have banned or strictly controlled the observance of certain Muslim practices, such as growing beards, wearing headscarves, and fasting during Ramadan, calling them symbols of “Islamic extremism”. A US think-tank said in July that Chinese religious restrictions on Muslims may have driven more than 100 to join ISIL. The video appears to be ISIL’s

“first direct threat” against China, Michael Clarke, an expert on Xinjiang at the National Security College of Australian National University, told AFP news agency. “It is the first time that Uighurspeaking militants have claimed allegiance to IS,” he added. The video showed China is now “very firmly a target of jihadist rhetoric”, Clarke said, marking a shift from years past when it rarely figured in statements by armed groups. But Clarke said it also could indicate a possible split among Uighur fighters, as it includes a warning to those fighting with the al-Qaeda-aligned Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP) in Syria. China’s foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Wednesday he had not seen the video but noted that “East Turkestan terrorist forces have been posing a severe threat to

China’s security.” He called for international cooperation “to combat such terrorist forces”. Show of force China maintains tight security in Xinjiang but a drumbeat of deadly unrest has continued. A knife attack last month left eight dead, including three attackers, police said. The video was released on the same day China staged the latest in a series of mass rallies by armed police in Xinjiang meant to indicate Chinese resolve in crushing security threats. More than 10,000 officers gathered Monday in the regional capital, Urumqi - the fourth such show of force this year in Xinjiang. In one violence-wracked corner of Xinjiang, authorities are offering rewards of up to $730,000 to those who expose attack plots or “kill, wound, or subdue” any assailant.

In an Emotional Moment,Trump Salutes Slain SEAL’s Wife The widow of a U.S. Navy SEAL killed in Yemen stood in the balcony of the House chamber, tears streaming down her face as she looked upward and appeared to whisper to her husband. Democrats and Republicans alike stood for minutes to applaud Carryn Owens, giving her the loudest cheers of the night in a rare moment of unity during President Donald Trump’s first speech to a joint session of Congress. Her husband, Senior Chief William “Ryan” Owens, was killed last month in a raid approved by Trump, a decision that has been sharply criticized by some — including the slain SEAL’s father — and which Trump

continued to defend Tuesday night. Trump, near the end of his hour-long speech, paid tribute to Carryn Owens, a surprise guest whose presence in the first lady’s box was not announced in advance by the White House. “The challenges we face as a nation are great. But our people are even greater. And none are greater or braver than those who fight for America in uniform,” said Trump, who said they were “blessed” to be joined by Owens. The president then turned to the balcony where Owens sat next to Trump’s daughter, Ivanka, and said “Ryan died as he lived: a warrior, and a hero — battling against terrorism and securing

our nation.” The chamber roared with cheers as Owens stood and cried, creating what would likely become the signature moment of Trump’s address. But Owens’ death, as well as the killing of several civilians, has raised questions about the effectiveness of the raid, and Trump took a moment to again litigate the decision. He quoted Defense Secretary Jim Mattis defending the action, saying “Ryan was a part of a highly successful raid that generated large amounts of vital intelligence that will lead to many more victories in the future against our enemies.” “Ryan’s legacy is etched into

eternity,” Trump said. “For as the Bible teaches us, there is no greater act of love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. Ryan laid down his life for his friends, for his country, and for our freedom — we will never forget him.” He also struck an awkward note, saying that the prolonged ovation would have made Carryn’s slain husband “very happy, because I think he just broke a record” for applause. Carryn Owens cheered the president’s remarks. But Owens’ father, Bill, has denounced the raid that took his son’s life and refused to meet with Trump when the president greeted the Navy SEAL’s

T H I S D AY THURSDAY MARCH 2, 2017

THURSDAY MARCH 2, 2017 • T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

FG Approves N701bn Power Purchase Guarantee for GenCos Another N263m for research institutes to produce Gum Arabic Says Nigeria earns $43m from gum exports *

Tobi Soniyi in Abuja The federal government has approved the sum of N701billion as Power Assurance Guarantee for the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET). Briefing State House Correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by the Acting President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, said the facility would be made available by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). This, according to him, is to guarantee payment for the evacuation of electricity produced by Generation Companies (GenCos) to the national grid. The minister said the amount would be drawn on a monthly basis to tackle the liquidity challenges faced by Gencos, noting that part of the liquidity problem faced by GenCos was the inability to pay their gas suppliers. He pointed out that NBET would pay Gencos in arrears of electricity generated as a deliberate step to improve their confidence and that of intending investors in the sector. He said: “The second memorandum is in another area of critical importance which is power. Part of the challenges that were

addressed in the memo that was presented to council to solve some of the liquidity problems, especially as it relates to NBET. “NBET, as you know, is the government’s own company. That is the bulk electricity trader who buys power from the Gencos. The liquidity problems that have characterised the market have affected NBET’s ability to deliver on its PPP obligations through the Gencos. So, going forward in order to strengthen NBET, CBN is proving a payment assurance guarantee for any energy produced by any Gencos, so that the Gencos can pay their gas suppliers when they get paid. So that the hydros can continue to operate. “What we seek to achieve here is to bring some stability to the production side of the power value chain and also give confidence to investors who want to come in; who are concerned about how to recover their money. Payment assurance and also people who are planning to invest in the gas sector which is being championed by the ministry of petroleum also are saying the same thing in terms of payment for gas produced.” He said the approval given by FEC was to provide this guarantee for NBET which he said, was a one hundred percent government

owned company to pay on a monthly basis its obligations for energy actually produced on to the grid to the Gencos that were its customers. Explaining further, he said: “The reality is that we want more power and for that reason we are expanding our transmission capacity regularly. I have been here to announce to you transmission projects that have been approved by council and over the last one year plus the transmission capacity has grown to almost seven thousand from fie thousand and is continuing to grow with every project.

“So, it is not the problem of taking power, it is actually a problem of getting power from generation. If you recall, just about a few weeks ago, you were reporting that power supply had dropped to a little over 2000mw. It is back now at over 4,000mw. We have solved the transmission problem in Ikot Ekpene largely to evacuate over a thousand. But the gas suppliers were being owed so they were not supplying gas for the power producers. Fashola said the quantum of the guarantee was for two years from January this year

right through to December 2018. “It is capped at a maximum of N701billion but it is to be drawn monthly. It is possible it may not reach that. But we are projected on the total cost that NBET will likely to pay,” he added. He explained: “So, if the power generated does not meet that cost we don’t pay for it. It is paid in arrears at the end of the month not in advance. So, it is for actually what gets unto the grid. And this is part of the reforms that we have briefed you about that we were planning to undertake.” During the briefing, the Minister of Agriculture, Audu Ogbeh, said

FEC had approved the sum of N263 million for three research institutions to produce Arabic gum seedlings for Nigerian farmers and for export. He said Nigeria earned as much as $43 million from export of gum Arabic last year, and that more would be earned with increased production, especially now that the commodity was in high demand in 17 other countries. Ogbeh disclosed that similar efforts were on to boost cassava production, even as he described as “interesting” the recent discovery of well-packaged ‘garri’ imported from India.

Ebonyi Ex-Gov, Sam Egwu’s Hotel, Kabo Air, ITC Sealed over Tax Liabilities Grace Court Hotel and Suites belonging to Senator Sam Egwu, former Governor of Ebonyi State, has been sealed by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) over sundry tax liabilities. Egwu’s hotel, located at 14, NnA Street, Abakaliki, was owing about N5 million in sundry tax liabilities, such as Company Income Tax (CIT), Excess Dividend Tax (EDT) and Value Added Tax (VAT). The FIRS enforcement team met a stiff resistance as a man said to be the son of the sitting senator resisted them. But through the intervention of the Commissioner of Police for Ebonyi State Command, Titus Lamorde, who dispatched a special team of operatives, the FIRS team eventually executed the warrant of destraint earlier served the hotel management by the revenue-collecting agency. Also, the FIRS team shut Sacramental Resources Ltd situated at Water Works road, Abakaliki, for an outstanding 2016 tax debt of N454,000. Earlier in the week, FIRS sealed the offices of Kabo Airlines, Monaco Ventures Limited and Paki International Motors, all in Kano, over tax liabilities The service also shut the Imo Transport Company Limited (ITC), in Owerri yesterday over a N42 million tax debt incurred between 2008 and 2016. Kabo Airlines owes N149,707,949.03 from the assessment year of 2004 to 2013.

According to the head of the enforcement team in Kano, Mr. Bukar Gana, the airline’s liabilities are made up of Income Tax (IT) and Education Tax (ET). He explained that the company did not contest the liabilities, an action which led to the sealing of its premises on Ashton Road, Kano. Also sealed up was Paki International Motors, which owes Company Income Tax (CIT) totaling N51,148,117.57, accumulated between 2008 and 2014. The enforcement team similarly sealed Prince Hotel (Sojuna Hotel) over its N8,359,680.76 liability spanning from 2014 to 2016. In its defence, the hotel management pleaded that the default was as a result of nondisclosure of the liability by the company’s tax auditor. It promised to pay 50 per cent of the liability immediately and the remaining in April. Phamadex Nigeria Limited, which owes withholding tax amounting to N572,331.72 from 2014 to 2015 assessment year, presented evidence of payment of the liability. However, the company was yet to pay the penalty and interest that had accrued on the liability. The team gave the company the grace to pay up within 24 hours. The FIRS team also visited the premises of Monaco Ventures Limited over an Education Tax debt of N385,922.50. The company was also sealed up by the team. The enforcement exercise continues

CONNECTING WITH CUSTOMERS

Chairman, Fidelity Bank, Mr. Ernest Ebi; Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo; Businessmen and Chairman, ABC Transport, Mr. Frank Nneji; and Executive Director, South of the bank, Mrs. Aku Odinkemelu, during the bank’s customers’ forum in Owerri...yesterday.

House C’ttees Fail to Meet Deadline for Reports on 2017 Budget

To investigate PPA violations in oil shipment processes Eurobond request referred to c’ttee Damilola Oyedele in Abuja Several standing committees of the House of Representatives did not adhere to the submission deadline of the reports of the 2017 budget defence sessions of the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) which they oversee, THISDAY has learnt The deadline was February 24, 2017. The Chairman of the Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Mustapha Bala Dawaki, while disclosing this to lawmakers yesterday, said the development had led to a week delay which could affect early passage of the 2017 N7.3 trillion budget. He, therefore, announced a new deadline of March 3, 2017, and urged the Chairmen of the committees to adhere to the date. Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has referred the $500 million Eurobond request by Acting

President Yemi Osinbajo, to the House Committee on Aids, Loans and Debt Management. The committee chaired by Hon. Adeyinka Ajayi, was mandated to submit its report latest March 7, 2017. Osinbajo, last week had written to the National Assembly, seeking approval for the issuance of $500 million Eurobond, in the international capital markets, to address the deficit in the 2016 budget. The acting president had sought for expediency in the consideration, to allow the government take advantage of favourable market conditions, following the recent over-subcription of a $1billion Eurobond. The proceeds are to be used as funding sources to finance the budget deficit, including the capital components of the budget which ends in May 2017. The issuance is planned to hold between February and March 2017, subject to market

conditions in order to meet with the approved capital expenditure funding plan, Osinbajo had said in his letter to Dogara. In another development, the House mandated its Committee on Public Procurement, to investigate allegations of abuse, breach and violation of the Public Procurement Act, 2007 in the engagement of consultants for pre-shipment inspection and monitoring of crude oil and gas exports from Nigeria. The resolution followed a motion moved by Hon. Babatunde Kolawole (Ondo PDP) who recalled that the president, in June 2015, had mandated the Finance Ministry to process engagement of pre-shipment inspectors through selective tendering approved by the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP). “In December 2015, after the selection of 65 companies to participate in the biding stage, the Minister of Finance, ordered

$500m

the immediate cancellation of the tendering process on the grounds of lack of transparency, accountability and on the basis of a formal complaint from the BPP,” he said. The ministry thereafter initiated a fresh tendering process, which has however been fraught with allegations of abuses, Kolawole noted The abuses, he alleged, are by vested interests in the Ministry of Finance who are selecting non-responsive companies that do not meet basic statutory requirements like possession of valid PENCOM certificates as required by the Public Procurement Act. “Concerned that if urgent steps are not taken to investigate the allegations, non-responsive and incompetent consultants would be engaged which will undermine the entire pre-shipment inspection and monitoring exercise, thus leading to significant revenue losses,” Kolawole warned.

THURSDAY MARCH 2, 2017 • T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

EFCC Recovers More Property from Ex-Customs Boss, Abdullahi Dikko Less than a week after 17 exotic vehicles were recovered from a former Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service, Abdullahi Dikko, dozens of brand new tricycles and motorcycles have also been recovered from a property belonging to him The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said yesterday that it raided the warehouse of Dikko where it made the new recoveries. “Operatives of the commission’s Kaduna Zonal office acting on intelligence stormed the facility on February 28 and executed a search warrant which led to the

recovery of the following items,” the EFCC said in a statement by its spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren. The commission listed the newly recovered items to include: 42 brand new customised yellow-coloured tricycles; 16 brand new cargo motorcycles; one brand new white 32-seater Nissan civilian bus; one MAN diesel truck; 515 brand new imported rugs of different colours and sizes; two metal bullet proof safe with the sum of N 1,565 and documents of transactions in different currencies within and outside the country. The anti-graft commission had last week Wednesday announced

the recovery of 17 “exotic vehicles” from Dikko who retired as customs boss in 2015. Two days later, Justice S. M. Shuaibu of the Federal High Court in Kaduna gave an interim order, forfeiting the 17 vehicles to the federal government. According to Premium Times, Dikko, who headed the customs

between August 2009 and August 2015, was earlier arrested by the EFCC in June 2015 over alleged diversion of N40 billion from the agency’s coffers. The EFCC in November 2016, confirmed he had returned N1 billion of the allegedly stolen funds to the federal government. The former customs chief is

not currently in Nigeria, an EFCC source said. “But his arraignment will begin when he returns from the medical trip abroad,” the source said. Bappa Ibrahim, the Zonal Head of the EFCC who addressed journalists in Kaduna, said, the operation that led to the recovery was part of the continuation of

the EFCC’s investigation on the former customs boss. He said the recovery was made based on intelligence gathering and tip-off. Ibrahim called on the public to always assist the anti-graft agency with useful information, noting that the war on anti-corruption must not be left to the EFCC.

Kachikwu: OPEC Must Lower Production Costs to Compete With Shale Oil Ejiofor Alike with agency reports The Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, has stated that the members of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) must lower the costs of oil production to compete better with shale producers. Speaking yesterday in an interview with CNBC Africa, Kachikwu said he was confident that an output reduction agreement agreed in November would see oil prices hold. Eleven of OPEC’s 13 members along with 11 non-OPEC countries agreed to make cuts for the first half of 2017. Nigeria and Libya were exempted due to production setbacks suffered last year. “OPEC members must lower production costs to compete better with shale producers,” Reuters quoted Kachikwu as saying in a tweet on CNBC Africa’s Twitter feed. Kachikwu said he was

“impressed with the work OPEC has done” and “confident prices will hold.” According to him, “What is more fundamental is what OPEC countries can begin to do for themselves in term of costs, diversification,” he added. The November 30, 2016 agreement to cut production prompted oil prices to rise $10 a barrel, although they have been trading in a narrow $3 range in the last few weeks. But analysts say that a revival in US shale production is likely to limit any major price recovery in crude oil. Though the shale producers are flooding the global market, they cannot withstand low oil price as a result of the high cost of production of shale. Saudi Arabia and her Gulf allies had initially opposed the agitation by the poorer members of OPEC for production cuts to avoid losing market share and also to force the high cost Shale producers out of the global oil market.

House C’ttee Summons HoS over Extension of Service of Education Ministry Perm Sec Damilola Oyedele in Abuja The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education has summoned the Head of Service of the Federation, Ms. Winifred OyoIta, over the extension of years of service of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Jamila Shu’ara, in breach of public service rules. Public service rules stipulate compulsory retirement from government service for officers who have served for 35 years or on attainment of 60 years of age. Suara, by her own admission, has served for 35 years and has exceeded 60 years of age. At a prior meeting with the committee, Shu’ara, now 61 years, had claimed she received an extension from the presidency for a period of one year. The extension expired on February 14, 2017. The committee noted that her continued stay in office as Permanent Secretary based on period of service and her age, is a gross violation of laid down regulations. The committee has therefore

directed her to produce the evidence of the waiver she received from the pPresidency. She was scheduled to appear alongside the Minister of Education, Mr. Adamu Adamu and Oyo-Ita, before the committee yesterday, with the evidence. All three officials however shunned the committee. Miffed at the development, the committee Chairman, Hon. Zakari Mohammed (Kwara APC), directed that all the officials must appear before the committee on March 9, 2017 at 12 noon. “If they fail, we would be forced to resort to our usual parliamentary practice, regarding failure of public officers to adhere to summons by the parliament,” he said. Mohammed expressed concerned at the implications of Shu’ara ‘s continued stay in office. “We just received a letter from her, that she is not in town, but we are aware that she is in town. She should come and tell us whether an officer can stay beyond 35 years in service. The implication is that any action she takes officially after that may not stand,” he said.

POLITICIAN OF THE YEAR

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, receiving a copy of the Daily Times Newspaper from the Publisher, Fidelis Anosike, after the latter conveyed the decision of the Board of the DTN to name Saraki as its ‘Politician of the Year 2016 in Abuja ....yesterday

Sahara Group Unveils #NigeriaStartsWithMe Campaign to Support SDGs Tobi Soniyi in Abuja The creativity, capacity, tenacity and resilience of Nigerian youths can make a difference in enhancing development across the nation if adequately harnessed, Executive Director and Co-Founder Sahara Group, Tonye Cole, has said. Cole made the above submission while speaking to State House Correspondents in Abuja on Sahara’s new initiative tagged #NigeriaStartsWithMe. According to him, the #NigeriaStartsWithMe initiative seeks to rally young people to own major stakes in the transformation of Nigeria by coming up with practical ideas that key into the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He explained that the campaign would challenge and inspire young people to resist activities that relegated them to being mere stooges for selfish individuals and organisations or

being hired to perpetrate sundry illegal activities. He said: “It is designed to create a shift in the nature of ongoing conversation about Nigeria from the clutch of social media trolls to practical solutions that would ignite creativity, innovation and a sense of patriotism in Nigerian youths.” Cole urged Nigerian youths across the globe to amplify their voices by contributing to the conversation #NigeriaStartsWithMe by asking how they could help transform Nigeria, using the 17 SDGs as reference point. He said: “Nigerian youths sometimes spend time on the social media to give traction to issues that stoke the embers of hatred and division. At Sahara, we believe that the creative energies of our youths should be channeled into causes that can transform Nigeria. We are calling on

Nigerian youths all over the world to make a difference by contributing to the conversation on Twitter using the #NigeriaStartsWithMe.” Cole said youths desiring to contribute more than ‘140 characters’ that Twitter allows could visit the company’s website,www.saharagroup.com to send a 150-word article on the subject. “We earnestly believe the project would reduce antiNigeria narrative, promote the adoption of creative developmental projects and encourage an unwavering # N i g e r i a S t a r t s Wi t h M e disposition amongst more youths,” he added. Although the initiative has been designed to run all through the month of March 2017 only, Sahara Group hopes that it would inspire a sustained impact on “young Nigerians and all Nigerians across the globe.”

At the end of the project, a compilation of the contributions will be published and distributed to the Presidency/MDAs/ Global Development Agencies, the academia, media and other stakeholders. The contributions will also be circulated and shared across various online portals to elicit positive conversations and actions that will sustain ongoing initiatives aimed at transforming Nigeria. Sahara Group has over the years continued to execute that empower young people to reach for their dreams. Last year, Sahara Foundation partnered with ace Movie Producer, Kunle Afolayan to discover young film makers that will help amplify the Nigerian story of creativity and resilience through the experience of entrepreneurs. The project received over 150 entries, with the overall winner currently undergoing a 6-month mentorship programme with Kunle Afolayan.

Labour Rejects Sale of Govt Quarters in Kaduna Senator Iroegbu in Abuja The Kaduna State chapters of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have rejected the sale of government quarters by the state government to “highest bidder.” The labour unions in a joint statement signed yesterday by the NLC state chairman, Adamu Ango, and his TUC counterpart Shehu Mohammed, expressed shock at the news about the sale of the quarters allegedly to political officer holders. “The entire workers of Kaduna

State Government were taken aback by a paid advert in the Daily Trust Newspapers, Vol. 42 No 1 of February 27, 2017, relating to the sales of government quarters in the state to the political office holders disguised in the name of highest bidders,” the statement read. The organised labour union said the decision of the Kaduna State Executive Council was without recourse to all relevant stakeholders in the state especially the workers of Kaduna State who are the creators of wealth and the legal occupants of these properties. The union expressed

disappointment that the civil servants working for the state government and that are currently occupying these quarters were never given option of first refusal before the extension of offer to the public. They stressed that another area of concern to the public servants of the state, who receives peanut as salaries and wages when compared with those of the political office holders of the state, was the mode of payments for these quarters after being sold to the individual buyers. “That is, payment of 25 per cent of purchase price (including 10

per cent non-refundable deposit), must be made to the Kaduna State Government within 90 days of being declared winner. Balance of 75 per cent must be paid by all purchasers within an additional 90 days, thus, all purchasers must effect full payment within 180 days of contract. “From the above condition, tell me which civil servant of the state can afford this payment. This condition in the first instance is contrary to the provision of the Federal Mortgage Bank arrangement of issuing loans to the civil servants from all over the federation,” the statement added.

THURSDAY MARCH 2, 2017 • T H I S D AY

CRIME&PUNISHMENT

EFCC to Prosecute INEC Director over N16m Scam Docks Bauchi unionists for N217m loan fraud

Paul Obi in Abuja The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday said it had concluded arrangements to prosecute a Deputy Director of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Akwa Ibom State and former Electoral Officer in Rivers State, Gogo Anderson Waribo, for allegedly collecting N16 million from the infamous N23 billion linked to former Petroleum Minister, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, which she has denied belonged to her. In a statement, EFCC Head of Media and Information, Wilson

Uwujaren, said: “Waribo was arrested by operatives of the anti-graft agency following an intelligence report that some INEC officers conspired with some staff a bank to defraud the federal government of several millions of naira. “Although he has consistently denied involvement in the fraud, investigation revealed that the INEC deputy director’s name is on the list of beneficiaries of the money. “He was alleged to have received the sum of N16 million through his First Bank account on March 27, 2015. Waribo allegedly gave N5 million from the N16 million to

Peter Popnen, an ex- INEC official.” The suspect is expected to be arraigned as soon as investigation is completed, the EFCC spokesman added. The EFCC yesterday also arraigned the duo of Usman B Abdurahman (KILISHIN DAS) and Hafizu Dauda of the Bauchi State judiciary before Justice M. A Sambo of the Bauchi State High Court on a six-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining of goods under false pretence and presenting false documents. The suspects who are secretary

and treasurer respectively of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees, (AUPCTRE) judiciary branch, Bauchi State, were arrested following a petition by a top judicial officer in the state, alleging that sometime in 2009, the association entered into contract agreement with De-Damak Nigeria Limited to supply 3,000 unit of motorcycles at the cost of N217,000,000 for distribution to its members, based on management guarantee and irrevocable standing payment

order (ISPO) by the High Court of Bauchi State. According to Uwujaren, “The unionists allegedly diverted many units of the motorcycles and sold them to M. D. Tofa Investment Limited in Kano. “It was also discovered that even the few names submitted by the union as beneficiaries of the loan for remittance were fictitious; others were either retired or dead, while majority could not be found in the central data base of the Bauchi State civil Service.” The defendants pleaded ‘not

guilty’ to all the charges read against them. In view of their plea, the prosecution counsel Abubakar Aliyu urged the court to fix a date for trial in line with the practice direction of the Bauchi State High Court and also to remand the accused persons in prison custody. Defence counsel, Y. A Garkuwa, informed the court that he filed a bail application dated March 1, 2017, and served same to prosecution. Justice Sambo adjoined the case to March 3, 2017, for consideration of bail application, and March 20, 2017, for trial.

Lagos Police Arrest 238 Criminal Suspects Chiemelie Ezeobi The Lagos State Police Command yesterday said it arrested 187 miscreants in a raid at Lagos Island, as well as arrested 24 armed robbers, 19 kidnappers and eight cultists across the state. The command also said its diligent policing efforts paid off as they recovered 22 exotic vehicles from those that stole it, as well as recovered 26 live ammunition and 18 guns from different gangs. On the 187 arrested, it was gathered that they were all mopped up at about 2a.m., during a raid on the Lagos Island. Confirming the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, Fatai Owoseni, said out of the 187 suspects arrested in the raid, 167 were males and 20 females. He also said after preliminary interrogation, 63 were found to have

credible source of livelihood and were released off with a warning. He said: “The remaining 124 persons were arraigned in court and the magistrate convicted 112 of them while 12 were warned by the magistrate and released. “One of those released was a woman who claimed she was pregnant and thus was released on compassionate grounds although she was arrested for selling hard drugs.” In another development, one of those arrested during one of the raids at Adeniji Adele, weekend died in police custody. The suspect was said to have stolen an iPhone and was caught and was beaten up before the police rescued him. However, minutes after his father visited him in detention in the presence of the investigation police officer, he was found dead in his cell.

Man, 28, Sentenced to 21-yearJail Term for Robbery Okon Bassey in Uyo Justice Ntong F. Ntong of Ikot Ekpene High Court yesterday sentenced a 28-year-old man, Eberechi Mbachi, to 21 years imprisonment for robbery. The convict was dragged to the court by the Akwa Ibom State Government on a one-count charge of armed robbery. Mbachi in charge number HT/8/2015, was alleged to have carried out the robbery with others now at large on April 12, 2014, at Kemson Filling Station located at No. 113 Umuahia road, Ikot Ekpene. The convict and others at large, were said to have on that fateful day, broken into Kemson Filling Station belonging to one Aniekan Nelson Ekanem where he stole cash, electric stabilizer and other items. Mbachi with others were reported to have succeeded in the robbery after tying the security man on duty and locked him inside a generator room of the filling station. The convict in an attempt to escape with their loot in a VW Golf car was arrested by the vigilante group within the vicinity of the filling station, while other suspects abandoned the car and fled. The judge in the two-hour judgment meticulously scrutinised

the different and contradicting statements of Eberechi Mbachi at both Ikot Ekpene Police Station and the state police headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia in addition to his evidence in court before convicting him. However, the court in the course of the trial, was not convinced that the charge of armed robbery was appropriate in the circumstance since the accused person was not armed at the time of his arrest, and the state had failed to render any weapon during the trial to support the charge of armed robbery under Section 1 (1) of the Robbery and Fire Arms (Special Provisions) Act Cap R 11, LFN 2004. The Section provides that: “Any person who commits the offence of robbery shall upon trial and conviction under this Act, be sentenced to imprisonment for not less than 21 years. Justice Ntong found the convict guilty of committing the crime of robbery on April 12, 2014, and sentenced him accordingly. He berated Mbachi for not engaging himself in good venture rather than crime, stressing that the sentence will serve as a deterrent to others who take to crime.

INDUSTRIAL COURT IN RIVERS

R-L: President of National Industrial Court, Justice Babatunde Adejumo; Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike; state Attorney General, Emmanuel Aguma ( SAN); and Deputy Governor, Ipalibo Harry Banigo, during the presentation of certificate of occupancy of the court’s premises to Justice Adejumo by the governor after the groundbreaking ceremony for the court in Port Harcourt.... yesterday

Hoodlums Kill Mother,Three Kids Chiemelie Ezeobi A middle aged woman and her three children were yesterday brutally murdered in an uncompleted church building at the Agbowa area of Ikorodu, by some unidentified hoodlums. The ages of the deceased children where put at four, six and nine and the incident took place in Agbowa, which has recently become synonymous with ritual murders. Alerted by their cries for help at about 2 a.m. yesterday, the

neighbours had rushed there and found the bodies of the three kids brutally mangled. The neighbours had called in the police and their mother, who was found alive with multiple injuries, was taken to the hospital. The woman later died in an undisclosed hospital due to loss of blooddue to the grievous injuries she sustained. Though, the identities of the deceased persons could not be ascertained as at press time, the police said efforts were ongoing to ensure the prompt arrest of those

behind the murder. Confirming the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, Fatai Owoseni, said investigation into the recent killing was ongoing. He said only an investigation into the incident would unravel the motive behind the murder. He explained that a similar incident occurred recently at Ajilate area of Ikorodu, where some people were killed and their blood allegedly sucked by their killers. He said, “At the early hours of Wednesday, policemen from

Agbowa police station received a distress call about the gruesome murder of three persons. “Some policemen led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) raced to the scene of crime. “At the scene, which is an uncompleted house, detectives discovered the dead bodies of three children inside. A woman was rescued alive with multiple injuries. “However, the woman later died in the hospital. The detectives later discovered that the woman was the mother of the three kids.”

Notorious Cultist Rearrested after Jumping Bail Chiemelie Ezeobi The self-confessed leader of Eiye Confraternity at the Shomolu/ Bariga and Mushin areas of Lagos, Ibrahim Balogun, also known as Jpron, has been re-arrested by the Lagos State Police Command after he allegedly jumped bail. Jpron was arrested on November 3 2016 and charged to court the next day for multiple murder cases that spanned for over ten years, but surprisingly, he left prison two days later. Jpron, who is believed to be the leader of Eiye cult group that has been terrorising Shomolu, Bariga and Mushin areas of Lagos, was said to have been released with the complicity of two policemen

and a high ranking judicial officer. In his confessional statement at the Command Headquarters, Ikeja, where he was paraded along with six others, he admitted jumping bail for the fourth time. He said: “It was one of my friend, Asumo, who facilitated my bail. We grew up together at Shomolu. When I was arrested last year, he said to me that he has an uncle who is a Chief Judge serving in Lagos. “He said he will discuss my issue with him. Two days later, I was granted bail. It was Asumo who did the underground work that facilitated my bail. “I believe that he must have met with the Chief Judge like he promised because my parents were

going to see him. “I was surprised when I was asked to go home but was told that I should be coming to court. Asumo was working to ensure that the case is dismissed for lack of diligent prosecution. “We were working on it when I was re-arrested last Friday in court and was brought to meet the Lagos commissioner of police. “I am surprised that they arrested me again because after my arrest and release, I denounced my membership of Eiye confraternity and part of my travails was caused by members of my former cult group. “The members of the group refused to accept my denunciation

of the group and they are doing everything possible to make life difficult for me. “They have refused to believe that I am no longer interested in the activities of their gang. They keep passing wrong information about me to the police. “When I was granted bail last year, I met with the leadership of tricycle operators in the area to allow me to open my own park as a way to make legitimate money. They agreed and gave me a park that will carter for tricycles that will operate from Shomolu to Akoka.” Confirming the arrest, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, Fatai Owoseni, said Jpron was arrested based on an intelligence report.

T H I S D AY THURSDAY MARCH 2, 2017

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY MARCH 2, 2017

THURSDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

Victor Moses Rewarded with a New £75,000-a-week Deal at Chelsea

Duro Ikhazuagbe with agency report Super Eagles forward, Victor Moses, has sealed a new contract extension at Chelsea believed to be worth about £75,000-a-week. The previous contract was to have ended in 2019. The new two-year extension means Moses is committed to Chelsea until 2021 and has earned a significant pay rise to his previous £45,000-a-week wages. The 26-year-old who has been converted from his role as a winger to a wing back by Conte has been a mainstay in the Blues who lead the English Premiership with 11 points. He fits perfectly to the 3-4-3 formation introduced by the Italian gaffer which has transformed Chelsea’s season. “I feel very excited,” Moses told Chelsea’s website yesterday. “I’m delighted to be here for another few years now and to sign a new deal. Now it’s time to concentrate on the team and keep working hard to make sure we win games and try to win the Premier League this season.

“We’re having a great season, I’m enjoying my football and we have a good manager here that has given every single one of us confidence. I just want to keep on enjoying it and working hard for the team.” Moses was sent on loan for three successive seasons by former manager Jose Mourinho, to Liverpool, Stoke City and West Ham United, having joined Chelsea from Wigan in 2012. It appeared Moses had little future at Stamford Bridge, but the 26-year-old grabbed his chance when it arrived and his new deal has been announced ahead of Chelsea’s trip to West Ham next Monday night. “I had a great time there last season, it’s a nice memory but now I’m a Chelsea player and I’m enjoying my football,” said Moses. “I can’t wait to go to the London Stadium and, hopefully, we’ll get three points. “I’ve always wanted to play for this big club, it’s one of the best clubs in the world at the moment and I’m enjoying every single minute.” The former Crystal Palace player has played 72 times for

Chelsea scoring 14 goals in the process. Chelsea’s Technical Director Michael Emenalo said: “We are extremely pleased Victor has

chosen to extend his contract with us. He is enjoying an excellent season and, under Antonio’s leadership, has proved to be an important

member of the squad. “This new contract is testament to Victor’s hard work and dedication to succeed at Chelsea, and we

believe he will be a big part of our future success,” observed Emenalo who was an integral part of Super Eagles’ USA ’94 World Cup debut.

R-L: Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Sports, Mr. Deji Tinubu during the inspection visit to the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos ...yesterday

Ambode Restates Rohr Picks Musa, Ikeme, Onazi, 22 Lagos Readiness to others for Senegal, Burkina Faso Games Transform Sports-city Inspects the decaying edifice with Dalung, Pinnick Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday declared the readiness of the state government to take over the National Stadium in Surulere from the Federal Government and transform the facility from its present deplorable condition to a world- class sporting centre. Speaking after embarking on an extensive inspection tour of the facilities alongside the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Solomon Dalung; Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Mr. Amaju Pinnick and other top government functionaries, Ambode said it was unfortunate how things had degenerated. He however expressed Lagos State’s preparedness to hit the ground running towards restoring the old glory of the stadium once officially handed over to the state. The governor who recalled how enthusiastic and interesting it was for people in the past to visit the Surulere stadium even with their families to watch matches and catch fun among others, said repositioning the facilities would not only help to bring about layers of employment but that it would also facilitate family bonding. He said: “This visit is very historic. I recall that during our campaign, we promised that we are going to use tourism, entertainment and arts and sports to drive youth employment as well as drive excellence. So,

this is just one chapter in that roadmap to growing the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Lagos. “With the state of affairs here, we cannot fold our arms and just leave this monument to just waste away. The last match that was played here was about fifteen years ago but the truth is this, the inner key to youth empowerment and youth employment is actually in re-establishing this edifice to its real world class standard,” he said. The Governor thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for graciously approving that the Ahmadu Bello Stadium be given to Kaduna State as well as Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and the U.J. Esuene Stadium be given to Enugu and Cross River states governments respectively. “What we ask for in Lagos is not as if we are being aggressive, we just think that we need to stand up for leadership here and take over the National Stadium,” the governor said. Earlier, Dalung lamented the dilapidated condition of the stadium which he described as a national disaster, just as he called for serious and comprehensive action to reposition the stadium and return it to its pride of place.

Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, has listed goalkeeper Carl Ikeme, midfielder Ogenyi Onazi and forwards Ahmed Musa and Kelechi Iheanacho for this month’s international friendly matches against Senegal and Burkina Faso in London. Also included are homebased goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa, defenders Leon Balogun and William Ekong, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Oghenekaro Etebo and forwards Victor Moses, Alex Iwobi and Moses Simon. Experienced left back Elderson Echiejile, Portugalbased Chidozie Awaziem, Israel-based John Ogu and

Watford FC of England forward Isaac Success are also called. Germany-based forward Noah Joel Bazee and Holland -based defender Tyronne Ebuehi will join up with the squad for the first time, while youngster Victor Osimhen, record top scorer at the FIFA U17 World Cup, returns. The Super Eagles will be up against Senegal’s Teranga Lions on Thursday, 23rd March before taking on the Etalons of Burkina Faso four days later. Both matches will be played at The Hive, home ground of Barnet Football Club.

THE FULL LIST

Goalkeepers: Carl Ikeme

(Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United, South Africa); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (FC IfeanyiUbah) Defenders: Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz 05, Germany); William Paul Ekong (KAA Gent, Belgium); Kenneth Omeruo (Alanyaspor FC, Turkey); Uche Henry Agbo (Granada FC, Spain); Abdullahi Shehu (Anorthosis Famagusta, Cyprus); Musa Muhammed (FC Zeljeznicar, Bosnia Herzegovina); Tyronne Ebuehi (ADO Den Haag, The Netherlands); Elderson Echiejile (Sporting Gijon, Spain); Kingsley Madu (Zulte Waregem, Belgium); Chidozie

Awaziem (FC Porto, Portugal) Midfielders: Ogenyi Onazi (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Oghenekaro Etebo (CD Feirense, Portugal); John Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel) Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Leicester City, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Manchester City, England); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England); Isaac Success (Watford FC, England); Noah Joel Bazee (Hannover 96, Germany); Victor Osimhen (Wolfsburg FC, Germany

Nduka Grabs First Hat-trick as BOA Lawyers Tournament Begins Defending Champions of the BOA Lawyers Football Tournament, Falana & Falana began their title defence on a barren note, playing out a scoreless draw with Fides and Fiducia last weekend. As has become the tradition of Falana & Falana, the draw means little as no other team from their Group B recorded any win to gain any advantage going into Match-day two of the new season. However, the biggest win of the opening weekend of the lawyers tournament is Olaniwun Ajayi who battered Bloomfield 5-0 at the Astroturf 2000 venue of the tournament in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Kosy Nduka was the star player of Olaniwun, grabbing the first hat-trick of the 2017 season. Other winners of the opening week include, Udo Udoma who defeated ACAS 2-0 while Ajumogobia also smiled away with maximum points courtesy the 2-0 it handed Punuka law firm. BA Law/ Probitas also defeated a past winner, the Lagos State Ministry of Justice (LSMJ) 1-0 while Tayo/B. Osipitan also picked their first three points with the 3-1 defeat of ADVOCAT. Streamsower & Kohn/Foundation was the other winner with 1-0 defeat of Banwo &Ighodalo. Olisa

Agbakoba and two other teams rested on the opening week. Matches continue in the tournament this weekend. The 15th edition of the annual Bankole Olumide Aluko (BOA) Football Tournament for law firms kicked off on Sunday February 26 at the Astroturf 2000 Facility in Ikoyi, Lagos with 16 select law firms. The law firms divided into four groups include; Streamsower & Kohn & Foundation Chambers, Fides & Fiducia, Olaniwun Ajayi LP, Bloomfield Law, Pinheiro, Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie, Punuka Attorney, Adepetun Caxton Martin Agbor & Segun, Falana & Falana, Templars,

Babalakin & Co, Olisa Agbakoba Legal, Banwo & Ighodalo, Tayo Oyetibo/Bayo Osipitan, Lagos State Ministry of Justice and Aluko & Oyebode.

NFPL RESULTS Abia 'W 1-0 Tornadoes El Kanemi 3-1 Sunshine Rangers 1-0 ABS Enyimba 0-0 Shooting Gombe 2-0 IfeanyiUbah Katsina Utd 2-1 MFM Plateau Utd 0-0 Lobi Stars Remo Stars 1-1 K’ Pillars Wikki 0-0 Rivers Utd

T H I S D AY THURSDAY MARCH 2, 2017

Thursday, March 2, 2017

UT H

& RE A S O

Price: N250

MISSILE Igbo Professionals to Fed Govt “We do not condone violence, criminality or brigandage of any sort, nor should any state do so. However, by failing or refusing to address the fundamental issues and instead concentrating on the symptoms, Nigeria runs the grave risk of turning the entire country into a large prison yard or a police state” – A group of Igbo professionals, after visiting the detained pro-Biafra leader, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, at Kuje prison on Tuesday.

OLUSEGUNADENIYI THE VERDICT

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

Olusegun Obasanjo at 80 D

espite our own personal failings and inadequacies, we expect our leaders to do everything right—from finding solutions to complex problems affecting our lives to having the charisma and prescience to rally millions of people around a perfect vision to saying the right things at the right time. When they fall short, as even the best of them occasionally do, journalists, whose duty it is to hold people in public office to account, do not always show mercy. That perhaps explains why, for eight years, between 1999 and 2007, I was an ardent critic of President Olusegun Obasanjo. But it was not personal. Since no one leader can be all things to all people, there are also times when we must reflect on the totality of their stewardship to make a more nuanced judgment call. It is in this context that I dedicate my column today to Obasanjo who will be 80 on Sunday. Considering that he himself has confessed in the past that he doesn’t know his actual date of birth, I am aware of people out there who would swear that Obasanjo is closer to 150 than 80. Yet, nature is so kind to Obasanjo that he actually has the physical agility and the presence of mind of a 60-year old man. So, he can adopt any age he likes and we will not begrudge him his good fortune. Meanwhile, when he was in power as President, I had the privilege of several interactions with Obasanjo either alone or as a group and my take is that most of his problems in office were more the result of style than substance. I believe he could have done some things better by persuading Nigerians to embrace his vision rather than his approach of trying to bully everybody. Yet, for all his imperfections as a mortal (like the rest of us), you need only to travel outside Nigeria to appreciate Obasanjo. That probably accounted for the rather patronizing letter the then South African President, Mr. Thabo Mbeki, wrote him after the collapse of the Third Term misadventure in 2006. It was the speech Obasanjo made on 18th May 2006 at an emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja where he blamed everybody but himself for the Third Term fiasco that inspired Mbeki’s letter which spoke to the respect African leaders have for Obasanjo. “I am truly inspired that you, a tried and tested leader of the peoples of Nigeria and Africa, spoke to all of us in unequivocal terms to reaffirm our sacred task to entrench democracy throughout our continent. The comments communicate an outstanding act of statesmanship that I am convinced must and will inspire all Nigerians, our own people, and our brothers and sisters in the rest of our continent, as we all strive to empower the masses of our peoples democratically to participate in their own systems of governance” Mbeki wrote in the letter where he admitted that Obasanjo’s speech was for the PDP yet concluded that the message was for all Africans. That Obasanjo is one of the greatest African leaders of his generation is not in doubt and his place in the history of our country is already assured. By dint of hard work, sharp

Obasanjo intellect, luck and an uncommon capacity for long memory (sometimes deployed for mischief), Obasanjo has become in Nigeria almost like the old sorcerer in Paul Dukas’1897 symphonic poem, L’apprenti sorcier, (The Sorcerer’s Apprentice) which ends with the timeless invocation that powerful spirits should only be called by the master himself. At different (and critical) epochs in the history of Nigeria, Obasanjo’s interventions have proved to be very pivotal. However, in interrogating his stewardship as a civilian president, Obasanjo’s basic transformative power on the economy has not been fully appreciated. He unleashed some policies that empowered millions of Nigerians. This he did through two broad sectors, namely telecommunications and banking. Of course I have heard some people dismiss the telecoms sector reforms as no achievement because government made money from it but that precisely is the point. Obasanjo could have handed the GSM licences free of charge to cronies as the late General Sani Abacha did without any result. With the policy, a sense of inclusion was created by the Obasanjo administration which expanded the national conversation to accommodate the hitherto neglected rural and urban poor. More importantly, it created an army of economic operators as vendors and providers of all cadres of services. Large and small retailers in phone handsets, accessories, recharge vouchers and other cell phone related services became a significant feature of the economy. In the process, millions of Nigerians were migrated from abject poverty. The introduction of the GSM quickly brought Nigeria in line with global trends and also put the power of communication in the hands of the ordinary people as the cell phone became a tool of egalitarianism, a means of identification and in many ways, a leveller. All phone numbers are equal in the sense that they primarily establish a link between two citizens irrespective of

status. And to those still dismissive of the GSM achievement, Obasanjo can take solace in the words of Peter Coestello, a former Canadian Treasury Secretary who once said: “If a business is going well, it’s due to the wisdom of the business owner but if it’s going badly, it’s most probably the fault of the government in power.” Meanwhile, with the banking consolidation came modernisation of the financial services sector. That money could now move from location to location and account to account within seconds owes largely to the banking sector reforms started under Obasanjo. The main thrust of the exercise was to expand the population of banked Nigerians with the attendant increase in financial awareness. The use of debit and credit cards that followed inaugurated an era of increasing cashlessness in the nation’s payment system while hundreds of thousands of Nigerians have embraced the stock market by investing in invisible assets of stocks and bonds. It is also noteworthy that Obasanjo could do what he did essentially because he was a secure leader, confident enough in his own abilities to draw talents from all over the country, most especially outside his own ethnic group. Therefore, while in power, there was no distraction of the usual charge associated with a Nigerian leader of trying “to promote ethnic agenda” on practically every conceivable policy. He was and remains pan-Nigerian in all his dealings.

Perhaps this was why he was also able to draw more attention to the endemic problem of corruption that has, more than any other malaise, threatened to pull down the essential fabric of our nation. His institutional approach (again some may argue that it was self-serving) to the challenge gave rise to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), both of which at least serve as a constant reminder of the challenge of transparency and accountability in the Nigerian public space. It is true that many Nigerians see Obasanjo as unnecessarily ebullient and sometimes tactlessly meddlesome. Also, a certain messianic complex often manifests itself in the feeling of personal indispensability that has become common to him. But through a rare combination of native common sense, guile, sense of purpose and sometimes sheer brutality, Obasanjo has remained literally a man for nearly every season. At 80 and still bristling with good health and robust intellect, he is not about to fade into irrelevance. For sure, Obasanjo has his issues, and I have written volumes about many of them in the past. But I am also well aware that when the credit and the debit sides of his stewardship in Nigeria (and Africa) are weighed, they would add up heavily on the credit side. I therefore wish him happy birthday and many more years of active service to his beloved Nigeria.

The Peril of Praise!

So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and behaved wisely. And Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul’s servants. Now it had happened as they were coming home, when David was returning from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women had come out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy, and with musical instruments. So the women sang as they danced, and said: “Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands.” Then Saul was very angry, and the saying displeased him; and he said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed only thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?” --1 Samuel 18: 4-7 =============================== It is just as well that the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who is currently acting for his boss, President Muhammadu Buhari, is a Pastor. So he must be very familiar with the foregoing Biblical story and the danger of praise singers. While David earned his stripes under King Saul as a faithful servant, he also knew that the surest path to his blessing was not to undercut his boss or listen to the mischievous praise singers who were not there when he was just a shepherd boy tending his father’s sheep in the wilderness. Without any doubt, Prof. Osinbajo has

been handling a most delicate assignment with the utmost sense of responsibility and a refreshing style. But he can do all that because President Buhari provided the enabling environment for him to operate and has trusted him enough as to hand him significant powers. Under the environment we operate and given the bit that I know about presidential politics in Nigeria, it is to the credit of both Buhari and Osinbajo that the administration has been able to function rather seamlessly in the past six weeks. It is in our collective interest as a nation that things continue that way. This is therefore not a time to spread dangerous rumours. The presidency is one and Buhari remains the man with the mandate with Osinbajo there to fill in the gap for him in moments like this. And he has been doing that creditably well. That is why I will caution those who are ascribing imaginary accomplishments to Osinbajo in the bid to put down Buhari to desist; if their interest is really to help the man rather than bring him down. But the administration’s media managers must also be aware that messaging is very important at a moment like this so it is better to keep quiet when they have nothing to say. They should also spare Nigerians all the tales about the number of phone calls or text messages they exchange with their principal every minute. It is ridiculous. And pointless!

Printed and Published in Lagos by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja . All Correspondence to POBox 54749, Ikoyi, Lagos. EMAIL: editor@thisdaylive.com, info@thisdaylive.com. TELEPHONE Lagos: 0802 2924721-2, 08022924485. Abuja: Tel: 08155555292, 08155555929 24/7 ADVERTISING HOT LINES: 0811 181 3086, 0811 181 3087, 0811 181 3088, 0811 181 3089, 0811 181 3090. ENQUIRIES & BOOKING: adsbooking@thisdaylive.com